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

Vol. 163 WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017 No. 209 House of Representatives The House met at 9 a.m. and was PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE New Kingstown Volunteer Fire Com- called to order by the Speaker. The SPEAKER. Will the gentleman pany where Penny and Michael enjoyed f from Michigan (Mr. KILDEE) come for- years of fellowship and service to the community. PRAYER ward and lead the House in the Pledge of Allegiance. Penny dedicated her life to helping The Chaplain, the Reverend Patrick Mr. KILDEE led the Pledge of Alle- others, especially our youth. Her mem- J. Conroy, offered the following prayer: giance as follows: ory will live on in the hearts of all Dear God, we give You thanks for those whose lives she touched. giving us another day. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Repub- Bless the Members of the people’s lic for which it stands, one nation under God, f House in these few days before so many indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Americans gather with families and f AMERICAN FAMILIES LEFT loved ones in a season of good will to- BEHIND AGAIN ward all. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER May that spirit pervade these Halls The SPEAKER. The Chair will enter- (Mr. KILDEE asked and was given and Chambers, and may the work done tain up to five requests for 1-minute permission to address the House for 1 and being done redound to the benefit speeches on each side of the aisle. minute.) Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, of all, most particularly those whom f You favor: the least among us. I guess for the second day in a row, this As always, we pray that all that is REMEMBERING PENNSYLVANIA House voted for massive tax cuts for done be for Your greater honor and FFA’S PENNY BRAMMER people at the very top and left behind glory. (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania a lot of working Americans. In fact, it Amen. asked and was given permission to ad- gave permanent tax cuts to corpora- f dress the House for 1 minute and to re- tions and only temporary help for some vise and extend his remarks.) American families. They said that the THE JOURNAL Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. marketplace and corporations needed The SPEAKER. The Chair has exam- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of certainty. That is why those tax cuts ined the Journal of the last day’s pro- Penny Brammer, who passed away last were permanent. ceedings and announces to the House week after a courageous battle with Now, we have a continuing resolution his approval thereof. breast cancer. She was 59. for 28 days of funding after 11 months Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- Penny worked for the Pennsylvania of not doing anything about it. nal stands approved. FFA Association and was affection- What about the certainty for vet- Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. ately known as ‘‘Mama B’’ by the Com- erans that they are going to get the Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule monwealth’s youth leaders of agri- healthcare that they deserve? I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the culture. She inspired thousands of It is not a priority. Speaker’s approval of the Journal. teenagers to have the passion and drive What about the certainty for chil- The SPEAKER. The question is on to pursue their dreams. dren who depend on CHIP? the Speaker’s approval of the Journal. Penny is survived by her loving hus- It is not a priority. The question was taken; and the band, high school and FFA sweetheart, What about the certainty for those Speaker announced that the ayes ap- Michael Brammer; her son and daugh- families who are struggling with a fam- peared to have it. ter-in-law, Greg and Jackie Brammer; ily member fighting opioid abuse? Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. her daughter and son-in-law, Sherisa All the promises ring hollow because Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the and Jason Nailor; as well as her par- they are not a priority. Corporations ground that a quorum is not present ents, George and Shirley Shaver. She are the top priority. With this tax bill, and make the point of order that a also leaves her adored grandchildren: and now the continuing resolution, the quorum is not present. Terrin, Grace, Joleigh, Jordyn, and American people, who struggle every The SPEAKER. Pursuant to clause 8, Jayce. single day, are just not a priority. rule XX, further proceedings on this Mr. Speaker, my heart is heavy for After 11 months of complete Repub- question will be postponed. the entire Brammer family, as well as lican control and false promises, Amer- The point of no quorum is considered for Penny’s extended family at the ican families get left behind again. It is withdrawn. Pennsylvania FFA Association and the a shame.

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 02:52 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.000 H21DEPT1 H10348 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 ARKANSAS STATE CHRISTMAS the 27th Congressional District of rule I, the Chair declares the House in TREE Texas, I wish him a happy retirement. recess subject to the call of the Chair. (Mr. WESTERMAN asked and was f Accordingly (at 9 o’clock and 9 min- utes a.m.), the House stood in recess. given permission to address the House CHIP REAUTHORIZATION for 1 minute and to revise and extend (Mr. FITZPATRICK asked and was f his remarks.) given permission to address the House Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I b 1221 for 1 minute and to revise and extend rise today to recognize a truly talented his remarks.) group of students whose artistic abili- AFTER RECESS Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I ties are on display here in our Nation’s The recess having expired, the House rise this morning to once again implore Capital. was called to order by the Speaker pro this Congress to take bipartisan action Students from Washington Middle tempore (Mr. HOLDING) at 12 o’clock to extend Federal funding of the Chil- School and the South Arkansas Arts and 21 minutes p.m. dren’s Health Insurance Program, or Center in El Dorado, Arkansas, de- CHIP. f signed ornaments adorning this year’s In my home State of Pennsylvania, Arkansas State Christmas tree on the more than 176,000 children have gained REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- Ellipse here in Washington, D.C. access to affordable, comprehensive VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF The students used colored pencils, healthcare coverage through CHIP, SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. paper, markers, and glitter to create providing them with age-appropriate 1370, DEPARTMENT OF HOME- beautiful pieces of art which represent medical and developmental care. LAND SECURITY BLUE CAM- Arkansas’ natural resources and econ- Since the program became law, the PAIGN AUTHORIZATION ACT OF omy. percentage of uninsured children na- 2017; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDER- I congratulate these students on tionwide has decreased by more than ATION OF H.R. 4667, FURTHER highlighting the best of the Natural half, from 13.9 percent in 1997 to 6.6 per- SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIA- State in a truly wonderful way. I wish cent in 2016. TIONS ACT, 2018; AND PROVIDING them, their families, and all of the As a result of its reliability and effec- FOR PROCEEDINGS DURING THE Fourth District of Arkansas a Merry tiveness, CHIP has consistently en- PERIOD FROM DECEMBER 22, Christmas filled with joy and smiles, joyed strong bipartisan support. In 2017, THROUGH JANUARY 7, 2018 like I felt when I saw this remarkable September, I joined a bipartisan group Mr. WOODALL, from the Committee art from home. from across Pennsylvania in urging on Rules, submitted a privileged report f leaders of both parties to take action (Rept. No. 115–477) on the resolution (H. HONORING CAPTAIN F.W. ‘‘ROCCO’’ to ensure that children have access to Res. 670) providing for consideration of MONTESANO high-quality health insurance coverage the bill (H.R. 1370) to amend the Home- during their formative years, a move land Security Act of 2002 to require the (Mr. FARENTHOLD asked and was we know yields an abundance of posi- Secretary of Homeland Security to given permission to address the House tive outcomes: fewer hospitalizations, issue Department of Homeland Secu- for 1 minute and to revise and extend increased earning power, and better rity-wide guidance and develop train- his remarks.) healthcare outcomes as an adult. ing programs as part of the Depart- Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, I While this Chamber has already ment of Homeland Security Blue Cam- rise today to honor a Navy veteran and taken action, passing legislation last paign, and for other purposes; pro- retiring Executive Director of the USS month to fund CHIP, the Senate has viding for consideration of the bill Lexington Museum on the Bay, Cap- yet to act. It is crucial we provide cer- (H.R. 4667) making further supple- tain F.W. ‘‘Rocco’’ Montesano. tainty and security for children, par- mental appropriations for the fiscal Following his graduation from the ents, and providers and move to sign year ending September 30, 2018, for dis- Naval Academy, Rocco served the U.S. into law CHIP extension legislation as aster assistance for Hurricanes Harvey, Navy in numerous positions over his soon as possible. Irma, and Maria, and calendar year 30-year career, completing more than Mr. Speaker, the time is now for the 2017 wildfires, and for other purposes; 5,500 flight hours and 900 carrier land- Senate to act. and providing for proceedings during ings. From serving as commanding of- f the period from December 22, 2017, ficer in aircraft squadrons to man- through January 7, 2018, which was re- REFORM FISA 702 PROGRAM power director for the Chief of Naval ferred to the House Calendar and or- Air Training, Captain Montesano has (Mr. MASSIE asked and was given dered to be printed. always shown his dedication and com- permission to address the House for 1 mitment to our country. minute.) f His bravery and service earned him Mr. MASSIE. Mr. Speaker, on De- COMMUNICATION FROM THE many awards, including two Legion of cember 31 of this year, the FISA 702 CLERK OF THE HOUSE Merit Medals, two Meritorious Service surveillance program expires. Medals, a Navy and Marine Corps Com- Ostensibly, this program allows our The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- mendation Medal, and five Sea Service intelligence agencies to spy on and fore the House the following commu- Ribbons, amongst many others. stop terrorism. However, it is a well- nication from the Clerk of the House of His service, however, did not stop known fact that the FBI has used this Representatives: when he retired from the Navy. In 1998, program as a back door to our Con- OFFICE OF THE CLERK, Captain Montesano became the Execu- stitution to spy on Americans. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, tive Director of the USS Lexington Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues Washington, DC, December 21, 2017. Museum on the Bay in Corpus Christi, Hon. PAUL D. RYAN, not to reauthorize this program before The Speaker, House of Representatives, where he served for 19 years. December 31 without significant re- Washington, DC. Throughout his time as Executive Di- forms. We all took an oath to uphold DEAR MR. SPEAKER: Pursuant to the per- rector, Rocco brought innovation and and defend the Constitution. We need mission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of creativity to his position and did a phe- to stay true to that oath and require the Rules of the U.S. House of Representa- nomenal job maintaining and improv- the FBI to get a warrant if they want tives, the Clerk received the following mes- ing the museum that sits on Corpus to go into the 702 database to surveil sage from the Secretary of the Senate on De- Christi Bay. Through his patriotism, Americans. cember 21, 2017, at 9:25 a.m.: loyalty, and service, he holds true to That the Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 31. f That the Senate passed S. 117. the values of an American citizen and RECESS That the Senate passed S. 501. he inspires us all. With best wishes, I am I thank Rocco for his commitment to The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Sincerely, our Nation. On behalf of everyone in SIMPSON). Pursuant to clause 12(a) of KAREN L. HAAS.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:42 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.002 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10349 PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION (b) the Journal of the proceedings of the Mr. Speaker, as you know, this House OF SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. previous day shall be considered as approved has been working through, in a bipar- 1370, DEPARTMENT OF HOME- if applicable; and tisan way, funding our neighbors who LAND SECURITY BLUE CAM- (c) the Chair may at any time declare the have been so dramatically affected by House adjourned to meet at a date and time, PAIGN AUTHORIZATION ACT OF within the limits of clause 4, section 5, arti- disasters, whether in the Virgin Is- 2017; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDER- cle I of the Constitution, to be announced by lands, in Puerto Rico, in Florida, in ATION OF H.R. 4667, FURTHER the Chair in declaring the adjournment. Texas, or the devastating wildfires in SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIA- SEC. 5. The Speaker may appoint Members California. This has been a national TIONS ACT, 2018; AND PROVIDING to perform the duties of the Chair for the du- focus, and billions of dollars have al- FOR PROCEEDINGS DURING THE ration of the periods addressed by sections 3 ready gone out the door to meet the PERIOD FROM DECEMBER 22, and 4 of this resolution as though under initial emergency needs. This is an ad- clause 8(a) of rule I. 2017, THROUGH JANUARY 7, 2018 SEC. 6. Each day during the periods ad- ditional appropriations measure. Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, by di- dressed by sections 3 and 4 of this resolution rection of the Committee on Rules, I shall not constitute a calendar day for pur- b 1230 poses of section 7 of the War Powers Resolu- call up House Resolution 670 and ask It comes under a closed rule, Mr. for its immediate consideration. tion (50 U.S.C. 1546). SEC. 7. Each day during the periods ad- Speaker, but it does self-execute two The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- dressed by sections 3 and 4 of this resolution amendments that had been offered: an lows: shall not constitute a legislative day for pur- amendment by Mrs. MIMI WALTERS and H. RES. 670 poses of clause 7 of rule XIII. an amendment by Miss GONZA´ LEZ- Resolved, That upon adoption of this reso- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- COLO´ N. lution it shall be in order to take from the tleman from Georgia is recognized for 1 It also provides for an hour of debate, Speaker’s table the bill (H.R. 1370) to amend hour. equally divided between the chair and the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, for the ranking member of the Appropriations the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue purpose of debate only, I yield the cus- Committee, and it provides for a mo- Department of Homeland Security-wide guidance and develop training programs as tomary 30 minutes to my friend from tion to recommit for the minority. part of the Department of Homeland Secu- Massachusetts (Mr. MCGOVERN), pend- The rest of what you heard from the rity Blue Campaign, and for other purposes, ing which I yield myself such time as I Reading Clerk, Mr. Speaker, was that with the Senate amendment thereto, and to may consume. During consideration of typical language that you hear at the consider in the House, without intervention this resolution, all time yielded is for end of the year when Members are of any point of order, a motion offered by the the purpose of debate only. going to be traveling, to allow for the chair of the Committee on Appropriations or GENERAL LEAVE housekeeping that takes place here, to his designee that the House concur in the allow the House to continue to func- Senate amendment with an amendment con- Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I ask sisting of the text of Rules Committee Print unanimous consent that all Members tion as the traditional authorities pro- 115-52. The Senate amendment and the mo- may have 5 legislative days to revise vided in December and January during tion shall be considered as read. The motion and extend their remarks. the district work period. shall be debatable for one hour equally di- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there With that, Mr. Speaker, again, I vided and controlled by the chair and rank- objection to the request of the gen- think we have exhaustively debated ing minority member of the Committee on tleman from Georgia? these issues. I urge my colleagues to Appropriations. The previous question shall There was no objection. support the rule. Let’s get on to the be considered as ordered on the motion to its underlying measures. adoption without intervening motion. Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, most of Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of SEC. 2. Upon adoption of this resolution it what you just heard from the Reading shall be in order to consider in the House the Clerk you could have heard during the my time. bill (H.R. 4667) making further supplemental previous 4 hours of testimony that we Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield appropriations for the fiscal year ending have been taking in the Rules Com- myself such time as I may consume. September 30, 2018, for disaster assistance for mittee this morning. I understand (Mr. MCGOVERN asked and was Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and there was no other game in town going given permission to revise and extend calendar year 2017 wildfires, and for other on this morning, so if folks were tuning his remarks.) purposes. All points of order against consid- in to C–SPAN, they were treated to my Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, we are eration of the bill are waived. The amend- ments printed in the report of the Com- friend from Massachusetts, our ranking strongly opposed to this rule. mittee on Rules accompanying this resolu- member from New York, our chairman Mr. Speaker, I have to say to my col- tion shall be considered as adopted. The bill, from Texas, and all the gang there on leagues that this is really a sad day, as amended, shall be considered as read. All the Rules Committee as we worked not only for the institution, but for the points of order against provisions in the bill, through this. United States of America. as amended, are waived. Clause 2(e) of rule But forbid the thought if someone It is frustrating that we are here XXI shall not apply during consideration of else had something else on their mind today doing a third continuing resolu- the bill. The previous question shall be con- this morning, I want to go through just tion. For those who are watching these sidered as ordered on the bill, as amended, and on any further amendment thereto, to briefly what you heard from our Read- proceedings, we should be actually final passage without intervening motion ex- ing Clerk. passing appropriations bills that fund cept: (1) one hour of debate equally divided This is a single rule that provides for the government for an entire year. We and controlled by the chair and ranking mi- consideration of two measures. The shouldn’t be funding the government nority member of the Committee on Appro- first is the Senate amendment to H.R. week to week, month to month. priations; and (2) one motion to recommit 1370. It is continuing appropriations to Yet my Republican friends have with or without instructions. make sure the lights stay on and the ended up doing just that. They can’t SEC. 3. On any legislative day of the first checks go out the door. It makes in seem to get their act together, not- session of the One Hundred Fifteenth Con- gress after December 21, 2017— order a motion to concur in the Senate withstanding they are in control of the (a) the Journal of the proceedings of the amendment with an amendment con- House of Representatives, they are in previous day shall be considered as approved; sisting of the text of this continuing control of the United States Senate, and resolution. and they are in control of the White (b) the Chair may at any time declare the To debate that, Mr. Speaker, we pro- House. They simply cannot govern. House adjourned to meet at a date and time, vide an hour of debate divided between They are lucky that the American peo- within the limits of clause 4, section 5, arti- the chair and the ranking member of ple can’t sue them, because they would cle I of the Constitution, to be announced by the Appropriations Committee. I think be sued for political malpractice. the Chair in declaring the adjournment. every Member of this Chamber under- The one thing that they are supposed SEC. 4. On any legislative day of the second session of the One Hundred Fifteenth Con- stands the nature of this legislation, to do is to keep this government run- gress before January 8, 2018— but we provided that time nonetheless. ning and to keep the lights on, yet we (a) the Speaker may dispense with organi- The second measure is H.R. 4667. It is lurch from one crisis to another crisis zational and legislative business; the disaster aid package. to another crisis to another crisis.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:42 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.005 H21DEPT1 H10350 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 Today, what they are saying is: Let’s have to drink water that is contami- their status. On average, about 122 a kick the can down the road until Janu- nated with lead is also a part of our na- day, we are told. ary 19. You know what will happen tional security. So there are people who are here who then? We ought to have been working in a had the protections under DACA who Another crisis. Then we will be in the bipartisan way to resolve all of these are losing their status, losing their same situation, and we will probably issues together. jobs, losing their livelihoods, and their kick the can down the road another We need to work to fund the opioid lives have been thrown into turmoil. few weeks. epidemic. What we have done in this Why in the world would we do that? That is not the way government is Congress is given lots of speeches about The majority of Americans, over- supposed to run. People need certainty, how terrible this opioid epidemic is. We whelmingly Democrats and Repub- and this Congress has delivered any- have talked about the need to support licans and Independents, all believe we thing but certainty. It has to stop. It is our local communities. should protect the DREAMers. frustrating. We have done a lot of talking, but We heard in the Rules Committee: A solution, if I can be so bold as to what we need to do is appropriate the Well, we need more committee delib- suggest a solution to dealing with some necessary money so that local commu- eration. Again, the President took of the problems that the Republican nities can implement the strategies to their protections away on September 7. leadership is confronting, might be a effectively deal with the opioid crisis It is now December 21. little bipartisanship, might be opening in their areas. We ought to have been What have you been doing? up this process a little bit, might be a focusing on that. They said: Well, the Judiciary Com- little bit more deliberation on the floor We need additional veterans funding. mittee needs to do more hearings. of the House of Representatives. Democrats are urging Republicans to Well, what have they been waiting for? There are a couple of ways they can join us to provide urgently needed re- The Judiciary Committee recently govern. One is, they can govern in a sources to veterans facing a dire short- set up a bill, the concealed carry reci- way where they respect all points of fall at the VA, meeting our responsi- procity bill, which allows people from view, where they actually respect the bility to ensure that no veteran is left States that have almost no standards viewpoint of the minority, where they behind or denied the care and opportu- to issue permits for people to carry open the process up so the minority nities they deserve upon return from concealed weapons to be able to go to can, every once in a while, offer some the battlefield. any State in this country, no matter amendments and offer some alter- CHIP, the Children’s Health Insur- what those States’ standards may be, natives, where they negotiate on ance Program, and community health basically endangering my constituents. spending bills in good faith, where they centers are incredibly important to us They brought that to the Rules Com- know they are not going to get every- and people throughout this country. mittee. They had time to bring that be- thing and the minority knows they are We are calling for immediate reauthor- fore the Rules Committee and before not going to get everything, but they ization of these vital initiatives, one the House. There was not a single hear- end up in a compromise that is good that doesn’t rob Peter to pay Paul, one ing. None. enough to get bipartisan support. that doesn’t say we are going to fund We had this tax scam bill that we That is the way things used to be CHIP by taking money away from the just voted on where 83 percent of the done around here. I don’t know why it prevention program that provides mon- tax breaks go to the top 1 percent of is so difficult to get back to those days, eys for immunizations and dealing with the wealthiest in this country. Remem- but if they want the government to run issues like lead paint and other issues ber that bill that the President just better, that is what they need to do. that affect our kids. celebrated with all my Republican They have to stop this my-way-or-the- We need emergency disaster relief friends? highway approach to every single piece that is adequate to meet the needs of That came before this House, and of legislation that comes before this all the States and localities and terri- there wasn’t a single hearing on it. But body. tories that have been impacted by now we need to have hearings when it My friends have had more closed these terrible natural disasters. comes to protecting the DREAMers. rules than any other session of Con- We need to save Americans’ endan- It is outrageous. These DREAMers gress. This is the most closed session in gered pensions. Millions of hard- are contributing to the betterment of the history of the Congress. That is working Americans’ pensions are at our communities. We should celebrate what this session will go down in his- risk, and we are calling for bipartisan them. We should value them. They tory as being: the most closed session action to enact a responsible reform have served in our military. They are in the history of Congress. plan to ensure that these struggling out front leading disaster relief efforts, They have used martial law, they pensions will keep on going. saving lives. They are working in For- have used closed rules, they have had We also believe that we ought to pass tune 500 companies. They are going to emergency meetings, all to try to get the bipartisan Dream Act that we school. They are valued members of us to this point where we are kicking spent a lot of time in the Rules Com- our community. And we treat them the can down the road for a couple of mittee talking about today. Demo- like this? weeks. That is it. cratic Leader NANCY PELOSI; Minority Come on. If we brought the Dream What we should have been doing is Whip STENY HOYER; and the head of the Act to the floor, it would pass with working together not only to keep the Hispanic Caucus, MICHELLE LUJAN Democratic support and a big chunk of government open, but we ought to have GRISHAM, spent many hours at the Republican support. There is abso- been working together to raise the Rules Committee today. Leader PELOSI lutely no reason to continue to stall on caps. was there for 21⁄2 hours testifying on this issue. All that will happen as a re- Democrats want a strong national the need to pass the bipartisan Dream sult of our stalling is that more people defense. We also need an equal increase Act. will lose their status, more lives will be in our domestic budget, which includes We ought to do that before we go thrown into turmoil. critical national security functions and home for Christmas. There are 800,000- I would just say to my colleagues: It commitments to hardworking families. plus people whose lives are in the bal- is the Christmas season. This is a time, My friends ought to know that one- ance because, on September 7, Donald if ever, where the spirit ought to take third of the nondefense domestic budg- Trump decided to end protection for over, and we ought to do something et goes to national security, veterans, the DREAMers. good for the American people, not just homeland security, and the State De- Here is what the President I don’t for the donors, but for the people. partment’s and the Justice Depart- think appreciates and what some of my Giving a tax break to corporations ment’s counterterrorism initiatives. colleagues I think don’t appreciate, but and wealthy people will help with the I would also say that supporting we learned about this today in the fundraisers, but what we need is to housing initiatives and investing in Rules Committee: we don’t have until help these people, these DREAMers education and environmental protec- March to deal with the Dream Act. whose lives are in the balance. We tion so that our fellow citizens don’t Each and every day, people are losing can’t wait.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:42 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.007 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10351 Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to opportunity to build this bridge. It the history of our country. That is the vote ‘‘no’’ on this rule, allow us to happens above my pay grade, I am distinction. bring up a standalone Dream Act or an going to confess. To the 700,000 people I So, yes, we are exorcised. And we are amendment that would allow the represent back home, Mr. Speaker, let exorcised over the fact that, as we are Dream Act to be made in order, and I me go ahead and confess this deal is about to adjourn for Christmas, hun- hope that we can get back to regular taking place way above my pay grade. dreds of thousands of people, DREAM- order. But it is probably right there at the ers in this country, their lives have Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of pay grade of the President of the been thrown into turmoil. These are my time. United States, the Speaker of the people who have served in our military. Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield House, and the minority leader. When They have led rescue efforts during myself such time as I may consume. folks don’t show up to the table for the these recent hurricanes. They con- Mr. Speaker, this time of year folks conversation, it makes it harder to get tribute greatly to our community. A get rightfully exorcised about the there. majority of people in this country want issues of the day. Is there always a good reason to stay them to remain here, and we can’t even We all came here to do something for home? get a vote on the House floor, notwith- the men and women whom we rep- I am sure there is. standing the fact that we all know resent back home. Every time we get Are there more good reasons to be that, if we brought it to the floor, we to the end of a year, we think: I have there? would pass it. got to get it done; I have got to get it I think the answer is: Yes. Mr. Speaker, the Republican major- done; I have got to get it done. I recog- Mr. Speaker, I will advise my friend ity has prioritized their tax scam bill nize those passions are going to exist. from Massachusetts that I don’t have over reauthorizing the Children’s I actually don’t believe for a minute Health Insurance Program, community that my friend from Massachusetts be- any speakers remaining this morning. Folks have been exhaustibly elucidated health centers, helping DREAMers, and lieves my vote in favor of the tax bill even funding our government, which had anything to do with fundraising or by the 4 hours of discussion we had this morning, and I am prepared to close brings us to where we are now, days be- my donors. He might believe that fore Christmas, scrambling to fulfill about somebody in this Chamber—I when he is. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of our most basic responsibilities. hope that he does not—but I know he But we should be doing more here my time. doesn’t believe it about me. It just than just trying to keep the lights on. isn’t true. b 1245 We also have a responsibility toward I have been fighting for tax reform Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield the hundreds of thousands of young since the day I was elected. In fact, I myself such time as I may consume. Americans—they are Americans in ran for this job to fight for tax reform. Mr. Speaker, I have a lot of concerns every way except on paper—who have We do the American people a disservice about the way this process is unfold- been betrayed by this administration. when we suggest something nefarious ing. We need to pass the Dream Act, and we is going on. Sometimes we just dis- And, yes, the gentleman is right. I need to do it now. Thirty-four of my agree, Mr. Speaker, and those disagree- am exorcised. I am exorcised that we Republican colleagues have already ments are okay. In fact, those disagree- have gone through all of these gyra- spoken up and urged Speaker RYAN to ments are expected. Our Founders in- tions, including being on hold trying to help these young people. The majority tended them, and they created this in- figure out what we were going to bring of this House is ready to do the right stitution to sort those disagreements to the floor all night last night, and we thing. out. So I hope we won’t sell either our- end up with this: basically kicking the Mr. Speaker, here is our chance to do selves or the American people short in can down the road for a few weeks and just that. If we defeat the previous that regard. question, I will offer an amendment to But I do want to agree with my not dealing with some essential emer- gency priorities that are a concern to the rule to bring up H.R. 3440, the friend that this is frustrating. It is Dream Act. The bipartisan, bicameral frustrating to be here for a continuing most people in this country. Again, going back to this tax bill, legislation has the support of the ma- resolution, Mr. Speaker. Remember jority of this House and would pass if it that we passed the National Security that is an example of where bipartisan- ship might have been helpful. I don’t were brought up for a vote. and Defense Appropriations bill in July Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous con- recall a tax reform package—I don’t of this year. We have waited patiently sent to insert the text of my amend- even want to call it reform because, ba- for the Senate to be able to take it up, ment in the RECORD, along with extra- sically, it is a giveaway to big corpora- and it has not. neous material, immediately prior to tions and to wealthy special interests— We passed all of the appropriations the vote on the previous question. bills, Mr. Speaker, before the end of the that has been rammed through Con- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there fiscal year, back in September, and we gress purely on a partisan basis. objection to the request of the gen- have been waiting for the Senate to But maybe it had something to do tleman from Massachusetts? take those up. It has not. It is an in- with the fact that Democrats weren’t There was no objection. credibly frustrating time. welcome to the table. Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield Now, my friend suggested a solution Maybe it had to do with the fact that 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas would be bipartisanship. I could not Democrats were locked out. (Mr. DOGGETT). agree with him more. It takes 60 votes Maybe it had something to do with Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, I am all to move something through the Sen- the fact that this so-called conference in favor of keeping our government ate. I just barely have over 50 Repub- committee was a sham and, when open. The difference that I have with licans. The only way these funding Democrats showed up, a deal had al- my Republican colleagues is that I bills are going to move through the ready been struck. want to keep it open for everyone. Senate is with bipartisan support. For That is not bipartisanship. Here, at Christmas, we think of the anyone in this Chamber to deny that is And maybe we are a little bit exor- children first, but the children are not going to be to deny the reality of math. cised because, time and time again, put first in this underlying bill. The Bipartisanship is the solution. when people go before the Rules Com- Children’s Health Insurance Program I remember, Mr. Speaker, when my mittee looking to offer legitimate, ger- (CHIP) is barely left on life support. President invited the Democratic lead- mane amendments to try to improve There are children out there right ership down to the White House to legislation, rather than being able to now, some with dreaded diseases or dis- work on exactly this issue a month have the opportunity to offer those abilities, and their access to a family ago. Folks got frustrated with the amendments on the floor and have a physician is not assured because this tweet he sent out that morning and de- debate, we are shut out all the time. Congress has not acted on the Chil- cided they were going to stay home. Again, this Congress, this Republican dren’s Health Insurance Program. In- I understand the frustrations. What I Congress, this session, has the distinc- stead of Christmas cards, they are don’t understand is missing out on an tion of being the most closed session in about to get cancellation notices.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:42 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.008 H21DEPT1 H10352 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 And there are children who were truly Merry Christmas and Happy New lion people that visit Community Health brought here to America, through no Year to all of America’s children. Centers (CHC’s) for critically needed health fault of their own, without a visa. They Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield care. It is completely irresponsible for Con- grew up here. They only know this myself such time as I may consume. gressional Leaders to have created this cri- Mr. Speaker, here, in these cold days sis. Moreover, it is now unconscionable for country. They have since passed a Congress to head home for the holidays with- criminal background check. They had outside, it is easy to create a lot of rhe- out taking action to right this wrong. paid a fee, but their future is uncer- torical heat on the inside. I would The holidays are a time to reflect on how tain. They are called DREAMers be- argue that legislative light is what we fortunate we are and help those in need. In cause they have a dream of giving back need more often than not. that vein, the CBC will not support a Con- to America and being full Americans, We brought the Children’s Health In- tinuing Resolution unless CHIP is reauthor- which they are, in everything but those surance Program bill to the floor that ized and fully funded for five years and Com- my friend from Texas just referenced, munity Health Centers are reauthorized and legal papers. fully funded for two years. Moreover, the off- And we, in Congress, have our own Mr. Speaker. We didn’t just bring it to sets for these programs must not harm other responsibility. It is a responsibility to the floor; we brought it through com- vulnerable communities by reducing funding respond to their passionate pleas. We mittee. We brought it through com- for other programs, such as the Prevention should not support another partisan mittee, and we passed it. We brought it Fund. For this to be the state of play one Republican continuing resolution or to the House floor, and we passed it. day after giving away $1.5 trillion to huge appropriations process that does not We sent it to the Senate, and there it corporations and the wealthy is absurd and assure the future of our 800,000 sits. offensive. But when it passed the House floor, Close to 2 million children across this DREAMers. country are in danger of losing CHIP cov- I can tell you, from meeting with my friend from Texas voted ‘‘no.’’ He erage in January, with another 1 million set them personally, I think of a cardiac voted ‘‘no.’’ to lose coverage in February. A short term nurse, I think of a county prosecutor, I Now, do I believe for a moment that approach to providing these children and think of a number of teachers whom I is because he hates children? I do not. their families with certainty is absolutely ir- have met and many students, all of Do I believe for a moment that it is responsible. Without swift reauthorization whom are DREAMers, who want to be because he doesn’t want folks to have and fully funded coverage, young lives hang full Americans. And I think of the access to healthcare? I do not. I believe in the balance. Congress’ failure to act will set off a chain of dire-consequences for chil- groups in Texas like RAICES and he had legitimate policy reasons for de- ciding not to reauthorize the program dren, as well as their families, communities, TOPS and JOLT and the University and states. A family without insurance is a Leadership Initiative and a number of then that he has just taken to the floor family more likely to fall victim to financial others that are working with these and talked about the merits of reau- crisis related to medical costs, such as bank- DREAMers to secure their future. thorizing. ruptcy. Even President Trump, in one of his It is okay to disagree on those issues, Similarly, Community Health Centers play few reasonable tweets, in September, and it is even okay to highlight those an essential role in low-income communities said: differences. What is not okay is to de- as they protect and expand access to critical ‘‘Does anybody really want to throw scribe this Chamber as a Chamber that and affordable care. The Community Health doesn’t care. What is not okay is to de- Centers Fund (CHCF) provides mandatory out good, educated, accomplished funding for federal health centers, which pro- young people who have jobs, some serv- scribe this as a Chamber that doesn’t vide primary, dental, and other supportive ing in the military?’’ act. care in medically underserved areas. Robust I think the answer here, if given a My friend was absolutely right: it is and reliable support for Community Health free vote, Republicans and Democrats, a bipartisan priority to fund the Chil- Centers results in more health centers, an the majority would say absolutely not; dren’s Health Insurance Program, and increased number of patient visit, and more we need these young people. we did. The Senate has not acted. It available services. These services save lives, This holiday season is one that you hasn’t gotten the full reauthorization especially in communities struggling to pro- done. If we pass the continuing resolu- vide affordable care to poor, largely minor- would hope would open closed hearts to ity communities. see the humanity in these young peo- tion today, that funding will continue. The CHCF is even more essential to the ple. But amidst all the self-congratula- Let’s disagree on those things that more than 27 million people it helps support tory high-fives and patting on the back we disagree about, but let’s be honest in light of recent efforts to the dismantle our yesterday down at the White House, with ourselves about the legitimacy of nation’s health insurance market. As you nothing was said about the DREAMers. those disagreements. Let’s try to find well know, the elimination of the Affordable The Republican leadership has appar- more light than heat in this new year. Care Act’s individual mandate will add 13 ently decided to leave town without Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of million uninsured Americans, increase pre- my time. miums by 10 percent, and make it harder for doing anything for them. sick people to get insurance. I believe that the Dream Act, the Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield The Congressional Black Caucus has been DACA authorization they have now, 3 minutes to the gentleman from Flor- the conscience of this Congress since its in- was terminated by the President just ida (Mr. HASTINGS), my colleague on ception in 1971. We have provided moral lead- to use them as a bargaining chip. That the Rules Committee. ership and courageous advocacy for our con- was way back in September. And since Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, my stituents and for all Americans that have that time, the majority has had ample dear friend that just spoke with ref- felt disenfranchised or left behind. At the opportunity to act. erence to acting, let me tell you what time of year when we are supposed to be action was undertaken with reference most charitable, it is urgent that Congress The SPEAKER pro tempore. The act to reauthorize CHIP and Community time of the gentleman has expired. to CHIP. Health Centers and provide robust funding Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield Prevention money was used as the for both. Children and families do not need the gentleman from Texas an addi- pay-for. So, somehow or another, that to spend the holidays worrying about their tional 30 seconds. action doesn’t rub some of us in the health. It is time for Congress to do what it Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, I would right way. is responsible and moral. Accordingly, the just say that all of us as Members of Mr. Speaker, I include in the RECORD CBC will not support any legislation to pre- Congress are eager to return to our a letter from the Congressional Black vent a shutdown unless these critical pro- grams are addressed. families as soon as possible across Caucus to Speaker PAUL RYAN. Sincerely, America, but our DREAMers are left CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS, CEDRIC RICHMOND, with fear and uncertainty about re- December 21, 2017. Chair. turning to their families and about PAUL RYAN, Washington, DC. Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I lift their future. from it one paragraph that says: These deserving young people should DEAR SPEAKER RYAN: On behalf of the Con- gressional Black Caucus (CBC), I write today The holidays are a time to reflect on how not be used as bargaining chips for a to strongly urge you to provide a more per- fortunate we are and help those in need. In wish list of anti-immigrant policies. manent solution for close to 9 million chil- that vein, the Congressional Black Caucus Let’s reject this rule, enact the Dream dren enrolled in the Children’s Health Insur- will not support a continuing resolution un- Act, reauthorize CHIP, and offer a ance Program (CHIP) and more than 27 mil- less CHIP is reauthorized and fully funded

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.026 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10353 for 5 years and community health centers Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. Speaker, Mr. WOODALL serves not are reauthorized and fully funded for 2 years. myself such time as I may consume. only the Rules Committee and this Mr. Speaker, this morning in the My friend from Florida is a good ac- body in the Republican majority, but Rules Committee, beginning at 8—I countability partner up on the Rules he is also our designee to the Budget might add, we were noticed that we Committee. I have learned from his in- Committee and has excelled in excess were going to meet last night at 10, but tellect, and I have learned from his ex- of understanding the intricate details we did not meet, and then we came in perience in this Chamber. I value that, that not only move this great Nation, early this morning—the distinguished and I value his friendship. but the arguments, a balance between minority leader and the minority whip, When he says that more closed rules them. I appreciate the gentleman very, along with the leader of the Hispanic have been passed in this Congress than very much. Caucus, appeared and stayed for 21⁄2 any other, he is absolutely right. He is Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer hours discussing the fact that we are absolutely right. And that is worth some advice that I just received from leaving things on the table, but, more talking about, as my friend does regu- the Governor of the State of Texas, specifically, addressing the Deferred larly in the committee. Governor Abbott, who took time to Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Unfortunately, we usually just have call me. I also want to address the dis- But let’s talk about the things that that half of the conversation. What we tinguished gentleman from Florida we are leaving on the table: don’t talk about is that many of those (Mr. HASTINGS), my very dear friend. We are doing nothing about long- closed rules were for bills that were so During that record-setting year, we term flood insurance. well worked out in a bipartisan way in also made in order over 560 amend- We are doing nothing about Perkins committee that there were no amend- ments. That is 560 amendments that loans that have expired. ments offered, that we had already people came to the Rules Committee, We are not funding or addressing the come together in such a collaborative, had literally a committee that engaged opioid epidemic. productive, admirable way that we them on the substance of their ideas, We are not offering legislation to ought to be bragging about instead of listened to it, believed that that sub- help save failing pensions in this coun- denigrating that we didn’t have amend- stance had a good place for debate on try. ments that were offered. this floor. Not necessarily every idea I talked with some teamsters from Other bills, Mr. Speaker, were bills should be vetted here. Sometimes it is Michigan the other day with tears in that might not have been so generally vetted in committee, subcommittee. their eyes concerned about their pen- agreed upon. But when my friend the Sometimes it is vetted at the Rules sions. chairman of the Rules Committee Committee, and sometimes we do not We are doing nothing with reference sends the call out to all 435 Members of make those ideas in order. to long-term, bipartisan reauthorizing Congress and says: If you have any This morning was no different. There for CHIP and community health cen- ideas, bring them to the Rules Com- were a lot of great ideas. As a matter ters. of fact, the minority leader, Ms. We are doing nothing about the FISA mittee. For many of those bills, Mr. PELOSI, came to the Rules Committee reauthorization. Speaker, there wasn’t one idea sug- for several hours. The gentleman, the We are not raising the defense and gested, not one idea suggested to minority whip, Mr. HOYER, came a non-defense spending caps. change the underlying bill. slightly less amount of time, but no We are leaving Medicare extension on b 1300 doubt came to the Rules Committee the table. So did it come under a closed proc- And that is just a to-do list that is and offered us advice about not only ess? partial that we are not addressing. what we are doing but presented the Well, of course, it did, if closed But let me get in the weeds on some- arguments about what they were for. means we ask everybody for all of their thing that the public doesn’t quite un- They were given unlimited opportunity ideas and no one had one, so there was derstand. to discuss that. 196 people appeared right over here no idea to debate on the floor. There was some limit that we had to and signed what is called a discharge Mr. Speaker, there are so many ways offer our challenges back, but it was an petition to bring DACA to the floor; 34 that we can do better with one another, open process, and I appreciate Ms. Members of the House of Representa- but I would suggest to my friends that PELOSI and all the members of the tives sent a letter to the Speaker. If the way to do better with one another committee doing that. you combine those numbers, you have is to build that on a foundation of Mr. Speaker, the reason why I came 218. trust, not a foundation of recrimina- down is to say—and there are lots of My distinguished Rules Committee tions. stories that go on, but the story that I chair and I had a colloquy this morning We have an opportunity in this new was just told by the Governor of the where we discussed that matter. year, Mr. Speaker, to turn a page in State of Texas is that Texas—not un- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. this institution. I want to say, in my like the islands of Puerto Rico and the HULTGREN). The time of the gentleman time on the Rules Committee, Mr. Virgin Islands, the great State of Flor- has expired. Speaker, I have never had a chairman ida that were in the way of a hurri- Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield who worked as hard to open the process cane—was record-setting rain, 60 the gentleman from Florida an addi- and hear from Members as the gen- inches. It lasted 8 or 9 days. It did in- tional 30 seconds. tleman from Texas (Mr. SESSIONS), the credible damage. Mr. HASTINGS. And the fact of the current chairman. This body has taken time to now matter is I believe that it would pass if Time and time again, where other study getting money back to those af- it were put on the floor. folks would have walked away from the fected areas, and the determination But do you know what is more im- table, the chairman has stayed there to that was made by this body is some $81 portant? We had 58 closed rules in this get input, to hear ideas. Time and time billion. I just found out that the State Congress, completely closed. And to again, when the process would have of Texas has calculated their part of put that into context, we averaged 25 been truncated, he has extended it to the $81 billion, and it is less than 15 closed rules a year in the 4 years the make sure folks had a chance to have percent of the total. Less than 15 per- Democrats were in charge. their voice heard. cent of that total will actually be The Dream Act is a perfect example I am grateful for that, Mr. Speaker. I going to the largest storm in the his- of this. As Members are well aware, we am grateful to the chairman for that tory of America. have tried time and time again to get model that he sets in that committee. I did not offer a complaint. I was sur- a floor vote on the Dream Act. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the prised. I would have thought it would Mr. Speaker, we all know that this gentleman from Texas (Mr. SESSIONS) be in the 50 percent realm. I would CR is the last train leaving town. You to speak on this rule. have thought it would have been high- have given millionaires and billion- Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank er. But what I want to say is that not aires help. Let’s give the DREAMers a the distinguished gentleman from everybody gets everything they want Merry Christmas. Georgia (Mr. WOODALL) for yielding. in this town, not even if they are the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.012 H21DEPT1 H10354 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 Governor of the State of Texas, with a with an American ideal: all of us hav- who have recognized the value of immi- large delegation like Texas. ing the responsibility to make the fu- gration; that our country would be in It is a difficult time we all go ture better for the next generation. stagnation if we didn’t have this con- through, and I offered and expressed And their commitment, their courage, stant reinvigoration of visitors to our my confidence to the Governor that I their optimism, their determination country. would certainly go look at this. It is for a better future makes America When President Obama acted because the first time I learned of this. Less more American. Every newcomer who Congress had not acted to protect the than 15 percent of the emergency funds comes here with that determination DREAMers and their parents, that was that will be presumptively agreed to makes America more American. really important for him to do because today, of this huge storm, goes to Among those people are our DREAM- Congress had not acted. However, it is Texas. I just thought that was worthy ers. This is a very discrete group that important to note that President of me to take time to come and pass on we are hoping to protect in the Dream Reagan, when he was President and information that I had not known Act. Certainly, as our colleagues ac- President George Herbert Walker Bush about, information that I was provided. knowledged this morning, we have im- was at that time Vice President, Con- It tells us how large the need is in this portant work to do on comprehensive gress did act through the Immigration country when the largest storm only immigration reform. We have a respon- Reform and Control Act of 1986. They gets 15 percent. sibility to protect our borders, North did act. And President Reagan’s obser- So I am a ‘‘yes.’’ I am a ‘‘yes’’ for the and South, and anything that flies in, vation was they didn’t go far enough. So he took further executive action other 85 percent that is not going to be East Coast, West Coast, and through called Family Fairness to protect peo- in Texas also. I am a ‘‘yes’’ because I the Gulf. But the fact is that—as was ple in our country, immigrants in our have seen the fires in California, I have pointed out by our colleague, Congress- country. Actually, President Reagan seen the damage from—and Judge HAS- woman LUJAN GRISHAM, the chair of and President George Herbert Walker TINGS kept us up to date. I have been the Hispanic Caucus: think of the Bush protected a higher percentage of aware of Ambassador Patrick Rooney, DREAMers as a discrete piece that newcomers to our country than Presi- who talked with us about the devasta- needs protection now and not wait for dent Obama did with his DACA and tion; and TOM ROONEY in Florida; and the entire comprehensive immigration DAPA action, a higher percentage be- certainly Byrne Buchanan, who spoke reform to be resolved before we deal cause they understood the value to our with us about the damage to the with this emergency. country of newcomers. crops—lots of big problems. Just as we treat CHIP, 9 million chil- President Clinton continued all of I am going to vote for the other 85 dren are depending on CHIP, but we are that. President George W. Bush was a percent, too, not just the 15 percent for not waiting until we revise the whole champion and continues to be a cham- my home State. healthcare system in order to pass pion on recognizing the value of immi- I want to thank the gentleman for al- CHIP, nor did we. When we passed gration. He has spoken about it intel- lowing me time to share my ideas on CHIP, it was before the Affordable Care lectually, with respect, from the heart the floor. I wish Judge HASTINGS a Act had passed. for people coming to our country, and Merry Christmas. But let me say why it is really im- he has urged us to do so. Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield portant for this to happen now. Unfor- He couldn’t get the cooperation of his 1 minute to the gentlewoman from tunately—and, really, I was pleased own party when he was President to co- California (Ms. PELOSI), who spent 21⁄2 that our Speaker registered his dis- operate for comprehensive immigra- hours today in the Rules Committee agreement with President Trump when tion reform, even though when we had fighting on behalf of the DREAMers. he took the action he did in regard to the power as Democrats, we supported Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank DACA in September. When he did that it. But he could not get the 60 votes in the gentleman for yielding. and said, ‘‘I will give Congress until the Senate. But, nonetheless, he con- I also thank all of the members of March to pass a law,’’ what he didn’t tinues to be a champion, really, for im- the Rules Committee for the excep- understand is that he was putting these migration reform. tional service they provide to the DREAMers at a distinct disadvantage. And here we have a new President House in reviewing legislation that will Every day, over 100, 120-some DACA who campaigned on the backs of new- come to the floor. recipients, DACA-eligible recipients, comers to our country and who made I particularly want to thank my col- lose their status. That means, if they immigrants villains. It is a complete leagues on the Democratic side for hon- are working or whatever they are change from the Republican Party, oring the values of our country by ad- doing, they lose their status to do that from a commitment to valuing new- vocating for an amendment to include in our country. Over 10,000 have lost comers and diversity in our country. It the Dream Act as we go forward. I status since the President’s announce- is a complete departure from President would hope that most of our Members ment—well over 10,000. Reagan, President George Herbert would vote ‘‘no’’ on this rule and not So we can’t wait until March to do Walker Bush, President George W. allow for the previous question to come this because it had consequences Bush, just to name the Republican forward so that it will allow for the known to us but unforeseen by the Presidents. Dream Act to be considered. White House and by the President. And So we find ourselves in this situa- I want to thank the chairman of the I don’t think, in his heart, that the tion, but that doesn’t change the fact that we have a responsibility to all of committee and the distinguished Mem- President intended to hurt these people God’s children to treat them with re- bers on the Republican side, as well as in the very cruel way that they are spect, and when we can do something the Democratic side, for the hospi- being hurt by the actions that are to be helpful, we should. tality extended to the Democratic being taken. whip, Mr. HOYER; the chair of the His- We can’t wait until March. We need b 1315 panic Caucus, Congresswoman action. We need it soon. We need it to There is harm that is coming to the MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM; and to me. be bipartisan. That is what we have DREAMers every day, because they are At that meeting, Mr. Speaker, I told been working on—not me; Members, losing status. Regardless of what some the colleagues that we are in a tradi- Member-driven bipartisan cooperation may say, some are being deported. This tion of having great Democratic and in trying to find a path that addresses may be unknown to the President, but Republican Presidents who have been the concerns that some have about the it is not unknown to us in this Con- supportive of newcomers to our coun- border—and we all do—and also ad- gress. try and who recognize that immigra- dresses the Dream Act. I want to thank Congresswoman tion is the constant reinvigoration of As the President said: Let’s call it LUJAN GRISHAM, the chair of the Con- America. DACA. gressional Hispanic Caucus, and her When people come to our country Okay. We will call it DACA. members. I want to thank Congress- with their hopes and dreams and aspi- So here we are. I said at the begin- woman JUDY CHU, the chair of the Con- rations to make the future better for ning of my remarks that we have been gressional Asian Pacific American Cau- their families, they are identifying blessed in our country by Presidents cus; Congresswoman YVETTE CLARKE,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.013 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10355 who, working with the Congressional activities. Lisette recently graduated Congress should not wait any longer Black Caucus, has been a champion in from Harvard with honors. to act. It cannot turn its back on these that caucus; and all of the Members on Lisette and other DREAMers have so youths, on these immigrants who are both sides of the aisle who are striving much to contribute to our country, but leading productive, positive lives, who to find a path. Donald Trump and other Republicans are giving back to our communities One path that we have open to us is have made their agenda clear. They and contributing immensely to the to defeat this rule, to allow the Dream want to shut down DACA and DAPA economy. Act to come up, and to put that in the and deport hundreds of thousands of Congress has an opportunity today to mix as we go forward. DREAMers and parents of Americans. show the world our values, that we are Again, this isn’t an issue, this isn’t a That is what DREAMers think. We going to protect DREAMers, that we bill. It is a value, and that is the con- don’t want them to think that. We are going to stand with these young versation we had with President want them to think that the President men and women who enrich our coun- Trump. This isn’t an issue, but it is a understands their value, the value of try, who only know the United States value. This is about who we are as a na- our DREAMers, and the challenges as their home. The nearly 800,000 tion and how we respect who we are as that they face. DREAMers are our doctors, our nurses, a nation. That is why, I believe, that If we don’t do something soon, our teachers, our neighbors, and they President Trump will be receptive to Lisette will be deported back to Chile, serve in our military and are pro- signing a bill. He does want—and we a country where she hasn’t lived since tecting us here at home. are all concerned for—border security. she was 6 years old. But because Congress has not acted We will work with him on that, but There are just thousands and thou- and because this Chamber has failed to let’s start by putting on the RECORD sands and thousands of stories of suc- act on the DACA issue, DREAMers are the support of this House for a recogni- cess, of those serving in our military, living in fear and uncertainty of their tion that we are immigrants, by and attending our schools, teaching our future. They are afraid to go to school. large. Unless some of you are Native children, working in high-level posi- They are afraid of losing their loved Americans—and how proud we are of tions, because they all have that immi- ones at a moment’s notice. They are our Native American community in grant attitude of hard work, hard work anxious about whether they will be our country and how blessed we are— ethic, a work ethic, a faith ethic, a able to continue to earn their pay- most of us come from immigrant fami- family ethic, a sense of community. checks and earn a living. lies. In the sense and spirit of community, DREAMers are feeling the pain now. It was interesting to me in doing let’s defeat this rule and allow the They are experiencing the anxiety now. some reading on some of this. I am Dream Act to come forward. They are being detained now. These are very proud of my own Italian-American Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield real people. heritage. My grandmother was born in myself such time as I may consume. Now, I understand their fear and Baltimore, Maryland. Her parents were Mr. Speaker, we talk a lot about their uncertainty, because, for many of from Venice and Genoa. My father’s what isn’t in the bill today, and we us, this hits real close to home. I have family from Abruzzo. We are very could actually talk a lot longer about 8,000 DREAMers who live in my dis- proud of all of that, which makes us re- what isn’t in the bill. It is a fairly nar- trict. I also have a family member who spect the pride that other people take rowly focused bill, but what is in there, is a DREAMer. Many are afraid of in their heritage. in addition to funding to keep the gov- being deported to a place where they What was interesting to me in recent ernment operating, is funding for our will be strangers, to a country they days, because I remember—I didn’t suf- community health centers that we all haven’t lived in since they were chil- fer this, but I know my father and oth- care so much about; is funding for the dren. ers did: Italians were called ‘‘wops.’’ Children’s Health Insurance Program— Mr. Speaker, this is the 16th time Do you know what wops means? that is a bipartisan issue across this since DACA’s termination that Demo- It means ‘‘without papers.’’ That is Chamber—is funding for the Special crats are challenging Republicans to what they were called: without papers. Diabetes Program. Mr. Speaker, that is take real urgent action to protect These people are without papers, but so important to so many families. I can DREAMers by bringing the bipartisan in every way they are American. go on and on and on. Dream Act to a vote on this floor. I just want to tell you a couple of Are there things that are not in this We must stand up for DREAMers. It stories. One is Fernando Meza Gutier- bill? is the right thing to do. It is what rez. Fernando lives in my district. Fer- Of course there are, and I look for- Americans want us to do. They want nando’s family came to the U.S. Fer- ward to coming back with my col- Congress to protect DREAMers from nando came to the U.S. when he was 9 leagues to address each and every one deportation by an overwhelming ma- years old. In high school, Fernando was of those, but there is so much good jority. It is the moral thing to do. an AP scholar and received the Inter- that is in this bill, Mr. Speaker. If we Again, this is a bipartisan issue. I national Baccalaureate Diploma and conclude this debate to pass this rule, have talked to many of my colleagues the Achievement Award in Foreign we can get on and make those things a across the aisle who want to see a vote Language for French. reality. on this. I believe we will pass it over- Fernando continued to excel aca- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of whelmingly if we could just get this demically at Santa Clara University, my time. vote. where he graduated cum laude with a Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield This is a moment of truth for our Na- double major in biology and French. 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from tion. I ask my colleagues to vote Now a third-year doctoral student at California (Ms. BARRAGA´ N). against the previous question so that UC San Francisco, Fernando also Ms. BARRAGA´ N. Mr. Speaker, I we can immediately bring the Dream works at UCSF Helen Diller Family thank the gentleman from Massachu- Act to the floor and provide relief for Comprehensive Cancer Center, where setts for yielding. the nearly 800,000 DREAMers in time he is working hard to provide new in- We are in a critical and urgent time. for the holiday season. sights into many diseases and dis- People’s lives are on the line. Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield orders. On September 5, the President sud- myself such time as I may consume. I just want to tell you one other denly and cruelly terminated the Mr. Speaker, you likely did, as I did story. Lisette Diaz was just 6 years old DACA program. Since that date, 13,000 yesterday, get a wonderful Christmas when her family brought her to the DACA recipients have lost their status card from our friend from California, U.S. from Chile. Growing up in Long Is- and their protections, and every day which I very much appreciated. She land, Lisette excelled in school and was that Congress delays a vote, another was there with her beautiful family. I involved in her community. She went average of 122 lose their status. appreciate the sincerity of her words on to attend Harvard, where she re- That is why this is urgent, that is today. ceived numerous awards and partici- why this is important, that is why we I will just remind this Chamber that pated in a variety of extracurricular need to act now. we are having that conversation for

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.015 H21DEPT1 H10356 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 one reason and one reason only. That is Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, all The SPEAKER pro tempore. The because, when Democrats had the of us are anxious to go home to our time of the gentlewoman has expired. White House, the U.S. House, and the families and our celebrations, but more Mr. MCGOVERN. I yield the gentle- U.S. Senate, but—much like Repub- and more Americans are seeing every woman from Texas an additional 30 licans today—didn’t have 60 votes to single day, particularly in the last cou- seconds. get around the filibuster, instead of ple days, just how messed up the values Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, we President Obama and the Democratic and priorities of the Republican major- have 300,000 homes underwater. Puerto leaders in the House and the Senate ity really are. Rico has no lights in homes; U.S. Vir- trying to find a bipartisan pathway for- They saw the Republicans go off to gin Islands, none, no homes. Key West ward that could get 60 votes, they the White House and high-fiving and still needs debris picked up. chose to craft an administrative solu- cheering each other for a tax cut that What my constituents are saying is, tion, one that I thought was illegal, provides 81 percent of its benefits to because the lights are out, we are for- one that I thought was unconstitu- the wealthiest Americans and that gotten; because DREAMers don’t have tional, but chose to go it alone. blows about a $1.5-trillion hole in the rights, they are forgotten. So I am not going to stand here and Mr. Speaker, that is not a blame budget. That means debt and deficit. ignore our children, 9 million of them statement. It is an explanation of some Who is left with the coal in the who need CHIP, or our DREAMers. But systemic challenges that exist in this stocking? I am also going to say that, whatever place. We are looking at 9 million children is in this for us, which is not a lot, I am I can assure my colleagues, and I am and their parents who are sick, who going to keep pushing and fighting for happy to have someone disabuse me of have been worrying about how they are my constituents. And the money that the notion, but I have yet to see the going to have the Children’s Health In- issue that we have solved by blaming we are getting, get it to us now—now. surance Program. Yes, we extended it Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I con- each other more for it. I have yet to now until March. It expired in Sep- tinue to reserve the balance of my see that pathway to success. tember, but we didn’t have time for time. The pathway I have seen is when those children. Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield folks turn the cameras off, when they We don’t have time for the 800,000 myself the balance of my time. roll up their sleeves, when they decide young people who are serving this Mr. Speaker, it is the Christmas sea- they don’t much care who gets the country right now as DACA recipients. son, so I do want to begin by thanking credit for a solution, they just want to We could pass the Dream Act today. the gentleman from Georgia and the solve it. Let’s get our values straight. Let’s do distinguished chairman of the Rules I will put another one on my col- better than we are. Committee, Mr. SESSIONS, for always leagues’ plate, because, again, I don’t Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I would being so polite to me and to other doubt their sincerity. Raju is one of my advise the gentleman from Massachu- Democrats on the committee. constituents. He is here on an H1–B setts that I have no further speakers But I want to say, in all candor, that, visa. His wife, Manju, is here on an H– and I am prepared to close when he is. in spite of that, we are disrespected 4 visa. He came to this country legally I reserve the balance of my time. each and every day when our ideas are 11 years ago. Every few years, he has to Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I shut out and, in turn, our constituents renew his visa, which costs thousands would inquire if the gentleman has any are disrespected. I represent the same of dollars. When his visa expires, when time to share. number of people as the Speaker of the his driver’s license expires, he has to go Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I would House, as any Republican and any back and do it. He is not complaining. advise the gentleman that it appears I other Democrat in this Chamber, and That is what the law of the land said. have committed all of my time. yet, routinely, we are told that our When he agreed to come here, he b 1330 ideas are not welcome. agreed to follow the law of the land. He I believe, Mr. Speaker, that every can’t start his own business. He can’t Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield Member of this House, Democrats and change employers. He is a captive of 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Republicans alike, are entitled to basic the visa program that he came in on. Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE). respect. We have just gone through the There is no pathway, Mr. Speaker, for Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, most closed session in the history of Raju and Manju to get the same bene- this has been a painful season for so our country, more than 58 closed rules fits that my colleagues are arguing so many of us, from California to Texas to in this session. Over 1,500 amendments, passionately for for 800,000 additional Florida, Louisiana, to Puerto Rico and both Democratic and Republican people. the U.S. Virgin Islands, and so I am amendments, were blocked. That is not Mr. Speaker, the human stories don’t still here begging my colleagues for what we were promised by the leader- begin and end with the DACA program. those who are begging in Texas. ship of this House. Again, a problem that President Right now, my local officials are let- We are disappointed with what we Obama created; not solved, but created. ting my constituents from Kashmere are dealing with today. We are dis- I can go line by line by line of folks Gardens share in the public view how appointed with the inaction and lack of who are facing similar challenges, and desperate they are for housing money. support for the CHIP program and the I question where the justice is when I So this CR and this emergency supple- community health centers funding. We can name constituent after constituent mental should be separated. But the think that is inadequate. We are dis- after constituent who has done every- CR, on the other hand, should be fund- appointed that more funding isn’t pro- thing right, who has paid every dime ing CHIP completely. And DACA, the vided to deal with the opioid crisis. the government has asked, who has ap- DREAMers, should be protected com- I could go on and on and on, but plied for every piece of paperwork that pletely. today, we are asking the Speaker to the government has asked, who has I introduced a bill when Hurricane allow a vote to help the DREAMers, stood in every line that the govern- Harvey came for $164 billion. That is men and women who came here as chil- ment has asked, and there is no path- where we should be, and I know that dren, who have served in our military, way forward for them. because of the sacrifice and loss and who have been first responders saving Let’s not pretend that there is not devastation. But also, a DREAMer lost lives in these disaster relief efforts, 91 common ground that we can come to- his life trying to rescue my constitu- percent who work and pay taxes. They gether on. Let’s confess that perhaps ents, so, you see, we have a situation are important. They are valuable. We we haven’t spent enough time trying to that should be corrected across the should celebrate them. do it. board. Fix the DREAMers, but provide I would say to my colleagues this is Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of for the hurricane victims. a matter of decency. The right and de- my time. I will say that we are going to keep cent thing to do is to help them, not Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield on pushing beyond the $81 billion. I am rationalize inaction. 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Illi- glad the $1 billion that I pushed for for Please, please, for the sake of all that nois (Ms. SCHAKOWSKY). small businesses is in this bill. is good about our country, join us in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.016 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10357 defeating the previous question so we health centers, send money to edu- 4. Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies: can have an up-or-down vote on the cation, send money to courts, send $13 billion Dream Act, so we can actually help money to the environment; we will not 5. Public Transportation Emergency Relief these 800,000 people, these young indi- only take care of those funding respon- Program: $33 billion viduals who are giving so much to our sibilities; we will also provide those 6. Small Business Disaster Loans Program: country. It is the right thing to do. dollars needed for those men and $2 billion This is the Christmas season. I hope women spread out from Florida to 7. Emergency Conservation Activities: $650 you are all moved to joining us and to Texas to California to Puerto Rico to million helping these people because, as we the Virgin Islands. There is a real 8. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad- have learned, each and every day that human being behind each and every ministration: $321 million we wait, more and more of them lose one of these dollars that will go out the 9. National Aeronautics and Space Adminis- their status. They lose their jobs. Their door today. tration: $50 million lives are thrown into deeper turmoil. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my col- 10. Legal Services Corporation: $10 million It is wrong for us to go home and not leagues, vote ‘‘yes’’ on this rule so we 11. Army National Guard: $10 million deal with this. The decent thing to do can get to that underlying legislation. 12. Army Corps of Engineers—Civil Inves- is to vote on the Dream Act. Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to tigations: $150 million Vote ‘‘no’’ on the previous question. speak on the Rule, and H.R. 4667, one of the 13. Coast Guard: $450 million Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance two underlying bills made in order. 14. National Park Service Historic Preserva- of my time. H.R. 4667 provides $81 billion in aid to re- tion Fund: $800 million Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield spond to the damage caused by Hurricanes 15. EPA Environmental Programs and Man- myself the balance of my time. Irma and Maria, and the wildfires in California. agement: $2.5 billion There has been a lot of productivity I thank the Speaker and Rules Committee 16. EPA Hazardous Substance Superfund: this week. There has been a lot of work Chairman SESSIONS for acting favorably upon $7 million 17. Leaking Underground Storage Tank that has gone on this week. I am look- my request to bring this emergency disaster Fund: $15 million ing around up there at the dais with supplemental to the floor for debate and vote 18. State and Tribal Assistance Grants: you, Mr. Speaker. I see a lot of as a stand-alone measure. Ever since the widespread and catastrophic $600 million unshaven faces. I’m not just taking 19. Employment and Training Services: about Josef. I am talking about folks destruction of Hurricane Harvey, I have been working closely with the Texas Governor and $100 million who intended to shave and might not 20. Public Health and Social Services Emer- have made it home last night to get the Hurricane Harvey Taskforce to secure the help necessary for the region to rebuild. gency Fund: $2.5 billion that done. 21. Airport and Airway Trust Fund: $90 mil- It takes an incredible amount of staff I have witnessed firsthand the pain of storm- weary Houstonians who lost their homes, their lion time to do this. So what Mr. MCGOVERN 22. Federal-Aid Highways Emergency Relief and I do up in the Rules Committee, belongings, and in many cases their jobs. They are struggling and hurting. Program: $6.5 billion our staffs have been there past mid- And that is just for Texas and the areas af- night time and time again this week So this is personal to me. The amount of funding provided in the dis- fected by Hurricane Harvey; the damage and then back in at dawn. aster relief package is very disappointing be- wrought by Hurricane Irma in Florida, and Hur- I wish that more of the American cause it is not nearly sufficient to ameliorate ricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Vir- people, Mr. Speaker, could see the the suffering still being experienced by the gin Islands was nearly as great in dollar terms hardworking, dedicated staff, the team people of the communities in the areas af- and equal in the level of misery and suffering that goes into making all of this pos- fected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. inflicted on the residents. sible, because I think it would make Congress has had more than three months Mr. Speaker, on September 20, 2017, Hurri- them proud. I think, in a season like to develop an aid package that is commensu- cane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico, this, it would lift them up and make rate to the challenge faced by the affected along the southeastern coast, near the small them feel better about who we are as a states and territories in rebuilding their dev- town of Yabucoa. people and the things that we could ac- astated communities. The devastation wrought on that beautiful complish together. Much of this time has been squandered by Caribbean oasis and its 3.5 million inhabitants, One of those young people, Mr. the Republican congressional leadership’s all- our fellow citizens of the United States, is un- Speaker, is Nate Blake on the Rules consuming focus on ramming through the Re- imaginable, except perhaps to those of us who Committee. He is sitting right here be- publican Tax Scam legislation that gives 83 have lived through and survived similar natural hind me. He is leaving us after 5 years percent of its benefits to the top 1 percent, disasters, like Hurricanes Harvey and Katrina. of service. I want to put that into per- raises taxes on working and middle-class fam- At least 48 people have died as a result of spective, Mr. Speaker. ilies, takes away health insurance from 13 mil- the storm as rescue and recovery operations There is not a staff member up here lion Americans, explodes the deficit by $1.5 proceed, a number likely to rise, especially that can’t leave today and get better trillion and the national debt by $1.7 trillion, with so many elderly, sick, and very young hours and more money going anywhere and will be paid for by 5.4 trillion in cuts to persons at risk. else in town. You will work on Capitol vital programs Americans depend on, includ- Much of Puerto Rico’s population is still Hill for one reason and one reason ing an imminent $25 billion reduction in Medi- without potable drinking water and large only, and that is that you believe, if care funding. swaths of the population still lack electrical only you work hard enough and long Mr. Speaker, on September 6, 2017, ten power. enough, you would make America just days after Hurricane Harvey struck and joined Hurricane Maria destroyed 80 percent of a little bit better. by 44 of our colleagues, I introduced H.R. Puerto Rico’s agricultural industry, including Mr. Blake is one of those believers. 3686, the ‘‘Hurricane Harvey Supplemental banana, plantain and coffee crops, which We will miss him on the committee. It Appropriations Act of 2017,’’ which provides translates into lost income of approximately is a great honor for me that his very $174 billion in disaster relief for the areas af- $780 million. last rule is to be one of mine, and I fected by Hurricane Harvey, the worst On August 30, 2017, Hurricane Irma struck, thank him for his service. superstorm ever to strike the mainland United inflicting horrific damage on the U.S. Virgin Is- Mr. Speaker, they often say every- States. lands of St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, thing’s been said but not everyone has The $174 billion in funding provided by H.R. the Caribbean nations of Barbuda, St. said it. We don’t need to go down that 3686 represents a comprehensive response Maarten, Cuba, and Anguilla, before making path today. This House has done its commensurate to the challenge; specifically, landfall in the Florida Keys. job. It has done its job in a collabo- my legislation provides relief in the following In Florida alone, 6.4 million people were told rative way. It has done its job in a way amounts: to evacuate to safety, leading to days of that the American people can be proud 1. Housing and Community Development jammed highways and frantic searches for of. Fund: $50 billion gasoline amid one of the nation’s largest ever If we pass this rule, we will not only 2. FEMA Disaster Relief Fund: $35 billion emergency evacuations. fund the government, send money to 3. Army Corps of Engineers—Construction: At least 124 persons are known to have lost the troops, send money to community $15 billion their lives in Hurricane Irma, more than

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.018 H21DEPT1 H10358 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 200,000 Floridians took refuge in shelters, and of HUD should to the maximum extent prac- against consideration of the bill are waived. nearly 6.5 million homes and businesses were ticable award grants to units of local govern- General debate shall be confined to the bill without power. ment and public housing authorities that have and shall not exceed one hour equally di- vided and controlled by the chair and rank- Mr. Speaker, we do not yet know the full ex- the financial and administrative capacity to ing minority member of the Committee on tent of the damage and devastation suffered manage a grant awarded under the program. the Judiciary. After general debate the bill by our fellows Americans in Florida, the U.S. Let me describe briefly some of the major shall be considered for amendment under the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico in the wake of provisions contained in the Disaster Relief five-minute rule. All points of order against Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Supplemental: provisions in the bill are waived. At the con- But what we do know is that the costs of re- 1. FEMA Disaster Relief Fund: $27.5 billion clusion of consideration of the bill for covery and reconstruction will be extensive, to provide critical funding to assist the ongoing amendment the Committee shall rise and re- best estimates place the cost in the range of port the bill to the House with such amend- federal disaster response. Allows up to $4 bil- ments as may have been adopted. The pre- $50–$100 billion. lion to be provided for Community Disaster vious question shall be considered as ordered This puts in perspective the inadequacy of Loans (CDLs). on the bill and amendments thereto to final the amount of disaster relief provided under 2. Community Development Block Grants passage without intervening motion except H.R. 4667 and why more, much more, must Disaster Recovery (CDBG–DR): $26.1 billion one motion to recommit with or without in- be done. for housing and infrastructure needs, $13.56 structions. If the Committee of the Whole Mr. Speaker, right now, at this very moment, billion for grants to states, tribes, and terri- rises and reports that it has come to no reso- approximately 300,000 Texans—in Port Ar- tories for unmet housing needs and business lution on the bill, then on the next legisla- thur, in Port Aransas, in Houston and Harris tive day the House shall, immediately after losses. the third daily order of business under clause County—remain homeless or are living in sub- 3. $12.5 billion for mitigation efforts to help 1 of rule XIV, resolve into the Committee of standard homes with blue tarp roofs and in- communities protect against future disasters. the Whole for further consideration of the fected with mold. 4. This funding can provide for housing ele- bill. Today, residents of the Cashmere Gardens vation, buyouts in the flood plain, water/sewer SEC. 9. Clause 1(c) of rule XIX shall not community are meeting with local government infrastructure enhancements, public infrastruc- apply to the consideration of H.R. 3440. officials to highlight their plight and those of ture hardening (e.g. stormproofing public build- THE VOTE ON THE PREVIOUS QUESTION: WHAT other residents in the northeastern part of ings). IT REALLY MEANS Houston. 5. Federal Highway Administration’s Emer- This vote, the vote on whether to order the They are angry and frustrated and anxious, gency Relief: $1.4 billion to address all current previous question on a special rule, is not and who can blame them? damages to federal highways caused by des- merely a procedural vote. A vote against or- Mr. Speaker, this is personal to them; and ignated disasters. dering the previous question is a vote it is personal to me. 6. $12.11 billion for the Army Corps of Engi- against the Republican majority agenda and That is why right now my highest priority is neers to repair existing damages by natural a vote to allow the Democratic minority to to ensure that funding that has been made offer an alternative plan. It is a vote about disasters and for studies and projects to re- what the House should be debating. available expeditiously gets in the hands of duce the risk of future natural disasters, $75 Mr. Clarence Cannon’s Precedents of the local governments so that relief can deliver the million to expedite studies to help mitigate fu- House of Representatives (VI, 308–311), de- resources and services so desperately need- ture disaster damage. scribes the vote on the previous question on ed. 7. 2.9 billion to help displaced students get the rule as ‘‘a motion to direct or control the And I will be working with the Texas Gen- back to school. Funding can be used for both consideration of the subject before the House eral Land Office and HUD Secretary Carson to public and private schools. being made by the Member in charge.’’ To defeat the previous question is to give the relieve the emergency housing crisis in my 8. $3.8 billion for agriculture assistance. congressional district and state. opposition a chance to decide the subject be- 9. $1.66 billion for Small Business Adminis- fore the House. Cannon cites the Speaker’s Mr. Speaker, I wish to commend the bipar- tration Disaster Loans to assist small busi- ruling of January 13, 1920, to the effect that tisan leadership of both Chambers, and my nesses and homeowners repair or replace real ‘‘the refusal of the House to sustain the de- colleagues in the Texas congressional delega- estate, personal property, machinery and mand for the previous question passes the tion for their diligence and commitment in equipment, and inventory and business as- control of the resolution to the opposition’’ bringing this package to the floor for debate sets. in order to offer an amendment. On March and vote. Mr. Speaker, there is much more work to be 15, 1909, a member of the majority party of- I thank Chairman FRELINGHUYSEN and Rank- fered a rule resolution. The House defeated done in my city of Houston, and across the the previous question and a member of the ing Member LOWEY, and Speaker RYAN and areas affected by the terrible, awesome storm opposition rose to a parliamentary inquiry, Democratic Leader PELOSI, and their Senate that will be forever known simply as Hurricane asking who was entitled to recognition. counterparts for the work that has been done Harvey, and by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Speaker Joseph G. Cannon (R-Illinois) said: thus far and for their assistance in the work That is why I am disappointed that only $81 ‘‘The previous question having been refused, that lies ahead. billion is being provided at this time. the gentleman from New York, Mr. Fitz- I also thank Chairman FRELINGHUYSEN and That is why it must be emphasized and un- gerald, who had asked the gentleman to Ranking Member LOWEY, and T-HUD Appro- derstood that this can only be understood as yield to him for an amendment, is entitled to priations Subcommittee Chairman DIAZ- the first recognition.’’ a partial response because much more fund- The Republican majority may say ‘‘the BALART, and Energy and Water Appropriations ing will be needed to provide our fellow Ameri- vote on the previous question is simply a Subcommittee Chair SIMPSON and Ranking cans in Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, vote on whether to proceed to an immediate Member KAPTUR for including in the legislation and the U.S. Virgin Islands the help and sup- vote on adopting the resolution . . . [and] before us the following beneficial measures port they need to restore their communities to has no substantive legislative or policy im- that I requested, including: their previous greatness. plications whatsoever.’’ But that is not what 1. Authority to establish and implement a $1 The material previously referred to they have always said. Listen to the Repub- lican Leadership Manual on the Legislative billion pilot program to provide small business by Mr. MCGOVERN is as follows: disaster recovery grants, modeled on H.R. Process in the United States House of Rep- AN AMENDMENT TO H. RES. 670 OFFERED BY 3930, the ‘‘Hurricane Harvey Small Business resentatives, (6th edition, page 135). Here’s MR. MCGOVERN how the Republicans describe the previous Recovery Grants Act,’’ legislation I introduced At the end of the resolution, add the fol- question vote in their own manual: ‘‘Al- on October 3, 2017 and co-sponsored by 16 lowing new sections: though it is generally not possible to amend of our colleagues. SEC. 8. Immediately upon adoption of this the rule because the majority Member con- 2. $75 million for the U.S. Army Corps of resolution the Speaker shall, pursuant to trolling the time will not yield for the pur- Engineers’ Investigations account, which is to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the House pose of offering an amendment, the same re- be used in areas affected by Hurricanes Har- resolved into the Committee of the Whole sult may be achieved by voting down the pre- vey, Irma, and Maria, and can be used to fi- House on the state of the Union for consider- vious question on the rule . . . When the mo- nance the $3 million Houston-Area Watershed ation of the bill (H.R. 3440) to authorize the tion for the previous question is defeated, cancellation of removal and adjustment of control of the time passes to the Member Assessment Study I have worked to secure status of certain individuals who are long- who led the opposition to ordering the pre- and previously approved by the House. term United States residents and who en- vious question. That Member, because he 3. The bill also includes helpful legislative tered the United States as children and for then controls the time, may offer an amend- language to ensure that in awarding CDBG- other purposes. The first reading of the bill ment to the rule, or yield for the purpose of Disaster Relief funds to states, the Secretary shall be dispensed with. All points of order amendment.’’

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:44 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.021 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10359 In Deschler’s Procedure in the U.S. House Katko Mullin Sessions Slaughter Tonko Wasserman of Representatives, the subchapter titled Kelly (MS) Newhouse Shimkus Smith (WA) Torres Schultz ‘‘Amending Special Rules’’ states: ‘‘a refusal Kelly (PA) Noem Shuster Soto Tsongas Waters, Maxine Speier Vargas to order the previous question on such a rule King (IA) Norman Simpson Watson Coleman King (NY) Nunes Smith (MO) Swalwell (CA) Veasey [a special rule reported from the Committee Welch Kinzinger Olson Smith (NE) Takano Vela Wilson (FL) on Rules] opens the resolution to amend- ´ Knight Palazzo Smith (NJ) Thompson (CA) Velazquez Yarmuth ment and further debate.’’ (Chapter 21, sec- Kustoff (TN) Palmer Smucker Thompson (MS) Visclosky tion 21.2) Section 21.3 continues: ‘‘Upon re- Labrador Paulsen Stefanik Titus Walz LaHood Pearce Stewart jection of the motion for the previous ques- NOT VOTING—11 tion on a resolution reported from the Com- LaMalfa Perry Stivers mittee on Rules, control shifts to the Mem- Lamborn Pittenger Taylor Bridenstine Jones Renacci Lance Poe (TX) Tenney Brooks (AL) Kennedy ber leading the opposition to the previous Smith (TX) Latta Poliquin Thompson (PA) Foster Napolitano Suozzi question, who may offer a proper amendment Lewis (MN) Posey Thornberry Granger Pocan or motion and who controls the time for de- LoBiondo Ratcliffe Tiberi bate thereon.’’ Long Reed Tipton Clearly, the vote on the previous question Loudermilk Reichert Trott b 1402 on a rule does have substantive policy impli- Love Rice (SC) Turner So the previous question was ordered. Lucas Roby Upton cations. It is one of the only available tools Luetkemeyer Roe (TN) Valadao The result of the vote was announced for those who oppose the Republican major- MacArthur Rogers (AL) Wagner as above recorded. ity’s agenda and allows those with alter- Marchant Rogers (KY) Walberg The SPEAKER pro tempore. The native views the opportunity to offer an al- Marino Rohrabacher Walden ternative plan. Marshall Rokita Walker question is on the resolution. Massie Rooney, Francis Walorski The question was taken; and the Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mast Rooney, Thomas Walters, Mimi Speaker pro tempore announced that back the balance of my time, and I McCarthy J. Weber (TX) the ayes appeared to have it. move the previous question on the res- McCaul Ros-Lehtinen Webster (FL) RECORDED VOTE olution. McClintock Roskam Wenstrup McHenry Ross Westerman Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I de- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The McKinley Rothfus Williams mand a recorded vote. question is on ordering the previous McMorris Rouzer Wilson (SC) A recorded vote was ordered. question. Rodgers Royce (CA) Wittman McSally Russell Womack The SPEAKER pro tempore. This is a The question was taken; and the Meadows Rutherford Woodall 5-minute vote. Speaker pro tempore announced that Meehan Sanford Yoder The vote was taken by electronic de- the ayes appeared to have it, Messer Scalise Yoho Mitchell Schweikert Young (AK) vice, and there were—ayes 228, noes 188, Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, on Moolenaar Scott, Austin Young (IA) not voting 15, as follows: that I demand the yeas and nays. Mooney (WV) Sensenbrenner Zeldin The yeas and nays were ordered. [Roll No. 705] The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- NAYS—188 AYES—228 ant to clause 8 and clause 9 of rule XX, Adams Ellison Luja´ n, Ben Ray Abraham Duffy King (IA) Aguilar Engel Lynch Aderholt Duncan (SC) King (NY) this 15-minute vote on ordering the Barraga´ n Eshoo Maloney, Allen Duncan (TN) Kinzinger previous question will be followed by 5- Bass Espaillat Carolyn B. Amodei Dunn Knight minute votes on: Beatty Esty (CT) Maloney, Sean Arrington Emmer Kustoff (TN) Adopting the resolution, if ordered; Bera Evans Matsui Babin Estes (KS) Labrador Beyer Frankel (FL) McCollum Bacon Farenthold LaHood Suspending the rules and passing S. Bishop (GA) Fudge McEachin Banks (IN) Faso LaMalfa 1393; and Blumenauer Gabbard McGovern Barletta Ferguson Lamborn Agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of Blunt Rochester Gallego McNerney Barr Fitzpatrick Lance Bonamici Garamendi Meeks Barton Fleischmann Latta the Journal, if ordered. Boyle, Brendan Gomez Meng Bergman Flores Lewis (MN) The vote was taken by electronic de- F. Gonzalez (TX) Moore Biggs Fortenberry LoBiondo vice, and there were—yeas 232, nays Brady (PA) Gottheimer Moulton Bilirakis Foxx Long Brown (MD) Green, Al Murphy (FL) Bishop (MI) Frelinghuysen Loudermilk 188, not voting 11, as follows: Brownley (CA) Green, Gene Nadler Bishop (UT) Gaetz Love [Roll No. 704] Bustos Grijalva Neal Black Gallagher Lucas Butterfield Gutie´rrez Nolan Blackburn Garrett Luetkemeyer YEAS—232 Capuano Hanabusa Norcross Blum Gianforte MacArthur Abraham Collins (GA) Garrett Carbajal Hastings O’Halleran Bost Gibbs Marchant Aderholt Collins (NY) Gianforte Ca´ rdenas Heck O’Rourke Brady (TX) Gohmert Marino Allen Comer Gibbs Carson (IN) Higgins (NY) Pallone Brat Goodlatte Marshall Amash Comstock Gohmert Cartwright Himes Panetta Brooks (IN) Gowdy Mast Amodei Conaway Goodlatte Castor (FL) Hoyer Pascrell Buchanan Graves (GA) McCarthy Arrington Cook Gosar Castro (TX) Huffman Payne Buck Graves (LA) McCaul Babin Costello (PA) Gowdy Chu, Judy Jackson Lee Pelosi Bucshon Graves (MO) McClintock Bacon Cramer Graves (GA) Cicilline Jayapal Perlmutter Budd Griffith McHenry Banks (IN) Crawford Graves (LA) Clark (MA) Jeffries Peters Burgess Grothman McKinley Barletta Culberson Graves (MO) Clarke (NY) Johnson (GA) Peterson Byrne Guthrie McMorris Barr Curbelo (FL) Griffith Clay Johnson, E. B. Pingree Calvert Handel Rodgers Barton Curtis Grothman Cleaver Kaptur Polis Carter (GA) Harper McSally Bergman Davidson Guthrie Clyburn Keating Price (NC) Carter (TX) Harris Meadows Biggs Davis, Rodney Handel Cohen Kelly (IL) Quigley Chabot Hartzler Meehan Bilirakis Denham Harper Connolly Khanna Raskin Cheney Hensarling Messer Bishop (MI) Dent Harris Cooper Kihuen Rice (NY) Coffman Herrera Beutler Mitchell Bishop (UT) DeSantis Hartzler Correa Kildee Richmond Cole Hice, Jody B. Moolenaar Black DesJarlais Hensarling Costa Kilmer Rosen Collins (GA) Higgins (LA) Mooney (WV) Blackburn Diaz-Balart Herrera Beutler Courtney Kind Roybal-Allard Collins (NY) Hill Mullin Blum Donovan Hice, Jody B. Crist Krishnamoorthi Ruiz Comer Holding Newhouse Bost Duffy Higgins (LA) Crowley Kuster (NH) Ruppersberger Comstock Hollingsworth Noem Brady (TX) Duncan (SC) Hill Cuellar Langevin Rush Conaway Hudson Norman Brat Duncan (TN) Holding Cummings Larsen (WA) Ryan (OH) Cook Huizenga Nunes Brooks (IN) Dunn Hollingsworth Davis (CA) Larson (CT) Sa´ nchez Costello (PA) Hultgren Olson Buchanan Emmer Hudson Davis, Danny Lawrence Sarbanes Cramer Hunter Palazzo Buck Estes (KS) Huizenga DeFazio Lawson (FL) Schakowsky Crawford Hurd Paulsen Bucshon Farenthold Hultgren DeGette Lee Schiff Culberson Issa Pearce Budd Faso Hunter Delaney Levin Schneider Curbelo (FL) Jenkins (KS) Perry Burgess Ferguson Hurd DeLauro Lewis (GA) Schrader Curtis Jenkins (WV) Pittenger Byrne Fitzpatrick Issa DelBene Lieu, Ted Scott (VA) Davidson Johnson (LA) Poe (TX) Calvert Fleischmann Jenkins (KS) Demings Lipinski Scott, David Davis, Rodney Johnson (OH) Poliquin Carter (GA) Flores Jenkins (WV) DeSaulnier Loebsack Serrano Denham Johnson, Sam Posey Carter (TX) Fortenberry Johnson (LA) Deutch Lofgren Sewell (AL) Dent Jordan Ratcliffe Chabot Foxx Johnson (OH) Dingell Lowenthal Shea-Porter DeSantis Joyce (OH) Reed Cheney Frelinghuysen Johnson, Sam Doggett Lowey Sherman DesJarlais Katko Reichert Coffman Gaetz Jordan Doyle, Michael Lujan Grisham, Sinema Diaz-Balart Kelly (MS) Rice (SC) Cole Gallagher Joyce (OH) F. M. Sires Donovan Kelly (PA) Roby

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.006 H21DEPT1 H10360 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017

Roe (TN) Sessions Wagner ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Heck Mast Ryan (OH) Rogers (AL) Shimkus Walberg The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Hensarling Matsui Sa´ nchez Rogers (KY) Shuster Walden Herrera Beutler McCarthy Sanford Rohrabacher Simpson Walker the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- Hice, Jody B. McCaul Sarbanes Rokita Smith (MO) Walorski ing. Higgins (LA) McClintock Scalise Rooney, Francis Smith (NE) Walters, Mimi Higgins (NY) McCollum Schakowsky Rooney, Thomas Smith (NJ) Weber (TX) b 1410 Hill McEachin Schiff J. Smucker Webster (FL) Himes McGovern Schneider So the resolution was agreed to. Holding McHenry Ros-Lehtinen Stefanik Wenstrup Schrader Hollingsworth McKinley Roskam Stewart Westerman The result of the vote was announced Schweikert Hoyer McMorris Ross Stivers Williams as above recorded. Scott (VA) Hudson Rodgers Scott, Austin Rothfus Taylor Wilson (SC) A motion to reconsider was laid on Huffman McNerney Scott, David Rouzer Tenney Wittman the table. Huizenga McSally Sensenbrenner Royce (CA) Thompson (PA) Womack Hultgren Meadows Serrano Russell Thornberry Woodall f Hunter Meehan Sessions Rutherford Tiberi Yoder Hurd Meeks Sewell (AL) Sanford Tipton Yoho JOBS FOR OUR HEROES ACT Issa Meng Shea-Porter Scalise Trott Young (AK) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Jackson Lee Messer Sherman Schweikert Turner Young (IA) Jayapal Mitchell Shimkus Scott, Austin Upton Zeldin finished business is the vote on the mo- Jeffries Moolenaar Shuster Sensenbrenner Valadao tion to suspend the rules and pass the Jenkins (KS) Mooney (WV) Simpson bill (S. 1393) to streamline the process Jenkins (WV) Moore Sinema Johnson (GA) Moulton NOES—188 by which active duty military, reserv- Sires Johnson (LA) Mullin Slaughter Adams Gabbard Nolan ists, and veterans receive commercial Johnson (OH) Murphy (FL) Smith (MO) Aguilar Gallego Norcross driver’s licenses, on which the yeas and Johnson, E. B. Nadler Smith (NE) Amash Gomez O’Halleran Johnson, Sam Neal Smith (NJ) Barraga´ n Gonzalez (TX) O’Rourke nays were ordered. Jordan Newhouse The Clerk read the title of the bill. Smith (WA) Bass Gottheimer Pallone Joyce (OH) Noem Smucker Kaptur Nolan Beatty Green, Al Panetta The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Soto Katko Norcross Bera Green, Gene Payne question is on the motion offered by Speier Keating Norman Beyer Grijalva Pelosi Stefanik the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Kelly (IL) Nunes Bishop (GA) Gutie´rrez Perlmutter Stewart GRAVES) that the House suspend the Kelly (MS) O’Halleran Blumenauer Hanabusa Peters Stivers Kelly (PA) O’Rourke Blunt Rochester Hastings Peterson rules and pass the bill. Swalwell (CA) Khanna Olson Bonamici Heck Pingree Takano This is a 5-minute vote. Kihuen Palazzo Boyle, Brendan Higgins (NY) Polis Taylor The vote was taken by electronic de- Kildee Pallone F. Himes Price (NC) Tenney Kilmer Palmer Brady (PA) Hoyer Quigley vice, and there were—yeas 418, nays 0, Thompson (CA) not voting 13, as follows: Kind Panetta Brown (MD) Huffman Raskin King (IA) Pascrell Thompson (MS) Brownley (CA) Jackson Lee Rice (NY) [Roll No. 706] King (NY) Paulsen Thompson (PA) Bustos Thornberry Jayapal Richmond YEAS—418 Kinzinger Payne Butterfield Jeffries Rosen Knight Pearce Tiberi Capuano Johnson (GA) Roybal-Allard Abraham Cartwright Donovan Krishnamoorthi Pelosi Tipton Carbajal Johnson, E. B. Ruiz Adams Castor (FL) Doyle, Michael Kuster (NH) Perlmutter Titus Ca´ rdenas Kaptur Ruppersberger Aderholt Castro (TX) F. Kustoff (TN) Perry Tonko Carson (IN) Keating Rush Aguilar Chabot Duffy Labrador Peters Torres Cartwright Kelly (IL) Ryan (OH) Allen Cheney Duncan (SC) LaHood Peterson Trott Amash Chu, Judy Duncan (TN) Tsongas Castor (FL) Khanna Sa´ nchez LaMalfa Pingree Amodei Cicilline Dunn Turner Castro (TX) Kihuen Sarbanes Lamborn Pittenger Arrington Clark (MA) Ellison Upton Chu, Judy Kildee Schakowsky Lance Poe (TX) Babin Clarke (NY) Emmer Valadao Cicilline Langevin Poliquin Kilmer Schiff Bacon Clay Engel Vargas Clark (MA) Kind Schneider Larsen (WA) Polis Banks (IN) Cleaver Eshoo Larson (CT) Posey Veasey Clarke (NY) Krishnamoorthi Schrader Barletta Clyburn Espaillat Latta Price (NC) Vela Clay Kuster (NH) Scott (VA) Barr Coffman Estes (KS) Lawrence Quigley Vela´ zquez Cleaver Langevin Scott, David Barraga´ n Cohen Esty (CT) Lawson (FL) Raskin Visclosky Clyburn Larsen (WA) Serrano Barton Cole Evans Lee Ratcliffe Wagner Cohen Larson (CT) Sewell (AL) Bass Collins (GA) Farenthold Levin Reed Walberg Connolly Lawrence Shea-Porter Beatty Collins (NY) Faso Lewis (GA) Reichert Walden Cooper Lawson (FL) Sherman Bera Comer Ferguson Lewis (MN) Rice (NY) Walker Correa Lee Sinema Bergman Comstock Fitzpatrick Lieu, Ted Rice (SC) Walorski Costa Levin Sires Beyer Conaway Fleischmann Lipinski Richmond Walters, Mimi Courtney Lewis (GA) Slaughter Biggs Connolly Flores LoBiondo Roby Walz Crist Lieu, Ted Smith (WA) Bilirakis Cook Fortenberry Loebsack Roe (TN) Wasserman Crowley Lipinski Soto Bishop (GA) Cooper Foxx Lofgren Rogers (AL) Schultz Cuellar Loebsack Speier Bishop (MI) Correa Frankel (FL) Long Rogers (KY) Waters, Maxine Bishop (UT) Costa Frelinghuysen Cummings Lofgren Swalwell (CA) Loudermilk Rohrabacher Watson Coleman Black Costello (PA) Fudge Davis (CA) Lowenthal Takano Love Rokita Weber (TX) Blackburn Courtney Gabbard Davis, Danny Lowey Thompson (CA) Lowenthal Rooney, Francis Webster (FL) Blum Cramer Gaetz Lowey Rooney, Thomas Welch DeFazio Lujan Grisham, Thompson (MS) Blumenauer Crawford Gallagher DeGette M. Titus Lucas J. Wenstrup Blunt Rochester Crist Gallego Luetkemeyer Ros-Lehtinen Westerman Delaney Luja´ n, Ben Ray Tonko Bonamici Crowley Garrett Lujan Grisham, Rosen Williams DeLauro Lynch Torres Bost Cuellar Gianforte M. Roskam Wilson (FL) DelBene Maloney, Tsongas Boyle, Brendan Culberson Gibbs Luja´ n, Ben Ray Ross Wilson (SC) Demings Carolyn B. Vargas F. Cummings Gohmert Lynch Rothfus Wittman Maloney, Sean DeSaulnier Veasey Brady (PA) Curbelo (FL) Gomez MacArthur Rouzer Womack Deutch Massie Vela Brady (TX) Curtis Gonzalez (TX) Maloney, Roybal-Allard Woodall Dingell Matsui Vela´ zquez Brat Davidson Goodlatte Carolyn B. Royce (CA) Yarmuth Doggett McCollum Visclosky Brooks (IN) Davis (CA) Gottheimer Maloney, Sean Ruiz Yoder Doyle, Michael McEachin Walz Brown (MD) Davis, Danny Gowdy Marchant Ruppersberger Yoho F. McGovern Wasserman Brownley (CA) Davis, Rodney Graves (GA) Marino Rush Young (AK) Ellison McNerney Schultz Buchanan DeFazio Graves (LA) Marshall Russell Young (IA) Engel Meeks Waters, Maxine Buck DeGette Graves (MO) Massie Rutherford Zeldin Bucshon Delaney Green, Al Eshoo Meng Watson Coleman Budd DeLauro Green, Gene NOT VOTING—13 Espaillat Moore Welch Burgess DelBene Griffith Esty (CT) Moulton Wilson (FL) Bridenstine Granger Renacci Evans Murphy (FL) Bustos Demings Grijalva Brooks (AL) Jones Smith (TX) Yarmuth Butterfield Denham Grothman Frankel (FL) Nadler Foster Kennedy Suozzi Fudge Neal Byrne Dent Guthrie Garamendi Napolitano ´ Calvert DeSantis Gutierrez Gosar Pocan Capuano DeSaulnier Hanabusa NOT VOTING—15 Carbajal DesJarlais Handel ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Bridenstine Granger Pascrell Ca´ rdenas Deutch Harper The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Brooks (AL) Jones Pocan Carson (IN) Diaz-Balart Harris Foster Kennedy Renacci Carter (GA) Dingell Hartzler the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- Garamendi Napolitano Smith (TX) Carter (TX) Doggett Hastings ing. Gosar Palmer Suozzi

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.004 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10361 Pascrell Sanford Tiberi Pocan Rooney, Thomas Suozzi b 1419 Pelosi Scalise Trott Renacci J. Wittman Perlmutter Schneider Tsongas Smith (TX) Mr. DUNCAN of South Carolina Perry Schweikert Turner changed his vote from ‘‘present’’ to Peters Scott (VA) Wagner b 1426 Pingree Scott, David Walberg So the Journal was approved. ‘‘yea.’’ Posey Sensenbrenner Walden So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Quigley Serrano Walorski The result of the vote was announced tive) the rules were suspended and the Reed Sessions Walters, Mimi as above recorded. Reichert Sherman Walz bill was passed. PERSONAL EXPLANATION Rice (SC) Shimkus Wasserman The result of the vote was announced Roby Shuster Schultz Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to as above recorded. Roe (TN) Simpson Waters, Maxine be present today, December 21, 2017. Had I A motion to reconsider was laid on Rogers (KY) Smith (MO) Weber (TX) Rohrabacher Smith (NE) Webster (FL) been present, I would have voted ‘‘Yes’’ on the table. Rokita Smith (NJ) Welch rollcall votes No. 706 and No. 707, and ‘‘No’’ f Rooney, Francis Smith (WA) Wenstrup on rollcall votes No. 704 and No. 705. Ros-Lehtinen Speier Westerman f THE JOURNAL Ross Stefanik Williams Rothfus Stewart Wilson (SC) MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Royce (CA) Takano Womack finished business is the question on Ruppersberger Taylor Yarmuth A message in writing from the Presi- Russell Tenney Young (IA) dent of the United States was commu- agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of Rutherford Thornberry Zeldin the Journal, which the Chair will put nicated to the House by Ms. Mariel de novo. NAYS—187 Ridgway, one of his secretaries. The question is on the Speaker’s ap- Adams Gallego Nolan f Aguilar Garamendi Norcross proval of the Journal. Amash Gomez O’Halleran APPOINTMENTS TO FREDERICK The question was taken; and the Barraga´ n Gonzalez (TX) Pallone DOUGLASS BICENTENNIAL COM- Speaker pro tempore announced that Barton Gottheimer Palmer MISSION the ayes appeared to have it. Bass Graves (GA) Panetta Beatty Graves (MO) Paulsen The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, on that Bera Green, Al Payne BOST). The Chair announces the Speak- I demand the yeas and nays. Beyer Green, Gene Pearce er’s appointment, pursuant to section 5 The yeas and nays were ordered. Biggs Grijalva Peterson Bishop (GA) Gutie´rrez Pittenger of the Frederick Douglass Bicentennial The SPEAKER pro tempore. This is a Bishop (MI) Hanabusa Poe (TX) Commission Act (Pub. L. 115–77), and 5-minute vote. Blum Hastings Poliquin Bonamici Herrera Beutler the order of the House of January 3, The vote was taken by electronic de- Polis Bost Higgins (NY) 2017, of the following Member on the vice, and there were—yeas 225, nays Price (NC) Boyle, Brendan Holding part of the House to the Frederick 187, answered ‘‘present’’ 1, not voting Raskin F. Hoyer Douglass Bicentennial Commission: 18, as follows: Brady (PA) Hudson Ratcliffe Brownley (CA) Jackson Lee Rice (NY) Mr. HARRIS, Maryland [Roll No. 707] Buck Jayapal Richmond And from private life: YEAS—225 Burgess Jeffries Rogers (AL) Ms. Sylvia Quinton, Mardela Springs, Byrne Jenkins (KS) Rosen Abraham Dent Kelly (PA) Capuano Jenkins (WV) Roskam Maryland Aderholt DeSaulnier Kildee Carbajal Johnson (OH) Rouzer Allen DesJarlais King (IA) Dr. C. James Trotman, West Chester, Ca´ rdenas Johnson, E. B. Roybal-Allard Amodei Dingell King (NY) Pennsylvania Carson (IN) Jordan Ruiz Arrington Doggett Krishnamoorthi Carter (GA) Katko Rush f Babin Donovan Kuster (NH) Castor (FL) Keating Ryan (OH) Banks (IN) Duffy Kustoff (TN) Cicilline Kelly (IL) Sa´ nchez AUTHORIZING THE USE OF THE Barletta Duncan (SC) Labrador Clark (MA) Kelly (MS) ROTUNDA OF THE CAPITOL FOR Barr Duncan (TN) LaMalfa Sarbanes Clarke (NY) Khanna Bergman Dunn Lamborn Schakowsky A CEREMONY TO AWARD THE Cleaver Kihuen Bilirakis Ellison Latta Schiff CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL Clyburn Kilmer Bishop (UT) Eshoo Lewis (MN) Schrader Coffman Kind TO BOB DOLE Black Estes (KS) Lipinski Scott, Austin Cohen Kinzinger Blackburn Farenthold Long Sewell (AL) Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I ask Comer Knight Blumenauer Ferguson Loudermilk Shea-Porter Conaway LaHood unanimous consent to take from the Blunt Rochester Fleischmann Lowey Sinema Connolly Lance Brady (TX) Fortenberry Lucas Sires Speaker’s table the concurrent resolu- Correa Langevin Brat Frankel (FL) Luetkemeyer Slaughter tion (S. Con. Res. 31) authorizing the Costa Larsen (WA) Brooks (IN) Frelinghuysen Lujan Grisham, Smucker Costello (PA) Larson (CT) use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a Brown (MD) Gabbard M. Soto Courtney Lawrence ceremony to award the Congressional Buchanan Gaetz Marchant Stivers Crowley Lawson (FL) Bucshon Garrett Marino Swalwell (CA) Gold Medal to Bob Dole, and ask for its DeFazio Lee Budd Gianforte Marshall Thompson (CA) immediate consideration in the House. DeGette Levin Bustos Gibbs Massie Thompson (MS) Delaney Lewis (GA) The Clerk read the title of the con- Butterfield Goodlatte McCarthy Thompson (PA) DelBene Lieu, Ted current resolution. Carter (TX) Gowdy McCaul Tipton Denham LoBiondo Cartwright Graves (LA) McClintock The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there DeSantis Loebsack Titus Castro (TX) Griffith McCollum Deutch Lofgren Torres objection to the request of the gen- Chabot Grothman McEachin Diaz-Balart Love Upton tleman from Mississippi? Cheney Guthrie McHenry Doyle, Michael Lowenthal Valadao Chu, Judy Handel McMorris There was no objection. F. Luja´ n, Ben Ray Vargas Clay Harper Rodgers The text of the concurrent resolution Emmer Lynch Veasey Cole Harris McNerney Engel MacArthur Vela is as follows: Collins (GA) Hartzler McSally Espaillat Maloney, Vela´ zquez Collins (NY) Heck Meadows S. CON. RES. 31 Esty (CT) Carolyn B. Visclosky Comstock Hensarling Meeks Evans Maloney, Sean Walker Resolved by the Senate (the House of Rep- Cook Hice, Jody B. Meng Faso Mast Watson Coleman resentatives concurring), Cooper Higgins (LA) Messer Fitzpatrick Matsui Wilson (FL) Cramer Hill Mitchell SECTION 1. USE OF THE ROTUNDA OF THE CAP- Flores McGovern Woodall Crawford Himes Moolenaar ITOL FOR CEREMONY TO AWARD Foxx McKinley Yoder Crist Hollingsworth Mooney (WV) THE CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL Fudge Meehan Yoho Cuellar Huffman Moore TO BOB DOLE. Gallagher Neal Young (AK) Culberson Huizenga Moulton (a) AUTHORIZATION.—The rotunda of the Cummings Hultgren Mullin ANSWERED ‘‘PRESENT’’—1 Capitol is authorized to be used on January Curbelo (FL) Hunter Murphy (FL) 17, 2018, for a ceremony to award the Con- Curtis Hurd Nadler Tonko gressional Gold Medal to Bob Dole. Davidson Issa Newhouse (b) PREPARATIONS.—Physical preparations Davis (CA) Johnson (GA) Noem NOT VOTING—18 Davis, Danny Johnson (LA) Norman Bacon Foster Jones for the conduct of the ceremony described in Davis, Rodney Johnson, Sam Nunes Bridenstine Gohmert Kennedy subsection (a) shall be carried out in accord- DeLauro Joyce (OH) O’Rourke Brooks (AL) Gosar Napolitano ance with such conditions as may be pre- Demings Kaptur Palazzo Calvert Granger Olson scribed by the Architect of the Capitol.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:56 Mar 27, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\DECEMBER\H21DE7.REC H21DE7 H10362 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 The concurrent resolution was con- The Clerk read the title of the bill. Delays in analysis of forensic evi- curred in. The text of the bill is as follows: dence often result in delays of justice: A motion to reconsider was laid on S. 1766 serial offenders can continue victim- the table. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- izing, and innocent individuals may be f resentatives of the United States of America in incarcerated. The SAFER Act helps ad- Congress assembled, dress this common impediment to the AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT TO SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. response to rape and sexual assault at AWARD THE MEDAL OF HONOR This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Sexual As- the State, local, and Tribal levels. TO JOHN L. CANLEY FOR ACTS sault Forensic Evidence Reporting Act of Importantly, the SAFER Act also OF VALOR DURING THE VIET- 2017’’ or the ‘‘SAFER Act of 2017’’. would clarify that pediatric forensic NAM WAR SEC. 2. PEDIATRIC SEXUAL ASSAULT NURSE EX- nurses are eligible for training and em- Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask AMINERS. ployment grants. This provision under- Section 304(c)(2) of the DNA Sexual Assault scores the critical role that pediatric unanimous consent that the Com- Justice Act of 2004 (34 U.S.C. 40723(c)(2)) is mittee on Armed Services be dis- amended— sexual assault nurse examiners can charged from further consideration of (1) by inserting ‘‘, both adult and pedi- play in a community’s response to chil- the bill (H.R. 4641) to authorize the atric,’’ after ‘‘role of forensic nurses’’; and dren who are victims of abuse. President to award the Medal of Honor (2) by striking ‘‘and elder abuse’’ and in- S. 1766 can help ensure that resources to John L. Canley for acts of valor dur- serting ‘‘elder abuse, and, in particular, the provided for DNA analysis are focused ing the Vietnam War while a member need for pediatric sexual assault nurse exam- on grant recipients making a good of the Marine Corps, and ask for its im- iners, including such nurse examiners work- faith effort to estimate and manage ing in the multidisciplinary setting, in re- mediate consideration in the House. their backlog of untested samples and sponding to abuse of both children and ado- improve efforts to get sex offenders off The Clerk read the title of the bill. lescents’’. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there of our streets. SEC. 3. REDUCING THE RAPE KIT BACKLOG. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to objection to the request of the gen- (a) REAUTHORIZATION.—Section 2(c)(4) of tleman from Colorado? the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act support this important measure, and I There was no objection. of 2000 (34 U.S.C. 40701(c)(4)) is amended by reserve the balance of my time. The text of the bill is as follows: striking ‘‘2017’’ and inserting ‘‘2022’’. Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may con- H.R. 4641 (b) SUNSET.—Section 1006 of the SAFER Act of 2013 (34 U.S.C. 40701 note) is amended sume. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- by striking ‘‘2018’’ and inserting ‘‘2023’’. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support resentatives of the United States of America in of S. 1766, the Sexual Assault Forensic Congress assembled, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Evidence Reporting Act of 2017. This SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION FOR AWARD OF ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from MEDAL OF HONOR TO JOHN L. Georgia (Mrs. HANDEL) and the gentle- bipartisan legislation passed the Sen- CANLEY FOR ACTS OF VALOR DUR- woman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE) ate on October 23, 2017. ING THE VIETNAM WAR. each will control 20 minutes. I am glad that this House is moving (a) WAIVER OF TIME LIMITATIONS.—Not- The Chair recognizes the gentle- this legislation, because it is about withstanding the time limitations specified woman from Georgia. children. It is about the scourge that in section 6248 of title 10, United States children, women, and others find them- Code, or any other time limitation with re- GENERAL LEAVE selves victims of—sexual assault. spect to the awarding of certain medals to Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, I ask S. 1766 will reauthorize the DNA persons who served in the Armed Forces, the unanimous consent that all Members Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of President may award the Medal of Honor may have 5 legislative days in which to 2000 through the year 2022, by amend- under section 6241 of such title to John L. revise and extend their remarks and in- ing the language in section 2(c)(4) of 34 Canley for the acts of valor during the Viet- clude extraneous material on S. 1766, nam War described in subsection (b). U.S.C. 40701(c)(4). currently under consideration. (b) ACTS OF VALOR DESCRIBED.—The acts of Furthermore, this legislation also valor referred to in subsection (a) are the ac- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there amends other sections of the DNA Sex- tions of then Gunnery Sergeant John L. objection to the request of the gentle- ual Assault Justice Act of 2004 by en- Canley during combat operations from Janu- woman from Georgia? suring that role of forensic nurses per- ary 31, 1968, to February 6, 1968, during the There was no objection. Vietnam War as a member of the Marine tains to both adult and pediatric care. Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield The SAFER Act also amends this Corps, for which he was previously awarded myself such time as I may consume. the Navy Cross. statute by making a provision after S. 1766, the Sexual Assault Forensic ‘‘elder abuse’’ for the need of nurse ex- The bill was ordered to be engrossed Evidence Reporting Act of 2017, also aminers, particularly where there is and read a third time, was read the known as the SAFER Act, will the need for pediatric sexual assault third time, and passed, and a motion to strengthen State and local law enforce- nurse examiners, including such nurse reconsider was laid on the table. ment’s ability to reduce the number of examiners working in the multidisci- f untested rape kits and help take more plinary setting, in responding to abuse ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER offenders off our streets. of both children and adolescents. PRO TEMPORE Congress provides significant re- Finally, this legislation will sunset sources annually to the Department of through 2023 by amending the SAFER The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Justice to help reduce backlogs of un- ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair Act. The SAFER Act is a critical pro- tested forensic evidence. This legisla- gram, administered by the U.S. Depart- will postpone further proceedings tion will reauthorize the Attorney Gen- today on the motion to suspend the ment of Justice, that allows: eral’s authority to allocate 5 to 7 per- Local law enforcement programs to rules on which a recorded vote or the cent of funds made available to carry obtain funding for programs to reduce yeas and nays are ordered, or if the out the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog the rape kit backlog in communities vote is objected to under clause 6 of Grant Program to help communities across the country; rule XX. audit their backlogs, which is an im- Victims of sexual assault get justice Any record vote on the postponed portant first step in any effort to more quickly than in the past; question will be taken later. eliminate a backlog. Thirty-five percent of funds available f Despite the cases analyzed and im- under the Debbie Smith Act for grants b 1430 provements made with our Federal re- to local law enforcement agencies to sources, backlogs persist due to the focus more resources on rape kit test- SEXUAL ASSAULT FORENSIC ever-increasing demand for evidence ing; EVIDENCE REPORTING ACT OF 2017 testing. According to the National In- Five to seven percent of the Debbie Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, I move stitute of Justice, as the value of DNA Smith Act funding to be used by local to suspend the rules and pass the bill evidence is increasingly recognized, jurisdictions to conduct 1-year audits (S. 1766) to reauthorize the SAFER Act more evidence gets collected and sub- of untested sexual assault evidence to of 2013, and for other purposes. mitted to laboratories for analysis. identify serious areas of backlog; and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.031 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10363 Forensic testing to be done by both is to blame, from the Federal Govern- lost voice. I am suffering from some- pediatric and adult sexual assault ment to local government. what of the same thing, but I have a nurse examiners. It is shameful because victims—and I little bit of a voice, so I can say thank This is a very important measure knew a lot of them at the courthouse you, again, for your very hard work on that will address the large volume of as a judge—don’t know who committed this legislation as a former judge in cases that fester due to the excessive this crime against them, and we have Harris County on the criminal bench. I backlog in our processing of rape kits. the ability to tell them, but we don’t know you saw injustices because rape According to the National Institute because of bureaucratic incompetence. kits had not been processed. of Justice, a multidisciplinary, victim- These haven’t been examined. They I believe, as the chair and co-chair of centered approach and standardized, ef- have the right to know who sexually the Congressional Children’s Caucus ficient evidence processing in sexual assaulted them. and the ranking member on the Sub- assault cases are the focus of its new Also, there are criminals running committee on Crime, Terrorism, Home- report. loose, who have never been prosecuted, land Security, and Investigations, that The report, ‘‘National Best Practices because these rape kits have never we went through this as well. I was for Sexual Assault Kits,’’ outlines 35 been analyzed. And, yes, there are peo- very pleased that the Justice Depart- suggestions for laboratories and law ple incarcerated who are innocent, and ment understood the importance of enforcement to improve their sexual the rape kit can prove their innocence. grants to help our local law enforce- assault investigations, tackling issues It is important that we pass the ment, but, more importantly, that the such as evidence collection, storage, SAFER Act. Get those sexual assault Judiciary Committee understood the and maintenance; backlog tracking and kits analyzed. There are no more ex- importance of this legislation to really processing; victim advocacy and notifi- cuses. move forward to process kits. cation; and sensitivity to trauma in Mr. Speaker, in 1984, Michelle was raped at Can you imagine, Mr. Speaker, chil- sexual assault victims. knifepoint by two men who broke into her dren having a backlog of kits that have A working group—consisting of vic- home. been subjected to sexual assault—the tims and victim advocates, sexual as- They blindfolded her, tied her up with a most dastardly act and violence—not sault nurse examiners and medical ex- phone cord, and gagged tit her before sexually only against adults, but against chil- aminers, forensic laboratories, law en- assaulting her. dren, like 3-month-olds, or toddlers, by forcement agencies, prosecutors, and During the assault, they laughed and sick people who sexually assault them. members of the judiciary—developed bragged that they had been getting away with So the development and implementa- the suggestions over a 2-year period committing this crime for seven years. tion of policies and procedures by the following the Sexual Assault Forensic Much to Michelle’s surprise, they left without National Institutes of Health leads to Evidence Reporting Act of 2013, the ending her life. But hers would now be a life more timely submission of evidence to forensic laboratories, enhances com- SAFER Act, a component of the Vio- filled with suffering and fear. Michelle called munications and investigative proce- lence Against Women Act. We will soon the police and had a rape kit taken. dures, promotes better informed pros- reauthorize the Violence Against She hoped that by achieving justice against ecutorial decisionmaking, and, as my Women Act, and we will be happy to her attackers she would find some measure of friend said, it helps the accused and the have this expansion included in this. peace and closure. accuser. These approaches are the most A victim-centered approach is the Michelle waited for the results, but she wait- important because they get victim par- focus on the needs and the concerns of ed in vain. ticipation. a victim to ensure the passionate and The backlog of untested kits was too large, so her kit was never tested. Victims of sexual assault require jus- sensitive delivery of services in a tice that is swift, thorough, and expe- nonjudgmental manner. A trauma-in- Over the next years, while her rape kit sat collecting dust on a shelf, break-ins and rapes dient so they may begin to heal and at- formed approach considers the impact tempt to put the pieces of their lives of trauma and victim safety consider- continued to happen in her neighborhood. She was in constant fear that her attackers back together. They deserve the best ations. efforts of law enforcement to help Mr. Speaker, my colleague from were still on the loose. Not only does the inability to test rape kits them along the way. Texas, Congressman POE, and my col- deny victims justice, it also puts the safety of When Houston was trying to rebuild league from New York, Congresswoman other innocent people in jeopardy by keeping its rape testing structure, we utilized CAROLYN B. MALONEY, have worked on criminals on the streets. the FBI. And I want to take a moment a number of these issues, and also Sen- To address this issue, Congresswoman to thank the FBI for its deep abiding ator CORNYN, because this is a very im- MALONEY and I introduced the Sexual Assault integrity and honesty and how it portant step. I remember the days, in Forensic Evidence Reporting Act or SAFER comes to the rescue of so many juris- our respective jurisdictions, that we Act, which was signed into law in 2013. dictions, local law enforcement. Let us had a mounting backlog of rape kits. This bill provides funds to states and local- be very clear on how important it is to Do you know what that means, Mr. ities to increase rape kit testing and expand maintain the integrity and the respect Speaker? Women and children do not forensic lab capacities. for the FBI, as opposed to demeaning get either their day in court or do not In the years since SAFER’s enactment there the FBI. Today, on the floor of the get justice. has been progress, but there are still hun- House, I want to thank them for their Mr. Speaker, I believe that this is a dreds of thousands of untested rape kits service. timely and very important legislative across the nation. So this legislation would reauthorize initiative. SAFER was slated to expire at the end of the SAFER Act, provide funding to Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to this year, but thankfully, with bipartisan sup- conduct 1-year audits of untested sex- support the legislation, and I reserve port, Congress has secured its re-authoriza- ual assault evidence, and ensure that the balance of my time. tion and continued existence. law enforcement agencies across the Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 This legislation will continue to reduce the country are trained and armed with minutes to the gentleman from Texas national rape kit backlog and help victims the skills and tools they require to (Mr. POE), my colleague. achieve justice. stand against sexual assault and stand Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, one I want to thank Senator CORNYN who has for those individuals who might be vic- of the worst things that can happen to worked with me on SAFER for many years. timized. any of us is to lose their voice, and I And I want to thank the Chairman for bring- The SAFER Act would also ensure have lost mine. I know some of the ing this bill to the floor. I applaud its passage that forensic nurses are eligible for Democrats are glad about that. here today. training under the program. These pro- But I want to say this on behalf of And that is just the way it is. fessionals are indispensable. Our citi- the SAFER Act. There are, in our Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I zens deserve to be protected and re- country, on shelves, in warehouses, and yield myself such time as I may con- main free from harm. Our children, in law enforcement office buildings sume. women, and men, who are sexually as- rape kits that have never been exam- Mr. Speaker, to my good friend from saulted, deserve to be protected, but ined. That is shameful. And everybody Texas, I am just a measure above your their cases must move expeditiously.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.034 H21DEPT1 H10364 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to A victim centered approach is the focus on b 1445 join me in supporting this important the needs and concerns of a victim to ensure The SPEAKER pro tempore. The legislation, as we continue to stand for the compassionate and sensitive delivery of question is on the motion offered by victims and against the viciousness of services in a nonjudgmental manner. A trau- the gentlewoman from Georgia (Mrs. ma-informed approach considers the impact of sexual crimes of any kind, protect HANDEL) that the House suspend the them, and bring the perpetrators to trauma and victim safety considerations. rules and pass the bill, S. 1766. justice. I ask for a ‘‘yes’’ vote for this Utilizing both approaches in the develop- ment and implementation of policies and pro- The question was taken. legislation. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1766, cedures leads to more timely submission of evidence to forensic laboratories, enhances opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being the ‘‘Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Re- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. porting’’ or the (SAFER) Act of 2017.’’ communications and investigative procedures, Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, I object This bipartisan legislation passed the Sen- promotes better informed prosecutorial deci- to the vote on the ground that a ate October 23, 2017. sion-making, and ultimately may reduce re- quorum is not present and make the S. 1766 will reauthorize the DNA Analysis traumatization of victims by the criminal justice point of order that a quorum is not Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 through the system. present. year 2022, by amending the language in sec- In fact, these approaches are more likely to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tion 2(c)(4) of the (34 U.S.C. 40701(c)(4)). increase victim participation and thereby, sup- Furthermore, this legislation also amends port more complete investigations, increasing ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- Section 304(c)(2) of the DNA Sexual Assault the overall likelihood of successful prosecu- ceedings on this question will be post- Justice Act of 2004 (34 U.S.C. 40723(c)(2)) by tions.’’ poned. For these reasons, I support this bill. ensuring that role of forensic nurses pertains The point of no quorum is considered Victims of sexual assault require justice that withdrawn. to both adult and pediatric care. is swift, thorough, and expedient, so that they The SAFER Act also amends this statute by may begin to heal and attempt to put the f making a provision after ‘‘elder abuse’’ for the pieces of their lives back together. They de- need of nurse examiners, particularly, where serve the best efforts of law enforcement to there is the need for pediatric sexual assault help them along the way. FURTHER SUPPLEMENTAL nurse examiners, including such nurse exam- This legislation would reauthorize the APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018 iners working in the multidisciplinary setting, in SAFER Act, provide funding to conduct one- GENERAL LEAVE responding to abuse of both children and ado- year audits of untested sexual assault evi- Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, lescents’’. dence, and ensure that law enforcement agen- I ask unanimous consent that all Mem- Finally, this legislation will sunset through cies across the country are trained and armed bers have 5 legislative days to revise 2023 by amending Section 1006 of the with the skills and tools they require to stand and extend their remarks and to in- SAFER Act of 2013 (34 U.S.C. 40701 note). against sexual assault, and stand for those in- clude extraneous material on H.R. 4667. The SAFER Act is a critical program admin- dividuals who might be victimized. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there istered by the U.S. Department of Justice that The SAFER Act would also ensure that fo- objection to the request of the gen- allows: rensic nurses are eligible for training under the Local law enforcement programs to obtain program. These professionals perform indis- tleman from New Jersey? funding for programs to reduce the rape kit pensable functions within the investigation of There was no objection. backlog in communities across the country. sexual abuse cases. They also provide spe- Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, Victims of sexual assault get justice more cialized care and attention to children, youth, pursuant to House Resolution 670, I call quickly than in the past. and the elderly, who are sexually abused. This up the bill (H.R. 4667) making further 35% of funds available under the Debbie legislation would help local authorities make supplemental appropriations for the Smith Act for grants to local law enforcement certain that state and local forensic nurses are fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, agencies to focus more resources on rape kit fully capable of providing such an important for disaster assistance for Hurricanes testing. service to child victims. Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and calendar 5%–7% of the Debbie Smith Act funding to Our citizens deserve to be protected and re- year 2017 wildfires, and for other pur- be used by local jurisdictions to conduct one- main free from harm. We have a responsibility poses, and ask for its immediate con- year audits of untested sexual assault evi- to do all that we can during those unfortunate sideration. dence to identify serious areas of backlog. times where one of them might be victimized. The Clerk read the title of the bill. Forensic testing to be done by both pedi- Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to join me The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- atric and adult sexual assault nurse exam- in supporting this important legislation as we ant to House Resolution 670, the iners. continue to stand for victims and against sex- amendments printed in House Report This is a very important measure that will ual crimes of any kind. 115–477 are adopted. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance address the large volume of cases that fester The bill, as amended, contains an of my time. due to the excessive back log in our proc- emergency designation pursuant to Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield essing of rape kits. section 4(g)(1) of the Statutory Pay-As- myself the balance of my time. You-Go Act of 2010. Accordingly, the According to the National Institute of Jus- Mr. Speaker, let me start by recog- Chair must put the question of consid- tice, a multidisciplinary, victim-centered ap- nizing the tremendous leadership of my eration under section 4(g)(2) of the proach and standardized, efficient evidence colleague, Representative TED POE processing in sexual assault cases are the from Texas. I thank him for giving me Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010. focus of its new report. the honor of being his wing woman in The question is, Will the House now The report, National Best Practices for Sex- presenting this important piece of leg- consider the bill? ual Assault Kits, outlines 35 suggestions for islation today. The question of consideration was de- laboratories and law enforcement to improve And, indeed, the SAFER Act is an cided in the affirmative. their sexual assault investigations, tackling important piece of legislation to rein- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill, issues such as evidence collection, storage force the efforts of our local and State as amended, is considered read. and maintenance; backlog tracking & proc- law enforcement in their work to re- The text of the bill, as amended, is as essing; victim advocacy and notification; and duce the number of untested rape kits follows: sensitivity to trauma in sexual assault victims. and help take these sexual assault H.R. 4667 A working group—consisting of victims and predators off the streets. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- victim advocates, sexual assault nurse exam- At the same time, this legislation un- resentatives of the United States of America in iners and medical examiners, forensic labora- derscores the critical role that the pe- Congress assembled, tories, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors diatric sexual assault examiners play DIVISION A—DISASTER ASSISTANCE and members of the judiciary—developed the in this process and makes them eligible The following sums are appropriated, out suggestions over a two-year period following for key training. of any money in the Treasury not otherwise the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Report- So, again, I ask my colleagues to appropriated, for the fiscal year ending Sep- ing (SAFER) Act of 2013, a component of the pass this bill, and I yield back the bal- tember 30, 2018, and for other purposes, Violence Against Women Act. ance of my time. namely:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.036 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10365 TITLE I amount is designated by the Congress as Act: Provided further, That such amount is DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE being for an emergency requirement pursu- designated by the Congress as being for an OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY ant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced emergency requirement pursuant to section Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and For an additional amount for the ‘‘Office of of 1985. Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. the Secretary’’, $2,600,000,000, which shall re- main available until September 30, 2019, for FARM SERVICE AGENCY FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE necessary expenses related to crops, trees, EMERGENCY CONSERVATION PROGRAM COMMODITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM bushes, vines, and livestock losses resulting For an additional amount for the ‘‘Emer- For an additional amount for ‘‘Commodity from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, and gency Conservation Program’’ for necessary Assistance Program’’ for the emergency food other hurricanes and wildfires occurring in expenses related to the consequences of Hur- assistance program as authorized by section calendar year 2017 under such terms and con- ricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria and of 27(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 ditions as determined by the Secretary: Pro- wildfires occurring in calendar year 2017, and U.S.C. 2036(a)) and section 204(a)(1) of the vided, That the Secretary may provide as- other natural disasters, $400,000,000, to re- Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 sistance for such losses in the form of block main available until expended: Provided, U.S.C. 7508(a)(1)), $24,000,000, to remain avail- grants to eligible states and territories: Pro- That not less than $300,000,000 of the amount able until September 30, 2019: Provided, That vided further, That the total amount of pay- made available in the previous proviso shall notwithstanding any other provisions of the ments received under this heading and appli- be for necessary expenses resulting from a Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983, the cable policies of crop insurance under the major disaster declared pursuant to the Rob- Secretary of Agriculture may allocate addi- Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et ert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emer- tional foods and funds for administrative ex- seq.) or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assist- gency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.): penses from resources specifically appro- ance Program (NAP) under section 196 of the Provided further, That such amount is des- priated, transferred, or reprogrammed to Federal Agriculture Improvement and Re- ignated by the Congress as being for an provide resources to Puerto Rico, the United form Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333) shall not ex- emergency requirement pursuant to section States Virgin Islands, and States affected by ceed 85 percent of the loss as determined by 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and wildfires occurring in calendar year 2017 or the Secretary: Provided further, That the Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, as de- total amount of payments received under termined by the Secretary, without regard NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE this heading for producers who did not ob- to sections 204 and 214 of such Act (7 U.S.C. tain a policy or plan of insurance for an in- WATERSHED AND FLOOD PREVENTION 7508, 7515): Provided further, That such funds surable commodity for the 2017 crop year, or OPERATIONS will be designated for States impacted by 2018 crop year in the case of citrus, under the For an additional amount, for ‘‘Watershed Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, or wild- Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et and Flood Prevention Operations’’, for nec- fire and subject to a federal major disaster or seq.) for the crop incurring the losses or did essary expenses for the Emergency Water- emergency declaration: Provided further, not file the required paperwork and pay the shed Protection Program related to the con- That such amount is designated by the Con- service fee by the applicable State filing sequences of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and gress as being for an emergency requirement deadline for a noninsurable commodity for Maria and of wildfires occurring in calendar pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal- the 2017 crop year under NAP for the crop in- year 2017, and other natural disasters, anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control curring the losses shall not exceed 65 percent $541,000,000, to remain available until ex- Act of 1985. of the loss as determined by the Secretary: pended: Provided, That not less than DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN Provided further, That producers receiving $400,000,000 of the amount made available in SERVICES payments under this heading, as determined the previous proviso shall be for necessary FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION by the Secretary, shall be required to pur- expenses resulting from a major disaster de- BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES chase crop insurance where crop insurance is clared pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) available for the next two available crop Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance years, and producers receiving payments Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.): Provided further, For an additional amount for ‘‘Buildings under this heading shall be required to pur- That such amount is designated by the Con- and Facilities’’, $7,600,000, to remain avail- chase coverage under NAP where crop insur- gress as being for an emergency requirement able until expended, for necessary expenses ance is not available in the next two avail- pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal- related to the consequences of Hurricanes able crop years, as determined by the Sec- anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Harvey, Irma, and Maria: Provided, That retary: Provided further, That, not later than Act of 1985. such amount may be transferred to ‘‘Depart- ment of Health and Human Services—Food 90 days after the end of fiscal year 2018, the RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS Secretary shall submit a report to the Con- and Drug Administration Salaries and Ex- RURAL HOUSING SERVICE gress specifying the type, amount, and meth- penses’’ for costs related to repair of facili- od of such assistance by state and territory RURAL HOUSING INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ties, for replacement of equipment, and for and the status of the amounts obligated and ACCOUNT other increases in facility-related costs: Pro- plans for further expenditure and include im- For an additional amount for costs of di- vided further, That obligations incurred for provements that can be made to Federal rect loans, including costs relating to modi- the purposes provided herein prior to the Crop Insurance policies, either administra- fication of such loans, as those terms are de- date of enactment of this Act may be tively or legislatively, to increase participa- fined in section 502 of the Congressional charged to funds appropriated by this para- tion, particularly among underserved pro- Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 661a), $18,672,000 graph: Provided further, That such amount is ducers, in higher levels of coverage in future shall be for direct loans for the rehabilita- designated by the Congress as being for an years for crops qualifying for assistance tion of section 515 rental housing (42 U.S.C. emergency requirement pursuant to section under this heading: Provided further, That 1485) in locations where owners were not re- 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and such amount is designated by the Congress quired to carry national flood insurance, to Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. as being for an emergency requirement pur- remain available until September 30, 2019: GENERAL PROVISION—THIS TITLE suant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal- Provided, That such funds shall be for areas SEC. 101. (a) Section 1501(d)(1) of the Agri- anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and cultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(d)(1)) is Act of 1985. Maria: Provided further, That such amount is amended by striking ‘‘not more than OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL designated by the Congress as being for an $20,000,000’’ and inserting ‘‘not more than For an additional amount for ‘‘Office of In- emergency requirement pursuant to section $40,000,000’’. spector General’’, $2,500,000, to remain avail- 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and (b) The amount provided by subsection (a) able until expended, for oversight and audit Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. for fiscal year 2018 is designated by the Con- gress as being for an emergency requirement of programs, grants, and activities funded by RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE this division and administered by the De- pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal- RURAL WATER AND WASTE DISPOSAL PROGRAM anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control partment of Agriculture: Provided, That such ACCOUNT amount is designated by the Congress as Act of 1985. For an additional amount for the ‘‘Rural being for an emergency requirement pursu- TITLE II Water and Waste Disposal Program Ac- ant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE count’’, $165,475,000, to remain available until Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION expended, for grants to repair drinking water of 1985. systems and sewer and solid waste disposal ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE systems impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, PROGRAMS BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES Irma, and Maria: Provided, That not to ex- (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) For an additional amount for ‘‘Buildings ceed $2,000,000 of the amount appropriated Pursuant to section 703 of the Public and Facilities’’, $22,000,000, to remain avail- under this heading shall be for technical as- Works and Economic Development Act (42 able until expended, for necessary expenses sistance grants for rural water and waste U.S.C. 3233), for an additional amount for related to the consequences of Hurricanes systems pursuant to section 306(a)(14) of the ‘‘Economic Development Assistance Pro- Harvey, Irma and Maria: Provided, That such Consolidated Farm and Rural Development grams’’ for necessary expenses related to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.014 H21DEPT1 H10366 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 flood mitigation, disaster relief, long-term the amount provided under this heading is Harvey, Irma, and Maria, $1,000,000: Provided, recovery, and restoration of infrastructure designated by the Congress as being for an That the amount made available under this in areas that received a major disaster des- emergency requirement pursuant to section heading shall be used only to provide the mo- ignation as a result of Hurricanes Harvey, 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and bile resources, technology, and disaster coor- Irma, and Maria, and the calendar year 2017 Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. dinators necessary to provide storm-related wildfires, under the Robert T. Stafford Dis- DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION services to the Legal Services Corporation aster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act client population and only in the areas sig- SALARIES AND EXPENSES (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), $600,000,000, to remain nificantly affected by Hurricanes Harvey, available until expended: Provided, That the For an additional amount for ‘‘Salaries Irma, and Maria: Provided further, That such amount provided under this heading is des- and Expenses’’ for necessary expenses related amount is designated by the Congress as ignated by the Congress as being for an to the consequences of Hurricanes Harvey, being for an emergency requirement pursu- emergency requirement pursuant to section Irma, and Maria, $11,500,000: Provided, That ant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and the amount provided under this heading is Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985: Pro- designated by the Congress as being for an of 1985: Provided further, That none of the vided further, That within the amount appro- emergency requirement pursuant to section funds appropriated in this division to the priated, up to 2 percent of funds may be 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Legal Services Corporation shall be expended transferred to the ‘‘Salaries and Expenses’’ Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. for any purpose prohibited or limited by, or account for administration and oversight ac- FEDERAL PRISON SYSTEM contrary to any of the provisions of, sections tivities: Provided further, That within the SALARIES AND EXPENSES 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, and 506 of Public Law amount appropriated, $1,000,000 shall be For an additional amount for ‘‘Salaries 105–119, and all funds appropriated in this di- transferred to the ‘‘Office of Inspector Gen- and Expenses’’ for necessary expenses related vision to the Legal Services Corporation eral’’ account for carrying out investigations to the consequences of Hurricanes Harvey, shall be subject to the same terms and condi- and audits related to the funding provided Irma, and Maria, $16,000,000: Provided, That tions set forth in such sections, except that under this heading. the amount provided under this heading is all references in sections 502 and 503 to 1997 NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC designated by the Congress as being for an and 1998 shall be deemed to refer instead to ADMINISTRATION emergency requirement pursuant to section 2017 and 2018, respectively, and except that sections 501 and 503 of Public Law 104–134 OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and (referenced by Public Law 105–119) shall not For an additional amount for ‘‘Operations, Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. apply to the amount made available under Research, and Facilities’’ for necessary ex- BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES this heading: Provided further, That, for the penses related to the consequences of Hurri- For an additional amount for ‘‘Buildings purposes of this division, the Legal Services canes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, $120,904,000, and Facilities’’ for necessary expenses re- Corporation shall be considered an agency of to remain available until September 30, 2019, lated to the consequences of Hurricanes Har- the United States Government. as follows: (1) $12,904,000 for repair and re- vey, Irma, and Maria, $34,000,000, to remain TITLE III placement of observing assets, Federal real available until expended: Provided, That the property, and equipment; (2) $18,000,000 for amount provided under this heading is des- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE marine debris assessment and removal; (3) ignated by the Congress as being for an DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE—MILITARY $40,000,000 for mapping, charting, and geod- emergency requirement pursuant to section OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE esy services; and (4) $50,000,000 to improve 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, ARMY weather forecasting, hurricane intensity Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. For an additional amount for ‘‘Operation forecasting and flood forecasting and mitiga- SCIENCE tion capabilities, including data assimilation and Maintenance, Army’’, $20,110,000, to re- from ocean observing platforms and sat- NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE main available until September 30, 2018, for ellites: Provided, That the amount provided ADMINISTRATION necessary expenses related to the con- under this heading is designated by the Con- CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL sequences of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma or gress as being for an emergency requirement COMPLIANCE AND RESTORATION Maria: Provided, That such amount is des- pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal- For an additional amount for ‘‘Construc- ignated by the Congress as being for an anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control tion and Environmental Compliance and emergency requirement pursuant to section Act of 1985. Restoration’’ for repairs at National Aero- 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. PROCUREMENT, ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION nautics and Space Administration facilities For an additional amount for ‘‘Procure- damaged by hurricanes during 2017, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, NAVY ment, Acquisition and Construction’’ for $81,300,000, to remain available until ex- For an additional amount for ‘‘Operation necessary expenses related to the con- pended: Provided, That the amount provided and Maintenance, Navy’’, $267,796,000, to re- sequences of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and under this heading is designated by the Con- main available until September 30, 2018, for Maria, $79,232,000, to remain available until gress as being for an emergency requirement necessary expenses related to the con- September 30, 2020, as follows: (1) $29,232,000 pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal- sequences of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma or for repair and replacement of Federal real anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Maria: Provided, That such amount is des- property and observing assets; and (2) Act of 1985. ignated by the Congress as being for an $50,000,000 for improvements to operational NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION emergency requirement pursuant to section and research weather supercomputing infra- RESEARCH AND RELATED ACTIVITIES 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. structure and for improvement of satellite For an additional amount for ‘‘Research ground services used in hurricane intensity and Related Activities’’ for necessary ex- OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, MARINE CORPS and track prediction: Provided, That the penses to repair National Science Founda- For an additional amount for ‘‘Operation amount provided under this heading is des- tion radio observatory facilities damaged by and Maintenance, Marine Corps’’, $17,920,000, ignated by the Congress as being for an hurricanes that occurred during 2017, to remain available until September 30, 2018, emergency requirement pursuant to section $16,300,000, to remain available until ex- for necessary expenses related to the con- 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and pended: Provided, That the amount provided sequences of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma or Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. under this heading is designated by the Con- Maria: Provided, That such amount is des- DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE gress as being for an emergency requirement ignated by the Congress as being for an UNITED STATES MARSHALS SERVICE pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal- emergency requirement pursuant to section SALARIES AND EXPENSES anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and For an additional amount for ‘‘Salaries Act of 1985: Provided further, That the Na- Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. and Expenses’’ for necessary expenses related tional Science Foundation shall submit a OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, AIR FORCE to the consequences of Hurricanes Harvey, spending plan to the Committees on Appro- For an additional amount for ‘‘Operation Irma, and Maria, $2,500,000: Provided, That priations of the House of Representatives and Maintenance, Air Force’’, $20,916,000, to the amount provided under this heading is and the Senate within 45 days after the date remain available until September 30, 2018, for designated by the Congress as being for an of enactment of this Act. necessary expenses related to the con- emergency requirement pursuant to section RELATED AGENCIES sequences of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma or 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION Maria: Provided, That such amount is des- Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. PAYMENT TO THE LEGAL SERVICES ignated by the Congress as being for an FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION CORPORATION emergency requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and SALARIES AND EXPENSES For an additional amount for ‘‘Payment to Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. For an additional amount for ‘‘Salaries the Legal Services Corporation’’ to carry out and Expenses’’ for necessary expenses related the purposes of the Legal Services Corpora- OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, DEFENSE-WIDE to the consequences of Hurricanes Harvey, tion Act by providing for necessary expenses For an additional amount for ‘‘Operation Irma, and Maria, $21,200,000: Provided, That related to the consequences of Hurricanes and Maintenance, Defense-Wide’’, $2,650,000,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.014 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10367 to remain available until September 30, 2018, gram’’, $704,000, to remain available until vided further, That the Secretary shall con- for necessary expenses related to the con- September 30, 2018, for necessary expenses re- sider giving priority to projects located in sequences of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma or lated to the consequences of Hurricanes Har- areas that suffered the most damage from Maria: Provided, That such amount is des- vey, Irma or Maria: Provided, That such these hurricanes and to projects located in ignated by the Congress as being for an amount is designated by the Congress as areas that have had multiple major disaster emergency requirement pursuant to section being for an emergency requirement pursu- declarations in recent years: Provided further, 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and ant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced That funding utilized for authorized shore Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act protection projects shall restore such OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, ARMY RESERVE of 1985. projects from the design level of protection For an additional amount for ‘‘Operation TITLE IV to the full project profile at full Federal ex- and Maintenance, Army Reserve’’, pense: Provided further, That the completion CORPS OF ENGINEERS—CIVIL of ongoing construction projects receiving $12,500,000, to remain available until Sep- DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY tember 30, 2018, for necessary expenses re- funds provided under this heading shall be at lated to the consequences of Hurricanes Har- CORPS OF ENGINEERS—CIVIL full Federal expense with respect to such vey, Irma or Maria: Provided, That such INVESTIGATIONS funds: Provided further, That upon approval amount is designated by the Congress as For an additional amount for ‘‘Investiga- of the Committees on Appropriations of the being for an emergency requirement pursu- tions’’ for necessary expenses related to the House of Representatives and the Senate ant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced consequences of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, funds provided under this heading may be Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act and Maria, $75,000,000, to remain available used to construct any project studied using of 1985. until expended to expedite and complete at funds provided under the heading ‘‘Investiga- tions’’ or any project with a completed OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, NAVY RESERVE full Federal expense studies, including Chief’s Report that has not yet been author- Preconstruction Engineering and Design, for For an additional amount for ‘‘Operation ized if the Secretary determines that the flood and storm damage reduction, including and Maintenance, Navy Reserve’’, $2,922,000, project is technically feasible, economically shore protection, in areas that were affected to remain available until September 30, 2018, justified, and environmentally acceptable: by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, or Maria: Pro- for necessary expenses related to the con- Provided further, That, using these funds, the sequences of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma or vided, That the Secretary may use funding non-Federal cash contribution for authorized Maria: Provided, That such amount is des- provided under this heading to complete on- but unconstructed projects, projects with ignated by the Congress as being for an going studies, to initiate and complete up to completed Chief’s Reports that have not yet emergency requirement pursuant to section two authorized studies for assessing regional been authorized, or projects that are funded 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and flood and storm risks, and to initiate and as ongoing studies under the heading ‘‘Inves- Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. complete up to six authorized feasibility tigations’’ shall be financed in accordance OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, AIR FORCE studies: Provided further, That the Secretary with the provisions of section 103(k) of Pub- RESERVE shall consider giving priority to studies in lic Law 99–662 over a period of 30 years from For an additional amount for ‘‘Operation areas that suffered the most damage from the date of completion of the project or sepa- and Maintenance, Air Force Reserve’’, these hurricanes and to studies in areas that rable element: Provided further, That a report $5,770,000, to remain available until Sep- have had multiple major disaster declara- identifying all ongoing construction tember 30, 2018, for necessary expenses re- tions in recent years: Provided further, That projects, authorized but unconstructed lated to the consequences of Hurricanes Har- a report identifying all ongoing studies, au- projects, and projects with completed Chief’s vey, Irma or Maria: Provided, That such thorized studies for assessing regional flood Reports that have not yet been authorized, amount is designated by the Congress as and storm risks in the impacted areas, and including project cost estimates and identi- being for an emergency requirement pursu- authorized feasibility studies eligible for fication of whether each project is in a cat- ant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced funding under this heading, including identi- egory to be considered for priority, shall be Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act fication of whether each study is in a cat- submitted to the Committees on Appropria- of 1985. egory to be considered for priority, shall be tions of the House of Representatives and OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, ARMY NATIONAL submitted to the Committees on Appropria- the Senate not later than 45 days after the GUARD tions of the House of Representatives and date of enactment of this Act: Provided fur- ther, That not more than $500,000,000 of the For an additional amount for ‘‘Operation the Senate not later than 30 days after the funds provided to expedite construction shall and Maintenance, Army National Guard’’, date of enactment of this Act: Provided fur- be available until such report is submitted: $55,471,000, to remain available until Sep- ther, That no allocation shall be made to ini- Provided further, That for projects funded tember 30, 2018, for necessary expenses re- tiate any new study until the Secretary sub- under this heading, the provisions of section lated to the consequences of Hurricanes Har- mits to the Committees on Appropriations of 902 of the Water Resources Development Act vey, Irma or Maria: Provided, That such the House of Representatives and the Senate of 1986 shall not apply to these funds: Pro- amount is designated by the Congress as a list of all new studies selected to be initi- vided further, That up to $50,000,000 of the being for an emergency requirement pursu- ated using funds provided under this head- ing: Provided further, That such amount is funds provided to expedite construction shall ant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced be used to expedite continuing authorities Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act designated by the Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to section projects to reduce the risk of flooding and of 1985. storm damage in areas impacted by Hurri- PROCUREMENT 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985: Pro- canes Harvey, Irma, or Maria: Provided fur- OTHER PROCUREMENT, NAVY vided further, That beginning not later than ther, That any projects using funds appro- priated under this heading shall be initiated For an additional amount for ‘‘Other Pro- 60 days after the date of enactment of this only after non-Federal interests have en- curement, Navy’’ $18,000,000, to remain avail- Act, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for tered into binding agreements with the Sec- able until September 30, 2020, for necessary Civil Works shall provide monthly reports to retary requiring the non-Federal interests to expenses related to the consequences of Hur- the Committees on Appropriations of the pay 100 percent of the operation, mainte- ricanes Harvey, Irma or Maria: Provided, House of Representatives and the Senate de- That such amount is designated by the Con- nance, repair, replacement, and rehabilita- tailing the allocation and obligation of these tion costs of the project and to hold and save gress as being for an emergency requirement funds. pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal- the United States free from damages due to anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control CONSTRUCTION the construction or operation and mainte- Act of 1985. For an additional amount for ‘‘Construc- nance of the project, except for damages due tion’’ for necessary expenses related to the to the fault or negligence of the United REVOLVING AND MANAGEMENT FUNDS consequences of natural disasters, including States or its contractors: Provided further, DEFENSE WORKING CAPITAL FUNDS Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, That such amount is designated by the Con- For an additional amount for ‘‘Defense $10,480,000,000, to remain available until ex- gress as an emergency requirement pursuant Working Capital Funds’’ for the Navy Work- pended to rehabilitate, repair, and construct to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced ing Capital Fund, $9,486,000, to remain avail- United States Army Corps of Engineers Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act able until September 30, 2018, for necessary projects: Provided, That $55,000,000 of the of 1985: Provided further, That beginning not expenses related to the consequences of Hur- funds provided under this heading shall be later than 60 days after the date of enact- ricanes Harvey, Irma or Maria: Provided, used to address emergency situations at ment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary of That such amount is designated by the Con- Corps of Engineers projects, and to rehabili- the Army for Civil Works shall provide gress as being for an emergency requirement tate and repair damages to Corps of Engi- monthly reports to the Committees on Ap- pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal- neers projects, caused by natural disasters: propriations of the House of Representatives anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Provided further, That $10,425,000,000 of the and the Senate detailing the allocation and Act of 1985. funds provided under this heading shall be obligation of these funds. OTHER DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PROGRAMS used to expedite construction of projects for MISSISSIPPI RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES DEFENSE HEALTH PROGRAM flood and storm damage reduction, including For an additional amount for ‘‘Mississippi For an additional amount for operation shore protection, in areas that were affected River and Tributaries’’, $370,000,000, to re- and maintenance for ‘‘Defense Health Pro- by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, or Maria: Pro- main available until expended, for necessary

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.014 H21DEPT1 H10368 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 expenses to dredge navigation projects in re- to remain available until expended, for nec- emergency requirement pursuant to section sponse to, and repair damages to Corps of essary expenses related to natural disasters, 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Engineers projects caused by, natural disas- including technical assistance related to Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. ters: Provided, That such amount is des- electric grids: Provided, That such amount is TITLE VI ignated by the Congress as an emergency re- designated by the Congress as an emergency DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY quirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) requirement pursuant to section OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Def- 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and icit Control Act of 1985: Provided further, Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT That beginning not later than 60 days after STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE For an additional amount for ‘‘Operations the date of enactment of this Act, the Assist- and Support’’ for necessary expenses related ant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works For an additional amount for ‘‘Strategic to the consequences of Hurricanes Harvey, shall provide monthly reports to the Com- Petroleum Reserve’’, $8,716,000, to remain Irma, and Maria, $25,000,000, to remain avail- mittees on Appropriations of the House of available until expended, for necessary ex- able until September 30, 2020, for audits and Representatives and the Senate detailing the penses related to damages caused by natural investigations of activities funded by this allocation and obligation of these funds. disasters: Provided, That such amount is des- title: Provided, That such amount is des- ignated by the Congress as an emergency re- OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ignated by the Congress as being for an quirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) For an additional amount for ‘‘Operation emergency requirement pursuant to section of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Def- and Maintenance’’ for necessary expenses to 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and icit Control Act of 1985. dredge navigation projects in response to, Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. GENERAL PROVISION—THIS TITLE and repair damages to Corps of Engineers U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION projects caused by, natural disasters, SEC. 401. In fiscal year 2018 and each fiscal OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT $608,000,000, to remain available until ex- year thereafter, the Chief of Engineers of the For an additional amount for ‘‘Operations pended, of which such sums as are necessary U.S. Army Corps of Engineers shall transmit and Support’’ for necessary expenses related to cover the Federal share of eligible oper- to the Congress, after reasonable oppor- to the consequences of Hurricanes Harvey, ation and maintenance costs for coastal har- tunity for comment, but without change, by Irma, and Maria, $104,494,000, to remain bors and channels, and for inland harbors the Assistant Secretary of the Army for available until September 30, 2019: Provided, shall be derived from the Harbor Mainte- Civil Works, a monthly report, the first of That such amount is designated by the Con- nance Trust Fund: Provided, That such which shall be transmitted to Congress not gress as being for an emergency requirement amount is designated by the Congress as an later than 2 days after the date of enactment pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal- emergency requirement pursuant to section of this Act and monthly thereafter, which in- anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and cludes detailed estimates of damages to each Act of 1985: Provided further, That not more Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985: Pro- Corps of Engineers project, caused by nat- than $39,400,000 may be used to carry out vided further, That beginning not later than ural disasters or otherwise. 60 days after the date of enactment of this U.S. Customs and Border Protection activi- TITLE V Act, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for ties in fiscal year 2018 in Puerto Rico and the Civil Works shall provide monthly reports to GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION United States Virgin Islands, in addition to the Committees on Appropriations of the FEDERAL BUILDINGS FUND any other amounts available for such pur- House of Representatives and the Senate de- For an additional amount to be deposited poses. tailing the allocation and obligation of these in the ‘‘Federal Buildings Fund’’, $126,951,000, PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND funds. to remain available until expended, for nec- IMPROVEMENTS FLOOD CONTROL AND COASTAL EMERGENCIES essary expenses related to the consequences For an additional amount for ‘‘Procure- For an additional amount for ‘‘Flood Con- of Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, and Irma, for ment, Construction, and Improvements’’ for trol and Coastal Emergencies’’, as authorized repair and alteration of buildings under the necessary expenses related to the con- by section 5 of the Act of August 18, 1941 (33 custody and control of the Administrator of sequences of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and U.S.C. 701n), for necessary expenses to pre- General Services, and real property manage- Maria, $3,000,000, to remain available until pare for flood, hurricane and other natural ment and related activities not otherwise September 30, 2022: Provided, That such disasters and support emergency operations, provided for: Provided, That funds may be amount is designated by the Congress as repairs, and other activities in response to used to reimburse the ‘‘Federal Buildings being for an emergency requirement pursu- such disasters, as authorized by law, Fund’’ for obligations incurred for this pur- ant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced $537,000,000, to remain available until ex- pose prior to enactment of this Act: Provided Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act pended: Provided, That such amount is des- further, That not more than $15,000,000 shall of 1985: Provided further, That funds are pro- ignated by the Congress as an emergency re- be available for tenant improvements in vided to carry out U.S. Customs and Border quirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) damaged U.S. courthouses: Provided further, Protection activities in Puerto Rico and the of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Def- That such amount is designated by the Con- United States Virgin Islands, in addition to icit Control Act of 1985: Provided further, gress as being for an emergency requirement any other amounts available for such pur- That beginning not later than 60 days after pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal- poses. the date of enactment of this Act, the Assist- anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Act of 1985. ENFORCEMENT shall provide monthly reports to the Com- SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT mittees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate detailing the DISASTER LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT For an additional amount for ‘‘Operations allocation and obligation of these funds. (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) and Support’’ for necessary expenses related to the consequences of Hurricanes Harvey, EXPENSES For an additional amount for the ‘‘Small Irma, and Maria, $30,905,000, to remain avail- For an additional amount for ‘‘Expenses’’ Business Administration—Disaster Loans able until September 30, 2019: Provided, That for necessary expenses related to the con- Program Account’’ for the cost of direct such amount is designated by the Congress sequences of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and loans authorized by section 7(b) of the Small as being for an emergency requirement pur- Maria, $20,000,000, to remain available until Business Act, $1,652,000,000, to remain avail- suant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal- expended to oversee emergency response and able until expended: Provided, That up to anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control recovery activities: Provided, That such $618,000,000 may be transferred to and merged Act of 1985. amount is designated by the Congress as with ‘‘Salaries and Expenses’’ for adminis- being for an emergency requirement pursu- trative expenses to carry out the disaster PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND ant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced loan program authorized by section 7(b) of IMPROVEMENTS Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act the Small Business Act: Provided further, For an additional amount for ‘‘Procure- of 1985: Provided further, That beginning not That none of the funds provided under this ment, Construction, and Improvements’’ for later than 60 days after the date of enact- heading may be used for indirect administra- necessary expenses related to the con- ment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary of tive expenses: Provided further, That the sequences of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and the Army for Civil Works shall provide amount provided under this heading is des- Maria, $33,052,000, to remain available until monthly reports to the Committees on Ap- ignated by the Congress as being for an September 30, 2022: Provided, That such propriations of the House of Representatives emergency requirement pursuant to section amount is designated by the Congress as and the Senate detailing the allocation and 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and being for an emergency requirement pursu- obligation of these funds. Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. ant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. ENERGY PROGRAMS For an additional amount for the ‘‘Small ELECTRICITY DELIVERY AND ENERGY Business Administration—Office of Inspector TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION RELIABILITY General’’, $7,000,000, to remain available OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT For an additional amount for ‘‘Electricity until expended: Provided, That such amount For an additional amount for ‘‘Operations Delivery and Energy Reliability’’, $13,000,000, is designated by the Congress as being for an and Support’’ for necessary expenses related

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.014 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10369 to the consequences of Hurricanes Harvey, assignment or mission assignment task sistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5184(c)(1)), loans to a Irma, and Maria, $10,322,000, to remain avail- order to another Federal department or territory or possession, and instrumental- able until September 30, 2019: Provided, That agency regarding a major disaster in excess ities and local governments thereof, may be such amount is designated by the Congress of $1,000,000, not later than 5 days after the cancelled in whole or in part only at the dis- as being for an emergency requirement pur- issuance of such mission assignment or mis- cretion of the Secretary of Homeland Secu- suant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal- sion assignment task order, the Adminis- rity in consultation with the Secretary of anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control trator shall publish on the Agency’s website the Treasury: Provided further, That notwith- Act of 1985. the following: the name of the impacted standing any other provision of law, the Sec- COAST GUARD State, the disaster declaration for such retary of Homeland Security, in consultation State, the assigned agency, the assistance with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall de- OPERATING EXPENSES requested, a description of the disaster, the termine the terms, conditions, eligible uses, For an additional amount for ‘‘Operating total cost estimate, and the amount obli- and timing and amount of Federal disburse- Expenses’’ for necessary expenses related to gated: Provided further, That not later than ments of loans issued to a territory or pos- the consequences of Hurricanes Harvey, 10 days after the last day of each month session, and instrumentalities and local gov- Irma, and Maria, $112,136,000, to remain until a mission assignment or mission as- ernments thereof: Provided further, That such available until September 30, 2019: Provided, signment task order described in the pre- costs, including the cost of modifying such That such amount is designated by the Con- ceding proviso is completed and closed out, loans, shall be as defined in section 502 of the gress as being for an emergency requirement the Administrator shall update any changes Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal- to the total cost estimate and the amount 661a): Provided further, That the Federal anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control obligated: Provided further, That for a dis- Emergency Management Agency may trans- Act of 1985. aster declaration related to Hurricanes Har- fer up to 1.5 percent of the amount under this ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND vey, Irma, or Maria, the Administrator shall paragraph to the Disaster Assistance Direct RESTORATION submit to the Committees on Appropriations Loan Program Account for administrative For an additional amount for ‘‘Environ- of the House of Representatives and the Sen- expenses to carry out under this paragraph mental Compliance and Restoration’’ for ate, not later than 5 days after the first day the direct loan program, as authorized by necessary expenses related to the con- of each month beginning after the date of en- section 417 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster sequences of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and actment of this Act, and shall publish on the Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 Maria, $4,038,000, to remain available until Agency’s website, not later than 10 days U.S.C. 5184): Provided further, That of the September 30, 2022: Provided, That such after the first day of each such month, an es- amount provided under this paragraph for amount is designated by the Congress as timate or actual amount, if available, for the transfer, up to $150,000,000 may be transferred being for an emergency requirement pursu- current fiscal year of the cost of the fol- to the Disaster Assistance Direct Loan Pro- lowing categories of spending: public assist- ant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced gram Account for the cost to lend a territory ance, individual assistance, operations, miti- Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act or possession of the United States that por- gation, administrative, and any other rel- of 1985. tion of assistance for which the territory or evant category (including emergency meas- possession is responsible under the cost-shar- ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, AND ures and disaster resources): Provided further, ing provisions of the major disaster declara- IMPROVEMENTS That not later than 10 days after the first tion for Hurricanes Irma or Maria, as au- For an additional amount for ‘‘Acquisition, day of each month, the Administrator shall thorized under section 319 of the Robert T. Construction, and Improvements’’ for nec- publish on the Agency’s website the report Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency As- essary expenses related to the consequences (referred to as the Disaster Relief Monthly sistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5162): Provided further, of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, and Mat- Report) as required by Public Law 114–4. That of the amount provided under this thew, $718,919,000, to remain available until Of the amounts provided under this head- paragraph for transfer, up to $1,000,000 may September 30, 2022: Provided, That such ing for the Disaster Relief Fund, up to be transferred to the Disaster Assistance Di- amount is designated by the Congress as $4,000,000,000 may be transferred to the Dis- rect Loan Program Account for administra- being for an emergency requirement pursu- aster Assistance Direct Loan Program Ac- tive expenses to carry out the Advance of ant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced count for the cost of direct loans as author- Non-Federal Share program, as authorized Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act ized under section 417 of the Robert T. Staf- by section 319 of the Robert T. Stafford Dis- of 1985. ford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assist- ance Act (42 U.S.C. 5184) to be used to assist aster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY local governments in providing essential (42 U.S.C. 5162): Provided further, That the OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT services as a result of Hurricanes Harvey, amount provided under this heading is des- For an additional amount for ‘‘Operations Irma, or Maria: Provided further, That such ignated by the Congress as being for an and Support’’ for necessary expenses, amounts may subsidize gross obligations for emergency requirement pursuant to section $58,800,000, to remain available until Sep- the principal amount of direct loans not to 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and tember 30, 2019: Provided, That such amount exceed $4,000,000,000 under section 417 of the Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. is designated by the Congress as being for an Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emer- FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING emergency requirement pursuant to section gency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5184): Pro- CENTERS 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and vided further, That notwithstanding section OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. 417 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief For an additional amount for ‘‘Operations PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. and Support’’ for necessary expenses related IMPROVEMENTS 5184), a territory or possession, and instru- to the consequences of Hurricanes Harvey, For an additional amount for ‘‘Procure- mentalities and local governments thereof, Irma, and Maria, $5,374,000, to remain avail- ment, Construction, and Improvements’’ for of the United States shall be deemed to be a able until September 30, 2019: Provided, That necessary expenses, $1,200,000, to remain local government for purposes of this para- such amount is designated by the Congress available until September 30, 2020: Provided, graph: Provided further, That notwith- as being for an emergency requirement pur- That such amount is designated by the Con- standing section 417(b) of the Robert T. Staf- suant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal- gress as being for an emergency requirement ford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assist- anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal- ance Act (42 U.S.C. 5184(b)), the amount of Act of 1985. any such loan issued to a territory or posses- anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND sion, and instrumentalities and local govern- Act of 1985. IMPROVEMENTS ments thereof, may be based on the projected DISASTER RELIEF FUND loss of tax and other revenues and on pro- For an additional amount for ‘‘Procure- (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) jected cash outlays not previously budgeted ment, Construction, and Improvements’’ for For an additional amount for ‘‘Disaster for a period not to exceed 180 days from the necessary expenses related to the con- Relief Fund’’ for major disasters declared date of the major disaster, and may exceed sequences of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster $5,000,000: Provided further, That notwith- Maria, $5,000,000, to remain available until Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 standing any other provision of law or the September 30, 2022: Provided, That such U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), $27,500,000,000, to remain constitution of a territory or possession that amount is designated by the Congress as available until expended: Provided, That the limits the issuance of debt, a territory or being for an emergency requirement pursu- Administrator of the Federal Emergency possession, and instrumentalities and local ant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Management Agency shall publish on the governments thereof, may each receive more Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act Agency’s website not later than 5 days after than one loan with repayment provisions and of 1985. an award of a public assistance grant under other terms specific to the type of lost tax GENERAL PROVISIONS—THIS TITLE section 406 or 428 of the Robert T. Stafford and other revenues and on projected SEC. 601. The Administrator of the Federal Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance unbudgeted cash outlays for which the loan Emergency Management Agency may pro- Act (42 U.S.C. 5172 or 5189f) that is in excess is provided: Provided further, That notwith- vide assistance, pursuant to section 428 of of $1,000,000, the specifics of each such grant standing section 417(c)(1) of the Robert T. the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and award: Provided further, That for any mission Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency As- Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.014 H21DEPT1 H10370 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 seq.), for critical services as defined in sec- clared pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford expenses related to the consequences of Hur- tion 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance ricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and the Relief and Emergency Assistance Act for the Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) with respect to 2017 fire season, $91,600,000, to remain avail- duration of the recovery for incidents DR– wildfires in 2017, $42,246,000, to remain avail- able until expended: Provided, That such 4336–PR, DR–4339–PR, DR–4340–USVI, and able until expended: Provided, That such amount is designated by the Congress as DR–4335–USVI to— amount is designated by the Congress as being for an emergency requirement pursu- (1) replace or restore the function of a fa- being for an emergency requirement pursu- ant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced cility or system to industry standards with- ant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act out regard to the pre-disaster condition of Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. the facility or system; and of 1985. GENERAL PROVISION—THIS TITLE (2) replace or restore components of the fa- DEPARTMENTAL OFFICES SEC. 701. Agencies receiving funds appro- cility or system not damaged by the disaster INSULAR AFFAIRS priated by this title shall each provide a where necessary to fully effectuate the re- ASSISTANCE TO TERRITORIES monthly report to the Committees on Appro- placement or restoration of disaster-dam- For an additional amount for ‘‘Technical priations of the House of Representatives aged components to restore the function of Assistance’’ for financial management ex- and the Senate detailing the allocation and the facility or system to industry standards. penses related to the consequences of Hurri- obligation of these funds by account, begin- SEC. 602. (a) The Federal share of assist- canes Irma and Maria, $3,000,000, to remain ning not later than 90 days after enactment ance, including direct Federal assistance, available until expended: Provided, That such of this Act. provided under section 407 of the Robert T. amount is designated by the Congress as TITLE VIII Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency As- being for an emergency requirement pursu- DEPARTMENT OF LABOR sistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5173), with respect to ant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced a major disaster declared pursuant to such Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ADMINISTRATION Act for damages resulting from a wildfire in of 1985. TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES calendar year 2017, shall be 90 percent of the OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) eligible costs under such section. (b) The Federal share provided by sub- SALARIES AND EXPENSES For an additional amount for ‘‘Training section (a) shall apply to assistance provided For an additional amount for ‘‘Salaries and Employment Services’’, $30,000,000, for before, on, or after the date of enactment of and Expenses’’ for necessary expenses related the dislocated workers assistance national this Act. to the consequences of Hurricanes Harvey, reserve for necessary expenses directly re- Irma, and Maria, $2,500,000, to remain avail- lated to the consequences of Hurricanes Har- TITLE VII able until expended: Provided, That such vey, Maria, and Irma or the calendar year DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR amount is designated by the Congress as 2017 wildfires with major disaster or emer- FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE being for an emergency requirement pursu- gency declarations under titles IV or V of CONSTRUCTION ant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act Emergency Assistance Act in calendar year For an additional amount for ‘‘Construc- of 1985. 2017, which shall remain available until Sep- tion’’ for necessary expenses related to the tember 30, 2019: Provided, That these sums consequences of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY may be used to replace grant funds pre- and Maria, $210,629,000, to remain available HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE SUPERFUND viously obligated to the impacted areas: Pro- until expended: Provided, That such amount For an additional amount for ‘‘Hazardous vided further, That such amount is des- is designated by the Congress as being for an Substance Superfund’’ for necessary ex- ignated by the Congress as being for an emergency requirement pursuant to section penses related to the consequences of Hurri- emergency requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and canes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, $6,200,000, to 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. remain available until expended: Provided, That such amount is designated by the Con- Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE gress as being for an emergency requirement JOB CORPS HISTORIC PRESERVATION FUND pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal- For an additional amount for ‘‘Job Corps’’ For an additional amount for the ‘‘Historic anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control for construction, rehabilitation and acquisi- Preservation Fund’’ for necessary expenses Act of 1985. tion for Job Corps Centers in Puerto Rico, related to the consequences of Hurricanes LEAKING UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK FUND $30,900,000, which shall be available through Harvey, Irma, and Maria, $17,500,000, to re- For an additional amount for ‘‘Leaking June 30, 2021: Provided, That such amount is main available until September 30, 2019, in- Underground Storage Tank Fund’’ for nec- designated by the Congress as being for an cluding costs to States necessary to com- essary expenses related to the consequences emergency requirement pursuant to section plete compliance activities required by sec- of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and tion 306108 of title 54, United States Code $7,000,000, to remain available until ex- Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. (formerly section 106 of the National Historic pended: Provided, That such amount is des- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN Preservation Act), and costs needed to ad- ignated by the Congress as being for an SERVICES minister the program: Provided, That grants emergency requirement pursuant to section CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND shall only be available for areas that have 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and PREVENTION received a major disaster declaration pursu- Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. CDC-WIDE ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAM SUPPORT ant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. FOREST SERVICE (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) 5121 et seq.): Provided further, That individual STATE AND PRIVATE FORESTRY For an additional amount for ‘‘CDC-Wide grants shall not be subject to a non-Federal Activities and Program Support’’, For an additional amount for ‘‘State and matching requirement: Provided further, $200,000,000, to remain available until ex- Private Forestry’’ for necessary expenses re- That such amount is designated by the Con- pended, for response, recovery, preparation, lated to the consequences of Hurricanes Har- gress as being for an emergency requirement mitigation, and other expenses directly re- vey, Irma, and Maria, $7,500,000, to remain pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal- lated to the consequences of Hurricanes Har- available until expended: Provided, That such anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control vey, Irma, or Maria: Provided, That obliga- Act of 1985. amount is designated by the Congress as being for an emergency requirement pursu- tions incurred for the purposes provided CONSTRUCTION ant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced herein prior to the date of enactment of this For an additional amount for ‘‘Construc- Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act Act may be charged to funds appropriated by tion’’ for necessary expenses related to the of 1985. this paragraph: Provided further, That of the consequences of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, amount provided, not less than $6,000,000 NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM and Maria, $207,600,000, to remain available shall be transferred to the ‘‘Buildings and For an additional amount for ‘‘National until expended: Provided, That such amount Facilities’’ account for the purposes provided Forest System’’ for necessary expenses re- is designated by the Congress as being for an herein: Provided further, That such amount is lated to the consequences of Hurricanes Har- emergency requirement pursuant to section designated by the Congress as being for an vey, Irma, and Maria, $20,652,000, to remain 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and emergency requirement pursuant to section available until expended: Provided, That such Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and amount is designated by the Congress as Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY being for an emergency requirement pursu- OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY SURVEYS, INVESTIGATIONS, AND RESEARCH ant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES For an additional amount for ‘‘Surveys, In- Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act EMERGENCY FUND vestigations, and Research’’ for necessary of 1985. expenses related to the consequences of Hur- CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) ricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and in For an additional amount for ‘‘Capital Im- For an additional amount for the ‘‘Public those areas impacted by a major disaster de- provement and Maintenance’’ for necessary Health and Social Services Emergency

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.014 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10371 Fund’’, $177,000,000, to remain available until of the Head Start Act: Provided further, That disaster or emergency was declared for the expended, for response, recovery, prepara- funds appropriated in this paragraph shall area; tion, mitigation and other expenses directly not be available for costs that are reim- (D) each reference to the States of Lou- related to the consequences of Hurricanes bursed by the Federal Emergency Manage- isiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas shall Harvey, Irma, or Maria, including activities ment Agency, under a contract for insur- be to the States or territories affected by a authorized under section 319(a) of the Public ance, or by self-insurance: Provided further, covered disaster or emergency, and each ref- Health Service Act (referred to in this title That up to $10,000,000 shall be available for erence to the State educational agencies of as the ‘‘PHS Act’’): Provided, That $60,000,000 Federal administrative expenses: Provided Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, or Texas shall be transferred to ‘‘Health Resources further, That obligations incurred for the shall be a reference to the State educational and Services Administration—Primary purposes provided herein prior to the date of agencies that serve the states or territories Health Care’’, for expenses related to the enactment of this Act may be charged to affected by a covered disaster or emergency; consequences of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, or funds appropriated under this heading: Pro- (E) each reference to the 2005–2006 school Maria for disaster response and recovery, for vided further, That such additional amount is year shall be to the 2017–2018 school year; the Health Centers Program under section designated by the Congress as being for an (F) the references in section 102(h)(1) of 330 of the PHS Act: Provided further, That not emergency requirement pursuant to section title IV of division B of Public Law 109–148 to less than $50,000,000, of amounts transferred 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and the number of non-public elementary schools under the preceding proviso, shall be avail- Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. and secondary schools in the State shall be able for alteration, renovation, construction, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION to the number of students in non-public ele- equipment, and other capital improvement HURRICANE EDUCATION RECOVERY mentary schools and secondary schools in costs as necessary to meet the needs of areas the State, and the reference in such section (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, or to the 2003–2004 school year shall be to the Maria: Provided further, That the time limi- For an additional amount for ‘‘Hurricane most recent data set for the 2016–2017 school tation in section 330(e)(3) of the PHS Act Education Recovery’’ for assisting in meet- year; shall not apply to funds made available ing the educational needs of individuals af- (G) in determining the amount of imme- fected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, or Maria, under the preceding proviso: Provided further, diate aid provided to restart school oper- or calendar year 2017 wildfires for which the That not less than $20,000,000 shall be trans- ations as described in section 102(b) of title President declared a major disaster or emer- ferred to ‘‘Substance Abuse and Mental IV of division B of Public Law 109–148, the gency under section 401 or 501 of the Robert Health Services Administration—Health Secretary shall consider the number of stu- T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Surveillance and Program Support’’ for dents enrolled, during the 2016–2017 school Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170; 42 U.S.C. 5191) grants, contracts, and cooperative agree- year, in elementary schools and secondary (referred to herein as a ‘‘covered disaster or ments for behavioral health treatment, crisis schools that were closed as a result of a cov- emergency’’), $2,900,000,000, to remain avail- counseling, and other related helplines, and ered disaster or emergency; able through September 30, 2021: Provided, for other similar programs to provide sup- (H) in determining the amount of emer- That such additional amount is designated port to individuals impacted by Hurricanes gency impact aid that a State educational by the Congress as being for an emergency Harvey, Irma, or Maria: Provided further, agency is eligible to receive under paragraph requirement pursuant to section That up to $2,000,000 shall be transferred to (1)(B), the Secretary shall, subject to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and ‘‘Office of the Secretary—Office of Inspector 107(d)(1)(B) of such title, provide— Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985: Pro- General’’ for oversight of activities respond- (i) $9,000 for each displaced student who is vided further, That— ing to such hurricanes: Provided further, That an English learner, as that term is defined in (1) such funds shall be used— obligations incurred for the purposes pro- section 8101 of the Elementary and Sec- (A) to make awards, which shall be avail- vided herein prior to the date of enactment ondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801); able until expended, to eligible entities for of this Act may be charged to funds appro- (ii) $10,000 for each displaced student who immediate aid to restart school operations, priated under this heading: Provided further, is a child with disability (regardless of in accordance with paragraph (2); That of the funds appropriated in this para- whether the child is an English learner); and (B) for temporary emergency impact aid graph, $15,000,000 shall be transferred to the (iii) $8,500 for each displaced student who is for displaced students, in accordance with ‘‘National Institutes of Health—Office of the not a child with a disability or an English paragraph (2); Director’’ for the purposes provided in this learner; and (C) for emergency assistance to institu- paragraph: Provided further, That funds (I) with respect to the emergency impact tions of higher education and students at- transferred to the National Institutes of aid provided under paragraph (1)(B), the Sec- tending institutions of higher education in Health for the purpose of supporting the re- retary may modify the State educational an area directly affected by a covered dis- pair or rebuilding of non-Federal biomedical agency and local educational agency applica- aster or emergency in accordance with para- or behavioral research facilities damaged as tion timelines in section 107(c) of such title; graph (3); (3) up to $200,000,000 of the funds made a result of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, or (D) for payments to institutions of higher available under this heading shall be for pro- Maria shall be used to award grants or con- education to help defray the unexpected ex- grams authorized under subpart 3 of part A tracts for such purpose under section 404I of penses associated with enrolling displaced and part C of title IV and part B of title VII the Public Health Service Act: Provided fur- students from institutions of higher edu- of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. ther, That section 404I(c)(2) of such Act does cation directly affected by a covered disaster 1087–51 et seq., 1138 et seq.) for institutions not apply to the use of funds described in the or emergency, in accordance with paragraph located in an area affected by a covered dis- preceding proviso: Provided further, That (4); and aster or emergency, and students enrolled in funds appropriated in this paragraph shall (E) to provide assistance to local edu- such institutions, except that— not be available for costs that are reim- cational agencies serving homeless children (A) any requirements relating to matching, bursed by the Federal Emergency Manage- and youth in accordance with paragraph (5); Federal share, reservation of funds, or main- ment Agency, under a contract for insur- (2) immediate aid to restart school oper- tenance of effort under such parts that would ance, or by self-insurance: Provided further, ations and temporary emergency impact aid otherwise be applicable to that assistance That such additional amount is designated for displaced students described in subpara- shall not apply; by the Congress as being for an emergency graphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) shall be (B) such assistance may be used for stu- requirement pursuant to section provided under the statutory terms and con- dent financial assistance; 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and ditions that applied to assistance under sec- (C) such assistance may also be used for Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. tions 102 and 107 of title IV of division B of faculty and staff salaries, equipment, stu- ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES Public Law 109–148, respectively, including dent supplies and instruments, or any pur- CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SERVICES PROGRAMS the nondiscrimination provisions under sec- pose authorized under the Higher Education For an additional amount for ‘‘Children tion 107(m), except that such sections shall Act of 1965, by institutions of higher edu- and Families Services Programs’’, be applied so that— cation that are located in areas affected by a $650,000,000, to remain available until Sep- (A) each reference to a major disaster de- covered disaster or emergency; and tember 30, 2021, for Head Start programs, for clared in accordance with section 401 of the (D) the Secretary shall prioritize, to the necessary expenses directly related to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emer- extent possible, students who are homeless consequences of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, or gency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170) shall be or at risk of becoming homeless as a result Maria, including making payments under the to a major disaster or emergency declared by of displacement, and institutions that have Head Start Act: Provided, That none of the the President in accordance with section 401 sustained extensive damage, by a covered funds appropriated in this paragraph shall be or 501, respectively, of such Act; disaster or emergency; included in the calculation of the ‘‘base (B) each reference to Hurricane Katrina or (4) up to $120,000,000 of the funds made grant’’ in subsequent fiscal years, as such Hurricane Rita shall be a reference to a cov- available under this heading shall be for pay- term is defined in sections 640(a)(7)(A), ered disaster or emergency; ments to institutions of higher education to 641A(h)(1)(B), or 645(d)(3) of the Head Start (C) each reference to August 22, 2005, when help defray the unexpected expenses associ- Act: Provided further, That funds appro- used in relation to a covered disaster or ated with enrolling displaced students from priated in this paragraph are not subject to emergency, shall be to the date that is one institutions of higher education at which op- the allocation requirements of section 640(a) week prior to the date on which the major erations have been disrupted by a covered

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.014 H21DEPT1 H10372 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 disaster or emergency, in accordance with of the United States Virgin Islands may au- United States Virgin Island’s economic and criteria established by the Secretary and thorize the transfer of up to 100 percent of disaster recovery plan that defines the prior- made publicly available; the remaining funds provided to the United ities, goals, and expected outcomes of the re- (5) $25,000,000 of the funds made available States Virgin Islands for Program Years 2016 covery effort based on damage assessments under this heading shall be available to pro- and 2017 for Youth Workforce Investment ac- prepared pursuant to Federal law: Provided vide assistance to local educational agencies tivities under section 127(b)(1)(B) of such further, That GAO shall report on the inter- serving homeless children and youths dis- Act, for Adult employment and training ac- nal control plans that are in place to provide placed by a covered disaster or emergency, tivities under section 132(b)(1)(A) of such oversight of Federal disaster funds to be used consistent with section 723 of the McKinney- Act, or for Dislocated Worker employment in recovery activities in the United States Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. and training activities under section Virgin Islands, identify any deficiencies in 11431–11435) and with section 106 of title IV of 133(b)(2)(A)) of such Act among— such plans, and provide recommendations to division B of Public Law 109–148, except that (1) adult employment and training activi- address noted deficiencies: Provided further, funds shall be disbursed based on dem- ties; That such amount is designated by the Con- onstrated need and the number of homeless (2) dislocated worker employment and gress as being for an emergency requirement children and youth enrolled as a result of training activities; and pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal- displacement by a covered disaster or emer- (3) youth workforce investment activities. anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control gency; SEC. 802. Funds appropriated by this title Act of 1985. (6) section 437 of the General Education may be transferred to, and merged with, TITLE X Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232) and section other appropriation accounts under the DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE headings ‘‘Centers for Disease Control and 553 of title 5, United States Code, shall not MILITARY CONSTRUCTION apply to activities under this heading; Prevention’’ and ‘‘Public Health and Social MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, NAVY AND MARINE (7) $4,000,000 of the funds made available Services Emergency Fund’’ for the purposes CORPS under this heading, to remain available specified in this title following consultation For an additional amount for ‘‘Military through September 30, 2021, shall be trans- with the Office of Management and Budget: Construction, Navy and Marine Corps’’, ferred to the Office of the Inspector General Provided, That the Committees on Appropria- $201,636,000, to remain available until Sep- of the Department of Education for oversight tions in the House of Representatives and tember 30, 2022, for necessary expenses re- of activities supported with funds appro- the Senate shall be notified 10 days in ad- lated to the consequences of Hurricanes Har- priated under this heading, and up to vance of any such transfer: Provided further, vey, Irma, and Maria: Provided, That none of $3,000,000 of the funds made available under That, upon a determination that all or part the funds made available to the Navy and this heading, to remain available through of the funds transferred from an appropria- Marine Corps for recovery efforts related to September 30, 2019, shall be for program ad- tion are not necessary, such amounts may be transferred back to that appropriation: Pro- Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria in this ministration; division shall be available for obligation (8) up to $35,000,000 of the funds made avail- vided further, That none of the funds made available by this title may be transferred until the Committees on Appropriations of able under this heading shall be to carry out the House of Representatives and the Senate activities authorized under section 4631(b) of pursuant to the authority in section 205 of division H of Public Law 115–31 or section receive form 1391 for each specific request: the Elementary and Secondary Education Provided further, That, not later than 60 days Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7281(b)); and 241(a) of the PHS Act. SEC. 803. (a) As the Secretary of Health and after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of (9) the Secretary may waive, modify, or the Navy, or his designee, shall submit to provide extensions for certain requirements Human Services determines necessary to re- spond to a critical hiring need for emergency the Committees on Appropriations of House of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. of Representatives and the Senate a detailed 1001 et seq.) for affected individuals, affected response positions, after providing public no- tice and without regard to the provisions of expenditure plan for funds provided under students, and affected institutions in covered this heading: Provided further, That such disaster or emergency areas in the same sections 3309 through 3319 of title 5, United States Code, the Secretary may appoint can- funds may be obligated or expended for plan- manner as the Secretary was authorized to ning and design and military construction waive, modify, or provide extensions for cer- didates directly to the following positions to perform critical work directly relating to projects not otherwise authorized by law: tain requirements of such Act under provi- Provided further, That such amount is des- sions of subtitle B of title IV of division B of the consequences of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, or Maria: ignated by the Congress as being for an Public Law 109–148 for affected individuals, emergency requirement pursuant to section affected students, and affected institutions (1) Intermittent disaster-response per- sonnel in the National Disaster Medical Sys- 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Hurricane Rita, except that the cost associ- tem, under section 2812 of the PHS Act (42 MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, ARMY NATIONAL ated with any action taken by the Secretary U.S.C. 300hh–11). GUARD under this paragraph is designated by the (2) Term or temporary appointments at the Congress as being for an emergency require- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention For an additional amount for ‘‘Military ment pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Construction, Army National Guard’’, the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Preparedness and Response. $519,345,000, to remain available until Sep- Control Act of 1985. (b) The authority under subsection (a) tember 30, 2022, for necessary expenses re- shall expire 270 days after the date of enact- lated to the consequences of Hurricanes Har- GENERAL PROVISIONS—THIS TITLE ment of this section. vey, Irma, and Maria: Provided, That none of (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) SEC. 804. Notwithstanding any other provi- the funds made available to the Army Na- SEC. 801. (a) Notwithstanding section sion of law, the interest payment of the tional Guard for recovery efforts related to 133(b)(4) of the Workforce Innovation and Op- United States Virgin Islands that was due Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria in this portunity Act, in States, as defined by sec- under section 1202(b)(1) of the Social Secu- division shall be available for obligation tion 3(56) of such Act, affected by Hurricanes rity Act on September 29, 2017, shall not be until the Committees on Appropriations of Harvey, Irma, and Maria, a local board, as due until September 28, 2018, and no interest the House of Representatives and the Senate defined by section 3(33) of such Act, in a shall accrue on such amount through Sep- receive form 1391 for each specific request: local area, as defined by section 3(32) of such tember 28, 2018. Provided further, That, not later than 60 days Act, affected by such Hurricanes may trans- SEC. 805. Agencies receiving funds appro- after enactment of this Act, the Director of fer, if such transfer is approved by the Gov- priated by this title shall each provide a the Army National Guard, or his designee, ernor, up to 100 percent of the funds allo- monthly report to the Committees on Appro- shall submit to the Committees on Appro- cated to the local area for Program Years priations of the House of Representatives priations of the House of Representatives 2016 and 2017 for Youth Workforce Invest- and the Senate detailing the allocation and and the Senate a detailed expenditure plan ment activities under paragraphs (2) or (3) of obligation of these funds by account, begin- for funds provided under this heading: Pro- section 128(b) of such Act, for Adult employ- ning not later than 90 days after enactment vided further, That such funds may be obli- ment and training activities under para- of this Act. gated or expended for planning and design graphs (2)(A) or (3) of section 133(b) of such TITLE IX and military construction projects not oth- Act, or for Dislocated Worker employment GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE erwise authorized by law: Provided further, and training activities under paragraph That such amount is designated by the Con- SALARIES AND EXPENSES (2)(B) of section 133(b) of such Act among— gress as being for an emergency requirement (1) adult employment and training activi- For an additional amount for the Govern- pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal- ties; ment Accountability Office for ‘‘Salaries and anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control (2) dislocated worker employment and Expenses’’, $14,000,000, to remain available Act of 1985. training activities; and until expended, for audits and investigations DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (3) youth workforce investment activities. relating to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and (b) Except for the funds reserved to carry Maria and the calendar year 2017 wildfires: VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION out required statewide activities under sec- Provided, That not later than 180 days after MEDICAL SERVICES tions 127(b) and 134(a)(2) of the Workforce In- the date of enactment of this Act, GAO shall For an additional amount for ‘‘Medical novation and Opportunity Act, the Governor submit to Congress a report describing the Services’’, $11,075,000, to remain available

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.014 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10373 until September 30, 2019, for necessary ex- Provided, That such amount is designated by sulting from a major disaster declared in 2017 penses related to the consequences of Hurri- the Congress as being for an emergency re- (except as otherwise provided under this canes Harvey, Irma, and Maria: Provided, quirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) heading) pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford That such amount is designated by the Con- of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Def- Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance gress as being for an emergency requirement icit Control Act of 1985. Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.): Provided, That pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal- FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION funds shall be awarded directly to the State, anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control unit of general local government, or Indian FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS Act of 1985. tribe (as such term is defined in section 102 EMERGENCY RELIEF PROGRAM MEDICAL SUPPORT AND COMPLIANCE of the Housing and Community Development For an additional amount for the Emer- Act of 1974) at the discretion of the Sec- For an additional amount for ‘‘Medical gency Relief Program as authorized under retary: Provided further, That of the amounts Support and Compliance’’, $3,209,000, to re- section 125 of title 23, United States Code, made available under this heading, up to main available until September 30, 2019, for $1,374,000,000, to remain available until ex- $13,560,000,000 shall be allocated to meet necessary expenses related to the con- pended: Provided, That notwithstanding sec- unmet needs for grantees that have received sequences of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and tion 125(d)(4) of title 23, United States Code, or will receive allocations for major disas- Maria: Provided, That such amount is des- no limitation on the total obligations for ters declared in 2017, and that such alloca- ignated by the Congress as being for an projects under section 125 of such title shall tions shall include the States and units of emergency requirement pursuant to section apply to the United States Virgin Islands, local government affected by Hurricane 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Guam, American Samoa, and the Common- Maria: Provided further, That of the amounts Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. wealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for made available under this heading, no less MEDICAL FACILITIES fiscal year 2018 and fiscal year 2019: Provided than $12,500,000,000 shall be allocated for For an additional amount for ‘‘Medical Fa- further, That notwithstanding section mitigation activities to all grantees of fund- cilities’’, $75,108,000, to remain available 120(i)(1) of title 23, United States Code, for ing provided under this heading, the same until September 30, 2022, for necessary ex- fiscal year 2018 and each fiscal year there- heading in chapter 9 of title X of division A penses related to the consequences of Hurri- after, Puerto Rico may use toll credits to- of Public Law 113–2, section 420 of division L canes Harvey, Irma, and Maria: Provided, ward the non-Federal share requirement for of Public Law 114–113, section 145 of division That none of these funds shall be available emergency relief funds made available under C of Public Law 114–223, section 192 of divi- for obligation until the Secretary of Vet- section 125 of such title to respond to dam- sion C of Public Law 114–223 (as added by sec- erans Affairs submits to the Committees on age caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria: tion 101(3) of division A of Public Law 114– Appropriations of the House of Representa- Provided further, That such amounts are des- 254), section 421 of division K of Public Law tives and the Senate a detailed expenditure ignated by the Congress as being for an 115–31, and the same heading in division B of plan for funds provided under this heading: emergency requirement pursuant to section Public Law 115–56, and that such mitigation Provided further, That such amount is des- 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and activities shall be subject to the same terms ignated by the Congress as being for an Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. and conditions of this heading, as deter- mined by the Secretary: Provided further, emergency requirement pursuant to section FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION That all such grantees shall receive an allo- 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION EMERGENCY RELIEF Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. cation of funds under the preceding proviso PROGRAM in the same proportion that the amount of DEPARTMENTAL ADMINISTRATION For the ‘‘Public Transportation Emer- funds each grantee received or will receive CONSTRUCTION, MINOR PROJECTS gency Relief Program’’ as authorized under under the second proviso of this heading or For an additional amount for ‘‘Construc- section 5324 of title 49, United States Code, the headings and sections specified in the tion, Minor Projects’’, $4,088,000, to remain $269,000,000 to remain available until ex- previous proviso bears to the amount of all available until September 30, 2022, for nec- pended, for transit systems affected by Hur- funds provided to all grantees specified in essary expenses related to the consequences ricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria with major the previous proviso: Provided further, That of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria: Pro- disaster declarations in 2017: Provided, That of the amounts made available under the sec- vided, That such amount is designated by the not more than three-quarters of one percent ond and third provisos of this heading, the Congress as being for an emergency require- of the funds for public transportation emer- Secretary shall allocate to all such grantees ment pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of gency relief shall be available for adminis- an aggregate amount of not less than 33 per- the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit trative expenses and ongoing program man- cent of each such amount of funds provided Control Act of 1985. agement oversight as authorized under sec- under this heading within 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act based on the GENERAL PROVISION—THIS TITLE tions 5334 and 5338(f)(2) of such title and shall be in addition to any other appropriations best available data: Provided further, That SEC. 1001. Notwithstanding section 18236(b) for such purpose: Provided further, That such the Secretary shall not prohibit the use of of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary amounts are designated by the Congress as funds made available under this heading and of Defense shall contribute to Puerto Rico being for an emergency requirement pursu- the same heading in division B of Public Law 100 percent of the total cost of construction ant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced 115–56 for non-federal share as authorized by (including the cost of architectural, engi- Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act section 105(a)(9) of the Housing and Commu- neering and design services) for the acquisi- of 1985. nity Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. tion, construction, expansion, rehabilitation, 5305(a)(9)): Provided further, That of the MARITIME ADMINISTRATION or conversion of the Arroyo readiness center amounts made available under this heading, under paragraph (5) of section 18233(a) of OPERATIONS AND TRAINING grantees may establish grant programs to title 10, United States Code. For an additional amount for ‘‘Operations assist small businesses to recover from eco- TITLE XI and Training’’, $10,000,000, to remain avail- nomic losses: Provided further, That as a con- able until expended, for necessary expenses, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION dition of making any grant, the Secretary including for dredging, related to damage to shall certify in advance that such grantee FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION Maritime Administration facilities resulting has in place proficient financial controls and OPERATIONS from Hurricane Harvey: Provided, That such procurement processes and has established (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND) amount is designated by the Congress as adequate procedures to prevent any duplica- For an additional amount for ‘‘Oper- being for an emergency requirement pursu- tion of benefits as defined by section 312 of ations’’, $35,000,000, to be derived from the ant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Airport and Airway Trust Fund and to re- Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5155), to main available until expended, for necessary of 1985. ensure timely expenditure of funds, to main- expenses related to the consequences of hur- DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN tain comprehensive websites regarding all ricanes occurring in calendar year 2017: Pro- DEVELOPMENT disaster recovery activities assisted with vided, That such amount is designated by the COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT these funds, and to detect and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse of funds: Provided further, Congress as being for an emergency require- COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND ment pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of That the Secretary shall require grantees to (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit maintain on a public website information Control Act of 1985. For an additional amount for ‘‘Community containing common reporting criteria estab- Development Fund’’, $26,060,000,000, to re- lished by the Department that permits indi- FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT main available until expended, for necessary viduals and entities awaiting assistance and (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND) expenses for activities authorized under title the general public to see how all grant funds For an additional amount for ‘‘Facilities I of the Housing and Community Develop- are used, including copies of all relevant pro- and Equipment’’, $79,589,000, to be derived ment Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.) re- curement documents, grantee administrative from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund and lated to disaster relief, long-term recovery, contracts and details of ongoing procure- to remain available until expended, for nec- restoration of infrastructure and housing, ment processes, as determined by the Sec- essary expenses related to the consequences economic revitalization, and mitigation in retary: Provided further, That prior to the ob- of hurricanes occurring in calendar year 2017: the most impacted and distressed areas re- ligation of funds a grantee shall submit a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.014 H21DEPT1 H10374 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 plan to the Secretary for approval detailing assistance, including assistance on con- including those provided by this title, shall the proposed use of all funds, including cri- tracting and procurement processes, to sup- also apply to the funds made available in di- teria for eligibility and how the use of these port States, units of general local govern- vision B of Public Law 115–56 and in division funds will address long-term recovery, res- ment, or Indian tribes (and their subrecipi- A of Public Law 115–72. toration of infrastructure and housing, eco- ents) that receive allocations pursuant to SEC. 1205. Each amount designated in this nomic revitalization, and mitigation in the this heading, received disaster recovery allo- division by the Congress as being for an most impacted and distressed areas: Provided cations under the same heading in Public emergency requirement pursuant to section further, That such funds may not be used for Law 115–56, or may receive similar alloca- 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and activities reimbursable by, or for which tions for disaster recovery in future appro- Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 shall funds are made available by, the Federal priations Acts: Provided further, That of the be available only if the President subse- Emergency Management Agency or the amounts made available under this heading, quently so designates all such amounts and Army Corps of Engineers: Provided further, up to $10,000,000 shall be transferred, in ag- transmits such designations to the Congress. SEC. 1206. (a) Section 305 of division A of That funds allocated under this heading gregate, to ‘‘Department of Housing and the Additional Supplemental Appropriations shall not be considered relevant to the non- Urban Development—Program Office Sala- for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2017 disaster formula allocations made pursuant ries and Expenses—Community Planning and (Public Law 115–72) is amended— to section 106 of the Housing and Community Development’’ for necessary costs, including (1) in subsection (a)— Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5306): Pro- information technology costs, of admin- (A) by striking ‘‘(1) Not later than Decem- vided further, That a State, unit of general istering and overseeing the obligation and ber 31, 2017,’’ and inserting ‘‘Not later than local government, or Indian tribe may use up expenditure of amounts under this heading: March 31, 2018,’’; and to 5 percent of its allocation for administra- Provided further, That the amount specified (B) by striking paragraph (2); and tive costs: Provided further, That the sixth in the preceding proviso shall be combined (2) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘receiving proviso under this heading in the Supple- with funds appropriated under the same funds under this division’’ and inserting ‘‘ex- mental Appropriations for Disaster Relief heading and for the same purpose in Public pending more than $10,000,000 of funds pro- Requirements, 2017 (division B of Public Law Law 115–56 and the aggregate of such vided by this division and division B of Pub- 115–56) is amended by striking ‘‘State or sub- amounts shall be available for any of the lic Law 115–56 in any one fiscal year’’. division thereof’’ and inserting ‘‘State, unit purposes specified under this heading or the of general local government, or Indian tribe (b) Section 305 of division A of the Addi- same heading in Public Law 115–56 without tional Supplemental Appropriations for Dis- (as such term is defined in section 102 of the limitation: Provided further, That of the Housing and Community Development Act of aster Relief Requirements Act, 2017 (Public funds made available under this heading, Law 115–72), as amended by this section, 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5302))’’: Provided further, That $10,000,000 shall be transferred to the Office in administering the funds under this head- shall apply to funds appropriated by this di- of the Inspector General for necessary costs vision as if they had been appropriated by ing, the Secretary of Housing and Urban De- of overseeing and auditing funds made avail- velopment may waive, or specify alternative that division. able under this heading: Provided further, (c) In order to proactively prepare for over- requirements for, any provision of any stat- That any funds made available under this sight of future disaster relief funding, not ute or regulation that the Secretary admin- heading that remain available, after the later than one year after the date of enact- isters in connection with the obligation by other funds under such heading have been al- ment of this Act, the Director of the Office the Secretary or the use by the recipient of located for necessary expenses for activities of Management and Budget shall issue stand- these funds (except for requirements related authorized under such heading, shall be used ard guidance for Federal agencies to use in to fair housing, nondiscrimination, labor for additional activities, including mitiga- designing internal control plans for disaster standards, and the environment), if the Sec- tion, in the most impacted and distressed relief funding. This guidance shall leverage retary finds that good cause exists for the areas resulting from major disasters de- existing internal control review processes waiver or alternative requirement and such clared in 2011 and subsequent years: Provided and shall include, at a minimum, the fol- waiver or alternative requirement would not further, That such remaining funds shall be lowing elements: be inconsistent with the overall purpose of awarded to grantees of funding provided for (1) Robust criteria for identifying and doc- title I of the Housing and Community Devel- disaster relief under this heading, the same umenting incremental risks and mitigating opment Act of 1974: Provided further, That, controls related to the funding. notwithstanding the preceding proviso, re- heading in chapter 9 of title X of division A of Public Law 113–2, section 420 of division L (2) Guidance for documenting the linkage cipients of funds provided under this heading between the incremental risks related to dis- that use such funds to supplement Federal of Public Law 114–113, section 145 of division C of Public Law 114–223, section 192 of divi- aster funding and efforts to address known assistance provided under section 402, 403, internal control risks. 404, 406, 407, 408(c)(4), or 502 of the Robert T. sion C of Public Law 114–223 (as added by sec- tion 101(3) of division A of Public Law 114– SEC. 1207. Any agency or department pro- Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency As- vided funding in excess of $3,000,000,000 by sistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) may 254), section 421 of division K of Public Law 115–31, and the same heading in division B of this division, including the Federal Emer- adopt, without review or public comment, gency Management Agency, the Department any environmental review, approval, or per- Public Law 115–56, subject to the same terms and conditions under this heading and such of Housing and Urban Development, and the mit performed by a Federal agency, and such Corps of Engineers, is directed to provide a headings and sections respectively: Provided adoption shall satisfy the responsibilities of report to the Committee on Appropriations further, That each such grantee shall receive the recipient with respect to such environ- of the House of Representatives regarding its an allocation from such remaining funds in mental review, approval or permit: Provided efforts to provide adequate resources and the same proportion that the amount of further, That, notwithstanding section technical assistance for small, low-income funds such grantee received under the second 104(g)(2) of the Housing and Community De- communities affected by natural disasters. proviso under this heading and under the velopment Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5304(g)(2)), SEC. 1208. (a) Not later than 180 days after the Secretary may, upon receipt of a request Acts specified in the previous proviso bears the date of enactment of this Act and in co- for release of funds and certification, imme- to the amount of all funds provided to all ordination with the Administrator of the diately approve the release of funds for an grantees specified in the previous proviso: Federal Emergency Management Agency, activity or project assisted under this head- Provided further, That such amount is des- with support and contributions from the Sec- ing if the recipient has adopted an environ- ignated by the Congress as being for an retary of the Treasury, the Secretary of En- mental review, approval or permit under the emergency requirement pursuant to section ergy, and other Federal agencies having re- preceding proviso or the activity or project 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and sponsibilities defined under the National is categorically excluded from review under Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Disaster Recovery Framework, the Governor the National Environmental Policy Act of TITLE XII of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico shall 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.): Provided further, GENERAL PROVISIONS—THIS DIVISION submit to Congress a report describing the That the Secretary shall publish via notice SEC. 1201. Each amount appropriated or Commonwealth’s 12- and 24-month economic in the Federal Register any waiver, or alter- made available by this division is in addition and disaster recovery plan that— native requirement, to any statute or regula- to amounts otherwise appropriated for the (1) defines the priorities, goals, and ex- tion that the Secretary administers pursu- fiscal year involved. pected outcomes of the recovery effort for ant to title I of the Housing and Community SEC. 1202. No part of any appropriation the Commonwealth, based on damage assess- Development Act of 1974 no later than 5 days contained in this division shall remain avail- ments prepared pursuant to Federal law, if before the effective date of such waiver or al- able for obligation beyond the current fiscal applicable, including— ternative requirement: Provided further, That year unless expressly so provided herein. (A) housing; the eighth proviso under this heading in the SEC. 1203. Unless otherwise provided for by (B) economic issues, including workforce Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster this division, the additional amounts appro- development and industry expansion and cul- Relief Requirements, 2017 (division B of Pub- priated by this division to appropriations ac- tivation; lic Law 115–56) is amended by inserting counts shall be available under the authori- (C) health and social services; ‘‘408(c)(4),’’ after ‘‘407,’’: Provided further, ties and conditions applicable to such appro- (D) natural and cultural resources; That of the amounts made available under priations accounts for fiscal year 2018. (E) governance and civic institutions; this heading, up to $10,000,000 shall be made SEC. 1204. The terms and conditions appli- (F) electric power systems and grid res- available for capacity building and technical cable to the funds provided in this division, toration;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.014 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10375 (G) environmental issues, including solid DIVISION B—DISASTER RECOVERY assistance in accordance with section 404 in waste facilities; and REFORM ACT any area affected by a fire for which assist- (H) other infrastructure systems, including ance was provided under this section.’’. repair, restoration, replacement, and im- Sec. 2001. Applicability. (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—The Robert provement of public infrastructure such Sec. 2002. State defined. T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency water and wastewater treatment facilities, Sec. 2003. Wildfire prevention. Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) is communications networks, and transpor- Sec. 2004. Additional activities. amended— tation infrastructure; Sec. 2005. Eligibility for code implementa- (1) in section 404(a) (42 U.S.C. 5170c(a)) (as (2) is consistent with— tion and enforcement. amended by section 37(a) of this Act)— (A) the Commonwealth’s fiscal capacity to Sec. 2006. Program improvements. (A) by inserting before the first period ‘‘, provide long-term operation and mainte- Sec. 2007. Prioritization of facilities. or any area affected by a fire for which as- nance of rebuilt or replaced assets; Sec. 2008. Guidance on evacuation routes. sistance was provided under section 420’’; and (B) alternative procedures and associated Sec. 2009. Duplication of benefits. (B) in the third sentence by inserting ‘‘or programmatic guidance adopted by the Ad- Sec. 2010. State administration of assistance event under section 420’’ after ‘‘major dis- ministrator of the Federal Emergency Man- for direct temporary housing aster’’ each place it appears; and agement Administration pursuant to section and permanent housing con- (2) in section 322(e)(1) (42 U.S.C. 5165(e)(1)), 428 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief struction. by inserting ‘‘or event under section 420’’ and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 2011. Assistance to individuals and after ‘‘major disaster’’ each place it appears. 5189f); and households. (c) REPORTING REQUIREMENT.—Not later (C) actions as may be necessary to miti- Sec. 2012. Multifamily lease and repair as- than 1 year after the date of enactment of gate vulnerabilities to future extreme sistance. this Act and annually thereafter, the Admin- weather events and natural disasters and in- Sec. 2013. Federal disaster assistance non- istrator of the Federal Emergency Manage- crease community resilience, including en- profit fairness. ment Agency shall submit to the Committee couraging the adoption and enforcement of Sec. 2014. Management costs. on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- the latest published editions of relevant con- Sec. 2015. Flexibility. fairs of the Senate, the Committee on Trans- sensus-based codes, specifications, and Sec. 2016. Additional disaster assistance. portation and Infrastructure of the House of standards that incorporate the latest hazard- Sec. 2017. National veterinary emergency Representatives, and the Appropriations resistant designs and establish minimum ac- teams. Committees of the Senate and the House of ceptable criteria for the design, construc- Sec. 2018. Dispute resolution pilot program. Representatives a report containing a sum- tion, and maintenance of residential struc- Sec. 2019. Emergency relief. mary of any projects carried out, and any tures and facilities for the purpose of pro- Sec. 2020. Unified Federal environmental funding provided to those projects, under tecting the health, safety, and general wel- and historic preservation re- subsection (d) of section 420 of the Robert T. fare of the buildings’ users against disasters; view. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency As- (3) promotes transparency and account- Sec. 2021. Closeout incentives. sistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5187) (as amended by ability through appropriate public notifica- Sec. 2022. Performance of services. this section). tion, outreach, and hearings; Sec. 2023. Study to streamline and consoli- SEC. 2004. ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES. (4) identifies performance metrics for as- date information collection. Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Dis- sessing and reporting on the progress toward Sec. 2024. Agency accountability. aster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act achieving the Commonwealth’s recovery Sec. 2025. Audit of contracts. (42 U.S.C. 5170c) is amended by adding at the goals, as identified under paragraph (1); Sec. 2026. Inspector general audit of FEMA end the following: contracts for tarps and plastic (5) is developed in coordination with the ‘‘(f) USE OF ASSISTANCE.—Recipients of haz- Oversight Board established under sheeting. ard mitigation assistance provided under PROMESA; and Sec. 2027. Relief organizations. this section and section 203 may use the as- (6) is certified by that Oversight Board to Sec. 2028. Guidance on inundated and sub- sistance to conduct activities to help reduce be consistent with the purpose set forth in merged roads. the risk of future damage, hardship, loss, or Sec. 2029. Authorities. section 101(a) of PROMESA (48 U.S.C. suffering in any area affected by a wildfire or Sec. 2030. Recoupment of certain assistance 2121(a)). windstorm, including— prohibited. (b) At the end of every 30-day period before ‘‘(1) reseeding ground cover with quick- the submission of the report described in Sec. 2031. Statute of limitations. growing or native species; subsection (a), the Governor of the Common- Sec. 2032. Technical assistance and rec- ‘‘(2) mulching with straw or chipped wood; wealth of Puerto Rico, in coordination with ommendations. ‘‘(3) constructing straw, rock, or log dams the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Sec. 2033. Guidance on hazard mitigation as- in small tributaries to prevent flooding; Management Agency, shall provide to Con- sistance. ‘‘(4) placing logs and other erosion barriers gress interim status updates on progress de- Sec. 2034. Local impact. to catch sediment on hill slopes; veloping such report. Sec. 2035. Additional hazard mitigation ac- ‘‘(5) installing debris traps to modify road (c) At the end of every 180-day period after tivities. and trail drainage mechanisms; the submission of the report described in Sec. 2036. National public infrastructure ‘‘(6) modifying or removing culverts to subsection (a), the Governor of the Common- predisaster hazard mitigation. allow drainage to flow freely; wealth of Puerto Rico, in coordination with Sec. 2037. Additional mitigation activities. ‘‘(7) adding drainage dips and constructing the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Sec. 2038. Federal cost-share adjustments for emergency spillways to keep roads and Management Agency, shall make public a re- repair, restoration, and replace- bridges from washing out during floods; port on progress achieving the goals set ment of damaged facilities. forth in such report. ‘‘(8) planting grass to prevent the spread of (d) During the development, and after the SEC. 2001. APPLICABILITY. noxious weeds; submission, of the report require by in sub- Except as otherwise expressly provided, ‘‘(9) installing warning signs; section (a), the Oversight Board may provide the amendments in this division to the Rob- ‘‘(10) establishing defensible space meas- to Congress reports on the status of coordi- ert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emer- ures; nation with the Governor of Puerto Rico. gency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) ‘‘(11) reducing hazardous fuels; and (e) Amounts made available by this divi- apply to each major disaster and emergency ‘‘(12) windstorm damage, including replac- sion to a covered territory for response to or declared by the President on or after August ing or installing electrical transmission or recovery from Hurricane Irma or Hurricane 1, 2017, under such Act. distribution utility pole structures with Maria in an aggregate amount greater than SEC. 2002. STATE DEFINED. poles that are resilient to extreme wind and $10,000,000 may be reviewed by the Oversight In this division, the term ‘‘State’’ has the combined ice and wind loadings for the basic Board under the Oversight Board’s authority meaning given that term in section 102(4) of wind speeds and ice conditions associated under 204(b)(2) of PROMESA (48 U.S.C. the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and with the relevant location.’’. 2144(b)(2)). Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122(4)). (f) When developing a Fiscal Plan while the SEC. 2005. ELIGIBILITY FOR CODE IMPLEMENTA- SEC. 2003. WILDFIRE PREVENTION. TION AND ENFORCEMENT. recovery plan required under subsection (a) is in development and in effect, the Over- (a) MITIGATION ASSISTANCE.—Section 420 of Section 406(a)(2) of the Robert T. Stafford sight Board shall use and incorporate, to the the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance greatest extent feasible, damage assessments Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5187) is Act (42 U.S.C. 5172(a)(2)) is amended— prepared pursuant to Federal law. amended— (1) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of subpara- (g) For purposes of this section, the terms (1) by redesignating subsection (d) as sub- graph (B); ‘‘covered territory’’ and ‘‘Oversight Board’’ section (e); and (2) by striking the period at the end of sub- have the meaning given those term in sec- (2) by inserting after subsection (c) the fol- paragraph (C) and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and tion 5 of PROMESA (48 U.S.C. 2104). lowing: (3) by adding at the end the following: This division may be cited as the ‘‘Further ‘‘(d) HAZARD MITIGATION ASSISTANCE.— ‘‘(D) base and overtime wages for extra Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Whether or not a major disaster is declared, hires to facilitate the implementation and Disaster Relief Requirements, 2017’’. the President may provide hazard mitigation enforcement of adopted building codes for a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.014 H21DEPT1 H10376 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 period of not more than 180 days after the and other long-term care facilities, and de- tivities authorized for construction within major disaster is declared.’’. tention centers; the scope of a federally authorized water re- SEC. 2006. PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS. (iii) individuals with limited-English pro- sources development project of the Army (a) HAZARD MITIGATION.—Section 406(c) of ficiency; Corps of Engineers if such activities are also the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and (iv) the elderly; and eligible activities under such section. Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5172(c)) (v) individuals who are tourists, seasonal (2) FEDERAL FUNDING.—All Federal funding is amended— workers, or homeless; provided under section 404 pursuant to this (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ‘‘90 per- (C) the sharing of information and other section shall be applied toward the Federal cent of’’; and public communications with evacuees during share of such project. (2) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ‘‘75 per- evacuations; (3) NON-FEDERAL MATCH.—All non-Federal cent of’’. (D) the sheltering of evacuees, including matching funds required under section 404 (b) PARTICIPATION.—Section 428(d) of such the care, protection, and sheltering of ani- pursuant to this section shall be applied to- Act (42 U.S.C. 5189f) is amended— mals; ward the non-Federal share of such project. (1) by inserting ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—’’ before (E) the return of evacuees to their homes; (4) TOTAL FEDERAL SHARE.—Funding pro- ‘‘Participation in’’; and and vided under section 404 pursuant to this sec- (2) by adding at the end the following: (F) such other items the Administrator tion may not exceed the total Federal share ‘‘(2) NO CONDITIONS.—The President may considers appropriate. for such project. not condition the provision of Federal assist- (2) DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, MAINTENANCE, (5) NO EFFECT.—Nothing in this section ance under this Act on the election by a AND REPAIR.—In revising or issuing guidance shall— State, Tribal, or local government, or owner under (a)(2), the Administrator of the Fed- (A) affect the cost-share requirement of a or operator of a private nonprofit facility to eral Highway Administration shall con- hazard mitigation measure under section 404; participate in the alternative procedures sider— (B) affect the eligibility criteria for a haz- adopted under this section.’’. (A) methods that assist evacuation routes ard mitigation measure under section 404; (c) CERTIFICATION.—Section 428(e)(1) of to— (C) affect the cost share requirements of a such Act (42 U.S.C. 5189f(e)(1)) is amended— (i) withstand likely risks to viability, in- federally authorized water resources devel- (1) in subparagraph (E), by striking ‘‘and’’ cluding flammability and hydrostatic forces; opment project; and at the end; (ii) improve durability, strength (including (D) affect the responsibilities of a non-Fed- (2) in subparagraph (F), by striking the pe- the ability to withstand tensile stresses and eral interest with respect to the project, in- riod and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and compressive stresses), and sustainability; cluding those related to the provision of (3) by adding at the end the following: and lands, easements, rights-of-way, dredge ma- ‘‘(G) once certified by a professionally li- (iii) provide for long-term cost savings; terial disposal areas, and necessary reloca- censed engineer and accepted by the Admin- (B) the ability of evacuation routes to ef- tions. istrator, the estimates on which grants made fectively manage contraflow operations; (c) APPLICABILITY.—This section shall pursuant to this section are based shall be (C) for evacuation routes on public lands, apply to each disaster and emergency de- presumed to be reasonable and eligible costs, the viewpoints of the applicable Federal land clared pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford as long as there is no evidence of fraud.’’. management agency regarding emergency Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) after January 1, SEC. 2007. PRIORITIZATION OF FACILITIES. operations, sustainability, and resource pro- 2016. Not later than 180 days after the date of tection; and enactment of this Act, the Administrator of (D) such other items the Administrator SEC. 2010. STATE ADMINISTRATION OF ASSIST- considers appropriate. ANCE FOR DIRECT TEMPORARY the Federal Emergency Management Agency HOUSING AND PERMANENT HOUS- shall provide guidance and training on an an- SEC. 2009. DUPLICATION OF BENEFITS. ING CONSTRUCTION. nual basis to State, Tribal, and local govern- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 312(b) of the Rob- Section 408(f) of the Robert T. Stafford Dis- ments, first responders, and utility compa- ert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emer- aster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act nies on— gency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5155(b)) is (42 U.S.C. 5174(f)) is amended— (1) the need to prioritize assistance to hos- amended by adding at the end the following: (1) in paragraph (1), by striking the para- pitals, nursing homes, and other long-term ‘‘(4) WAIVER OF GENERAL PROHIBITION.— graph heading and inserting ‘‘STATE- OR care facilities to ensure that such health ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The President may TRIBAL-ADMINISTERED ASSISTANCE AND OTHER care facilities remain functioning or return waive the general prohibition provided in NEEDS ASSISTANCE.—’’; to functioning as soon as practicable during subsection (a) upon request of a Governor on (2) in paragraph (1)(A)— power outages caused by natural hazards, in- behalf of the State or on behalf of a person, (A) by striking ‘‘financial’’; and cluding severe weather events; and business concern, or any other entity suf- (B) by striking ‘‘subsection (e)’’ and insert- (2) how hospitals, nursing homes and other fering losses as a result of a major disaster ing ‘‘subsections (c)(1)(B), (c)(4), and (e) if long-term care facilities should adequately or emergency, if the President finds such the President and the State or Tribal gov- prepare for power outages during a major waiver is in the public interest and will not ernment comply, as determined by the Ad- disaster or emergency. result in waste, fraud, or abuse. In making ministrator, with paragraph (3)’’; SEC. 2008. GUIDANCE ON EVACUATION ROUTES. this decision, the President may consider the (3) in paragraph (1)(B)— (a) IN GENERAL.— following: (A) by striking ‘‘financial’’; and (1) IDENTIFICATION.—The Administrator of ‘‘(i) The recommendations of the Adminis- (B) by striking ‘‘subsection (e)’’ and insert- the Federal Emergency Management Agen- trator of the Federal Emergency Manage- ing ‘‘subsections (c)(1)(B), (c)(4), and (e)’’; cy, in coordination with the Administrator ment Agency made in consultation with the and of the Federal Highway Administration, Federal agency or agencies administering (4) by adding at the end the following: shall develop and issue guidance for State, the duplicative program. ‘‘(3) IN GENERAL.— local, and Tribal governments regarding the ‘‘(ii) If a waiver is granted, the assistance ‘‘(A) APPLICATION.—A State or Tribal gov- identification of evacuation routes. to be funded is cost effective. ernment desiring to provide assistance under (2) GUIDANCE.—The Administrator of the ‘‘(iii) Equity and good conscience. subsection (c)(1)(B), (c)(4), or (e) shall submit Federal Highway Administration, in coordi- ‘‘(iv) Other matters of public policy consid- to the President an application for a grant to nation with the Administrator of the Federal ered appropriate by the President. provide financial assistance under the pro- Emergency Management Agency, shall re- ‘‘(B) GRANT OR DENIAL OF WAIVER.—A re- gram. vise existing guidance or issue new guidance quest under subparagraph (A) shall be grant- ‘‘(B) CRITERIA.—The President, in consulta- as appropriate for State, local, and Tribal ed or denied not later than 45 days after sub- tion and coordination with State, Tribal, and governments regarding the design, construc- mission of such request. local governments, shall establish criteria tion, maintenance, and repair of evacuation ‘‘(C) PROHIBITION ON DETERMINATION THAT for the approval of applications submitted routes. LOAN IS A DUPLICATION.—Notwithstanding under subparagraph (A). The criteria shall (b) CONSIDERATIONS.— subsection (c), in carrying out subparagraph include, at a minimum— (1) IDENTIFICATION.—In developing the (A), the President may not determine that a ‘‘(i) the demonstrated ability of the State guidance under subsection (a)(1), the Admin- loan is a duplication of assistance, provided or Tribal government to manage the pro- istrator of the Federal Emergency Manage- that all Federal assistance is used toward a gram under this section; ment Agency shall consider— loss suffered as a result of the major disaster ‘‘(ii) there being in effect a plan approved (A) whether evacuation routes have re- or emergency.’’. by the President as to how the State or Trib- sisted impacts and recovered quickly from (b) FUNDING OF A FEDERALLY AUTHORIZED al government will comply with applicable disasters, regardless of cause; WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT PROJECT.— Federal laws and regulations and how the (B) the need to evacuate special needs pop- (1) ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES.—Notwithstanding State or Tribal government will provide as- ulations, including— section 312 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster sistance under its plan; (i) individuals with a physical or mental Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 ‘‘(iii) a requirement that the State, Tribal, disability; U.S.C. 5155) and its implementing regula- or local government comply with rules and (ii) individuals in schools, daycare centers, tions, assistance provided pursuant to sec- regulations established pursuant to sub- mobile home parks, prisons, nursing homes tion 404 of such Act may be used to fund ac- section (j); and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.014 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10377 ‘‘(iv) a requirement that the President, or SEC. 2011. ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS AND nature to the general public (including mu- the designee of the President, comply with HOUSEHOLDS. seums, zoos, performing arts facilities, com- subsection (i). Section 408(h) of the Robert T. Stafford munity arts centers, community centers, Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance ‘‘(C) QUALITY ASSURANCE.—Before approv- houses of worship exempt from taxation Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(h)) is amended— ing an application submitted under this sec- under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘, exclud- tion, the President, or the designee of the Code of 1986, libraries, homeless shelters, ing financial assistance to rent alternate President, shall institute adequate policies, senior citizen centers, rehabilitation facili- housing accommodations under subsection procedures, and internal controls to prevent ties, shelter workshops, food banks, broad- (c)(1)(A)(i) and financial assistance to ad- casting facilities, and facilities that provide waste, fraud, abuse, and program mis- dress other needs under subsection (e)’’ after health and safety services of a governmental management for this program and for pro- ‘‘disaster’’; nature), as defined by the President.’’. grams under subsections (c)(1)(B), (c)(4), and (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as para- (b) REPAIR, RESTORATION, AND REPLACE- (e). The President shall monitor and conduct graph (3); MENT OF DAMAGED FACILITIES.—Section quality assurance activities on a State or (3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the fol- 406(a)(3) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Tribal government’s implementation of pro- lowing: Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 grams under subsections (c)(1)(B), (c)(4), and ‘‘(2) OTHER NEEDS ASSISTANCE.—The max- U.S.C. 5172(a)(3)) is amended by adding at the (e). If, after approving an application of a imum financial assistance any individual or end the following: State or Tribal government submitted under household may receive under subsection (e) ‘‘(C) HOUSES OF WORSHIP.— this section, the President determines that shall be equivalent to the amount set forth ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—A church, synagogue, the State or Tribal government is not ad- in paragraph (1) with respect to a single mosque, temple, or other house of worship, ministering the program established by this major disaster.’’; and a private nonprofit facility operated by section in a manner satisfactory to the (4) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated), by a religious organization, shall be eligible for President, the President shall withdraw the striking ‘‘paragraph (1)’’ and inserting contributions under paragraph (1)(B) (subject approval. ‘‘paragraphs (1) and (2)’’; and to paragraph (3)(A)), without regard to the religious character of the facility or the pri- ‘‘(D) AUDITS.—The Office of the inspector (5) by inserting after paragraph (3) (as so mary religious use of the facility. general shall provide for periodic audits of redesignated) the following: ‘‘(ii) LIMITATIONS.—Notwithstanding clause the programs administered by States and ‘‘(4) EXCLUSION OF NECESSARY EXPENSES FOR (i), in spaces dedicated to or primarily used Tribal governments under this subsection. INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.— ‘‘(A) The maximum amount of assistance for religious purposes, contributions under ‘‘(E) APPLICABLE LAWS.—All Federal laws established under paragraph (1) shall exclude paragraph (1)(B) shall only be used to cover applicable to the management, administra- expenses to repair or replace damaged acces- costs of purchasing or replacing, without tion, or contracting of the programs by the sibility-related improvements under para- limitation, the building structure, building Federal Emergency Management Agency graphs (2), (3), and (4) of subsection (c) for in- enclosure components, building envelope, under this section shall be applicable to the dividuals with disabilities. vertical and horizontal circulation, physical management, administration, or contracting ‘‘(B) The maximum amount of assistance plant support spaces, electrical, plumbing, by a non-Federal entity under this section. established under paragraph (2) shall exclude and mechanical systems (including heating, ‘‘(F) REPORT.—Not later than 18 months expenses to repair or replace accessibility-re- ventilation, air-conditioning, and fire and after the date of enactment of this para- lated personal property under subsection life safety systems), and related site im- graph, the inspector general of the Depart- (e)(2) for individuals with disabilities.’’. provements.’’. (c) APPLICABILITY.—This section and the ment of Homeland Security shall submit a SEC. 2012. MULTIFAMILY LEASE AND REPAIR AS- report to the Committee on Homeland Secu- SISTANCE. amendments made by this section shall apply to the provision of assistance in re- rity and Governmental Affairs of the Senate (a) LEASE AND REPAIR OF RENTAL UNITS sponse to a major disaster or emergency de- and the Committee on Transportation and FOR TEMPORARY HOUSING.—Section Infrastructure of the House of Representa- 408(c)(1)(B)(ii)(II) of the Robert T. Stafford clared on or after October 28, 2012. tives on the State or Tribal government’s Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance SEC. 2014. MANAGEMENT COSTS. Section 324 of the Robert T. Stafford Dis- role to provide assistance under this section. Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(c)(1)(B)(ii)(II)) is amended aster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act The report shall contain an assessment of to read as follows: ‘‘(II) IMPROVEMENTS OR REPAIRS.—Under (42 U.S.C. 5165b) is amended— the effectiveness of the State or Tribal gov- (1) in subsection (a) by striking ‘‘any ad- ernment’s role to provide assistance under the terms of any lease agreement for prop- erty entered into under this subsection, the ministrative expense, and any other expense this section, including— not directly chargeable to’’ and inserting ‘‘(i) whether the State or Tribal govern- value of the improvements or repairs shall be deducted from the value of the lease agree- ‘‘direct administrative cost, and any other ment’s role helped to improve the general administrative expense associated with’’; speed of disaster recovery; ment.’’. (b) RENTAL PROPERTIES IMPACTED.—Sec- and ‘‘(ii) whether the State or Tribal govern- tion 408(c)(1)(B)(ii)(I)(aa) of the Robert T. (2) in subsection (b)— ment providing assistance under this section Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency As- (A) by striking ‘‘Notwithstanding’’ and in- had the capacity to administer this section; sistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(c)(1)(B)(ii)(I)(aa)) serting the following: and is amended to read as follows: ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding’’; ‘‘(iii) recommendations for changes to im- ‘‘(aa) enter into lease agreements with (B) by striking ‘‘establish’’ and inserting prove the program if the State or Tribal gov- owners of multifamily rental property im- the following: ‘‘implement’’; and ernment’s role to administer the programs pacted by a major disaster or located in (C) by adding at the end the following: should be continued. areas covered by a major disaster declara- ‘‘(2) SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT COSTS.—The Ad- ‘‘(G) PROHIBITION.—The President may not tion to house individuals and households eli- ministrator shall provide the following per- condition the provision of Federal assistance gible for assistance under this section; and’’. centage rates, in addition to the eligible under this Act by a State or Tribal govern- (c) INSPECTOR GENERAL REPORT.—Not later project costs, to cover direct and indirect ment requesting a grant under this section. than 2 years after the date of the enactment costs of administering the following pro- ‘‘(H) MISCELLANEOUS.— of this Act, the inspector general of the De- grams: ‘‘(i) NOTICE AND COMMENT.—The Adminis- partment of Homeland Security shall assess ‘‘(A) HAZARD MITIGATION.—A grantee under trator may waive notice and comment rule- the use of the authority provided under sec- section 404 may be reimbursed not more than making, if the Administrator determines tion 408(c)(1)(B) of the Robert T. Stafford 15 percent of the total amount of the grant doing so is necessary to expeditiously imple- Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance award under such section of which not more ment this section, and may carry out this Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(c)(1)(B)), including the than 10 percent may be used by the grantee and 5 percent by the subgrantee for such section as a pilot program until such regula- adequacy of any benefit-cost analysis done costs. tions are promulgated. to justify the use of this alternative, and submit a report on the results of that review ‘‘(B) PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.—A grantee under ‘‘(ii) FINAL RULE.—Not later than 2 years to the appropriate committees of Congress. sections 403, 406, 407, and 502 may be reim- after the date of enactment of this para- SEC. 2013. FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE NON- bursed not more than 12 percent of the total graph, the Administrator shall issue final PROFIT FAIRNESS. award amount under such sections, of which regulations to implement this subsection as (a) DEFINITION OF PRIVATE NONPROFIT FA- not more than 7 percent may be used by the amended by the Disaster Recovery Reform CILITY.—Section 102(11)(B) of the Robert T. grantee and 5 percent by the subgrantee for Act. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency As- such costs.’’. ‘‘(iii) WAIVER AND EXPIRATION.—The au- sistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122(11)(B)) is amend- SEC. 2015. FLEXIBILITY. thority under clause (i) and any pilot pro- ed to read as follows: (a) DEFINITION.—In this section, the term gram implemented pursuant to such clause ‘‘(B) ADDITIONAL FACILITIES.—In addition ‘‘covered assistance’’ means assistance pro- shall expire 2 years after the date of enact- to the facilities described in subparagraph vided— ment of this paragraph or upon issuance of (A), the term ‘private nonprofit facility’ in- (1) under section 408 of the Robert T. Staf- final regulations pursuant to clause (ii), cludes any private nonprofit facility that ford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assist- whichever occurs sooner.’’. provides essential services of a governmental ance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174); and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.014 H21DEPT1 H10378 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 (2) in relation to a major disaster or emer- may establish one or more national veteri- implement any regulatory recommenda- gency declared by the President under sec- nary emergency teams at accredited colleges tions, including any categorical exclusions tion 401 or 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Dis- of veterinary medicine. identified under subsection (a), to the extent aster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (b) RESPONSIBILITIES.—A national veteri- that the categorical exclusions meet the cri- (42 U.S.C. 5170; 42 U.S.C. 5191) on or after Oc- nary emergency team shall— teria for a categorical exclusion under sec- tober 28, 2012. (1) deploy with a team of the National tion 1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal Regula- (b) WAIVER AUTHORITY.—Notwithstanding Urban Search and Rescue Response System tions, and section II of DHS Instruction section 3716(e) of title 31, United States Code, to assist with— Manual 023–01–001–01. the Administrator of the Federal Emergency (A) veterinary care of canine search teams; SEC. 2021. CLOSEOUT INCENTIVES. Management Agency— (B) locating and treating companion ani- (a) FACILITATING CLOSEOUT.—Section 705 of (1) subject to paragraph (2), may waive a mals, service animals, livestock, and other the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and debt owed to the United States related to animals; and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5205) is covered assistance provided to an individual (C) surveillance and treatment of zoonotic amended by adding at the end the following: or household if— diseases; ‘‘(d) FACILITATING CLOSEOUT.— (A) the covered assistance was distributed (2) recruit, train, and certify veterinary ‘‘(1) INCENTIVES.—The Administrator may based on an error by the Federal Emergency professionals, including veterinary students, develop incentives and penalties that en- Management Agency; in accordance with an established set of courage State, Tribal, or local governments (B) there was no fault on behalf of the plans and standard operating guidelines to to close out expenditures and activities on a debtor; and carry out the duties associated with plan- timely basis related to disaster or emer- (C) the collection of the debt would be ning for and responding to emergencies as gency assistance. against equity and good conscience; and described in paragraph (1); ‘‘(2) AGENCY REQUIREMENTS.—The Agency (2) may not waive a debt under paragraph (3) assist State, Tribal, and local govern- shall, consistent with applicable regulations (1) if the debt involves fraud, the presen- ments and nonprofit organizations in devel- and required procedures, meet its respon- tation of a false claim, or misrepresentation oping emergency management and evacu- sibilities to improve closeout practices and by the debtor or any party having an inter- ation plans that account for the care and reduce the time to close disaster program est in the claim. rescue of animals and in improving local awards.’’. (c) MONITORING OF COVERED ASSISTANCE readiness for providing veterinary medical (b) REGULATIONS.—The Administrator shall DISTRIBUTED BASED ON ERROR.— response during a disaster; and issue regulations to implement this section. (1) IN GENERAL.—The inspector general of the Department of Homeland Security shall (4) coordinate with the Department of SEC. 2022. PERFORMANCE OF SERVICES. monitor the distribution of covered assist- Homeland Security, the Department of Section 306 of the Robert T. Stafford Dis- ance to individuals and households to deter- Health and Human Services, the Department aster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act mine the percentage of such assistance dis- of Agriculture, State, Tribal, and local gov- (42 U.S.C. 5149) is amended by adding at the tributed based on an error. ernments (including departments of animal end the following: and human health), veterinary and health (2) REMOVAL OF WAIVER AUTHORITY BASED ‘‘(c) The Administrator of the Federal ON EXCESSIVE ERROR RATE.—If the inspector care professionals, and volunteers. Emergency Management Agency is author- general determines, with respect to any 12- SEC. 2018. DISPUTE RESOLUTION PILOT PRO- ized to appoint temporary personnel, after month period, that the amount of covered GRAM. serving continuously for 3 years, to positions assistance distributed based on an error by Section 1105(c) of the Sandy Recovery Im- in the Agency in the same manner that com- the Federal Emergency Management Agency provement Act of 2013 (42 U.S.C. 5189a note) petitive service employees with competitive exceeds 4 percent of the total amount of cov- is amended by striking ‘‘2015’’ and inserting status are considered for transfer, reassign- ered assistance distributed— ‘‘2022’’. ment, or promotion to such positions. An in- (A) the inspector general shall notify the SEC. 2019. EMERGENCY RELIEF. dividual appointed under this subsection Administrator and publish the determina- Notwithstanding any other provision of shall become a career-conditional employee, tion in the Federal Register; and law, for each of fiscal years 2018 and 2019, ob- unless the employee has already completed (B) with respect to any major disaster or ligations for projects undertaken to respond the service requirements for career tenure.’’. emergency declared by the President under to damages caused by Hurricanes Irma and SEC. 2023. STUDY TO STREAMLINE AND CONSOLI- section 401 or section 501, respectively, of the Maria shall be excluded from any calculation DATE INFORMATION COLLECTION. Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emer- of total obligations for purposes of section Not later than 1 year after the date of en- gency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170; 42 125(d)(4) of title 23, United States Code. actment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency U.S.C. 5191) after the date on which the de- SEC. 2020. UNIFIED FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL termination is published under subparagraph AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION RE- shall— (A), the authority of the Administrator to VIEW. (1) in coordination with the Small Business waive debt under subsection (b) shall no (a) REVIEW AND ANALYSIS.—Not later than Administration, the Department of Housing longer be effective. 180 days after the date of enactment of this and Urban Development, and other appro- SEC. 2016. ADDITIONAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE. Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emer- priate agencies, conduct a study and develop (a) DISASTER MITIGATION.—Section 209 of gency Management Agency shall review the a plan, consistent with law, under which the the Public Works and Economic Develop- Unified Federal Environmental and Historic collection of information from disaster as- ment Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3149) is amended Preservation review process established pur- sistance applicants and grantees will be by adding at the end the following: suant to section 429 of the Robert T. Stafford modified, streamlined, expedited, efficient, ‘‘(e) DISASTER MITIGATION.—In providing Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance flexible, consolidated, and simplified to be assistance pursuant to subsection (c)(2), if Act (42 U.S.C. 5189g), and submit a report to less burdensome, duplicative, and time con- appropriate and as applicable, the Secretary the Committee on Transportation and Infra- suming for applicants and grantees; may encourage hazard mitigation in assist- structure of the House of Representatives (2) in coordination with the Small Business ance provided pursuant to such subsection.’’. and the Committee on Homeland Security Administration, the Department of Housing (b) EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE and Governmental Affairs of the Senate that and Urban Development, and other appro- COMPACT GRANTS.—Section 661(d) of the includes the following: priate agencies, develop a plan for the reg- Post-Katrina Emergency Management Re- (1) An analysis of whether and how the uni- ular collection and reporting of information form Act of 2006 (6 U.S.C. 761(d)) is amended fied process has expedited the interagency on Federal disaster assistance awarded, in- by striking ‘‘for fiscal year 2008’’ and insert- review process to ensure compliance with the cluding the establishment and maintenance ing ‘‘for each of fiscal years 2018 through environmental and historic requirements of a website for presenting the information 2022’’. under Federal law relating to disaster recov- to the public; and (c) EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE ery projects. (3) submit the plans to the Committee on GRANTS PROGRAM.—Section 662(f) of the (2) A survey and analysis of categorical ex- Transportation and Infrastructure of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Re- House of Representatives and the Committee form Act of 2006 (6 U.S.C. 762(f)) is amended clusions used by other Federal agencies that may be applicable to any activity related to on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- by striking ‘‘the program’’ and all that fol- fairs of the Senate. lows through ‘‘2012’’ and inserting ‘‘the pro- a Presidentially declared major disaster or gram, for each of fiscal years 2018 through emergency under such Act. SEC. 2024. AGENCY ACCOUNTABILITY. 2022’’. (3) Recommendations on any further ac- Title IV of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster (d) TECHNICAL AMENDMENT.—Section tions, including any legislative proposals, Relief and Emergency Assistance Act is 403(a)(3) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster needed to expedite and streamline the review amended by adding at the end the following: Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 process. ‘‘SEC. 430. AGENCY ACCOUNTABILITY. U.S.C. 5170b(a)(3)) is amended by striking the (b) REGULATIONS.—After completing the re- ‘‘(a) PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.—Not later than 5 second subparagraph (J). view, survey, and analyses under subsection days after an award of a public assistance SEC. 2017. NATIONAL VETERINARY EMERGENCY (a), but not later than 2 years after the date grant is made under section 406 that is in ex- TEAMS. of enactment of this Act, and after providing cess of $1,000,000, the Administrator shall (a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator of the notice and opportunity for public comment, publish on the Agency’s website the specifics Federal Emergency Management Agency the Administrator shall issue regulations to of each such grant award, including—

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.014 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10379 ‘‘(1) identifying the Federal Emergency fiscal year shall be submitted not later than inspector general of the Department of Management Agency Region; the fifth day of each month, published by the Homeland Security shall initiate an audit of ‘‘(2) the disaster or emergency declaration Administrator on the Agency’s website not the contracts awarded by the Federal Emer- number; later than the fifth day of each month: gency Management Agency (in this section ‘‘(3) the State, county, and applicant name; ‘‘(A) A summary of the amount of appro- referred to as ‘‘FEMA’’) for tarps and plastic ‘‘(4) if the applicant is a private nonprofit priations made available by source, the sheeting for the Commonwealth of Puerto organization; transfers executed, the previously allocated Rico and the United States Virgin Islands in ‘‘(5) the damage category code; funds recovered, and the commitments, allo- response to Hurricane Irma and Hurricane ‘‘(6) the amount of the Federal share obli- cations, and obligations made. Maria. gated; and ‘‘(B) A table of disaster relief activity de- (b) CONSIDERATIONS.—In carrying out the ‘‘(7) the date of the award. lineated by month, including— audit under subsection (a), the inspector gen- ‘‘(b) MISSION ASSIGNMENTS.— ‘‘(i) the beginning and ending balances; eral shall review— ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 5 days ‘‘(ii) the total obligations to include (1) the contracting process used by FEMA after the issuance of a mission assignment or amounts obligated for fire assistance, emer- to evaluate offerors and award the relevant mission assignment task order, the Adminis- gencies, surge, and disaster support activi- contracts to contractors; trator shall publish on the Agency’s website ties; (2) FEMA’s assessment of the past perform- any mission assignment or mission assign- ‘‘(iii) the obligations for catastrophic ance of the contractors, including any his- ment task order to another Federal depart- events delineated by event and by State; and torical information showing that the con- ment or agency regarding a major disaster in ‘‘(iv) the amount of previously obligated tractors had supported large-scale delivery excess of $1,000,000, including— funds that are recovered. quantities in the past; ‘‘(A) the name of the impacted State or ‘‘(C) A summary of allocations, obliga- (3) FEMA’s assessment of the capacity of Tribe; tions, and expenditures for catastrophic the contractors to carry out the relevant ‘‘(B) the disaster declaration for such State events delineated by event. contracts, including with respect to inven- or Tribe; ‘‘(D) The cost of the following categories of tory, production, and financial capabilities; ‘‘(C) the assigned agency; spending: (4) how FEMA ensured that the contractors ‘‘(D) the assistance requested; ‘‘(i) Public assistance. met the terms of the relevant contracts; and ‘‘(E) a description of the disaster; ‘‘(ii) Individual assistance. (5) whether the failure of the contractors ‘‘(F) the total cost estimate; ‘‘(iii) Mitigation. to meet the terms of the relevant contracts ‘‘(G) the amount obligated; ‘‘(iv) Administrative. and FEMA’s subsequent cancellation of the ‘‘(H) the State or Tribal cost share, if ap- ‘‘(v) Operations. relevant contracts affected the provision of plicable; ‘‘(vi) Any other relevant category (includ- tarps and plastic sheeting to the Common- ‘‘(I) the authority under which the mission ing emergency measures and disaster re- wealth of Puerto Rico and the United States assignment or mission assignment task sources) delineated by disaster. Virgin Islands. order was directed; and ‘‘(E) The date on which funds appropriated (c) REPORT.—Not later than 270 days after ‘‘(J) if applicable, the date a State or Tribe will be exhausted. the date of initiation of the audit under sub- requested the mission assignment. ‘‘(d) CONTRACTS.— section (a), the inspector general shall sub- ‘‘(2) RECORDING CHANGES.—Not later than ‘‘(1) INFORMATION.—Not later than 10 days mit to the Committee on Transportation and 10 days after the last day of each month after the first day of each month, the Admin- Infrastructure of the House of Representa- until a mission assignment or mission as- istrator shall publish on the Agency’s tives and the Committee on Homeland Secu- signment task order described in paragraph website the specifics of each contract in ex- rity and Governmental Affairs of the Senate (1) is completed and closed out, the Adminis- cess of $1,000,000 that the Agency enters into, a report on the results of the audit, includ- trator shall update any changes to the total including— ing findings and recommendations. cost estimate and the amount obligated. ‘‘(A) the name of the party; SEC. 2027. RELIEF ORGANIZATIONS. ‘‘(c) DISASTER RELIEF MONTHLY REPORT.— Section 309 of the Robert T. Stafford Dis- Not later than 10 days after the first day of ‘‘(B) the date the contract was awarded; ‘‘(C) the amount and scope of the contract; aster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act each month, the Administrator shall publish (42 U.S.C. 5152) is amended— on the Agency’s website reports, including a ‘‘(D) if the contract was awarded through competitive bidding process; (1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘and other specific description of the methodology and relief or’’ and inserting ‘‘long-term recovery the source data used in developing such re- ‘‘(E) if no competitive bidding process was used, the reason why competitive bidding groups, domestic hunger relief, and other re- ports, including— lief, or’’; and ‘‘(1) an estimate of the amounts for the fis- was not used; and ‘‘(F) the authority used to bypass the com- (2) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘and other cal year covered by the President’s most re- relief or’’ and inserting ‘‘long-term recovery cent budget pursuant to section 1105(a) of petitive bidding process. The information shall be delineated by dis- groups, domestic hunger relief, and other re- title 31, United States Code, including— lief, or’’. ‘‘(A) the unobligated balance of funds to be aster, if applicable, and specify the damage category code, if applicable. SEC. 2028. GUIDANCE ON INUNDATED AND SUB- carried over from the prior fiscal year to the MERGED ROADS. ‘‘(2) REPORT.—Not later than 10 days after budget year; The Administrator of the Federal Emer- the last day of the fiscal year, the Adminis- ‘‘(B) the unobligated balance of funds to be gency Management Agency, in coordination trator shall provide a report to the appro- carried over from the budget year to the with the Administrator of the Federal High- priate committees of Congress summarizing budget year plus 1; way Administration, shall develop and issue the following information for the preceding ‘‘(C) the amount of obligations for non- guidance for State, local, and Tribal govern- fiscal year: catastrophic events for the budget year; ments regarding repair, restoration, and re- ‘‘(A) The number of contracts awarded ‘‘(D) the amount of obligations for the placement of inundated and submerged roads budget year for catastrophic events delin- without competitive bidding. damaged or destroyed by a major disaster, eated by event and by State; ‘‘(B) The reasons why a competitive bid- and for associated expenses incurred by the ‘‘(E) the total amount that has been pre- ding process was not used. Government, with respect to roads eligible viously obligated or will be required for cat- ‘‘(C) The total amount of contracts award- for assistance under section 406 of the Robert astrophic events delineated by event and by ed with no competitive bidding. T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency State for all prior years, the current fiscal ‘‘(D) The damage category codes, if appli- Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5172). cable, for contracts awarded without com- year, the budget year, and each fiscal year SEC. 2029. AUTHORITIES. thereafter; petitive bidding.’’. Notwithstanding any other provision of ‘‘(F) the amount of previously obligated SEC. 2025. AUDIT OF CONTRACTS. law, the non-federally funded actions of pri- funds that will be recovered for the budget Notwithstanding any other provision of vate parties and State, local, or Tribal gov- year; law, the Administrator of the Federal Emer- ernments, on State, local, Tribal, and pri- ‘‘(G) the amount that will be required for gency Management Agency shall not reim- vate land, and the effects of those actions, obligations for emergencies, as described in burse a State, Tribe, or local government or shall not be attributed to the Federal Emer- section 102(1), major disasters, as described the owner or operator of a private nonprofit gency Management Agency’s actions under in section 102(2), fire management assistance facility for any activities made pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 grants, as described in section 420, surge ac- a contract entered into after August 1, 2017, U.S.C. 4001 et seq.), the Flood Disaster Pro- tivities, and disaster readiness and support that prohibits the Administrator or the tection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4002 et seq.), the activities; and Comptroller General of the United States Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act ‘‘(H) the amount required for activities not from auditing or otherwise reviewing all as- of 2012 (subtitle A of title II of division F of covered under section 251(b)(2)(D)(iii) of the pects relating to the contract. Public Law 112–141; 126 Stat. 916), and the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit SEC. 2026. INSPECTOR GENERAL AUDIT OF FEMA Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 901(b)(2)(D)(iii)); CONTRACTS FOR TARPS AND PLAS- Act of 2014 (Public Law 113–89; 128 Stat. 1020) and TIC SHEETING. for the purposes of section 7 (16 U.S.C. 1536) ‘‘(2) an estimate or actual amounts, if (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 30 days and section 9 (16 U.S.C. 1538) of the Endan- available, of the following for the current after the date of enactment of this Act, the gered Species Act. Actions taken under the

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National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, the (b) RECOMMENDATIONS.—Not later than 90 and Infrastructure of the House of Rep- Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, the days after the date of enactment of this Act, resentatives and the Committee on Home- Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act the Administrator shall provide to the Com- land Security and Governmental Affairs of of 2012, and the Homeowner Flood Insurance mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure the Senate on the changes made to regula- Affordability Act of 2014, that may influence of the House of Representatives and the tions and policies and the number of declara- private actions do not create a Federal nexus Committee on Homeland Security and Gov- tions that have been declared based on the for the purpose of applying the requirements ernmental Affairs of the Senate a legislative new criteria. of section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of proposal on how to provide eligibility for dis- SEC. 2035. ADDITIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION AC- 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536). aster assistance with respect to common TIVITIES. SEC. 2030. RECOUPMENT OF CERTAIN ASSIST- areas of condominiums and housing coopera- Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Dis- ANCE PROHIBITED. tives. aster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170c) is further amended by add- (a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding section SEC. 2033. GUIDANCE ON HAZARD MITIGATION 3716(e) of title 31, United States Code, and ASSISTANCE. ing at the end the following: ‘‘(g) USE OF ASSISTANCE.—Recipients of unless there is evidence of civil or criminal (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days hazard mitigation assistance provided under fraud, the Federal Emergency Management after the date of enactment of this Act, the Agency may not take any action to recoup this section and section 203 may use the as- Administrator of the Federal Emergency sistance to conduct activities to help reduce covered assistance from the recipient of such Management Agency shall issue guidance re- assistance if the receipt of such assistance the risk of future damage, hardship, loss, or garding the acquisition of property for open suffering in any area affected by earthquake occurred on a date that is more than 3 years space as a mitigation measure under section before the date on which the Federal Emer- hazards, including— 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief ‘‘(1) improvements to regional seismic net- gency Management Agency first provides to and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. the recipient written notification of an in- works in support of building a capability for 5170c) that includes— earthquake early warning; tent to recoup. (1) a process by which the State hazard (b) COVERED ASSISTANCE DEFINED.—In this ‘‘(2) improvements to geodetic networks in mitigation officer appointed for such an ac- section, the term ‘‘covered assistance’’ support of building a capability for earth- quisition shall, not later than 60 days after means assistance provided— quake early warning; and the applicant for assistance enters into an (1) under section 408 of the Robert T. Staf- ‘‘(3) improvements to seismometers, Global agreement with the Administrator regarding ford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assist- Positioning System receivers, and associated the acquisition, provide written notification ance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174); and infrastructure in support of building a capa- to each affected unit of local government for (2) in relation to a major disaster or emer- bility for earthquake early warning.’’. such acquisition that includes— gency declared by the President under sec- SEC. 2036. NATIONAL PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE (A) the location of the acquisition; tion 401 or 501 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 5170; 42 PREDISASTER HAZARD MITIGATION. (B) the State-local assistance agreement U.S.C. 5191) on or after January 1, 2012. (a) PREDISASTER HAZARD MITIGATION.—Sec- for the hazard mitigation grant program; SEC. 2031. STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS. tion 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster (C) a description of the acquisition; and (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 705 of the Robert Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 (D) a copy of the deed restriction; and T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency U.S.C. 5133) is amended— (2) recommendations for entering into and Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5205) is amended— (1) in subsection (c) by inserting ‘‘Public implementing a memorandum of under- (1) in subsection (a)(1)— Infrastructure’’ after ‘‘the National’’; standing between units of local government (A) by striking ‘‘Except’’ and inserting (2) in subsection (e)(1)(B)— and covered entities that includes provisions ‘‘Notwithstanding section 3716(e) of title 31, (A) by striking ‘‘or’’ at the end of clause to allow an affected unit of local government United States Code, and except’’; and (ii); notified under paragraph (1) to— (B) by striking ‘‘report for the disaster or (B) by striking the period at the end of (A) use and maintain the open space cre- emergency’’ and inserting ‘‘report for project clause (iii) and inserting ‘‘; or’’; and ated by such a project, consistent with sec- completion as certified by the grantee’’; and (C) by adding at the end the following: tion 404 (including related regulations, (2) in subsection (b)— ‘‘(iv) to establish and carry out enforce- standards, and guidance) and consistent with (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ‘‘report for ment activities to implement the latest pub- all adjoining property, subject to the notifi- the disaster or emergency’’ and inserting lished editions of relevant consensus-based cation of the adjoining property, so long as ‘‘report for project completion as certified codes, specifications, and standards that in- the cost of the maintenance is borne by the by the grantee’’; and corporate the latest hazard-resistant designs local government; and (B) in paragraph (3) by inserting ‘‘for and establish minimum acceptable criteria (B) maintain the open space pursuant to project completion as certified by the grant- for the design, construction, and mainte- standards exceeding any local government ee’’ after ‘‘final expenditure report’’. nance of residential structures and facilities standards defined in the agreement with the (b) APPLICABILITY.— that may be eligible for assistance under this Administrator described under paragraph (1). (1) IN GENERAL.—With respect to disaster Act for the purpose of protecting the health, or emergency assistance provided to a State (b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section the fol- safety, and general welfare of the buildings’ or local government on or after January 1, lowing definitions apply: users against disasters.’’; 2004— (1) AFFECTED UNIT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT.— (3) in subsection (f)— (A) no administrative action may be taken The term ‘‘affected unit of local govern- (A) in paragraph (1) by inserting ‘‘for miti- to recover a payment of such assistance after ment’’ means any entity covered by the defi- gation activities that are cost effective’’ the date of enactment of this Act if the ac- nition of local government in section 102 of after ‘‘competitive basis’’; and tion is prohibited under section 705(a)(1) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and (B) by adding at the end the following: the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122), ‘‘(3) REDISTRIBUTION OF UNOBLIGATED Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. that has jurisdiction over the property sub- AMOUNTS.—The President may— 5205(a)(1)), as amended by subsection (a); and ject to the acquisition described in sub- ‘‘(A) withdraw amounts of financial assist- (B) any administrative action to recover a section (a). ance made available to a State (including payment of such assistance that is pending (2) COVERED ENTITY.—The term ‘‘covered amounts made available to local govern- on such date of enactment shall be termi- entity’’ means— ments of a State) under this subsection that nated if the action is prohibited under sec- (A) the grantee or subgrantee receiving as- remain unobligated by the end of the third tion 705(a)(1) of that Act, as amended by sub- sistance for an open space project described fiscal year after the fiscal year for which the section (a). in subsection (a); amounts were allocated; and (B) the State in which such project is lo- (2) LIMITATION.—This section, including the ‘‘(B) in the fiscal year following a fiscal amendments made by this section, may not cated; and year in which amounts were withdrawn be construed to invalidate or otherwise af- (C) the applicable Regional Administrator under subparagraph (A), add the amounts to fect any administration action completed be- of the Federal Emergency Management any other amounts available to be awarded fore the date of enactment of this Act. Agency. on a competitive basis pursuant to para- SEC. 2032. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND REC- SEC. 2034. LOCAL IMPACT. graph (1).’’; OMMENDATIONS. In making recommendations to the Presi- (4) in subsection (g)— (a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.—The Adminis- dent regarding a major disaster declaration, (A) in paragraph (9) by striking ‘‘and’’ at trator of the Federal Emergency Manage- the Administrator of the Federal Emergency the end; ment Agency shall provide technical assist- Management Agency shall give greater (B) by redesignating paragraph (10) as ance to a common interest community that weight and consideration to severe local im- paragraph (12); and provides essential services of a governmental pact or recent multiple disasters. Further, (C) by adding after paragraph (9) the fol- nature on actions that a common interest the Administrator shall make corresponding lowing: community may take in order to be eligible adjustments to the Agency’s policies and ‘‘(10) the extent to which the State or local to receive reimbursement from a grantee regulations regarding such consideration. government has facilitated the adoption and that receives funds from the Agency for cer- Not later than 1 year after the date of enact- enforcement of the latest published editions tain activities performed after an event that ment of this section, the Administrator shall of relevant consensus-based codes, specifica- results in a disaster declaration. report to the Committee on Transportation tions, and standards that incorporate the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.014 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10381 latest hazard-resistant designs and establish ‘‘(iii) in a manner that allows the facility through the Administrator, shall issue com- criteria for the design, construction, and to meet the definition of resilient developed prehensive guidance to State and Tribal gov- maintenance of residential structures and fa- pursuant to this subsection.’’. ernments regarding the measures and invest- cilities that may be eligible for assistance (c) OTHER ELIGIBLE COST.—Section 406(e)(1) ments, weighted appropriately based on ac- under this Act for the purpose of protecting of such Act (42 U.S.C. 5172(e)(1)) is further tuarial assessments of eligible actions, that the health, safety, and general welfare of the amended by inserting at the end the fol- will be recognized for the purpose of increas- buildings’ users against disasters; lowing: ing the Federal share under this section. ‘‘(11) the extent to which the assistance ‘‘(C) CONTRIBUTIONS.—Contributions for the Guidance shall ensure that the agency’s re- will fund activities that increase the level of eligible cost made under this section may be view of eligible measures and investments resiliency; and’’; provided on an actual cost basis or on cost- does not unduly delay determining the ap- (5) by striking subsection (i) and inserting estimation procedures.’’. propriate Federal cost share. the following: (d) NEW RULES.—Section 406(e) of such Act ‘‘(C) REPORT.—One year after the issuance (42 U.S.C. 5172(e)) is further amended by add- ‘‘(i) NATIONAL PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE of the guidance required by subparagraph ing at the end the following: PREDISASTER MITIGATION ASSISTANCE.— (B), the Administrator shall submit to the ‘‘(5) NEW RULES.— Committee on Transportation and Infra- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The President may set ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 18 aside from the Disaster Relief Fund, with re- structure of the House of Representatives months after the date of enactment of this spect to each major disaster, an amount and the Committee on Homeland Security paragraph, the President, acting through the equal to 6 percent of the estimated aggregate and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a re- Administrator of the Federal Emergency amount of the grants to be made pursuant to port regarding the analysis of the Federal Management Agency, shall issue a final rule- sections 403, 406, 407, 408, 410, and 416 for the cost shares paid under this section. making that defines the terms ‘resilient’ and ‘‘(D) SAVINGS CLAUSE.—Nothing in this major disaster in order to provide technical ‘resiliency’ for purposes of this subsection. paragraph prevents the President from in- and financial assistance under this section. ‘‘(B) INTERIM GUIDANCE.—Not later than 60 creasing the Federal cost share above 85 per- ‘‘(2) ESTIMATED AGGREGATE AMOUNT.—Not days after the date of enactment of this cent.’’. later than 180 days after each major disaster paragraph, the Administrator shall issue in- declaration pursuant to this Act, the esti- DIVISION C—OTHER MATTERS terim guidance to implement this sub- mated aggregate amount of grants for pur- SEC. 3001. TREATMENT OF SEED COTTON. section. Such interim guidance shall expire poses of paragraph (1) shall be determined by (a) DEFINITION.—Section 1111 of the Agri- 18 months after the date of enactment of this the President and such estimated amount cultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9011) is amended paragraph or upon issuance of final regula- need not be reduced, increased, or changed by adding at the end the following new para- tions pursuant to subparagraph (A), which- due to variations in estimates. graph: ever occurs first. ‘‘(3) NO REDUCTION IN AMOUNTS.—The ‘‘(25) SEED COTTON.—The term ‘seed cotton’ ‘‘(C) GUIDANCE.—Not later than 90 days amount set aside pursuant to paragraph (1) means unginned upland cotton that includes after the date on which the Administrator shall not reduce the amounts otherwise both lint and seed.’’. issues the final rulemaking under this para- made available for sections 403, 404, 406, 407, (b) DESIGNATION AS COVERED COMMODITY.— graph, the Administrator shall issue any 408, 410, and 416 under this Act.’’; and Section 1111(6) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 necessary guidance related to the rule- (6) by striking subsections (j) and (m) and (7 U.S.C. 9011(6)) is amended by adding at the making. redesignating subsections (k), (l), and (n) as end the following new sentence: ‘‘Effective ‘‘(D) REPORT.—Not later than 2 years after subsections (j), (k), and (l), respectively. beginning with the 2018 crop year, the term the date of enactment of this paragraph, the includes seed cotton.’’. (b) APPLICABILITY.—The amendments made Administrator shall submit to Congress a re- (c) REFERENCE PRICE.—Section 1111(18) of to section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Dis- port summarizing the regulations and guid- the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9011(18)) aster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ance issued pursuant to this paragraph.’’. is amended by adding at the end the fol- (42 U.S.C. 5133) by paragraphs (3) and (5) of (e) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section lowing new subparagraph: subsection (a) shall apply to funds appro- 205(d)(2) of the Disaster Mitigation Act of ‘‘(O) For seed cotton, $0.367 per pound.’’. priated after the date of enactment of this 2000 (Public Law 106–390) is amended by in- (d) PAYMENT YIELD.—Section 1113(d) of the Act. serting ‘‘(B)’’ after ‘‘except that paragraph Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9013(d)) is SEC. 2037. ADDITIONAL MITIGATION ACTIVITIES. (1)’’. amended by adding at the end the following SEC. 2038. FEDERAL COST-SHARE ADJUSTMENTS new paragraph: (a) HAZARD MITIGATION CLARIFICATION.— FOR REPAIR, RESTORATION, AND ‘‘(5) PAYMENT YIELD FOR SEED COTTON.— Section 404(a) of the Robert T. Stafford Dis- REPLACEMENT OF DAMAGED FA- ‘‘(A) PAYMENT YIELD.—Subject to subpara- aster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act CILITIES. graph (B), the payment yield for seed cotton (42 U.S.C. 5170c(a)) is amended by striking Section 406(b) of the Robert T. Stafford for a farm shall be equal to 2.4 times the pay- the first sentence and inserting the fol- Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance ment yield for upland cotton for the farm es- lowing: ‘‘The President may contribute up to Act (42 U.S.C. 5172(b)) is amended by insert- tablished for purposes of subsection (e)(3) of 75 percent of the cost of hazard mitigation ing after paragraph (2) the following: section 1104 of the Food, Conservation, and measures which the President has deter- ‘‘(3) INCREASED FEDERAL SHARE.— Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 mined are cost effective and which substan- ‘‘(A) INCENTIVE MEASURES.—The President Stat. 1672), as in effect immediately before tially reduce the risk of, or increase resil- may provide incentives to a State or Tribal the repeal of such section by section 1102(a) ience to, future damage, hardship, loss, or government to invest in measures that in- of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law suffering in any area affected by a major dis- crease readiness for, and resilience from, a 113–79; 128 Stat. 658). aster.’’. major disaster by recognizing such invest- ‘‘(B) UPDATE.—At the sole discretion of the (b) ELIGIBLE COST.—Section 406(e)(1)(A) of ments through a sliding scale that increases owner of a farm with a yield described in such Act (42 U.S.C. 5172(e)(1)(A)) is amend- the minimum Federal share to 85 percent. subparagraph (A), the owner of the farm ed— Such measures may include— shall have a 1-time opportunity to update (1) in the matter preceding clause (i), by ‘‘(i) the adoption of a mitigation plan ap- the payment yield for upland cotton for the inserting after ‘‘section,’’ the following: ‘‘for proved under section 322; farm, as provided in subsection (d), for the disasters declared on or after August 1, 2017, ‘‘(ii) investments in disaster relief, insur- purpose of calculating the payment yield for or a disaster in which a cost estimate has ance, and emergency management programs; seed cotton under such subparagraph.’’. not yet been finalized for a project,’’; ‘‘(iii) encouraging the adoption and en- (e) PAYMENT ACRES.—Section 1114(b) of the (2) in clause (i), by striking ‘‘and’’; forcement of the latest published editions of Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9014(b)) is (3) in clause (ii)— relevant consensus-based codes, specifica- amended by adding at the end the following (A) by striking ‘‘codes, specifications, and tions, and standards that incorporate the new paragraph: standards’’ and inserting ‘‘the latest pub- latest hazard-resistant designs and establish ‘‘(4) SEED COTTON RULE.— lished editions of relevant consensus-based minimum acceptable criteria for the design, ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days codes, specifications, and standards that in- construction, and maintenance of residential after the date of the enactment of this para- corporate the latest hazard-resistant designs structures and facilities that may be eligible graph, the Secretary shall require the owner and establish minimum acceptable criteria for assistance under this Act for the purpose of a farm to allocate all generic base acres for the design, construction, and mainte- of protecting the health, safety, and general on the farm under subparagraph (B) or (C), or nance of residential structures and facilities welfare of the buildings’ users against disas- both. that may be eligible for assistance under this ters; ‘‘(B) NO RECENT HISTORY OF COVERED COM- Act for the purposes of protecting the ‘‘(iv) facilitating participation in the com- MODITIES.—In the case of a farm where no health, safety, and general welfare of a fa- munity rating system; and covered commodities (including seed cotton) cility’s users against disasters’’; ‘‘(v) funding mitigation projects or grant- were planted or were prevented from being (B) by striking ‘‘applicable at the time at ing tax incentives for projects that reduce planted at any time during the 2009 through which the disaster occurred’’; and risk. 2016 crop years, the owner of such farm shall (C) by striking the period at the end and ‘‘(B) COMPREHENSIVE GUIDANCE.—Not later allocate generic base acres on the farm to inserting ‘‘; and’’; and than 1 year after the date of enactment of unassigned crop base for which no payments (4) by adding at the end the following: this paragraph, the President, acting may be made under section 1116 or 1117.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.014 H21DEPT1 H10382 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017

‘‘(C) RECENT HISTORY OF COVERED COMMOD- ‘‘(B) a divisor that is equal to the sum of— erenced in section 4032(c) of the Agricultural ITIES.—In the case of a farm not described in ‘‘(i) total United States upland cotton lint Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 2036c(c)); subparagraph (B), the owner of such farm production measured in pounds; and ‘‘(B) safeguard the security of the data shall allocate generic base acres on the ‘‘(ii) total United States cottonseed pro- stored in the National Accuracy Clearing- farm— duction measured in pounds.’’. house and protect the privacy of supple- ‘‘(i) subject to subparagraph (D), to seed (i) DEEMED LOAN RATE FOR SEED COTTON.— mental nutrition assistance program partici- cotton base acres in an amount equal to the Section 1202 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 pants and applicants; and greater of— U.S.C. 9032) is amended by adding at the end ‘‘(C) detail the process States will be re- ‘‘(I) 80 percent of the generic base acres on the following new subsection: quired to follow for— the farm; or ‘‘(c) RULE FOR SEED COTTON.— ‘‘(i) conducting initial and ongoing ‘‘(II) the average seed cotton acres planted ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of section matches of participant and applicant data; or prevented from being planted on the farm 1116(b)(2) and paragraphs (1)(B)(ii) and ‘‘(ii) identifying and acting on all apparent during the 2009 through 2012 crop years (not (2)(A)(ii)(II) of section 1117(b) only, seed cot- instances of duplicative participation by par- to exceed the total generic base acres on the ton shall be deemed to have a loan rate equal ticipants or applicants in multiple States; farm); or to $0.25 per pound. and ‘‘(ii) to covered commodities (including ‘‘(2) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in ‘‘(iii) complying with such other rules and seed cotton), by applying subparagraphs (B), this subsection shall be construed to author- standards the Secretary determines appro- (D), (E), and (F) of section 1112(a)(3). ize nonrecourse marketing assistance loans priate to carry out this section. ‘‘(D) TREATMENT OF RESIDUAL GENERIC BASE under this part for seed cotton.’’. ‘‘(2) TIMING.—The initial match and cor- ACRES.—In the case of a farm where generic (j) LIMITATION ON STACKED INCOME PROTEC- responding actions required by paragraph base acres are allocated under subparagraph TION PLAN FOR PRODUCERS OF UPLAND COT- (1)(C) shall occur within 3 years after the ef- (C)(i), the residual generic base acres shall be TON.—Section 508B of the Agricultural Ad- fective date of this section.’’. allocated to unassigned crop base for which justment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1508b) is SEC. 3004. PUERTO RICO LOW-INCOME COMMU- no payments may be made under section 1116 amended by adding the following new sub- NITIES TREATED AS QUALIFIED OP- or 1117. section: PORTUNITY ZONE. ‘‘(E) EFFECT OF FAILURE TO ALLOCATE.—If ‘‘(f) LIMITATION.—Beginning with the 2018 (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1400Z-1(b) of the the owner of a farm fails to allocate generic crop year, in the case of a farm that is en- Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by base acres on the farm, the owner of the rolled for a crop year in price loss coverage the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, is amended by farm shall be deemed to have allocated all under section 1116 of the Agricultural Act of adding at the end the following new para- generic base acres in accordance with sub- 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9016) or agriculture risk cov- graph: paragraph (C)(i).’’. erage under section 1117 of such Act (7 U.S.C. ‘‘(3) SPECIAL RULE FOR PUERTO RICO.—Each (f) RECORDKEEPING REGARDING UNASSIGNED 9017) and the coverage on the farm includes population census tract in Puerto Rico that CROP BASE.—Section 1114 of the Agricultural seed cotton, the farm shall not be eligible for is a low-income community shall be deemed Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9014) is amended by add- a Stacked Income Protection Plan for up- to be certified and designated as a qualified ing at the end the following new subsection: land cotton for that crop year.’’. opportunity zone.’’. ‘‘(f) UNASSIGNED CROP BASE.—The Sec- (k) TECHNICAL CORRECTION.—Section (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section retary shall maintain information on generic 1114(b)(2) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 1400Z-1(d)(1) of such Code is amended by in- base acres on a farm allocated as unassigned U.S.C. 9014(b)(2)) is amended by striking serting ‘‘and subsection (b)(3)’’ after ‘‘para- crop base pursuant to subsection (b)(4).’’. ‘‘paragraphs (1)(B) and (2)(B)’’ and inserting graph (2)’’. (g) SPECIAL ELECTION PERIOD FOR PRICE ‘‘paragraphs (1) and (2)’’. (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments LOSS COVERAGE OR AGRICULTURE RISK COV- (l) ADMINISTRATION.—The Secretary of Ag- made by this section shall take effect as if ERAGE.—Section 1115 of the Agricultural Act riculture shall carry out the amendments included in the enactment of section 13823 of of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9014(b)) is amended— made by this section in the manner provided the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and the deemed (1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘For’’ and under section 1601 of the Agricultural Act of certification and designation under section inserting ‘‘Except as provided in subsection 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9091). 1400Z-1(b)(3) of such Code, as added by this (g), for’’; and (m) APPLICATION.—The amendments made section, shall treated as effective on the date (2) by adding at the end the following new by this section shall apply beginning with of the enactment of such Act. subsection: the 2018 crop year. ‘‘(g) SPECIAL ELECTION.— DIVISION D—BUDGETARY EFFECTS ‘‘(1) ELECTION REQUIRED.—In the case of SEC. 3002. LIMITATION ON CROP INSURANCE SEC. 4001. BUDGETARY EFFECTS. LIVESTOCK-RELATED EXPENDI- acres allocated on a farm to seed cotton, all (a) IN GENERAL.—The budgetary effects of TURES. of the producers on the farm shall be given division B and each succeeding division (a) IN GENERAL.—Paragraph (10) of section the opportunity to make a new 1-time elec- (other than division E) shall not be entered 523(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 tion under subsection (a) to reflect the des- on either PAYGO scorecard maintained pur- U.S.C. 1523) is repealed. ignation of seed cotton as a covered com- suant to section 4(d) of the Statutory Pay- (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section 516 modity for that crop year under section As-You-Go Act of 2010. of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1111(6). (b) SENATE PAYGO SCORECARDS.—The 1516) is amended in subsections (a)(2)(C) and ‘‘(2) EFFECT OF FAILURE TO MAKE UNANIMOUS budgetary effects of division B and each suc- (b)(1)(D) by striking ‘‘subsections (a)(3)(E)(ii) ELECTION.—If all of the producers on a farm ceeding division (other than division E) shall and (b)(10) of section 523’’ and inserting ‘‘sub- fail to make a unanimous election under not be entered on any PAYGO scorecard section (a)(3)(E)(ii) of such section’’. paragraph (1), the producers on the farm maintained for purposes of section 4106 of H. shall be deemed to have elected price loss SEC. 3003. NATIONAL ACCURACY CLEARING- Con. Res. 71 (115th Congress). HOUSE. coverage under section 1116 for all acres allo- (c) CLASSIFICATION OF BUDGETARY EF- cated on the farm to seed cotton.’’. The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 FECTS.—Notwithstanding Rule 3 of the Budg- (h) EFFECTIVE PRICE.—Section 1116 of the U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) is amended at the end by et Scorekeeping Guidelines set forth in the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9016(b)) is adding the following: joint explanatory statement of the com- amended by adding at the end the following ‘‘SEC. 30. NATIONAL ACCURACY CLEARING- mittee of conference accompanying Con- new subsection: HOUSE. ference Report 105–217 and section 250(c)(8) of ‘‘(h) EFFECTIVE PRICE FOR SEED COTTON.— ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall es- the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The effective price for tablish an interstate database, or system of Control Act of 1985, the budgetary effects of seed cotton under subsection (b) shall be databases, of supplemental nutrition assist- division B and each succeeding division equal to the marketing year average price ance program information to be known as (other than division E) shall not be esti- for seed cotton, as calculated under para- the National Accuracy Clearinghouse. mated— graph (2). ‘‘(b) PURPOSE.—Any database or system of (1) for purposes of section 251 of such Act; ‘‘(2) CALCULATION.—The marketing year databases established pursuant to subsection and average price for seed cotton for a crop year (a) shall be used by States when making eli- (2) for purposes of paragraph (4)(C) of sec- shall be equal to the quotient of— gibility determinations to prevent supple- tion 3 of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act ‘‘(A) a dividend that is equal to the sum mental nutrition assistance program partici- of 2010 as being included in an appropriation of— pants from receiving duplicative benefits in Act. ‘‘(i) the product obtained when the upland multiple States. DIVISION E—TAX RELIEF RELATING TO cotton lint marketing year average price is ‘‘(c) IMPLEMENTATION.— CERTAIN DISASTERS multiplied by total United States upland ‘‘(1) ISSUANCE OF INTERIM FINAL REGULA- cotton lint production measured in pounds; TIONS.—Not later than 18 months after the TITLE I—CALIFORNIA FIRES and effective date of this section, the Secretary SEC. 5001. DEFINITIONS. ‘‘(ii) the product obtained when the cotton- shall issue interim final regulations to carry For purposes of this title— seed marketing year average price is multi- out this section that— (1) CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE DISASTER ZONE.— plied by total United States cottonseed pro- ‘‘(A) incorporate best practices and lessons The term ‘‘California wildfire disaster zone’’ duction measured in pounds; and learned from the regional pilot project ref- means that portion of the California wildfire

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.014 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10383 disaster area determined by the President to shall be treated as a distribution described in of the wildfires to which the declaration of warrant individual or individual and public section 408(d)(3) of such Code and as having such area relates. assistance from the Federal Government been transferred to the eligible retirement (c) LOANS FROM QUALIFIED PLANS.— under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief plan in a direct trustee to trustee transfer (1) INCREASE IN LIMIT ON LOANS NOT TREAT- and Emergency Assistance Act by reason of within 60 days of the distribution. ED AS DISTRIBUTIONS.—In the case of any loan wildfires in California. (4) DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of this sub- from a qualified employer plan (as defined (2) CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE DISASTER AREA.— section— under section 72(p)(4) of the Internal Rev- The term ‘‘California wildfire disaster area’’ (A) QUALIFIED WILDFIRE DISTRIBUTION.—Ex- means an area with respect to which during cept as provided in paragraph (2), the term enue Code of 1986) to a qualified individual 2017 a major disaster has been declared by ‘‘qualified wildfire distribution’’ means any made during the period beginning on the the President under section 401 of such Act distribution from an eligible retirement plan date of the enactment of this Act and ending by reason of wildfires in California. made on or after October 8, 2017, and before on December 31, 2018— (A) clause (i) of section 72(p)(2)(A) of such SEC. 5002. SPECIAL DISASTER-RELATED RULES January 1, 2019, to an individual whose prin- FOR USE OF RETIREMENT FUNDS. cipal place of abode on October 8, 2017, is lo- Code shall be applied by substituting (a) TAX-FAVORED WITHDRAWALS FROM RE- cated in the California wildfire disaster area ‘‘$100,000’’ for ‘‘$50,000’’, and TIREMENT PLANS.— and who has sustained an economic loss by (B) clause (ii) of such section shall be ap- (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 72(t) of the Inter- reason of the wildfires to which the declara- plied by substituting ‘‘the present value of nal Revenue Code of 1986 shall not apply to tion of such area relates. the nonforfeitable accrued benefit of the em- any qualified wildfire distribution. (B) ELIGIBLE RETIREMENT PLAN.—The term ployee under the plan’’ for ‘‘one-half of the (2) AGGREGATE DOLLAR LIMITATION.— ‘‘eligible retirement plan’’ shall have the present value of the nonforfeitable accrued (A) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of this sub- meaning given such term by section benefit of the employee under the plan’’. section, the aggregate amount of distribu- 402(c)(8)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of (2) DELAY OF REPAYMENT.—In the case of a tions received by an individual which may be 1986. qualified individual with an outstanding loan treated as qualified wildfire distributions for (5) INCOME INCLUSION SPREAD OVER 3-YEAR on or after October 8, 2017, from a qualified any taxable year shall not exceed the excess PERIOD.— employer plan (as defined in section 72(p)(4) (if any) of— (A) IN GENERAL.—In the case of any quali- of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986)— (i) $100,000, over fied wildfire distribution, unless the tax- (A) if the due date pursuant to subpara- (ii) the aggregate amounts treated as payer elects not to have this paragraph graph (B) or (C) of section 72(p)(2) of such qualified wildfire distributions received by apply for any taxable year, any amount re- Code for any repayment with respect to such such individual for all prior taxable years. quired to be included in gross income for loan occurs during the period beginning on (B) TREATMENT OF PLAN DISTRIBUTIONS.—If such taxable year shall be so included rat- October 8, 2017, and ending on December 31, a distribution to an individual would (with- ably over the 3-taxable-year period begin- 2018, such due date shall be delayed for 1 out regard to subparagraph (A)) be a quali- ning with such taxable year. year, fied wildfire distribution, a plan shall not be (B) SPECIAL RULE.—For purposes of sub- (B) any subsequent repayments with re- treated as violating any requirement of the paragraph (A), rules similar to the rules of spect to any such loan shall be appropriately Internal Revenue Code of 1986 merely be- subparagraph (E) of section 408A(d)(3) of the adjusted to reflect the delay in the due date cause the plan treats such distribution as a Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall apply. under paragraph (1) and any interest accru- qualified wildfire distribution, unless the ag- (6) SPECIAL RULES.— ing during such delay, and gregate amount of such distributions from (A) EXEMPTION OF DISTRIBUTIONS FROM (C) in determining the 5-year period and all plans maintained by the employer (and TRUSTEE TO TRUSTEE TRANSFER AND WITH- the term of a loan under subparagraph (B) or any member of any controlled group which HOLDING RULES.—For purposes of sections (C) of section 72(p)(2) of such Code, the period includes the employer) to such individual ex- 401(a)(31), 402(f), and 3405 of the Internal Rev- described in subparagraph (A) shall be dis- ceeds $100,000. enue Code of 1986, qualified wildfire distribu- regarded. (C) CONTROLLED GROUP.—For purposes of tions shall not be treated as eligible rollover (3) QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL.—For purposes of subparagraph (B), the term ‘‘controlled distributions. this subsection, the term ‘‘qualified indi- group’’ means any group treated as a single (B) QUALIFIED WILDFIRE DISTRIBUTIONS vidual’’ means any individual whose prin- employer under subsection (b), (c), (m), or (o) TREATED AS MEETING PLAN DISTRIBUTION RE- cipal place of abode on October 8, 2017, is lo- of section 414 of the Internal Revenue Code QUIREMENTS.—For purposes the Internal Rev- cated in the California wildfire disaster area of 1986. enue Code of 1986, a qualified wildfire dis- and who has sustained an economic loss by (3) AMOUNT DISTRIBUTED MAY BE REPAID.— tribution shall be treated as meeting the re- reason of wildfires to which the declaration (A) IN GENERAL.—Any individual who re- quirements of sections 401(k)(2)(B)(i), of such area relates. ceives a qualified wildfire distribution may, 403(b)(7)(A)(ii), 403(b)(11), and 457(d)(1)(A) of at any time during the 3-year period begin- such Code. (d) PROVISIONS RELATING TO PLAN AMEND- ning on the day after the date on which such (b) RECONTRIBUTIONS OF WITHDRAWALS FOR MENTS.— distribution was received, make one or more HOME PURCHASES.— (1) IN GENERAL.—If this subsection applies contributions in an aggregate amount not to (1) RECONTRIBUTIONS.— to any amendment to any plan or annuity exceed the amount of such distribution to an (A) IN GENERAL.—Any individual who re- contract, such plan or contract shall be eligible retirement plan of which such indi- ceived a qualified distribution may, during treated as being operated in accordance with vidual is a beneficiary and to which a roll- the period beginning on October 8, 2017, and the terms of the plan during the period de- over contribution of such distribution could ending on June 30, 2018, make one or more scribed in paragraph (2)(B)(i). be made under section 402(c), 403(a)(4), contributions in an aggregate amount not to (2) AMENDMENTS TO WHICH SUBSECTION AP- 403(b)(8), 408(d)(3), or 457(e)(16), of the Inter- exceed the amount of such qualified distribu- PLIES.— nal Revenue Code of 1986, as the case may be. tion to an eligible retirement plan (as de- (A) IN GENERAL.—This subsection shall (B) TREATMENT OF REPAYMENTS OF DIS- fined in section 402(c)(8)(B) of the Internal apply to any amendment to any plan or an- TRIBUTIONS FROM ELIGIBLE RETIREMENT PLANS Revenue Code of 1986) of which such indi- nuity contract which is made— OTHER THAN IRAS.—For purposes of the Inter- vidual is a beneficiary and to which a roll- (i) pursuant to any provision of this sec- nal Revenue Code of 1986, if a contribution is over contribution of such distribution could tion, or pursuant to any regulation issued by made pursuant to subparagraph (A) with re- be made under section 402(c), 403(a)(4), the Secretary or the Secretary of Labor spect to a qualified wildfire distribution 403(b)(8), or 408(d)(3), of such Code, as the under any provision of this section, and from an eligible retirement plan other than case may be. (ii) on or before the last day of the first an individual retirement plan, then the tax- (B) TREATMENT OF REPAYMENTS.—Rules plan year beginning on or after January 1, payer shall, to the extent of the amount of similar to the rules of subparagraphs (B) and 2019, or such later date as the Secretary may the contribution, be treated as having re- (C) of subsection (a)(3) shall apply for pur- prescribe. ceived the qualified wildfire distribution in poses of this subsection. In the case of a governmental plan (as de- an eligible rollover distribution (as defined (2) QUALIFIED DISTRIBUTION.—For purposes fined in section 414(d) of the Internal Rev- in section 402(c)(4) of such Code) and as hav- of this subsection, the term ‘‘qualified dis- enue Code of 1986), clause (ii) shall be applied ing transferred the amount to the eligible re- tribution’’ means any distribution— by substituting the date which is 2 years tirement plan in a direct trustee to trustee (A) described in section 401(k)(2)(B)(i)(IV), after the date otherwise applied under clause transfer within 60 days of the distribution. 403(b)(7)(A)(ii) (but only to the extent such (ii). (C) TREATMENT OF REPAYMENTS FOR DIS- distribution relates to financial hardship), (B) CONDITIONS.—This subsection shall not TRIBUTIONS FROM IRAS.—For purposes of the 403(b)(11)(B), or 72(t)(2)(F), of the Internal apply to any amendment unless— Internal Revenue Code of 1986, if a contribu- Revenue Code of 1986, (i) during the period— tion is made pursuant to subparagraph (A) (B) received after March 31, 2017, and before (I) beginning on the date that this section with respect to a qualified wildfire distribu- January 15, 2018, and or the regulation described in subparagraph tion from an individual retirement plan (as (C) which was to be used to purchase or (A)(i) takes effect (or in the case of a plan or defined by section 7701(a)(37) of such Code), construct a principal residence in the Cali- contract amendment not required by this then, to the extent of the amount of the con- fornia wildfire disaster area but which was section or such regulation, the effective date tribution, the qualified wildfire distribution not so purchased or constructed on account specified by the plan), and

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(II) ending on the date described in sub- (1) IN GENERAL.—Except as otherwise pro- (b) SPECIAL RULES FOR QUALIFIED DIS- paragraph (A)(ii) (or, if earlier, the date the vided in paragraph (2), subsection (b) of sec- ASTER-RELATED PERSONAL CASUALTY plan or contract amendment is adopted), tion 170 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 LOSSES.— the plan or contract is operated as if such shall not apply to qualified contributions (1) IN GENERAL.—If an individual has a net plan or contract amendment were in effect, and such contributions shall not be taken disaster loss for any taxable year— and into account for purposes of applying sub- (A) the amount determined under section (ii) such plan or contract amendment ap- sections (b) and (d) of such section to other 165(h)(2)(A)(ii) of the Internal Revenue Code plies retroactively for such period. contributions. of 1986 shall be equal to the sum of— SEC. 5003. EMPLOYEE RETENTION CREDIT FOR (2) TREATMENT OF EXCESS CONTRIBUTIONS.— (i) such net disaster loss, and EMPLOYERS AFFECTED BY CALI- For purposes of section 170 of the Internal (ii) so much of the excess referred to in the FORNIA WILDFIRES. Revenue Code of 1986— matter preceding clause (i) of section (a) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of section 38 (A) INDIVIDUALS.—In the case of an indi- 165(h)(2)(A) of such Code (reduced by the of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, in the vidual— amount in clause (i) of this subparagraph) as case of an eligible employer, the California (i) LIMITATION.—Any qualified contribution exceeds 10 percent of the adjusted gross in- wildfire employee retention credit shall be shall be allowed only to the extent that the come of the individual, treated as a credit listed in subsection (b) of aggregate of such contributions does not ex- (B) section 165(h)(1) of such Code shall be such section. For purposes of this subsection, ceed the excess of the taxpayer’s contribu- applied by substituting ‘‘$500’’ for ‘‘$500 ($100 the California wildfire employee retention tion base (as defined in subparagraph (G) of for taxable years beginning after December credit for any taxable year is an amount section 170(b)(1) of such Code) over the 31, 2009)’’, equal to 40 percent of the qualified wages amount of all other charitable contributions (C) the standard deduction determined with respect to each eligible employee of allowed under section 170(b)(1) of such Code. under section 63(c) of such Code shall be in- such employer for such taxable year. For (ii) CARRYOVER.—If the aggregate amount creased by the net disaster loss, and purposes of the preceding sentence, the of qualified contributions made in the con- (D) section 56(b)(1)(E) of such Code shall amount of qualified wages which may be tribution year (within the meaning of sec- not apply to so much of the standard deduc- taken into account with respect to any indi- tion 170(d)(1) of such Code) exceeds the limi- tion as is attributable to the increase under vidual shall not exceed $6,000. tation of clause (i), such excess shall be subparagraph (C) of this paragraph. (b) DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of this sec- added to the excess described in the portion (2) NET DISASTER LOSS.—For purposes of tion— of subparagraph (A) of such section which this subsection, the term ‘‘net disaster loss’’ (1) ELIGIBLE EMPLOYER.—The term ‘‘eligi- precedes clause (i) thereof for purposes of ap- means the excess of qualified disaster-re- ble employer’’ means any employer— plying such section. lated personal casualty losses over personal (A) which conducted an active trade or (B) CORPORATIONS.—In the case of a cor- casualty gains (as defined in section business on October 8, 2017, in the California poration— 165(h)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of wildfire disaster zone, and (i) LIMITATION.—Any qualified contribution 1986). (B) with respect to whom the trade or busi- shall be allowed only to the extent that the (3) QUALIFIED DISASTER-RELATED PERSONAL ness described in subparagraph (A) is inoper- aggregate of such contributions does not ex- CASUALTY LOSSES.—For purposes of this sub- able on any day after October 8, 2017, and be- ceed the excess of the taxpayer’s taxable in- section, the term ‘‘qualified disaster-related fore January 1, 2018, as a result of damage come (as determined under paragraph (2) of personal casualty losses’’ means losses de- sustained by reason of the wildfires to which section 170(b) of such Code) over the amount scribed in section 165(c)(3) of the Internal such declaration of such area relates. of all other charitable contributions allowed Revenue Code of 1986 which arise in the Cali- (2) ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE.—The term ‘‘eligi- under such paragraph. fornia wildfire disaster area on or after Octo- ble employee’’ means with respect to an eli- (ii) CARRYOVER.—Rules similar to the rules ber 8, 2017, and which are attributable to the gible employer an employee whose principal of subparagraph (A)(ii) shall apply for pur- wildfires to which the declaration of such place of employment on October 8, 2017, with poses of this subparagraph. area relates. such eligible employer was in the California (3) EXCEPTION TO OVERALL LIMITATION ON (c) SPECIAL RULE FOR DETERMINING EARNED wildfire disaster zone. ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS.—So much of any de- INCOME.— (3) QUALIFIED WAGES.—The term ‘‘qualified duction allowed under section 170 of the In- (1) IN GENERAL.—In the case of a qualified wages’’ means wages (as defined in section ternal Revenue Code of 1986 as does not ex- individual, if the earned income of the tax- 51(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, ceed the qualified contributions paid during payer for the taxable year which includes the but without regard to section 3306(b)(2)(B) of the taxable year shall not be treated as an applicable date is less than the earned in- such Code) paid or incurred by an eligible itemized deduction for purposes of section 68 come of the taxpayer for the preceding tax- employer with respect to an eligible em- of such Code. able year, the credits allowed under sections ployee on any day after October 8, 2017, and (4) QUALIFIED CONTRIBUTIONS.— 24(d) and 32 of the Internal Revenue Code of before January 1, 2018, which occurs during (A) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of this sub- 1986 may, at the election of the taxpayer, be the period— section, the term ‘‘qualified contribution’’ determined by substituting— (A) beginning on the date on which the means any charitable contribution (as de- (A) such earned income for the preceding trade or business described in paragraph (1) fined in section 170(c) of the Internal Rev- taxable year, for first became inoperable at the principal enue Code of 1986) if— (B) such earned income for the taxable place of employment of the employee imme- (i) such contribution— year which includes October 8, 2017. diately before the wildfires to which the dec- (I) is paid during the period beginning on (2) QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL.—For purposes of laration of the California wildfire disaster October 8, 2017, and ending on December 31, this subsection, the term ‘‘qualified indi- area relates, and 2017, in cash to an organization described in vidual’’ means any individual whose prin- (B) ending on the date on which such trade section 170(b)(1)(A) of such Code, and cipal place of abode on October 8, 2017, was or business has resumed significant oper- (II) is made for relief efforts in the Cali- located— ations at such principal place of employ- fornia wildfire disaster area, (A) in the California wildfire disaster zone, ment. (ii) the taxpayer obtains from such organi- or Such term shall include wages paid without zation contemporaneous written acknowl- (B) in the California wildfire disaster area regard to whether the employee performs no edgment (within the meaning of section (but outside the California wildfire disaster services, performs services at a different 170(f)(8) of such Code) that such contribution zone) and such individual was displaced from place of employment than such principal was used (or is to be used) for relief efforts such principal place of abode by reason of place of employment, or performs services at described in clause (i)(II), and the wildfires to which the declaration of such principal place of employment before (iii) the taxpayer has elected the applica- such area relates. significant operations have resumed. tion of this subsection with respect to such (3) EARNED INCOME.—For purposes of this (c) CERTAIN RULES TO APPLY.—For pur- contribution. subsection, the term ‘‘earned income’’ has poses of this section, rules similar to the (B) EXCEPTION.—Such term shall not in- the meaning given such term under section rules of sections 51(i)(1), 52, and 280C(a) of the clude a contribution by a donor if the con- 32(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, shall apply. tribution is— (4) SPECIAL RULES.— (d) EMPLOYEE NOT TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT (i) to an organization described in section (A) APPLICATION TO JOINT RETURNS.—For MORE THAN ONCE.—An employee shall not be 509(a)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, purposes of paragraph (1), in the case of a treated as an eligible employee for purposes or joint return for a taxable year which in- of this section for any period with respect to (ii) for the establishment of a new, or cludes October 8, 2017— any employer if such employer is allowed a maintenance of an existing, donor advised (i) such paragraph shall apply if either credit under section 51 of the Internal Rev- fund (as defined in section 4966(d)(2) of such spouse is a qualified individual, and enue Code of 1986 with respect to such em- Code). (ii) the earned income of the taxpayer for ployee for such period. (C) APPLICATION OF ELECTION TO PARTNER- the preceding taxable year shall be the sum SEC. 5004. ADDITIONAL DISASTER-RELATED TAX SHIPS AND S CORPORATIONS.—In the case of a of the earned income of each spouse for such RELIEF PROVISIONS. partnership or S corporation, the election preceding taxable year. (a) TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF LIMITATIONS under subparagraph (A)(iii) shall be made (B) UNIFORM APPLICATION OF ELECTION.— ON CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS.— separately by each partner or shareholder. Any election made under paragraph (1) shall

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To this insufficient disaster request from the 32, of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. end, this legislation provides a total of administration, the House and Senate (C) ERRORS TREATED AS MATHEMATICAL $81 billion for crucial Federal programs Appropriations Committees began a bi- ERROR.—For purposes of section 6213 of the that support ongoing relief, recovery, partisan and bicameral process to de- Internal Revenue Code of 1986, an incorrect use on a return of earned income pursuant to and rebuilding. velop an emergency assistance package paragraph (1) shall be treated as a mathe- This includes $27.5 billion for FEMA that would come closer to meeting the matical or clerical error. to provide relief and recovery assist- massive scale of need resulting from (D) NO EFFECT ON DETERMINATION OF GROSS ance; $26.1 billion for Community De- hurricanes and wildfires in the summer INCOME, ETC.—Except as otherwise provided velopment Block Grants for shelter and and fall 2017. in this subsection, the Internal Revenue housing and infrastructure improve- I sincerely regret that the majority Code of 1986 shall be applied without regard ments, and the means to help large and leadership abandoned that process, to any substitution under paragraph (1). small businesses recover; and $12.1 bil- choosing, instead, to disregard input TITLE II—TAX RELIEF FOR HURRICANES lion for the Army Corps of Engineers to from Democrats and even from Senate HARVEY, IRMA, AND MARIA repair and rebuild infrastructure Republicans, and developed their own SEC. 5101. TAX RELIEF FOR HURRICANES HAR- projects that help protect against fu- partisan supplemental. The results of VEY, IRMA, AND MARIA. (a) MODIFICATION OF HURRICANES HARVEY ture disasters, building in resiliency. that decision is a poor product that AND IRMA DISASTER AREAS.—Subsections The bill also includes $3.8 billion for will not be enacted into law. (a)(2) and (b)(2) of section 501 of the Disaster the Department of Agriculture, which Despite some robust funding levels, Tax Relief and Airport and Airway Exten- will support critical agriculture dis- this bill fails to fix a potentially ca- sion Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-63; 131 Stat. aster assistance for massive crop and lamitous Medicaid system situation for 1173) are both amended by striking ‘‘Sep- livestock loss. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Is- tember 21, 2017’’ and inserting ‘‘October 17, Funding is also included to repair lands. Without help from Congress, 2017’’. Federal highways and local transit sys- these programs will exhaust available (b) EMPLOYEE RETENTION CREDIT.—Sub- sections (a)(3), (b)(3), and (c)(3) of section 503 tems, to help children displaced by the funding within months. This bill also of the Disaster Tax Relief and Airport and storms of Puerto Rico get back to fails to waive unworkable and unjusti- Airway Extension Act of 2017 (Public Law school, and for small business disaster fiable cost share requirements for 115-63; 131 Stat. 1181) are each amended by loans, which will allow businesses to FEMA and the Army Corps of Engi- striking ‘‘sections 51(i)(1) and 52’’ and insert- reopen their doors as quickly as pos- neers’ projects, which could put Fed- ing ‘‘sections 51(i)(1), 52, and 280C(a)’’. sible. eral funding out of reach. (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments Our Committee on Appropriations These and other serious short- made by this section shall take effect as if included in the provisions of title V of the will continue to monitor these recov- comings must be fixed before an emer- Disaster Tax Relief and Airport and Airway ery efforts to ensure accountability, gency supplemental is enacted into Extension Act of 2017 to which such amend- transparency, and that every dollar is law. Even if this supplemental passes ments relate. spent wisely. From Florida and Texas, today, the House majority’s decision to TITLE III—BUDGETARY EFFECTS to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Is- exclude both Democrats and Senate SEC. 5201. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION. lands, to California, and all areas deal- Republicans from this process means This division is designated as an emer- ing with major disaster declarations, that it will not be enacted this year be- gency requirement pursuant to section 4(g) this Congress is committed to helping cause it cannot pass the Senate. of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 you. Instead of the partisan product with (2 U.S.C. 933(g)). Congress has already provided $51.75 no chance of advancement, we should SEC. 5202. DESIGNATION IN SENATE. billion in two separate supplemental be considering a responsible bipartisan In the Senate, this division is designated bills for these ongoing efforts. With emergency supplemental that both the as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 403(a) of S. Con. Res. 13 (111th Con- this third tranche of emergency fund- House and the Senate could pass and gress), the concurrent resolution on the ing, it will bring the total funding for enact into law. budget for fiscal year 2010. fiscal year 2018 emergency response to Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill, $132 billion. This funding is desperately my time. as amended, shall be debatable for 1 needed by thousands of American fami- Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chair- hour equally divided and controlled by lies, individuals, and communities to man, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- the chair and ranking minority mem- rebuild their homes and businesses, re- tleman from Texas (Mr. CULBERSON), ber of the Committee on Appropria- store electric power and critical infra- the chairman of the Commerce, Jus- tions. structure, and to protect against fur- tice, and Science, and Related Agencies The gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. ther damage. It is the duty of Congress Subcommittee. FRELINGHUYSEN) and the gentlewoman to provide this help to our fellow Mr. CULBERSON. Mr. Speaker, I from New York (Mrs. LOWEY) each will Americans in their times of need. thank Chairman FRELINGHUYSEN and control 30 minutes. Mr. Speaker, before I close, I would Speaker RYAN for rejecting the Office The Chair recognizes the gentleman like to thank everyone who came to of Management and Budget’s com- from New Jersey. leadership and to the Appropriations pletely inadequate funding request Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, Committee to make sure that Congress that they sent to Congress. It is the job I yield myself such time as I may con- is getting the assistance to those hurri- of the Appropriations Committee and sume. cane and wildfire victims that they ur- Congress to write these emergency Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present gently need. spending bills, and we have done so. H.R. 4667, a bill making emergency ap- I would also like to thank the clerks I am one of eight subcommittee propriations for hurricane and wildfire and professional staff and the chairs of chairmen who held public hearings at recovery. the 12 Appropriations Subcommittees the request of the chairman. I want to Parts of our Nation have been dev- for their working tirelessly to bring thank Chairman FRELINGHUYSEN for astated by multiple back-to-back hur- this bill to the floor and, may I say, listening to all of us to change the leg- ricanes and wildfires that have caused nearly 30 others this year. islation to ensure that the State of tremendous loss of life, livelihoods, and It is time to get this emergency aid Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico are a property. to those who need it. I urge my col- long way towards being made whole. Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria leagues to support this bill and this This is a tremendous step in the right are three of the top five most expensive legislation. direction. We are grateful for the fund- hurricanes in the last 25 years. Com- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of ing that is contained here. We are also bined with the horrific wildfires that my time. grateful for a lot of the changes that continue to rage in California, the toll Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield the chairman and the committee have that these disasters have taken is un- myself such time as I may consume. included. precedented. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is a fail- For example, we have got $12 billion We must stand by our fellow Ameri- ure of both process and substance. here for the Army Corps of Engineers’ cans to get them the help and re- When Congress received the paltry and projects that is going to be prioritized

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.014 H21DEPT1 H10386 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 and targeted to areas that have suf- York (Mr. SERRANO), the ranking mem- He said: Well, they go first. fered repeated floods over the last 2 ber of the Commerce, Justice, Science, I said: Why do they go first? Why years, to areas that have been declared and Related Agencies Subcommittee. can’t the whole family go together? disasters by the President. That will (Mr. SERRANO asked and was given So my plea that I have made for help ensure that the people of Texas, in permission to revise and extend his re- years, I continue to make. There is a particular, who had 53 inches of rain marks.) bigger issue than the one we are dis- over an area the size of New Jersey, the Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank cussing today, and that is the fact that people of Texas and southwest Lou- the gentlewoman for the time. we have territories. We have colonies. isiana who suffered from Hurricane I rise to sadly oppose this disaster They are part of the United States. Harvey, those projects will receive pri- supplemental, which does not do They should be part of our family. We ority consideration by the Army Corps enough to help Puerto Rico and the should treat them as such. of Engineers. That is going to help us U.S. Virgin Islands. Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, get that third reservoir built in north- This is a bill created by Republicans I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman west Harris County. with little Democratic input. At some from Texas (Mr. CARTER), the chairman This funding is also sufficient to point, they decided that rather than of the Homeland Security Sub- fully pay for all federally authorized working in a bipartisan manner, they committee on Appropriations. flood control projects in southeast wanted to try and address these disas- Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Texas. That means we will have front- ters without taking into account some I thank the gentleman for yielding. I recently flew in a C–130 with a gath- loaded funding for a critical project to of the most important Democratic pri- ering of my colleagues and members of finish out Brays Bayou, to build it to orities. the Senate the length and breadth of the 100-year flood protection standard. In particular, it does not address Florida, across the Gulf of Mexico, and The Army Corps of Engineers’ fund- many issues crucial to Puerto Rico’s up and down the Gulf Coast of my ing is also going to allow us to dredge recovery in the wake of Hurricanes home State of Texas and looked at the the Port of Houston, the Port of Beau- Irma and Maria. For instance, it does devastation that, in 1 day, on about a mont, and open up those ports to full nothing to address the looming Med- 12-hour flight, we could see all the dev- capacity. icaid cliff, which will devastate health astation that took place from these Another important change that the kits access and delivery on the island chairman included at my request, and I terrible storms. early next year. It does not waive nu- That is why this supplemental is so am very pleased it is in there, is that merous local cost share requirements, very important, because this is not we had a lot of people flooded because which will make it extremely difficult about numbers, this is not about any- the Army Corps of Engineers opened for the government of Puerto Rico to thing; it is about people, human beings. the floodgates necessarily on Addicks access large parts of the Federal fund- We helped people move their ruined and Barker. ing made available here. furniture out of their houses when we These folks were flooded by the ac- It does not do enough to help States were on that trip. We saw the devasta- tion of the government in the Neches like New York and New Jersey and oth- tion. We saw the tears and the pain River Waterway and the Sabine Water- ers that have generously opened their that these people were dealing with. way and on the San Jacinto River. arms to our fellow citizens displaced by As chairman of the Homeland Secu- Chairman FRELINGHUYSEN included these storms. rity Subcommittee on Appropriations, language that allows the Governor of b 1500 I am proud to have had a small part in the State of Texas to ask for a waiver It expands the powers of the Puerto working on this project. of the prohibition against duplication Let me explain that the supplement Rico Fiscal Oversight Board, giving of benefits. provides $28.6 billion for the Depart- them authority to approve the recov- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ment of Homeland Security; $27.5 bil- ery plans of Puerto Rico’s government. time of the gentleman has expired. lion is for the Disaster Relief Fund to Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, The end result of all of this is further provide for the continued response and I yield an additional 30 seconds to the delay in Puerto Rico’s recovery. This is recovery efforts for all recent disasters. gentleman from Texas. not the message that we want to send These funds will provide for the recov- Mr. CULBERSON. Mr. Speaker, it is to 3.4 million American citizens this ery efforts of all disasters that have re- important for the people of Texas to holiday season. ceived a major disaster declaration, to know that help is on the way to not As I look at my notes and as I look include, Texas, Florida, California, only repair the damage caused by the at what this debate may become today, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Is- flood, but if they were flooded by the it really comes down to one point: we as Americans, we as the United States lands. action of the government, there is a This money is needed to ensure food, Congress, we as the U.S. Government provision in this legislation today that water, and temporary shelter is made still have not come to grips with the will allow the Governor to request that available to disaster survivors. These fact that, yes, we have territories, they be compensated, that they can funds are used for debris removal ef- that, yes, we have colonies. take out an SBA loan at the front and forts, the first step in recovery. These If you ask the American people, ‘‘Are they will pay the government back, funds will also support the long-term the people of Puerto Rico American and then receive a Community Devel- recovery efforts to help rebuild utili- citizens?’’ you would be shocked before opment Block Grant at the end to help ties, bridges, roads, and buildings. make them whole. all this information went out on the $4 billion of this can be used for com- Mr. Speaker, we will also be able to hurricanes how many would say: ‘‘I munity disaster loans to help commu- rebuild churches and synagogues. That don’t know. I served with some in the nities pay for essential services while is vitally important because we suf- Army, but I don’t know if they are citi- they get back on their feet. fered so much damage in southeast zens.’’ The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Texas. Well, I think, more and more, we time of the gentleman has expired. I am proud to support this legisla- need to know that the Virgin Islands, Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, tion, and I look forward to working Guam, American Samoa, the Northern I yield an additional 30 seconds to the with the chairman and my colleagues Marianna Islands, and Puerto Rico are gentleman. as we go forward, if there is additional part of the American family. It is not Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, funding needed. I am very grateful for as a long gone member of my party I thank the gentleman for yielding. the support of Congress. I urge Mem- once told me when I said: What are we The bill also includes $1.1 billion to bers to support this vital legislation to going to do about Puerto Rico in this address the damages to important help the people of southeast Texas, bill? Coast Guard, Customs and Border Pro- Florida, and Puerto Rico have a better He said: Well, we have no money left tection, and Transportation Security Christmas. over. Administration facilities. Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 I said: Did you have money left over The supplement provides $4.4 billion minutes to the gentleman from New for the 50 States? more than requested, but we looked at

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.040 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10387 each project to ensure that funding was Here we are 3 months later. Mil- mated after a wildfire tore through the only going to projects that address lions—not hundreds, not thousands, area. Forty people lost their lives, and damages, improve resiliency, and in- but millions—of our fellow citizens in more than 14,000 homes were destroyed crease disaster responses. Puerto Rico and in the Virgin Islands or damaged. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman are without power. Far too many still, As a lifelong California resident, I FRELINGHUYSEN for his leadership. He because they are without power, lack have seen a lot of fires and the result- has been right on top of this, and we clean drinking water. Thousands are ing devastation, but I have never wit- have got a good product here. unable to receive adequate healthcare, nessed anything like I saw in Santa Mr. Speaker, I urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote on and earlier this week, the Governor of Rosa. The stories of survival and the supplemental. Puerto Rico ordered a recount of the heroics of our first responders truly are Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 storm’s death toll, which could num- incredible. Now, in the aftermath, we minutes to the gentleman from New ber, now, into the thousands. If that is must come together to recover and re- York (Mr. CROWLEY), the chair of the not a sign of how neglectful the re- build. Democratic Caucus. sponse has been to this disaster, then I This bill is the first step towards re- Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank don’t know what would be. covery and provides $27.5 billion for the the gentlewoman from New York for The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Disaster Relief Fund, a $4.5 billion in- yielding me this time, and I thank her SMITH of Nebraska). The time of the crease from the request, a 90 percent for her work. I thank Mr. FRELING- gentleman has expired. Federal cost share for wildfire disas- HUYSEN, as well, for his work and my Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 ters; and $541 million for watershed and colleagues on the other side, but I have additional minute to the gentleman flood prevention efforts, which will be reservations, strong reservations about from New York. vital as the rainy season begins in Cali- this bill. Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank fornia. I appreciate the very real needs of the gentlewoman for yielding. California will be eligible for nearly those still recovering, our American We must provide the assistance that all the various sources of disaster fund- citizens and friends and family in Flor- our territories need. We must fully ing in this bill, including for crop ida and Texas, and that concern is gen- fund Medicaid as the islands recover. losses, Army Corps of Engineers uine. I have always supported aid to We must eliminate disparities in the projects, Federal highway damages, other parts of the country, even when law that are holding back that recov- small business assistance, displaced some of my colleagues on the other ery. We must stand up for not the peo- employees, and student assistance, side of the aisle refused to help New ple of the Virgin Islands, not the people among others. York and left New York hanging after With my colleagues, I will continue of Puerto Rico, but the United States Superstorm Sandy. I have never let to monitor the fire situation and re- citizens who have fought in our wars, that get in the way of my wanting to spond as needed. The Thomas Fire in who have defended our freedoms, for be helpful to my fellow citizens any- Ventura County has burned over 272,000 the United States citizens of the Virgin where in this country who are under acres, on track to be the largest wild- Islands and the United States citizens duress. fire in California history; and, unfortu- of Puerto Rico. But I can’t, in good conscience, vote nately, the fire rages on. for this bill. It leaves some of the hard- They deserve no less than how any Mr. Speaker, I especially want to other State is being treated after a dis- est hit and most vulnerable Americans, thank Chairman FRELINGHUYSEN and American citizens, without the help aster like this. They deserve no less. the Appropriations Committee staff for that they need. It treats Puerto Rico They deserve more than they are get- their outreach and responsiveness to and the Virgin Islands as second-class ting in this bill. the fires in California. We greatly ap- citizens—not second-class people, but Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, preciate their assistance and ongoing second-class, literally, citizens—and I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman support. will stall the efforts there to rebuild. from California (Mr. CALVERT), chair- Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I I appreciate Mr. CULBERSON saying man of the Interior, Environment, and didn’t thank all my staff and the Inte- that the people of Puerto Rico and the Related Agencies Subcommittee on Ap- rior Subcommittee, but in particular, Virgin Islands are a long way from re- propriations. my chief of staff, Dave Kennett, and on covery. I am paraphrasing what he Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Interior Subcommittee, Betsy said. I do appreciate those words. I do Chairman FRELINGHUYSEN for yielding. Bina, both of whom went above and be- hope that it is an insight for my Re- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong yond to deliver results for California. publican colleagues and the leadership support of H.R. 4667, which provides $81 On a quick note, best wishes for on the other side of the aisle that more billion in Federal disaster assistance to Betsy, who is getting married today. help will be on the way for the people States and territories recently dev- Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this of Puerto Rico, but simply not enough astated by natural disasters. This is emergency supplemental funding bill. is being done in this bill to help the not a small amount of money. Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 men and women of Puerto Rico and the First, as chairman of the Interior, minutes to the gentlewoman from children of Puerto Rico today. Environment, and Related Agencies Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE). Our fellow citizens of Puerto Rico Subcommittee on Appropriations, I am Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I and the Virgin Islands are no less pleased to include $616.4 million for re- want to thank the gentlewoman from American than those in any of the 50 pairs, cleanup, and recovery at various New York; I want to thank the chair- States. agencies, including the U.S. Fish and man; but I do want to take a moment I wonder if anyone would argue that Wildlife Service, the Environmental and particularly thank the gentle- point as to whether they are citizens of Protection Agency, the National Park woman from New York for the kind- the United States or not. I would argue Service, and others. ness that she showed the first victims they are no less citizens of the United As chairman of the California Repub- of this horrific hurricane season. States than any other individuals in lican delegation, I have a particular in- I remember coming back to Congress the rest of the 50 States, and they terest in wildfire assistance in this bill. in the immediacy of Hurricane Harvey. should be treated the same and with The coordination and collaboration be- Many don’t know, but I left my home the same respect. tween Republicans and Democrats on in a firetruck—not out of desperation, The people of Puerto Rico and the this bill to reflect the needs of Cali- but to go where my constituents were— Virgin Islands suffered direct hits not fornia shows bipartisanship is alive and and spent the rest of the time with from one, but from two massive hurri- well. 14,000 homeless evacuees in a shelter canes, the likes of which we have never Mr. Speaker, I would certainly like that had been set up immediately with seen before, not in our modern history. to thank Congressman MIKE THOMPSON concern about the city of Houston. Maybe you have to go back to Alex- for his tireless efforts in regard to the We had meetings starting at 6 a.m. In ander Hamilton and the hurricane that fires in northern California. the evening, as the waters started mov- he wrote about back in the 1700s that Last month, I toured Santa Rosa, ing in different communities and dif- rocketed him to stardom. California, which was absolutely deci- ferent communities became flooded, we

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.041 H21DEPT1 H10388 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 could see evacuees carrying their only be considered. We fought hard for 16. EPA Hazardous Substance Superfund: belongings—pillows, just a paper bag— them. $7 million flooding into the George R. Brown Con- Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on H.R. 4667, 17. Leaking Underground Storage Tank vention Center. ‘‘Making Further Supplemental Appropriations Fund: $15 million This is serious for me. for Fiscal Year 2017.’’ 18. State and Tribal Assistance Grants: I remember seeing elderly persons H.R. 4667, provides $81 billion in aid to re- $600 million being evacuated after the Addicks Res- spond to the damage caused by Hurricanes 19. Employment and Training Services: ervoir, Barker Reservoir was released Irma and Maria, and the wildfires in California. $100 million and family members standing on what I thank the Speaker and Rules Committee 20. Public Health and Social Services Emer- gency Fund: $2.5 billion was now the shore waiting for those Chairman SESSIONS for acting favorably upon 21. Airport and Airway Trust Fund: $90 mil- loved ones. I know the family and went my request to bring this emergency disaster lion to the funerals of the six family mem- supplemental to the floor for debate and vote 22. Federal-Aid Highways Emergency Relief bers who died in Greens Bayou in my as a stand-alone measure. Program: $6.5 billion congressional district. But the fact remains that the amount of And that is just for Texas and the areas af- I introduced a bill, H.R. 3686, which funding provided in the disaster relief package fected by Hurricane Harvey; the damage the gentlewoman from New York was is very disappointing because it is not nearly wrought by Hurricane Irma in Florida, and Hur- quite interested in. It was for $174 bil- sufficient to ameliorate the suffering still being ricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Vir- lion. If we had that amount now, I experienced by the people of the communities gin Islands was nearly as great in dollar terms would be more than happy to share in the areas affected by Hurricanes Harvey, and equal in the level of misery and suffering that with Puerto Rico and the Virgin Irma, and Maria. inflicted on the residents. Islands. Congress has had more than three months Mr. Speaker, on September 20, 2017, Hurri- We don’t have that. And I am ex- to develop an aid package that it is commen- cane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico, tremely disappointed that we have $81 surate to the challenge faced by the affected along the southeastern coast, near the small billion, not because of the lack of the states and territories in rebuilding their dev- town of Yabucoa. hard work of those who worked on the astated communities. The devastation wrought on that beautiful Appropriations Committee, because I Much of this time has been squandered by Caribbean oasis and its 3.5 million inhabitants, know they wanted to do more, but the Republican congressional leadership all- our fellow citizens of the United States, is un- there were other distractions—like a consuming focus on ramming through the Re- imaginable, except perhaps to those of us who $1.4 trillion tax cut. publican Tax Scam legislation that gives 83 have lived through and survived similar natural b 1515 percent of its benefits to the top 1 percent, disasters, like Hurricanes Harvey and Katrina. raises taxes on working and middle-class fam- At least 48 people have died as a result of The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ilies, takes away health insurance from 13 mil- the storm as rescue and recovery operations time of the gentlewoman has expired. lion Americans, explodes the deficit by $1.5 proceed, a number likely to rise, especially Mrs. LOWEY. I yield the gentle- trillion and the national debt by $1.7 trillion, with so many elderly, sick, and very young woman from Texas an additional 1 and will be paid for by 5.4 trillion in cuts to persons at risk. minute. vital programs Americans depend on, includ- Much of Puerto Rico’s population is still Ms. JACKSON LEE. I want to thank ing an imminent $25 billion reduction in Medi- without potable drinking water and large my Texas colleagues. We worked to- care funding. swaths of the population still lack electrical gether, and I truly appreciate that and Mr. Speaker, on September 6, 2017, ten power. will thank them for it. days after Hurricane Harvey struck and joined Hurricane Maria destroyed 80 percent of Today, I indicated that I have con- by 44 of our colleagues, I introduced H.R. Puerto Rico’s agricultural industry, including stituents who are down testifying in 3686, the ‘‘Hurricane Harvey Supplemental banana, plantain and coffee crops, which Houston about their devastation, so I Appropriations Act of 2017,’’ which provides translates into lost income of approximately want to make this point. First of all, I $174 billion in disaster relief for the areas af- $780 million. On August 30, 2017, Hurricane Irma struck, fought very hard for a $1 billion grant fected by Hurricane Harvey, the worst inflicting horrific damage on the U.S. Virgin Is- program for small businesses. I want to superstorm ever to strike the mainland United lands of St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, tell my constituents it is in, and I want States. the Caribbean nations of Barbuda, St. to tell the State of Texas they have to The $174 billion in funding provided by H.R. Maarten, Cuba, and Anguilla, before making put that in their application that they 3686 represents a comprehensive response want to give small businesses grants landfall in the Florida Keys. commensurate to the challenge; specifically In Florida alone, 6.4 million people told to and not loans. my legislation provides relief in the following There is $12 billion in CDBG pro- evacuate to safety, leading to days of jammed amounts: highways and frantic searches for gasoline grams. I want to make sure that the 1. Housing and Community Development State works with us to ensure that the amid one of the nation’s largest ever emer- Fund: $50 billion gency evacuations. elderly, the people who have no re- 2. FEMA Disaster Relief Fund: $35 billion sources, families that have no re- At least 124 persons are known to have lost 3. Army Corps of Engineers—Construction: their lives in Hurricane Irma, more than sources have their homes rebuilt or $15 billion they have their homes fixed. 200,000 Floridians took refuge in shelters, and 4. Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies: nearly 6.5 million homes and businesses were I want to make sure that the water- $13 billion shed study comes under section title without power. 5. Public Transportation Emergency Relief Mr. Speaker, we do not yet know the full ex- IV, that the Army Corps is listening, Program: $33 billion tent of the damage and devastation suffered that the watershed program that I 6. Small Business Disaster Loans Program: by our fellows Americans in Florida, the U.S. have passed in two sessions to study $2 billion Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico in the wake of the bayous, as to why Greens Bayou 7. Emergency Conservation Activities: $650 Hurricanes Irma and Maria. and Buffalo Bayou and White Oak million But what we do know is that the costs of re- Bayou and Halls Bayou flood, and why 8. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad- covery and reconstruction will be extensive, people lose their lives. I want that wa- ministration: $321 million best estimates place the cost in the range of tershed done, and the Army Corps of 9. National Aeronautics and Space Adminis- $50–$100 billion. Engineers, I hope, will listen. tration: $50 million This puts in perspective the inadequacy of There is a lot of work left to be done. 10. Legal Services Corporation: $10 million the amount of disaster relief provided under We have got to get more money. And I 11. Army National Guard: $10 million H.R. 4667 and why more, much more, must am glad that Puerto Rico and the U.S. 12. Army Corps of Engineers—Civil Inves- be done. Virgin Islands are in, but you can tigations: $150 million Mr. Speaker, right now, at this very moment, count on me, Texas, and count on me, 13. Coast Guard: $450 million approximately 300,000 Texans—in Port Ar- Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Is- 14. National Park Service Historic Preserva- thur, in Port Aransas, in Houston and Harris lands and Florida. We will fight into tion Fund: $800 million County—remain homeless or are living in sub- the new year to ensure that we get 15. EPA Environmental Programs and Man- standard homes with blue tarp roofs and in- more funding. But these items have to agement: $2.5 billion fected with mold.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:19 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.043 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10389 Today, residents of the Cashmere Gardens infrastructure enhancements, public infrastruc- The remaining $12.5 billion is pro- community are meeting with local government ture hardening (e.g. storm proofing public vided for mitigation grants, again, also officials to highlight their plight and those of buildings). to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands other residents in the northeastern part of 5. Federal Highway Administration’s Emer- and Florida and California and Texas. Houston. gency Relief: $1.4 billion to address all current All of those are treated exactly the They are angry and frustrated and anxious, damages to federal highways caused by des- same. So, again, these grants provide and who can blame them? ignated disasters resources to our communities so that Mr. Speaker, this is personal to them; and 6. $12.11 billion for the Army Corps of Engi- they can rebuild. it is personal to me. neers to repair existing damages by natural Additionally, I am pleased that $3.8 That is why right now my highest priority is disasters and for studies and projects to re- billion is allocated for the Department to ensure that funding that has been made duce the risk of future natural disasters, $75 of Agriculture. This will go a long way available expeditiously gets in the hands of million to expedite studies to help mitigate fu- to help those affected, those farmers, local governments so that relief can be deliver ture disaster damage. like the ag industry and the citrus in- the resources and services so desperately 7. 2.9 billion to help displaced students get dustry in the State of Florida. needed. back to school. funding can be used for both So, again, I strongly urge a ‘‘yes’’ And I will be working with the Texas Gen- public and private schools vote on this important supplemental. eral Land Office and HUD Secretary Carson to 8. $3.8 billion for agriculture assistance. I once again want to thank the chair- relieve the emergency housing crisis in my 9. $1.66 billion for Small Business Adminis- man, Chairman FRELINGHUYSEN, for his congressional district and state. tration Disaster Loans to assist small busi- leadership, for his courage, for bringing Mr. Speaker, I wish to commend the bipar- nesses and homeowners repair or replace real forward a good bill that helps the folks tisan leadership of both chambers, and my estate, personal property, machinery and in our country and that treats every- colleagues in the Texas congressional delega- equipment, and inventory and business as- body equally, equitably, and fairly. tion for their diligence and commitment in sets. Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 bringing this package to the floor for debate Mr. Speaker, there is much more work to be minutes to the gentleman from Cali- done in my city of Houston, and across the and vote. fornia (Mr. THOMPSON). I thank Chairman FRELINGHUYSEN and Rank- areas affected by the terrible, awesome storm Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. ing Member LOWEY, and Speaker RYAN and that will be forever known simply as Hurricane Speaker, this year has been the worst Democratic Leader PELOSI, and their Senate Harvey, and by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. fire season in California history. The That is why I am disappointed that only $81 counterparts for the work that has been done October fires included 21 major fires billion is being provided at this time. thus far and for their assistance in the work that were fought by over 11,000 fire- that lies ahead. That is why it must be emphasized and un- derstood that this can only be understood as fighters. I also thank Chairman FRELINGHUYSEN and They were driven by powerful winds a partial response because much more fund- Ranking Member LOWEY, and T-HUD Appro- that reached speeds of over 80 miles an ing will be needed to provide our fellow Ameri- priations Subcommittee Chairman DIAZ- hour, and these fires moved, at times, cans in Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, BALART, and Energy and Water Appropriations as fast as 200 feet per second. That is 40 and the U.S. Virgin Islands the help and sup- Subcommittee Chair SIMPSON and Ranking football fields in a minute. They port they need to restore their communities to Member KAPTUR for including in the legislation burned nearly 300,000 acres. before us the following beneficial measures their previous greatness. Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, They forced over 100,000 people to that I requested, including: evacuate their homes, and they de- 1. Authority to establish an implement a $1 I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman stroyed over 9,000 homes and struc- billion pilot program to provides small business from Florida (Mr. DIAZ-BALART), the tures. And, most tragically, 44 people disaster recovery grants, modeled on H.R. chairman of the Transportation, Hous- lost their lives. 3930, the ‘‘Hurricane Harvey Small Business ing and Urban Development, and Re- Our communities have been dev- Recovery Grants Act,’’ legislation I introduced lated Agencies Subcommittee. astated, Mr. Speaker, but they have on October 3, 2017 and co-sponsored by 16 Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, let also come together and supported each of our colleagues. me first thank the chairman of the other in inspiring ways, and now they 2. $75 million for the U.S. Army Corps of committee for his spectacular work on begin the very long road to recovery. Engineers’ Investigations account, which is to this bill. I am pleased to see this supplemental be used in areas affected by Hurricanes Har- Look, this bill provides much-needed funding package will deliver much- vey, Irma, and Maria, and can be used to fi- relief and resources to Texas, Florida, needed funds for fire recovery. I want nance the $3 million Houston-Area Watershed the U.S. Virgin Islands, California, and to specifically thank Congressmen Assessment Study I have worked to secure Puerto Rico. I have heard a lot in this CALVERT, MCCARTHY, and PELOSI, who and previously approved by the House. debate, but let’s be very clear. This bill 3. The bill also includes helpful legislative treats Florida, the folks in Florida, came out and saw this devastation and language to ensure that in awarding CDBG- Texas, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Is- have been working with us to make Disaster Relief funds to states, the Secretary lands, and California exactly the sure we get the funds that we need. I of HUD should to the maximum extent prac- same—exactly the same. want to thank the appropriators and ticable award grants to units of local govern- Significant portions, Mr. Speaker, of the appropriations staff for all their ment and public housing authorities that have my district were hit hard by Hurricane help as well. the financial and administrative capacity to Irma. Communities are still working to With the support of the entire Cali- manage a grant awarded under the program. get back on their feet, communities fornia House delegation, the State of Let me describe briefly some of the major like Everglades City, Chokoloskee, California has requested $4.4 billion for provisions contained in the Disaster Relief Plantation Island, Immokalee, and fire-related disaster relief. These funds Supplemental: Montura Ranch. will be vital to helping families rebuild 1. FEMA Disaster Relief Fund: $27.5 billion This bill helps meet our Federal obli- their homes and their lives and to sup- to provide critical funding to assist the ongoing gation to ensure the full, appropriate porting our community as they rebuild federal disaster response. allows up to $4 bil- Federal commitment is there for long- critical infrastructure and restore es- lion to be provided for Community Disaster term recovery. sential services. Loans (CDLs). Mr. Speaker, for highways, this bill It is critical that the Federal Govern- 2. Community Development Block Grants funds repairs for the 2017 storms and ment steps up and does its part to sup- Disaster Recovery (CDBG–DR): $26.1 billion clears the backlog of prior years. port our long-term recovery. This fund- for housing and infrastructure needs. $13.56 On the housing side, this bill provides ing package is an important first step billion for grants to states, tribes, and terri- $26.1 billion for Community Develop- in that effort. tories for unmet housing needs and business ment Block Grants. Of that, $13.6 bil- I have a picture of one of the dev- losses. lion is provided to meet all remaining astated areas. This is over 3,000 homes 3. $12.5 billion for mitigation efforts to help unmet housing, business, and infra- in one swath that were just burned to communities protect against future disasters. structure needs for those hurricanes, the ground. Folks in California who ex- 4. This funding can provide for housing ele- and, yes, that includes the Virgin Is- perienced this terrible disaster need vation, buyouts in the flood plain, water/sewer lands and Puerto Rico. our help.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.018 H21DEPT1 H10390 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 I ask for an ‘‘aye’’ vote. outside Washington called common pacted by disaster at some point. In Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, sense and applying it to how we handle 2011, my own district was devastated by I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman disasters. It pivots from being reactive flooding from Hurricane Irene and from Pennsylvania (Mr. SHUSTER), the and spending billions of dollars after Tropical Storm Lee. People lost every- chairman of the Transportation and In- disasters to being proactive. thing, and homes and businesses were frastructure Committee. You can look back since 1980. We completely wiped out. Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank have had well over 200 disasters in this I visited with families and employers the chairman for yielding, and I thank Nation that have cost over $1 billion affected by this tragedy, and it made the chairman and the Appropriations each. In fact, when you add it all up, me realize that we need to do some- Committee for bringing forward this we are looking at approximately $1.3 thing to help communities build better extremely important legislation, which trillion in disaster costs in this Nation. and smarter before disaster strikes. My includes important FEMA reforms As the chairman of the Transpor- bill, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, which were approved unanimously by tation and Infrastructure Committee will do just that. It will save lives, less- the Transportation and Infrastructure said, this bill includes text from H.R. en damage, and speed up recovery. Committee partially in response to this 4460 and H.R. 4438 that transforms this I thank Chairman SHUSTER and my year’s historic hurricane season. process: instead of just coming in and colleagues on the Transportation and The bipartisan, bicameral Disaster picking up the pieces after a disaster, Infrastructure Committee and the Sen- Recovery Reform Act addresses the ris- actually leaning forward and making ate for their work on this bipartisan ing costs of disasters in the United sure our communities are more resil- and bicameral agreement. States. It reforms Federal disaster pro- ient, making sure they are prepared for Again, I urge swift passage of H.R. grams to ensure our communities are disasters, making sure they are pre- 4667. more resilient and better prepared for pared for the future. Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I con- the next hurricane, flood, earthquake, This bill includes very important tinue to reserve the balance of my wildfire, or other disaster. provisions to the State of Louisiana time. It focuses on predisaster planning that address this duplication of bene- Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, and mitigation and creates incentives fits issue, some nonsensical policy that I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman for communities to build better and someone came up with that a loan is from Illinois (Mr. RODNEY DAVIS). smarter to speed recovery when dis- duplicative of a grant. It eliminates Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. aster does strike. This will save lives, these barriers that prevent us from Speaker, my congratulations go out to and it will also save money. spending hazard mitigation grant pro- Chairman FRELINGHUYSEN and to Putting our focus on mitigation is grams on federally authorized Corps of Chairman SHUSTER for putting these good government and is fiscally respon- Engineer projects to prevent flooding FEMA reforms into law that were long sible. For every dollar we spend on and prevent hurricane damage to our overdue. I thank the gentlemen for mitigation, between $4 and $8 is saved communities. their support. in avoided disaster recovery costs It applies common sense. It ensures I rise in support of H.R. 4667, the crit- later. This is good policy that will ben- that deficiencies like the I–12 barrier in ical disaster assistance legislation to efit every single congressional district Louisiana are addressed. It provides help those affected by Hurricanes Har- across the country. funding to respond to the 2016, 1,000- vey, Irma, and Maria this year. I have said on the floor of this House I want to thank many Members who year flood that we had in the capital numerous times that I believe it is im- contributed, but especially to my region in Louisiana. It provides flexibility for these STEP portant for Congress to come together Democratic colleagues who contributed program housing program-type con- when disaster strikes to help those im- to this effort: Congressmen JOHNSON, cepts that ensure that we are not wast- pacted. Helping our fellow Americans DEFAZIO, HUFFMAN, WILSON, MALONEY, ing money that is only ripped out later after a disaster is the right thing to do. RUIZ, SINEMA, FRANKEL, and NADLER. on, but it truly provides long-term so- And, don’t forget, you never know And again, many, many others contrib- lutions. when a disaster may hit your State. uted to this important reform legisla- Finally, Mr. Speaker, it addresses in- That is why I am thankful to Chairman tion. efficiency in food banks and churches FRELINGHUYSEN and Chairman SHUSTER Many Americans are still recovering and others, and it makes them eligible. for including language important to from hurricane damage, and California I urge adoption of this bill. my home State of Illinois in this bill. is in the middle of fighting massive Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I con- My bill, the Disaster Declaration Im- wildfires. This is extremely important tinue to reserve the balance of my provement Act, requires FEMA to legislation. I would urge all my col- time. place greater weight and consideration leagues to support it. Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, on the severe, localized impact of the Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I reserve I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman damage following a disaster. the balance of my time. from Pennsylvania (Mr. BARLETTA). Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise b 1530 I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman today in support of H.R. 4667, which in- I want to thank my colleague, Con- from Louisiana (Mr. GRAVES), the cludes provisions of my bill, the Dis- gresswoman CHERI BUSTOS, for working chairman of the Water Resources and aster Recovery Reform Act. with me on this bipartisan bill. Environment Subcommittee of the In 2017, 8 percent of the United States FEMA currently takes into account Committee on Transportation and In- population was affected by at least one several factors when determining the frastructure. disaster. This startling statistic high- need for public and individual assist- Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana. Mr. lights the importance of investing in ance. However, there is no standard to Speaker, I thank the chairman for mitigation infrastructure before trag- determine which factor is more impor- working with us on this and for yield- edy strikes. tant than another, which leads to a ing time. Studies have repeatedly shown that, highly subjective process, and one that I also want to thank the chairman of for every $1 invested up front, we can has left rural counties in very popu- the Transportation and Infrastructure save between $4 and $8 in avoided re- lated States, like Illinois, left without Committee and the ranking member covery costs. My bill would allow us to help from the Federal Government. for all their assistance. realize those savings by transforming It is because one major factor used Mr. Speaker, this bill doesn’t just in- how we approach disaster spending. by FEMA is a State’s population. Cur- clude money, which, of course, is very, It would provide FEMA with the pro- rently, FEMA multiplies a State’s pop- very important. It also includes lan- grams, authorities, and resources to ulation by $1.39 to use it for the thresh- guage and changes that I would con- help our communities plan for, miti- old to determine need, meaning, for Il- sider to be priceless. It includes things gate against, respond to, and recover linois to receive assistance, damages like applying lessons learned, reducing from disasters. would have to be $18 million or more. disaster response costs, and, impor- Every one of our districts, Repub- As you can see by this chart, that is tantly, speeding up recovery—things licans and Democrats alike, will be im- more than or nearly double that of all

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.045 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10391 of our neighboring States. There have nonprofits. I also want to thank him to Texas and spent time with Members been multiple times where a storm hits for including language that will get rid from both sides of the aisle, seeing the both Illinois and our neighbors, but Il- of this misnamed duplication of bene- flooded homes and streets filled with linois is the only one denied assistance. fits clause. water. We visited NRG Stadium to One of the most recent examples is, 2 Imagine this: men and women who meet the people forced to evacuate years ago this Christmas, flood damage are victimized by Superstorm Sandy or their homes. throughout 16 counties cost $15 million any other storm, they go to FEMA, I stood with Representatives like in damages. Missouri, who was also im- they are advised to take out an SBA SHEILA JACKSON LEE, AL GREEN, RANDY pacted by this same storm, received as- loan, then a little later in the recovery WEBER, and BRIAN BABIN. These folks sistance, but Illinois did not. time, they are told that there is a HUD don’t often agree on much in politics. This is wrong. My constituents pay grant available, and they are precluded But you know what we did that day? into the Disaster Relief Fund to help from getting that grant to even pay off We all promised to help the people of other States. It should be there when the SBA loan. Texas. they need it. Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I reserve I flew to the Virgin Islands and Puer- Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, the balance of my time. to Rico with Minority Whip STENY I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, HOYER, and I would like to thank Dele- from California (Mrs. MIMI WALTERS). I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from gate STACEY PLASKETT and Resident Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Florida (Mr. RUTHERFORD). Commissioner JENNIFFER GONZA´ LEZ- Mr. Speaker, California is experiencing Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I COLO´ N for welcoming us and opening the worst fire season in its history. rise today in strong support of this the eyes of the Nation to what was hap- Tragically, these fires have taken 46 emergency supplemental bill. pening. lives, including one of our brave Cal This emergency funding provides In the Virgin Islands, we visited a Fire firefighters, Cory Iverson. much-needed and, frankly, overdue re- hospital. The storm left half of it unus- California has lost nearly 10,000 lief to my district in northeast Florida. able. No dialysis machines. They had homes and structures since the start of In September, Hurricane Irma caused to come to the mainland. Nurses and the October wildfires. The need for re- flooding that the city of Jacksonville doctors were working, doing the best lief and assistance is immediate. had not seen in more than 150 years. they could to help people in the most Mr. Speaker, I support the swift pas- Downtown was literally under water, difficult of circumstances. sage of the Emergency Disaster Aid power was out for many days, and In Puerto Rico, we were the first con- Package, which includes legislation I homes and businesses were shuttered. gressional delegation to visit the inte- rior after the storm. We were with introduced, the California Wildfire Dis- In our more rural agricultural com- Members like JEFF DENHAM, ANTHONY aster Tax Relief Act of 2017. munities in Nassau County and St. These specific provisions will allow Johns County, crops were wiped out, BROWN, and NORMA TORRES. We met people without power for weeks, low on victims to deduct property damages hurting our agriculture community for food, low on medicine. We saw schools and access retirement funds without months, if not years to come. The city of Jacksonville recently and homes destroyed and completely penalty, as well as encourage chari- projected that Hurricane Irma will cost washed away. table giving. We then went to Florida to see the Passage of this bill will help mitigate the city $85 million. I would be remiss if I did not com- other towns hit by Hurricane Irma, the burden of these devastating mend the quick Federal response, the places that face storms year after year. wildfires and allow people to begin re- leadership of our Governor, and the I returned to my home State of Cali- building their lives. planning and coordination of local fornia with Congressmen MIKE THOMP- Mr. Speaker, California faces a long emergency management officials and SON and JARED HUFFMAN during the road to recovery and rebuild from this first responders, who saved lives and worst wildfire season our State has devastating fire season. I urge my col- made our community safe and quickly ever seen. We saw the fires rage up leagues to aid in that recovery by vot- back up and running. north, where it destroyed entire com- ing for the Emergency Disaster Aid But the Federal support in this bill munities. Forty-six people have lost Package. provides the next phase in emergency their lives in the fires in California Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I reserve response that we so desperately need. this year. the balance of my time. I would like to thank Chairman You could see the devastation, block Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, FRELINGHUYSEN and his committee and after block. Ash heaps of homes and I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from committee staff for their work to get trees, standing like barren pillars. New Jersey (Mr. SMITH). this bill over the line. I urge my col- I met with firefighters down south, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. leagues in the strongest way possible still battling what may become the Speaker, I thank my good friend for to support this bill. largest wildfire in California’s history. yielding time to me and for his tremen- Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I reserve As it looks right now, they will still be dous bill. It is a great bipartisan piece the balance of my time. standing on the front lines of those of legislation. Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, fires come Christmas day. Mr. Speaker, after Superstorm I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Every single place I went, Democrats Sandy, I and others saw how leaders California (Mr. MCCARTHY), the major- and Republicans stood together. We and volunteers of churches, syna- ity leader. saw the devastation together. We spoke gogues, and other religious centers Mr. MCCARTHY. Mr. Speaker, I to the suffering that the people were helped feed, clothe, and shelter tens of thank the gentleman for yielding time having together, and together we made thousands of victims, yet they were to me and for his work. a promise that we would return here to left out and left behind when it came Mr. Speaker, it is only 4 days until Washington and work hand-in-hand to to repairs of their own facilities. Christmas. I look forward to going help them as soon as possible. The FEMA policy was and is unfair, home and being with my family. I That is why you heard Minority Whip unjustified, and discriminatory. Over 4 know every single Member in this body STENY HOYER, on September 26, say years ago, the House came together in looks forward to that, too. I count my that he would ‘‘work with colleagues the wake of Superstorm Sandy and blessings that my family is safe and on both sides of the aisle to ensure passed legislation that I authored by that I have a community and home to Congress provides all funding necessary 354–72. Surprise, surprise, the Senate head back to. to ensure that all Americans affected never acted, so the policy continues to There are people in this country who by these storms can recover and re- this day. don’t have that. Their homes were de- build.’’ I want to thank the chairman for in- stroyed by wind, flood, and fires. Their That is why he said on November 2 cluding a provision in this bill that will communities were torn apart by hurri- that he believes ‘‘we can work together ensure that houses of worship, church- canes and flames. in a bipartisan way to ensure that the es, and synagogues get the kind of help Mr. Speaker, I had the somber privi- affected areas receive the resources they need on an equal basis with other lege of traveling to these places. I went they need from Congress.’’

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:19 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.047 H21DEPT1 H10392 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 That is why I appreciated joining to deliver. Don’t vote against aid we This measure provides only $81 bil- him in an op-ed piece that was in The worked so hard together to put on this lion to be split between Texas, Florida, Washington Post on November 8, where floor. Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and we wrote: ‘‘We are determined to en- Washington, D.C., can be far from our other places. If history is any indica- sure that there is strong bipartisan homes. We may all be dreaming of tion, that money is not going to get to support for the next supplemental being home with our kids, eating the people of the Virgin Islands, be- emergency funding package so that af- Christmas dinner, opening presents, cause while the California delegation fected areas, such as those we visited, and enjoying time with our family and and the Texas delegation can lobby in have the resources they need.’’ friends; but what we do here and now late hours to get what they need in the Minority Leader NANCY PELOSI spoke has consequences. What we do here and bill, I am the only person from the Vir- similarly. She signed a letter with now will either give tens of thousands gin Islands here to support the people Members across California saying to of people something to hope for this of the Virgin Islands. Not only do I not President Trump that: We look forward Christmas, or take that hope away. get invited to those negotiations, I to working with you to ensure that all We can deliver that hope if those who don’t even have a vote when the bill Americans who have been severely im- stood with me on the flood plains of that comes to providing for the people pacted by recent natural disasters Texas and on the burnt hills of Cali- that I represent comes on this floor. across the United States receive the fornia keep the promise they made. We One of the things that is noticeably Federal support they need and deserve. can deliver that hope if those who absent from this disaster package is She told the Appropriations Com- worked with us for so long continue to funding for Medicaid programs, the mittee that: Congress has an urgent re- work with us today. same type of funding that was put in, sponsibility to the California families, People need our help. Vote to give in discussions for Katrina, for the peo- whose lives have been upended by dis- them the help they need, the help we ple of Texas and Louisiana. astrous wildfires. all promised. The government of the Virgin Islands I couldn’t agree more with these The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- cannot shoulder the current burden of statements. In the past few weeks and bers are reminded to address their re- the local matching requirements for months, we did—we worked together. marks to the Chair. Medicaid funding which the govern- We analyzed the damage. We studied Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 ment of the Virgin Islands has recently the requests from Governors and legis- minutes to the gentlewoman from the submitted to be $64 million and an ad- lators. We even made significant re- Virgin Islands (Ms. PLASKETT). ditional $50 million. The government of forms to respond to disaster in the Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Speaker, I the Virgin Islands has respectfully re- most effective and responsible way pos- thank the gentlewoman for yielding quested that the Medicaid provisions, sible. time to me. that the cap be removed, the arbitrary The legislation today is the result. It Mr. Speaker, at this moment I would cap be removed for us for a period of provides funding for every single State like to speak on behalf of the people time for us to be stabilized and for 100 and territory affected by natural disas- who I represent, the people of the Vir- percent the same way it was for ters. gin Islands. Katrina in other places be given to us. I remind all my friends from Cali- I am thankful that this House has de- Now, the people of the Virgin Islands fornia that this legislation accommo- cided that they wanted to work in a bi- and the people of Puerto Rico—I know dates exactly what our entire delega- partisan manner on supplemental aid it may be news to many people—but we tion requested. for the unprecedented disasters that are U.S. citizens. We decide to live on In all this work, we did it together in have occurred in the Virgin Islands. an island because that is where we a bipartisan way; the way the Amer- I did hear the voice of so many of my were brought. ican people expect this body to work. colleagues who said that they would be The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Now, I know it is the habit of this willing to do whatever was necessary time of the gentlewoman has expired. town to play politics. Mr. Speaker, I do to support the people of the Virgin Is- Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield an want to tell my friends on the other lands. additional 1 minute to the gentle- side: If they feel like they have to, play But right now, as I stand here, people woman from the Virgin Islands. politics on tax cuts. Call it whatever of the Virgin Islands, almost 60 percent Ms. PLASKETT. Because of that, we you want to call it. Play politics on all of them, still do not have power. have been treated disproportionately the other legislation that comes to this and unfairly in the ways that some of b 1545 floor. this funding has come about. But if I can request one thing: Please I have no power in my own home, and In addition, the bill does not include don’t do it here. Don’t play politics on those of you in Florida, Texas, and in important local cost-share waivers for a vote to give aid to the people of other places would not stand for that. the Virgin Islands and contains unnec- Texas; to the people of Puerto Rico; to But you expect us to stand for it. We essary limitations on the ability of the the people of the Virgin Islands; to the are supposed to muddle through. Virgin Islands to use Federal assist- people of Florida, and to the people of We are only supposed to have hope ance to rebuild with more resilience. California, who are still fighting the this Christmas of what is supposed to Furthermore, the Virgin Islands can- fires. come? not wait for the community develop- Don’t play politics on a bill that you Mr. Speaker, you can have hope at ment funds provided in this bill. HUD are going to hope to maybe stop an- your Christmas dinner because you should immediately award community other. That would be the worst of any have got some lights on. My house I development funds to the Virgin Is- politics I have seen played here. will go empty to, it will be cold, and it lands on the damage assessments that Mr. Speaker, I beg my friends on the will be dark there until my husband have been completed. other side: Please don’t do what they and I crank up the generator and get it Those are things that I can get did 2 weeks ago when they whipped going for a couple of hours so that around. Those are real support in a real against the funding bill to shut the maybe we can wash, cook some food, bill that is really working in a bipar- government down. If they don’t like and turn it back off again later in the tisan way to help all Americans—not tax cuts, I understand; vote against day. just delegations who can get together them. If they don’t want to vote for the Today, I am urging my colleagues to in the dark of the night and in the cold funding of the government and they vote ‘‘no’’ on H.R. 4667, not because I of the night and make provisions for want to shut it down, fine, take that don’t want supplemental support, not themselves leaving those of us. I have vote. because the people of the Virgin Is- told my colleagues on this side of the But here and now, right before lands don’t need it, but because I un- aisle that they are going to pick off Christmas, don’t vote against aid for derstand that I have said, when this Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, we Americans who just lost everything. measure was unveiled, that the funding are going to be left out. They don’t understand the politics in in this bill is woefully insufficient, and Some of you are going to get what it. Don’t vote against aid we promised it has not improved since that time. you want, and you are going to vote for

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.048 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10393 this. Once again, the people who have portunity to demonstrate America’s commit- funding is equal to six percent of the esti- no vote on this floor, the people who ment to all its citizens, including those who mated amount of disaster assistance provided have no say in this country, although reside in Puerto Rico. for each major disaster. The President will Sincerely, they are U.S. citizens, are going to be then distribute these funds in accordance with JENNIFFER GONZA´ LEZ-COLO´ N, left out. Member of Congress, PR-At Large. existing law, with a certain amount provided to Mr. Speaker, I am urging all of my each State and the remainder made available Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield colleagues to vote ‘‘no.’’ through a competitive grant process. Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, back the balance of my time. Section 2036 uses language similar to lan- I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, guage in the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield I yield myself the balance of my time. and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) myself 1 minute to close. Mr. Speaker, this bill—put together authorizing FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Mr. Speaker, I would like to reiterate after eight public hearings, input from Program (HMGP), which is mandatory funding that the bill before us is insufficient to all Governors, all Members of Congress, provided post-disaster with each disaster dec- meet the needs of those living in Puer- and all Delegates, especially those who laration. Although Section 2036 uses the term to Rico and the Virgin Islands. Months represent Texas, Florida, Louisiana, ‘‘may’’, the intent is that FEMA will set aside after hurricanes devastated the islands, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and funds for the PDM program, just as they do for hundreds, if not thousands, of Ameri- California—represents a fair and a HMGP. We have had several bipartisan con- cans have died, and far too many peo- compassionate treatment of all hurri- versations with FEMA confirming that FEMA ple are living without basic necessities cane and fire victims. understands the intent of this section and will that all Americans should have. Like the first two emergency interpret the ‘‘may set-aside’’ language in- I include in the RECORD a letter from supplementals put together by our cluded in section 2036 as mandatory. The Puerto Rico’s Resident Commissioner, leadership, our committee, and Con- mandatory funding for the PDM program from JENNIFFER GONZA´ LEZ-COLO´ N, which re- gress, we acted within days to help. I the Disaster Relief Fund required under this quests Medicaid assistance and 100 per- ask that we do it again this afternoon section will provide consistency to a program cent Federal costs for FEMA and Army without delay. Get this $81 billion dis- with a proven record of saving taxpayers Corps projects which are not included aster package into the hands of the money. in the bill. States, the territories, and the commu- In addition, section 2036 authorizes FEMA nities that continue to suffer. CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, to withdraw and redistribute funds that remain HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Let me associate myself with the re- unobligated three fiscal years after FEMA Washington, DC, December 20, 2017. marks of our majority leader. Let’s get awarded the funds to the grantee. The intent Hon. THAD COCHRAN, the money into those communities of this provision is to provide FEMA with dis- Chairman, Appropriations Committee, U.S. Sen- that have been suffering. That money cretionary authority to move funding that is not ate, Washington, DC. is going to the Virgin Islands, it is being used to States and projects that will use Hon. PATRICK J. LEAHY, going to Puerto Rico, and it is going to it. However, FEMA is not required to withdraw Ranking Member, Appropriations Committee, Florida, Texas, and California. There U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. these funds from grantees and shall make has been no discrimination at all. Hon. RODNEY FRELINGHUYSEN, these decisions on a case-by-case basis. For Chairman, Appropriations Committee, House of This bill has been put together with instance, a grantee may have commenced Representatives, Washington, DC. the cooperation of all the chairs and work on a project or is actively working on a Hon. NITA M. LOWEY, ranking members, and it deserves to be project but the project is not at the point where Ranking Member, Appropriations Committee, acted on promptly. People are suf- funds need to be obligated. In this instance, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. fering. Let’s get the money out the DEAR CHAIRMEN COCHRAN AND FRELING- we would not expect FEMA to withdraw the door to help them as we have done in funds. HUYSEN AND RANKING MEMBERS LEAHY AND the past on the first two LOWEY: I write to draw your attention to In addition, while this section will apply to several disaster supplemental appropriations supplementals. PDM funds awarded prior to enactment of this matters that are important to Puerto Rico’s Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Division, the intent is to give grantees three recovery from the catastrophic damage of my time. fiscal years from the date of enactment of this caused by Hurricanes Irma and Marı´a. The Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support Act to obligate these funds. Grantees with ex- revisions I propose to the disaster supple- of Division B of this bill, which has bipartisan, isting PDM funds are now on notice that they mental legislation that Congress is currently bicameral support of the leadership of the have three years to obligate these funds or at considering are necessary for rebuilding the Committee on Transportation and Infrastruc- lives of the 3.4 million U.S. citizens who live least be actively working on projects that will on the island. ture of the House of Representatives and the allow those funds to be obligated shortly Regarding any federal funding for Medicaid Committee on Homeland Security and Gov- thereafter. in Puerto Rico, it is imperative that disaster ernmental Affairs of the Senate. It includes I have noted time and time again how non- supplemental legislation provide that for not H.R. 4460, the ‘‘Disaster Recovery Reform sensical it is that the Federal Government less than two years Puerto Rico will receive Act’’, and several other Federal Emergency pays to rebuild communities after a disaster to 100% federal funding (FMAP). This funding is Management Agency (FEMA) bills that passed inadequate standards only to have those facili- necessary because there is no question about the House earlier this year. ties destroyed again by a later disaster, with Puerto Rico’s looming Medicaid crisis: with- While there are many good provisions in Di- in the first months of 2018, absent emergency the Federal Government once again on the funding, Puerto Rico’s Medicaid program vision B, I will focus my comments on a few hook for the cost of rebuilding. Under this leg- will exhaust its current funds and the is- provisions that I believe will have the most im- islation, this nonsense will finally stop. Section land’s Medicaid system will collapse, which pact in making the United States a leader in 2037 requires communities to rebuild to the will bring to a halt Puerto Rico’s entire disaster recovery. Under Division B, the Na- latest consensus-based, design standards and healthcare system. tion will be on the right track to build stronger in a more resilient manner, thereby ensuring The disaster supplemental legislation must and more resilient communities and it will en- stronger, smarter facilities going forward. The be revised so to statutorily waive for two courage better behavior before and after dis- cycle of repeatedly rebuilding and repairing years Puerto Rico’s state cost share for aster strikes. FEMA Public Assistance. Moreover, the dis- disaster-damaged public infrastructure will end aster supplemental legislation must be re- We know that for every dollar invested in under this measure. vised so to include a two year waiver of the mitigation to make our communities stronger Although FEMA must define ‘‘resilient’’ and cost-sharing requirements for all Army before disaster strikes, the taxpayer saves $3 ‘‘resiliency’’ pursuant to regulations within two Corps of Engineers projects in Puerto Rico. to $4 in future disaster costs. Section 2036 of years of the date of enactment of this Act, As you know, the recent hurricanes have this bill furthers the goal of investing in mitiga- FEMA is required to adopt guidance to imme- destroyed Puerto Rico. The lives of millions tion before disaster strikes by establishing a diately implement the ‘‘resiliency’’ require- of U.S. citizens are now in the federal gov- steady funding stream for FEMA’s Predisaster ments of this legislation. The need for resilient ernment’s hands. I look forward to con- tinuing to work with you to move forward Mitigation (PDM) program. construction has become even more apparent the proposals I have outlined in this letter. Under Section 2036, the President must after the 2017 disaster season. FEMA must Together we can rebuild Puerto Rico better provide a specific amount of additional funding use this opportunity to invest taxpayer funds than ever and make the island anew. At this from the Disaster Relief Fund for the PDM wisely while saving lives and reducing injuries. moment, the federal government has an op- program. The specific amount of additional FEMA has the ability to ensure that the United

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:19 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.050 H21DEPT1 H10394 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 States leads the way in disaster recovery and proposed requirements, are so onerous, the ‘‘(b) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established I urge FEMA to seize this moment. State of Oregon, which already has strict land within the Department a program, which shall Accordingly, as FEMA works to develop the use regulations, would have difficulty imple- be known as the ‘Blue Campaign’. The Blue definition of ‘‘resilient’’ and ‘‘resiliency’’, the Campaign shall be headed by a Director, who menting them, as they violate federal and shall be appointed by the Secretary. agency needs to ensure that it takes into ac- state property rights. This provision will help ‘‘(c) PURPOSE.—The purpose of the Blue Cam- count the extent to which the improved facili- ensure that FEMA implements the NFIP in a paign shall be to unify and coordinate Depart- ties: manner that is consistent from state-to-state ment efforts to address human trafficking. reduce deaths and injuries during and after and does not become a land use regulatory ‘‘(d) RESPONSIBILITIES.—The Secretary, work- a major disaster; agency. ing through the Director, shall, in accordance sustain minimal damage allowing the facility I support all of these important provisions with subsection (e)— to continue to provide the primary function and and urge their adoption. ‘‘(1) issue Department-wide guidance to ap- services of the facility during and after a nat- propriate Department personnel; The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time ‘‘(2) develop training programs for such per- ural hazard; for debate has expired. sonnel; prepare for and withstand all hazards that Pursuant to House Resolution 670, ‘‘(3) coordinate departmental efforts, includ- could result in a major disaster; and the previous question is ordered on the ing training for such personnel; and reduce the magnitude or duration of a dis- bill, as amended. ‘‘(4) provide guidance and training on trau- ruption to the facility’s primary function and The question is on the engrossment ma-informed practices to ensure that human services to a facility. and third reading of the bill. trafficking victims are afforded prompt access to In addition, any ‘‘resilient’’ facility should be The bill was ordered to be engrossed victim support service providers, in addition to the government assistance required under sec- constructed: and read a third time, and was read the in consideration of current and future envi- tion 107 of the Trafficking Victims Protection third time. Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7105), to address their im- ronmental conditions based upon the best- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- mediate and long-term needs. available science, changes in demand, and ant to clause 10 of rule XX, the yeas ‘‘(e) GUIDANCE AND TRAINING.—The Blue extreme weather events; and nays are ordered. Campaign shall provide guidance and training to reduce potential disruptions to the facility, Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- to appropriate Department personnel and other including by building in operational ther proceedings are postponed. Federal, State, tribal, and law enforcement per- redundancies, and increasing the ability of the sonnel, as appropriate regarding— facility to recover more rapidly; using tech- f ‘‘(1) programs to help identify instances of niques and materials that have the absorptive DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SE- human trafficking; ‘‘(2) the types of information that should be capacity, adaptive capacity, and recoverability CURITY BLUE CAMPAIGN AU- collected and recorded in information tech- to withstand a potentially disruptive event; THORIZATION ACT OF 2017 nology systems utilized by the Department to to the maximum extent practicable, using GENERAL LEAVE help identify individuals suspected or convicted durable and sustainable material; and Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, of human trafficking; to incorporate, to the maximum extent prac- ‘‘(3) systematic and routine information shar- I ask unanimous consent that all Mem- ticable, natural and nature-based measures ing within the Department and among Federal, bers may have 5 legislative days in and energy efficiency improvements. State, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies which to revise and extend their re- Currently, FEMA provides HMGP funds regarding— marks and include extraneous material ‘‘(A) individuals suspected or convicted of when a State receives a disaster declaration, on H.R. 1370. human trafficking; and but HMGP funds are not provided when a The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ‘‘(B) patterns and practices of human traf- State receives a Fire Management Assistance objection to the request of the gen- ficking; Grant to respond to wildfires on non-Federal tleman from New Jersey? ‘‘(4) techniques to identify suspected victims lands. Unfortunately, wildfires destroy the of trafficking along the United States border There was no objection. landscape often causing mudslides and flood- and at airport security checkpoints; Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, ing that then result in a disaster declaration. ‘‘(5) methods to be used by the Transportation pursuant to House Resolution 670, I call Under Division B, States will receive HMGP Security Administration and personnel from up the bill (H.R. 1370) to amend the other appropriate agencies— funds if they have received Fire Management Homeland Security Act of 2002 to re- ‘‘(A) to train employees of the Transportation Assistance Grants to respond to wildfires. With quire the Secretary of Homeland Secu- Security Administration to identify suspected HMGP funds, States will be able to restore rity to issue Department of Homeland victims of trafficking; and landscapes and vegetation destroyed by ‘‘(B) to serve as a liaison and resource regard- Security-wide guidance and develop wildfires and make the land less susceptible to ing human trafficking prevention to appropriate training programs as part of the De- future mudslides and floods. This legislation State, local, and private sector aviation workers partment of Homeland Security Blue also clarifies that wildfire-related mitigation ac- and the traveling public; Campaign, and for other purposes, with tivities are eligible under both the PDM and ‘‘(6) utilizing resources, such as indicator the Senate amendment thereto, and cards, fact sheets, pamphlets, posters, bro- HMGP programs. Together, these provisions ask for its immediate consideration. chures, and radio and television campaigns— will help prevent wildfires and related disasters The Clerk read the title of the bill. ‘‘(A) to educate partners and stakeholders; and I commend our colleague from California The SPEAKER pro tempore. The and (Mr. RUIZ) for his leadership on these issues. ‘‘(B) to increase public awareness of human Division B also clarifies that earthquake-re- Clerk will designate the Senate amend- trafficking; lated activities are eligible for mitigation assist- ment. ‘‘(7) leveraging partnerships with State and ance. The West Coast faces the most risk Senate amendment: local governmental, nongovernmental, and pri- from multiple and extreme earthquakes, and Strike all after the enacting clause and in- vate sector organizations to raise public aware- ness of human trafficking; and Oregon is long overdue for an earthquake and sert the following: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. ‘‘(8) any other activities the Secretary deter- tsunami on the Cascadia Subduction Zone. mines necessary to carry out the Blue Cam- Yet, the United States’ earthquake early warn- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign Authoriza- paign.’’. ing system lags behind those of other nations. tion Act of 2017’’. (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of con- Clarifying for grantees that mitigation funds tents of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Pub- SEC. 2. ENHANCED DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND lic Law 107–296) is amended by inserting after are available for earthquake-related activities SECURITY COORDINATION will save lives and reduce injuries in a future THROUGH THE BLUE CAMPAIGN. the item relating to section 433 the following: disaster. (a) IN GENERAL.—Subtitle C of title IV of the ‘‘Sec. 434. Department of Homeland Security Finally, important to the State of Oregon, Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 231 et Blue Campaign.’’. section 2029 clarifies that for purposes of the seq.) is amended by adding at the end the fol- SEC. 3. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), lowing: Not later than 1 year after the date of the en- FEMA is not responsible for privately funded ‘‘SEC. 434. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECU- actment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland RITY BLUE CAMPAIGN. Security shall ensure, in accordance with the actions taken by private parties on private ‘‘(a) DEFINITION.—In this section, the term Department of Homeland Security-wide guid- land. Under actions proposed by the National ‘human trafficking’ means an act or practice de- ance required under section 434(d) of the Home- Marine Fisheries Service, the entire State of scribed in paragraph (9) or (10) of section 103 of land Security Act of 2002, as added by section 2, Oregon would become a critical habitat, seri- the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 the integration of information technology sys- ously impeding economic development. The (22 U.S.C. 7102). tems utilized within the Department to record

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.025 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10395 and track information regarding individuals land Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 279) at the PROCUREMENT suspected or convicted of human trafficking. level provided in fiscal year 2017. MISSILE PROCUREMENT, ARMY SEC. 4. REPORT. ‘‘SEC. 146. Notwithstanding section 101, For an additional amount for ‘‘Missile Pro- Not later than 18 months after the date of the amounts are provided for the purposes de- curement, Army’’ for necessary costs to de- enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Home- scribed in the third paragraph under the tect, defeat, and defend against the use of land Security shall submit a report to the Com- heading ‘Department of Health and Human ballistic missiles, $884,000,000, to remain mittee on Homeland Security and Governmental Services—Office of the Secretary—Public available until September 30, 2020: Provided, Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Health and Social Services Emergency Fund’ That such amount is designated by the Con- Homeland Security of the House of Representa- at a rate for operations of $112,000,000; and gress as an emergency requirement pursuant tives that— such amounts may be apportioned up to the to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced (1) describes the status and effectiveness of rate for operations necessary to prepare for Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act the Department of Homeland Security Blue or respond to an influenza pandemic. of 1985. Campaign; and ‘‘SEC. 147. Notwithstanding section 251(a)(1) MISSILE PROCUREMENT, AIR FORCE (2) provides a recommendation regarding the of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Def- For an additional amount for ‘‘Missile Pro- appropriate office within the Department of icit Control Act of 1985 and the timetable in curement, Air Force’’ for necessary costs to Homeland Security for the Blue Campaign. section 254(a) of such Act, the final seques- detect, defeat, and defend against the use of SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. tration report for fiscal year 2018 pursuant to ballistic missiles, $12,000,000 to remain avail- There is authorized to be appropriated section 254(f)(1) of such Act and any order for able until September 30, 2020: Provided, That $819,000 to carry out section 434 of the Home- fiscal year 2018 pursuant to section 254(f)(5) such amount is designated by the Congress land Security Act of 2002, as added by section 2. of such Act shall be issued, for the Congres- as an emergency requirement pursuant to MOTION TO CONCUR sional Budget Office, 10 days after the date section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, specified in section 106(3), and for the Office and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. of Management and Budget, 15 days after the I have a motion at the desk. OTHER PROCUREMENT, AIR FORCE date specified in section 106(3).’’. For an additional amount for ‘‘Other Pro- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The SEC. 1002. (a) Notwithstanding the dates Clerk will designate the motion. curement, Air Force’’ for necessary costs to specified in section 403(b) of the FISA detect, defeat, and defend against the use of The text of the motion is as follows: Amendments Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–261; ballistic missiles, $288,055,000 to remain Mr. Frelinghuysen moves that the House 122 Stat. 2474), the amendments made by available until September 30, 2020: Provided, concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 1370 such section shall not take effect until the That such amount is designated by the Con- with an amendment consisting of the text of date specified in section 106(3) of the Con- gress as an emergency requirement pursuant Rules Committee Print 115–52. tinuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (division D to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced The text of the House amendment to of Public Law 115–56), as amended. Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act the Senate amendment to the text is as (b) If during the period beginning on the of 1985. date of the enactment of this Act and ending PROCUREMENT, DEFENSE-WIDE follows: on the date specified in section 106(3) of the In lieu of the matter proposed to be in- For an additional amount for ‘‘Procure- Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (divi- ment, Defense-Wide’’ for necessary costs to serted by the Senate amendment, insert the sion D of Public Law 115–56), as amended, detect, defeat, and defend against the use of following any Act amending the dates specified in sec- ballistic missiles, $1,239,140,000 to remain DIVISION A—FURTHER ADDITIONAL tion 403(b) of the FISA Amendments Act of available until September 30, 2020: Provided, CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018 2008 (Public Law 110–261; 122 Stat. 2474) is en- That such amount is designated by the Con- SEC. 1001. The Continuing Appropriations acted, this section shall be repealed. gress as an emergency requirement pursuant Act, 2018 (division D of Public Law 115–56) is This division may be cited as the ‘‘Further to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced further amended— Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act (1) by striking the date specified in section 2018’’. of 1985. 106(3) and inserting ‘‘January 19, 2018’’; and DIVISION B—MISSILE DEFENSE RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND (2) by adding after section 142 the fol- The following sums are appropriated, out EVALUATION lowing: of any money in the Treasury not otherwise RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND ‘‘SEC. 143. Notwithstanding section 104, appropriated, for the fiscal year ending Sep- EVALUATION, ARMY amounts made available by section 111 for tember 30, 2018, and for other purposes, For an additional amount for ‘‘Research, ‘Department of Homeland Security—Coast namely: Development, Test and Evaluation, Army’’ Guard—Retired Pay’ may be obligated to for necessary costs to detect, defeat, and de- carry out Retired Pay Reform, as authorized TITLE I—MISSILE DEFEAT AND DEFENSE ENHANCEMENTS fend against the use of ballistic missiles, by part 1 of subtitle D of title VI of the Na- $20,700,000 to remain available until Sep- tional Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE tember 30, 2019: Provided, That such amount Year 2016 (Public Law 114–92, as amended), OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE is designated by the Congress as an emer- and the matter under such heading in divi- OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, NAVY gency requirement pursuant to section sion F of the Consolidated Appropriations 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and For an additional amount for ‘‘Operation Act, 2017 (Public Law 115–31; 131 Stat. 409) Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. shall be applied during the period covered by and Maintenance, Navy’’ for necessary costs RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND this Act by inserting ‘payment of continu- to repair damage to the U.S.S. John S. EVALUATION, NAVY ation pay under section 356 of title 37, United McCain and the U.S.S. Fitzgerald, For an additional amount for ‘‘Research, States Code,’ after ‘payment for career sta- $673,500,000: Provided, That such amount is Development, Test and Evaluation, Navy’’ tus bonuses,’. designated by the Congress as an emergency for necessary costs to detect, defeat, and de- ‘‘SEC. 144. In addition to amounts provided requirement pursuant to section by section 101, amounts are provided for ‘De- 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and fend against the use of ballistic missiles, $60,000,000 to remain available until Sep- partment of Health and Human Services—In- Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. tember 30, 2019: Provided, That such amount dian Health Service—Indian Health Services’ OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, AIR FORCE is designated by the Congress as an emer- at a rate for operations of $11,761,000 and For an additional amount for ‘‘Operation gency requirement pursuant to section amounts are provided for ‘Department of and Maintenance, Air Force’’ for necessary 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Health and Human Services—Indian Health costs to detect, defeat, and defend against Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Service—Indian Health Facilities’ at a rate the use of ballistic missiles, $18,750,000: Pro- RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND for operations of $1,104,000, for an additional vided, That such amount is designated by the amount for costs of staffing and operating EVALUATION, AIR FORCE Congress as an emergency requirement pur- For an additional amount for ‘‘Research, newly constructed facilities; and such suant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal- amounts may be apportioned up to the rate Development, Test and Evaluation, Air anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Force’’ for necessary costs to detect, defeat, for operations necessary to staff and operate Act of 1985. newly constructed facilities. and defend against the use of ballistic mis- ‘‘SEC. 145. Amounts made available by sec- OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, DEFENSE-WIDE siles, $255,744,000 to remain available until tion 101 for ‘Department of Health and For an additional amount for ‘‘Operation September 30, 2019: Provided, That such Human Services—Administration for Chil- and Maintenance, Defense-Wide’’ for nec- amount is designated by the Congress as an dren and Families—Refugee and Entrant As- essary costs to detect, defeat, and defend emergency requirement pursuant to section sistance’ may be apportioned up to the rate against the use of ballistic missiles, 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and for operations necessary to maintain pro- $23,735,000: Provided, That such amount is Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. gram operations for carrying out section 235 designated by the Congress as an emergency RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Vic- requirement pursuant to section EVALUATION, DEFENSE-WIDE tims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and For an additional amount for ‘‘Research, (8 U.S.C. 1232) and section 462 of the Home- Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.026 H21DEPT1 H10396 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 Wide’’ for necessary costs to detect, defeat, ‘‘(F) $65,000,000 for period of the first and TITLE II—CHILDREN’S HEALTH and defend against the use of ballistic mis- second quarters of fiscal year 2018.’’. INSURANCE PROGRAM (CHIP) siles, $1,010,220,000 to remain available until (c) TEACHING HEALTH CENTERS THAT OPER- SEC. 3201. FUNDING EXTENSION OF THE CHIL- September 30, 2019: Provided, That such ATE GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION PRO- DREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE PRO- amount is designated by the Congress as an GRAMS.—Subsection (g) of section 340H of the GRAM. emergency requirement pursuant to section Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 256h) is (a) APPROPRIATION; TOTAL ALLOTMENT.— 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and amended— Section 2104(a) of the Social Security Act (42 Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. (1) by striking ‘‘To carry out’’ and insert- U.S.C. 1397dd(a)) is amended— TITLE II—MISSILE CONSTRUCTION ing the following: (1) in paragraph (19), by striking ‘‘and’’; (2) in paragraph (20), by striking the period ENHANCEMENTS ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—To carry out’’; at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and (2) by striking ‘‘and $15,000,000 for the first DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (3) by adding at the end the following new quarter of fiscal year 2018’’ and inserting MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, DEFENSE- paragraph: ‘‘and $30,000,000 for the period of the first and WIDE ‘‘(21) for fiscal year 2018, for purposes of second quarters of fiscal year 2018, to remain For an additional amount for ‘‘Military making 1 semi-annual allotment— available until expended’’; and Construction, Defense-Wide’’, $200,000,000, to ‘‘(A) $2,850,000,000 for the period beginning (3) by adding at the end the following: remain available until September 30, 2022, to on October 1, 2017, and ending on March 31, ‘‘(2) ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.—Of the carry out construction of a missile field in 2018.’’. amount made available to carry out this sec- Alaska: Provided, That such funds may be ob- (b) ALLOTMENTS.— tion for any fiscal year, the Secretary may ligated or expended for planning and design (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 2104(m) of the So- not use more than 5 percent of such amount and military construction projects not oth- cial Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397dd(m)) is for the expenses of administering this sec- erwise authorized by law: Provided further, amended— tion.’’. That such amount is designated by the Con- (A) in paragraph (2)(B)(ii), in the matter gress as an emergency requirement pursuant (d) APPLICATION.—Amounts appropriated preceding subclause (I), by inserting ‘‘and to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced pursuant to this section are subject to the paragraph (10)’’ after ‘‘clauses (iii) and (iv)’’; Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act requirements contained in Public Law 115–31 (B) in paragraph (5)— of 1985. for funds for programs authorized under sec- (i) by striking ‘‘or (4)’’ and inserting ‘‘(4), tions 330 through 340 of the Public Health or (10)’’; and TITLE III—GENERAL PROVISIONS Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b–256). (ii) by striking ‘‘or 2017’’ and inserting ‘‘, SEC. 2001. Notwithstanding any other pro- (e) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section 2017, or 2018’’; vision of law, funds made available in this 3014(h) of title 18, United States Code, is (C) in paragraph (9)— division are in addition to amounts appro- amended— (i) in the heading, by striking ‘‘FISCAL priated or otherwise made available for the (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘section YEARS 2015 AND 2017’’ and inserting ‘‘CERTAIN Department of Defense for fiscal year 2018. 10503(b)(1)(E) of the Patient Protection and FISCAL YEARS’’; SEC. 2002. (a) Funds made available in title (ii) by striking ‘‘or (4)’’ and inserting ‘‘, (4), I of this division shall be allocated to pro- Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 254b- 2(b)(1)(E)), as amended by section 221 of the or (10)’’; and grams, projects, and activities in accordance (iii) by striking ‘‘or fiscal year 2017’’ and with the detailed congressional budget jus- Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘subparagraphs inserting ‘‘, 2017, or 2018’’; and tifications submitted by the Department of (D) by adding at the end the following new Defense to accompany the Fiscal Year 2018 (E) and (F) of section 10503(b)(1) of the Pa- tient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 paragraph: Budget Amendments requested by the Presi- ‘‘(10) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018.— dent on November 6, 2017: Provided, That U.S.C. 254b-2(b)(1))’’; and (2) in paragraph (4), by inserting ‘‘and sec- ‘‘(A) FIRST HALF.— changes to the allocation of such funds shall ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraphs (5) tion 3101(d) of the CHIP and Public Health be subject to the reprogramming require- and (7), from the amount made available Funding Extension Act’’ after ‘‘section 221(c) ments set forth in the annual appropriations under subparagraph (A) of paragraph (21) of of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthor- Act. subsection (a) for the semi-annual period de- ization Act of 2015’’. (b) Funds made available in this division scribed in such subparagraph, the Secretary may be obligated and expended notwith- SEC. 3102. EXTENSION FOR SPECIAL DIABETES shall compute a State allotment for each standing sections 102 and 104 of division D of PROGRAMS. State (including the District of Columbia Public Law 115–56. (a) SPECIAL DIABETES PROGRAM FOR TYPE I and each commonwealth and territory) for SEC. 2003. Each amount designated in this DIABETES.—Section 330B(b)(2) of the Public such semi-annual period in an amount equal division by the Congress as an emergency re- Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254c–2(b)(2)) is to 1⁄2 of the amount described in clause (ii) quirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) amended— for the State. of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Def- (1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘and’’ ‘‘(ii) FULL YEAR AMOUNT BASED ON GROWTH icit Control Act of 1985 shall be available at the end; FACTOR UPDATED AMOUNT.—The amount de- only if the President subsequently so des- (2) in subparagraph (C), by striking the pe- scribed in this clause for a State is equal to ignates all such amounts and transmits such riod at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and the sum of— designations to the Congress. (3) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the ‘‘(I) the sum of the 2 semi-annual allot- This division may be cited as the ‘‘Depart- following: ments made to the State under paragraph (4) ment of Defense Missile Defeat and Defense ‘‘(D) $37,500,000 for the period of the first for fiscal year 2017; and Enhancements Appropriations Act, 2018’’. and second quarters of fiscal year 2018, to re- ‘‘(II) the amount of any payments made to DIVISION C—HEALTH PROVISIONS main available until expended.’’. the State under subsection (n) for fiscal year 2017, TITLE I—PUBLIC HEALTH EXTENDERS (b) SPECIAL DIABETES PROGRAM FOR INDI- SEC. 3101. EXTENSION FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH ANS.—Subparagraph (D) of section 330C(c)(2) multiplied by the allotment increase factor CENTERS, THE NATIONAL HEALTH of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. under paragraph (6) for fiscal year 2018.’’. SERVICE CORPS, AND TEACHING 254c–3(c)(2)) is amended by inserting ‘‘and (2) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section HEALTH CENTERS THAT OPERATE $37,500,000 for the second quarter of fiscal 2104(m)(2) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1397dd(m)(2)) GME PROGRAMS. year 2018’’ before the period at the end. is amended— (a) COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS FUND- (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking SEC. 3103. PREVENTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH ING.—Section 10503(b)(1) of the Patient Pro- ‘‘2010 THROUGH 2016’’ and inserting ‘‘BEGINNING FUND. tection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. WITH FISCAL YEAR 2010’’; and 254b–2(b)(1)) is amended— Section 4002(b) of the Patient Protection (B) by striking ‘‘the allotment increase (1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ‘‘and’’ and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 300u–11(b)) factor under paragraph (5)’’ each place it ap- at the end; and is amended— pears and inserting ‘‘the allotment increase (2) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘each of factor under paragraph (6)’’. following: fiscal years 2018 and 2019’’ and inserting ‘‘fis- (3) APPLICATION OF REGULAR EXPENDITURE ‘‘(F) $550,000,000 for the period of the first cal year 2018’’; RULES.—Amounts allotted to a State under and second quarters of fiscal year 2018; and’’. (2) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through section 2104(m)(10)(A) of the Social Security (b) NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE CORPS.—Sec- (8) as paragraphs (5) through (9); Act (42 U.S.C. 1397dd(m)(10)(A)) (as added by tion 10503(b)(2) of the Patient Protection and (3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the fol- paragraph (1)) shall be subject to the same Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 254b–2(b)(2)) is lowing new paragraph: requirements of title XXI of such Act and ap- amended— ‘‘(4) for fiscal year 2019, $800,000,000;’’; plicable regulations of the Secretary of (1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ‘‘and’’ (4) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated, by Health and Human Services as apply to other at the end; striking ‘‘$1,000,000,000’’ and inserting allotments made to States for a fiscal year (2) in subparagraph (E), by striking the pe- ‘‘$800,000,000’’; and under section 2104 of such Act. riod at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and (5) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated, by (c) EXTENSION OF CHIP ALLOCATION REDIS- (3) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the striking ‘‘$1,500,000,000’’ and inserting TRIBUTION SPECIAL RULE FOR CERTAIN SHORT- following: ‘‘$1,250,000,000’’. FALL STATES.—

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.029 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10397 (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 2104(f)(2)(B)(ii) of redistribute such funds in accordance with Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. the preceding subclauses of this clause.’’. the House amendment to the Senate 1397dd(f)(2)(B)), as amended by section 201 of (2) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in the amendment to H.R. 1370. Public Law 115–90, is amended— amendments made by paragraph (1) shall be This legislation keeps the govern- (A) in the clause heading, by striking construed as authorizing the Secretary of ment fully open, funds important na- ‘‘FIRST QUARTER’’ and inserting ‘‘FIRST Health and Human Services to de-obligate HALF’’; any funds redistributed under clause (ii) of tional security priorities, and tempo- (B) by redesignating subclause (III) as sub- section 2104(f)(2)(B) of the Social Security rarily extends critical government pro- clause (VI); and Act (42 U.S.C. 1397dd(f)(2)(B)) that have been grams like the Children’s Health Insur- (C) by striking subclauses (I) and (II) and obligated for amounts expended by an emer- ance Program, the National Flood In- inserting the following: gency shortfall State described in such surance Program, and section 702 of the ‘‘(I) IN GENERAL.—For each month begin- clause as of January 1, 2018. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. ning during the period beginning on October This division may be cited as the ‘‘CHIP Our duty to the American people is 1, 2017, and ending March 31, 2018, subject to and Public Health Funding Extension Act’’. to keep them secure and to ensure they the succeeding subclauses of this clause, the DIVISION D—OTHER MATTERS Secretary shall redistribute any amounts have access to the government pro- available for redistribution under paragraph SEC. 4001. VA CHOICE. grams and services they depend on. (1) for fiscal year 2018, to each State that is There is appropriated, out of any funds in The House must pass this bill now, an emergency shortfall State for the month the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, today. (as defined in subclause (II)) such amount as $2,100,000,000, to remain available until ex- Without acting on this bill, existing the Secretary determines will eliminate the pended, to be deposited in the Veterans government funding will expire tomor- estimated shortfall described in subclause Choice Fund under section 802 of the Vet- row, and the government will shut (II) for such State for the month (as may be erans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113–146; 38 U.S.C. 1701 down. This legislation provides a sim- adjusted under subparagraph (C)) before the ple, clean extension of current funding Secretary may redistribute such amounts to note). levels through January of 2018. any shortfall State that is not an emergency DIVISION E—BUDGETARY EFFECTS This additional time will allow House shortfall State. In the case of any amounts SEC. 5001. BUDGETARY EFFECTS. redistributed under this subclause to a State and Senate leadership to complete (a) IN GENERAL.—The budgetary effects of that is not an emergency shortfall State, their negotiations on overall spending division C and each succeeding division shall such amounts shall be determined in accord- not be entered on either PAYGO scorecard levels. Once that is determined, my ance with clause (i). maintained pursuant to section 4(d) of the committee will complete negotiations ‘‘(II) EMERGENCY SHORTFALL STATE DE- Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010. with the Senate on all 12 appropria- FINED.—For purposes of this clause, the term (b) SENATE PAYGO SCORECARDS.—The tions bills for the rest of fiscal year ‘emergency shortfall State’ means, with re- budgetary effects of division C and each suc- spect to a month beginning during the period 2018. ceeding division shall not be entered on any beginning October 1, 2017, and ending March In the meantime, it is essential that PAYGO scorecard maintained for purposes of 31, 2018, a shortfall State for which the Sec- Congress maintain government pro- retary estimates, in accordance with sub- section 4106 of H. Con. Res. 71 (115th Con- grams and services—for our Nation’s gress). paragraph (A) (unless otherwise specified in stability, the stability of our economy, (c) CLASSIFICATION OF BUDGETARY EF- this subclause) and on a monthly basis using and for the security and well-being of the most recent data available to the Sec- FECTS.—Notwithstanding Rule 3 of the Budg- et Scorekeeping Guidelines set forth in the the American people. retary as of such month, that the projected This bill also supports national secu- expenditures under the State child health joint explanatory statement of the com- plan and under section 2105(g) (calculated as mittee of conference accompanying Con- rity by providing an additional $4.7 bil- if the reference under section 2105(g)(4)(A) to ference Report 105–217 and section 250(c)(8) of lion in emergency funding to bolster ‘2017’ were a reference to ‘2018’ and insofar as the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit missile defense, to protect against the allotments are available to the State Control Act of 1985, the budgetary effects of growing threats, and to repair damaged under this subsection or subsection (e) or division C and each succeeding division shall Navy ships. (m)) for such month will exceed the sum of not be estimated— In addition, the bill also includes $2.1 the amounts described in clauses (i) through (1) for purposes of section 251 of such Act; and billion in mandatory funding for the (iii) of subparagraph (A) for such month, in- VA Choice Program. This funding will cluding after application of any amount re- (2) for purposes of paragraph (4)(C) of sec- distributed under paragraph (1) for a pre- tion 3 of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act guarantee that our veterans continue vious month for fiscal year 2018 in accord- of 2010 as being included in an appropriation to have access to the medical care they ance with this clause, to such State. A short- Act. need and deserve. fall State may be an emergency shortfall SEC. 5002. BUDGETARY EFFECTS OF RECONCILI- Along with important funding for our State under the previous sentence without ATION ACT. Armed Forces and veterans, this bill regard to whether any amounts were redis- (a) DEFINITION OF RECONCILIATION ACT.—In contains temporary extensions of sev- tributed to such State under paragraph (1) this section, the term ‘‘reconciliation Act’’ eral critical programs that millions of for a previous month in fiscal year 2018. means an Act enacted into law before, on, or Americans rely on. These include the ‘‘(III) FUNDS REDISTRIBUTED IN THE ORDER after the date of enactment of this Act that Children’s Health Insurance Program, IN WHICH STATES REALIZE FUNDING SHORT- was considered pursuant to the reconcili- FALLS.—The Secretary shall redistribute the ation instructions in H. Con. Res. 71 (115th the National Flood Insurance Program, amounts available for redistribution under Congress), the concurrent resolution on the and section 702 of the Foreign Intel- paragraph (1) to emergency shortfall States budget for fiscal year 2018. ligence Surveillance Act. described in subclause (II) in the order in (b) PAYGO SCORECARD.—The budgetary ef- Mr. Speaker, before I close, again, I which such States realize monthly funding fects of the reconciliation Act shall not be would like to thank the 12 Appropria- shortfalls under this title for fiscal year 2018. entered on either PAYGO scorecard main- tions chairs, our 12 clerks, and the very The Secretary shall only make redistribu- tained pursuant to section 4(d) of the Statu- professional staff of the Appropriations tory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (2 U.S.C. tions under this clause to the extent that Committee for working overtime to such amounts are available for such redis- 933(d)). bring this bill and others before the tributions. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ‘‘(IV) PRORATION RULE.—If the amounts House today. ant to House Resolution 670, the mo- We cannot delay on passing this crit- available for redistribution under paragraph tion shall be debatable for 1 hour (1) for a month during the period described in ical legislation, funding the govern- subclause (I) are less than the total amounts equally divided and controlled by the ment, protecting our Nation, and ex- of the estimated shortfalls determined for chair and ranking minority member of tending essential programs that hard- the month for emergency shortfall States de- the Committee on Appropriations. working Americans rely on every day. scribed in subclause (II), the amount com- The gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to puted under subclause (I) for each emergency FRELINGHUYSEN) and the gentlewoman vote ‘‘yes’’ on the bill, and I reserve shortfall State shall be reduced proportion- from New York (Mrs. LOWEY) each will ally. the balance of my time. control 30 minutes. Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield ‘‘(V) UNOBLIGATED REDISTRIBUTED FUNDS.— The Chair recognizes the gentleman The Secretary shall withhold any funds re- myself such time as I may consume. distributed under paragraph (1) for fiscal from New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to year 2018 before January 1, 2018, but which Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, this epic failure of governing. have not been obligated for amounts ex- I yield myself such time as I may con- Nearly 3 months into the fiscal year, pended by a State as of that date, and shall sume. the Republican majority is advancing

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.029 H21DEPT1 H10398 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 its third temporary continuing resolu- government operating. We are not So, while we are frustrated we will not tion with no foreseeable path forward going to take the irresponsible path of complete our work today, we are deter- on enacting full-year appropriations voting to shut it down. mined to continue to work with my and no evident urgency to address pri- I stand here in support of the con- colleagues to get this done early in orities that are critical to American tinuing resolution. This legislation be- January. families and communities. fore us today not only keeps the doors I urge my colleagues to support the Completely preoccupied with show- of the Federal Government open and CR and these necessary funding exten- ering tax breaks on corporations and the services to our constituents avail- sions. the wealthiest Americans, the majority able, but also provides short-term fund- Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 has failed to clear the extremely low ing for the State Children’s Health In- minutes to the gentlewoman from Min- bar of charting a course to keep the surance Program, also known as CHIP. nesota (Ms. MCCOLLUM), the ranking government open and meet deadlines This program provides vital health member of the Interior, Environment, they have set for themselves. coverage for approximately 9 million and Related Agencies Subcommittee. Ms. MCCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise In short, the Republican majority children nationwide. So, when my col- in opposition to this continuing resolu- has made a complete mess of the very leagues on other side vote ‘‘no,’’ know tion. that they are also voting against these basics of governing. Now they want The Federal Government’s fiscal year Democrats to bail them out by car- 9 million children who need access to started 3 months ago. The Republican rying a bill that neglects our priorities. this health insurance. Congress still hasn’t passed a full year This continuing resolution should in- While I am glad we have this short- of Federal spending. Rather than pro- clude the bipartisan Dream Act, pro- term funding, I, too, am disappointed tecting our Nation and meeting the tecting from deportation young people to stand here today without Congress needs of the American people, we are who were brought to this country as having completed its work to fully now debating a third continuing reso- small children and only know the fund CHIP for the next 5 years. We did lution to kick the can into January. United States as home. But this bill that in the House on a bipartisan basis. Republicans control this House, the tells those facing deportation that This bill also provides critical short- Senate, and the White House, but, their plight is not our concern. term funding for community health clearly, they do not take their respon- It should include a bipartisan reau- centers. They are essential. In my dis- sibility to fund the Federal Govern- thorization of the Children’s Health In- trict, 63 different facilities take care of ment seriously. Frankly, they should surance Program, providing long-term men, women, and children in the com- be embarrassed. certainty for 9 million children and munity health center network. It takes For the past 3 months, Democrats families who depend on the program. care of teaching health center graduate have sought to work with Republicans Instead, this bill tells children and medical education and special diabetes to secure a budget agreement and re- families their medical needs are not programs as well. So a ‘‘no’’ vote today sponsibly pass appropriations bills, but our priority. is against all of those programs. Republicans have been too busy to It should include an agreement to It is worth noting yet again that the meet this basic responsibility. Instead, raise caps for defense and nondefense House passed a comprehensive bill, the they have spent months working in se- spending with parity so that appropri- CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act, cret on their deficit-busting tax scam. ators can get to work on a full-year in November. It was a bipartisan vote. Let’s be clear: the Republican tax spending package that keeps America It will fund the CHIP program for a full scam is part of this CR as well. The CR secure and prosperous. Instead, the bill 5 years. Community health centers will contains language to exempt the Re- tries to make an end run around solely be funded for 2 years, and the other publican’s lavish tax cuts for big cor- the defense cap by slipping in nearly $5 public health programs will be funded porations and billionaires from the billion in new spending for the Pen- for 2 years. statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act. tagon. It would also prevent billions of dol- Republicans passed their tax scam knowing it was fiscally irresponsible It should not clean up the mess the lars of cuts to our safety net hospitals. and that it would trigger cuts to Medi- majority made triggering automatic Those cuts will be triggered in January care, the Crime Victims Fund, and reductions to Medicare because of their because of inaction in the Senate. other vital programs, and trigger an in- deficit-busting tax bill. Unfortunately, our friends on the crease in Federal student loans. Now The majority wants to pass this bill other side of the Capitol have yet to they are asking Democrats to help bail and go home for the holidays, somehow move our bill or reach full agreement on some different combination of off- them out. content with its performance on behalf While I didn’t vote for the Repub- sets to pay for extending these impor- of the Americans they represent. In lican tax scam and I am not going to tant programs. This is disappointing every sense, this bill fails to live up to paper over their mistakes so that since it means Congress has not yet our responsibilities as legislators and President Trump can sign it into law, been able to provide certainty to fami- as Representatives. Given these fail- here is what I will do, Mr. Speaker. ures, I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote. lies across Oregon and the country who As the ranking member of the Inte- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of rely on these vital programs. rior, Environment, and Related Agen- my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. cies Appropriations Subcommittee, I HULTGREN). The time of the gentleman b 1600 know Republican appropriators are as has expired. frustrated I am. I want to work with Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, them to find common ground and to re- I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman I yield the gentleman an additional 1 sponsibly fund our government. It is from Oregon (Mr. WALDEN), the chair- minute. time for appropriators to do our jobs man of the Energy and Commerce Com- Mr. WALDEN. We are well past the and for Republicans and Democrats to mittee. time in which we should have had this work together. It is time for us to get Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank done. The Energy and Commerce Com- back to work and fund the Federal my friend and colleague, the chairman mittee has acted. The U.S. House of Government responsibly. of the House Appropriations Com- Representatives has acted. The Senate Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, mittee, Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN, for his in- Finance Committee has acted. But the I reserve the balance of my time. credible and tenacious work to bring us full Senate has yet to do so. Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 this legislation. I know that Chairman HATCH and minutes to the gentlewoman from Ohio By the way, all 12 appropriations Ranking Member PALLONE believe this (Ms. KAPTUR), the ranking member of bills have already been passed by the must be done as soon as possible. We the Energy and Water Subcommittee. House individually and sent to the Sen- have been working closely together, Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I thank ate. along with my fellow Oregonian, Sen- Ranking Member LOWEY for yielding, A vote against the CR is a vote to ator RON WYDEN, to figure out how to and I rise in opposition to this con- shut down the government. It is that get a bill to fund CHIP and public tinuing resolution that some might simple. Today is the day we keep the health extenders across the finish line. consider ridiculous.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.055 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10399 No matter how you look at it, Repub- ment of Veterans Affairs access and ac- could have to discontinue authorizing VCP licans have control of all of the reins of countability crisis. Make no mistake care and transition Veterans to VA or other the Federal Government; yet we find about it: Choice has certainly not been community care programs. VA’s other com- ourselves, again, locked in an artificial without its faults in the last 3 years; munity care programs will not have the ca- pacity to handle all of the patients who will crisis of their own creation on the however, the program has also resulted transition from VCP, and the wait time for third punt to try to run this govern- in millions of veterans receiving care appointments at VA facilities will rise if ment for another couple of weeks. they otherwise would have had to wait large numbers of Veterans return to VA to First in September, then again 2 longer or travel further for—or maybe seek care. Taking these actions would have a weeks ago, and now here again today, not receive at all. number of negative consequences, including the government will be set on auto- Absent passage of this provision, the decreased access to care, damaged commu- matic pilot because President Trump Choice Program is expected to run out nity partnerships and interrupted care con- and his fellow Republicans refuse to of money in early 2018, which could tinuity for Veterans. Should you have any questions, please pass a real budget under regular order jeopardize the care that veterans have a member of your staff contact Mr. so the Appropriations Committee can across the country are receiving in David Brant, Congressional Relations Offi- get its work done within strict budget their communities. This is totally un- cer. parameters. These last 3 months, Con- acceptable. Sincerely, gress has been left to twiddle its The committee has been working DAVID J. SHULKIN, M.D. thumbs while the list of unmet prior- diligently to create a permanent care Mr. ROE of Tennessee. In this letter, ities for Americans has steadily grown. in the community program to replace Secretary Shulkin explicitly stated: Most notably, let me address the and improve upon Choice. In fact, I was ‘‘Without additional funding before the Children’s Health Insurance Program, proud to introduce H.R. 4242, the VA end of the year, there will be a dra- or CHIP, that covers over 9 million Care in the Community Act, last matic impact on the ability of the De- children in our country and more than month. That legislation was favorably partment of Veterans Affairs to pro- 220,000 in Ohio. In fact, that insurance reported out of my committee just this vide care to veterans.’’ program expired 81 days ago. It covers week, and I look forward to working A vote against the continuing resolu- half the children in my district. with my colleagues on community care tion is a vote against funding medical How do you think it makes those reform. In the meantime, we cannot care for our Nation’s heroes. The Sec- families feel? What are they going to allow the care our veterans receive in retary’s message is clear, Mr. Speaker. do after the end of March? the community through the Choice I urge all of my colleagues to join me Unfortunately, this spending bill Program to be jeopardized by lack of in supporting an additional $2.1 billion only provides enough funding for the funding. for the Choice Program. CHIP program through March 31, again Mr. Speaker, I include in the RECORD Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 kicking the can down the road. a letter Secretary Shulkin sent me ear- minutes to the gentlewoman from Cali- Let me mention, too, the budgets for lier this month. fornia (Ms. LEE), a member of the Ap- community health centers, which also THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, propriations Committee. expired last September 30. They serve Washington, DC, December 12, 2017. Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the more than 25 million patients and are Hon. DAVID P. ROE, M.D., gentlewoman for yielding and for her the Nation’s largest source of primary Chairman, Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, tremendous leadership on so many comprehensive care for people in need. House of Representatives, Washington, DC. issues as a ranking member. Don’t they deserve full respect from DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: I write to raise issues As a member of the Appropriations for your consideration regarding the finan- this Congress for the life-giving work cial status of the Veterans Choice Program and Budget Committees, I rise in they do? (VCP), established by the Veterans Access, strong opposition to this continuing Mr. Speaker, I will close with this. Choice and Accountability Act of 2014, Pub- resolution, which really could be called Up to 10 million private pensions are at lic Law 113–146, as amended (Choice Act). the ‘‘Failure to Govern Resolution.’’ risk across our country through no Current projections indicate that VCP could This bill, as my colleague from Ohio fault of the workers. Congress must be unable to create new referrals or author- said, shamefully kicks the can down act. But where is the leadership? Our izations within several weeks. Without addi- the road once again, this time until solution is the Butch Lewis Act, which tional funding before the end of the year, January 19. there will be a dramatic impact on the abil- Why? Republicans have been too busy ensures America’s private pensioners ity of the Department of Veterans Affairs receive the benefits they earned. (VA) to provide care to Veterans. passing the greatest tax scam in his- So whether it is helping our retirees As of December 7, 2017, VA has approxi- tory rather than responsibly funding or caring for our children, time and mately $490 million in VCP funds remaining, the government. again Republicans are ignoring real once December obligations of approximately This reckless, short-term resolution middle class Americans. $300 million and reserve funding of approxi- ignores our critical year-end priorities The SPEAKER pro tempore. The mately $300 million are accounted for. The like passing a bipartisan, long-term re- time of the gentlewoman has expired. average spend rate of VCP funds ranges from authorization of the Children’s Health Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield $200–$400 million per month, with the possi- Insurance Program or a DACA pro- bility that unexpected obligations would the gentlewoman from Ohio an addi- push this above and beyond the reserves. As gram. tional 15 seconds. a result, we believe we have 3 to 5 weeks of Every day, 122, DACA recipients are Ms. KAPTUR. Yet, the Republicans funds left, which could change based on Vet- losing their protections. They are had no problem finding trillions for bil- eran utilization. afraid. They are fearful. There is so lionaires who end up funding their Nearly 1.9 million unique Veterans have much anxiety. We should not do this campaigns, too. sought care through VCP since its imple- today without protecting them. This prescription simply is bad medi- mentation. VA has focused on improving This continuing resolution does not cine for America, and I ask my col- VCP through streamlined business processes, honor the temporary protected status contract modifications and implementation for immigrants. It does not raise the leagues to vote ‘‘no.’’ of statutory changes. Unless additional funds Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, are provided, Veterans utilizing the current budget caps equally for defense and I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman VCP will be less able to access timely health nondefense spending. Much-needed from Tennessee (Mr. ROE), the chair- care as close to their homes as possible. The funding for the opioid epidemic, com- man of the Veterans’ Affairs Com- Veteran Coordinated Access & Rewarding munity health centers, and our vet- mittee. Experiences (CARE) Act, proposed by VA to erans is also not included. Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I Congress, would satisfy the funding require- I could go on and on about the prob- rise in support of the provision within ments if passed. lems with the CR, but I just have to this legislation that would authorize The challenges of the transition from VCP tell you that the reality is this bill, to a new Community Care program should and appropriate $2.1 billion for the Vet- not be underestimated, and VA will need to like the tax giveaway, underscores the erans Choice Program. take steps soon to responsibly prepare for majority’s complete lack of regard for Choice was created by Congress in the termination date. If no action is taken everyday Americans and struggling 2014, following a nationwide Depart- by Congress in the next 3 to 5 weeks, VA families.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.057 H21DEPT1 H10400 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 Continuing resolutions leave the publican majority has failed to provide own State of Connecticut. The hard- American people out on a limb, with no urgently needed resources to address working families that depend on CHIP confidence in their Federal Govern- the dire shortfalls at the VA. deserve to know that it will be there ment. Well, Mr. Speaker, the DREAMers for their children for the long term. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The cannot wait. The threat of deportation How can the majority go on vacation time of the gentlewoman has expired. looms over these courageous individ- while millions of children worry about Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield uals every single day. Sick children de- losing their health insurance? the gentlewoman from California an serve our attention now. They should This is a disgrace. This bill also cuts additional 30 seconds. not be used as bargaining chips in this $750 million from the Prevention and Ms. LEE. I guess we should not be reckless debate. And our Nation’s vet- Public Health Fund, which supports surprised by this approach, since the erans need to know we have got their programs such as heart disease and playbook for this administration from backs without delay. We cannot deny stroke prevention, diabetes prevention, day one has been, as Steve Bannon said them the healthcare that they have immunization and vaccination pro- early on, that their goal was earned. grams. deconstruction of the administrative Don’t tell me that we don’t have the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The state. That is exactly what is hap- funds to support those who need us the time of the gentlewoman has expired. pening with this CR. This is unaccept- most, when this Congress just gave a Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield an able. handout to those who need it the least. additional 1 minute to the gentle- By passing a short-term spending bill This pathetic continuing resolution woman from Connecticut. that entirely neglects urgent and vital fails to address the needs of the people Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, it was needs and underfunds job training, af- who sent us here. It doesn’t even come only yesterday that our Republican fordable housing, and education, we close. colleagues voted to spend $1.5 trillion really are selling the American people Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to of taxpayers’ money on tax cuts for short. join me in voting ‘‘no.’’ millionaires. Eighty-three percent of Unfortunately, this is another effort Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, the tax cuts go to 1 percent of the peo- to disregard the lives of millions of I continue to reserve the balance of my ple in this Nation. Instead, they are people. It is totally irresponsible, and time. cutting nearly $1 billion from public it does nothing to help create jobs, bet- Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 health programs that protect them and ter wages, or a better future for our minutes to the gentlewoman from Con- their family. children and their families. necticut (Ms. DELAURO), the ranking Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on this bill. We member of the Labor, Health and reject this continuing resolution be- need to begin to try to do our job here. Human Services, Education, and Re- cause it fails to meet the obligations lated Agencies Subcommittee. that we are entrusted with, the moral b 1615 Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, I responsibility that we have to the Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, strongly oppose this continuing resolu- American people. I reserve the balance of my time. tion. Yet again we are punting one of Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 our core obligations as Members of I continue to reserve the balance of my minutes to the gentlewoman from Congress: funding government pro- time. Florida (Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ), the grams. Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 ranking member of the Military Con- The Republican majority has failed minutes to the gentleman from Mary- struction, Veterans Affairs, and Re- to respond to the needs of the Amer- land (Mr. HOYER), the Democratic lated Agencies Subcommittee. ican people. They put services and in- whip. Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. vestments that are critical to our fami- Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for lies and our communities at risk: from Mrs. LOWEY for yielding. yielding. apprenticeships to education for stu- Here we are again, Mr. Speaker. Two Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposi- dents with disabilities, child care, weeks ago, the Republican majority tion to this continuing resolution, afterschool programs that help work- asked for another 2 weeks to write an which is, yet again, a complete abdica- ing families make ends meet, and fi- appropriations package to fund the tion of our responsibilities as Members nancial aid for students attending col- government, yet now they are asking of Congress. lege. to kick the can down the road one What we have before us today is evi- We should be negotiating spending more time. dence that the so-called Republican levels for 2018 for both defense and non- We all knew that those 2 weeks were leadership simply cannot deliver on the defense spending. We should have spent a pretense for getting the votes to pass promises they have made to the Amer- the last 2 months fulfilling our respon- their tax bill. We didn’t make any ican people. Instead, this Congress has sibility as legislators by writing bipar- progress on a bipartisan appropriations decided to continue taking the ludi- tisan bills to fund programs that help bill. crous approach of funding the govern- the middle class and the vulnerable, Before that, Republicans asked for an ment for just a few weeks at a time, support evidence-based scientific re- additional 12 weeks in September. We while ignoring the pressing issues that search, and help working people get the all voted to give that 12 weeks. demand our attention. skills that they need to find good jobs All of us know exactly why the can Over the last few weeks, Republicans with good wages. keeps being kicked farther and farther in this Congress have decided to focus Instead, the Republican majority down the road. It is because the major- only on pushing through legislation de- squandered the last 2 months focused ity cannot muster a majority of their signed to further enrich giant corpora- on their tax scam, rewarding big cor- own Members to support bipartisan tions, while adding $1.5 trillion to the porations, millionaires, and billion- funding bills. Because the governing deficit. aires who wrote the rules to make gov- party, which controls the House, the Yet, to the DREAMers who teach our ernment work for them. Our Repub- Senate, and the White House, has not children, care for our sick, and serve lican colleagues were their comrades in been able to govern. our Nation, Republicans continue to arms in rigging the game against the Senate Republican Whip JOHN COR- say: You just have to wait. middle class. NYN said on Sunday: ‘‘The can always For millions of our most vulnerable— I am horrified by the majority’s deci- seems to be kicked down the road.’’ young kids suffering from illness and sion to put the future of the Children’s Yet here we are again with Repub- debilitating disease, who are reliant on Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, in licans doing exactly that. the Children’s Health Insurance Pro- jeopardy: kids’ checkups, shots, pre- Mr. Speaker, let’s call the CR for gram—Republicans have made it clear scriptions, dental and vision care, hos- what it is: a chaotic retreat from ra- their priorities lie elsewhere. pital care, and the list goes on. tional, regular, and fiscal responsi- And to those who have served our States are beginning to cut children bility. We have alongside it a supple- country with dignity and pride, the Re- off because of the majority’s delay—my mental funding bill that provides some

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.058 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10401 additional emergency relief to those af- It is long past time that the majority First, I’d like to acknowledge the Chairman fected by natural disasters, but it work with Democrats to increase the of the Appropriations Committee, Chairman ought to do more, in my opinion, to budget caps and write full-year spend- FRELINGHUYSEN. help those in Puerto Rico and the Vir- ing bills. The Appropriations Com- Under his leadership, the Committee re- gin Islands. mittee stands ready to do our job. I ported, and the whole House considered and It has been 3 months since Hurri- hope that Republican leadership finally passed, all twelve appropriations bills for fiscal canes Irma and Maria devastated Puer- does its job and agrees to permit rea- year 2018. That doesn’t happen very often to Rico and the Virgin Islands, and sonable spending bills that invest in anymore, and the fact that we did it this year since Hurricane Harvey visited so America’s future. is a credit to our Chairman. much water on Houston. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance We’ve heard complaints about considering Many still do not have electricity or of my time. another CR rather than full appropriations bills. running water in Puerto Rico. These Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, And I agree that continuing resolutions aren’t are our fellow Americans. We owe it to I urge all of my colleagues to vote an ideal solution to funding our government. them and to ourselves to help them in ‘‘yes’’ to keep the government open for Ideally, all twelve appropriations bills would be their time of need. business, and I yield back the balance enacted by October 1st. Mr. Speaker, Congress can do better, of my time. That process provides the Congress with its and it should do better. We should act Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise best opportunity to set priorities across gov- in a bipartisan way. in opposition to this Continuing Resolution be- ernment programs, and it provides the most I was on the Appropriations Com- cause we can’t keep kicking the can down the stability for agencies to carry out those pro- mittee as an active member for 23 road, and that is all this CR will do. grams in an efficient and effective manner. years. I was a member of the Labor, Since Republicans took control of the House But sometimes we need more time to com- Health and Human Services, Edu- in 2011, their approach to governing has been plete those negotiations. For example, in cation, and Related Agencies Sub- to pass short term extensions and Continuing 2010, the Democrats controlled both the committee. I told people that you Resolutions that merely delay the hard work of House, the Senate, and the White House. could take the 13 of us—we were eight making decisions on the big issues facing our Guess what happened when they hadn’t com- Democrats and five Republicans—and country. pleted the appropriations process on time? thrown us up in the air, we would have Eventually, after not completing their work They passed a CR until the end of Sep- come down in random seats, had a on time, Republicans regularly force through tember. When they hadn’t completed their markup, and you would have been an extension in order to deal with another cri- work yet, they passed another CR until De- hard-pressed to identify the Democrat sis of their own making. This has happened cember 2nd. When they hadn’t completed or the Republican, because we believed over . . . and over . . . and over. their work—they passed another CR until De- our responsibility was to fund the pri- And here we go again. We passed a CR in cember 22. orities of this country. September and another one two weeks ago, Then, when we took the majority, we ended Now, I know that we passed 12 bills. and now we are being asked to give Repub- up finishing the appropriations process. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The licans even more time to get the job done. So while CR’s aren’t ideal, supporting a CR time of the gentleman has expired. Governing by repeated CRs means federal to keep our government functioning is the only Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield an agencies can’t plan for the future or begin new responsible vote today—for national security, additional 1 minute to the gentleman initiatives. This undermines our national secu- for our economy, and for the general welfare from Maryland. rity; endangers our homeland security, re- of the American people. Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, the Appro- stricts investments in groundbreaking research As Chairman of the Energy and Water sub- priations Committee used to be an ex- to treat and cure diseases, and threatens the committee, I am very familiar with the positive traordinarily bipartisan committee accuracy of the next decennial Census. impacts the federal government has in each of where we worked together, not on a This repeated inaction means we must now these areas—whether it’s the Department of partisan basis, but on a basis of trying worry about keeping our government open at Energy maintaining our nuclear weapons to determine which priorities were im- the same time we are trying to address sev- stockpile, the Corps of Engineers dredging our portant for our country, what funds eral other large national challenges. For exam- ports and waterways so goods and materials were needed so that agencies could op- ple, we are about to hit the nation’s debt limit; can move freely, or the Bureau of Reclamation erate in an effective way. That, unfor- Americans need help recovering from the hur- providing tens of millions of people with water. tunately, is not happening the way it ricanes that hit Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, We must avoid disruptions to these vital ac- did. Florida, and Texas and the wildfires that have tivities by passing the continuing resolution be- So, Mr. Speaker, I urge my Repub- ravaged California; people who depend on fore us today and then working towards com- lican friends, who control this House, community health centers and the Children’s pleting our work on final appropriations bills as and all the levers of government, to Health Insurance Program are about to lose quickly as possible. work with Democrats on making sure their healthcare; and we must protect the hun- Will we get all our work done by the end of that all those who need emergency dis- dreds of thousands of Dreamers whose immi- this next CR? I don’t know. aster relief, as well as those who need gration status has been thrown into question. But one thing I can guarantee is that we will funds to operate their government President Trump himself created this par- not get it done by tomorrow, and a vote agencies in a way that serves America ticular crisis for the millions of Dreamers living against this resolution is a vote to shut down best—I urge us to work together to- in this country. These young men and women the government. ward that end. I urge us because no- are American in every way but their citizen- I urge my colleagues to vote yes on the body believes these CRs are good pol- ship, and due to the President’s actions, near- continuing resolution. icy, but they, unfortunately, are be- ly 13 thousand of them have lost their DACA Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, Republicans coming regular, if not regular order. protections, an average of 122 per day. Tens have moved on from doing nothing to help Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, of thousands more Dreamers will eventually middle-class America, to actively undoing ev- I continue to reserve the balance of my lose their jobs and their protection against de- erything America’s middle class relies on. time. portation if we do not take action. First, they cut taxes for corporations and the Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield As the author of the Dream Act in the wealthy, instead of lifting up the middle class. myself such time as I may consume. House, I believe it is inhumane to force And they did it twice. Now they’re kicking the Mr. Speaker, once again, this is an Dreamers to live in fear and uncertainty for can down the road while millions of Americans epic failure of governing. longer than absolutely necessary. We must suffer through the holidays. They’ve left mil- How many more times will we have act now. We can’t afford to wait until the last lions of kids in the lurch for months by letting to pass a continuing resolution, which minute for a solution, as Republicans have the Children’s Health Insurance Program ex- not only denies certainty to men and done so often while running Congress. pire instead of protecting sick children in need women in uniform and all Federal em- We cannot keep kicking the can down the of care. They have woefully underfunded re- ployees, but is an inefficient waste of road. I oppose this CR and urge my col- covery efforts in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Is- taxpayer dollars? leagues to vote no so we can get the job done lands, Florida and Texas instead of guaran- How many more times would the ma- now. teeing clean water and electricity to our fellow jority stumble from crisis to crisis, Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to sup- Americans. And the icing on the cake: Repub- narrowly averting a shutdown? port the continuing resolution before us today. licans would leave 800,000 DREAMers—

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:19 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.060 H21DEPT1 H10402 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 Americans in every way but on paper—won- order to provide adequate funds for veterans’ tion or omnibus appropriations bill achieves dering whether their Christmas gift will be de- health, a pension bailout, opioid-fighting pro- the following goals and objectives: portation papers. I cannot support Repub- grams, and medical research. ‘‘To establish justice’’ and ‘‘To promote the licans’ heartlessness. I cannot support Repub- Another major concern of this bill includes general welfare’’: licans’ recklessness. I cannot support this bill the unrevised extension of government surveil- 1. Full funding for the U.S. Department of without a fix for DREAMers. lance powers; Congress has yet to agree on Justice Civil Rights Division and the Depart- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to a proper revision of Section 702 of the Foreign ment of Education Office of Civil Rights so speak about H.R. 1370, ‘‘Department of Intelligence Surveillance Act. that they have funds needed to enforce laws Homeland Security Blue Campaign Authoriza- Section 702 of FISA was intended to be re- protecting civil rights, voting rights, and pros- tion Act of 2017’’ [Further Continuing Resolu- vised this month; however, the majority has ecuting hate crimes. tion]. failed to address that issue, adding one more 2. Fully funds community development block This resolution is an imperfect vehicle for unresolved priority to the list of neglected leg- grants and low income housing programs in appropriations for FY 2018, because it does islation. urban and rural communities. not reflect an effort to include bipartisan solu- Mr. Speaker, I am disappointed that we 3. Fully funds the Legal Services Corpora- tions to remaining Democratic priorities. have again been placed in the position of hav- tion so that working and low-income persons H.R. 1370 not only fails to address remain- ing to fund the government through the device who lack an army of lobbyists to represent ing unsolved issues, but it also fails to fund of a continuing resolution rather than through them in Washington will at least have the as- the government through the end of FY 2018. the normal appropriations process of consid- sistance of counsel to defend their legal rights Republicans have not consulted Democrats ering and voting on separate spending bills in courts of law. on anything that is included in this year-end usually reported by the Committee on Appro- 4. Fully funds programs providing food as- legislation, accordingly the majority should not priations. sistance to housebound seniors, such as expect Democrats to vote on a bill that does The reason for this last minute resolution is Meals on Wheels. not include the following priorities: due to the Republican leadership being solely 5. Fully funds programs that provide stu- A bipartisan, long-term reauthorization of the focused on cutting taxes on the wealthy rather dents from low and moderate-income families Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): than coming up with a plan to keep the gov- access to affordable access to higher edu- CHIP, which provides health coverage to 9 ernment open and serving its citizens. cation and provides students with special million children, expired nearly three months Republicans control the House, Senate, and needs the support needed to receive the free ago. the White House—they should have the votes appropriate public education (FAPE) in the Republicans have only put forward legisla- to pass a CR on their own if they refuse to least restrictive environment (LRE) guaranteed tion that cuts other critical health programs, an compromise with Democrats. by the Individuals with Disabilities Education unacceptable trade-off. The government shutdown of 2013, which Act (IDEA Act). States have already begun taking steps to was manufactured by the Republican majority 6. Fully funds before and after school pro- shut down their CHIP programs, and I will not lasted 16 days and cost taxpayers $24 billion. grams and other student enrichment programs The enormous harm and disruption of the vote for a Continuing Resolution (CR) that pre- that help students succeed. lives of federal employees and the people they vents children from obtaining health coverage. 7. Fully funds programs that make federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals serve, however, was irreparable. housing safer through energy efficient heating As I stated, Mr. Speaker, this Continuing (DACA) program: and cooling systems. Resolution is not perfect and it only funds the According to a report by the Center for 8. Preserves tax credit programs that help government until January 19, 2018. American Progress, 122 DREAMers are losing As seasoned Members of Congress, we revitalize low income communities. their protection every single day that Congress have been in this challenging position before. 9. Fully funds the Environmental Protection fails to act. But working together in a spirit of goodwill, Agency and Department of Energy programs Disaster aid: bipartisanship, and realism, I believe we can developing the next generation of clean en- My district—Houston, Puerto Rico, and the reach a long-term agreement that will avert a ergy and transportation technologies. U.S. Virgin Islands are short-changed in the shutdown of government operations and the ‘‘Provide for the common defense’’: supplemental proposed by the majority. disruption a shutdown causes to the lives of 1. Provides robust funding for the Depart- Among other glaring omissions, the Repub- millions of Americans who depend upon fed- ment of State and USAID to advance national lican supplemental fails to include funding for eral programs to do their jobs, educate their security interests in places like Iraq and Af- their Medicaid programs, which are facing un- kids, care for their parents, and contribute to ghanistan and to end violent conflicts in trou- precedented demands following these ruinous their communities. ble spots which could threaten the security in- hurricanes. Our constituents look to the Congress and terests of the United States. An agreement to lift the Budget Control Act the President to make responsible choices 2. Provides adequate funding for United Na- (BCA) spending caps: and decisions to keep the nation safe, the tions peacekeeping missions throughout the In the three months since a CR was passed economy prosperous, and to make necessary world and distribution of food aid to people in in September, Republicans have not worked and prudent investments in education, developing and famine stricken countries, on a budget agreement that ensures Congress healthcare and research, transportation and such as South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, and can adequately fund defense and nondefense infrastructure, economic development, Nigeria. priorities and adhere to the principle of parity science, the arts and humanities, and the en- ‘‘To ensure domestic tranquility’’: between defense and non-defense spending. vironment. 1. Fully funds cost-sharing reduction sub- H.R. 1370 would provide $4.5 billion in This is, after all, just another way of saying sidies, or CSRs, to compensate insurers for emergency funding for the Department of De- that the American people expect their leaders reducing deductibles and out-of-pocket maxi- fense, as requested by the Trump administra- in Washington be guided by the Constitution’s mums for low-income customers on the Af- tion on November 6. Preamble and pursue policies and provide the fordable Care Act exchanges. Most of that money is allocated for missile resources that will: 2. Protects the adequacy, solvency, and in- defense programs primarily targeting North establish justice, ensure domestic tran- tegrity of the Medicare and Medicaid pro- Korea, an area that President Trump has quility, provide for the common defense, pro- grams, which provide health sustaining sup- failed to approach diplomatically and instead, mote the general welfare, and secure the port for 70 million Americans. has resorted to inflammatory threats, tweets, blessings of liberty. 3. Fully funds the National Institutes of and other non-presidential approaches typical The funding priorities that have been floated Health research programs so that patient ac- of this administration. by the Trump Administration fail this essential cess to lifesaving treatments is not delayed. In contrast, H.R. 1370 would provide a mere test of leadership because they are irrespon- 4. Does not convert funding for the Centers four-week extension of current funding for do- sible, impracticable, unrealistic, and, in many for Disease Control and Prevention into block mestic needs. respects, insensitive or indifferent to the dele- grants which would hindering the nation’s abil- This continuing resolution would force both terious impact they will have on the lives of ity to respond swiftly and effectively to public parties to revisit the domestic programs in real people living in the real world. health crises like Ebola, Zika, and HIV/AIDS. January. They do not command majority support in Mr. Speaker, I believe that if all members of Mr. Speaker, I will not accept this scheme the Congress or of the public. the House and Senate work together, we can and I highlight the importance of parity be- To win such support, I believe that it is es- reach agreement on an appropriate budget tween defense and domestic programs in sential that any subsequent continuing resolu- framework that that invests in the American

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:19 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.033 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10403 people, preserves our national security, and Rothfus Smith (MO) Walden Mr. GOHMERT, Ms. SEWELL of Ala- keeps faith with the values that have served Rouzer Smith (NE) Walker bama, Messrs. LAWSON of Florida, and Royce (CA) Smith (NJ) Walorski our nation well and made the United States Ruiz Smucker Walters, Mimi DELANEY changed their vote from the leading nation on earth. Russell Stefanik Weber (TX) ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time Rutherford Stewart Webster (FL) So the motion to concur was agreed Ryan (WI) Stivers for debate has expired. Wenstrup to. Sanford Taylor Westerman Scalise Tenney Pursuant to House Resolution 670, Williams The result of the vote was announced Schneider Thompson (PA) the previous question is ordered. Wilson (SC) as above recorded. Schweikert Thornberry Womack The question is on the motion by the Scott, Austin Tiberi A motion to reconsider was laid on gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Sensenbrenner Tipton Woodall the table. FRELINGHUYSEN). Sessions Trott Yoder Stated against: Yoho The question was taken; and the Sewell (AL) Turner Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, had Shimkus Upton Young (AK) Speaker pro tempore announced that Shuster Valadao Young (IA) I been present, I would have voted ‘‘Nay’’ on the ayes appeared to have it. Simpson Wagner Zeldin rollcall No. 708. Sinema Walberg Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, f on that I demand the yeas and nays. NAYS—188 The yeas and nays were ordered. Adams Gomez Norcross FURTHER SUPPLEMENTAL The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Aguilar Gonzalez (TX) O’Rourke APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018 ant to clause 8 of rule XX, this 15- Amash Gosar Pallone Barraga´ n Green, Al Panetta The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- minute vote on the motion will be fol- Bass Grijalva Pascrell finished business is the vote on passage lowed by 5-minute votes on: Beatty Gutie´rrez Payne of the bill (H.R. 4667) making further Passage of H.R. 4667; Bera Hanabusa Pelosi supplemental appropriations for the The motion to suspend the rules and Beyer Hastings Perlmutter Biggs Heck Perry fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, pass S. 1532; and Blumenauer Higgins (NY) Peters for disaster assistance for Hurricanes The motion to suspend the rules and Blunt Rochester Himes Peterson Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and calendar pass S. 1766, if ordered. Bonamici Hollingsworth Pingree Boyle, Brendan Hoyer year 2017 wildfires, and for other pur- The vote was taken by electronic de- Polis F. Huffman Price (NC) poses, on which the yeas and nays were vice, and there were—yeas 231, nays Brady (PA) Hunter Quigley ordered. 188, not voting 13, as follows: Brown (MD) Jackson Lee Raskin Brownley (CA) Jayapal The Clerk read the title of the bill. [Roll No. 708] Rice (NY) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Butterfield Jeffries Richmond YEAS—231 Capuano Johnson (GA) Rooney, Thomas question is on the passage of the bill. Carbajal Johnson, E. B. Abraham Duffy J. This is a 5-minute vote. LaMalfa Ca´ rdenas Jordan Aderholt Duncan (SC) Ros-Lehtinen Lamborn Carson (IN) Kaptur The vote was taken by electronic de- Allen Duncan (TN) Rosen Lance Cartwright Keating vice, and there were—yeas 251, nays Amodei Dunn Ross Latta Castor (FL) Kelly (IL) Arrington Emmer Roybal-Allard 169, not voting 12, as follows: Lawson (FL) Castro (TX) Khanna Babin Estes (KS) Ruppersberger Lewis (MN) Chu, Judy Kihuen [Roll No. 709] Bacon Farenthold Rush LoBiondo Cicilline Kildee Banks (IN) Faso Ryan (OH) YEAS—251 Loebsack Clark (MA) Kilmer Barletta Ferguson Sa´ nchez Abraham Cuellar Long Clarke (NY) Kind Huizenga Barr Fitzpatrick Sarbanes Adams Culberson Loudermilk Clay Krishnamoorthi Hunter Barton Fleischmann Schakowsky Aderholt Curbelo (FL) Love Cleaver Kuster (NH) Hurd Bergman Flores Schiff Aguilar Curtis Lucas Clyburn Labrador Issa Bilirakis Fortenberry Schrader Allen Davis (CA) Luetkemeyer Cohen Langevin Jackson Lee Bishop (GA) Foxx Amodei Davis, Rodney MacArthur Connolly Larsen (WA) Scott (VA) Jenkins (KS) Bishop (MI) Frelinghuysen Arrington DeFazio Marchant Cooper Larson (CT) Scott, David Jenkins (WV) Bishop (UT) Gallagher Babin Delaney Marino Correa Lawrence Serrano Johnson (LA) Black Garrett Bacon DelBene Marshall Courtney Lee Shea-Porter Johnson (OH) Blackburn Gianforte Barletta Demings Mast Crowley Levin Sherman Johnson, E. B. Blum Gibbs Barr Denham McCarthy Cuellar Lewis (GA) Sires Johnson, Sam Bost Gohmert Barton Dent McCaul Cummings Lieu, Ted Slaughter Joyce (OH) Brady (TX) Goodlatte Bera DeSantis McClintock Curbelo (FL) Lipinski Smith (WA) Katko Brat Gottheimer Bergman DeSaulnier McHenry Davis (CA) Lofgren Soto Kelly (MS) Brooks (IN) Gowdy Bilirakis Deutch McKinley Davis, Danny Lowenthal Speier Kelly (PA) Buchanan Graves (GA) Bishop (GA) Diaz-Balart McMorris DeFazio Lowey Swalwell (CA) Kilmer Buck Graves (LA) Bishop (MI) Donovan Rodgers DeGette Lujan Grisham, Takano King (IA) Bucshon Graves (MO) Bishop (UT) Duffy McSally DeLauro M. Thompson (CA) King (NY) Budd Griffith Black Dunn Meadows DelBene Luja´ n, Ben Ray Thompson (MS) Kinzinger Burgess Grothman Blum Estes (KS) Meehan Demings Lynch Titus Knight Bustos Guthrie Bost Farenthold Messer DeSaulnier Maloney, Tonko Krishnamoorthi Byrne Handel Brady (TX) Faso Mitchell Deutch Carolyn B. Torres Kuster (NH) Calvert Harper Brooks (IN) Ferguson Moolenaar Dingell Maloney, Sean Tsongas Kustoff (TN) Carter (GA) Harris Brownley (CA) Fitzpatrick Mullin Doggett Massie Vargas LaHood Carter (TX) Hartzler Buchanan Fleischmann Murphy (FL) Doyle, Michael Matsui Veasey LaMalfa Chabot Hensarling Bucshon Flores Newhouse F. McCollum Vela Lance Cheney Herrera Beutler Burgess Fortenberry Noem Ellison McEachin Vela´ zquez Larsen (WA) Coffman Hice, Jody B. Bustos Frankel (FL) Norman Engel McGovern Visclosky Latta Cole Higgins (LA) Butterfield Frelinghuysen Nunes Eshoo McNerney Walz Lawson (FL) Collins (GA) Hill Byrne Gabbard O’Halleran Espaillat Meeks Wasserman Lieu, Ted Collins (NY) Holding Calvert Gaetz Olson Esty (CT) Meng Schultz Lipinski Comer Hudson Carbajal Gallagher Palazzo Evans Mooney (WV) Waters, Maxine LoBiondo Comstock Huizenga Carter (GA) Garamendi Palmer Fudge Moore Watson Coleman Loebsack Conaway Hultgren Carter (TX) Gianforte Paulsen Gabbard Moulton Welch Long Cook Hurd Castor (FL) Gibbs Pearce Gaetz Nadler Wilson (FL) Love Costa Issa Castro (TX) Gohmert Pittenger Gallego Neal Wittman Lowenthal Costello (PA) Jenkins (KS) Cheney Gonzalez (TX) Poe (TX) Garamendi Nolan Yarmuth Lucas Cramer Jenkins (WV) Poliquin Coffman Gowdy Luetkemeyer Crawford Johnson (LA) Posey NOT VOTING—13 Cole Graves (LA) MacArthur Crist Johnson (OH) Ratcliffe Collins (GA) Graves (MO) Marchant Bridenstine Green, Gene Renacci Culberson Johnson, Sam Reed Collins (NY) Green, Al Marino Brooks (AL) Jones Curtis Joyce (OH) Reichert Smith (TX) Comstock Guthrie Marshall Foster Kennedy Davidson Katko Rice (SC) Suozzi Conaway Handel Mast Frankel (FL) Napolitano Davis, Rodney Kelly (MS) Roby Connolly Harper Matsui Granger Pocan Delaney Kelly (PA) Roe (TN) Cook Hartzler McCarthy Denham King (IA) Rogers (AL) Cooper Hastings McCaul Dent King (NY) Rogers (KY) b 1653 Costa Herrera Beutler McHenry DeSantis Kinzinger Rohrabacher Messrs. HOLLINGSWORTH, McNER- Costello (PA) Higgins (LA) McKinley DesJarlais Knight Rokita Cramer Hill McMorris Diaz-Balart Kustoff (TN) Rooney, Francis NEY, PETERSON, and ROSS changed Crawford Himes Rodgers Donovan LaHood Roskam their vote from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ Crist Huffman McNerney

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.039 H21DEPT1 H10404 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 Meehan Rooney, Thomas Taylor Kennedy Pocan Smith (TX) Cole Hill Norman Mitchell J. Tenney Napolitano Renacci Suozzi Collins (GA) Himes O’Halleran Moolenaar Ros-Lehtinen Thompson (CA) Collins (NY) Holding O’Rourke Mullin Rosen Thompson (PA) b 1701 Comer Hollingsworth Olson Murphy (FL) Roskam Thornberry Messrs. CUMMINGS, GOTTHEIMER, Comstock Hoyer Palazzo Newhouse Ross Tiberi Conaway Hudson Pallone Nolan Rothfus Tipton and GRIFFITH changed their vote Connolly Huffman Palmer Norman Rouzer Trott from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ Cook Hultgren Panetta Nunes Royce (CA) Turner So the bill was passed. Cooper Hunter Pascrell Ruiz Upton Correa Hurd Paulsen O’Halleran The result of the vote was announced O’Rourke Ruppersberger Valadao Costello (PA) Issa Payne Olson Russell Veasey as above recorded. Cramer Jackson Lee Pearce Palazzo Rutherford Vela A motion to reconsider was laid on Crawford Jayapal Pelosi Panetta Ryan (WI) Visclosky the table. Crist Jeffries Perlmutter Scalise Wagner Paulsen Crowley Jenkins (KS) Perry Schiff Walberg Cuellar Jenkins (WV) Peters Pearce f Schneider Walden Culberson Johnson (LA) Peterson Peters Scott, Austin Walorski Cummings Johnson (OH) Pingree Peterson LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM Scott, David Walters, Mimi Curbelo (FL) Johnson, Sam Pittenger Pittenger Sessions Wasserman (Mr. MCCARTHY asked and was Curtis Jordan Poe (TX) Poe (TX) Sewell (AL) Schultz Davidson Kaptur Poliquin Poliquin given permission to address the House Sherman Waters, Maxine for 1 minute.) Davis (CA) Katko Polis Posey Shimkus Weber (TX) Davis, Danny Kelly (IL) Posey Price (NC) Shuster Webster (FL) Mr. MCCARTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise Davis, Rodney Kelly (MS) Price (NC) Ratcliffe Simpson Wenstrup for the purpose of making a scheduling DeFazio Kelly (PA) Raskin Reed Sinema Westerman announcement. DeGette Khanna Ratcliffe Reichert Smith (NE) Williams Mr. Speaker, Members are advised Delaney Kildee Reed Rice (SC) Smith (NJ) Wilson (FL) DeLauro Kilmer Reichert Roby Smucker Wilson (SC) that these are the last votes expected DelBene Kind Rice (NY) Roe (TN) Soto Womack in the House for the day, the week, the Demings King (IA) Rice (SC) Rogers (AL) Stefanik Yoder month, and the year. Denham King (NY) Richmond Rogers (KY) Stewart Yoho Dent Kinzinger Roby Rohrabacher Stivers Young (AK) Now, I want to thank all of the Mem- DeSantis Knight Roe (TN) Rooney, Francis Takano Zeldin bers for their service to our Nation. I DeSaulnier Krishnamoorthi Rogers (AL) want to wish you and your families a DesJarlais Kuster (NH) Rogers (KY) NAYS—169 blessed holiday and a very Merry Deutch Kustoff (TN) Rohrabacher Diaz-Balart LaHood Rokita Amash Gomez Meng Christmas, and I look forward to work- Dingell LaMalfa Rooney, Francis Banks (IN) Goodlatte Messer ing with all of you in 2018. Doggett Lamborn Rooney, Thomas Barraga´ n Gosar Mooney (WV) Donovan Lance J. Bass Gottheimer Moore f Doyle, Michael Langevin Ros-Lehtinen Beatty Graves (GA) Moulton F. Larsen (WA) Rosen Beyer Griffith Nadler NO HUMAN TRAFFICKING ON OUR Duncan (SC) Latta Roskam Biggs Grijalva Neal ROADS ACT Duncan (TN) Lawrence Ross Blackburn Grothman Noem Dunn Lawson (FL) Rothfus Blumenauer Gutie´rrez The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without Norcross Ellison Lee Rouzer Blunt Rochester Hanabusa Pallone objection, 5-minute voting will con- Bonamici Harris Emmer Levin Roybal-Allard Palmer tinue. Engel Lewis (GA) Royce (CA) Boyle, Brendan Heck Pascrell F. Hensarling There was no objection. Eshoo Lewis (MN) Ruiz Payne Espaillat Lieu, Ted Ruppersberger Brady (PA) Hice, Jody B. Pelosi The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Brat Higgins (NY) Estes (KS) Lipinski Rush Perlmutter finished business is the vote on the mo- Esty (CT) LoBiondo Russell Brown (MD) Holding Perry Buck Hollingsworth tion to suspend the rules and pass the Evans Loebsack Rutherford Pingree ´ Budd Hoyer Farenthold Long Sanchez Polis bill (S. 1532) to disqualify from oper- Capuano Hudson Faso Loudermilk Sanford Quigley ating a commercial motor vehicle for Ca´ rdenas Hultgren Ferguson Lowenthal Sarbanes Raskin Carson (IN) Jayapal life an individual who uses a commer- Fitzpatrick Lowey Scalise Rice (NY) Cartwright Jeffries cial motor vehicle in committing a fel- Fleischmann Lucas Schakowsky Richmond Chabot Johnson (GA) Flores Luetkemeyer Schiff Rokita ony involving human trafficking, on Chu, Judy Jordan Fortenberry Lujan Grisham, Schneider Roybal-Allard which the yeas and nays were ordered. Cicilline Kaptur Foxx M. Schrader Rush ´ Clark (MA) Keating The Clerk read the title of the bill. Frankel (FL) Lujan, Ben Ray Schweikert Ryan (OH) Clarke (NY) Kelly (IL) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Frelinghuysen MacArthur Scott (VA) Sa´ nchez Fudge Maloney, Scott, Austin Clay Khanna question is on the motion offered by Cleaver Kihuen Sanford Gaetz Carolyn B. Scott, David Clyburn Kildee Sarbanes the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Gallagher Maloney, Sean Sensenbrenner Cohen Kind Schakowsky GRAVES) that the House suspend the Gallego Marchant Serrano Comer Labrador Schrader Garamendi Marino Sessions Schweikert rules and pass the bill. Garrett Marshall Sewell (AL) Correa Lamborn This is a 5-minute vote. Courtney Langevin Scott (VA) Gianforte Massie Shea-Porter Crowley Larson (CT) Sensenbrenner The vote was taken by electronic de- Gibbs Mast Sherman Cummings Lawrence Serrano vice, and there were—yeas 393, nays 0, Gohmert Matsui Shuster Gomez McCarthy Simpson Davidson Lee Shea-Porter not voting 38, as follows: Davis, Danny Levin Sires Gonzalez (TX) McCaul Sinema DeGette Lewis (GA) Slaughter [Roll No. 710] Goodlatte McClintock Sires Gosar McCollum Slaughter DeLauro Lewis (MN) Smith (MO) YEAS—393 DesJarlais Lofgren Smith (WA) Gottheimer McEachin Smith (MO) Dingell Loudermilk Speier Abraham Bishop (UT) Byrne Gowdy McGovern Smith (NE) Doggett Lowey Swalwell (CA) Adams Black Calvert Graves (GA) McHenry Smith (NJ) Doyle, Michael Lujan Grisham, Thompson (MS) Aderholt Blackburn Capuano Graves (LA) McKinley Smith (WA) F. M. Titus Aguilar Blum Carbajal Graves (MO) McNerney Smucker ´ Duncan (SC) Luja´ n, Ben Ray Tonko Allen Blumenauer Cardenas Green, Al McSally Soto Duncan (TN) Lynch Torres Amash Blunt Rochester Carson (IN) Griffith Meadows Speier Ellison Maloney, Tsongas Amodei Bonamici Carter (GA) Grijalva Meehan Stewart Emmer Carolyn B. Vargas Babin Bost Carter (TX) Grothman Meeks Stivers Engel Maloney, Sean Vela´ zquez Bacon Boyle, Brendan Cartwright Guthrie Meng Swalwell (CA) ´ Eshoo Massie Walker Banks (IN) F. Castor (FL) Gutierrez Messer Takano Espaillat McClintock Walz Barletta Brady (PA) Castro (TX) Hanabusa Mitchell Taylor Esty (CT) McCollum Watson Coleman Barr Brady (TX) Chabot Handel Moolenaar Tenney ´ Evans McEachin Welch Barragan Brat Cheney Harper Mooney (WV) Thompson (CA) Foxx McGovern Wittman Barton Brooks (IN) Chu, Judy Harris Moore Thompson (MS) Fudge McSally Woodall Beatty Brown (MD) Cicilline Hartzler Moulton Thompson (PA) Gallego Meadows Yarmuth Bera Brownley (CA) Clark (MA) Hastings Mullin Thornberry Garrett Meeks Young (IA) Bergman Buck Clarke (NY) Heck Murphy (FL) Tiberi Beyer Bucshon Clay Hensarling Nadler Tipton NOT VOTING—12 Biggs Budd Cleaver Herrera Beutler Newhouse Titus Bilirakis Burgess Clyburn Hice, Jody B. Noem Tonko Bridenstine Foster Green, Gene Bishop (GA) Bustos Coffman Higgins (LA) Nolan Torres Brooks (AL) Granger Jones Bishop (MI) Butterfield Cohen Higgins (NY) Norcross Trott

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.035 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10405 Tsongas Walker Williams A motion to reconsider was laid on (a) an entity, including any govern- Turner Walorski Wilson (FL) Upton Walters, Mimi Wilson (SC) the table. ment entity, that has engaged in, or Valadao Walz Wittman f whose members have engaged in, any of Vargas Wasserman Womack the activities described in (1), (2)(a), or HOUR OF MEETING ON TOMORROW Veasey Schultz Woodall (2)(b) above relating to the leader’s or Vela Watson Coleman Yarmuth Mr. FASO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- Vela´ zquez Weber (TX) Yoder official’s tenure; or Visclosky Webster (FL) Yoho mous consent that when the House ad- (b) an entity whose property and in- Wagner Welch Young (AK) journs today, it adjourn to meet at 2 terests in property are blocked pursu- Walberg Wenstrup Young (IA) p.m. tomorrow. ant to the order as a result of activities Walden Westerman Zeldin The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there related to the leader’s or the official’s NOT VOTING—38 objection to the request of the gen- tenure; or Arrington Johnson, E. B. Neal tleman from New York? (4) to have attempted to engage in Bass Jones Nunes There was no objection. any of the activities described in (1), Bridenstine Joyce (OH) Pocan f (2)(a), or (2)(b) above. Brooks (AL) Keating Quigley Buchanan Kennedy Renacci b 1715 The order also blocks any person de- Costa Kihuen Ryan (OH) termined by the Secretary of the Courtney Labrador Shimkus DECLARING NATIONAL EMER- Treasury, in consultation with the Sec- Duffy Larson (CT) Smith (TX) GENCY WITH RESPECT TO UN- Foster Lofgren retary of State and the Attorney Gen- Stefanik Gabbard Love USUAL AND EXTRAORDINARY eral: Suozzi Granger Lynch THREAT TO NATIONAL SECU- Waters, Maxine (5) to have materially assisted, spon- Green, Gene McMorris RITY, FOREIGN POLICY, AND sored, or provided financial, material, Huizenga Rodgers Johnson (GA) Napolitano ECONOMY OF THE UNITED or technological support for, or goods STATES—MESSAGE FROM THE or services to or in support of: b 1711 PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED (a) any activity described in (1), Mr. DUNCAN of South Carolina STATES (H. DOC. NO. 115–83) (2)(a), or (2) changed his vote from ‘‘present’’ to The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- (b) above that is conducted by a for- ‘‘yea.’’ fore the House the following message eign person; So (two-thirds being in the affirma- from the President of the United (b) any person whose property and in- tive) the rules were suspended and the States; which was read and, together terests in property are blocked pursu- bill was passed. with the accompanying papers, referred ant to the order; or (c) any entity described in (3)(a) The result of the vote was announced to the Committee on Foreign Affairs above where the activity is conducted as above recorded. and the Committee on the Judiciary by a foreign person; A motion to reconsider was laid on and ordered to be printed: the table. (6) to be owned or controlled by, or to PERSONAL EXPLANATION To the Congress of the United States: have acted or purported to act for or on Pursuant to the International Emer- Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I was ab- behalf of, directly or indirectly, any gency Economic Powers Act, as amend- sent during rollcall votes No. 701 through 710 person whose property and interests in ed (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), I due to a death in my family. Had I been property are blocked pursuant to the hereby report that I have issued the en- present, I would have voted ‘‘Yea’’ on the mo- order; or closed Executive Order (the ‘‘order’’) (7) to have attempted to engage in tion to recommit H.R. 4015, ‘‘Nay’’ on passage declaring a national emergency with any of the activities described in (5) or of H.R. 4015, ‘‘Nay’’ on ordering the previous respect to the unusual and extraor- (6) above. question on H. Res. 670. ‘‘Nay’’ on agreeing dinary threat to the national security, In addition, the order suspends entry to H. Res. 670, ‘‘Yea’’ on passage of S. 1393, foreign policy, and economy of the into the United States of any alien list- ‘‘Nay’’ on the motion to concur in the Senate United States posed by serious human ed in the Annex or determined to meet Amendment with an Amendment to H.R. 1370, rights abuse and corruption around the one or more of the criteria above. ‘‘Nay’’ on Passage of H.R. 4667, and ‘‘Yea’’ world. In addition to taking action I have delegated to the Secretary of on passage of S. 1532. under IEEPA, the order implements the Treasury the authority, in con- PERSONAL EXPLANATION the Global Magnitsky Human Rights sultation with the Secretary of State, Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to Accountability Act (PublicLaw 114–328) to take such actions, including adopt- be present today, December 21, 2017. Had I (the ‘‘Act’’) and delegates certain of its ing rules and regulations, and to em- been present, I would have voted ‘‘Yes’’ on authorities. ploy all powers granted to the Presi- rollcall votes No. 709 and No. 710, and ‘‘No’’ The order blocks the property and in- dent by IEEPA and the Act, as may be on rollcall vote No. 708. terests in property of persons listed in necessary to implement the order and PERSONAL EXPLANATION the Annex to the order. It also blocks relevant provisions of the Act. I have Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the property and interests in property delegated to the Secretary of State the had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘Nay’’ of any foreign person determined by authority to take such actions, includ- on rollcall No. 708, ‘‘Yea’’ on rollcall No. 709, the Secretary of the Treasury, in con- ing adopting rules and regulations, and and ‘‘Yea’’ on rollcall No. 710. sultation with the Secretary of State to employ all powers granted to the f and the Attorney General: President by IEEPA and the Act, as SEXUAL ASSAULT FORENSIC (1) to be responsible for or complicit may be necessary to implement the EVIDENCE REPORTING ACT OF 2017 in, or to have directly or indirectly en- provisions of the order and the Act sus- gaged in, serious human rights abuse; pending entry into the United States of The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. (2) to be a current or former govern- certain aliens. All executive depart- MARSHALL). The unfinished business is ment official, or a person acting for or ments and agencies are directed to the question on suspending the rules on behalf of such an official, who is re- take all appropriate measures within and passing the bill (S. 1766) to reau- sponsible for or complicit in, or has di- their authority to implement the thorize the SAFER Act of 2013, and for rectly or indirectly engaged in: order. other purposes. (a) corruption, including the mis- DONALD J. TRUMP. The Clerk read the title of the bill. appropriation of state assets, the ex- THE WHITE HOUSE, December 20, 2017. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The propriation of private assets for per- f question is on the motion offered by sonal gain, corruption related to gov- the gentlewoman from Georgia (Mrs. ernment contracts or the extraction of CHIP IS NOT A BARGAINING CHIP HANDEL) that the House suspend the natural resources, or bribery; or (Mr. MEEHAN asked and was given rules and pass the bill. (b) the transfer or the facilitation of permission to address the House for 1 The question was taken; and (two- the transfer of the proceeds of corrup- minute and to revise and extend his re- thirds being in the affirmative) the tion; marks.) rules were suspended and the bill was (3) to be or have been a leader or offi- Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise passed. cial of: today to call on my colleagues on both

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:48 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.036 H21DEPT1 H10406 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 sides of the aisle to work together to Donald Trump and congressional Re- RECOGNIZING CONGRESSIONAL pass the long-term extension of the publicans are delivering on the first APP CHALLENGE WINNER FROM Children’s Health Insurance Program. meaningful tax cuts in a generation. ARKANSAS’ SECOND CONGRES- 178,000 Pennsylvania children rely on These tax cuts are in the tradition of SIONAL DISTRICT CHIP to get their healthcare, thou- Ronald Reagan, allowing American (Mr. HILL asked and was given per- sands of them in my own district. It is families to keep more of their hard- mission to address the House for 1 a bipartisan program, and for decades earned paychecks and creating jobs. minute and to revise and extend his re- it has continued to earn bipartisan sup- Over 80 percent of hardworking marks.) port. American families will keep more of Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today The House did its job last month, their own money. As early as Feb- to recognize the Congressional App passing a 5-year extension of the pro- ruary, American families will see more Challenge winner from Arkansas’ Sec- gram, and I am grateful for Chairman of their own money revealed in their ond Congressional District, Anne Li. WALDEN and his leadership and support paychecks. Currently a sophomore at Central for CHIP. But just a few minutes ago, Additionally, by lowering the cor- High School in Little Rock, Anne as- the House passed an extension through porate tax to 21 percent, American pires to major in computer engineering March, and that is good, but it is not businesses will become more competi- and has the goal of pursuing a career in good enough. tive overseas and jobs will be created, programming. Unless the House and Senate can such as Nephron Pharmaceuticals, led STEM education is education for the reach a real agreement, Pennsylva- by Lou and Bill Kennedy of Cayce. future, and having serious skills in nians and their children will again face I am grateful for the success of computer programming and coding the prospect of losing their care, and it Speaker PAUL RYAN, Chairman KEVIN open up tremendous opportunities for isn’t right to jeopardize kids in the BRADY, and all House Republicans in our youth. It gives them the skills to name of partisan bickering. delivering tax cuts for American fami- compete in a 21st century job market We have done a lot on the agenda lies. In the words of the great Presi- as well as the skills to act on their this week: tax reform for the middle dent Ronald Reagan: ‘‘Whenever we imagination and engage in their entre- class, keeping the government open, lower our tax rates, our entire Nation preneurial exploration. important tasks. But CHIP is impor- is better off.’’ I wish Anne the very best as she con- tant, too, and I say to my friends on In conclusion, God bless our troops, tinues her studies at Central High both sides of the aisle: Don’t let this and we will never forget September the School and beyond in this critical field. become a bargaining chip. Get it done. 11th in the global war on terrorism. As a member of the Congressional f I want to thank Ambassador Nikki STEM Education Caucus and the dad of CALIFORNIA IS ABLAZE Haley for standing tall with President a STEM student at the university, I Donald Trump for recognizing Jeru- want to continue to support the growth (Mr. RUIZ asked and was given per- salem as the capital of Israel. mission to address the House for 1 of STEM education throughout Arkan- God Bless Guatemala, courageously sas and America. minute and to revise and extend his re- led by President Jimmy Morales, for marks.) being a friend of America today in the f Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, right now, United Nations. SAVE NET NEUTRALITY my home State of California is ablaze, (Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of and the communities of Idyllwild, f Anza, and Mountain Center in my dis- New York asked and was given permis- trict are still bruised from the 2013 sion to address the House for 1 minute.) IMPORTANCE OF CULTURAL wildfires and are on high alert for the Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New STUDIES next fire. York. Mr. Speaker, last week the FCC Today, we passed my bill and deliv- (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given abdicated its responsibility to serve ered a win for our firefighters and vic- permission to address the House for 1 the public interest and put at risk the tims of fires by increasing Federal minute and to revise and extend his re- free and open internet that we have all funding to recover, rebuild, prevent fu- marks.) come to depend on when its three Re- ture fires, and keep communities safe. Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, our public publican commissioners voted to repeal The 2013 Mountain Fire in my dis- schools and public universities are es- the Obama-era net neutrality protec- trict burned over 27,000 acres, de- sential for economic growth and edu- tion. stroyed homes, and cost over $25 mil- cating future generations. Net neutrality keeps access to the lion. I worked with Cal Fire, Idyllwild But knowledge alone is not enough. internet equal for everyone. It protects Fire Protection District, and Mountain Our Nation’s future depends on innova- free speech. It protects equal access to Communities Fire Safe Council to au- tive ideas, and innovative ideas require the marketplace of ideas. It has been thor the bipartisan Wildfire Prevention diverse people working together. In the the fundamental principle underpin- Act, which will deliver tens of millions public schools and public universities ning the massive innovation and oppor- of dollars to recover, rebuild, prevent across the country, educators are help- tunity that the internet has unleashed. future fires, and keep our communities ing foster diverse ideas through cul- But that is all at risk now. safe. tural studies. Fortunately, Congress has a say. I This bill puts people above partisan- One such educator, Dr. Antoinette am proud to support Congressman ship and solutions above ideology to Ellis-Williams of New Jersey City Uni- MIKE DOYLE’s resolution to overturn improve the lives of the people we versity, has used poetry, film, scholar- the FCC’s decision and restore our net serve. It makes government work for ship, and service as a way to help neutrality protections. I also believe the people. young people explore issues that affect the House Oversight and Government Thank you to these incredible local women and minorities. She has spent Reform Committee should investigate partners for working with me to de- her career helping public university the reports and allegations of fraudu- liver this pragmatic solution for the students understand the experiences of lent public comments. district and for the community. marginalized communities in the Repealing net neutrality will inhibit innovation, stifle competition, and f United States. Mr. Speaker, I commend Dr. Ellis- threaten free speech. It is time for Con- TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT Williams and cultural studies edu- gress to overturn this decision. (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina cators like her for helping future lead- f asked and was given permission to ad- ers develop the knowledge and wisdom dress the House for 1 minute and to re- to work together for a better future. HONORING AMY WRIGHT, 2017 CNN vise and extend his remarks.) She has been an asset to educating HERO OF THE YEAR Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. young people in the State of New Jer- (Mr. ROUZER asked and was given Speaker, I am grateful that President sey for years, and I commend her. permission to address the House for 1

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:48 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.069 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10407 minute and to revise and extend his re- nity as editor of the Oneonta Daily It is a sad and confounding sight to marks.) Star. watch Syria, North Korea, Cuba, and Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Speaker, I rise Having worked for decades in news- other human rights abusers degrade today to honor Amy Wright, the co- rooms throughout the Nation, Mr. Pol- our ally, Israel, and attempt to nullify founder of Bitty & Beau’s Coffee Shop lak brought many years of experience a decision made by the United States in Wilmington, North Carolina, on and a proactive leadership to The Daily regarding our own Embassy. being named CNN Hero of the Year. Star. I applaud Ambassador Haley for her When Amy and her husband, Ben, I thank Mr. Pollak for his commit- resolute remarks and strength of spirit found out that 70 percent of adults liv- ment to the people of the State of New as she stood against rogue regimes for ing with disabilities do not have jobs, York, and I wish him and his wife, democratic values and American inter- they opened the doors of Bitty & Julie, every happiness as they embark ests. Beau’s in January 2016 with the goal of upon this new chapter in life. I look forward to working with the providing these worthy individuals the f administration and my colleagues in opportunity to interact, contribute, Congress to reassess our foreign aid TAX CUTS grow, and succeed in the workplace. commitments and realign them with As those in Wilmington know, Bitty (Mr. LAMALFA asked and was given our values and our strategic interests. & Beau’s is more than just a place to permission to address the House for 1 f grab coffee. It is a warm, inclusive en- minute and to revise and extend his re- 44 YEARS OF HOME RULE FOR THE vironment with exceptional customer marks.) DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA service. Named after their two children Mr. LAMALFA. Mr. Speaker, I rise who have Down syndrome, the coffee today in light of the passage of once-in- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under shop employs 40 exceptional individ- a-lifetime, once-in-a-generation tax re- the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- uals with disabilities. lief for millions of middle-income fami- uary 3, 2017, the gentlewoman from the Congratulations to Amy on this very lies, including the vast majority in my District of Columbia (Ms. NORTON) is special honor. Her and Ben’s contribu- district. recognized for 60 minutes as the des- tion to our community and our fellow Some, however, are not satisfied with ignee of the minority leader. man is truly remarkable and an inspi- cutting taxes for every income level Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I come to ration for us all. and are unnerved at the thought of see- the floor this evening to commemorate ing more money in their own monthly 44 years of home rule. The Home Rule f paycheck. Act was signed by President Richard HONORING KEVIN LYNCH I am here to tell those people today Nixon on Christmas Eve 44 years ago (Mr. MESSER asked and was given that there is a very simple solution to after the Home Rule Act was passed by permission to address the House for 1 their problem. a bipartisan vote. minute and to revise and extend his re- As you can see here—outlined on Although it was a Democratic Con- marks.) page 92 of the IRS handbook, those in- gress, I think it is worth noting what Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise dividuals who feel right now that they President Nixon said in his signing today to honor a dear friend, Kevin are undertaxed and want to pay more speech. I am going to quote a few of his Lynch, who passed away following a 5- of their income to the U.S. Govern- sentences: year battle with cancer just this week. ment can do exactly that. When filing ‘‘As a longtime supporter of self-gov- Kevin was a great Hoosier, a public their income tax return, one can sim- ernment for the District of Columbia, I servant, a tremendous leader, and a ply include a check payable to the Bu- am pleased to sign into law a measure tireless advocate in advancing south- reau of the Fiscal Service. which is of historic significance for the eastern Indiana. He served as a Dear- The best part is they can help pay citizens of our Nation’s Capital. I first born County commissioner and as the down the debt without raising taxes on voted for home rule as a Member of the president of the Ohio-Kentucky-Indi- everyone else—America’s hardworking House of Representatives in 1948, and I ana Regional Council of Governments. families who deserve a tax break. have endorsed the enactment of home Kevin was a giant Reds fan and a So just a reminder, no one is stop- rule legislation during both my terms loyal friend, with a positive spirit, ping those who are feeling undertaxed as President.’’ quick with a smile, and an encouraging from paying as much additional money Then he went on to say: ‘‘It is par- word. to the government that they would ticularly appropriate to assure those Kevin served Lawrenceburg and like. I am sure Uncle Sam would appre- persons who live in our Capital City Dearborn County with pride, but his ciate the Christmas present. rights the privileges which have long most important priority was his fam- So don’t complain about what your been enjoyed by most of their country- ily. He was the loving husband to Mary neighbor is paying. If you are feeling men.’’ Jo—‘‘Joey’’—for 27 years and the proud guilty about it, when you have the op- The bill enjoyed bipartisan support father of Michael. Mr. Speaker, my portunity, feel free. Send it in. throughout those congressional delib- thoughts and prayers are with the en- f erations. tire Lynch family and all those who Mr. Speaker, surely we can get back UNITED NATIONS JERUSALEM to that moment. The District of Co- knew Kevin well. VOTE Congratulations to my good friend lumbia is proud and pleased that it has (Ms. TENNEY asked and was given Kevin on a tremendous life well done. been steeped in American history ever permission to address the House for 1 Godspeed my friend. since the site of the Nation’s Capital minute and to revise and extend her re- was chosen by George Washington him- f marks.) self. b 1730 Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise We are proud to be not only home- today to express deep disappointment town D.C., but the Capital of our coun- HONORING MR. SAM POLLAK in the United Nations General Assem- try. (Mr. FASO asked and was given per- bly Resolution A/ES–10/L.22 and state So this evening, I want to speak mission to address the House for 1 my serious concern over the anti- about those two roles and about the minute and to revise and extend his re- American and anti-Semitic behaviors role of Congress as we move past De- marks.) of the United Nations. cember 24, 44 years ago—1973—to today, Mr. FASO. Mr. Speaker, it is with Today, the United Nations continues when D.C. residents have every reason great respect that I rise today to recog- its ugly legacy of singling out Israel to believe that our country is ready nize the distinguished career of Mr. for condemnation. According to the and overdue for D.C. statehood itself. Sam Pollak on the occasion of his re- NGO, UN Watch, 86 percent of the U.N. Now, my Republican colleagues un- tirement. Mr. Pollak is retiring after 20 General Assembly resolutions criti- derstand fully our role as the Nation’s years of dedicated service to the cizing countries between 2012 and 2015 Capital. They understand it because Oneonta and Otsego County commu- have targeted Israel. they welcome their own constituents,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:48 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.071 H21DEPT1 H10408 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 the tourists who come here. There are Forces of the United States. Remem- world come to your Nation’s Capital. something upwards of almost 20 mil- ber, we are talking about a Federal They eat in our restaurants. They lion. Many of them come to their own Government in formation. We can un- stroll in our streets. You sometimes congressperson’s offices first. But Re- derstand that mistake then. What we see that police stop traffic to let their publicans often dissolve the District’s cannot abide is that mistake being part cars pass in the street. role into their role without making the of the denial to American citizens the We keep this City as safe as we can appropriate distinction. same rights that others enjoy. for ourselves, the 700,000 or so who live Now, I appreciate it is not easy to Protection of the Federal sector is here, but also for the millions of people understand a jurisdiction that has a certainly not an issue, or the Federal who come to do business or to have lei- double identity, a hometown identity sector and the Capital itself, more than sure or to see their iconic monuments. and a Capital identity. two centuries later, is not an issue. But Representative TOM MASSIE from No, we are not schizophrenic here. So what should also not be an issue is that Kentucky has introduced a bill. We let’s discuss this evening what this anybody, any resident, any American, were able to keep it from being passed. means. I want to discuss it in part be- would pay taxes and not be represented But imagine this bill that would say cause the inevitable turnover in the on this floor and in the Senate. that the District of Columbia had to Congress means that I should come to As I stand here this evening, I rep- recognize any and every concealed the floor and explain this dilemma of resent almost 700,000 American citizens carry permit as long as you had it from our creation periodically. who have been put precisely in that po- another State. The first thing we want to do is to sition though—and this is a number to Some States have very strong con- avoid the slander that the Framers of be remembered—they are number one cealed carry requirements. Others are our Constitution, the Founders of our per capita—number one—in taxes paid very lax. Whatever your State has, just country, meant to create a Capital to support the Government of the bring it into the District of Columbia. City whose residents were not the United States. Mind you, this body, this Congress, equals of residents everywhere in the Thus, one of the oldest U.S. jurisdic- my Republican colleagues have seen to country, because if that had been the tions, the District of Columbia, is the it that you can’t bring a gun into this case, you wouldn’t have had the Cap- most—indeed, the only—unequal juris- Chamber. They want to be protected ital in the first place. diction, that pays taxes without full here, but they don’t want to protect The Capital was created from two ju- representation. even their own constituents in the risdictions, Maryland and Virginia, To be sure, I vote in committee, and streets of the District of Columbia and where residents had the right to vote everybody knows that in the commit- in the hotels and restaurants of the and where they had every single right tees is where the primary work is done. District of Columbia. of American citizens. Those two States But imagine the insult to the people I Senator TED CRUZ from Texas and were convinced to give the territory represent who pay huge taxes—$12,000 Representative MARK MEADOWS of that is now the District of Columbia per person every year—that matters North Carolina have introduced a bill for the Nation’s Capital. They were not come up on this floor including mat- that would require the District of Co- about to give up their votes in the Cap- ters affecting them, and nobody whom lumbia to use its own funds to send ital and did not. they have voted for can represent them children to private schools. All you Isn’t it interesting, during the transi- on this floor. have to do is come and ask the District tion period, the Representatives from The D.C. budget was just in that con- for it. There have been bills on this floor to Maryland and Virginia continued to tinuing resolution that passed. What is allow private school vouchers—none of vote as they always had and continued it doing over here? Nobody in Congress them have ever passed—but here come to be recognized in their own jurisdic- looked at the D.C. budget. Nobody in two Members wanting the District to tions, all the while, for a 10-year pe- this body except me would know what give our local funds to anybody who riod, when the land was, in fact, being to do with the D.C. budget. But it has wants to go to a private school. transferred to become what is now the to come here to be passed along with Are you joking? District of Columbia? the Federal budget. The relationship that the District I am standing here to say that will This is form without substance, Mr. never pass as long as I have anything has to the Federal Government, to the Speaker. The sole reason that the D.C. Congress of the United States, is an ac- to do with it. budget comes here is for Members to Senator JAMES LANKFORD from Okla- cident of history. It is an anachronistic try to overturn some of D.C.’s laws homa and Representative BRAD accident that you would have thought that they happen to disagree with. But, WENSTRUP from Ohio have introduced a would have been put aside within a few in a Federal Union, you can pass your bill to wipe out the District’s death years after the District became the Na- laws. I don’t like your laws, but you with dignity law. tion’s Capital in 1801. can’t do anything about my laws—ex- That bill was actually passed in com- During the Revolutionary War when cept if it is the District of Columbia. mittee. It didn’t get to the floor I the Capital was Philadelphia, Revolu- So I think I ought to call the roll on think because there are six States that tionary War soldiers marched on the what the District has to abide from have such laws and two of them are Capitol, then in Philadelphia. They Members of this body and the Senate States of our Republican leadership. wanted their pensions, and they want- and why, on this 44th anniversary of This is a controversial bill, but other ed funding. When the Founders saw the Home Rule Act, the District of Co- States have similar laws. It allows peo- these men marching on their Capitol, lumbia is seeking to become the 51st ple to take their own lives if they fol- confusion reigned. Whom to turn to State. low a very strict protocol. bring order? Who was going to protect Let’s take guns. Senator MARCO You don’t like it here? the Capitol? Was it Philadelphia? Was RUBIO from Florida and Representative Well, you don’t live here. You don’t it Pennsylvania? There certainly TOM GARRETT from Virginia have a bill pay taxes here. weren’t any Federal police as yet. to eliminate all the District’s gun laws. President Trump’s budget also had So what developed was fear that the this provision. Capital might find itself with that di- b 1745 Again, these are pending, and I am lemma wherever it was located. Of It hasn’t passed, and most of the bills telling you that most of them will not course, that is not the case. The Dis- I will speak of are pending but won’t pass. But that is because I have had to trict is protected by 31 Federal police pass, because I have to spend a good fight them tooth and nail to keep them forces, and the D.C. National Guard deal of my time not only working af- from passing. That is unfair to the Dis- and from the Capitol Police to the firmatively for what the District of Co- trict and it is an unfair use of my time. Park Police. I won’t even name them lumbia wants, but for keeping bills like The Local Budget Autonomy Act all, there are so many of them. this from being passed. that passed by 83 percent of the voters That is not to mention, and I already Imagine your Nation’s Capital as a in the District of Columbia to keep our have said, of course, the National city where anybody can have a gun. own local funds—we raise almost $8 bil- Guard, and if necessary, the Armed The most controversial figures in the lion on our own—from coming here for

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:32 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.083 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10409 no purpose except to attach amend- You see, I think when Members in- To their credit, after the Civil War, ments to overturn our laws. trude in D.C. affairs, they must not the Republican Congress gave D.C. The Local Budget Autonomy Act have enough to do, and I am calling on home rule and a Delegate. I am called still stands, but Congress has contin- their constituents to watch them. If a Delegate and a Congresswoman. They ued to appropriate the budget. ‘‘Appro- you have a Member that does what— gave D.C. home rule. That version of priate’’ means simply pass it without and here I am going to indicate this home rule is precisely what D.C. has looking at it, when it comes to the Dis- one shortly, but the ones I have just today. The 1973 Home Rule Act essen- trict of Columbia. Congress has not re- spoken of—if they have a Member that tially is a replica of the home rule pealed the Local Budget Autonomy spends his time writing laws about given to D.C. by the Republican Con- Act. I will stand firm to keep that from someone else’s jurisdiction, they ought gress after the Civil War. happening. to call him to account. How did we lose it? We have been able to overcome at- Representative STEVE KING is from The Democrats, controlled by South- tempts to overrule a D.C. law passed to Iowa. He introduced a bill that would erners, took back home rule after Re- protect private reproductive decisions. make it a Federal crime to commit vi- construction and left the District for The District passed a law that pro- olence within the District in connec- 100 years struggling to get back the hibits discrimination within the Dis- tion with a legitimate labor dispute. self-government that the Republican trict—it has nothing to do with the Well, maybe it ought to be a crime Congress had given the District after Congress—against any family because and there may be some Federal legisla- the Civil War. of the reproductive health choices of tion that deals with this matter na- This all started with Republicans. It family members. tionwide, but if not, and it takes place ended with the Home Rule Act, Rich- What am I doing, what is Congress within the District of Columbia and ard Nixon, and bipartisan support in doing, what is the District doing even there is a legitimate labor dispute and the Congress. There is no substitute for being equal knowing what your reproductive choice there is violence, we have got enough to the States. You can’t have some sec- is? cops to take care of that, Representa- ond class citizens in the United States What kind of Congress that believes tive KING. We do not need this to be a today, not in 21st century America. in local control would so intrusively Federal crime in D.C. alone. insert itself into such private matters? So, after calling the roll on those b 1800 Here is another that was almost proposed anti-home rule provisions, let me indicate most of them I have been We are seeking the major elements of laughable. It is a wipes labeling bill. statehood, even before we get state- Representative ANDY HARRIS from able to keep off of the D.C. appropria- tions bill, the only way they get them hood. Maryland offered—and I thank him for For example, the District of Colum- withdrawing it—an amendment at passed. It would be very difficult to get them bia government has actually shut down markup. Representative HARRIS is a passed by coming here, get the votes, when the Federal Government is shut member of the Appropriations Com- and then go to the Senate and get the down, even though the D.C. budget is mittee. He would have prohibited the votes. So Members try the easy way: balanced and nobody in the Congress District from using its own funds to just attach it to the D.C. appropria- has even looked at it. I have now been keep certain kinds of non-flushable tions bill that should not be here in the able to get a bill every year that allows products from being sold in D.C. first place. the District to stay open even if the Pardon me, but what is Representa- The budget matter really does gall Congress closes the Federal Govern- tive HARRIS doing in our toilets and us. More than 7 in 10 Americans believe ment down. sewers? that the District of Columbia should We don’t know what will happen over To his credit, he did withdraw his control its own budget. That is what in the Senate even today. We have just proposed amendment. this board graph shows. More than any- passed a continuing resolution—pitiful, It was important to the District be- thing else, the American people guard though it was—to keep the government cause these non-flushable materials their own money. That is why this is so open for just a few more weeks. That stop up sewers. They are our sewers. It important. passed this House. It has to pass the is our town. Stay out of our business. Republicans pose as the champions of Senate. I can’t take the chance that The marijuana matter. First, Con- local control. In fact, they want the the District will close down for no rea- gress tried to overturn the District’s Federal Government out of much of its son except that the Congress doesn’t law that enables possession of a couple own Federal business and let the know how to take care of its own busi- of ounces of marijuana. I was able to States and the localities handle it. ness. find a flaw in the proposed language. How could they then abandon their I was finally able to convince the So the marijuana law still stands. cherished principles when it comes to Congress to extricate the District from But Congress keeps D.C. from com- the Nation’s Capital? their fights to keep open, whatever you mercializing marijuana, as is done in Look at these numbers, red and blue do to us—and you certainly haven’t ex- several States. I think there are eight on this chart. The numbers show that tricated us altogether because our States. It keeps D.C. from regulating Democrats and Republicans believe budget still comes here. But you cer- marijuana further. That is dangerous. D.C. should control D.C.’s budget, tainly don’t mean to close down a big D.C. ought to be able to regulate mari- slightly more in red or Republican city like the District of Columbia, its juana to keep it out of the hands of States. budget, which handles vital matters children, for example. I think numbers like that show that like the police and keeping order. The interference of this body in the what I am saying about local control I don’t mean to say that all Repub- affairs of a local jurisdiction about and about equality in this body rep- licans have failed to see this. My hat is which it knows nothing is not only out- resents the views of the American peo- off to Representative DARRELL ISSA, rageous on its face, but yes, it can be ple. I defy anyone in this body to show who headed the committee that has ju- dangerous. differently. risdiction over the District of Colum- The abortion rider or amendment Ultimately, we recognize on this 44th bia. comes annually. It keeps the District anniversary of the signing of the Home He called witnesses from the District from spending its own local funds on Rule Act that there is no substitute for of Columbia—the mayor, the city coun- abortions for low-income women, al- statehood. cil chairman, the chief financial offi- though there are upwards of 17 States I should mention that Congress ex- cer—on a routine hearing since, yes, that use local funds for abortions be- perimented with home rule for some Congress can do that. It rarely does. He cause they have the autonomy that we time before the Home Rule Act was fi- heard—even more important, he lis- seek. nally passed in 1973. It gave D.C. home tened to—their testimony. And when Then, at the last minute this year, rule in 1820. Sometimes it would take he heard these officials from the Dis- there was something that Representa- it back, and then try again. Imagine trict of Columbia testify about the fi- tive STEVE KING decided that he had to living in a city where they can take nancial condition of the District of Co- do. back your local control. lumbia, its reserves, that its growth

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:32 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.085 H21DEPT1 H10410 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 was among the best in the Nation, Rep- We have had, in this city, a 15.3 per- 200,000 residents serve in the military, resentative ISSA—listened. cent increase in residents since the last and that is only since World War I. I Maybe you don’t think Members of census. That becomes, on a monthly hasten to add that there has never been Congress are always listening to your basis, 800 new residents coming to live a war—and I have not counted the 19th testimony. He was listening to this tes- in your Nation’s Capital every month— century wars—there has never been a timony. Because after hearing that tes- almost 700,000, a larger population war where the residents of your Na- timony, Representative ISSA from Cali- today than Wyoming and then tion’s Capital were not among those fornia endorsed D.C. budget autonomy, Vermont, but these States, they have who fought and died. and he has worked tirelessly with local two Senators. They have the same Now, I must ask if there is any Mem- officials and with me to secure the au- number of Representatives as the Dis- ber of Congress who would stand for tonomy of the District’s budget so it trict of Columbia—one. the Federal Government dictating a wouldn’t come to Congress. If the truth be told, the District is local budget or her local matters com- I haven’t asked him, but he may not about the same in population as seven ing to the House floor after showing be for statehood, and I doubt that he is. States. Those seven States have two what I have shown here this evening He is a Republican. But I think he un- Senators each and one Representative about the District of Columbia. Maybe derstands, perhaps better than most of who votes on this floor. They and I are there will be some understanding of his colleagues, that no one has any equivalent in every respect except, of why we must protest and resist the business, in a Federal public handling course, for the taxes per capita D.C. treatment of the District of Columbia somebody’s local budget in this Cham- residents pay, and yet they have the until the District is given the equality ber, and I will be forever grateful. vote. Notwithstanding that the Dis- to States by becoming the 51st State. I want to say my thanks, as well, to trict is number one per capita in taxes As I have indicated, it is impossible former Representative Tom Davis, who District residents pay, those seven to lay our present predicament on the resigned from the Congress a few years States have the congressional vote and Framers of our Constitution. Remem- ago, and was instrumental in helping we do not. ber, they went to war, it is they who the District get votes for a vote for This week, in fact, just today, we gave us the slogan of ‘‘taxation with- D.C. in the House and in the Senate. passed a new tax bill. So imagine how out representation.’’ They were willing the residents I represent feel about a That bill, the D.C. Voting Rights Act, to die, to commit treason, largely be- new tax bill. They are going to end up actually passed the House and passed cause they were paying taxes to the paying more taxes because SALT, the the Senate. crown and had no representation. How State and local tax deduction, has been So why don’t we have at least the can we possibly lay the present predic- capped. It has been with us for almost vote in the House now? The reason is ament of the District on the Framers? 100 years. So instead of taxation with- that the National Rifle Association It is not them. It is on us today. convinced some Members to place an out representation, my constituents will have double taxation, at least amendment that would have wiped out b 1815 all of the District’s gun laws; and, when it comes to that particular mat- therefore, the residents of the District ter, the State and local taxes, double In the 21st century, Congress cannot of Columbia, after helping me for years taxation without representation. continue to ask the residents of the So when the bell rang for the tax to achieve their first vote on this floor, Nation’s Capital to watch democracy vote, I did not come down because I had to leave that vote on the table. in operation for everybody else except I will be forever grateful to Rep- could not vote for the citizens of the them. resentative Tom Davis for his help. District of Columbia. When there are If a matter involves the District of Now, what kind of jurisdiction are we votes on this floor for matters involv- Columbia and has to come before us, talking about? It is very important for ing our military and life and death, I then everybody gets to vote on that us to remember that we are talking do not come down because I cannot matter except the Representative of about a city with a $14 billion budget, vote. the District of Columbia. You can’t Still, I remember the purple fingers which is larger than the budget of 12 justify that alongside American prin- from the citizens of Iraq and Afghani- States. Why shouldn’t D.C., therefore, ciples, given how much in Federal stan, where they not only were signi- taxes the people I represent pay, given have statehood like those States? fying that they had voted, but they We are talking about a city that has their sons and daughters who have al- were signifying who gave them the a $2.5 billion surplus. That is the envy ways gone to war for their country, all vote: members of the military from the of the States. Ask my colleagues how of that without a vote in the House and United States, including members from many of them have a surplus that the Senate required by consent of the the District of Columbia, who have government. large. fought and died in every war since the The per capita income of the people I Well, we have two choices, but when war that created the United States of represent is higher than that of any you think about it, we have only one. America. Congress can continue to exercise auto- State. District residents have overpaid for Now, that is an interesting figure the equal citizenship they seek, and cratic authority over the American that should be explained. There are this chart illustrates it tragically: citizens who live in their own Nation’s many poor people in the District of Co- World War I, 635 District of Columbia Capital, treating them—if I may quote lumbia, but there are many high earn- residents lost their lives in that war. the words of the great Frederick Doug- ers, too; and when you put them to- That was a figure greater than three lass, whose bicentennial we will be gether, that is one of the reasons you different States. celebrating in 2018 (who was a resident get the highest per capita taxes paid. World War II—that was a big one— of this City), and who said our country That is why you get $12,000 per year in 3,573 District of Columbia residents was ‘‘Treating the District and its citi- Federal taxes from D.C. residents. lost their lives. That was five times zens as aliens, not citizens, but sub- The personal income of the people I greater than the District’s losses in jects.’’ represent is higher than that of seven World War I, and it was greater than We are not subjects. We are Amer- States; the per capita of personal con- losses in four different States. ican citizens. The only alternative sumption in expenditures is higher Moving on to the Korean war, 547 today is to live up to the Nation’s than that of any State; and the total District residents lost their lives. That promise and ideals and pass the Wash- personal consumption expenditures are figure was greater than the loss of life ington, D.C. Admission Act to make greater than those of seven States. by the military in eight different the residents of your Nation’s Capital This is a very productive, a very hard- States. equal by affording them the right to working city that pays its own way and And finally, the Vietnam war, 243 live in the 51st State of the Union of contributes, as well, mightily to our casualties in that war. That was a fig- States called the United States of country. And Americans understand ure greater than 10 different States. America. that because the District is attracting All told, this city, which is a rel- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance residents in large numbers. atively small city, has had almost of my time.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:48 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.087 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10411 ISSUES OF THE DAY amendment. Everybody knew that and Supreme Court looked at all of the evi- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. HIG- agreed to that back in the late 1970s. dence and declared in an opinion that GINS of Louisiana). Under the Speaker’s The proponents of having a full voting the United States was founded as and announced policy of January 3, 2017, Representative got it through the is a Christian nation. the gentleman from Texas (Mr. GOH- House, got it through the Senate, but Not that everybody has to be a Chris- tian here. They absolutely don’t. I MERT) is recognized for 60 minutes as they never did get the requisite num- the designee of the majority leader. ber of States to sign on, so it failed would humbly submit that the only Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, it has without ever being ratified by enough way any people can truly have freedom been quite a week: ups and downs and States. of religion is if they have a constitu- not knowing whether bills would be I feel sure that would be the case if tion that is founded on Judeo-Christian passed or the government would be that were attempted again, but it does principles that recognize that all true funded, whether we would be able to require an amendment. And since that rights: life, liberty, pursuit of happi- help America with a much-improving doesn’t appear it is going to happen ness—you don’t have a right to happi- economy in the new year by passing anytime soon, then I believe in each of ness, but a right to pursue it—those the tax cut bill. But we got it done, and the sessions of Congress I have been, I come from God, and the Founders rec- it ended up being a good week, and here have filed a bill that would correct ognized that. It is a shame to hear people deceiving we are. that injustice, because it truly is an in- This will be the last opportunity to justice for the people who live in the young people in school, teaching them speak before we are out for Christmas, District of Columbia, and it is very that, no, the real Founders were only and I heard some good news today simple. It just says, basically, that deists. They didn’t believe in God; Ben Franklin being the leading deist. If about Ukraine. We have the annual until when and if the District of Co- they would just teach the children Presidential Prayer Breakfast the first lumbia has a full voting Representa- what Ben Franklin said in June of 1787 Thursday of February each year, ex- tive, they are like any other U.S. terri- at the Constitutional Convention. cept when the first Thursday is on the tory, they will not have to pay Federal After 5 weeks of nothing but arguing 1st, and then it is on the 8th, which it income tax. back and forth, 80-year-old Ben Frank- will be this February. I felt like that would certainly make We had representatives from the people appreciate that, that they were lin, 2 or 3 years away from meeting his Ukraine Government come to our Na- treated like those in other places that maker, got recognized. Somebody wrote that President tional Prayer Breakfast here, and they don’t elect a full voting Member of the Washington looked so relieved when started one there and began to grow. House. So far I haven’t been able to get Dr. Franklin sought recognition. He fi- Ms. HOLMES NORTON to sign on as a co- Now, for the first time, Ukraine legis- nally stood up. He had gout and he had lature has passed a bill recognizing a sponsor. I am hoping to get her to sign on at some point because it really terrible arthritis. He was well over- celebration of Christmas, the day of weight, but he got up and gave the would help those people who live here Jesus’ birth. We celebrate Jesus’ birth speech that so many Christians are in the City of Washington not to have on that day, December 25. aware of, where he said what no deist Apparently, from what we are told, it to pay any Federal income tax. would ever say, despite how many emanates from them coming over, Of course, Puerto Rico pays no Fed- teachers these days say he was a deist. being part of our Prayer Breakfast, eral income tax, yet they have a higher His words were—we know what his where the President comes, and then local income tax than the Federal in- come tax. You know, a lot of States— words were because he sat down and starting one. And then now we are wrote it down afterwards when he was I think somebody told me that Califor- going to be celebrating the birth of asked for a copy of what he said. nians are paying 10 percent or so. But Jesus in America—all those who care And he said: ‘‘I have lived, Sir, a long to—at the same time the Ukrainian Puerto Rico, where, I think, over one- time; and the longer I live, the more Government will do so. So that is a big third or about one-third or so of the convincing proofs I see of this truth— bit of news there. people there work for the government, God governs in the affairs of men. If a I was listening to the Delegate from then the government load is just over- sparrow cannot fall to the ground with- the District of Columbia and it took whelming. out his notice, is it probable that an Puerto Rico is so beautiful. Even me back to when I first got here as a empire can rise without his aid? We after all the disaster that needs to be Member of Congress and I saw the li- have been assured, Sir, in the sacred cense plate saying, ‘‘Taxation Without cleaned up and fixed, I would hope at writings, that ‘except the Lord build Representation.’’ I know from studying some point they become less heavy on the House, they labour in vain that history—never ceasing to study history the government and more heavy on build it.’’’ that that was one of the war cries for free-market opportunities. I could see He said: ‘‘I firmly believe that.’’ the Revolution: Taxation without rep- Puerto Rico becoming the Hong Kong Mr. Speaker, which means he wasn’t resentation is tyranny. of the United States, where that is a deist. And as Benjamin Franklin once said: where people want to go, that is where He said: ‘‘I also believe that without If we do not get to select even one of businesses want to locate because it is His’’—without God’s—‘‘concurring aid, the people in Parliament, then that such a great place to live. But the we shall succeed in this political build- Parliament has no right to place any taxes have run people out of that area, ing no better than the Builders of tax on us. even though they don’t pay Federal in- Babel. We shall be divided by our little And then upon hearing that, Puerto come tax. I don’t think that would hap- partial local interests . . . and we our- Rico, Guam, Mariana Islands, U.S. Vir- pen here in Washington. selves will become a power down gin Islands, all of the territories where Mr. Speaker, here we are, the last through the ages.’’ they have a Delegate or Commissioner session before Christmas. It has been Mr. Speaker, it was at the conclusion but they don’t have a full voting mem- amazing. The most often cited book in of that day’s session in the Constitu- ber, those are areas that are not re- Congress for our country’s entire his- tional Convention that Randolph from quired to pay any Federal income tax. tory has been the Bible. There is no here in Virginia, or across the river in In fact, when I found out, the more I book that comes close to the recita- Virginia, made a motion that since looked into it, there is only one place tions from it that has the Bible. here we are at the end of June, we are in America where people do not elect a Throughout our history, we were rec- about to celebrate our Nation’s birth- full voting Member of Congress, yet ognized as a Christian nation. I believe day, and we all know we have not been they have to pay Federal income tax, President Obama was right when he able to accomplish anything. and that is here in the District of Co- said we are not a Christian nation. We As Franklin said: ‘‘We have been lumbia. were, but we are not anymore. But going for nearly 5 weeks. We have more For that reason, I filed a bill—be- even the Supreme Court, when it was a noes than ayes on virtually every cause they had tried to get a full vot- much more enlightened Supreme Court issue.’’ ing Member of Congress. But to do well after the Civil War—in fact, 30 And then Franklin went on to say: that, you have to have a constitutional years after the Civil War was over—the ‘‘How has it happened, Sir, that we

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:48 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.073 H21DEPT1 H10412 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 have not . . . thought of humbly apply- Chief Justice Burger, talking about anger and hatred. But some people say ing to the Father of lights to illu- the Constitution, said: that has no place in the Capitol of the minate our understandings?’’ ‘‘It affirmatively mandates accom- United States. And bless them; they modation, not merely tolerance, of all b 1830 just are a bit ignorant. religions, and forbids hostility toward Just down the hall, the original So Randolph’s motion is, since they any. . . . Anything less would require House Chamber was the largest Chris- haven’t been able to accomplish really the ‘callous indifference’ we have said tian church in the Washington, D.C., anything, just yelling back and forth— was never intended by the Establish- area for most of the 1800s. A guy named it was all the big 6-foot-4 Washington ment Clause. . . . Indeed, we have ob- Thomas Jefferson, that coined the ex- could do to keep things under control. served, such hostility would bring us pression ‘‘separation of church and And, yes, I know in Chernow’s biog- into ‘war with our national tradition as state,’’ ‘‘wall of separation,’’ he put in raphy, he said he was less than 6 foot 2, embodied in the First Amendment’s a letter to the Danbury Baptists why because he was standing by a guy 6 foot guarantee of the free exercise of reli- we should not have, in essence, an offi- 2 and he was shorter, but he is just gion.’’ cial denomination, that that is not the wrong on that. George Washington, He goes on on the next page, talking government’s role. Jefferson saw no 1799, when dead, flat on a slab, was about John Hancock. He said: ‘‘To cele- problem in having Christian worship 1 measured as 6 foot 3 ⁄2. Undeniable, 6 brate the victorious conclusion of the services down the hall because it was foot 4 in the height of his time, but he Revolutionary War, Governor John nondenominational. Every Sunday that couldn’t control things. Hancock of Massachusetts issued a he was in Washington during his 8 Randolph’s motion passed. His mo- proclamation for a day of Thanks- years as President, he would come. tion was that they recess the Constitu- giving on December 11, 1783.’’ Normally, he would ride a horse, ac- tional Convention and reconvene to- Just over a week ago was the anni- cording to the Congressional Research gether in one of the local churches versary of this proclamation from Gov- Service. You don’t have to rely on my they agreed on and worship God to- ernor John Hancock, the president that historical interpretation. The bipar- gether and then come back and try it signed as president of the Continental tisan, objective Congressional Re- again. That one passed. Congress on the Declaration of Inde- search Service said he usually came They went to the Reformed Calvinist pendence. riding a single horse. Church—I was sharing that with my John Hancock said: ‘‘Whereas . . . Unlike Jefferson, Madison, who is friend DAVE BRAT earlier since he at- these United States are not only hap- tends a Calvinist church—Reverend given credit for writing much of the pily rescued from the danger and ca- Constitution, when he was President William Rogers presiding. You can go lamities to which they have been so online and find at least one of the pray- for those 8 years, he normally came in long exposed, but their freedom, sov- a horse-drawn carriage with multiple ers that he prayed. ereignty, and independence ultimately I have this little book from Dr. Rich- horses drawing his carriage. Jefferson, acknowledged. on the other hand, came to church here ard G. Lee, what a great man of God, ‘‘And whereas . . . the interposition in the Capitol normally on a horse by great little booklet. ‘‘In God We Still of Divine Providence’’—and they cap- himself, before the days, obviously, of Trust,’’ it is called. It has some great italized ‘‘Divine Providence,’’ another the Secret Service. stories from our history. expression meaning God—‘‘in our favor He noted that Warren Earl Burger, hath been most abundantly and most Jefferson, in fact, since it was a non- Chief Justice of the United States from graciously manifested, and the citizens denominational Christian service, saw 1969 to 1986, delivered the Supreme of these United States have every rea- no problem with inviting the Marine Court’s opinion in the 1985 case of son for praise and gratitude to the God Band to come do the accompaniment Lynch v. Donnelly, which upheld that of their salvation. many Sundays for the hymns that were the city of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, ‘‘Impressed therefore with an exalted to be sung. did not violate the Constitution by dis- sense of the blessings by which we are The first woman to officially address playing a nativity scene. Noting that surrounded, and of our entire depend- a group in the U.S. Capitol occurred in Presidential orders and proclamations ence on that Almighty Being’’—‘‘Al- the early 1800s, a Christian evangelist, from Congress have designated Christ- mighty Being’’ both capitalized—‘‘from who gave the sermon just down the mas as a national holiday in religious whose goodness and bounty they are hall in what was then the House of terms for two centuries and in the derived; I do by and with the advice of Representatives Chamber. Western world for 20 centuries, he the council appoint Thursday the 11th I have a book, ‘‘Miracles in American wrote: day of December next’’—the day rec- History.’’ Susie Federer did this, adapt- ‘‘There is an unbroken history of offi- ommended by the Congress to all the ed from William J. Federer’s ‘‘Amer- cial acknowledgement by all three States—‘‘to be religiously observed as ican Minute.’’ This is a typical story branches of government of the role of a day of thanksgiving and prayer; that from our history and our Founders, religion in American life. The Con- all the people may then assemble to who knew how valuable God’s assist- stitution does not require a complete celebrate . . . that He’’—‘‘He’’ is cap- ance was in getting this little bubble in separation of church and state.’’ italized, meaning God—‘‘hath been time and space where, for the first time In fact, I would insert here, those pleased to continue to us the light of in history, Christians were not per- words, ‘‘separation of church and the blessed Gospel; . . . that we also secuted for being Christians. For the state,’’ unlike what many say when offer up fervent supplications . . . to first time since Jesus came over 2,000 asked, they are not in the Constitu- cause pure religion and virtue to flour- years ago, this America, this United tion, they were not intended to be in ish . . . and to fill the world with His— States was a place where you weren’t the Constitution. The Founders did not capital H—glory.’’ persecuted for being a Christian. want church to be separated from That was John Hancock. As he point- Obviously, that is changing, and now state. They wanted the state to stay ed out, that was directed by the Con- we have governmental entities that are the heck out of the church business. gress of the United States that that afraid of Christians as potentially a big That is what they wanted. day be recognized, but that was just his hate group; although, anyone who pro- But Thomas Jefferson mentioned a proclamation as Governor of Massachu- fesses that Christian groups need to be separation of church and state, a wall setts. violent in order to accomplish our pur- of separation, but it was going to be a It seems when I mention God, men- poses can’t truly be Christian and one-way wall where the state stayed tion some of our heritage, we often get based on the Bible unless they are en- out of people’s religion, but expected a lot of calls from people who just be- acting government in so doing and act- religion because it was part of our come irate, which also testifies prob- ing under Romans 13. But, otherwise, founding and the Bible was so often ably to the importance and to the they miss the whole point of Jesus’ mentioned as a source of wisdom as genuineness of our founding and our preaching. they tried to put together a govern- founding reliance on God, because In this book from the Federers, the ment. nothing else provokes that kind of Battle of Cowpens was January 17, 1781.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:48 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.074 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10413 Also, January 17 happens to be my fa- sailed 24 ships to the mouth of the I looked at the big letters that start- ther’s birthday. I won’t tell the age, Chesapeake Bay where, in the Battle of ed it, and I was shocked. I said: ‘‘Did but he is over 90. the Capes, he drove off 19 British ships you know it started that way?’’ Be- ‘‘The Battle of Cowpens, January 17, which were trying to evacuate Corn- cause David is quite a historian him- 1781, depicted in the movie ‘The Pa- wallis’ men. self. He has written a lot of great triot,’ involved American General Dan- De Grasse’s 3,000 French troops, and books. But he didn’t know. We didn’t iel Morgan having a line of militia fire General Rochambeau’s 6,000 French know how it started. into the British General Cornwallis’ troops, hurriedly joined General Lafay- But then it made sense. If you are and Colonel Banastre Tarleton’s dra- ette’s division as they marched to help going to get the British to sign a docu- goons, regulars, Highlanders, and loy- Washington trap Cornwallis against ment swearing that the United States alists. the sea. They joined the troops of Gen- has the right to be free and inde- ‘‘When the Americans hastily re- eral Benjamin Lincoln, Baron von pendent of the most powerful country treated, British Colonel Tarleton, Steuben, Mordecai Gist, Henry Knox, in the world, the most powerful army, known as ‘The Butcher,’ gave in to the and John Peter Muhlenberg. All to- the most powerful navy, which I agree temptation to pursue, only to be sur- gether, 17,000 French and American with Washington, it was the grace of prised by American Continentals wait- troops surrounded Cornwallis, and, on God, we were able to defeat. Without ing over the hill, firing at point-blank October 19, 1781, he surrendered. the grace of God, there is no defeat. We range. Yale President Ezra Stiles wrote on are not an independent country. ‘‘In the confusion, the Americans May 8, 1783: ‘‘Who but God’’—and by So what do you start that with to killed 110 British and captured 830. the way, this Yale University presi- make the British swear under that ‘‘The Battle of Cowpens is widely dent, for those who are shocked that would be something they would not considered the tactical masterpiece Yale had such a strident Christian want to break the oath to? and turning point of the war.’’ leader, but actually, originally, Har- This is how it starts. These were the This is talking about the Revolu- vard and Yale, you couldn’t even get in big letters, huge print, ‘‘In the name of tionary War, of course. unless you swore that Jesus was your the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity,’’ ‘‘General Daniel Morgan met up with Lord and Savior in very stark terms. then smaller letters for the rest of the American General Nathanael Greene, But Yale University President Ezra document, ‘‘It having pleased the Di- and they made a hasty retreat north Stiles, in 1783, says: vine Providence’’ or God ‘‘to dispose ‘‘Who but God could have ordained toward Virginia. the hearts of the most serene and most the critical arrival of the Gallic or ‘‘Cornwallis regrouped and chased potent Prince George III, by the grace French fleet so as to assist in the siege the Americans as fast as he could, of God, King of Great Britain . . . and of Yorktown? Should we not ascribe to burning extra equipment and supplies of the United States of America, to for- a Supreme energy the wise generalship along the way in order to travel faster. get all past misunderstandings and dif- ‘‘Cornwallis arrived at the Catalpa displayed by General Greene, leaving the roving Cornwallis to pursue his ferences.’’ River just 2 hours after the Americans Anyway, it was signed: ‘‘Done at helter-skelter, ill-fated march into Vir- had crossed, but a storm made the Paris, this third day of September, in ginia. It is God who had raised up for river impassable, delaying the British the year of our Lord, 1783.’’ us a powerful ally, a chosen army, an pursuit. And, of course, our Constitution is enabled force, who sent us a Rocham- ‘‘Cornwallis nearly overtook them as dated the same way, in the year of our beau to fight side-by-side with Wash- they were getting out of the Yadkin Lord, 1787. ington in the Battle of Yorktown.’’ River, but rain flooded the river. But those were Founders. Those were ‘‘Now it was a race to the Dan River, ‘‘To diffuse the general joy through every breast, the general orders’’—I am things that got us started. but General Nathanael Greene again Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman made it across before the British ar- sorry. This is from George Washington. from Texas (Mr. ARRINGTON). rived. George Washington wrote this. This ‘‘British Commander Henry Clinton was one of his orders. CELEBRATING THE BORDEN COUNTY COYOTES DI- ‘‘To diffuse the general joy through VISION 1, 1A SIX-MAN FOOTBALL STATE CHAM- wrote: PIONSHIP ‘‘ ‘Here the royal army was again every breast, the general orders’’— these are his orders. I am quoting from Mr. ARRINGTON. Mr. Speaker, I stopped by a sudden rise of the waters, thank the distinguished gentleman which had only just fallen, almost mi- Washington. ‘‘Divine service is to be performed tomorrow in the several bri- from Texas (Mr. GOHMERT), my new raculously, to let the enemy over . . .’ friend, great colleague, and mentor as I ‘‘In March 1781, General George gades. The Commander-in-Chief ear- have made my transition into this Washington wrote to William Gordon: nestly recommends troops not on duty ‘‘ ‘We have . . . abundant reasons to should universally attend with that great body. He tells me that all fresh- thank Providence’’—with a capital P; gratitude of heart which the recogni- man Members come in and have big he often referred to God as Provi- tion of such astonishing interposition wins like tax reform and these big, tre- dence—‘to thank Providence for its of Providence demands.’’ mendous wins, not for the Republican many favorable interpositions in our And then the next year, on October Party, but for the American people. I behalf. It has at times been my only 11, this is what the Congress passed. am so proud to have been a part of dependence, for all other resources Congress said: ‘‘It being the indispen- that. I am proud to call Mr. GOHMERT seemed to have failed us.’ sable duty of all nations to offer up my friend. ‘‘British General Henry Clinton then their supplications to Almighty God Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate ordered General Cornwallis to move the United States in Congress assem- the Borden County Coyotes’ hard- 8,000 troops to a defensive position bled do hereby recommend it to the in- fought victory over Jonesboro in the where the York River entered the habitants of these States in general to Division 1, 1A Six-Man Football State Chesapeake Bay. observe the last Thursday of November Championship. This was the Coyotes’ next as a day of solemn thanksgiving seventh State championship appear- b 1845 to God for his mercies.’’ ance, fifth State championship win, By this time, Ben Franklin and Mar- September 3, 1783, the Revolutionary and the second year in a row these two quis de Lafayette, which is the gen- War was officially ended with the Trea- teams faced off in the six-man State tleman depicted in this painting right ty of Paris, signed by Ben Franklin, championship game. over here—it is the only full-length John Adams, John Jay, and David Going into the championship game, portrait of a foreigner in our U.S. Cap- Hartley. And I was surprised, I was only six opposing teams had scored itol—were finally successful in their ef- going through the State Department against the Coyotes all year long. They forts to persuade French King Louis with my wife and my pastor, David boast the best six-man defense in the XVI to send ships and troops to meet Dykes, and his wife, Cindy, and we State, have been named the best six- the Americans. were going through, and there was a man team in the Nation, and are French Admiral de Grasse left off copy, an original copy of the Treaty of ranked number 1 in the class 1–A divi- fighting the British in the West Indies; Paris. sion rankings.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:48 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.076 H21DEPT1 H10414 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 With the discipline and determina- same category. But according to at ‘‘God who gave us life gave us lib- tion they showed all season long, this least one source here across the aisle, erty.’’ team turned a two-point lead at half- this tax bill was worse than all of ‘‘And can the liberties of a nation be time into a 60–22 win in the State those, the worst bill ever. thought secure when we have removed championship. But people are going to have 11 their only firm basis, a conviction in I want to commend both teams on months to see that, even though the the minds of the people that these lib- their tremendous success and sports- stock market was doing better, people erties are of the gift of God? That they manship and congratulate, especially, weren’t really doing better. Incomes are not to be violated, but with His Coach Richey on preparing our Coyotes had been pretty well flat-lined. wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my coun- to achieve a perfect season. I think there is going to be a great try when I reflect that God is just: that I would be remiss if I did not thank deal to be grateful for. Now it is not His justice cannot sleep forever.’’ the parents and the teachers and the just going to be the stock market Mr. Speaker, this was a time when administrators and the fans who were going up, it is going to be Americans people had turned from God, and it was always there throughout this season to having more money in their own pock- scaring Jefferson because he knew, as ensure the Coyotes always gave their ets. There are going to be more jobs. Adams did, if we were not a religious Borden County best. There are going to be people making and moral people, the Constitution There is nothing like high school more than they have in the past. would cease to serve the needed pur- football in west Texas. Go Coyotes, and There will be a chance for many in pose. go west Texas. the upcoming generation to experience Madison has such great pronounce- ments. As Madison himself said in 1815: HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY TO DR. BILL DEAN what many of us did coming out of ‘‘No people ought to feel greater obli- Mr. ARRINGTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise school, but most of them haven’t, and gations to celebrate the goodness of to wish a happy birthday, 80 years, to a that is having multiple firms, compa- the Great Disposer of events and of the dear friend, a Lubbock native, and a nies, employers, wanting them. It is Destiny of nations than the people of legend at Texas Tech, Dr. Bill Dean. just going to be a new experience for so the United States. To the same divine Dr. Dean has always been a leader many. And I hope when it happens, author of every good and perfect gift, and has always had a servant heart they will do as our Founders did and we are indebted for all those privileges when it comes to serving his commu- know where to give the proper credit. and advantages, religious as well as nity and the campus community at John Adams, in the fall of 1798, to the civil, which are so richly enjoyed in Texas Tech. I don’t know anyone who officers of the First Brigade—he was this favored land.’’ loves Texas Tech University and the President at the time, having suc- He also referred to our Heavenly Ben- students at Texas Tech like Bill Dean. ceeded Washington. President Adams efactor. He was elected to the student body said: ‘‘We have no government armed Monroe, same type of messages. presidency when he was a student at with power, capable of contending with John Quincy Adams, he wrote his Tech. He got 3 degrees and became a human passions, unbridled by morality son, 1811: professor, an associate dean, and, ulti- and religion. Avarice, ambition, re- ‘‘ . . . so great is my veneration for mately, in his current role, serves as venge, gallantry would break the the Bible, and so strong my belief, that CEO of the Texas Tech University strongest cords of our Constitution as when duly read and meditated on, it is Alumni Association. a whale goes through a net. Our Con- of all books in the world, that which He was named the best teacher nine stitution was made only for a moral contributes most to make men wise times by his students. and religious people.’’ and happy—that the earlier my chil- Dr. Dean, you are the very best, and b 1900 dren begin to read it, the more steadily you represent the very best of west they pursue the practice of reading it Texas and Red Raider Nation. I want to It is wholly inadequate to the gov- throughout their lives, the more lively say, blessings to you, and I hope you ernment of any other. and confident will be my hopes that have many, many more years on that John Adams, on December 25, 1813, they will prove useful citizens to their college campus because you have had what we call Christmas Day, wrote to country, respectable members of soci- an amazing impact on thousands of the his new friend. They had been friends, ety. . . . ‘’ lives of young people who come then when Jefferson had been greatly Abraham Lincoln said this, and it through that university, like me. unfair in the election, defeated Adams, was official. This was his proclamation. Thank you for your commitment. they had nothing to do with each other Those that think it is inappropriate for Thank you for your service and your for many years. Then at Benjamin government to say these things, this leadership, and God bless you and Rush’s recommendation, Adams wrote was Abraham Lincoln, who knew Peggy. ‘‘Guns Up.’’ Thomas Jefferson, and they rekindled a wherein our hopes lie. Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I am al- great friendship. Lincoln said in his official proclama- ways happy to share time with my December 25 of 1813, former President tion: friend from west Texas. We are on op- John Adams wrote to former President ‘‘ . . . it is the duty of nations, as posite sides of the State but same sides Thomas Jefferson, and said: well as of men, to own their depend- of the heart caring for this country. ‘‘I have examined all religions as well ence upon the overruling power of God, We have got a lot to be thankful for as my narrow sphere, my straightened to confess their sins and transgressions in this country, and I am thankful that means, and my busy life would allow; in humble sorrow, yet with assured we are going to have 11 months for peo- and the result is that the Bible is the hope, that genuine repentance will lead ple to realize that all the gloom and best Book in the world. It contains to mercy and pardon, and to recognize doom that was preached in this room more philosophy than all the libraries I the sublime truth, announced in the about what the tax bill was going to have seen.’’ Holy Scriptures and proven by all his- do. The tax cuts, the reforms, it wasn’t Thomas Jefferson. This is inscribed tory, that those nations are only made as simple as I would hope, just a in his monument. blessed whose God is the Lord.’’ flat tax across the board. But there Mr. Speaker, I share this as we leave In his second inaugural, just 45 days will be more people who don’t pay tax, session the last time before Christmas, before he was struck down by an assas- and most everybody should pay less because I find that so many people get sin’s bullet, Abraham Lincoln was try- tax. upset when we mention God or mention ing to make sense of such a bloody, It is just amazing the things that the Bible here in Congress, when actu- horrific war between the North and have been said. One person even said ally that is the most oft-cited thing in South, and it is inscribed on the inside this is the worst bill ever, the tax bill, our whole history of Congress. wall of the Lincoln Memorial on the when—wow, I would have thought People have been mis-educated, and north side. Thank God, literally, thank those bills that were really punishing this is the one chance to thank God, God no one has required that those slaves and allowing the continuance of Mr. Speaker, and help people realize beautiful words be removed. slavery, those might have been, well, in how we came to be as we are. But he was trying to reconcile how my opinion, just nowhere near the Thomas Jefferson said: there could be something so bloody and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:48 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.078 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10415 awful if there were a good and just strength of all men everywhere, is of turies since He spoke, history has vin- God. Obviously, he had done a lot of greater avail as God upholds us. dicated His teaching. theological wrestling with that issue, ‘‘Therefore, I’’—this is Franklin Roo- ‘‘In this great country of ours has and in talking about the North and sevelt—‘‘do hereby appoint the first been demonstrated the fundamental South, Abraham Lincoln said: day of the year 1942 as a day of prayer, unity of Christianity and democracy. ‘‘Both’’—North and South—‘‘read the of asking forgiveness for our short- Under our heritage of freedom for ev- same Bible and pray to the same God.’’ comings of the past, of consecration to eryone on equal terms, we also share ‘‘The prayers of both could not be an- the task of the present, of asking God’s the responsibilities of government. Our swered. The prayers of neither has been help in days to come. We need His guid- support of individual freedom—free answered fully. The Almighty has his ance that this people may be humbled speech, free schools, free press, and a own purpose.’’ in spirit, but strong in the conviction free conscience—transcends all our dif- But then he quotes Scripture: ‘‘Whoa of the right. Steadfast to endure sac- ferences. Although we may not hope unto the world because of offenses.’’ rifice, and brave to achieve a victory of for a New Heaven and a New Earth in Lincoln continues on: liberty and peace. Our strongest weap- our day and generation; we may strive ‘‘Yet, if God will that it continue on in this war is that conviction of the with undaunted faith and courage to until all the wealth piled by the bonds- dignity and brotherhood of man, which achieve in the present some measure of man’s 250 years of unrequited toil shall Christmas Day signifies. Against en- that unity with which the Nation’s be sunk, and every drop of blood drawn emies who preach the principles of hate sons and the sons of our allies went with the lash shall be paid by another and practice them, we set our faith in forth to win the war. drawn with a sword, as was said 3,000 human love and in God’s care for us ‘‘We have this glorious land not be- years ago, so it must be said.’’ and all men everywhere.’’ cause of a particular religious faith, And again quoting the Bible: ‘‘The He had so many beautiful, beautiful not because our ancestors sailed from a judgements of the Lord are true and messages. particular foreign port. We have our righteous altogether.’’ One ended like this: unique national heritage because of a All Presidents have had these types ‘‘It is significant that tomorrow, common aspiration to be free and be- of proclamations. Christmas Day, our plants and fac- cause of our purpose to achieve for our- I like the proclamation Grover Cleve- tories will be stilled. That is not true selves and for our children the good land had in November 1885. Official of the other holidays we have long been things of life which the Christ declared U.S. Government proclamation. He accustomed to celebrate. On all other He came to give to all mankind. said: holidays, work goes on, gladly, for the ‘‘We have made a good start toward ‘‘The American people have always winning of the war. So Christmas be- peace in the world. Ahead of us lies the abundant cause to be thankful to Al- comes the only holiday in all the year. larger task of making the peace secure. mighty God, whose watchful care and I like to think this is because Christ- The progress we made gives hope that guiding hand have been manifested in mas is a holy day. May all it stands for in the coming year we shall reach our every stage of their national life, live and grow throughout the years.’’ goal. May 1947 entitle us to the bene- guarding and protecting them in time Harry Truman, who succeeded him diction of the Master.’’ of peril and safely leading them in the after his death, finished one of his ‘‘Master’’ is capitalized. He is talking hour of darkness and of danger. Christmas proclamations this way: about Jesus. ‘‘It is fitting and proper that a nation ‘‘Our thoughts and aspirations and He quotes Jesus saying: ‘‘ ‘Blessed are thus favored should on one day every the hopes of future years turn to a lit- the peacemakers, for they shall be year, for that purpose especially ap- tle town in the hills of Judea where, on called the children of God.’ Because of pointed, publicly acknowledge the a winter’s night 2,000 years ago, the what we have achieved for peace, be- goodness of God and return thanks to prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled. cause of all the promise our future Him for all His gracious gifts.’’ ‘‘Shepherds keeping the watch by holds, I say to all my countrymen: Moving to Franklin Roosevelt, night over their flock heard the glad Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas, Franklin Roosevelt delivered this tidings of great joy from the angels of and may God bless you all.’’ Christmas Eve message just weeks the Lord singing: ‘Glory to God in the I just want to conclude, Mr. Speaker, after we were attacked at Pearl Har- highest, and on Earth, peace, good will with this best message, Ronald Rea- bor. toward men.’ ’’ gan’s 1988 official Christmas message. Franklin Roosevelt said: It is not just from the Bible. This is He said: ‘‘The themes of Christmas and ‘‘Sincere and faithful men and the President of the United States’ of- of coming home for the holidays have women are asking themselves this ficial proclamation, government proc- long been intertwined in song and Christmas: How can we light our trees? lamation. story. There is a profound irony and a How can we give our gifts? How can we Truman said: lesson in this because Christmas cele- meet and worship with love and with ‘‘The message of Bethlehem best brates the coming of a Savior who was uplifted spirit and heart in a world at sums up our hopes tonight. If we as a born without a home. war, a world of fighting and suffering nation, and the other nations of the ‘‘There was no room at the inn for and death? How can we pause, even for world, will accept it, the star of faith the Holy Family. Weary of travel, a a day, even for Christmas Day, in our will guide us into the place of peace as young Mary, close to childbirth, and urgent labor of arming a decent hu- it did the shepherds on that day of her carpenter husband, Joseph, found manity against the enemies which Christ’s birth long ago. but the rude shelter of a stable. There beset it? How can we put the world ‘‘We shall find strength and courage born the King of Kings, the Prince of aside, as men and women put the world at this Christmastime because so brave Peace—an event on which all history aside in peaceful years, to rejoice in a beginning has been made. So with would turn. the birth of Christ?’’ faith and courage we shall work to has- ‘‘Jesus would again be without home, Franklin Roosevelt went on to say: ten the day when the sword is replaced and more than once; on the flight to ‘‘Looking into the days to come, I by the plowshare and nations do not Egypt and during His public ministry have set aside a day of prayer, and in ‘learn war anymore.’ when He said: ‘The foxes have holes, that proclamation, I have said: The ‘‘Selfishness and greed, individual or and the birds of the air have nests, but year 1941 has brought upon our Nation national, cause most of our troubles.’’ the Son of Man hath nowhere to lay his a war of aggression by powers domi- head.’ nated by arrogant rulers whose selfish b 1915 ‘‘From His very infancy, on, our Re- purpose is to destroy free institutions. ‘‘He whose birth we celebrate tonight deemer was reminding us that, from They would thereby take from the free- was the world’s greatest teacher. He then on we would never lack a home in dom-loving peoples of the Earth the said: ‘Therefore all things whatsoever Him. Like the shepherds to whom the hard-won liberties gained over many ye would that men would do to you, do angel of the Lord appeared on the first centuries. The new year of 1942 calls for ye even so to them; for this is the law Christmas Day, we could always say: the courage. Our strength, as the and the prophets.’ Through all the cen- ‘Let us now go even unto Bethlehem

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:48 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.079 H21DEPT1 H10416 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 and see this thing which is come to SENATE BILLS REFERRED SENATE ENROLLED BILL SIGNED pass, which the Lord hath made known Bills of the Senate of the following The Speaker announced his signature unto us.’ titles were taken from the Speaker’s to an enrolled bill of the Senate of the ‘‘As we come home with gladness to table and, under the rule, referred as family and friends this Christmas, let following title: follows: us also remember our neighbors who S. 1536. An act to designate a human traf- cannot go home themselves. Our com- S. 117. An act to designate a mountain peak in the State of Montana as ‘‘Alex ficking prevention coordinator and to expand passion and concern this Christmas and Diekmann Peak’’; to the Committee on Nat- the scope of activities authorized under the all year long will mean much to the ural Resources. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administra- hospitalized, the homeless, the con- S. 501. An act to amend the Wild and Sce- tion’s outreach and education program to in- valescent, the orphaned—and will sure- nic Rivers Act to designate certain segments clude human trafficking prevention activi- of East Rosebud Creek in Carbon County, ly lead us on our way to the joy and ties, and for other purposes. peace of Bethlehem and the Christ Montana, as components of the Wild and Child who bids us come. For it is only Scenic Rivers System; to the Committee on f in finding and living the eternal mean- Natural Resources. ing of the Nativity that we can be f truly happy, truly at peace, truly ADJOURNMENT ENROLLED BILL SIGNED home. Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I move ‘‘Merry Christmas, and God bless Karen L. Haas, Clerk of the House, you.’’ reported and found truly enrolled a bill that the House do now adjourn. Official proclamation of the United of the House of the following title, The motion was agreed to; accord- States Government by the President of which was thereupon signed by the ingly (at 7 o’clock and 19 minutes the United States, words well to re- Speaker: p.m.), under its previous order, the member. H.R. 1. An act to provide for reconciliation House adjourned until tomorrow, Fri- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent day, December 22, 2017, at 2 p.m. of my time. hresolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018. EXPENDITURE REPORTS CONCERNING OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL Reports concerning the foreign currencies and U.S. dollars utilized for Official Foreign Travel during the fourth quar- ter of 2017, pursuant to Public Law 95–384, are as follows:

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, ROBERT REEVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN NOV. 21 AND NOV. 25, 2017

Date Per diem 1 Transportation Other purposes Total U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name of Member or employee Country Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Arrival Departure currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency 2 currency 2 currency 2 currency 2

Robert Reeves ...... 11/22 11 /25 Switzerland ...... 1,642.86 ...... 2,104.56 ...... 3,747.42 Scott Kim ...... 11 /22 11/25 Switzerland ...... 1,642.86 ...... 2,104.56 ...... 3,747.42 Committee total ...... 3,285.72 ...... 4,209.12 ...... 7,494.84 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. h ROBERT F. REEVES, December 5, 2017.

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, Low Intensity Conflict, Department of De- National Ambient Air Quality Standards ETC. fense, transmitting the FY 2017 annual Re- [EPA-R01-OAR-2017-0151; FRL-9972-23-Region gional Defense Combating Terrorism Fellow- 1] received December 14, 2017, pursuant to 5 Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive ship Program Report to Congress, pursuant U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. communications were taken from the to title 10, U.S.C. 345; to the Committee on 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on En- Speaker’s table and referred as follows: Armed Services. ergy and Commerce. 3502. A letter from the Acting Director, 3506. A letter from the Assistant to the 3509. A letter from the Director, Regu- PDRA, Rural Utilities Service, Department Board, Board Of Governors of the Federal latory Management Division, Environmental of Agriculture, transmitting the Depart- Reserve System, transmitting the Board’s Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- ment’s final rule — Distance Learning and Major final rule — Regulatory Capital Rules: cy’s final rule — Approval of Arizona Air Telemedicine Loan and Grant Program (RIN: Retention of Certain Existing Transition Plan Revision; San Manuel, Arizona; Second 0572-AC37) received December 11, 2017, pursu- Provisions for Banking Organizations That 10-Year Sulfur Dioxide Maintenance Plan ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- Are Not Subject to the Advanced Approaches [EPA-R09-2017-0377; FRL-9972-03-Region 9] re- 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee Capital Rules [Regulation Q; Docket No.: R- ceived December 14, 2017, pursuant to 5 on Agriculture. 1571] (RIN: 7100-AE 83) received December 15, U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 3503. A letter from the Under Secretary 2017, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on En- (Comptroller), Department of Defense, trans- Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the ergy and Commerce. mitting a letter providing a status report on Committee on Financial Services. 3510. A letter from the Director, Regu- the account balance in the Defense Coopera- 3507. A letter from the Director, Regu- latory Management Division, Environmental tion Account, as of September 30, 2017, pur- latory Management Division, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- suant to 10 U.S.C. 2608(e); Public Law 101-403, Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- cy’s final rule — Approval of California Air Sec. 202(a)(1) (as amended by Public Law 112- cy’s final rule — Confidentiality Determina- Plan Revisions, Placer County and Ventura 81, Sec. 1064(7)); (125 Stat. 1587); to the Com- tions for Hazardous Waste Export and Im- County Air Pollution Control Districts mittee on Armed Services. port Documents [EPA-HQ-OLEM-2016-0492; [EPA-R09-OAR-2017-0332; FRL-9971-76-Region 3504. A letter from the Alternate OSD FRL-9971-49-OLEM] (RIN: 2050-AG90) received 9] received December 14, 2017, pursuant to 5 FRLO, Office of the Secretary, Department December 14, 2017, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. of Defense, transmitting the Department’s 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on En- final rule — Military Commissions [Docket Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and ergy and Commerce. No.: DOD-2017-OS-0062] (RIN: 0790-AJ58) re- Commerce. 3511. A letter from the Director, Regu- ceived December 13, 2017, pursuant to 5 3508. A letter from the Director, Regu- latory Management Division, Environmental U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. latory Management Division, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- cy’s final rule — Arizona: Authorization of Armed Services. cy’s final rule — Air Plan Approval; Rhode State Hazardous Waste Management Pro- 3505. A letter from the Acting Assistant Island; Infrastructure Requirement for the gram Revisions [EPA-R09-RCRA-2017-0523; Secretary of Defense, Special Operations/ 2010 Sulfur Dioxide and 2010 Nitrogen Dioxide FRL-9972-09-Region 9] received December 14,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:48 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE7.081 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10417 2017, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, 3530. A letter from the Federal Register Li- Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on aison Officer, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Committee on Energy and Commerce. Natural Resources. Trade Bureau, Department of the Treasury, 3512. A letter from the Chief of Staff, Media 3522. A letter from the Assistant Secretary transmitting the Department’s final rule — Bureau, Federal Communications Commis- of the Army (Civil Works), Department of Expansion of the Outer Coast Plain sion, transmitting the Commission’s final the Army, Department of Defense, transmit- Viticultural Area [Docket No.: TTB-2016- rule — Authorizing Permissive Use of the ting the 2017 biennial report on the status of 0008; T.D. TTB-148; Re: Notice No.: 162] (RIN: ‘‘Next Generation’’ Broadcast Television the Missouri River Bank Stabilization and 1513-AC32) received December 15, 2017, pursu- Standard [GN Docket No.: 16-142] received Navigation Fish and Wildlife Mitigation ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- December 13, 2017, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Project, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Ne- 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 braska, pursuant to Public Law 113-121, Sec. on Ways and Means. Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and 4003(e); (128 Stat. 1313); to the Committee on 3531. A letter from the Federal Register Li- Commerce. Transportation and Infrastructure. aison Officer, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and 3513. A letter from the Deputy Assistant 3523. A letter from the Management and Trade Bureau, Department of the Treasury, Secretary, Bureau of Legislative Affairs, De- Program Analyst, FAA, Department of transmitting the Department’s temporary partment of State, transmitting Transmittal Transportation, transmitting the Depart- rule — Implementation of Statutory Amend- No. DDTC 16-072, pursuant to the reporting ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- ments Requiring the Modification of the Def- requirements of Section 36(c) of the Arms tives; The Boeing Company Airplanes [Dock- inition of Hard Cider; Delayed Compliance Export Control Act; to the Committee on et No.: FAA-2017-0773; Product Identifier Date of the Hard Cider Tax Class Labeling Foreign Affairs. 2017-NM-067-AD; Amendment 39-19101; AD Statement Requirement [Docket No.: TTB- 3514. A letter from the Deputy Assistant 2017-23-07] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received Decem- 2016-0016; T.D. TTB-147A; Re: T.D. TTB-145, Secretary, Bureau of Legislative Affairs, De- ber 14, 2017, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); T.D. TTB-146, T.D. TTB-147, Notice No.: 168, partment of State, transmitting Transmittal Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to and Notice No.: 168A] (RIN: 1513-AC31) re- No. DDTC 17-028, pursuant to the reporting the Committee on Transportation and Infra- ceived December 14, 2017, pursuant to 5 requirements of Section 36(c) of the Arms structure. U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. Export Control Act; to the Committee on 3524. A letter from the Management and 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Program Analyst, FAA, Department of Ways and Means. 3515. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- 3532. A letter from the Chief, Publications ment of Education, transmitting the Depart- ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue ment’s Semiannual Report to Congress, cov- tives; The Boeing Company Airplanes [Dock- Service, transmitting the Service’s IRB only ering the six-month period ending September et No.: FAA-2017-0249; Product Identifier rule — Guidance Under Section 409A for Pre- 30, 2017, pursuant to the Inspector General 2016-NM-138-AD; Amendment 39-19092; AD 2009 Section 457A Deferrals [Notice 2017-75] Act, as amended, Sec. 5(b); to the Committee 2017-22-12] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received Decem- received December 13, 2017, pursuant to 5 on Oversight and Government Reform. ber 14, 2017, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 3516. A letter from the Acting Director, Of- Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on fice of Personnel Management, transmitting the Committee on Transportation and Infra- Ways and Means. the Office’s Semiannual Report to Congress, structure. 3533. A letter from the Chief, Publications of the Inspector General, and the Manage- 3525. A letter from the Regulations Officer, and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue ment Response for the period April 1, 2017, to FHWA, Department of Transportation, Service, transmitting the Service’s IRB only September 30, 2017, pursuant to Sec. 5 of Pub- transmitting the Department’s final rule — rule — 2017 Required Amendments List for lic Law 95-452, as amended; to the Committee Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordi- Qualified Retirement Plans [Notice 2017-72] on Oversight and Government Reform. nation and Planning Area Reform [Docket received December 13, 2017, pursuant to 5 3517. A letter from the Associate General No.: FHWA-2017-0003; FHWA RIN: 2125-AF75; U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. Counsel for General Law, Office of the Gen- FTA RIN: 2132-AB33] received December 14, 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on eral Counsel, Department of Homeland Secu- 2017, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Ways and Means. rity, transmitting a notification of an action Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the 3534. A letter from the Assistant Secretary on nomination and discontinuation of serv- Committee on Transportation and Infra- for Legislative Affairs, Department of Home- ice in acting role, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. structure. land Security, transmitting a legislative 3349(a); Public Law 105-277, 151(b); (112 Stat. 3526. A letter from the Federal Register Li- proposal to remedy non-substantive errors 2681-614); to the Committee on Oversight and aison Officer, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and that appear throughout the Homeland Secu- Government Reform. Trade Bureau, Department of the Treasury, rity Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-296) and 3518. A letter from the Executive Sec- transmitting the Department’s final rule — other statutes that are organized under title retary, U.S. Agency for International Devel- Establishment of the Petaluma Gap 6 U.S.C.; to the Committee on Homeland Se- opment, transmitting eleven (11) notifica- Viticultural Area and Modification of the curity. tions of discontinuation of service in acting North Coast Viticultural Area [Docket No.: 3535. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- role, change in previously submitted re- TTB-2016-0009; T.D. TTB-149; Re: Notice No.: ment of Energy, transmitting the November ported information, and designation of act- 163] (RIN 1513-AC34) received December 15, 2017 report to Congress entitled, ‘‘MOX Fuel ing officer, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 3349(a); Pub- 2017, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Fabrication Facility Construction and Oper- lic Law 105-277, 151(b); (112 Stat. 2681-614); to Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the ations’’, pursuant to 50 U.S.C. 2566(a)(3); Pub- the Committee on Oversight and Govern- Committee on Ways and Means. lic Law 107-314, Sec. 4306(a)(3); (116 Stat. ment Reform. 3527. A letter from the Acting Chairman, 2747); jointly to the Committees on Armed 3519. A letter from the Acting Chair, U.S. Surface Transportation Board, transmitting Services and Energy and Commerce. Equal Employment Opportunity Commis- the Board’s final rule — Expediting Rate 3536. A letter from the Deputy Assistant sion, transmitting the Inspector General’s Cases [Docket No.: EP 733] received Decem- Secretary, Bureau of Legislative Affairs, De- Semiannual Report to Congress and the ber 15, 2017, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); partment of State, transmitting the Depart- Semiannual Management Report for the pe- Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to ment’s CY 2016 annual report on activities riod ending September 30, 2017, pursuant to the Committee on Transportation and Infra- under the Enterprise for the Americas Initia- Sec. 5(b) of the Inspector General Act of 1978, structure. tive and the Tropical Forest Conservation as amended; to the Committee on Oversight 3528. A letter from the Deputy General Act of 1998, pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 1738m(a); and Government Reform. Counsel, Office of General Counsel, U.S. July 10, 1954, ch. 469, title VI, Sec. 614 (as 3520. A letter from the Chairman, Federal Small Business Administration, transmit- added Public Law 101-624 Sec. 1512); (104 Stat. Election Commission, transmitting twelve ting the Administration’s final rule — Small 3662) and 22 U.S.C. 2431k(a); Public Law 87- (12) legislative recommendations approved Business Investment Companies — Adminis- 195, Sec. 813(a) (as added by Public Law 105- unanimously by the Commission on Decem- trative Fees (RIN: 3245-AG65) received De- 214, Sec. 1); (112 Stat. 893); jointly to the ber 14, 2017, pursuant to 52 U.S.C. 30111(a)(9); cember 11, 2017, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Committees on Foreign Affairs and Agri- Public Law 92-225, Sec. 311(a)(9) (as amended 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 culture. by Public Law 107-252, Sec. 801(b)); (116 Stat. Stat. 868); to the Committee on Small Busi- 3537. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- 1726); to the Committee on House Adminis- ness. ment of the Treasury, transmitting notifica- tration. 3529. A letter from the Impact Analyst, Of- tion of the Secretary’s determination that, 3521. A letter from the Division Chief, Reg- fice of Regulation Policy and Management, by reason of the statutory debt limit, the ulatory Affairs, Bureau of Land Manage- Office of the Secretary (00REG), Department Secretary will be unable to invest fully the ment, Department of the Interior, transmit- of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Depart- Government Securities Investment Fund (G ting the Department’s final rule — Waste ment’s final rule — Extra-Schedular Evalua- Fund) of the Federal Employees’ Retirement Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, tions for Individual Disabilities (RIN: 2900- System in interest-bearing securities of the and Resource Conservation; Delay and Sus- AP48) received December 13, 2017, pursuant United States, beginning on or after Decem- pension of Certain Requirements to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, ber 12, 2017, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 8438(h)(1); [18X.LLW0310000.L13100000.PP0000] (RIN: 1004- Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Public Law 99-335, Sec. 101(a) (as amended by AE54) received December 11, 2017, pursuant Veterans’ Affairs. Public Law 104-316, Sec. 103(i)); (110 Stat.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:48 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L21DE7.000 H21DEPT1 H10418 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 3829); jointly to the Committees on Ways and H.R. 3168 referred to the Committee of purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Means and Oversight and Government Re- the Whole House on the state of the Commerce. form. Union. By Mr. BARR (for himself, Mr. HIMES, 3538. A letter from the Chairman, Medicare Pursuant to clause 2 of rule XIII, the and Mr. POLIS): Payment Advisory Commission, transmit- H.R. 4711. A bill to create protections for ting the Commission’s report entitled ‘‘Phy- Committee on Energy and Commerce depository institutions that provide finan- sician Supervision Requirements in Critical discharged from further consideration. cial services to industrial hemp legitimate Access Hospitals and Small Rural Hos- H.R. 3726 referred to the Committee of businesses, and for other purposes; to the pitals’’, pursuant to Public Law 114-255, Sec. the Whole House on the state of the Committee on Financial Services. 16004(b); (130 Stat. 1327); jointly to the Com- Union. By Mrs. BLACKBURN (for herself, Mr. mittees on Ways and Means and Energy and Pursuant to clause 2 of rule XIII, the ABRAHAM, Mr. ADERHOLT, Mr. ARRINGTON, Mr. BABIN, Mr. BACON, Commerce. Committee on Energy and Commerce Mr. BANKS of Indiana, Mr. BARLETTA, f discharged from further consideration. Mr. BOST, Mr. BRADY of Texas, Mr. H.R. 3727 referred to the Committee of CHABOT, Mr. COLLINS of New York, REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON the Whole House on the state of the Mr. COLLINS of Georgia, Mr. CON- PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Union. AWAY, Mr. CRAMER, Mr. DAVIDSON, Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of Pursuant to clause 2 of rule XIII, the Mr. DUNCAN of South Carolina, Mr. committees were delivered to the Clerk Committee on Energy and Commerce FLORES, Ms. FOXX, Mr. GIBBS, Mr. for printing and reference to the proper discharged from further consideration. GOODLATTE, Mr. GOSAR, Mr. HARRIS, Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia, Mr. calendar, as follows: H.R. 3729 referred to the Committee of HUDSON, Mr. HUIZENGA, Mr. JOHNSON Mr. WOODALL: Committee on Rules. the Whole House on the state of the of Ohio, Mr. JONES, Mr. JORDAN, Mr. House Resolution 670. Resolution providing Union. JOYCE of Ohio, Mr. KELLY of Pennsyl- for consideration of the Senate amendment f vania, Mr. LAMBORN, Mr. LUETKE- to the bill (H.R. 1370) to amend the Home- MEYER, Mr. MARSHALL, Mr. MITCH- land Security Act of 2002 to require the Sec- PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ELL, Mr. MULLIN, Mrs. NOEM, Mr. retary of Homeland Security to issue Depart- Under clause 2 of rule XII, public NORMAN, Mr. OLSON, Mr. PALAZZO, ment of Homeland Security-wide guidance bills and resolutions of the following Mr. PITTENGER, Mr. ROE of Ten- and develop training programs as part of the nessee, Mr. ROKITA, Mr. ROSKAM, Mr. titles were introduced and severally re- Department of Homeland Security Blue ROTHFUS, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, Campaign, and for other purposes; providing ferred, as follows: Mr. STEWART, Mrs. WAGNER, Mr. for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4667) mak- By Mr. COLLINS of Georgia (for him- WALKER, Mrs. WALORSKI, Mr. WEBER ing further supplemental appropriations for self, Mr. JEFFRIES, Mr. CROWLEY, of Texas, Mr. WEBSTER of Florida, the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, for Mrs. BLACK, Mr. COHEN, Mrs. BLACK- Mr. WILSON of South Carolina, Mr. disaster assistance for Hurricanes Harvey, BURN, Mr. TED LIEU of California, Mr. WITTMAN, Mr. YODER, Mr. Irma, and Maria, and calendar year 2017 SESSIONS, Mr. FLEISCHMANN, Mr. MOOLENAAR, and Mr. EMMER): wildfires, and for other purposes; and pro- CRAMER, Mr. COOPER, and Ms. BASS): H.R. 4712. A bill to amend title 18, United viding for proceedings during the period H.R. 4706. A bill to amend title 17, United States Code, to prohibit a health care practi- from December 22, 2017, through January 7, States Code, to provide clarity and mod- tioner from failing to exercise the proper de- 2018 (Rept. 115–477) Referred to the House ernize the licensing system for musical gree of care in the case of a child who sur- Calendar. works under section 115 and to ensure fair- vives an abortion or attempted abortion; to Mr. BRADY of Texas: Committee on Ways ness in the establishment of certain rates the Committee on the Judiciary. and Means. H.R. 3168. A bill to amend title and fees under sections 114 and 115 of such By Mr. KINZINGER (for himself, Mr. XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide title, and for other purposes; to the Com- COOPER, Ms. JENKINS of Kansas, Mr. continued access to specialized Medicare Ad- mittee on the Judiciary. YOHO, Mr. SANFORD, Mr. PITTENGER, vantage plans for special needs individuals, By Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Penn- and Ms. SINEMA): H.R. 4713. A bill to increase the long-term and for other purposes; with an amendment sylvania (for himself and Mr. GRAVES fiscal accountability of direct spending legis- (Rept. 115–478, Pt. 1). Referred to the Com- of Georgia): lation; to the Committee on the Budget, and mittee of the Whole House on the state of H.R. 4707. A bill to authorize a joint assess- ment of quantity of precision guided muni- in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a the Union. period to be subsequently determined by the tions for use by Israel, and for other pur- Mr. BRADY of Texas: Committee on Ways Speaker, in each case for consideration of poses; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Means. H.R. 3726. A bill to amend title such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- and in addition to the Committee on Armed XVIII of the Social Security Act to create al- tion of the committee concerned. Services, for a period to be subsequently de- ternative sanctions for technical noncompli- By Mr. GOHMERT (for himself, Mr. termined by the Speaker, in each case for ance with the Stark rule under Medicare, BRADY of Texas, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE consideration of such provisions as fall with- and for other purposes; with an amendment JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. SMITH of in the jurisdiction of the committee con- (Rept. 115–479, Pt. 1). Referred to the Com- Texas, Mr. BARTON, Mr. RATCLIFFE, cerned. mittee of the Whole House on the state of Mr. CARTER of Texas, Mr. POE of By Mr. MCCAUL (for himself, Mr. the Union. Texas, Mr. BABIN, Mr. BURGESS, Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi, Mr. KATKO, Mr. BRADY of Texas: Committee on Ways WEBER of Texas, Mr. MARCHANT, Mr. and Mr. HIGGINS of Louisiana): and Means. H.R. 3727. A bill to amend title SESSIONS, Mr. FARENTHOLD, Mr. H.R. 4708. A bill to amend the Homeland XVIII of the Social Security Act to include ARRINGTON, Mr. FLORES, Mr. GENE Security Act of 2002 to require the Secretary additional telehealth services for purposes of GREEN of Texas, Mr. AL GREEN of of Homeland Security to issue Department of MA organization bids, and for other pur- Texas, Mr. MCCAUL, Ms. GRANGER, Homeland Security-wide guidance and de- poses; with an amendment (Rept. 115–480, Pt. Mr. WILLIAMS, Mr. CONAWAY, Mr. velop training programs as part of the De- 1). Referred to the Committee of the Whole OLSON, Mr. HURD, Mr. THORNBERRY, partment of Homeland Security Blue Cam- House on the state of the Union. Mr. CUELLAR, Ms. JACKSON LEE, Mr. paign, and for other purposes; to the Com- Mr. BRADY of Texas: Committee on Ways SAM JOHNSON of Texas, and Mr. CUL- mittee on Homeland Security, and in addi- and Means. H.R. 3729. A bill to amend titles BERSON): XI and XVIII of the Social Security Act to tion to the Committee on the Judiciary, for H.R. 4714. A bill to award a Congressional facilitate provider and supplier cost report- a period to be subsequently determined by Gold Medal to Don and Deyon Stephens, ing of ambulance services under the Medi- the Speaker, in each case for consideration Founders of Mercy Ships, in recognition of care program, and for other purposes; with of such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- nearly 40 years of service as the leaders of a an amendment (Rept. 115–481, Pt. 1). Referred tion of the committee concerned. humanitarian relief organization that exem- to the Committee of the Whole House on the By Mr. GRIFFITH: plifies the compassionate character of Amer- state of the Union. H.R. 4709. A bill to amend title XIX of the ica; to the Committee on Financial Services. Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana: Committee on Social Security Act to amend the Federal By Mr. CARTWRIGHT (for himself, Mr. Ethics. In the Matter Regarding the Arrests medical assistance percentage for the Dis- ROSKAM, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Mr. of Members of the House During a Protest trict of Columbia for fiscal years after 2019, DELANEY, Ms. KAPTUR, Mr. PETERS, Outside the United States Capitol on Decem- and for other purposes; to the Committee on Mr. TONKO, Mr. ENGEL, Mr. CUM- ber 6, 2017 (Rept. 115–482). Referred to the Energy and Commerce. MINGS, Mr. CONNOLLY, and Mr. SEAN House Calendar. By Mr. BUCSHON (for himself and Mr. PATRICK MALONEY of New York): PETERS): H.R. 4715. A bill to amend the Higher Edu- DISCHARGE OF COMMITTEE H.R. 4710. A bill to amend the Public cation Act of 1965 to require certain institu- Pursuant to clause 2 of rule XIII, the Health Service Act to establish a morato- tions of higher education to provide notice of Committee on Energy and Commerce rium on the registration of certain new 340B tuition levels for students; to the Committee discharged from further consideration. hospitals and associated sites, and for other on Education and the Workforce.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:48 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L21DE7.000 H21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10419

By Mr. COSTA (for himself, Mr. COOK, benefits of providing coverage and payment the Committees on the Budget, and Ways Mr. RUIZ, and Mr. YOUNG of Alaska): for items and services necessary to admin- and Means, for a period to be subsequently H.R. 4716. A bill to amend title 38, United ister intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) in determined by the Speaker, in each case for States Code, to authorize the Secretary of the home, and for other purposes; to the consideration of such provisions as fall with- Veterans Affairs to inter in national ceme- Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in in the jurisdiction of the committee con- teries individuals who supported the United addition to the Committee on Ways and cerned. States in Laos during the Vietnam War era, Means, for a period to be subsequently deter- By Mr. LAMBORN (for himself, Mr. and for other purposes; to the Committee on mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- ROSKAM, Mr. DESANTIS, Mr. ZELDIN, Veterans’ Affairs. sideration of such provisions as fall within Mr. DUNCAN of South Carolina, Mr. By Mr. CRAWFORD (for himself, Mr. the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. CRAMER, Mr. NORMAN, Mr. ABRAHAM, NOLAN, Mr. WESTERMAN, Mr. By Mr. HULTGREN (for himself and Mr. GOHMERT, Mr. JENKINS of West WOMACK, and Mr. HILL): Mr. BARR): Virginia, Mr. WEBER of Texas, Mr. H.R. 4717. A bill to require the Secretary of H.R. 4725. A bill to amend the Federal De- FARENTHOLD, Mr. ROKITA, Ms. Agriculture to establish a program to recog- posit Insurance Act to require short form TENNEY, Mr. PITTENGER, and Mr. nize farms that have been in continuous op- call reports for certain depository institu- MEADOWS): eration for 100 years; to the Committee on tions; to the Committee on Financial Serv- H. Res. 671. A resolution expressing strong Agriculture. ices. disapproval of the adoption of United Na- By Mr. DESANTIS (for himself, Mr. By Mr. LANGEVIN (for himself and tions General Assembly Resolution A/ES-10/ KING of Iowa, Mr. DUNCAN of South Mr. CICILLINE): L.22, which rejects United States recognition Carolina, Mrs. HARTZLER, Mr. GOH- H.R. 4726. A bill to amend the Magnuson- of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel; to the MERT, Mr. MCCLINTOCK, Mr. Stevens Fishery Conservation and Manage- Committee on Foreign Affairs. FARENTHOLD, Mr. LAMBORN, Mr. ment Act to add Rhode Island to the Mid-At- By Ms. JAYAPAL (for herself, Ms. WENSTRUP, Mr. ROKITA, Mr. JORDAN, lantic Fishery Management Council; to the BASS, Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER, Mr. Mr. GOSAR, Mr. PITTENGER, Mr. JODY Committee on Natural Resources. BROWN of Maryland, Mr. CA´ RDENAS, B. HICE of Georgia, Mrs. WALORSKI, By Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts, Ms. Ms. MCSALLY, Ms. TENNEY, Mr. of New Mexico: CLARKE of New York, Ms. DELBENE, GAETZ, Mr. SMITH of Nebraska, Mr. H.R. 4727. A bill to amend title 38, United Mrs. DINGELL, Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE YOHO, Mr. MEADOWS, Mr. ROTHFUS, States Code, to direct the Secretary of Vet- of Pennsylvania, Mr. ESPAILLAT, Mr. Mr. MESSER, Mr. ZELDIN, Mr. HARRIS, erans Affairs to assign temporary disability EVANS, Miss GONZA´ LEZ-COLO´ N of Mr. DONOVAN, Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio, ratings to certain veterans for purposes of Puerto Rico, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. Mr. WILLIAMS, Mr. FERGUSON, and compensation and health care, and for other HECK, Mr. JEFFRIES, Ms. EDDIE BER- Mrs. BLACKBURN): purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- NICE JOHNSON of Texas, Ms. KELLY of H.R. 4718. A bill to recognize Jerusalem as fairs. Illinois, Mr. KHANNA, Mr. KILDEE, Mr. the capital of Israel and to transfer to Jeru- By Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM KING of New York, Mr. KILMER, Mr. salem the United States Embassy located in of New Mexico: LARSEN of Washington, Ms. LEE, Mr. Tel Aviv; to the Committee on Foreign Af- H.R. 4728. A bill to amend title 38, United fairs. MEEKS, Ms. MENG, Mrs. MURPHY of States Code, to establish the office of the ´ By Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee (for him- Florida, Mr. RASKIN, Ms. SANCHEZ, Health Monitor of the Department of Vet- Mr. SARBANES, Mr. SMITH of Wash- self and Mr. COHEN): erans Affairs, and for other purposes; to the ´ H.R. 4719. A bill to amend title 49, United ington, Mr. SOTO, Ms. VELAZQUEZ, Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, and Ms. States Code, to address delays in commercial By Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of driver’s license skills testing and retesting, MAXINE WATERS of California): New York (for herself, Mr. KHANNA, and for other purposes; to the Committee on H. Res. 672. A resolution honoring Edgar Mr. CUMMINGS, Ms. NORTON, Ms. Transportation and Infrastructure. Martı´nez for excellence in his career as a SHEA-PORTER, Mr. CONNOLLY, Mr. By Mr. EMMER (for himself, Mrs. HAN- professional baseball player and for his en- DAVID SCOTT of Georgia, Mr. RASKIN, DEL, Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, Ms. trepreneurship, humanitarian work, and phi- Mr. SUOZZI, Ms. KUSTER of New JAYAPAL, Ms. KUSTER of New Hamp- lanthropy, and for other purposes; to the Hampshire, Ms. MOORE, Mrs. DIN- shire, and Mr. WALZ): Committee on Oversight and Government H.R. 4720. A bill to authorize the Office on GELL, and Mr. PALLONE): Reform. H.R. 4729. A bill to require annual report- Violence Against Women to improve the By Mr. HILL (for himself, Ms. ROS- ing by employers of the number of settle- handling of crimes of domestic violence, dat- LEHTINEN, Mr. TROTT, Mr. CICILLINE, ing violence, sexual assault, and stalking by ments with employees regarding claims of Mr. SHERMAN, and Mrs. CAROLYN B. incorporating a trauma-informed approach discrimination on the basis of sex, including MALONEY of New York): into the initial response to and investigation verbal and physical sexual harassment, and H. Res. 673. A resolution expressing con- of such crimes; to the Committee on the Ju- for other purposes; to the Committee on cern over attacks on Coptic Christians in diciary. Education and the Workforce. Egypt; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. By Ms. MCSALLY (for herself, Mr. By Mr. ENGEL (for himself, Mr. f VARGAS, Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN, Mr. SCHWEIKERT, Mr. BIGGS, Mr. GOSAR, MEEKS, Ms. SPEIER, Mr. GRIJALVA, and Mr. ISSA): MEMORIALS H.R. 4730. A bill to amend the Clean Air and Mr. COHEN): Act with respect to nonattainment plan pro- Under clause 3 of rule XII, memorials H.R. 4721. A bill to enact into law a frame- were presented and referred as follows: work for deciding whether certain projectiles visions, and for other purposes; to the Com- are ‘‘primarily intended for sporting pur- mittee on Energy and Commerce. 154. The SPEAKER presented a memorial poses’’ for purposes of determining whether By Ms. PLASKETT: of the Legislature of the State of Texas, rel- the projectiles are armor piercing ammuni- H.R. 4731. A bill to extend the retained use ative to Senate Concurrent Resolution No. tion; to the Committee on the Judiciary. estate for the Caneel Bay resort in St. John, 41, urging the United States Congress to di- By Mr. FASO (for himself and Ms. United States Virgin Islands, and for other rect the Department of Defense to relocate SLAUGHTER): purposes; to the Committee on Natural Re- the United States Africa Command to Elling- H.R. 4722. A bill to designate the facility of sources. ton Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston; to the United States Postal Service located at By Mr. REICHERT (for himself and Mr. the Committee on Armed Services. 111 Market Street in Saugerties, New York, PASCRELL): 155. Also, a memorial of the Legislature of as the ‘‘Maurice D. Hinchey Post Office H.R. 4732. A bill to require the Secretary of the State of Texas, relative to House Concur- Building’’; to the Committee on Oversight the Treasury to mint a coin in commemora- rent Resolution No. 30, urging the United and Government Reform. tion of the opening of the National Law En- States Congress to direct the Bureau of Land By Mr. GOSAR (for himself, Mr. BIGGS, forcement Museum in the District of Colum- Management to affirm the provisions of the Ms. SINEMA, Mr. SCHWEIKERT, and Mr. bia, and for other purposes; to the Com- Red River Boundary Compact and acknowl- O’HALLERAN): mittee on Financial Services. edge that the vegetation line on the south H.R. 4723. A bill to approve the settlement By Mr. WELCH (for himself and Mr. bank of the Red River forms the boundary of water rights claims of the Hualapai Tribe MCKINLEY): between Oklahoma and Texas; to the Com- and certain allottees in the State of Arizona, H.R. 4733. A bill to establish and fund an mittee on Natural Resources. to authorize construction of a water project Opioids and STOP Pain Initiative to expand, 156. Also, a memorial of the Legislature of relating to those water rights claims, and for intensify, and coordinate fundamental, the State of Texas, relative to House Concur- other purposes; to the Committee on Natural translational, and clinical research of the rent Resolution No. 105, encouraging Con- Resources. National Institutes of Health with respect to gress to pass legislation or adopt policies al- By Mr. HOLDING (for himself, Mr. opioid abuse, the understanding of pain, and lowing Texas to manage the Gulf of Mexico BLUMENAUER, Mr. LANCE, Mr. the discovery and development of safer and red snapper fishery out to 200 nautical miles; BUTTERFIELD, and Mr. MEEHAN): more effective treatments and preventive to the Committee on Natural Resources. H.R. 4724. A bill to provide for a dem- interventions for pain; to the Committee on 157. Also, a memorial of the Legislature of onstration project to further examine the Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the State of Wisconsin, relative to Assembly

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:48 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L21DE7.100 H21DEPT1 H10420 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 21, 2017 Joint Resolution No. 21, requesting the Con- By Mr. KINZINGER: Congress has the power to enact this legis- gress of the United States call a convention H.R. 4713. lation pursuant to the following: of the states to propose amendments to the Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article 1, Section 8, Clause 7: To establish Constitution of the United States; to the lation pursuant to the following: post offices and post roads; Committee on the Judiciary. Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 (Legislative [Page H1316] 158. Also, a memorial of the Legislature of Vesting Clause): ‘‘The Congress shall have By Mr. GOSAR: the State of Texas, relative to Senate Con- the Power—To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, H.R. 4723. current Resolution No. 52, urging the United Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debst and Congress has the power to enact this legis- States Congress to enact legislation to en- provide for the common Defence and general lation pursuant to the following: This legislation is constitutionally appro- sure that all veterans receive in a timely Welfare of the United States . . .’’ priate pursuant to Article I, Section 8, manner the level of medical care that they Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 (Necessary Clause 3 (the Commerce Clause) which have earned and that they so richly deserve; and Proper Clause): ‘‘The Congress shall grants Congress the power to regulate Com- to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. have the Power—To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying merce with foreign Nations, and among sev- f into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all eral states and with the Indian Tribes; Arti- CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY other Powers vested by this Constitution in cle II, Section 2, Clause 2 (the Treaty Clause) STATEMENT the Government of the United States, or any which gives the President the Power to make Department or Officer thereof.’’ Treaties; Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 (the Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of Article I, Section 9, Clause 7 (Appropria- Property Clause) which gives Congress the the Rules of the House of Representa- tions Clause): ‘‘No Money shall be drawn Power to make all Rules and Regulations re- tives, the following statements are sub- from the Treasury, but in Consequence of specting the Territory or other Property be- mitted regarding the specific powers Appropriations made by Law; and a regular longing to the United States. The Supreme granted to Congress in the Constitu- Statement and Account of the Receipts and Court, in Winters v. United States (1901), rea- Expenditures of all public Money shall be soned that an Indian Tribe’s water rights are tion to enact the accompanying bill or established when the reservation is created, joint resolution. published from time to time.’’ By Mr. GOHMERT: regardless of whether the Tribe actually uses By Mr. COLLINS of Georgia: H.R. 4714. the water on that reservation at that time. H.R. 4706. Congress has the power to enact this legis- The Act settles water right claims of the Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: Hualapai Tribe and is thus constitutionally lation pursuant to the following: Article I, Section 8, Clause 5. To coin permissible. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3 of the United Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of By Mr. HOLDING: States Constitution; foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights H.R. 4724. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 8 of the United and Measures; Congress has the power to enact this legis- States Constitution; and By Mr. CARTWRIGHT: lation pursuant to the following: Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18 of the United H.R. 4715. Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the United States Constitution. Congress has the power to enact this legis- States Constitution. By Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Penn- lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. HULTGREN: sylvania: Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 H.R. 4725. H.R. 4707. By Mr. COSTA: Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 4716. lation pursuant to the following: Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3: To regulate lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- Commerce with foreign Nations, and among Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitu- lation pursuant to the following: the several States, and with the Indian tion under the General Welfare Clause. Clause 18 of Section 8 of Article I of the Tribes. By Mr. MCCAUL: Constitution By Mr. CRAWFORD: Article I, Section 8, Clause 18: To make all H.R. 4708. Laws which shall be necessary and proper for Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 4717. Congress has the power to enact this legis- carrying .into Execution the foregoing Pow- lation pursuant to the following: ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con- Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18. To make all lation pursuant to the following: stitution in the Government of the United Laws which shall be necessary and proper for Congress has the power to enact this legis- States, or in any Department or Officer carrying into Execution the foregoing Pow- lation pursuant to the enumerated powers thereof. ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con- listed in Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution. By Mr. LANGEVIN: stitution in the Government of the United H.R. 4726. States, or in any Department or Officer By Mr. DESANTIS: H.R. 4718. Congress has the power to enact this legis- thereof. Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. GRIFFITH: lation pursuant to the following: Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitu- H.R. 4709. Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 (The Congress tion. Congress has the power to enact this legis- shall have Power to lay and collect Taxes, By Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM lation pursuant to the following: Duties, Imposts, and Excises, to pay the of New Mexico: This bill is enacted pursuant to the power Debts and provide for the common Defence H.R. 4727. granted to Congress under Article I, Section Congress has the power to enact this legis- and general Welfare of the United States; but 8 of the United States Constitution. lation pursuant to the following: all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uni- By Mr. BUCSHON: This bill is enacted pursuant to the power form throughout the United States;), and Ar- H.R. 4710. granted to Congress under Article I, Section ticle I, Section 8, Clause 18 (To make all Congress has the power to enact this legis- 8, Clause 18 of the United States Constitu- Laws which shall be necessary and proper for lation pursuant to the following: tion. carrying into execution the foregoing Pow- Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3 of the United By Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con- States Constitution. of New Mexico: stitution in the Government of the United By Mr. BARR: H.R. 4728. States, or in any Department of Officer H.R. 4711. Congress has the power to enact this legis- thereof). Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee: lation pursuant to the following: This bill is enacted pursuant to the power H.R. 4719. (According to Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 granted to Congress under Article I, Section Congress has the power to enact this legis- 8, Clause 18 of the United States Constitu- of the Constitution: The Congress shall have lation pursuant to the following: power to enact this legislation to regulate tion. Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of commerce with foreign nations, and among lation pursuant to Article I, Section 8, the several states, and with the Indian New York: Clause 3 of the United States Constitution. H.R. 4729. tribes.) By Mr. EMMER: Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mrs. BLACKBURN: H.R. 4720. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 4712. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18 Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: By Ms. MCSALLY: lation pursuant to the following: Article 1, Section 8, Clauses I & 18 H.R. 4730. Congress has authority to extend protec- By Mr. ENGEL: Congress has the power to enact this legis- tion to born-alive abortion survivors under H.R. 4721. lation pursuant to the following: the Supreme Court’s Commerce Clause Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18—To make all precedents and under the Constitution’s lation pursuant to the following: Laws which shall be necessary and proper for grants of powers to Congress under the Equal Article I Section I of the Constitution carrying into Execution the foregoing Pow- Protection, Due Process, and Enforcement By Mr. FASO: ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con- Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment. H.R. 4722. stitution in the Government of the United

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States, or in any Department or Officer H.R. 1563: Mr. MCKINLEY and Mr. NOR- SWALWELL of California, Mrs. TORRES, Mrs. thereof. CROSS. LOWEY, Mr. FOSTER, Mr. LANGEVIN, Mr. By Ms. PLASKETT: H.R. 1569: Ms. CLARKE of New York. POLIS, Ms. ROSEN, Ms. SA´ NCHEZ, Mr. H.R. 4731. H.R. 1606: Mr. LONG. CLEAVER, Ms. DEGETTE, Mr. KHANNA, Mr. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1697: Mr. ISSA. LAWSON of Florida, Mr. PASCRELL, and Mr. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1759: Ms. JAYAPAL. VEASEY. Under Article IV, Section 3, of the U.S. H.R. 1762: Mr. MESSER. H.R. 4016: Mr. DEFAZIO. Constitution, Congress shall have power to H.R. 1825: Mr. MESSER and Mr. OLSON. H.R. 4060: Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. dispose of and make all needful Rules and H.R. 1828: Mr. FRANCIS ROONEY of Florida. H.R. 4077: Mr. SCHRADER and Mr. YOUNG of Regulations respecting the Territory or H.R. 1847: Mr. BACON. Iowa. other Property belonging to the United H.R. 1889: Mr. KILDEE. H.R. 4081: Mr. COHEN. States. H.R. 1954: Mr. MCGOVERN, Ms. MOORE, and H.R. 4099: Mr. COOK and Mr. MESSER. Ms. WILSON of Florida. By Mr. REICHERT: H.R. 4139: Mr. LIPINSKI. H.R. 1972: Mr. NEWHOUSE, Mr. MITCHELL, H.R. 4732. H.R. 4142: Mr. COHEN. Mr. UPTON, Mr. FASO, Mr. MARINO, Ms. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 4179: Mr. ESPAILLAT and Mrs. TORRES. lation pursuant to the following: TENNEY, Ms. STEFANIK, Mr. KELLY of Penn- H.R. 4202: Mr. BACON and Mr. TED LIEU of sylvania, Mr. KATKO, and Mr. MEEHAN. ‘‘The constitutional authority of Congress California. to enact this legislation is provided by Arti- H.R. 2077: Ms. STEFANIK. H.R. 4222: Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. cle I, section 8 of the United States Constitu- H.R. 2151: Mr. LIPINSKI, Mr. LARSEN of H.R. 4229: Mr. CURTIS, Ms. CHENEY, Mr. tion, specifically clause 1 (relating to pro- Washington, Mr. RUIZ, and Ms. PINGREE. THOMPSON of California, and Mr. RENACCI. viding for the general welfare of the United H.R. 2234: Mr. DIAZ-BALART. H.R. 4261: Mr. YOUNG of Alaska and Mr. States) and clause 18 (relating to the power H.R. 2308: Mr. CAPUANO. RASKIN. to make all laws necessary and proper for H.R. 2340: Mr. MEEHAN. H.R. 4274: Mr. KELLY of Mississippi, Mr. carrying out the powers vested in Congress), H.R. 2341: Mr. WALBERG. BURGESS, Mr. MESSER, Mrs. BLACKBURN, and and Article IV, section 3, clause 2 (relating H.R. 2401: Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. HOLDING. to the power of Congress to dispose of and H.R. 2417: Mr. GOMEZ. make all needful rules and regulations re- H.R. 2475: Mr. LOWENTHAL. H.R. 4293: Mr. GOTTHEIMER. specting the territory or other property be- H.R. 2575: Ms. LOFGREN, Ms. ESHOO, and Mr. H.R. 4295: Mr. GOHMERT. longing to the United States).’’ BLUMENAUER. H.R. 4392: Mr. PRICE of North Carolina, Mr. By Mr. WELCH: H.R. 2591: Mr. FRANCIS ROONEY of Florida. CURTIS, Mr. MITCHELL, Mr. ROTHFUS, and Ms. H.R. 4733. H.R. 2652: Mr. BILIRAKIS. SPEIER. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 2687: Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Penn- H.R. 4397: Mr. MCCLINTOCK. lation pursuant to the following: sylvania. H.R. 4444: Ms. JACKSON LEE, Mr. SHERMAN, Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18: The Con- H.R. 2723: Mr. ARRINGTON and Mr. GRIF- Mr. SWALWELL of California, Mrs. TORRES, gress shall have Power To . . . make all FITH. Mr. CASTRO of Texas, Mr. LAWSON of Florida, Laws which shall be necessary and proper for H.R. 2832: Mr. KELLY of Mississippi, Mr. and Mr. VARGAS. carrying into Execution the foregoing Pow- DAVIDSON, Mr. MESSER, Mr. KING of Iowa, H.R. 4489: Mr. HUFFMAN. ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con- Mr. ARRINGTON, and Mr. BISHOP of Michigan. H.R. 4506: Mr. MEEKS. stitution in the Government of the United H.R. 2885: Mr. DELANEY. H.R. 4518: Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of States, or in any Department or Officer H.R. 2983: Mr. GROTHMAN. New Mexico, Mr. PRICE of North Carolina, thereof. H.R. 2996: Mr. KING of Iowa and Mr. LEWIS Mr. ELLISON, Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ, Ms. of Minnesota. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, Mr. CASTRO of Texas, f H.R. 3010: Mr. MCKINLEY. Mr. TAKANO, Mr. O’ROURKE, Mr. DESAULNIER, ADDITIONAL SPONSORS H.R. 3144: Mr. LABRADOR. Mr. CLAY, Ms. ADAMS, Mr. CORREA, Ms. H.R. 3197: Mr. PITTENGER. Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors GABBARD, and Mr. WALZ. H.R. 3209: Mr. PETERSON. H.R. 4541: Mr. CORREA and Mr. CONNOLLY. were added to public bills and resolu- H.R. 3263: Miss RICE of New York. H.R. 4591: Mr. FRANCIS ROONEY of Florida. tions, as follows: H.R. 3272: Mr. HECK, Mr. PEARCE, Mr. ELLI- H.R. 4598: Mr. SERRANO. H.R. 15: Mr. GOMEZ. SON, Mr. WITTMAN, Mr. DIAZ-BALART, Mr. H.R. 4620: Mr. CRAMER. H.R. 173: Mr. DIAZ-BALART and Mr. CROW- LAWSON of Florida, Mr. FASO, and Ms. PIN- H.R. 4636: Ms. MENG. LEY. GREE. H.R. 4647: Mr. COLE. H.R. 299: Ms. TITUS, Mr. SHUSTER, and Mrs. H.R. 3273: Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. H.R. 4677: Mr. GROTHMAN. HANDEL. H.R. 3301: Mr. RASKIN. H.R. 4682: Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. BUCSHON, Mr. H.R. 488: Mr. FASO. H.R. 3304: Mr. MESSER. BIGGS, Mr. MCKINLEY, Mr. TROTT, and Mr. H.R. 545: Mr. SHUSTER. H.R. 3324: Mr. FARENTHOLD. TAYLOR. H.R. 548: Mr. MARINO. H.R. 3473: Mr. RUIZ. H.R. 4704: Mr. HASTINGS. H.R. 620: Mr. RICE of South Carolina. H.R. 3530: Ms. NORTON. H.R. 4705: Mr. HASTINGS. H.R. 632: Mr. COSTA and Mr. HOYER. H.R. 3541: Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire H.J. Res. 33: Mr. BLUMENAUER and Ms. H.R. 719: Mr. BURGESS and Mr. STEWART. and Ms. SPEIER. DELBENE. H.R. 772: Mr. ISSA. H.R. 3635: Mrs. BLACKBURN. HOMPSON H.R. 807: Mr. MITCHELL. H.R. 3641: Mr. PRICE of North Carolina and H. Con. Res. 63: Mr. T of Cali- H.R. 858: Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. MCCAUL. fornia. H.R. 908: Mr. PAULSEN. H.R. 3683: Ms. MENG. H. Res. 206: Mr. DELANEY. H.R. 909: Mr. BACON. H.R. 3738: Mr. DESAULNIER, Mr. KENNEDY, H. Res. 220: Mr. CURTIS. H.R. 930: Mr. GAETZ. and Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. H. Res. 244: Ms. BORDALLO. H.R. 1017: Mr. GARAMENDI. H.R. 3800: Mr. COHEN. H. Res. 249: Mr. DELANEY. H.R. 1155: Ms. PINGREE. H.R. 3837: Mr. COHEN. H. Res. 257: Mr. DELANEY. H.R. 1205: Mr. DIAZ-BALART. H.R. 3894: Mr. HUFFMAN. H. Res. 274: Mrs. BUSTOS. H.R. 1276: Mr. O’HALLERAN. H.R. 3976: Mr. GALLEGO, Mr. FORTENBERRY, H. Res. 443: Mr. DELANEY. H.R. 1403: Ms. MENG. Mr. STEWART, and Mr. MESSER. H. Res. 466: Ms. JENKINS of Kansas and Ms. H.R. 1419: Mr. PETERSON. H.R. 4007: Mr. ELLISON, Mr. HASTINGS, Ms. LEE. H.R. 1444: Mr. HUNTER and Mr. GRIFFITH. KELLY of Illinois, Mr. KIND, Mr. PANETTA, H. Res. 521: Mr. DELANEY. H.R. 1456: Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. POCAN, Miss RICE of New York, Mr. RICH- H. Res. 570: Mr. MESSER. H.R. 1494: Mr. CURTIS and Mr. BACON. MOND, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. SHERMAN, Mr. H. Res. 610: Ms. MENG.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:48 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE7.043 H21DEPT1 E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 115 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Vol. 163 WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017 No. 209 Senate The Senate met at 10:01 a.m. and was Senator from the State of Alabama, to per- provide students with tuition-free edu- called to order by the Honorable LU- form the duties of the Chair. cation. They chose to do it after the THER STRANGE, a Senator from the ORRIN G. HATCH, same provision had already passed the State of Alabama. President pro tempore. Senate before we went to conference. Mr. STRANGE thereupon assumed f They didn’t have to raise this chal- the Chair as Acting President pro tem- lenge. It is not required. They chose to. PRAYER pore. In the process, they knowingly hurt The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- f schools that provide tuition-free edu- cation to students who can’t otherwise fered the following prayer: RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY afford to go to college. Let us pray. LEADER Answer us, Eternal One, as we lift Let me give you an example. Berea our hearts to You. Have mercy upon The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- College, in my home State of Ken- our lawmakers and hear their prayers. pore. The majority leader is recog- tucky, is dedicated to educating stu- Remind them that You have set apart nized. dents from the Appalachian region who the godly for Yourself, surrounding f have limited economic resources—in other words, poor kids from Appa- them with the shield of Your favor. TAX REFORM BILL May they never forget that You alone lachia. Their students’ average house- can keep a nation safe. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, hold income is less than $30,000 a year. Lord, lead them on the path that will throughout this process of tax reform, These are kids from families making bring them to abundant life, telling Senate Republicans explained time and less than $30,000 a year. They are from them what to do and showing them again that we are fighting for the mid- Appalachia, and their families don’t which way to turn. As Hanukkah ended dle class. Our opponents lobbed one at- have the means to pay for their edu- last evening and Christmas approaches, tack after another, claiming we were cation. may Your blessings and peace rest on selling hard-working families short. Of Here is what they do at Berea. Every our Nation and world. course, that is completely wrong. The single student receives a scholarship, We pray in Your Holy Name. Amen. tax bill we passed was written to help which covers the cost of their tuition— middle-class families from the very be- every student. The students work at f ginning. Our goal was to make their the school and in their communities to PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE taxes lower, simpler, and fairer. help cover additional living expenses Under our legislation, the typical beyond the costs of attending school. The Presiding Officer led the Pledge family of four making the median fam- In fact, the vast majority of Berea stu- of Allegiance, as follows: ily income can expect nearly $2,000 in dents are able to graduate debt-free be- I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the tax relief next year. Just yesterday, we cause of the model. For example, they United States of America, and to the Repub- saw that tax reform has already in- lic for which it stands, one nation under God, have a great restaurant there. You go indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. spired job creators to increase take- there and eat lunch. The kids are cook- home pay for thousands of their em- ing, and they are serving. They are f ployees. Yet not a single Democrat working their way through school. APPOINTMENT OF ACTING joined us to pass this tax relief for When they graduate, they don’t have PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE American families. any debt. What is worse, just before we voted, Berea College, located in one of the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senate Democrats raised a point of most economically challenged areas of clerk will please read a communication order that proved who is really going my State, offers a quality education to to the Senate from the President pro after low-income families. When given students with the greatest financial tempore (Mr. HATCH). the chance, Senate Democrats, led by need, and it has done so since 1855— The senior assistant legislative clerk the junior Senator from Vermont, 1855. It was founded by abolitionists. read the following letter: raised a procedural challenge to strike In fact, as my friend in the Chair U.S. SENATE, out a provision that protects colleges knows, I am originally from his State. PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, that provide students with tuition-free Let me tell you about when I first Washington, DC, December 21, 2017. To the Senate: education. Let me say it again. The heard of Berea College. My grand- Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, junior Senator from Vermont raised a mother and my grandfather had an Af- of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby procedural challenge to strike out a rican-American family who helped appoint the Honorable LUTHER STRANGE, a provision that protects colleges that them around the house, and they had

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

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:49 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.000 S21DEPT1 S8188 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 an adopted daughter. I was a little kid, is free college to everyone except at Republicans agree. We support a pro- and I remember them talking about Berea College, where it is already free, vision that would fund CHIP not just her going to college. thanks to generations of donors who for a few weeks but for 5 years. Unfor- I said: Where are you going? built their endowment. tunately, our Democratic colleagues She said: I am going to Berea. I am at a loss for words. I don’t un- are unwilling to make that commit- I said: Where is that? derstand how they can claim to fight ment to American families. Thus far, She said: It is up in Kentucky. for students one moment and then they have opposed all of our efforts to It was the closest college that would make it harder for students to afford include 5 years of CHIP funding in this take African-American students at college the next. They chose to attack week’s agreement. Whatever partisan that time. Since they didn’t have the the tax bill by any means necessary, politics are leading my colleagues on means to pay for the tuition, it was a even though they knew the outcome the other side to this mystifying con- great opportunity to get a tuition-free and, in the process, launched a direct clusion, it is time to put them aside education. attack on the ability of schools like and do right by our constituents. I A few years ago, I called the presi- Berea to provide tuition-free education hope we can all work together and give dent of Berea College and said: I would to needy students. Americans the peace of mind they de- like to try to locate somebody. This action by Senate Democrats is serve, particularly going into the He said: Well, the privacy rules are deeply disappointing and will provide Christmas season. such that all I can do is to see if we can real and lasting harm. I hope my f find them and see if they want to meet friends on the other side of the aisle re- TRIBUTE TO LUTHER STRANGE you. alize the American people will see their I said: That is fair enough. This partisan tactics for what they really Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, on would be a person about a certain age, are—an attack on low-income students a completely different matter, I would who would have originally been from who want to pursue opportunity and like to say a few words in tribute to a Athens, AL. If you can identify this find success. fine colleague whose all-too-brief time student, I would love to meet her. A number of my colleagues in Con- in the Senate will soon draw to a close. He did. When she came to my office gress have said they are interested in Senator LUTHER STRANGE of Alabama in the Capitol with her daughter, who fixing this problem, including my col- is the newest Member of this body, lives in the area, I found out that she league from Kentucky, Congressman having been sworn in just this past graduated from Berea and went on to ANDY BARR. I am committed to work- February, but he did not waste any be a nurse. She lived in the north most ing with him and other Members of time in making an impact. In this his- of her life and is now relocated in Ath- Congress, and with schools like Berea, toric year for the Senate, LUTHER ens, AL. to help right this wrong. It is hard not quickly emerged as a strong voice on This is Berea College. This is the col- to repeat. This amendment was offered policy and an important vote on land- lege these guys over here—every single by the man who wanted to provide mark legislation. On a personal level, it didn’t take one of them—voted to target by mak- every student in America with free col- anyone long to realize that this new- ing their endowment subject to a tax lege tuition but at the same time want- comer would rank among the most dili- that would otherwise only apply to the ed to reduce the number of scholar- really big schools in the country—the gent, dedicated, and public-spirited ships at a college where it is already Members of this institution. At first, Ivy League schools. free, actually, thanks to the generosity we even wondered whether LUTHER Every year, Berea uses the returns on of decades of wealthy people who gave its endowment solely for scholarships, might be a little too diligent. to their endowment, believing the mis- Upon his arriving in Washington, the and that sets it apart from nearly sion of providing a college education Senator dived into the task of meeting every other college and university in for poor kids from Appalachia was a his colleagues with the friendly ear- the Nation. I worked with the Finance worthy goal. We are going to fix this nestness that is his calling card. The Committee to include a provision to problem. We are going to fix it as soon first time LUTHER passed Senator ROB- protect schools like Berea from taxes as we can. ERTS in a Capitol hallway, he stopped on endowments that apply to private f to introduce himself and share his ex- schools who choose to sit on these FUNDING THE GOVERNMENT citement to be joining the Agriculture, large funds rather than using them ag- Nutrition, and Forestry Committee. gressively to reduce the cost of attend- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, on There was nothing unusual there, but I ing school. But Senate Democrats iden- another matter, the Senate has impor- have it on good authority that the very tified this exemption as a bridge too tant business to conclude this week. next day, when LUTHER found himself far. Instead of allowing the provision The American people are counting on sharing an elevator with Senator ROB- Congress to reach a government fund- to stand, thereby protecting these stu- ERTS, the junior Senator from Alabama dents at schools like Berea, they de- ing agreement. If we were to fail to introduced himself all over again. Not cided to pick partisan politics and at- reach an agreement, we would be fail- long after, a chance meeting on the tack the measure simply because they ing to ensure that our all-volunteer train occasioned yet a third introduc- could. In the process, they assured that Armed Forces have all of the resources tion. PAT ROBERTS had to put a stop to Berea would bear the brunt of their they need to protect our country in the it. blatant political calculation. face of myriad threats from all around ‘‘Yes, Luther,’’ he broke in. ‘‘I think Because Democrats stripped this part the globe. We would be subjecting pro- we’ve met before—and we’re sure glad of the bill, Berea estimates it could pay grams that American families rely on to have you here, too.’’ We certainly a tax penalty of nearly $1 million every to draconian sequestration cuts that were glad as well. year. Berea’s president has already ex- none of us want to take effect. LUTHER came to the Senate with a plained to us the effect of this tax: The The Senate stands ready to take up national reputation for integrity and school will be forced to offer fewer an agreement as soon as one originates excellence in public service. That scholarships to kids. over in the House. We are ready to started young. The proud son of a Navy The junior Senator from Vermont work together, across the aisle, to en- veteran turned college professor, this and his allies, which included every sure there is no lapse in funding for Birmingham paperboy made Eagle single Member of the Democratic con- critical services. Furthermore, my Re- Scout at age 13—an accomplishment ference, have chosen to make it harder publican colleagues in the Senate stand that still shows up on his lapel from for low-income students to earn a col- ready and eager to ensure full and time to time. lege degree. This is especially hypo- long-term funding for the Children’s He received his bachelor’s from critical coming from the man who Health Insurance Program. There are 9 Tulane, where—and I know this may claims to support free college for all. million children who receive coverage come as a shock—the man the Senate During the Presidential campaign last through CHIP. They and their parents historian has apparently verified as the year, I remember he was promising free deserve to know that Congress is com- tallest Senator in history played schol- college to everyone. Apparently, that mitted to them. arship basketball.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:08 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.001 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8189 After graduation, to save for law to the Talladega Superspeedway to what really matters around here, at school, he spent a year on a boat that take in the Talladega 500, he convinced the end of the day, is policy, and the supplied oil rigs in the North Sea. He her to marry him anyway. Their loving first year of unified Republican govern- pitched in on everything—did whatever partnership has now spanned 36 years ment has delivered plenty of that. it took to help the team—and helped and counting. They have raised two In 2016, the American people faced a the crew navigate the ship through sons. I hear that Luke is just an inch stark choice. The Republicans prom- choppy waters. shy of his dad’s height and that Keehn ised a new era of deregulation and lim- These qualities will sound familiar to is an inch taller. In recent years, LU- ited government—a new policy ap- everyone who has worked with LUTHER THER and Melissa have become the proach that would entrust free markets since. proud grandparents of two young boys. and free citizens to drive us forward. He built a sterling reputation as an I have it on good authority that a The Democrats, on the other hand, re- up-and-coming lawyer in private prac- certain black Lab named Sophie might newed and restated their faith in the tice. He then set it aside to serve the be the most excited of all the Stranges effectiveness of government, centered people of the State he loves as Ala- to welcome the Senator back home to here in Washington, to direct and com- bama’s attorney general. Birmingham. mand the national welfare. The Amer- In the fine Alabama tradition of pub- Wherever LUTHER’s distinguished ca- ican people spoke loudly, and they lic servants, like his friends and men- reer takes him next, I know he is glad spoke decisively. The Republicans were tors Jeff Sessions and RICHARD SHELBY, it will involve more time with the peo- given the reins and were instructed to he combined a steel spine with a serv- ple he loves most. sort all of this out. ant’s heart. Whenever the people of the He has served with distinction in the Nobody needs to remind me that State needed defending—their busi- Senate during a year of historic elections are the beginning of the chal- nesses, their religious liberties, their achievements. On behalf of Alabam- lenge, not the end. The Republicans Second Amendment rights—their at- ians, he has made vital contributions may have prevailed in the campaign, torney general was there for them. on the Agriculture, Nutrition, and For- but an election won is nothing more Then as now, he fought fiercely when estry; Armed Services; Budget; and En- than an opportunity seized. It is noth- times required it and his principles de- ergy and Natural Resources Commit- ing more than a charge to carry out manded it, but no matter how impor- tees. He has cast votes to help middle- the promises offered on the trail, and tant the issue at hand, from the Su- class families and set America on a that is precisely what we are doing. preme Court to the Senate floor, LU- brighter trajectory for years to come. Here in the Senate, despite fits and THER never loses his good humor or his We thank him and wish him every starts, we are moving the ball forward. conviction that we serve in order to success in his future endeavors, and we Notwithstanding often vicious treat- help our constituents, not to aggran- salute him for the dedicated service he ment by the media and the constant dize ourselves. has rendered to his country and to the obstruction of the Democrats here in LUTHER STRANGE reminds us that people of the great State of Alabama. Congress, we are getting work done. character counts. He reminds us that Promises made in 2016 have become deeply held conservative values do not f promises kept in 2017. The American in any way stand opposed to RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME people were promised the removal of collegiality and common decency. To The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- redtape and infuriating bureaucratic the contrary, our values require these pore. Under the previous order, the encumbrances on economic growth. As things. leadership time is reserved. soon as we took office in early 2017, we He reminds us that the American moved to do just that. people need not choose between leaders f We confirmed Neomi Rao as the Ad- who share their principles and leaders MORNING BUSINESS ministrator of the Office of Informa- who dignify public service. They should tion and Regulatory Affairs. Under her hold their elected officials to a high The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- stewardship, the Executive has cut standard and demand that we do too. pore. Under the previous order, the over a dozen old rules for every single If you cannot tell, LUTHER’s col- Senate will be in a period of morning new rule created. Regulation has been leagues look up to him in more ways business, with Senators permitted to subjected to actual cost-savings anal- than one. We are sorry to see him go. speak therein for up to 10 minutes ysis, and, likely, billions have been In the farewell speech that Senator each. saved in the process. STRANGE delivered on this floor, he Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Here in Congress we passed a dozen challenged his colleagues to revive suggest the absence of a quorum. CRAs to cut down on costly and inef- greater comity in this body. He im- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- fective rules passed in the twilight plored us not to give up on bipartisan- pore. The clerk will call the roll. hours of the Obama administration. ship or on building friendships that run The senior assistant legislative clerk The list of deregulatory items speaks deeper than policy disagreements. He proceeded to call the roll. for itself: restoration of free markets reminded us that the Senate’s Marble Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I ask and free competition on internet, done; Room, across the hallway from this unanimous consent that the order for new environmental policy to unleash Chamber, used to be a popular gath- the quorum call be rescinded. the potential of American energy pro- ering place. Senators from both parties The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- duction, done; reform of public lands would relax and get to know one an- pore. Without objection, it is so or- designation and renewal of State and other above and beyond the specific dered. local control over western territories, disputes of the day. Today, LUTHER f done; Labor Department reform that pointed out, this room often sits restores bargaining power to employees empty. WORK OF THE REPUBLICAN-LED and employers rather than unions and His advice is well taken, and I have CONGRESS bureaucrats, done. On nearly every an idea how we could begin to put it Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, often front, from education to justice issues into practice. All of us on both sides of here in Washington, it can be difficult and everything in between, there has the aisle could try to approach our to focus on what counts. been substantial progress. work with more of the optimism, can- We live in an information environ- Personnel are often the catalyst to do spirit, and reverence for this great ment which is increasingly atomized policy, and we still have nominations institution that LUTHER STRANGE has and persistently polarized. Almost all in several agencies to come. The Con- brought to work every single day. will inevitably focus on who is up and sumer Financial Protection Bureau is Of course, the Senate’s loss will be a who is down in the endless cycle of par- in good hands with Mick Mulvaney and happy gain for LUTHER’s beloved fam- tisan gamesmanship. News cycles come will eventually be handed off to a capa- ily. and news cycles go. Poll numbers jump, ble permanent Director. Federal Trade Despite the fact that his bright idea then fall, then jump again, and fall Commission nominations should be ar- for a first date with Melissa was a trip again, but nobody should forget that riving shortly, and just recently the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:08 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.003 S21DEPT1 S8190 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 Senate Judiciary Committee unani- On top of it all, the individual man- continue to execute attacks across the mously reported the next Director of date has been repealed and ObamaCare globe. Violent state and nonstate ac- the USPTO, Andrei Iancu. As a long- is now firmly on its way out, thank tors continue to destabilize Syria, Af- time champion of intellectual property goodness. Despite earlier difficulties, ghanistan, Ukraine, Yemen, Nigeria, rights, and head of the High-Tech Task we are well on our way toward repeal. and others. We saw Russia continue Force, I encourage my colleagues to As we move toward 2018, we can look meddling in elections, just as they did swiftly confirm him to this post. forward to additional policy success on in ours last year. Overall, this President has delivered everything from entitlements to infra- This is a year of great volatility and on his nominations, and his nominees structure to immigration. uncertainty. However, we also saw the have delivered on his promises. While I In conclusion, I don’t want to hear U.S. military leading an international am on the topic of nominations, I want anyone claim that this President and coalition that is loosening the stran- to talk about the judiciary. Con- this Congress have not gotten things glehold ISIS had on parts of Iraq and troversy seems to be swirling, due to a done. Promises were made and prom- Syria. We saw the recovery of Amer- few recent—and I would say unfortu- ises were kept. Only a year into things, ican hostages, including constituents nate—bumps in the road, but we must we are making good on our pledge for of mine, held captive for years by ter- not miss the forest no matter how historic change in Washington. rorists. In Europe, U.S. and NATO much the press would like to harken on forces partnered to counter Russian ag- a few of the trees. The accomplish- f gression and dispel propaganda. U.S. ments of this administration and Sen- NOMINATION OF RYAN NELSON development assistance projects helped ate in addressing the judiciary have Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, on an- hundreds of millions of people across been historic. other matter, I would like to offer a Neil Gorsuch was a superb choice for the world, including 11 million farmers few words of support for the nomina- 1 the Supreme Court. At a critical junc- and 27 ⁄2 million children under the tion of Ryan Nelson to be the Solicitor Feed the Future Program. ture for our courts, he stands poised to for the Department of Interior. seize the mantle left by Justice Even when it seemed like there were Mr. Nelson has a distinguished legal many reasons to be afraid, the U.S. Antonin Scalia and carry the cause of background. He has worked in both the originalism and textualism forward for military, diplomats, and development private and public sector, including in professionals were responsible for a lot a new generation, but Justice Gorsuch all three branches of the Federal Gov- was only the beginning. From the cir- of good progress this year. ernment. Most importantly, he is re- On Monday of this week, President cuit courts to the district courts, judi- spected by those members of the Idaho cial nominations across the board have Trump laid out his administration’s State Bar who know him best. national security strategy. I commend really been outstanding. We have con- He has been endorsed by numerous the work of the national security pro- firmed more circuit court nominees colleagues representing a broad spec- fessionals who crafted the document this year than in any President’s first trum of political views. Mr. Nelson’s which warrants a thorough review. It is year in American history. exemplary legal background makes We accomplished this despite Demo- a substantial body of work, but it him ideally suited to serve as the De- crats using their time-tested obstruc- paints a very dark picture of the world partment of Interior’s Solicitor, and we tion tactics and even coming up with and our role in it. owe the people of Utah and the West some new ones. They forced us to take A little more than 2 years ago, I the opportunity to confirm him at 18 cloture votes on judicial nominees stood on this floor and invoked the once. alone this year, compared to just one words of Senator Vandenberg—the Sen- Once confirmed, I am very eager to cloture vote during the first year of all ator from Michigan back in the World work with Mr. Nelson and Secretary previous Presidents combined. Never- War II era—for ‘‘maximum united ef- Ryan Zinke to continue a shared mis- theless, we got the job done. The re- fort’’ and Senator Vandenberg’s admo- sion of restoring trust between the sults will be felt for decades to come. nition that politics should stop at the Federal Government and the people of Whatever our differences on other water’s edge. When I spoke these the West. issues, conservatives across the board words, this was at a time when it heartily approve of the way this ad- There have been some marvelous changes this year, and there will be seemed the only response my Repub- ministration has handled judicial lican colleagues had to the Obama ad- nominations. even more if we could just work to- gether and quit all the bumbling ministration’s foreign policy moves I will continue to work with my col- was categorical condemnation. leagues in the Senate Judiciary Com- around here as though we hate each I will not categorically condemn the mittee, as well as Leader MCCONNELL, other. I am grateful for my colleagues administration’s new strategy, but I to confirm these judges. As the rest of on both sides of the aisle. I believe we will pose a challenge to reject the false our agenda gains steam, judicial selec- have made important strides this year, choice between investing at home and tion will remain the vanguard. There and I think we can make even more. I engaging abroad; utilize our diplomatic are more judges to come this new year, am grateful for what we have been able and development toolkit as much, if and we are going to keep on confirming to get done this year. not more, than we exercise our defense them. Each and every week, a new trial I yield the floor. or appellate court judge will add to the The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- capabilities; lead by example. The ranks of a rapidly improving judiciary. pore. The Senator from Pennsylvania. world will indeed become a dark place Finally, on the legislative front, this Mr. CASEY. Thank you, Mr. Presi- if we hide America’s light under a administration and Republican Con- dent. bushel basket, to use words from Scrip- gress have just delivered the most con- I ask to speak in morning business. ture. sequential and far-reaching tax reform The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- In the face of our adversaries’ aggres- package in 30 years. When other admin- pore. The Senator is recognized. sion, we can choose between competi- tion and cooperation. The new strategy istrations and other sessions of Con- f gress couldn’t get it done, we did. Indi- outlined by the administration ref- viduals will see their tax rates drop. NATIONAL SECURITY erences competition nearly three times Businesses, from large corporations Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I rise this more than cooperation. I suggest to the that employ thousands to small busi- morning to outline some ideas about administration the words of President nesses paying passthrough rates, will our national security as we approach Franklin D. Roosevelt, who said: enjoy new capital for investment, ex- the end of the year. ‘‘Competition has been shown to be pansion, and more. In fact, seemingly Many Americans are heading into the useful up to a certain point and no fur- to the dismay of our Democratic col- holiday season with some very reason- ther, but cooperation, which is a thing leagues, businesses are already re- able fears about the threats facing our we must strive for today, begins where sponding to the good news with an- Nation. In 2017, we saw an emboldened competition leaves off.’’ nouncements of bonuses and new ven- North Korean regime testing missiles Mr. President, I yield to the distin- tures, and that is just the beginning. and nuclear weapons. Terrorist groups guished Democratic leader.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:49 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.005 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8191 RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY They have overwhelming support. SPECIAL COUNSEL MUELLER LEADER These kids were brought here very Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, on The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- young, through no fault of their own. Special Prosecutor Mueller, I want to pore. The minority leader is recog- They learn in our schools, work at our take a moment to praise my friend nized. companies, serve in our military, and from Virginia, Senator MARK WARNER, pledge allegiance to our flag. They are f vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Americans in every single important Committee, for his speech yesterday THANKING THE SENATOR FROM way but one—their paperwork. This is about Special Counsel Mueller. It was PENNSYLVANIA an issue we have a moral imperative to an eloquent speech. I would like to as- Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I very solve here in Congress. sociate myself with the substance of much thank my friend from Pennsyl- Democrats want to make sure that his fine remarks. If the President were vania. As always, he is a gentleman as we have equal bargaining, and we are to fire Special Counsel Mueller, our well as a great legislator and great not going to allow things like disaster country would face a constitutional leader. I meant those words very sin- relief go forward without discussing crisis. As my colleague from Virginia cerely, unrelated to his yielding to me. some of the other issues we care about said, it would cross a redline. Addition- that I have mentioned. We have to ally, there are steps below that brash f solve these issues together, even if that and brazen act that would also cross FUNDING THE GOVERNMENT means passing a clean, short-term CR redlines here in Congress, as Senator extension of government funding with WARNER noted, including the use of the Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, on some anomalies—we always understand year-end issues, we are staring down a Presidential pardon on members of the there always have to be some anoma- Trump campaign who have been con- litany of unresolved issues, and we are lies but not those that change the quickly running out of time to solve victed, whether those pardons are in- structure—and continuing the negotia- tended to subvert the investigation or them. Not only do we need to pass an tions into January. extension of government funding, but prevent testimony and further coopera- as I have said many times, we need to f tion. deal with budget caps, CHIP, commu- So I say to my colleagues, just as fir- nity health centers, 702 FISA, a dis- REPUBLICAN TAX BILL ing Special Prosecutor Mueller would aster supplemental, and of course the Mr. SCHUMER. Now, Mr. President, cross a redline, so would pardoning Dreamers. on tax. Earlier this week, the Senate people like Manafort and Flynn. The I believe we could have resolved all of passed one of the worst pieces of legis- bottom line is this: President Trump these issues had my Republican col- lation in at least a decade, maybe must allow this investigation to pro- leagues, especially in the House, not longer. The Republican tax bill will go ceed without a scintilla of interference. put them on the back burner while down in history as a rushed, sloppy, He would be wise to listen to Senator jamming through their tax bill. It is partisan rewrite of the Tax Code that WARNER’s speech yesterday and act ac- unclear still what the House is going to benefited those who already have so cordingly. send us to keep the government open much while doing little or hurting f and whether it will be acceptable to those who have too little. It will be re- the Senate. membered as throwing the extraor- THE REPUBLICAN-LED SENATE At the same time, the House may dinary income inequality we see today Mr. SCHUMER. Finally, Mr. Presi- move forward on an unacceptable dis- into overdrive and fulfilling very few of dent, since this is the last time I might aster supplemental which still does not the ambitious Republican promises be able to address this Chamber before treat fairly California, Puerto Rico, about growth, job creation, and deficit the end of the year—let’s hope so—I and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It doesn’t reduction. But perhaps most of all, the would like to look back at what the include, as best we know—they are still Republican tax bill will define the Re- Senate has accomplished this year. The working on it—cost sharing for Puerto publican Party as the party of the rich long and short of it, though, is that the Rico and additional funding for Med- and powerful, the party against the Senate has not accomplished much to icaid, mitigation resiliency, and drink- middle class, and that will be a rubric be proud of. ing water infrastructure. While House we will hear from now until next No- Despite winning only a slim majority Republicans included some tax provi- vember and even further on. in the last election—a condition that sions in the disaster supplemental, Yesterday in the Oval Office, Presi- made this year ripe for cooperation be- they failed to extend the ITC for Puer- dent Trump admitted that cutting the tween the parties—the Republicans to Rico, extend the childcare tax credit corporate tax rate was ‘‘probably the used their power not to seek consensus consistent with other States, and the biggest factor in our plan.’’ Despite all or bipartisanship but, rather, to try to tax bill also includes a devastating new his rhetoric about this being a middle- jam through a partisan agenda. business tax that treats Puerto Rico as class tax bill, as soon as it passes, he My friend the majority leader once if it is a foreign country, which could admits that lowering the corporate promised that if he were ever given the encourage manufacturers to leave the rate was the Republicans’ primary majority, he would return the body to island. This tax could cost thousands of goal. regular order. He cautioned against the jobs and decimate Puerto Rico’s econ- As corporations get a massive, per- Senate becoming an ‘‘assembly line for omy at exactly the time when Puerto manent tax break, individuals will get one party’s partisan legislative agen- Rico is hurting from the hurricanes small and temporary ones. By 2027, 145 da.’’ That is what MITCH MCCONNELL and needs all the help it can get. Those million American families making said a few years ago. Sadly, that is ex- issues must be fixed before a disaster under $200,000—83 percent of the middle actly what the Senate has become supplemental can move forward. Be- class—will be either paying more in under his leadership this year. For a cause of these inadequacies, the dis- taxes or get a cut of less than $100. man who professed to love the Senate aster supplemental may have to slip to That is according to the Joint Com- and relish bipartisanship, this is prob- next year. I think we can work it out mittee on Taxation—no partisan affili- ably the most partisan Senate that I in a bipartisan way—I certainly do— ation. Meanwhile, the top 1 percent of have served in in all the years I have but just jamming it through without income earners in our country will been here, and we have departed from consulting us and not being fair to so reap 83 percent of the benefits from regular order and the customs of the many other parts of the country this tax plan. Those facts are what Senate in ways never seen before. For doesn’t make sense. make this bill so dramatically unpopu- what end? Well, this Chamber, under Unfortunately, we still have not lar with the American people by a 2-to- Republican leadership, has devoted reached a deal yet on the Dreamers, 1 margin in some polls, and next year itself to furthering the interests of the who are very important not only to my the American people will have the op- wealthy and powerful, while ignoring caucus, not only to some on the Repub- portunity to reject this bill and move or harming the interests of the middle lican side but to the American people. our country in a different direction. class and working America.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:49 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.006 S21DEPT1 S8192 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 Republicans will argue that they had chance to move our country in a dra- bates with family members or friends a great year, pointing to three things— matically different direction in 2018. whose views differ from ours. However, Judge Gorsuch, the use of the Congres- We are already seeing a yearning for in that fictitious, oppressive country sional Review Act to roll back regula- that new direction in elections in Vir- that I described earlier, you can’t have tions, and their tax bill. All three of ginia, New Jersey, Tennessee, and even these debates, or you can try, but you those things help the rich and they will in deep red Alabama. If the Repub- won’t last too long because the au- help corporations, but they won’t help licans continue to hurt the middle thorities will come knocking. the middle class. class and give handouts to big corpora- That is what is great about our coun- Senate Republicans engaged in his- tions and the wealthy, they are in for a try. The United States is the land of toric obstruction to keep a Supreme reckoning next November. the free and the home of the brave, and Court seat open so the Heritage Foun- I yield the floor, and I thank my col- I am reminded of that every time I dation and Federalist Society could league from Pennsylvania for his cour- meet with servicemembers and vet- pick a Justice who would rule on the tesy. erans who are willing to put their lives side of corporations instead of people. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- on the line every day to defend our in- Senate Republicans jammed through pore. The Senator from Pennsylvania. alienable rights to criticize and to dis- Congressional Review Act bills that f agree with our leaders. rolled back protections for women, stu- So what about this new strategy that NATIONAL SECURITY dents, and workers, while lifting re- the administration just outlined this quirements placed on bad actors in the Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I want to week? This new strategy states, in per- big oil, gas, mining, and gun industries. thank the Democratic leader for his re- tinent part, that ‘‘America possesses They capped the year by passing a marks. unmatched political, economic, mili- tax bill that provides huge tax breaks When I was speaking a few moments tary, and technological advantages.’’ for the rich and biggest corporations, ago about national security, I had That is what the strategy says, and while providing crumbs and even tax made a suggestion to the administra- that is certainly true. But I think we hikes for the middle class. tion that there is a national security should add a few other advantages, They tried for months to repeal the strategy that has been outlined and even attributes, that are part of the Affordable Care Act, which would send that the administration reject the false American story, part of the American costs soaring for millions of Americans choice between investing at home and advantage. and cause millions more to lose cov- engaging abroad and make sure that Certainly, our history of generosity erage. they utilize our diplomatic and devel- sets us apart from the world, a tradi- They failed to fully authorize CHIP, opment toolkits as much as if not more tion of pluralism as well, the freedom the Children’s Health Insurance Pro- than they exercise our defense capa- to debate and dissent without fear, the gram, and failed to rebuild our infra- bilities. respect for the rule of law, and finally structure, despite the President’s We have major challenges, and that a culture of innovation unmatched promises. is why I think it is important to out- anywhere in the world. As I have said The stock market is up, but wages line this morning some of those chal- before, Americans don’t wait for the fu- are flat or nearly flat. The President lenges and some of our responses as we ture; we invent the future. and Republicans promised that they head into the new year. Through the execution of its strat- would stop outsourcing, and that Just for discussion purposes, I want- egy, the administration has an oppor- hasn’t happened. Even companies the ed to paint the picture of a nation tunity to invent the future of our Na- President said he would personally that—it doesn’t describe one nation, tion, as well as its role in the world— save have sent jobs to Mexico, leaving but I think we can imagine a country a future where the American economy families in the Midwest and across the that fits this description or at least a is firing on all cylinders, where invest- country without the income they need number of countries that might. Imag- ments here at home lift up everyone, this holiday season. ine a sovereign state, a member of the where our researchers and manufactur- Time and time again, the middle United Nations, a nation whose leaders ers lead the world in the production of class was an afterthought or simply are singularly focused on staying in cutting-edge technologies. forgotten by Senate Republicans and power and who will do anything to re- For the last 11 months, this adminis- President Trump. That has been the main in power, including undermining tration has sent the world mixed sig- story of the year. Republicans haven’t their colleagues and erstwhile friends. nals about what ‘‘America first’’ really accomplished much, but what they In this country I am describing, those means, from pulling out of the Paris have accomplished has only benefited who speak truth to power are dis- climate agreement, to threatening to the wealthy and well connected. missed, ridiculed, or, at worst, treated walk away from NATO, to hollowing The Senate’s record this year has ex- as criminals. This particular country out the State Department. I believe the posed the faux populism at the center or profile of a country looks inward, strategy implementation presents an of President Trump’s political identity. putting its domestic troubles first as opportunity to reverse that course. We Although he rode into office promising its reputation in the world declines. cannot turn away from the world and to help the forgotten man and woman, Out of fear of its near-peer competi- try to go it alone. We should ask our those are exactly the people he has for- tors, the country retreats from diplo- allies, certainly, to pull their weight gotten, abandoning them in favor of matic engagement and doubles down on and pay their fair share. Whether it is wealthy special interests. Populism, military capabilities. Does this sound NATO or the counter-ISIS coalition, unfortunately, under President Trump, familiar? It might to some. It may de- the United States can always press our has been traded for plutocracy. scribe a number of countries in whole partners to do more, but not by threat- The millions of Americans in 2016 or in part. ening that we will abandon these alli- who were frustrated at a Washington Of course, there are a number of ances or by creating any uncertainty that didn’t work for them feel more countries that fit this description. Cer- about these alliances. Simply put, we frustrated today, and the millions of tainly, the dictatorial regimes that need partners to tackle some of the working men and women who voted for rule North Korea, Syria, and Iran greatest threats facing our Nation and President Trump—many of them are prioritize self-preservation over the the world. already feeling betrayed. welfare of their citizens. In Russia and Let’s go through a couple of them. We hope that the future will be dif- China, journalists and opposition lead- North Korea is first on the list. The ferent and that our Republican friends ers are regularly silenced, jailed, or North Korean regime is unpredictable realize that their legislative and polit- worse. and armed with nuclear, chemical, and ical goals are better served by biparti- Here in the United States, we are biological weapons and the means to sanship and compromise rather than going through an especially turbulent deliver them. Just across the demili- gridlock and strife. If they do, we are chapter in the American story. As we tarized zone are tens of thousands of willing and ready to work with them, celebrate the holidays, we might be U.S. forces and our South Korean al- but if they don’t, voters will have a dreading the inevitable political de- lies. Just across the water are more

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:49 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.007 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8193 U.S. military personnel and our Japa- sition plan that leaves Bashar al-Assad China systemically, perniciously nese allies. This regime is a significant in power for at least another 4 years. games the international trade system threat—the North Korean regime. It is This is unacceptable and dangerous. to its advantage. I firmly believe a threat exacerbated by reckless ridi- Assad is responsible for terrible war American workers and industry can cule, bombastic statements, and ill- crimes that led to the deaths of hun- outinnovate and outproduce any others considered tweets. One miscalculation dreds of thousands of Syrians and the in the world when the playing field is can be disastrous. The administration displacement of millions more. The level. Driven by similar motives, Rus- should accelerate serious, sober diplo- strategy outlined by the administra- sia has meddled in elections across the macy in lockstep with our allies. For tion says: ‘‘We will seek a settlement Western world, trying to undermine the New Year, let’s agree to a new rule to the Syrian civil war that sets the confidence in one of our most funda- for all of us—both branches of govern- conditions for refugees to return home mental institutions of democracy. ment: Leave the tweets for domestic and rebuild their lives and safety.’’ Again, there are concrete steps the ad- policy only. Sound foreign policy and I agree with that goal. Most people ministration can take to counter these security policy cannot be done in 280 would agree with that goal, but the ad- threats from both China and Russia: characters. ministration has missed the bigger pic- No. 1, shore up our electoral systems Congress has offered the administra- ture. We need a strategy that pushes and help others do the same; No. 2, tion powerful leverage in this cir- back on Russian and Iranian influence counter propaganda; No. 3, fight cor- cumstance in the form of several pieces in Syria and addresses the underlying ruption; and No. 4, get serious about of legislation. First, the Countering grievances that led to the conflict in holding trade cheaters like China ac- America’s Adversaries Through Sanc- the first place. countable. tions Act passed this summer, and the Let me move to Iran. The Iranian re- Through engagement and coopera- Banking Restrictions Involving North gime remains a powerful force for in- tion, we can lead the rest of the world Korea Act is pending before the Senate stability in the Middle East, especially away from the Cold War-era clash of now. I support these tough, bipartisan through its support of terrorist proxies major powers that Russia and China sanctions measures because I believe and militias. We know that the Ira- want to create. turning the economic screws, coupled nians want to maintain control of ter- In conclusion, if this outline of some with genuine diplomacy, can yield re- ritory linking Tehran with Beirut. So of the threats and challenges posed sults. In the New Year, I urge the they will continue to act against U.S. seems like a tremendous challenge—a President to tone down the rhetoric interests in Iraq and Syria. Here, great challenge for our Nation—it is and to empower the Secretary of State again, Congress has offered powerful because it always has been so. It has and our senior diplomats to find a dip- tools to the administration in the form always been a challenge. lomatic path toward a stable North of the Countering America’s Adver- President Truman once said: Korea that doesn’t threaten the United saries Through Sanctions Act. America was not built on fear. America States or our allies. The nuclear deal with Iran is giving was built on courage, on imagination and on How about terrorist groups around us an unprecedented visibility on the unbeatable determination to do the job at the world? Over the last 16 years, the Iranian nuclear program, but the mul- hand. U.S. military, the intelligence commu- tilateral diplomatic channels built When faced with a challenge, whether nity, and our homeland security profes- alongside that agreement have atro- it is Pennsylvanians or Americans, we sionals have worked hand in hand to phied under this administration. Every don’t shrink inward. We step up. Our meet the rise of terrorist groups head time the President threatens to walk adversaries want us to be divided and on. We owe the men and women in uni- away from the Iran nuclear deal, he dispirited. These adversaries underesti- form a debt of gratitude for tirelessly sends a clear signal to our allies and mate the courage, the imagination, and leading the coalition fight that has adversaries alike: U.S. commitments the determination of the American rolled back ISIS’s territorial gains. Im- are written in disappearing ink. people. plementing the administration’s new If the administration wants to get President Trump might see it dif- strategy and its call to fight terrorism tough on Iran’s nonnuclear bad behav- ferently, but as we close out 2017, I see at its source is not just about the mili- ior, there are concrete steps to take a world that needs American leadership tary fight. The United States should today: more than ever. To paraphrase Presi- also lead the international community No. 1, work with our allies to step up dent Kennedy, we should seek not a in addressing the underlying issues maritime interdictions of any illicit Pax Americana enforced on the world that drive terrorist recruitment and weapons traffic to or from Iran. by American weapons of war but a gen- help to rebuild communities newly lib- No. 2, push the Europeans to do more uine peace that makes life on Earth erated from terrorist control. to combat the financial networks that worth living. The American people are Think about this. More than 65 mil- enrich the Iranian terrorist proxy, ready to rise to that challenge. I hope lion people around the world are dis- Hezbollah. My bipartisan Stop Ter- the administration is too. placed from their homes right now. rorist Operational Resources and I yield the floor. There is no purely military solution for Money Act, or the so-called STORM The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. SUL- this refugee crisis. A successful coun- Act, which is bipartisan, could help LIVAN). The majority whip. terterrorism strategy requires us to with that. f work with our partners for information No. 3, begin diplomatic conversations sharing and for contributions of devel- with our allies about a multilateral SENATE ACCOMPLISHMENTS opment assistance. strategy to curtail the Iranian ballistic Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I would Another trouble spot in the world is missile program. like to speak briefly today about the Syria. In Syria, the connection be- All of these efforts take cooperation year we have had here in Washington, tween instability, displacement, and with our allies, which the President DC. terrorism is clear. This conflict has makes harder every time he calls into At times along the way, it wasn’t been raging for nearly 7 years. In the question the future of the nuclear deal, easy. There were more than one or two absence of U.S. engagement on a polit- known as the Joint Comprehensive bumps in the road, and there were ical solution to this crisis, regional Plan of Action. times when we got discouraged because powers—namely, Russia, Iran, and Tur- Finally, as to Russia and China, the we weren’t able to accomplish every- key—have run the table, to the benefit new strategy by this administration re- thing we wanted to accomplish on the of the murderous Assad regime and at peatedly describes Russia and China as part of the American people. But look- the expense of the Syrian people. The our competitors. Let me be clear. ing back, I am proud of what we were United States has abdicated its leader- These countries are not our friends. able to get done. ship role and ceded control of the out- They actively work against U.S. inter- The first thing is to notice the speed comes to nations with interests often ests. They are threatened by American with which President Trump was able in direct conflict with our own. military dominance and economic to nominate and we were able to con- Recently, we learned that the admin- power, and both are trying to game the firm Federal judges. Everyone remem- istration will endorse a political tran- system to undermine our advantages. bers last January when President

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:08 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.009 S21DEPT1 S8194 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 Trump nominated Neil Gorsuch to the We started out this year with 11 bills was wrong. We are taking things we U.S. Supreme Court. This was an excel- introduced for the Veterans’ Adminis- learned are right, and we are enhancing lent choice. He is an experienced Fed- tration improvements in terms of them. I hope every Member of the Sen- eral judge and accomplished scholar healthcare. Ten of those eleven have ate who can hear my voice today will who understands the proper role of a passed. There is one left. We are going join me sometime in the next few judge under our Constitution. to have a perfect 11-for-11 year, if we weeks ahead to finish the job and pass I think the weather and my sinuses get the votes before the end of this the Care Act. Our committee passed it are not cooperating here at this mo- year, we get the CARE bill passed for out 14 to 1, with Democrats and Repub- ment. our veterans, but even if that doesn’t licans alike, shoulder to shoulder, vot- I will be back later. make it, we have dealt with long wait- ing for it. It is the right thing to do for I suggest the absence of a quorum. ing lines for determination of benefits our vets. We are hopefully going to do The PRESIDING OFFICER. The for the VA. Those long waiting lines the same thing on the floor. clerk will call the roll. are beginning to dissipate. The Care Act does a lot of amazing The legislative clerk proceeded to We don’t have hospitals being shut things, but it takes what we have call the roll. down because they can’t be finished. learned in 3 years and applies it to the Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I ask real world for our veterans. It says a unanimous consent that the order for We have CBOCs being opened because veteran has a choice for his healthcare, the quorum call be rescinded. they are being finished. We don’t have public or private, VA or private sector. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without near as many cases of horror stories in The veteran and his or her doctor may objection, it is so ordered. a VA health facility because the facili- ties are being run better. determine where they want to go. The f Do we have problems? Sure, we have physician providing the services who is VETERANS HEALTHCARE problems. Anytime you have the sec- outside the system will cooperate with Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I am ond largest agency of the Federal Gov- the VA, so we have good medical glad to join my colleague Senator ernment—which the VA health system records for that veteran, and they will TESTER from Montana on the floor for is—you are going to have problems, but work together to choose doctors who a discussion of our Veterans’ Affairs, we are meeting them head-on. We are have the quality, the reputation, and our accomplishments over the last 3 not running away from them. We have the ability to deliver the service, years and our challenges for the future. a Secretary who is really willing to whether they are in the VA or outside I want to start out my part of the work to make it happen. the VA. conversation by saying this. Three I cannot say enough about Secretary The veteran comes first in Veterans years ago, the Veterans’ Administra- Shulkin. He has been fantastic. He has Choice. In the Caring for Our Veterans tion was making big headlines. Those been a great worker. He has given Act, the veteran comes first, not Mem- headlines were that they weren’t work- President Trump the message, in terms bers of the Senate, not employees of ing well, our veterans were waiting too of what our veterans need, the chal- the VA. The veteran comes first, which long for care, there were failures in our lenge that we need from the White is what we need to do. I hope everyone will join Senator system throughout, and people were House to join us, and the White House TESTER and me in seeing to it, when we looking for an alternative to the VA has substantially done so, to help make get this to the floor—and we are trying system because it was in such a quag- a lot of improvements. every day—that they join us in helping mire. Thanks to the work of our com- Working with our ranking member, we decided we would do a number of pass the Care Act. mittee, which the Presiding Officer One last thing I want to mention things: We would end the long wait today is one of those members, we set about the Care Act is it also contains times for determination of disability, out to fix a lot of the problems. No. 1 the funding necessary to complete the and we have done that. That is in proc- was the hospital in Denver, which is 40 year for the Veterans’ Administration ess. We wanted to see to it that the percent finished. It was 3 years behind, in terms of health services. More im- modern access to healthcare was avail- and we closed in. That hospital is open portantly, it consolidates the stove- able to all of our veterans, one way or today and operating because the Vet- pipes of funding in the VA so we no another. We wanted to make sure we erans’ Affairs Committee of the Senate longer have this Mickey Mouse game, buckled its shoes, got to work, got the came up with creative ideas by using which we have all experienced for the VA fixed, and got the hospital finished. telemedicine and other techniques to last 5 or 6 years, where the VA is al- The most challenging thing we faced deliver healthcare to our veterans. ways running out of money. were long wait times for appointments Most importantly, we knew the The Congress has never cut off the for our veterans and veterans’ services Choice Act we passed 3 years ago, led VA. When we had the biggest shutdown for healthcare. It was longer than 30 by Senator MCCAIN—who is in our 5 or 6 years ago—or potential shutdown days just for a routine appointment, prayers and thoughts every day. I for the government that we had, we sometimes being as long as 6 months to might add from the floor of the Senate passed bills that exempted the VA to wait, and sometimes they were dying today, we wish him the very best if he demonstrate long and hard that we before they got called up from the is listening. Senator MCCAIN went to would never leave our veterans in need waiting list, which happened in the Ar- work and came up with the first aspect of healthcare coverage waiting because izona case in Phoenix. of Choice, which passed 3 years ago. I we couldn’t act in the Congress, and We had some tragic stories that came was on the conference committee. We that would happen today if that was through. Our committee came together had this crazy idea that we were going threatening us. and said: We are going to fix this. We to let veterans choose where they want I want to underline, this is not a are going to put our shoulders to the to go for their healthcare. We set up matter of anybody threatening any- grindstone, we are going to work out the system to do that. The system body. This is a matter of finishing the hard, and we are going to make it hap- worked pretty well in some cases. Sen- job for our veterans and seeing to it pen. Like always, fixing anything re- ator TESTER will say in rural America that the Veterans’ Administration has quires one element, and that is hard it didn’t work all that well, in some the resources necessary to deliver the work. cases, but it was a good effort of ours services to our veterans. This Committee has worked hard— to take the private sector in America For those who can hear this plea— Democrats and Republicans alike. and make it a force multiplier for the and it is a plea—understand I am com- They have been willing to get the new healthcare services delivered to our ing before us today to say three things: Secretary, Secretary Shulkin, con- veterans and expand the access of One is thank you. Thank you to every firmed. To all of his aides—Tom Bow- healthcare to our vets. Member of the Senate who voted with man, who has been a great aide to our Well, now we have before the Senate us to get us where we are today. We committee for a long time, and now is what we call the Care Act. It is the fin- have passed 10 of the 11 bills we a direct aide to the Secretary. The ishing touches of what was originally brought in this year for veterans’ committee has asked: What is it we in the Choice Act. We are taking the healthcare services. Thank you very need to do to get it fixed? things we learned and repealing what much.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:49 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.010 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8195 I say to Senator TESTER, as the rank- I would just say, in a body that is full parency of VA’s spending. It requires ing member, thank you for your co- of impasse over this last year, Chair- the VA to give Congress more notice operation. We have worked together to man ISAKSON has been a great guy to when funding levels of programs that find a solution to every impasse we work with because the fact is, we have impact veterans are running low. It confronted throughout the year. set aside the political labels, and we forces the VA to put together a busi- To the Senator from Alaska, who is have worked for our veterans in that nesslike plan about how it is going to presiding today and is a member of the committee. It is not only JOHNNY and spend taxpayer dollars, and it gives committee, thank you for what you did myself, but members on both sides of Congress more visibility in the VA con- for those veterans in need in our States the aisle in that committee have tracts. It requires accountability at that have limited access to healthcare, worked very well together and commu- the medical center, regional, and the like Alaska. We need to make sure the nicated so very well to make sure we Federal levels. If the clinic isn’t Alaskan veteran has the same access could take care of the needs of our vet- brought back up to snuff, we know who and the same benefits they signed up erans across this country, whether it has failed to do their job. for as one does in Georgia or in any was in rural America or whether it was I could give you a timeline on what other State. in urban America, but our work is not has been going on in the last 3 years Senator TESTER from Montana has done. with the Choice Program—not having worked so hard to see to it that rural The Care Act Chairman ISAKSON enough money, having more than America has the same type of access. talked about is a very important piece enough money, not having enough There may not be as many doctors, of legislation. It is a bipartisan com- money. That will end when we pass there may not be as many VA facili- promise. It is a bill we all negotiated this bill. Congress will be able to have ties, but we can design a system that on, so not everybody got everything. the oversight over the Community gives them the very best access and the There are always things in it that you Care Program that it needs. very best care for that region where wish would be better, regardless of It will give long-term certainty to they choose to live. where you are in the spectrum, but this our veterans because a lack of long- That is our challenge. Our challenge program does a lot of good things for term certainty is devastating to those in the VA is not to say: Well, you our veterans. veterans, and it will give those who should have lived somewhere else. Our It, first of all, will eliminate the Vet- have served the consistency and the challenge is to say we should have con- erans First Program and replace it certainty they need. No more bandaids. centrated more in the VA to see to it with one that is much easier for vet- We need a cure. that where you live is the right place erans to navigate in a system that puts The third thing it does is it improves to be in terms of veterans’ services, in place where the veterans can seek VA resources in healthcare. Veterans and we are going to do that. care. It puts that system in the hands tell me, time and time again, once they Lastly, I thank Secretary Shulkin. of a veteran and their doctor. get through the door, they love the He was approved 100 to nothing by the This is a bill that passed out of com- care the VA gives them. I have been Senate. I believe I am right that he is mittee 14 to 1, and it has 26 veterans told by a number of veterans that VA the only Cabinet member who was con- service organizations, representing has saved their lives. The problem has firmed by the Senate 100 to nothing. As millions of veterans who have endorsed always been getting through the door, everybody knows from watching us the this bill. It is a good bill. last 8 or 9 months, we haven’t agreed I wish the Veterans’ Administration, and the biggest reason for those delays on much of anything. We haven’t had which we worked so closely with on to get through that door is workforce any unanimous consent votes on hard- this bill, would come out and forcefully shortages. So our bill incentivizes medical staff ly anything. We did with David endorse it. I think that would help a Shulkin, and he has delivered, in re- lot. to work in rural and underserved areas sponse to that 100-to-nothing vote, What it does is it establishes a Vet- and Tribal VA facilities. It deploys time and time again, working for our erans Community Care Program. It more mobile teams to provide addi- veterans, helping to direct problems, merges seven VA community care pro- tional care. It removes the barriers for helping to work with us together. grams into one program, with one set veterans to access telemedicine, in- I look forward to next year, as we of rules for both providers and the vet- cluding mental health care, closer to bring a close to the Care Act and pass erans. It puts the decision of where to home. It brings more nurses and heart it, moving forward with those new seek care in the hands of the veteran and lung specialists to work at the VA things we need to pay attention to. and their doctor. No more one-size-fits- and clinical staff to work at vet cen- I look forward to working with Sen- all eligibility. ters. ator TESTER from Montana and the If a local VA doesn’t have the equip- The answer to the VA is not privat- members of the Democratic Party and ment for a certain test and there is not ization. It is to build the VA and use the Republican Party in our com- another VA locally that can provide the private sector to fill in the gaps mittee. that test, the vet can go to the commu- that the VA cannot provide. That is Remember, we are veterans first. We nity doc. If the roads to another VA fa- what this bill does. are Americans first. God bless our vet- cility are closed for snow, veterans It also expands the VA caregiver pro- erans. May God bless the United States could go to their local doctor rather gram to veterans of all areas and their of America. than waiting for the roads to clear, caregivers. Right now, the VA care- I yield to Senator TESTER. which is a big issue in rural America. giver program only applies to post-9/11 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- If a nearer VA clinic has a type of veterans. We have a whole lot of vet- ator from Montana. doc a vet needs to see, but there is a erans—especially the folks from the Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, I thank community doc closer and the vet has Vietnam war—who are getting a lot Senator ISAKSON for his words. I thank a bad back, that vet can see that doc in older, and this caregiver program ex- the Presiding Officer, who is currently that community, as an example. It of- pansion to the veterans before 9/11 is sitting in the chair, for his work on the fers convenient, walk-in care so vets absolutely critical. Veterans’ Affairs Committee. can get care closer to home for minor So the bottom line is this: We have I want to talk a little bit about illnesses. worked well on the committee. We Chairman ISAKSON before I talk about Third-party administrators—also have put out a good bill. We put out a the Care Act. Over the last year, I have known as government contractors— bill that works for the taxpayer and, been able to work with a great man will have a smaller role at the local most importantly, for the veterans. from Georgia who has done great work. level, and the local VA will have the This bill is a long-term solution. We When we started out, we talked about flexibility of when to use them for don’t need another bandaid fix. The doing stuff we could agree upon and set scheduling so what makes more sense Care Act is our long-term solution. It the stuff we disagree upon apart, and it for the local VA will not be decided by provides the VA what it needs to hire has ended up where we have agreed on bureaucrats in Washington. staff for top-notch care. It provides an a lot of stuff, and we have been able to The second thing it does is it im- integrated network of community pro- get a lot of stuff done. proves accountability and trans- viders to fill in the gaps for that care.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:49 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.012 S21DEPT1 S8196 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 It is a balance between those two, and ents face every day. All too often, that first you have to have the boots. The the veterans win. important work doesn’t leave enough Federal Government, through Social The VSOs are on board. They were time for our families. I am grateful for Security survivor benefits and Pell part of the discussion on this bill. We my wife, my children, and their grants and the GI bill and title I, gave talked to the VA extensively to make spouses, who stood by me and who have my wife’s family the boots. That is sure this bill would work for the VA, helped me to do my work effectively. why I am a Democrat. That is why I and they agreed. Finally, as I leave the Senate, I take am a Democrat. As I said earlier, I would love to have great comfort in knowing that my suc- Over the years, I have heard Demo- the VA come out forcefully for this cessor, Senator-designate Tina Smith, crats and Republicans talk about their bill. I think it would help get it passed has a well-earned reputation for being own values, the things they believe in this body. a smart, diligent, hard-working public brought them to politics, the things One thing in closing. We are going to servant, and I have no doubt that Sen- that make them care about what hap- pass a temporary stopgap measure for ator Smith will serve Minnesotans and pens here. I have learned so much from our budget, and VA Choice funding will all Americans exceptionally well. listening to the arguments we have in probably be a part of it. I will tell my When most people think about poli- this country and the arguments we colleagues that this is the last bandaid tics, they think about arguments—the have here in this Chamber. I have that I am willing to put on the Choice arguments they have around the dinner learned from Republicans. I have Program. We need a long-term solu- table, the arguments they have online, learned to respect but not always agree tion, and if we don’t get that long-term and most of all, the arguments we have with their opinions, and I have learned solution, we are not doing right by our here in Washington. That is a big part how their backgrounds can lead them veterans in this country. of the reason why a lot of people just to reach, in good faith, a conclusion With that, I would again like to don’t like politics. that I never could have imagined. And, thank Chairman ISAKSON for his leader- Often, the debate here in Washington of course, I have learned so much from ship and for his good work on the VA can sometimes seem arcane and tough my fellow Democrats. Committee. When we come back here to understand. Other times—especially But the person I learned the most in 2018, hopefully we can get this bill in recent years—it can be so bitter that from is someone who isn’t here. For 12 passed early in the session because it is it doesn’t even feel like we are trying years, the seat I currently occupy was the right thing to do for our veterans. to resolve anything, just venting our held by Paul Wellstone. As I have said I yield the floor. spleens at each other. I get that. I get before, Paul was a tireless, passionate I suggest the absence of a quorum. why people want us to stop arguing and champion for working families—for The PRESIDING OFFICER. The start doing stuff. working families in Minnesota and clerk will call the roll. But since I am leaving the Senate, I across the Nation. He fought for vet- The legislative clerk proceeded to thought I would take a big risk and say erans, for farmers, and for those who call the roll. a few words in favor of arguments. simply needed a voice. Mr. FRANKEN. Mr. President, I ask After all, there is no single magic solu- Paul was my friend. Paul had a say- unanimous consent that the order for tion that can bring all 100 of us to- ing that I think perfectly represents the quorum call be rescinded. gether because there is no one set of the values and the principles for which The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without values that brought all of us here in he fought. He used to say: ‘‘We all do objection, it is so ordered. the first place. I think many of my col- better when we all do better.’’ That Mr. FRANKEN. Mr. President, I ask leagues have heard me talk about what was Paul’s creed. What Paul meant by unanimous consent to speak for as brought me to politics and what makes that is that the whole country—the much time as I may consume. me a Democrat, and it is my wife Fran. working poor, the middle class, and the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without When she was 17 months old, her fa- well off—the whole country does better objection, it is so ordered. ther, a decorated World War II veteran, when each and every one of us is able f died in a car accident, leaving her mom to contribute to and participate fairly widowed at age 29 with five kids. There in our economy and in our democracy. FAREWELL TO THE SENATE was one sibling younger than Franni, I think Paul was right, but not every- Mr. FRANKEN. Mr. President, this is Bootsie, who was 3 months old. body does. Some people’s values are my final speech on the floor of the U.S. Franni’s family made it—barely, but different. Some people believe that Senate. I have come to the floor many they made it—thanks to Social Secu- those at the top are there for a reason times, as we all have. We come to the rity survivor benefits. Sometimes they and that they shouldn’t have to con- floor to cast our votes on bills and had to turn the heat off in the winter. cern themselves with what is going on amendments. We come here to discuss This was in Portland, ME. Some- in the lives of people who haven’t been and debate the issues that are impor- times—often—they were hungry be- so lucky or even so accomplished. tant to our States and to the country. cause there wasn’t enough food. But Some people believe honestly—hon- We introduce and explain legislation. they made it. estly, legitimately, believe—that not We talk about our States and what we Franni and her three sisters all went everyone deserves to have the same learned on our latest visit to a commu- to college on combinations of scholar- standing in this country. They believe nity health center, a farm, or a small ships and Pell grants. At the time, a that your standing as a citizen should business. What we don’t talk about all full Pell grant paid for about 80 percent depend, in part, on where you were that often is the work of all the men of a public college education, but today born or what you believe or whom you and women on our staffs who make all it only pays about 35 percent. love or what you do for a living. Some of this possible. When Bootsie went to high school, people believe that at some funda- I have been fortunate to have had a my mother-in-law got a GI loan for $300 mental level, we are all in this on our dedicated, hard-working staff both in and went to college. She got three own. I don’t agree with any of those Washington and in Minnesota, and I more loans, graduated from college, values, but I respect that some people have no doubt that they will go on to and became an elementary school hold them, and that is why arguments do great things and to serve our Nation teacher. And because she taught title I matter. well. kids—poor kids—all her loans were for- When we argue, whether it is across I am also very lucky to have a won- given. the fence with your neighbor or on a derful family who has stood by me My brother-in-law went into the cable news show or here on the floor of throughout the good times and the Coast Guard and became an electrical the Senate, it can help us sharpen our tough times of being a Senator. As engineer. ability to articulate what we want and Senators, we have packed schedules. Every member of Franni’s family be- challenge us to examine our own views There are late nights. There are dif- came a productive member of society with a more critical eye and help high- ficult votes on divisive issues and a lot and a member of the middle class. light the choice for the American peo- of time invested in better under- They tell you in this country to pull ple, because, after all, in a democracy, standing the challenges our constitu- yourself up by your bootstraps, but the people get to choose.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:49 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.014 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8197 As I prepare to leave the Senate, I enough. After all, the top 1 percent of Almost every Republican in Congress have been thinking a lot about my val- the country’s population controls near- refuses to take the issue of climate ues and Paul’s values—the values we ly 40 percent of its wealth. The problem change seriously. They continue to share with many of my colleagues here is that too many working families have deny the underlying evidence and in the Senate and many of the progres- been left out of the economic growth science behind it, even as Americans sive activists I have met and worked that the top 1 percent has enjoyed in suffer the devastating consequences of alongside of in Minnesota and around recent years. But rather than use the their denial. This year alone, hurri- the country. That is because, regret- tax reform bill as an opportunity to canes ravaged Texas, Florida, Puerto tably, the policies pursued by the help those working families, Repub- Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Trump administration and congres- licans have instead decided to shower wildfires raged across the West, most sional Republicans today could not corporations and wealthy donors with recently in Los Angeles. stand in a starker contrast to the prin- tax breaks and special favors. We know that climate change makes ciples Paul championed and the values The tax bill didn’t just come out of these extreme weather events worse, I have fought for during my time here the blue—quite the contrary. This tax and this is just the beginning. What we in the Senate. bill comes on the heels of countless Re- are witnessing is the beginning of a The values being advanced by the publican attempts to shred policies new normal—a new normal that this President and his allies in Congress that offer protection to working fami- country simply cannot endure. simply don’t represent my belief that lies and the environment. But corpora- It doesn’t have to be this way. It is our economy, our democracy, and our tions and wealthy donors who support possible to address climate change country work best when they work for my Republican colleagues believe that while at the same time growing our everyone. Indeed, the values propelling these policies stand in the way of their economy and creating jobs. During the the Republican agenda today are about profits. Obama administration, the Federal consolidating political and economic Take healthcare, for example. De- Government increased research and de- power in the hands of corporations and spite President Trump’s campaign velopment investments in clean energy the very wealthy. promise that ‘‘We’re going to have in- technology, both through tax credits Just take the tax bill Congress surance for everybody,’’ when his ad- designed to incentivize investment and passed this week. At virtually each and ministration attempted to deliver on through the energy title that I was every step of the process, Republicans that promise, House Republicans de- proud to help write in the farm bill, drafting this bill chose to embrace the vised and passed a bill that would have which allowed people in rural America failed trickle-down policies of the past, resulted in 23 million fewer people hav- to participate in the clean energy revo- crafting an enormous—an enormous— ing health insurance, including 14 mil- lution. Those investments paid off. giveaway that benefits their corporate lion people who rely on Medicaid. Fac- Since 2009, the cost of wind power has campaign backers and wealthy donors. ing unprecedented public outcry, Re- decreased by 66 percent, and the cost of For instance, according to the non- publican Senators eventually proposed solar power has dropped by 85 percent. partisan Tax Policy Center, by 2027, 83 a narrower bill—one that didn’t repeal But we need to do more. percent of the benefits in the Repub- and replace the Affordable Care Act I championed an energy efficiency lican tax bill will accrue to the top 1 outright but instead undermined some standard that would require utilities to percent of income earners; that is, peo- of its foundational provisions. But this become more efficient. I led legislation ple who make more than $912,000 a narrower Senate bill still would have to encourage energy storage, a game year. Eighty-three percent of the bene- left 16 million more Americans unin- changer that allows wind and solar to fits go to the top 1 percent. Do we real- sured, all while spiking premiums by 20 be used when the wind isn’t blowing ly need any other data point? Well, percent, according to CBO. and the sun isn’t shining. I pushed to here is one: At the same time, the Re- The American people continued to deploy distributed energy that makes publican tax bill would increase taxes fight, demanding that the Senate kill our grid more resilient and reliable. on 35 million low- and middle-income the bill. Thanks to the incredibly hard Rather than join me and my Demo- families. work of organizers and activists, in- During his inaugural address, Presi- cluding the American Medical Associa- cratic colleagues in confronting the dent Trump vowed that ‘‘the forgotten tion and everyday Americans, that is challenge of climate change by driving men and women of our country will be exactly what happened. Republican at- innovation, Republicans ordered a re- forgotten no longer.’’ But the Repub- tempts to repeal the ACA failed, but it treat. At the behest of the fossil fuel lican tax bill represents a slap in the seems my Republican colleagues have industry and other corporate interests, face to those forgotten men and not learned their lesson. Republicans have put forward nomi- women. I guess the President forgot Finding themselves unable to sustain nees for key environmental posts who about them. an open assault on the Affordable Care cut their teeth defending corporate pol- Make no mistake, the Senate-passed Act, they instead included a measure luters, not enforcing the laws that version of the Republican tax bill was in the tax bill that will repeal an essen- keep our air and water clean, and they deeply flawed, but when Republicans tial component of that law—the indi- have pushed an agenda that guts fund- later attempted to reconcile dif- vidual mandate. As a result, 13 million ing for science and innovation. The Re- ferences between the House and Senate fewer Americans will have health in- publican strategy of denial and obfus- bills—a process that took place behind surance in the years to come. But that cation isn’t just an affront to the gov- closed doors—even more favors were doesn’t matter to President Trump and ernment; it is an affront to common doled out to Republican donors and to his allies, who claim they need to re- sense. special interests. New rules were cre- peal this central pillar of ObamaCare The Trump administration and its al- ated to give real estate developers like in order to pay for the massive tax cuts lies in Congress have never let science President Trump and his son-in-law the that their wealthy donors demand. or common sense stand in the way of ability to pay less tax on passthrough Those same wealthy donors also de- ideology. Time and again, they have income. The top individual rate, which mand that Republicans turn a blind acted to roll back evidence-based, com- applies to millionaires and billionaires, eye to climate change—an existential monsense protections put in place to was cut to 37 percent—a rate lower threat to humanity. Climate change is improve the lives of minority or than either the House or Senate not just an environmental problem. marginalized communities, including versions of the bill. And provisions in Climate change stands to affect vir- women and LGBT people. the original bills that were designed to tually every aspect of our lives, posing For example, in October, the Trump stop foreign corporations from avoid- a great threat to public health, na- administration announced a new rule ing taxes by shifting their profits over- tional security, our country’s infra- that guts a provision in the Affordable seas—a practice known as earnings structure, and our economy. Cir- Care Act that requires health insur- stripping—were dropped altogether. cumstances require that we take im- ance plans to cover birth control free The problem in this country is not mediate action in order to protect the of charge—a policy that has benefited that the wealthy aren’t doing well welfare of future generations. more than 62 million American women.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:49 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.016 S21DEPT1 S8198 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 The ability to access affordable repro- Black people to vote. The court found know the answer to that question. ductive healthcare has a powerful ef- that ‘‘the new provisions target Afri- Really? fect on the choices that women and can Americans with almost surgical This episode could almost be consid- families make every day—choices precision.’’ ered funny if the ramifications weren’t about whether to finish college, buy a The fact that North Carolina’s re- so deadly serious. Kobach’s voter fraud home, or start a business. Ensuring strictions stand as a blatant example commission requested sensitive infor- that women have access to contracep- of race discrimination is undeniable, mation about voters—including names, tion is vital to the economic security but the strategy behind adopting such dates of birth, party registration, and of our families, and that is why I filed harsh restrictions is even more insid- voting history—from all 50 States. This a brief in support of the ACA’s contra- ious. The strategy here is designed to is information that could lay the ceptive coverage requirement when it ensure that voters who don’t agree groundwork for disenfranchising scores was challenged before the Supreme with their candidates or their policies of eligible voters, which is why more Court. aren’t able to vote against them. than 40 States refused to comply with Despite the millions of women who Paul Wellstone’s words are more im- that request. At the same time, the have benefited from the policy, and de- portant today than ever before: ‘‘We all Trump-Sessions Justice Department spite the science demonstrating that do better when we all do better.’’ I be- quickly dropped legal challenges to dis- restricting access to contraception has lieve that to my core. But the policies criminatory voting practices in States, negative health consequences, the pursued by President Trump and his al- further signaling that protecting the Trump administration has eviscerated lies are not about lifting people out of right to vote will no longer be a pri- the policy. poverty or about giving the politically ority of the Justice Department. It is In February, the Trump administra- powerless a louder voice in our democ- all based on a lie—and not a lie Presi- tion rescinded Obama-era guidelines racy. These policies are intended to dent Trump came up with. Rightwing that instructed schools on how to pro- line the pockets of wealthy donors and conservatives have been raising a false tect transgender students under a Fed- to protect the power of those who al- alarm about so-called voter fraud for eral law called title IX. LGBT students ready wield outsized influence in our years despite the fact that no credible deserve to learn in an environment free democracy. That is a far cry from evidence has ever been produced to from discrimination, and they deserve Paul’s creed. demonstrate that it is a real problem. to be treated with dignity and respect. When I think about what has gone Or take the Trump administration’s But far too often, LGBT kids, particu- wrong here, when I reflect on how this attacks on LGBT rights. Again and larly transgender kids, experience bul- country has strayed so far from the again, lurking behind these polices are lying and harassment. When that hap- values that I believe a majority of lies—the lie that advocates of LGBT pens, those students are deprived of an Americans share, I have to say that I rights want to trample on people’s reli- equal education. That is why I led the think there is something wrong with gious freedom, the lie that families led Senate in calling on the Obama admin- the way we are arguing, and it started by a gay or a lesbian couple don’t pro- istration to issue those guidelines back long before 2016. Lurking behind each vide safe environments for children, in 2015. Nonetheless, the Trump admin- of those issues isn’t just a difference of the lie that allowing transgender peo- istration decided to scrap that guid- opinion or a difference of values. There ple to use the appropriate bathroom ance—a callous and mean-spirited deci- is something far worse: a lie. opens the door to sexual assault. Presi- sion that sent a terrible message to Take, for example, the Trump admin- dent Trump didn’t invent these lies, LGBT children and their parents and istration’s efforts to suppress votes. but he and his administration proudly took away a tool designed to protect Shortly after winning the Presidential repeat them. our children. It is our responsibility, election, then President-Elect Trump Or take the attacks on science, espe- not just as Senators but as adults—as was confronted with the unpleasant cially climate science. We now have adults—to protect our children, not fact that he lost the popular vote. He enough evidence to conclude that cli- turn a blind eye when they face preju- tweeted: ‘‘In addition to winning the mate change is real, and it is man- dice and cruelty. Electoral College in a landslide, I won made. It is a threat to our Nation’s se- Nothing that Republicans have done the popular vote if you deduct the mil- curity and is an existential threat to is more galling, nothing poses a greater lions of people who voted illegally.’’ the planet. Defense Secretary Mattis threat to the fabric of our democracy Let’s be clear. President Trump lost knows this; yet, for years, so-called sci- than their deliberate and sustained at- the popular vote by more than 2.8 mil- entists who have been funded by indus- tack on the right to vote. Let’s start lion votes. What he claimed in that try have been hard at work in casting with the Supreme Court’s disastrous tweet was that nearly 3 million fraudu- doubt on the well-established scientific 2013 decision in Shelby County v. Hold- lent votes were cast. In fact, he later consensus. Heck, a recent Washington er, a 5-to-4 decision in which the claimed that between 3 and 5 million Post report revealed that Trump ad- Court’s conservative Justices effec- illegal votes caused him to lose the ministration officials have prohibited tively gutted the Voting Rights Act popular vote, citing no evidence. the Centers for Disease Control and and eliminated a check on States with There were 138 million votes cast in Prevention—our Nation’s premier pub- a history of discrimination at the polls. the 2016 Presidential election. State lic health and research institute—from After the Shelby County decision, election and law enforcement officials using the terms ‘‘evidence-based’’ and States swiftly began to enact harsh re- found virtually no credible evidence of ‘‘science-based’’ in budget planning strictions on the right to vote, in many fraud, and no States—not one—re- documents. President Trump didn’t cases citing the myth of so-called voter corded any indication of widespread launch the war on science, but now he fraud as justification. fraud—none. But that didn’t stop the is leading the charge. Take North Carolina, for example. Trump administration from quickly Or take healthcare. President Trump Just a few months after Shelby Coun- turning the President’s tweets into pol- promised that everyone would have in- ty, the State enacted one of the Na- icy. The White House created a new surance, but an analysis by the non- tion’s strictest voter ID laws. Without commission to investigate the Presi- partisan Congressional Budget Office any evidence, the State described the dent’s wild and unsubstantiated revealed that under the House Repub- new restrictions as necessary to pre- claim—a commission led by Kansas lican healthcare bill, 23 million fewer vent fraud. Without the protections of Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a people would have had health insur- the Voting Rights Act, those changes rightwing extremist who has made a ance than are currently covered went into effect, keeping poor and mi- career out of trafficking in the voter today—23 million people. To add insult nority voters from casting a ballot. fraud myth and who was fined for re- to injury, the House bill would have hit When North Carolina’s restrictions peatedly lying to a Federal court in the most vulnerable among us, and it were eventually challenged in court, voter ID litigation. When Kobach was would have hit them the hardest. the Fourth Circuit found that the pri- asked whether he believed the Presi- According to the Congressional Budg- mary purpose of the restrictions wasn’t dent’s claim that millions of people et Office, 14 million of the 23 million to fight fraud but to make it harder for voted illegally, he said: We may never people who would have lost coverage

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:49 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.017 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8199 under the House Republicans’ plan mittee; I thank the chairman for when I also saw it at the ballot box when would have been Medicaid bene- we have done that—or at least to have voters in Virginia and Alabama re- ficiaries. helped the American people make in- sisted the temptation to give in to That is right. Despite candidate formed choices about the issues that anger and cynicism and, instead, exer- Trump’s assurances that ‘‘everybody’s affect their lives. cised their right to vote. going to be taken care of much better So what is to be done? Who will stand ‘‘Politics is about the improvement than they’re taken care of now,’’ the up and fight for a more honest debate— of people’s lives.’’ The American people Republican bill would have cut funding to insist that even though we have a know that to be true, and they fill me to Medicaid—a vital safety net pro- different set of opinions, we cannot with hope for our country. gram that ensures that our seniors, honorably advance our competing Thank you. people with disabilities, pregnant agendas unless we use the same set of The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. women, and families with children facts? I hope that my colleagues on FISCHER). The Senator from Minnesota. have access to the healthcare they both sides of the aisle will stand up for Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Madam President, need. On top of that, the Republican truth. The thing is, I have spent I ask for 3 minutes to talk about my plan would have driven up the costs of enough time with my Republican colleague. premiums, with older and sicker people friends over the last 81⁄2 years to know The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- having experienced the deepest in- that they are motivated by values just ator is recognized. creases. like Democrats. I just hope that they f Indeed, the healthcare debate has will fight for those values forthrightly. TRIBUTES TO AL FRANKEN long been predicated on lies—lies that At the end of the day, it is going to ‘‘well over 90 percent of what Planned be up to the American people just as it Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Madam President, Parenthood does’’ is provide abortion has always been. We will always have you heard in Senator FRANKEN’s clos- services, the lie that women rely on the democracy we deserve, if not the ing words the passion he has for all of birth control only because they are government we want. It is going to the work that he has done in this sexually promiscuous, the lie that the take ordinary Americans deciding to Chamber and for the people of our Affordable Care Act is collapsing under become more informed consumers of State. You saw the love that he has for its own weight when, in fact, the political news and opinion and deciding his family—for Franni—and the love Trump administration and the Repub- that they are willing to be a part of the that he has for his staff. They are not licans here in Congress have been doing argument themselves instead of, sim- good staff; they are wonderful staff. everything they can do to sabotage it. ply, tuning out all of the noise. If they I think about all of the legacies that Then there is the tax debate. Over do, I know that we will get this coun- AL will leave. One of them is his staff, the last year, Republicans have repeat- try back on track. to whom he has been so devoted. An- edly claimed that they would advance In October, 15 years after we lost other is all of the work he has done for policies that are designed to benefit Paul, I took to the Senate floor to re- veterans, the work he has done for middle-class families, not the wealthy. member him and to celebrate his life. healthcare with the medical loss President Trump pledged not to forget Paul understood better than anyone I ratio—one of the major achievements the ‘‘forgotten men and women of our know the meaning and the power of in the Affordable Care Act. One is the country.’’ Steve Mnuchin, the Sec- politics, and I think he would have a work he has done, way ahead of his retary of the Treasury, promised that lot to say about where we find our- time, for the LGBTQ community, and the Republican tax plan would help the selves today. another is the work he has done for our middle class. He vowed that any tax Paul said: Tribal communities. That was his No. 1 cuts for upper income earners would be Politics is not about power. Politics is not ask when he arrived in the Senate—to offset by getting rid of deductions that about money. Politics is not about winning be on the Indian Affairs Committee. benefit the wealthy. That is what he for the sake of winning. Politics is about the That is not what other people ask for. said, that ‘‘there will be no absolute improvement of people’s lives. He did that. Another is the work he did tax cut for the upper class.’’ Again, 83 Even in the face of everything that is on bullying in schools. For the kids percent of the benefits in the Repub- happening today, I still believe in who had no voice, he gave them a lican tax bill go to the richest 1 per- Paul’s words: ‘‘Politics is about the im- voice. Another is the work he did in cent. What he said is not true. provement of people’s lives.’’ I know carrying on Paul Wellstone’s work for Just the other day, the White House those words to be true because I know those with mental illness. Press Secretary claimed that President that the American people still believe When I think about what I will miss Trump, himself, will pay more because in justice and equality and oppor- about AL, I will miss, first of all, how of this bill. We don’t know exactly tunity, and I see evidence of that every he defied expectations when he got what the effect will be on his personal day. elected. I think about all of those head- finances because the White House has I saw it in January when more than lines that he mentions in his book. No refused to release his tax returns. They 4 million people across the United matter what he did in the first few have claimed in another lie that he States joined in the Women’s March. years he was in office, they would read cannot release them because they are They stood in solidarity with their with things like: AL FRANKEN passes a under audit. You can release tax re- mothers and sisters and daughters and bill. That’s no joke. AL FRANKEN gets turns while you are under audit. What wives. reelected. That’s no joke. Yet he still we do know is that tax breaks in the I saw it later that same month after carried on and defied expectations Republican bill for real estate devel- President Trump issued an Executive every single day that he was here. opers like President Trump and his order that sought to ban travelers from Another thing I will miss is all of the family will save him millions upon mil- Muslim-majority countries from enter- Senators approaching him in his first lions of dollars. ing our country. Hundreds of lawyers few weeks in office with their bad I could go on and on. responded to the call to help. They jokes, which he would smile at, and Before I came to the Senate, I was rushed to airports and offered their then he would later tell me they were known as something of an obsessive on services in support of affected families. not good jokes. the subject of honesty in public dis- I saw it in May when a transgender Another thing I will always miss course, but as I leave the Senate, I boy in Wisconsin who was discrimi- about AL is the passion he had for his have to admit that it feels as though nated against by his school had the work. I think many people were cap- we are losing the war on truth. Maybe courage to take them to court, and he tivated by the pointed questioning of it is already lost. If that is the case, if won. witnesses and nominees in the last that is what happens, then we have lost I saw it in September when tens of year, but it was that kind of focus that the ability to have the kinds of argu- thousands of Americans mobilized in he took to all of his work when he ments that have helped to build con- opposition to attempts to repeal the would examine policies he thought sensus—I see LAMAR ALEXANDER here; Affordable Care Act and succeeded in were good or bad. He never gave up on we have done that on the HELP Com- killing the bill. that.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:49 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.019 S21DEPT1 S8200 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 The other thing I will greatly miss is gles too often go unnoticed and That quote is often used to criticize those sitting next to AL in the Judiciary unaddressed in the places of power. on the other side who seem to forget the Committee. While he would do the seri- During his time in the Senate, AL human consequences of their political agen- da. But progressives should keep it in mind, ous work, he would never miss an op- FRANKEN has always been there when as well. portunity to show me or Senator DUR- his Senate colleagues asked for help. The big fights—war and peace, justice and BIN or Senator WHITEHOUSE or anyone He was one of the most sought-after liberty—are important. But there aren’t any near him the latest pictures of his voices in our party. He never failed to small fights. And where Paul made the big- grandchildren and his family or, pack a bag, catch a plane, and spend gest impact—where his work resulted in the maybe, the doodles that he did of Sen- another night away from his family to greatest improvement of people’s lives—was ator GRASSLEY. help each and every one of us. on issues that don’t usually lead anyone’s The other thing I will miss greatly is Twenty years ago, when I first met stump speech: mental health, domestic vio- the way he would talk about Paul him, he was this well known, successful lence, homelessness among veterans. Wellstone. Today, he managed to do it comedian on ‘‘Saturday Night Live’’ When future historians look back at without crying, but so many times, who happened to play the role of a fel- the legacy of Senator AL FRANKEN, I whenever he would talk about Paul, he low named Paul Simon, a Senator from believe they will say: Here is a man would start to cry. He would do it in Illinois who was my predecessor. Paul who loved his State and his country, private, and he would do it in public Simon invited AL FRANKEN to come to who worked hard to be a good Senator, because he understood the legacy that Makanda, IL. It is not even close to and who never hesitated to take up an Paul left behind and the burden that Chicago. He agreed on a Sunday after- important issue, large or small. we all have to carry it on. noon to be there on behalf of my cam- AL FRANKEN and I served together on One thing I know, as you heard in his paign, although we had never met, and the Senate Judiciary Committee. Over last speech, is that when AL leaves he came. He limped onto Paul Simon’s the years, I have watched him mature here, he will not be quieted in any way. front porch, saying: ‘‘I twisted my into one of the best, most insightful His work will live on, and his voice will ankle playing squash.’’ I thought it questioners on that committee. His be stronger than ever. I think the last was another perfect example of a rea- questioning of Supreme Court Nominee call of action that he left us with of the son he could have used to avoid the in- Gorsuch, now Supreme Court Justice war for truth—for truth in what we do vitation, but he came anyway. We had Gorsuch, helped to expose the Justice’s and for truth in our politics—is some- a great afternoon and a terrific time troubling record of ruling against thing that no one should forget in this with Paul Simon of ‘‘Saturday Night workers and families. Chamber. It is one way that AL’s work Live’’ and the real Paul Simon and a It was a story about a truckdriver will live on because I know he will senatorial candidate who was grateful who deserted his position on the road- keep calling people on the truth. for AL FRANKEN’s presence that day. way, was freezing in the middle of the While I will no longer be sitting next When people ask me to describe my night, who finally got his day in court, to him in Judiciary, I know we will politics, I say that I follow the gospel and the decision by Judge Gorsuch at stay friends forever. I thank Senator of St. Paul. By that, I mean I try to the time, in my opinion and AL’s opin- FRANKEN so much for his work. emulate three of my greatest political ion, did not serve justice. Many of us I yield the floor. heroes, who happen to share that raised that issue; no one raised it more The PRESIDING OFFICER. The as- name. effectively than AL FRANKEN. sistant minority leader. The first Senator, Paul Douglas of Il- His probing questioning also exposed Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, linois, was a champion of honesty, eco- Attorney General Sessions for mis- years ago, a man with a famous name nomic justice, and civil rights, and the leading America about his meetings aspired to be President of the United man for whom I had the good fortune with Russians during the 2016 Presi- States. Critics dismissed this idea as of interning when I was a college stu- dential campaign. ridiculous. One of the leading political dent; Paul Simon, whom I just men- He has been equally effective on the columnists of the day wrote that the tioned, my predecessor from Illinois, HELP Committee. His questioning of man’s initials stood for ‘‘Feather Dust- who was one of the smartest, most de- the future Secretary of Education, er Roosevelt, a lightweight’’—nothing cent men I have ever met in any walk Betsy DeVos, showed her to be unfa- to him. of life; and Senator Paul Wellstone of miliar with some of the most basic and AL FRANKEN’s decision to run for a Minnesota, who has received many de- important debates in education policy seat in this Senate from Minnesota was served tributes today. Paul Wellstone and clearly exposed the fact that she met in many quarters with the same was the champion of farmers, hotel was unready to serve as our Nation’s sort of mockery. maids, grocery clerks, cafeteria work- leader at the Department of Education. Many people said: He is a comedian. ers, and everyone who worked hard and I guess some people seek elected of- He doesn’t have the knowledge or the struggled for dignity and enough fice to make a name for themselves, skill or the patience or the vision to be money just to pay the bills. but AL FRANKEN didn’t need to be a a lawmaker. You can’t joke your way Paul Wellstone, as we have heard Senator to achieve that. He already into the Senate. from both Senator KLOBUCHAR and had a well-known name as an enter- The pundits were wrong about FDR. from AL FRANKEN himself, is the man tainer, radio host, and best-selling au- He was one of our greatest Presidents AL FRANKEN chose to emulate in public thor before he entered politics. He and during one of our darkest hours. life. He stated Paul Wellstone’s famous his wife Franni have a good life, two Madam President, the doubters were quote: ‘‘We all do better when we all do great kids, and wonderful grand- wrong about AL FRANKEN too. AL better.’’ It is a simple statement, a pro- children who followed. FRANKEN has been my friend, my per- found truth, and it has been the guid- Mr. FRANKEN. Terrific. Terrific. sonal friend, for more than two dec- ing light for AL FRANKEN’s Senate ca- Mr. DURBIN. ‘‘Terrific’’ is the word. ades. For the last 7-plus years, he has reer. Terrific grandchildren who followed. been my colleague in the Senate. He Senator Wellstone died 15 years ago When it came down to it, AL has been a credit to the Senate, a pas- in a tragic plane crash. On the 10th an- FRANKEN wanted to do more than just sionate advocate for his home State of niversary of that terrible loss, Senator entertain and be well known; he want- Minnesota, a defender of our Constitu- FRANKEN wrote an essay about Paul ed to make a difference in the lives of tion, and a determined fighter for jus- Wellstone’s legacy for The Atlantic others. More than anyone, as he said tice. He became a better Senator every magazine. I want to read a short sec- this morning, his wife Franni inspired year. His work in the Senate has made tion from that essay. him. As he explained in his book, her life for millions of people better in Senator FRANKEN wrote: family wasn’t as lucky as a lot of us. Minnesota and far beyond. He and his Her dad died when she was a young One of Paul’s most famous quotes is this: dedicated staff can take pride in that ‘‘Politics is not about power. Politics is not baby girl. Her mom raised five kids on fact. AL FRANKEN has been and I am about money. Politics is not about winning Social Security survivor benefits and a sure will continue to be an effective for the sake of winning. Politics is about the paycheck from a local supermarket. champion for those whose daily strug- improvement of people’s lives.’’ But every member of Franni’s family

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:49 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.020 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8201 made it to the middle class because of tory arbitration, and in championing Another such battle was the Dodd- Social Security, Pell grants, the GI LGBT kids, where he has real passion Frank battle, and again I doubt we bill, and title I of the Elementary and and expertise. would have been able to win that battle Secondary Education Act. Senate hearing witnesses who have without his coming to share in that ef- AL writes: been up to no good will breathe a lot fort. I think about the fact that we had They tell you in this country you have to easier knowing they won’t have to face seen so many millions of families dev- pull yourself up by your bootstraps. And we AL FRANKEN’s pointed questioning. The astated by predatory mortgages with all believe that. But first you’ve got to have Senate Secret Santa, a Franken leg- exploding interest rates—interest rates the boots. And the federal government gave acy, will probably continue. Selfishly, I that, upon presentation, started at 3 Franni’s family the boots. will miss Franni’s amazing homemade percent or 4 percent but 2 years later ‘‘Opportunity is supposed to be for pies. would jump to 9 or 10 percent, and a everyone.’’ That is one of the articles As my friend departs, I am left at family would end up in foreclosure. The of faith animating everything that AL this difficult moment with this fact is we had Wall Street writing secu- FRANKEN has done or sought to achieve thought: I have been fortunate in the rities based on those mortgages, which in the Senate. Senate to have had a colleague to then disintegrated in 2007, 2008 and I am going to miss my friend AL whom it is so hard to say good-bye. caused people not to just lose their FRANKEN, my colleague, and one of my I yield the floor. homes but to also lose their jobs, to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- fellow members of the Senate Judici- lose their retirement, and to be incred- ary Committee. I am sorry he is leav- ator from Oregon. Mr. MERKLEY. Madam President, ibly devastated and see their whole ing under these circumstances, but he lifetime’s work to become financially is going to be remembered, and he is back in 2007 and 2008, a group of us who had never run for Congress or for the stable evaporate, destroyed, exploded. going to have an opportunity to use his That CFPB portion, or Consumer Fi- voice for others in the future. Senate jumped into campaigns against incumbent Members of this body, hop- nancial Protection Bureau portion, has Every person who has ever lived has given us ongoing efforts to take on had moments they wish they could ing to fight for a vision of government of, by, and for the people. AL FRANKEN predatory mortgages and that enables erase and words they wish they could financial instruments to be a founda- take back. In this life of both calm and was one of those individuals taking on an incumbent, Republican Norm Cole- tion for families to thrive and to have stormy seas, we all draw strength from home ownership be the dream of home the healing power of redemption, and man, and as I heard Senator FRANKEN on the campaign trail, I heard what we ownership and not the nightmare of we can take heart in the knowledge heard today in his speech: a willingness home ownership. This, again, is an ex- that tomorrow is another day with new to fight for that vision so embodied in ample of a bill passed because AL opportunities to offer a helping hand our Constitution of government that FRANKEN threw himself into that bat- and make our lives count. would provide a foundation for families tle, and there are many more on this I am happy to hear AL FRANKEN say to thrive, that would lift everyone up; list. that while he may be giving up the not a government of, by, and for the I was particularly appreciative of his Senate, he is not giving up his voice in privileged; not a government of, by, support for the Employment Non-Dis- public life. I wish AL FRANKEN, Franni, and for the powerful. crimination Act. Senator Kennedy, as and their great family the very best It takes a lot of guts to throw your- he was in declining health, had asked and thank them again for what they self into the political world, but be- me to take on and carry the torch for have given to all of us. cause he did and because he won that that bill, which was a huge honor to Madam President, I yield. campaign, we were able to advance a me as an incoming freshman. I felt he The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- number of policies. was on my shoulder every day saying: ator from Rhode Island. I shared with AL the experience not Why haven’t you gotten it done yet? In Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Madam Presi- only of running against an incumbent 2013, we finally got it on the floor. I dent, I ask to speak for 3 minutes on Republican but not having results on had been pushing hard for leadership to behalf of my departing friend. election night. However, I only had to get it on the floor, and we got it on the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- wait 2 days; I didn’t have to wait the floor. I thought: What if we lose this ator is recognized. many months that he did to come and bill fighting for equality and to end Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Madam Presi- be part of this body. discrimination in employment? But be- dent, Senator FRANKEN will shortly go Because he came, we were able to cause AL was here helping in that on to his next chapter, which I hope pass the Affordable Care Act. My home fight, we won that bill. We did not win will be wonderful for him and for State of Oregon went from 15 percent it in the House because the House Franni and for their family. I hope and uninsured to 5 percent uninsured. Hun- didn’t put it on the floor of the House. believe that he leaves us with every- dreds of thousands of people gained ac- So it is unfinished business—fighting one’s good will here in the Senate. He cess to healthcare through the expan- for equality of opportunity, that vision certainly leaves with mine. sion of Medicaid and through the in our Constitution. AL FRANKEN has been an unusually healthcare exchange made affordable As we heard today, as we heard AL in good Senator, in part because he has by the tax credits provided by that bill. his campaign in 2008, as we heard AL on such a good staff. He has also, to me, In that bill, we were able to provide the floor today, and we have heard of been an unusually good friend, particu- free preventive healthcare practices. this fight for a country of, by, and for larly in this hard town where you are We all know that an ounce of preven- the people, I know that we are going to supposed to buy a dog if you want a tion is worth a pound of cure, and we hear his voice in that fight for many friend. We served together on the embodied that in the healthcare bill. In years to come. HELP and Judiciary Committees, that bill, we fought for folks to be able I thank Senator FRANKEN for being where he did great committee work. He to stay on their parents’ policies until willing to put himself in the public stood out particularly for his talent on age 26. In that bill, we fought to say world, for being willing to fight here on Judiciary without even being a lawyer. that if someone had a preexisting con- the floor of the Senate for bill after bill I will miss him. The Senate will dition, they wouldn’t have to pay any after bill that made life better for come to miss him, too, I expect. He was more than anyone else would, creating Americans and for the many battles he a lot of things that one would want in healthcare opportunities for millions will be in in the years to come. Thank a Senator: principled, innovative, hard- of people who thought they would you. working, supersmart, bipartisan, gen- never have a chance to have an insur- I suggest the absence of a quorum. erous, caring. Things will be different ance policy again. Mr. BLUNT addressed the Chair. around here without him. It will be AL FRANKEN threw himself into pub- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Will the quieter on the floor without his big, lic life, and he made that happen not Senator withhold his suggestion? bursting laugh. We will miss his pres- just for the folks back home in Min- Mr. MERKLEY. Yes. ence on personal privacy issues, on mo- nesota but for people across this entire The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- nopoly power issues, on forced manda- Nation. ator from Missouri.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:08 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.021 S21DEPT1 S8202 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 SENATE ACCOMPLISHMENTS get a credit that allows them to take trillion or so dollars into the economy. Mr. BLUNT. Madam President, we money for other taxes they have paid You make us the best, safest, and most are quickly approaching the end of this and take that home with them. predictable place in the world to invest year, and I think it is a good time to So this is after a decade of histori- money. Foreign investment in our reflect on what has been done this cally low growth, a decade that defies economy—not in their economy but in year. Certainly, the Senate and the virtually the entire history of the our economy—will increase, and it is Trump administration have been able country going back to 1789, where 3 time for that to happen. to do a number of things that are real- percent growth has been the normal This Tax Code will increase take- ly going to have a significant impact growth. Less than 2 percent growth has home pay immediately, and it will on hard-working families. been the normal growth for 9 of the make us more competitive, and we will Yesterday, we sent the most signifi- last 10 years. The 1 year that is going have jobs that pay more in the future. cant tax reform legislation in more to be an exception is this year. It looks The rolling back of redtape is one of than three decades to the President’s like we are going to get close to and the reasons that the economy in our desk, and we had a chance to hear the maybe even exceed 3 percent and get country is already growing faster than President and others respond to that. back to where the economy should be it has in a decade. People saw the regu- The President, at the end of that cere- growing. I think with the new tax bill, latory overreach. Most importantly, mony at the White House, turned to we may exceed that and most of peo- President Trump saw the regulatory the Congress and said: ‘‘This is the ple’s concerns about a lot of the things overreach. The House and the Senate work that you have done.’’ I think the in this bill will go away when the econ- saw the regulatory overreach. We were Members of Congress appreciated that. omy starts growing again. able to block 15 regulations before they That showed a President who is con- Buying power is almost 3 percent went into effect. Other regulations, stantly learning and constantly under- lower this year than it was in the 1990s. like the totally ridiculous power rule standing how important relationships Now, their wages may have gone up be- that was proposed, which in my State are here. tween now and the 1990s, but prices would have doubled the utility bill in I thought it was interesting that we have gone up more, and it is time to less than 12 years, is not going to hap- heard Chairman BRADY, the chairman get our economy growing again and let pen now. The waters of the United of the House Ways and Means Com- families have more of the money they States, which would have suddenly put mittee, say that there are three impor- have earned to spend on their family. If the EPA in charge of anything involv- tant dates about to occur for America’s you are a family of four earning about ing water, is not going to happen now. economy and America’s families. One $73,000 this year and $73,000 next year, The $52 million increase in just the is January 1, when the new tax bill next year, your tax is going to be $2,000 cost of getting something where you goes into effect, and as to the wages less than it is this year. If you are a could start, which was the anticipated people are earning, people are going to single parent with one child earning cost of the waters of the United States, be allowed more of those wages to stay $41,000, next year your tax will be $1,300 is not going to happen now. in their billfold rather than go to the less than it is this year. Chairman ISAKSON of the Veterans’ government’s billfold. It doesn’t stay Now, some will say—as a matter of Affairs Committee was on the floor very long in the government’s billfold; fact, I have heard it on the floor of the earlier, talking about what we have that is for sure. January 1 is impor- Senate—a few hundred dollars a month done with his leadership for veterans, tant. As for February 1, by then, that will not matter. Well, now that is and that list is long. The Veterans is the time by which we hope all of the clearly somebody who doesn’t know Choice Act continues to give veterans new information is out to employers, how much a few hundred dollars a more opportunity to get the care where and people are going to see in their month or a few hundred dollars a year they want it rather than to be stuck in February check more money than they does matter. a system that didn’t seem to always saw in that same-sized check this year This bill will give us ways to compete care that much whether veterans got going home with them. This is about that we don’t have now. The bill also care or not. It was more about the Vet- who is a better person to spend your will provide Missouri families and erans’ Administration than the vet- money—you or the government. It is other families more jobs and more op- erans, and competition and choice is in also about a debate about whether the portunities because we are going to be the process of ending that with good government is better off with higher more competitive. We will have moved leadership at the VA administration taxes or more taxpayers and, of course, our corporate tax rate. It will not be and being sure that happens. it is better off with more taxpayers. the lowest in the world, but it will no We were able to pass a bill that I Chairman BRADY said that the other longer be the highest in the world. It sponsored, the HIRE Vets Act. It is date is April 15, because that is the last will be in the very middle. Twenty-one being implemented right now to recog- time in the foreseeable future that percent is right in the middle of the nize companies that hire vets, that pro- families are going to have to deal with countries we compete with. At the mote vets, and that give vets credit for a Tax Code that they don’t understand, time that 35 percent was our rate in the skills they learned in the military. that they believe to be unfair, that 1986, it was the middle, too, but every The Department of Labor has worked they believe does not treat everybody other country that we compete with hard to put that on fast-forward and equitably in how that Tax Code is ap- has figured out that that gives you a get it done. plied. Many of the special provisions competitive disadvantage, and they In the military, the Military Family are going to be out of the Tax Code. have all lowered their taxes as our cor- Stability Act means that families, for Next April 15, probably 9 out of 10 tax- porate tax stayed the same. We are re- the first time, have the opportunity payers would have filled out an income storing our competitive position. We that they have always hoped to have tax form on a card about this big and, are hoping and actually going to go for the family to move a little earlier for 9 out of 10 taxpayers, they are going ahead and tax the money that is or stay a little longer, if that works for to look at double the personal exemp- trapped overseas, whether it comes education purposes or the spouse’s edu- tion from this year—that is $24,000, if back or not. So I think it is safe to as- cation or career purposes. This is a dra- you are a married couple, that you just sume that somewhere in the neighbor- matic step, appreciating the fact that subtract immediately from your in- hood of $2 trillion will come back into the strength of the military is in mili- come—and double the child tax credit, our economy. tary families. We recruit, generally in up to $2,000. Somebody said to me just There is more U.S. money overseas the military, single adults, and we re- yesterday: You mean my son with his that would like to come home—but tire from the military adults with three children is going to be able to wasn’t going to come home if we took spouses and children, and this looks at take $6,000 off of whatever their tax bill 35 percent out of it—than at any time that. would be at the bottom of that form, before. There is more U.S. capital in There is a lot to talk about as we end and the answer is yes. If they didn’t this country on the sidelines than at this session. It is never perfect, but have a tax bill, at the bottom of that any time before. You put that money that is why we come back for the next form that totals $6,000, those families into the economy, and you put that 2 session. There are going to be things

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:49 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.023 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8203 that could have been done better, but will file on the smaller form and also age groups and the number of deaths so many things have happened that push that number to maybe over 90 that occurred because of opioids, and haven’t happened in a generation. I percent. every line was going up. know that I am eager to go home and This year, we also delivered on sig- The State of West Virginia has been talk about those, as I was on the radio nificant regulatory reforms, especially particularly hard hit with this. We this morning and yesterday morning in the energy realm, which is abso- have the highest rate of opioid drug doing that already. I know that my lutely impactful in my area of the overdose deaths per 100,000 of any State colleagues are too. country. Under the Congressional Re- in the Union. I yield the floor. view Act, the Senate has repealed 14 of I worked with the new CMS to try to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- President Obama’s very onerous regu- help secure a Medicaid waiver that ator from West Virginia. lations. would allow West Virginians to expand Mrs. CAPITO. Madam President, I I led the effort to enact a CRA to fix substance abuse treatment and also wish to thank my colleague from Mis- the burdensome stream protection services for Medicaid members and ex- souri for highlighting a lot of the good rule. This rule really threatened what pand the ability for treatment to be of- work of this past year in the Senate was left of the coal industry in our re- fered to folks who have Medicaid. I and touching on some highlights, par- gion. The Obama-era rule would have partnered with officials from the Office ticularly in the veterans area, that prohibited many forms of coal mining of National Drug Control Policy to have great impact across the country. in Appalachia. I kept saying: Let’s bal- hear directly from West Virginians at a It is something on which we all joined ance this. roundtable. The Chief of Staff of the together compassionately, wanting to Under Scott Pruitt’s leadership, the White House office also participated in help our veterans and wanting to make EPA repealed the Clean Power Plan— roundtables at the White House. sure they get the best care in the best another onerous regulation with mini- In honor of West Virginian Jessie way as quickly as possible, and I appre- mal benefit. We can do it better, and I Grubb, Senator MANCHIN and I saw the ciate his highlighting that. believe, in this EPA, we will. passage of Jessie’s Law. This law bol- I wish to highlight the positive For years, I asked the Obama admin- sters our fight by requiring HHS to de- change that this Republican majority istration—Madam President, we serve velop standards for hospitals and has brought to the American people in on the same committee—I asked the health professionals on a patient’s his- the first year of President Trump’s ad- EPA to come to my State and see what tory with addiction. Jessie Grubb ad- ministration. I am going to talk about the impacts are of the rules and the mitted she was addicted when she was a few different things than my col- regulations that they are putting for- in the hospital. She wasn’t in the hos- league from Missouri, and I think you ward. They never came. This year, the pital for addiction issues; she admitted would expect that. I come from the EPA finally answered my calls and she had an addiction problem. She left State of West Virginia. Certain policies came to the State of West Virginia— with opioids. She didn’t live another 24 impact us differently, and so that is the State capital, Charleston, WV—to hours. In her honor, Senator MANCHIN what having the time to talk about our listen to both sides of those who will be and I have worked hard to see that this accomplishments over the past year impacted by any regulations that the doesn’t happen to another family. gives us the ability to do. EPA puts forward. As West Virginia continues to be I can’t begin without talking about We also reformed the waters of the ground zero for this epidemic, I won’t one of the biggest and boldest actions United States—or WOTUS—rule, which stop my work for those who are suf- that we have taken this week, and that has severe impacts not only in the min- fering, including looking at innovative is our pro-growth tax reform bill. ing community but particularly in the solutions like those we have at Lily’s Throughout the process, I traveled agriculture community and other in- Place in Huntington for the babies who across the State and heard from many dustries in and around the country. are born drug-exposed—again, innocent constituents—friends and many strang- Many parts of West Virginia continue victims of those rising lines I saw in ers—all about this effort. Not only at to feel the impact of the devastating the charts the CDC put forward. the beginning did they realize what a floods that we suffered a year ago We have been working with law en- difference this will make in their lives, June. So with my service on the Appro- forcement to ensure that they have the but, as my colleague from Missouri priations Committee, I worked dili- tools they need to administer emer- said, as we move through this year, gently with others to ensure that our gency assistance, such as naxolone, to when you start to see your paychecks community needs are met. those who may be overdosing, or build change and you bring home more of That is the great thing about this on telehealth projects, demonstration your own money because your rate country. I know Texas certainly and projects that can help with substance went down or when you begin to file in Florida, Puerto Rico, and other areas abuse treatment. April, realizing that this is the last are weaving through these devastating I have always said that we need a time you have to file this complicated weather-related and natural disasters. spectrum of solutions. As we look thing—I am going to be able to make it With all the sadness that is occurring back, we have done a lot. As we look easier on myself—families, workers, and all the destruction that we see, the forward, we have to do more because and small businesses across our State one thing we appreciate as Americans the problem is getting worse. are really counting on relief, and this is our ability to come together and I think we also have had tremendous week we delivered on that. help one another. The first person I success and impact in our quest to con- In West Virginia, particularly when met when I was going to see the floods nect West Virginia. I created a pro- asked ‘‘How is this really going to help had traveled 511⁄2 hours with their gram called Capito Connect that would the bulk of the people in the middle- church to come and help those who had move high-speed internet connectivity wage earning families?’’ I like to high- been flooded out of their homes. On the into the rural parts of our country, in light the fact that in my State in par- Appropriations Committee, we were places like West Virginia that are un- ticular, 83 percent of our tax filers able to get more funding for damage to derserved. Through Capito Connect and don’t take itemizations. They file with roads and other property and individ- my GO Act, we have seen accelerated the standard deduction. That has now uals so that West Virginians could get broadband access in West Virginia cer- been doubled. back to work and provide for their fam- tainly but also in rural America. I was The child tax credit has been dou- ilies. able to work with the USDA to get our bled, as the gentleman from Wyoming I also focused my efforts on ensuring local communities a consortium to se- said. It gives that child tax credit, and that our State had the resources it cure a USDA loan to be able to move that goes right to the heart of the mid- needs to fight back against the contin- broadband to 9,000 more West Vir- dle-wage earning family trying to ued devastation wrought by the drug ginians. make ends meet at the end of the day. epidemic. So working with other agencies, EDA They are predictions, but we feel cer- Just yesterday or today, the CDC and others, on not just moving on tain that with the doubling of these de- came out with a report that had lines broadband but economic development ductions and this credit, more people on a graph that showed the different projects, we have seen impacts in 45 of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:49 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.024 S21DEPT1 S8204 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 the 55 counties that I represent but who have been waiting for years—dec- Yet it takes you a year before you are also being able to create an associated ades, in some cases—for the kind of re- able to get rid of these people. Despite 1,400 jobs. form that we put forward. having been identified, it takes forever Federal grants like these help not With that, I would like to yield back to terminate an employee. only our communities but our univer- my time, but first I would just like to Well, we fixed that this past summer sities, such as Marshall and West Vir- say that I am grateful to be serving when President Trump signed the VA ginia Universities, which provide great with the three Members who are in Accountability Act that included our benefits to our communities. here with me today. I wish everybody language to allow the Secretary of Vet- These are tangible achievements over here and everybody listening in this erans Affairs to immediately fire em- the last year—both more global, such country a very wonderful holiday sea- ployees for misconduct or poor per- as the tax reform, and more local, as in son. formance. That was successful. We did broadband deployment. Thank you. it. That is history. The Senate also plays an important The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- I have to say that during President role by giving advice and consent on ator from Oklahoma. Trump’s administration so far, he has President Trump’s nominations and Mr. INHOFE. Madam President, let used this firing authority on over 500 confirming them. This year, Repub- me make a comment to the Senator bad actors from the VA, and we are fi- licans made significant progress in from West Virginia. One of the prob- nally creating a culture of account- shaping the judiciary, most certainly lems we have right now is that during ability in the VA, which is having posi- starting with the confirmation of our the last administration, there was a tive results. That is the first reform. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch. war on fossil fuel—which includes coal The second one: Too many veterans His strong record and straightforward and nuclear also—and some of the dam- were forced to receive care from VA fa- approach are just what we expect from age has already been done. Unfortu- cilities that were hours away or didn’t a Supreme Court Justice. I was proud nately, we can’t come in with a ready provide specialized care. to vote for his confirmation this year. fix now and assume—because a lot of This is a problem. A lot of these vet- erans don’t have the capability to We have also confirmed 12 circuit the generators out there had done field move around and get the care they judges—the highest number during a switching out of coal, so you can’t need, and they didn’t have the choices. President’s first year since 1891. switch it back. So I will say it was help So we actually had to make a change, I am pleased to say that as of yester- coming not quite on time, but nonethe- and we did. We worked with the Presi- day, we had confirmed both of our U.S. less it is here now. dent and reauthorized the bipartisan attorneys in the State of West Vir- f ginia. I am very grateful for that be- VA Choice Program. The VA Choice Program is great be- cause this fight against opioids has to VA ACCOUNTABILITY AND cause it allowed our veterans to actu- have the U.S. attorney’s help. It has to VETERANS HEALTHCARE ally, in those hard-to-reach areas, get have the U.S. attorney aggression—not Mr. INHOFE. Madam President, let high-quality healthcare, regardless of just with law enforcement but also me mention something that is very sig- where they had to travel to get it done. helping with treatment. nificant to me personally. I remember That was a success. So this year, I am proud that we ad- it was 2 years ago today that I picked Finally, after the USA TODAY arti- dressed a lot of America’s concerns. We up USA TODAY, and in a USA TODAY cle, we requested an accredited third- have tackled challenges head-on and article, they singled out my State of party look at the problem at our VA delivered real results. I am proud that Oklahoma and said that we are not facilities because previous reports from President Trump and his administra- treating our veterans right. We were in the Obama Veterans Affairs inspector tion are listening to the needs of small shock at that time. In fact, the article general failed to identify and correct States like mine, West Virginia, and detailed some really appalling things these problems. Well, my request was working with me to deliver that relief. that were going on and were not going denied. It is just like any bureaucracy. It has been an honor for me to host on in my State of Oklahoma. There They don’t want someone looking over some Cabinet members in the State of were things the inspector general re- their shoulder, so they said: No, we are West Virginia—I didn’t see that over ported during the Obama administra- not going to allow you to have a third the last 8 years—Secretary Perry, Sec- tion that we had no way of knowing party accompany the VA to look into retary of Energy; Secretary Mnuchin, about. the problem that you have. Secretary of Treasury; and also the We seem to have more veterans per Some are not aware of this, but in Secretary of Labor. We went on a coal capita in Oklahoma. One of the reasons the Senate, when someone is nomi- mine tour with Secretary Acosta. This is we have five major military estab- nated, we can put a hold on them and helps them see the kinds of ups and lishments, and Oklahoma is a great not allow them to go through con- downs of life in rural and central place to live, so a lot of them retire firmation—at least for a long period of United States—in Appalachia in par- there. They were not getting the help time. At that time, the President—our ticular. they need, and they were not getting current President—had nominated a We have a lot we have to do. We have the treatment to the highest standards person to be the inspector general of a lot on our plate. I think it is always that were available. the Veterans’ Administration. We put a this time of year that, in my personal This isn’t how we take care of vet- hold on him until they allowed some- life, I like to look back at some of the erans in Oklahoma. Senator LANKFORD one to come in and monitor the evalua- great things that we have accom- and I and two of the House Members tion that the VA was doing of their plished as a family or for those whom worked on this and talked to regional own bureaucracy in Oklahoma. That I love or some of the things that hap- Veterans’ Administration leadership. worked, except the problem with that pened to us that maybe haven’t been We talked to the veterans. We talked is it was a one-time authorization. We quite as good as we would have hoped. to whistleblowers. And we identified needed to make that a permanent part I also take this time to be a grateful three key problems that we needed to of our structure. I am pleased to say we person, to be a grateful American, to fix. This is interesting because these did that. be a grateful West Virginian because are three problems in my State of When we signed the Enhancing Vet- we are so blessed with where we live Oklahoma, but they would be the same eran Care Act, it permanently granted and how we live and the bounty of our thing in Nebraska or any other State the VISN directors—that is one of the friendships. But I also take the time to because it is not just in our State of director levels of the VA—and gave the look forward to what we are going to Oklahoma. medical center directors the authority be able to do. So when I see tax reform The first one was that the VA to request, at their request, an outside kicking in next year, in 2018, that is couldn’t fire bad employees. oversight in order to evaluate what what I am going to be looking forward This is always a problem. You go into they had done. It has been very suc- to for so many hard-working West Vir- an organization and you find that cessful. ginians, so many hard-working small things are not going very well because It is important for the regional direc- business owners, and so many people there are one or two bad employees. tors to have the authority because

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:49 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.026 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8205 they have the best idea of the reality of change as opposed to rebuilding our onstrated a range that would reach one care at their facilities. military, and he is building it at a very of our continental U.S. cities. I appreciate the work of my col- rapid rate right now. They tried to give us a little bit of leagues, Senator JAMES LANKFORD, We passed the bill, the Defense au- comfort in saying, well, we don’t know Congressman MARKWAYNE MULLIN, and thorization bill, and we have made a that they would be able to carry a war- Congressman STEVE RUSSELL. It turned great start on this. head. We don’t think they would have out to be a real good team, and we are Now, when the President came into the capacity to do that. Well, we don’t able to get these things done. We are office, our military was facing a readi- know that. That is not much comfort. already starting to see real progress in ness crisis, and Americans didn’t really When they say: We don’t have the ca- improving the veterans’ care in Okla- understand this. They didn’t know. pacity to be accurate on a reentry be- homa and across the country because They had not been told this. We had a cause of what a missile has to go as we are improving the system we had biased media that didn’t allow this in- through on a reentry, well, that is not in Oklahoma, that same system can be formation to get out. As an example, very comforting that this would hap- improved in Nebraska or any other our Air Force today, right now, is short pen. State. 1,500 pilots, and 1,300 of those are actu- Anyway, the NDAA—the bill we We need to get our VA facilities from ally fighter pilots. Only 50 percent of passed, that the President signed into their current ratings to the highest the Air Force squadrons are trained law—would be a good step in correcting standard. The highest standard rating and ready to conduct all of their as- the readiness shortfalls. I look forward is five stars. We are now up to three signed missions. I have to repeat that. to continuing to work with him on this stars in Oklahoma. We were at one star Only 50 percent of our Air Force squad- critical process. when we first discovered this problem rons are trained and ready to defend We have a committee that already is on that fateful day 2 years ago today in America. having hearings about the problems we an article in USA TODAY. The Navy is the smallest and least are having. We had one, actually, in President Trump will continue to be ready it has been in years. It currently the subcommittee hearing I chaired an important partner for Oklahoma as can only meet 40 percent of the demand just this week. We are busy correcting we continue to improve our veterans’ for regional combat. The commanders these problems. care. in the field include only enough per- Meanwhile, back to our VA problems f sonnel to man six and a half of our nine in Oklahoma, we put two new great di- carrier air wing. rectors in the VA clinics. We have a SUPPORTING OUR MILITARY A carrier air wing is something a lot level of veterans’ care Oklahomans are Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, Presi- of people are not familiar with. A car- proud of. Only yesterday, President dent Trump’s commitment to our vet- rier air wing has approximately 75 Trump signed the Enhancing Veteran erans is only matched by his commit- combat aircraft. Currently, we have Care Act to ensure that we continue to ment to our servicemembers and our manned only 61⁄2 wings and are 8,000 give our veterans the best care. They national security. You can’t really seg- sailors short. deserve it, and they are going to get it. regate it out and say, well, we are This is an air wing. They have F–18s, At the same time, we are going to re- going to take care of our veterans’ ac- they have EA–18s, they have F–35s, store and rebuild the military as our tivities and then still say we are not they have C–2As. Again, just a little Nation’s No. 1 priority. Our troops de- going to allow our country to have the over half of ours are actually ready. serve it, and they are going to get it. national security they fought so hard Well, that is the problem we are faced I yield the floor. for. with right now. More than half of the The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. We saw that earlier this week when Navy’s F–18s are grounded because SASSE). The Senator from South Caro- the President outlined his national se- they are awaiting maintenance or lack lina. curity strategy, charting a new course of necessary parts. If you look at our f for American foreign policy, leaving Marines, our Marines are using F–18s, behind the failed policies of the Obama and 62 percent of F–18s will not fly. TAX REFORM BILL administration. With his national secu- People are just shocked when they find Mr. SCOTT. Thank you, Mr. Presi- rity strategy, President Trump has out about it. It is because we don’t dent. been clear that he is committed to pro- have the spare parts. Well, we are get- This week, we took a major step to- tecting the homeland, promoting ting busy on that. We are going to ward helping the middle- and working- American prosperity, and advancing make sure we correct those problems. class family by passing the first signifi- peace through strength. Have you ever The Army has said that only about cant tax reform package in a genera- heard that before, peace through one-third of their brigade combat tion. strength? I am one of the few who is teams, one-fourth of their air aviation I wanted to take a few minutes to old enough around here who remember brigades, and one-half of their division thank a lot of folks for their efforts, our great President we had who talked headquarters are currently ready. hard work, and dedication to this proc- about peace through strength when he A brigade combat team consists of 7 ess. At the Member level, both Leader had to rebuild the military after the battalions, approximately 4,500 stu- MCCONNELL and Chairman HATCH did Carter administration. It was actually dents. I wish I had time to come up amazing work leading us through this as bad—or as downgraded as our mili- with a chart on this, but the carrier process. tary has become from the last adminis- wing is one that is absolutely nec- I also had the privilege of working as tration. essary to get folks straight, and we part of the Core 4, with PAT TOOMEY, Now he is asserting America’s leader- plan on doing that. JOHN THUNE, and ROB PORTMAN, over ship in the free world. We saw how Faced with the most dangerous the past year developing this bill. under President Obama the military threats I have seen in my lifetime, Those three guys are some of the hard- was forced to divert resources for prior- these are critical gaps in our military est working Members we have. ities that weren’t even about defending we simply cannot accept. I also thank MARCO RUBIO for his America. He used the military to ad- I often say, when I look back at the dedication to improving the child tax vance his liberal agenda, which led to good old days of the Cold War, where credit, as well as MIKE LEE and Ivanka the wasteful spending on what they we had two superpowers—and the su- Trump. call the green Navy and the green bul- perpowers, we knew what they had, We were also able to include my In- lets. The idea that climate change was they knew what we had. It is totally vesting in Opportunity Act as a part of the largest threat to our national secu- different now. the legislation. This is legislation that rity, all of that has changed and not a You have a country like North will help distressed communities moment too soon. Korea, which has demonstrated that throughout the country. More than 50 President Trump is focused on what they have the capacity now to reach an million Americans today live in those matters, rightfully taking out things American city. We learned that on No- distressed communities, and the In- like just worrying about climate vember 28, when they actually dem- vesting in Opportunity Act can usher

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:06 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.028 S21DEPT1 S8206 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 in trillions of dollars of investment to on, no matter where you live in this bono Work to Empower and Represent improve the quality of life and create a country, we are blessed—truly Act, known as the POWER Act. Con- spark in some of the most challenging blessed—to live in the greatest country gressman JOE KENNEDY in the House areas of our country economically. on God’s green Earth. Merry Christ- has introduced a companion bill where I thank my House sponsor of the bill, mas, and may the good Lord bless us it likewise has enjoyed broad bipar- PAT TIBERI, and my Democratic co- with an amazing new year. tisan support. Some of the most con- sponsors, Corey Booker and RON KIND. I yield the floor. servative Republicans and some of the We could not have gotten this far The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- most liberal Democrats are showing a without the hard work and dedication ator from Alaska. broad array of support in the House of the Finance Committee staff. I f just as it has enjoyed in the Senate. thank, in particular, Jay, Mark, Jeff, When it passes through both Cham- POWER ACT Jenn, as well as the entire Finance bers, the bill will be a robust first step team for their amazing work. Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. President, as we in making more lawyers available, I also want to take a few minutes to all know, more and more brave women working on a pro bono basis for victims thank my staff. I have been blessed are speaking out about the abuse that and survivors who can’t afford rep- with an amazing staff here on Capitol has been reported in the papers—abuse resentation. There are thousands—tens Hill, one of the hardest working staffs by the powerful, in many cases. I want of thousands—who fall into that cat- I have ever seen. I want to start off by to say at the outset that the country egory, unfortunately. thanking my tax guru, Shay Hawkins, applauds these women for their cour- So what is the problem we are trying who has done a tremendous job of lead- age and for setting an example for oth- to solve? Domestic violence and sexual ing us through this process—fielding ers. assault happens every hour, every day, thousands of calls and responding to Some of the stories we have heard in every part of our country. According tens of thousands of emails. I would about involve sexual harassment, but to a recent study by the Centers for also like to thank my LD, Charles some of the other stories also appear to Disease Control, roughly 25 percent of Cogar, for his dedication and his lead- involve even more serious crimes, in- American women will be victims of do- ership through this time. My chief of cluding domestic violence and sexual mestic assault in their lifetimes—one staff, Jennifer DeCasper, has done an assault, which is an incredibly impor- in four—25 percent. That is a horren- amazing job of making sure we stayed tant issue that often gets under- dous statistic. Every day in the United focused on the objective. The objective reported all across the country. As a States, on average, three women are was not to simply pass legislation; the result of these news stories, I am cer- killed by a current or former intimate objective was, in fact, to change lives tainly hopeful these kinds of prob- partner, according to the National Net- where we live, to help the average lems—the domestic violence problems work to End Domestic Violence. That American experience a little more we have in America—are going to start is also a shocking, horrendous sta- hope, a little more opportunity by to receive the attention they need and tistic. keeping a little more of their money. I deserve. No place is immune. This kind of vio- also thank my commerce director who Just as we are seeing more men fired lence happens in small towns, in big has done a fabulous job, Sean Smith, in from jobs because of sexual harassment cities, on college campuses, and in sub- making sure we communicated effec- and assault, we also need to see more urban homes. This violence transcends tively the message of hope and oppor- get the punishment they deserve, in a political affiliation, race, and socio- tunity, and my scheduler, Brie Kelly. court of law, for violent abuse. We also economic status. I know a number of Thank God for someone who could keep need to make sure victims are pro- my colleagues have watched as I like me moving in the right direction. One tected and that they have an advo- to come to the Senate floor and talk of the hardest jobs in Washington is cate—a lawyer—who is on their side in about my State—the great State of being a scheduler for a Member, and these cases. Alaska—and I like to talk about how being a scheduler for this Member is Unfortunately, many who are suf- many things are so wonderful about perhaps the hardest job of scheduling. fering from domestic abuse and sexual Alaska. One thing that isn’t wonderful My entire team worked diligently, assault can’t afford attorneys to file about Alaska is, we have the highest long hours, but that is why we are charges or, importantly, to even pro- rates of domestic violence and sexual here. We are here to work long hours, tect themselves and their families, assault in the country. So this is cer- but to produce results—unparalleled their kids. Here is the big irony: When tainly happening in my State, and it is results—that will make the American someone is charged with a crime—say a one of the reasons I care so much about people have just a little more con- sexual assault crime, say an accused this issue. It is happening in every fidence in their elected officials. rapist—that person gets a Sixth State—every State represented in the Finally, I have to thank the good Amendment right to counsel under the U.S. Senate. people of South Carolina. I was first U.S. Constitution. So the perpetrator There are no simple solutions to elected to Congress in 2010, and one of gets the right to a lawyer. What does combat this issue of nationwide domes- my first pieces of legislation was the the victim get? The victim gets noth- tic violence, but experts do agree that Tax Reform Act of 2011—February of ing—no attorney, no right to an attor- securing a lawyer for victims is one of 2011—to lower the corporate tax rate ney. the best ways, if not the best way, to and to work on restructuring our Tax Think about that. An accused rapist get victims and survivors out of their Code. gets a lawyer under the Constitution difficult situation—out of what often is Since my first days in Congress, I and the victim gets nothing. In fact, a cycle of violence—to get them shel- have been working on this issue. The what they often get, in terms of ter, housing, and medical care, and pro- good people of South Carolina allowed crimes, are prosecutors, if it is a crimi- tective orders. me to serve as a Senator. I was elected nal case. Prosecutors do a good job, but Studies have shown that when an in 2014 and reelected in 2016. I will con- they are often looking to score a win abused victim is represented by an at- tinue to make sure my focus is back at rather than looking out for the victim torney, their ability to break out of home, where the good South Caro- and the survivor. If it is a civil case, the cycle of violence increases dra- linians who elected me have given me a survivors usually go without attor- matically. One study found that 83 per- great privilege. neys. cent of victims represented by a lawyer I will focus on the fact that our work, I believe this is wrong. Fortunately, were able to obtain a protective order our dedication should be focused on we have been working on this in this compared to just 32 percent in domes- those folks. The good news is, during body. We have a bill to change that. tic violence situations when they this holiday season, we believe this tax Senator HEITKAMP and I introduced a weren’t represented by an attorney. reform package will be an early Christ- bill in the Senate that was passed Not only would more legal represen- mas present. unanimously by this body several tation help victims and survivors of Let me just say to all the folks, no months ago—and actually passed it abuse, but it would also help protect matter what side of the aisle you are last Congress as well—called the Pro children. In these situations, children

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:06 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.030 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8207 are often abused as well. Paige Hodson advocacy groups, legal services groups, POWER Act that Senator HEITKAMP from Anchorage is a survivor herself. and this actually worked. It worked. and I have championed—are sitting in She has been working for years with By 2014, over 100 cases in our State the House Judiciary Committee. Vic- thousands of women as an advocate for were handled by volunteer attorneys tims are not getting justice right now women who are trying to get out of providing thousands and thousands of with these bills sitting there. abusive relationships and women who hours of volunteer legal assistance to Why on Earth would such bipartisan are also trying to protect their chil- victims of domestic violence and sex- legislation, which would literally end dren. These are complicated and often ual assault. up helping thousands of survivors and difficult issues and cases, but Paige has Think about that. Alaska has a little probably bring to justice hundreds of said it is critical for both the safety of over 700,000 people, and we had over 100 criminals who commit these heinous the mom and the kids to make sure attorneys come out—thousands of crimes of sexual assault and domestic they are represented by an attorney. hours, just in our State, with a small violence—why on Earth would we have So what does the POWER Act do? population. If we could take this model bills, which have bipartisan support Every area of our country—every part to 300 million Americans, we literally and little to no impact on the Federal of America—is represented by a judi- would have an army of lawyers helping Treasury, stuck in the House Judiciary cial district that is represented by a survivors with volunteer time and Committee? It is beyond comprehen- U.S. attorney. Under the authority of helping meet this significant unmet sion. the Justice Department, some States need throughout our country. To my colleagues in the House, let’s have several U.S. attorney districts. As I mentioned, the POWER Act move this. Let’s move these bills before Alaska has only one. passed unanimously in the Senate, but, the holidays. Let’s start focusing on Utilizing this national framework of unfortunately, it is being held up in bringing justice to people who really all of our different U.S. attorneys the House. Ironically, it is stuck in the need it. throughout America, the POWER Act Judiciary Committee—the committee Helping victims and survivors of do- sets out a way to increase connections focused on bringing justice to Ameri- mestic violence and sexual assault is between lawyers and victims, between cans. It is stuck there. Remember, this not a Republican issue, it is not a advocates and survivors. The bill, is not going to cost a dime, yet it has Democratic issue, it is not a women’s which has already passed the Senate, been stuck for months in the Judiciary issue, and it is not a men’s issue. It is directs each U.S. attorney to hold at Committee. It is kind of ironic. These an issue that affects all of us. Working least one annual event, inviting law- victims need help, and this bill will do together—as Senators, as Members of yers and legal service representatives that. the House, as Americans—we should who want to provide their legal serv- It is not only my bill to help victims clearly unite in this cause, which tran- ices and pro bono time to empower vic- and survivors of sexual assault that is scends politics or ideologies, because tims by representing them. stuck in the Judiciary Committee. My we can start changing the culture of It also requires U.S. attorneys to colleague, the majority whip from abuse. That is what we have been try- plan and hold events with a focus on Texas, Senator CORNYN, has a very im- ing to do in Alaska. It is going to take addressing these kinds of crimes—do- portant bill that he came to the floor a long time. It is going to take a long mestic violence and sexual assault—in of the Senate just last week to talk time, but we need to act. Indian Country and among Alaska Na- about. It is called the SAFER Act and I am hopeful that my colleagues in tive populations, where some of the will help States ease the nationwide the House—my colleagues particularly abuse in the lower 40 and in my State backlog of thousands of untested rape in the Judiciary Committee—recognize is very, very high. kits that currently sit untested in labs the urgency of these kinds of situa- Another important point about the and on police storage shelves across tions and will move the SAFER Act POWER Act is that it would not add a the country. There are thousands. End- and the POWER Act out of committee dime—not one penny—to the Federal ing this backlog could take perpetra- and get it on the floor for a vote as debt. But here is what it would do: It tors off the streets and provide victims soon as possible. would create an army of lawyers— and survivors the justice they deserve. I yield the floor. thousands of lawyers—to defend sur- We know this would work. We know I suggest the absence of a quorum. vivors of abuse. Think about that posi- that would help. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tive vision. Think about that positive The SAFER Act passed the Senate clerk will call the roll. vision and goal. What a great way for under the leadership of Senator COR- The legislative clerk proceeded to Americans, especially attorneys, to NYN. Let me talk about how important call the roll. rise up in a positive and constructive that bill is to the country. In my Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I way in response to all the bad news we State, there are 3,484 untested rape ask unanimous consent that the order are reading almost daily about these kits, more per capita than any State in for the quorum call be rescinded. issues and show the better angles, the the country. Anchorage, my home- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without better side of our country. town, has one untested kit for every 164 objection, it is so ordered. The model for this bill came from my residents. In Juneau, AK, it is one for f State of Alaska. As I mentioned, we every 160 residents. The backlogs are RUSSIA INVESTIGATION have the highest rates of domestic vio- all across the country. As Senator COR- lence and sexual assault in the coun- NYN pointed out in his speech, there are Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I try—something that no Alaskan is 2,000 kits that remain untested in his thank my colleague, Senator MARK proud of. When I was attorney general, State, the State of Texas. In Virginia, WARNER from Virginia, for his powerful working closely with our legislature, where the State legislature has made and eloquent remarks on the floor less our Governor, and many of the victims this kind of testing a priority, there than 24 hours ago. He talked about the advocacy groups, we launched a strat- are also more than 2,000 kits sitting on threat that exists now—looming larger egy called the Choose Respect Cam- police shelves. every day—of a constitutional crisis. It paign. The Choose Respect Campaign The Detroit Free Press recently re- is a crisis that threatens the founda- highlighted this problem in our great ported on how, in 2009, officials stum- tions of our democracy. It involves a State. bled onto more than 11,000 untested potential confrontation and, indeed, a We did public service announcements rape kits. After they raised enough legal conflagration between the Presi- about how real Alaskan men choose re- money to test them, 817 serial rapists dent of the United States and the spe- spect; we changed the laws to make the were identified. That is why this is so cial counsel who has been appointed to penalties for perpetrators much harder; important. Once these kits are proc- investigate wrongdoing in our govern- and we provided increased services for essed, they often give us the evidence ment. victims. One way we did that was to to go after the abusers, the criminals. None of the facts that justified—in- hold what were called pro bono legal It is remarkable to me that both of deed, required—the appointment of a summits. I hosted those summits. We these bills—the SAFER Act that Sen- special counsel has been controverted brought together lawyers and victims ator CORNYN has championed and the in any reasonable way by anyone since

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:06 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.031 S21DEPT1 S8208 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 the appointment of that special coun- tack on the Department of Justice and and he has criticized the folks who sel. Now a campaign of mistruth and the FBI. The President’s chorus of de- have subjected them to ‘‘relentless misdirection has been launched against fenders and sycophants describes rou- criticism.’’ He has promised to always that special counsel investigation. It is tine law enforcement activities as a stand with them. Those promises a campaign that is calculated, con- ‘‘coup’’ and traffics in the kinds of con- apply, apparently, to law enforcement certed, and coordinated. It is cal- spiracy theories that we usually asso- as long as they are not investigating culated because it is planned and pre- ciate with fringe internet chat rooms. him. meditated; it is concerted in its con- What is their justification for this vi- The President has said that he has no sistency and vehemence; and it is co- tuperative attack on the Department present intention to fire the special ordinated among officials within the of Justice and the FBI? counsel, but he has far from ruled it government, including the U.S. Con- One of the FBI agents expressed his out. For anyone who thinks it would be gress and commentators and individ- political views in a private text to an too outside the bounds of normal uals outside the government. FBI attorney, but the special counsel standards, remember that the firing of The danger of a constitutional crisis took swift and decisive and deliberate Jim Comey as FBI Director was re- is real and urgent, and we must come action to remove that FBI agent from garded as unthinkable. It was unthink- together in the U.S. Senate to face it the investigation. able until President Trump did it. and address it and deal with it. More broadly, let’s recognize the re- Equally important, this chorus of de- This body has come together in the ality here. As a Federal prosecutor, as fenders and sycophants can undermine past when America has faced a foreign the U.S. attorney for Connecticut for the Mueller investigation even if adversary that has sought to do our 41⁄2 years, and then as the State attor- Mueller, himself, is never fired. They Nation harm. We have come together ney general for 20 years, I know—and can poison the well of public opinion to hold our leaders accountable when all of us who have been prosecutors and, indeed, a jury pool. They can sow they have broken faith with the Amer- know—that investigators, like FBI seeds of doubt regarding the special ican people. We have come together agents, have political views. Some are counsel and his team, and they can lay when forces of dissension and misdirec- on the right end of the political spec- the groundwork for firing Robert tion have sought to undermine or trum; some are on the left. The mark Mueller as well as for issuing pardons. weaken respect for the law and law en- of their professionalism is that they Let no one have any doubt. Firing forcement and, indeed, the rule of law. leave them at home when they go to Robert Mueller would create a What is at stake here is nothing less work. They park them at the door, not firestorm that would be every bit as ve- than the rule of law. just because it is what they are taught hement as the Saturday Night Mas- Let’s recognize what is happening. and trained to do, but they believe in sacre. It would provoke an uprising, an The President, in effect, is going down unbiased law enforcement because they outcry, and outrage in the American two tracks. On the one hand, he is say- know that a criminal investigation, ul- people and in this Chamber. The time ing that he has no present intention to timately, comes down to facts and law. to make that fact clear is now, not just fire the special counsel or to pardon It cannot be based on political opin- for this side of the aisle but with una- anyone—yet. He adds that word very ions. Investigations that are biased by nimity and force on both sides. distinctly. The other track involves a political opinions are doomed to dis- That chorus of defenders and syco- coordinated, concerted, and calculated aster. phants may think or imagine it can campaign that is continuing—indeed, Perhaps most importantly, there is prevent the special counsel from re- rising—in intensity and volume. not a scintilla of fact—not a shred of vealing his finding or reporting to the The President’s supporters, even in evidence—that the special counsel in- American people at the conclusion of raising that volume, have reached ex- vestigation has been impacted in any his investigation or that it can dis- traordinary lows. Let’s remember. At way by any political view of any FBI credit or demean those findings or that first, our Republican colleagues ap- agent or, for that matter, anyone else it can undermine his credibility before peared to recognize that Robert in that investigation. There is, simply, a jury. It would be wrong because this Mueller was eminently—indeed, no evidence that political views have body and our colleagues are committed uniquely—qualified for his important impacted the special counsel’s inves- to uncovering the truth, to pursuing it task. Republican House Members tigation. wherever it leads, and to enforcing the called him a ‘‘man of the utmost integ- The simple fact that prosecutors law. rity’’ and ‘‘someone we all trust.’’ Now know is that all such investigations That is my hope and belief, but it we hear that the Mueller investigation must seek to uncover the facts and must not only be a hope; it must be re- is somehow biased. One commentator apply the law, and that is what Special flected in action—in real action. That known to be close to President Trump Counsel Robert Mueller has done. The involves passing legislation that will suggested that the special counsel proof is in the results so far—two pow- send a message about this body’s reso- should not only be fired, he should be erful convictions that have shattered lute and unwavering commitment to arrested. Even Members of Congress the Trump Presidency and two indict- making sure that the special counsel who once recognized Mr. Mueller’s stel- ments that indicate this investigation cannot be fired, that pardons cannot be lar record as a member of the Armed is just at its beginning, not at the be- issued, and that this investigation can- Forces, as well as in his capacity as the ginning of the end but, simply, the end not be a victim of political inter- FBI Director, as a prosecutor, and as a of the beginning. These trials of the ference. public servant, have impugned his in- two indictments will go well into next The President has indicated that he tegrity. Indeed, they have begun to sow year, as will the investigation. That is averse to hearing about Russia or seeds of doubt. there will be more convictions and considering its threat to this country. A chorus of defenders and sycophants more indictments, I think, can be pret- That aversion certainly sets back his has launched this campaign—cal- ty reliably predicted to a near cer- ability to defend this country against culated, concerted, and coordinated—to tainty. the Russian threat by sanctions and smear the special counsel, to impugn Beyond this investigation, we all other means and deterrents that will the integrity of the FBI—to, indeed, di- know in this Chamber—and, certainly, assure that Russia is made to pay a rectly attack this great and important any of us who have been involved in price so they do not do it again. institution. They have decided to do it law enforcement—that public trust and In conclusion, let me just say that in that concerted and coordinated and confidence are essential. The Presi- that aversion must be overcome. We calculated way. The President, himself, dent, himself, has said he is ‘‘a true need to send a signal, as we did by has said that the FBI’s reputation is in friend and loyal champion’’ for law en- passing sanctions, that we will take ac- tatters. forcement and ‘‘more loyal than any- tion against Russia to stop it from An article that appeared today in one else can be.’’ He has pointed out interfering again in this election, that POLITICO described an effort by a that law enforcement officials, like our we will make sure that Russia is made House Republican on the Intelligence police and FBI agents and DEA and to pay a price, and that our constitu- Committee to initiate a sustained at- others, ‘‘rush into danger every day,’’ ents know that we will insist on a fair

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:06 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.033 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8209 and independent investigation without gether to complete the independent We have made progress, as I men- political interference, passing legisla- Senate investigation. It is important tioned, in this body. I wear a pin on my tion that is bipartisan that has been of- that we make clear to the American lapel of a canary in a bird cage. The fered by Republicans as well as Demo- people that this is not a partisan issue. mine workers in West Virginia, Ohio, crats, including myself, and should be It is about the integrity of our elec- and elsewhere would take this canary moved through the Judiciary Com- tions, about protecting our country down to the mines. If the canary died, mittee and to the floor of this Con- from foreign powers. the mine worker was on his own. He gress. That message is all the more im- Any attempt to discredit Robert didn’t have a union strong enough or a portant now as this investigation pene- Mueller and his investigation and to government that cared enough to help trates the White House for the first turn it into a partisan issue makes us him. In those days, people lived 45 time in the Flynn conviction, coming less safe as a nation. Let’s allow the years on average—for a person born in closer to the Oval Office itself. A real Justice Department and the special the United States in 1900. and robust congressional investigation counsel to do their jobs. Let’s get back Today we live 30 years longer for a of those efforts through the Judiciary to doing ours. whole host of public health reasons— Committee, as well as obstruction of f from Medicare to Medicaid, to safe justice, continues to be necessary, but INTERDICT ACT drinking laws, to clean air, to min- we should combine our efforts to make imum wage—all the things that we do. Mr. BROWN. Madam President, as we sure that law enforcement and the ju- For the first time, I believe, in our life- await Senator MARKEY’s and Senator dicial process moves forward without time, life expectancy actually has JOHNSON’s remarks, I wish to set the political interference that will under- dropped because of drug overdoses for stage. The CDC released a new report mine its credibility. the second year in a row, and it is in last night showing a massive increase I yield the floor. large part because of these overdose in the number of Americans dying from The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. deaths. drug overdoses. CAPITO). The Senator from Ohio. Why shouldn’t we take steps today to My State is second to the Presiding Mr. BROWN. Madam President, I ask stop this? We can do this by putting Officer’s State. It has the second high- unanimous consent that following my the INTERDICT Act on the President’s est rate of deaths per capita in the remarks, I yield the floor to Senators desk, immediately giving law enforce- country. In my State of Ohio, unfortu- JOHNSON and MARKEY. ment the tools they need to keep nately, far too many people die from The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there fentanyl out of the country and off our opioid overdoses than any other State objection? in country. Families are torn apart. streets. Without objection, it is so ordered. Mr. MARKEY. Will the Senator Children lose parents. Parents lose Mr. BROWN. Madam President, I yield? wish to thank my colleagues Senator sons and daughters. The CDC pins much of the blame of Mr. BROWN. Of course. WARNER and Senator BLUMENTHAL for Mr. MARKEY. I thank the Senator this epidemic on this relatively new their words on the Senate floor—Sen- for yielding, and I thank the Senator deadly synthetic fentanyl. Fentanyl is ator WARNER’s words yesterday espe- from Ohio for talking about this very 50 times stronger than heroin. Senator cially, defending Special Counsel Rob- important issue. CAPITO knows that, as do Senators Fentanyl is a killer that is descend- ert Mueller, in his leadership on the Johnson and Markey. All of us in the ing upon every single community in Senate Intelligence Committee’s Rus- Senate are aware of that. sia investigation. Senator WARNER is This drug is being illegally trafficked the United States. Fentanyl is a syn- absolutely right that we must protect into this country from Mexico and thetic opioid that is 50 times stronger the integrity of the Justice Depart- China. We have a bill to stop this than heroin and 100 times more power- ment’s independent investigation. today. The INTERDICT Act. I want to ful than morphine. Fentanyl is the Congress needs to make clear that thank Senator MARKEY for his leader- Godzilla of opioids. there are redlines. Any attempt to fire ship on this bill and also my colleague Senator BROWN represents Ohio; I Robert Mueller, to shut down the in- Senator PORTMAN for his support. Sen- represent Massachusetts. The fentanyl vestigation, or to presumptively par- ator PORTMAN and I have been working epidemic has a bull’s-eye on Ohio and a don key witnesses essential to the in- on a number of issues across party bull’s-eye on Massachusetts. The vestigation would be an abuse of power lines for months and months. It would deaths from fentanyl are skyrocketing. and a direct threat to the rule of law provide more funds for Customs and In 2016, upwards of 70 to 75 percent of and to our constitutional system. Border Protection to screen packages all of the opioid deaths in Massachu- Ohio’s Ukrainian community knows effectively and safely, to stop fentanyl setts were because of fentanyl. the impact of unchecked Russian ag- whenever possible before it reaches Fentanyl was found in the blood sys- gression in Russia’s effort to under- Akron, Toledo, Dayton, or the smaller tem of those people who died. Last mine democracy around the world. Get- cities of Chillicothe, Mansfield, and year, 2,000 people in Massachusetts died ting to the bottom of Russian inter- Zanesville. of overdoses. Three-quarters of them ference and protecting our future elec- This passed the House with only two had fentanyl. If the epidemic had been tions from that interference are crit- or three negative votes. It has the sup- hitting the rest of the country at the ical. port of major law enforcement organi- same rate that it has been hitting Mas- My priority is getting to the bottom zations, including sheriffs and police sachusetts, last year 75,000 people of what happened so that our demo- officers. Our law enforcement officials, would have died with fentanyl in their cratic process is upheld and so we can better than anybody, see the devasta- blood systems. move forward with the business we tion that fentanyl causes our commu- Last night, the Centers for Disease were sent here to do—creating jobs, nities. They know the risk our officers Control and Prevention released shock- combatting the opioid crisis, as Sen- face dealing with this deadly sub- ing new numbers on drug overdose ators JOHNSON, MARKEY, and I will stance. That is why this bill needs to deaths in the United States. These speak about in a moment, and helping pass into law. numbers show the spike in deaths middle-class families. Any efforts to Just this week, the National FOP, caused by fentanyl and other synthetic delay that conclusion or interfere in the Federal Law Enforcement Officers opioids. the investigation, I believe, will not be Association, the Police Assisted Addic- Here are the new numbers nation- tolerated by Senators in either party. tion Recovery Initiative—a recent phe- wide. More than 42,000 Americans died Thanks to Senator WARNER for mak- nomenon, unfortunately—all publicly from an opioid overdose last year. That ing that clear. Thanks to my col- asked us to pass the bill. is a 27-percent increase over the num- leagues in both parties who take this Americans are dying in record num- ber of Americans who died from an seriously. All of us have had serious bers. Life expectancy in our country— opioid overdose in 2015. It went up 27 conversations with Members of both I believe, for the first time in the life- percent from 2015 to 2016. Of the 42,000 parties to discuss what all this means, times of any of us—actually dropped lives lost to opioids last year, nearly and thank you for all of us working to- last year. Think about that. half of them nationwide—just over

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:06 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.034 S21DEPT1 S8210 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 19,000—can be directly attributed to NATIONAL FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE, and mail facilities. In addition, it will in- fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Washington, DC, December 20, 2017. crease detection devices at CBP testing fa- The number is a much higher percent- Hon. A. MITCHELL MCCONNELL, JR., cilities and laboratories. The Act will also age in Massachusetts. Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. provide CBP with additional staffing and re- Fentanyl is overrunning our commu- Hon. CHARLES E. SCHUMER, sources. This will allow CBP to successfully Minority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. diminish the importation of synthetic opi- nities, laying waste to them. There is DEAR SENATORS MCCONNELL AND SCHUMER: ates into the United States. no easy solution, but we know that we I am writing on behalf of the members of the FLEOA applauds your assistance in help- must staunch the flow of this drug be- Fraternal Order of Police to urge the Senate ing CBP and the other federal agencies in fore we lose an entire generation to to consider H.R. 2142, the ‘‘International their efforts to reduce the plague these ille- this terrible killer. That is why I intro- Narcotics Trafficking Emergency Response gal substances have induced on our country. duced legislation with Senator BROWN by Detecting Incoming Contraband with Sincerely, DOMINICK STOKES, and Senator RUBIO to help those on the Technology (INTERDICT) Act,’’ which passed the House 412–3 in October. FLEOA V.P. for Legislation. frontlines stop this deadly drug from Heroin and prescription opiates have cre- ever getting into our communities. The ated a devastating epidemic across our coun- POLICE ASSISTED bill is called the INTERDICT Act. It try, and now these overdoses outnumber ADDICTION RECOVERY INITIATIVE, provides badly needed high-tech equip- gunshot deaths and motor vehicle deaths. Gloucester, MA, December 21, 2017. ment and other scientific resources to This epidemic has worsened with the influx Hon. A. MITCHELL MCCONNELL, JR., U.S. Customs and Border Protection to of synthetic opiates like fentanyl from for- Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. catch illicit fentanyl being trafficked eign countries, especially China and Mexico. Hon. CHARLES E. SCHUMER, into the United States, mainly from For example, synthetic fentanyl is cheaper Minority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. DEAR SENATORS MCCONNELL AND SCHUMER: China and Mexico. than normal opiates bought on the street and it is 50 times more deadly than heroin. The Police Assisted Addiction Recovery Ini- When U.S. Customs and Border Pro- Our law enforcement officers at the United tiative (PAARI) is a nonprofit organization tection detects a suspicious package or States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that trains and supports more than 360 law substance, it has had very good success are on the forefront of stopping the deadly enforcement agencies that have launched identifying an illicit drug like fentanyl influx of synthetic fentanyl into our commu- programs that serve as a pre-arrest bridge to with the help of high-tech, hand-held nities from these foreign countries. The CBP treatment. PAARI was pleased to offer its chemical screening devices. Using needs all the resources they can get to stop strong support for S. 708, the bipartisan these devices, Customs and Border Pro- this devastating flow of drugs into our coun- INTERDICT Act, which was introduced by tection agents can detect, identify, and try. Senators Markey, Rubio, Brown, and Capito. This legislation will ensure that CBP will This bill will expand U.S. Customs and Bor- seize illicit drugs like fentanyl on the have additional portable chemical screening der Protection’s ability to use technology to spot. Those rapid results provide vital devices at ports of entry, mail and express detect fentanyl and other narcotics coming information for border agents to con- consignment facilities, and more fixed chem- into the United States from abroad and tinue their investigation and, if appro- ical screening devices at CBP laboratories. which are causing a public health epidemic priate, proceed with seizure and arrest. The bill will also provide CBP with sufficient in our communities. What is more, these devices and their resources, personnel, and facilities, including While the Senate has yet to act on S. 708, ability to immediately identify scientists to interpret the screening test re- the House of Representatives took action fentanyl and other hazardous illicit sults from the field. and on 25 October 2017, passed companion substances also serve to safeguard the With all the additional resources CBP will legislation HR 2142, by a vote of 412–3. As be better equipped on all fronts to thwart this year draws to a close, we urge the Sen- health and well-being of Customs and the deadly flow of synthetic opiates across ate to take up and pass the House version of Border Protection agents so they are our borders. INTERDICT this year. not accidentally exposed to fentanyl. On behalf of the more than 330,000 members Drug overdose is the leading cause of acci- That is what these devices help to of the Fraternal Order of Police, I want to dental death in the United States, with more make possible. thank you for helping fight against the her- than 54,000 overdose deaths reported in 2015. So we introduced the INTERDICT oin and opioid epidemic and fighting every Almost 33,000 of those overdose deaths— Act with SHERROD BROWN of Ohio; Sen- day to rid our communities of these drugs. If roughly 60 percent—involved opioids, includ- ator CAPITO, the Presiding Officer in I can be of any additional help to you. please ing prescription opioid pain relievers, heroin, feel free to contact me or my Senior Advisor, or the synthetic opioid fentanyl. In par- the Senate today; Senator RUBIO; and Jim Pasco, in my Washington office. ticular, as the CDC’s recent report has just we have added another 16 Senators Sincerely, shown, fentanyl and its analogs are becom- from both sides of the aisle. CHUCK CANTERBURY, ing increasingly responsible for these over- Mr. BROWN. Madam President, will National President. dose deaths. the Senator yield? Fentanyl is up to 50 times more powerful Mr. MARKEY. Madam President, I FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT than heroin and 100 times more powerful would be glad to yield. OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, than morphine. It is dangerous and poten- Mr. BROWN. Madam President, I Cabin John, MD, December 21, 2017. tially life-threatening to simply touch or ac- thank Senator MARKEY for his leader- Hon. A. MITCHELL MCCONNELL, JR., cidentally inhale the white powdery sub- ship on this issue. This has gotten this Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. stance. Sometimes, unbeknownst to the far because of his efforts in so many Hon. CHARLES E. SCHUMER, user, fentanyl is often mixed with heroin or other substances, or formed to resemble pre- ways. Minority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. DEAR SENATORS MCCONNELL AND SCHUMER: scription opioid pills. Most illicit fentanyl I want to enter into the RECORD three I am writing on behalf of the members of the comes to the United States from China and letters that are dated yesterday and Federal Law Enforcement Officers Associa- Mexico, delivered through the mail or ex- today. Actually, one is from the Na- tion (FLEOA) which is a professional organi- press consignment carriers, or smuggled tional Fraternal Order of Police, signed zation representing more than 26,000 federal across the southwest border of the United by Chuck Canterbury, their national officers and agents in 65 law enforcement States. The INTERDICT Act will help the president, in support of this bill, with a agencies including the United States Cus- United States better identify and stop these very persuasive, passionate laying out toms and Border Protection (CBP). FLEOA dangerous substances from landing in com- of reasons it matters. The second is a has endorsed H.R. 2142, the ‘‘International munities across America. Narcotics Trafficking Emergency Response Now is the time to act. This holiday season letter from the Federal Law Enforce- by Detecting Incoming Contraband and too many seats at too many tables are ment Officers Association, signed by Technology (INTERDICT) Act’’ which passed empty due to the unrelenting flow of Dominick Stokes. Mr. Stokes is a long- the House with a 412–3 vote. I urge the Sen- fentanyl into the United States. We must time friend of mine. The third letter is ate to consider this bill for passage. give our law enforcement personnel the tools from the Police Assisted Addiction Re- Probably the most serious crisis facing law necessary to stop this flow. We can do that, covery Initiative group, signed by enforcement is the proliferation of heroin in part, by getting the INTERDICT Act to Frederick Ryan, all making endorse- and opiate drugs, which are causing more the President’s desk this year. That is why deaths from overdoses than ever experienced PAARI strongly supports this important leg- ments for this bill. islation which will give U.S. Customs and I ask unanimous consent those three before. In fact, synthetic opiates like fentanyl are now the leading cause of Border Protection the additional resources it letters be printed in the RECORD. overdoses because they are cheaper and dra- needs to fight the flow of fentanyl and other There being no objection, the mate- matically stronger than heroin. deadly drugs into the United States. rial was ordered to be printed in the The INTERDICT Act will provide CBP with Sincerely, RECORD, as follows: portable screening devices at ports of entry FREDERICK RYAN,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:51 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.035 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8211 Chief of Police, Arling- for fentanyl because it will kill the po- home for Christmas—most of us—and ton Massachusetts, lice dog. That is how dangerous those who don’t celebrate Christmas PAARI Board of Directors Co-Chairman, fentanyl is, and that is why these elec- are about to go home for the holidays PAARI National Police Council Chairman. tronic devices are so important. It en- and celebrate the new year. My grand- Mr. BROWN. I think it is pretty clear sures that we have minimized the expo- children are coming from Columbus, how important this is. This bill got, I sure of our officers to these substances and another one is coming from the believe, 2 or maybe 3 negative votes and, at the same time, dramatically in- Virgin Islands with his father—our son out of 400-some in the House of Rep- crease the likelihood that we are going and his daughter-in-law. We are going resentatives. There is no organization I to identify the fentanyl in a package to go home, and our families have know of that opposes it. I hear from and, as a result, deter these people health insurance, but Members of Con- people in my State consistently about from China or from Mexico who bring gress who get good health insurance how important this is, from police or- it into our country and are killing us paid for by taxpayers are willing to ganizations to parents, to individual by the thousands. leave here and not reauthorize, not police officers and county sheriffs and At 42,000 deaths last year, it is now continue the Children’s Health Insur- all, and deputy sheriffs. approximating the total number of ance Program. To make it worse, sev- There is just no reason we shouldn’t deaths in the war in Vietnam through- eral States, including Virginia—Ohio is be able to do this before we go home for out its entire history. That is just 1 in a little better position because there Christmas. There are a lot of things we year, 42,000 people—1 year. That is a is a little more money left over to take should do before we go home for Christ- terrorist attack of a magnitude on our care of this—but letters are going out mas, including the Children’s Health own streets that is unimaginable. in State after State after State to par- Insurance Program, but this is one we With these devices, we don’t com- ents saying: Sorry, the health insur- know we can do. There seems to be no pletely solve the problem, but we put ance for your children is going to ex- substantive disagreement from any more weapons in the hands of our law pire. The health insurance for your large number of groups or individuals enforcement officials, detection devices children will no longer be there. Imagine you are a parent, and you that I can see, so I am hopeful we can that can minimize the likelihood that get this letter. You are just vaguely move forward with this in the next few these terrible people from China, from aware that Congress is fighting about minutes. Mexico, principally, can bring this Mr. MARKEY. Will the Senator something. You are vaguely aware of stuff into our country. the hard-heartedness of a whole lot of yield? So this is a huge issue. It goes right people in this Congress. You are vague- Mr. BROWN. Yes. to the heart of the seriousness of deal- ly aware that a bunch of politicians— Mr. MARKEY. Madam President, I ing with this issue. My only hope is, we thank the Senator for yielding. privileged, elected officials who make have an ability to be able to move this good salaries and make good benefits— Can I just list the names of the orga- thing forward in a way that lets the nizations that support this bill so the are going to turn their backs on you. American people say: We understand You don’t really think much about police can interdict, stop the fentanyl the issues you want us to work on, and from coming into our country? that. All you know is, you take this the opioid crisis is at the top of the piece of paper, tear open this envelope, It is the National Fraternal Order of list. It is indiscriminate. It affects po- Police, it is the Federal Law Enforce- and you start reading this letter, and tentially every family. No one is im- you see, oh, my gosh, the insurance for ment Officers Association, it is the Na- mune to addiction. No family is im- tional Border Control Council, it is the my children. mune from addiction. It could hit any Now, overwhelmingly, these parents Police Assisted Recovery Initiative, it family at any time, and fentanyl is the are people who are working. They are is the National Sheriffs’ Association, ultimate killer. earning $8, $10, $12, $15 an hour. They the National Tactical Officers Associa- I thank the Senator. are not making enough that they can tion, the National Association of Po- Mr. BROWN. Madam President, I afford insurance for their families. lice Organizations, the National Nar- thank Senator MARKEY and hope we They are not working at a job where cotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, can work things out with Senator insurance is provided as part of the the Sergeants Benevolent Association, JOHNSON on this issue. compensation your employer is paying the American Legion, the Inter- f you. So that is why the Children’s national Union of Police Associations, Health Insurance Program is so impor- the Major Cities Chiefs Association, CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM tant. the Major County Sheriffs of America, A new report from the Georgetown and the Massachusetts Coalition of Po- Mr. BROWN. Yesterday, Madam University Center for Children and lice. So it is pretty much every single President, a bunch of Members of Con- Families reports that 1.9 million chil- law enforcement agency at all levels in gress, with healthcare paid for by tax- dren could lose coverage in January— the country saying: Please give us this payers, went to the White House and 1.9 million children. Almost all of them tool now so we can detect this incred- celebrated a handout for corporations have a mother or a father who will ible killer in our country. that sends jobs overseas—companies open a letter and see that, oh, my gosh, Three former Commissioners of U.S. that shut down in Mansfield, in Zanes- the insurance for my daughter, for my Customs and Border Protection, ap- ville, in Lima, and Toledo moved to son is about to expire. That is 1.9 mil- pointed by both Democratic and Re- Wuhan and Sheshan and Shanghai and lion in January and another 1 million publican Presidents, support the Guangzhou. will lose insurance by the end of Feb- INTERDICT Act. President Trump’s Families here in America, at the ruary. nominee to head the agency, Kevin same time—I am still incredulous Parents will panic, parents will be McAleenan, testified that he supports about this. Families in this country, at confused, and parents, to be sure, will getting more of these high-tech scan- the same time—in this State of Vir- have their Christmas ruined by this. ners into the hands of Customs and ginia, just a few miles from here—are Think about those families getting Border Patrol. getting letters in the mail saying their that letter. It should be a joyful time Despite working for months with kids are about to be kicked off their of year for families, spending time with Senate leadership to try and secure au- health insurance through something family, enjoying the holidays. Imagine thorization for funding, we just can’t that was bipartisan and never inter- checking that mailbox and kind of seem to get this over the finish line so rupted for 20 years since Chairman thinking maybe this is a Christmas that in the new year they have these HATCH and Senator Rockefeller and card and opening it and finding out it devices. The way it works is, you just Senator KENNEDY wrote this bill to cre- is that letter. Imagine telling your put the device up next to a package, ate CHIP—and a number of us worked daughter: I am sorry, honey. Santa is and it will tell you if it has got on it in the House of Representatives— not going to bring much this year. We fentanyl or not. Right now, many law because Congress hasn’t done its job. don’t make a lot of money—you know enforcement agencies will not even Think about that. Because Congress that—but we will not have any pre- allow one of their police dogs to sniff hasn’t done its job, we are about to go sents under the tree. Then you have to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:06 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.002 S21DEPT1 S8212 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 look into your children’s eyes—you Congress had time to hand out these This is about whose side you are on. have to look into your son’s eyes, you massive tax cuts, but they don’t have Do we work for corporations that send have to look into your daughter’s eyes, time for Noble Lett. It is a disgrace. It our jobs overseas, or do we work for and you hope they don’t see the worry is a program that was bipartisan, and families, such as Crystal Lett and her in your eyes because you just got this it has always been bipartisan. It was son Noble? Do we work for families letter. Now you are wondering how you voted out of committee bipartisanly, who might wake up on Christmas will afford to take him or her to the but I guess the right crowd of lobbyists morning without health insurance? I doctor if he or she gets sick. These are hasn’t visited Senator MCCONNELL guess the answer is pretty clear: Most often families with two working par- down the hall in his office. It is des- people in this body are working for ents who, as I said, aren’t lucky enough picable. large corporations that are getting to work for an employer who provides We passed a bipartisan CHIP exten- huge tax cuts and that send their jobs insurance. sion out of the Finance Committee. It overseas, and they are turning their These are often families with chil- is ready to go. If Republican leaders backs on those families who need us to dren who have special needs. Like would put it on the floor today, it simply do our jobs and pass this exten- Crystal Lett and her son Noble, a first- would pass. I assume it would pass with sion of the Children’s Health Insurance grader in Dublin, OH, which is a suburb at least 90 votes. There is no excuse for Program. just west and northwest of Columbus. this delay. I yield the floor. Crystal and her son Noble—I met them. There is talk the House is going to The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- This is obviously Noble. I met Noble pass a 3-month CHIP extension. We pore. The Senator from New Hamp- and his mother Crystal in Washington have never done that. We have ex- shire. this spring when they came all the way tended CHIP 1 year, 2 years, 3 years. f from Ohio to talk about what CHIP This is going to get a 5-year extension. REPUBLICAN TAX BILL means to their family. That is what we ought to do. They are Noble was born with a rare genetic going to do a 3-month extension. Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, yes- disorder. He needs three therapy ses- Three months provides no certainty terday President Trump and congres- sions a week. He needs daily hormone to the States that are running CHIP. It sional Republicans went to the White injections to treat his condition. His provides no certainty to Crystal Lett House to celebrate the passage of tax medications run about $1,500 a month. to take care of Noble and manage his legislation that was partisan and that I talked to Crystal again at the end healthcare. It provides no certainty to was rammed through the Senate ear- of last month. She and her family are anybody. The Presiding Officer’s State lier this week without one public hear- scared to death about what will happen of Alabama is already taking steps to ing. to them if Congress doesn’t save CHIP. close down their programs and freeze Debate on this bill in the Senate is She said CHIP is ‘‘the difference be- enrollment. I know Senator STRANGE over, but I think we must not lose tween living a middle class lifestyle, or doesn’t want that to happen, but I also sight of the impact this legislation will being part of the poverty line.’’ It is know Senate Republicans need to talk have on so many families and on our the difference between a middle-class to their leader to make this happen. economy. lifestyle or being part of the poverty States have to give families a heads- Make no mistake—this tax bill is not line. up so these parents have time to do tax reform. Instead, it asks middle- Over the last several weeks, Congress what they can. Maybe some of these class families and future generations to was busy. Congress had the time to parents can find an alternative source foot the bill for massive tax breaks for hand out massive tax cuts to the rich- of coverage, maybe they are going to large corporations and the wealthy. By est Americans and the biggest corpora- fit in one more doctor’s appointment adding over $1 trillion to the national tions but didn’t have time to help these before their coverage lapses. Think of debt, this tax plan will undermine our families. Some of you may have been that. You get this letter in the mail ability to address so many of the real in this Chamber a few nights ago when saying the insurance for your children challenges that face this country and I pointed down the hall to Senator is about to expire, so what do you do? middle-class families in America. MCCONNELL’s office, the Senate Repub- You start dialing the hospital and dial- Indeed, Republicans have already lican leader, and described the lobby- ing the doctor’s office because you made clear that this tax bill is just ists who went in and out of his office to have CHIP coverage for another month step No. 1. What we have already heard get these tax breaks. It was the lobby- or another 5 weeks or whatever, and from Members of the House is that step ists from the oil companies and from you start scheduling any possible ap- No. 2 is going to be next year, and that the oil industry. There were lobbyists pointment you can, the Christmas sea- includes deep cuts to Social Security, walking in and out of Senator MCCON- son notwithstanding. to Medicare, and to Medicaid. They are NELL’s office, the leader’s office, from Providing a 3-month extension saying we are going to have to do that the tobacco companies. The lobbyists doesn’t solve this problem; it just to address the deficits that have been from the big drug companies and the makes the situation more complicated. made far worse by this bill. lobbyists from Wall Street were going This body can pass massive permanent Meanwhile, the majority’s headlong in and out of his office. tax cuts, but they can’t give families rush to ram through this tax bill has When you look down the hall to Sen- certainty? I know the tax cuts are per- meant they jeopardized access to ator MCCONNELL’s office, do you know manent for corporations, and I know healthcare for tens of millions of who didn’t come out of his office? they are temporary for individual peo- Americans. There were no lobbyists for the Chil- ple in this country. Of course, this Con- My colleague from Ohio just talked dren’s Health Insurance Program be- gress—as special-interest controlled as about so many families in his State cause, you know what, children like it is—first takes care of corporations, who are worried about losing their Noble don’t have lobbyists. They can’t but it would be nice if they gave some children’s health insurance. We are see- hire lobbyists. Parents are just hoping certainty to these children’s families. ing that in New Hampshire, as well, to keep their head above water because I want my colleagues to explain to and across this country. By considering they have a child who needs medical the Crystal Letts in your State—be- only stop-gap, short-term reauthoriza- attention, and any child obviously can cause every State has thousands of tions of critical healthcare programs, need medical attention. That is the im- concerned parents who don’t know fear and uncertainty have been created portance of CHIP. what to do with the expiration of this. for countless American families. So CHIP doesn’t have a lobbyist. My State has 209,000 children who rely Because the Congress has failed to CHIP has people like Crystal Lett, who on this program. enact a long-term reauthorization of stands up for her family, who stands up Senator HATCH said last month: We the Children’s Health Insurance Pro- for her children, but she can’t come to are going to get it done. Now we are gram, health coverage for nearly 9 mil- Washington full time. She came here hearing that Senator MCCONNELL is lion children across the United States with a delegation from Nationwide only going to let us vote on a 3-month is at risk. Congress has failed to enact Children’s Hospital in Columbus. extension. a long-term reauthorization of the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:06 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.038 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8213 community health centers, which more the deficits and our national debt. And needs and priorities of so many Ameri- than 25 million Americans rely on for instead of helping the middle class in cans. essential healthcare. And according to reducing the complexity of our out- Yesterday, Republican leaders and the nonpartisan Congressional Budget dated Tax Code, it creates a bonanza of the President celebrated the passage of Office, the tax bill’s repeal of the indi- new loopholes for the large corpora- their misguided tax bill, but Senators vidual mandate means that nearly 13 tions and the wealthiest in this coun- who care deeply about regular order million fewer Americans will have try. and bipartisanship in this body are not health coverage in the next year, and The majority here in the Senate had celebrating. Americans concerned many millions more are going to pay no problem coming up with $1.5 trillion about our national debt and our chil- increases in their rates. in unpaid-for tax cuts for the biggest dren’s future are not celebrating. In addition, the majority has also corporations in this country. In the Americans who see growing income in- failed to enact a long-term reauthor- final days before passing the tax bill, equality as a threat to our democ- ization of the Special Diabetes Pro- they had no problem creating a new racy—a threat made far worse by this gram. That is a devastating blow to $700 million loophole for oil and gas tax bill—are not celebrating either. nearly 1.25 million Americans who are partnerships that will benefit oil gi- And parents of the 9 million children living with type 1 diabetes. ants, such as Shell and Valero. They who rely on the Children’s Health In- All of these programs have earned had no problem creating a new loop- surance Program are dreading notifica- strong bipartisan support. That is what hole for wealthy individuals with large tions from their States that their chil- is so hard to understand about this. All real estate holdings—a loophole that dren will no longer have health insur- of these programs should have been has been described as a jackpot for the ance. These families aren’t celebrating fully reauthorized for the long term be- Trump family and for several Members during this holiday season either. cause I know my colleagues in the Sen- of Congress. They had no problem re- As I said earlier, the debate on this ate support these programs. taining the carried interest loophole at bill is over, but I intend to continue to Once again, we have missed a prime a cost to the Treasury of $20 billion. I speak out against this very damaging opportunity to address the opioid cri- remember during the campaign when tax legislation. I pledge to continue to sis. We desperately need a Federal re- Candidate Donald Trump railed against speak out in support of the real needs sponse to the opioid epidemic that in- the carried interest loophole as a give- of working people across America, in- cludes robust, sustained resources that away to Wall Street that was unfair to cluding the need for affordable match the scale of this epidemic. American workers. Again and again, healthcare. Just this week, we learned from the Candidate Trump promised to kill this In the new year ahead, I certainly Centers for Disease Control and Pre- loophole, but President Trump now en- hope to be able to work with Senators vention that because of soaring over- thusiastically supports keeping it in on both sides of the aisle to address dose mortality rates, life expectancy in the tax bill. these urgent needs. The American peo- the United States has declined for the Yesterday at the White House, Re- ple deserve better than this legislation. second year in a row. For the first time publican leaders and President Trump They also deserve a Senate that values since the early 1960s, we have seen the celebrated the tax bill, while at the bipartisanship, that values cooperation second year of decline in life expect- same time, many in the majority party and compromise and the service of all ancy because so many people are over- insist that the Federal Government Americans, not just the largest cor- dosing because of substance use dis- can’t afford to help 9 million children porations and the wealthiest in this orders. In 2016, 63,000 people died from who depend on the CHIP program and country. overdoses. If we were losing that many tens of millions of working Americans Thank you, Mr. President. people to a war in the Middle East, who rely on community health centers I yield the floor. there would be an outcry in this coun- or the Affordable Care Act for access to The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- try. I want to know where the outcry healthcare. pore. The Senator from Utah is recog- is, and when is this body going to act? Well, according to a study by the bi- nized. On Tuesday, the University of New partisan Joint Committee on Taxation f Hampshire released a study that cited released this week, by the time many a fivefold increase over the past decade of the provisions of this tax bill expire CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE in our State of babies who were born in 2027, large corporations and the PROGRAM addicted because of their parents’ sub- wealthiest Americans will continue to Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I would stance use disorders. Yet, in the face of enjoy the massive permanent tax cuts like to take a moment to discuss the this uncontrolled national public because those cuts are not set to ex- Children’s Health Insurance Program, health emergency, the majority has pire, but almost every income group or CHIP. once again failed to find appropriate below $75,000 will see tax increases by As we all know, the authorization for funding. 2027. CHIP expired at the end of September. Again, this is an issue that I know Make no mistake—this tax bill is a Since that time, States have been uti- has bipartisan support. I worked with betrayal of middle-class Americans, lizing their reserve funds in order to my colleagues here on the other side of and it is especially a betrayal of tens of cover the healthcare needs of kids. For the aisle to try to address this issue. millions of Americans who placed their a number of States, those funds are due Yet it has not been a priority, just as faith in President Trump. to run out in the near future. funding children’s health insurance and This tax bill is also a case of sadly There have been a number of claims the community health centers and misplaced priorities. The majority in from our friends on the other side and other healthcare initiatives—the Spe- Congress have been single-mindedly fo- some of their allies in the media that cial Diabetes Program—have not been cused on passing this bill at every step, Republicans have ignored the CHIP a priority for funding. adding more and more giveaways to program; that we don’t intend to reau- This is an enormous lost oppor- large corporations, instead of working thorize it; or that we supposedly placed tunity. We could have written bipar- across the aisle to focus on the needs of a higher priority on tax cuts for the tisan legislation to address all of these the middle class. Meanwhile, they have rich than on providing health insur- issues, and we could have fully author- shortchanged the Children’s Health In- ance for needy children. Those claims ized, in a timely manner, critical surance Program, they have short- are absolutely ridiculous, and they health programs on which tens of mil- changed community health centers, know it. It gets a little old some- lions of Americans rely. We could have and they have shortchanged the Spe- times—some of the stupid politics that addressed the opioid emergency, which cial Diabetes Program. They have are being played by the other side. is ravaging communities across this caused hospitals and clinics across my I come at this issue from two angles. country. But instead, what did we get? State and across America to begin the I am both the original author of CHIP, We got a tax bill that makes a mock- process of reducing their services. This and I currently chair the committee ery of reform. It makes the Tax Code really demonstrates a lack of under- with jurisdiction over the program. No- more complex, not less. It will grow standing and a total disregard for the body should doubt my commitment to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:06 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.039 S21DEPT1 S8214 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 continuing the CHIP program. For two definitely contributed to this knowl- most of the real work was done in the decades now, I have been a supporter of edge and policy base we worked from to Finance Committee. The committee CHIP, and I worked with Members of put our legislation together. bill was truly a shared product that in- both parties to keep it moving forward For years, I have reiterated the im- cluded the input and addressed the in- and functioning properly—even in portance of Presidential leadership terests of every majority member on times when my Democratic colleagues when it comes to tax reform. I am our dais. Without their work, we have pursued a more divisive approach grateful that President Trump has wouldn’t have had a bill, and without with the program. That commitment been willing to engage with Congress their commitment to seeing this continues to this day. on this issue and to put some political through, we wouldn’t have gotten to On October 4, the Senate Finance skin in the game in order to move us where we are. Committee unanimously reported a bi- forward. I want to thank Senators GRASSLEY, partisan bill that would reauthorize From the outset of this administra- CRAPO, ROBERTS, ENZI, CORNYN, THUNE, CHIP for 5 years. In my view, a long- tion, Secretary Mnuchin and Director BURR, ISAKSON, PORTMAN, TOOMEY, term reauthorization is essential so Cohn have been actively working to HELLER, SCOTT, and CASSIDY for the that States, including my home State make this success a reality. I thank months of work they put into pro- of Utah, can plan well into the future them for their engagement in this ef- ducing and passing this legislation. I and the families who benefit from CHIP fort and the work they and their staffs also need to thank their staffs who, can be sure that coverage for their have put in. until this week, haven’t slept in needy children won’t just disappear. From the Treasury staff, I would like months. It appears that the year-end con- to thank Justin Muzinich, Dan My thanks also go to the tax staffers tinuing resolution could include a Kowalski, and Jay Mackie. on the committee, namely, Chris Allen, From Director Cohn’s staff at the Na- short-term reauthorization for CHIP. Joseph Boddicker, Chris Conlin, Shay tional Economic Council, I need to That is far from ideal, and as the lead- Hawkins, Randy Herndon, Bart Massey, thank Jeremy Katz and Shahira ing advocate for this program, I have Monica McGuire, Mike Quickel, Knight. Zachary Rudisill, Andrew Siracuse, no desire to see it become subject to re- From the White House, thanks to peated short-term fixes and constantly Robert Sneeden, Derek Theurer, and Mark Short, Amy Swonger, Andy Mark Warren. looming deadlines. Koenig, Joseph Lai, and Jim Goyer. I intend to continue working with My thanks go, as well, to the com- These staffers from the administra- mittee’s legislative directors: Charles Senator WYDEN and my colleagues on tion have worked for the better part of Cogar, Ken Flanz, Chris Gillott, Brad both sides of the aisle in both the Sen- the year with leaders from both Cham- Grantz, Amber Kirchhoefer, Kurt ate and the House to enact the KIDS bers to produce this bill and get it over Kovarik, Jessica McBride, Sarah Paul, Act in a fiscally responsible manner as the finish line. Their success is shared Landon Stropko, Jay Sulzmann, Ste- soon as possible. Doing so is essential with our colleagues over in the House, phen Tausend, Pam Thiessen, and to providing certainty for families and led by Chairman BRADY and Speaker Christopher Toppings. States. RYAN. I thank my colleagues for their Of course, when the Democrats sig- f hard work and their willingness to find naled their refusal to even meet on tax TAX REFORM BILL common ground when many believed reform, we knew we would need a well- that it was impossible to do so. crafted budget resolution with the Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, with this From the Ways and Means staff, I right instruction to get tax reform week’s passage of the Tax Cuts and want to thank David Stewart, Matt passed. So I need to thank my good Jobs Act, many throughout the coun- Weidinger, Allison Halataei, Rick friend, Chairman ENZI, and the Budget try are rightly celebrating the first Limardo, and Paul Guaglianone. Spe- Committee for their work, which made substantive reform of our Nation’s Tax cial thanks is owed to the committee a seemingly mundane and tedious proc- Code in more than three decades. tax staff: Barbara Angus, Aharon ess look easy. While the popular narrative sur- Friedman, John Sandell, Victoria Glov- From the Budget Committee staff, I rounding this bill has been that Con- er, John Schoenecker, Randy Gartin, want to thank Joe Brenckle, Jim Neill, gress has moved quickly to pass this Aaron Junge, Donald Scheider, Betsy McDonnell, Matt Giroux, Paul legislation, I don’t think anyone who Danielle Dubose, Kathryn Chakmak, Vinovich, Becky Cole, Eric Ueland, has worked on tax reform over the last and Loren Ponds. Steve Townsend, Jeremy Dalrymple, several years would agree with that as- From the Speaker’s office, I want to and Thomas Fueller. sessment. This week’s success is made thank Jonathan Burks, Austin Once we had a resolution, we had to possible by years of hard work and the Smythe, George Callas, Derrick hold a markup. In the Finance Com- efforts of countless policymakers, ex- Dockery, and Josh Althouse. mittee, that can be a challenging proc- perts, advocates, and public servants. From the House majority whip’s of- ess, particularly on a bill this big and Over the last several years, I have fice, I need to thank both Marty Reiser complex. come to the floor on many occasions to and Kelly Hudak. Thankfully, we have been ably served advocate for tax reform. I am glad Of course, here in the Senate, we by a professional staff who helped us today to be able to rise and acknowl- have been ably led by the majority through that whole process, namely, edge the efforts of many people whose leader. I want to thank Senator Joshua Levasseur, Jewel Harper, Joe work made the historic occasion pos- MCCONNELL for his commitment to get Carnucci, Mark Blair, Athena Schritz, sible. this done and for his leadership Susanna Segal, Eliza Smith, Tim First, I would like to thank those throughout this entire endeavor. Corley, and Michael Pinkerton. Members who went before us. Former From the leader’s staff, I want to The Joint Committee on Taxation Chairmen Camp, GRASSLEY, and Bau- thank Sharon Soderstrom, Brendan was also critical throughout the com- cus spent the better part of the decade Dunn, Antonia Ferrier, Hazen Mar- mittee process, as well as when we laying the groundwork for this effort. shall, Erica Suares, Terry Van Doren, moved the bill onto the floor. They I also want to thank Senator WYDEN, Don Stewart, and Jane Lee. worked countless hours doing the work who, along with Chairman Baucus, Joining Senator MCCONNELL, as al- that often just made everybody mad at worked with me on the Finance Com- ways, has been our distinguished ma- one point or another. Theirs is an often mittee over the last several years as we jority whip. I thank Senator CORNYN thankless but really critical job, and I produced reports and options papers, for his efforts in shoring up support am grateful for their dedication and convened bipartisan working groups, and addressing our Members’ concerns earnestness. and held more than 70 hearings to dis- from the beginning of this process until Specifically, I need to thank Tom cuss tax policy. final passage of the conference report. Barthold and his team for making sure While I have been disappointed that From the whip’s staff, I want to both parties in the House and the Sen- my Democratic colleagues have opted thank Monica Popp and Sam Beaver. ate were getting all the information not to participate in this year’s efforts Of course, when it came time to draft that was needed, at times under chal- to produce this particular bill, they the Senate’s tax reform legislation, lenging time constraints. Tom does a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:06 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.040 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8215 terrific job for the Senate, and I per- away last year, much to the sorrow of They then come to the committee, go sonally appreciate him and value him us. He spent years working on tax re- through a committee process and a as a friend. form, and I know we all wish he could hearing, they are voted on in that time After moving a mark through the have been here to celebrate with us period, and then they move to the committee, we relied on assistance this week. floor. from the Senate Legislative Counsel’s From my personal office staff, I want When they move to the floor for de- office to put together the legislative to thank my legislative assistant, bate, typically, for most of the years of text. That was a critical step, and we James Williams, and Matt Sandgren, the Senate, they have already gone could not have done it without Mark my chief of staff. through the committee process. Every McGunagle, Jim Fransen, and their There are many more people who de- Member of the Senate has the oppor- team. serve thanks this week—far too many tunity to be able to take a look at Then as we began to prep the bill for to mention at this time. They are not their information. And then they move the floor, we spent countless hours de- forgotten, though, believe me. through with a simple-majority vote. bating different provisions before the We have done a good thing here this That is the way nominations have Parliamentarian. This process can be week. This is truly a historic success. moved for most of the history of the difficult, and I would like to offer my Some of our colleagues on the other Senate. thanks to our Parliamentarian, Eliza- side last night said that the American A few years ago—20 or so—some indi- beth MacDonough, and her team for people will remember what happened vidual Senators started asking for clo- the hours and days they put into help- here this week. To that, all I can say is ture votes. Those cloture votes started ing us comply with the rules of the that I hope they do. This new tax law to slow down the process on about 3 or Senate. will do a lot of good for a great number 4 nominations a year; then it became 9 As the bill neared its final phase, we of people throughout our country, and or so nominations a year; then it were grateful to be able to work with I am humbled to have been a part of moved to as crazy of a number as 13 or so a year, of the 1,000 or so moving Senator MURKOWSKI on the second title the efforts of so many people who were of the bill, and as we moved to con- willing to get this thing done for the through. That became such a nuisance that in ference committee, Senator MUR- American people. 2013, my Democratic colleagues called KOWSKI’s counterparts in the House I am grateful to my staff. I am grate- for something they called the nuclear also played an instrumental role in ful to the staffs of our Senators on the option, to say we will just take nomi- helping to finalize this legislation. committee. I am grateful for everyone nations not from 60 required to be able Of course, there are those who work involved in the Finance Committee and to get to cloture but just to 51. There hard to make sure things go smoothly for the good efforts that they put for- was debate and internal conversation here on the floor. I thank the majority ward. But I am really grateful that I about that because Republicans, quite floor staff for their assistance, particu- serve in the U.S. Senate, the greatest frankly, were holding up 15 or so nomi- larly, Laura Dove, Robert Duncan, and deliberative body in the world, and this nations a year with the cloture proc- Megan Mercer. is a perfect illustration of why. ess. So there was a big debate about As I said, this has been a long proc- I am very grateful to be able to stand that. ess, and throughout this entire ven- on this floor and show my complete de- In the beginning of President ture, I have had the benefit of working votion to this wonderful government. Obama’s second term, Republicans and with a skilled and committed staff. My To both sides of the floor—Democrats Democrats came together and they staff have sacrificed time, energy, and Republicans alike—I am grateful. I changed the rules of the Senate for 2 sleep, and, in some cases, likely their am grateful that we have this Con- years and said: OK, truce. The simple physical and mental health for the pas- stitution to guide us, and I am grateful rule of the Senate was for any cloture sage of this bill. It has been an incred- that for the most part, we have abided vote, if there was one called for—again, ible effort, and I need to thank all of by it. typically, you would never call for one, them. With that, I yield the floor. but if there was one called for, there I want to single out my chief tax The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- would be 2 hours of debate for a district counsel, Mark Prater. I think everyone pore. The Senator from Oklahoma. court judge, 8 hours of debate for most in this Chamber and everyone in Wash- f nominees, and 30 hours of debate for ington would agree that we could not NOMINATIONS PROCESS Supreme Court, circuit court, or a Cab- have done any of this without Mark. inet-level appointment. But even Harry I also need to thank my staff direc- Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, Reid, when he stood on the floor, said tor, Jay Khosla, who has been the tip maybe my colleagues have heard this would be only—his words—‘‘ex- of the spear, managing the incoming through public and private conversa- traordinary circumstances’’ if you and outgoing issues with apparent tions over the past year that I believe should ask for a cloture vote at all. But ease. I also want to thank his assist- the Senate is moving gridlock from if they were asked for, it would be 2 ant, Jason Stegmaier, for helping to here on Capitol Hill to all across the hours, 8 hours, or 30 hours. Prior to keep Jay from forgetting the impor- city and across the Nation. The reason that, all nominations were 30 hours of tant details, like remembering to eat for that is how we do nominations and debate, literally taking up an entire lunch. the length of time on nominations. It day to move one person, knowing that I want to thank my entire tax staff: is time for the Senate to fix the Sen- you have to move 1,000. Jennifer Acuna, Tony Coughlan, Chris- ate’s rules. A few months after that, still in 2013, topher Hanna, Alex Monie, Eric Oman, Here is how it works. As this body Democrats still frustrated that Repub- Marty Pippins, Preston Rutledge, and knows extremely well, we have over licans were calling for some cloture Nick Wyatt. 1,000 nominees who come from the votes still, moved to have the nuclear I need to thank the members of my President. In the first year of a new option entirely and just transition all senior team as well: Matt Hoffmann, Presidency, a vast amount of time is nominations, except for the Supreme Jeff Wrase, Julia Lawless, Jennifer spent in getting those 1,000 people Court, to just 51 votes. So now they Kuskowski, Chris Armstrong, Bryan through the nomination process. Each had the rule of expediting 2 hours, 8 Hickman, and Shane Warren. one of those is selected by the White hours, and 30 hours, and the new abil- I want to thank my communications House. They do their own vetting, and ity to move them all with just 51 votes. staff on the committee: Katie Niederee, then they send them over to the Sen- Quite frankly, if you are going to Nicole Hager, and Joshua Blume. ate. change the rule to 51 votes, you prob- I also want to thank a couple of The Senate has the constitutional re- ably need to change the cloture rule as former Finance Committee staff mem- sponsibility for advice and consent. well. They just did it in reverse. They bers, specifically, Chris Campbell, my When they come through the Senate, changed the rule for how many hours it former staff director, who helped to set they will go through background would take and then later changed the the stage for this entire effort, and Jim checks, evaluations, and conversations rule for how many people it takes to go Lyons, my tax counsel who passed with staff on both sides of the aisle. through the process.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:06 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.041 S21DEPT1 S8216 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 Now what has happened? Remember I that are open, typically they move still sitting there at the end of that argued that we had 13, 14, 15 people through rather quickly and they move year. On 49 of them, this body, by held up in cloture in a year? This year, through the process. But when 64 days unanimous consent, said: No, we will so far, there have been 64 nominations are held up just for that, during that just hold them over. We are fine. We held up in cloture votes. That is 64 days time period, you can’t do anything else don’t have to send them all back to the in the Senate we could do nothing else but sit and go through what is called President. but sit here waiting. Now, it wasn’t for the cloture 30 hours. You can’t bring up In 2009, in President Obama’s first debate. It may sound as if it is being other legislation. term, there were 72 folks. For 64 of held for 30 hours of debate for that Then what happens? Well, then my those, this body—every Republican and time period. Debate normally didn’t Democratic colleagues come to the Democrat—agreed to just leave them happen. Most of the time, this Chamber floor and say: We haven’t had a single here and not make them go through was empty. It was just that 30 hours debate in this body on CHIP. We the whole process again, which would was demanded to shut down the body haven’t had a debate on infrastructure. have been absurd. as a whole, 64 of those in this year. We haven’t had debate on any of these As of now, we have 122 pending at the What has it brought us? It has things. Why won’t we move a bill on all end of President Trump’s first year. I brought us more animosity, more divi- of these things? am interested to know, when Repub- sion, and more frustration. My Demo- At the same time, they know it is be- licans gave Democrats unanimous con- cratic colleagues a few years ago were cause they blocked the floor from sent to be able to maintain their nomi- screaming that we should have the nu- being able to move legislation because nations in the past, what happens now. clear option because Republicans were of continual cloture votes over and Will this be yet another sign of pure so irrational with 15 cloture votes. Yet over and over. It is a bizarre game that politics rather than actually helping we have watched 64 occur this year. doesn’t lead to solutions; it leads to the country get stuff done? Earlier this week, I sat down with greater animosity. It is the same frus- I look forward to the day when we the Rules Committee and brought a tration that has existed for a while; it can work toward solutions, not just very simple option to everyone, Demo- is just getting louder. argue and banter back and forth with crats and Republicans alike, and we At some point, we have to put in a political statements. If we are going to had a great turnout to be able to just process and say: How do we get out of get stuff solved, let’s not pretend and talk through the process. My simple this? How do we fix this? I think the play games and put each other down; presentation was, let’s take the rule best way to fix this is to take a bipar- let’s actually sit down in a room and that was agreed to in 2013, that Harry tisan solution that was agreed to be- get stuff solved. Let’s fix the rules of Reid and the Democrats brought at the fore when Democrats were in the lead, the Senate, whether they be the budget beginning of the second term of Presi- to agree to it now and say that is going rules that keep us from actually hav- dent Obama, and let’s have the rule for to be the permanent rule, just to be ing real budget debates or the rules of each nomination be 2 hours, 8 hours, able to move a set of ideas. the Senate that keep us from actually and 30 hours. Let’s move back to the For what is historically called the working rather than allowing us to ac- tradition that Harry Reid had, which is greatest deliberative body in the world, tually do work. to say let’s make cloture votes only ex- wouldn’t it be nice to actually get back The rules of the Senate and the proc- traordinary on a nomination, if needed to deliberating again, spending more ess in the Senate are determined by the at all, but if they are, 2 hours, 8 hours, time on legislation rather than more Senators, so we alone are to blame or 30 hours. To do the exact same thing time arguing about why aren’t debat- when the Senate is not working. There now is what was agreed on in 2013 and ing it when everyone secretly knows is no finger-pointing. There is no ‘‘it is 2014. the reason, which is because we can’t that party.’’ There is no ‘‘it is that per- By the way, Republicans joined with get it to the floor? son.’’ It is all of us. Democrats during that time period and I do grow tired. I grow tired of hear- So my recommendation is simple. passed that new rule, which would put ing all the political statements and ac- Let’s fix it. Let’s resolve the issue. us at disadvantage with 78 votes. cusations. Let’s do the right thing in the right I don’t think it is too much to ask to Republicans hate children. way. say that if we are going to get the Sen- They want to throw them out. With that, I yield the floor. They don’t want them to have health ate back to work again, then let’s actu- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. CAS- care. ally get back to work again. Let’s put SIDY). The Senator from Colorado. They hate people of color. Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, this is us in a process that actually gets They are trying to exclude people not the topic that I came to the floor there. from voting. What happens in the meantime when They are trying to keep people from to talk about; I will talk about it in a that does not occur? I will tell you having tax reform. minute. But while the Senator from what happens. In the meantime, we They only care about the wealthy. Oklahoma is here, I thought I would have agencies all over this town that Just over and over, when at the same just respond to what he was saying— can’t answer a question because the bu- time, the undercurrent is out there to not on the merits of his particular pro- reaucrats are waiting on a Senate-con- keep anything from being discussed on posal, because I haven’t had a chance firmed individual to be able to lead the floor. It is an interesting strategy to study that yet, but to his plea that that agency—to be the Secretary, to paint your ‘‘enemy,’’ but it doesn’t this place start to work again. I Under Secretary, Deputy Secretary, help the country—intentionally divi- couldn’t agree more with that senti- whatever the task may be, the counsel sive without a solution. ment. for that particular agency—so they sit In 2001, the first year of a new Presi- The Founding Fathers were very de- and wait. So our constituents who are dent, there were 51 nominations pend- liberate people, and they understood trying to get a permit in certain places ing that first year. that in exercising self-government in or trying to get an answer or trying to There is an interesting thing in the the Republic that they were estab- get disaster relief—all they can say in Senate rules. It is the wonderful rule lishing, which subsequent generations the office is, we can’t do that until we XXXI that no one has heard of. It of Americans have made more demo- get a Senate-confirmed position in states that at the end of a year, any cratic over time, that we would have place. But we can’t get Senate-con- nominations that are still out there disputes. People these days in our po- firmed positions in place until my can be automatically thrown back to litical system and especially on the Democratic colleagues will actually the White House and they have to start cable television at night seem to be as- allow individuals to actually come up all over again. They have to renomi- tounded that there are people who and be debated. nate them. They have to go through don’t see the world the way they see What else happens? The other thing the whole process. They have to go the world. The Founders knew that, by that happens is, we can’t do legislation through committees. definition, if we were going to be a self- in this body; we can only do nomina- At the end of the first year of Presi- governing republic, we would have dis- tions. With 1,000 different positions dent Bush, there were 51 nominations agreements, and they set out to form

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:06 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.043 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8217 an incredibly elegant mechanism to re- time last weekend or the week before to do the job we are supposed to do. solve those disputes. It was elegant on with a group of Dreamers in Alamosa, For years, farmers and ranchers have the outside of this Chamber—freedom a small town in Southern Colorado. told us they need workers with clear to assemble, freedom of speech, free- These meetings are usually occasions legal status. Undocumented workers dom of religion, the right to vote—and for people to lay out their dreams for have told us they face exploitation it was elegant on the inside of this the future in America, the only coun- without legal resources. Families have Chamber. And generations of people try they know and the only country told us they fear being split apart and who occupied this place understood they love. This meeting was different sent to places they hardly know, and, that the way it was meant to work was than other meetings I have had re- today, this week, those fears were con- not that you always got your way all cently. Instead of the hope and self- firmed again as we lost another father the time and that part of being here confidence I am so used to hearing from Colorado. Just last week, we had was not just to have disputes but to re- from young people, what I heard was a family torn apart in Colorado. solve disputes—and not even our dis- fear, anxiety, and pain. Melecio Andazola came to America putes but disagreements that the coun- Everybody in the group I met the in 1998 as an undocumented immigrant. try might have for a legitimate rea- other day came to this country as un- Over the last 19 years, he has paid son—and, on average, hoped that we documented immigrants when they taxes in America, he has raised four would move the country forward. were children, some just months old. children in America, he has followed I quite agree that recently—certainly None of them made the decision to the rules. Then, on Friday, he was de- in the time that I have been here—we come here. They grew up here, and ported. have been using this place simply to they know no other country besides the Now it is unclear whether he will have disputes, not to resolve them. United States of America. ever see his daughter walk across the That may be OK if we were in North In 2012, they joined 800,000 Dreamers stage for her college graduation next Korea or in the Soviet Union—the old who came forward across the country spring at Yale, in New Haven. It is un- Soviet Union; it doesn’t work in a to share their information for tem- clear how he will be able to support his democratic republic. porary legal status under the DACA four kids. Because of the choices we I want to finish a little bit of the his- Program. Over the past 5 years, many have made in Washington, the lives of tory that my friend from Oklahoma of these Dreamers grew into young everyone in that family have been spun talked about. After the Democrats in- adults, finishing school, starting fami- into chaos, like so many other families voked the nuclear option, which I have lies, launching businesses. They went across the country. said before on this floor is the worst about their lives, trusting our govern- For years, stories like this have de- vote that I ever took as a Senator, the ment would keep its word and find a manded action. That is why the Sen- now majority leader pocketed that way for them to stay in the only coun- ator from Illinois who is here today, precedent when we changed the rules in try they know. Then, in September, Senator DURBIN, has led this charge for the middle and used it—used the nu- President Trump rescinded DACA, so many years, standing on the floor clear option to change the rules so that throwing every one of their lives into with photos of the Dreamers from his now a person gets a lifetime appoint- chaos. State and across the United States. It ment on the Supreme Court not with 60 During our meeting in Alamosa, not is the reason I was so honored to have votes but with just 51 votes. My issue a single person could share their story the chance to work with him and six with that is that now your party can without breaking into tears. One young others of our colleagues back in 2013, advance people to the Supreme Court man, Julio Maldanado, told me about the so-called Gang of 8, a group of four without any reasonable expectation the iPhone repair business he opened Democrats and four Republicans. that my party should take responsi- on Main Street. Like so many immi- I was just talking with my friend bility for it, or vice versa. grants, he poured himself into that en- from Oklahoma about how this place Instead of having potential nominees terprise as an entrepreneur. Thanks to doesn’t work. That was an instance come here and say: You should put me his efforts, it is now not only turning a where it worked. We came together to on the court because I can attract both profit, it is providing a service to his write a bipartisan proposal for immi- Democratic and Republican votes be- community and supporting his family. gration reform. Over the course of 8 cause I have an open mind, I worry we Now all of that is in jeopardy. months, in Washington, we worked are going to have people from both As I said, Julio couldn’t tell his story through a process that I think would sides say: We are going to have a lit- without starting to cry. When he make every American proud for once— mus test for Supreme Court nominees, turned to his business partner who was both sides sitting down to solve prob- which says we either have the most also there to help, his partner began lems. The result was a great piece of conservative jurist in the country or crying too. Versions of that played out legislation. the most liberal jurist in the country, again and again in our meetings and in Our bill had more funding for border depending on who it is. We have in- the meetings I have been having here security, not just a wall but smart and fected the Supreme Court with the par- in Washington, DC, as Dreamers take effective border security. It had more tisanship of this body. the risk to travel to Washington to funding for internal security. It had a My hope is, we can actually come to- share their stories—honest dream after pathway to citizenship for the 11 mil- gether on a set of rule changes that honest dream being crushed by uncer- lion undocumented people who are would recognize not just that this tainty, young people trembling in fear. here, including all of the Dreamers. place may need to move a little faster We hear a lot around this place about Part of that bill had the most progres- in the 21st century but that we ought how we don’t have to act until the last sive DREAM Act ever written. It got 68 to be pushing people together to work moment. We don’t have to act until votes on the floor of the Senate. Not in a bipartisan way on behalf of the March 5. This is not true. There are so everyone got what they wanted. As I country. many children, young people, and just said to the Senator from Okla- Without passing on the merits of the young adults in my State who are los- homa in a different context, it is un- proposal, I thank the Senator for com- ing their status as we sit here, unable reasonable to expect that here. Each ing to the floor to talk about—to put it to accomplish something everybody side had to give, but the result was a in the vernacular—how busted this seems to say they want to accomplish. great vote. It got almost 70 votes in the place is. The President says he wants to accom- Senate, at a time when you can’t pass f plish it. The Speaker says he wants to anything through the Senate. accomplish it. Senators on both sides For the first time in a generation, we DACA say they want to accomplish it. We had a real opportunity to resolve our Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, I wish have created this crisis that President differences on immigration, but as is so to talk about the Dreamers. Trump set off when he rescinded often the case in Washington, politics As I have from the time I was a DACA. got in the way. In the House, Repub- school superintendent in Denver until This isn’t just affecting Dreamers, al- lican leaders denied our bill a simple now, I had the opportunity to spend though that ought to be enough for us up-or-down vote, which would have

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:06 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.044 S21DEPT1 S8218 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 passed. They preferred to keep immi- physicians. The Association of Amer- Let’s review the record. gration alive as a political weapon to ican Medical Colleges predicts that, by With the Dreamers, we have ran- divide the American people and dis- 2030, we will have a shortage of 100,000 somed their futures for political lever- tract from the real challenges in our doctors nationwide. As I say, we are age. We are doing it right now. With economy. feeling that shortage right now in rural our backtracking on climate change, By the way, the Senator from Illinois Colorado. We don’t have enough clinics we have made their futures more dan- will remember this. We heard a lot of and treatment centers, even as we face gerous and costly. With our failure to stretching this week about how much an epidemic of opioid addiction. Two of reauthorize CHIP, we have jeopardized economic growth this tax bill was our counties don’t have a single doctor, the healthcare of, among others, 90,000 going to create—0.6 percent here or 0.1 and a lot of our rural counties have no kids in Colorado who may lose percent over there. The CBO estimate primary care doctor or nurse. healthcare if we don’t act. Now, with on the Gang of 8 immigration bill was Given that, it doesn’t seem to me to this tax bill, we have handed another that by bringing people out of the make any sense that we should send $1.4 trillion in debt to people whose fu- shadows and putting them in a position Daniela back to a place she doesn’t re- tures we are not investing in because to contribute legally to the economy, member and doesn’t call her home, es- we say we cannot afford to do it—by re- that would have added 3 percentage pecially when we need her here. That building our roads, by improving our points to our GDP, to our Nation’s obviously would be cruel, but my point schools, by spurring innovation. In- economy over the first 10 years, and is, it would also be incredibly short- stead, we have taken another bet on five incremental points over the second sighted. trickle-down economics at a time when 10 years. That would have been a useful Apolinar Lopez Garcia also came we already have a substantial budget thing to do for our economy. here when he was just a year old. His deficit. As a result of what happened—or family eventually made their way to That is what brings us here at the didn’t happen—in the House, the rhet- Greeley, CO. He thrived in school and end of the year, once again, with our oric around immigration has just be- joined the Junior ROTC Program in not having done our work and passing come more toxic, evermore divisive, Northridge High School, where he ex- something called a continuing resolu- evermore unrecognizable in America, a celled as a cadet. He relished the ROTC tion that no other government enter- sense of community, self-discipline, Nation that has inarguably been made prise in America gets to do—a tem- and duty, so much so that after grad- great by immigrants. porary budget that doesn’t reflect the As I said, there are a lot of econo- uating from high school, he wanted to priorities of the American people. In mists who are awfully skeptical about enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps. He that mix, the Dreamers find them- the economic claims that have been filled out the paperwork and waited, selves caught up in a political discus- but when the reply came, Apolinar was made about this tax bill. If we look at sion without any assurance that it will crushed. Because of his legal status, what happened in 2001 and 2003, when be resolved. the Marines couldn’t accept him. The good news is that I know there they tried to do it before, we all know We should think about that. Of all how that story is going to end. On the are Republican colleagues here, as well the paths available to a bright, young as Democrats, who want a solution for other hand, nearly every expert agrees person like Apolinar, he wanted to the Dreamers. They see in these young that forcing out the Dreamers would serve the country in uniform. You people all of the qualities we cherish as hurt our economy. don’t feel called to serve a place you Americans—family, community, serv- The Cato Institute found that remov- don’t consider home. You don’t feel ing the Dreamers would stunt eco- ice, enterprise, and patriotism. called to serve a place where you don’t I would just say, as we get ready to nomic growth by $280 billion. Another share the values, to defend a commu- leave here, that I think we shouldn’t study found that comprehensive immi- nity that is not your own. Apolinar’s leave here today. I think we should gration reform would grow the econ- choice flies in the face of every spe- commit to this issue with our Dream- omy by $1.5 trillion over 10 years and cious attack we have heard against im- ers. This should be our No. 1 priority support nearly 1 million new jobs. migrants in this debate. He doesn’t de- together—to figure out how to get this Despite these facts, there has been a tract from America. done so we don’t have inadvertent cas- lot of talk around here about how im- Apolinar wants to defend America. ualties occur. After a while, something migrants detract from America or how Daniela wants to treat sick Americans. inadvertent has to be advertent be- they somehow leach off the system and Julio wants to create jobs for Ameri- cause if you have knowledge of it and if lack our values. Those claims are then cans. They join 800,000 Dreamers who, you know what is going to happen, it used to justify actions like canceling for years, have invested in America by leads you to believe that you should DACA. It would be hard for me to be- paying taxes, starting businesses, and have acted. We need to stop the lieve that anybody making a claim like serving their communities. For years, brinksmanship and the partisanship, that had ever sat down with a Dreamer. America has invested in them, by edu- and we need to work together to ensure Daniela Gomez Castro came to Colo- cating them, by training them, and in- that their futures will be here in the rado when she was just a year old. As stilling in them the confidence and United States, where we need them, in a child, Daniela looked up to her love of country we hope for each new the only country they know. grandmother—one of the few women generation of Americans. I thank my colleagues for their in- doctors in her area—and dreamed of It is unimaginable now that we dulgence. following her into medicine. She took wouldn’t find a way to resolve their I yield the floor. classes in biology and excelled in our status. We can’t avoid this any longer. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- public schools, graduating from Smok- The Senate and the House are so good ator from Illinois. ey Hill High School in 2015. at putting off what they should have Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I thank To become a doctor, she knew college done last week or last month or last my colleague from Colorado. We have was the next step, so she enrolled at year. This is not one of those cases been engaged in this battle of immigra- the University of Colorado Denver as a anymore. tion reform for years. He is a worthy prehealth major, and in between class- On each day we do nothing, 112 peo- ally, thoughtful, and always thinking es, she worked as a nurse’s assistant, ple are deported. Over 12,000 people of a solution. I thank him for his con- restaurant hostess, and student mentor have been deported since September. tinuing commitment to this cause. to help cover tuition. Everything was Every one of them represents a family In the midst of the Civil War, Presi- on track. Then, last year, she learned torn apart, a business shuttered, a pay- dent Abraham Lincoln got so frus- her legal status meant she couldn’t get roll not made, an education inter- trated with General McClellan that he a medical license. After working so rupted, a dream shattered. In the end, sent him a message. He couldn’t get hard for so long, her dream is now fro- our most basic job here—lost in this him to attack. He wouldn’t do any- zen in place by forces in Washington sometimes—is to look out for the next thing. totally beyond her control. generation of Americans. Instead of He asked: General McClellan, if you Today, America—especially places looking after them, we have spent an are not going to use your Army, can I like rural Colorado—is desperate for entire year trampling over them. use it? Can I borrow your Army?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:06 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.045 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8219 So I would like to ask the leaders of Republicans out of 52. With eight more, geles. She was a good student and a the House and Senate: If you are not we are ready. We are ready to put 60 good athlete. In high school she played going to use your Congress, can I bor- votes up when they call the roll. With softball and golf. She was a member of row it for a minute? Can we fill up this 60 votes in the Senate, you can get the bible club, the chemistry club, and empty Chamber and actually have a things done. the reading club. She was an active real debate over a real bill to solve a What has happened? What opportuni- volunteer in her community, including real problem? ties have we had in the almost 4 assistant teaching at the local elemen- I think that might be a worthy thing months since the President eliminated tary school. She was the valedictorian for us to do. In fact, I think that is this program? None—not one. of her high school class. She was ac- what we are paid to do; isn’t it? Didn’t Senator MCCONNELL said to Senator cepted at UCLA. She majored in an- we swear to uphold this Constitution? FLAKE when his vote on the tax bill thropology and minored in classical Didn’t we take this historic job on with was in doubt: I promise you that we civilization. the goal of making America a better will bring this up in January—this Let me give a postscript here. If you place? coming January. are undocumented and go to college in On September 5, President Trump, I can tell you that I read the promise America, you get no Federal assist- along with Attorney General Sessions, very closely, and there are a lot of con- ance—no Pell grant, no Federal loan. eliminated the DACA Program. This tingencies on there. I hope that Sen- You have to earn the money. You have was a program that gave to almost ator MCCONNELL is going to give us our to work jobs to do it. She did. She held 800,000 young people—brought to the chance early in January to find out if down the necessary jobs and commuted United States when they were little we can come up with a bipartisan solu- to school from her parents’ home by kids—a chance to go to school, to tion to this problem. taking public transportation for 2 work, to have futures in this country. If you think there aren’t other Re- hours each way on every schoolday. They had to go through criminal back- publicans who support this, 34 Repub- She was involved in student groups, ground checks, turn over all of their licans in the House of Representatives mentored students at Van Nuys High information, and pay their taxes—all of sent a letter to Speaker PAUL RYAN School, and encouraged them to go to the above. Then, for 2 years, they could and wrote: Pass the Dreamer legisla- college. She continued to excel aca- operate in America. They were not citi- tion this year—34 Republicans. So we demically. She made the dean’s honor zens, but they were legally in America. are not alone. They are not the only roll and was awarded a certificate for On September 5, President Trump and ones. her research at UCLA. Today, she is as- Attorney General Sessions said: It is Yesterday, 11 Governors—11 of them, sisting students in low-income neigh- over—as of March 5, 2018, no more. Republicans and Democrats—sent a borhoods and schools. Then the President said: I challenge letter to Congress, calling on us to do After graduation, she went to work you, Congress. Do something about it. this. The letter was signed by the with Teach For America. Do you know Pass a law. Democratic Governors from Minnesota, That was almost 4 months ago. What what that means? It means taking a Montana, Pennsylvania, and North have we done in 4 months to address job that pays hardly anything to teach Carolina and by the Republican Gov- this problem that affects the lives of in one of the most challenging schools ernors from Nevada, Massachusetts, 800,000 DACA-protected young people? in America. She did it. She taught Vermont, and Utah, and by Alaska’s Nothing. We are not using this Con- seventh- and eighth-grade students in Independent Governor. gress. General McClellan was not using L.A. She teaches five classes for stu- We are hearing from those in the the Army. Isn’t it time that we do dents who are having trouble with business community. They want this something? Wouldn’t the American math and reading, and she gives one- done. They have seen these Dreamers. people be so pleasantly surprised if we on-one tutoring. They have seen these young people. did something on a bipartisan basis She is involved in the school’s par- They believe in them, and they want us that solved a problem in America? ents committee and tries to get the I know my Republican colleagues are to do something to help them. We have parents of these kids who need their euphoric over their tax bill. Two out of heard it from the labor organizations, helping hands to excel as well. She is a three Americans are not. I am not. I and we have heard it from the faith or- full-time graduate student at Loyola will put it aside for a minute. They ganizations. Marymount University, where she is spent a lot of time. They passed it. So Across the board, 76 percent of the pursuing a master’s degree in edu- be it. They did it on a strictly partisan American people support what we are cation. basis. They had a right under the Sen- trying to do here—76 percent. What I am going to read her letter and ate rules to do it that way, and they issues get 76 percent? The flag? I will then turn over the floor. did it that way. This cannot be done on bet you it gets even more, but not Every day for [my] first two months [as a a strictly partisan basis. You cannot many others get 76 percent approval, teacher] my students would ask me if I fix the immigration system unless you including 61 percent of the Trump vot- would be returning the next day, week, and engage both political parties in the so- ers. They think it is the right thing to month, and I would reassure them that I was do. Do you know why? Because many of there to stay. Eventually, they began to lution. trust me and believe that I was there to sup- I am lucky. I care about this. I also these people have met the Dreamers. When you come to know them and hear port them. . . . Now students believe that I found some Republican Senators who am there for them and truly care about help- care just as much. JEFF FLAKE of Ari- their stories, you come to the conclu- ing and preparing [them] to succeed aca- zona announced his retirement. I am sion—at least I do—that, for goodness’ demically. My students have made huge im- sorry to see him go because he is a sake, these are extraordinary young provements academically, [and] I am par- good person of good values. He stepped people. Somehow or another, they have ticularly proud of how hard they all work. up and cosponsored the Dream Act that survived and have even flourished in a After hearing about the fate of DACA— we are talking about here. I didn’t even country that doesn’t recognize them as She is talking about President have to call him on the phone. I legal. They went to our schools. They Trump abolishing DACA— thanked him, and he said: It is the pledged allegiance to our flag. They my students were worried that they would be right thing to do. LINDSEY GRAHAM, a sang the national anthem. That is the losing me. I continue to reassure them that Republican of South Carolina, was my country they know. I am not going anywhere anytime soon and cosponsor. CORY GARDNER of Colorado Let me tell you about one before I will fight to be able to see them finish mid- and LISA MURKOWSKI of Alaska stepped turn the floor over to my colleague dle school. up and said: It is the right thing to do from Maryland. This young lady’s What is going to happen to her if we for these young people, to give them an name is Miriam Gonzalez. She is the don’t do what we are supposed to do— opportunity to earn their way into 105th Dreamer whose story I have told if we don’t use this Senate and that legal status, to earn their way to citi- on the floor. House to solve this problem? What is zenship. When she was 6 years old, her family going to happen to her and her stu- I thank them for that. We need eight brought her to the United States from dents? Are we so busy? Do you notice it more. If we get 8 more, we will have 12 Mexico, and she grew up near Los An- on the floor? Are we so busy that we

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:51 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.047 S21DEPT1 S8220 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 can’t take up a piece of legislation are a welcoming country. We are a State’s recipients contribute $1.2 bil- here, debate it, and pass it today? country in which people have come lion of our gross domestic product. Before the end of the day, we are over the years to build this great Na- This is a very similar situation to the going to pass a measure to keep the tion. That is America’s strength. Dreamers. They get a 6- to 18-month government open and functioning for Are we going to turn our back now on extension. They have been here for dec- about 3 or 4 weeks. It is something that the values that built this country? Are ades because the underlying conditions may pass the House. We will find out we going to rip families apart? Is that in the countries from which they came later this afternoon. I am troubled by what America stands for? I find that still exist today. I have been to Central it. It doesn’t have one word in it to hard to imagine. Would we do this to America. I can tell you that it is not deal with this challenge, and we have our own economy and hurt ourselves, safe for these people to be returned to known for 4 months that it was coming as we are growing with their help? those gang activities. They have the and that we had to do it. I have met with many Dreamers, not same similar situation. They know no I am going to be voting no on that, as many as Senator DURBIN. He prob- other country but America. If they are and it is not because of the merits of ably has the record. But I met with required to go back to the country in the continuing resolution. Until we ad- several Dreamers in Maryland. We had which they were born, it will tear fami- dress this issue and take the time to one in our office yesterday who had lies apart. They have been disadvan- use the Senate and use the House to tears in her eyes. She said: I have an taged by the President’s actions where solve this problem, I am not going to expiration date on my back. She he is now threatening to end these pro- be standing here and saying: I am doesn’t know what is going to happen grams. going home for Christmas. I don’t when that date occurs. We need to act. We need to act in know what is going to happen to Mir- How would you like to live under order to protect this group of citizens. iam. I don’t know what is going to hap- that fear in the United States of Amer- I want to acknowledge that my col- pen to 800,000 others—get back to you ica? We are not talking about some leagues have introduced legislation on later. The time is now for us to solve communist country. We are talking this. S. 2144 provides a pathway to citi- this problem. about America, where people are living zenship for those with TPS status. It is I yield the floor. in fear. sponsored by Senators Van Hollen, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- I have had several roundtable discus- Feinstein, and others. We should take ator from Maryland. sions with Dreamers in Maryland. I Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I thank that bill up and pass it. Let’s provide have had them in College Park, Balti- protections. Let’s strengthen American Senator DURBIN for his extraordinary more, and in other areas. Let me men- leadership on this issue and so many values. Let’s do our work. Let’s do it tion two Dreamers I met with. Adam now. Let’s do it before we go on recess. others. was originally born in Canada. His fam- The Dreamers are part of this coun- It is the right thing to do. ily grew up in Pakistan. He came to try. They are America’s future. They Let me just conclude by quoting from the United States with his parents are helping to build this great Nation, Becky again, one of the Dreamers I when he was very young. Becky was and they need our attention now. met. She said the best present she ever The Republicans control the House, born in Peru and came here with her got was on her 13th birthday, when the Senate, and the White House. One parents to the United States. I mention President Obama executed the Execu- of their principal responsibilities is to them collectively because they both tive order that gave her legal status pass a budget. We are now 3 months attend the University of Maryland at and hope here in America. into the fiscal year, and we don’t have College Park. Our State allows Dream- Well, we can give her an even better a budget, and we are talking about an- ers to have instate tuition so they can present right now before we take the other continuing resolution. A couple go to college and get the tools they recess for the Christmas holidays. We of weeks ago, we were told on the floor need in order to succeed. They need can give her a present of Congress, act- to give it a couple of more weeks, and work permits because they have to ing to provide protection for the we would work out some of these work. Otherwise, they never would Dreamers and for those on TPS so they issues. I agree with Senator DURBIN. have been able to get through school. don’t have to worry again and they The time to act is now. We should not They need a driver’s license. Adam ex- know they have a home here in Amer- be going into recess without dealing plained to me that he needed a driver’s ica. with the problems of our country. We license to go to a magnet school so I yield the floor. need to deal with the budget problem, that he could advance his own edu- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- and we, certainly, need to deal with the cation. That was all possible through ator from Rhode Island. problem of the Dreamers. Let me just President Obama’s Executive order. Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I talk a little bit about them. Now all of that has been put into doubt am delighted to join my colleagues They entered the United States be- because of President Trump’s an- here in support of these kids who are fore they were 16 years old—that is re- nouncements that the program will known as Dreamers or DACA kids, who quired—before 2007. Under President end. It puts their lives on hold and in came in under the statute or under Obama’s Executive order of 2012, they fear, and they wonder whether they President Obama’s program and who were entitled to a 2-year renewable need to go into the shadows in the have lived here for many years in this work permit and the ability to remain United States of America. country, passed all the requirements, in this country without being in fear of President Trump’s actions were and met all the standards. These are deportation. Each one has to go wrong. We can correct that, and Con- good kids. There is absolutely no rea- through a criminal background check. gress must act. We must act now before son for them to be the target of the They need to be enrolled in school. we go home for the holidays. kind of anxiety and fear that they are They must either be high school grad- I wish to talk about a similar group being put through to score political uates or in the U.S. military. In the of people in our country—a large num- points. It really doesn’t make sense. United States today, we have 800,000 ber in my State of Maryland—those By definition, these kids came to the who are registered under the Dreamers. under Temporary Protected Status, or United States of America under the age There are 10,000 in my State of Mary- TPS, because it is a similar situation. of 16. You can’t even enforce a contract land, and they are contributing a half a There are 437,000 people in America against a minor in this country. They billion dollars to Maryland’s GDP, or from El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, do not have the legal capacity in most gross domestic product. They are our Nicaragua, Somalia, Sudan, South places to buy a sofa. Yet we are holding next generation of teachers, doctor, en- Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. In Maryland, them to account for decisions that gineers, and entrepreneurs. They are 22,500 people are here from El Salvador, their parents made when they were going to help build America, and they Honduras, and Haiti—from those three small children. know no other country but the United countries alone—and 90 percent of the One of the Rhode Islanders who will States, which is their home. TPS people in this country are from El be affected by this came to the United In our values, what makes America Salvador, Honduras and Haiti, the States when she was 8 years old. Think the great Nation that it is is that we three principal countries. My own of the kind of decisions that your 8-

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:06 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.048 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8221 year-old kids make or that you were It came on to the Senate floor, where help our economy and the small busi- making when you were 8 years old. there were amendments. There actu- nesses in my State grow. This is a very successful young lady ally was some regular order. Hundreds My friends on the other side of the who is now at the Brown medical of amendments were considered, and aisle are constantly claiming they school. She is going to make enormous the final bill passed on June 27 by 68 to want to help our small businesses contributions to our country. Tossing 32. grow. I listened to weeks of their her out or putting her in peril makes Then our bipartisan Senate bill went speeches on this as they tried to justify no sense whatsoever, particularly when over to the House, where the Speaker the tax bill. But instead of a giveaway the problems started when she was of the House refused even to bring it to the wealthiest 1 percent, one way brought to this country by her parents up—no hearing, no vote, nothing. They my friends across the aisle could actu- when she was 8 years old. just froze it out. So there is a long his- ally help small businesses is to bring Another Rhode Islander who con- tory of why we are here today, but the the Dream Act up for a vote. tacted me came to the country when price should not be paid by these kids, This morning, I had the great honor she was 7 years old. She is now a teach- not when the original problem was of sitting down with Dreamers who er in a middle school in Central Falls, something that was done when they traveled all the way here from my RI. Central Falls is a community that were children—10 months old. State across the Nation to fight for ac- is emerging from bankruptcy. It has President Lincoln talked about ‘‘the tion, young people who had no control got its feet back under it now. It has a better angels of our nature.’’ Let’s over how they came to this country but wonderful, exciting young mayor. Spir- show these kids the better angels of who have made conscious choices to its are up, and things are going well. our nature. Let’s do something decent, improve their own lives and make life But it is not easy to be a middle-school something bipartisan, something that better for their own community. They teacher anywhere, and to be a middle- is right, and let’s do it soon. are passionate, they are frustrated, and school teacher in a small city that has I yield the floor. their stories need to be heard. just come out of bankruptcy is not The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Here is just one of them. Paul was easy. This is a valuable person to ator from Washington. brought here to this country at the age Rhode Island. Losing her adds no value Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, over of 7 to be reunited with his father. Paul to anyone. the years there has been a lot of debate excelled in schools in Pasco, WA, not Another person who contacted me on the Senate floor, from healthcare to far from where my own dad grew up. came to the United States at 10 months tax reform. There is no doubt that Paul and his parents worried that de- old. At 10 months old, they barely even some days it feels impossible to get the spite Paul’s success in K–12, going to knew where they were. He came from majority of Republicans onboard with college and starting a career might be Portugal at 10 months old. Now he has policies that truly help the families we impossible. But DACA provided him a college degree in computer science. represent. But there is one thing that and his family with stability. Paul He is ready to make his contribution to unites not only a large bipartisan con- went to Gonzaga University in Spo- our country. He has done everything tingent in Congress but also the vast kane, WA, as a double major in polit- right and has played by the rules, and majority of American people, and that ical science and economics, and he now we are loading him up with all this is finding a path forward for the esti- works in our State legislature. anxiety and peril because of a decision mated 800,000 young men and women Now, with DACA in question, it is his parents made when he was 10 whose lives are right now in limbo— not just Paul who isn’t sure what months old. 800,000 people, including 17,000 men, comes next for him but also his young- You can’t go out, as I said, and buy a women, boys, and girls from my home er brother, Jose. Jose, who was only 2 sofa on the installment plan at 8 years State of Washington who shared their years old when he came here, grew up old. Yet we are trying to penalize these information, paid a large fee, and seeing what Paul, his older brother, kids. It makes no sense at all. upheld their end of the bargain, only to was able to achieve. He saw that DACA It doesn’t even make economic sense. have President Trump rip the rug out allowed Paul to live without that con- The studies I have seen show that dis- from under them 3 months ago when he stant fear. Jose was ready to follow in rupting the lives of these 800,000 and Attorney General Jeff Sessions an- Paul’s footsteps and enroll in the Dreamer kids—90 percent of whom are nounced the end of the DACA Program. DACA Program so he could pursue his in the workforce—would reduce the This Congress may not be able to dream of an engineering degree at the U.S. GDP by $460 billion over the next change the Trump administration’s University of Washington. Now, if Con- decade. They are making a serious con- hateful rhetoric or shortsighted poli- gress doesn’t act, we will have one less tribution here. cies overnight, but we can and we engineer in this country. In Rhode Island, the delta is about should pass the Dream Act as soon as Paul and Jose are great examples of $200 million in annual State GDP be- possible. That is why we need more Dreamers who have worked hard. They tween having the Dream Act pass and Members of Congress on both sides of have aimed high, and they participate losing the DACA kids. We would stand the aisle ready to roll up their sleeves in our community and our economy, to gain as much as $150 million in an- and get this done. Because every single making our country a better place. nual GDP if the Dream Act passes, and day that Republican leaders refuse to This country should be rolling out the ending DACA will result in an annual bring the Dream Act to the floor to a welcome mat to our Dreamers, not loss of $60 million to our GDP. So just vote, another 122 young people lose slamming the door shut on them. And in my small State, there is $200 million their DACA status, they lose their abil- that is why I am here today with my in economic result annually from solv- ity to work legally, and they lose their colleagues to echo their fear and frus- ing this problem in a way that is hu- protection from deportation. That tration on the floor of the Senate and mane and consistent with the way we means that every day, 122 of our neigh- to call on Republican leaders to work treat children in virtually every other bors, students, coworkers, and friends with us. Stop letting so many prom- element of the law. could be forced from the only country ising young men and women fall off the Sadly, a lot of this is twisted up in they know, despite the promise the rolls of this program each and every the continued fight over immigration, Federal Government made to them day. Stop kicking this can down the which the Senate really tried to solve. when they signed up for DACA and de- road. Come together to do what is right I am on the Judiciary Committee. Sen- spite their immensurable contributions for these young people. ator DURBIN was on the Judiciary Com- to our schools, our hospitals, our uni- Ending the DACA Program is not mittee at the time. Under Chairman versities, our stores, our farms, our what our country is all about. It LEAHY’s leadership, we went through churches, our offices, and so much doesn’t do anything to fix our immi- hundreds of amendments and we took more. That means small and large busi- gration system, prepare for our future, dozens of votes. Some 90 amendments nesses are forced to lay off DACA re- or grow our economy. Ending DACA were incorporated into the bill. It came cipients each day—vital employees in won’t heal the divisions we have seen out of the Judiciary Committee by a whom businesses have invested money in our communities or make them any bipartisan vote of 13 to 5. to train and support, employees who easier to fix. And ending the DACA

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:06 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.051 S21DEPT1 S8222 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 Program certainly doesn’t reflect a memories of his life in Venezuela, but and protect Dreamers by passing a country of opportunity or promise— he did hear stories from his parents clean Dream Act. We have waited too something the United States has al- and his grandfather about the everyday long already. Every day that we delay, ways aspired to be. risks that they faced. One day, while more than 100 Dreamers lose protected I urge my colleagues here in the Sen- his mother was driving, she pulled up status. They must return to the shad- ate and over in the House to think to a stop light, and a man pulled a gun ows. They must think about ICE agents about the communities you represent. on her. Another day, his grandfather breaking down their doors or seizing Think about the young men and withdrew money from an ATM and them if they go to school or to work. women who are currently studying for then was robbed at gunpoint. The time for Congress to act is now, finals or caring for our sick or teaching So when Elias’s mother, who was an right now, today. We should not leave our children or responding to natural executive at a multimedia company, here so that we can celebrate the holi- disasters or opening businesses in the had an opportunity to transfer to an of- days with our families while nearly communities you travel to and live in. fice in Miami, FL, she jumped at it. 800,000 Dreamers fear being ripped Think about the young men and Elias’s family came to the United apart from their brothers, their sisters, women who hope to serve in our mili- States legally. They applied for and their mothers, their fathers, and de- tary and defend your freedom some they received a visa that allows execu- ported to countries they barely know. day. Think of the Dreamers who have tives and managers from other coun- If we held a vote today on the Dream grown up in our country and whose tries to work in the United States and Act, it would pass. So my question to children are the future of our Nation. eventually apply for permanent resi- Senator MCCONNELL is this: What are Think about how much good we could dent status. Under that visa, the entire you waiting for? Let us vote. do for these young men and women if family would become permanent resi- Thank you, Mr. President. my Republican friends brought the dents and would never have to worry I yield the floor. same commitment and zeal to this task about losing their status in the United The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- as they did to their tax bill. Finally, States. ‘‘Permanent’’ is the key word ator from Virginia. work with Democrats to find a real so- here. Well, at least that had been their Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I also rise lution to end this unnecessary uncer- plan, only things didn’t go the way to advocate the passage of a clean tainty. they had been planned. Dream Act now. I want to thank Paul and all the When Elias was 11, his mother died of I had a youngster say to me—and I other advocates from my State whom I cancer. He didn’t know it at the time, am going to tell the stories of a few of met with in my office this morning and but the day his mother died, Elias and the youngsters—at an event in Novem- the many thousands of others who are his family lost their path to permanent ber, a Dreamer in Northern Virginia: showing up in every way they can to resident status and became undocu- ‘‘You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m make their voices heard and to call on mented. not the only one.’’ It is a beautiful line, us here in Congress to act. Dr. Martin After his mother died, Elias clung to as we know, from the song ‘‘Imagine’’ Luther King once said that justice too the belief that an education was his by John Lennon. ‘‘You may say I’m a long delayed is justice denied, and ticket to a better life. He challenged dreamer, but I’m not the only one.’’ Dreamers are not asking for anything himself academically, taking 13 ad- There are 800,000 Dreamers in this other than what we have promised to vanced placement courses and earning country—more than 800,000. More than them. A’s in almost every class. He also jug- 13,000 of the Dreamers live in Virginia, This is an incredibly difficult and un- gled a number of extracurricular ac- and they are from all corners of the certain time for so many people, but tivities, including speech and debate, world. I have met with Dreamers in Dreamers need to know that many of student government, volunteering with Virginia who were originally born in us in Congress and so many across the children and the homeless, and starting Sweden, Nigeria, Latin America, many country have their backs. We will get his school’s first traveling Model countries in Asia. They are a rainbow this done. We have to get this done. United Nations. His excellence earned but also a source of strength for our Thank you, Mr. President. him a place on the dean’s list, as well country, and we need to act on their I yield the floor. as a long list of awards, including the behalf. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Miami-Dade Homeless Trust Change I also stand here in the Christmas ator from Massachusetts. Maker Award. spirit. We will all, so many of us, hear Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, just Elias so impressed the school’s staff the retelling of the Christmas story. In yesterday, the Republican-controlled that his high school activities director the aftermath of the birth of the poor Congress passed a massive tax give- called Elias a hero and said: ‘‘I’ve been child in a manger, the story goes that away that will shovel truckloads of teaching for 20 years and I have never he was taken by his parents to another money into pockets of giant corpora- seen a student like this young man.’’ country essentially as a refugee. There tions and the superrich, while it leaves Scholarship committees also recog- were threats of violence against the working families behind. And that is nized Elias’s accomplishments, and he firstborn children of the land, and so he just the latest in a laundry list of pre- won a coveted Myra Kraft Transitional was spirited across a border into Egypt sents that have been doled out to folks Year Program scholarship, which pro- to be protected. at the top. For everyone else, it has vided him a full ride to Brandeis Uni- I know many of these Dreamers, and been one broken promise after another. versity in Waltham, MA. He is now a I know so many like them. I worked as One of those promises was to protect sophomore at Brandeis, where he con- a missionary in Honduras in 1980 and 800,000 Dreamers who were brought to tinues to make his mark. 1981, and I had the opportunity to work the United States as kids. Trump broke Before DACA came along, Elias lived with youngsters in a country that was this promise when he ended DACA, the in constant fear that ICE would break then and still is beset with violence program that allows Dreamers to live, down his door and deport him and his and poverty and where so many par- work, and study in the United States sister. DACA changed his life. The fear ents have to make an agonizing choice. without fear of being deported to coun- subsided. He knew that ICE agents In some instances, they make the tries they barely know. Because Trump wouldn’t break down his door or seize choice to try to find a better land for broke his promise, it is up to Congress him on his way to school. Elias told me their children, just as Jesus and Mary to stand up and protect Dreamers by that DACA has been a source of opti- did as they fled to Egypt at the Christ- passing a clean Dream Act—a bill that mism and a light of protection. mas season more than 2,000 years ago. gives legal status and a path of citizen- America is the only country Elias So I stand here in that moment, in ship to those young people. knows. It is the only country many that spirit, knowing that hundreds of I want to introduce you to one of Dreamers know. This is their home. thousands of Dreamers need our pro- those Dreamers—Elias Rosenfeld. Elias Dreamers like Elias have had the cour- tection and, frankly, deserve it. Are we was 6 years old when his parents age to step forward. They have come less compassionate than those societies brought him and his sister to the out of the shadows to tell their stories. of old that have found refuge for those United States. He doesn’t have many Now Congress could show some courage who have come fleeing hardship? I

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:06 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.052 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8223 don’t believe we are. I know the Amer- ers from the Richmond area. A few was a strong supporter of President ican public isn’t, and I know the Vir- stopped by my office on a day I wasn’t Obama’s Executive action; firmly be- ginia public isn’t. The question is, Is there and asked for a meeting. We sat lieved it was within his legal power—a Congress as compassionate as we need down together. Let me tell you about statutory fix is better than an Execu- to be? some of them and some of their par- tive action because an Executive ac- We tell the story of some of the ents. tion depends upon the temperament of Dreamers in Virginia, and I have made Mateo is a Dreamer and sophomore the particular President; whereas, a many speeches on this floor and told at VCU. He went to the same high statutory fix provides people with some many of their stories. school my daughter went to. My permanence, some confidence, and Juan de la Rosa is a DACA recipi- daughter Annella graduated from the some security, and that is what we are ent—one of our 13,500. He is a Governor’s School in Petersburg in called to do. Richmonder. I first came to know Juan 2013. Mateo was a freshman, and he Again, in the spirit of the Christmas when I was the mayor of Richmond. He graduated in 2016. He is part of a group season—and because I am seeing this arrived at age 5. In a comment to me, called UndocuRams, a student organi- particular Presiding Officer—I am re- he said: In one way or another, you zation whose mission is to foster inclu- minded of a beautiful phrase of Pope have always been an active part of sion for Dreamers on the VCU campus. Francis whom the Presiding Officer teaching me how being involved in the Mateo’s mom came with him to the and I have talked about before. In a political process is the key toward meeting to show her support for her letter he issued on Ash Wednesday in positive change. son. She is heartbroken seeing him 2015, he called on us to be ‘‘islas de He started when he arrived here at 5 work so hard and so afraid of what misericordia en el medio de un mar de years old, and he excelled immediately. might happen to him and so afraid of indiferencia’’—islands of mercy in the He went to Manchester High School in what might happen to her. She prays middle of a sea of indifference. That is Chesterfield County and graduated in that this system may find a just result a powerful phrase. Let’s be islands of 2014. He was a drum major in the for her child and for herself. mercy in the middle of a sea of indiffer- marching band, class representative, Finally, at the same meeting, I had ence. It was interesting. He didn’t say: and a president of several honor soci- Bertha. Bertha is both a Dreamer and a In the middle of a sea of hatred, in the eties. mom. She is a young mother. Her par- After graduating at the top of his middle of a sea of prejudice. He could ents brought her here in 1998 from Mex- have said all of those things. What he class at this very competitive suburban ico as a young child. She is an excep- high school, he continued at Virginia said was: ‘‘in a sea of indifference.’’ tional member of her community. She Surely, as we hear of the virtues and Tech. At Virginia Tech, he started works in a local Catholic Church, vol- the dreams, the achievements and the Tech DREAMers, which is a student or- unteers with the PTA at her children’s ganization there trying to create a accomplishments of these beautiful school, and coaches her children’s and young people, we can call on our inner more inclusive environment for the other children’s soccer teams. Bertha Dreamers on the campus. Through spirit to be merciful, rather than indif- told me she has learned the values of Tech DREAMers, he hosted dialogues ferent. That is my hope; that this body volunteering and helping others from around immigration reform and other will do that by passing a clean Dream being here in the United States. This is issues—not just with Hokies but with Act and accepting with open arms the an interesting one. I hadn’t heard this students all around Virginia and wonderful gifts these young people before. Bertha told me that where she around the country. bring to our communities. This past May, Juan de la Rosa grad- came from in Mexico, there wasn’t a I yield the floor. uated magna cum laude from Virginia great tradition of volunteer organiza- I suggest the absence of a quorum. Tech, and he continues to be active. He tions. There was sort of the govern- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The works in the admissions office as a ment, and there were churches. She clerk will call the roll. Dreamer, traveling the country and said, coming to the United States, she The bill clerk proceeded to call the telling students all over this country has become aware of a whole sector of roll. about the opportunity that was offered society that was not familiar to her: Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I by this great university in the Com- volunteer organizations—groups of peo- ask unanimous consent that the order monwealth. He says: ‘‘All of this would ple who get together to try to tutor for the quorum call be rescinded. not have been possible, had it not been other kids to be Big Brothers or Big The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without for the opportunities afforded me be- Sisters. objection, it is so ordered. cause of DACA.’’ She said what she has learned from Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I Juan, like so many other undocu- the United States, more than anything rise, once again today, to express my mented young people, is the very em- else, is this amazing power of vol- strong support for taking action on the bodiment of the Virginia Tech motto. unteerism and the network of social Dream Act. I thank all the Dreamers The motto of Virginia Tech University service groups that are run by volun- who, in recent weeks, traveled from all is ‘‘Ut Prosim,’’ Latin for ‘‘That I May teers. She said: I want to be just like across the country to Washington to Serve.’’ That is what Juan is doing. He that—and that is what she is doing. make their voices heard. wants Congress to pass a clean Dream Why would we want to lose a mother, Last month, I met with 50 Minneso- Act now so there is a permanent solu- a Dreamer like Bertha from our com- tans, who traveled here by bus to show tion for him and so many others. munity? She has explained, as so many their support for the Dream Act. They Alejandro Zuniga is the internal have—folks here on the Hill engaged in took time away from their jobs, from president of DREAMers Empowered at rallies have explained with tears in their education, and from their fami- Northern Virginia Community College. their eyes the fear they feel. They had lies because this issue is so critical to I sat down with him a few weeks ago at a President, who, though he said some them and to their loved ones. a roundtable I held with these Dream- tough things about immigrants during I want to get this bill passed, and ers. He was from Bolivia. He lived there the campaign, he always said about while I remain hopeful we will reach an until he was 7. His parents brought him Dreamers: Dreamers will have nothing agreement soon, I know this has real here. He was not fully aware of what it to worry about in me. These Dreamers consequences with each and every day, was to be undocumented until he was are good kids. They were taken by as over 100 Dreamers lose their status ready to go to college, and his parents complete surprise when, in September, per day. explained it to him. His favorite thing the President announced he would ter- We have already seen the harmful ef- as a kid growing up in the DC area was minate the DACA Program in 6 fects of the administration’s decision to go to the Air and Space Museum. months. From that moment, it has to end DACA, and the situation will Now he is at Northern Virginia Com- been unremitting fear for these young continue to get worse until we take ac- munity College making honor grades, people and for their families. tion. For the eligible DACA recipients studying to be an aerospace engineer. The only thing in the President’s an- with statuses set to expire over the up- Monday, I sat down at the Richmond nouncement that I think we could coming weeks, the uncertainty is unbe- Public Library with a group of Dream- probably all agree to is—even though I lievably difficult.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:06 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.053 S21DEPT1 S8224 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 These are people who were told pre- 3-percent range, would cost Minnesota the fact that he was born in another viously by our government that they more than $376 million in annual rev- country but lived almost his entire could stay. They registered with our enue, let alone the immeasurable im- life—98 years of his 103 years—in Amer- government, and now, with each and pact to families who may be ripped ica. every day, more and more of them are apart. So I join with all those in my State losing their status. Just since I spoke f in remembering Joseph Medina and about this issue on the Senate floor honoring his service to our country as REMEMBERING JOSEPH MEDINA last week, an estimated 800 additional we continue to work toward finding a Dreamers have lost their DACA status. Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, last solution for the Dreamers in the Sen- In March, the number of Dreamers week on the Senate floor, I talked ate. with expiring protections will increase about how I have always tried to find I note that we should also take ac- to 1,000 a day if we have not found a so- examples of Dreamers so that the citi- tion here at the end of the year, and we lution by that time. zens in my State can understand what should be staying to get a number of This is an issue where we should be we are talking about when we talk priorities done, including a long-term able to find bipartisan consensus. about the fact that someone could be reauthorization of the Children’s Americans want us to protect Dream- brought over to our country and not Health Insurance Program, dealing ers. In fact, one recent poll found that even realize it and have this Dreamer with the medical device tax, renewing 86 percent of Americans support action status. funding for community health centers. to allow Dreamers to stay in the I talked about Joseph Medina. He There are so many things we need to United States. The Dream Act, which was a decorated Army veteran. He do. my colleague Senator DURBIN has led served in World War II. He lived in In closing, I just want to make clear in the Senate for 16 years now, is based Minnesota. I am sad to say that he that I stand with my colleagues on on a simple principle: Dreamers who passed away last July at the ripe old both sides of the aisle who have spoken are brought to the United States as age of 103 years old. There was a story out in support of the Dream Act. We children, and only know this country about Joe in today’s edition of our need to pass this bill. as their home, should be given the op- largest newspaper in Minnesota, hon- Thank you. portunity to contribute to our Nation oring his contributions to our Nation I yield the floor. and become citizens. during World War II and through his I suggest the absence of a quorum. These young people were brought nearly a century as a proud and hard- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The here through no fault of their own. On working Minnesotan. clerk will call the roll. average, when they came over, they Joe lost both of his parents before he The bill clerk proceeded to call the were only about 61⁄2 years old. Imagine was 1 year old. He was brought to the roll. being told that you have to go back to United States from Mexico by his aunt Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I ask a country you have not stepped foot in when he was just 5, and he didn’t find unanimous consent that the order for since you were 6, where you may not out that he was undocumented during the quorum call be rescinded. know anyone or even speak the lan- his whole time growing up. When did The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without guage. he find out? When he tried to join the To receive DACA status, all Dream- objection, it is so ordered. ers have already passed background Army in World War II. f So what he did then, because he checks, paid fees, and met educational wasn’t a citizen—back then, it was A RECAP OF THE YEAR AND AN requirements. They already did this so pretty simple; what they would do is OUTLINE OF THE CHALLENGES they could stay in the United States OF THE YEAR AHEAD and contribute to our communities have people go to Canada, especially if Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, as I try to across the country. they lived in Minnesota, and that is Dreamers are already contributing. how they would become citizens. So do every year, if time permits—this More than 97 percent of these Dream- they sent Joe Medina to Canada for 1 will be my seventh year in the U.S. ers, of the DACA recipients, are now in day. I remember his telling me this Senate; sometimes our work here fin- school or in the workforce. In fact, 72 story—that this is what they did dur- ishes in a different fashion, but if pos- percent of them currently in school are ing World War II when they wanted sible, I try to come on the last day of pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher. people to sign up and serve. He stayed the legislative year and give a speech The American Medical Association has in a hotel for 1 night, and he came to kind of recap the year behind us and urged us to take action on this issue, back, and with the help of our mili- outline the challenges of the year noting our current shortage of physi- tary, he became a citizen. ahead. cians in the United States—something He then served under General Mac- For me, it was, obviously, an event- the Presiding Officer is aware of—and Arthur in the Pacific. Then he came ful year, a productive one, and I believe estimating that passing the Dream Act home, got married, had a son, and that it has been one for this Chamber, as could add 5,400 physicians to the U.S. son served in the Vietnam war. well, in what is a unique political envi- healthcare system in the coming dec- Joe came to Washington, DC, with ronment in which politics today is ades. According to the American Asso- his son for the first and last time to see practiced and covered in ways we have ciation of Medical Colleges, more than the World War II Memorial at age 99. I never seen before—almost like enter- 100 students with DACA status applied stood there by his side as he looked at tainment. Nevertheless, it was a year to medical school last year, and about the Minnesota part of that Memorial that we got a lot of good things done, 70 Dreamers are currently enrolled in and thought of the people he knew who and I wanted to highlight some of them medical school. were no longer with us and thought of in the hope that this gives us momen- In Minnesota, our large refugee and his service and how much he loved tum into the new year. immigrant community has contributed serving our country in World War II. This has been my first experience so much to the cultural and economic At his side, along with his own son with a new President—obviously, not vitality of our State. We are proud to who had served in Vietnam, were two just a new President but a new admin- have big communities of Somali, Libe- Dreamers—two high school students istration that brought with it a set of rian, and Oromo populations, as well as who were in high school in the subur- individuals in different positions, so I the second largest Hmong population. ban part of the Twin Cities, and they think for all of us it was a transition in In fact, we have the biggest population also wanted to join the military. If I that regard. It also was the beginning of Somalis in the country, the biggest remember right, they wanted to join of a second term, which, at one time, I population of Liberians, the biggest the Air Force. Do you know what? The didn’t know I was even going to pursue. population of Oromos, and we are also way the rules were a few years ago, In arriving here earlier this year and proud to be the home of more than they weren’t allowed to do that. Joseph getting to work, we slowly but surely 6,000 Dreamers. Medina couldn’t understand that be- got going on a number of key priorities Ending DACA in my State, where the cause the proudest part of his life was that we had been working on for a very unemployment rate is hovering in the serving in our military, serving despite long time. The first one that happened

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:06 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.055 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8225 was the VA accountability bill. This thing that favored the Cuban people the people they allow to run for it, and was a bill that I had been working on and not the Cuban regime. Those they also get to count the votes. As for a number of years. It basically gave changes came about. They were an- you can imagine, that fraudulent Con- the Secretary of the VA the power to nounced earlier this year at an event in stituent Assembly basically votes 100 fire people at the VA who are not doing South Florida. percent in favor of whatever he wants, a good job. It is that simple. It is not To cut to the chase, what it does is literally with very little dissent. It is anything more complicated than that. this: It says that people can still travel not democratically elected. Meanwhile, It made it easier to fire people who to Cuba. Americans can still go to the legitimate, democratically elected were not doing a good job. They still Cuba as part of a group or as an indi- Congress, to use terms that we use have due process to defend themselves. vidual going to support the Cuban peo- here, has basically been intimidated For the better part of 3 years, there ple. But if you go to Cuba, whether off and stripped of their power. Maduro were a lot of objections to that pro- a cruise ship, an airplane, or if you are doesn’t allow them to be paid anymore; posal from the previous administration there in support of the Cuban people, they don’t staff anymore; all sorts of and some of my colleagues on the other you have to spend your money at things of that nature. side of the aisle. Then everything lined places that are owned by Cubans—by We encourage the President of the up this year. Senator TESTER and Sen- everyday Cuban people—not by the United States to pursue first individual ator ISAKSON, who are the ranking Cuban military, which is trying to cre- sanctions. We encourage the President member and chairman of that com- ate a monopoly. to grow the list of individuals in Ven- For the first time in the history of mittee, came onboard and really helped ezuela who are sanctioned and no that tyranny, there is a U.S. policy to push this and to move it forward. It longer able to benefit from ill-found that places individuals in Cuba—pri- passed in both Chambers and was gains here in the United States and ul- vate individuals in Cuba—in a favored signed into law by the President. This timately to prevent them from con- position in comparison to the military was a substantial achievement. tinuing to do something they have and the Castro government. I believe What is interesting about it is that been doing for far too long. this law will slowly but surely pay because it was bipartisan, because For far too long, they have been dividends as it becomes abundantly there was cooperation, and because no stealing the oil from Venezuela. They clear to the small, independent, private one was fighting with anyone on it, it are selling it in global markets at a sector in Cuba that the reason they are didn’t get a lot of press coverage. But discount. Then they use those—to use aren’t growing—the reason they aren’t it happened, and people need to know rough numbers, they take $1 million attracting more customers—has noth- about it. worth of oil and sell it for half a mil- ing to do with U.S. policy. It is because Does it make the VA perfect? No. Are lion dollars. Then they will take some their own government does not want to there still challenges that need to be of that half a million dollars and use it allow them to be able to grow their confronted? Absolutely. This is some- to pay the interest on the debt they al- businesses. ready owe. Then the rest of that cash, thing that has to do with account- The Cuban Government feels threat- they use for themselves, and they ability and the ability to get rid of peo- ened by private business, No. 1, because sprinkle a little bit of it to some of the ple who were not doing a good job. It is they are Communists and, No. 2, be- elites around them just to keep them something that, for years, could not cause they don’t want people in Cuba loyal to the regime. Those are the mid- get done because someone always ob- to be able to support themselves. They jected and found a way to stop it. Then want people to be dependent upon level or high-level military officials it came together with people working them; that is how they control politi- who decide, well, things aren’t great in across the aisle to make it happen. cally. Venezuela, but at least my family is Today, it is the law. Today, there are We will see what decision the Cuban better off than everybody else because people who were not doing a good job Government makes in the months and we are loyal to the regime. who are no longer employed at the VA, years to come, but here it is abun- The President moved to stop that. thanks to this. That is an important dantly clear that there are people— Today, U.S. entities can no longer thing that people need to know. Americans—who, under our law, can trade in these fraudulent, illegal bonds I always remind everyone that the travel to Cuba, can spend money in that are stolen from the people of Ven- overwhelming majority of people who Cuba, and they will have to stay at an ezuela. This is a tragic situation. This work at the VA are doing a good job. Airbnb or in a private home or even, if is not an embargo. This is not eco- The ones who are not are the ones we the Cuban Government allows it, a nomic warfare, which is what Maduro need to replace. hotel that is owned by a private entity. calls it. This, basically, is preventing The year went on, and I had an op- Where they cannot stay is in places them from continuing to steal. portunity to interface and interact controlled by the Cuban military or I would add one more point to this. I with the National Security Council and companies controlled by the Cuban encourage every one of you, if you can, with the White House on two foreign military. to read an article in the New York policy issues that didn’t really require The second foreign policy issue that Times that appeared last weekend, a legislation but that I am grateful and we were able to get involved in is an- pretty extensive series on starvation. excited about having the opportunity other tragedy in our hemisphere; that Children are literally starving to death to help craft. is, what is happening in Venezuela. To in Venezuela. Venezuela is the richest The first was the new direction on cut to the chase, we have a tyrant who country in the hemisphere, the richest U.S. policy toward Cuba. The previous is afraid that he won’t get reelected. country in South America, in terms of administration had basically changed He lost control of the National Assem- being one of the most oil-rich countries our policies toward Cuba—opened it up bly, which is their legislative body. His in the world. Venezuela is a nation to much fanfare and, quite frankly, a name is Nicolas Maduro. So what does with a long history of stable economics lot of editorial board excitement. he do? He basically figures out a way and even the longest democratic tradi- It was the enlightened position, ap- to create an alternative Congress tion in South America. There are chil- parently, to argue that doing more called the Constituent Assembly, basi- dren starving. We see images that we trade with Cuba was going to somehow cally modeled after the fraudulent normally associate with other con- help Cuba transition to a democracy. Cuban constituent assembly-like tinents at other times in our history— But after 21⁄2 years, it has become ap- model. What it basically does is it children starving to death in Ven- parent that this change has done noth- guarantees that certain sectors in soci- ezuela. Meanwhile, he looks as though ing other than flow more dollars into ety have seats of representation. In- he weighs more than he ever has be- the hands of that regime and help them stead of seats in Congress by a district fore, and all the people who surround in their efforts to normalize. or state, they are represented by dif- him in his government are heavier, fat- When President Trump was elected, ferent sectors, like labor, electricians, ter than they have ever been before. one of the things he wanted to talk you name it. People are starving because of that. It about was what we needed to do to But here is the funny part about it: is not because of U.S. policy. It is not change that relationship back to some- The only people who can run for it are because of sanctions. There is no one in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.057 S21DEPT1 S8226 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 the world, other than his handful of Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Spain, and the start to see its true implications. By cronies, who would argue that it has European Union—knowing that these March of this year, the overwhelming anything to do with sanctions. It is be- countries are ready to step in and help majority of Americans are going to no- cause of them, because in addition to might be an incentive for decent people tice that their paychecks are bigger being incompetent, they are criminals. still left in that government to step than they were a year ago, and if they The Venezuelan Government, from forward and begin a process of transi- didn’t get a raise, it will be solely the top down and everywhere in be- tion. based on tax reform. If I were king for tween, is filled with narcotraffickers, It was an interesting year, and one a day, the law would look a little dif- with people who allow narcotraffickers more legislative initiative that we ferent. But we don’t have kings in from Mexico and from Colombia to fly took on was the RACE for Children. It America; we have a constitutional re- into and use airports in Venezuela to is a pediatric cancer initiative. There public in which making things better is traffic drugs. Just imagine for a mo- are not enough innovations in pediatric our goal. Sometimes if you get 70 or 80 ment, in this country, if our elected of- cancer when you compare it to adult percent of what you want, that is cer- ficials said to certain drug dealers: If cancer. This law requires pharma- tainly a victory. Sometimes if you get you pay us, not only will the DEA not ceuticals to begin testing adult drugs 50 percent of what you want, that is a stop you from trafficking in drugs, but on pediatric populations so that hope- victory. Most change in America hap- they will help you move it. That is fully we can develop more pediatric pens incrementally through our con- what happens in Venezuela. Imagine medicines. I worked on that with Sen- stitutional republic. Every now and for a moment if the Department of De- ator BENNET of Colorado. We got it then, we can take major steps forward. fense went to drug dealers and said: If passed and signed into law. Again, it is Here is the bottom line: America’s you pay us, not only will we allow your not something that got a lot of atten- Tax Code today is better than it was planes to fly, we will tell you what tion because it was bipartisan and not before this bill passed. Do I think we time to take off and we will escort you controversial, but it is important. We went a little too far in the direction of in our airspace. That is Venezuela— are proud of the good work we accom- multinational corporations? Perhaps— state-sponsored narcotrafficking at plished this year in that regard. not that it is going to hurt the econ- every level. We had hurricanes that impacted omy. But I thought some of that could By the way, they offer another serv- Florida not once but twice, first Hurri- have been geared toward working fami- ice. If you don’t pay them, they will cane Irma and then Hurricane Maria, lies through a further expansion of the tell you: Don’t worry, we will arrest which struck Puerto Rico and had an child tax credit. But over all, I do be- the rival drug dealer, but we will pro- impact on Florida as well. Approxi- lieve it will help grow our economy, tect the ones who pay us. mately 200,000 U.S. citizens from Puer- and more importantly, I do believe it There are some very wealthy people to Rico have moved to Florida because will leave more money in the hands of in that government. In addition to cor- there is no electricity, because the is- Americans to be able to spend it on ruption and stealing from the people of land had already been hit previously, their families. It is their money. It is Venezuela, they are narcotraffickers. and because it is facing a financial dis- not ours. The Vice President of Venezuela is a aster, and now it got hit by the storm. The best way to look at it is, if I narcotrafficker, sanctioned by the We were very involved in helping there. came here and said that I wanted to United States as a drug kingpin, and it In particular, we worked with Resident spend $2 trillion over the next 10 goes on from there. The Vice President Commissioner Jenniffer Gonzalez, who years—borrowed money—to give it to of the party, who controls their intel- is a true and dedicated public servant the government so the government ligence services—a thug by the name of to the people of Puerto Rico, No. 1, in could stimulate the economy, there Diosdado Cabello—is a drug trafficker. getting the right response. It took a would be a lot of support from the The nephews of the President of Ven- little too long for the response to get other side of the aisle and from the ezuela, the nephews of his wife, the going, but it finally started moving. press. They would call it genius and en- First Lady, were just convicted and But there is still so much to be done. lightened for a Republican to think sentenced last week, in a court in New The estimates are that it will be an- that way. But if we say we want to York, for drug trafficking. By the way, other 8 months before power is re- leave $1.5 to $2 trillion in the hands of in their testimony, it is all filled with stored. the American people and the private evidence. A disaster like that is never good sector so they can stimulate the econ- I hope in the new year that we can news, but for the first time at least in omy instead, it is a disaster and it is find a way to continue to support the 7 years, I feel as though my colleagues irresponsible. It is just a philosophical brave people of Venezuela and a better know more about Puerto Rico than difference of opinion. way forward. We would hope, by the ever before. They understand the chal- There is a role for government. We way, that even in the Venezuelan Gov- lenges it faces because of its unique must fund it. We have to rebuild our ernment, even in that fraudulent Con- status. They understand the pre- military. We talked about disaster re- stituent Assembly, we would hope that existing challenges it faced before the lief. There are important things for there are people there, like Hugo Cha- storm, and they understand what lies government to do. But by and large, a vez, who believed in the stuff he be- ahead. dollar spent by the private sector or by lieved in—but they would have to see I don’t mean this disrespectfully, but an individual family is going to gen- that this is a disaster, that this incom- there was a time when people some- erate more growth than a dollar spent petent man is destroying their country times would talk to me about Puerto by the government. We fund govern- and starving their children, and that Rico as though it were a foreign coun- ment not to grow the economy but to there is no future in the direction they try. We have to remind them that help sustain it and protect it and keep are headed. We hope this situation im- these are U.S. citizens. On a per capita us safe and the food that we eat and proves in the years to come. basis, they volunteer to serve in the the airplanes we travel on and cer- Senator CARDIN was on the floor yes- Armed Forces as much as or more than tainly from threats foreign and domes- terday discussing this, and I want to anyone else in the United States. tic. Economic growth is a function of reiterate that I hope that early next I hope that in the year to come we the private sector and of individuals, year, we can move on a bill that we in- will redouble our efforts, particularly and tax reform helps to achieve it. troduced together called the Ven- in disaster relief, to ensure that Puerto That alone won’t be enough. ezuelan Humanitarian Assistance and Rico doesn’t just recover but is rebuilt One of the singular challenges in Defense of Democratic Governance Act stronger than ever so that we don’t America today that we must confront of 2017. This helps address this prob- have to continue to revisit this in the in the new year, hopefully, is the skills lem. It puts in place a plan to help with future when the inevitable happens, be- gap. It is not just a throwaway phrase; this humanitarian crisis. We need a cause they will face a storm again. it is the fact that the best paying jobs, government that allows us to do it. But Of course, just a few days ago, we the ones that actually pay enough to knowing that the United States, work- passed tax reform. Not everybody likes raise a family and save for retire- ing with Canada, Mexico, Argentina, it, but I think more people will as they ment—those jobs require skills that

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.058 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8227 our schools aren’t teaching. Those jobs disabled, the elderly and the like—but I actually think that in 2018, despite require skills that millions of Ameri- you also have to have a safety net for it being an election year, if we allow cans do not have. We have to change people who have come upon tough the momentum that closed out this that. We have to make it easier not times until they can get back on their year to carry over to the new one, we just to graduate people at 18 years of feet and try again. will have a chance to do good things age ready to work, we have to make it But I fear—in fact, I realized long for our country. easier for people at 45 to be able to go ago—that our safety net programs In the end, given our differences that back to some sort of school and acquire treat the symptoms of poverty, but exist in this country today, it is hard the skills they need for a better paying they do not cure it. That is why I hope to imagine we will ever always agree job. That will lead to economic growth. that if and when we tackle the social that every idea is a good one, but I That will help fill the 2 million to 3 safety net—and I hope we will in 2018— hope we can all agree that our job here million unfilled jobs that we cannot it will not be so much about cutting as is to make things better. Sometimes find people in this country with the it will be about reorganizing and im- making things better means 1 step for- right skills to fill. That is how people proving. Yes, we will take care of peo- ward, and sometimes it means 50 steps get a raise as a part of economic ple in their emergent and immediate forward. But as long as we are moving growth, and I hope the new year pro- needs. But we will also make it easier forward in a pattern of perpetual im- vides an opportunity for that. for you to go back to school and get a provement, I think we should be proud I would add that, in addition to that, degree or a technical certification so of the work we are doing. the new year will provide us an oppor- that you can find a job and never again I think, by and large, in 2017, despite tunity to focus on infrastructure, rely on the government. If we do that the fits and starts, despite the con- which is critical. My State of Florida is for enough people, it will save us troversies, despite the headlines every particularly impacted by not just money because fewer people will be on morning about the outrage of the day storms but sea level rise in coastal the social safety net. But that should or questions in the afternoon that usu- areas, and there are things we can do not be the reason we tackle it—not as ally begin with ‘‘How did you feel to mitigate against it. We need to re- a cost-saving exercise, but as a way to about the tweet on this or on that?’’— store the Everglades, and, of course, we lift up more Americans. despite all those distractions, I think need roads and bridges and to improve We are in a global competition, and 2017 will go down as a year of con- our infrastructure and airports. Hope- our chief geopolitical competitor in the sequential improvement, where things fully, we can confront that as we work economic space in the 21st century will happened in this Chamber and in this on infrastructure. be China. China has over three times as city that made America better, not Mr. President, 2018 will be a year many people as we do, and we have to worse. On that, I hope we can continue that we will deal with the farm bill. I compete against them. They have 1 bil- to work. hope action will be taken to reform lion, and we have 380 million or 400 mil- I wish all the people of Florida, all crop insurance, to ensure that my lion people. We are competing against my colleagues, all the people of this State’s farmers are never in the posi- an economy with three times as many great country and around the world a tion they were put in after Hurricane people. We need everyone. We are not a happy Hanukkah, a merry Christmas, Irma, with neither a reliable safety nation that can afford economically to and a happy New Year. I look forward leave anyone behind, and we are a na- net, nor a reliable commitment from to working together and making things tion in which leaving anyone behind the Federal Government to step in better in the year to come. would be a betrayal of our founding when Federal programs fail to meet I yield the floor. principles. That is why I hope we will disaster needs. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tackle it next year—if we tackle the Next year could be a water resources ator from Rhode Island. social safety net—with job training year, a water year. Again, it is an op- f portunity for us to do critical things programs. In a few moments, the Senate will for our infrastructure. In Florida, REPUBLICAN TAX BILL hopefully take up and vote on the con- Mr. REED. Mr. President, yesterday, beach renourishment and intercoastal tinuing resolution. I know everyone is we saw a very unusual celebration at navigation projects are important not anxious to return to their States and the White House as Members of Con- just to our way of life but to our tour- homes for the holiday. I will say that I ism industry. There are harbor dredg- am disappointed we are leaving here at gress took turns exalting the President ing projects with the expansion of the the end of this year not having taken and speaking in glowing terms about Panama Canal. It is important that on a disaster relief bill that I know the the tax bill they had passed. There ap- these things get done next year. They people in Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico, peared to be quite a contrast between won’t get as much controversy or fan- and—with the wildfires—out West the celebration at the White House and fare, but these are critical things that need. I believe we will confront it in the reaction by working Americans. we can do. the early part of next year, along with Why weren’t working middle-class Another opportunity next year that a permanent extension of the Chil- Americans celebrating so vigorously? we have heard some talk about is the dren’s Health Insurance Program and Why does poll after poll find that this ability to reform the social safety net. other matters. is the most unpopular tax bill since the On that front, I would say that is an Next year will bring an opportunity, 1980s, in fact, including tax hikes by issue that I have pushed for for a very as well, to deal with things like immi- Presidents George Herbert Walker long time. But sometimes when you gration security, the opportunity to Bush and President Bill Clinton? This talk about reform, people think you deal with young people brought to this bill is even less popular than those tax are coming at it because you want to country, through no fault of their own, increases. cut. For me, it is not so much about by their parents who now find them- Speaker RYAN seems to think the Re- cutting; it is about improving the way selves here, illegally, in the country. I publican tax bill is unpopular because we deliver the same services. How can believe there is a real chance next year Americans don’t know what is in it. He we use the money we are already to provide them certainty and the abil- is wrong. The American people are spending in the safety net but in a bet- ity to stay in this country for the fu- smart. They get it. They don’t like this ter way? ture. tax bill because they do know what is I believe in the safety net. I actually All these things are there, and they in it: lots of goodies for President don’t believe free enterprise works un- will happen in the early part of the Trump and his family and very little less we have one. People are not going year. But, at least when it comes to for theirs. to take risks, people are not going to disaster relief, it is disappointing that This tax bill isn’t popular with work- strive if they think that if they fall, we won’t be able to do that—largely for ing people because they know that if the consequences will be economic dev- legislative strategic reasons, not for Republicans really wanted to give astation. You have to have a safety net policy ones. But I am confident we will them a tax break, Republicans would to take care of those who cannot take deal with it in the early part of next have given it to them directly and not care of themselves—the permanently year. to corporate executives. Middle-class

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.060 S21DEPT1 S8228 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 Americans remember the corporate ex- date, they are very likely correct. So, ecutives will feel a fiduciary duty to cesses that led us to the terrible losses rather than watch for publicity stunts, the shareholders to do that. How many of the great recession. They sacrificed Americans should, in the coming companies will continue to replace and worked hard to help the economy weeks, watch how much corporate ex- their workers with contractors who recover. They remember the tough ecutives take in bonuses. They should may have no healthcare from the com- choices we had to make in order to get look at the more than $70 billion in pany and no pension benefits? Jobs our economy working again, and they share buybacks that major corpora- that could be filled and were filled in don’t want to see that progress turned tions have announced since the Senate the past by real employees with real back. But the recovered economy passed the Republican tax bill. Once benefits will now be shipped away from President Trump inherited from Presi- corporations got the clear signal that the company to contractors. dent Obama is in danger of backsliding this legislation would likely pass, their I supported efforts by several of my under this trickle-down approach, with reaction was not to raise wages, not to Democratic colleagues to place condi- Republicans once again breaking the stabilize the pension funds, but to buy tions on these massive corporate tax Federal bank to give huge tax breaks back their shares, which is a double breaks so that there would be at least to the wealthy. benefit for the managers of these com- some requirement that American Middle-class Americans weren’t pop- panies and for the shareholders. workers share in this multitrillion dol- ping champagne bottles yesterday be- First, it typically raises the price of lar giveaway, but all of these proposals cause they know that they will be on the stock on the market, which makes were rejected by our Republican col- the hook again when reality sets in on the value go up and gives direct bene- leagues. I believe they will have to ex- the massive deficits and irresponsible fits to shareholders. For the managers, plain to the working men and women excesses of the Trump economy. The most or much of their pay is related to of America why shareholders are get- real economy isn’t a chart or a graph their shareholdings. By the way, they ting huge benefits and they don’t have to them; it is their ability to put food are usually incentivized to increase a fully sound pension fund. Why are ad- on the table, send their children to col- share price, so their other pay is in- ditional Americans being laid off by lege, and plan for retirement. Repub- creased. So it is no surprise that this is these corporations at the same time lican economics have not historically the reaction of most corporations. It is they are providing huge buybacks of worked out well for them. The econ- quite telling that some company ex- their stocks to their shareholders? omy created over 11 times as many jobs ecutives have made it clear that their These are a series of questions I think under President Clinton as it did under plan for the funds released by this tax American working families and the President George Herbert Walker Bush. bill will be devoted to share buybacks. middle-class will continue to ask. It created over 10 times as many jobs It is, in fact, ironic because many of They are already aware this bill was under President Obama as President these companies were having to pay an not designed for them. It was designed George W. Bush. Today, U.S. job open- effective tax rate of less than 10 per- for the wealthiest corporations and the ings are nearing all-time highs and 15 cent, much less than the new statutory wealthiest individuals in America and, million Americans have gained em- rate. Does that mean they are going to indeed, globally. When the evidence ployment since 2010. give even higher wages? If a company mounts, it will further confirm those We have much, much more work to was paying an effective tax rate of 8 views. I think they are very, very accu- do to address issues like underemploy- percent and wasn’t significantly rais- rate. ment, labor force participation, and ing the wages of their workforce, what I know Americans will continue to wage growth, but the economy Repub- does the new statutory rate of 21 per- work hard. They will continue to try to licans are gambling with today is one cent do to their incentive? Nothing at build this economy. But with the pas- that middle-class families worked hard all. sage of this bill, this is clearly now and sacrificed to create. Moreover, Americans can and will also consider President Trump’s economy. All of the middle-class Americans are not easily the fact that 35 percent of American sacrifice and effort to build jobs under fooled when it comes to their bottom company stock is owned by foreign na- President Obama, which cut the unem- line. It will take more than focus tionals, who are projected to pocket a ployment rate from double digits down groups and political publicity stunts to $48 billion windfall by 2019 as a result to 4.5 and 5 percent—all those could be convince them that this Republican of corporate tax breaks. Yes, this tax jeopardized by what has transpired bill was written with their interests in bill will incentivize corporations to here, and the President owns it. mind. buy back stock, a significant amount As we go forward, I think we have to Many Americans opened their paper of which is owned by foreign entities, realize this legislation is not going to this morning to read that major cor- individuals, and corporations. So $48 help working families. porations like Wells Fargo and others billion of these funds will go overseas; I have heard my colleagues, very sin- were boosting U.S. investment or pro- it won’t be devoted to salary increases, cerely and very eloquently, talk about viding bonuses in the wake of the huge wage increases, R&D; it won’t even be some of the challenges we face, like job tax breaks provided to them by the Re- devoted in some sense to the United training. We are facing a situation in publican legislation. It is certainly a States because it will flow overseas. which many experts predict that with- good thing that many of these compa- They should ask: In light of these in the next 12 years—by 2030—we will nies are considering greater invest- historically huge gains for the cor- lose one-third of the jobs in the United ments in their American workforce, porate investor class, how many of States. They will go away because of but the relationship between these tax these corporations will make sure their technology and because of artificial in- breaks and higher pay or bonuses pension funds, for example, are fully telligence. What is going to happen to seems to fall apart under scrutiny. funded? There is no requirement that the 30- or 40-year-old working man or Some companies, like Wells Fargo, would prevent a company from buying woman? What does one do when a job have already admitted that these pay back stock even while its pension fund he or she has prepared well for, and raises were preplanned and not the di- is not actuarially sound. That has hap- done very well, is suddenly taken over rect result of the tax bill. Indeed, this pened in the past. That is likely to by a machine? Will one turn to private coordinated announcement appears happen in the future. So you have to corporations and ask, please, help me? more intended to appeal to the Trump ask yourself, as working families are: I know what the answer will be: Not administration than to prove anything If I have a company that is giving its our responsibility. We only have an ob- about the effectiveness of the Repub- shareholders and management huge ligation to our shareholders—to enrich lican tax bill for American workers. benefits, and my pension is question- them. That is all we do. Thank you Moreover, it appears the real problem able—it is not fully funded—is that very much. many Americans have with the Repub- right? I think the answer is, honestly: They will turn to the government. lican bill is that they believe it will No, that is wrong. What will we do? We will say: We are balloon the public debt in order to dis- How many companies will ship jobs sorry. We are already $1.5 trillion in proportionately benefit the rich. Based overseas because they will see a finan- the hole. Because of the tax bill, we on every credible analysis of the bill to cial advantage? In fact, corporate ex- can’t afford any job training, career

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.062 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8229 transition, long-term unemployment committee with a unanimous voice If he truly believes the DOT needs to sustainment, which we will need to vote on August 2, 2017. At that time, do more, why is he, along with a few of allow people to make this transition. not a single Senator on the committee, his colleagues, standing in the way of Oh, by the way, as to those retirement Republican or Democrat, expressed any Mr. Batory’s nomination? After all, benefits that are under huge pressure, doubt about Mr. Batory’s extensive ex- Congress has tasked the FRA Adminis- we cannot help you. We have the Pen- pertise on rail safety issues. trator with providing the oversight and sion Benefit Guaranty Corporation, but Mr. Batory has over 45 years of expe- strong push that will be needed to en- that is so underwater. Sorry. rience in the railroad industry, in both sure railroads meet next year’s Decem- By the way, with natural phe- management and operational positions, ber 31, 2018, deadline for full PTC in- nomena—the floods that are coming— and he is a respected leader in driving stallation and training. we are currently talking about a dis- organizational change and, most im- Make no mistake, a strong push is aster relief bill. In this Chamber, we portantly, in advancing safety im- what many passenger railroads need. are all aware that our National Flood provements. In fact, Railway Age According to the FRA’s latest quar- Insurance Program is in a deep hole. It called him noncontroversial and said: terly progress report for passenger rail- is—no pun intended—underwater. ‘‘He is the best-qualified person to be roads, only 50 percent of locomotives Where are we going to get this money the Federal Railroad Administrator in are equipped and PTC operable; 64 per- to pay for the obligations we have al- a very long time, perhaps in the agen- cent of required PTC radio towers are ready put on our books for the Na- cy’s history.’’ installed; and only 24 percent of re- Yet, despite his unanimous approval tional Flood Insurance Program? What quired route miles are in operation. from the committee, he has been are the cities and communities going The Commerce, Science, and Trans- blocked from assuming his leadership to do when we say we don’t have it portation Committee expects to con- duties at this important safety regu- anymore, that we gave the money tinue to play its role in conducting latory agency. The FRA has critical away? strong oversight of PTC implementa- safety decisions to make on a daily We are now facing very difficult situ- tion, including holding a hearing in basis, and the agency needs strong ations—we know they are coming— 2018. However, what I do not expect the strategic direction and management on with unavoidable costs. There is our Commerce, Science, and Transpor- time-sensitive safety issues. A senior national defense. We have to rebuild tation Committee to do is to grant any adviser, which is Mr. Batory’s current our nuclear triad, our submarines, our further change to the PTC deadline role at the DOT, does not have the bomber fleets, our land-based systems. same legal authority or ability to lead framework that is established in cur- Over several years, that will be hun- an agency as does a Senate-confirmed rent law. That is why we need Mr. dreds and hundreds of billions of dol- Administrator. Batory. When finally confirmed, he lars. We know we have to do it. It is time to stop hamstringing Mr. will play a significant role in pushing Instead of doing that, yesterday, we Batory and get him confirmed so he expeditious and successful PTC imple- decided to give $1.5 trillion or more in can operate at full capacity. Unfortu- mentation. deficit spending to the wealthiest nately, it appears that we will not be This is not just the view of the Com- Americans and the wealthiest corpora- able to do that without, once again, en- merce, Science, and Transportation tions. I don’t think it makes good gaging in the cloture process on a non- Committee, I might add, which, again, sense. I think working Americans and controversial nominee. This takes up approved Mr. Batory, as I said earlier, middle-class Americans understand valuable floor time that could be spent unanimously, but also of the rail pro- that very well—in fact, better than we on other priorities. Yet it will, un- fessionals who advance safety on the do, collectively. What they have done, doubtedly, still lead to his being con- ground. The States for Passenger Rail essentially, and what they are saying firmed by a large, bipartisan majority Coalition, which consists of 25 State to anyone who would ask is, this is a of the Senate. This pattern of obstruc- Departments of Transportation, wrote terrible piece of legislation. Why did tion—burning up a week or more of in July: Congress pass it? time to confirm two or three nominees The issues facing the railroad industry That is a question that will rever- who end up with overwhelming cloture today are significant, and it is vital that we berate throughout this year and next and confirmation votes—must end. have an experienced, capable and dedicated year and, unfortunately, I think, for a The Batory nomination is also sig- leader like Mr. Batory, who is willing to long time because it will take us time nificant for another reason. Earlier work with the states to make the improve- ments necessary to build a national rail sys- and effort and sacrifice and tough this week, we saw the terrible tragedy votes, as we had in the nineties and tem with an emphasis on increasing mobility of the Amtrak Cascades 501 derailment and reliability, while enhancing safety and again in 2009 and beyond, to get back in Washington. Our heartfelt thoughts security now, and in the years to come. on track for working families. and prayers are with all of those af- Likewise, rail labor—representing conduc- I yield the floor. fected, especially during this holiday tors and communication workers—and other The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. season. As the NTSB continues its on- industry groups urged the Senate to proceed BLUNT). The Senator from South Da- going investigation, we will learn more to Mr. Batory’s nomination ‘‘as soon as pos- kota. about the causes of this derailment and sible,’’ stressing ‘‘the importance of having Mr. Batory’s expertise and leadership at the f the measures that might have pre- agency responsible for railroad safety.’’ UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST— vented it. To be clear, the tragic events of this That letter was written in Sep- EXECUTIVE CALENDAR NO. 261 week were not caused by a vacancy at tember. It is now December. There is Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I rise to the helm of the FRA, but the Senate no reason for this delay. voice my strong support for the nomi- must act now to install a leader at this Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- nation of Ronald Batory to be the Ad- agency to advance any safety solutions sent that both of these letters be print- ministrator of the Federal Railroad and oversight found to be needed as a ed in the RECORD. Administration at the Department of result of the accident. There being no objection, the mate- Transportation and to express my deep To date, much of the discussion sur- rial was ordered to be printed in the frustration that this noncontroversial, rounding this accident has been fo- RECORD, as follows: highly qualified nominee has been lan- cused on positive train control or what SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. guishing in the Senate for over 4 we call PTC. While it is still early to Senator MCCONNELL, months due to objections by a handful know what, if any, impact PTC would Senate Majority Leader, of Democrats over a parochial issue en- have had on this accident, I could not Washington, DC. tirely unrelated to the nominee’s quali- agree more with the Democratic leader Senator SCHUMER, fications. who earlier this week said: ‘‘We need Senate Minority Leader, Washington, DC. The Commerce, Science, and Trans- Positive Train Control.’’ He went on to DEAR REPUBLICAN LEADER MCCONNELL AND portation Committee held a hearing on say: ‘‘The Federal Department of DEMOCRATIC LEADER SCHUMER: As rail indus- his nomination on July 26, 2017, and re- Transportation is not pushing Federal try stakeholders, we write to support the ported his nomination favorably out of PTC hard enough.’’ nomination of Ronald Batory for Federal

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.063 S21DEPT1 S8230 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 Railroad Administrator. We urge the Senate ble and dedicated leader like Mr. Batory, The Centers for Disease Control and to proceed to Mr. Batory’s nomination as who is willing to work with the states to Prevention released two important new soon as possible. make the improvements necessary to build a reports this week. First, they found Mr. Batory’s nomination was announced in national rail system with an emphasis on in- that life expectancy decreased in the July, unanimously approved and reported by creasing mobility and reliability, while en- the Senate Commerce Committee in August, hancing safety and security now, and in the United States for the second year in a and now awaits action on the Senate floor. years to come. row. Second, the likely cause of that Mr. Batory is eminently qualified to be FRA Sincerely, decrease in 2016 is that over 63,000 peo- Administrator and we believe he will have PAUL C. WORLEY, CPM, Chair, ple died of drug overdoses. That is considerable bipartisan Member support States for Passenger Rail Coalition, Inc. more than 144 deaths per day, and it is once the Senate turns to his nomination. Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, we have a 21-percent increase from 2015. We ask that his nomination be considered This is a crisis. People are dying in soon by the full Senate, in light of the im- had an immensely qualified leader, portance of having Mr. Batory’s expertise Ronald Batory, ready to lead an impor- communities across this country every and leadership at the agency responsible for tant safety agency for over 4 months. single day. Congress must do much railroad safety. The time for playing political games more to address this scourge. Here in Thank you for considering our views on with the leadership of this railroad Washington, we have talked at length this important matter. safety agency should be over. It is long about the massive size and scope of the Association of American Railroads (AAR); past time that my Democratic col- problem. BNSF Railway; Canadian National Railway; Last year, we passed bipartisan legis- Canadian Pacific Railway; CSX Transpor- leagues end the obstruction, and this tation; Kansas City Southern Railroad; Nor- body must confirm Ronald Batory. lation that was signed into law and is folk Southern Railway; Union Pacific Rail- Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- providing our local communities with road; American Short Line and Regional sent that the Senate proceed to execu- more tools to fight the epidemic, and Railroad Association (ASLRRA); Inter- tive session for the consideration of we approved initial funding to begin to national Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Calendar No. 261, Ronald Batory. I fur- support these and other efforts. Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART); ther ask that the Senate vote on the I was proud to help bring nearly $11 Transportation Communications Union/IAM. nomination with no intervening action million of that funding to Indiana. Ear- National Association of Railroad Pas- lier this fall, the President rightly de- sengers (NARP); National Railroad Construc- or debate; that if confirmed, the mo- tion & Maintenance Association (NRC); Rail- tion to reconsider be considered made clared the opioid abuse epidemic to be way Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers As- and laid upon the table; that the Presi- a nationwide public health emergency. sociation (REMSA); Railway Supply Insti- dent be immediately notified of the On the frontlines, in places like my tute (RSI); States for Passenger Rail Coali- Senate’s action, and the Senate then home State of Indiana, however, the tion (SPRC); American Association of Pri- resume legislative session. battle is raging. Despite a unified re- vate Railroad Car Owners (AAPRCO); The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there sponse, there is more work to do. AECOM; GE Transportation; Progress Rail objection? Our Governor, Governor Holcomb, Services; Siemens. Mr. SCHUMER. I object. has made the fight against opioid abuse the priority it needs to be. He and his JULY 19, 2017. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- Hon. JOHN THUNE, tion is heard. administration are working closely Chairman, Committee on Commerce, Science and Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I am kind with local communities to provide re- Transportation, U.S. Senate, Washington, of beyond words to explain why we are sources and support. Together, we have DC. objecting to someone who was unani- engaged our healthcare providers—both Hon. BILL NELSON, mously approved out of the committee, public and private—the business com- Ranking Member, Committee on Commerce, is highly qualified, noncontroversial, munity, our educators, and the clergy Science and Transportation, U.S. Senate, and would run an incredibly important who are all committed to this cause. Washington, DC. DEAR CHAIRMAN THUNE AND RANKING MEM- safety agency in this country. I just Yet the message I continue to hear BER NELSON: On behalf of the States for Pas- don’t have words to explain what that from people on the ground is, we need senger Rail Coalition, Inc (SPRC), I write in objection might be. more resources and we need to expand support of the confirmation of Ronald L. I hope this is the last time the Demo- treatment capabilities as soon as pos- Batory as Administrator of the Federal Rail- crats in the Senate will object to get- sible. road Administration (FRA) for the United ting this important position filled with We all know this is not a partisan States Department of Transportation an individual who comes highly re- issue. Over the last few years, I have (USDOT). been honored to work with seven of my The SPRC’s mission is to promote the re- garded, highly qualified, and has gone search, development, implementation, oper- through the entire process—answered Republican colleagues to introduce ation, sustainability, and expansion of pub- all of the questions through his con- seven bills and amendments that ad- licly supported intercity passenger rail serv- firmation—and is ready now for a final dress everything from prescribing prac- ices. On behalf of its membership rep- vote in the U.S. Senate, which would tices to the shortage of addiction treat- resenting 25 state departments of transpor- allow him to get the job and to get ment professionals, and many of these tation and passenger rail authorities, SPRC about the important work of ensuring ideas have already been signed into advocates for ongoing federal funding and that there is safety on the railroads in law. programmatic support for intercity pas- I am partnering with my State’s Re- senger rail initiatives, including efforts to this country. improve safety on our nations rail system I yield the floor. publican Governor to make sure we do and at highway-rail at-grade crossings. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- everything in our power to help those We are impressed with Mr. Batory’s exten- ator from Indiana. who are battling with addiction, but it sive experience in the railroad industry and f is not enough unless we provide our appreciate his plan to improve communica- communities with the resources they tions within the agency, and we encourage OPIOID CRISIS are asking for and they need. him to collaborate closely with public and Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, at This is the time of year that many private stakeholders to achieve policy goals. some point this evening, we expect the Americans reflect on the year that has We are especially encouraged by his reputa- tion as a good listener with a sound analyt- House of Representatives to send the passed and identify the priorities in the ical approach We commend his affirmation Senate a bill that would keep the Fed- years to come. In Congress, we need to of the need for the FRA to move to perform- eral Government open for another few do the same. More than 63,000 Ameri- ance-based rulemaking and fact-based policy weeks before our heading home for cans died last year from opioid abuse. making. Focusing upon these two objectives Christmas. For most families, the holi- Those are 63,000 moms and dads, broth- will strengthen the role of the states in pro- days are an opportunity to take a ers and sisters, husbands and wives, moting the development of a safe, reliable break away from our busy lives and sons and daughters who are not with us and efficient vibrant national network of enjoy time with the people we love. It this year. We must make this issue a freight and passenger rail services. We ask that the Committee act speedily to is safe to say, however, that will not be priority. confirm Mr. Batory. The issues facing the the case for tens of thousands of Amer- I hope Congress will demonstrate to railroad industry today are significant, and ican families who have lost a loved one the American people that fighting the it is vital that we have an experienced, capa- this year due to a drug overdose. opioid epidemic is a priority. One way

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.003 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8231 to do that is to include meaningful re- young Americans to flee their country dering in Russia. Billions of dollars sources in the bill to fund our Federal and declared ‘‘America died tonight.’’ from corruption and other illegal ac- Government and key programs when Full-throated and passionate debate tivities have been moved out of the we deal with this again before January should always be encouraged. We all country. Second, the President’s son 19 of next year. love arguing the merits of supply-side said in 2008: ‘‘Russians make up a pret- I implore my colleagues to make this economics, but this is not that. This is ty disproportionate cross-section of a a priority, to provide the robust and demonizing of the worst kind. It leaves lot of our assets.’’ Third, entities asso- meaningful funding our communities us all in this body unable to engage in ciated with the President had already need to seriously address this problem. the kind of negotiations and com- been the subject of millions of dollars We are in the midst of a crisis. We promise that Congress was created to of fines for willful, repeated, and long- must do more in 2018. We have families foster. standing violations of anti-money all across our Nation with broken To be clear, this is not a problem laundering laws. Fourth, the Congress hearts tonight for the ones they love with one party or of one moment. Dur- and the American people still haven’t and the ones they miss. Let’s make ing the public debate over the Afford- seen the President’s tax returns. sure there are no more in 2018; that able Care Act, Members of my party Since then, there have been numer- this ends today. engaged in similar tactics. I was in the ous additional press stories about asso- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- House Chamber when one of my Repub- ciates of the President and their finan- ator from Arizona. lican colleagues stood and yelled ‘‘You cial connections to Russia. In my view, Mr. FLAKE. Mr. President, I ask lie’’ at the President of the United these stories require thorough, detailed unanimous consent to speak for 5 min- States. The accusation that passage of investigation. It is not just by the utes and that after I speak, Senator healthcare reform legislation would re- press. The special counsel’s indictment WYDEN be recognized. sult in so-called death panels was pro- against former Trump campaign man- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without moted far and wide by many Repub- ager Paul Manafort included extensive objection, it is so ordered. licans. One conservative commentator detailed allegations of laundering of f suggested the government would begin millions of dollars from pro-Russia- EXTREME RHETORIC educating seniors on how to end their Ukrainian interests. This indictment own lives. provided a clear example of how a for- Mr. FLAKE. Mr. President, 6 months eign-influenced campaign can be fi- ago, on a beautiful June morning, just A Republican legislator claimed that the bill would put seniors in a position nanced through illicit means and why a few miles from here in Alexandria, the importance of following the money VA, a man with a gun opened fire on of being ‘‘put to death by their govern- ment.’’ This rhetoric was wrong then, is so crucial. me and several of my Republican col- There have been others, acknowl- and it is wrong now. leagues. edged financial connections, such as The threat posed to all of us and to In the chaotic aftermath of that former National Security Adviser Mi- the democratic process for giving in to awful morning, the gunman’s purpose chael Flynn and his payment from RT, extreme rhetoric is not theoretical. slowly became clear. Because of our be- the television station that is part of Some of us faced it on that baseball liefs and our political affiliation, this Russia’s state-run propaganda appa- field in Alexandria in June, and all of individual believed my colleagues and I ratus. should die. Since that day, I struggled us have witnessed its corrosive effect Then there are the strange denials, to understand this thinking. How could on Congress. I urge my colleagues, all such as when Jared Kushner wrote in any American look onto a field that of us, let’s end this practice where raw his statement in July, ‘‘I have not re- June morning, where a bunch of mid- politics drowns out the supplications of lied on Russian funds to finance my dle-aged men were playing baseball, the better angels of our nature. Let us business activities in the private sec- and see the enemy? all be more humble as to our predictive tor.’’ Some of the bombastic rhetoric being powers when it comes to placing a I can state, that is some kind of good offered this week in response to the tax value on the work we do here. In re- lawyering because the word ‘‘rely’’ is reform bill has given me pause. If you ality, this legislation will probably not subjective. Mr. Kushner did not deny listen to some of the hyperbolic vitriol turn out to be as good as the pro- financial ties to Russia. He said he that opponents of this bill are pro- ponents assert, nor as bad as the oppo- hadn’t relied on those funds, not ducing, the attitude that nearly killed nents contend. whether he had any, not whether he my friend STEVE SCALISE and threat- The country is watching. It is my ever had any, but he hadn’t relied on ened many more lives begins to make a hope that we—all of us—can eschew them. That is about as lawyerly and perverse kind of sense. contempt and vitriol in our speech and subjective a statement as you can When respectable public figures go on be more measured in our tone. imagine. television or take to Twitter and an- I yield the floor. My bottom line is, these financial nounce that thousands, if not millions, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ties need to be a central focus of the of Americans are going to die as a di- ator from Oregon. Intelligence Committee’s inquiry. The rect result of the passage of a tax re- f reason I say this, I want to spell out form bill, what impact do we expect RUSSIA INVESTIGATION what the connection here is. Our in- this to have on the thinking of many quiry covered counterintelligence con- Americans? If a person takes such out- Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I come cerns related to Russia and the elec- landish statements as true, attacking to the floor tonight to discuss the Sen- tion, including any intelligence regard- Members of Congress in support of the ate’s investigation into Russia in the ing links between Russia and individ- measure almost appears to be a moral 2016 election. Specifically, I have been uals associated with political cam- action. This could lead someone to be- reviewing for months documents in the paigns. Following the money is coun- lieve that killing a few legislators possession of the Senate’s Intelligence terintelligence 101. might save the lives of millions of Committee. I regret to say, the depth If you want to compromise some- Americans. of the committee’s investigation is body, money is one of the best ways to Beyond the physical danger of pro- completely unsatisfactory into the cru- do it. Well, let me repeat that. That is moting such misinformation, these cial issues of what I call following the the connection. That is the connection claims do grave harm to the legislative money. between the counterintelligence work process. How are we expected to work Early in 2017, I began asking the that is so important and part of the together to achieve anything if one committee leadership to look into any committee’s charge. That counterintel- side’s position is viewed as the end of and all financial relationships between ligence work involves following the America as we know it? One of my col- Russia and Donald Trump and his asso- money because that is key to really leagues called this tax reform bill ‘‘the ciates. In an open hearing the com- getting into the question of whether worst bill in the history of Congress.’’ mittee held in March, I noted a number somebody’s been compromised because Upon the bill’s passage, one media of public facts. First, there is an ex- one of the best ways to do it is through pundit went so far as to encourage traordinary history of money laun- funds.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.066 S21DEPT1 S8232 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 Tonight, based on this review of doc- do the essential counterintelligence tember, the Justice Department can- uments, I call again on the committee work that is so important to our com- celed the DACA program. I can’t even to follow the money aspects of this in- mittee—and I note that the distin- imagine the uncertainty that DACA re- quiry, including by holding public guished Presiding Officer of the Sen- cipients have felt since Donald Trump’s hearings specifically on this topic. ate, the Senator from Missouri, is a election. In addition, it is not just the Intel- member of the committee and a valued DACA was put in place in 2012 by ligence Committee that ought to focus one—I don’t see how the committee President Obama to remove the crush- on these issues. As I have been saying can do its counterintelligence work ing fear of deportation experienced by since March, the Senate Finance Com- without following the money, because hundreds of thousands of young people. mittee, of which I am the ranking we know that those financial issues are These are outstanding individuals who Democrat, has a crucial role to play on absolutely key—that money is the key were brought into the country through follow-the-money issues as well. Rel- to compromising an individual—it is no choice of their own, at very young evant documents produced by elements obviously so important in trying to en- ages, and who know no other country of the Treasury Department which are sure that we have policies in this coun- than the United States. outside the intelligence community, try that protect our security and our In fact, the average DACA recipient such as the Financial Crimes Enforce- role in the world. was brought into the United States at ment Network, ought to be reviewed. I yield the floor. the age of 6. There is a need to review these docu- f Now, there are nearly 700,000 individ- ments by the Finance Committee staff REPUBLICAN GOVERNMENT uals with DACA in the United States, because we have specific experience FUNDING BILL approximately 220,000 of whom live in and expertise in financial investiga- California. Each day, more than 100 tion. Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I lose their DACA protection, plunging In addition, the Finance Committee rise in opposition to the Republican them back into the uncertainty that specifically has oversight responsibil- continuing resolution. President Obama relieved. ities for tax matters. The Manafort in- In addition to the many, many prob- These young people study, they dictment, which included tax evasion, lems I have with how this bill was se- work, they pay their taxes. They are demonstrated clearly that taxes, tax cretly written without any attempt to patriotic. They are American in every evasion, offshore accounts, and sus- work with Democrats, I also cannot way that counts, and to leave them in picious real estate transactions are all support it because of the absence of the such uncertainty is nothing less than connected. They are all connected, and Dream Act and long-term funding for cruel. they ought to be part of any serious in- the Children’s Health Insurance Pro- One family in particular has really vestigation into ties between Russia, gram. brought this issue home for me, and On four occasions, Republicans tried the President, and his associates. Un- that is the Sanchez family from Oak- to repeal the Affordable Care Act with fortunately, I and our committee have land. bills they drafted in secret. These bills gotten no cooperation from the Treas- Maria and Eusebio Sanchez lived in had no input from Democrats—or real- ury Department. Despite my repeated the United States for more than 20 ly anyone who would have actually requests as the ranking Democrat on years before they were deported in Au- been affected by repeal. gust. the Finance Committee, the Treasury Then they drafted a so-called tax re- Maria was an oncology nurse, and Department has just stonewalled— form bill, again entirely in secret, not Eusebio was a truck driver. plain old stonewalling—the lead com- consulting anyone outside a small They had no criminal records, they mittee with jurisdiction for the agen- group of Republican lawmakers. cy. So it is not a surprise that the bill paid their taxes, they owned a home, For that reason, I want to announce they jammed through is actually noth- and they contributed to their commu- tonight that I will hold indefinitely the ing more than a tax cut for the richest nity. nomination of the individual to be As- Americans and large corporations, and They also had four children, three of sistant Secretary of the Treasury for all at the expense of American fami- whom are U.S.citizens. Little Jesus is just 12. Intelligence and Analysis until the De- lies, who will actually pay higher Elizabeth is 16 and currently enrolled partment cooperates with the Finance taxes. Committee and provides the committee Now, doubling down on their failed in a community learning center. with documents it needs to do its job. strategy of secrecy, Republicans came Melin is 21 and is currently enrolled Again, I regret that I have to take up with a government funding bill at at UC Santa Cruz, studying molecular this step. By the way, many of these the very last minute that ignores many cell and developmental biology. She documents are unclassified in nature, of our highest priority needs, including wants to be a pediatrician. so the Treasury Department is denying passing the Dream Act and coming up Their oldest daughter, Vianney, is 23, the Finance Committee access to un- with a long-term solution for CHIP. and she is not a citizen. classified documents. That is just com- I hope that Republicans will finally She is, however, protected under pletely unacceptable. realize that this isn’t the right way to DACA. She graduated from UC Santa We all understand that we are in the govern. You are not representing the Cruz with a degree in psychology, and midst of extraordinary and dangerous country when you govern 1 month at a today Vianney is taking care of her times. As our own intelligence commu- time and rush through poorly written three siblings. nity assessed in January, Russia inter- bills that only benefit certain special Imagine being thrust into the role of fered in our election with a clear pref- interests. caregiver to your three siblings after erence for Donald Trump. No one, It is time to return to regular order. your parents are kicked out of the other than Donald Trump, has appar- Now I would like to speak about the country, but your own ability to re- ently called this assessment into ques- absence of the Dream Act in this bill, a main here also remains uncertain. tion. For the sake of our national secu- negligent decision that even the major- Vianney will lose her DACA status in rity and the future of our country, it is ity of Republicans in this country dis- August. Imagine the fear and stress she important to get to the bottom of agree with. carries with her every day. every aspect of this attack on our de- To say that Republicans have sent All DACA recipients have to register mocracy. The American people have mixed signals on DACA is an under- with the government, so immigration clearly stated the urgency behind this. statement. officials know where Vianney lives and My view is that the Congress has an During his campaign, Donald Trump works. They could show up any day and obligation to follow the money wher- said he supported deporting all undocu- deport her, leaving her three younger ever the evidence leads and to conduct mented immigrants, including those citizen siblings behind with no one to a thorough investigation that leaves no who had registered for the Deferred Ac- care for them. stones unturned and presents to the tion for Childhood Arrivals Program. Sadly, the experience of this family public what we find. I will close by way Later, he said DACA recipients had isn’t rare. There are families like this of saying that I don’t see how you can nothing to worry about. Then, in Sep- across the country, people who came to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.067 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8233 America looking for a better life, who is exceptional. Patients do better, and place say that there are budget caps. work and follow the law and con- it costs less. So they have a special little waiver tribute. For all the talk about bipartisan sup- that they have put in the spending bills By ignoring their plight, by not port for these two programs, I am pro- because we are now going to exceed prioritizing the Dream Act, Repub- foundly disappointed that we have not those caps. licans are telling them they are just addressed their funding in a meaning- So the question is, Are we serious not important enough. ful way. about the debt? Are we serious about I simply can’t accept this and ask my Healthcare coverage for kids and ac- adding a million dollars a minute to Republican colleagues to look into cess to basic healthcare services in our the debt? That is what happens. We their hearts and find their compassion. communities should be a no-brainer. I borrow a million dollars a minute. The Tell these young people they are safe. strongly support these programs and deficit this year will be over $700 bil- Tell them they deserve to stay and the hope we can provide stability soon. lion—$20 trillion in total. The total Dream Act will pass. In conclusion, this has been a bad debt is bigger than our entire economy. This bill also fails to provide long- year for governance, and it is being So both sides give lip service to it, term funding stability for the Chil- capped off by yet another disappointing and yet both sides want more spending. dren’s Health Insurance Program and display by Republicans. On the Republican side, this year’s re- for community health centers. Both of All of us saw and heard the thousands quest is $80 billion above the caps for these programs are vital to our com- of Dreamers who visited our offices. We military. On the Democratic side, they munities and provide healthcare for saw not only their passion but also say: Well, you don’t get yours unless millions of Americans. their desire to make a difference. we get ours. Yet nobody cares about CHIP provides health coverage for Many of these young people live in the debt. So really the debt is being nearly 9 million children. In California, fear every day. driven by the GOP, who want more 1.3 million are currently enrolled in the Congress has a chance to improve military money but the only way they program and around 2 million are cov- their lives and provide for them a posi- can get it is giving the Democrats ered at some point during the year. tive, productive future. more welfare money. This program is absolutely critical to Republicans have chosen to ignore So the interesting thing about this support children in working families truly time-sensitive issues like DACA, vote is—you have heard the other side that are moderate income and can’t af- CHIP, and basic government funding. of the aisle saying it—they can’t vote ford private coverage. Around a quar- Instead, they chose to spend months on for the tax cut because of the debt. If ter of kids on CHIP have special tax cuts for rich Americans and big they care about the debt, let’s cut healthcare needs. corporations. spending. This is their chance. This I have been hearing from my con- Tax cuts for rich people aren’t time- will be a vote on cutting spending. stituents about how important this sensitive. Protecting children is. These pay-go budget caps were put in program is. Let’s get back on track, let’s add the place by the Democrats when they Rachel, from Orange, wrote me to Dream Act and CHIP to this bill, and were in the majority in 2010. These are say, ‘‘There are many who depend on let’s return to the good governance their budget caps, and yet everybody is this assistance to stay alive. I was a that our people expect. clamoring to waive them on both sides. type 1 diabetic at 12 with two disabled Thank you. We have a real problem in our coun- parents. If not for governmental assist- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- try, and we must do something about ance, I would be dead. Don’t leave ator from Kentucky. it. Ultimately, there will be a day of someone in this same situation hope- f reckoning. You cannot continue to bor- less.’’ row so much money. Ultimately, it DEFICITS Kathleen from Arcata wrote to me bankrupts the Nation, or the currency and said, ‘‘I am a single mom and Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, the ques- becomes worthless, or you get to a though my kids are grown now, I had tion is, Do deficits matter? We often point where the interest on the debt the CHIP for them. I can’t imagine say they do. You will hear Republicans actually becomes the No. 1 spending what it would be like to raise a child say they do, and for the last week or item. Within about a decade, interest living in similar circumstances now two, you have heard from Democrats will push out all other spending, and it without this program.’’ that they were against cutting taxes will be the No. 1 item. We will spend CHIP is also an important program because it might add to the deficit. more on interest than national defense. for pregnant women. In California, Well, if this is true, tonight we will get We will spend more on interest than 30,000 expecting mothers depend on the a chance to vote on the deficit because, welfare and anything else. So there are program. you see, Congress about 6 years ago, those who say: Well, we have to have This care is so important for ensur- put something forward called pay-go more money for military; we have to ing healthy moms and babies. If fund- budget caps. What does that mean? have more money for welfare. You are ing lapses, these expectant mothers are They kept seeing the deficit explode. going to have none of that if you keep at risk of losing their coverage. So they put in these budget caps, and if spending money at this rate because we Funding for community health cen- we were to adhere to them, we would are going to ruin the country through ters is also at risk. actually get the debt under control. debt. There are more than 10,400 centers Guess what. Congress has evaded them So can we have a strong military? that see more than 25 million patients 29 times. Yes. We spend about $600 billion, but across the country. So tonight we will have a bill, and it you can’t necessarily spend $700 billion. In California, we have more than will be the 30th time that Congress has That extra $100 billion is making the 1,500 centers that care for more than 4.4 evaded their own rules on the debt. Is debt worse. But it is the same on the million patients each year in Cali- it any surprise that the debt under other side of the ledger with the Demo- fornia. If we don’t provide long-term George W. Bush went from $5 trillion crats. funding for these centers, there is no to $10 trillion? Is it any surprise that So we have a chance. There really is doubt they will have to limit hours, lay under President Obama it went from a chance. The media would say: Oh, off staff, or even close. $10 trillion to $20 trillion? Is it any sur- you are irresponsible for voting for the Supporting community health cen- prise that the debt continues to rise? tax cuts. No, you are irresponsible if ters isn’t just the right thing to do for No, because both parties are respon- you are not also willing to vote for access, but for positive outcomes and sible for it. spending cuts. cost-effectiveness as well. Look, I was all for the tax cut. I So tonight I will put forward in a few Health center patients have an 18 think it is good for the country, but I minutes a motion, and this motion will percent lower rate of emergency room am also for restraining spending. So we be to say that we should obey the visits. Medicaid patients receiving care did the tax cut earlier in the week, and spending caps. We have put them in at health centers have costs that are 24 now we are going to do a spending bill. place. Unless our outrage over debt is percent lower, and the quality of care We have rules in place, and the rules in fake outrage, if we truly care about the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:22 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.006 S21DEPT1 S8234 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 debt, we should vote to keep in place leader and the Speaker of the House re- cluded provisions to exclude all or part of the rules we have put in place. These leased a joint statement that pledged the law’s budgetary impact, including the are spending caps. If we care about the this will not happen, and that is the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 that next generation, we should vote for the issue before us tonight. was enacted under the previous Administra- tion. spending caps. So I will put forward a Medicare provides essential I look forward to working with you to en- motion that says: Let’s obey our own healthcare benefits to our Nation’s sen- sure that no Medicare cuts are triggered rules. iors. We must remove, immediately, under PAYGO, a goal I believe is supported It will be interesting to watch the the threat that an automatic reduction by members on both sides of the aisle. Thank vote and to see how it turns out—who in the program’s funding could occur, you for your attention to this critical issue. truly cares about the debt on either which would affect healthcare pro- Sincerely, side of the aisle, who is willing to say: viders and diminish access that bene- SUSAN M. COLLINS, U.S. SENATOR. You know what; I am for tax cuts but ficiaries—including our seniors and dis- U.S. SENATE, I am also for saying across the board abled individuals—have to the services Washington, DC, December 1, 2017. that we need to have spending re- they need. Hon. SUSAN COLLINS, straint. Will we obey our own rules? We Earlier this month, AARP sent a let- Dirksen Senate Office Building, have broken our own rules. This will be ter to the House and the Senate leader- Washington, DC. the 30th time we broke our own rules ship, alluding and supporting my in- DEAR SENATOR COLLINS: Thank you for on budget caps since 2010. If you go quiry and warning Congress of the po- your letter expressing concern about the tential consequences. The letter says: across-the-board spending cuts. You will be back farther, it is in the hundreds of pleased to know that Speaker Paul Ryan and times. If you were scoring Congress on The sudden cut to Medicare provider fund- I issued the following joint statement earlier integrity and honesty about the rules ing in 2018 would have an immediate and today: we have set up, it would be a zero. We lasting impact, including fewer healthcare ‘‘Critics of tax reform are claiming the leg- aren’t adhering to our own rules. providers participating in Medicare and re- islation would lead to massive, across-the- So what I would admonish my col- duced access to care for Medicare bene- board spending cuts in vital programs—in- ficiaries. Healthcare providers may choose to cluding a 4-percent reduction in Medicare— leagues to do is, if they care about stop accepting Medicare patients at a time debt, is to vote for this point of order due to the Pay-Go law enacted in 2010. This when the Medicare population is growing by will not happen. Congress has readily avail- that says that we should adhere to our 10,000 new beneficiaries each day. . . . Fur- able methods to waive this law, which has budget caps and we should really truly thermore, Medicare Advantage plans and never been enforced since its enactment. care about the budget deficit. Part D prescription drug plans may charge There is no reason to believe that Congress Thank you, Mr. President. higher premiums or cost sharing in future would not act again to prevent a sequester, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- years to make up for these cuts now. and we will work to ensure these spending ator from Maine. These potential cuts would have an cuts are prevented.’’ Again, thank you. f enormous impact on our hospitals, our nursing homes, our home health agen- Sincerely, MEDICARE FUNDING cies, and other essential healthcare MITCH MCCONNELL, Majority Leader. Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise in providers who play a critical role in strong opposition to the point of order providing healthcare services and also AARP®, that will be offered by the Senator as important economic drivers in our December 7, 2017. from Kentucky, which would have the communities. Hon. MITCH MCCONNELL, effect of allowing harmful, indiscrimi- It is critical for Congress to act U.S. Senate, nate budget cuts to be triggered. While quickly, to act tonight before we go U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC. there are certain safety net programs home, so seniors do not have the anx- Hon. CHARLES E. SCHUMER, like Medicaid, food stamps, and Social iety of wondering whether the tax bill U.S. Senate, U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC. Security that are exempt from these will somehow negatively affect their Hon. PAUL D. RYAN, automatic cuts, the Medicare Program healthcare. We can act tonight to re- House of Representatives, is not exempt, and there are a number move that anxiety and assure them it U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC. of other vital programs in addition to will not. Hon. NANCY PELOSI, Medicare, including Federal education Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- House of Representatives, programs, agricultural support for sent that the exchange of letters I had U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC. farmers, and funding for Citizenship with Majority Leader MCCONNELL and DEAR MAJORITY LEADER MCCONNELL, MI- NORITY LEADER SCHUMER, SPEAKER RYAN, and Immigration Services, among oth- also the letter from AARP be printed AND MINORITY LEADER PELOSI: On behalf of ers, that would be subject to imme- in the RECORD. our members and all Americans age 50 and diate automatic cuts if we failed to There being no objection, the mate- older, AARP is writing to express concerns take action tonight to avert that out- rial was ordered to be printed in the about the potential for automatic cuts to come. Record, as follows: Medicare beginning in January 2018. AARP, It has been deeply disturbing to me U.S. SENATE, with its nearly 38 million members in all 50 to see seniors frightened about the pos- Washington, DC, November 28, 2017. States and the District of Columbia, Puerto sibility that a $25 billion cut in Medi- Hon. MITCH MCCONNELL, Rico and the Virgin Islands, represents mil- care—that is a 4-percent reduction— Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, lions of individuals whose health care de- Washington, DC. pends on Medicare. We urge you to act now would be automatically triggered. By DEAR MAJORITY LEADER MCCONNELL: I to prevent these cuts to Medicare. waiving this point of order, we will pre- write to express my deep concerns with the The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) re- vent such cuts from taking place, reas- Congressional Budget Office’s determination cently provided an explanation of the impact suring our Nation’s seniors and their that an automatic four percent cut to Medi- H.R. 1 and its $1.5 trillion deficit increase loved ones. care, estimated to be roughly $25 billion for will have on Medicare and other programs. Although the law that could cause fiscal year 2018, could be triggered by the The CBO estimated that because of statutory this reduction has been waived some 16 passage of tax reform legislation as a result pay-as-you-go and the increase in the deficit, Medicare providers will be subject to an times—and indeed never implemented of the Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (PAYGO) even though there is no intention for such a automatic $25 billion cut in fiscal year 2018, since it was enacted—I felt that it was reduction to occur. and additional cuts in subsequent fiscal essential that our leaders publicly Since I do not believe it is anyone’s inten- years. According to CBO, the automatic commit that Medicare reductions tion to allow automatic cuts to Medicare to cuts, or sequester, would begin as soon as would not be triggered, given the occur, I urge swift action to waive the January, 2018. amount of fear, anxiety, and misin- PAYGO requirements. Medicare provides es- In a statement responding to Senator formation that is out there. sential benefits to our nation’s seniors, and Collins’s inquiry on statutory pay-as-you-go I wrote to the Senate majority lead- we must remove immediately the threat that and the risk of Medicare cuts, Leader McConnell and Speaker Ryan provided the er, urging that we immediately remove an automatic reduction in the program’s funding could occur. following assurance: ‘‘Congress has readily the threat of an automatic cut in Medi- Since PAYGO was enacted, sixteen laws available methods to waive this law, which care’s funding. In response, I am that would have otherwise triggered has never been enforced since its enactment. pleased to say that both the majority PAYGO’s automatic spending cuts have in- There is no reason to believe that Congress

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:18 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.069 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8235 would not act again to prevent a sequester, minutes to make a budget point of There appears to be a sufficient sec- and we will work to ensure these spending order; that Senator COLLINS or her des- ond. cuts are prevented.’’ It is of paramount in- ignee be recognized for up to 2 minutes The yeas and nays were ordered. terest to our members, and other older to make a motion to waive the point of Mr. DURBIN. I suggest the absence of Americans, that you act to prevent these spending cuts as soon as possible. order; that Senator LEAHY be recog- a quorum. The sudden cut to Medicare provider fund- nized for up to 5 minutes; that fol- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ing in 2018 would have an immediate and lowing the use or yielding back of that clerk will call the roll. lasting impact, including fewer providers time, the Senate vote on the motion to The senior assistant legislative clerk participating in Medicare and reduced access waive; and that following the disposi- proceeded to call the roll. to care for Medicare beneficiaries. Health tion of the motion to waive, the Senate Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I ask care providers may choose to stop accepting vote on the motion to concur, with a 60 unanimous consent that the order for Medicare patients at a time when the Medi- affirmative vote threshold, all without the quorum call be rescinded. care population is growing by 10,000 new beneficiaries each day. Cutting reimburse- any other intervening action or debate. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ment in 2018, and possibly each year there- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection, it is so ordered. after, would discourage health care providers objection? Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I yield from treating this growing population. We Without objection, it is so ordered. back the time on this side. need to protect and strengthen the Medicare The Senator from Kentucky. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The program and ensure there is a health care Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, the ques- question now occurs on agreeing to the workforce able and willing to take on new tion is, Do deficits matter? We have motion to waive. patients. Furthermore, Medicare Advantage had a lot of debate over deficits and The yeas and nays were previously plans and Part D prescription drug plans people complaining that tax cuts add ordered. may charge higher premiums or cost-sharing in future years to make up for the cuts now. to deficits. Well, tonight we will have a The clerk will call the roll. These cuts also come at a critical time in vote on whether we should honor what The bill clerk called the roll. the program when providers are adopting the are called pay-go budget caps. We have Mr. CORNYN. The following Senator new payment systems according to MACRA had these in place for about 6 years. is necessarily absent: the Senator from (P.L. 114–10) which overwhelmingly passed Congress has disobeyed their own rules Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN). Congress in 2015. An across-the-board cut to 30 times as of tonight. These budget The result was announced—yeas 91, provider reimbursement will leave health caps would keep spending in order. Yet nays 8, as follows: care providers fewer resources to invest in we are going to have them waived to- their practices, and make them less inclined [Rollcall Vote No. 324 Leg.] to take on risk in new alternative payment night. YEAS—91 My budget point of order would actu- models. The sudden payment cut will stifle Alexander Franken Nelson the transition toward payment based on ally say that we should not waive these Baldwin Gardner Perdue value, having implications for future Medi- budget caps. We should honor them be- Barrasso Gillibrand Peters care cost growth. In any event, Medicare cause deficits do matter. Bennet Graham Portman beneficiaries will pay the price for these sud- We borrow $1 million a minute. The Blumenthal Grassley Reed Blunt Harris Roberts den and significant cuts. deficit this year will be over $700 bil- Booker Hassan Our members and other older Americans Rounds lion. The overall debt is $20 trillion. We Boozman Hatch Rubio are counting on you to preserve their access Brown Heinrich have a spending problem. We have rules Sanders to Medicare services, including their doctors Burr Heitkamp Schatz and hospitals. We urge you to act swiftly to to keep spending in check, and we dis- Cantwell Heller Schumer prevent automatic cuts to Medicare. If you obey our own rules. Capito Hirono With that, I make a point of order on Cardin Hoeven Scott have any questions or need additional infor- Shaheen mation, please feel free to contact me or the statutory pay-go scorecard that Carper Inhofe Casey Isakson Shelby contact Joyce Rogers, Senior Vice President says we should spend within certain Cassidy Johnson Stabenow of Government Affairs. limits. This budget point of order is Cochran Kaine Strange Sincerely, pursuant to section 306 of the Congres- Collins King Sullivan JO ANN C. JENKINS, sional Budget Act of 1974. Coons Klobuchar Tester Chief Executive Officer. Corker Lankford Thune The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Cornyn Leahy Tillis Ms. COLLINS. I yield the floor. ator from Maine. Cortez Masto Manchin Toomey The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, we sim- Cotton Markey Udall Daines McCaskill YOUNG). The majority leader. ply cannot allow these harmful, indis- Van Hollen Donnelly McConnell Warner f criminate budget cuts to be triggered. Duckworth Menendez Warren Durbin It is so disturbing to see our seniors Merkley Whitehouse DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SE- Enzi Moran Wicker CURITY BLUE CAMPAIGN AU- worried about the possibility of a $25 Ernst Murkowski Wyden THORIZATION ACT OF 2017 billion cut in the Medicare Program. Feinstein Murphy That is a 4-percent reduction. That Fischer Murray Young Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I would affect healthcare providers and NAYS—8 ask that the Chair lay before the Sen- healthcare services. There is no need ate the message to accompany H.R. Crapo Kennedy Risch for this indiscriminate cut to occur. Cruz Lee Sasse 1370. It is critical that Congress act to- Flake Paul The Presiding Officer laid before the night, act immediately, so that seniors NOT VOTING—1 Senate the following message from the and our disabled citizens do not have McCain House of Representatives: the anxiety of wondering whether the Resolved, That the House agree to the tax bill will somehow negatively affect The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this amendment of the Senate to the bill (H.R. their healthcare. By voting to waive vote, the yeas are 91, the nays are 8. 1370) entitled ‘‘An Act to amend the Home- Three-fifths of the Senators duly cho- land Security Act of 2002 to require the Sec- the point of order, we can remove that anxiety and prevent the indiscriminate sen and sworn having voted in the af- retary of Homeland Security to issue Depart- firmative, the motion is agreed to and ment of Homeland Security-wide guidance cuts in Medicare and other essential and develop training programs as part of the programs from occurring. the point of order falls. Department of Homeland Security Blue Pursuant to section 904 of the Con- VOTE ON MOTION TO CONCUR Campaign, and for other purposes.’’, with an gressional Budget Act of 1974 and the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The amendment. waiver provisions of applicable budget question is on agreeing to the motion MOTION TO CONCUR resolutions, I move to waive all appli- to concur. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I cable sections of that act and applica- Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, I ask move to concur in the House amend- ble budget resolutions for purposes of for the yeas and nays. ment to the Senate amendment to H.R. the House message to accompany H.R. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a 1370. 1370, and I ask for the yeas and nays. sufficient second? I ask unanimous consent that Sen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a There appears to be a sufficient sec- ator PAUL be recognized for up to 2 sufficient second? ond.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:22 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.011 S21DEPT1 S8236 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 The clerk will call the roll. We will do that when we come back. lution. We simply cannot fail to pass The senior assistant legislative clerk There will not be another continuing the Dream Act, and we must do so, and called the roll. resolution without a bipartisan budget we must do so soon. The future of Mr. CORNYN. The following Senators agreement. Dreamers—and I believe the fate of the are necessarily absent: the Senator Mr. President, this is not how we American Dream itself—lies in our from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON) and the should govern in the U.S. Senate. We hands. Senator from Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN). have once again found ourselves on the We also need a permanent reauthor- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there edge of a manufactured, made-in-Wash- ization for the Children’s Health Insur- any other Senators in the Chamber de- ington crisis. Once again, we are forced ance Program. It has been 3 months siring to vote? into political games at the eleventh since Congress let funds expire for the The result was announced—yeas 66, hour by the imminent threat of a Re- Children’s Health Insurance Program, nays 32, as follows: publican shutdown. This time that CHIP, putting at risk the 9 million [Rollcall Vote No. 325 Leg.] threat has fallen right before Christ- children nationwide who depend on the program for health insurance coverage. YEAS—66 mas and the holidays. There is no reason we should find Vermont’s CHIP program, known as Alexander Gardner Perdue Dr. Dynasaur, covers over 5,000 chil- Barrasso Graham Peters ourselves in this situation. There has Blunt Grassley Portman always been a proven path forward to dren whose families are now worried Boozman Hassan Risch avoid this crisis, and that path is to whether their kids will be covered next Burr Hatch Roberts reach a bipartisan budget deal that is year. Instead of moving forward with a Capito Heinrich Rounds bipartisan reauthorization for 5 years, Carper Heitkamp Rubio based on parity. Sequestration has had Cassidy Heller Sasse devastating consequences on our coun- as has been proposed in the Senate, Cochran Hoeven Scott try that will impact a generation, and this continuing resolution extends the Collins Inhofe Shaheen we must raise the budget caps on both program only temporarily. Coons Johnson Shelby What is worse, the majority is insist- Corker Kaine Stabenow sides of the ledger—defense and non- Cornyn Kennedy Strange defense. ing on offsetting this extension by cut- Cotton King Sullivan This is not an academic exercise. Our ting funding for prevention and public Crapo Lankford Tester decisions are having real and dev- health programs. This is robbing Peter Cruz Leahy Thune to pay Paul. If we can pass a tax cut Daines Manchin Tillis astating consequences. We are letting Donnelly McCaskill Toomey our infrastructure crumble. We are let- that benefits the wealthiest Americans Enzi McConnell Udall and which will add, at a minimum, $1.5 Ernst Moran Warner ting down our veterans. We are allow- ing our education programs to fall be- trillion to our deficit, we should be Fischer Murkowski Wicker able to reauthorize CHIP—for longer Flake Nelson Young hind, and we are harming our mili- than 3 months—without undermining tary’s readiness. NAYS—32 public health. We should not have to Baldwin Feinstein Murray Regrettably, our Republican Col- leagues took the path of delay, no com- make this choice, but here we are, Bennet Franken Paul being forced to choose between a mis- Blumenthal Gillibrand Reed promise, government by crisis. Here we guided short-term patch or a wholesale Booker Harris Sanders are, 3 months into the fiscal year with- Brown Hirono government shutdown. Schatz out a budget. The continuing resolu- Cantwell Klobuchar Schumer Again, I call on our colleagues on the Cardin Lee tion that is before us provides a 1- Van Hollen other side of the aisle to use the next Casey Markey Warren month extension to fund the govern- Cortez Masto Menendez month to negotiate solutions to these Whitehouse Duckworth Merkley ment, but we are no closer to a bipar- Wyden real problems. That includes having a Durbin Murphy tisan budget deal. I intend to vote for debate about American’s privacy this continuing resolution because a NOT VOTING—2 rights. Section 702 of the FISA Amend- government shutdown helps no one, Isakson McCain ments Act was intended to be a power- but I implore my fellow Senators to ful foreign intelligence surveillance The motion was agreed to. use the next month wisely. We owe it tool, and it is, but it also sweeps up The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- to the American people. massive amounts of Americans’ com- ator from Vermont. Those on the other side of the aisle munications, which can then be f need to come to the table to negotiate accessed without a warrant. That has an agreement that will provide funding FUNDING THE GOVERNMENT long been a concern of mine, and I have for healthcare to our veterans, build stated that we should reauthorize 702, Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I will infrastructure for a growing economy, but we should not do so at the expense speak very briefly. and make us more secure. of our own civil liberties. While I voted to keep the government But this is not the only thing we A 1-month extension gives Congress going, this is not the way to govern. must accomplish in the coming month. an opportunity—and I believe, an obli- We should not be doing stopgap meas- Our list of unfinished business is long. gation—to debate this program on the ures. We will be back here soon. We We also need to pass the Dream Act. floor, just like we did in 2012. All Mem- will have a relatively short time—a President Trump’s decision to end the bers deserve an opportunity to weigh in couple of weeks—to finally do our DACA program was as cruel as it was on this critical surveillance tool, and work, the work we should have done senseless. Dreamers are American in this short, clean reauthorization of for the last 6 months. We will have to every way except on paper, having been Section 702 allows for just that. address sequestration on both sides of brought here as children through no To be clear, the Republicans are in the ledger—on defense and non- fault of their own. By definition, charge of the House, the Senate, and defense—and raise the caps for both. Dreamers are law-abiding strivers, the White House. It is clear that they We have to speak on one of the great- serving our communities as doctors bear the burden of bringing us to this est issues in our country today, and and teachers and defending our home- crisis point, and they need to answer to that is the Dreamers, and we have to land as brave men and women in uni- the American people for the unfinished address that and have votes up or down form. business before us. We should never on the Senate floor. I intend to vote to Instead of working with Congress to have gotten to this point. protect Dreamers. We have to vote on find a permanent legislative solution We can still reach a bipartisan budg- the Children’s Health Insurance Pro- while keeping DACA protections in et deal. I remain ready to work with gram. There are so many others. place, the President yielded to Chairman COCHRAN, the Appropriations I want Senators on both sides of the xenophobic nativists in his administra- Committee, and Members from both aisle to know—and I have talked to tion and terminated protections for our sides of the aisle to secure the funding both Republicans and Democrats—Sen- Nation’s Dreamers. agreements we need to complete our ator COCHRAN and I and others have I am greatly disappointed that Re- appropriations, keep the lights on, and tried to keep the appropriations proc- publicans would not consider including resolve the other pressing matters be- ess going. We will continue to do that. the Dream Act on this continuing reso- fore us.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:22 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.074 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8237 I yield the floor. have seen before in Texas—the number United States has an annual job to do— The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- of people impacted, the scope. It to adopt a budget and then appropriate ator from Texas. brought 250 miles of devastation to our it; to lay out the framework for what f Texas gulf coast as winds obliterated to spend and then to make deliberate whole communities and rain flooded decisions in the Appropriations Com- DISASTER RELIEF out parts of Texas that have never mittee and move forward by the end of Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, as the jet flooded before. the fiscal year. fumes swirl around the Halls of Con- Due to the level of damage the storm This may not be well or widely gress and Members get ready to head to caused to homes, businesses, and infra- known, but the Federal fiscal year be- the airport to get home for the holi- structure, Hurricane Harvey was the gins October 1. It is by October 1 that days, I rise to remind my colleagues costliest disaster this year and may we are supposed to figure out what we that there are still hundreds of thou- well prove the costliest natural dis- are going to spend and how we are sands of people in Texas, Florida, and aster in U.S. history. According to the going to spend it and why we are going Puerto Rico who are still hurting from Governor of Texas, the damage to our to spend it. Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. State from the hurricane is well over As we all head home to celebrate the They will be spending Christmas not in $120 billion and could prove to be closer holidays on December 21, I just wanted their homes but in a hotel or with fam- to $180 billion. Any bill to provide dis- to take a moment and go over the list ily and friends or in temporary hous- aster funding brought to this floor of things that are unaddressed and un- ing. should recognize the unprecedented resolved at the end of this calendar All across these regions, there are level of damage wreaked upon the year. houses, businesses, schools, churches, State and should provide the level of The way it is supposed to work here and community establishments that assistance necessary to help Texas re- and the way it is actually working here still need to be rebuilt. They are wait- build. are strikingly different. In my 7 years ing, counting on our help. It is wrong. I spoke this afternoon with Governor now in the Senate on both the Budget Indeed, it is maddening to those in the Greg Abbott, and he expressed serious Committee and the Appropriations affected regions that the Senate is not concerns that the supplemental bill Committee, I have seen people of good taking up legislation today to give coming out of the House does not di- will of both parties try mightily and so them what they need to continue to re- rect nearly enough resources to the far consistently fail to get us back to build and recover. State of Texas given the magnitude of regular order and to end this process of In my home State, there is no doubt- the damage, the magnitude of the suf- moving crisis to crisis, continuing res- ing that Texas’s gulf coast commu- fering. Disaster relief needs to focus olution to continuing resolution. nities suffered tremendous losses in where the suffering occurred and where While I didn’t hope that tonight the Hurricane Harvey, but the hurricane the disaster occurred. Federal Government of the United also brought out the best in Texas. We I am hopeful that when this body re- States would shut down, it is depress- saw Texans standing together and lift- turns in 2 weeks, we will work together ing, concerning, even alarming to me ing up each other, first through rescue in a bipartisan way to ensure that the that we head home having not resolved and response and now as we come to- promises made to the State of Texas so many issues. gether and rebuild our communities. are fulfilled and that the resources are We have heard from other Members The Nation witnessed our iconic mo- there to help our State rebuild. The here about the pressing needs of their ments, from the thousands of Texans emergency response is over, but recov- home States. We have concerns all over who went out on boats to save their ery and rebuilding efforts go on. As we our country, such as the Children’s neighbors, to Houstonians of all ages keep working to keep our promises, I Health Insurance Program, known as lining up to volunteer at disaster re- remain determined to keep fighting to CHIP, which is a literal lifeline to 9 covery centers, embodying the Texas ensure that Texas has the Federal re- million low-income children. Author- can-do spirit. sources to which the State is entitled ization and funding ran out months Texas has worked diligently since under Federal law. ago. Some States are already notifying August on cleanup and recovery efforts The spirit of Texas is strong. Some parents that their children’s health in- from Hurricane Harvey, but I am sorry weeks ago, I tweeted out a picture that surance coverage will lapse. There are to say that the U.S. Senate is now leav- I think captured some of that spirit. It community health centers on which 26 ing town without delivering on its was a picture of a man in his living million patients rely. There is the commitment to help Texas, Florida, room. The Sheetrock was torn down pressing need to fund a response to the and Puerto Rico recover. from all the walls—nothing but studs opioid crisis, the need to fund veterans’ Congress has already passed two dis- on the walls and no carpet. The floor- care, infrastructure, shore up pension aster relief bills in the wake of these ing was taken up. There was no fur- plans, invest in education, and, of hurricanes. In addition, Congress niture. He had a lawn chair. He had an course, respond to natural disasters. passed a bipartisan disaster relief tax Igloo ice chest as a coffee table and a From Americans in Puerto Rico and bill that I was proud to offer. But there TV screen, and he was wearing a Hous- the Virgin Islands to Americans in is still much more that needs to be ton Astros jersey and cheering as the Texas and Florida and Louisiana, to done. Astros won the World Series. The tweet those in California and the West— Just hours ago, our colleagues in the simply said: ‘‘This is why it matters.’’ whether it is hurricanes or forest fires, House passed a bill to further provide That is the spirit of Texas. We need to parts of our Nation are literally flood- for emergency rebuilding efforts. This remember that spirit, and we need to ing and burning. Yet we head home bill represents progress, but much make sure the disaster relief responds having not addressed their challenges. more work needs to be done to make to the real damage and real suffering Of course, I feel concerned that we sure that it does enough, especially for that Hurricane Harvey visited upon the have failed to act to protect the Texas, which was promised by both State of Texas. Dreamers here in our country, the this Congress and by the administra- I look forward to working with my young men and women brought here tion that Texas would be given every- colleagues, hopefully from both sides of who have never known any other coun- thing we need to rebuild. Early esti- the aisle, to deliver on that commit- try, men and women who reflect the mates from the supplemental bill that ment that Texans are owed. best of our country. I met many in my passed the House are that Texas would I yield the floor. home State of Delaware. They are high be eligible for only a small percentage The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- school and college students, members of the $81 billion in that legislation. ator from Delaware. of our military, parts of our neighbor- That is unacceptable, and the Senate f hoods and communities. But given the needs to fix it. Trump administration’s decision, the Texas experienced the worst flood PRESSING ISSUES AT YEAR END President’s decision to end an adminis- event in U.S. history. Hurricane Har- Mr. COONS. Mr. President, as we trative policy allowing these young vey was unlike any other storm we know all too well, the Senate of the people to come out of the shadows and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:22 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.077 S21DEPT1 S8238 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 live without fear of being deported, we law and the independence of the De- winning the national championship in wait for bipartisan legislative action to partment of Justice specifically by pro- front of a record-setting crowd of give them the security they deserve tecting special counsel investigations Husker fans—the best fans in college and the ability to participate wholly in from unwarranted political inter- football. Nebraskans couldn’t be more the American Dream. ference. proud of this volleyball team and the I believe we can pass a bipartisan We have spirited debates over tax- coaching staff. Dream Act that both protects Dream- ation, immigration, our Federal budg- The Huskers won this national cham- ers and makes our borders more secure, et, but this issue is too important for pionship the Nebraska way—with hard but all of these issues seem to become me to yield the floor before this end of work, sportsmanship, and determina- more partisan and more difficult fights the year without urging my colleagues tion. They deserve to be saluted by the than they need to be. We should be able to seriously consider the important Senate, and I urge my colleagues to to work together to resolve our dif- task we face to maintain the independ- pass this resolution and recognize their ferences and not have to go home with ence of the Department of Justice and outstanding accomplishment. yet another continuing resolution, uphold the rule of law. I congratulate them on their victory keeping the government afloat while I hope folks in this Chamber will con- and know they will continue to be we head out to celebrate. Our constitu- sider the importance of protecting this great role models to girls and athletes ents didn’t send us here to fight endless investigation and this special counsel everywhere. partisan battles, to avoid the strictures and, frankly, of continuing to protect Thank you. of the Budget Act and the appropria- the independence and integrity of the I yield the floor. tions process, and when things get Department of Justice and our system The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tough, to just kick the can down the of courts and law into the future. It is ator from Nebraska. Mr. SASSE. Mr. President, I thank road. part of the bedrock on which our de- my senior Senator for leading us in Before I leave the floor, I want to mocracy rests, a bedrock which we can- speak about one other pressing concern this resolution. not afford to have shaken. Nebraska volleyball continues to I have, and that is about the impor- Mr. President, I yield the floor. dominate. If there is any debate about tance of maintaining the independence The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the best volleyball State in the Union, of the investigation currently under- ator from Nebraska. there should be no more. Nebraska has way under the leadership of Special f proved, yet again, we have the best Counsel Robert Mueller. I have heard CONGRATULATING THE UNIVER- team, the best coaching staff, and in- concerning, even alarming attacks on SITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN disputably the best fans in the country. the special counsel by colleagues in the VOLLEYBALL TEAM FOR WIN- Two years ago, this team won the na- other Chamber and by folks in the NING THE 2017 NATIONAL COLLE- tional championship at home in press. Omaha, setting records with the I just want to take a moment to say GIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION crowds that attended the games there, that our Nation relies on a few key in- DIVISION I VOLLEYBALL CHAM- and last week in Kansas City, we set stitutions and principles that protect PIONSHIP another alltime record with the most this experiment in democracy, and Mrs. FISCHER. Mr. President, I rise watched championship volleyball game none are more important than the rule this evening to call up and adopt a res- ever at 18,516 fans, including my 6-year of law and the institutions that make olution recognizing this year’s NCAA old who stayed awake at nearly 11 p.m. up our system of justice. As partisan- champions in women’s volleyball—the as we were finishing, and he was decid- ship, gridlock, and distress have be- Huskers from the University of Ne- ing to watch it upside down, hanging come more prevalent in our country braska-Lincoln. This is the program’s over the seats from the upper decks at and corrosive to our politics, these in- fifth national championship and second title in 3 years. the arena in Kansas City. stitutions that sustain our democratic So I proudly join the senior Senator During the NCAA tournament, Ne- system are more important than ever. and Husker nation in congratulating braska played remarkably well, win- I have traveled to other countries these young women, saying ‘‘Go Big ning 18 sets and finishing on a 19-match that have on pieces of paper Constitu- Red’’ on behalf of all 1.9 million Ne- winning streak. They were so fun to tions and legal systems that literally braskans. mirror our own, but they are ineffec- watch. Just two stats of note. First, in the The entire team contributed to the tive and their systems are nondemo- earlier round at the final four, Ne- outstanding victory, and I want to ac- cratic because their courts are not braska beat Penn State. Those are the knowledge their extraordinary effort: independent and their national leaders two winningest teams in the history of Annika Albrecht, Mikaela Foecke, are not held accountable. volleyball. Nebraska has the most wins Hunter Atherton, Hayley Densberger, Across our country for generations, at 1,308. Penn State has the greatest Allie Havers, Briana Holman, Kenzie from classrooms to courtrooms, in Con- winning percentage. We have now won Maloney, Kelly Hunter, Chesney gress and communities, we have af- five championships in 22 years, as well McClellan, Sami Slaughter, Lauren firmed to Americans of all back- as three runner-up, second-place fin- Stivrins, Jazz Sweet, Anezka Szabo, grounds the importance of the prin- ishes in the last 30 years. and Sydney Townsend all had their ciple that no one is above the rule of Coach Cook, as Senator FISCHER law. Our country has been able to grow hard work pay off and they worked to- mentioned, has won four champion- and change and improve because we are gether to win a championship. ships at Nebraska over the last 17 a nation of laws—laws that can be de- The Nebraska coaches worked hard, years. The alltime record for the his- bated and changed but must be fol- helped train our athletes, and tory of volleyball is five national lowed and respected. strategized this championship run. championships, and we expect that The Department of Justice isn’t re- Head coach John Cook won his fourth Coach Cook will set that new record. spected because of its role on a piece of national champion as a Husker head So I join my senior Senator in urging paper, no matter how treasured and coach. He was joined by assistant the Senate to pass this resolution for important, or because of its title en- coach Tyler Hildebrand, assistant the University of Nebraska women’s graved above the door of the building coach Kayla Banwarth, volunteer as- volleyball team. or its motto; it is respected, trusted, sistant coach Ryan Coomes, director of I yield the floor. and relied upon because it has strived operations Lindsay Peterson, video co- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- to uphold our highest ideals and to en- ordinator Kelly O’Connor, and grad- ator from Nebraska. force the law. uate managers Joe Klein, John Henry, Mrs. FISCHER. Mr. President, I ask It is easier to save an institution like and Bre Mackie. Together, as a team, unanimous consent that the Senate the rule of law than it is to restore it they guided that outstanding group of proceed to the consideration of S. Res. once torn down. This is why I helped women to another national champion- 365, submitted earlier today. author bipartisan legislation that ship. These coaches have created a The PRESIDING OFFICER. The would seek to further affirm the rule of foundation and a winning tradition— clerk will report the resolution.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:25 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.078 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8239 The legislative clerk read as follows: Mark Prater, Jay Khosla, and Brendan people I represent. As important as A resolution (S. Res. 365) congratulating Dunn, who led that effort, we all owe those middle-class tax cuts are, equally the University of Nebraska-Lincoln you our thanks. Then, of course, there as important is what we are doing to volleyball team for winning the 2017 Na- are a slew of other staff, including stimulate more investment in this tional Collegiate Athletic Association Divi- Zach Rudisill of my staff, who just economy, and that is through the sion I Volleyball Championship. spent hours and hours and put his changes for small businesses that will There being no objection, the Senate heart and soul into this. Thank you— now be able to put more money into proceeded to consider the resolution. all of you—for helping us get to this the business rather than paying more Mrs. FISCHER. Mr. President, I ask point. taxes. Many of these businesses—so- unanimous consent that the resolution For years, Democrats and Repub- called passthrough companies, which be agreed to, the preamble be agreed licans alike have called for middle- are most of the businesses in Amer- to, and the motions to reconsider be class tax cuts. We talk about it in cam- ica—pay taxes as individuals. They considered made and laid upon the paigns. I am proud to say that this don’t pay the business tax rate; they table with no intervening action or de- week we delivered on it. pay the individual tax rate. Many of bate. I know some of my Democratic col- them do take a dividend. They take The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without leagues have been critical of the legis- money out of the company every year objection, it is so ordered. lation, and some have said: Well, these for one purpose, and that is to pay The resolution (S. Res. 365) was are not real, middle-class tax cuts be- their taxes. To the extent they are not agreed to. cause they expire. Yes, they expire taking the money out as much to pay The preamble was agreed to. after 8 years. We wished they didn’t. those taxes because of the changes we (The resolution, with its preamble, is Those are the budget rules here, but made here for small businesses, they printed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Sub- that is the same thing that happened are going to be able to invest more in mitted Resolutions.’’) with the 2001 tax cuts, the 2003 tax their people, more in their equipment, Mrs. FISCHER. Thank you. cuts, and Congress worked to extend more in their plants—and I am hearing those using the same budget rules for I yield the floor. this from small business people around about 95 percent of those taxpayers. I The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the State of Ohio. ator from Ohio. am strongly hoping we will do the Last weekend, I was with a number Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, first, same thing, and I believe we will. of them, and they are excited about This is real tax relief. For families in I congratulate the Nebraska women’s this because they want to be able to in- Ohio of median income, the average volleyball team and say I was proud to vest more in their business, they want will be just over $2,000 every year. That be here on the floor to be one of those to be able to invest more in their peo- helps the family budget. That is a little who did not object to this wonderful ple, and they want to be able to give money you can put aside for retire- resolution just offered by my col- people who work for them the oppor- ment. Maybe that is money to use for leagues from Nebraska. tunity to have a higher wage. a vacation you didn’t have. If you are Right now, wages are flat, and they f living paycheck to paycheck, which is really have been for the past couple of TAX REFORM BILL true with a lot of people I represent, decades when you take inflation into that is a big help. It is a big help. That Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, I am account. This has the incredible oppor- is from doubling the child credit, that standing here tonight to talk about a tunity for us not just to provide mid- is from doubling the standard deduc- couple of things, and first is the tax dle-class tax cuts, which are important tion, essentially creating $14,000 of a legislation that was passed this week not just to help businesses invest, but in Congress. This is going to help ev- zero income bracket. By the way, doing those sorts of actually to help get wages up so people erybody I represent because it is going things in this bill means that about 3 will see that if they work hard and to help our entire country. It is going million Americans or more are going play by the rules, they are going to see to lift up our country in ways we are to be leaving the tax rolls all together. higher wages, the ability to get ahead, already beginning to see. These are people who have tax liability and have more hope for themselves and There have been a lot of people to now and, under the new bill, starting in for their kids and their grandkids. Ev- thank, and today I was at the signing a couple of weeks, they will not have eryone, regardless of economic status, ceremony where Speaker RYAN and an income tax liability. They will be region, or party is going to see the ben- President pro tempore ORRIN HATCH out from under the IRS. They will be efits of this tax reform bill. signed the official legislation that is able, as they move many of them from By the way, some workers are al- now on its way to the President for his welfare to work or from a Federal pro- ready seeing the benefit, as we talked signature. I start by thanking them— gram into gainful employment, to not today, because there are a bunch of Speaker RYAN, Chairman HATCH, and worry about the taxman. That is really companies that announced today that also Chairman BRADY of the Ways and important too. I am proud of the legis- because of the tax reform and tax cuts Means Committee, with whom I lation because I think it is going to legislation, they are already taking worked closely on this. He was a gen- really help the people I represent in an steps to increase the pay of their em- tleman. He was, as always, someone immediate way. ployees, increase benefits, or invest who was looking for ways to solve People will see it in their paychecks. more money in building plants, equip- problems and to get to yes, and I com- The proof is in the paychecks because ment, or adding more jobs to invest- mend him for that. they will see it, and probably starting ment or both. These companies include I also want to thank some of the col- in February, the withholding will some big companies you have heard of leagues on the Finance Committee change. The IRS has to go through a like Comcast. It includes other compa- whom I worked closely with. This Core process on that. I wrote a letter to nies like Wells Fargo and Boeing and 4 group includes Senator JOHN THUNE, them yesterday encouraging them to AT&T. They have made these an- Senator PAT TOOMEY, Senator TIM move on that quickly because people nouncements today. SCOTT. want to see that in their paychecks. So One company that announced it Maybe, most importantly, is the the tax relief starts in a couple of today is in my hometown. It is the staff. We had an enormous undertaking weeks, January 1. It will be in the pay- Fifth Third Bank. It is kind of an un- here, and it was ambitious to try to checks when the withholding changes— usual name, Fifth Third, but that meet the goals that were set out early hopefully sometime in late January, makes them distinctive, right? They on of real, middle-class tax cuts, also February—and people will see less said today, you know what, we are energizing the economy through help- money being withheld from their pay- going to start paying our people a ing small businesses, and then chang- check because of the tax cuts that en- higher entry level pay—instead of 13- ing the whole international system so able them to have a healthier family something an hour, it is going to be $15 we could level the playing field. It was budget. an hour—and we are going to provide a lot to do, and it took a lot of exper- I have to tell you I believe this is bonuses to other employees who are tise and a lot of time and effort. So to going to go well beyond that for the not affected by that. They are going to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:25 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.079 S21DEPT1 S8240 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 do it right now, and they are doing it your business, wherever you work, you All of us are patriots here in this because of the tax relief legislation. are probably competing directly or in- body. All of us should want to bring So to those who say: Gosh. What directly on a global basis. back those jobs to America, repatriate about me? I would just say: Look at I will give you an example. There is those profits here to America, and give your paycheck. If you work for one of a little company in my hometown American workers the ability to com- these businesses that has already made called Standard Textiles. It is a great pete on a level playing field. an announcement, of course, you are company. They make linens. It is a I know there were some differences in feeling good about it, but even if you company that competes every day this legislation. We heard a lot of it work for another company that maybe globally. In fact, a lot of the companies from the other side of the aisle, but on is a little quieter about what they are they compete with, as you can imag- this issue, it has been bipartisan in the doing—maybe they are not going to ine, are companies that make these lin- past. I hope it will be bipartisan going make a big announcement—trust me, ens somewhere else—say, in Asia, forward to hold these reforms in place it is going to be in their interest now, where traditionally people have been so we can show that we have con- in a competitive market out there, to able to find lower costs. Guess what fidence and faith in American workers invest in those companies, to invest in they are looking at now with this tax and that we have confidence that if we their people, to invest in training, to reform bill: the ability to invest more give them the right tools—in this case, invest in better equipment, better here in America—American workers, the right Tax Code to work with—they technology. Those are the sorts of American-made linens. They tell me, can compete and they can win. I think things that, over time, are going to as do other companies, that this is we are going to see that. make the biggest difference, I think, in going to give them a better competi- I think, again, with the hopeful signs this tax bill. tive situation because no longer are we are seeing, even today, of companies If you look at what is happening in you going to have a tax code that has providing better pay or benefits or our economy today, the reason wages the highest business rate in the entire making additional commitments on in- industrialized world and an inter- are flat—by the way, expenses are not vestments. Even well beyond that, we national system that says: If you keep flat. Expenses are up and wages are are going to see, maybe quietly, that it your money overseas rather than flat. That is called the middle-class will spread out all over the country in bringing it back, when you earn squeeze, and that is very real. What is ways that will not be as obvious—in de- money, you can save on your taxes. the biggest expense? For most people, cisions that are going to be made, busi- That is what resulted in $2.5 to $3 tril- it is healthcare. ness budgets that are going to change lion being locked out of America and The way to deal with that is to get as a result of this tax reform bill. I am kept overseas. this economy moving and, specifically, hearing it from small businesses. I am to increase the productivity. That is This tax reform proposal unlocks that. It allows us to bring that money hearing it from the bigger companies what the economists say; that our pro- that compete directly globally, and I ductivity is low right now. When you back. People call it repatriation. I guess that is accurate—repatriation. I am certainly hearing it from families have low productivity, you have low wish it had never been ‘‘unpatriated’’ who are happy to see a little tax break economic growth, and that is what we in the first place. If you are a patriot, to be able to help them as we go into have had, under 2 percent economic you should want that money to be the holidays. growth. That is not the America I grew spent here in America. That is what is That is all good news, and I think up in, and that is not the America I going to happen with this tax reform passing that legislation is really going want my kids to grow up in. proposal. to help the people I represent. By making these investments in bet- It is about the tax cuts for working ter technology, in better equipment, in f families—hard-working families who better training, what happens? You get deserve it, who are now stuck in a situ- CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE better productivity, you get higher ef- ation where it is tough to get ahead. PROGRAM ficiency, you get the opportunity to in- This will help immediately. Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, I also crease your business, and therefore It is about helping small businesses wish to talk about something tonight hire more people. That is something, I and other companies here in America that was not accomplished. It was not think, over time, will play out and will to be able to invest more, to be able to accomplished in this vote we just had, create the opportunity to lift up every- write off equipment right away when which was the continuing resolution body. they buy it, and, as an example, having that keeps the government funded John F. Kennedy was a Democrat, a lower rate. but he had a lot of things to say that It is also about leveling that playing until January. sounded more like what Republicans field and saying that America, once Some of us pushed hard to include are talking about today. One thing he again, is going to reposition itself as various things in this legislation. I un- said was that ‘‘a rising tide lifts all the leader in the world. Once again, it derstand that some of these items are boats.’’ In the 1960s, he did cut capital will be that beacon of opportunity that controversial, and it was hard to get it gains, by the way, and that tax cut ac- other countries look to and say: We done because you needed 60 votes to- tually generated more economic activ- would like to be like that—a free mar- night. You needed a bipartisan con- ity. ket economy where people who work sensus on how to move forward and not Ronald Reagan, in 1986, actually put hard and play by the rules can get shut down the government. in place tax reform, with a bipartisan ahead. I am not a fan of government shut- group here in the Congress, that ended You can’t say that now with our cur- downs. They don’t work. They are inef- up with strong economic growth in the rent Tax Code because workers lit- ficient. They cost the taxpayer more at 1980s and the 1990s, but that was 31 erally are competing on an unlevel the end of the day, and they cause a lot years ago. That is the last time we playing field with one hand tied behind of pain in the process. made these kinds of substantive com- their back because of our Tax Code. We had the opportunity to pass cer- prehensive changes in the Tax Code. It Three times as many American compa- tain things tonight that were not con- is past time to do it again. nies were purchased by foreign compa- troversial. I don’t understand why we The final thing I will say about the nies last year as the other way around. didn’t do it. Some issues, I understand tax reform proposal is that when you Because of our Tax Code, 4,700 U.S. on the spending front, were more con- talk to businesses that are competing companies became foreign companies troversial. I understand some issues globally, which is more and more com- over the last decade or so. That is were more controversial in terms of panies, including a lot of smaller com- based on an Ernst & Young study that how you deal with the immigration panies now, the global economy is upon came out recently that said, if this tax issue. The DACA issue is one that I us. Some people said: Gosh, I wonder reform proposal we have now passed support resolving. I think we should when the economy is going to affect me had been in place, those 4,700 compa- codify it and resolve that. There were globally? Well, it does. It affects all of nies would still be American compa- different points of view. People wanted us. In your town, wherever it is, and in nies. to add different things there.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:25 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.081 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8241 Let me tell you about one where I reasons, because I asked on both sides nominations received during the 115th don’t think there was any disagree- of the aisle, and one reason I got—- Congress, first session, remain in sta- ment. If we could have passed it to- again, this was leadership on both sides tus quo, notwithstanding the provi- night, it would have provided a lot of of the aisle—is that we can’t do it un- sions of rule XXXI. certainty and predictability to families less we do other things with it. It is The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without in Ohio and around the country. It is called CHIP—Children’s Health Insur- objection, it is so ordered. one that passed my committee, the Fi- ance Program—but it shouldn’t be a f nance Committee, by a strong vote— political chip. It should be taken out of not a bipartisan vote but a unanimous politics. It should be something that EXECUTIVE SESSION vote. That is the Children’s Health In- we deal with separately. surance Program, or the CHIP pro- I will just tell you that using it as le- EXECUTIVE CALENDAR gram. We passed it with a unanimous verage for other programs is not the vote out of committee. way I am going to look at it and not Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I People say: Well, we need to find pay- the way we should look at it. We ask unanimous consent that the Sen- fors for it. It is about $8 billion to do should have passed it tonight. We ate proceed to executive session for the what we did, which is a 5-year exten- should have passed it to help protect en bloc consideration of the following sion of the program, providing cer- some of the most vulnerable members nominations: Executive Calendar Nos. tainty and predictability to families of our society. Funding should be a top 525, 526, 528, and 530. who tonight are wondering what is priority, regardless of your partisan The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without going to happen to this program. Are position and regardless of the political objection, it is so ordered. my kids going to have the kind of qual- climate. It should be out of the polit- The clerk will report the nomina- ity healthcare they can access through ical fray. tions en bloc. the Children’s Health Program, or the I urge my colleagues, when we come The senior assistant legislative clerk CHIP program? back after the first of the year, let’s read the nominations of Kenneth J. There are some pay-fors out there make that a priority. Let’s bring it to Braithwaite, of Pennsylvania, to be that are, again, bipartisan. A big one, the floor. Let’s have a vote. Let’s keep Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- which would cover nearly half of that it bipartisan. Maybe, it could even be potentiary of the United States of cost, is one where you simply ensure unanimous. Let’s give those families in America to the Kingdom of Norway; M. that the Medicaid Program has more Ohio—the 219,000 kids who depend on Lee McClenny, of Washington, a Career integrity. So if a third-party payer is it—and the millions of families around Member of the Senior Foreign Service, paying, the Medicaid Program doesn’t this country the peace of mind to know Class of Minister-Counselor to be Am- pay for it. It is a bipartisan issue, and that we are extending this program. bassador Extraordinary and Pleni- there is an initiative we looked at for Let’s do that 5-year extension, that 5- potentiary of the United States of this program and could have used. year authorization we already passed America to the Republic of Paraguay; I don’t get this notion that we in committee. Let’s take it out of this Brock D. Bierman, of Virginia, to be an couldn’t pass it because we couldn’t political process and put it where it be- Assistant Administrator of the United find the pay-fors. The pay-fors were longs, which is an issue that every sin- States Agency for International Devel- there. I don’t get it that this was con- gle Member of this body should want to opment; and Christopher Ashley Ford, troversial, because it is not. I believe address for the kids they represent. of Maryland, to be an Assistant Sec- that on both sides of the aisle, we I appreciate the opportunity to speak retary of State (International Security wanted to resolve the Children’s Health tonight on the tax reform and tax cut and Non-Proliferation). Insurance Program. legislation. I do think it will provide Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to Again, with all the other issues, I un- the opportunity for everybody I rep- consider the nominations en bloc. derstand. It is tough when you have to resent to have a better future and a Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I get to 60 votes and get this passed in brighter future. ask unanimous consent that the Sen- order to keep the government oper- I appreciate the opportunity to talk ate vote on the nominations en bloc ating, which is not a situation we on the Children’s Health Insurance with no intervening action or debate; should be in, but we are in. I must tell Program. that if confirmed, the motions to re- consider be considered made and laid you, I am very disappointed we were f not able to deal with this one issue to- upon the table en bloc; that the Presi- night that has not been controversial SIGNING AUTHORITY dent be immediately notified of the and that came out of the committee Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, I ask Senate’s action; that no further mo- with a unanimous vote—not bipartisan unanimous consent that the junior tions be in order; and that any state- but unanimous. Senator from Louisiana be authorized ments relating to the nominations be CHIP now helps 219,000 Ohio children to sign duly enrolled bills during to- printed in the RECORD. get the health coverage they need and day’s session of the Senate. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there 9 million children nationwide. Ohio has The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection? the tenth largest program, and CHIP objection, it is so ordered. Without objection, it is so ordered. has been a leading cause in driving the Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, I The question is, Will the Senate ad- insurance rate down for Ohio kids. In yield back my time. vise and consent to the Braithwaite, the case of my home State, we have I suggest the absence of a quorum. McClenny, Bierman, and Ford nomina- seen our CHIP funding being ques- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tions en bloc? tioned because the program was au- clerk will call the roll. The nominations were confirmed en thorized until the end of September. The legislative clerk proceeded to bloc. Now it is no longer authorized. We are call the roll. f not sure exactly how much money we Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I EXECUTIVE CALENDAR have left. We think we have enough to ask unanimous consent that the order get into February in Ohio. Some States for the quorum call be rescinded. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I are worried about even getting into The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. KEN- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- January. NEDY). Without objection, it is so or- ate proceed to the consideration of the Tonight, there was a short-term ex- dered. following nomination: Executive Cal- tension that, as I understand it, will f endar No. 311. take the program into February, but The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without again, it doesn’t provide that long- NOMINATIONS REMAINING IN objection, it is so ordered. term certainty that families are look- STATUS QUO The clerk will report the nomination. ing for. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, as The senior assistant legislative clerk I must tell you that I am dis- in executive session, I ask unanimous read the nomination of Robert P. appointed from what I hear about the consent that the list at the desk of Storch, of the District of Columbia, to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:18 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.083 S21DEPT1 S8242 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 be Inspector General of the National Petty, of Indiana, to be an Assistant The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Security Agency. Secretary of the Interior; Linda Capu- objection, it is so ordered. Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to ano, of Texas, to be Administrator of The clerk will report the nomination. consider the nomination. the Energy Information Administra- The senior assistant legislative clerk Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I tion; and John G. Vonglis, of New read the nomination of Robert ask unanimous consent that the Sen- York, to be Chief Financial Officer, De- Charrow, of Maryland, to be General ate vote on the nomination with no in- partment of Energy. Counsel of the Department of Health tervening action or debate; that if con- Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to and Human Services. firmed, the motion to reconsider be consider the nominations en bloc. Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to considered made and laid upon the Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I consider the nomination. ask unanimous consent that the Sen- table; that the President be imme- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I diately notified of the Senate’s action; ate vote on the nominations en bloc ask unanimous consent that the Sen- that no further motions be in order; with no intervening action or debate; ate vote on the nomination with no in- and that any statements relating to that if confirmed, the motions to re- tervening action or debate; that if con- the nomination be printed in the consider be considered made and laid firmed, the motion to reconsider be RECORD. upon the table en bloc; that the Presi- considered made and laid upon the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without dent be immediately notified of the table; that the President be imme- objection, it is so ordered. Senate’s action; that no further mo- diately notified of the Senate’s action; The question is, Will the Senate ad- tions be in order; and that any state- that no further motions be in order; vise and consent to the Storch nomina- ments relating to the nominations be and that any statements relating to tion? printed in the RECORD. the nomination be printed in the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The nomination was confirmed. RECORD. f objection, it is so ordered. The question is, Will the Senate ad- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without EXECUTIVE CALENDAR vise and consent to the Petty, Capu- objection, it is so ordered. The question is, Will the Senate ad- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ano, and Vonglis nominations en bloc? ask unanimous consent that the Sen- The nominations were confirmed en vise and consent to the Charrow nomi- ate proceed to the en bloc consider- bloc. nation? ation of the following nominations: Ex- f The nomination was confirmed. ecutive Calendar Nos. 456 and 457. EXECUTIVE CALENDAR The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without f objection, it is so ordered. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The clerk will report the nomina- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- EXECUTIVE CALENDAR tions en bloc. ate proceed to the en bloc consider- ation of the following nominations: Ex- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The senior assistant legislative clerk ask unanimous consent that the Sen- read the nominations of Hester Maria ecutive Calendar Nos. 578, 503, and 577. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ate proceed to the en bloc consider- Peirce, of Ohio, to be a Member of the objection, it is so ordered. ation of the following nominations: Securities and Exchange Commission The clerk will report the nomina- PN1286, PN1287, and PN1288. for a term expiring June 5, 2020; and tions en bloc. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Robert J. Jackson, Jr., of New York, to The senior assistant legislative clerk objection, it is so ordered. be a Member of the Securities and Ex- read the nominations of Irving Dennis, The clerk will report the nomina- change Commission for the remainder of Ohio, to be Chief Financial Officer, tions en bloc. of the term expiring June 5, 2019. Department of Housing and Urban De- The senior assistant legislative clerk Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to velopment; Suzanne Israel Tufts, of read the nominations of Tadd M. John- consider the nominations en bloc. New York, to be an Assistant Secretary son, of Minnesota, to be a Member of Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I of Housing and Urban Development; the Board of Trustees of the Morris K. ask unanimous consent that the Sen- and Leonard Wolfson, of Connecticut, Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation ate vote on the nominations en bloc to be an Assistant Secretary of Hous- for a term expiring October 6, 2022; Lisa with no intervening action or debate; ing and Urban Development. Johnson-Billy, of Oklahoma, to be a that if confirmed, the motions to re- Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to Member of the Board of Trustees of the consider be considered made and laid consider the nominations en bloc. Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall upon the table en bloc; that the Presi- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Foundation for a term expiring August dent be immediately notified of the ask unanimous consent that the Sen- 25, 2018; and Lisa Johnson-Billy, of Senate’s action; that no further mo- ate vote on the nominations en bloc Oklahoma, to be a Member of the tions be in order; and that any state- with no intervening action or debate; Board of Trustees of the Morris K. ments relating to the nominations be that if confirmed, the motions to re- Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation printed in the RECORD. consider be considered made and laid for a term expiring August 25, 2024. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without upon the table en bloc; that the Presi- objection, it is so ordered. Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to dent be immediately notified of the consider the nominations en bloc. The question is, Will the Senate ad- Senate’s action; that no further mo- vise and consent to the Peirce and Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I tions be in order; and that any state- ask unanimous consent that the nomi- Jackson nominations en bloc? ments relating to the nominations be The nominations were confirmed en nations be confirmed; that the motions printed in the RECORD. to reconsider be considered made and bloc. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without laid upon the table en bloc; that the f objection, it is so ordered. President be immediately notified of The question is, Will the Senate ad- EXECUTIVE CALENDAR the Senate’s action; that no further vise and consent to the Dennis, Tufts, motions be in order; and that any Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I and Wolfson nominations en bloc? ask unanimous consent that the Sen- The nominations were confirmed en statements relating to the nominations ate proceed to the en bloc consider- bloc. be printed in the RECORD. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ation of the following nominations: Ex- f ecutive Calendar Nos. 545, 546, and 576. objection, it is so ordered. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without EXECUTIVE CALENDAR The question is, Will the Senate ad- objection, it is so ordered. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I vise and consent to the Johnson, John- The clerk will report the nomina- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- son-Billy, and Johnson-Billy nomina- tions en bloc. ate proceed to the consideration of the tions en bloc? The senior assistant legislative clerk following nomination: Executive Cal- The nominations were confirmed en read the nominations of Timothy R. endar No. 299. bloc.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:25 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.096 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8243 NOMINATIONS DISCHARGED cation and Rehabilitative Services, De- an extraordinary woman from my Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I partment of Education; and Douglas home State of Illinois. ask unanimous consent that the Envi- Webster, of Virginia, to be Chief Finan- Heather Gooze lives in Nevada now, ronment and Public Works Committee cial Officer, Department of Education. but she grew up in the Chicago area. Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to be discharged from consideration of She is a survivor of the worst mass consider the nominations en bloc. and the Senate proceed to the en bloc shooting in modern American history. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I consideration of the following nomina- On October 1, she was working as a bar- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- tender at the Route 91 Harvest Festival tions: PN1035, PN1036, PN1037, PN1038, ate vote on the nominations en bloc and PN1172. in Las Vegas. She was there when a with no intervening action or debate; gunman with his own private arsenal The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without that if confirmed, the motions to re- objection, it is so ordered. rained down gunfire from a high-rise consider be considered made and laid hotel, murdering 58 innocent people The clerk will report the nomina- upon the table en bloc; that the Presi- tions en bloc. and injuring more than 500 others. dent be immediately notified of the Ms. Gooze testified at a recent Sen- The senior assistant legislative clerk Senate’s action; that no further mo- read the nominations of Kenneth E. ate Judiciary Committee hearing on tions be in order; and that any state- ‘‘bump stocks,’’ the $200 accessory that Allen, of Kentucky, to be a Member of ments relating to the nominations be the Board of Directors of the Tennessee the Las Vegas gunman used to make printed in the RECORD. his assault rifles fire almost as fast as Valley Authority for a term expiring The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without May 18, 2021; A.D. Frazier, of Georgia, a machine gun. objection, it is so ordered. When she heard the first round of to be a Member of the Board of Direc- The question is, Will the Senate ad- shots, Heather thought it might have tors of the Tennessee Valley Authority vise and consent to the McGuire, been fireworks, but suddenly people for a term expiring May 18, 2022; Jef- O’Scannlain, Rutledge, Collett, and were running in every direction. Some frey Smith, of Tennessee, to be a Mem- Webster nominations en bloc? were shot; many were covered in blood. ber of the Board of Directors of the The nominations were confirmed en Heather directed wounded and fright- Tennessee Valley Authority for a term bloc. ened people to an exit. With about 20 expiring May 18, 2022; James R. Thomp- f other people, she then pushed down a son III, of Alabama, to be a Member of EXECUTIVE CALENDAR fence to make it easier for people to es- the Board of Directors of the Tennessee cape the gunfire. Valley Authority for a term expiring Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I She could have run to safety herself. May 18, 2021; and Christopher Caldwell, ask unanimous consent that the Sen- Instead, she went back to the bar to of Arkansas, to be Federal Cochair- ate proceed to the consideration of the try to help people who had been shot person, Delta Regional Authority. following nomination: PN1109. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without and lay wounded on the ground. Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to One young man had been shot in the consider the nominations en bloc. objection, it is so ordered. The clerk will report the nomination. head. Heather held a jean jacket to his Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The senior assistant legislative clerk wound to try to staunch the bleeding. ask unanimous consent that the Sen- read the nomination of Jon J. When she dropped the jacket, she used ate vote on the nominations en bloc Rychalski, of Montana, to be Chief Fi- her fingers to try to plug the hole in with no intervening action or debate; nancial Officer, Department of Vet- the young man’s head. He died the next that if confirmed, the motions to re- erans Affairs. day. consider be considered made and laid Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to She then saw three men trying to upon the table en bloc; that the Presi- consider the nomination. move another badly injured man using dent be immediately notified of the Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I a metal ladder as a stretcher. Heather Senate’s action; that no further mo- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- reached out to grab a corner of the lad- tions be in order, and that any state- ate vote on the nomination with no in- der and help lift it. The young man on ments relating to the nominations be tervening action or debate; that if con- the ladder grabbed her hand, squeezed printed in the RECORD. firmed, the motion to reconsider be it lightly, and then let go—dead. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without considered made and laid upon the Heather looked around, saw other objection, it is so ordered. table; that the President be imme- dead bodies lying alone, and decided The question is, Will the Senate ad- diately notified of the Senate’s action; that she would not leave that young vise and consent to the Allen, Frazier, that no further motions be in order; man alone like that. Smith, Thompson, and Caldwell nomi- and that any statements relating to She stayed with his body for hours, nations en bloc? the nomination be printed in the until 3:30 in the morning. The nominations were confirmed en RECORD. When his cell phone rang, she an- bloc. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without swered. She told the young man’s f objection, it is so ordered. mother that her only child had died. The question is, Will the Senate ad- The young man’s girlfriend had escaped EXECUTIVE CALENDAR vise and consent to the Rychalski nom- the killing field to the safety of a near- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ination? by hotel. Heather told her that young ask unanimous consent that the Sen- The nomination was confirmed. woman that the love of her life was ate proceed to the en bloc consider- f gone, but Heather would stay with him ation of the following nominations: Ex- LEGISLATIVE SESSION and learn for the family where his body ecutive Calendar Nos. 502, 554, 556, 559, would be taken. and PN1196. At the recent hearing, Heather said The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without MORNING BUSINESS that horrific night in Las Vegas made objection, it is so ordered. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I her part of a growing, grieving ‘‘fam- The clerk will report the nomina- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- ily’’ she had hoped never to join: the tions en bloc. ate proceed to legislative session for a American family of survivors and vic- The senior assistant legislative clerk period of morning business, with Sen- tims of mass shootings. read the nominations of Katherine ators permitted to speak therein for up She said that she has asked herself Brunett McGuire, of Virginia, to be an to 10 minutes each. many times in the days after the Assistant Secretary of Labor; Kate S. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without shooting why she stayed and risked her O’Scannlain, of Maryland, to be Solic- objection, it is so ordered. life for young men she didn’t know and itor for the Department of Labor; Pres- f for their grieving families. She said the ton Rutledge, of the District of Colum- only answer she could come up with bia, to be an Assistant Secretary of TRIBUTE TO HEATHER GOOZE was that she hoped that someone would Labor; Johnny Collett, of Kentucky, to Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I would do the same for her and not leave her be Assistant Secretary for Special Edu- like to take a moment to acknowledge alone in the midst of a massacre.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:25 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.098 S21DEPT1 S8244 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 I think that is the same plea that Mattoon to thank her publicly at a re- tients and helping to find a cure for the many Americans have for this Con- ception at the school. disease. My hope is that we can make gress. They understand that gun safety Mattoon School superintendent that happen, not just for Dr. Conde but is a politically heated issue. They un- Larry Lilly undoubtedly spoke for for every other Dreamer. There are al- derstand that there are constitutional many when he said, ‘‘We are forever most 800,000 Dreamers like Dr. Conde, and legal questions that are difficult to grateful to Angela for her courageous all of whom have just as much poten- balance. actions that saved the lives of our kids. tial to make our communities and our They want us to have the courage to She was a ray of light in our darkest country truly great. To deny them take up that debate rationally, respon- hour.’’ these opportunities because they were sibly and respectfully. ‘‘You’re not going to do this to my brought here as children is as senseless On an average day, 93 Americans are kids.’’ That was what Angela McQueen as it is cruel. killed with guns—93 people a day, vowed before she risked her life to dis- Yet that is the decision the president every day. Over 30,000 Americans a arm a young man with a semiauto- made. He could have worked with Con- year die from guns. Many more live in matic handgun. gress to find a permanent solution for daily fear that they could be next. I hope that all Members of Congress Dreamers while leaving DACA protec- I hope that we can agree to be more will take those words to heart as we tions in place. Instead, he cast them like Heather Gooze, to not abandon our debate gun safety and what we can do aside. His administration has made ab- fellow Americans to face that danger as a society to protect our children and surd, nonfactual, and offensive argu- and fear of gun violence alone. Sup- all Americans from gun violence. ments in support of that decision ever Mr LEAHY Mr. President, we are a porting Senator FEINSTEIN’s bill to ban since. When Attorney General Sessions Nation of immigrants. That should be the sale of ‘‘bump stocks’’ would be a announced that DACA was being termi- an obvious point, but it bears repeating good place to start. nated, he argued that the program was at a time when our President sees po- an example of the Obama administra- f litical advantage in trafficking in tion’s repeated failure to enforce our TRIBUTE TO ANGELA MCQUEEN xenophobic scapegoating. Unless you immigration laws. He argued that such are Native American, you come from a Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I would failure caused crime, violence, and line of people who come from some- like to take a moment to acknowledge even terrorism. During Senate Judici- where else. Indeed, that simple fact is the remarkable courage of a woman ary Committee hearings, I pressed both from my home State of Illinois. an integral part of the American story. We are also a nation that believes the Attorney General and his Depart- Her name is Angela McQueen— that anything is possible. Our ances- ment on this point, to name just one ‘‘Angie’’ to her friends and family. tors and relatives journeyed here be- Dreamer who was involved in terrorist Ms. McQueen teaches math and phys- cause, in America, where you come activity. Of course, they could not, but ical education at Mattoon High School from does not determine what you can apparently, fear-mongering is more ef- in central Illinois. accomplish. In this great country, as fective than acknowledging simple In late September, she was in the long as you work hard and play by the truths. high school cafeteria when she saw a rules, you can achieve your dreams. By definition, Dreamers are law-abid- student pull a semiautomatic handgun That itself is the American Dream. ing. They seek nothing more than to from his backpack and start spraying No single group of people embodies contribute to our country. If the Presi- the cafeteria with gunfire. these ideals more than our Nation’s dent refuses to stand with Dreamers, Ms. McQueen and other teachers at Dreamers. Dreamers grew up in this then Congress must. We have done it the high school had recently been country; they were brought here as before in the Senate. Four years ago, 68 trained on what to do when faced with children. They seek only the oppor- Senators, Democrats and Republicans, the threat of gun violence at school. tunity to contribute to our Nation and voted for comprehensive immigration It is sad and distressing to think that to be legally recognized as the Ameri- reform legislation that I managed on teachers need such training today, but cans that they are. Dreamers are our the Senate floor. That legislation in- that is, sadly, the reality. Thank good- neighbors, our teachers, and our first cluded key protections for Dreamers, ness Angie McQueen had that training. responders. including an expedited pathway to citi- The instant she saw the gun, she Nearly a thousand Dreamers serve in zenship. It is time for the Senate to act lunged and pushed the young man’s our Armed Forces, risking their lives again now and for the House to follow hand towards the ceiling so he couldn’t to defend the only country they have suit. The future of Dreamers and the shoot others. ever known as home. We cannot in fate of the American Dream itself lies She said she had only one thought in good faith claim to care about the in our hands. her head as she acted, as she put it, American Dream if we neglect to pro- f ‘‘You’re not going to do this to my tect the very people who are living it. kids.’’ Take, for example, Dr. Juan Conde, a PERU Hundreds of students were in the caf- DACA recipient and a resident of Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I want to eteria at the time. One student was Vermont. Dr. Conde was born in Mex- speak briefly about the unfolding polit- shot and hospitalized briefly, and an- ico and brought to the United States as ical crisis, which is also a crisis for jus- other student suffered minor injuries a child by his mother. In 2007, his tice, in Peru. when he was apparently grazed by gun- mother was tragically taken by cancer. Peru transitioned to democracy in fire. Showing remarkable courage and de- 2000, after two decades of internal School and law enforcement officials termination for a young man, this armed conflict and authoritarian rule. say that Ms. McQueen’s selfless actions tragedy inspired Dr. Conde to find a The country has made important likely saved students’ lives. way to help cancer patients like his strides in rebuilding its democratic in- One student who witnessed the inci- mother; yet he was unable to become stitutions, consolidating the rule of dent told a reporter for a local news- an oncologist due to his immigration law, and combating impunity, but paper, ‘‘Ms. McQueen is like Chuck status. So instead, he decided to obtain today, efforts by a majority in the Pe- Norris, basically. She’s a hero.’’ a Ph.D. in cancer research from the ruvian Congress to arbitrarily remove Angela McQueen is the daughter of University of Texas. judges from the country’s highest two retired teachers. In her biography Dr. Conde wanted to treat cancer pa- court, the Constitutional Tribunal, and on the school’s website, she was asked tients, not just study the disease. After to oust the attorney general for coura- to describe why she became a teacher. receiving DACA status in 2012, he was geously doing his job, threaten to un- The first reason she gave: ‘‘I wanted to empowered to pursue his medical de- dermine those gains and reverse Peru’s make the world a better place.’’ gree. He is currently a medical student democratic progress. She has certainly done that. at University of Vermont’s Lanier Col- As a former prosecutor and the sen- Ms. McQueen is modest. She doesn’t lege of Medicine. ior Democrat on the Senate Judiciary like being in the spotlight, but she re- Dr. Conde hopes to spend his life in Committee, I am especially concerned cently allowed the city and families of the United States treating cancer pa- about the attempt by the majority in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:18 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.086 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8245 Peru’s Congress to impeach Attorney published with the report noted that: more than 11,000 people across six General Pablo Sanchez in the midst of ‘‘Far from isolating repressive coun- countries, left thousands of children his office’s investigation into allega- tries for their authoritarian behavior, orphaned, caused an estimated eco- tions that the Presidential campaign of the United States, in particular, has nomic loss to those countries of nearly Keiko Fujimori received illegal con- cozied up to strongmen such as Turk- $3 billion, and resulted in many people tributions in 2011. The effort to remove ish President Recep Tayyip Erdogˇ an losing confidence in their country’s Attorney General Sanchez strongly and Chinese President Xi Jinping. At public health system. suggests a deliberate strategy to ob- the same time, President Donald It is important to note that Ebola, struct justice and to undermine the au- Trump’s nationalistic rhetoric, fixa- which is spread through direct contact tonomy of the attorney general’s of- tion on Islamic extremism, and insist- and terrified millions of people includ- fice. This would represent a grave set- ence on labeling critical media ‘fake ing in this country, is hardly the most back for hard-fought gains to reestab- news’ serves to reinforce the frame- infectious known disease. Several lish an independent judiciary and the work of accusations and legal charges other disease agents, such as measles rule of law in Peru. It would have seri- that allow such leaders to preside over and influenza, can be spread through ous ramifications for U.S.-Peruvian re- the jailing of journalists.’’ the air and can develop into epidemics lations. The First Amendment to the United or pandemics much more rapidly. Credible allegations of corruption States Constitution has inspired people That is one of the reasons why many must be thoroughly investigated, with- around the world for over 200 years. It global health experts fear that an in- out prejudice to party or power, and was reaffirmed in the Universal Dec- fectious disease outbreak far worse with due process for the accused. I urge laration of Human Rights, and versions than Ebola will occur sometime in the members of Peru’s Congress to support of it have been included in the con- next 20 years and that the number of those who are acting on behalf of the stitutions of many countries; yet while outbreaks will become more frequent. Despite improvements in access to Peruvian people in the pursuit of truth the United States has long been a glob- safe water and sanitation, vaccine de- and justice. Key to this is respect for al leader for freedom of expression, the velopment, and other public health ad- the autonomy of the office of the attor- White House is now actively working vances to combat infectious diseases, ney general and of the Constitutional to undermine press freedom. President an enormous amount of work remains. Tribunal, institutions that are guaran- Trump’s reckless rhetoric has not only One of the most important lessons tors of human rights and the rule of harmed our credibility and our reputa- learned from the Ebola outbreak is law. tion, it has emboldened foreign dic- that time is of the essence. The lack of f tators who fear nothing more than for a rapid, coordinated global response re- their misdeeds to be exposed by the PRESS FREEDOM sulted in many preventable deaths. media. The consequence is journalists Disease surveillance systems were poor Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, we are all threatened and imprisoned, journalists or nonexistent in the severely im- too familiar with President Trump’s assassinated with impunity, publishers pacted countries, there was a lack of ‘‘fake news’’ mantra, which he has re- who are intimidated, and the ultimate trained personnel to rapidly deploy, peatedly used to discredit unfavorable casualty is the truth. and no effective public communication news reports and undermine the credi- f system was in place to inform and up- bility of the media in our country. PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS date local communities. This mantra and the accompanying An additional problem was the in- threats to freedoms of speech and of Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, 2018 ability to quickly mobilize resources. the press have now spread far beyond marks the 100-year anniversary of the Countries and NGOs around the globe our borders. Autocrats and dictators influenza pandemic that killed an esti- lacked a reserve of available funds. The around the world are enthusiastically mated 50 million people, including Congress took a step toward addressing using the concept of fake news and the 670,000 Americans. I suspect most peo- this issue in the fiscal year 2017 State legitimacy granted to it by the Presi- ple assume that, given the remarkable and foreign operations appropriations dent of the United States to further advances in modern medicine since bill, which included a $70 million emer- undermine and restrict press freedom 1918, nothing so disastrous could hap- gency reserve fund to address infec- and fact-based reporting on corruption, pen again, but in fact, it could, and tious disease outbreaks around the human rights, and other abuses in next time, it could be even worse. The globe. In the fiscal year 2018 Senate their own countries. spread of infectious diseases and drug version of the State and foreign oper- For example, in response to an Am- resistance, and the accompanying ations bill, Chairman GRAHAM and I in- nesty International report on thou- threats to global security, are on the cluded $130 million for programs to pre- sands of military prison deaths in rise, and the international community vent and respond to such emerging Syria, President Bashar al-Assad re- is woefully underprepared to fight health threats. marked, ‘‘You can forge anything these back. However, as I have said before and I days, we are living in a fake news era.’’ The several large-scale infectious dis- will say again, far more needs to be Similarly, in response to news reports ease outbreaks of the last two decades, done to build the public health infra- on persecution of the Rohingya ethnic including SARS, H1N1, and Ebola, have structure to prevent and respond to minority group in Myanmar, an officer revealed the extent to which individual disease pandemics. As the inter- in Myanmar’s Rakhine state security countries and the international com- national community works to be more ministry stated, ‘‘There is no such munity at large need to dramatically prepared for infectious disease out- thing as Rohingya. It is fake news.’’ improve their preparedness to respond breaks, the U.S. should continue to The list goes on and includes com- to such potentially catastrophic health play a leading role in preparedness ments from autocratic leaders in the crises. planning. Unfortunately, President Philippines, Venezuela, Russia, China, The stark reality is that the threat is Trump’s fiscal year 2018 budget would and Turkey, among others, who have increasing. An ever-growing, increas- cut funding for these very programs, used the fake news mantra to legiti- ingly mobile global population will including for the Centers for Disease mize harassment, arrests, and prosecu- provide the breeding ground for the Control and Prevention, which played tions of journalists. emergence and contagion of existing an indispensable role in responding to Last week, the Committee to Protect and new infectious diseases. the Ebola and Zika outbreaks, as it has Journalists, CPJ, released its annual The potential threats from infectious to many other international health cri- census of imprisoned journalists world- disease outbreaks include not only cat- ses. wide, which has hit an historical high astrophic loss of life, but severe eco- It is time we invest and prepare for of 262. The total does not include the nomic harm and social and political in- pandemics in a similar way as we in- many more journalists who were im- stability. The 2014–15 Ebola outbreak, vest and prepare for war, nuclear disas- prisoned for a period of time during the for example, which began with the ters, or other large-scale threats to year before being released prior to the death of a 2-year-old boy in a remote global security. The potential con- December 1 census. A CPJ statement Guinean village, ultimately killed sequences are no less serious. I urge

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:18 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.088 S21DEPT1 S8246 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 the White House to face up to this re- [From Seven Days, October 18, 2017] apolitical ones—on to political history ality and dramatically increase fund- FIFTY YEARS, 13,450 STUDENTS AND 5;000 through the stories behind it. He’s a natural ing for these programs at CDC, the U.S. INTERVIEWS: UVM’S GARRISON NELSON raconteur, whether the topic is the rise of Agency for International Development, CALLS ITACAREER Woodrow Wilson, the Austin-Boston domi- (By Terri Hallenback) nance of the U.S. House or his own Massa- and other Federal agencies that play a chusetts roots. Nelson’s single mom raised role in global health security. When former Vermont governor Howard him and his younger half-sister in working- Dean ran for president in 2004, national f class Lynn after his Communist father left. media turned to University of Vermont po- ‘‘Super paper. Star of the day,’’ Nelson told TRIBUTE TO GARRISON NELSON litical science professor Garrison Nelson for one young woman as he handed back papers insight. to the 39 students in his Electing the Presi- Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I want to ‘‘I think he is an arrogant, ill-tempered take a moment to recognize the dent class last week. schmo who does not play well with others,’’ ‘‘More sources, Maddie. More sources next achievements and contributions of a Nelson told the Houston Chronicle. time,’’ he told another, also loud enough to renowned political scholar, remarkable Many of the same political reporters came be heard by everyone in the room. educator, and a personal friend. This back 12 years later, when Sen. Bernie Sand- Former student Jade Harberg said she year, Garrison Nelson will conclude ers (I–Vt.) wanted the job. They called on liked the way Nelson challenged students five decades of teaching at the Univer- Nelson to capture the politics and person- with candor and humor. ‘‘I appreciated sity of Vermont, where he is recognized ality of the quirky democratic socialist teachers who were willing to shame their who’d once been mayor of Burlington. students to work harder,’’ the 2013 UVM grad as a legend in the department of polit- ‘‘Bernie’s the last person you’d want to be said. ical science. stuck on a desert island with,’’ Nelson told Harberg, who now works for Nelson as a re- Garrison, the inaugural Elliott A. the New Yorker in 2015. ‘‘Two weeks of lec- searcher in Washington, D.C., recalled that Brown Green and Gold Professor of tures about health care, and you’d look for a the professor sent her class an email listing Law, Politics, and Political Behavior, shark and dive in.’’ the students who had turned their papers in is known by some Members of this In his day job, the bearded professor with early and those who had been late. He in- body, as well as legislators throughout a booming, Boston-accented voice has spent cluded a statistical analysis that concluded the country who rely on him to offer nearly 50 years bringing dry political facts to men were more likely to be tardy than life for thousands of students while churning women and told the class, ‘‘This is why political insight. Widely considered a out a steady flow of academic research. women are ruling the world.’’ leading expert on congressional his- To the broader public, though, Nelson is Nelson gets high marks on the website tory, Garrison has authored more than known as the man to whom journalists both Rate My Professors. Former students graded 150 articles and professional papers on local and national regularly turned for well- him 4 out of 5 in quality, and 89 percent say national politics with a major focus on informed analysis—and no-holds-barred they would take his course again. But the the U.S. Congress and elections in skewering—of Vermont politicians and their comments reflect a range of reactions to the professor’s personality. Vermont. His works have educated stu- ambitions. Now, after 13,450 students (including this Some called him a ‘‘genius,’’ ‘‘hilarious’’ dents worldwide and can be found in reporter), 11 books and more than 5,000 and ‘‘extremely helpful.’’ A typical dissenter, close to 500 libraries in the United media interviews (yes, he keeps track), on the other hand, concluded: ‘‘Pompous, has States and 13 countries around the UVM’s most quoted professor is retiring. The a weird inferiority complex about not having world. 146 students in his two political science gone to Harvard.’’ An Irish native of Boston, Garrison classes this semester will be his last. Clark Bensen, a 1974 UVM grad, said Nel- has resided in the Green Mountain Nelson is calling an end to a career that son’s intensity helped push him into polit- ical science from his math-economics major. State for most of his adult life, adding has made him one of UVM’s most public fig- ures. On campus and off, he has chafed and ‘‘For me, he was a breath of fresh air, or much richness to the State’s political more like a gale-force wind,’’ Bensen said. landscape. I have known Garrison since informed generations of students, politicians and voters. ‘‘With full classrooms and mul- Today, Bensen still uses the skills Nelson taught him to run Polidata, a Virginia-based he served as an aide in my office short- tiple book demands at age 75, the pace has firm that analyzes political data. ly after my first election to the Senate. become grueling,’’ said Nelson, whose walk Nelson made an impression on his col- Garrison is as revered as he is brilliant. has slowed to a shuffle on the well-worn His skill and affinity for the esoteric is leagues, too. Anthony ‘‘Jack’’ Gierzynski, route between his Old Mill office and Lafay- chair of the UVM political science depart- evident in both his teaching style and ette Hall classroom. ment, said that when he arrived at the uni- Looking back, it’s hard to believe that Nel- his storytelling, perhaps most notably versity in 1992, he saw Nelson’s students were son lasted a full year, let alone five decades, his magnum opus, ‘‘John William enthralled by his storytelling. McCormack: A Political Biography.’’ at UVM. He’s poked at not just politicians, ‘‘At first, I tried to imitate that,’’ but university brass. In 1971, as a relatively Works like this one have made signifi- Gierzynski said, but he quickly found it new, untenured teacher, he protested the po- didn’t work for him. Noting the 2013 retire- cant contributions to our Nation’s his- litically motivated ouster of a left-wing pro- torical library, offering profiles and ment of equally charismatic political science fessor, Michael Parenti; 30 years later, then- professor Frank Bryan, Gierzynski said Nel- untold stories of the political icons of tenured Nelson feuded publicly with his uni- son is ‘‘the last of that breed.’’ our time. In today’s political environ- versity bosses over pay and college leader- Despite his outsize personality, Nelson has ment, such citations of success and ship. spent a considerable part of his professorial failure can offer us precious insight For a while, Nelson considered leaving career toiling quietly on detailed research on into improving our own oath to serve. UVM. From 1996 to 2002, he worked part-time esoteric subjects. He has produced thick vol- As Garrison departs the Old Mill at at Boston area colleges and had designs on umes on the membership of congressional landing a full-time job at one of them. But the University of Vermont at the end committees that may be valuable reference he held on to his tenure and continued to books—albeit not best sellers. of this year, he will leave a legacy that teach in Burlington during that time. He’s At least one student appreciated that. has reached more than 13,000 students. now one of the university’s longest-serving ‘‘The guy has an encyclopedic mind and has With them and many others, he has professors. done granular research on New England poli- shared his appreciation of and rev- As he completes his employment, Nelson tics,’’ said journalist Scott MacKay, a 1974 erence for the American political sys- said he has mellowed. He claims to admire grad who has long relied on Nelson’s in- tem and the need for participation to the full slate of university leaders above sights—and quotability—as a political re- ensure the success of our democracy. I him. The twice-divorced Nelson remarried porter in Vermont and Rhode Island. this year. He literally beams over the posi- Nelson had wanted to write a book about am grateful for his commitment to in- tive reviews of his newly released book, a McCormack since he met the former House spire the next generation of political 910–page tome on the little-remembered speaker in 1968, just before he started work- leaders. 1960s-era U.S. House speaker John McCor- ing at UVM. Eleven publishers turned him In recognition of Garrison’s timeless mack. Nelson refers to the book’s publica- down—McCormack was a key player in his contributions, I ask unanimous con- tion as the ‘‘crowning moment’’ of his ca- time but a relatively obscure historical fig- sent that an article by Terri reer. ure—before Bloomsbury Publishing finally Hallenback. appearing in Vermont’s At an official gathering last week to honor offered him a deal. John William McCor- own Seven Days, about Garrison’s his upcoming retirement, Nelson told col- mack: A Political Biography came out in achievements be printed in the leagues that a friend asked him why he March. wanted to retire now, when things are going Such work earns an author academic credi- RECORD. so well. ‘‘My answer was, ’It won’t get any bility, but Nelson is more likely to be re- There being no objection, the mate- better than this,’’ ’ he said. membered for his outspoken political com- rial was ordered to be printed in the In the classroom, Nelson is known for turn- mentary. Insisting it ‘‘was not a central fea- RECORD, as follows: ing large numbers of students—including ture of my UVM life,’’ he explained, ‘‘I fell

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.090 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8247 into it because, apart from my buddy Frank ‘‘He showed no mercy,’’ Welch said. ‘‘He former governor Peter Shumlin and has been Bryan, others at UVM were reluctant to do was extremely good at cutting folks down to just as quiet on Gov. Phil Scott and Presi- it.’’ a size that was smaller than they thought dent Donald Trump. But he makes no apolo- Nelson has been analyzing Vermont poli- they deserved.’’ gies for comments made over the years about tics for print and television journalists since Daughter Stewart provides some insight. politicians, students or his bosses. Democrat Phil Hoff sat in the governor’s of- ‘‘What my father has most railed against is ‘‘When you’re an outspoken person, you’re fice in the 1960s. He’s provided plenty of anyone who has even the slightest sense of going to piss people off. I’ve pissed people straight, factual observations but over time entitlement,’’ she said of Nelson, who often off,’’ Nelson said. ‘‘But I’m still here—50 became known for a spicier variety of anal- talks about growing up poor. years.’’ ysis. Nelson saw that attitude in Dean, who He admits that he’s dished it out unevenly. grew up on New York City’s Park Avenue. f Nelson thinks highly of Sen. Patrick ‘‘His born-again liberalism has caught a lot Leahy (D–Vt.), for whom he worked for two of us by surprise—it’s a case of ‘Howard, we years, so Leahy has largely been spared his hardly knew ye,’ ’’ Nelson told the Associ- BUDGETARY REVISIONS barbs. He has also generally spoken favor- ated Press in 2003. ‘‘He’s really a classic Mr. ENZI. Mr President, section 251 ably of the political skills of former U.S sen- Rockefeller Republican: a fiscal conservative ator Jim Jeffords (I–Vt.) and former Repub- of the Balanced Budget and Emergency and social liberal.’’ Deficit Control Act of 1985, BBEDCA, lican governors Jim Douglas and Richard His disapproval of Welch, a lawyer from Snelling. Springfield, Mass., is more complicated. Nel- establishes statutory limits on discre- For Sanders, whose political career he’s son viewed Welch and his late wife, Joan tionary spending and allows for various followed since 1981, Nelson has both criticism Smith, as a couple in search of power—his in adjustments to those limits, while sec- and affection. ‘‘The difference between Ber- politics and hers at UVM, where she was tions 302 and 314(a) of the Congres- nie and most of the lefties is, Bernie wants dean of the College of Arts and Science and sional Budget Act of 1974 allow the to win,’’ Nelson said in the October 2015 New Nelson’s boss. Yorker article. ‘‘Most lefties don’t want to chairman of the Budget Committee to In a 2001 column, the late Seven Days col- win, because if you win, you sell out your pu- establish and make revisions to alloca- umnist Peter Freyne wrote, ‘‘Nelson told rity.’’ tions, aggregates, and levels consistent Seven Days that Smith and her husband, His analysis was acceptable to his daugh- with those adjustments. The Senate is ter, Shyla Nelson Stewart, a Sanders devotee former gubernatorial candidate Peter Welch, ‘wanted to be the Democratic Snellings, with considering the House Amendment to who seconded the senator’s nomination at H.R. 1370, the Further Additional Con- the Democratic National Convention. Peter holding the governor’s office and Joan ‘‘The most important thing he said was, holding high office at the university’—a ref- tinuing Appropriations Act, 2018, which Bernie has been on the same agenda his en- erence to the late Governor Richard Snelling provides emergency funding for na- tire career,’’ she said of her dad’s comments, and wife Barbara Snelling, who served as a tional security accounts. ‘‘and that that agenda has caught up with UVM vice president for many years.’’ This legislation includes language the times.’’ Nelson does not let go of such opinions eas- that increases security discretionary ily, nor does he like being on the receiving Nelson has been harder on Dean and Con- budget authority by $4,686 million this gressman Peter Welch (D–Vt.). end of the kind of criticism he so readily ‘‘I never understood why Howard was run- doles out to others. year and designates it as emergency ning for president other than the fact that Nelson recalled comments Freyne made funding pursuant to section Howard wanted to be president,’’ he said be- about him during Dean’s 2004 presidential 251(b)(2)(A)(1) of BBEDCA. CBO esti- fore class one day last month. ‘‘It was just campaign. ‘‘Peter bashed me in four separate mates that this budget authority will Howard’s ego.’’ Dean did not respond to a columns,’’ Nelson said, alleging that Freyne increase discretionary outlays by $803 message from Seven Days seeking his point was courting Dean’s campaign in hopes of million in 2018. of view. landing a job. As a result of the aforementioned In one of those columns, Freyne said, Nelson is slightly less dismissive of Welch. designations, I am revising the alloca- Nelson said their feud started when he made ‘‘Garrison despises Howard Dean, always has a comment to a reporter during Welch’s 1988 and always will. We suggest it’s all about tion to the Committee on Appropria- campaign for the Democratic U.S. House ego—Nelson’s, not Dean’s.’’ tions by increasing the revised security nomination, saying Welch’s strategy of con- Asked why this still roiled him 13 years budget authority limit by $4,686 mil- centrating his campaign in southern after Dean’s campaign ended and eight years lion and outlays by $803 million this Vermont was a mistake. ‘‘Peter took of- after Freyne’s death, Nelson said, ‘‘I’m Irish, year. Further, I am increasing the fense,’’ Nelson said. When Welch confronted for Chrissakes; I don’t forget anything. Irish budgetary aggregates for 2018 by those him, Nelson said, he responded with choice Alzheimer’s—you never forget a grudge.’’ same amounts. words. Nelson doesn’t get as much ink in the Welch insisted last week that he doesn’t newspapers as he once did—which is his I ask unanimous consent that the ac- remember the incident or Nelson’s specific choice, he said, because answering questions companying tables, which provide de- comments, though he did say the professor from reporters takes away from his research tails about the adjustment, be printed was always critical. time. He didn’t have a lot to say about in the RECORD.

There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as follows:

REVISION TO BUDGETARY AGGREGATES—(PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 311 AND 314(a) OF THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET ACT OF 1974) [$ in millions]

2018

Current Spending Aggregates: Budget Authority ...... 3,080,461 Outlays ...... 3,100,621 Adjustments: Budget Authority ...... 4,686 Outlays ...... 803 Revised Spending Aggregates: Budget Authority ...... 3,085,147 Outlays ...... 3,101,424

REVISION TO SPENDING ALLOCATION TO THE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018—(PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 302 AND 314(a) OF THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET ACT OF 1974) [$ in millions]

2018

Current Allocation: Revised Security Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 549,057 Revised Nonsecunty Category Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 552,266 General Purpose Outlays ...... 1,187,547 Adjustments: Revised Security Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 4,686 Revised Nonsecunty Category Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 0 General Purpose Outlays ...... 803 Revised Allocation: Revised Security Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 553,743

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 8634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.065 S21DEPT1 S8248 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 REVISION TO SPENDING ALLOCATION TO THE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018—(PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 302 AND 314(a) OF THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET ACT OF 1974)—Continued [$ in millions]

2018

Revised Nonsecunty Category Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 552,266 General Purpose Outlays ...... 1,188,350 OCO Program Integrity Disaster Relief Emergency Total

Memorandum Detail of Adjustments Made Above: Revised Security Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 0 0 0 4,686 4,686 Revised Nonsecunty Category Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 0 0 0 0 0 General Purpose Outlays ...... 0 0 0 803 803

TRIBUTE TO LUTHER STRANGE bill will benefit these families in South Randy Herdon, Senator Portman’s tax Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, today I Dakota and around the country. staffer, Zach Rudisill, and Senator wish to honor my good friend and col- Today I would like to take a few min- Scott’s tax staffer, Shay Hawkins. league from Alabama, Senator LUTHER utes to recognize the hard work of I know many of them over the last STRANGE, prior to his departure from those Members and staff who made the few months were running on very little the U.S. Senate. legislative goal of tax reform a reality. sleep and perhaps missing important While LUTHER and I have worked First, thank you to Senator Hatch events at home with family and friends closely together in the Senate, our for his leadership and members of the in order to be here at work. Neverthe- friendship dates back nearly four dec- Finance Committee for a job well done. less, they were patient, thoughtful, and ades. Over the years, I have had the Numerous hearings, member meet- tireless in their efforts because they privilege of not only getting to know ings, and a lot of compromise helped us knew the work was important and the LUTHER, but also getting to know his get this bill to the finish line. impact would be significant. wife, Melissa, and his two sons, Luke As a result, the contributions and We have all benefited from their wise and Keehn. priorities of each member of the Fi- counsel and have a better product for Even before LUTHER was appointed to nance Committee and, frankly, those of it. the U.S. Senate, he and I worked along- the entire conference are reflected in Early next year, this legislation is side each other throughout much of the final product. going to have a real impact on people’s Having once served as a staffer here our careers. When LUTHER was sworn in lives across this country. Their hard myself, I would like to recognize the to fill Attorney General Sessions’ seat, work and contributions helped make it many staff members who contributed I was pleased to have him just down possible. They all worked incredibly to this product. the hall from my office. hard and should be very proud of the As soon as LUTHER was sworn into Mark Warren, who serves as my tax counsel, has put in countless hours on work you have done on behalf of the the Senate, he hit the ground running. American people. His camaraderie, integrity, and great this legislation. It has not been unusual over the last I thank them for their service, and attitude did not go unnoticed. Another congratulations on a job well done. thing we all quickly observed about several months to find him in his office when I arrive at work before 7 a.m. and f LUTHER in the Senate was his willing- ness to help in any situation. He was still at his desk late into the evening. CONFIRMATION OF JAMES C. HO always the first to volunteer, whether With decades of experience, including time spent at the House Ways and Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I the task be big or small. LUTHER is ad- Means Committee and at the Treasury wish to voice my disappointment that mired by Members on both sides of the Mr. James Ho was confirmed to serve aisle, which is rare in Washington. He Department, I and other members of the committee and conference relied as a judge on the Fifth Circuit. has made a lot of friends in the Senate While at the Department of Justice, and has worked in a bipartisan fashion. heavily on Mark’s intricate knowledge of tax policy as we crafted this legisla- Mr. Ho wrote a memo that the George In addition to his work ethic and W. Bush administration used to great attitude, LUTHER was able to ac- tion. He worked very hard to help me ad- greenlight the CIA’s use of torture. complish an incredible amount legisla- Furthermore, Mr. Ho’s comments on tively in a short period of time. His vance priorities in this legislation in- cluding provisions benefiting small campaign finance reveal a common successes include his work on the final thread among Trump judicial nominees National Defense Authorization Act businesses, farmers, and ranchers. Thanks in no small part to his efforts, that I find particularly disturbing. conference negotiations, securing three Mr. Ho argued that some of the de- littoral combat ships, his help in we successfully delivered a tax reform bill that will work for them. Time tainees held by the U.S. at Guanta- achieving the 51 votes needed to pass a namo were not protected under the Ge- once-in-a-generation tax reform pack- spent at the office is time away from family. I am grateful to both him and neva Convention. The memo Mr. Ho age, and helping repeal Obamacare. wrote allowed the CIA to use interroga- LUTHER’s time in the Senate was cut his family for his efforts. I would also like to thank my legisla- tion techniques banned by the Geneva too short. I would be remiss not to Convention that caused the death of a mention how much I, along with my tive director, Jessica McBride, and my staff director, Brendon Plack. Brendon detainee. The interrogation techniques Senate colleagues, have enjoyed his Mr. Ho claimed were legal were ineffec- company. is a native of Madison,SD, and has been tive and their use hidden from law- I thank Senator STRANGE for his time with my office for over 12 years. Jes- makers. As my colleague Senator and service both to Alabama and our sica is a native of Miller, SD, and has Nation here in the Senate. I wish him been with my office for 8 years. Their MCCAIN said when he introduced an all the best in his future endeavors, work, advice, and counsel were invalu- amendment to reaffirm our govern- and I look forward to continuing our able as we moved this bill across the ment’s prohibition on torture in 2015, close friendship. finish line. ‘‘Our enemies act without conscience. Thank you. I would also like to recognize a few We must not.’’ other staff members for their hard I am also deeply concerned by Mr. f work: Jay Khosla, Mark Prater, Jeff Ho’s radical views on money in poli- TAX REFORM BILL Wrase, Nick Wyatt, Matt Hoffman, tics. Mr. Ho has said, ‘‘For truly rad- Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, this week Tony Coughlan, Eric Oman, Jen Acuna, ical but effective reform, we must re- Congress sent the President a tax re- Marty Pippins, Alex Monie, Preston verse course and abolish all restric- form bill that will translate into real Rutledge, Bryan Hickman, Brendan tions on campaign finance.’’ The over- relief for American families. Dunn, and Monica Popp. whelming majority of Americans, both I have spent a lot of time on the floor I would also like to recognize Sen- Republicans and Democrats, disagree of the Senate talking about how this ator Toomey’s tax staff member, strongly with Mr. Ho and believe that

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.073 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8249 unlimited, unattributable amounts in Whether navigating our response to the At multiple points, Nuci failed to re- money in politics corrupts our political atrocities of 9/11, leading the Bureau’s ceive services or the compassionate system. Our political finance systems reform in its aftermath, or trailblazing support he needed. Indeed, after calling has been flooded with secret, corporate the Bureau’s role in combating cyber a crisis hotline while in college, Nuci money since the 5–4 ruling in Citizens crimes, his tenure has been widely was taken into custody by police and United. Mr. Ho’s opinion on campaign lauded. In fact, in 2011, as his 10-year placed in handcuffs. Ultimately, the in- finance favors corporations and the term was set to end, we in the Senate cident resulted in his expulsion. On an- wealthy who use money to yield influ- voted 100 to 0 to extend his term until other occasion, he was told to wait ence and shape policy. 2013. over a month for services when seeking Unfortunately, Mr. Ho is not the only In an era of increasing political and support for his depression while in Trump judicial nominee who has es- cultural tribalism, each time Mr. school. poused such extreme views. Every sin- Mueller has been named or nominated Linda also saw other families pull gle nominee has come from a for a new position, he has received bi- their children from much-needed treat- preapproved list created by the Herit- partisan and unabashed praise—and ment programs because they could not age Foundation and the Federalist So- rightly so. afford the costly care. She saw first- ciety. This intellectual hegemony will Mr. Mueller, as an expert in law en- hand that survivors of suicide are often harm Americans seeking redress in the forcement, could not be better suited relegated to the shadows, met by un- courts. Recently, three judicial nomi- for the task at hand: an investigation comfortable silence, or blamed for nees withdrew their names from con- into Russia’s interference in the U.S. their loved ones’ deaths. sideration after the American public elections. That Russia interfered in our Linda’s personal account sheds light learned how inexperienced and unfit elections is neither conjecture nor an on this tragic and pervasive problem. they were for a lifetime appointment. I attempt to rewrite the political out- Though Nuci Phillips took his own life encourage the Trump administration comes of 2016. It is a fact that was true 20 years ago, his story, sadly, remains to submit mainstream nominees and to for the U.S. and many European allies just as relevant today. stop outsourcing our judicial system to in the last year and will remain a seri- The American Foundation for Sui- rightwing think tanks. ous risk to the validity of our future cide Prevention reports that nearly elections if we do not take action. Mr. f 36,000 American’s die by suicide each Mueller’s investigation will serve as a year; that is one American every 15 SPECIAL COUNSEL MUELLER necessary step to secure the ability of minutes. According to the Center for Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, today I Americans to cast their vote in con- Disease Control, CDC, suicide is the wish to commend Robert Mueller’s ca- fidence for those who will represent third leading cause of death among reer as a public servant and to con- them in Washington. Nothing could be young people between the ages of 10 demn partisan, political attacks on Mr. more sacred or more American. and 24 and results in approximately Mueller’s reputation and American Serious, prudent, and thorough con- 4,600 lives lost each year. democratic systems. gressional oversight is always appro- In recent years, a shocking number A brief glance at Mr. Mueller’s biog- priate. Reckless, partisan attacks on of young people have attempted or raphy reflects his consistent commit- the integrity of an honest public serv- ended their life through suicide as a re- ment to serve the American people ant are not the same as congressional sult of bullying. Though not all in- with honor and courage. As a young oversight. Attacks like these embolden stances of bullying lead to suicide, our enemies, animate opponents of de- man, Mr. Mueller served with distinc- bully victims are between two to nine mocracy, and inspire terrorists. These tion in the Vietnam war. His list of times more likely to consider suicide attacks are nothing short of unpatri- commendations and military decora- than nonvictims, according to studies tions, including a Bronze Star, two otic. I call on my colleagues on both sides by Yale University. Navy Commendation Medals, the Pur- Nearly one in four students aged 12 to of the aisle to stand up for the integ- ple Heart, and the Vietnamese Cross of 18 are affected by bullying and harass- rity of the process that Mr. Mueller is Gallantry, are emblematic of his lead- ment, according to recent data from leading. Skepticism of the outcomes of ership and exemplary service. his investigation triggered by dis- the Department of Education. Another Mr. Mueller not only fought coura- honest smears on Mr. Mueller’s reputa- Department study estimates that 60,000 geously on the battlefield, but upon re- tion by Washington politicians would students in the U.S. do not attend turning home and earning his law de- have lasting results and would com- school each day because they fear gree, he continued serving his country promise the ability of law enforcement being bullied. Bullying and harassment throughout his legal career. He cut his to protect U.S. from our enemies, for- are a significant problem in our teeth working in U.S. attorney’s offices eign and domestic. schools. in Boston and San Francisco for over a These are issues that we can begin to decade, and when he later served at the f address today by confronting bullying Department of Justice, Mr. Mueller SAFE SCHOOLS IMPROVEMENT in our schools through strong was nominated by President George H. ACT antibullying policies. In far too many W. Bush to lead the criminal division, Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I rise to communities, whether in Pennsylvania where he oversaw cases as diverse as speak about ‘‘A Beautiful Here,’’ a or across the Nation, we are forced to the prosecution of Panamanian dic- memoir by Linda Phillips that chron- deal with tragic consequences of bul- tator Manuel Noriega and the icles her struggle to overcome the ex- lying or harassment when these poli- Lockerbie bombing. traordinary grief of losing her son, cies or organizations do not exist. In 1995, Mr. Mueller’s dedication to Nuci, to suicide following his long bat- Other resources include school coun- public service led him to leave a high- tle with depression. selors and crisis hotlines. paying position at a private firm to Linda writes about an empathetic, My bill, the Safe Schools Improve- join the DC U.S. attorney’s office caring, and happy child who grows in- ment Act, may not prevent all homicide division to hold violent of- creasingly distressed through adoles- incidences of bullying, but it is an im- fenders accountable for their crimes. cence. Nuci retreated from their close- portant step in the direction of tack- Three years later, he became a U.S. at- knit family and, despite their efforts to ling this problem and holding school torney himself, serving in San Fran- support him through several periods of districts accountable. cisco and earning himself a reputation crisis and treatments, he succumbed to Depression and suicide, whether as a dogged and fair prosecutor com- his disease. brought on by bullying or not, is a seri- mitted to enforcing the rule of law. Though the family was distraught ous disease with potentially deadly re- In 2001, Mr. Mueller was nominated and heartbroken by Nuci’s death, sults. More teenagers and young adults by a second Republican President, Linda Phillips was also appalled at the die from suicide than from cancer, George W. Bush, as the Director of the lack of supports for individuals strug- heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, FBI, a position to which he was con- gling with suicide and for families who stroke, pneumonia, influenza, and firmed unanimously by this body. have lost loved ones to depression. chronic lung disease combined.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.095 S21DEPT1 S8250 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 We must fight against this destruc- Christopher, and daughter, Jennifer. when we put the force into Bosnia, he tive illness by ensuring all children and They lovingly welcomed in their was critical coordinating the air trans- young adults have access to affordable daughter-in-law Brooke and son-in-law port. He was impressive because he was and effective mental health treatment Scott, and celebrated the birth of five not only professional but innovative— and services, such as counseling, medi- grandchildren, Emily, Rachel, Sara, this was all new stuff’’ cation, and crisis intervention. I would Jacob, and Katie. Of course, no family In 1998, Lieutenant General Short re- like to thank Linda Phillips for shar- is complete without its pets and those turned to Naples, Italy, now as the ing her story and helping to shine a who knew the Shorts will always re- commander NATO’s Allied Air Forces light on this pervasive disease. member Hobo, Bogie, and Muppet. Southern Europe, leading the 19-mem- ber NATO alliance and directing all air f Lieutenant General Short understood the importance of family and was a de- operations in southern Europe. It was REMEMBERING LIEUTENANT GEN- voted son, husband, father, and grand- during this time our Nation called on ERAL MICHAEL CHARLES SHORT father. He was also an airmen’s air- General Short’s expertise in the em- Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, as co- man. ployment of military power to try and chair of the Air Force Caucus, I rise to Lieutenant General Short exempli- achieve peace. Lieutenant General pay tribute to Lt. Gen. Michael C. fied what the Nation should demand of Short, who always left political discus- Short, who served this country faith- its military members and senior lead- sions to others, was directed to travel fully for over 51 years, 35 years as an ers. He was a master in the profession with Richard Holbrooke to Belgrade, Air Force fighter pilot and another 16 of arms, a master of employing the Serbia, to be part of negotiations with years as an Air Force and joint senior military tool of national power, and a Federal Republic of Yugoslavian Presi- mentor to leaders and future leaders of master instructor to generations of of- dent Slobadan Milosevic. During the our military. Lieutenant General Short ficers who continue to follow him and meeting, President Milosevic leaned passed away on 27 October after a bat- keep his legacy alive in service to our forward and said to Lieutenant General tle with cancer, and for those who Nation. Upon earning his silver wings, Short, ‘‘So, you are the man who is knew him, it is the only battle he ever he began a flying career focused on going to bomb me.’’ Lieutenant Gen- lost. fighter aviation. He amassed over 4,600 eral Short replied, ‘‘Well, I hope that won’t be the case. I have a plan to pro- Born in Princeton, NJ, on 24 Feb- flying hours and flew the F–4C, F–4D, pose to your generals that will prevent ruary 1944, Lieutenant General Short F–4E, RF–4C, F–102, F–106, A–7, F–117, your country from being bombed, but was the only child of Janet MacDonald A–10, F–15E, and F–16. He flew 276 com- in essence, you’re right. I have U–2s in Short and Charles Francis Short. He bat missions over Vietnam in the F–4, one hand and B–52s in the other, and grew up in a military family and lived flew and commanded combat missions the choice is up to you.’’ His statement in New Jersey, North Carolina, Japan, during Desert Storm in the F–15E, and broke the tension, and the discussions Kentucky, Mississippi, and France. directed over 35,000 combat missions went on from there. The negotiations Lieutenant General Short’s father, during Operation Allied Force over successfully postponed the war, but on Charles, was a paratrooper and a mem- Yugoslavia. 24 March 1999, Lieutenant General In 1969, then-Captain Short, an F–4C ber of the 82nd Airborne Division. Short was directed to begin air oper- When Lieutenant General Short was pilot, was awarded the Silver Star for ations against Yugoslavia. He success- born, his father was stationed in Eng- courageous action in Vietnam. General fully executed Operation Allied Force, land preparing for the D-Day invasion. Short was enroute to a target in North a 78-day NATO bombing effort to stop On 6 June 1944, Charles Short jumped Vietnam when he was diverted to sup- the Serbian ethnic cleansing of Mus- into occupied France as a member of port an F–105 pilot that was shot down, lims in Kosovo. the 507th Parachute Infantry Regi- had ejected, and was in the water off Lieutenant General Short received a ment. He fought in the Battle of the the coast of North Vietnam. He was bachelor of science degree from the Air Bulge and helped liberate Europe from tasked to take out the antiaircraft ar- Force Academy, a master’s degree in Nazi Germany. tillery sites that had shot down the F– systems management from the Univer- As most military children, Lieuten- 105 so they could bring in the rescue sity of Southern California, was a dis- ant General Short attended several aircraft. Both he and his wingman were tinguished graduate of Air Command schools growing up and excelled athlet- hit multiple times by antiaircraft ar- and Staff College and attended the In- ically and academically at every one. tillery but were able to make it back dustrial College of the Armed Forces in He attended high school in France, par- to base safety after delivering all their Washington, DC. His decorations in- ticipating on his school’s football, bas- rockets on target, knocking out the clude the Defense Distinguished Serv- ketball and baseball teams, and grad- gun sites, and enabling the rescue of ice Medal with one oakleaf cluster, the uating at the top of his class. Lieuten- the downed F–105 pilot. AF Distinguished Service Medal with ant General Short applied for and was In 1986, then-Colonel Short was hand- one oakleaf cluster, the Silver Star, accepted into the U.S. Air Force Acad- picked to be the operations group com- the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished emy, entering as a basic cadet on 26 mander of the 4450th Tactical Group at Flying Cross with one oakleaf cluster, June 1961. Nellis Air Force Base, which operated and the Air Medal with fourteen In February 1965, then-Cadet First the highly classified F–117A stealth oakleaf clusters. In 1999, he was pre- Class Short met the love of his life, fighter. He soloed in the F–117A on 14 sented the Air Force Association’s Virginia Suhonen, a fourth-grade January 1986, Bandit 199, and com- highest honor to a military member in school teacher, in Manitou Springs, manded the group until 1988. the field of national security, the H.H. CO. Lieutenant General Short grad- In 1995, Lieutenant General Short Arnold Award for commanding the air uated the Air Force Academy on 6 June was the chief of staff to the commander campaign during Operation Allied 1965 and married Jini on 14 August 1965, of NATO’s Allied Air Forces Southern Force. and together, they began an incredible Europe in Naples, Italy, during Oper- Lieutenant General Short retired on journey of partnership and selfless ation Deliberate Force, NATO’s first 1 July 2000 and began 16 years of work service to each other and our Nation air campaign, that brought the war in as an Air Force and joint senior men- that lasted 52 years. Bosnian-Herzegovina to an end. The tor focusing on the command and con- Their first of 23 assignments began at following year, as the director of oper- trol of airpower. Lieutenant General Webb Air Force Base in Texas, where ations for U.S. Air Forces in Europe, he Short was known and respected by he attended pilot training. Follow-on was responsible for the deployment and servicemembers from all services in assignments included Arizona, South sustainment of NATO forces and their the United States, as well as our allies. Vietnam, Florida, Minnesota, Colo- equipment in Bosnia-Herzegovina dur- He always gave clear, hard-hitting ad- rado, Washington, Thailand, Phil- ing and after Operation Joint vice, passing on his knowledge of ippines, the Pentagon, North Carolina, Endeavour. Gen George Joulwan, the things he did right and things he did Nevada, Texas, Virginia, Germany, and then-Supreme Commander Europe, wrong. He traveled to the Republic of Italy. Along the way, they grew their said, ‘‘He did the planning for the Korea, Qatar, and many other loca- family, with Jini giving birth to a son, bombing of Bosnia in 1995 and then, tions to advise, teach and train airmen

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.066 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8251 of all ranks in the art of ‘‘operational’’ Over his career, Albert has shown a ter Deborah and son Brian to follow in level warfare. Long after the senior particular passion for giving back to his footsteps as fully engaged members mentor ranks thinned, due to intense the Jewish community, improving our of their community. He has lived a life scrutiny and significant pay cuts, Lieu- schools, and supporting innovation at of kindness, cheerfulness, and compas- tenant General Short stuck with the the community level. sion for all of our fellow citizens. program because it was his passion. In Denver, Albert led the charge to Albert’s life has been guided by a Lieutenant General Short touched transform the Stapleton Airport into a love for his Jewish traditions. He often many lives as evidenced by comments thriving community center with high- talks about the Jewish tradition of written about him by those who knew quality, affordable housing, green tikkun olam, to repair the world, and and served with him: spaces, and new schools. Among those how even when the obligation seems ‘‘He was a father, a husband, a grand- schools is Denver’s Science and Tech- too great, we must not desist from it. father and what made it all work was nology High School, which has at- That is how he lives. He is truly a his complete devotion to those he loved tracted many brilliant students over great American. and commanded. It was an honor to the last 13 years. Albert’s work to revi- Happy birthday to Albert Ratner. serve alongside him ‘‘ talize downtown areas across the coun- f ‘‘High standards, demanding, but try have earned him numerous awards, fair. You knew where the bar was and including the National Building Mu- ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS he challenged you to exceed it. He seum Honor Award, the Urban Land In- pushed me to limits I did not know I stitute’s J. C. Nichols Prize for Vision- 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE could reach.’’ aries in Urban Development, and the ‘‘He was a no-nonsense leader who let HYDRAULIC INSTITUTE Michigan State University’s Distin- his Commanders command. He was also ∑ guished Alumni Award. Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today a hands-on mentor who touched thou- Albert is the proud father of Deborah I wish to recognize the 100th anniver- sands; admired by all and will be great- and Brian, who follow his lifelong val- sary of the Hydraulic Institute and pay ly missed.’’ ues of service, community, and faith. tribute to the exceptional role that ‘‘A superb officer, great warrior and He is also a loving husband to Audrey, pump manufacturers have played in outstanding teacher.’’ improving the delivery of water to ‘‘A great leader . . . as the Air Boss his wife of 36 years, and before that, to his first wife, Faye, who tragically died American homes, American industry, for Operation Allied Force he provided and American agriculture over the past clear guidance and support for me and in an automobile accident. On Albert’s 90th birthday, we celebrate his accom- century. Today pump systems touch the men and women in my deployed the lives of every American, and the Wing . . . I consider it a high honor to plished life, one defined by good humor, compassion, family, and faith. Hydraulic Institute plays a central role have served under him in combat!’’ in developing the policies and stand- ‘‘He really was the kind of leader Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, I want ards needed for safe, reliable, and effi- that made you want to work for the or- to recognize the upcoming 90th birth- day of Albert Ratner on December 26. cient pump operations. ganization and its goals. His name al- On April 18, 1917, the Nation’s leading ways comes up when we talk about the Albert has led a distinguished life that has touched and benefited countless pump manufacturers met in the La good men in those days.’’ Salle Hotel in Chicago for the purpose ‘‘General Mike Short was a great people in Ohio and around the world. of forming a trade association that leader and Patriot. He was a mentor I consider Albert a dear friend and a would ‘‘promote friendship and co- and more importantly a friend. Mike wise adviser, and Jane and I have en- operation among manufacturers in im- loved his Family and his Country . . . joyed the friendship of him and his proving overall pump performance.’’ he will be missed.’’ wife, Audrey, over the years. Whether ‘‘He did a superb job in a very tough it is a discussion over dinner or catch- Since this auspicious gathering of situation. With leadership and top ing up during a Cavs game, we treasure pump manufacturers, government cover like that, the U.S. Air Force is our time with Albert and Audrey. agencies have relied on the Hydraulic unstoppable.’’ Albert grew up in Cleveland during Institute to provide the technical ex- ‘‘I will miss your words as they were the Great Depression, where his family, pertise required to set pump standards always on target and well understood. who were immigrants from Poland, that reflect the evolving priorities of Rolling a nickel on the grass in your turned a small company into a thriving society. remembrance, sir.’’ business through hard work and dedi- In recent years, energy efficiency has I extend my heartfelt thanks to Lt. cation. Well known for his civic in- emerged as a national priority, and the Gen. Mike Short for his selfless service volvement in Cleveland and as a leader Hydraulic Institute has worked closely to this Nation, to his wife, Jini, and to in the Jewish community, Albert is a with the U.S. Department of Energy to his children, Chris and Jenn, and their life trustee of the Cleveland Jewish improve the efficiency of pumping sys- families, for a lifetime of service to Community Federation and a member tems. These systems now account for this Nation. Words cannot describe the of the International Council of the over 20 percent of domestic electrical extraordinary character of Lieutenant American Jewish Joint Distribution energy use and the standards, labora- General Short, his accomplishments, or Committee. The Ratner family was in- tory testing, and labeling advanced by the lasting impact he will have on gen- strumental in establishing the Cleve- the Hydraulic Institute will ultimately erations of service members. His per- land Jewish Archives at the Western save consumers and businesses billions sonal accomplishments live on through Reserve Historical Society in 1976. of dollars. the examples set by his son and daugh- Albert is currently engaged in a se- Pumping systems protect our com- ter, two highly capable and highly re- ries of poverty-related initiatives in munities from flooding and fires, de- spected Air Force senior officers. My his hometown of Cleveland and liver drinking water to our homes, irri- prayers are with his family, and I pray throughout the State in partnership gate our farms, and bring water and the ‘‘Lord Guard and Guide the Men with the Governor and local leaders. fuel to American manufacturers. The Who Fly.’’ Beyond his influence in Ohio, he has Hydraulic Institute works closely with f helped those in need across the country Congress to ensure that the laws gov- by supporting innovative educational erning energy, water, and infrastruc- TRIBUTE TO ALBERT RATNER initiatives that have given promising ture reflect the prominence of pumping Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, I wish youth access to an education that has systems in the management of these to recognize the 90th birthday of Albert opened doors for each of them. essential resources. I would like to spe- Ratner on December 26, 2017. Albert has Albert is a loving husband and fa- cifically applaud the Hydraulic Insti- lived a life of faith and service. Wheth- ther. He has been married to Audrey tute for bringing an important perspec- er as a loving father, life-long philan- for 36 years. His first wife, Faye, who tive to congressional deliberations on thropist, or a successful businessman he met in high school, was tragically how to thoughtfully increase invest- at Forest City Realty Trust, Albert has killed in an automobile accident, after ment in our Nation’s critical water in- worked tirelessly for his community. which he continued raising his daugh- frastructure.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.067 S21DEPT1 S8252 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 It is with sincere admiration that I reins over to Mike Waller. In early colleagues have by now gotten the idea stand today to acknowledge the 100th 2018, the Alaska Veterans Museum will that Suellyn is our ‘‘Energizer Bunny’’ anniversary of the Hydraulic Institute host an event to commemorate her extraordinaire. So on behalf of a very and to wish this exceptional organiza- service in January. I want to take a grateful Senate, I express appreciation tion continued success in developing few moments to express my apprecia- to Suellyn for both of her careers: an policies and advancing standards that tion to Suellyn for her service to our exceptional Air Force career followed improve the lives of every American.∑ Nation and to those who have served it. by a career of outstanding volunteer f Alaska takes great pride in its stand- service to our community.∑ ing as the State which hosts more vet- RECOGNIZING GLASGOW, erans per capita than any other. About f MONTANA 70,000 veterans call Alaska home. It is TRIBUTE TO JOSEPH DARNELL ∑ Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this fitting that Alaska host a museum ∑ week, I have the distinct honor of rec- honoring the service and sacrifice of Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. President, I ognizing the community of Glasgow for our veterans. Suellyn is best known for want to say a few words about someone leading the way with their generosity taking the Alaska Veterans Museum in Alaska who has been very important during the holiday season. Earlier this from idea to reality. In 2005 she began in my State. Joseph Darnell, who we month, members of the community collecting oral histories of veterans know as Joe, is the Alaska Regional successfully conducted their annual from all conflicts. She took on addi- Solicitor for the Department of the In- Block of Bucks program to help raise tional roles as researcher, display de- terior, in Anchorage, AL. He has been funds for local families to have warm signer, fundraiser, grant writer, and in that office since 1992, was made act- clothing during the winter months. membership chair. The museum was ing regional solicitor in 2010, and was This charitable effort brought to- virtual at that point. It organized ex- appointed to his current position in gether a broad collection of the com- hibits for the Anchorage Museum, the 2013. He will be retiring from his job at munity, including the Glasgow Sorop- Alaska Native Heritage Center, and the the end of this year. timists, student council leaders from Anchorage libraries, but didn’t have a The Department of the Interior is Glasgow High School, members of the space of its own. It was Suellyn’s vi- Alaska’s largest landlord, managing 61 National Guard, the local Elks Club, a sion to move the museum from a vir- percent of Alaska’s lands. The way the host of local businesses, and dozens of tual space to a physical space in down- Department of the Interior manages its other volunteers. Through their fo- town Anchorage. She raised funds and lands and resources is critical for Alas- cused actions, the community of Glas- worked with realtors to secure a prime ka’s economy and for the well-being of gow raised over $30,000 to provide more affordable location. And once that lo- our citizens. than 300 hundred children with winter cation was secured, Suellyn recruited a I know that I often talk about Fed- clothing. If you have ever experienced handpicked team to get the museum eral overreach, and while it is true winter along the Hi-Line in northeast open in just 11 days. The Alaska Vet- that, under certain administrations, Montana, you will know how impor- erans Museum opened on April 17, 2011. Alaska has bared the brunt of much of tant it is to have the proper gear. The Suellyn staffed the museum during that overreach, but it was people like generosity of neighbors in towns like nearly all the hours it was open—ex- Joe who made sure that rules and regu- Glasgow is something that we can all cept when she might be in an elemen- lations were followed, that the people appreciate. tary school classroom presenting as a had a voice, and worked to see that It is a Montana hallmark for neigh- Continental soldier during the Amer- good policy prevailed. A former staff bors to identify a need and then gather ican Revolution or speaking about how member for the late great Senator Ted the people and resources to meet that those who fought for America’s inde- Stevens, Joe learned from the best. need at a local level. Going into Christ- pendence survived the battle or when During his tenure, Joe worked on nu- mas, I would like to offer a heartfelt she was coordinating ‘‘Fan Mail’’ to merous land management and land thank you to the folks in Glasgow for the troops. The Alaska Veterans Mu- conveyance issues for the U.S. Fish and giving their time and talents to help seum, I am told, sends more fan mail to Wildlife Service National Refuge Sys- others by adding warmth to the holi- troops than any other small organiza- tem, the Bureau of Land Management, day season.∑ tion in the United States. Suellyn’s im- and the National Park Service. Among f pact in recognizing and supporting our the more notable was the land ex- veterans and Active-Duty change between the United States and TRIBUTE TO SUELLYN WRIGHT servicemembers is remarkable. the Aleut Corporation, which resulted NOVAK One of the most remarkable exam- in the Aleut Corporation acquiring ∑ Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, ples of Suellyn’s determination in- ownership of the closed Adak Naval Air Suellyn Wright Novak of Eagle River, volves her efforts to place a memorial Facility on Adak Island in the Aleu- AK, retired from the Air Force with in the village of Attu in memory of tian Islands. the rank of colonel in 2003 after a dis- those who lost their lives during the Joe was born in Seward and raised in tinguished 32-year career in the bio- Forgotten Battle of World War II. Juneau, Kenai, and Fairbanks. Accord- medical field. She was commander of Suellyn and the museum raised the ing to his wife, Joan, they enjoy cross- three different medical squadron, a necessary funds to create the replace- country skiing, riding bicycles to- clinical laboratory officer, and leader ment memorial but had no way of gether, and spending time in their of the Air Force Blood Program world- transporting it all the way out to Attu. cabin outside of McCarthy. One of his wide. She returned home to begin a Attu is the furthest of the U.S. Aleu- great passions is small airplanes. After second career as a professional volun- tian Islands, nearly 1,500 air miles from the first of the year, they will both be teer. At one time, she held 26 different Anchorage. spending a lot of time in their Cessna volunteer positions. Fortunately, the U.S. Coast Guard 175, flying across the great State of Suellyn’s work with the Eagle River offered a flight for me to tour their Alaska, and watching their daughter Presbyterian Church, the Chugiak/ Loran Station on Attu. I recognized Anna ski for the ski for the Nanooks at Eagle River Chamber of Commerce, the opportunity to offer assistance to the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. and the American Heart Association Suellyn and the museum. I can proudly Through his decades of dedication, cannot go unmentioned, nor can we ig- claim that the new memorial was Joe acquired and maintained a peerless nore her work as a service officer for erected at the site where the former understanding of how both national VFW Post 9785 or the Alaska State residents of Attu lived. Our mission and Alaska-specific laws operate on our Veterans Advisory Council, but was a success with the collaborative ef- Federal public lands in Alaska. He has Suellyn is best known for her work as forts of Suellyn, the museum, and the advised on and navigated a great many the president and executive director of Coast Guard. challenges for our State during his the Alaska Veterans Museum. I could go on and on about all that time in public service, and his knowl- Suellyn officially retired from this Suellyn does, but the list would un- edge and contribution will be dearly second career in October, handing the doubtedly be incomplete. I think my missed.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.059 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8253 Best of luck to him and to his family on behalf of such an official, who is re- take all appropriate measures within and thanks for all he has done for all of sponsible for or complicit in, or has di- their authority to implement the us.∑ rectly or indirectly engaged in: order. f (a) corruption, including the mis- DONALD J. TRUMP. appropriation of state assets, the ex- THE WHITE HOUSE, December 20, 2017. MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT propriation of private assets for per- f sonal gain, corruption related to gov- Messages from the President of the MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE United States were communicated to ernment contracts or the extraction of the Senate by Ms. Cuccia, one of his natural resources, or bribery; or At 10:10 a.m., a message from the secretaries. (b) the transfer or the facilitation of House of Representatives, delivered by the transfer of the proceeds of corrup- Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- f tion; nounced that the House has passed the EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED (3) to be or have been a leader or offi- following bills, in which it requests the As in executive session the Presiding cial of: concurrence of the Senate: Officer laid before the Senate messages (a) an entity, including any govern- H.R. 1159. An act to provide for continuing from the President of the United ment entity, that has engaged in, or cooperation between the National Aero- whose members have engaged in, any of nautics and Space Administration and the States submitting nominations which Israel Space Agency, and for other purposes. were referred to the Committee on the the activities described in (1), (2)(a), or (2)(b) above relating to the leader’s or H.R. 4015. An act to improve the quality of Judiciary. proxy advisory firms for the protection of in- (The message received today is print- official’s tenure; or vestors and the U.S. economy, and in the ed at the end of the Senate pro- (b) an entity whose property and in- public interest, by fostering accountability, ceedings.) terests in property are blocked pursu- transparency, responsiveness, and competi- ant to the order as a result of activities tion in the proxy advisory firm industry. f related to the leader’s or the official’s ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGES tenure; or At 12:34 p.m., a message from the (4) to have attempted to engage in House of Representatives, delivered by any of the activities described in (1), Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- REPORT RELATIVE TO THE (2)(a), or (2)(b) above. nounced that the Speaker has signed ISSUANCE OF AN EXECUTIVE The order also blocks any person de- the following enrolled bills: termined by the Secretary of the ORDER DECLARING A NATIONAL S. 1536. An act to designate a human traf- EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT TO Treasury, in consultation with the Sec- ficking prevention coordinator and to expand THE UNUSUAL AND EXTRAOR- retary of State and the Attorney Gen- the scope of activities authorized under the DINARY THREAT TO THE NA- eral: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administra- TIONAL SECURITY, FOREIGN (5) to have materially assisted, spon- tion’s outreach and education program to in- POLICY, AND ECONOMY OF THE sored, or provided financial, material, clude human trafficking prevention activi- UNITED STATES POSED BY SERI- or technological support for, or goods ties, and for other purposes. OUS HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE AND or services to or in support of: H.R. 1. An act to provide for reconciliation (a) any activity described in (1), pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent CORRUPTION AROUND THE resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018. WORLD—PM 23 (2)(a), or (2)(b) above that is conducted The enrolled bills were subsequently The PRESIDING OFFICER laid be- by a foreign person; (b) any person whose property and in- signed by the President pro tempore fore the Senate the following message terests in property are blocked pursu- (Mr. HATCH). from the President of the United ant to the order; or States, together with an accompanying (c) any entity described in (3)(a) At 6 p.m., a message from the House report and papers; which was referred above where the activity is conducted of Representatives, delivered by Mrs. to the Committee on Banking, Hous- by a foreign person; Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- ing, and Urban Affairs: (6) to be owned or controlled by, or to nounced that the House has passed the To the Congress of the United States: have acted or purported to act for or on following bills, without amendment: Pursuant to the International Emer- behalf of, directly or indirectly, any S. 1393. An act to streamline the process by gency Economic Powers Act, as amend- person whose property and interests in which active duty military, reservists, and ed (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), I veterans receive commercial driver’s li- property are blocked pursuant to the censes. hereby report that I have issued the en- order; or S. 1532. An act to disqualify from operating closed Executive Order (the ‘‘order’’) (7) to have attempted to engage in a commercial motor vehicle for life an indi- declaring a national emergency with any of the activities described in (5) or vidual who uses a commercial motor vehicle respect to the unusual and extraor- (6) above. in committing a felony involving human dinary threat to the national security, In addition, the order suspends entry trafficking. foreign policy, and economy of the into the United States of any alien list- S. 1766. An act to reauthorize the SAFER United States posed by serious human ed in the Annex or determined to meet Act of 2013, and for other purposes. rights abuse and corruption around the one or more of the criteria above. The message also announced that the world. In addition to taking action I have delegated to the Secretary of House has passed the following bills, in under IEEPA, the order implements the Treasury the authority, in con- which it requests the concurrence of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights sultation with the Secretary of State, the Senate: Accountability Act (Public Law 114– to take such actions, including adopt- H.R. 4641. An act to authorize the Presi- 328) (the ‘‘Act’’) and delegates certain ing rules and regulations, and to em- dent to award the Medal of Honor to John L. of its authorities. ploy all powers granted to the Presi- Canley for acts of valor during the Vietnam The order blocks the property and in- dent by IEEPA and the Act, as may be War while a member of the Marine Corps. terests in property of persons listed in necessary to implement the order and H.R. 4667. An act making further supple- mental appropriations for the fiscal year the Annex to the order. It also blocks relevant provisions of the Act. I have ending September 30, 2018, for disaster assist- the property and interests in property delegated to the Secretary of State the ance for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and of any foreign person determined by authority to take such actions, includ- Maria, and calendar year 2017 wildfires, and the Secretary of the Treasury, in con- ing adopting rules and regulations, and for other purposes. sultation with the Secretary of State to employ all powers granted to the The message further announced the and the Attorney General: President by IEEPA and the Act, as House agreed to the following concur- (1) to be responsible for or complicit may be necessary to implement the rent resolution, without amendment: in, or to have directly or indirectly en- provisions of the order and the Act sus- S. Con. Res. 31. Concurrent resolution au- gaged in, serious human rights abuse; pending entry into the United States of thorizing the use of the rotunda of the Cap- (2) to be a current or former govern- certain aliens. All executive depart- itol for a ceremony to award the Congres- ment official, or a person acting for or ments and agencies are directed to sional Gold Medal to Bob Dole.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.094 S21DEPT1 S8254 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 The message also announced that the of the Secretary, Department of Defense, tory: Report to Congress’’; to the Committee House agreed to the amendment of the transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of on Environment and Public Works. Senate to the bill (H.R. 1370) to amend a rule entitled ‘‘Military Commissions’’ EC–3736. A communication from the Direc- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to (RIN0790–AJ58) received in the Office of the President of the Senate on December 13, 2017; Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- require the Secretary of Homeland Se- to the Committee on Armed Services. ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- curity to issue Department of Home- EC–3726. A communication from the Presi- titled ‘‘Confidentiality Determinations for land Security-wide guidance and de- dent, Institute for Defense Analyses, trans- Hazardous Waste Export and Import Docu- velop training programs as part of the mitting, pursuant to law, a report entitled ments’’ (FRL No. 9971–49–OLEM) received in Department of Homeland Security Blue ‘‘Report on Elements Contributing to Ex- the Office of the President of the Senate on Campaign, and for other purposes, with penses Incurred by Contractors for Bid and December 14, 2017; to the Committee on En- an amendment, in which it requests Proposal; to the Committee on Armed Serv- vironment and Public Works. ices. EC–3737. A communication from the Direc- the concurrence of the Senate. EC–3727. A communication from the Under tor of the Regulatory Management Division, The message further announced that Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), trans- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- pursuant to section 5 of the Frederick mitting, pursuant to law, a semiannual re- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Douglass Bicentennial Commission Act port entitled, ‘‘Acceptance of Contributions titled ‘‘Arizona: Authorization of State Haz- (Public Law 115–77), and the order of for Defense Programs, Projects, and Activi- ardous Waste Management Program Revi- the House of January 3, 2017, the ties; Defense Cooperation Account’’ and a sions’’ (FRL No. 9972–09–Region 9) received in Speaker appoints the following Mem- semiannual listing of personal property con- the Office of the President of the Senate on December 14, 2017; to the Committee on En- ber of the House of Representatives to tributed by coalition partners; to the Com- mittee on Armed Services. vironment and Public Works. the Frederick Douglass Bicentennial EC–3728. A communication from the Under EC–3738. A communication from the Direc- Commission: Mr. HARRIS of Maryland; Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Tech- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, And from private life: Ms. Sylvia nology and Logistics), transmitting, pursu- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Quinton of Mardela Springs, Maryland ant to law, a report entitled, ‘‘Military Child ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- and Dr. C. James Trotman of West Initiative Pilot Program Report of Activi- titled ‘‘Approval of California Air Plan Revi- Chester, Pennsylvania. ties, Fiscal Year 2017’’; to the Committee on sions, Placer County and Ventura County Armed Services. Pollution Control Districts’’ (FRL No. 9971– ENROLLED BILL SIGNED EC–3729. A communication from the Alter- 76–Region 9) received in the Office of the At 8:41 p.m., a message from the nate Federal Register Liaison Officer, Office President of the Senate on December 14, 2017; House of Representatives, delivered by of the Secretary, Department of Defense, to the Committee on Environment and Pub- Mr. Novotny, one of its reading clerks, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of lic Works. announced that the Speaker pro tem- a rule entitled ‘‘Amended Interpretive Rule EC–3739. A communication from the Direc- Under the Military Lending Act Limitations tor of the Regulatory Management Division, pore (Mr. UPTON) has signed the fol- on Terms of Consumer Credit Extended to Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- lowing enrolled bill: Service Members and Dependents’’ (RIN0790– ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- H.R. 1370. An act to amend the Homeland ZA13) received during adjournment of the titled ‘‘Approval of Arizona Air Plan Revi- Security Act of 2002 to require the Secretary Senate in the Office of the President of the sion; San Manuel, Arizona; Second 10-Year of Homeland Security to issue Department of Senate on December 15, 2017; to the Com- Sulfur Dioxide Maintenance Plan’’ (FRL No. Homeland Security-wide guidance and de- mittee on Armed Services. 9972–03–Region 9) received in the Office of the velop training programs as part of the De- EC–3730. A communication from the Sec- President of the Senate on December 14, 2017; partment of Homeland Security Blue Cam- retary of the Treasury, transmitting, pursu- to the Committee on Environment and Pub- paign, and for other purposes. ant to law, a six-month periodic report on lic Works. The enrolled bill was subsequently the national emergency that was declared in EC–3740. A communication from the Direc- signed by the Acting president pro Executive Order 13405 of June 16, 2006, with tor of the Regulatory Management Division, respect to Belarus; to the Committee on Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- tempore (Mr. KENNEDY). Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- f EC–3731. A communication from the Prin- titled ‘‘Air Plan Approval; Rhode Island; In- cipal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Energy Ef- frastructure Requirement for the 2010 Sulfur MEASURES REFERRED ficiency and Renewable Energy, Department Dioxide and 2010 Nitrogen Dioxide National The following bills were read the first of Energy, transmitting, pursuant to law, Ambient Air Quality Standards’’ (FRL No. and the second times by unanimous ‘‘Report to Congress on Federal Government 9972–23–Region 1) received in the Office of the consent, and referred as indicated: Energy Management for Fiscal Year 2015’’; to President of the Senate on December 14, 2017; the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- to the Committee on Environment and Pub- H.R. 1159. An act to provide for continuing sources. lic Works. cooperation between the National Aero- EC–3732. A communication from the Acting EC–3741. A communication from the Execu- nautics and Space Administration and the Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclama- tive Analyst (Political), Department of Israel Space Agency, and for other purposes; tion and Enforcement, Department of the In- Health and Human Services, transmitting, to the Committee on Foreign Relations. terior, transmitting, pursuant to law, the re- pursuant to law, a report relative to a va- H.R. 4015. An act to improve the quality of port of a rule entitled ‘‘Oklahoma Regu- cancy in the position of General Counsel, De- proxy advisory firms for the protection of in- latory Program’’ ((30 CFR Part 936) (Docket partment of Health and Human Services, re- vestors and the U.S. economy, and in the ID OSM–2015–0006)) received in the Office of ceived in the Office of the President of the public interest, by fostering accountability, the President of the Senate on December 13, Senate on December 13, 2017; to the Com- transparency, responsiveness, and competi- 2017; to the Committee on Energy and Nat- mittee on Finance. tion in the proxy advisory firm industry; to ural Resources. EC–3742. A communication from the Execu- the Committee on Banking, Housing, and EC–3733. A communication from the Acting tive Analyst (Political), Department of Urban Affairs. Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclama- Health and Human Services, transmitting, f tion and Enforcement, Department of the In- pursuant to law, a report relative to a va- terior, transmitting, pursuant to law, the re- cancy in the position of General Counsel, De- MEASURES READ THE FIRST TIME port of a rule entitled ‘‘Wyoming Regulatory partment of Health and Human Services, re- The following bill was read the first Program’’ ((30 CFR Part 950) (Docket ID ceived in the Office of the President of the time: OSM–2013–0002)) received in the Office of the Senate on December 13, 2017; to the Com- President of the Senate on December 13, 2017; mittee on Finance. S. 2274. A bill to provide for the compensa- to the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- EC–3743. A communication from the Chief tion of Federal employees affected by lapses sources. of the Publications and Regulations Branch, in appropriations. EC–3734. A communication from the Sec- Internal Revenue Service, Department of the f retary of Energy, transmitting, pursuant to Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the law, a report relative to the status of con- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Guidance Under EXECUTIVE AND OTHER struction and operations of the mixed oxide Section 409A for Pre-2009 Section 457A Defer- COMMUNICATIONS fuel fabrication facility (MOX facility) at the rals’’ (Notice 2017–75) received in the Office The following communications were Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site of the President of the Senate on December laid before the Senate, together with in South Carolina; to the Committee on En- 13, 2017; to the Committee on Finance. ergy and Natural Resources. EC–3744. A communication from the Chief accompanying papers, reports, and doc- EC–3735. A communication from the Ad- of the Publications and Regulations Branch, uments, and were referred as indicated: ministrator, Environmental Protection Internal Revenue Service, Department of the EC–3725. A communication from the Alter- Agency, transmitting, pursuant to law, a re- Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the nate Federal Register Liaison Officer, Office port entitled ‘‘National Water Quality Inven- report of a rule entitled ‘‘2017 Required

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.017 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8255 Amendments List’’ (Notice 2017–72) received Semiannual Report of the Inspector General Office of the President of the Senate on De- in the Office of the President of the Senate and the Chairman’s Semiannual Report on cember 14, 2017; to the Committee on Com- on December 13, 2017; to the Committee on Final Action Resulting from Audit Reports, merce, Science, and Transportation. Finance. Inspection Reports, and Evaluation Reports EC–3764. A communication from the Man- EC–3745. A communication from the Chief for the period from April 1, 2017 through Sep- agement and Program Analyst, Federal of the Trade and Commercial Regulations tember 30, 2017; to the Committee on Home- Aviation Administration, Department of Branch, Bureau of Customs and Border Pro- land Security and Governmental Affairs. Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to tection, Department of Homeland Security, EC–3754. A communication from the Acting law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of Chairman, Federal Maritime Commission, ness Directives; Airbus Airplanes’’ ((RIN2120– a rule entitled ‘‘Donations of Technology transmitting, pursuant to law, the Commis- AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0690)) received and Related Support Services to Enforce In- sion’s Performance and Accountability Re- in the Office of the President of the Senate tellectual Property Rights’’ (RIN1515–AE21) port for fiscal year 2017; to the Committee on on December 14, 2017; to the Committee on received in the Office of the President of the Homeland Security and Governmental Af- Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Senate on December 12, 2017; to the Com- fairs. EC–3765. A communication from the Man- mittee on Finance. EC–3755. A communication from the Chair- agement and Program Analyst, Federal EC–3746. A communication from the Fed- man of the Board of the Pension Benefit Aviation Administration, Department of eral Register Liaison Officer, Alcohol and Guaranty Corporation, transmitting, pursu- Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Department ant to law, the Inspector General’s Semi- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to annual Report to Congress for the period ness Directives; Airbus Airplanes’’ ((RIN2120– law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Implemen- from April 1, 2017, through September 30, AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0478)) received tation of Statutory Amendments Requiring 2017; to the Committee on Homeland Secu- in the Office of the President of the Senate the Modification of the Definition of Hard rity and Governmental Affairs. on December 14, 2017; to the Committee on Cider; Delayed Compliance Date of the Hard EC–3756. A communication from the Assist- Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Cider Tax Class Labeling Statement Re- ant Secretary for Legislative Affairs, De- EC–3766. A communication from the Man- quirement’’ (RIN1513–AC31) received in the partment of Homeland Security, transmit- agement and Program Analyst, Federal Office of the President of the Senate on De- ting proposed legislation to amend the Aviation Administration, Department of cember 14, 2017; to the Committee on Fi- Homeland Security Act of 2002; to the Com- Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to nance. mittee on Homeland Security and Govern- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- EC–3747. A communication from the Dep- mental Affairs. ness Directives; Airbus Airplanes’’ ((RIN2120– uty Assistant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, EC–3757. A communication from the Acting AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0710)) received Department of State, transmitting, pursuant Chairman, Federal Maritime Commission, in the Office of the President of the Senate to the Arms Export Control Act, the certifi- transmitting, pursuant to law, the Commis- on December 14, 2017; to the Committee on cation of a proposed license for the export of sion’s Semiannual Report of the Inspector Commerce, Science, and Transportation. defense articles that are controlled under General for the period from April 1, 2017 EC–3767. A communication from the Man- Category I of the United States Munitions through September 30, 2017; to the Com- agement and Program Analyst, Federal List to Ukraine in the amount of $1,000,000 or mittee on Homeland Security and Govern- Aviation Administration, Department of more; to the Committee on Foreign Rela- mental Affairs. Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to tions. EC–3758. A communication from the Chair- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- EC–3748. A communication from the Dep- man, U.S. Election Assistance Commission, ness Directives; Airbus Airplanes’’ ((RIN2120– uty Assistant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Commis- AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0497)) received Department of State, transmitting, pursuant sion’s Semiannual Report of the Inspector in the Office of the President of the Senate to law, a report relative to the Chemical General for the period from April 1, 2017 on December 14, 2017; to the Committee on Weapons Convention and the Australia through September 30, 2017; to the Com- Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Group; to the Committee on Foreign Rela- mittee on Homeland Security and Govern- EC–3768. A communication from the Man- tions. mental Affairs. agement and Program Analyst, Federal EC–3749. A communication from the Dep- EC–3759. A communication from the Chair Aviation Administration, Department of uty Assistant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, of the Equal Employment Opportunity Com- Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Department of State, transmitting, pursuant mission, transmitting, pursuant to law, the law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- to law, a report consistent with the Author- Commission’s Semiannual Report of the In- ness Directives; Airbus Airplanes’’ ((RIN2120– ization for Use of Military Force Against spector General and the Semiannual Man- AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0628)) received Iraq Resolution of 2002 (P.L. 107–243) and the agement Report for the period from April 1, in the Office of the President of the Senate Authorization for the Use of Force Against 2017 through September 30, 2017; to the Com- on December 14, 2017; to the Committee on Iraq Resolution of 1991 (P.L. 102–1) for the mittee on Homeland Security and Govern- Commerce, Science, and Transportation. August 9, 2017 - November 8, 2017 reporting mental Affairs. EC–3769. A communication from the Man- period; to the Committee on Foreign Rela- EC–3760. A communication from the Board agement and Program Analyst, Federal tions. Members, Railroad Retirement Board, trans- Aviation Administration, Department of EC–3750. A communication from the Assist- mitting, pursuant to law, the Board’s Per- Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to ant Attorney General, Office of Legislative formance and Accountability Report for fis- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- Affairs, Department of Justice, transmit- cal year 2017, including the Office of Inspec- ness Directives; Airbus Airplanes’’ ((RIN2120– ting, pursuant to law, a report entitled ‘‘Re- tor General’s Auditor’s Report; to the Com- AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0480)) received port of the Attorney General to the Congress mittee on Homeland Security and Govern- in the Office of the President of the Senate of the United States on the Administration mental Affairs. on December 14, 2017; to the Committee on of the Foreign Agents Registration Act of EC–3761. A communication from the Sec- Commerce, Science, and Transportation. 1938, as amended, for the six months ending retary of Education, transmitting, pursuant EC–3770. A communication from the Man- June 30, 2017’’; to the Committee on Foreign to law, the Department of Education Agency agement and Program Analyst, Federal Relations. Financial Report for fiscal year 2017; to the Aviation Administration, Department of EC–3751. A communication from the White Committee on Homeland Security and Gov- Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to House Liaison, Department of Education, ernmental Affairs. law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of EC–3762. A communication from the Man- ness Directives; Airbus Airplanes’’ ((RIN2120– a vacancy in the position of Director, Insti- agement and Program Analyst, Federal AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2016–6429)) received tute for Education Sciences, Department of Aviation Administration, Department of in the Office of the President of the Senate Education, received in the Office of the Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to on December 14, 2017; to the Committee on President of the Senate on December 13, 2017; law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- Commerce, Science, and Transportation. to the Committee on Health, Education, ness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Type EC–3771. A communication from the Man- Labor, and Pensions. Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter agement and Program Analyst, Federal EC–3752. A communication from the Asso- France)’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA– Aviation Administration, Department of ciate General Counsel for General Law, De- 2015–4031)) received in the Office of the Presi- Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to partment of Homeland Security, transmit- dent of the Senate on December 14, 2017; to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- ting, pursuant to law, a report relative to a the Committee on Commerce, Science, and ness Directives; The Boeing Company Air- vacancy in the position of Inspector General, Transportation. planes’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA– Department of Homeland Security, received EC–3763. A communication from the Man- 2017–0526)) received in the Office of the Presi- in the Office of the President of the Senate agement and Program Analyst, Federal dent of the Senate on December 14, 2017; to on December 13, 2017; to the Committee on Aviation Administration, Department of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Homeland Security and Governmental Af- Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Transportation. fairs. law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- EC–3772. A communication from the Man- EC–3753. A communication from the Chair- ness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutsch- agement and Program Analyst, Federal man of the National Endowment for the land GmbH Helicopters’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) Aviation Administration, Department of Arts, transmitting, pursuant to law, the (Docket No. FAA–2017–0933)) received in the Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.021 S21DEPT1 S8256 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- Aviation Administration, Department of ness Directives; The Boeing Company Air- ness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes’’ Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to planes’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA– ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0528)) law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- 2017–0715)) received in the Office of the Presi- received in the Office of the President of the ness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corpora- dent of the Senate on December 14, 2017; to Senate on December 14, 2017; to the Com- tion’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA– the Committee on Commerce, Science, and mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- 2017–0946)) received in the Office of the Presi- Transportation. tation. dent of the Senate on December 14, 2017; to EC–3773. A communication from the Man- EC–3781. A communication from the Man- the Committee on Commerce, Science, and agement and Program Analyst, Federal agement and Program Analyst, Federal Transportation. Aviation Administration, Department of Aviation Administration, Department of EC–3789. A communication from the Para- Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to legal Specialist, Federal Aviation Adminis- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- tration, Department of Transportation, ness Directives; The Boeing Company Air- ness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes’’ transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of planes’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA– ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0712)) a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; 2017–0772)) received in the Office of the Presi- received in the Office of the President of the Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate dent of the Senate on December 14, 2017; to Senate on December 14, 2017; to the Com- Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Indus- the Committee on Commerce, Science, and mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- tries, Ltd.) Airplanes’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) Transportation. tation. (Docket No. FAA–2017–0963)) received during EC–3774. A communication from the Man- EC–3782. A communication from the Man- adjournment of the Senate in the Office of agement and Program Analyst, Federal agement and Program Analyst, Federal the President of the Senate on December 14, Aviation Administration, Department of Aviation Administration, Department of 2017; to the Committee on Commerce, Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Science, and Transportation. law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- EC–3790. A communication from the Para- ness Directives; The Boeing Company Air- ness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes’’ legal Specialist, Federal Aviation Adminis- planes’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA– ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0521)) tration, Department of Transportation, 2017–0332)) received in the Office of the Presi- received in the Office of the President of the transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of dent of the Senate on December 14, 2017; to Senate on December 14, 2017; to the Com- a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; the Committee on Commerce, Science, and mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Transportation. tation. Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Indus- EC–3775. A communication from the Man- EC–3783. A communication from the Man- tries, Ltd.) Airplanes’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) agement and Program Analyst, Federal agement and Program Analyst, Federal (Docket No. FAA–2017–0692)) received during Aviation Administration, Department of Aviation Administration, Department of adjournment of the Senate in the Office of Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to the President of the Senate on December 14, law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- 2017; to the Committee on Commerce, ness Directives; The Boeing Company Air- ness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Science, and Transportation. planes’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA– (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab EC–3791. A communication from the Para- 2017–0773)) received in the Office of the Presi- Aerosystems) Airplanes’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) legal Specialist, Federal Aviation Adminis- dent of the Senate on December 14, 2017; to (Docket No. FAA–2017–0777)) received in the tration, Department of Transportation, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Office of the President of the Senate on De- transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of Transportation. cember 14, 2017; to the Committee on Com- a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; EC–3776. A communication from the Man- merce, Science, and Transportation. Engine Alliance Turbofan Engines’’ agement and Program Analyst, Federal EC–3784. A communication from the Man- ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0988)) Aviation Administration, Department of agement and Program Analyst, Federal received in the Office of the President of the Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Aviation Administration, Department of Senate on December 14, 2017; to the Com- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- ness Directives; The Boeing Company Air- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- tation. planes’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA– ness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics EC–3792. A communication from the Para- 2017–0249)) received in the Office of the Presi- (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab legal Specialist, Federal Aviation Adminis- dent of the Senate on December 14, 2017; to Aerosystems) Airplanes’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) tration, Department of Transportation, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and (Docket No. FAA–2017–0563)) received in the transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of Transportation. Office of the President of the Senate on De- a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; EC–3777. A communication from the Man- cember 14, 2017; to the Committee on Com- Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) agement and Program Analyst, Federal merce, Science, and Transportation. (Docket No. FAA–2017–0982)) received in the Aviation Administration, Department of EC–3785. A communication from the Man- Office of the President of the Senate on De- Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to agement and Program Analyst, Federal cember 14, 2017; to the Committee on Com- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- Aviation Administration, Department of merce, Science, and Transportation. ness Directives; The Boeing Company Air- Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to EC–3793. A communication from the Para- planes’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA– law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- legal Specialist, Federal Aviation Adminis- 2017–0499)) received in the Office of the Presi- ness Directives; Dassault Aviation Air- tration, Department of Transportation, dent of the Senate on December 14, 2017; to planes’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA– transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 2017–9500)) received in the Office of the Presi- a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; Transportation. dent of the Senate on December 14, 2017; to ATR–GIE Avions de Transport Regional Air- EC–3778. A communication from the Man- the Committee on Commerce, Science, and planes’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA– agement and Program Analyst, Federal Transportation. 2017–1027)) received in the Office of the Presi- Aviation Administration, Department of EC–3786. A communication from the Man- dent of the Senate on December 14, 2017; to Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to agement and Program Analyst, Federal the Committee on Commerce, Science, and law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation. ness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes’’ Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to EC–3794. A communication from the Para- ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0338)) law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- legal Specialist, Federal Aviation Adminis- received in the Office of the President of the ness Directives; Dassault Aviation Air- tration, Department of Transportation, Senate on December 14, 2017; to the Com- planes’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA– transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- 2017–1023)) received in the Office of the Presi- a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; tation. dent of the Senate on December 14, 2017; to Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes’’ ((RIN2120– EC–3779. A communication from the Man- the Committee on Commerce, Science, and AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2017–1095)) received agement and Program Analyst, Federal Transportation. in the Office of the President of the Senate Aviation Administration, Department of EC–3787. A communication from the Man- on December 14, 2017; to the Committee on Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to agement and Program Analyst, Federal Commerce, Science, and Transportation. law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- Aviation Administration, Department of EC–3795. A communication from the Para- ness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes’’ Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to legal Specialist, Federal Aviation Adminis- ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0562)) law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- tration, Department of Transportation, received in the Office of the President of the ness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corpora- transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of Senate on December 14, 2017; to the Com- tion’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA– a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- 2017–0491)) received in the Office of the Presi- Rockwell Collins, Inc. Traffic Surveillance tation. dent of the Senate on December 14, 2017; to System Processing Unit’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) EC–3780. A communication from the Man- the Committee on Commerce, Science, and (Docket No. FAA–2017–0659)) received in the agement and Program Analyst, Federal Transportation. Office of the President of the Senate on De- Aviation Administration, Department of EC–3788. A communication from the Man- cember 14, 2017; to the Committee on Com- Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to agement and Program Analyst, Federal merce, Science, and Transportation.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.023 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8257 EC–3796. A communication from the Para- EC–3804. A communication from the Man- EC–3812. A communication from the Man- legal Specialist, Federal Aviation Adminis- agement and Program Analyst, Federal agement and Program Analyst, Federal tration, Department of Transportation, Aviation Administration, Department of Aviation Administration, Department of transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Amend- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Amend- IPECO Pilot and Co-Pilot Seats’’ ((RIN2120– ment of Class E Airspace; Lemoore NAS, ment of Class E Airspace; Prineville, OR’’ AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0490)) received CA’’ ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA–2017– ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0616)) in the Office of the President of the Senate 0219)) received in the Office of the President received in the Office of the President of the on December 14, 2017; to the Committee on of the Senate on December 14, 2017; to the Senate on December 14, 2017; to the Com- Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Committee on Commerce, Science, and mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- EC–3797. A communication from the Para- Transportation. tation. legal Specialist, Federal Aviation Adminis- EC–3805. A communication from the Man- EC–3813. A communication from the Man- tration, Department of Transportation, agement and Program Analyst, Federal agement and Program Analyst, Federal transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of Aviation Administration, Department of Aviation Administration, Department of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Embraer S.A. Airplanes’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Amend- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Amend- (Docket No. FAA–2017–0697)) received in the ment of Class E Airspace; Bend, OR’’ ment of Class E Airspace; Seward, NE’’ Office of the President of the Senate on De- ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0391)) ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0354)) cember 14, 2017; to the Committee on Com- received in the Office of the President of the received in the Office of the President of the merce, Science, and Transportation. Senate on December 14, 2017; to the Com- Senate on December 14, 2017; to the Com- EC–3798. A communication from the Para- mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- legal Specialist, Federal Aviation Adminis- tation. tation. tration, Department of Transportation, EC–3806. A communication from the Man- EC–3814. A communication from the Man- transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of agement and Program Analyst, Federal agement and Program Analyst, Federal a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; 328 Aviation Administration, Department of Aviation Administration, Department of Support Services GmbH (Type Certificate Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Previously Held by AvCraft Aerospace law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Amend- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Amend- GmbH; Fairchild Dornier GmbH; Dornier ment of Class E Airspace; Alexander City, ment of Class D and Class E Airspace; Fort Luftfahrt GmbH) Airplanes’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) AL’’ ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA–2016– Knox, KY, and Louisville, KY’’ ((RIN2120– (Docket No. FAA–2016–9568)) received in the 9549)) received in the Office of the President AA66) (Docket No. FAA–2016–9499)) received Office of the President of the Senate on De- of the Senate on December 14, 2017; to the in the Office of the President of the Senate cember 14, 2017; to the Committee on Com- Committee on Commerce, Science, and on December 14, 2017; to the Committee on merce, Science, and Transportation. Transportation. Commerce, Science, and Transportation. EC–3799. A communication from the Para- EC–3807. A communication from the Man- EC–3815. A communication from the Man- legal Specialist, Federal Aviation Adminis- agement and Program Analyst, Federal agement and Program Analyst, Federal tration, Department of Transportation, Aviation Administration, Department of Aviation Administration, Department of transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Establish- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Amend- Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines’’ ment of Class E Airspace; Hawthorne, NV’’ ment of Class D and Class E Airspace; Pueb- ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0816)) ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0315)) lo, CO’’ ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA– received in the Office of the President of the received in the Office of the President of the 2017–0666)) received in the Office of the Presi- Senate on December 14, 2017; to the Com- Senate on December 14, 2017; to the Com- dent of the Senate on December 14, 2017; to mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- the Committee on Commerce, Science, and tation. tation. Transportation. EC–3800. A communication from the Para- EC–3808. A communication from the Man- EC–3816. A communication from the Man- legal Specialist, Federal Aviation Adminis- agement and Program Analyst, Federal agement and Program Analyst, Federal tration, Department of Transportation, Aviation Administration, Department of Aviation Administration, Department of transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Amend- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Amend- General Electric Company Turbofan En- ment of Class E Airspace; Oskaloosa, IA’’ ment of Multiple Restricted Areas; Vanden- gines’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA– ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0296)) berg AFB, CA’’ ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. 2017–1000)) received in the Office of the Presi- received in the Office of the President of the FAA–2017–0985)) received in the Office of the dent of the Senate on December 14, 2017; to Senate on December 14, 2017; to the Com- President of the Senate on December 14, 2017; the Committee on Commerce, Science, and mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- to the Committee on Commerce, Science, Transportation. tation. and Transportation. EC–3801. A communication from the Man- EC–3809. A communication from the Man- EC–3817. A communication from the Man- agement and Program Analyst, Federal agement and Program Analyst, Federal agement and Program Analyst, Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Aviation Administration, Department of Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Establish- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Amend- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Standard ment of Class E Airspace; Boothville, LA’’ ment of Class E Airspace, for Stevens Point, Instrument Approach Procedures, and Take- ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0649)) WI’’ ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA–2017– off Minimums and Obstacle Departure Proce- received in the Office of the President of the 0143)) received in the Office of the President dures; Miscellaneous Amendment; Amdt. No. Senate on December 14, 2017; to the Com- of the Senate on December 14, 2017; to the 3771’’ (RIN2120–AA65) received in the Office of mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- Committee on Commerce, Science, and the President of the Senate on December 14, tation. Transportation. 2017; to the Committee on Commerce, EC–3802. A communication from the Man- EC–3810. A communication from the Man- Science, and Transportation. agement and Program Analyst, Federal agement and Program Analyst, Federal EC–3818. A communication from the Man- Aviation Administration, Department of Aviation Administration, Department of agement and Program Analyst, Federal Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Aviation Administration, Department of law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Establish- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Amend- Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to ment of Class E Airspace; Rosebud, SD’’ ment of Class E Airspace; Scottsboro, AL’’ law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Standard ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA–2016–9545)) ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0557)) Instrument Approach Procedures, and Take- received in the Office of the President of the received in the Office of the President of the off Minimums and Obstacle Departure Proce- Senate on December 14, 2017; to the Com- Senate on December 14, 2017; to the Com- dures; Miscellaneous Amendments (45); mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- Amdt. No. 3772’’ (RIN2120–AA65) received in tation. tation. the Office of the President of the Senate on EC–3803. A communication from the Man- EC–3811. A communication from the Man- December 14, 2017; to the Committee on Com- agement and Program Analyst, Federal agement and Program Analyst, Federal merce, Science, and Transportation. Aviation Administration, Department of Aviation Administration, Department of EC–3819. A communication from the Man- Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to agement and Program Analyst, Federal law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Establish- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Establish- Aviation Administration, Department of ment of Class E Airspace; Cisco, TX’’ ment of Class E Airspace; Debois, ME’’ Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0620)) ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA–2015–2891)) law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Standard received in the Office of the President of the received in the Office of the President of the Instrument Approach Procedures, and Take- Senate on December 14, 2017; to the Com- Senate on December 14, 2017; to the Com- off Minimums and Obstacle Departure Proce- mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- dures; Miscellaneous Amendments (84); tation. tation. Amdt. No. 3773’’ (RIN2120–AA65) received in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.025 S21DEPT1 S8258 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 the Office of the President of the Senate on of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to 4,300 additional jobs for United States resi- December 14, 2017; to the Committee on Com- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Establish- dents, and it would have an annual impact merce, Science, and Transportation. ment of the Petaluma Viticultural Area and on the local economy ranging from $400 mil- EC–3820. A communication from the Man- Modification of the North Coast Viticultural lion to $500 million; and agement and Program Analyst, Federal Area’’ (RIN1513–AC19) received during ad- Whereas, Should the defense department Aviation Administration, Department of journment of the Senate in the Office of the decide to relocate AFRICOM, Ellington Field Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to President of the Senate on December 15, 2017; Joint Reserve Base in Houston would be an law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Standard to the Committee on Commerce, Science, ideal home for the headquarters; the base Instrument Approach Procedures, and Take- and Transportation. features strong joint service military value off Minimums and Obstacle Departure Proce- EC–3828. A communication from the Regu- of active duty, reserve, and guard units from dures; Miscellaneous Amendments (11); lations Officer, Federal Highway Adminis- all five United States armed services, some Amdt. No. 3774’’ (RIN2120–AA65) received in tration, Department of Transportation, of which presently conduct training and the Office of the President of the Senate on transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of operational missions for AFRICOM; it is also December 14, 2017; to the Committee on Com- a rule entitled ‘‘Metropolitan Planning Orga- equipped to handle large military aircraft, merce, Science, and Transportation. nization Coordination and Planning Area Re- and the city boasts one of the nation’s most EC–3821. A communication from the Man- form’’ (RIN2125–AF75) received in the Office vibrant ports, which handles 40 percent of all agement and Program Analyst, Federal of the President of the Senate on December United States trade with Africa; moreover, Aviation Administration, Department of 14, 2017; to the Committee on Commerce, the community is exceptionally supportive Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Science, and Transportation. of the military, and the Greater Houston law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Standard EC–3829. A communication from the Acting area has strong cultural, educational, med- Instrument Approach Procedures, and Take- Chairman of the Office of Proceedings, Sur- ical, and diplomatic ties with Africa; and off Minimums and Obstacle Departure Proce- face Transportation Board, Department of Whereas, The Government Accountability dures; Miscellaneous Amendments (171); Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Office has concluded that the relocation of Amdt. No. 3767’’ (RIN2120–AA65) received in law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Expediting AFRICOM to the United States would gen- the Office of the President of the Senate on Rate Cases’’ (RIN2140–AB33) received during erate tremendous cost savings and economic December 14, 2017; to the Committee on Com- adjournment of the Senate in the Office of benefits, and Ellington Field Joint Reserve merce, Science, and Transportation. the President of the Senate on December 15, Base offers advantages that would enhance EC–3822. A communication from the Man- 2017; to the Committee on Commerce, the effectiveness of the headquarters; now, agement and Program Analyst, Federal Science, and Transportation. therefore, be it Aviation Administration, Department of EC–3830. A communication from the Chief Resolved, That the 85th Legislature of the Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to of Staff, Media Bureau, Federal Communica- State of Texas hereby respectfully urge the law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Standard tions Commission, transmitting, pursuant to United States Congress to direct the Depart- Instrument Approach Procedures, and Take- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Author- ment of Defense to relocate the United off Minimums and Obstacle Departure Proce- izing Permissive Use of the ’Next Genera- States Africa Command to Ellington Field dures; Miscellaneous Amendments (3); Amdt. tion’ Broadcast Television Standard’’ ((FCC Joint Reserve Base in Houston; and, be it No. 3768’’ (RIN2120–AA65) received in the Of- 17–158) (GN Docket No. 16–142)) received in further fice of the President of the Senate on Decem- the Office of the President of the Senate on Resolved, That the Texas secretary of state ber 14, 2017; to the Committee on Commerce, December 13, 2017; to the Committee on Com- forward official copies of this resolution to Science, and Transportation. merce, Science, and Transportation. the president of the United States, to the EC–3823. A communication from the Man- EC–3831. A communication from the Im- secretary of the Department of Defense, to agement and Program Analyst, Federal pact Analyst, Office of Regulation Policy the president of the Senate and the speaker Aviation Administration, Department of and Management, Department of Veterans of the House of Representatives of the Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Affairs, transmitting, pursuant to law, the United States Congress, and to all the mem- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Standard report of a rule entitled ‘‘Extra-Schedular bers of the Texas delegation to Congress Instrument Approach Procedures, and Take- Evaluations for Individual Disabilities’’ with the request that this resolution be en- off Minimums and Obstacle Departure Proce- (RIN2900–AP48) received in the Office of the tered in the Congressional Record as a me- dures; Miscellaneous Amendments (110); President of the Senate on December 13, 2017; morial to the Congress of the United States Amdt. No. 3770’’ (RIN2120–AA65) received in to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. of America. the Office of the President of the Senate on December 14, 2017; to the Committee on Com- f POM–146. A concurrent resolution adopted merce, Science, and Transportation. PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS by the Legislature of the State of Texas urg- EC–3824. A communication from the Man- ing the United States Congress to review fed- agement and Program Analyst, Federal The following petitions and memo- eral regulation on the oil and gas industry in Aviation Administration, Department of rials were laid before the Senate and Texas; to the Committee on Energy and Nat- Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to were referred or ordered to lie on the ural Resources. law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Standard table as indicated: SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 26 Instrument Approach Procedures, and Take- POM–145. A concurrent resolution adopted Whereas, the Texas Legislature recognizes off Minimums and Obstacle Departure Proce- by the Legislature of the State of Texas urg- that this period in our nation’s history rep- dures; Miscellaneous Amendments (52); ing the United States Congress to direct the resents an opportunity for Texas to work Amdt. No. 3769’’ (RIN2120–AA65) received in Department of Defense to relocate the with the leadership of the federal govern- the Office of the President of the Senate on United States Africa Command to Ellington ment to transcend partisan politics and cor- December 14, 2017; to the Committee on Com- Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston; to the rect misuses of federal regulatory power that merce, Science, and Transportation. Committee on Armed Services. have threatened the Texas oil and gas indus- EC–3825. A communication from the Man- SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 41 try, the jobs it creates, and the economy of agement and Program Analyst, Federal the state; and Aviation Administration, Department of Whereas, The Pentagon could realize sig- Whereas, Texas oil and gas fields have pro- Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to nificant savings by relocating the United vided a pathway toward American energy law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Part 95 In- States Africa Command from Germany to independence from foreign powers, have af- strument Flight Rules; Miscellaneous Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Hous- forded financial security to hundreds of Amendments; Amendment No. 536’’ (RIN2120– ton; and thousands of individuals in Texas, and have AA63) received in the Office of the President Whereas, When AFRICOM was created in delivered safe and reliable energy to fuel our of the Senate on December 14, 2017; to the 2007, the Department of Defense chose a tem- nation’s economy; and Committee on Commerce, Science, and porary location in Stuttgart; it intended to Whereas, during the past eight years, the Transportation. select a permanent headquarters in Africa, federal government has promulgated regula- EC–3826. A communication from the Fed- but set this plan aside due to cost projec- tions that jeopardize the productivity of the eral Register Liaison Officer, Alcohol and tions, security, and the sensitivities of Afri- oil and gas fields of Texas; and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Department can nations; and Whereas, new federal regulations have been of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to Whereas, The Department of Defense con- proposed and implemented despite the pro- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Establish- ducted a study in 2012 that found maintain- tests of Texas and many other oil and gas ment of the Outer Coastal Plain Viticultural ing AFRICOM headquarters stateside would producing states, resulting in overregulation Area’’ (RIN1513–AC32) received during ad- cost $60 million to $70 million less per year, that prioritizes minor environmental gains journment of the Senate in the Office of the and now those savings would be even greater over major productive losses; and President of the Senate on December 15, 2017; due to significant increases in Overseas Cost Whereas, the State of Texas has joined to the Committee on Commerce, Science, of Living Allowances rates; although reloca- many other oil and gas producing states to and Transportation. tion would involve expense, this expense file more than 20 lawsuits against federal EC–3827. A communication from the Fed- could be recouped within two to six years; overreach; now, therefore, be it eral Register Liaison Officer, Alcohol and moreover, the relocation would repatriate Resolved, That the 85th Legislature of the Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Department about 1,400 direct jobs and create as many as State of Texas hereby respectfully urge the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.027 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8259 executive branch and the Congress of the the president of the United States, to the Whereas, in 2014, the United States Con- United States to work in conjunction with president of the Senate and the speaker of gress responded to unconscionable delays the State of Texas to identify federal regula- the House of Representatives of the United and denials of care at VA facilities by pass- tions promulgated during the last eight States Congress, and to all the members of ing the Veterans Access, Choice, and Ac- years, especially those promulgated under the Texas delegation to Congress with the countability Act, which allows access to pri- the authority of the United States Environ- request that this resolution be entered in the vate medical care providers for veterans who mental Protection Agency, the United Congressional Record as a memorial to the have been waiting more than 30 days for an States Department of the Interior, and the Congress of the United States of America. appointment or who live more than 40 miles United States Department of Energy, and de- from a VA facility; this law is set to expire termine whether they should be revised, del- POM–148. A concurrent resolution adopted in 2017; and egated to state agencies, or eliminated in by the Legislature of the State of Texas urg- Whereas, by expanding the reforms of the order to ease the overly burdensome regu- ing the United States Congress to direct the Veterans Choice Act, Congress can improve latory patchwork on the oil and gas industry Bureau of Land Management to affirm the the VA system, broadening access to timely in Texas; and, be it further provisions of the Red River Boundary Com- health care while offering greater choice and Resolved, That the Texas secretary of state pact and to acknowledge that the vegetation flexibility to every eligible veteran; experts forward official copies of this resolution to line on the south bank of the Red River have proposed allowing access to walk-in the president of the United States, to the forms the boundary between Oklahoma and clinics without preauthorization or copay- president of the Senate and the speaker of Texas; to the Committee on the Judiciary. ment, expanding VA pharmacy hours and the House of Representatives of the United HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 30 telemedicine, and extending the Veterans States Congress, and to all the members of Whereas, The Red River Boundary Com- Choice Card program to permit all qualified the Texas delegation to Congress with the pact of 2000 set the boundary between Texas veterans to see the doctor of their choice; in request that this resolution be entered in the and Oklahoma at the vegetation line on the addition, those who have studied the system Congressional Record as a memorial to the south bank of the Red River, with the excep- carefully encourage best-practices peer re- Congress of the United States of America. tion of the Texoma area, where the boundary view for VA facilities; and is established pursuant to procedures out- Whereas, our nation’s veterans have made POM—147. A concurrent resolution adopted lined in the agreement; and enormous sacrifices to guarantee our free- by the Legislature of the State of Texas urg- Whereas, In 2013, the United States Bureau doms, and although the nation can never ing the United States Congress to increase of Land Management began developing a re- fully repay its debt of gratitude, it can and appropriations from the Harbor Maintenance source management plan for the use of land should ensure timely access to the highest Trust Fund to ensure that the nation’s ship along a 116–mile stretch of the Red River; it quality of medical care: Now, therefore, be it channels are maintained and safe, to the claims that as many as 90,000 acres in Texas Resolved, That the 85th Legislature of the Committee on Environment and Public may actually be part of federal lands and Works. State of Texas hereby respectfully urge the would therefore be public land under a 1923 United States Congress to enact legislation SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 37 Supreme Court ruling; and to ensure that all veterans receive in a time- Whereas, Seaport activities generate more Whereas, Many Texas residents have held ly manner the level of medical care that than $4 trillion in economic activity each title to this land for generations, and they they have earned and that they so richly de- year, representing more than a quarter of have been paying property taxes on the land serve; and, be it further United States gross domestic product and while cultivating and maintaining it; the Resolved, That the Texas secretary of state yielding more than $41 billion in federal, boundary between the states was settled in forward official copies of this resolution to state, and local tax revenue; and 2000 for legal jurisdiction, when the U.S. the president of the United States, to the Whereas, To support this critical compo- Congress ratified the compact, but now, con- president of the Senate and the speaker of nent of international trade, the United fusion over the boundary threatens the value the House of Representatives of the United States Congress established the Harbor of this privately owned land and makes it States Congress, and to all the members of Maintenance Tax (HMT) on shippers in 1986 difficult for property owners to make in- the Texas delegation to Congress with the as a means of funding the maintenance and formed decisions concerning its disposition request that this resolution be entered in the improvement of vital harbor infrastructure; and their livelihoods; and Congressional Record as a memorial to the Whereas, Private property rights are the and Congress of the United States of America. Whereas, HMT revenues deposited into the bedrock of a free society, and the actions of Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund now total the Bureau of Land Management with regard about $1.6 billion annually, but in recent to land covered by the Red River Boundary POM–150. A concurrent resolution adopted years, Congress has appropriated less than Compact are an egregious example of federal by the Legislature of the State of Texas urg- half of those funds for the intended purpose, overreach; now, therefore, be it ing the United States Congress to pass a leading to a decline in dredging and mainte- Resolved, That the 85th Legislature of the budget; to the Committee on the Budget. nance by the United States Army Corps of State of Texas hereby respectfully urge the HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 59 Engineers; the consequence is an accumula- United States Congress to direct the Bureau Whereas, For too long, Congress has prov- tion of sediment that leaves navigation of Land Management to affirm the provi- en itself fiscally irresponsible and has cre- channels narrower and shallower, and when sions of the Red River Boundary Compact ated a crushing national debt through im- silted channels constrain vessels from car- and to acknowledge that the vegetation line provident and imprudent spending; and rying full loads or force them to wait for on the south bank of the Red River forms the Whereas, The deleterious effect of this fis- high tide, the costs of imports and exports boundary between Oklahoma and Texas; and, cal mismanagement on our economy and the rise, as does the risk of vessel grounding and be it further. strength of our nation is ongoing and the Resolved, That the Texas secretary of state associated oil spills; the Corps of Engineers consequences of inaction are severe; and has estimated that the full depth and width forward official copies of this resolution to the president of the United States, to the Whereas, Setting a federal budget is an es- of our coastal ports is available less than 35 sential aspect of governing, and Congress percent of the time, costing the economy bil- secretary of the United States Department of the Interior, to the director of the United must accept its responsibility to regularly lions of dollars annually; and pass a budget bill; now, therefore, be it Whereas, Each year, the HMT provides an States Bureau of Land Management, to the president of the Senate and the speaker of Resolved, That the 85th Legislature of the amount sufficient to meet all of the nation’s State of Texas hereby respectfully urge the authorized harbor maintenance needs, but as the House of Representatives of the United States Congress, and to all the members of Congress of the United States to pass a budg- a result of lagging appropriations, the Har- et; and, be it further bor Maintenance Trust Fund had a balance the Texas delegation to Congress with the request that this resolution be entered in the Resolved, That the Texas secretary of state of more than $9 billion at the start of 2016; in forward official copies of this resolution to Texas alone, less than 25 percent of the HMT Congressional Record as a memorial to the Congress of the United States of America. the president of the United States, to the revenue collected in the state has been ap- president of the Senate and the speaker of propriated for harbor maintenance; and the House of Representatives of the United Whereas, Our nation’s ports are vital to POM–149. A concurrent resolution adopted States Congress, and to all the members of our economic prosperity and global competi- by the Legislature of the State of Texas urg- the Texas delegation to Congress with the tiveness, and these funds, which were col- ing the United States Congress to enact leg- request that this resolution be officially en- lected for the express purpose of the mainte- islation to ensure that all veterans receive, tered into the Congressional Record as a me- nance and improvement of the ports, should in a timely manner, the level of medical care morial to the Congress of the United States be put to work; now, therefore, be it that they have earned and that they so rich- of America. Resolved, That the 85th Legislature of the ly deserve, to the Committee on Veterans’ State of Texas hereby respectfully urge the Affairs. United States Congress to increase appro- SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 52 f priations from the Harbor Maintenance Whereas, the Department of Veterans Af- Trust Fund to ensure that the nation’s ship fairs (VA) is charged with ensuring the INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND channels are appropriately maintained and health and well-being of the nation’s vet- JOINT RESOLUTIONS safe; and, be it further erans, but in recent years, its failure to ade- Resolved, That the Texas secretary of state quately perform its mission has been the The following bills and joint resolu- forward official copies of this resolution to source of scandal; and tions were introduced, read the first

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:14 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.031 S21DEPT1 S8260 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 and second times by unanimous con- S. 2270. A bill to make improvements to (Mr. GARDNER) was added as a cospon- sent, and referred as indicated: the account for the State response to the sor of S. 266, a bill to award the Con- opioid abuse crisis to improve tribal health; By Mr. SCHATZ: gressional Gold Medal to Anwar Sadat to the Committee on Health, Education, S. 2260. A bill to establish and fund an Labor, and Pensions. in recognition of his heroic achieve- Opioids and STOP Initiative to expand, in- By Mr. REED (for himself, Ms. COL- ments and courageous contributions to tensify, and coordinate fundamental, LINS, Mr. COCHRAN, Mrs. GILLIBRAND, peace in the Middle East. translational, and clinical research of the and Ms. MURKOWSKI): S. 793 National Institutes of Health with respect to S. 2271. A bill to reauthorize the Museum opioid abuse, the understanding of pain, and At the request of Mr. BOOKER, the and Library Services Act; to the Committee name of the Senator from Illinois (Ms. the discovery and development of safer and on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. UCKWORTH more effective treatments and preventive By Ms. HARRIS (for herself, Ms. WAR- D ) was added as a cosponsor interventions for pain; to the Committee on REN, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, and Mrs. FEIN- of S. 793, a bill to prohibit sale of shark Finance. STEIN): fins, and for other purposes. By Mr. LANKFORD (for himself, Ms. S. 2272. A bill to amend the Revised Stat- S. 872 KLOBUCHAR, Mr. GRAHAM, Ms. HAR- utes to grant State attorneys general the At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the RIS, Ms. COLLINS, and Mr. HEINRICH): ability to issue subpoenas to investigate sus- S. 2261. A bill to protect the administra- pected violations of State laws that are ap- name of the Senator from New Mexico tion of Federal elections against cybersecu- plicable to national banks; to the Committee (Mr. UDALL) was added as a cosponsor rity threats; to the Committee on Rules and on the Judiciary. of S. 872, a bill to amend title XVIII of Administration. By Mr. SULLIVAN (for himself and Ms. the Social Security Act to make per- By Mrs. MCCASKILL (for herself, Mr. MURKOWSKI): manent the extension of the Medicare- RUBIO, and Ms. HASSAN): S. 2273. A bill to extend the period during dependent hospital (MDH) program and S. 2262. A bill to amend the Homeland Se- which vessels that are shorter than 79 feet in the increased payments under the curity Act of 2002 to establish in the Depart- length and fishing vessels are not required to ment of Homeland Security a board to co- have a permit for discharges incidental to Medicare low-volume hospital pro- ordinate and integrate departmental intel- the normal operation of the vessel; consid- gram. ligence and activities and policy related to ered and passed. S. 946 counterterrorism, and for other purposes; to By Mr. CARDIN (for himself, Mr. VAN At the request of Mr. FLAKE, the the Committee on Homeland Security and HOLLEN, Ms. HIRONO, Mr. CARPER, Mr. name of the Senator from Idaho (Mr. Governmental Affairs. MARKEY, Mr. SCHATZ, Mrs. GILLI- CRAPO) was added as a cosponsor of S. By Mr. DONNELLY (for himself and BRAND, Ms. HASSAN, Mrs. SHAHEEN, Mr. YOUNG): Mr. DURBIN, Mr. WARNER, Mr. LEAHY, 946, a bill to require the Secretary of S. 2263. A bill to amend the Agricultural Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. UDALL, Mrs. MUR- Veterans Affairs to hire additional Vet- Act of 2014 to require base acres planted to RAY, Mr. BROWN, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, erans Justice Outreach Specialists to fruits, vegetables, and wild rice to be consid- Mr. SANDERS, Mr. KAINE, Ms. WAR- provide treatment court services to ered planted to a covered commodity for pur- REN, and Mrs. FEINSTEIN): justice-involved veterans, and for other poses of any recalculation of base acres; to S. 2274. A bill to provide for the compensa- purposes. the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, tion of Federal employees affected by lapses and Forestry. in appropriations; read the first time. S. 980 By Mr. REED (for himself and Mr. By Mr. CASSIDY: At the request of Mrs. CAPITO, the WHITEHOUSE): S.J. Res. 51. A joint resolution proposing name of the Senator from Massachu- S. 2264. A bill to amend the Magnuson-Ste- an amendment to the Constitution of the setts (Ms. WARREN) was added as a co- vens Fishery Conservation and Management United States relative to limiting the num- sponsor of S. 980, a bill to amend title Act to add Rhode Island to the Mid-Atlantic ber of terms that a Member of Congress may XVIII of the Social Security Act to serve; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Fishery Management Council, and for other provide for payments for certain rural purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, f Science, and Transportation. health clinic and Federally qualified By Mr. CRUZ (for himself, Mr. LEAHY, SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND health center services furnished to hos- Mr. RUBIO, Mr. PERDUE, Mr. MENEN- SENATE RESOLUTIONS pice patients under the Medicare pro- DEZ, Mrs. CAPITO, and Mr. DURBIN): The following concurrent resolutions gram. S. 2265. A bill to promote democracy and and Senate resolutions were read, and S. 1697 the rule of law in Nicaragua, and for other referred (or acted upon), as indicated: At the request of Mr. GRAHAM, the purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Rela- tions. By Mrs. MCCASKILL (for herself and name of the Senator from West Vir- By Ms. KLOBUCHAR (for herself and Mr. BLUNT): ginia (Mrs. CAPITO) was added as a co- S. Res. 364. A resolution congratulating the Mr. CORNYN): sponsor of S. 1697, a bill to condition S. 2266. A bill to authorize the Office on Vi- University of Central Missouri women’s soc- assistance to the West Bank and Gaza olence Against Women to improve the han- cer team for winning the National Collegiate on steps by the Palestinian Authority Athletic Association Division II Women’s dling of crimes of domestic violence, dating to end violence and terrorism against violence, sexual assault, and stalking by in- Soccer Championship at Swope Soccer Vil- lage in Kansas City, Missouri; considered and Israeli citizens and United States Citi- corporating a trauma-informed approach zens. into the initial response to and investigation agreed to. of such crimes; to the Committee on the Ju- By Mrs. FISCHER (for herself and Mr. S. 1706 diciary. SASSE): At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the S. Res. 365. A resolution congratulating the By Mr. FRANKEN: University of Nebraska-Lincoln volleyball name of the Senator from Hawaii (Ms. S. 2267. A bill to amend title 11, United team for winning the 2017 National Colle- HIRONO) was added as a cosponsor of S. States Code, to prioritize certain pension giate Athletic Association Division I 1706, a bill to prevent human health claims in bankruptcy, and for other pur- Volleyball Championship; considered and threats posed by the consumption of poses; to the Committee on the Judiciary. agreed to. By Mr. BOOKER (for himself, Mr. equines raised in the United States. By Ms. HARRIS (for herself, Mr. PERDUE, Mr. KAINE, Mr. BROWN, and S. 1719 PERDUE, Mr. BOOKER, Mr. BROWN, Ms. HARRIS): At the request of Mr. BLUNT, the Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Mr. SCHUMER, and S. 2268. A bill to amend the Higher Edu- Mr. BURR): name of the Senator from Virginia (Mr. cation Act of 1965 to modify certain provi- S. Res. 366. A resolution honoring the ac- KAINE) was added as a cosponsor of S. sions relating to the capital financing of his- complishments of the 9 historically Black 1719, a bill to eliminate duties on im- torically Black colleges and universities; to colleges and universities that celebrated the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, ports of recreational performance out- their sesquicentennial anniversaries during and Pensions. erwear, to establish the Sustainable the week of September 24 through September By Mr. CASEY (for himself and Mr. Textile and Apparel Research Fund, 30, 2017; to the Committee on Health, Edu- ISAKSON): cation, Labor, and Pensions. and for other purposes. S. 2269. A bill to reauthorize the Global S. 1873 Food Security Act of 2016 for 5 additional f At the request of Mr. BLUMENTHAL, years; to the Committee on Foreign Rela- ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS tions. the name of the Senator from Nevada By Mr. DAINES (for himself, Ms. HAR- S. 266 (Mr. HELLER) was added as a cosponsor RIS, Mr. MERKLEY, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, At the request of Mr. HATCH, the of S. 1873, a bill to require the Sec- Ms. MURKOWSKI, and Ms. BALDWIN): name of the Senator from Colorado retary of Veterans Affairs to carry out

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.037 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8261 a program to establish peer specialists amend the enforcement process under S. 2264. A bill to amend the Magnu- in patient aligned care teams at med- the Office of Congressional Workplace son-Stevens Fishery Conservation and ical centers of the Department of Vet- Rights for covered harassment and cov- Management Act to add Rhode Island erans Affairs, and for other purposes. ered discrimination complaints, and to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Manage- S. 2051 for other purposes. ment Council, and for other purposes; At the request of Mr. PORTMAN, the S. 2203 to the Committee on Commerce, name of the Senator from Louisiana At the request of Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Science, and Transportation. (Mr. CASSIDY) was added as a cosponsor the names of the Senator from Nevada Mr. REED. Mr. President, today I am of S. 2051, a bill to amend title XVIII of (Ms. CORTEZ MASTO) and the Senator introducing the Rhode Island Fisher- the Social Security Act to modernize from New Mexico (Mr. HEINRICH) were men’s Fairness Act along with my col- the physician self-referral prohibitions added as cosponsors of S. 2203, a bill to league, Senator WHITEHOUSE. I am also to promote care coordination in the amend title 9 of the United States Code pleased that my colleagues, Represent- merit-based incentive payment system with respect to arbitration. atives JAMES LANGEVIN and DAVID and to facilitate physician practice S. 2236 CICILLINE, will be introducing a com- participation in alternative payment At the request of Mrs. GILLIBRAND, panion measure in the House of Rep- models under the Medicare program, the names of the Senator from Wyo- resentatives. and for other purposes. ming (Mr. ENZI) and the Senator from Our legislation will give Rhode Island S. 2065 Illinois (Mr. DURBIN) were added as co- voice and voting representation on the At the request of Mr. YOUNG, the sponsors of S. 2236, a bill to require Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management name of the Senator from New Mexico covered discrimination and covered Council (MAFMC), which manages (Mr. HEINRICH) was added as a cospon- harassment awareness and prevention some of the most important fish stocks sor of S. 2065, a bill to establish a dem- training for Members, officers, employ- for our State’s commercial fishing in- onstration program to provide inte- ees, interns, fellows, and detailees of dustry—chief among them squid. In- grated care for Medicare beneficiaries Congress within 30 days of employment deed, the National Marine Fisheries with end-stage renal disease, and for and annually thereafter, to require a Service reported that Rhode Island led other purposes. biennial climate survey of Congress, to Atlantic States in the harvest of squid S. 2088 amend the enforcement process under in 2016, bringing in 22.5 million pounds At the request of Mrs. FISCHER, the the Office of Congressional Workplace and helping make Point Judith, Rhode name of the Senator from Michigan Rights for covered discrimination and Island one of the most productive and (Mr. PETERS) was added as a cosponsor covered harassment complaints, and valuable commercial fishing ports in of S. 2088, a bill to amend title 10, for other purposes. the United States. For years now, Rhode Island’s landings of stocks man- United States Code, to provide for the S. 2250 aged by the MAFMC have outpaced the issuance of the Gold Star Installation At the request of Ms. DUCKWORTH, Access Card to the surviving spouse, the name of the Senator from Illinois landings of those managed by the New England Fishery Management Council, dependent children, and other next of (Mr. DURBIN) was added as a cosponsor kin of a member of the Armed Forces of S. 2250, a bill to ensure due process where Rhode Island is represented. who dies while serving on certain ac- protections of individuals in the United Moreover, Rhode Island has a larger tive or reserve duty, to ensure that a States against unlawful detention stake in the Mid-Atlantic fishery than remarried surviving spouse with de- based solely on a protected char- many of the States that currently hold pendent children of the deceased mem- acteristic. seats on the MAFMC. Because so much is at stake for our ber remains eligible for installation S. 2259 benefits to which the surviving spouse State in every decision the MAFMC At the request of Mr. BOOKER, the makes, our bill would expand the was previously eligible, and for other name of the Senator from California purposes. MAFMC by two seats in Order to en- (Mrs. FEINSTEIN) was added as a co- sure that Rhode Island will have the S. 2105 sponsor of S. 2259, a bill to establish minimum number of seats guaranteed At the request of Mr. BOOZMAN, the certain duties for pharmacies to ensure to other States on the council. It will name of the Senator from Nevada (Mr. provision of Food and Drug Adminis- allow Rhode Island to continue to have HELLER) was added as a cosponsor of S. tration-approved contraception, medi- representation on the New England 2105, a bill to modify the presumption cation related to contraception, and for Fishery Management Council, where it of service connection for veterans who other purposes. still has significant interests. This pro- were exposed to herbicide agents while S. RES. 139 posal is not unprecedented. In fact, it serving in the Armed Forces in Thai- At the request of Mr. WYDEN, the is modeled on a provision of the 1996 land during the Vietnam era, and for name of the Senator from Michigan Sustainable Fisheries Act that added other purposes. (Mr. PETERS) was added as a cosponsor North Carolina to the MAFMC in 1996 S. 2135 of S. Res. 139, a resolution condemning while allowing it to retain its member- At the request of Mr. CORNYN, the the Government of Iran’s state-spon- ship on the South Atlantic Fishery names of the Senator from New Hamp- sored persecution of its Baha’i minor- Management Council. shire (Ms. HASSAN), the Senator from ity and its continued violation of the Mr. President, this is a commonsense Kansas (Mr. ROBERTS), the Senator International Covenants on Human proposal and one that my colleagues from North Dakota (Mr. HOEVEN) and Rights. and I will be working to advance either the Senator from Oregon (Mr. WYDEN) S. RES. 363 on its own or as part of the reauthor- were added as cosponsors of S. 2135, a At the request of Mr. NELSON, the ization the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery bill to enforce current law regarding name of the Senator from New Jersey Conservation and Management Act. the National Instant Criminal Back- (Mr. MENENDEZ) was added as a cospon- ground Check System. sor of S. Res. 363, a resolution express- By Mr. DAINES (for himself, Ms. S. 2159 ing profound concern about the grow- HARRIS, Mr. MERKLEY, Ms. KLO- At the request of Mrs. GILLIBRAND, ing political, humanitarian, and eco- BUCHAR, Ms. MURKOWSKI, and the name of the Senator from Rhode Is- nomic crisis in Venezuela and the wide- Ms. BALDWIN): land (Mr. WHITEHOUSE) was added as a spread human rights abuses per- S. 2270. A bill to make improvements cosponsor of S. 2159, a bill to require petrated by the Government of Ven- to the account for the State response covered harassment and covered dis- ezuela. to the opioid abuse crisis to improve crimination awareness and prevention f tribal health; to the Committee on training for Members, officers, employ- Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- ees, interns, fellows, and detailees of STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED sions. Congress within 30 days of employment BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I ask and annually thereafter, to require a By Mr. REED (for himself and unanimous consent that the text of the biennial climate survey of Congress, to Mr. WHITEHOUSE): bill be printed in the RECORD.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.038 S21DEPT1 S8262 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 There being no objection, the text of the Institute of Museum and Library roundtable discussion last year to the bill was ordered to be printed in Services, IMLS, to house our Nation’s delve deeper into the programs librar- the RECORD, as follows: library and museum programs together ies are providing and ways to improve S. 2270 for the first time. My predecessor, the how they serve their communities. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- late Senator Claiborne Pell, a great In response to the input and insight resentatives of the United States of America in champion for expanding educational offered by the library and museum Congress assembled, and cultural opportunities to all com- communities, the bill we are intro- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. munities, was instrumental in passage ducing today, the Museum and Library This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Mitigating of this law. The Senate Committee re- Services Act of 2017, strengthens the the Methamphetamine Epidemic and Pro- port for this bill noted the ‘‘great po- use of data-driven tools to measure the moting Tribal Health Act’’ or the ‘‘Miti- tential in an Institute that is focused impact and maximize the effectiveness gating METH Act’’. on the combined roles that libraries of library and museum services and SEC. 2. ACCOUNT FOR THE STATE RESPONSE TO better tailor local services to address THE OPIOID ABUSE CRISIS. and museums play in our community Section 1003 of the 21st Century Cures Act life, in support of research, learning, and meet community needs. The legis- (42 U.S.C. 290ee-3 note) is amended— and entertainment, and in support of lation provides for technical support (1) in subsection (b)— American culture and history.’’ and assistance to improve data collec- (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘and Over the last 21 years we have seen tion. It also enhances IMLS’s collabo- Tribal’’ after ‘‘State’’; IMLS, with a relatively modest Fed- rative efforts with an expanded number (B) in paragraph (2)(A)(ii), by striking eral investment, build the capacity to of Federal agencies in order to fully le- ‘‘$500,000,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$525,000,000’’; support and expand access to library verage the benefits libraries and muse- and and museum services at the State and ums provide to Americans. (C) in paragraph (3)(B), by inserting ‘‘and This legislation also amends LSTA to Tribal’’ after ‘‘State’’; local levels. IMLS has been the source (2) in subsection (c)— of major Federal support for nearly highlight the role of libraries as com- (A) in paragraph (1)— 120,000 libraries, including public, aca- munity hubs, equipped to provide serv- (i) in the paragraph heading, by striking demic, research, special, and tribal li- ices and programming in such areas as ‘‘STATE RESPONSE TO THE OPIOID’’ and insert- braries, and 35,000 museums, including literacy, education, lifelong learning, ing ‘‘STATE AND TRIBAL RESPONSE TO THE art, history, science and technology, workforce development, economic and OPIOID’’; children’s, historical societies, tribal, business development, digital literacy (ii) in the first sentence, by inserting ‘‘and planetariums, botanic gardens, and skills, critical thinking, financial lit- Indian tribes and Tribal organizations (as eracy skills, and new and emerging the terms ‘Indian tribes’ and ‘tribal organi- zoos. We have seen access to libraries zations’ are defined in the Indian Self-Deter- and museums increase, and these insti- technology. The bill provides greater mination and Education Assistance Act)’’ tutions continue to evolve as commu- emphasis on recruiting and training after ‘‘grants to States’’; and nity hubs, advancing the growth and the next generation of library and in- (iii) in the second sentence, by inserting vitality of the areas they serve. formation science professionals from ‘‘and Tribes’’ after ‘‘States’’ each place that In Rhode Island, IMLS funding for diverse and underrepresented back- such term appears; the grants to States program under the grounds. Additionally, it focuses lead- (B) in paragraph (2)— Library Services and Technology Act, ership grant funds on activities that (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph LSTA, has supported improved online serve a range of library types and geo- (A)— (I) by inserting ‘‘, Tribe, or Tribal organi- resources; literacy initiatives, includ- graphically diverse areas; have evalua- zation’’ after ‘‘to a State’’; ing a summer reading program; and the tion, analysis, and dissemination com- (II) by inserting ‘‘or Tribal’’ after ‘‘by the provision of talking books to residents ponents; and involve, impact, or have State’’; and with visual impairments and disabil- future applicability in libraries. And, (III) by inserting ‘‘or by a Tribe or Tribal ities. Providence Public Library was in the aftermath of this past year’s organization’’ after ‘‘et seq.)’’; awarded a recent grant to provide un- devastating hurricanes and wildfires, (ii) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ‘‘and derserved teens with learning opportu- the bill clarifies that grant funds can Tribal’’ after ‘‘State’’; nities, leading to digital credentials, be used to help libraries get resources (iii) in subparagraph (E),by inserting ‘‘or Tribe’’ after ‘‘as the State’’; and academic credit, exposure to work, and back online as communities face the (C) by adding at the end the following: entry into education and career path- challenge of recovering from a disaster. ‘‘(3) OTHER SUBSTANCES.—A State or Indian ways. IMLS has also supported and ele- The Museum and Library Services tribe may use grants awarded under this sec- vated the work of Rhode Island muse- Act of 2017 also builds on the over 40- tion for prevention and treatment of the use ums. For instance, the Tomaquag Mu- year legacy of Federal support for im- of other substances such as methamphet- seum in Exeter was one of ten recipi- proving and expanding access to mu- amine, if the use of such other substances is ents nationally to be recognized with a seum services. It addresses the critical determined by the State or tribe to have a 2016 National Medal for Museum and need for professional development and substantial public health impact on the recruiting and preparing the next gen- State or tribe.’’; and Library Service. The Providence Chil- (3) in subsection (d), by inserting ‘‘, Tribe, dren’s Museum and the Preservation eration of museum professionals, em- or tribal organization’’ after ‘‘A State’’. Society of Newport County also re- phasizing diversity so that museums ceived grants to support their work in better reflect the communities they By Mr. REED (for himself, Ms. recent years. serve. The legislation also highlights COLLINS, Mr. COCHRAN, Mrs. I have been proud to continue the the educational role of museums and GILLIBRAND, and Ms. MUR- work of Senator Pell in supporting ro- the diverse ways that museums engage KOWSKI): bust funding for libraries and museums their communities, and it encourages S. 2271. A bill to reauthorize the Mu- and authoring the last two renewals of partnerships with other agencies, pro- seum and Library Services Act; to the the Museum and Library Services Act. fessional networks, and community- Committee on Health, Education, I have seen firsthand the impact librar- based organizations to expand and en- Labor, and Pensions. ies and museums have had on our com- hance access to museum services. Mr. REED. Mr. President, I am munities in Rhode Island and the resi- The Museum and Library Services pleased to be joined by Senators COL- dents and visitors they serve, making Act of 2017 will continue our tradition LINS, COCHRAN, GILLIBRAND, and MUR- our State stronger because of the serv- of supporting our communities through KOWSKI in introducing legislation to ices and experiences that these institu- their museums and libraries, while renew the law that expands the reach tions provide. looking ahead and providing flexibility of libraries and museums and enables The museum and library commu- for these vital institutions to respond them to better serve their commu- nities have provided invaluable input to changing demands and missions. Our nities. These vital institutions educate, in helping us craft this bipartisan leg- bill has the support of the American inform, engage, and connect people islation. I would especially like to Library Association and the American from all walks of life. thank the Rhode Island library com- Alliance of Museums and many of their In 1996, Congress passed the Museum munity for hosting me at libraries affiliated associations. I thank my col- and Library Services Act, establishing across the state and convening a leagues for supporting this endeavor

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.040 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8263 and look forward to more joining us as community revitalization. Libraries Whereas the University of Central Missouri we work together to urge swift action are important information centers for is a leader in promoting soccer and the val- to adopt this important legislation. workforce development, health infor- ues of teamwork, commitment, and excel- Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise mation, and digital and financial lit- lence: Now, therefore, be it to join my colleague from Rhode Is- Resolved, That the Senate— eracy. Museums are also vital commu- (1) congratulates the University of Central land, Senator REED, in introducing the nity partners that work to connect our Missouri women’s soccer team for winning a Museum and Library Services Act of communities to the cultural, histor- national title for the first time in the his- 2017. This bill would reauthorize the ical, natural, and scientific pieces of tory of the University of Central Missouri core programs administered by the In- our heritage. women’s soccer program while maintaining stitute of Museum and Library Serv- From providing job search resources an undefeated season; and ices (IMLS), which support libraries and free internet access to exposing (2) encourages the University of Central and museums in Maine and across the children and families to enriching lit- Missouri to continue promoting the values of teamwork, commitment, and excellence country. This bill includes important erary and educational experiences, li- updates to improve the abilities of li- through the soccer and other athletic pro- braries and museums serve vital roles grams of the University of Central Missouri. braries and museums to meet the needs in our communities. I urge my col- of local communities. leagues to support this legislation. f The Museum and Library Services Act represents a commitment to sup- By Mr. SULLIVAN (for himself SENATE RESOLUTION 365—CON- porting libraries and museums that en- and Ms. MURKOWSKI): GRATULATING THE UNIVERSITY rich our communities. Libraries pro- S. 2273. A bill to extend the period OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN vide not only a wonderful learning during which vessels that are shorter VOLLEYBALL TEAM FOR WIN- tool, full of books, public documents, than 79 feet in length and fishing ves- NING THE 2017 NATIONAL COLLE- and internet access, but also are com- sels are not required to have a permit GIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION munity hubs where citizens can meet for discharges incidental to the normal DIVISION I VOLLEYBALL CHAM- to share and explore ideas. Likewise, operation of the vessel; considered and PIONSHIP great museums do more than accumu- passed. late artifacts—they tell stories. The Mrs. FISCHER (for herself and Mr. S. 2273 programs reauthorized in this bill SASSE) submitted the following resolu- would help libraries and museums Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- tion; which was considered and agreed across Maine and the United States resentatives of the United States of America in to.: Congress assembled, better serve the public by helping with S. RES. 365 SECTION 1. EXTENSION OF MORATORIUM. research, planning, and programming. Whereas, on December 16, 2017, the Univer- Section 2(a) of Public Law 110–299 (33 The Museum and Library Services sity of Nebraska-Lincoln Cornhuskers won U.S.C. 1342 note) is amended by striking ‘‘De- the 2017 National Collegiate Athletic Asso- Act would make important improve- cember 18, 2017’’ and inserting ‘‘January 19, ciation (referred to in this preamble as the ments to IMLS’s ability to collaborate 2018’’. ‘‘NCAA’’) Division I Volleyball Champion- with states and communities. It would f reauthorize the Library Services and ship in Kansas City, Missouri in an over- SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS whelming victory over the University of Technology Act (LSTA), the only fed- Florida by a score of 25 to 22, 25 to 17, 18 to eral program that helps public libraries 25, and 25 to 16; meet their community’s needs, en- SENATE RESOLUTION 364—CON- Whereas the University of Nebraska-Lin- hance their services through tech- coln has won 5 NCAA volleyball champion- nology, reach underserved and rural GRATULATING THE UNIVERSITY ships; populations, and recruit new profes- OF CENTRAL MISSOURI WOMEN’S Whereas the Cornhuskers ended their sionals to the library field. Ensuring SOCCER TEAM FOR WINNING THE championship season with a 19-match win- that federal resources reach our rural NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATH- ning streak and finished the year with a record of 32 wins and 4 losses; communities is particularly important LETIC ASSOCIATION DIVISION II WOMEN’S SOCCER CHAMPION- Whereas each member of the University of to me, and I am pleased that this bill Nebraska-Lincoln volleyball team, including highlights support for rural and tribal SHIP AT SWOPE SOCCER VIL- LAGE IN KANSAS CITY, MIS- Annika Albrecht, Hunter Atherton, Hayley areas. Densberger, Mikaela Foecke, Allie Havers, Every state in our country receives SOURI Briana Holman, Kelly Hunter, Kenzie Malo- its share of the LSTA, which leverages Mrs. MCCASKILL (for herself and Mr. ney, Chesney McClellan, Sami Slaughter, the federal investment with a state and BLUNT) submitted the following resolu- Lauren Stivrins, Jazz Sweet, Anezka Szabo, local funding match. In Maine, the tion; which was considered and agreed and Sydney Townsend, contributed to that LSTA has helped libraries lend books to: outstanding victory; and other materials by mail to reach Whereas head coach John Cook, assistant S. RES. 364 coach Tyler Hildebrand, assistant coach residents in communities that do not Whereas, on December 2, 2017, the Univer- Kayla Banwarth, volunteer assistant coach have libraries nearby or who are home- sity of Central Missouri won the National Ryan Coomes, director of operations Lindsay bound. It has helped Maine libraries Collegiate Athletic Association Division II Peterson, video coordinator Kelly O’Connor, serve individuals with disabilities Women’s Soccer Championship at Swope and graduate managers Joe Klein, John through access to book recordings and Soccer Village in Kansas City, Missouri, Henry, and Bre Mackie, guided that out- special media players, including braille which was the first national championship in standing group of women to a national and audio downloads. It has helped my the history of the University of Central Mis- championship; state improve online access to maga- souri women’s soccer program; Whereas Mikaela Foecke and Kelly Hunter zines, newspapers, and reference books, Whereas the University of Central Missouri were named the co-Most Outstanding Play- women’s soccer team completed an ers of the 2017 NCAA Championship; and spurred innovative collaborations undefeated season with a record of 26 wins Whereas Kelly Hunter was named the Big with schools statewide. and no losses or ties, setting a new Division Ten Setter of the Year, becoming the first The bill would also reauthorize the II record for wins in a season; Nebraska player ever to earn that award; Museum Services Act, providing sup- Whereas the University of Central Missouri Whereas Annika Albrecht, Mikaela port for museums to collaborate with women’s soccer team tied a Division II sin- Foecke, and Kelly Hunter were recognized as schools, libraries, and colleges and uni- gle-season record with 21 shutouts; All-Americans by the American Volleyball versities, and to encourage new tech- Whereas the University of Central Missouri Coaches Association, and Briana Holman re- nologies to extend the reach of pro- women’s soccer team finished the season as ceived an honorable mention; and grams and museum collections. As the top-ranked team in the United Soccer Whereas an NCAA Tournament record- with the LSTA, museums are Coaches Top 25 Division II postseason poll; breaking crowd of 18,516 volleyball fans at- Whereas 5 of the University of Central Mis- tended the championship game, reflecting incentivized to leverage other sources souri Jennies, Ana Dilkes, Jada Scott, Kayla the tremendous spirit and dedication of Ne- of support to match the federal invest- Hamner, Baylie Edwards, and Abby Rhodes, braska fans supporting the Cornhuskers as ment. were named to the Division II Conference the team won the national championship: This reauthorization underscores the Commissioners Association All-America Soc- Now, therefore, be it role that libraries and museums play in cer Teams; and Resolved, That the Senate—

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.043 S21DEPT1 S8264 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 (1) congratulates the University of Ne- (3) in 1969, was formally granted a name (4) is 1 of only 2 historically Black colleges braska-Lincoln volleyball team as the win- change by the Alabama State Board of Edu- and universities to produce a Rhodes scholar; ner of the 2017 National Collegiate Athletic cation and became Alabama State Univer- and Association Division I Volleyball Champion- sity; (5) has graduated a number of African- ship; Whereas notable figures of the civil rights American luminaries, including the Mayor of (2) commends the University of Nebraska era attended and graduated from Alabama Atlanta, Georgia, Maynard Jackson, film di- players, coaches, and staff for their hard State University, including the Reverend rector Spike Lee, and the Reverend Martin work and dedication; Ralph David Abernathy, attorney Fred Gray, Luther King, Jr.; (3) recognizes the students, alumni, and and the Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth; Whereas 2 current Members of Congress are loyal fans that supported the Cornhuskers on Whereas Barber-Scotia College— graduates of Morehouse College; their journey to win another Division I (1) in 1867, was founded as Scotia Seminary Whereas Morgan State University was Championship; and in Concord, North Carolina, by the Reverend founded in Baltimore, Maryland, as the Cen- (4) respectfully requests that the Secretary Luke Dorland; and tenary Biblical Institute in 1867 to train of the Senate prepare an official copy of this (2) in 1870, was chartered to educate newly former slaves and freedmen for the Meth- resolution for presentation to— freed female slaves; odist ministry; (A) the president of the University of Ne- Whereas Scotia Seminary— Whereas, the Centenary Biblical Insti- (1) was the first historically Black institu- braska; tute— tion of higher education for females estab- (1) in 1874, became coeducational; (B) the athletic director of the University lished in the United States; (2) in 1890, changed its name to Morgan of Nebraska-Lincoln; and (2) in 1916, was renamed as Scotia Women’s (C) the head coach of the University of Ne- College; and College in honor of one of its board members; braska-Lincoln volleyball team. (3) in 1930, merged with Barber Memorial and (3) in 1939, was purchased by the State of f College to become Barber-Scotia Junior Col- lege for women; Maryland to provide more academic opportu- SENATE RESOLUTION 366—HON- Whereas Barber-Scotia College became a 4- nities for black students and was renamed ORING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS year college for women in 1946 and a coedu- Morgan State College; OF THE 9 HISTORICALLY BLACK cational institution in 1954; Whereas Morgan State College— COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Whereas one of the distinguished graduates (1) distinguished itself as a liberal arts col- of Barber-Scotia College was Mary McCleod lege; THAT CELEBRATED THEIR SES- (2) in 1975, was granted university status; QUICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARIES Bethune, the founder of Bethune-Cookman College; and DURING THE WEEK OF SEP- Whereas Fayetteville State University was (3) has been designated as the preeminent TEMBER 24 THROUGH SEP- formed as the Howard School on November public research university in Maryland, as TEMBER 30, 2017 29, 1867, by 7 African-American men who paid well as a National Treasure by the National $136 for 2 lots on Gillespie Street in Fayette- Trust for Historic Preservation; Ms. HARRIS (for herself, Mr. Whereas, in 2004, the Morgan State Choir PERDUE, Mr. BOOKER, Mr. BROWN, Mrs. ville, North Carolina; Whereas the Howard School was formally was named ‘‘The Nation’s Best College GILLIBRAND, Mr. SCHUMER, and Mr. renamed Fayetteville State University in Choir’’ by Reader’s Digest and has performed BURR) submitted the following resolu- 1969; for audiences on 4 continents; tion; which was referred to the Com- Whereas Fayetteville State University Whereas Morgan State University— mittee on Health, Education, Labor, holds the distinction of being the second old- (1) has graduated a great number of promi- and Pensions: est public school in North Carolina; nent African-American leaders in politics, law, entertainment, and science; and S. RES. 366 Whereas Howard University— (1) was chartered by Congress on March 2, (2) has a list of alumni that includes Con- Whereas, in 1867, 9 historically Black col- 1867, in Washington, District of Columbia; gressmen Parren J. Mitchell and Kweisi leges and universities were established in 4 (2) stands today as the most comprehensive Mfume, Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals Southern States, Alabama, Georgia, Mary- historically Black college and university in of Maryland Robert M. Bell, novelist Zora land, and North Carolina, as well as in the the United States, in terms of undergraduate Neale Hurston, and Pulitzer-Prize winner District of Columbia, which constituted the and graduate programs of study; James Alan McPherson; largest number of historically Black Col- (3) has produced numerous Rhodes schol- Whereas St. Augustine’s University was leges and Universities founded in any single ars, Truman scholars, Fulbright scholars, founded in 1867 as the St. Augustine’s Nor- year before or after that date; and Picking fellows and a Marshall scholar mal School by prominent Episcopal clergy Whereas the 9 historically Black colleges during the history of the university; and for the education of freed slaves in Raleigh, and universities that celebrated their sesqui- (4) has graduated some of the most accom- North Carolina; centennial anniversaries during the week of plished African-Americans in history, in- Whereas St. Agnes Hospital and Training September 24 through September 30, 2017, cluding Justice of the Supreme Court of the School for Nurses, the first school of nursing trace their foundings to rather modest begin- United States Thurgood Marshall, author for African-American students in the state of nings but, in the course of a century and a Toni Morrison, and former United States North Carolina— half, have established records of significant Ambassador to the United Nations Andrew (1) was established by St. Augustine’s Nor- achievement and legacies of devotion to aca- Young; mal School in 1895; and demic excellence; Whereas 5 current Members of Congress are (2) was the only hospital in North Carolina Whereas the 9 institutions celebrating graduates of Howard University; that served African-Americans until 1960; their sesquicentennial anniversaries in- Whereas Johnson C. Smith University was Whereas St. Augustine’s University was clude— established on April 7, 1867, as the Biddle Me- the first historically Black college and uni- (1) Alabama State University in Marion, morial Institute by Reverend S.C. Alexander versity to own an on-campus commercial Alabama; and Reverend W.L. Miller in Charlotte, radio and television station; and (2) Barber-Scotia College in Concord, North Carolina; Whereas Talladega College— North Carolina; Whereas the first football game with Afri- (1) was founded by 3 former slaves in (3) Fayetteville State University in Fay- can-American players was played at Biddle Talladega, Alabama, in 1867; etteville, North Carolina; University in 1892, a game that today is (2) is the oldest, private historically Black (4) Howard University in Washington, Dis- called the ‘‘Commemorative Classic’’; college and university in the State of Ala- trict of Columbia; Whereas Johnson C. Smith University— bama; (5) Johnson C. Smith University in Char- (1) is the first historically Black college (3) was the first institution in the State of lotte, North Carolina; and university in the South to offer profes- Alabama to admit qualified persons of any (6) Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia; sional courses in education; and (7) Morgan State University in Baltimore, (2) has produced numerous politicians, in- race or ethnicity; and Maryland; cluding Eva Clayton, the first African-Amer- (4) has produced several African-American (8) St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, ican to represent North Carolina in the ‘‘firsts’’, including— North Carolina; and House of Representatives since the 19th cen- (A) Wynona Lipman, the first African- (9) Talladega College in Talladega, Ala- tury; American woman elected to the Senate of bama; Whereas Morehouse College— the State of New Jersey; and Whereas Alabama State University was in- (1) in 1867, was founded by the Reverend (B) the Reverend Dr. Paul Smith, the corporated on July 17, 1867, as Lincoln Nor- William Jefferson White in Augusta, Geor- first African-American minister at the mal School in Marion, Alabama, by 9 freed gia; First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn, slaves to educate Black children; (2) in 1879, was moved from Augusta, Geor- New York; Now, therefore, be it Whereas Lincoln Normal School— gia, to its current location in Atlanta, Geor- Resolved, That the Senate— (1) was founded with $500, which was used gia; (1) honors the accomplishments of— to purchase the land and lay the foundation; (3) is the largest college for men in the (A) the 9 historically Black colleges and (2) in 1928, was converted from a junior col- United States, enrolling more than 2,000 stu- universities that celebrated their sesqui- lege to a 4-year college; and dents; centennial anniversaries during the week of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.047 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8265

September 24 through September 30, 2017; ‘‘(a) GRANT PROGRAM TO REDUCE INJURY forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s Dis- and AND DEATH OF MISSING AMERICANS WITH DE- ease, or developmental disabilities, such as (B) historically Black colleges and univer- MENTIA AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES.— autism. sities in general; Subject to the availability of appropriations (2) celebrates the 150th anniversary of to carry out this section, the Attorney Gen- ‘‘(d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— those 9 institutions; eral, through the Bureau of Justice Assist- There are authorized to be appropriated to (3) encourages Congress and the people of ance and in consultation with the Secretary carry out this section $2,000,000 for each of the United States to recognize the beneficial of Health and Human Services— fiscal years 2018 through 2022. ‘‘(1) shall award competitive grants to impact historically Black colleges and uni- ‘‘(e) GRANT ACCOUNTABILITY.—All grants health care agencies, State and local law en- versities have had on the United States; and awarded by the Attorney General under this (4) respectfully requests that the Secretary forcement agencies, or public safety agencies section shall be subject to the following ac- of the Senate make available 5 enrolled cop- and nonprofit organizations to assist such ies of this resolution to the Office of the entities in planning, designing, establishing, countability provisions: President or Chancellor of each of those 9 or operating locally based, proactive pro- ‘‘(1) AUDIT REQUIREMENT.— historically Black colleges and universities. grams to prevent wandering and locate miss- ‘‘(A) DEFINITION.—In this paragraph, the ing individuals with forms of dementia, such term ‘unresolved audit finding’ means a find- f as Alzheimer’s Disease, or developmental ing in the final audit report of the Inspector AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND disabilities, such as autism, who, due to General of the Department of Justice that their condition, wander from safe environ- PROPOSED the audited grantee has utilized grant funds ments, including programs that— for an unauthorized expenditure or otherwise SA 1864. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. GRASS- ‘‘(A) provide prevention and response infor- unallowable cost that is not closed or re- LEY (for himself, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. TILLIS, mation, including online training resources, solved within 12 months from the date when and Mr. SCHUMER)) proposed an amendment and referrals to families or guardians of such the final audit report is issued. individuals who, due to their condition, wan- to the bill H.R. 195, to amend title 44, United ‘‘(B) AUDITS.—Beginning in the first fiscal States Code, to restrict the distribution of der from a safe environment; year beginning after the date of enactment ‘‘(B) provide education and training, in- free printed copies of the Federal Register to of this subsection, and in each fiscal year cluding online training resources, to first re- Members of Congress and other officers and thereafter, the Inspector General of the De- sponders, school personnel, clinicians, and employees of the United States, and for partment of Justice shall conduct audits of other purposes. the public in order to— ‘‘(i) increase the safety and reduce the inci- recipients of grants under this section to SA 1865. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. GRASS- prevent waste, fraud, and abuse of funds by LEY) proposed an amendment to the bill S. dence of wandering of persons, who, due to grantees. The Inspector General shall deter- 2070, to amend the Violent Crime Control their dementia or developmental disabilities, mine the appropriate number of grantees to and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, to reau- may wander from safe environments; be audited each year. thorize the Missing Alzheimer’s Disease Pa- ‘‘(ii) facilitate the rescue and recovery of tient Alert Program, and to promote initia- individuals who, due to their dementia or de- ‘‘(C) MANDATORY EXCLUSION.—A recipient tives that will reduce the risk of injury and velopmental disabilities, wander from safe of grant funds under this section that is death relating to the wandering characteris- environments; and found to have an unresolved audit finding tics of some children with autism. ‘‘(iii) recognize and respond to and appro- shall not be eligible to receive grant funds SA 1866. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Ms. WAR- priately interact with endangered missing under this section during the first 2 fiscal REN) proposed an amendment to the resolu- individuals with dementia or developmental years beginning after the end of the 12- tion S. Res. 336, recognizing the seriousness disabilities who, due to their condition, wan- month period described in subparagraph (A). of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and express- der from safe environments; ‘‘(D) PRIORITY.—In awarding grants under ing support for the designation of the month ‘‘(C) provide prevention and response train- this section, the Attorney General shall give of September 2018 as ‘‘Polycystic Ovary Syn- ing and emergency protocols for school ad- priority to eligible applicants that did not drome Awareness Month’’. ministrators, staff, and families or guardians have an unresolved audit finding during the SA 1867. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Ms. WAR- of individuals with dementia, such as Alz- 3 fiscal years before submitting an applica- REN) proposed an amendment to the resolu- heimer’s Disease, or developmental disabil- tion for a grant under this section. tion S. Res. 336, supra. ities, such as autism, to help reduce the risk ‘‘(E) REIMBURSEMENT.—If an entity is of wandering by such individuals; and f awarded grant funds under this section dur- ‘‘(D) develop, operate, or enhance a notifi- ing the 2-fiscal-year period during which the cation or communications systems for TEXT OF AMENDMENTS entity is barred from receiving grants under alerts, advisories, or dissemination of other subparagraph (C), the Attorney General SA 1864. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. information for the recovery of missing indi- shall— GRASSLEY (for himself, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, viduals with forms of dementia, such as Alz- ‘‘(i) deposit an amount equal to the Mr. TILLIS, and Mr. SCHUMER)) pro- heimer’s Disease, or with developmental dis- abilities, such as autism; and amount of the grant funds that were improp- posed an amendment to the bill H.R. erly awarded to the grantee into the General 195, to amend title 44, United States ‘‘(2) shall award grants to health care agencies, State and local law enforcement Fund of the Treasury; and Code, to restrict the distribution of agencies, or public safety agencies to assist ‘‘(ii) seek to recoup the costs of the repay- free printed copies of the Federal Reg- such agencies in designing, establishing, and ment to the fund from the grant recipient ister to Members of Congress and other operating locative tracking technology pro- that was erroneously awarded grant funds. officers and employees of the United grams for individuals with forms of demen- ‘‘(2) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION REQUIRE- States, and for other purposes; as fol- tia, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, or children MENTS.— lows: with developmental disabilities, such as au- ‘‘(A) DEFINITION OF NONPROFIT ORGANIZA- tism, who have wandered from safe environ- TION.—For purposes of this paragraph and At the end, add the following: ments.’’; the grant programs under this section, the TITLE II—KEVIN AND AVONTE’S LAW OF (3) in subsection (b)— term ‘nonprofit organization’ means an orga- 2017 (A) by inserting ‘‘competitive’’ after ‘‘to nization that is described in section 501(c)(3) SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE. receive a’’; of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is This title may be cited as the ‘‘Kevin and (B) by inserting ‘‘agency or’’ before ‘‘orga- exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of Avonte’s Law of 2017’’. nization’’ each place it appears; and such Code. Subtitle A—Missing Alzheimer’s Disease (C) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(B) PROHIBITION.—The Attorney General Patient Alert Program Reauthorization ‘‘The Attorney General shall periodically so- may not award a grant under this section to licit applications for grants under this sec- SEC. 211. SHORT TITLE. a nonprofit organization that holds money in tion by publishing a request for applications offshore accounts for the purpose of avoiding This subtitle may be cited as the ‘‘Missing in the Federal Register and by posting such Americans Alert Program Act of 2017’’. paying the tax described in section 511(a) of a request on the website of the Department the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. SEC. 212. REAUTHORIZATION OF THE MISSING of Justice.’’; and ‘‘(C) DISCLOSURE.—Each nonprofit organi- ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE PATIENT (4) by striking subsections (c) and (d) and zation that is awarded a grant under this ALERT PROGRAM. inserting the following: section and uses the procedures prescribed in (a) AMENDMENTS.—Section 240001 of the ‘‘(c) PREFERENCE.—In awarding grants Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement under subsection (a)(1), the Attorney General regulations to create a rebuttable presump- Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12621) is amended— shall give preference to law enforcement or tion of reasonableness for the compensation (1) in the section header, by striking ‘‘ALZ- public safety agencies that partner with non- of its officers, directors, trustees, and key HEIMER’S DISEASE PATIENT’’ and inserting profit organizations that appropriately use employees, shall disclose to the Attorney ‘‘AMERICANS’’; person-centered plans minimizing restrictive General, in the application for the grant, the (2) by striking subsection (a) and inserting interventions and that have a direct link to process for determining such compensation, the following: individuals, and families of individuals, with including the independent persons involved

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:14 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.048 S21DEPT1 S8266 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 in reviewing and approving such compensa- (1) the number of individuals who bene- the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the tion, the comparability data used, and con- fitted from the Missing Americans Alert Pro- United States Virgin Islands, American temporaneous substantiation of the delibera- gram, including information such as the Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the tion and decision. Upon request, the Attor- number of individuals with reduced unsafe Northern Mariana Islands. ney General shall make the information dis- wandering, the number of people who were (6) UNIT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT.—The term closed under this subparagraph available for trained through the program, and the esti- ‘‘unit of local government’’ means a county, public inspection. mated number of people who were impacted municipality, town, township, village, par- ‘‘(3) CONFERENCE EXPENDITURES.— by the program; ish, borough, or other unit of general govern- ‘‘(A) LIMITATION.—No amounts made avail- (2) the number of State, local, and tribal ment below the State level. able to the Department of Justice under this law enforcement or public safety agencies section may be used by the Attorney Gen- that applied for funding under the Missing SEC. 242. STANDARDS AND BEST PRACTICES FOR eral, or by any individual or entity awarded Americans Alert Program; USE OF NON-INVASIVE AND NON- discretionary funds through a cooperative (3) the number of State, local, and tribal PERMANENT TRACKING DEVICES. agreement under this section, to host or sup- local law enforcement or public safety agen- (a) ESTABLISHMENT.— port any expenditure for conferences that cies that received funding under the Missing (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days uses more than $20,000 in funds made avail- Americans Alert Program, including— after the date of enactment of this Act, the able by the Department of Justice, unless (A) the number of State, local, and tribal Attorney General, in consultation with the the head of the relevant agency or depart- law enforcement or public safety agencies Secretary of Health and Human Services and ment, provides prior written authorization that used such funding for training; and leading research, advocacy, self-advocacy, that the funds may be expended to host the (B) the number of State, local, and tribal and service organizations, shall establish conference. law enforcement or public safety agencies standards and best practices relating to the ‘‘(B) WRITTEN APPROVAL.—Written ap- that used such funding for designing, estab- use of non-invasive and non-permanent proval under subparagraph (A) shall include lishing, or operating locative tracking tech- tracking technology, where a guardian or a written estimate of all costs associated nology; parent has determined that a non-invasive with the conference, including the cost of all (4) the companies, including the location and non-permanent tracking device is the food, beverages, audio-visual equipment, (city and State) of the headquarters and least restrictive alternative, to locate indi- honoraria for speakers, and entertainment. local offices of each company, for which viduals as described in subsection (a)(2) of ‘‘(C) REPORT.—The Deputy Attorney Gen- their locative tracking technology was used section 240001 of the Violent Crime Control eral shall submit an annual report to the by State, local, and tribal law enforcement and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate or public safety agencies; 12621), as added by this title. and the Committee on the Judiciary of the (5) the nonprofit organizations, including (2) REQUIREMENTS.—In establishing the House of Representatives on all conference the location (city and State) of the head- standards and best practices required under expenditures approved under this paragraph. quarters and local offices of each organiza- paragraph (1), the Attorney General shall— ‘‘(4) ANNUAL CERTIFICATION.—Beginning in tion, that State, local, and tribal law en- (A) determine— the first fiscal year beginning after the date forcement or public safety agencies of enactment of this subsection, the Attor- partnered with and the result of each part- (i) the criteria used to determine which in- ney General shall submit, to the Committee nership; dividuals would benefit from the use of a on the Judiciary and the Committee on Ap- (6) the number of missing children with au- tracking device; propriations of the Senate and the Com- tism or another developmental disability (ii) the criteria used to determine who mittee on the Judiciary and the Committee with wandering tendencies or adults with should have direct access to the tracking on Appropriations of the House of Represent- Alzheimer’s being served by the program system; and atives, an annual certification— who went missing and the result of the (iii) which non-invasive and non-perma- ‘‘(A) indicating whether— search for each such individual; and nent types of tracking devices can be used in ‘‘(i) all audits issued by the Office of the (7) any recommendations for improving the compliance with the standards and best prac- Inspector General under paragraph (1) have Missing Americans Alert Program. tices; and been completed and reviewed by the appro- (c) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- (B) establish standards and best practices priate Assistant Attorney General or Direc- tents in section 2 of the Violent Crime Con- the Attorney General determines are nec- tor; trol and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 is essary to the administration of a tracking ‘‘(ii) all mandatory exclusions required amended by striking the item relating to system, including procedures to— under paragraph (1)(C) have been issued; and section 240001 and inserting the following: (i) safeguard the privacy of the data used ‘‘(iii) all reimbursements required under ‘‘Sec. 240001. Missing Americans Alert Pro- by the tracking device such that— paragraph (1)(E) have been made; and gram.’’. (I) access to the data is restricted to law ‘‘(B) that includes a list of any grant re- Subtitle B—Education and Outreach enforcement and health agencies determined necessary by the Attorney General; and cipients excluded under paragraph (1) from SEC. 231. ACTIVITIES BY THE NATIONAL CENTER the previous year. FOR MISSING AND EXPLOITED CHIL- (II) collection, use, and retention of the ‘‘(f) PREVENTING DUPLICATIVE GRANTS.— DREN. data is solely for the purpose of preventing ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Before the Attorney Section 404(b)(1)(H) of the Missing Chil- injury to or death of the individual wearing General awards a grant to an applicant dren’s Assistance Act (34 U.S.C. the tracking device; under this section, the Attorney General 11293(b)(1)(H)) is amended by inserting ‘‘, in- (ii) establish criteria to determine whether shall compare potential grant awards with cluding cases involving children with devel- use of the tracking device is the least re- other grants awarded by the Attorney Gen- opmental disabilities such as autism’’ before strictive alternative in order to prevent risk eral to determine if grant awards are or have the semicolon. of injury or death before issuing the tracking been awarded for a similar purpose. Subtitle C—Privacy Protections device, including the previous consideration ‘‘(2) REPORT.—If the Attorney General SEC. 241. DEFINITIONS. of less restrictive alternatives; awards grants to the same applicant for a In this subtitle: (iii) provide training for law enforcement similar purpose the Attorney General shall (1) CHILD.—The term ‘‘child’’ means an in- agencies to recognize signs of abuse during submit to the Committee on the Judiciary of dividual who is less than 18 years of age. interactions with applicants for tracking de- the Senate and the Committee on the Judici- (2) INDIAN TRIBE.—The term ‘‘Indian tribe’’ vices; ary of the House of Representatives a report has the meaning given that term in section (iv) protect the civil rights and liberties of that includes— 4(e) of the Indian Self-Determination and the individuals who use tracking devices, in- ‘‘(A) a list of all such grants awarded, in- Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304(e)). cluding their rights under the Fourth cluding the total dollar amount of any such (3) LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.—The term Amendment to the Constitution of the grants awarded; and ‘‘law enforcement agency’’ means an agency United States; ‘‘(B) the reason the Attorney General of a State, unit of local government, or In- (v) establish a complaint and investigation awarded multiple grants to the same appli- dian tribe that is authorized by law or by a process to address— cant for a similar purpose.’’. government agency to engage in or supervise (I) incidents of noncompliance by recipi- (b) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than 2 the prevention, detection, investigation, or ents of grants under subsection (a)(2) of sec- years after the date of enactment of this Act prosecution of any violation of criminal law. tion 240001 of the Violent Crime Control and and every year thereafter, the Attorney Gen- (4) NON-INVASIVE AND NON-PERMANENT.— Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. eral shall submit to the Committee on the The term ‘‘non-invasive and non-permanent’’ 12621), as added by this title, with the best Judiciary and the Committee on Appropria- means, with regard to any technology or de- practices established by the Attorney Gen- tions of the Senate and the Committee on vice, that the procedure to install the tech- eral or other applicable law; and the Judiciary and the Committee on Appro- nology or device does not create an external (II) use of a tracking device over the objec- priations of the House of Representatives a or internal marker or implant a device, such tion of an individual; and report on the Missing Americans Alert Pro- as a microchip, or other trackable items. (vi) determine the role that State agencies gram, as amended by subsection (a), which (5) STATE.—The term ‘‘State’’ means each should have in the administration of a track- shall address— of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, ing system.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.050 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8267 (3) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The standards and the seriousness of Polycystic Ovary ESTABLISHING WITHIN THE NA- best practices established pursuant to para- Syndrome and expressing support for TIONAL PARK SERVICE THE AF- graph (1) shall take effect 90 days after publi- the designation of the month of Sep- RICAN AMERICAN CIVIL RIGHTS cation of such standards and practices by the tember 2018 as ‘‘Polycystic Ovary Syn- NETWORK Attorney General. (b) REQUIRED COMPLIANCE.— drome Awareness Month’’; as follows: The bill (H.R. 1927) to amend title 54, (1) IN GENERAL.—Each entity that receives On page 4, line 5, insert ‘‘and’’ after the United States Code, to establish within a grant under subsection (a)(2) of section semicolon. the National Park Service the African 240001 of the Violent Crime Control and Law On page 4, strike lines 6 through 7. American Civil Rights Network, and On page 4, line 8, strike ‘‘(D)’’ and insert Enforcement Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12621), as for other purposes, was ordered to a added by this title, shall comply with any ‘‘(C)’’. standards and best practices relating to the On page 4, line 15, strike ‘‘are afflicted third reading and was read the third use of tracking devices established by the with PCOS;’’ and insert ‘‘have PCOS; and’’. time. Attorney General in accordance with sub- On page 4, strike lines 16 through 19. f section (a). On page 4, line 20, strike ‘‘(6)’’ and insert (2) DETERMINATION OF COMPLIANCE.—The ‘‘(5)’’. BLACK HILLS NATIONAL CEME- Attorney General, in consultation with the TERY BOUNDARY EXPANSION Secretary of Health and Human Services, SA 1867. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Ms. ACT shall determine whether an entity that re- WARREN) proposed an amendment to The Senate proceeded to consider the ceives a grant under subsection (a)(2) of sec- the resolution S. Res. 336, recognizing bill (S. 35) to transfer administrative tion 240001 of the Violent Crime Control and the seriousness of Polycystic Ovary Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. jurisdiction over certain Bureau of Syndrome and expressing support for Land Management land from the Sec- 12621), as added by this title, acts in compli- the designation of the month of Sep- ance with the standards and best practices retary of the Interior to the Secretary described in paragraph (1). tember 2018 as ‘‘Polycystic Ovary Syn- of Veterans Affairs for inclusion in the (c) APPLICABILITY OF STANDARDS AND BEST drome Awareness Month’’; as follows: Black Hills National Cemetery, and for PRACTICES.—The standards and best prac- In the seventh whereas clause of the pre- other purposes, which had been re- tices established by the Attorney General amble, strike ‘‘which’’ and insert ‘‘and’’. ported from the Committee on Energy under subsection (a) shall apply only to the In the thirteenth whereas clause of the and Natural Resources, with an amend- grant programs authorized under subsection preamble, strike ‘‘up to 80 percent of’’ and (a)(2) of section 240001 of the Violent Crime insert ‘‘many’’. ment to strike all after the enacting Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (34 In the fifteenth whereas clause of the pre- clause and insert in lieu thereof the U.S.C. 12621), as added by this title. amble, strike the semicolon at the end and following: (d) LIMITATIONS ON PROGRAM.— insert ‘‘, which does not include the costs as- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (1) DATA STORAGE.—Any tracking data pro- sociated with treatment of comorbidities;’’. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Black Hills Na- vided by tracking devices issued under this Strike the sixteenth whereas clause of the tional Cemetery Boundary Expansion Act’’. program may not be used by a Federal entity preamble. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. to create a database. f In this Act: (2) VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION.—Nothing in MEASURES DISCHARGED, THE (1) CEMETERY.—The term ‘‘Cemetery’’ means this title may be construed to require that a the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, parent or guardian use a tracking device to CALENDAR, AND MEASURES RE- South Dakota. monitor the location of a child or adult CEIVED FROM THE HOUSE (2) FEDERAL LAND.—The term ‘‘Federal land’’ under that parent or guardian’s supervision Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I means the approximately 200 acres of Bureau of if the parent or guardian does not believe Land Management land adjacent to the Ceme- that the use of such device is necessary or in ask unanimous consent that the En- ergy and Natural Resources Committee tery, generally depicted as ‘‘Proposed National the interest of the child or adult under su- Cemetery Expansion’’ on the map entitled ‘‘Pro- pervision. be discharged from further consider- posed Expansion of Black Hills National Ceme- ation of the following bills: S. 1438 and tery-South Dakota’’ and dated June 16, 2016. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. SA 1865. H.R. 1927; and that the Senate proceed (3) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means GRASSLEY) proposed an amendment to to the immediate consideration of the Secretary of the Interior. the bill S. 2070, to amend the Violent those bills and the following bills en SEC. 3. TRANSFER AND WITHDRAWAL OF BUREAU Crime Control and Law Enforcement bloc: Calendar No. 49, S. 35; Calendar OF LAND MANAGEMENT LAND FOR Act of 1994, to reauthorize the Missing No. 54, S. 432; Calendar No. 55, S. 466; CEMETERY USE. Alzheimer’s Disease Patient Alert Pro- Calendar No. 62, H.R. 267; Calendar No. (a) CONDUCT OF DUE DILIGENCE ACTIVITIES BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.— gram, and to promote initiatives that 64, H.R. 560; Calendar No. 72, H.R. 699; will reduce the risk of injury and death (1) IN GENERAL.—Before the transfer of admin- Calendar No. 88, H.R. 863; Calendar No. istrative jurisdiction and withdrawal of the Fed- relating to the wandering characteris- 125, S. 167; Calendar No. 148, H.R. 381; eral land under subsections (b) and (c), respec- tics of some children with autism; as Calendar No. 170, H.R. 954; H.R. 1242, re- tively, and subject to paragraph (2), the Sec- follows: ceived from the House; H.R. 1306, re- retary of Veterans Affairs shall complete any On page 8, line 11, strike ‘‘part’’ and insert ceived from the House; and H.R. 2611, appropriate environmental, cultural resource, ‘‘section’’. received from the House. and other due diligence activities on the Federal On page 8, line 18, strike ‘‘part’’ and insert The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without land that would enable the Secretary of Vet- ‘‘section’’. erans Affairs to confirm that the Federal land is On page 15, between lines 9 and 10, insert objection, it is so ordered. suitable for cemetery purposes. the following: There being no objection, the Senate (2) NOTICE; REQUIRED COORDINATION.—The (4) NON-INVASIVE AND NON-PERMANENT.— proceeded to consider the bills en bloc. Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall— The term ‘‘non-invasive and non-permanent’’ Mr. MCCONNELL. I further ask (A) before conducting any due diligence ac- means, with regard to any technology or de- unanimous consent that, where appli- tivities under paragraph (1), notify the Sec- vice, that the procedure to install the tech- cable, the committee-reported amend- retary of the activities to be conducted; nology or device does not create an external ments be agreed to, and the bills, as (B) as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs deter- or internal marker or implant a device, such amended, if amended, be considered mines to be necessary in the conduct of the due as a microchip, or other trackable items. diligence activities under paragraph (1), coordi- On page 15, line 10, strike ‘‘(4)’’ and insert read a third time. nate the activities with the Secretary; and ‘‘(5)’’. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (C) if the Secretary of Veterans Affairs deter- On page 15, line 15, strike ‘‘(5)’’ and insert objection, it is so ordered. mines, on completion of the due diligence activi- ‘‘(6)’’. f ties under paragraph (1), that the Federal land On page 15, strike lines 20 through 25. is suitable for cemetery purposes, submit written On page 17, beginning on line 20, strike ‘‘in- GATEWAY ARCH NATIONAL PARK notice of the determination to the Secretary. jury or death to the individual’’ and insert DESIGNATION ACT (b) TRANSFER OF ADMINISTRATIVE JURISDIC- ‘‘injury to or death of the individual’’. TION.— On page 19, line 24, strike ‘‘requirement’’ The bill (S. 1438) to redesignate the Jefferson National Expansion Memo- (1) TRANSFER.— and insert ‘‘standards and best practices’’. (A) IN GENERAL.—On receipt by the Secretary rial in the State of Missouri as the of written notice of a determination that the SA 1866. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Ms. ‘‘Gateway Arch National Park,’’ was Federal land is suitable for cemetery purposes WARREN) proposed an amendment to ordered to be engrossed for a third under subsection (a)(2)(C), except as provided in the resolution S. Res. 336, recognizing reading and was read the third time. subparagraph (B), and subject to valid existing

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:14 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.050 S21DEPT1 S8268 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 rights, administrative jurisdiction over the Fed- grossed for a third reading and was States have lost their lives in the United eral land is transferred from the Secretary to the read the third time. States while performing professional duties; Secretary of Veterans Affairs for use as a na- ø(2) the United States lacks a national me- tional cemetery in accordance with chapter 24 of f morial dedicated to fallen educators; and ø title 38, United States Code. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. NA- (3) a memorial to fallen educators at the (B) EXCLUSION.—The transfer of administra- National Teachers Hall of Fame in Emporia, tive jurisdiction over the Federal land under TIONAL HISTORICAL PARK ACT Kansas— subparagraph (A) shall not include the land lo- OF 2017 ø(A) was dedicated on June 12, 2014; and cated within 100 feet of the center of the Cen- The bill (H.R. 267) to redesignate the ø(B) will honor educators who have lost tennial Trail, as generally depicted on the map Martin Luther King, Junior, National their lives in the line of professional service. entitled ‘‘Proposed Expansion of Black Hills Na- Historic Site in the State of Georgia, øSEC. 3. DESIGNATION.¿ tional Cemetery-South Dakota’’ and dated June SEC. 2. DESIGNATION. 16, 2016. and for other purposes, was ordered to (a) IN GENERAL.—The memorial to fallen (2) LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS.— a third reading and was read the third time. educators located at the National Teachers (A) IN GENERAL.—As soon as practicable after Hall of Fame in Emporia, Kansas, is des- the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary f ignated as the ‘‘National Memorial to Fallen shall publish in the Federal Register a notice Educators’’. containing a legal description of the Federal AMENDING THE DELAWARE (b) EFFECT OF DESIGNATION.—The national land. WATER GAP NATIONAL RECRE- memorial designated by this section is not a (B) EFFECT.—A legal description published ATION AREA IMPROVEMENT ACT unit of the National Park System and the under subparagraph (A) shall have the same designation of the National Memorial to force and effect as if included in this Act, except The bill (H.R. 560) to amend the Dela- ware Water Gap National Recreation Fallen Educators shall not require or permit that the Secretary may correct any clerical and Federal funds to be expended for any purpose typographical errors in the legal description. Area Improvement Act to provide ac- related to that national memorial. (C) AVAILABILITY.—Copies of the legal de- cess to certain vehicles serving resi- scription published under subparagraph (A) The committee-reported amendment dents of municipalities adjacent to the was agreed to. shall be available for public inspection in the Delaware Water Gap National Recre- appropriate offices of— The bill was ordered to be engrossed (i) the Bureau of Land Management; and ation Area, and for other purposes, was for a third reading and was read the (ii) the National Cemetery Administration. ordered to a third reading and was read third time. (D) COSTS.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs the third time. f shall reimburse the Secretary for the costs in- f curred by the Secretary in carrying out this DESIGNATING A MOUNTAIN IN paragraph, including the costs of any surveys MOUNT HOOD COOPER SPUR LAND THE JOHN MUIR WILDERNESS OF and other reasonable costs. EXCHANGE CLARIFICATION ACT THE SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST (c) WITHDRAWAL.—On receipt by the Secretary AS ‘‘SKY POINT’’ of written notice of a determination that the The bill (H.R. 699) to amend the Om- Federal land is suitable for cemetery purposes nibus Public Land Management Act of The bill (H.R. 381) to designate a under subsection (a)(2)(C) and subject to valid 2009 to modify provisions relating to mountain in the John Muir Wilderness existing rights, the Federal land— certain land exchanges in the Mt. Hood of the Sierra National Forest as ‘‘Sky (1) is withdrawn from all forms of appropria- Wilderness in the State of Oregon, was Point,’’ was ordered to a third reading tion under the public land laws, including the ordered to a third reading and was read and was read the third time. mining laws, the mineral leasing laws, and the the third time. geothermal leasing laws; and f (2) shall be treated as property as defined f REMOVING THE USE RESTRIC- under section 102(9) of title 40, United States Code. TO FACILITATE THE ADDITION OF TIONS ON CERTAIN LAND (d) BOUNDARY MODIFICATION.—The boundary PARK ADMINISTRATION AT THE TRANSFERRED TO ROCKINGHAM of the Cemetery is modified to include the Fed- COLTSVILLE NATIONAL HISTOR- COUNTY, VIRGINIA eral land. ICAL PARK The bill (H.R. 954) to remove the use (e) MODIFICATION OF PUBLIC LAND ORDER.— restrictions on certain land transferred Public Land Order 2112, dated June 6, 1960 (25 The bill (H.R. 863) to facilitate the Fed. Reg. 5243), is modified to exclude the Fed- addition of park administration at the to Rockingham County, Virginia, and eral land. Coltsville National Historical Park, for other purposes, was ordered to a The committee-reported amendment and for other purposes, was ordered to third reading and was read the third in the nature of a substitute was a third reading and was read the third time. agreed to. time. f The bill was ordered to be engrossed f ESTABLISHING THE 400 YEARS OF for a third reading and was read the AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY third time. NATIONAL MEMORIAL TO FALLEN EDUCATORS ACT COMMISSION f The Senate proceeded to consider the The bill (H.R. 1242) to establish the CERROS DEL NORTE bill (S. 167) to designate a National Me- 400 Years of African-American History CONSERVATION ACT morial to Fallen Educators at the Na- Commission, and for other purposes, The bill (S. 432) to designate the tional Teachers Hall of Fame in Empo- was ordered to a third reading and was Cerro del Yuta and Rio San Antonio ria, Kansas, which had been reported read the third time. Wilderness Areas in the State of New from the Committee on Energy and f Mexico, and for other purposes, was or- Natural Resources, with an amend- PROVIDING FOR THE CONVEYANCE dered to be engrossed for a third read- ment, as follows: ing and was read the third time. OF CERTAIN FEDERAL LAND IN (The part of the bill intended to be THE STATE OF OREGON f deleted is shown in boldface brackets The bill (H.R. 1306) to provide for the CLARIFYING THE DESCRIPTION OF and the part of the bill intended to be inserted is shown in italics.) conveyance of certain Federal land in CERTAIN FEDERAL LAND UNDER the State of Oregon, and for other pur- S. 167 THE NORTHERN ARIZONA LAND poses, was ordered to a third reading EXCHANGE AND VERDE RIVER Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- and was read the third time. BASIN PARTNERSHIP ACT OF 2005 resentatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, f The Senate proceeded to consider the SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. TO MODIFY THE BOUNDARY OF bill (S. 466) to clarify the description of This Act may be cited as the ‘‘National certain Federal land under the North- THE LITTLE ROCK CENTRAL Memorial to Fallen Educators Act’’. HIGH SCHOOL NATIONAL HIS- ern Arizona Land Exchange and Verde ø SEC. 2. FINDINGS. TORIC SITE River Basin Partnership Act of 2005 to øCongress finds that— include additional land in Kaibab Na- ø(1) from 1764 to the date of enactment of The bill (H.R. 2611) to modify the tional Forest, was ordered to be en- this Act, more than 119 educators from 36 boundary of the Little Rock Central

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:57 Mar 27, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\DECEMBER\S21DE7.REC S21DE7 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8269 High School National Historic Site, (1) any reference to the effective date of (1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under and for other purposes, was ordered to the Wilderness Act shall be considered to be the public land laws; a third reading and was read the third a reference to the date of enactment of this (2) location, entry, and patent under the time. Act; and mining laws; and (2) any reference in the Wilderness Act to (3) operation of the mineral leasing, min- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I the Secretary of Agriculture shall be consid- eral materials, and geothermal leasing laws. know of no further debate on the bills. ered to be a reference to the Secretary. (k) TREATY RIGHTS.—Nothing in this Act The PRESIDING OFFICER. If there (c) INCORPORATION OF ACQUIRED LAND AND enlarges, diminishes, or otherwise modifies is no further debate, the bills having INTERESTS IN LAND.—Any land or interest in any treaty rights. been read the third time, the question land within the boundary of the wilderness The bill (S. 466) was passed, as fol- is, Shall the bills pass en bloc? areas that is acquired by the United States lows: shall— The bill (S. 1438) was passed, as fol- S. 466 lows: (1) become part of the wilderness area in which the land is located; and Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- S. 1438 (2) be managed in accordance with— resentatives of the United States of America in Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (A) the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et Congress assembled, resentatives of the United States of America in seq.); SECTION 1. CLARIFICATION RELATING TO A CER- Congress assembled, (B) this Act; and TAIN LAND DESCRIPTION UNDER THE NORTHERN ARIZONA LAND EX- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (C) any other applicable laws. CHANGE AND VERDE RIVER BASIN This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Gateway (d) GRAZING.—Grazing of livestock in the PARTNERSHIP ACT OF 2005. Arch National Park Designation Act’’. wilderness areas, where established before Section 104(a)(5) of the Northern Arizona SEC. 2. DESIGNATION OF GATEWAY ARCH NA- the date of enactment of this Act, shall be Land Exchange and Verde River Basin Part- TIONAL PARK. administered in accordance with— nership Act of 2005 (Public Law 109–110; 119 (a) REDESIGNATION.—The Jefferson Na- (1) section 4(d)(4) of the Wilderness Act (16 Stat. 2356) is amended by inserting before the tional Expansion Memorial established U.S.C. 1133(d)(4)); and period at the end ‘‘, which, notwithstanding (2) the guidelines set forth in appendix A of under the Act of May 17, 1954 (16 U.S.C. 450jj section 102(a)(4)(B), includes the N1⁄2, NE1⁄4, the Report of the Committee on Interior and et seq.), shall be known and designated as SW1⁄4, SW1⁄4, the N1⁄2, N1⁄2, SE1⁄4, SW1⁄4, and Insular Affairs to accompany H.R. 2570 of the the ‘‘Gateway Arch National Park’’. the N1⁄2, N1⁄2, SW1⁄4, SE1⁄4, sec. 34, T. 22 N., R. (b) REFERENCES.—Any reference in a law, 101st Congress (H. Rept. 101–405). 2 E., Gila and Salt River Meridian, Coconino (e) BUFFER ZONES.— map, regulation, document, paper, or other County, comprising approximately 25 acres’’. record of the United States to the Jefferson (1) IN GENERAL.—Nothing in this Act cre- ates a protective perimeter or buffer zone The bill (H.R. 267) was passed. National Expansion Memorial shall be con- The bill (H.R. 560) was passed. sidered to be a reference to the ‘‘Gateway around the wilderness areas. (2) ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE WILDERNESS The bill (H.R. 699) was passed. Arch National Park’’. The bill (H.R. 863) was passed. The bill (H.R. 1927) was passed. AREAS.—The fact that an activity or use on land outside a wilderness area can be seen or The bill (S. 167) was passed, as fol- The bill (S. 35) was passed. heard within the wilderness area shall not lows: The bill (S. 432) was passed, as fol- preclude the activity or use outside the S. 167 lows: boundary of the wilderness area. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (f) RELEASE OF WILDERNESS STUDY S. 432 resentatives of the United States of America in AREAS.—Congress finds that, for purposes of Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Congress assembled, section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and resentatives of the United States of America in SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. Congress assembled, Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)), the public land within the San Antonio Wil- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘National SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. derness Study Area not designated as wilder- Memorial to Fallen Educators Act’’. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Cerros del ness by this section— SEC. 2. DESIGNATION. Norte Conservation Act’’. (1) has been adequately studied for wilder- (a) IN GENERAL.—The memorial to fallen SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. ness designation; educators located at the National Teachers In this Act: (2) is no longer subject to section 603(c) of Hall of Fame in Emporia, Kansas, is des- (1) MAP.—The term ‘‘map’’ means the map the Federal Land Policy and Management ignated as the ‘‘National Memorial to Fallen entitled ‘‘Rı´o Grande del Norte National Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)); and Educators’’. Monument Proposed Wilderness Areas’’ and (3) shall be managed in accordance with (b) EFFECT OF DESIGNATION.—The national dated July 28, 2015. this Act. memorial designated by this section is not a (2) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ (g) MAPS AND LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS.— unit of the National Park System and the means the Secretary of the Interior. (1) IN GENERAL.—As soon as practicable designation of the National Memorial to (3) WILDERNESS AREA.—The term ‘‘wilder- after the date of enactment of this Act, the Fallen Educators shall not require or permit ness area’’ means a wilderness area des- Secretary shall file the map and legal de- Federal funds to be expended for any purpose ignated by section 3(a). scriptions of the wilderness areas with— related to that national memorial. SEC. 3. DESIGNATION OF CERRO DEL YUTA AND (A) the Committee on Energy and Natural The bill (H.R. 381) was passed. RI´O SAN ANTONIO WILDERNESS Resources of the Senate; and The bill (H.R. 954) was passed. AREAS. (B) the Committee on Natural Resources of The bill (H.R. 1242) was passed. (a) IN GENERAL.—In accordance with the the House of Representatives. The bill (H.R. 1306) was passed. Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), the (2) FORCE OF LAW.—The map and legal de- The bill (H.R. 2611) was passed. following areas in the Rı´o Grande del Norte scriptions filed under paragraph (1) shall National Monument are designated as wil- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I have the same force and effect as if included ask unanimous consent that the mo- derness and as components of the National in this Act, except that the Secretary may Wilderness Preservation System: correct errors in the legal description and tions to reconsider be considered made (1) CERRO DEL YUTA WILDERNESS.—Certain map. and laid upon the table. land administered by the Bureau of Land (3) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY.—The map and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Management in Taos County, New Mexico, legal descriptions filed under paragraph (1) objection, it is so ordered. comprising approximately 13,420 acres as shall be on file and available for public in- f generally depicted on the map, which shall spection in the appropriate offices of the Bu- be known as the ‘‘Cerro del Yuta Wilder- reau of Land Management. DIESEL EMISSIONS REDUCTION ness’’. (h) NATIONAL LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION ACT OF 2017 (2) RI´O SAN ANTONIO WILDERNESS.—Certain SYSTEM.—The wilderness areas shall be ad- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I land administered by the Bureau of Land ministered as components of the National Management in Rı´o Arriba County, New Landscape Conservation System. ask unanimous consent that the Sen- Mexico, comprising approximately 8,120 (i) FISH AND WILDLIFE.—Nothing in this ate proceed to the immediate consider- acres, as generally depicted on the map, Act affects the jurisdiction of the State of ation of Calendar No. 219, S. 1447. which shall be known as the ‘‘Rı´o San Anto- New Mexico with respect to fish and wildlife The PRESIDING OFFICER. The nio Wilderness’’. located on public land in the State. clerk will report the bill by title. (b) MANAGEMENT OF WILDERNESS AREAS.— (j) WITHDRAWALS.—Subject to valid exist- The legislative clerk read as follows: Subject to valid existing rights, the wilder- ing rights, any Federal land within the wil- A bill (S. 1447) to reauthorize the diesel ness areas shall be administered in accord- derness areas designated by subsection (a), emissions reduction program, and for other ance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 including any land or interest in land that is purposes. et seq.) and this Act, except that with re- acquired by the United States after the date spect to the wilderness areas designated by of enactment of this Act, is withdrawn There being no objection, the Senate this Act— from— proceeded to consider the bill.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.102 S21DEPT1 S8270 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ets and the parts of the bill intended to (A) discontinue use of the services of the further ask unanimous consent that be inserted are shown in italics.) Postal Service under subsection (a); and the bill be read a third time and passed S. 1208 (B) enter into a contract with the private carrier under which a person to whom a doc- and the motion to reconsider be consid- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- ument is sent under the Secure Mail Initia- resentatives of the United States of America in ered made and laid upon the table with tive (or any successor program) may elect to Congress assembled, no intervening action or debate. have the private carrier use one of the sub- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. stantially similar services in delivering the This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Strength- objection, it is so ordered. document. ening the Department of Homeland Security The bill (S. 1447) was ordered to be (2) REQUIREMENTS.—The Secretary may not Secure Mail Initiative Act’’. engrossed for a third reading, was read exercise the authority under paragraph (1) SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. unless the Secretary— the third time, and passed, as follows: In this Act— (A) determines, and notifies the Postal S. 1447 (1) the terms ‘‘Hold for Pickup service’’ Service, that the private carrier offers serv- and ‘‘Signature Confirmation service’’ Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- ices that are substantially similar to the ømeans¿ mean the services described in sec- resentatives of the United States of America in Hold for Pickup and Signature Confirmation tions ø508.7.2.1¿ 507.3.0 and 503.8.1.1.a, respec- Congress assembled, services; tively, of the Domestic Mail Manual (or any SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (B) provides for an option under the Secure successor services); This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Diesel Emis- Mail Initiative (or any successor program) sions Reduction Act of 2017’’. (2) the term ‘‘Immigration Examinations Fee Account’’ means the account established under which a person to whom a document is SEC. 2. REAUTHORIZATION OF DIESEL EMIS- sent under that initiative may elect a serv- SIONS REDUCTION PROGRAM. under section 286(m) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356(m)); ice under paragraph (1)(B); Section 797(a) of the Energy Policy Act of (C) requires the payment of a fee from a 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16137(a)) is amended by strik- (3) the term ‘‘Postal Service’’ means the United States Postal Service; and person electing a service under paragraph ing ‘‘2016’’ and inserting ‘‘2022’’. (4) the term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Sec- (1)(B), which shall be set at a level that en- SEC. 3. RECOGNIZING DIFFERENCES IN DIESEL retary of Homeland Security. sures recovery of— VEHICLE, ENGINE, EQUIPMENT, AND (i) the full cost of contracting with the pri- FLEET USE. SEC. 3. OFFERING HOLD FOR PICKUP AND SIGNA- TURE CONFIRMATION SERVICES vate carrier to provide all such services; and (a) NATIONAL GRANT, REBATE, AND LOAN UNDER THE SECURE MAIL INITIA- (ii) any additional costs associated with PROGRAMS.—Section 792(c)(4)(D) of the En- TIVE. the administration of the fees collected; and ergy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. (a) IN GENERAL.—Beginning not later than (D) deposits the fees collected under sub- 16132(c)(4)(D)) is amended by inserting ‘‘, rec- 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph (C) as offsetting receipts into the ognizing differences in typical vehicle, en- Act, the Secretary shall provide for an op- Immigration Examinations Fees Account. gine, equipment, and fleet use throughout tion under the Secure Mail Initiative (or any SEC. 4. REPORT. the United States’’ before the semicolon. successor program) under which a person to (b) STATE GRANT, REBATE, AND LOAN PRO- whom a document is sent under that initia- Not later than 2 years after the date of en- GRAMS.—Section 793(b)(1) of the Energy Pol- tive may elect, except as provided in sub- actment of this Act, the Secretary shall sub- icy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16133(b)(1)) is section (e), to have the Postal Service use mit to Congress a report that describes— amended— the Hold for Pickup service or the Signature (1) the implementation of the requirements (1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘; and’’ Confirmation service in delivering the docu- under section 3; and inserting a semicolon; and ment. (2) the fee imposed under subsection (b) or (2) by adding at the end the following: (b) FEE.— (e)(2)(C), as applicable, of section 3; and ‘‘(D) the recognition, for purposes of imple- (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary, in accord- (3) the number of times during the previous menting this section, of differences in typ- ance with section 286(m) of the Immigration year that a person used a service under sub- ical vehicle, engine, equipment, and fleet use and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356(m)), shall section (a) or (e)(1)(B) of section 3. throughout the United States, including ex- require the payment of a fee from a person Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I pected useful life; and’’. electing a service under subsection (a), ask unanimous consent that the com- SEC. 4. REALLOCATION OF UNUSED STATE which shall be set at a level that ensures re- FUNDS. covery of— mittee-reported amendments be agreed Section 793(c)(2)(C) of the Energy Policy (A) the full costs of providing all such serv- to, the bill, as amended, be considered Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16133(c)(2)(C)) is amend- ices; and read a third time and passed, and the ed beginning in the matter preceding clause (B) any additional costs associated with motion to reconsider be considered (i) by striking ‘‘to each remaining’’ and all the administration of the fees collected. made and laid upon the table. that follows through ‘‘this paragraph’’ in (2) ALLOCATION OF FUNDS.—Of the fees col- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without clause (ii) and inserting ‘‘to carry out sec- lected under paragraph (1), the Secretary tion 792’’. shall— objection, it is so ordered. The committee-reported amendments f (A) deposit as offsetting receipts into the Immigration Examinations Fee Account the were agreed to. STRENGTHENING THE DEPART- portion representing— The bill (S. 1208), as amended, was or- MENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (i) the cost to the Secretary of providing dered to be engrossed for a third read- SECURE MAIL INITIATIVE ACT the services under subsection (a); and (ii) any additional costs associated with ing, was read the third time, and Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I the administration of the fees collected; and passed, as follows: ask unanimous consent that the Sen- (B) transfer to the Postal Service the por- S. 1208 ate proceed to the immediate consider- tion representing the cost to the Postal Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- ation of Calendar No. 241, S. 1208. Service of providing the services under sub- resentatives of the United States of America in section (a). The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Congress assembled, clerk will report the bill by title. (c) REGULATIONS.—The Postal Service may The legislative clerk read as follows: promulgate regulations that— SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (1) subject to paragraph (2), minimize the This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Strength- A bill (S. 1208) to direct the Secretary of cost of providing the services under sub- Homeland Security to provide for an option ening the Department of Homeland Security section (a); and Secure Mail Initiative Act’’. under the Secure Mail Initiative under which (2) do not require the Postal Service to SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. a person to whom a document is sent under incur additional expenses that are not recov- that initiative may elect to have the United erable under subsection (b). In this Act— States Postal Service use the Hold for Pick- (d) NOTICE OF CHANGES.—The Postal Serv- (1) the terms ‘‘Hold for Pickup service’’ up service or the Signature Confirmation ice shall notify the Secretary of any changes and ‘‘Signature Confirmation service’’ mean service in delivering the document, and for to the Hold for Pickup service or the Signa- the services described in sections 507.3.0 and other purposes. ture Confirmation service. 503.8.1.1.a, respectively, of the Domestic Mail There being no objection, the Senate (e) USE OF PRIVATE CARRIER.— Manual (or any successor services); proceeded to consider the bill, which (1) IN GENERAL.—If the Secretary deter- (2) the term ‘‘Immigration Examinations had been reported from the Committee mines that a private carrier that offers sub- Fee Account’’ means the account established stantially similar services to the Hold for under section 286(m) of the Immigration and on Homeland Security and Govern- Pickup and Signature Confirmation services Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356(m)); mental Affairs, with amendments, as would provide better service and value than (3) the term ‘‘Postal Service’’ means the follows: the Postal Service provides under subsection United States Postal Service; and (The parts of the bill intended to be (a), the Secretary may, in accordance with (4) the term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Sec- stricken are shown in boldface brack- paragraph (2) of this subsection— retary of Homeland Security.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.107 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8271 SEC. 3. OFFERING HOLD FOR PICKUP AND SIGNA- (i) the full cost of contracting with the pri- (The part of the bill intended to be TURE CONFIRMATION SERVICES vate carrier to provide all such services; and inserted is printed in italics.) UNDER THE SECURE MAIL INITIA- (ii) any additional costs associated with S. 2070 TIVE. the administration of the fees collected; and (a) IN GENERAL.—Beginning not later than (D) deposits the fees collected under sub- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph (C) as offsetting receipts into the resentatives of the United States of America in Act, the Secretary shall provide for an op- Immigration Examinations Fees Account. Congress assembled, tion under the Secure Mail Initiative (or any SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. successor program) under which a person to SEC. 4. REPORT. Not later than 2 years after the date of en- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Kevin and whom a document is sent under that initia- Avonte’s Law of 2017’’. tive may elect, except as provided in sub- actment of this Act, the Secretary shall sub- TITLE I—MISSING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE section (e), to have the Postal Service use mit to Congress a report that describes— PATIENT ALERT PROGRAM REAUTHOR- the Hold for Pickup service or the Signature (1) the implementation of the requirements IZATION Confirmation service in delivering the docu- under section 3; ment. (2) the fee imposed under subsection (b) or SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE. (b) FEE.— (e)(2)(C), as applicable, of section 3; and This title may be cited as the ‘‘Missing (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary, in accord- (3) the number of times during the previous Americans Alert Program Act of 2017’’. ance with section 286(m) of the Immigration year that a person used a service under sub- SEC. 102. REAUTHORIZATION OF THE MISSING and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356(m)), shall section (a) or (e)(1)(B) of section 3. ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE PATIENT require the payment of a fee from a person f ALERT PROGRAM. electing a service under subsection (a), (a) AMENDMENTS.—Section 240001 of the which shall be set at a level that ensures re- FEDERAL REGISTER PRINTING Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement covery of— SAVINGS ACT OF 2017 Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12621) is amended— (1) in the section header, by striking ‘‘ALZ- (A) the full costs of providing all such serv- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I HEIMER’S DISEASE PATIENT’’ and inserting ices; and ask unanimous consent that the Sen- (B) any additional costs associated with ‘‘AMERICANS’’; the administration of the fees collected. ate proceed to the immediate consider- (2) by striking subsection (a) and inserting (2) ALLOCATION OF FUNDS.—Of the fees col- ation of Calendar No. 261, H.R. 195. the following: lected under paragraph (1), the Secretary The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ‘‘(a) GRANT PROGRAM TO REDUCE INJURY shall— clerk will report the bill by title. AND DEATH OF MISSING AMERICANS WITH DE- (A) deposit as offsetting receipts into the The legislative clerk read as follows: MENTIA AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES.— Subject to the availability of appropriations Immigration Examinations Fee Account the A bill (H.R. 195) to amend title 44, United to carry out this section, the Attorney Gen- portion representing— States Code, to restrict the distribution of eral, through the Bureau of Justice Assist- (i) the cost to the Secretary of providing free printed copies of the Federal Register to ance and in consultation with the Secretary the services under subsection (a); and Members of Congress and other officers and of Health and Human Services— (ii) any additional costs associated with employees of the United States, and for ‘‘(1) shall award competitive grants to the administration of the fees collected; and other purposes. (B) transfer to the Postal Service the por- health care agencies, State and local law en- tion representing the cost to the Postal There being no objection, the Senate forcement agencies, or public safety agencies Service of providing the services under sub- proceeded to consider the bill. and nonprofit organizations to assist such section (a). Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I entities in planning, designing, establishing, (c) REGULATIONS.—The Postal Service may ask unanimous consent that the Grass- or operating locally based, proactive pro- promulgate regulations that— ley amendment at the desk be consid- grams to prevent wandering and locate miss- (1) subject to paragraph (2), minimize the ing individuals with forms of dementia, such ered and agreed to, the bill, as amend- as Alzheimer’s Disease, or developmental cost of providing the services under sub- ed, be considered read a third time and section (a); and disabilities, such as autism, who, due to (2) do not require the Postal Service to passed, and the motion to reconsider be their condition, wander from safe environ- incur additional expenses that are not recov- considered made and laid upon the ments, including programs that— erable under subsection (b). table. ‘‘(A) provide prevention and response infor- (d) NOTICE OF CHANGES.—The Postal Serv- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without mation, including online training resources, ice shall notify the Secretary of any changes objection, it is so ordered. and referrals to families or guardians of such to the Hold for Pickup service or the Signa- The amendment (No. 1864) was agreed individuals who, due to their condition, wan- der from a safe environment; ture Confirmation service. to. (e) USE OF PRIVATE CARRIER.— ‘‘(B) provide education and training, in- (1) IN GENERAL.—If the Secretary deter- (The text of the amendment is print- cluding online training resources, to first re- mines that a private carrier that offers sub- ed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Submitted sponders, school personnel, clinicians, and stantially similar services to the Hold for Amendments.’’) the public in order to— Pickup and Signature Confirmation services The amendment was ordered to be ‘‘(i) increase the safety and reduce the inci- would provide better service and value than engrossed and the bill to be read a dence of wandering of persons, who, due to the Postal Service provides under subsection third time. their dementia or developmental disabilities, (a), the Secretary may, in accordance with The bill was read the third time. may wander from safe environments; paragraph (2) of this subsection— ‘‘(ii) facilitate the rescue and recovery of (A) discontinue use of the services of the The bill (H.R. 195), as amended, was individuals who, due to their dementia or de- Postal Service under subsection (a); and passed. velopmental disabilities, wander from safe (B) enter into a contract with the private f environments; and carrier under which a person to whom a doc- ‘‘(iii) recognize and respond to and appro- ument is sent under the Secure Mail Initia- KEVIN AND AVONTE’S LAW OF 2017 priately interact with endangered missing tive (or any successor program) may elect to Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I individuals with dementia or developmental have the private carrier use one of the sub- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- disabilities who, due to their condition, wan- stantially similar services in delivering the ate proceed to the immediate consider- der from safe environments; document. ation of Calendar No. 270, S. 2070. ‘‘(C) provide prevention and response train- (2) REQUIREMENTS.—The Secretary may not ing and emergency protocols for school ad- exercise the authority under paragraph (1) The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ministrators, staff, and families or guardians unless the Secretary— clerk will report the bill by title. of individuals with dementia, such as Alz- (A) determines, and notifies the Postal The legislative clerk read as follows: heimer’s Disease, or developmental disabil- Service, that the private carrier offers serv- A bill (S. 2070) to amend the Violent Crime ities, such as autism, to help reduce the risk ices that are substantially similar to the Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, to of wandering by such individuals; and Hold for Pickup and Signature Confirmation reauthorize the Missing Alzheimer’s Disease ‘‘(D) develop, operate, or enhance a notifi- services; Patient Alert Program, and to promote ini- cation or communications systems for (B) provides for an option under the Secure tiatives that will reduce the risk of injury alerts, advisories, or dissemination of other Mail Initiative (or any successor program) and death relating to the wandering charac- information for the recovery of missing indi- under which a person to whom a document is teristics of some children with autism. viduals with forms of dementia, such as Alz- sent under that initiative may elect a serv- There being no objection, the Senate heimer’s Disease, or with developmental dis- ice under paragraph (1)(B); abilities, such as autism; and (C) requires the payment of a fee from a proceeded to consider the bill, which ‘‘(2) shall award grants to health care person electing a service under paragraph had been reported from the Committee agencies, State and local law enforcement (1)(B), which shall be set at a level that en- on the Judiciary, with an amendment, agencies, or public safety agencies to assist sures recovery of— as follows: such agencies in designing, establishing, and

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operating locative tracking technology pro- ‘‘(A) DEFINITION OF NONPROFIT ORGANIZA- ‘‘(2) REPORT.—If the Attorney General grams for individuals with forms of demen- TION.—For purposes of this paragraph and awards grants to the same applicant for a tia, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, or children the grant programs under this part, the term similar purpose the Attorney General shall with developmental disabilities, such as au- ‘nonprofit organization’ means an organiza- submit to the Committee on the Judiciary of tism, who have wandered from safe environ- tion that is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Senate and the Committee on the Judici- ments.’’; the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is ex- ary of the House of Representatives a report (3) in subsection (b)— empt from taxation under section 501(a) of that includes— (A) by inserting ‘‘competitive’’ after ‘‘to such Code. ‘‘(A) a list of all such grants awarded, in- receive a’’; ‘‘(B) PROHIBITION.—The Attorney General cluding the total dollar amount of any such (B) by inserting ‘‘agency or’’ before ‘‘orga- may not award a grant under this part to a grants awarded; and nization’’ each place it appears; and nonprofit organization that holds money in ‘‘(B) the reason the Attorney General (C) by adding at the end the following: offshore accounts for the purpose of avoiding awarded multiple grants to the same appli- ‘‘The Attorney General shall periodically so- paying the tax described in section 511(a) of cant for a similar purpose.’’. licit applications for grants under this sec- the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. (b) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than 2 tion by publishing a request for applications ‘‘(C) DISCLOSURE.—Each nonprofit organi- years after the date of enactment of this Act in the Federal Register and by posting such zation that is awarded a grant under this and every year thereafter, the Attorney Gen- a request on the website of the Department section and uses the procedures prescribed in eral shall submit to the Committee on the of Justice.’’; and regulations to create a rebuttable presump- Judiciary and the Committee on Appropria- (4) by striking subsections (c) and (d) and tion of reasonableness for the compensation tions of the Senate and the Committee on inserting the following: of its officers, directors, trustees, and key the Judiciary and the Committee on Appro- ‘‘(c) PREFERENCE.—In awarding grants employees, shall disclose to the Attorney priations of the House of Representatives a under subsection (a)(1), the Attorney General General, in the application for the grant, the report on the Missing Americans Alert Pro- shall give preference to law enforcement or process for determining such compensation, gram, as amended by subsection (a), which public safety agencies that partner with non- including the independent persons involved shall address— profit organizations that appropriately use in reviewing and approving such compensa- (1) the number of individuals who bene- person-centered plans minimizing restrictive tion, the comparability data used, and con- fitted from the Missing Americans Alert Pro- interventions and that have a direct link to temporaneous substantiation of the delibera- gram, including information such as the individuals, and families of individuals, with tion and decision. Upon request, the Attor- number of individuals with reduced unsafe forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s Dis- ney General shall make the information dis- wandering, the number of people who were ease, or developmental disabilities, such as closed under this subparagraph available for trained through the program, and the esti- autism. public inspection. mated number of people who were impacted ‘‘(d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— ‘‘(3) CONFERENCE EXPENDITURES.— by the program; There are authorized to be appropriated to ‘‘(A) LIMITATION.—No amounts made avail- (2) the number of State, local, and tribal carry out this section $2,000,000 for each of able to the Department of Justice under this law enforcement or public safety agencies fiscal years 2018 through 2022. section may be used by the Attorney Gen- that applied for funding under the Missing ‘‘(e) GRANT ACCOUNTABILITY.—All grants eral, or by any individual or entity awarded Americans Alert Program; awarded by the Attorney General under this discretionary funds through a cooperative (3) the number of State, local, and tribal section shall be subject to the following ac- agreement under this section, to host or sup- local law enforcement or public safety agen- countability provisions: port any expenditure for conferences that cies that received funding under the Missing ‘‘(1) AUDIT REQUIREMENT.— uses more than $20,000 in funds made avail- Americans Alert Program, including— ‘‘(A) DEFINITION.—In this paragraph, the able by the Department of Justice, unless (A) the number of State, local, and tribal term ‘unresolved audit finding’ means a find- the head of the relevant agency or depart- law enforcement or public safety agencies ing in the final audit report of the Inspector ment, provides prior written authorization that used such funding for training; and General of the Department of Justice that that the funds may be expended to host the (B) the number of State, local, and tribal the audited grantee has utilized grant funds conference. law enforcement or public safety agencies for an unauthorized expenditure or otherwise ‘‘(B) WRITTEN APPROVAL.—Written ap- that used such funding for designing, estab- unallowable cost that is not closed or re- proval under subparagraph (A) shall include lishing, or operating locative tracking tech- solved within 12 months from the date when a written estimate of all costs associated nology; the final audit report is issued. with the conference, including the cost of all (4) the companies, including the location ‘‘(B) AUDITS.—Beginning in the first fiscal food, beverages, audio-visual equipment, (city and State) of the headquarters and year beginning after the date of enactment honoraria for speakers, and entertainment. local offices of each company, for which of this subsection, and in each fiscal year ‘‘(C) REPORT.—The Deputy Attorney Gen- their locative tracking technology was used thereafter, the Inspector General of the De- eral shall submit an annual report to the by State, local, and tribal law enforcement partment of Justice shall conduct audits of Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate or public safety agencies; recipients of grants under this section to and the Committee on the Judiciary of the (5) the nonprofit organizations, including prevent waste, fraud, and abuse of funds by House of Representatives on all conference the location (city and State) of the head- grantees. The Inspector General shall deter- expenditures approved under this paragraph. quarters and local offices of each organiza- mine the appropriate number of grantees to ‘‘(4) ANNUAL CERTIFICATION.—Beginning in tion, that State, local, and tribal law en- be audited each year. the first fiscal year beginning after the date forcement or public safety agencies ‘‘(C) MANDATORY EXCLUSION.—A recipient of enactment of this subsection, the Attor- partnered with and the result of each part- of grant funds under this section that is ney General shall submit, to the Committee nership; found to have an unresolved audit finding on the Judiciary and the Committee on Ap- (6) the number of missing children with au- shall not be eligible to receive grant funds propriations of the Senate and the Com- tism or another developmental disability under this section during the first 2 fiscal mittee on the Judiciary and the Committee with wandering tendencies or adults with years beginning after the end of the 12- on Appropriations of the House of Represent- Alzheimer’s being served by the program month period described in subparagraph (A). atives, an annual certification— who went missing and the result of the ‘‘(D) PRIORITY.—In awarding grants under ‘‘(A) indicating whether— search for each such individual; and this section, the Attorney General shall give ‘‘(i) all audits issued by the Office of the (7) any recommendations for improving the priority to eligible applicants that did not Inspector General under paragraph (1) have Missing Americans Alert Program. have an unresolved audit finding during the been completed and reviewed by the appro- (c) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- 3 fiscal years before submitting an applica- priate Assistant Attorney General or Direc- tents in section 2 of the Violent Crime Con- tion for a grant under this section. tor; trol and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 is ‘‘(E) REIMBURSEMENT.—If an entity is ‘‘(ii) all mandatory exclusions required amended by striking the item relating to awarded grant funds under this section dur- under paragraph (1)(C) have been issued; and section 240001 and inserting the following: ing the 2-fiscal-year period during which the ‘‘(iii) all reimbursements required under paragraph (1)(E) have been made; and ‘‘Sec. 240001. Missing Americans Alert Pro- entity is barred from receiving grants under gram.’’. subparagraph (C), the Attorney General ‘‘(B) that includes a list of any grant re- shall— cipients excluded under paragraph (1) from TITLE II—EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ‘‘(i) deposit an amount equal to the the previous year. SEC. 201. ACTIVITIES BY THE NATIONAL CENTER amount of the grant funds that were improp- ‘‘(f) PREVENTING DUPLICATIVE GRANTS.— FOR MISSING AND EXPLOITED CHIL- erly awarded to the grantee into the General ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Before the Attorney DREN. Fund of the Treasury; and General awards a grant to an applicant Section 404(b)(1)(H) of the Missing Chil- ‘‘(ii) seek to recoup the costs of the repay- under this section, the Attorney General dren’s Assistance Act (34 U.S.C. ment to the fund from the grant recipient shall compare potential grant awards with 11293(b)(1)(H)) is amended by inserting ‘‘, in- that was erroneously awarded grant funds. other grants awarded by the Attorney Gen- cluding cases involving children with devel- ‘‘(2) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION REQUIRE- eral to determine if grant awards are or have opmental disabilities such as autism’’ before MENTS.— been awarded for a similar purpose. the semicolon.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00086 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.071 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8273 TITLE III—PRIVACY PROTECTIONS (iii) provide training for law enforcement (3) by adding at the end the following new SEC. 301. DEFINITIONS. agencies to recognize signs of abuse during subsection: In this title: interactions with applicants for tracking de- ‘‘(b) RESTRICTIONS ON DISTRIBUTION OF FREE (1) CHILD.—The term ‘‘child’’ means an in- vices; PRINTED COPIES TO MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AND dividual who is less than 18 years of age. (iv) protect the civil rights and liberties of OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE UNITED (2) INDIAN TRIBE.—The term ‘‘Indian tribe’’ the individuals who use tracking devices, in- STATES.— has the meaning given that term in section cluding their rights under the Fourth ‘‘(1) PROHIBITING SUBSCRIPTION TO PRINTED 4(e) of the Indian Self-Determination and Amendment to the Constitution of the COPIES WITHOUT REQUEST.—Under the regula- Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304(e)). United States; tions prescribed to carry out subsection (a)(4), (v) establish a complaint and investigation (3) LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.—The term the Director of the Government Publishing Of- ‘‘law enforcement agency’’ means an agency process to address— fice may not provide a printed copy of the Fed- of a State, unit of local government, or In- (I) incidents of noncompliance by recipi- eral Register without charge to any Member of dian tribe that is authorized by law or by a ents of grants under subsection (a)(2) of sec- Congress or any other office of the United States government agency to engage in or supervise tion 240001 of the Violent Crime Control and during a year unless— the prevention, detection, investigation, or Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. ‘‘(A) the Member or office requests a printed prosecution of any violation of criminal law. 12621), as added by this Act, with the best copy of a specific issue of the Federal Register; practices established by the Attorney Gen- (4) STATE.—The term ‘‘State’’ means each or of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, eral or other applicable law; and ‘‘(B) during that year or during the previous the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the (II) use of a tracking device over the objec- year, the Member or office requested a subscrip- United States Virgin Islands, American tion of an individual; and tion to printed copies of the Federal Register for Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the (vi) determine the role that State agencies that year, as described in paragraph (2). Northern Mariana Islands. should have in the administration of a track- ‘‘(2) ADMINISTRATION OF SUBSCRIPTIONS.—The ing system. (5) UNIT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT.—The term regulations prescribed to carry out subsection ‘‘unit of local government’’ means a county, (3) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The standards and (a)(4) shall include— municipality, town, township, village, par- best practices established pursuant to para- ‘‘(A) provisions regarding notifications to of- ish, borough, or other unit of general govern- graph (1) shall take effect 90 days after publi- fices of Members of Congress and other offices of ment below the State level. cation of such standards and practices by the the United States of the restrictions of para- Attorney General. graph (1); (6) NON-INVASIVE AND NON-PERMANENT.— (b) REQUIRED COMPLIANCE.— The term ‘‘non-invasive and non-permanent’’ ‘‘(B) provisions describing the process by (1) IN GENERAL.—Each entity that receives means, with regard to any technology or de- which Members and other offices may request a a grant under subsection (a)(2) of section vice, that the procedure to install the tech- specific issue of the Federal Register for pur- 240001 of the Violent Crime Control and Law nology or device does not create an external poses of paragraph (1)(A); and Enforcement Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12621), as or internal marker or implant a device, such ‘‘(C) provisions describing the process by added by this Act, shall comply with any as a microchip, or other trackable items. which Members and other offices may request a standards and best practices relating to the subscription to the Federal Register for purposes SEC. 302. STANDARDS AND BEST PRACTICES FOR use of tracking devices established by the of paragraph (1)(B), except that such regula- USE OF NON-INVASIVE AND NON- PERMANENT TRACKING DEVICES. Attorney General in accordance with sub- tions shall limit the period for such a subscrip- section (a). (a) ESTABLISHMENT.— tion to not longer than 1 year.’’. (2) DETERMINATION OF COMPLIANCE.—The FFECTIVE ATE (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days (b) E D .—The amendment made after the date of enactment of this Act, the Attorney General, in consultation with the by subsection (a) shall take effect on January 1, Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, 2018. shall determine whether an entity that re- Secretary of Health and Human Services and Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I leading research, advocacy, self-advocacy, ceives a grant under subsection (a)(2) of sec- tion 240001 of the Violent Crime Control and ask unanimous consent that the com- and service organizations, shall establish mittee-reported amendment be agreed standards and best practices relating to the Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12621), as added by this Act, acts in compli- to, the Grassley amendment at the use of non-invasive and non-permanent desk be considered and agreed to, and tracking technology, where a guardian or ance with the requirement described in para- parent has determined that a non-invasive graph (1). the bill, as amended, be considered (c) APPLICABILITY OF STANDARDS AND BEST and non-permanent tracking device is the read a third time. PRACTICES.—The standards and best prac- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without least restrictive alternative, to locate indi- tices established by the Attorney General viduals as described in subsection (a)(2) of under subsection (a) shall apply only to the objection, it is so ordered. section 240001 of the Violent Crime Control grant programs authorized under subsection The committee-reported amendment and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. (a)(2) of section 240001 of the Violent Crime was agreed to. 12621), as added by this Act. Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (34 The amendment (No. 1865) was agreed (2) REQUIREMENTS.—In establishing the U.S.C. 12621), as added by this Act. to, as follows: standards and best practices required under (d) LIMITATIONS ON PROGRAM.— (Purpose: To make technical corrections) paragraph (1), the Attorney General shall— (1) DATA STORAGE.—Any tracking data pro- (A) determine— vided by tracking devices issued under this On page 8, line 11, strike ‘‘part’’ and insert (i) the criteria used to determine which in- program may not be used by a Federal entity ‘‘section’’. dividuals would benefit from the use of a to create a database. On page 8, line 18, strike ‘‘part’’ and insert tracking device; (2) VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION.—Nothing in ‘‘section’’. (ii) the criteria used to determine who this Act may be construed to require that a On page 15, between lines 9 and 10, insert should have direct access to the tracking parent or guardian use a tracking device to the following: system; and monitor the location of a child or adult (4) NON-INVASIVE AND NON-PERMANENT.— (iii) which non-invasive and non-perma- under that parent or guardian’s supervision The term ‘‘non-invasive and non-permanent’’ nent types of tracking devices can be used in if the parent or guardian does not believe means, with regard to any technology or de- compliance with the standards and best prac- that the use of such device is necessary or in vice, that the procedure to install the tech- tices; and the interest of the child or adult under su- nology or device does not create an external (B) establish standards and best practices pervision. or internal marker or implant a device, such the Attorney General determines are nec- TITLE IV—OFFSET BY RESTRICTING DIS- as a microchip, or other trackable items. essary to the administration of a tracking TRIBUTION OF FREE PRINTED COPIES On page 15, line 10, strike ‘‘(4)’’ and insert system, including procedures to— OF FEDERAL REGISTER ‘‘(5)’’. (i) safeguard the privacy of the data used On page 15, line 15, strike ‘‘(5)’’ and insert by the tracking device such that— SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE. ‘‘(6)’’. This title may be cited as the ‘‘Federal Reg- (I) access to the data is restricted to law On page 15, strike lines 20 through 25. ister Printing Savings Act of 2017’’. enforcement and health agencies determined On page 17, beginning on line 20, strike ‘‘in- necessary by the Attorney General; and SEC. 402. RESTRICTIONS ON DISTRIBUTION OF jury or death to the individual’’ and insert FREE PRINTED COPIES OF FEDERAL (II) collection, use, and retention of the REGISTER TO MEMBERS OF CON- ‘‘injury to or death of the individual’’. data is solely for the purpose of preventing GRESS AND FEDERAL EMPLOYEES. On page 19, line 24, strike ‘‘requirement’’ injury or death to the individual wearing the (a) RESTRICTIONS.—Section 1506 of title 44, and insert ‘‘standards and best practices’’. tracking device; United States Code, is amended— The bill was ordered to be engrossed (ii) establish criteria to determine whether (1) by striking ‘‘The Administrative Com- for a third reading and was read the use of the tracking device is the least re- mittee’’ and inserting ‘‘(a) COMPOSITION; DU- third time. strictive alternative in order to prevent risk TIES.—The Administrative Committee’’; of injury or death before issuing the tracking (2) in subsection (a)(4), by striking ‘‘the num- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I device, including the previous consideration ber of copies’’ and inserting ‘‘subject to sub- know of no further debate on the meas- of less restrictive alternatives; section (b), the number of copies’’; and ure.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00087 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.071 S21DEPT1 S8274 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there heimer’s Disease, or with developmental dis- ‘‘(ii) seek to recoup the costs of the repay- further debate? abilities, such as autism; and ment to the fund from the grant recipient Hearing none, the bill having been ‘‘(2) shall award grants to health care that was erroneously awarded grant funds. read the third time, the question is, agencies, State and local law enforcement ‘‘(2) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION REQUIRE- agencies, or public safety agencies to assist MENTS.— Shall it pass? such agencies in designing, establishing, and ‘‘(A) DEFINITION OF NONPROFIT ORGANIZA- The bill (S. 2070), as amended, was operating locative tracking technology pro- TION.—For purposes of this paragraph and passed, as follows: grams for individuals with forms of demen- the grant programs under this section, the S. 2070 tia, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, or children term ‘nonprofit organization’ means an orga- nization that is described in section 501(c)(3) Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- with developmental disabilities, such as au- of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is resentatives of the United States of America in tism, who have wandered from safe environ- exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of Congress assembled, ments.’’; (3) in subsection (b)— such Code. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (A) by inserting ‘‘competitive’’ after ‘‘to ‘‘(B) PROHIBITION.—The Attorney General This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Kevin and receive a’’; may not award a grant under this section to Avonte’s Law of 2017’’. (B) by inserting ‘‘agency or’’ before ‘‘orga- a nonprofit organization that holds money in TITLE I—MISSING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE nization’’ each place it appears; and offshore accounts for the purpose of avoiding PATIENT ALERT PROGRAM REAUTHOR- (C) by adding at the end the following: paying the tax described in section 511(a) of IZATION ‘‘The Attorney General shall periodically so- the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. ‘‘(C) DISCLOSURE.—Each nonprofit organi- SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE. licit applications for grants under this sec- zation that is awarded a grant under this This title may be cited as the ‘‘Missing tion by publishing a request for applications section and uses the procedures prescribed in Americans Alert Program Act of 2017’’. in the Federal Register and by posting such a request on the website of the Department regulations to create a rebuttable presump- SEC. 102. REAUTHORIZATION OF THE MISSING of Justice.’’; and tion of reasonableness for the compensation ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE PATIENT of its officers, directors, trustees, and key ALERT PROGRAM. (4) by striking subsections (c) and (d) and employees, shall disclose to the Attorney (a) AMENDMENTS.—Section 240001 of the inserting the following: ‘‘(c) PREFERENCE.—In awarding grants General, in the application for the grant, the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement process for determining such compensation, Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12621) is amended— under subsection (a)(1), the Attorney General shall give preference to law enforcement or including the independent persons involved (1) in the section header, by striking ‘‘ALZ- public safety agencies that partner with non- in reviewing and approving such compensa- HEIMER’S DISEASE PATIENT’’ and inserting profit organizations that appropriately use tion, the comparability data used, and con- ‘‘ ’’; AMERICANS person-centered plans minimizing restrictive temporaneous substantiation of the delibera- (2) by striking subsection (a) and inserting interventions and that have a direct link to tion and decision. Upon request, the Attor- the following: individuals, and families of individuals, with ney General shall make the information dis- ‘‘(a) GRANT PROGRAM TO REDUCE INJURY forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s Dis- closed under this subparagraph available for AND DEATH OF MISSING AMERICANS WITH DE- ease, or developmental disabilities, such as public inspection. MENTIA AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES.— autism. ‘‘(3) CONFERENCE EXPENDITURES.— Subject to the availability of appropriations ‘‘(d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— ‘‘(A) LIMITATION.—No amounts made avail- to carry out this section, the Attorney Gen- There are authorized to be appropriated to able to the Department of Justice under this eral, through the Bureau of Justice Assist- carry out this section $2,000,000 for each of section may be used by the Attorney Gen- ance and in consultation with the Secretary fiscal years 2018 through 2022. eral, or by any individual or entity awarded of Health and Human Services— ‘‘(e) GRANT ACCOUNTABILITY.—All grants discretionary funds through a cooperative ‘‘(1) shall award competitive grants to awarded by the Attorney General under this agreement under this section, to host or sup- health care agencies, State and local law en- section shall be subject to the following ac- port any expenditure for conferences that forcement agencies, or public safety agencies countability provisions: uses more than $20,000 in funds made avail- and nonprofit organizations to assist such ‘‘(1) AUDIT REQUIREMENT.— able by the Department of Justice, unless entities in planning, designing, establishing, ‘‘(A) DEFINITION.—In this paragraph, the the head of the relevant agency or depart- or operating locally based, proactive pro- term ‘unresolved audit finding’ means a find- ment, provides prior written authorization grams to prevent wandering and locate miss- ing in the final audit report of the Inspector that the funds may be expended to host the ing individuals with forms of dementia, such General of the Department of Justice that conference. as Alzheimer’s Disease, or developmental the audited grantee has utilized grant funds ‘‘(B) WRITTEN APPROVAL.—Written ap- disabilities, such as autism, who, due to for an unauthorized expenditure or otherwise proval under subparagraph (A) shall include their condition, wander from safe environ- unallowable cost that is not closed or re- a written estimate of all costs associated ments, including programs that— solved within 12 months from the date when with the conference, including the cost of all ‘‘(A) provide prevention and response infor- the final audit report is issued. food, beverages, audio-visual equipment, mation, including online training resources, ‘‘(B) AUDITS.—Beginning in the first fiscal honoraria for speakers, and entertainment. and referrals to families or guardians of such year beginning after the date of enactment ‘‘(C) REPORT.—The Deputy Attorney Gen- individuals who, due to their condition, wan- of this subsection, and in each fiscal year eral shall submit an annual report to the der from a safe environment; thereafter, the Inspector General of the De- Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate ‘‘(B) provide education and training, in- partment of Justice shall conduct audits of and the Committee on the Judiciary of the cluding online training resources, to first re- recipients of grants under this section to House of Representatives on all conference sponders, school personnel, clinicians, and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse of funds by expenditures approved under this paragraph. the public in order to— grantees. The Inspector General shall deter- ‘‘(4) ANNUAL CERTIFICATION.—Beginning in ‘‘(i) increase the safety and reduce the inci- mine the appropriate number of grantees to the first fiscal year beginning after the date dence of wandering of persons, who, due to be audited each year. of enactment of this subsection, the Attor- their dementia or developmental disabilities, ‘‘(C) MANDATORY EXCLUSION.—A recipient ney General shall submit, to the Committee may wander from safe environments; of grant funds under this section that is on the Judiciary and the Committee on Ap- ‘‘(ii) facilitate the rescue and recovery of found to have an unresolved audit finding propriations of the Senate and the Com- individuals who, due to their dementia or de- shall not be eligible to receive grant funds mittee on the Judiciary and the Committee velopmental disabilities, wander from safe under this section during the first 2 fiscal on Appropriations of the House of Represent- environments; and years beginning after the end of the 12- atives, an annual certification— ‘‘(iii) recognize and respond to and appro- month period described in subparagraph (A). ‘‘(A) indicating whether— priately interact with endangered missing ‘‘(D) PRIORITY.—In awarding grants under ‘‘(i) all audits issued by the Office of the individuals with dementia or developmental this section, the Attorney General shall give Inspector General under paragraph (1) have disabilities who, due to their condition, wan- priority to eligible applicants that did not been completed and reviewed by the appro- der from safe environments; have an unresolved audit finding during the priate Assistant Attorney General or Direc- ‘‘(C) provide prevention and response train- 3 fiscal years before submitting an applica- tor; ing and emergency protocols for school ad- tion for a grant under this section. ‘‘(ii) all mandatory exclusions required ministrators, staff, and families or guardians ‘‘(E) REIMBURSEMENT.—If an entity is under paragraph (1)(C) have been issued; and of individuals with dementia, such as Alz- awarded grant funds under this section dur- ‘‘(iii) all reimbursements required under heimer’s Disease, or developmental disabil- ing the 2-fiscal-year period during which the paragraph (1)(E) have been made; and ities, such as autism, to help reduce the risk entity is barred from receiving grants under ‘‘(B) that includes a list of any grant re- of wandering by such individuals; and subparagraph (C), the Attorney General cipients excluded under paragraph (1) from ‘‘(D) develop, operate, or enhance a notifi- shall— the previous year. cation or communications systems for ‘‘(i) deposit an amount equal to the ‘‘(f) PREVENTING DUPLICATIVE GRANTS.— alerts, advisories, or dissemination of other amount of the grant funds that were improp- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Before the Attorney information for the recovery of missing indi- erly awarded to the grantee into the General General awards a grant to an applicant viduals with forms of dementia, such as Alz- Fund of the Treasury; and under this section, the Attorney General

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00088 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.112 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8275 shall compare potential grant awards with cluding cases involving children with devel- of injury or death before issuing the tracking other grants awarded by the Attorney Gen- opmental disabilities such as autism’’ before device, including the previous consideration eral to determine if grant awards are or have the semicolon. of less restrictive alternatives; been awarded for a similar purpose. TITLE III—PRIVACY PROTECTIONS (iii) provide training for law enforcement EPORT agencies to recognize signs of abuse during ‘‘(2) R .—If the Attorney General SEC. 301. DEFINITIONS. interactions with applicants for tracking de- awards grants to the same applicant for a In this title: similar purpose the Attorney General shall vices; (1) CHILD.—The term ‘‘child’’ means an in- (iv) protect the civil rights and liberties of submit to the Committee on the Judiciary of dividual who is less than 18 years of age. the Senate and the Committee on the Judici- the individuals who use tracking devices, in- (2) INDIAN TRIBE.—The term ‘‘Indian tribe’’ cluding their rights under the Fourth ary of the House of Representatives a report has the meaning given that term in section Amendment to the Constitution of the that includes— 4(e) of the Indian Self-Determination and United States; ‘‘(A) a list of all such grants awarded, in- Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304(e)). cluding the total dollar amount of any such (v) establish a complaint and investigation (3) LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.—The term grants awarded; and process to address— ‘‘law enforcement agency’’ means an agency (I) incidents of noncompliance by recipi- ‘‘(B) the reason the Attorney General of a State, unit of local government, or In- awarded multiple grants to the same appli- ents of grants under subsection (a)(2) of sec- dian tribe that is authorized by law or by a tion 240001 of the Violent Crime Control and cant for a similar purpose.’’. government agency to engage in or supervise (b) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than 2 Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. the prevention, detection, investigation, or years after the date of enactment of this Act 12621), as added by this Act, with the best prosecution of any violation of criminal law. and every year thereafter, the Attorney Gen- practices established by the Attorney Gen- (4) NON-INVASIVE AND NON-PERMANENT.— eral shall submit to the Committee on the eral or other applicable law; and The term ‘‘non-invasive and non-permanent’’ Judiciary and the Committee on Appropria- (II) use of a tracking device over the objec- means, with regard to any technology or de- tions of the Senate and the Committee on tion of an individual; and vice, that the procedure to install the tech- the Judiciary and the Committee on Appro- (vi) determine the role that State agencies nology or device does not create an external priations of the House of Representatives a should have in the administration of a track- or internal marker or implant a device, such report on the Missing Americans Alert Pro- ing system. as a microchip, or other trackable items. gram, as amended by subsection (a), which (3) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The standards and (5) STATE.—The term ‘‘State’’ means each shall address— best practices established pursuant to para- of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, (1) the number of individuals who bene- graph (1) shall take effect 90 days after publi- the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the fitted from the Missing Americans Alert Pro- cation of such standards and practices by the United States Virgin Islands, American gram, including information such as the Attorney General. Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the number of individuals with reduced unsafe (b) REQUIRED COMPLIANCE.— Northern Mariana Islands. wandering, the number of people who were (1) IN GENERAL.—Each entity that receives (6) UNIT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT.—The term trained through the program, and the esti- a grant under subsection (a)(2) of section ‘‘unit of local government’’ means a county, mated number of people who were impacted 240001 of the Violent Crime Control and Law municipality, town, township, village, par- by the program; Enforcement Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12621), as ish, borough, or other unit of general govern- (2) the number of State, local, and tribal added by this Act, shall comply with any ment below the State level. law enforcement or public safety agencies standards and best practices relating to the that applied for funding under the Missing SEC. 302. STANDARDS AND BEST PRACTICES FOR use of tracking devices established by the USE OF NON-INVASIVE AND NON- Americans Alert Program; Attorney General in accordance with sub- PERMANENT TRACKING DEVICES. section (a). (3) the number of State, local, and tribal (a) ESTABLISHMENT.— local law enforcement or public safety agen- (2) DETERMINATION OF COMPLIANCE.—The (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days Attorney General, in consultation with the cies that received funding under the Missing after the date of enactment of this Act, the Americans Alert Program, including— Secretary of Health and Human Services, Attorney General, in consultation with the shall determine whether an entity that re- (A) the number of State, local, and tribal Secretary of Health and Human Services and law enforcement or public safety agencies ceives a grant under subsection (a)(2) of sec- leading research, advocacy, self-advocacy, tion 240001 of the Violent Crime Control and that used such funding for training; and and service organizations, shall establish (B) the number of State, local, and tribal Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. standards and best practices relating to the 12621), as added by this Act, acts in compli- law enforcement or public safety agencies use of non-invasive and non-permanent that used such funding for designing, estab- ance with the standards and best practices tracking technology, where a guardian or described in paragraph (1). lishing, or operating locative tracking tech- parent has determined that a non-invasive nology; (c) APPLICABILITY OF STANDARDS AND BEST and non-permanent tracking device is the PRACTICES.—The standards and best prac- (4) the companies, including the location least restrictive alternative, to locate indi- (city and State) of the headquarters and tices established by the Attorney General viduals as described in subsection (a)(2) of under subsection (a) shall apply only to the local offices of each company, for which section 240001 of the Violent Crime Control grant programs authorized under subsection their locative tracking technology was used and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. (a)(2) of section 240001 of the Violent Crime by State, local, and tribal law enforcement 12621), as added by this Act. Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (34 or public safety agencies; (2) REQUIREMENTS.—In establishing the U.S.C. 12621), as added by this Act. (5) the nonprofit organizations, including standards and best practices required under (d) LIMITATIONS ON PROGRAM.— the location (city and State) of the head- paragraph (1), the Attorney General shall— (1) DATA STORAGE.—Any tracking data pro- quarters and local offices of each organiza- (A) determine— vided by tracking devices issued under this tion, that State, local, and tribal law en- (i) the criteria used to determine which in- program may not be used by a Federal entity forcement or public safety agencies dividuals would benefit from the use of a to create a database. partnered with and the result of each part- tracking device; (2) VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION.—Nothing in nership; (ii) the criteria used to determine who this Act may be construed to require that a (6) the number of missing children with au- should have direct access to the tracking parent or guardian use a tracking device to tism or another developmental disability system; and monitor the location of a child or adult with wandering tendencies or adults with (iii) which non-invasive and non-perma- under that parent or guardian’s supervision Alzheimer’s being served by the program nent types of tracking devices can be used in if the parent or guardian does not believe who went missing and the result of the compliance with the standards and best prac- that the use of such device is necessary or in search for each such individual; and tices; and the interest of the child or adult under su- (7) any recommendations for improving the (B) establish standards and best practices pervision. Missing Americans Alert Program. the Attorney General determines are nec- TITLE IV—OFFSET BY RESTRICTING DIS- (c) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- essary to the administration of a tracking TRIBUTION OF FREE PRINTED COPIES tents in section 2 of the Violent Crime Con- system, including procedures to— trol and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 is OF FEDERAL REGISTER (i) safeguard the privacy of the data used SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE. amended by striking the item relating to by the tracking device such that— section 240001 and inserting the following: This title may be cited as the ‘‘Federal (I) access to the data is restricted to law Register Printing Savings Act of 2017’’. ‘‘Sec. 240001. Missing Americans Alert Pro- enforcement and health agencies determined gram.’’. SEC. 402. RESTRICTIONS ON DISTRIBUTION OF necessary by the Attorney General; and FREE PRINTED COPIES OF FEDERAL TITLE II—EDUCATION AND OUTREACH (II) collection, use, and retention of the REGISTER TO MEMBERS OF CON- SEC. 201. ACTIVITIES BY THE NATIONAL CENTER data is solely for the purpose of preventing GRESS AND FEDERAL EMPLOYEES. FOR MISSING AND EXPLOITED CHIL- injury to or death of the individual wearing (a) RESTRICTIONS.—Section 1506 of title 44, DREN. the tracking device; United States Code, is amended— Section 404(b)(1)(H) of the Missing Chil- (ii) establish criteria to determine whether (1) by striking ‘‘The Administrative Com- dren’s Assistance Act (34 U.S.C. use of the tracking device is the least re- mittee’’ and inserting ‘‘(a) COMPOSITION; DU- 11293(b)(1)(H)) is amended by inserting ‘‘, in- strictive alternative in order to prevent risk TIES.—The Administrative Committee’’;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00089 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.080 S21DEPT1 S8276 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 (2) in subsection (a)(4), by striking ‘‘the intended to be inserted is shown in human rights violations, including but not number of copies’’ and inserting ‘‘subject to italics.) limited to harassment, persecution and in- subsection (b), the number of copies’’; and (The part of the preamble intended to citement to hatred that lead to violence (3) by adding at the end the following new be deleted is shown in boldface brack- against persons belonging to recognized and subsection: unrecognized religious minorities, including ‘‘(b) RESTRICTIONS ON DISTRIBUTION OF ets and the part of the preamble in- Christians, Jews, Sufi Muslims, Sunni Mus- FREE PRINTED COPIES TO MEMBERS OF CON- tended to be inserted is shown in lims, Zoroastrians and members of the GRESS AND OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE italics.) Baha’i Faith and their defenders’’; UNITED STATES.— S. RES. 139 Whereas since May 2008, the Government of ‘‘(1) PROHIBITING SUBSCRIPTION TO PRINTED Whereas in 1982, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1993, Iran has imprisoned the 7 members of the COPIES WITHOUT REQUEST.—Under the regula- 1994, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, former ad hoc leadership group of the Baha’i tions prescribed to carry out subsection 2015, and 2016, Congress declared that it de- community in Iran, known as the Yaran-i- (a)(4), the Director of the Government Pub- plored the religious persecution by the Gov- Iran, or ‘‘friends of Iran’’—Mrs. Fariba lishing Office may not provide a printed copy ernment of Iran of the Baha’i community Kamalabadi, Mr. Jamaloddin Khanjani, Mr. of the Federal Register without charge to and would hold the Government of Iran re- Afif Naeimi, Mr. Saeid Rezaie, Mr. Behrouz any Member of Congress or any other office sponsible for upholding the rights of all Ira- Tavakkoli, Mrs. Mahvash Sabet, and Mr. of the United States during a year unless— nian nationals, including members of the Vahid Tizfahm—and these individuals were ‘‘(A) the Member or office requests a print- Baha’i Faith; convicted of charges including ‘‘spying for ed copy of a specific issue of the Federal Whereas the United States Commission on Israel, insulting religious sanctities, propa- Register; or International Religious Freedom 2016 Annual ganda against the regime and spreading cor- ‘‘(B) during that year or during the pre- Report states— ruption on earth’’ and sentenced to 20-year vious year, the Member or office requested a (1) ‘‘The Baha’i community, the largest prison terms, the longest sentences given to subscription to printed copies of the Federal non-Muslim religious minority in Iran, long any prisoner of conscience in Iran at that ø ¿ Register for that year, as described in para- has been subject to particularly severe reli- time, now reportedly reduced to 10 years 10 graph (2). gious freedom violations. The government years, and Mrs. Sabet and Mrs. Kamalabadi ‘‘(2) ADMINISTRATION OF SUBSCRIPTIONS.— views Baha’is, who number at least 300,000, were released in September 2017 and October The regulations prescribed to carry out sub- as ‘heretics’ and consequently they face re- 2017, respectively, upon the completion of their section (a)(4) shall include— pression on the grounds of apostasy.’’; sentences; ‘‘(A) provisions regarding notifications to (2) ‘‘Since 1979, authorities have killed or Whereas beginning in May 2011, officials of offices of Members of Congress and other of- executed more than 200 Baha’i leaders, and the Government of Iran in 4 cities conducted fices of the United States of the restrictions more than 10,000 have been dismissed from sweeping raids on the homes of dozens of in- of paragraph (1); government and university jobs.’’; and dividuals associated with the Baha’i Insti- ‘‘(B) provisions describing the process by (3) ‘‘Over the past 10 years, approximately tute for Higher Education (referred to in this which Members and other offices may re- 850 Baha’is have been arbitrarily arrested.’’; Resolution as ‘‘BIHE’’) and arrested and de- quest a specific issue of the Federal Register Whereas the Department of State 2015 tained several educators associated with for purposes of paragraph (1)(A); and International Religious Freedom Report BIHE, with 16 BIHE educators ultimately ‘‘(C) provisions describing the process by states— sentenced to 4- or 5-year prison terms, 7 of which Members and other offices may re- (1) religious minorities in Iran ‘‘continued whom remain in prison; quest a subscription to the Federal Register to face societal discrimination, especially Whereas scores of Baha’i cemeteries have for purposes of paragraph (1)(B), except that the Bahai community, which reported con- been attacked, and in 2014, Revolutionary such regulations shall limit the period for tinuing problems at different levels of soci- Guards began excavating a Baha’i cemetery such a subscription to not longer than 1 ety, including personal harassment.’’; in Shiraz, which is the site of 950 graves, and year.’’. (2) the Government of Iran ‘‘continued to built a cultural and sport center on the cem- (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment prohibit Bahais from officially assembling or etery site; made by subsection (a) shall take effect on maintaining administrative institutions, ac- Whereas the Baha’i International Commu- January 1, 2018. tively closed such institutions, harassed Ba- nity reported that there has been a recent Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I hais, and disregarded their property rights.’’; surge in anti-Baha’i hate propaganda in Ira- ask unanimous consent that the mo- (3) in Iran, ‘‘Bahai blood may be spilled nian state-sponsored media outlets, noting tion to reconsider be considered made with impunity, and Bahai families are not that— entitled to restitution’’ and ‘‘Bahais cannot (1) in 2010 and 2011, approximately 22 anti- and laid upon the table. Baha’i articles were appearing every month; The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without receive compensation for injury or crimes committed against them and cannot inherit (2) in 2014, the number of anti-Baha’i arti- objection, it is so ordered. property.’’; cles rose to approximately 400 per month; f (4) the Government of Iran ‘‘requires uni- and (3) by 2016, the number of anti-Baha’i arti- CONDEMNING THE GOVERNMENT versities to exclude Bahais from access to higher education or expel them if their reli- cles rose to approximately 1,500 per month; OF IRAN’S STATE-SPONSORED gious affiliation becomes known.’’; and Whereas there are currently 90 Baha’is in PERSECUTION OF ITS BAHA’I MI- (5) in Iran, ‘‘Bahais are banned from gov- prison in Iran; NORITY AND ITS CONTINUED ernment employment’’ and ‘‘[t]here were re- Whereas the Government of Iran is party VIOLATION OF THE INTER- ports of non-Bahais being pressured to refuse to the International Covenants on Human NATIONAL COVENANTS ON employment to Bahais or dismissing Bahais Rights and is in violation of its obligations HUMAN RIGHTS from their private sector jobs.’’; under such Covenants; Whereas, on June 8, 2016, the United Na- Whereas section 105 of the Comprehensive Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President I tions Special Rapporteur on the situation of Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divest- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran ment Act of 2010 (22 U.S.C. 8514) authorizes ate proceed to the immediate consider- and the United Nations Special Rapporteur the President to impose sanctions on individ- ation of Calendar No. 281, S. Res. 139. on freedom of religion or belief issued a joint uals ‘‘responsible for or complicit in, or re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The statement condemning the ‘‘wave of incite- sponsible for ordering, controlling, or other- clerk will report the resolution by ment of hatred of the Baha’i community re- wise directing, the commission of serious title. flected in speeches made by religious, judici- human rights abuses against citizens of Iran The legislative clerk read as follows: ary and political officials in the Islamic Re- or their family members on or after June 12, public of Iran’’; 2009’’; and A resolution (S. Res. 139) condemning the Whereas, on September 6, 2016, the United Whereas the Iran Threat Reduction and Government of Iran’s state-sponsored perse- Nations Secretary-General issued a report on Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (Public Law cution of its Baha’i minority and its contin- the situation of human rights in the Islamic 112–158) amends and expands the authorities ued violation of the International Covenants Republic of Iran (A/71/374), which stated that established under the Comprehensive Iran on Human Rights. ‘‘human rights violations have continued at Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment There being no objection, the Senate an alarming rate’’; Act of 2010 (Public Law 111–195) to sanction proceeded to consider the resolution, Whereas, on December 17, 2016, the United Iranian human rights abusers: Now, there- which had been reported from the Com- Nations General Assembly adopted a resolu- fore, be it mittee on Foreign Relations, with an tion (A/RES/70/179), which ‘‘[e]xpresse[d] seri- Resolved, That the Senate— amendment and an amendment to the ous concern about ongoing severe limita- (1) condemns the Government of Iran’s tions and restrictions on the right to free- state-sponsored persecution of its Baha’i mi- preamble, as follows: dom of thought, conscience, religion or belief nority and its continued violation of the (The part of the resolution intended and restrictions on the establishment of International Covenants on Human Rights; to be deleted is shown in boldface places of worship, as well as attacks against (2) calls on the Government of Iran to im- brackets and the part of the resolution places of worship and burial, as well as other mediately release the ø7¿ 5 imprisoned

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00090 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.080 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8277 Baha’i leaders, the 7 imprisoned Baha’i edu- (4) the Government of Iran ‘‘requires uni- (3) by 2016, the number of anti-Baha’i arti- cators, and all other prisoners held solely on versities to exclude Bahais from access to cles rose to approximately 1,500 per month; account of their religion; higher education or expel them if their reli- Whereas there are currently 90 Baha’is in (3) calls on the President and the Secretary gious affiliation becomes known.’’; and prison in Iran; of State, in cooperation with responsible na- (5) in Iran, ‘‘Bahais are banned from gov- Whereas the Government of Iran is party tions, to immediately condemn the Govern- ernment employment’’ and ‘‘[t]here were re- to the International Covenants on Human ment of Iran’s continued violation of human ports of non-Bahais being pressured to refuse Rights and is in violation of its obligations rights and demand the immediate release of employment to Bahais or dismissing Bahais under such Covenants; prisoners held solely on account of their reli- from their private sector jobs.’’; Whereas section 105 of the Comprehensive gion; and Whereas, on June 8, 2016, the United Na- Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divest- (4) urges the President and the Secretary tions Special Rapporteur on the situation of ment Act of 2010 (22 U.S.C. 8514) authorizes of State to utilize available authorities to human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran the President to impose sanctions on individ- impose sanctions on officials of the Govern- and the United Nations Special Rapporteur uals ‘‘responsible for or complicit in, or re- ment of Iran and other individuals directly on freedom of religion or belief issued a joint sponsible for ordering, controlling, or other- responsible for serious human rights abuses, statement condemning the ‘‘wave of incite- wise directing, the commission of serious including abuses against the Baha’i commu- ment of hatred of the Baha’i community re- human rights abuses against citizens of Iran nity of Iran. flected in speeches made by religious, judici- or their family members on or after June 12, ary and political officials in the Islamic Re- Mr. MCCONNELL. I further ask 2009’’; and public of Iran’’; Whereas the Iran Threat Reduction and unanimous consent that the com- Whereas, on September 6, 2016, the United mittee-reported amendment to the res- Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (Public Law Nations Secretary-General issued a report on 112–158) amends and expands the authorities olution be agreed to, the resolution, as the situation of human rights in the Islamic established under the Comprehensive Iran amended, be agreed to, the committee- Republic of Iran (A/71/374), which stated that Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment reported amendment to the preamble ‘‘human rights violations have continued at Act of 2010 (Public Law 111–195) to sanction be agreed to, the preamble, as amend- an alarming rate’’; Iranian human rights abusers: Now, there- Whereas, on December 17, 2016, the United fore, be it ed, be agreed to, and the motions to re- Nations General Assembly adopted a resolu- consider be considered made and laid Resolved, That the Senate— tion (A/RES/70/179), which ‘‘[e]xpresse[d] seri- (1) condemns the Government of Iran’s upon the table with no intervening ac- ous concern about ongoing severe limita- state-sponsored persecution of its Baha’i mi- tion or debate. tions and restrictions on the right to free- nority and its continued violation of the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without dom of thought, conscience, religion or belief International Covenants on Human Rights; objection, it is so ordered. and restrictions on the establishment of (2) calls on the Government of Iran to im- The committee-reported amendment places of worship, as well as attacks against mediately release the 5 imprisoned Baha’i was agreed to. places of worship and burial, as well as other leaders, the 7 imprisoned Baha’i educators, The resolution (S. Res. 139), as human rights violations, including but not and all other prisoners held solely on ac- amended, was agreed to. limited to harassment, persecution and in- count of their religion; The committee-reported amendment citement to hatred that lead to violence (3) calls on the President and the Secretary against persons belonging to recognized and of State, in cooperation with responsible na- to the preamble was agreed to. unrecognized religious minorities, including The preamble, as amended, was tions, to immediately condemn the Govern- Christians, Jews, Sufi Muslims, Sunni Mus- ment of Iran’s continued violation of human agreed to. lims, Zoroastrians and members of the rights and demand the immediate release of The resolution, as amended, with its Baha’i Faith and their defenders’’; prisoners held solely on account of their reli- preamble, as amended, reads as follows: Whereas since May 2008, the Government of gion; and S. RES. 139 Iran has imprisoned the 7 members of the (4) urges the President and the Secretary Whereas in 1982, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1993, former ad hoc leadership group of the Baha’i of State to utilize available authorities to 1994, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, community in Iran, known as the Yaran-i- impose sanctions on officials of the Govern- 2015, and 2016, Congress declared that it de- Iran, or ‘‘friends of Iran’’—Mrs. Fariba ment of Iran and other individuals directly plored the religious persecution by the Gov- Kamalabadi, Mr. Jamaloddin Khanjani, Mr. responsible for serious human rights abuses, ernment of Iran of the Baha’i community Afif Naeimi, Mr. Saeid Rezaie, Mr. Behrouz including abuses against the Baha’i commu- and would hold the Government of Iran re- Tavakkoli, Mrs. Mahvash Sabet, and Mr. nity of Iran. sponsible for upholding the rights of all Ira- Vahid Tizfahm—and these individuals were f nian nationals, including members of the convicted of charges including ‘‘spying for Baha’i Faith; Israel, insulting religious sanctities, propa- CEILING FAN ENERGY CONSERVA- Whereas the United States Commission on ganda against the regime and spreading cor- TION HARMONIZATION ACT ruption on earth’’ and sentenced to 20-year International Religious Freedom 2016 Annual Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Report states— prison terms, the longest sentences given to any prisoner of conscience in Iran at that ask unanimous consent that the Com- (1) ‘‘The Baha’i community, the largest mittee on Energy and Natural Re- non-Muslim religious minority in Iran, long time, now reportedly reduced to 10 years, has been subject to particularly severe reli- and Mrs. Sabet and Mrs. Kamalabadi were sources be discharged from further con- gious freedom violations. The government released in September 2017 and October 2017, sideration of S. 2030 and the Senate views Baha’is, who number at least 300,000, respectively, upon the completion of their proceed to its immediate consider- as ‘heretics’ and consequently they face re- sentences; ation. pression on the grounds of apostasy.’’; Whereas beginning in May 2011, officials of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (2) ‘‘Since 1979, authorities have killed or the Government of Iran in 4 cities conducted objection, it is so ordered. executed more than 200 Baha’i leaders, and sweeping raids on the homes of dozens of in- The clerk will report the bill by title. more than 10,000 have been dismissed from dividuals associated with the Baha’i Insti- The legislative clerk read as follows: government and university jobs.’’; and tute for Higher Education (referred to in this A bill (S. 2030) to deem the compliance date (3) ‘‘Over the past 10 years, approximately Resolution as ‘‘BIHE’’) and arrested and de- for amended energy conservation standards 850 Baha’is have been arbitrarily arrested.’’; tained several educators associated with for ceiling fan light kits to be January 21, Whereas the Department of State 2015 BIHE, with 16 BIHE educators ultimately 2020, and for other purposes. International Religious Freedom Report sentenced to 4- or 5-year prison terms, 7 of states— whom remain in prison; There being no objection, the Senate (1) religious minorities in Iran ‘‘continued Whereas scores of Baha’i cemeteries have proceeded to consider the bill. to face societal discrimination, especially been attacked, and in 2014, Revolutionary Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous the Bahai community, which reported con- Guards began excavating a Baha’i cemetery consent that the bill be considered read tinuing problems at different levels of soci- in Shiraz, which is the site of 950 graves, and a third time and passed and the motion ety, including personal harassment.’’; built a cultural and sport center on the cem- to reconsider be considered made and (2) the Government of Iran ‘‘continued to etery site; laid upon the table. prohibit Bahais from officially assembling or Whereas the Baha’i International Commu- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without maintaining administrative institutions, ac- nity reported that there has been a recent objection, it is so ordered. tively closed such institutions, harassed Ba- surge in anti-Baha’i hate propaganda in Ira- The bill (S. 2030) was ordered to be hais, and disregarded their property rights.’’; nian state-sponsored media outlets, noting engrossed for a third reading, was read (3) in Iran, ‘‘Bahai blood may be spilled that— with impunity, and Bahai families are not (1) in 2010 and 2011, approximately 22 anti- the third time, and passed, as follows: entitled to restitution’’ and ‘‘Bahais cannot Baha’i articles were appearing every month; S. 2030 receive compensation for injury or crimes (2) in 2014, the number of anti-Baha’i arti- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- committed against them and cannot inherit cles rose to approximately 400 per month; resentatives of the United States of America in property.’’; and Congress assembled,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00091 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.074 S21DEPT1 S8278 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. The legislative clerk read as follows: structive sleep apnea, nonalcoholic fatty This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Ceiling Fan A resolution (S. Res. 336) recognizing the liver disease, and endometrial cancer at a Energy Conservation Harmonization Act’’. seriousness of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome young adult age; SEC. 2. COMPLIANCE DATE FOR AMENDED EN- and expressing support for the designation of Whereas PCOS is the most common cause ERGY CONSERVATION STANDARDS the month of September 2018 as ‘‘Polycystic of female infertility; FOR CEILING FAN LIGHT KITS. Ovary Syndrome Awareness Month.’’ Whereas PCOS in pregnancy is associated (a) IN GENERAL.—The compliance date for with increased risk of gestational diabetes, the amended energy conservation standards There being no objection, the Senate preeclampsia, pregnancy-induced hyper- established for ceiling fan light kits in the proceeded to consider the resolution. tension, preterm delivery, cesarean delivery, final rule entitled ‘‘Energy Conservation Mr. MCCONNELL. I further ask miscarriage, and fetal and infant death; Program: Energy Conservation Standards for unanimous consent that the amend- Whereas women with PCOS are at in- Ceiling Fan Light Kits’’ (81 Fed. Reg. 580 ment to the resolution, which is at the creased risk of developing high blood pres- (January 6, 2016)) is deemed to be January 21, desk, be agreed to, the resolution, as sure, high cholesterol, stroke, heart dis- ease—the leading cause of death among 2020. amended, be agreed to, the amendment (b) CONFORMING CHANGES.—Not later than women—and have a 4 to 7 times higher risk 60 days after the date of enactment of this to the preamble, which is at the desk, of experiencing a heart attack compared to Act, the Secretary of Energy shall make be agreed to, the preamble, as amend- women of the same age who do not have such technical and conforming changes to ed, be agreed to, and the motions to re- PCOS; any regulation, guidance document, or pro- consider be considered made and laid Whereas women with PCOS have a more cedure as may be necessary to implement upon the table with no intervening ac- than 50 percent chance of developing type 2 subsection (a). tion or debate. diabetes or prediabetes before the age of 40; Whereas women with PCOS may be at a f The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without higher risk for breast cancer and ovarian EXTENDING THE PERIOD DURING objection, it is so ordered. cancer, and have a 3 times higher risk for de- WHICH VESSELS THAT ARE The amendment (No. 1866) was agreed veloping endometrial cancer, compared to SHORTER THAN 79 FEET IN to, as follows: women who do not have PCOS; LENGTH AND FISHING VESSELS (Purpose: To amend the resolving clause) Whereas many women in the United States ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE A On page 4, line 5, insert ‘‘and’’ after the with PCOS are overweight or have obesity; semicolon. Whereas an estimated 50 percent of women PERMIT FOR DISCHARGES INCI- with PCOS are undiagnosed, and many re- DENTAL TO THE NORMAL OPER- On page 4, strike lines 6 through 7. On page 4, line 8, strike ‘‘(D)’’ and insert main undiagnosed until they experience fer- ATION OF THE VESSEL ‘‘(C)’’. tility difficulties or develop type 2 diabetes Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I On page 4, line 15, strike ‘‘are afflicted or other cardiometabolic disorders; ask unanimous consent that the Sen- with PCOS;’’ and insert ‘‘have PCOS; and’’. Whereas the costs involved with the diag- On page 4, strike lines 16 through 19. nosis and management of PCOS to the ate proceed to the immediate consider- healthcare system of the United States is ation of S. 2273, introduced earlier On page 4, line 20, strike ‘‘(6)’’ and insert ‘‘(5)’’. over $4,300,000,000 per year during the repro- today. ductive years of patients, which does not in- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The resolution (S. Res. 336), as clude the costs associated with treatment of clerk will report the bill by title. amended, was agreed to. comorbidities; The legislative clerk read as follows: The amendment (No. 1867) was agreed Whereas the cause of PCOS is unknown, to, as follows: A bill (S. 2273) to extend the period during but researchers have found strong links to which vessels that are shorter than 79 feet in (Purpose: To amend the preamble) significant insulin resistance, which affects length and fishing vessels are not required to In the seventh whereas clause of the pre- up to 70 percent of women with PCOS, and have a permit for discharges incidental to amble, strike ‘‘which’’ and insert ‘‘and’’. genetic predisposition; and the normal operation of the vessel. In the thirteenth whereas clause of the Whereas there is no known cure for PCOS: preamble, strike ‘‘up to 80 percent of’’ and Now, therefore, be it There being no objection, the Senate Resolved, That the Senate— insert ‘‘many’’. proceeded to consider the bill. In the fifteenth whereas clause of the pre- (1) recognizes the seriousness of Polycystic Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous amble, strike the semicolon at the end and Ovary Syndrome (referred to in this resolv- consent that the bill be considered read insert ‘‘, which does not include the costs as- ing clause as ‘‘PCOS’’); a third time and passed and the motion sociated with treatment of comorbidities;’’. (2) supports the goals of PCOS Awareness to reconsider be considered made and Strike the sixteenth whereas clause of the Month— preamble. (A) to increase awareness of, and education laid upon the table. about, PCOS among the general public, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The preamble, as amended, was women, girls, and healthcare professionals; objection, it is so ordered. agreed to. (B) to improve diagnosis and treatment of The bill (S. 2273) was ordered to be The resolution, as amended, with its PCOS; and engrossed for a third reading, was read preamble, as amended, reads as follows: (C) to improve the quality of life and out- comes for women and girls with PCOS; the third time, and passed, as follows: S. RES. 336 S. 2273 (3) recognizes the need for further research, Whereas Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (re- improved treatment and care options, and a Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- ferred to in this preamble as ‘‘PCOS’’) is a cure for PCOS; resentatives of the United States of America in common health problem among women and (4) acknowledges the struggles affecting all Congress assembled, girls involving a hormonal imbalance; women and girls residing within the United SECTION 1. EXTENSION OF MORATORIUM. Whereas there is no universal definition of States who have PCOS; and Section 2(a) of Public Law 110–299 (33 PCOS, but researchers estimate that be- (5) encourages States, territories, and lo- U.S.C. 1342 note) is amended by striking ‘‘De- tween 5,000,000 and 10,000,000 women in the calities to support the goals of PCOS Aware- cember 18, 2017’’ and inserting ‘‘January 19, United States are affected by PCOS; ness Month. 2018’’. Whereas PCOS can affect women from the onset of puberty and throughout the remain- f f der of their lives; CONGRATULATING THE UNIVER- RECOGNIZING THE SERIOUSNESS Whereas the symptoms of PCOS include in- SITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYN- fertility, irregular or absent menstrual peri- WOMEN’S SOCCER TEAM FOR DROME ods, acne, weight gain, thinning scalp hair, excessive facial and body hair growth, nu- WINNING THE NATIONAL COLLE- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I merous small ovarian cysts, pelvic pain, and GIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION ask unanimous consent that the mental health problems; DIVISION II WOMEN’S SOCCER Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- Whereas women with PCOS have higher CHAMPIONSHIP sions Committee be discharged from rates of psychosocial disorders, including de- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I further consideration of S. Res. 336 and pression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and eat- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- ing disorders, and are at greater risk for sui- the Senate proceed to its immediate ate proceed to the immediate consider- consideration. cide; Whereas adolescents with PCOS often are ation of S. Res. 364, submitted earlier The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without not diagnosed; today. objection, it is so ordered. Whereas PCOS causes metabolic dysfunc- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The clerk will report the resolution tion and insulin resistance, and can lead to clerk will report the resolution by by title. type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, ob- title.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00092 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.075 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8279 The legislative clerk read as follows: loved ones due to carbon monoxide poi- The legislative clerk read as follows: A resolution (S. Res. 364) congratulating soning. A bill (H.R. 2142) to improve the ability of the University of Central Missouri women’s With the help of Amanda’s spirit, I U.S. Customs and Border Protection to soccer team for winning the National Colle- will continue to fight for congressional interdict fentanyl, other synthetic opioids, giate Athletic Association Division II Wom- action to help prevent future tragedies. and other narcotics and psychoactive sub- en’s Soccer Championship at Swope Soccer Today I stand proud to be a Member of stances that are illegally imported into the United States, and for other purposes. Village in Kansas City, Missouri. a body that unanimously supports the There being no objection, the Senate adoption of National Carbon Monoxide There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the resolution. Poisoning Awareness Week. proceeded to consider the bill. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Mr. MCCONNELL. I further ask Mr. MCCONNELL. I further ask further ask unanimous consent that unanimous consent that the resolution unanimous consent that the resolution the bill be considered read three times be agreed to, the preamble be agreed be agreed to, the preamble be agreed and passed and the motion to recon- to, and the motions to reconsider be to, and the motions to reconsider be sider be considered made and laid upon considered made and laid upon the considered made and laid upon the the table with no intervening action or table with no intervening action or de- table with no intervening action or de- bate. debate. bate. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. objection, it is so ordered. objection, it is so ordered. The bill (H.R. 2142) was ordered to a The resolution (S. Res. 364) was The resolution (S. Res. 327) was agreed to. third reading, was read the third time, agreed to. and passed. The preamble was agreed to. The preamble was agreed to. f (The resolution, with its preamble, is (The resolution, with its preamble, is printed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Sub- printed in the RECORD of November 9, LAW ENFORCEMENT MENTAL mitted Resolutions.’’) 2017, under ‘‘Submitted Resolutions.’’) HEALTH AND WELLNESS ACT OF f f 2017 Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I NATIONAL CARBON MONOXIDE EPS IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2017 POISONING AWARENESS WEEK ask unanimous consent that the Judi- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ciary Committee be discharged from Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Com- ask unanimous consent that the Com- further consideration of H.R. 2228 and mittee on Energy and Natural Re- mittee on the Judiciary be discharged the Senate proceed to its immediate sources be discharged from further con- from further consideration of S. Res. consideration. sideration of and the Senate proceed to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without 327 and the Senate proceed to its imme- the immediate consideration of H.R. objection, it is so ordered. diate consideration. 518. The clerk will report the bill by title. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The legislative clerk read as follows: objection, it is so ordered. objection, it is so ordered. A bill (H.R. 2228) to provide support for law The clerk will report the resolution The clerk will report the bill by title. enforcement agency efforts to protect the by title. The legislative clerk read as follows: mental health and well-being of law enforce- The legislative clerk read as follows: ment officers, and for other purposes. A bill (H.R. 518) to amend the Energy Pol- A resolution (S. Res. 327) designating the icy and Conservation Act to exclude power There being no objection, the Senate week of November 5 through 12, 2017, as ‘‘Na- supply circuits, drivers, and devices designed proceeded to consider the bill. tional Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Aware- to be connected to, and power, light-emitting Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ness Week.’’ diodes or organic light-emitting diodes pro- further ask unanimous consent that There being no objection, the Senate viding illumination from energy conserva- the bill be read a third time and passed proceeded to consider the resolution. tion standards for external power supplies, and the motion to reconsider be consid- Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, today and for other purposes. ered made and laid upon the table with we are adopting S. Res. 327, the Na- There being no objection, the Senate no intervening action or debate. tional Carbon Monoxide Poisoning proceeded to consider the bill. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Awareness Week resolution. In 2015 I Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I objection, it is so ordered. sponsored a similar resolution, Na- ask unanimous consent that the bill be The bill (H.R. 2228) was ordered to a tional Carbon Monoxide Poisoning considered read a third time. third reading, was read the third time, Awareness Month, which was inspired The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without and passed. by the story and memory of Amanda objection, it is so ordered. f Hansen. Ms. Hansen was a 16-year-old, The bill was ordered to a third read- CONNECTED GOVERNMENT ACT living in West Seneca, NY, when she ing and was read the third time. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I tragically lost her life to carbon mon- Mr. MCCONNELL. I know of no fur- oxide poisoning while attending a ther debate on the bill. ask unanimous consent that the Sen- sleepover at a friend’s home. Her heart- The PRESIDING OFFICER. There ate proceed to the immediate consider- breaking story focused attention on being no further debate, the bill having ation of H.R. 2331, which was received this issue and spurred action to pre- been read the third time, the question from the House. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The vent future deaths from exposure to is, Shall the bill pass? clerk will report the bill by title. this deadly gas. As a long supporter of The bill (H.R. 518) was passed. The legislative clerk read as follows: this resolution, I believe that every Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I A bill (H.R. 2331) to require a new or up- home across our great Nation should ask unanimous consent that the mo- dated Federal website that is intended for have carbon monoxide alarms installed tion to reconsider be considered made use by the public to be mobile friendly, and that can detect and prevent carbon and laid upon the table. for other purposes. monoxide poisoning, a silent and odor- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without There being no objection, the Senate less killer. By bringing awareness to objection, it is so ordered. proceeded to consider the bill. carbon monoxide poisoning and re- f Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I minding our fellow Americans to dili- ask unanimous consent that the bill be INTERDICT ACT gently check their home-detection sys- considered read a third time and passed tems, Americans can take the nec- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I and the motion to reconsider be consid- essary actions to ensure the safety of ask unanimous consent that the Sen- ered made and laid upon the table. their loved ones. ate proceed to the immediate consider- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without I again send my deepest condolences ation of H.R. 2142, which was received objection, it is so ordered. to the Hansen family for their loss and from the House and is at the desk. The bill (H.R. 2331) was ordered to a to the many American families who The PRESIDING OFFICER. The third reading, was read the third time, have suffered from the passing of their clerk will report the bill by title. and passed.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00093 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21DE6.121 S21DEPT1 S8280 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2017 UNITED STATES FIRE ADMINIS- and the Senate Committee on Finance, OF PENNSYLVANIA FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS, VICE ZANE DAVID MEMEGER, RESIGNED. TRATION, AFG, AND SAFER PRO- the reappointment of the following in- BILLY J. WILLIAMS, OF OREGON, TO BE UNITED GRAM REAUTHORIZATION ACT dividual to serve as a member of the STATES ATTORNEY FOR THE DISTRICT OF OREGON FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS, VICE S. AMANDA MARSHALL, OF 2017 United States-China Economic Secu- RESIGNED rity Review Commission: the Honor- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I f able Carte P. Goodwin of West Vir- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- DISCHARGED NOMINATIONS ate proceed to the immediate consider- ginia, for a term beginning January 1, ation of H.R. 4661, which was received 2018 and expiring December 31, 2019. The Senate Committee on Environ- from the House. f ment and Public Works was discharged The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ORDERS FOR SATURDAY, DECEM- from further consideration of the fol- clerk will report the bill by title. BER 23, 2017, THROUGH WEDNES- lowing nominations by unanimous con- The legislative clerk read as follows: DAY, JANUARY 3, 2018 sent and the nominations were con- firmed: A bill (H.R. 4661) to reauthorize the United Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I States Fire Administration, the Assistance ask unanimous consent that when the KENNETH E. ALLEN, OF KENTUCKY, TO BE A MEMBER to Firefighters Grants program, the Fire OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE TENNESSEE VAL- Senate completes its business today, it LEY AUTHORITY FOR A TERM EXPIRING MAY 18, 2021. Prevention and Safety Grants program, and A. D. FRAZIER, OF GEORGIA, TO BE A MEMBER OF THE the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emer- adjourn, to then reconvene for pro BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE TENNESSEE VALLEY AU- forma sessions only, with no business THORITY FOR A TERM EXPIRING MAY 18, 2022. gency Response grant program, and for other JEFFREY SMITH, OF TENNESSEE, TO BE A MEMBER OF purposes. being conducted, on the following dates THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE TENNESSEE VALLEY and times, and that following each pro AUTHORITY FOR A TERM EXPIRING MAY 18, 2022. There being no objection, the Senate JAMES R. THOMPSON III, OF ALABAMA, TO BE A MEM- proceeded to consider the bill. forma session, the Senate adjourn until BER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE TENNESSEE the next pro forma session: Saturday, VALLEY AUTHORITY FOR A TERM EXPIRING MAY 18, 2021. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I December 23, at 11 a.m.; Wednesday, CHRISTOPHER CALDWELL, OF ARKANSAS, TO BE FED- ask unanimous consent that the bill be ERAL COCHAIRPERSON, DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY. December 27, at 10 a.m.; Friday, De- considered read a third time and passed f cember 29, at 11:30 a.m.; and Tuesday, and the motion to reconsider be consid- January 2, at 4 p.m. For the informa- CONFIRMATIONS ered made and laid upon the table. tion of all Senators, when the Senate The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Executive nominations confirmed by adjourns on Tuesday, January 2, 2018, objection, it is so ordered. the Senate December 21, 2017: it will next convene at 12 noon on Jan- The bill (H.R. 4661) was ordered to a DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES uary 3, pursuant to the Constitution. third reading, was read the third time, ROBERT CHARROW, OF MARYLAND, TO BE GENERAL Further, that following the prayer and and passed. COUNSEL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN pledge, the morning hour be deemed SERVICES. f expired, the Journal of proceedings be DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE MEASURE READ THE FIRST approved to date, and the time for the ROBERT P. STORCH, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, two leaders be reserved for their use TO BE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF THE NATIONAL SECU- TIME—S. 2274 RITY AGENCY. later in the day; further, that following Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I leader remarks, the Senate be in a pe- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION understand there is a bill at the desk, riod of morning business, with Sen- HESTER MARIA PEIRCE, OF OHIO, TO BE A MEMBER OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FOR A and I ask for its first reading. ators permitted to speak therein for up TERM EXPIRING JUNE 5, 2020. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The to 10 minutes each, until 5 p.m.; fi- ROBERT J. JACKSON, JR., OF NEW YORK, TO BE A MEM- BER OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION clerk will read the bill by title for the nally, that following morning business, FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE TERM EXPIRING JUNE 5, first time. the Senate proceed to executive session 2019. The legislative clerk read as follows: to consider the Rood nomination, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR A bill (S. 2274) to provide for the compensa- under the previous order. KATHERINE BRUNETT MCGUIRE, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE tion of Federal employees affected by lapses The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without AN ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF LABOR. in appropriations. objection, it is so ordered. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Mr. MCCONNELL. I now ask for a f second reading and, in order to place SUZANNE ISRAEL TUFTS, OF NEW YORK, TO BE AN AS- ORDER VITIATED—S. 1447 SISTANT SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVEL- the bill on the calendar under the pro- OPMENT. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I visions of rule XIV, I object to my own DEPARTMENT OF STATE request. ask unanimous consent that the order with respect to S. 1447 be vitiated. KENNETH J. BRAITHWAITE, OF PENNSYLVANIA, TO BE The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY tion is heard. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE KINGDOM objection, it is so ordered. OF NORWAY. The bill will be read for the second M. LEE MCCLENNY, OF WASHINGTON, A CAREER MEM- time on the next legislative day. f BER OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF MIN- ISTER–COUNSELOR TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAOR- f ADJOURNMENT UNTIL SATURDAY, DINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES DECEMBER 23, 2017, AT 11 A.M. OF AMERICA TO THE REPUBLIC OF PARAGUAY. APPOINTMENTS UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL C Mr. M CONNELL. Mr. President, if DEVELOPMENT The PRESIDING OFFICER. The there is no further business to come be- BROCK D. BIERMAN, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE AN ASSISTANT Chair announces, on behalf of the ma- fore the Senate, I ask unanimous con- ADMINISTRATOR OF THE UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR jority Leader, pursuant to the provi- sent that it stand adjourned under the INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. sions of Public Law 106–398, as amended previous order. DEPARTMENT OF STATE by Public Law 108–7, and in consulta- There being no objection, the Senate, CHRISTOPHER ASHLEY FORD, OF MARYLAND, TO BE AN tion with the chairmen of the Senate at 10:02 p.m., adjourned until Saturday, ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE (INTERNATIONAL SE- Committee on Armed Services and the December 23, 2017, at 11 a.m. CURITY AND NON–PROLIFERATION). DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Senate Committee on Finance, the re- f appointment of the following indi- TIMOTHY R. PETTY, OF INDIANA, TO BE AN ASSISTANT NOMINATIONS SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR. vidual to serve as a member of the DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY United States-China Economic Secu- Executive nominations received by the Senate: LINDA CAPUANO, OF TEXAS, TO BE ADMINISTRATOR OF rity Review Commission: James M. THE ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION. THE JUDICIARY Talent of Missouri, for a term expiring DEPARTMENT OF LABOR December 31, 2019. WILLIAM F. JUNG, OF FLORIDA, TO BE UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLOR- KATE S. O’SCANNLAIN, OF MARYLAND, TO BE SOLIC- The Chair announces, on behalf of IDA, VICE ANNE C. CONWAY, RETIRED. ITOR FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR. the Democratic leader, pursuant to the JILL AIKO OTAKE, OF HAWAII, TO BE UNITED STATES PRESTON RUTLEDGE, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE DISTRICT OF HAWAII, VICE TO BE AN ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF LABOR. provisions of Public Law 106–398, as SUSAN OKI MOLLWAY, RETIRED. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION amended by Public Law 108–7, and in DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE consultation with the chairmen of the JOHNNY COLLETT, OF KENTUCKY, TO BE ASSISTANT WILLIAM M. MCSWAIN, OF PENNSYLVANIA, TO BE SECRETARY FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITA- Senate Committee on Armed Services UNITED STATES ATTORNEY FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT TIVE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY JOHN G. VONGLIS, OF NEW YORK, TO BE CHIEF FINAN- JON J. RYCHALSKI, OF MONTANA, TO BE CHIEF FINAN- CHRISTOPHER CALDWELL, OF ARKANSAS, TO BE FED- CIAL OFFICER, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY. CIAL OFFICER, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. ERAL COCHAIRPERSON, DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY. MORRIS K. UDALL AND STEWART L. UDALL DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY FOUNDATION DEVELOPMENT KENNETH E. ALLEN, OF KENTUCKY, TO BE A MEMBER TADD M. JOHNSON, OF MINNESOTA, TO BE A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE TENNESSEE VAL- LEONARD WOLFSON, OF CONNECTICUT, TO BE AN AS- OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE MORRIS K. UDALL SISTANT SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVEL- AND STEWART L. UDALL FOUNDATION FOR A TERM EX- LEY AUTHORITY FOR A TERM EXPIRING MAY 18, 2021. OPMENT. PIRING OCTOBER 6, 2022. A. D. FRAZIER, OF GEORGIA, TO BE A MEMBER OF THE IRVING DENNIS, OF OHIO, TO BE CHIEF FINANCIAL OF- LISA JOHNSON–BILLY, OF OKLAHOMA, TO BE A MEM- BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE TENNESSEE VALLEY AU- FICER, DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOP- BER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE MORRIS K. THORITY FOR A TERM EXPIRING MAY 18, 2022. MENT. UDALL AND STEWART L. UDALL FOUNDATION FOR A JEFFREY SMITH, OF TENNESSEE, TO BE A MEMBER OF TERM EXPIRING AUGUST 25, 2018. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE TENNESSEE VALLEY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION LISA JOHNSON–BILLY, OF OKLAHOMA, TO BE A MEM- AUTHORITY FOR A TERM EXPIRING MAY 18, 2022. BER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE MORRIS K. JAMES R. THOMPSON III, OF ALABAMA, TO BE A MEM- DOUGLAS WEBSTER, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE CHIEF FINAN- UDALL AND STEWART L. UDALL FOUNDATION FOR A BER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE TENNESSEE CIAL OFFICER, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. TERM EXPIRING AUGUST 25, 2024. VALLEY AUTHORITY FOR A TERM EXPIRING MAY 18, 2021.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00095 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 9801 E:\CR\FM\A21DE6.014 S21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1745 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

NAFTA of the most critical issues to our national secu- of Fire Builder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Ben- rity and to the security of our world. jamin has also contributed to his community HON. TED POE That brings me to the reason we are all through his Eagle Scout project. Benjamin de- OF TEXAS here today; to address the renegotiation of this signed and completed 15 wooden benches for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES critical free trade agreement. A lot has an outdoor worship area for the Antioch Com- changed in 23 years. The internet has trans- munity Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Thursday, December 21, 2017 formed the way companies do business. Re- Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, twenty- forms in Mexico have created new opportuni- commending Benjamin Duncan for his accom- three years ago, the North American Free ties for U.S. businesses. The renegotiation plishments with the Boy Scouts of America Trade Agreement revolutionized trade and in- presents an opportunity to update the agree- and for his efforts put forth in achieving the vestment between the U.S., Canada, and ment in areas like energy, e-commerce, cus- highest distinction of Eagle Scout. Mexico. We share thousands of miles of bor- toms and trade facilitation, and many others to der with Canada and Mexico. They are our strengthen and promote trade. While there is f neighbors and our natural partners in trade a lot of opportunity to strengthen the agree- and security. This partnership has been ment, there is also the risk of hurting U.S. CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 1, shaped by NAFTA. businesses and workers. TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT I am a strong supporter of free trade. Amer- Hundreds of thousands of jobs across North ica’s strength is closely connected to its eco- America could be at risk if we pull out of nomic well-being. When we break down trade NAFTA, or if we weaken the agreement. We SPEECH OF barriers, American trade and American jobs in- could also do damage to our partnerships with HON. GENE GREEN crease. Trade is the lifeblood of my great Mexico and Canada that have made North home state of Texas. Last year in Texas al- America so strong. There has been harsh criti- OF TEXAS most one million jobs were supported by cism of NAFTA for decades. But we must sep- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES trade. arate the rhetoric from the facts. The fact is Texas has been the top exporting state in that NAFTA has benefited all three of our Tuesday, December 19, 2017 the U.S. for 14 consecutive years. The over- countries. Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, whelming majority of Texas exporters are not So, I encourage the administration to I rise today in opposition to the Republican tax big corporations: 93 percent of Texas export- strengthen and modernize NAFTA. There is bill and to the misguided priorities that the ers are small- and medium-sized businesses. always room for improvement. We have a rare GOP has brought to policymaking this Con- In my district in Houston, over half of the opportunity here to rewrite the rules of North gress. economy depends on trade. Houston has one American trade. But we must take this oppor- of the largest ports in the world and is the oil tunity to rewrite them for the better. It is impor- There was a time when it was taken for and gas capital of the world. And guess where tant to the U.S. economy and national security granted that Congress would wait for Con- we Texans export the most—Mexico and Can- that throughout the renegotiations the adminis- gress’ independent scorekeeper to evaluate ada. Our NAFTA partners. But, Texas is just tration focuses on reaching an agreement that the impact of any legislation on the deficit or one of the many states that rely on NAFTA to promotes free trade. the budget before passing any laws. People fuel its economy. Study after study has shown We are sending a message to our current knew that the deficit mattered to the govern- that increased trade leads to increased jobs and future trading partners through this re- ment’s ability to provide for our children and for Americans. More jobs mean more wealth negotiation. The U.S. should send a strong grandchildren, and to the economy their ability for the average American citizen. signal of our support for free trade. A strong to provide for themselves. Republicans, espe- NAFTA supports 14 million U.S. jobs. U.S. economy depends on a strong framework cially, professed to know that the deficit Thanks to NAFTA, trade between the U.S., for free trade. I look forward to hearing from mattered. Mexico, and Canada has tripled. Nearly every our witnesses how the administration can It was especially unthinkable that Congress industry is affected in one way or another by strengthen NAFTA. would pass important legislation, like tax re- NAFTA. The U.S. economy needs a strong f form, without waiting for a cost estimate of the NAFTA. But free trade agreements like bill. As recently as March, my colleague Rep. NAFTA do more than just grow our economy. HONORING BENJAMIN DUNCAN BRADY said that economic growth from any tax Trade is one of our best tools of foreign policy. reform package would need to be ‘‘not eco- We have seen the connection between free HON. SAM GRAVES nomic growth judged by us, but by the Inde- trade and freedom, opportunity, and prosperity OF MISSOURI pendent Joint Committee on Taxation.’’ again and again. When we signed NAFTA, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The GOP should care about the deficit. We Mexico was a developing country. Its economy Thursday, December 21, 2017 haven’t been able to reauthorize CHIP funding was one of the most closed in the world. since it expired months ago, because Repub- Now, thanks in part to NAFTA, Mexico has Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I licans won’t support health insurance for chil- an open economy valued at $2.2 trillion. This proudly pause to recognize Benjamin Duncan. dren without funding offsets. If only they had growth has made Mexico a more stable neigh- Benjamin is a very special young man who the same concerns when it comes to tax cuts bor. This increased trade between our three has exemplified the finest qualities of citizen- for their donors and for President Trump. countries has also deepened our ties with ship and leadership by taking an active part in Mexico and Canada, allowing us to work to- the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1376, and Republicans will start to care about the def- gether on many critical issues. earning the most prestigious award of Eagle icit again when Medicare, Medicaid, food Today, we cooperate with the Mexican gov- Scout. stamps, or other programs for the low-income ernment on issues of border security, immigra- Benjamin has been very active with his are debated by Congress. Just like CHIP, tion, and the fight against organized crime and troop, participating in many scout activities. these programs cost far less than the more drug trafficking. Our southern border security Over the many years Benjamin has been in- than $1.5 trillion that this tax cut will cost, but depends on our joint efforts with Mexico. Co- volved with scouting, he has not only earned they might be too expensive for the GOP. operation with Canada also improved due to numerous merit badges, but also the respect There was also a time not too long ago NAFTA. Our forces train and work together to of his family, peers, and community. Most no- when Republicans, as much as Democrats, defend North America. We fight side by side tably, Benjamin has served as the Senior Pa- legislated for the common good, or at least against national security threats like ISIS and trol Leader, become a Brotherhood Member of their conception of it. It’s clear that those times partner as NATO members. These are some the Order of the Arrow, and earned the rank are past.

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

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:58 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE8.001 E21DEPT1 E1746 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 21, 2017 HONORING THE LIFE OF GILBERTO Association board as State Director, Vice of the game, Marquell Cartwright and Mac F. OLIVA, SR. President and President from 2003 through McCain for their performances. 2012. He also served on the International As- I am honored to represent this historic and HON. MATT GAETZ sociation of Fire Chiefs board until 2014. honored institution in Washington, and they OF FLORIDA Fire Chief Critchley received a MBA from have made me, their community, and most im- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the University of Arizona, a Bachelor’s degree portantly, the ‘Aggie nation’ proud with their in Fire Service Management from the Arizona win. Thursday, December 21, 2017 State University, and an AAS in Fire Science Mr. Speaker, please join me today in hon- Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to from Pima Community College. In 2008, he oring North Carolina A&T for their historic sea- recognize the life of the premium cigar patri- was selected as Chief Fire Officer of the Year son and national championship win. arch, Mr. Gilberto Oliva, founder of Oliva Cigar by the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association. Most f Co. Gilberto passed away peacefully in a hos- recently in September 2017, Jim was inducted pital in South Miami on Saturday, December into the Arizona Fire Service Hall of Fame. SAUDI TEXTBOOKS 16, 2017, surrounded by his family and close Jim is married and has three children. We friends. would like to thank Fire Chief Jim Critchley for HON. TED POE As a young tobacco farmer in Cuba, his service and dedication to the city of Tuc- OF TEXAS Gilberto built his endeavors on the blueprint of son and the state of Arizona. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the American Dream. As an early adult, he f Thursday, December 21, 2017 moved from his family farm to pursue tobacco trading. The growing conflict under the Cuban HONORING JACEN HAEFNER Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is time to dictatorship forced Mr. Oliva to flee to Nica- hold the Saudis accountable for playing the ragua where he became a pioneer in tobacco HON. SAM GRAVES role of both arsonists and firefighters when it cultivation. OF MISSOURI comes to terror. Saudi Arabia is a crucial ally in counterterrorism. Yet at the same time, their While Nicaragua was his home, Gilberto’s IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES business grew all over the world, including educational curriculum promotes hatred and Thursday, December 21, 2017 Honduras, Mexico and the Philippines. His violence towards other religions. This is the product quickly became known around the Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I very rhetoric that breeds terrorism. world for its quality. In 1995, he established proudly pause to recognize Jacen Haefner. For nearly 15 years, Saudi Arabia has his own brand of cigar, and in 2006, he Jacen is a very special young man who has pledged to remove all extremist content from launched the Oliva Serie V, which Cigar Afi- exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship their school textbooks. Yet to this day text- cionado Magazine named Cigar of the Year in and leadership by taking an active part in the books include material that, for example, en- 2014. Boy Scouts of America, Troop 264, and earn- courages ‘‘fighting’’ any infidel who refuses to In early 2016, Mr. Oliva was honored by the ing the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. submit to the supremacy of Islam. Another ex- Asociacio´n Nicaragu¨ense de Tabacaleros, the Jacen has been very active with his troop, ample comes from a textbook on Islamic cul- Nicaraguan Tobacco Association, with a life- participating in many scout activities. Over the ture that teaches that ‘‘Christianity in its cur- time achievement award. Yet for all his many many years Jacen has been involved with rent state is an invalid, perverted religion.’’ A successes, he never forgot his roots. He scouting, he has not only earned numerous high school textbook on monotheism further yearned for a free Cuba, and he instilled in his merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- calls all ‘‘infidels,’’ as ‘‘enemies of Islam and children a respect for personal responsibility ily, peers, and community. Most notably, its adherents.’’ and hard work. Jacen has contributed to his community And this is just a taste of the extremist con- Gilberto is succeeded by his wife Carmen, through his Eagle Scout project. tent in Saudi textbooks. A tenth-grade text- his five children—including my former col- Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in book claims that Zionism spreads ‘‘drugs and league and friend, Florida House Representa- commending Jacen Haefner for his accom- sexually transmitted diseases . . . in many Is- tive Jose Oliva—and his fourteen grand- plishments with the Boy Scouts of America lamic countries.’’ Even more, a middle school children. and for his efforts put forth in achieving the textbook glorifies jihad, instructing students Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States highest distinction of Eagle Scout. that those fighting jihad ‘‘should be given Congress, I want to recognize the life of f transportation, weapons, food and anything Gilberto F. Oliva. He was a great man, a world else they may need to continue their jihad.’’ IN RECOGNITION OF THE NORTH leader in the field of cigar manufacturing, and Content in Saudi textbooks is so extreme that CAROLINA A&T FOOTBALL TEAM the patriarch of a wonderful family. ISIS used official Saudi textbooks for its FOR THEIR HISTORIC SEASON schools in 2015 until they could publish their f AND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP own materials. JIM CRITCHLEY’S RETIREMENT WIN The problem is compounded when we real- ize that these textbooks are not just used in HON. RAU´ L M. GRIJALVA HON. TED BUDD the Kingdom. Saudi educational materials are OF ARIZONA OF NORTH CAROLINA exported throughout the world. This kind of in- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES doctrination at home and abroad runs counter to Saudi Arabia’s efforts in counterterrorism Thursday, December 21, 2017 Thursday, December 21, 2017 and our crucial cooperation with Saudi Arabia Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I wish to rec- Mr. BUDD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to in the fight against terrorism. Saudi Arabia ognize and celebrate Fire Chief, Jim Critchley, honor the undefeated MEAC and 2017 Cele- cannot be allowed to continue promoting text- on his retirement from the Tucson Fire Depart- bration Bowl Champions. I’m speaking of books that include language that is intolerant, ment. course of the North Carolina A&T Aggie foot- furthers conspiracy theories, and encourages Fire Chief Critchley began his Emergency ball team. violence towards others. Service career in 1982 with an EMT class. He Last week, as time expired in the Celebra- That’s why Representative KEATING and I, worked in a few private agencies as an in- tion Bowl, the Aggies made their nation proud as Ranking Member and Chair of the Ter- structor, firefighter, EMT and security guard. with a last second touchdown to secure their rorism Subcommittee, have introduced H.R. He joined the Tucson Fire Department in 1988 second Celebration Bowl victory in just three 4549, the Saudi Educational Transparency and was promoted through the ranks first as years. And with that win, the Aggies became and Reform Act. This bill will require the State a Paramedic, Captain, Training Captain, Oper- the first MEAC team to go undefeated as they Department to conduct an annual review of ations Battalion Chief, Training Chief, Oper- won their second HBCU national title under Saudi Arabia’s textbooks. This review will ations Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief of Train- head coach Rod Broadway. show if Riyadh is fully implementing its re- ing and Emergency Management and then, in Mr. Speaker, ‘A Champion Has Risen’ in- peated commitments to removing extremist 2011, became the Fire Chief. deed, and that champion, is the A&T Aggie content. It will also help the U.S. decide if we Since 1992, Mr. Critchley has been an ac- Football Team. should continue issuing a waiver for Saudi tive representative on the State Fire Training Congratulations to the esteemed Dr. Harold Arabia as a country of particular concern for Association and the Arizona Fire Chiefs Asso- Martin, Sr., to Coach Broadway and his team, its religious freedom pursuant to the Inter- ciation. He served on the Western Fire Chiefs and also to the offensive and defensive MVP’s national Religious Freedom Act. Terrorism has

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:58 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A21DE8.002 E21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1747 long threatened both our own country and PERSONAL EXPLANATION of Izbica-Kujawska. During the Nazi occupa- Saudi Arabia. The fight to combat this threat tion of Poland, Hilda was imprisoned in a demands that we work to eliminate all sources HON. JAMES B. RENACCI ghetto before escaping to hide with Jewish of radicalization and incitement. A complete OF OHIO Partisans in the forest. Tragically, Hilda’s en- revision of Saudi Arabia’s textbooks is a crit- tire family was killed during the war. Her class- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ical piece of this mission. mate and future husband, Harry, survived the And that’s just the way it is. Thursday, December 21, 2017 Auschwitz concentration camp before recon- Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, had I been necting with Hilda. Together, they moved to f present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call America in 1948 where they would invest their No. 702, and NAY on Roll Call No. 703. savings to buy 100 chickens and start a busi- HONORING KEVIN LYNCH f ness in California. In the early days of the family business, PERSONAL EXPLANATION Harry would ride around town on his bicycle HON. LUKE MESSER selling eggs. In a short amount of time, the OF INDIANA HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO business outgrew its facility and the Eisens IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF MASSACHUSETTS purchased a five-acre ranch in Norco, Cali- fornia to build a chicken farm. Over the years, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, December 21, 2017 the business would be known as Norco Ranch Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Thursday, December 21, 2017 and grow into a major supplier of eggs to re- honor a dear friend, Kevin Lynch, who, fol- Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, on Monday I gional supermarket chains. The business had lowing a five-year battle with cancer, passed missed three votes. I wish to state for the nearly 400 employees before it was sold to away this past week. record how I would have voted had I been Land-O-Lakes in 2000. In 2012, Harry passed Kevin was a great Hoosier, a public servant, present: Roll Call No. 685—NO, Roll Call No. away at the age of 95. Before Harry’s passing, a tremendous leader, and a tireless advocate 686—YES, Roll Call No. 687—YES. the Eisens became involved with the Lodzer in advancing southeastern Indiana. He served f Organization of Southern California, a group of as Dearborn County Commissioner and as the Holocaust survivors that supported Jewish HONORING LEVI PARNACOTT president of the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Re- charities locally and in Israel. I had the distinct privilege of knowing Hilda gional Council of Governments. HON. SAM GRAVES for many years and I will deeply miss her. I Kevin was a giant Reds fan and a loyal extend my heartfelt condolences to the entire friend with a positive spirit, quick with a smile OF MISSOURI IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Eisen family, including her three daughters: and an encouraging word. Ruth Eisen, Mary Cramer, and Frances Miller. Kevin served Lawrenceburg and Dearborn Thursday, December 21, 2017 Although Hilda may be gone, her selfless County with pride, but his most important pri- Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I dedication to our nation and the human spirit ority was his family. He was the loving hus- proudly pause to recognize Levi Parnacott. will long be remembered. band to Mary Jo (Joey) for 27 years and the Levi is a very special young man who has ex- f proud father of Michael. My thoughts and emplified the finest qualities of citizenship and PERSONAL EXPLANATION prayers are with the entire Lynch family and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy all those who knew Kevin. Scouts of America, Troop 1376, and earning Congratulations to my good friend Kevin on the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. HON. BETO O’ROURKE a tremendous life well-lived. Levi has been very active with his troop, OF TEXAS Godspeed. participating in many scout activities. Over the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES many years Levi has been involved with Thursday, December 21, 2017 f scouting, he has not only earned numerous Mr. O’ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, I was un- merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- HONORING CADE OSMONSON avoidably absent from the Chamber on Mon- ily, peers, and community. Most notably, Levi day, December 18. Had I been present, I has served as the Senior Patrol Leader, be- would have voted ‘‘no’’ on rollcall vote 685 HON. SAM GRAVES come a Brotherhood Member of the Order of and ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall votes 686 and 687. the Arrow, and earned the rank of Fire Builder OF MISSOURI f in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Levi has also con- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tributed to his community through his Eagle PERSONAL EXPLANATION Thursday, December 21, 2017 Scout project. Levi installed an entry door into the garage of Immacolata Manor in Liberty, HON. MARK POCAN Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I Missouri, and also refinished the entry room OF WISCONSIN proudly pause to recognize Cade Osmonson. by hanging new drywall, mudding, taping, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Cade is a very special young man who has sanding and then painting the room. Thursday, December 21, 2017 exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in Mr. POCAN. Mr. Speaker, during my med- and leadership by taking an active part in the commending Levi Parnacott for his accom- Boy Scouts of America, Troop 96, and earning ical recovery, I missed the following Roll Call plishments with the Boy Scouts of America votes. Had I been present, I would have the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. and for his efforts put forth in achieving the Cade has been very active with his troop, voted: highest distinction of Eagle Scout. November 28, 2017: Yea on Roll Call No. participating in many scout activities. Over the f many years Cade has been involved with 638; No on Roll Call No. 639. November 29, 2017: No on Roll Call No. scouting, he has not only earned numerous TRIBUTE TO HILDA EISEN 640; No on Roll Call No. 641. merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- November 30, 2017: Yea on Roll Call No. ily, peers, and community. Most notably, Cade HON. KEN CALVERT 642; No on Roll Call No. 643; No on Roll Call has served as his troop’s Senior Patrol Lead- OF CALIFORNIA No. 644; No on Roll Call No. 645; Yea on Roll er. Cade has also contributed to his commu- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Call No. 646; Yea on Roll Call No. 647; No on nity through his Eagle Scout project. Cade re- Thursday, December 21, 2017 Roll Call No. 648; and Yea on Roll Call No. furbished a church in McFall, Missouri, replac- 649. ing the roof of the portico, repainting the doors Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to December 1, 2017: Yea on Roll Call No. and windows, and power washing the outside honor and pay tribute to Hilda Eisen, who 650; No on Roll Call No. 651; Yea on Roll Call of the church. passed away last month in California at the No. 652. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in age of 100. Hilda owned and operated Norco December 4, 2017: No on Roll Call No. 653; commending Cade Osmonson for his accom- Ranch for many years and she will be deeply Yea on Roll Call No. 654. plishments with the Boy Scouts of America missed. December 5, 2017: Yea on Roll Call No. and for his efforts put forth in achieving the Prior to immigrating to the United States, 655; Yea on Roll Call No. 656; Yea on Roll highest distinction of Eagle Scout. Hilda was born and raised in the Polish village Call No. 657.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:58 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A21DE8.005 E21DEPT1 E1748 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 21, 2017 December 6, 2017: No on Roll Call No. 658; In recent years, energy efficiency has ices, home-delivered meals, independent and No on Roll Call No. 659; No on Roll Call No. emerged as a national priority and the Hydrau- transitional living, and employment-related 660; Yea on Roll Call No. 661; Yea on Roll lic Institute has worked closely with the United services. Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants, Call No. 662; No on Roll Call No. 663; and States Department of Energy to improve the which help states assist individuals with Yea on Roll Call No. 664. efficiency of pumping systems. These systems physical or mental impairments in devel- December 7, 2017: No on Roll Call No. 665; now account for over 20 percent of domestic oping new work skills and finding employ- No on Roll Call No. 666; Yea on Roll Call No. electrical energy use and the standards, lab- ment. 667; Yea on Roll Call No. 668; Yea on Roll oratory testing and labelling advanced by the Commodity Credit Corporation farm price Call No. 669; No on Roll Call No. 670; and Hydraulic Institute will ultimately save con- supports, which help stabilize and support Yea on Roll Call No. 671. sumers and businesses billions of dollars. farmer’s incomes. December 11, 2017: Yea on Roll Call No. Pumping systems protect our communities Crime Victims Fund, which provides com- 672; Yea on Roll Call No. 673. from flooding and fires, deliver drinking water pensation to victims of crime and supports December 12, 2017: Yea on Roll Call No. victims’ services. to our homes, irrigate our farms and bring Prevention and Public Health Fund, which 674; No on Roll Call No. 675. water and fuel to American manufacturers. expands investments in programs to improve f As the Co-Chair of the Congressional Clean health, primarily through the Centers for Water Caucus, I am keenly aware of the role HONORING JOEL PRIEST Disease Control and Prevention. that pump manufacturers play in providing Trade Adjustment Assistance, which helps safe, clean, affordable water to our citizens. It workers who have lost their jobs due to HON. SAM GRAVES is my honor to stand today to acknowledge trade-related circumstances, such as an in- OF MISSOURI the 100th Anniversary of the Hydraulic Insti- crease in imports. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tute and to wish their continued success in ad- f Thursday, December 21, 2017 vancing standards that improve the lives of HONORING CHAUNCEY LEE Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I every American. WAGNER proudly pause to recognize Joel Priest. Joel is f a very special young man who has exempli- TAX BILL HON. SAM GRAVES fied the finest qualities of citizenship and lead- OF MISSOURI ership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 495, and earning HON. BETTY McCOLLUM IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. OF MINNESOTA Thursday, December 21, 2017 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Joel has been very active with his troop, Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I participating in many scout activities. Over the Thursday, December 21, 2017 proudly pause to recognize Chauncey Lee many years Joel has been involved with Ms. MCCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I would like Wagner. Chance is a very special young man scouting, he has not only earned numerous to include into the RECORD the following arti- who has exemplified the finest qualities of citi- merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- cle: zenship and leadership by taking an active ily, peers, and community. Most notably, Joel TAX BILL WOULD TRIGGER CUTS TO VITAL part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop has contributed to his community through his PROGRAMS 1096, and earning the most prestigious award Eagle Scout project. [Nov. 14, 2017] of Eagle Scout. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in The Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 Chance has been very active with his troop, commending Joel Priest for his accomplish- (SPAYGO) created a budgetary enforcement participating in many scout activities. Over the ments with the Boy Scouts of America and for regime to offset net deficit increases that many years Chance has been involved with his efforts put forth in achieving the highest would otherwise result from new laws affect- scouting, he has not only earned numerous distinction of Eagle Scout. ing direct spending or revenues. SPAYGO in merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- f essence keeps a running tab of the deficit ef- fects of all such laws, including laws enacted ily, peers, and community. Most notably, IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH AN- through the budget reconciliation process. If, Chance has contributed to his community NIVERSARY OF THE HYDRAULIC at the end of a session of Congress, the through his Eagle Scout project. INSTITUTE SPAYGO scorecard shows a net debit for the Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in upcoming year, numerous direct spending commending Chauncey Lee Wagner for his HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR. programs will get hit with an across-the- accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of board cut to ‘‘pay for’’ that debit. America and for his efforts put forth in achiev- OF TENNESSEE The Republican tax bill released last week ing the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES would increase deficits by $1.5 trillion over Thursday, December 21, 2017 ten years. If Congress does not enact offset- f ting budgetary savings or provide some other Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, remedy, enactment of this bill will trigger TRIBUTE TO A WORDSMITH almost every member of Congress says a massive automatic program cuts every year need in their district is more good jobs. Good for the next ten years. The tax bill’s deficit HON. MICHAEL T. McCAUL effects would trigger SPAYGO cuts that business people that provide good jobs are OF TEXAS not recognized enough. That is why I rise would lead to outright elimination of many programs and still would not be enough to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES today to recognize the 100th Anniversary of offset the tax bill’s costs in full. Thursday, December 21, 2017 the Hydraulic Institute and pay tribute to the Damaging SPAYGO cuts resulting from exceptional role that pump manufacturers the tax bill would include: Mr. MCCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to have played in improving the delivery of water A 4 percent reduction in Medicare pay- honor an integral part of my communications to American homes, American industry and ments. Over ten years, this would add up to team, Renn Osborne. Renn proved to be a American agriculture over the past century. hundreds of billions of dollars. (SPAYGO valuable asset and a dedicated team player Today, pump systems touch the lives of every caps the Medicare cut at 4 percent.) who helped articulate the mission of the American and the Hydraulic Institute has a A doubling of loan origination fees for fed- Homeland Security Committee and our Mem- eral student loans, making college more ex- central role in developing the policies and pensive for millions of students. bers. He first served as an intern in the Com- standards needed for safe, reliable and effi- Elimination of funding for programs sub- mittee’s press office, then as a Press Assist- cient pump operations. ject to uncapped SPAYGO across-the-board ant, and finally rising to the position of Deputy On April 18, 1917, the nation’s leading reductions. Some of the largest programs Press Secretary. pump manufacturers met in the La Salle Hotel that would be zeroed out include: Renn effortlessly juggled print media re- in Chicago for the purpose of forming a trade Social Services Block Grants, which are quests with the daily challenges of the Com- association that would ‘‘promote friendship flexible grants to states. They support a va- mittee’s fast-paced press office. His sound riety of initiatives serving low-income and and cooperation among manufacturers in im- vulnerable individuals such as adult protec- judgment, quick action, and strong political proving overall pump performance.’’ The Hy- tive services, special services to persons with acumen helped shape the Committee’s mes- draulic Institute provides the technical exper- disabilities, adoption services, case manage- sage development. Renn was crucial in com- tise required to set pump standards that reflect ment, health-related services, transportation municating the Committee’s actions to help the evolving priorities of society. support, foster care, substance abuse serv- protect the American people.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:58 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A21DE8.011 E21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1749 His abilities were on display at the 53rd Scouts of America, Troop 96, and earning the HONORING THE SERVICE OF United States-Mexico Interparliamentary most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. ARTHUR RADFORD BAKER, JR. Group Meeting in Mexico City this past sum- John has been very active with his troop, mer. The meeting transpired at a pivotal time, participating in many scout activities. Over the HON. BOB GOODLATTE and Renn’s efforts were key in communicating many years John has been involved with OF VIRGINIA the close historic, economic, and cultural scouting, he has not only earned numerous bonds that have been forged as a result of the merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES U.S.-Mexico relationship over the past 192 ily, peers, and community. Most notably, John Thursday, December 21, 2017 years. has contributed to his community through his I am pleased that Renn has continued his Eagle Scout project. John organized and led a Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to public service on Capitol Hill as the speech- blood drive at the Church of Jesus Christ of commemorate a distinguished public servant, writer for Senator ROB PORTMAN. I look for- Latter-Day Saints in Gallatin, Missouri. and one of the ‘‘dedicated men and women of ward to seeing him continue to grow and de- law enforcement.’’ Mr. Arthur Radford Baker, velop as a wordsmith and as a communicator Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in Jr., will retire from the Federal Bureau of In- who is happy to serve his fellow citizens. commending John Gibson for his accomplish- vestigation on December 31 of this year, after ments with the Boy Scouts of America and for 30 years of service. f his efforts put forth in achieving the highest During his tenure at the FBI, Art has served distinction of Eagle Scout. CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 1, in various capacities. He has led colleagues TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT as a supervisor on counterintelligence and es- f pionage matters out of the Baltimore Field Of- SPEECH OF HONORING MAYOR SUZETTE fice, using sophisticated investigative tech- HON. KEVIN BRADY COOKE niques straight out of Hollywood spy thrillers. OF TEXAS He has investigated organized crime, including IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES La Cosa Nostra and Asian and Russian syn- Tuesday, December 19, 2017 HON. ADAM SMITH dicates, out of the Detroit Field Office. Art even attained the highest marksmanship Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I want OF WASHINGTON award the Bureau has to offer, qualifying for to take this opportunity to express my appre- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES his name to be enshrined on a wall at ciation for the hard work of those who made Quantico as part of the FBI’s elite ‘‘Possible the Conference Report possible. Thursday, December 21, 2017 Club.’’ In large part, though, it has been Art’s Thank you to the expert drafters at the Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I service to our country as a Congressional House and Senate offices of legislative coun- rise to honor and congratulate Suzette Cooke, detailee that stands out as one his fondest sel who worked together on the Conference the Mayor of the City of Kent, on her retire- memories, including many legislative suc- report after having worked for so many ment. The citizens of Kent will miss her com- cesses to which he contributed that are now months with the House Ways and Means mitment, unstoppable work ethic, and passion. memorialized and framed as ‘‘redlines’’ of Committee and Senate Finance Committee on passed laws. the underlying bills: Henry Christrup, Scott For many decades prior to serving as Mayor, Suzette Cooke was a devoted public Art served faithfully for nearly 3 years as a Probst, Fiona Heckscher, and House Legisla- detailee from the FBI to the Judiciary Commit- tive Counsel Wade Ballou; and Mark servant. She was the Executive Director of the Renton and Kent Chambers of Commerce, the tee’s Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, McGunagle, Allison Otto, Vince Gaiani and Homeland Security, and Investigations. During former Senate Legislative Counsel Jim Economic Development Manager for the City of Burien, the Recreation Supervisor for Se- his tenure, Art was a consistently reliable and Fransen. capable staffer and legal counsel, and a great Thank you also to the hardworking team of attle Parks, and Director of the Kent Senior Center. She also served three terms in the colleague. He was particularly beloved by our JCT economists, lawyers, and accountants, departed colleague and friend, the gentleman who support all aspects of our work on tax Washington State House of Representatives, where she chaired the Committee on Children from North Carolina, Congressman Howard legislation: Coble. Nick Bull, Jim Cilke, Tim Dowd, Chris Giosa, and Family Services. In his work at the Judiciary Committee, Art Lucas Goodman, Rob Harvey, Tom Holtmann, Under her leadership as Mayor, Kent has staffed Chairman Lamar Smith and Sub- Paul Landefeld, Joe LeCates, Kathleen grown from a small, farming town, to a sizable committee Chairman Coble for a multitude of Mackie, Jamie McGuire, Pam Moomau, Ra- city boasting a population of 125,000. Mayor assignments, including issues that spanned a chel Moore, Jake Mortenson, Chris Overend, Cooke has created a welcoming environment spectrum of pressing matters, including Patriot Brandon Pecoraro, Zach Richards, Heidi for people from a range of different back- Act hearings and legislation on child exploi- Schramm, David Splinter, Lori Stuntz, Brent grounds in a city that has become one of the tation and trafficking. Art was a dedicated, cru- Trigg, Jeff Arbeit, Nita Asher, Lillian Aston, most diverse in the country. cial staffer upon whom Members could rely. Paul Chen, Gordon Clay, Adam Gropper, An- In addition to Suzette Cooke’s duties as drew Grossman, Nick Gutmann, Viva Ham- After returning to the FBI, Art served with Mayor, she has remained an active volunteer distinction in the Office of Congressional Af- mer, Heather Harman, Harold Hirsch, Deirdre and has served with organizations that help James, Sally Kwak, David Lenter, Bert Lue, fairs (OCA). His service in OCA spanned a better the community she loves. Impressively, transitional era in American history, including Tricia McDermott, Paul McLaughlin, Veena she has chaired the Kent Firemen’s Relief and Murthy, Cecily Rock, Kristine Roth, Karl the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the espionage leaks Pension Fund Board, the King County Flood of Robert Hanssen, and the resulting reformu- Russo, Natalie Tucker, and Kashi Way. Control Zone District Advisory Committee, and And a special thank you to JCT chief of staff lation of the FBI. Through it all, Art was a vital the South County Area Transportation Board. cog in our nation’s premier law enforcement Tom Barthold for his excellent leadership of She has also been a member of the King this outstanding team. agency, and a steadfast friend to the Judiciary County’s Regional Transit Task Force and the Committee. It is often said in Washington that f King County Board of Health. legislating is the ‘‘art’’ of the possible. How ap- HONORING JOHN GIBSON On top of her professional and civic engage- propriate that we say that today. ments, Mayor Cooke has also found the time Throughout his career, Art Baker has been HON. SAM GRAVES to remain an avid recreationist and has a loyal public servant. For years, my staff has summited eight of Washington State’s tallest OF MISSOURI relied on his insight, his wise counsel, and his mountains. It seems clear that, for her, no consistent ability to make us laugh. Many mar- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES challenge is insurmountable. vel at his various skills and interests, earning Thursday, December 21, 2017 Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I him a legitimate moniker as a ‘‘Renaissance Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I recognize Mayor Suzette Cooke on her retire- Man.’’ We expect that the forthcoming stage of proudly pause to recognize John Gibson. John ment. It has been a privilege to work with his life in retirement will not be any less varied is a very special young man who has exempli- dedicated leaders like Mayor Cooke. I thank or adventurous. fied the finest qualities of citizenship and lead- her for her service to her community and wish I salute Art for his many years of distin- ership by taking an active part in the Boy her all the best in retirement. guished service.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:58 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21DE8.014 E21DEPT1 E1750 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 21, 2017 HONORING ROBERT PARTRIDGE ment. That is one-third of the total harassment COMMENDING NORTH JERSEY reports filed that year alone. If companies had MAYORS HON. SAM GRAVES to report all of their private settlements, that OF MISSOURI number would likely increase. The EEOC can HON. JOSH GOTTHEIMER IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES also use these reports to take action, if appro- OF NEW JERSEY Thursday, December 21, 2017 priate, and go after violators. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I I believe this is an important first step to- Thursday, December 21, 2017 ward increasing accountability in the private proudly pause to recognize Robert Partridge. Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise Robert is a very special young man who has sector to ensure a safer, fairer workplace for everyone. I thank my colleagues, Representa- today to commend the mayors of North Jer- exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship sey, who convened last weekend for my Fifth tives KHANNA, NORTON, CUMMINGS, DAVID and leadership by taking an active part in the District Mayors Summit. I’m proud to stand SCOTT, SHEA-PORTER, RASKIN, CONNOLLY, Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1096, and earn- shoulder-to-shoulder with these local leaders SUOZZI, KUSTER, MOORE, DINGELL, and PAL- ing the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. to help save residents’ property tax dollars, LONE for joining me as original cosponsors on Robert has been very active with his troop, improve our schools, and get police and fire- participating in many scout activities. Over the this legislation, and hope that more members will support as well. fighters the tools and resources they need to many years Robert has been involved with protect our communities from crime and terror. scouting, he has not only earned numerous I am humbled every day to have the oppor- f merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- tunity to work with our mayors. This past ily, peers, and community. Most notably, Rob- PERSONAL EXPLANATION weekend, I watched first-hand as they put ert has contributed to his community through party aside and worked across the aisle to his Eagle Scout project. help claw back federal tax dollars in their Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in HON. JAMES B. RENACCI towns—an urgent need, now more than ever, commending Robert Partridge for his accom- given the tax hike we are facing. OF OHIO plishments with the Boy Scouts of America In North Jersey, we are paying far too much and for his efforts put forth in achieving the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES in taxes, and not getting enough in return. My highest distinction of Eagle Scout. Thursday, December 21, 2017 District pays some of the highest taxes in the f nation; yet, we only get 33 cents back for ENDING SECRECY ABOUT WORK- Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, had I been every dollar that we send to Washington. PLACE SEXUAL HARASSMENT present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call Compare that to ‘‘Moocher States,’’ like Mis- ACT No. 697; YEA on Roll Call No. 698; YEA on sissippi, which gets $4.38 on the dollar. These Roll Call No. 699; YEA on Roll Call No. 700; states are giving themselves relief and sticking and NAY on Roll Call No. 701. New Jersey with the bill. HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY The Tax Hike Bill passed yesterday is only OF NEW YORK f going make matters worse—gutting our State IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and Local Tax deductions, increasing our Thursday, December 21, 2017 HONORING SERGEANT BRITTE’S taxes, and lowering our property values. We Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. CAREER OF SERVICE must continue working hard at the local level Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce the Ending Se- to blunt the impact of this harmful legislation crecy About Workplace Sexual Harassment and stop New Jersey from becoming Amer- Act. HON. DOUG COLLINS ica’s piggy bank. We are experiencing a national moment of OF GEORGIA In New Jersey, we must be vigilant about clawing back as many federal tax dollars as reckoning. Millions of people who have been IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES victims of sexual misconduct in the workplace possible to boost our return on investment for are telling their stories and initiating a move- Thursday, December 21, 2017 roads and bridges, for firefighters and law en- ment to create real change. We have an obli- forcement, and the resources they need to gation to listen to all those who have come Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I help fight crime and lone wolf and homegrown forward and recognize that many are still suf- rise today in honor of Sergeant Joseph Britte, terror. Working closely with my office, and my fering in silence. And we also have an obliga- Jr. After protecting our neighbors for more Director of Return on Investment, these may- tion to take action to make things better going than 20 years, Sergeant Britte will be retiring ors have already seen record successes this forward. from the Gainesville Police Department. year to support our cops, firefighters, and The Ending Secrecy About Workplace Sex- On a leap of faith, Sergeant Britte and his towns. For example, in Paramus, the police ual Harassment Act will help lift the shroud of family moved from their home in Providence, department will be hiring five new post-9/11 secrecy surrounding these cases that have Rhode Island to Gainesville in 1996. Upon ar- veterans as police officers, thanks to a $1.875 concealed them for years or even decades by rival, he joined the Gainesville Police Depart- million federal COPS grant. Harrington Park requiring companies to annually report all out- ment and began a job of public service that also brought back nearly $213,000 in AFG of-court settlements involving claims of sex has characterized his life. grants to help protect firefighters and our fami- discrimination, including sexual harassment As a law enforcement official, Sergeant lies. These are dollars that would be going to and assault to the Equal Employment Oppor- Britte has demonstrated a servant’s heart and Alabama and Mississippi if we didn’t fight to tunity Commission. professional excellence. He dedicated count- claw them back here. Our bipartisan work to- When employers don’t have to disclose less hours to training and eventually earned a gether is about fighting for North Jersey and these internal settlements and there is no pub- Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in organiza- helping our residents reduce their property tax lic record about abuse, it can cause great tional leadership and criminal justice. burden. harm to victims, other employees, and even I’m leaving no stone unturned and hope that When he wasn’t on duty, Sergeant Britte still the public at large. More complete data and a by shining a light on these public servants, our took an interest in the wellbeing of those transparency requirement will help identify in- mayors can build on their success and save around him. He mentored local students and stitutional problems that should elicit further in- more money for their towns and taxpayers. taught self-defense classes all across Hall vestigation by EEOC. This bill also has the po- Getting this done is all about problem solving, County. tential to spark a change in the workplace, in- and reaching across the aisle to do what’s spiring corporate leaders to focus on preven- Mr. Speaker, my staff and I have had the right for our communities. These are not tion if they know that complete secrecy is no privilege of getting to know this man over the Democratic or Republican issues; they are longer an option regardless of how a claim is years. We believe that Hall County residents about what’s best for New Jersey. addressed and resolved. With total secrecy, looking for examples of leadership and empa- This holiday season, I am thankful for the companies have absolutely no incentive to thy should look no farther than our friend, Joe twenty-one mayors and leaders who attended focus on preventing sexual misconduct if they Britte. our summit, rolled up their sleeves, and put in know they will never be held accountable. I thank this officer for his service to Gaines- the weekend hours to help their towns. Count- In 2015, there were nearly 30,000 reports ville and congratulate him on the adventures less other mayors, councilmen, and council- filed with the EEOC involving sexual harass- that lie ahead. women across the District have also worked

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:58 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K21DE8.009 E21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1751 around the clock. Currently, as we head into Walter was appointed CEO of the A.G. Gaston Born in Toledo, Ohio, in 1920 and raised in the new year, I rededicate myself to being Construction Co. Detroit, Charles Burrell studied music at Cass- their partner in making towns and communities In spite of all his success in business, Wal- Technical High School, then one of the most even safer, more prosperous, and more af- ter still considered his family and faith to be prestigious music schools in the nation. Al- fordable. his highest priorities, specifically his four chil- though a dedicated student of classical music, Alpine Mayor Paul Tomasko dren: Mondra Howlett, Cadeshia Howlett Sam- Charlie and his friends embraced jazz and Bergenfield Mayor Norman Schmelz uel, Tameka Howlett, and Damien Howlett, practiced it whenever possible. At seventeen, Dumont Councilman Carl Manna and his wife, Deborah Howlett. he was even asked to join the Lionel Hampton Emerson Mayor Lou Lamatina The Howletts’ love story began in 2012. Big Band, affording him the opportunity to Fair Lawn Councilwoman Lisa Swain Shortly after the loss of his mother, friends travel the country with some of the jazz greats Franklin Lakes Mayor Frank Bivona and family say the meeting was a true bless- of the time. Glen Rock Mayor Bruce Packer ing in Walter’s life, and that she put a twinkle Charlie attended the New England Conserv- Hackensack Mayor John LaBrosse in his eye and a smile on his face. Two years atory of Music and then joined the Navy, Harrington Park Mayor Paul Hoeschler later, in September of 2014, the couple ex- where he was selected to join the first-ever all- Mahwah Mayor Bill Laforet changed vows. Mrs. Howlett says her life’s Black Navy band, which was used in recruiting Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali greatest joy was the time they had together. to help encourage African-American enlist- Oakland Mayor Linda Schwager Walter was an active member of Bethel Bap- ment. After an honorable discharge, he at- Paramus Mayor Rich LaBarbiera tist Church in Collegeville, participating in var- tended Wayne State University with an eye to- Park Ridge Mayor Keith Misciagna ious areas of ministry from the choir to serving ward teaching music in the public schools, and Ramsey Mayor Deirdre Dillon as an usher. Walter lived by the motto, ‘‘find eventually made his way to Denver to do just River Edge Councilman Thomas Papaleo a need and fill it,’’ a lesson learned by Mr. that in 1949. Rochelle Park Committeeman Michael War- Gaston. He believed service to one’s commu- A chance meeting with John VanBuskirk, ren nity was not an obligation but a privilege. In the lead bass player with the Denver Sym- Teaneck Mayor Mohammed Hameeduddin the course of his life Walter served on numer- phony Orchestra, led to an audition, and Char- Westwood Mayor John Birkner ous boards including the United Way of Cen- lie became the first person of color in the na- Wyckoff Mayor Rudy Boonstra tral Birmingham, the Boy Scouts of America, tion to be hired by a major orchestra. Wyckoff Administrator Bob Shannon and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. He Charlie is equally comfortable in an orches- f considered it a great joy to give back to the tra or a jazz band. He was known to finish a community he said gave him so much. TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE AND LEG- performance at the DSO and then wrap up his In his passing Walter leaves behind four sib- ACY OF WALTER HOWLETT, JR. evening playing jazz at the Rossonian Hotel in lings including: Birdie Lee Howlett, Patricia the Five Points neighborhood. Howlett Peterson, James Lee Howlett, and In 1959, Charlie became the first person of HON. TERRI A. SEWELL Fredia Gail Howlett, his other siblings Willie color to join the San Francisco Symphony, ful- OF ALABAMA Maud Jenkins and Jay Jerome Howlett are filling a childhood dream. He played under IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES both deceased. conductor Pierre Monteux until 1965. Thursday, December 21, 2017 On a personal note, Walter was a cherished mentor and a dear friend. He was a dedicated Always a generous man, Charlie has been Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I servant-leader who knew the importance of an inspiration and mentor to many, including rise today to honor the extraordinary life and ‘‘each one, teach one.’’ Walter believed in his niece, the two-time Grammy award-win- legacy of the late Walter Howlett, Jr. Walter mentoring young people and I was grateful ning vocalist Dianne Reeves, and his cousin was a beloved member of the Birmingham that he was so supportive of my candidacy the renowned pianist George Duke. community, investing not only in the city’s and always offered his wise counsel. His com- At ninety-seven, Charlie has proved that business development but in community de- mitment to excellence and passion for busi- age is just a number, frequently playing live velopment as well. ness and entrepreneurship will live on through bass on KUVO, Denver’s preeminent jazz sta- Walter was born to Walter Howlett, Sr. and the many lives he touched. tion. Laura Richardson Howlett, the second of On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, Charles Burrell has been called the Jackie seven children. Walter grew up understanding the State of Alabama, and this nation, I ask Robinson of classical music for his ability, the importance of a good education. His par- my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life class, and poise, helping forge change in ents often stressed that a quality education of Walter Howlett, Jr. We pay tribute to his American institutions that weren’t always in- was the key to improving one’s lot in life. distinguished career and contributions for the clined to widen their circles. A proud graduate of A.H. Parker High betterment of the State of Alabama, and ex- It is my honor today to add to the accolades School in Birmingham, Walter took his par- tend deep appreciation for his exemplary serv- of this accomplished trailblazer. ents’ advice to heart, holding dreams of attain- ice to the community of Birmingham, Alabama. ing a business degree. But those dreams were f f put on hold when he was drafted into the United States Army shortly after finishing high RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBU- IN HONOR OF BOB AND DONNA school. TIONS OF CHARLES BURRELL FRYER’S 50TH WEDDING ANNI- After serving for a year in the military, Wal- VERSARY ter returned home and completed his college HON. DIANA DeGETTE education. Attending both Jefferson State OF COLORADO HON. LIZ CHENEY Community College and the University of Ala- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES bama in Birmingham, Walter attained a Bach- OF WYOMING elor of Science degree in accounting and went Thursday, December 21, 2017 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES on to earn his Certified Public Accountant li- Ms. DEGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Thursday, December 21, 2017 cense. the contributions of an extraordinary As his parents had said, Walter’s education Denverite, Charles Burrell, who on November Ms. CHENEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to would indeed impact his lot in life. Soon after 28th was inducted into the Colorado Music extend my congratulations to Bob and Donna graduation he became a beloved prote´ge´ of Hall of Fame. Fryer on their 50th Wedding Anniversary. civil rights activist, A.G. Gaston. Mr. Gaston I’ve known Charlie my whole life. His distin- This significant benchmark is a symbol of created the first black bank and the first Afri- guished career included playing in the Al Rose their commitment to each other and to their can American funeral homes along with count- Trio founded by my uncle, Al Rose, together family. I am happy to join their friends and less other firsts for the black community. with Lee Arrelano. It was the first racially inte- family in extending my best to them on this It was his endearment and admiration for grated jazz group in Colorado, and in the special occasion. Mr. Gaston that helped to spur a more than 1950s and ’60s, they played at some of Den- Again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend 30-year career with the Gaston Corp., devot- ver’s best-known destinations for music. When my congratulations to Bob and Donna on the ing countless hours to the development of my uncle died unexpectedly at a relatively celebration of their 50th Wedding Anniversary. some of Birmingham’s most affluent and suc- early age, Charlie volunteered to be my ‘‘hon- I wish them the best today and for many more cessful black-owned businesses. In 2003, orary uncle,’’ a role he has embraced. blessed years to come.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:58 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21DE8.010 E21DEPT1 E1752 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 21, 2017 TRIBUTE TO A TOP-TIER CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 1, JUDGE JOHN J. TOOMEY COMMUNICATOR TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT HON. LEE M. ZELDIN HON. MICHAEL T. McCAUL SPEECH OF OF NEW YORK IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF TEXAS HON. KEVIN BRADY Thursday, December 21, 2017 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF TEXAS Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Thursday, December 21, 2017 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES honor Judge John J. Toomey of St. James, Mr. MCCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today out Tuesday, December 19, 2017 New York. As a soldier in Vietnam, he earned of gratitude to recognize the professional two Bronze Stars and was decorated for valor. Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I want Upon returning to the U.S., he graduated from achievements and service of my friend, Susan to take a moment to reiterate the importance Phalen. Formerly the Communications Director Stony Brook University in 1972 and Hamline of dynamic scoring as part of the tax legisla- University Law School in 1976. for the House Homeland Security Committee, tive process. Susan now holds the title of Director of Exter- John worked as an Assistant Town Attorney Ever since 1996, when the staff of the Joint nal Affairs at FEMA. for the Town of Smithtown between 1976 and Committee on Taxation began to investigate 1979. He served as a member of the Tenth Susan’s role as Communications Director how best to apply macroeconomic analysis to Judicial Grievance Committee from 1995 until transcended beyond her leadership in strategy tax legislation, Congressional scorekeepers 2002, when he was elected to the District and messaging. Susan’s positive demeanor, have continued to hone their expertise and Court bench. In 2010, he was chosen to be PR-savvy mindset, and determination made produce ever more sophisticated analyses of the first Presiding Judge of the newly formed her presence not only a valued component in various tax reforms. All of this hard work cul- Suffolk County Veteran’s Court. He considers my day-to-day but a real delight. She served minated in 2015 when macroeconomic anal- this to be the highlight of his judicial career. as a spokesperson, confidant and trusted sen- ysis, commonly known as ‘‘dynamic scoring,’’ Judge Toomey was elected to the Suffolk ior advisor whose counsel I always held in the was formally adopted in the House of Rep- County Court in 2011 and is an Acting Surro- highest regard. resentatives for the purposes of official cost gate and Acting Supreme Court Justice. Her expertise in media relations helped to estimates for major legislation. He has earned many awards and recogni- elevate Committee Member and press inter- Ever since the formal adoption of dynamic tions, including the 2008 Judge of the Year action by hosting ‘‘meet and greets’’ and ‘‘pen scoring, first in the House and later in the award from the Suffolk County Bar Associa- and pads’’ to facilitate dialogue and solidify re- Senate, the goal has been to produce pro- tion, the 2014 Peter Sweisgood Award from lationships. Susan’s talents were most notably growth tax reform that was informed by the the Lawyers helping Lawyers Committee of on display in her work assisting on CODEL dynamic scoring process. Although a dynamic the Suffolk County Bar Association, and he trips abroad. Her interpersonal skills and pro- estimate was not used for official scoring pur- has also been named Man of the Year by the ficiency in public diplomacy shone throughout poses with respect to H.R. 1 due to con- Suffolk County Court Officers’ Association. trips to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. straints in the reconciliation process, macro- In addition to his service in the military and She led over one hundred TV interviews dur- economic analysis will be critical to major leg- on the bench, Judge Toomey has also been ing her tenure and oversaw the roll out of nine islative efforts in the years ahead. It is impor- an active volunteer with the Saint James Fire major Committee reports. tant that members of Congress be informed by Department. Susan’s ability to think outside the box set non-partisan analysis about whether legislation Our country owes a debt of gratitude to her apart in developing messages for both do- under consideration would shrink or grow the Judge Toomey for his decades of selfless mestic and international audiences in the na- economy as well as how that change in service. tional security space. She had a unique way growth would affect the nation’s finances and, f of seeing things and consistently aimed to ad- most importantly, the American people. dress a bigger picture in the anticipation of TRIBUTE TO DARYL BUSCH later trends. This is a skill she acquired from f her impressive background in handling crisis HON. KEN CALVERT communication scenarios in pressure-filled war IN HONOR OF CINDY KNIGHT OF CALIFORNIA zones. BEING NAMED SENIOR OF THE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Before joining my Committee three years YEAR BY THE SENIOR CENTER Thursday, December 21, 2017 OF JACKSON HOLE ago, Susan was the Communications Director MR. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to of the House Permanent Select Committee on honor and pay tribute to former Perris Mayor Intelligence and spent more than 15 years as HON. LIZ CHENEY Daryl Busch, who passed away in California a high-profile communications specialist work- OF WYOMING on Sunday, December 3, 2017. Daryl served ing in various national security and foreign pol- the residents of Perris, California, as their IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES icy posts with the U.S. State Department mayor from 1999 to 2016, and he will be among others. She was deployed on nine dif- Thursday, December 21, 2017 deeply missed. ferent tours to Baghdad’s dangerous ‘‘Green Daryl was born on January 31, 1941 in St. Zone’’ before spending time in Afghanistan as Ms. CHENEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Louis, Missouri. The family later moved to the Director of Strategic Communications and extend my congratulations to Cindy Knight for small town of Greenville, Illinois, and while still Public Affairs for the Special Inspector Gen- being named Senior of the Year by the Senior a teenager, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy eral for Afghanistan Reconstruction. Center of Jackson Hole. This outstanding ac- where he served three years as a shipboard It is not surprising that with this type of complishment is a sign of her hard work, lead- radar operator on the USS Picking and USS background, Susan took on the responsibility ership, and commitment to the town and peo- Bryce Canyon. After leaving the service, Daryl as Director of Communications for my Com- ple of Jackson. and his family re-located to California where mittee with ease and great effectiveness. She Throughout her life, Cindy has been com- he worked as a banker. A promotion to bank left a legacy that has already proven steadfast mitted to helping those in her community, and manager brought the Busch family to Perris in among her former colleagues and myself. Su- her passion for promoting literacy is no excep- 1975. Following his career in finance, Mr. san’s quick wit, vivacious spirit, and ability to tion. Being named Senior of the Year is a tes- Busch owned and operated Amigos Tres Res- see humor in all things is missed profoundly. tament to her leadership and commitment to taurant on D Street before beginning his serv- Today, I am honored to be able to put the our community. I am grateful for all that she ice in public office. spotlight on her. While her time at our Com- does to support the people of Jackson and our Daryl was elected to and served six terms mittee was only a snapshot into the incredible great state. as mayor of Perris. During that time he made career she continues to build, her friendship Again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend a tremendous impact on the community, in- and counsel remain constant. She has already my congratulations to Cindy for earning the cluding overseeing the development of proven to be a steady hand at FEMA during Senior of the Year Award. She and her family projects like the Drop Zone aquatics center, the recent hurricanes, and I am excited to see deserve to be extremely proud of this the Big League Dreams sports complex, what she will accomplish next. accomplishment. Mercado Park and Mercado Apartments, the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:58 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A21DE8.021 E21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1753 Monument Ranch neighborhood and Ethanac By the time the company reached its fifth Twomey on being selected for the 2017 Wyo- corridor upgrades. As mayor, Daryl was also year, it expanded to include multiple assembly ming CARES Volunteer of the Year Award. instrumental in connecting Perris to the region lines and utilized 100,000 square feet of space This outstanding accomplishment is a sign of through the establishment of the Metrolink to house its tools and employees. their commitment to our community and to our train service at the city’s new multi-modal Oftentimes, we forget the leap of faith that great state. transportation hub. many people take when starting a business. Wyoming CARES is a statewide non-profit I have had the distinct privilege of knowing For most business owners, passing the one- with the goal of helping Wyoming residents Daryl for many years, I was proud to call him year milestone without succumbing to the de- who may find it necessary to seek temporary my friend and I will deeply miss him. I extend feats that come with a running business is a assistance and often have trouble receiving it. my heartfelt condolences to the Busch family, major accomplishment. Al and Penny have been supporting and par- including his wife, Kay, and son, Barry, his Many small business owners, like Mr. ticipating in the organization for over 20 years. friends, and colleagues. Although Daryl may Fanello, are providing jobs that don’t require a They have become particularly involved in its be gone, the many life-changing contributions 4-year degree to people. When I met with Mr. largest annual fundraiser, the Ride with the he made in Riverside County will have a last- Fanello, he stressed the need for welders in Winds Bike Tour, for which Penny rode the ing impact for generations to come. his industry and highlighted his efforts in 50-mile trail this year. I thank them for their f reaching out to the state prison system to pro- dedication and many contributions to the pro- vide work to recently released inmates so that gram and to helping the people of our great IN HONOR OF CHIEF PETTY OFFI- they can build the skills needed for welding. state. CER JIM MARSHALL FOR RE- My friends at Fanello Industries can look Again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend CEIVING A 2017 SPIRIT OF HOPE back at what they’ve built with pride—remem- my congratulations to Al and Penny Twomey. AWARD bering that they persevered throughout their They deserve to be extremely proud of this 20-year operation. I congratulate them and accomplishment. HON. LIZ CHENEY look forward to their continued success. f OF WYOMING f THE FAILURE TO PASS THE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RECOGNIZING KEISER UNIVERSITY DREAM ACT Thursday, December 21, 2017 Ms. CHENEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to HON. DANIEL WEBSTER HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD OF FLORIDA extend my congratulations to Chief Petty Offi- OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cer Jim Marshall on receiving a 2017 Spirit of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Hope Award. Thursday, December 21, 2017 Thursday, December 21, 2017 The Spirit of Hope Award recognizes six Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, the people or organizations across the country rise today to recognize Keiser University for president’s anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies every year for their contributions to improving their accomplishments and their example for have jeopardized the future of immigrant par- the lives of servicemembers and their families. how a private university should operate and ents and their children all across America. Jim’s selection for this award is a reflection of serve their community. For 40 years, Keiser his dedication and many contributions to our This tragedy is most immediately true for University has equipped thousands of students Dreamers impacted by the President’s ending great country and community. to achieve success in our ever-changing econ- Jim has spearheaded various events for the DACA program. omy. It is through institutions like Keiser that While Congress can act to protect Dream- servicemembers and their families, from Navy students across America and around the world Balls to toy drives. He also has played an im- ers, Speaker RYAN and the Republican leader- have access to a variety of educational ship have ignored the wishes of the majority of portant role in strengthening the relationship choices ranging from associate to doctoral de- between members of all branches of the mili- Americans and turned a deaf ear to this crisis gree programs. by sending us home without voting to protect tary, especially the Navy, and our community. An overwhelming sixty-six percent of Keiser our nation’s Dreamers. His outstanding patriotism and service to our graduates complete their degrees in the fields Those who voted for the spending bill with- community warrants his recognition as the first of Science, Technology, Engineering, and out the passage of the Dream Act, have in ef- Wyomingite to receive this award. Mathematics (STEM). With unwavering per- fect voted for the deportation of Dreamers. Again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend sistence, I continue to support STEM, and am Republicans who say it is okay to wait until my congratulations to Chief Petty Officer Jim very pleased to celebrate the impressive mile- next year to protect Dreamers are misleading Marshall and thank him for his incredible serv- stone of this educational institution. In the past the American people. ice to our country and state. 10 years, Keiser University produced more The fact is that since the President elimi- f than 33,800 graduates with associate degrees nated the DACA program in September, more in a wide variety of in-demand working fields. HONORING THE 20TH ANNIVER- than 13,000 Dreamers have already lost their With access to skilled workers on the decline, SARY OF FANELLO INDUSTRIES work permits and deportation protections. And it is imperative that Congress works together IN LAVONIA the fact is that an additional 122 Dreamers are with states to better prepare our workforce of losing their DACA protections every day. tomorrow. I am pleased to witness Keiser’s They are students and professionals such HON. DOUG COLLINS success, and wish them many more years of as doctors, nurses, teachers, scientists and OF GEORGIA prosperity. social workers. They are members of our mili- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I applaud Keiser’s faculty, staff, and stu- tary and parents who play a critical role in the dents for their achievements and for their on- Thursday, December 21, 2017 wellbeing and future of our American society. going commitment to equipping our next gen- Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I Dreamers strengthen our economy, protect eration to be leaders and achieve their rise today to congratulate my friends at our country and enhance the quality of life in dreams. Fanello Industries in Lavonia on their 20-year our communities and across our nation. f anniversary. It is unconscionable that Speaker RYAN and Established in 1998, this company has sup- IN HONOR OF AL AND PENNY the Republican leadership refused to bring the ported businesses across various industries by TWOMEY FOR RECEIVING THE Dream Act for a vote before we recessed for providing them with stamped metal blanks and 2017 WYOMING CARES VOLUN- the holidays. other assemblies that play a major role in pro- TEER OF THE YEAR AWARD It is impossible to understand how in good duction. conscience the Republicans could go home to When the company’s founder, Vince HON. LIZ CHENEY celebrate their religious beliefs and ideals Fanello, first opened his business in northeast OF WYOMING knowing their lack of action is not only shat- Georgia, he understood that he was making a tering the security and unity of families but IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES major commitment. Like many other compa- creating a traumatized generation of children. nies, Fanello Industries began small and grew Thursday, December 21, 2017 How is that loving your neighbor as yourself? over time as a result of determination and dili- Ms. CHENEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to School teachers in my district tell me many gence. extend my congratulations to Al and Penny of their students are so consumed with fear of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:58 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A21DE8.024 E21DEPT1 E1754 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 21, 2017 losing their parents they are exhibiting signs of and support to customers. Mr. Pack’s commit- ualty’s National Award for Teaching Excel- PTSD and depression. ment to excellence and dedication to customer lence. This outstanding accomplishment is a During this holy season, instead of cele- service has resulted in the Sam Pack Auto sign of his hard work, leadership, and commit- brating the gifts of their faith, immigrant par- Group receiving countless awards and rec- ment to his students. ents are having to develop emergency plans ognitions for their efforts. Most notably among For the past thirty years, John has dedi- so their children will know what to do if their these recognitions is TIME Magazine’s ‘‘Qual- cated his time to ensuring that Natrona County parents are taken away and don’t make it ity Dealer of the Year’’, Ford Motor Company’s High students build a strong educational foun- home one night. ‘‘Salute to Dealers Award’’, and the Texas dation that will benefit them long after they As a mother, I can’t imagine the physical Automobile Dealers Association’s ‘‘Legends leave his classroom. As just one of thirty-eight and emotional toll it takes to try and reassure Award’’ which, to date, has been awarded to educators to receive this award, his commit- your children while at the same time having to less than twenty outstanding auto dealers ment to education and the impact he has on tell them they may not see you again or that within the State of Texas. Since Mr. Pack first those around him is apparent. I thank him for they may have to leave their friends and their opened a dealership in 1980, he has provided his contributions to Wyoming education and to home for a country they do not know or re- vital support to those in need, and in the 36 Natrona County High School. member. years since that first dealership opened, Mr. Again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend Congress has the power to stop this terror Pack has continuously proven that he is an ar- my congratulations to John Trohkimoinen for by passing the Dream Act but the Republican dent supporter of his community. earning the National Award for Teaching Ex- leadership once again lacked the courage to Mr. Speaker, I ask that my fellow colleagues cellence. He and his family deserve to be ex- take a stand and have a vote. join me in thanking Mr. Sam Pack for his tremely proud of this accomplishment. Protecting our Dreamers is the moral and many years of dedicated service and chari- f right thing to do and it is in the best interests table works. I wish him continued success and HONORING DR. ROBERT GUNN of our nation. congratulations as the Sam Pack Auto Group Tragically, instead of living up to our Amer- opens the Sam Pack Five Star Chevrolet ican values and giving Dreamers the gift of Dealership in Carrollton, Texas. HON. BETO O’ROURKE OF TEXAS hope for a better and more secure future, Re- f publicans have left them and their family with IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES a lump of coal laced with fear and uncertainty. HISTORY IS MADE IN DAYTON, Thursday, December 21, 2017 Mr. Speaker, you and your leadership OHIO Mr. O’ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, I am honored should be ashamed of yourselves. to congratulate my friend, Dr. Robert Gunn, for f HON. MICHAEL R. TURNER being awarded a National Endowment for the OF OHIO HONORING SAM PACK AND HIS Humanities Award for Faculty for his work on CHARITABLE WORKS ACROSS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES American Horologics. Literature, Timekeeping, NORTH TEXAS Thursday, December 21, 2017 and the Production of Space in Early Western Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to North America. Though it will be above my level of com- commemorate two pieces of history from Day- HON. KENNY MARCHANT prehension, given Dr. Gunn’s past work and ton, Ohio. OF TEXAS the success it has achieved, I am confident Firstly, last week marked the 22nd anniver- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that this will be an important addition to the sary of the Dayton Peace Accords. The Day- Thursday, December 21, 2017 study of North America and the indigenous ton Peace Accords brought an end to years of cultures of the American West. Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today bloodshed and created a framework for lasting Dr. Gunn’s work at the University of Texas to recognize Mr. Sam Pack of Carrolton, peace in Bosnia and Herzegovnia. I served as at El Paso has helped to distinguish UTEP Texas for his tremendous and continuous mayor of Dayton during those Accords and and the larger El Paso-Juarez community. It work to better his community throughout his witnessed firsthand American diplomacy bring has helped to deepen and expand our insight life. adversaries to the negotiating table. of the people of North America, and it has Sam Pack’s presence in North Texas is Recently, however, I fear the peace found in contributed to a richer understanding of Amer- hard to miss. His commitment to community Dayton is threatened. Now is a critical time for service and public involvement has touched ica and the American West. the region. I wrote this week to Secretary of I am extraordinarily fortunate to represent the lives of many in the 24th District and State Rex Tillerson encouraging him to host a across the State of Texas. Mr. Pack’s per- Dr. Gunn in Congress and to have the oppor- Dayton Peace Accords II. The United States tunity to congratulate him for this high sonal involvement in the community is appar- has an obligation to lead and support the ent in the numerous awards he has received achievement. Even better, I have the pleasure peace we helped create in 1995. of calling him a friend and personally bearing including being named the Metrocrest Cham- The second piece of history I proudly recog- witness to his kindness, wit, wisdom and the ber of Commerce’s ‘‘Citizen of the Year’’ as nize today is the anniversary of flight. This inspiration he takes from, and love he gives well as being recognized as a Paul Harris Fel- Sunday marked Wright Brothers Day, the to, his beautiful children, Frances and Henry, low by Rotary International. 114th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ in- and his wife Jonna, incredibly accomplished in Mr. Pack’s charitable donations and work vention of flight. her own right as the Director of the English are known well throughout North Texas, rang- The Wright Brothers did the bulk of their re- Education Program at UTEP. ing from donations to diabetes research facili- search in Dayton, Ohio, eventually leading to ties to establishing a museum in his commu- We are lucky to have Dr. Gunn in El Paso, their creation of flight. Dayton continues to lucky to count him and his family as friends, nity. Mr. Pack is a dedicated supporter of maintain the Wright Brothers’ spirit of innova- Metrocrest Services and Kidd’s Kids, to name lucky that he has contributed his outsized tal- tion. ent and drive to a better understanding of who a few of the many philanthropic organizations f he supports throughout North Texas. we are. Congratulations Robert. Metrocrest Services provides critical services IN HONOR OF JOHN to those coping with crisis situations, those TROHKIMOINEN FOR RECEIVING f who need help stabilizing their lives, or require CALIFORNIA CASUALTY’S NA- CELEBRATING THE BICENTENNIAL other forms of support. Kidd’s Kids provides TIONAL AWARD FOR TEACHING OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, tremendous support to children and their fami- EXCELLENCE NEW YORK lies who are dealing with life altering condi- tions. Mr. Pack has also created the Sam HON. LIZ CHENEY HON. BRIAN HIGGINS Pack Cares program, which works to provide OF WYOMING OF NEW YORK assistance to those who serve our nation in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES various ways. For nearly forty years, the Sam Pack Auto Thursday, December 21, 2017 Thursday, December 21, 2017 Group has worked hand-in-hand with commu- Ms. CHENEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I nities, businesses, and individuals across extend my congratulations to John rise today to recognize the distinguished his- North Texas to provide outstanding service Trohkimoinen on receiving California Cas- tory of the Town of Amherst, New York upon

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:58 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A21DE8.027 E21DEPT1 December 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1755 the occasion of the town’s Bicentennial in A first printing of 400 copies of Saving Pan the life and achievements of Ms. Mary Alice 2018. Throughout the next year, Amherst will was sold out in a week and raised $4,000 for Cobb-Hill. I offer my sincere gratitude for her reflect on and celebrate its 200th anniversary. the Sanctuary. For meeting their goals and continued commitment to promote the arts and On April 10, 1818, the Town of Amherst making a difference, congratulations to Brooke arts education, and for the profound legacy was officially created from part of the town of Abbruzzese, Talia Baskin, Lily Buckenmeyer, she has left in our East Bay community. I also Buffalo, later known as the City of Buffalo. As Martha Bulkeley, McKenzie Caldicott, Ruby offer my condolences to Ms. Cobb-Hill’s family the largest town in Erie County, New York, Cooper-Karl, Emma Francioch, Willa Gagnon, and friends as they cope with this immeas- Amherst has a total area of 53.28 square Maeve Larco, Matisse Nash, Maya Rashid, urable loss and join together to celebrate her miles. Amherst encompasses municipalities Charlotte Stoeger, Hanna Stokes and life. such as the Village of Williamsville, and the McKenzie Tell. f hamlets of Eggertsville, Getzville, Snyder, f REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF Swormville and East Amherst. ROBERT ‘‘BOB’’ WILMERS In the nineteenth century Amherst was a HONORING MARY COBB-HILL prosperous farming community with seven grist mills, several saw mills, a tannery and HON. BARBARA LEE HON. KEITH J. ROTHFUS OF PENNSYLVANIA boot and shoe factory and two forges with OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES commercial activity centered in Williamsville. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, December 21, 2017 Amherst draws on its history in its modern de- Thursday, December 21, 2017 velopment, with structures such as the Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, today, we re- Williamsville Water Mill complex finding new Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor member the life of Robert ‘‘Bob’’ Wilmers, a vi- purpose today. the remarkable life of Mary Alice Cobb-Hill, a sionary, successful business man, loving fa- From its beginnings as a primarily farming singer, and pianist, and impresario of the ther and husband, who passed away this past community, Amherst transformed into an negro spiritual, who passed away on Decem- Saturday. urban area in the twentieth century with the ber 9, 2017. In 1983, he became Chairman and CEO of creation of new subdivisions. Landmarks such Ms. Hill was born in Oakland, California on M&T Bank and held those positions until his as the University of Buffalo Campus North March 16, 1945 to Mary Magdalene and Roo- recent passing. Under his leadership, M&T Campus and Millard Fillmore Suburban Hos- sevelt Cobb. Her parents instilled in her from grew from $2 Billion to $120 Billion in assets pital made Amherst their home. an early age a love of music, and in particular in 35 years. He saw the bank’s reach grow Today, Amherst is comprised of approxi- the spiritual and gospel music which was a from Buffalo to Maryland and the D.C. area, mately 125,000 residents. Those who live in staple of their family worship services. Mary’s as well as Pennsylvania. Through it all, he Amherst enjoy a four rink recreational facility mother was a teacher, and she imbued the never lost touch with his customers. that attracts national and international ice tour- music with a strong understanding of the his- Bob’s annual letters to shareholders were naments, a state of the art senior center, three tory behind it, especially the experiences of legendary and he was critical of over regula- libraries, and a State Park within its borders. the black struggles for freedom from slavery. tion that hurt regional banks. The Town of Amherst will proudly mark its Mary attended Golden Gate Academy in His even handed, steady analysis will be 200th Anniversary with a series of events Oakland, and later studied at Merritt and missed. In addition to his successful career, throughout its Bicentennial Year, beginning on Laney Colleges, along with the Pacific Union. Bob shared a deep commitment to the city of January 1, 2018 with a 200th Birthday Party. She also took private music lessons in clas- Buffalo, New York through his charitable giv- The celebrations continue with a gigantic Pa- sical opera singing. ing and service to the community. rade, historic walking tours, slogan contest, Mary made the preservation of the Negro He was fiercely loyal to his work and Interclub Service Club Luncheon and gala Bi- spiritual her lifelong passion. Throughout her bettering the community, an example we can centennial Ball. life, she spent more than 50 years singing and all learn from. I extend my condolences to his Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a performing in this historical tradition. She also family and friends. He leaves a large void that few moments to recognize the Town of Am- worked to advance the tradition by writing will be felt for years to come. herst’s rich history and enduring contributions three original musicals, Flowers from Heaven, f Dis Train, and The Seven Exaltations of as we celebrate its Bicentennial. Congratula- CONGRATULATING KAREN Simeon of Cyrene. tions to the Town of Amherst and its residents BALLARD ON HER RETIREMENT In addition to her work as a performer and on this exciting and noteworthy milestone. FROM THE GRAPEVINE POLICE writer, Ms. Hill also dedicated her life to teach- f DEPARTMENT ing others about the history and technique of HIGHLIGHTING THE ACHIEVEMENT the Negro spiritual. She founded and served OF A YOUTH GROUP IN NORTH- as the creative director for the Voices of Leg- HON. KENNY MARCHANT EAST PORTLAND acy, a community choir that performs in OF TEXAS churches, schools, and community events, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. EARL BLUMENAUER and was selected to perform at the inaugura- Thursday, December 21, 2017 OF OREGON tion of then mayor Dianne Feinstein in San Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Francisco. Through her work as an educator, to recognize and congratulate Karen Ballard Ms. Hill has trained scores of new performers Thursday, December 21, 2017 on her numerous years of service and dedica- and fostered a love of the Negro spiritual tradi- tion to the Grapevine Police Department in Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, today I’d tion in new generations. Grapevine, Texas. Karen retires this year after like to highlight the achievement of a group of Through her tireless efforts, Ms. Hill endeav- serving for fourteen years with the City of young people in Northeast Portland. ored to use the Negro spiritual tradition to Grapevine, and accumulating over thirty-one In 2014, fourteen 6th grade girls at Beverly maintain a link between those whose experi- years of dedicated service in emergency com- Cleary School formed the Grant Park chapter ence and yearning for freedom initially created munications for the State of Texas. of Jane Goodall’s ‘‘Roots and Shoots’’ youth the music, and modern generations who can Karen’s admirable career first began when service organization. Their goal was to raise learn from that struggle to continue the push she joined the Arlington Police Department as funds for orphaned chimpanzees at Goodall’s for true equality. I am grateful to her for her a dispatcher in 1986. After serving for over Tchimpounga Rehabilitation Center in Africa. dedication to promoting African American cul- seventeen years in the City of Arlington, The girls’ idea was to produce a vegetarian ture and history, and keeping alive the stories Texas, Karen began her tenure with the City cookbook with sales benefiting the chim- and traditions of our ancestors. of Grapevine in 2003. panzee sanctuary. They wrote letters to chefs Ms. Hill is survived by her husband, Carl, Throughout her career, Karen has served as across the country asking for recipes and then and her daughters Maranatha and Gabrielle, a Dispatcher, Communications Coordinator, spent most Friday evenings together cooking as well as her grandchildren Duane, Josiah, Coordinator Training Assistant, and a Commu- the food and taking notes. They also created and Nicole. She is also survived by her broth- nications Supervisor. Since joining the Grape- artwork and bios for the chefs to go along with ers Paul & Michael, her sisters Gloria Jean, vine Police Department, Karen has honorably each recipe. Three years later, these young and Sharon, and their families. served her community and has built a reputa- women are in 9th grade and the cookbook, Today, on behalf of California’s 13th Con- tion as an outstanding Dispatcher and Com- called ‘‘Saving Pan,’’ is done. gressional District, it is my honor to commend munications Supervisor.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:58 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A21DE8.031 E21DEPT1 E1756 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 21, 2017 Karen’s dedication as a public servant is ap- proved false by the analysis of nonpartisan tax fact, documented history shows that just the parent in her pursuit of continued education experts and government entities. Maryland’s opposite occurs. Foreign corporations are and trainings to help provide a better service middle class, seniors, students, working fami- probably cheering along the GOP Tax Scam, to her community. In total, Karen has com- lies, and everyone else who is not a gigantic knowing that America is only days away from pleted 4,227 training hours since beginning corporation, one of the richest of the rich in creating millions of new jobs overseas. Trickle- her career in emergency communications. this country, or anyone without their own lob- down economics is a fraud. The only kind of Karen’s contributions to the emergency op- byist will be made worse-off under this pro- economics that works for Americans is bubble- erations in the City of Grapevine have helped posal. Our children and grandchildren will be up economics where we invest in infrastruc- to ensure the Police, Fire, and EMS services footing the bill for this irresponsible and reck- ture, health care and education—we invest in have the best information available when they less corporate giveaway for decades to come. the Middle Class and prosperity bubbles up are needed. The importance of quick and ac- Both the House and Senate tax bills are bad everywhere. curate information can never be overstated in deals for my constituents, Marylanders, and Furthermore, I often hear from my overseas life-or-death situations. Karen’s dedication and ninety-nine-percent of Americans. There were constituents, who have their own profound service have been a vital part of keeping our virtually no hearings and no Democratic input concerns about our tax system. As someone in the process, while special interest lobbyists first responders effective, and more impor- who has lived abroad, I appreciate their con- inserted absurd provisions (such as elimi- tantly, keeping them safe. Her legacy will cerns. Americans abroad are being treated un- nating the deductions for state and local taxes leave a lasting mark on the City of Grapevine fairly—taxed first by their local tax authority, and medical expenses, and opening-up oil and the city’s emergency services for many and again by the United States. No other years to come. drilling in Alaska). A recent analysis from the Joint Committee countries tax their citizens abroad, with the ex- Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to recognize ceptions of North Korea and Eritrea. Yet Con- the notable efforts Karen has contributed to on Taxation found that many Americans, in- cluding many of my constituents, will receive a gressional Republicans have chosen to ignore the City of Grapevine. I ask all of my distin- the nine million voices of red, white and blue guished colleagues to join me in recognizing substantial tax hike under the Republican plan. Also, according to both the non-partisan American citizens seeking help and relief. The Karen Ballard and her many years of service GOP is callously ignoring our citizens over- and wishing her the best in her retirement. Joint Committee on Taxation and the Con- gressional Budget Office, by 2027, those earn- seas, refusing to help millions of constituents f ing $40,000 to $50,000 would pay a combined abroad who desperately want and deserve expat tax reform. HOW THE REPUBLICAN TAX PLAN $5.3 billion more in taxes, while the group HURTS MILLIONS OF AMERICANS earning $1 million or more would get a $5.8 Congress should act immediately, so that billion tax cut. Apparently the Republican U.S. citizens living abroad are not forced to version of the new American Dream is to raise choose between two terrible outcomes: drain- HON. JAMIE RASKIN taxes on the Middle Class while showering ing their life savings to pay their taxes or re- OF MARYLAND millionaires with tax breaks. nouncing their citizenship to escape this out- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Congressional Republicans are also dis- rageous double taxation. There has been Thursday, December 21, 2017 missing concerns over the debt, reversing some important progress in this regard years of deficit-hawk rhetoric so fast they are though. I’m pleased that my colleague from Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in walking around with neck braces from the ide- North Carolina, Representative GEORGE HOLD- strong opposition to the proposal put forward ological whiplash. Suddenly the GOP is calling ING, readily acknowledged the problem of by my Republican colleagues that is trillions of dollars of debt ‘‘a drop in the buck- expat taxation during the House Floor debate misleadingly titled the ‘‘Tax Cuts and Jobs et’’—which will of course, be true, only until on H.R. 1, but frankly, it is shocking that the Act.’’ I voted against the GOP Tax Scam when Republicans decide that we need deep painful House Ways and Means Committee failed en- it was brought up in the House of Representa- cuts to Medicaid, Medicare and Social Secu- tirely to provide any tax reform relief whatso- tives a few weeks ago, and I did again this rity to pay for the magnificent tax cuts they ever to millions of Americans living abroad. week when Republicans bypassed ‘‘regular have already bestowed upon the nation’s My constituents did not send me to Con- order’’ to pass a partisan, highway robbery wealthiest one-percent. and power grab bill that will give massive tax gress to vote for a bill which adds more than If this legislation is such a boon for Amer- $1 trillion to our national debt; sends American cuts to corporations experiencing record prof- ica’s small businesses, why are the small its and explode our national debt, while pulling jobs overseas; eliminates tax assistance provi- businesses in my state so upset about the sions for the sick, seniors, college students, the rug out from beneath the American Work- plan? Maryland’s small businesses may be in teachers, families with special needs children, ing Class and Middle Class. favor of long-overdue tax reform, but this is working families, and middle-class families; As the elected representatives of the Amer- not it. They wanted public hearings, where and puts more into the pockets of people like ican people, Congress should be passing leg- provisions like pass-through businesses could President Trump. islation that helps every American, not serving have been openly discussed and debated. In- as a rubber-stamp for tax cuts advanced by a stead, we’re looking at a bill which pretends to The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is a hoax. Re- President who bankrupted four companies, his provide for small business but most pass- publicans boast that this bill provides ‘‘tax cuts high-flying billionaire cabinet, and his wealthy through income goes to the top one-percent of for everybody,’’ but millions of Americans will corporate donors demanding a big Christmas American earners. This is hardly helping see their taxes increased under this proposal. bonus for the one-percent. Yet that is pre- America’s Middle Class as the Republican Don’t just take my word for it, check out the cisely what the Republicans in Congress have leadership claims, but it certainly helps the latest analysis from the official revenue referee done. GOP’s gilded Donor Class. of Congress, the Joint Committee on Taxation. Let’s be clear: this bill will not ‘‘stimulate the My constituents are not fools and they are In closing, Mr. Speaker, this tax bill is a bad economy’’ or ‘‘create more jobs’’—in fact, not suckers. They are not holding buckets deal for Maryland, and indeed, nearly every more than 30 distinguished economists have waiting for the Koch Brothers’ private jet main- American whose last name isn’t Trump or invalidated these claims. This bill will not help tenance exemptions to magically ‘‘trickle Koch or Mercer or Adelson. I am proud to middle-class Americans today and it will not down’’ and benefit them. No credible research have taken a stand for Marylanders and Amer- help future generations of Americans tomor- has demonstrated that corporate tax breaks ica’s Middle Class by voting against the GOP row—in fact, these claims have also been will create millions of new American jobs. In Tax Scam.

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HIGHLIGHTS Senate agreed to the motion to concur in the amendment of the House to the amendment of the Senate to H.R. 1370, Department of Home- land Security Blue Campaign Authorization Act (the legislative vehicle for the ‘‘Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act’’). Senate Cerros del Norte Conservation Act: Senate passed Chamber Action S. 432, to designate the Cerro del Yuta and Rio San Routine Proceedings, pages S8187–S8281 Antonio Wilderness Areas in the State of New Mex- Measures Introduced: Fifteen bills and four resolu- ico. Pages S8267–68 tions were introduced, as follows: S. 2260–2274, S.J. Kaibab National Forest: Senate passed S. 466, to Res. 51, and S. Res. 364–366. Pages S8259–60 clarify the description of certain Federal land under Measures Passed: the Northern Arizona Land Exchange and Verde River Basin Partnership Act of 2005 to include ad- Congratulating the University of Nebraska-Lin- ditional land in the Kaibab National Forest. coln volleyball team: Senate agreed to S. Res. 365, Pages S8267–68 congratulating the University of Nebraska-Lincoln volleyball team for winning the 2017 National Col- Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical legiate Athletic Association Division I Volleyball Park Act: Senate passed H.R. 267, to redesignate the Martin Luther King, Junior, National Historic Championship. Pages S8263–64 Site in the State of Georgia. Pages S8267–68 Gateway Arch National Park Designation Act: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources was The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation discharged from further consideration of S. 1438, to Area Improvement Act: Senate passed H.R. 560, to redesignate the Jefferson National Expansion Memo- amend the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation rial in the State of Missouri as the ‘‘Gateway Arch Area Improvement Act to provide access to certain vehicles serving residents of municipalities adjacent National Park’’, and the bill was then passed. to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Page S8267 Area. Pages S8267–68 African American Civil Rights Network Act: Mount Hood Cooper Spur Land Exchange Clari- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources was fication Act: Senate passed H.R. 699, to amend the discharged from further consideration of H.R. 1927, Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to to amend title 54, United States Code, to establish modify provisions relating to certain land exchanges within the National Park Service the African Amer- in the Mt. Hood Wilderness in the State of Oregon. ican Civil Rights Network, and the bill was then Pages S8267–68 passed. Page S8267 Coltsville National Historical Park: Senate Black Hills National Cemetery Boundary Ex- passed H.R. 863, to facilitate the addition of park pansion Act: Senate passed S. 35, to transfer admin- administration at the Coltsville National Historical istrative jurisdiction over certain Bureau of Land Park. Pages S8267–68 Management land from the Secretary of the Interior to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for inclusion in National Memorial to Fallen Educators Act: the Black Hills National Cemetery, after agreeing to Senate passed S. 167, to designate a National Memo- the committee amendment in the nature of a sub- rial to Fallen Educators at the National Teachers Hall of Fame in Emporia, Kansas, after agreeing to stitute. Pages S8267–68 the committee amendment. Pages S8267–68 D1353

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:39 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D21DE7.REC D21DEPT1 D1354 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST December 21, 2017 John Muir Wilderness of the Sierra National Alzheimer’s Disease Patient Alert Program, and to Forest: Senate passed H.R. 381, to designate a promote initiatives that will reduce the risk of injury mountain in the John Muir Wilderness of the Sierra and death relating to the wandering characteristics of National Forest as ‘‘Sky Point’’. Pages S8267–68 some children with autism, after agreeing to the Rockingham County, Virginia land transferred: committee amendment, and the following amend- Senate passed H.R. 954, to remove the use restric- ment proposed thereto: Pages S8271–76 tions on certain land transferred to Rockingham McConnell (for Grassley) Amendment No. 1865, to make technical corrections. Page S8273 County, Virginia. Pages S8267–68 400 Years of African American History Com- Condemning the Government of Iran: Senate mission Act: Senate passed H.R. 1242, to establish agreed to S. Res. 139, condemning the Government the 400 Years of African American History Commis- of Iran’s state-sponsored persecution of its Baha’i mi- nority and its continued violation of the Inter- sion. Pages S8267–68 national Covenants on Human Rights, after agreeing Western Oregon Tribal Fairness Act: Senate to the committee amendment. Pages S8276–77 passed H.R. 1306, to provide for the conveyance of certain Federal land in the State of Oregon. Ceiling Fan Energy Conservation Harmoni- zation Act: Committee on Energy and Natural Re- Pages S8267–68 sources was discharged from further consideration of Little Rock Central High School National His- S. 2030, to deem the compliance date for amended toric Site Boundary Modification Act: Senate passed energy conservation standards for ceiling light kits H.R. 2611, to modify the boundary of the Little to be January 21, 2020, and the bill was then Rock Central High School National Historic Site. passed. Pages S8277–78 Pages S8267–69 Length of fishing vessels: Senate passed S. 2273, Diesel Emissions Reduction Act: Senate passed S. to extend the period during which vessels that are 1447, to reauthorize the diesel emissions reduction shorter than 79 feet in length and fishing vessels are program. Pages S8269–70 not required to have a permit for discharges inci- Subsequently, passage of the bill was vitiated. dental to the normal operation of the vessel. Page S8280 Page S8278 Strengthening the Department of Homeland Se- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness Month: curity Secure Mail Initiative Act: Senate passed S. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- 1208, to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security sions was discharged from further consideration of S. to provide for an option under the Secure Mail Ini- Res. 336, recognizing the seriousness of Polycystic tiative under which a person to whom a document Ovary Syndrome and expressing support for the des- is sent under that initiative may elect to have the ignation of the month of September 2018 as ‘‘Poly- United States Postal Service use the Hold for Pickup cystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness Month’’, and the service or the Signature Confirmation service in de- resolution was then agreed to, after agreeing to the livering the document, after agreeing to the com- following amendments proposed thereto: Page S8278 mittee amendments. Pages S8270–71 McConnell (for Warren) Amendment No. 1866, Federal Register Printing Savings Act: Senate to amend the resolving clause. Page S8278 passed H.R. 195, to amend title 44, United States McConnell (for Warren) Amendment No. 1867, Code, to restrict the distribution of free printed cop- to amend the preamble. Page S8278 ies of the Federal Register to Members of Congress Congratulating the University of Central Mis- and other officers and employees of the United souri women’s soccer team: Senate agreed to S. Res. States, after agreeing to the following amendment 364, congratulating the University of Central Mis- proposed thereto: Page S8271 souri women’s soccer team for winning the National McConnell (for Grassley) Amendment No. 1864, Collegiate Athletic Association Division II Women’s to amend the Violent Crime Control and Law En- Soccer Championship at Swope Soccer Village in forcement Act of 1994, to reauthorize the Missing Kansas City, Missouri. Pages S8278–79 Alzheimer’s Disease Patient Alert Program, and to National Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Aware- promote initiatives that will reduce the risk of injury ness Week: Committee on the Judiciary was dis- and death relating to the wandering characteristics of charged from further consideration of S. Res. 327, some children with autism. Page S8271 designating the week of November 5 through 12, Kevin and Avonte’s Law: Senate passed S. 2070, 2017, as ‘‘National Carbon Monoxide Poisoning to amend the Violent Crime Control and Law En- Awareness Week’’, and the resolution was then forcement Act of 1994, to reauthorize the Missing agreed to. Page S8279

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Appointments: Page S8279 United States-China Economic Security Review INTERDICT Act: Senate passed H.R. 2142, to Commission: The Chair announced, on behalf of the improve the ability of U.S. Customs and Border Pro- Majority Leader, pursuant to the provisions of Public tection to interdict fentanyl, other synthetic opioids, Law 106–398, as amended by Public Law 108–7, and other narcotics and psychoactive substances that and in consultation with the Chairmen of the Senate are illegally imported into the United States. Committee on Armed Services and the Senate Com- Page S8279 mittee on Finance, the re-appointment of the fol- Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness lowing individual to serve as a member of the Act: Committee on the Judiciary was discharged United States-China Economic Security Review from further consideration of H.R. 2228, to provide Commission: James M. Talent of Missouri, for a support for law enforcement agency efforts to protect term expiring December 31, 2019. Page S8280 the mental health and well-being of law enforcement United States-China Economic Security Review officers, and the bill was then passed. Page S8279 Commission: The Chair announced, on behalf of the Connected Government Act: Senate passed H.R. Democratic Leader, pursuant to the provisions of 2331, to require a new or updated Federal website Public Law 106–398, as amended by Public Law that is intended for use by the public to be mobile 108–7, and in consultation with the Chairmen of the friendly. Page S8279 Senate Committee on Armed Services and the Senate United States Fire Administration, AFG, and Committee on Finance, the re-appointment of the SAFER Program Reauthorization Act: Senate following individual to serve as a member of the passed H.R. 4661, to reauthorize the United States United States-China Economic Security Review Fire Administration, the Assistance to Firefighters Commission: The Honorable Carte P. Goodwin of Grants program, the Fire Prevention and Safety West Virginia for a term beginning January 1, 2018 Grants program, and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and expiring December 31, 2019. Page S8280 and Emergency Response grant program. Page S8280 Pro Forma Sessions—Agreement: A unanimous- House Messages: consent agreement was reached providing that the Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Senate adjourn, to then convene for pro forma ses- Act: By 66 yeas to 32 nays (Vote No. 325), Senate sions only, with no business being conducted on the agreed to the motion to concur in the amendment following dates and times, and that following each of the House to the amendment of the Senate to pro forma session, the Senate adjourn until the next H.R. 1370, to amend the Homeland Security Act of pro forma session: Saturday, December 23, 2017 at 2002 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security 11 a.m.; Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at 10 to issue Department of Homeland Security-wide a.m.; Friday, December 29, 2017 at 11:30 a.m.; guidance and develop training programs as part of Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at 4 p.m.; and that when the Department of Homeland Security Blue Cam- the Senate adjourns on Tuesday, January 2, 2018, it paign. (A unanimous-consent agreement was reached next convene at 12 noon, on Wednesday, January 3, providing that the motion to concur in the amend- 2018, pursuant to the Constitution. Page S8280 ment of the House to the amendment of the Senate Message from the President: Senate received the to the bill, having achieved 60 affirmatives votes, be following message from the President of the United agreed to.) Pages S8235–36 States: During consideration of this measure today, Senate Transmitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to also took the following action: the issuance of an Executive Order declaring a na- By 91 yeas to 8 nays (Vote No. 324), three-fifths tional emergency with respect to the unusual and ex- of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, having traordinary threat to the national security, foreign voted in the affirmative, Senate agreed to the motion policy, and economy of the United States posed by to waive all applicable sections of the Congressional serious human rights abuse and corruption around

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the world; which was referred to the Committee on Jon J. Rychalski, of Montana, to be Chief Finan- Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. (PM–23) cial Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs. Page S8253 Christopher Caldwell, of Arkansas, to be Federal Nominations Status Quo—Agreement: A unani- Cochairperson, Delta Regional Authority. mous-consent agreement was reached providing that Kenneth J. Braithwaite, of Pennsylvania, to be the list at the desk of nominations received during Ambassador of the Untied States of America to the the 115th Congress, 1st session, remain in status Kingdom of Norway. quo, notwithstanding the provisions of Rule XXXI. Leonard Wolfson, of Connecticut, to be an Assist- Page S8241 ant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Irving Dennis, of Ohio, to be Chief Financial Of- Rood Nomination—Agreement: A unanimous- ficer, Department of Housing and Urban Develop- consent agreement was reached providing that at 5 ment. p.m., on Wednesday, January 3, 2018, Senate begin M. Lee McClenny, of Washington, a Career Mem- consideration of the nomination of John C. Rood, of ber of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister- Arizona, to be Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Counselor to be Ambassador to the Republic of under the order of Wednesday, December 20, 2017. Paraguay. Page S8280 Douglas Webster, of Virginia, to be Chief Finan- Nominations Confirmed: Senate confirmed the fol- cial Officer, Department of Education. lowing nominations: Christopher Ashley Ford, of Maryland, to be an Robert Charrow, of Maryland, to be General Assistant Secretary of State (International Security Counsel of the Department of Health and Human and Non-Proliferation). Services. Timothy R. Petty, of Indiana, to be an Assistant Robert P. Storch, of the District of Columbia, to Secretary of the Interior. be Inspector General of the National Security Agen- John G. Vonglis, of New York, to be Chief Finan- cy. cial Officer, Department of Energy. Hester Maria Peirce, of Ohio, to be a Member of Linda Capuano, of Texas, to be Administrator of the Securities and Exchange Commission for a term the Energy Information Administration. expiring June 5, 2020. Johnny Collett, of Kentucky, to be Assistant Sec- Robert J. Jackson, Jr., of New York, to be a retary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Serv- Member of the Securities and Exchange Commission ices, Department of Education. for the remainder of the term expiring June 5, 2019. Tadd M. Johnson, of Minnesota, to be a Member Suzanne Israel Tufts, of New York, to be an As- of the Board of Trustees of the Morris K. Udall and sistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Develop- Stewart L. Udall Foundation for a term expiring Oc- ment. tober 6, 2022. Katherine Brunett McGuire, of Virginia, to be an Lisa Johnson-Billy, of Oklahoma, to be a Member Assistant Secretary of Labor. of the Board of Trustees of the Morris K. Udall and Kenneth E. Allen, of Kentucky, to be a Member Stewart L. Udall Foundation for a term expiring Au- of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley gust 25, 2018. Authority for a term expiring May 18, 2021. Lisa Johnson-Billy, of Oklahoma, to be a Member A.D. Frazier, of Georgia, to be a Member of the of the Board of Trustees of the Morris K. Udall and Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority Stewart L. Udall Foundation for a term expiring Au- for a term expiring May 18, 2022. gust 25, 2024. Pages S8241–43, S8280–81 Jeffrey Smith, of Tennessee, to be a Member of Nominations Received: Senate received the fol- the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Au- lowing nominations: thority for a term expiring May 18, 2022. William F. Jung, of Florida, to be United States James R. Thompson III, of Alabama, to be a District Judge for the Middle District of Florida. Member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Jill Alko Otake, of Hawaii, to be United States Valley Authority for a term expiring May 18, 2021. District Judge for the District of Hawaii. Kate S. O’Scannlain, of Maryland, to be Solicitor William M. McSwain, of Pennsylvania, to be for the Department of Labor. United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Brock D. Bierman, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Pennsylvania for the term of four years. Administrator of the United States Agency for Inter- Billy J. Williams, of Oregon, to be United States national Development. Attorney for the District of Oregon for the term of Preston Rutledge, of the District of Columbia, to four years. Page S8280 be an Assistant Secretary of Labor. Messages from the House: Pages S8253–54

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Measures Referred: Page S8254 Record Votes: Two record votes were taken today. Pages S8235–36 Measures Read the First Time: Page S8254 (Total—325) Adjournment: Senate convened at 10:01 a.m. and Executive Communications: Pages S8254–58 adjourned at 10:02 p.m., until 11 a.m. on Saturday, Petitions and Memorials: Pages S8258–59 December 23, 2017. (For Senate’s program, see the Additional Cosponsors: Pages S8260–61 remarks of the Majority Leader in today’s Record on Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: page S8280.) Pages S8261–63 Committee Meetings Additional Statements: Pages S8251–53 Amendments Submitted: Pages S8265–67 (Committees not listed did not meet) No committee meetings were held. h House of Representatives purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 115–480, Chamber Action Part 1); Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 28 pub- H.R. 3729, to amend titles XI and XVIII of the lic bills, H.R. 4706–4733; and 2 resolutions, H. Social Security Act to facilitate provider and supplier Res. 671–672 were introduced. Pages H10418–19 cost reporting of ambulance services under the Medi- Additional Cosponsors: Page H10421 care program, and for other purposes, with an Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: amendment (H. Rept. 115–481, Part 1); and H. Res. 670, providing for consideration of the Committee on Ethics. In the Matter Regarding Senate amendment to the bill (H.R.1370) to amend the Arrests of Members of the House During a Pro- the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the test Outside the United States Capitol on December Secretary of Homeland Security to issue Department 6, 2017 (H. Rept. 115–482). Page H10418 of Homeland Security-wide guidance and develop Journal: The House agreed to the Speaker’s approval training programs as part of the Department of of the Journal by a yea-and-nay vote of 225 yeas to Homeland Security Blue Campaign, and for other 187 nays with one answering ‘‘present’’, Roll No. purposes; providing for consideration of the bill 707. Pages H10347, H10361 (H.R. 4667) making further supplemental appropria- Recess: The House recessed at 9:09 a.m. and recon- tions for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, vened at 12:21 p.m. Page H10348 for disaster assistance for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and calendar year 2017 wildfires, and for Suspensions—Proceedings Resumed: The House other purposes; and providing for proceedings during agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following the period from December 22, 2017, through Janu- measures. Consideration began Tuesday, December ary 7, 2018 (H. Rept. 115–477); 19th. H.R. 3168, to amend title XVIII of the Social Se- Jobs for Our Heroes Act: S. 1393, to streamline curity Act to provide continued access to specialized the process by which active duty military, reservists, Medicare Advantage plans for special needs individ- and veterans receive commercial driver’s licenses, by uals, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 418 yeas with none voting Rept. 115–478, Part 1); ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. 706; and Pages H10360–61 H.R. 3726, to amend title XVIII of the Social Se- curity Act to create alternative sanctions for tech- No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act: S. nical noncompliance with the Stark rule under Medi- 1532, to disqualify from operating a commercial care, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. motor vehicle for life an individual who uses a com- Rept. 115–479, Part 1); mercial motor vehicle in committing a felony involv- H.R. 3727, to amend title XVIII of the Social Se- ing human trafficking, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of curity Act to include additional telehealth services 393 yeas with none voting ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. 710. for purposes of MA organization bids, and for other Pages H10404–05

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:39 Dec 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D21DE7.REC D21DEPT1 D1358 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST December 21, 2017 Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Commission— to 188 noes, Roll No. 705, after the previous ques- Appointment: The Chair announced the Speaker’s tion was ordered by a yea-and-nay vote of 232 yeas appointment of the following Member on the part of to 188 nays, Roll No. 704. Pages H10359–60 the House to the United States Capitol Preservation Further Additional Supplemental Appropriations Commission: Representative Harris. And from pri- for Disaster Relief Requirements, 2017: The vate life: Ms. Sylvia Quinton of Mardela Springs, House passed H.R. 4667, making further supple- Maryland, and Dr. C. James Trotman of West Ches- mental appropriations for the fiscal year ending Sep- ter, Pennsylvania. Page H10361 tember 30, 2018, for disaster assistance for Hurri- Authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Cap- canes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and calendar year itol for a ceremony to award the Congressional 2017 wildfires, by a yea-and-nay vote of 251 yeas to Gold Medal to Bob Dole: The House agreed to 169 nays, Roll No. 709. Pages H10364–94, H10403–04 take from the Speaker’s table and agree to S. Con. Pursuant to the Rule, the amendments printed in Res. 31, authorizing the use of the rotunda of the H. Rept. 115–477 shall be considered as adopted. Capitol for a ceremony to award the Congressional Page H10364 Gold Medal to Bob Dole. Pages H10361–62 H. Res. 670, the rule providing for consideration Authorizing the President to award the Medal of of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 1370) Honor to John L. Canley for acts of valor during and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. the Vietnam War while a member of the Marine 4667) was agreed to by a recorded vote of 228 ayes Corps: The House agreed to discharge from com- to 188 noes, Roll No. 705, after the previous ques- mittee and pass H.R. 4641, to authorize the Presi- tion was ordered by a yea-and-nay vote of 232 yeas dent to award the Medal of Honor to John L. Canley to 188 nays, Roll No. 704. Pages H10359–60 for acts of valor during the Vietnam War while a member of the Marine Corps. Page H10362 Meeting Hour: Agreed by unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet Suspension: The House agreed to suspend the rules at 2 p.m. tomorrow, December 22nd. Page H10405 and pass the following measure: Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Reporting Act Presidential Message: Read a message from the of 2017: S. 1766, to reauthorize the SAFER Act of President wherein he notified Congress of a national emergency with respect to the unusual and extraor- 2013. Pages H10362–64, H10405 dinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, Question of Consideration: The Chair announced and economy of the United States posed by serious that the bill (H.R. 4667) making further supple- human rights abuse and corruption around the mental appropriations for the fiscal year ending Sep- world—referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs tember 30, 2018, for disaster assistance for Hurri- and the Committee on the Judiciary and ordered to canes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and calendar year be printed (H. Doc. 115–83). Page H10405 2017 wildfires, contained an emergency designation pursuant to section 4(g)(1) of the Statutory Pay-As- Senate Referrals: S. Con. Res. 31 was held at the You-Go Act of 2010. Subsequently, the House desk. S. 117 was referred to the Committee on Nat- agreed to consider H.R. 4667 by voice vote. ural Resources. S. 501 was referred to the Com- Page H10364 mittee on Natural Resources. Page H10416 Department of Homeland Security Blue Cam- Senate Message: Message received from the Senate paign Authorization Act of 2017: The House by the Clerk and subsequently presented to the agreed to the motion to concur in the Senate amend- House today appears on page H10348. ment to H.R. 1370, to amend the Homeland Secu- Quorum Calls—Votes: Six yea-and-nay votes and rity Act of 2002 to require the Secretary of Home- one recorded vote developed during the proceedings land Security to issue Department of Homeland Se- of today and appear on pages H10359, H10359–60, curity-wide guidance and develop training programs H10360, H10361, H10403, H10403–04, and as part of the Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign, with an amendment consisting of H10404–05. There were no quorum calls. the text of Rules Committee Print 115–52, by a Adjournment: The House met at 9 a.m. and ad- yea-and-nay vote of 231 yeas to 188 nays, Roll No. journed at 7:19 p.m. 708. Pages H10349–60, H10394–H10403 H. Res. 670, the rule providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 1370) and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4667) was agreed to by a recorded vote of 228 ayes

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the proceedings of the previous day shall be consid- Committee Meetings ered as approved; and the Chair may at any time de- MAKING FURTHER SUPPLEMENTAL clare the House adjourned to meet at a date and APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR time to be announced by the Chair in declaring the ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2018, FOR adjournment. In section 4, the rule provides that on DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR HURRICANES any legislative day of the second session of the 115th HARVEY, IRMA, AND MARIA, AND Congress before January 8, 2018: the Speaker may CALENDAR YEAR 2017 WILDFIRES, AND dispense with organizational and legislative business; FOR OTHER PURPOSES; SENATE the Journal of the proceedings of the previous day AMENDMENT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF shall be considered as approved if applicable; and the HOMELAND SECURITY BLUE CAMPAIGN Chair may at any time declare the House adjourned AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2017 to meet at a date and time to be announced by the Committee on Rules: Full Committee held a hearing on Chair in declaring the adjournment. In section 5, the H.R. 4667, making further supplemental appropria- rule provides that the Speaker may appoint Members tions for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, to perform the duties of the Chair for the duration for disaster assistance for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, of the period addressed by sections 3 and 4. In sec- and Maria, and calendar year 2017 wildfires, and for tion 6, the rule provides that each day during the other purposes; and concluded a hearing on the Sen- period addressed by sections 3 and 4 of the resolu- ate amendment to H.R. 1370, the ‘‘Department of tion shall not constitute calendar days for the pur- Homeland Security Blue Campaign Authorization poses of section 7 of the War Powers Resolution (50 Act of 2017’’ [Further Continuing Resolution]. The U.S.C. 1546). In section 7, the rule provides that Committee granted, by record vote of 8–4, a rule each day during the period addressed by sections 3 providing for the consideration of the Senate amend- and 4 of the resolution shall not constitute a legisla- ment to H.R. 1370. The rule makes in order a mo- tive day for the purposes of clause 7 of rule XIII tion offered by the chair of the Committee on Ap- (resolutions of inquiry). Testimony was heard from propriations or his designee that the House concur Representatives Pelosi, Hoyer, Michelle Lujan Gris- in the Senate amendment with an amendment con- ham of New Mexico, Polis, and Weber of Texas. sisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 115–52. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the motion. The rule provides that Joint Meetings the Senate amendment and the motion shall be con- No joint committee meetings were held. sidered as read. The rule provides one hour of debate on the motion equally divided and controlled by the f chair and ranking minority member of the Com- NEW PUBLIC LAWS mittee on Appropriations. In section 2, the rule pro- vides for consideration of H.R. 4667 under a closed (For last listing of Public Laws, see DAILY DIGEST, p. D1350) rule. The rule provides one hour of debate equally S. 1266, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Af- divided and controlled by the chair and ranking mi- fairs to enter into contracts with nonprofit organiza- nority member of the Committee on Appropriations. tions to investigate medical centers of the Depart- The rule waives all points of order against consider- ment of Veterans Affairs. Signed on December 20, ation of the bill and provides that it shall be consid- 2017. (Public Law 115–95) ered as read. The rule provides that the amendments f printed in the Rules Committee report shall be con- sidered as adopted and the bill, as amended, shall be COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR FRIDAY, considered as read. The rule waives all points of DECEMBER 22, 2017 order against provisions in the bill, as amended. The (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) rule provides that clause 2(e) of rule XXI shall not apply during consideration of the bill. The rule pro- Senate vides one motion to recommit with or without in- No meetings/hearings scheduled. structions. In section 3, the rule provides that on any legislative day of the first session of the 115th House Congress after December 21, 2017: the Journal of No hearings are scheduled.

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Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 11 a.m., Saturday, December 23 2 p.m., Friday, December 22

Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Saturday: Senate will meet in a pro forma Program for Friday: House will meet in Pro Forma ses- session. sion at 2 p.m.

Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE Gottheimer, Josh, N.J., E1750 Pocan, Mark, Wisc., E1747 Graves, Sam, Mo., E1745, E1746, E1747, E1747, E1748, Poe, Ted, Tex., E1745, E1746 Blumenauer, Earl, Ore., E1755 E1748, E1749, E1750 Raskin, Jamie, Md., E1756 Brady, Kevin, Tex., E1749, E1752 Green, Gene, Tex., E1745 Renacci, James B., Ohio, E1747, E1750 Budd, Ted, N.C., E1746 Grijalva, Rau´ l M., Ariz., E1746 Rothfus, Keith J., Pa., E1755 Calvert, Ken, Calif., E1747, E1752 Higgins, Brian, N.Y., E1754 Capuano, Michael E., Mass., E1747 Lee, Barbara, Calif., E1755 Roybal-Allard, Lucille, Calif., E1753 Cheney, Liz, Wyo., E1751, E1752, E1753, E1753, E1754 Maloney, Carolyn B., N.Y., E1750 Sewell, Terri A., Ala., E1751 Collins, Doug, Ga., E1750, E1753 Marchant, Kenny, Tex., E1754, E1755 Smith, Adam, Wash., E1749 DeGette, Diana, Colo., E1751 McCaul, Michael T., Tex., E1748, E1752 Turner, Michael R., Ohio, E1754 Duncan, John J., Jr., Tenn., E1748 McCollum, Betty, Minn., E1748 Webster, Daniel, Fla., E1753 Gaetz, Matt, Fla., E1746 Messer, Luke, Ind., E1747 Zeldin, Lee M., N.Y., E1752 Goodlatte, Bob, Va., E1749 O’Rourke, Beto, Tex., E1747, E1754

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