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

Vol. 164 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018 No. 58 House of Representatives The House met at 10 a.m. and was don’t think it is the investigation that wears a tan suit or salutes a marine called to order by the Speaker pro tem- is closing in on the President, but rath- while holding a cup of coffee, that is a pore (Mr. BACON). er his disgraceful reaction to it. constitutional crisis. But when the We now know, without any doubt, f President threatens to fire the special that the special counsel’s investigation counsel, well, you know. DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO is closing in on the President and those We cannot rely on Republicans to de- TEMPORE very, very close to him. I don’t think fend democracy and our system of gov- The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- lawful warrants legally executed ernment as long as they find political fore the House the following commu- against the homes, office, and hotel and personal advantage in walking nication from the Speaker: rooms of the President’s chief fixer and lockstep with the President, or they fellow grifter are the problem. tremble in fear of what would be in a WASHINGTON, DC, April 11, 2018. Rather, it is the constant threats to tweet if they stepped out of line. I hereby appoint the Honorable DON BACON further obstruct justice by a sitting And we as Democrats, well, we are in to act as Speaker pro tempore on this day. President, to thwart those lawful in- the minority, so we are almost power- PAUL D. RYAN, vestigations from reaching their log- less unless some of our fellow col- Speaker of the House of Representatives. ical conclusions. That is what I and a leagues put country ahead of party. f lot of patriotic Americans are worried But human beings are very resource- about. ful and fight fiercely for their own free- MORNING-HOUR DEBATE What we find disgraceful is the Presi- dom. When we are united in great num- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- dent’s attitude toward law enforcement bers, we can accomplish any goal. ant to the order of the House of Janu- and the circumstances that have led us In Selma and elsewhere, Dr. King and ary 8, 2018, the Chair will now recog- to this moment, including the apparent others showed us that beatings, nize Members from lists submitted by dealings with the Kremlin, the cam- lynchings, and State-sanctioned dis- the majority and minority leaders for paign finance violations, the hush crimination could not withstand the morning-hour debate. money payoffs to silence witnesses, and power of the people fighting for justice The Chair will alternate recognition using one’s elected office to influence and equality. between the parties. All time shall be and even try to end an investigation in In turn, they inspired, in part, the re- equally allocated between the parties, which you are the target. sistance known as the Prague Spring in and in no event shall debate continue When he is the target, it is called dis- Central Europe, when people stood up beyond 11:50 a.m. Each Member, other graceful. to tanks and repression, and eventually Before we left for the Easter break, than the majority and minority leaders the wall came down. Democrats on the Judiciary Committee In Africa, the Americas, Asia, and and the minority whip, shall be limited made a commitment that we would be across the Arab world, people are still to 5 minutes. on the first plane back to Washington fighting to secure their freedom. f to initiate hearings if the President And in China, the image of a lone MY COMMITMENT TO DEFEND THE took action to further obstruct justice, man standing up to tanks to defend his CONSTITUTION AND THE RULE including firing the Attorney General country moved the world. OF LAW AS A CITIZEN OF THIS for recusing himself or the deputy at- One man standing up will not be NATION torney general or the special counsel. enough, but many American women The President reiterated his threats and men are already heeding the call. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The to subvert justice by firing key Justice Young people from Parkland, Florida, Chair recognizes the gentleman from officials this week. So I feel obligated called us to Washington by the mil- Illinois (Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ) for 5 minutes. to reiterate my commitment to defend lions, despite viscous attacks. ´ Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Speaker, the the Constitution and the rule of law as Women led the way by the millions President said to reporters at the a citizen of this Nation. in Washington and around the world. White House on Monday: ‘‘And it’s a Let’s be clear. Republicans have no And when our Muslim brothers and disgrace. It’s, frankly, a real disgrace. intention of investigating, holding sisters called us to the airports to op- It’s an attack on our country, in a true hearings, or taking seriously their con- pose Trump’s religious ban, we came in sense. It’s an attack on what we all stitutional mandate, no matter how far numbers. stand for.’’ this President goes. We have to be ready to come to While I agree that there has been a When athletes kneel during the na- Washington quickly, massively, ener- disgraceful attack on our country, I tional anthem or the former President getically, in huge number when the

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 00:00 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A11AP7.000 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE H3100 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 11, 2018 shoe drops. We have to answer the call millions of the most vulnerable Ameri- These childless adults on SNAP are to defend the country we all love, and cans, including seniors, older workers, often extremely poor and sometimes we must be unified as Americans. individuals with disabilities, working experience chronic homelessness. They My fellow Americans, we must be families with children, and other strug- turn to SNAP as a safety net when ready to stand up again and again and gling adults. they lose their jobs, their hours at answer the call when our Nation is We are still awaiting the full details work are cut, or their wages are so low under attack and threatened by a ty- on the plan, which was crafted behind that they are unable to make ends rant. Together, the American people closed doors without any input from meet. can fight petty disregard for law and Democrats on the committee—I am not Under current law, ABAWDs are al- order, the data-driven divisiveness, and even sure any input from Republicans ready subjected to severe time limits media manipulation to defend the on the committee. But this is what we on the program. They are only pro- country we love. have learned: that the Republicans in- vided access to benefits for 3 months To do so, we must be ready and we tend to focus their cuts in three areas. out of a 3-year period and are com- must be together. First, we are hearing Chairman CON- pletely cut off from assistance after The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- AWAY’s bill will eliminate broad-based that time if they have not been able to bers are reminded to refrain from en- categorical eligibility, an important find work. gaging in personalities toward the State option that helps working fami- Mr. Speaker, this Congress should be President. lies with kids and seniors qualify for committed to helping people who are f benefits when times are tough. living in poverty and working to help More than 40 States currently imple- make their lives easier, not cutting RECOGNIZING THE PATRIOTISM ment this option, which allows them to them off from assistance when they AND GENEROSITY OF AL raise income cutoffs and ease asset most need it. KATZENBERGER, JR. limits. Estimates suggest that as many as 1 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Broad-based categorical eligibility million people will lose assistance if Chair recognizes the gentleman from also mitigates any cliff effect, albeit these incredibly damaging work pro- Illinois (Mr. BOST) for 5 minutes. small, that exists in SNAP, and elimi- posals advance. Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today nating it would penalize families from The House Agriculture Committee to recognize the patriotism and gen- accruing modest savings to help lift held 23 hearings on SNAP over the past erosity of Al Katzenberger, Jr., a true themselves out of poverty. several years. I attended every single friend to southern Illinois and its vet- Estimates suggest that at least one. We heard testimony from dozens erans. 400,000 eligible households will lose of witnesses, Republicans and Demo- After Memorial Day last year, a their SNAP benefits if broad-based cat- crats alike; and not one witness, not thunderstorm blew through Mound egorical eligibility is eliminated, and one, Mr. Speaker, suggested that we City National Cemetery in Pulaski 265,000 students will lose access to free make the drastic changes to the pro- County. lunches at school. gram that will cut off those most in The 50 cotton flags that make up the I mean, really? need of assistance, let alone the ones Avenue of Flags of the cemetery were Mr. Speaker, this is shameful. whom the Republican majority are ad- no match for the 70-mile-per-hour We are also reading that the Repub- vancing. winds. Every flagpole was destroyed at licans are looking to cut benefits for Quite frankly, I don’t know where this center of pride for our local com- households with out-of-pocket utility these ideas are coming from, maybe munity. expenses by disconnecting the link be- some rightwing think tank, but they Upon hearing the news, Alfred, who tween SNAP and the Low Income Heat- are certainly not coming from the Ag- served in the U.S. Navy for over 40 ing Energy Assistance Program known riculture Committee. years, decided to take action. He do- as LIHEAP. Doing so will require those Let’s be clear about what is hap- nated 50 new flagpoles worth over with utility expenses to produce the pening. Speaker RYAN made clear a few $12,000. actual bills for each expense rather weeks ago that he views the farm bill It is selfless acts like this that help than receiving a standard allowance. It as a key piece of his misguided welfare make our community stronger. will force the elderly, it will force peo- reform agenda. And just yesterday, To Alfred, we say: Thank you for ple who are disabled and working fami- President Trump issued a new execu- your decades of service to our Nation lies to make another trip to the SNAP tive order aimed at forcing SNAP re- and your continued dedication to hon- office and cut benefits for those who cipients off of assistance. oring our Nation’s veterans. are unable to produce the receipts. The Republican farm bill isn’t about f Mr. Speaker, we expect that this pro- trying to help people. It is about poli- posal will cut benefits by at least $6.6 tics and it is about appeasing the right- REJECT SNAP CUTS IN THE FARM billion. wing of the Republican party. It relies BILL Lastly, we have heard the Repub- on negative stereotypes to advance the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The licans intend to focus much of their goal of undermining our safety net pro- Chair recognizes the gentleman from damaging proposal on harsher work re- grams and cutting people off of help Massachusetts (Mr. MCGOVERN) for 5 quirements that target vulnerable who need it most. It is disgusting. minutes. groups of adults who do not have chil- Mr. Speaker, I plead with you, I plead Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, the dren or other dependents, known as with Chairman CONAWAY and Repub- farm bill should be about helping our ABAWDs. licans in this Congress to stop this at- farmers and strengthening our food and We are reading that the Republican tack on those who are living in pov- nutrition programs. It shouldn’t be majority is proposing to develop a mas- erty. SNAP is an important program. about beating up on poor people. sive new bureaucracy and subject 3 to 5 It is about providing people food, and I As the House Agriculture Committee million vulnerable Americans to new urge my colleagues on both sides to re- prepares to mark up the 2018 farm bill, mandatory work requirements. ject any and all proposals that will un- I rise to express my deep concern and I want to remind my colleagues that dermine this important program. my outrage with reports that Repub- the ABAWD population is diverse. Mr. Speaker, the war against the licans on the committee are consid- Many have limited access to education, poor must stop. ering drastic cuts to the Supplemental with more than 80 percent having no f Nutrition Assistance Program known more than a high school education or a as SNAP. GED. Some have mental health issues, CELEBRATING NATIONAL LIBRARY Press reports indicate that the ma- difficult histories of substance abuse, WEEK jority intends to dismantle the core or are ex-offenders with nowhere else The SPEAKER pro tempore. The function of SNAP to pay for a huge, to turn. And as many as 60,000 of them Chair recognizes the gentleman from new, untested bureaucracy, while cut- are veterans who have served our coun- Pennsylvania (Mr. THOMPSON) for 5 ting and even eliminating benefits for try. minutes.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:00 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.002 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3101 Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. making her the first African-American PATROL THE RIO GRANDE Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration woman to ever be promoted to that po- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The of National Library Week, which began sition in the company’s 75-year his- Chair recognizes the gentleman from on Sunday and runs through Saturday, tory. Texas (Mr. POE) for 5 minutes. April 14. Misty’s passion is giving back, and Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, na- This year’s theme is Library’s Lead, she has worked with many charitable tional security is border security. Re- and ballerina Misty Copeland is this organizations and is dedicated to giv- cently, I visited my friend Congress- year’s honorary chair. ing of her time to work with and men- man CUELLAR’s hometown of Laredo, First sponsored in 1958, National Li- tor young boys and girls. It is clear Texas, on the Texas-Mexico border. brary Week is an observance sponsored that she is an excellent role model for Being from Texas, I have been to the by the American Library Association our youth and a strong supporter of li- border about 20 times since I have been and libraries across the country each braries. elected to Congress. The border is actu- April. Mr. Speaker, libraries have always ally the middle of the Rio Grande It is time to celebrate the contribu- been great equalizers in our society. River, not the shoreline. tions of our Nation’s libraries and li- Our libraries promote knowledge as a I toured the river with our Border brarians and to promote library use power and ensure that it is within Patrol, Texas State law enforcement and support. All types of libraries— reach of every American, regardless of officers, and the National Guard. It is a school, public, academic, and special— their personal life circumstances. long border. From El Paso to Browns- participate. From the magnificent Library of ville, Texas, it is about 900 miles—a Celebrations during National Library Congress to small-town community li- river border. Laredo is right in the Week include: National Library Work- braries, I wish everyone a happy Na- southern border of Texas. ers Day, celebrated yesterday, which is tional Library Week. Standing on the United States side of a day for library staff, users, adminis- the border near Laredo, I looked across trators, and friends groups to recognize f straight into Mexico. A seemingly in- the valuable contributions made by all nocent stark-white water plant peeked RECOGNIZING DR. WILLIE J. out over the thick brush. Looking clos- library workers. HAGAN National Bookmobile Day, which is er, a figure appeared, having a radio celebrated today, recognizes contribu- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The and binoculars in his hand. Why? He tions of our Nation’s bookmobiles and Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from was waiting for the Border Patrol to ´ the dedicated professionals who make California (Ms. BARRAGAN) for 5 min- pass; ready to send a ‘‘go’’ signal to an- utes. other group of illegals waiting to rush quality bookmobile outreach possible ´ in their communities. Ms. BARRAGAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise across the Rio Grande River. The drug cartels, Mr. Speaker, con- Tomorrow is Take Action for Librar- today in recognition of Dr. Willie J. trol border crossings, whether they are ies Day, which is a national library ad- Hagan, who is retiring after a storied smuggling drugs, people, or criminals. vocacy effort. career as an educator and, most re- The cartels have an advanced system Mr. Speaker, this year marks the cently, served as president of the Cali- in place, a sophisticated criminal net- 60th anniversary of National Library fornia State University Dominguez work. They have scouts on both sides Week. Hills, which is in California’s 44th Con- of the border with cell phones and sur- In the mid-1950s, research showed gressional District. I am also proud veillance equipment. They have stash that Americans were spending less on that he is able to join us today in this houses on both sides of the border books and more on radios and tele- Chamber. where they hide drugs and people so vision and musical instruments. Con- Dr. Hagan began his career at the University of Connecticut, where he they can move them closer inland to cerned that Americans were reading America. less, the American Library Association earned a Ph.D. in psychology before moving to southern California to be- Everyone pays to cross. In the La- and the American Book Publishers redo sector, the violent Los Zetas car- formed a nonprofit citizens organiza- come the vice president of administra- tion at Cal State Fullerton. During his tel is in control. No one crosses into tion called the National Book Com- the United States without their per- mittee in 1954. time there, he somehow found time to earn a master of fine arts in mission. The cartels, the Zetas, for ex- b 1015 screenwriting from UCLA and also to ample, hide in the bushes, ready to The committee’s goals range from write a screenplay. stop anyone who tries to cross without encouraging people to read in their in- During his tenure at Cal State their permission and without paying creasing leisure time to improving in- Dominguez Hills, Dr. Hagan worked the money. How much it costs depends on where the person is from. But every- come and health and developing a tirelessly to advance the goals of the one pays, whether a person is from strong and happy family life. university by providing quality edu- Central America, China, or Mexico. In 1957, the committee developed a cation, scholarship opportunities, and Make no mistake about it: the car- services that have been truly trans- plan for National Library Week based tels are the ones that make money off formative. on the idea that, once people were mo- of illegals crossing into the United tivated to read, they would support and Under Dr. Hagan’s leadership, Cal States. use libraries. With the cooperation of State Dominguez Hills experienced President Trump has authorized the American Library Association and continuous growth in graduation rates, State Governors to use the National with the help of the Advertising Coun- enrollment, tenure-track faculty ap- Guard to help secure and protect the cil, the first National Library Week pointments, and enhanced student borders. Our Border Patrol agents do was observed in 1958 with a theme services, while bringing distinction to the best they can to apprehend illegal ‘‘Wake Up and Read.’’ the university. Dr. Hagan led an un- crossers, but they are outmanned, National Library Week was observed wavering commitment to students’ outgunned, and outfinanced. Tech- again in 1959, and the American Li- success, which promoted highly nology helps, but there is far too little brary Association Council voted to impactful student-focused initiatives. of it. continue the annual celebration. When Dr. Hagan is a well-respected and ad- The cameras operating in the Laredo the National Book Committee dis- mired educator who has demonstrated sector are from the 1990s. A cell phone banded in 1974, the American Library his commitment to the advancement of camera is better than the cameras that Association assumed full sponsorship. higher education and community they have. We need to have high-tech Today, it is an annual celebration, growth. cameras along the entire border. Cam- marking six decades this year. Mr. Speaker, I wish Dr. Hagan the eras help spot illegals as they slip over The 2018 honorary chair, Misty best of luck in his future endeavors, the river and through the tangled Copeland, is not only a best-selling au- which I am sure will include spending brush on both sides of the river. thor, but she is also the principal danc- time with his wife, Betty, who is also The National Guard will take over er at the American Ballet Theatre, an educator. monitoring these cameras, monitoring

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:12 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.004 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE H3102 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 11, 2018 sensor activations, conducting surveil- notion that we should have war by don conveyed a deed of gift to the U.S. lance on skyboxes or other observation Twitter, that we should announce that Navy that today still stands as the posts, and operating vehicles. This will we are going to war with a tweet. I dis- Naval Submarine Base New London, free up law enforcement resources to approve. I do not support it. which has had a glorious, distinguished patrol the border and make arrests. Questions of war should be brought career in terms of our national defense. We must have a mix of both physical before the Congress of the United Again, on that date in 1867, when the and virtual barriers on the Texas-Mex- States of America for our input, our deed was signed and given to Gideon ico border. For example, Laredo needs debate, and our vote. It is easy to say Welles, who was the Secretary of the about 30 more camera towers to actu- what you would do when you don’t Navy at the time, himself a native of ally secure the border. Border Patrol have to vote to do it. I believe Congress the State of Connecticut, Glastonbury, needs to see the illegals and adjust has a responsibility, a duty, and an ob- Connecticut, it was the result, again, manpower needed for the threat. ligation to stand up in times like these of an effort by one of my predecessors, The United States needs to prevent and make our positions known on ques- Congressman Augustus Brandegee, who people from crossing into the United tions of war and peace. got an authorization and an appropria- States in the first place by having This is the Congress of the United tion through the Naval Appropriations boats in the Rio Grande River. Remem- States of America. This is our responsi- bill in 1867 that set up this conveyance. ber, the center of the river is the inter- bility, and, Mr. Speaker, I am having Congressman Brandegee was a distin- national border, not the shoreline in my staff, as I speak now, tweet out my guished Member of this body. He was a the United States. Once a person opposition to that tweet. I want to strong supporter of abolition. He voted crosses and they are on the shore, they make sure the people that read Twitter in favor of the 13th Amendment, and he are in the United States. They are not are aware of my position. was somebody who was a frequent on the border. Boats from Customs and I don’t know what others will do, but friend of President Lincoln at the time. Border Patrol, the State of Texas, and I know this: I am making my demand They rode horseback together in the the Coast Guard should patrol the bor- that Congress have this opportunity to morning, and he was a very strong ally der. have input. of the President. I have traveled the Rio Grande River And, Mr. Speaker, because I love my After that deed of gift was signed, with Texas law enforcement, and where country, because I love the Constitu- the Navy base was a coaling station there is a boat present, illegals do not tion, I believe that, if this President that provided a way station for Navy ships in New England waters to again cross. Our longtime policy was to let should fire Mr. Mueller, Mr. Speaker, get refueled. It also was a place that people cross into the United States, he should be impeached. Whether he Civil War Navy ships were stored in the then apprehend as many as we could will be or not is a question to be de- wake of that conflict. cided in the House of Representatives, and send a few back to their native Again, fast-forward to 1915. That is but I can guarantee you this: there will country. That philosophy needs to when the Navy actually designated change by keeping illegals, drugs, and be articles of impeachment if he fires that base as a submarine base. It was a gangs from crossing in the first place. Mr. Mueller. Whether someone else will timely event because, very shortly Patrol the river. bring them or not, I do not know. But thereafter, with the U.S. involvement Also, we must use more aerostats. if no one else does, there will be arti- in World War I where U-boat activity, Those are small blimps that have cam- cles of impeachment because I will obviously, was the driving force for eras that look 20 miles in each direc- bring them. why the U.S. got into that conflict, the tion. We must further use the new I love my country. I am not going to submarine base in New London became high-tech fiberoptic lines that run watch this President decimate the Con- a critical part of our effort in terms of under the shoreline that detect any stitution. that conflict. movement crossing that line, whether I love my country. We didn’t act Moving forward, even from 1915 when it is human, whether it is an animal, when he fired Comey. We should act if the first G-boat subs arrived at the whether it is an airplane, whether it is he fires Mueller, and I plan to take Navy base in World War II, as Admiral a tunnel beneath or even a bullet. that action. Nimitz, who headed up our efforts par- Our Border Patrol agents are on the I say this in closing: We have seen, ticularly in the South Pacific, stated front lines and the number of agents is under this President, a deterioration of frequently in the wake of Pearl Harbor: dwindling. There are more officers in respect for the rule of law. This coun- It was, in fact, the submarine force the city of New York than there are in try is great because no one is above the that really held the line against the the entire Border Patrol. There is no law. Are we now going to allow the Japanese onslaught that took place in doubt the National Guard deployment President to be beyond justice? that area. will be a welcome relief for our Border This is a moment in time, a crucial, The Groton base was a site where a Patrol agents. critical moment in time for every per- lot of the submarines that were part of The greatest country on Earth, Mr. son to determine whether they are that conflict actually took on that Speaker, must have the moral will to going to be the true patriots that we struggle; again, tragic and catastrophic stop illegal entry into the United claim to be. This is our moment. Let us losses. Nonetheless, I think most histo- States. We must address America’s bor- stand up for the Constitution and the rians, particularly in the Pacific re- der security because it is a national se- American people. gion, will affirm it was, in fact, the curity issue. Secure America first. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- submarine force that was critical in And that is just the way it is. bers are reminded to refrain from en- terms of holding the line, particularly f gaging in personalities toward the in 1942 and early 1943. President. After World War II, the Groton base QUESTIONS OF WAR SHOULD BE f played another huge role in our na- BROUGHT BEFORE CONGRESS tional defense with the development of HONORING THE SESQUICENTEN- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The the nuclear Navy. Admiral Hyman NIAL OF THE ESTABLISHMENT Chair recognizes the gentleman from Rickover developed the USS Nautilus, OF CONNECTICUT’S NAVY IN- Texas (Mr. AL GREEN) for 5 minutes. which was launched in the 1950s. That Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speak- STALLATION all took place in Groton and New Lon- er, once again, I rise because I love my The SPEAKER pro tempore. The don, Connecticut. Electric Boat was country. I love what it stands for. I Chair recognizes the gentleman from the shipyard where the Nautilus was love the concept of government of the Connecticut (Mr. COURTNEY) for 5 min- built. people, by the people, for the people. utes. Today, our submarine force is com- And, Mr. Speaker, because I believe Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, today, pletely nuclear powered. We have 15 at- in this and because I believe in the April 11, 2018, is a special day in south- tack submarines at the Groton-New Constitution of the United States of eastern Connecticut. It marks the London base which are doing impor- America, I rise to announce that I do 150th anniversary of when the State of tant work both in the European the- not approve of nor do I support of the Connecticut and the city of New Lon- ater, in terms of Putin’s much more

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:00 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.008 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3103 aggressive naval resurgent activities, ceedings and announces to the House THANKING GEORGE ELLIS FOR as well as other combatant commands his approval thereof. DEDICATED SERVICE TO PENN- around the world. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- SYLVANIA So the wisdom of my predecessor, nal stands approved. (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania and certainly the State of Connecticut, Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. asked and was given permission to ad- to site a Navy base—a submarine Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule dress the House for 1 minute and to re- base—now, today, in a place that is I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the vise and extend his remarks.) very strategic in terms of critical re- Speaker’s approval of the Journal. Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. gions of the world is still paying impor- The SPEAKER. The question is on Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Mr. tant dividends for our national defense. the Speaker’s approval of the Journal. George Ellis for his dedicated service As I am standing here today, there is The question was taken; and the to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. a ceremony that is taking place to Speaker announced that the ayes ap- At the end of March, George retired commemorate Congressman peared to have it. as the executive director of the Appa- Brandegee’s vision, Secretary of the Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. lachian Region Independent Power Pro- Navy Gideon Welles’ participation, and Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ducers Association. He served in the all the great service that has taken ground that a quorum is not present role since 2015. place in the wake of that historic mo- and make the point of order that a The organization has accomplished ment. quorum is not present. much during that time, and a lot of So to all of you up in the State and The SPEAKER. Pursuant to clause 8, credit goes to George for his dedicated to all of the 10,000 sailors that serve at rule XX, further proceedings on this efforts and service. the Groton Navy Base today, I thank question will be postponed. George started his career in 1974 as a you for keeping this incredible legacy The point of no quorum is considered staff member, and shortly thereafter, and important future mission alive be- withdrawn. became executive director of the House cause our national defense depends on f of Representatives’ Mines and Energy it. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Management Committee. f In 1982, George accepted the position The SPEAKER. Will the gentleman RECESS of executive vice president of govern- from New York (Mr. HIGGINS) come for- ment affairs with the Keystone Bitu- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ward and lead the House in the Pledge minous Coal Association, which in 1988 ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair of Allegiance. became the PA Coal Mining Associa- declares the House in recess until noon Mr. HIGGINS of New York led the tion. today. Pledge of Allegiance as follows: In 1996, George was appointed presi- Accordingly (at 10 o’clock and 31 I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the dent of the Pennsylvania Coal Associa- minutes a.m.), the House stood in re- United States of America, and to the Repub- tion before joining ARIPPA in 2015. cess. lic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Mr. Speaker, George Ellis has been a f highly respected resource in the Penn- f b 1200 sylvania coal industry, and his knowl- WELCOMING CHAPLAIN SCOTT edge and dedication are unparalleled. AFTER RECESS FOUST He has had a long and outstanding ca- The recess having expired, the House The SPEAKER. Without objection, reer, and I wish him the best in his was called to order by the Speaker at the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. well-deserved retirement. noon. WITTMAN) is recognized for 1 minute. f f There was no objection. Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise STUDENTS ARE UNITED IN THEIR PRAYER today to thank Chaplain Scott Foust FIGHT TO GET WEAPONS OF Chaplain Scott Foust, U.S. Air Force, for his opening prayer and message this WAR OFF OUR STREETS Arlington Cemetery, Arlington, Vir- morning. (Mr. HIGGINS of New York asked and ginia, offered the following prayer: Scott resides in Virginia’s First Dis- was given permission to address the Gracious Lord, when King David of trict and serves as an Air Force chap- House for 1 minute.) old faced a seemingly insurmountable lain at Arlington National Cemetery. Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. mountain of problems to solve, ques- He has answered the call to serve by Speaker, 8 weeks ago, a lone gunman tions to answer, and obstacles to over- helping Air Force families lay loved entered the Marjory Stoneman Douglas come, he uttered a brief yet powerful ones to rest at Arlington National High School in Parkland, Florida, and prayer: ‘‘Hear my cry for help, my King Cemetery, both through coordinating in just 6 minutes, killed 17 students and my God, for to You I pray.’’ funeral arrangements and providing and staff and injured 17 others: 1 shoot- Similarly, after our very first Presi- grief counseling. He served as a pastor er, 6 minutes, 17 dead, and 17 injured. dent and Commander in Chief took his for 12 years before receiving a direct In the weeks since, I have stood very first oath of office, he must have commission in 2007. alongside students at the March for felt the weight of the daunting task be- God calls on us to serve Him in many Our Lives in Buffalo, New York, sat fore him, so he went off script and ut- ways, and I commend Chaplain Foust down and listened to students from tered a brief yet powerful prayer: ‘‘So on his service to our Nation, our air- schools across western New York, and help me God.’’ men, and their families. I pray for participated in a town hall panel dis- I can only begin to imagine the Christ’s guidance as the House con- cussion by Students for Action. weight of care and the gravity of con- venes and we try to do His will in serv- These students are respectful of the cern that this body carries, day after ing the American people. Second Amendment and of those good, day, publicly and privately. With that May God always bless Chaplain Foust law-abiding citizens of gun ownership. in mind, before this session begins, we and his family as they continue to Congress can learn from the thought- pause to acknowledge our utter de- spread Christ’s Word and remain a ful, reasoned, respectful, and pas- pendence upon You, O God, and we light within the community. sionate approach demonstrated by each humbly echo that powerful sentiment f of the students I have encountered. with this brief prayer: Help us, Lord. They have come from diverse cultural Amen. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER and socioeconomic backgrounds and PRO TEMPORE f different communities, rural, suburban The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. and urban, but they are unified in their THE JOURNAL GIANFORTE). The Chair will entertain fight to get weapons of war off our The SPEAKER. The Chair has exam- up to 15 further requests for 1-minute streets and to end mass school shoot- ined the Journal of the last day’s pro- speeches on each side of the aisle. ings.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:00 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.007 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE H3104 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 11, 2018 Mr. Speaker, we can come together MONTANA IS BENEFITING FROM and ensure that no one in Mecklenburg to save lives. THE TAX CUTS or in America goes hungry. f (Mr. GIANFORTE asked and was f given permission to address the House COMMENDING SERGEANTS EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR EQUAL for 1 minute and to revise and extend PAY DAY CHARLES JEFFERS AND GERALD his remarks.) ‘‘JAKE’’ STOFKO Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise (Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia asked and (Mr. ROTHFUS asked and was given today to let colleagues know that the was given permission to address the permission to address the House for 1 tax cuts are working in Montana. House for 1 minute and to revise and minute and to revise and extend his re- For the last 2 weeks, I met with hard- extend his remarks.) marks.) working Montanans who are benefiting Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise from tax cuts. er, I rise today in strong support of today to honor the careers of Sergeants Owners of the Billings Flying Service Equal Pay Day. Charles Jeffers and Gerald ‘‘Jake’’ are investing in new equipment, as well The Equal Pay Act became law more Stofko of the Johnstown Police De- as more research and development. than 50 years ago, and today women partment. Workers at the UPS facility in Mis- comprise almost half of the American Sergeant Jeffers valiantly served the soula are receiving expanded benefits workforce. They serve in our hospitals, Johnstown community for 48 years, and more money in their paychecks. schools, and our factories. They are ex- forging a legacy of bravery in public The owner of KFC restaurants ecutives at major corporations. They service. throughout Montana gave employees a are doctors, they are lawyers, and they Sergeant Stofko’s 25-year-long career raise, boosted starting wages, and serve in countless other occupations with the Johnstown Police Department plans renovations for many of its fa- that make our economy one of the is one marked by excellence and dedi- cilities. greatest in the world. cation. Spending the majority of his Owners at Loenbro in Great Falls are Yet, women are still disadvantaged career working the midnight shift, the increasing benefits and investing in by the gender wage gap. They are com- Johnstown residents could sleep sound- new equipment. pensated at only 80 cents for every dol- ly knowing that Sergeant Stofko was A farmer near Bozeman plans to dou- lar earned by a man. on watch. ble his food processing staff from 6 to This must not continue. It is unjust, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank and 12. it prevents a fair and productive econ- congratulate these brave officers for Mr. Speaker, the tax cuts are work- omy, and is something that we need to their combined 73 years of service and ing in Montana and throughout the close, this gap. Closing the wage gap is commitment to protecting the people country. They are leading to job cre- an economic imperative. of Johnstown. I wish them both the ation, bigger paychecks, greater in- f best as they move forward into the vestment, higher wages, and economic COMMUNICATION FROM THE next chapter of their lives. growth. We must remain focused on CLERK OF THE HOUSE f policies to encourage growth, opti- mism, and the American Dream. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. REPUBLICAN TAX GIVEAWAY GIANFORTE) laid before the House the f INCREASES DEBT BY $2.1 TRILLION following communication from the Clerk of the House of Representatives: (Mr. CICILLINE asked and was given THE FARM BILL MUST PROTECT permission to address the House for 1 NUTRITION PROGRAMS OFFICE OF THE CLERK, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, minute.) (Ms. ADAMS asked and was given Washington, DC, April 11, 2018. Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, on permission to address the House for 1 Hon. PAUL D. RYAN, Monday, the Congressional Budget Of- minute.) The Speaker, House of Representatives, fice revealed that the Republican tax Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, every day, Washington, DC. giveaway to corporations and the over 162,000 people in my county of DEAR MR. SPEAKER: Pursuant to the per- wealthiest Americans will increase our Mecklenburg are considered food inse- mission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of debt by $2.1 trillion. cure. Worse, 47,000 of those are children the Rules of the U.S. House of Representa- Over the next 10 years, our debt will who risk going to bed hungry every tives, the Clerk received the following mes- sage from the Secretary of the Senate on equal 105 percent of our gross domestic night. April 11, 2018, at 10:56 a.m.: product, according to the Committee No one should have to wonder where That the Senate agreed to S. Res. 455. for a Responsible Federal Budget. their next meal will come from. Relative to the death of the Honorable And the Republicans’ idea to close In 2015, I founded the Adams Hunger Daniel K. Akaka, former United States Sen- this gigantic increase in the deficit is Initiative to bring together a coalition ator for the State of Hawaii. to make massive cuts to Medicare, So- of advocates in Mecklenburg to end With best wishes, I am cial Security, and Medicaid. They want hunger in our community. Sincerely, seniors to sacrifice their retirement se- For over 3 years, we fought to protect KAREN L. HAAS. curity and their dignity in order to pay important anti-hunger programs like f for a Republican tax giveaway. SNAP, expand public-private partner- b 1215 President Trump’s budget for fiscal ships, and find creative ways to the year 2019 cuts $500 billion from Medi- systemic issues that leave families ELECTING A MEMBER TO A CER- care, $1.4 trillion from Medicaid, and hungry. TAIN STANDING COMMITTEE OF $72 billion from Social Security dis- The coalition will visit Capitol Hill THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTA- ability insurance, and that still isn’t to continue advocating for our prior- TIVES enough to balance the budget. So they ities. Mr. RATCLIFFE. Mr. Speaker, by di- will, of course, continue to propose During National Nutrition Month, we rection of the Republican Conference, I cuts to education, veterans, working sent a letter to the chairman and rank- offer a privileged resolution and ask people, and other critical resources for ing member of the House Agriculture for its immediate consideration. families across America. Committee urging protection for SNAP The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- This is shameless. The American peo- benefits in the upcoming farm bill. lows: ple are going to see right through this. Thirty-five thousand households in H. RES. 814 A gigantic tax cut for the richest peo- Mecklenburg and 20.3 million nation- Resolved, That the following named Mem- ple in this country, the most powerful wide rely on SNAP to put food on their ber be, and is hereby, elected to the fol- corporations, and now the Republicans family’s table. lowing standing committee of the House of are trying to make seniors pay for it As Congress considers the next farm Representatives: by cuts to Medicare, Social Security, bill, we must protect nutrition pro- COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY: Mr. Rothfus. and Medicaid. Shame on them. grams for those who need them most The resolution was agreed to.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:16 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.010 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3105 A motion to reconsider was laid on Financial Services. The committee knowledge of their neighbors and their the table. held several hearings on the topics local economy. f within this bill in the spring of 2017. But they are more than just organi- Additionally, it was marked up in zations that lend and offer banking PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION committee, and a Democrat amend- services. They are small businesses OF H.R. 4790, VOLCKER RULE ment in the nature of a substitute was that employ more than 750,000 Ameri- REGULATORY HARMONIZATION adopted by voice. The bill was reported cans. Clearly, community banks are ACT, AND PROVIDING FOR CON- by a strong, bipartisan vote of 50–10. key partners in our communities. They SIDERATION OF MOTIONS TO The rule makes in order no amend- are particularly important lenders in SUSPEND THE RULES ments to the bill. Why? Because there rural towns and counties, such as the Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, by direction were none offered. ones I represent in eastern Colorado. of the Committee on Rules, I call up Additionally, the rule provides the Former Federal Reserve Chair Janet House Resolution 811 and ask for its opportunity for this House to consider Yellen summed it best when she said: immediate consideration. a balanced budget amendment and ‘‘We know that community banks serve The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- more than quadruples the time for de- many customers that large banks do lows: bate on the floor than it would other- not and provide services that are not H. RES. 811 wise be provided. offered by large banks in many com- Resolved, That upon adoption of this reso- Mr. Speaker, once again, I have the munities. This circumstance is espe- lution it shall be in order to consider in the opportunity to come down to the floor cially true in rural areas and other House the bill (H.R. 4790) to amend the and manage debate for a Financial small communities, where community Volcker rule to give the Board of Governors Services bill. Thinking of the process banks are sometimes the only retail fi- of the Federal Reserve System sole rule- that I just referenced a moment ago, nancial institutions.’’ making authority, to exclude community banks from the requirements of the Volcker one thing routinely strikes me: so However, even with their importance rule, and for other purposes. All points of many of these Financial Services bills to Americans, they have borne the order against consideration of the bill are are overwhelmingly bipartisan within brunt of regulation under Dodd-Frank. waived. In lieu of the amendment in the na- the Committee on Financial Services. Each new regulation drives up costs ture of a substitute recommended by the There always seems to be a common and forces personnel resources to be di- Committee on Financial Services now print- theme and political rhetoric that Re- verted to compliance efforts. Even if a ed in the bill, an amendment in the nature of publicans are shills for the banking in- particular institution is not ultimately a substitute consisting of the text of Rules dustry. Setting a rebuttal to that aside subject to a rule, it must spend re- Committee Print 115-67 shall be considered for now, the underlying bill before us as adopted. The bill, as amended, shall be sources on each new regulation re- considered as read. All points of order contains a wholly bipartisan piece of leased to verify whether any part of its against provisions in the bill, as amended, legislation. operations are impacted or not. are waived. The previous question shall be That a committee run by Repub- These costs place a drain on oper- considered as ordered on the bill, as amend- licans would have a process whereby we ations which consumes resources that ed, and on any further amendment thereto, bring to the floor a major piece of re- otherwise would be used for growth. to final passage without intervening motion form legislation offered by both a Re- The Federal Reserve Board recently except: (1) one hour of debate equally divided publican and a Democrat is a real tes- released data that showed that small and controlled by the chair and ranking mi- tament to the fact that this House can bank lending in rural areas had de- nority member of the Committee on Finan- cial Services; and (2) one motion to recom- work. I commend Chairman HEN- clined by 46 percent since 2005. Accord- mit with or without instructions. SARLING for running the committee in ing to the Independent Community SEC. 2. (a) It shall be in order at any time such a way. Bankers of America, a 2014 survey of on the legislative day of April 12, 2018, for Mr. Speaker, our small town and community banks revealed that 78 per- the Speaker to entertain motions that the community banks are a much bigger cent of banks reported adding per- House suspend the rules, as though under part of our lives than many may real- sonnel just to deal with increased regu- clause 1 of rule XV, relating to the joint res- ize. Often here in Washington, we get lation. olution (H.J. Res. 2) proposing a balanced caught up in big players in industry. By consuming resources that could budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States. Debate on such a motion We talk about Wall Street and Silicon otherwise be placed into serving cus- shall be extended to four hours. (b) The Chair Valley. We speak of countries and tomers and increasing lending, commu- may postpone further consideration of a mo- international relations. However, all nity banks are many times forced to tion considered pursuant to subsection (a) to across this great land, Americans in consolidate just to remain alive. such time as may be designated by the small, medium, and large communities Today, there are 1,700 fewer commu- Speaker. go about their business and conduct nity banks than there were in 2010. As The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- their day-to-day affairs without any of of May 2017, only three new banks were tleman from Colorado is recognized for the issues that consume Washington formed since the financial crisis. 1 hour. touching their lives. It is clear that our community banks Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, for the pur- Most Americans just simply want are suffering under an unbearable regu- pose of debate only, I yield the cus- Washington to leave them in peace, to latory burden. And when our commu- tomary 30 minutes to the gentleman allow them to live their lives without nity banks suffer, our small towns and from Massachusetts (Mr. MCGOVERN), politics and government intruding at rural communities suffer also. pending which I yield myself such time every step. This Financial Services bill The underlying bill before us today as I may consume. During consider- before us speaks to those concerns. exempts community banks from yet ation of this resolution, all time yield- This is legislation for Main Streets all another regulation that lumps small ed is for the purpose of debate only. across this Nation. institutions with big banks. The GENERAL LEAVE Mr. Speaker, there are nearly 6,000 Volcker rule was implemented by Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- community banks across this country Dodd-Frank. It was intended to keep mous consent that all Members have 5 with 52,000 locations. These banks are banks from engaging in a practice legislative days to revise and extend the backbone of our communities’ fi- known as proprietary trading. Propri- their remarks. nances. Collectively, they hold more etary trading is a practice where a fi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there than $3.2 trillion in loans to con- nancial institution such as a bank uses objection to the request of the gen- sumers. They provide nearly 50 percent its own finances to buy and sell stocks tleman from Colorado? of all small business loans and nearly and other investments so as to make a There was no objection. 80 percent of all agriculture loans. profit for itself. Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today How is it that they claim such a huge Because of their importance to each in support of the rule and the under- portion of loans within our commu- individual American, but also to our lying legislation. nities? It is simple. They are also part broader economy, we should consider The rule makes in order one bill re- of the community that they serve, and carefully how we allow financial insti- ported favorably by the Committee on they extend credit based on personal tutions to operate. However, the real

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:16 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.014 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE H3106 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 11, 2018 impact of the Volcker rule on commu- the other regulations heaped upon the 2008 financial crash was? Millions nity banks has served to undermine in- them, carve out the necessary re- upon millions of Americans—our con- vestment options in our smaller com- sources to comply with such a burden? stituents, Mr. Speaker—lost their munities. When we had this bill at Rules Com- homes, and they lost their jobs and All across this country, particularly mittee yesterday, one of my colleagues their life savings. Many of these fami- in rural communities, entrepreneurs, on the committee related a story of lies have still not fully recovered from farmers, and others sell their equity or visiting one of his community banks. these terrible financial blows. bonds in order to raise capital to grow He indicated that it was a fairly small In response, Democrats in Congress and expand. However, if community bank. The owner of the bank walked came together to pass the Dodd-Frank banks were prohibited from buying him into the back operations office and Wall Street Reform and Consumer Pro- these financial instruments, then the pointed to 14 staff members working. tection Act, landmark legislation to sellers would have to find buyers on All of them were working exclusively address risk in our financial system their own. That is a highly impractical on complying with regulations. That is and ensure our constituents are pro- situation. 14 people not serving customers, or tected from another damaging finan- Under the Volcker rule, an entre- seeking new depositors, or helping the cial crisis. preneur cannot approach their commu- community grow. What a sad state to Dodd-Frank isn’t perfect. Nobody in nity bank and offer to sell a portion of which we have arrived. this Congress says it is. But I strongly their equity to the bank. Why? Because Washington heaps, and heaps, and object to the calculated campaign by Dodd-Frank prohibits the banks from heaps burdens on the backs of Ameri- Republicans in this House to continue making its own investments. What cans day in and day out. Technocrats to chip away at the law, making our fi- sense does this make? Where is the en- make it harder and harder to achieve nancial markets more vulnerable just trepreneur supposed to go to find a success in this land. to benefit their billionaire donors. buyer for their equity? Are they sup- We are still a land of opportunity, One of the key provisions of Dodd- posed to go door-to-door looking for but that gift is threatened daily by our Frank is the Volcker rule. It prohibits someone who might want to invest? bureaucracy. Endless regulation of banks from engaging in risky trading That is nonsense. every meaningful detail of our lives is activities that contributed to the 2008 Community banks play a vital role in antithetical to the American way. financial crisis. Simply put, it prevents purchasing these financial instruments Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of banks from acting like casinos and and holding them until the bank is ap- my time. gambling with our money. proached by a willing buyer. Or maybe b 1230 The rule we are considering today the bank holds them for a brief period Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield provides for consideration of H.R. 4790, as they know they have a customer legislation to undermine the Volcker who is searching for this type of invest- myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. MCGOVERN asked and was rule by exempting certain banks from ment. the requirements. The bill also puts Either way, this is not an evil prac- given permission to revise and extend rulemaking authority solely in the tice that we should prohibit. The com- his remarks.) hands of the Federal Reserve, making munity bank’s actions are making a Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I want it easier for the Trump administration marketplace for these investment to thank the gentleman from Colorado to further weaken or eventually repeal transactions, and this should be en- (Mr. BUCK) for yielding me the cus- this vital consumer protection. couraged. It increases access to capital tomary 30 minutes. Now, that is, of course, the goal of for small businesses and farms in our Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposi- my Republican colleagues in the first communities. tion to this closed rule and to the un- But it is not just on the selling side derlying legislation. Quite frankly, I place. They have continually advanced of the equation that this practice bene- had hoped that, when we returned from legislation to roll back and weaken the fits. It also benefits the buying side of our Easter break, we would be debating rules put into place to prevent another the equation. Many Americans have in- and voting on legislation that would financial crisis. It is deeply frustrating, vested a portion of their retirement help people. I had hoped that maybe we and more importantly, it is very dan- savings in pension funds, mutual funds, would be able to finally help the hun- gerous to the financial security of the or similar types of investments. These dreds of thousands of Dreamers whose American economy and American fam- funds need for their investments to be lives are now in limbo because of Presi- ilies. liquid so as to meet demands for cash dent Trump’s decision to end DACA Now, Mr. Speaker, this rule also pro- from the people who have chosen to and that we would be able to pass a bill vides for additional debate time on the save their money in the funds. called the Dream Act to actually pro- Republican majority’s misguided bal- These funds often place these cash in- vide them some peace of mind. But, no, anced budget amendment, H.J. Res. 2. vestments into smaller financial insti- we don’t see that on the schedule. Normally, when legislation of this tutions through purchasing the stocks I had also hoped that maybe we magnitude is debated, the leadership of or bonds that these banks own. The would do something to address the epi- this House brings it through the Rules banks allow these larger funds to pur- demic of gun violence in this country. Committee to set the terms of debate chase the bank’s assets and also to sell Millions of young people all across the and to allow for alternative proposals back to the bank the same assets when country have been protesting in front to be offered and debated. This will be the funds need cash. of congressional offices and have been the seventh time a balanced budget This isn’t a shady practice. This is an holding rallies demanding that Con- amendment has been voted on in the extraordinarily important practice and gress debate the issue of gun violence House. benefits every single American who has and do something. No, we are not doing In the past, it has generally been saved or is saving money in a pension that. considered under a structured rule or other retirement account. Instead, what we are doing is another granting many hours of general debate, The Volcker rule prohibits this activ- bill to help the financial services in- making in order substitute amend- ity. Washington, in its typically arro- dustries, and in that effort, we are ments, and providing the minority gant way, decided that it knew better doing something that I think is going with a motion to recommit. But as than Americans and banned this under to make consumer protections less rel- they did in 2011, Republicans will once Dodd-Frank. evant. This week, again, the Repub- again bring this legislation to the floor On December 10, 2013, the five—I re- lican leadership of this House is ignor- under suspension of the rules, pro- peat, the five—separate agencies ing the most pressing issues facing our viding no opportunity—none—for Mem- tasked with writing and enforcing this country and our constituents in favor bers of the majority or the minority to regulation released a final regulation of more legislation to roll back finan- offer any substitute amendments. that is 932 pages long and contains cial protections put into place to pre- Now, why does this matter, Mr. nearly 300,000 words. vent another financial crisis. Speaker? It matters because this legis- That is astounding. What small town Need I remind my friends on the lation, the so-called balanced budget community bank can, on top of all of other side of the aisle how damaging amendment, could do irreparable harm

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:16 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.016 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3107 to our economy. It would hinder Con- the well-off and well-connected while According to the AARP, this bal- gress’ ability to respond appropriately ignoring the needs of those in the mid- anced budget amendment could subject to an economic crisis and could poten- dle class and working class and cer- Social Security and Medicare to deep tially even create one. It could even re- tainly turning their backs on those cuts without regard to the impact on quire Congress to cut funding for safe- struggling in poverty. the health and financial security of our ty net programs that millions of our I meet with constituents in my dis- most vulnerable citizens. Mr. Speaker, constituents rely on, programs like So- trict every day. Quite frankly, they a balanced budget amendment would cial Security, Medicare, Medicaid, don’t ask what we are doing to repeal put the pillars of our social safety net SNAP—which is the Supplemental Nu- Dodd-Frank. They certainly don’t ask at risk. If you don’t believe me, again, trition Assistance Program—Supple- us to ransack Social Security and cut maybe you will listen to our friends at mental Security Income, and veterans’ Medicare to give tax breaks to big cor- the AARP. pensions. porations. They said, this week, in a letter: ‘‘A We owe it to our constituents to have They want better jobs and they want balanced budget amendment would a full and open debate on this legisla- better wages. They want us to fix our likely harm Social Security and Medi- tion, to hear from experts and to crumbling infrastructure in their com- care, subjecting both programs to po- thoughtfully consider alternatives. But munities and to invest in education. tentially deep cuts without regard to this Republican majority didn’t even They want us to protect our water and the impact on the health and financial take the time to hold a hearing or a air from pollution. They made it clear security of individuals.’’ markup on H.J. Res. 2. They are rush- to us last month, when over 1 million Mr. Speaker, I include in the RECORD ing it to the floor under suspension of young people took to the streets across the AARP’s letter. the rules with no opportunity for us to this country, that they want action on AARP, consider any alternative proposals legislation to protect our communities April 9, 2018. whatsoever. from the plague of gun violence. DEAR MEMBER: AARP is writing to express We are talking about amending the But the Republican leadership is ig- our opposition to a balanced budget amend- Constitution of the United States. Why noring this call, and it is ignoring any ment to the Constitution of the United in the world would we want to use such States. AARP is the nation’s largest non- call for progress in favor of legislation profit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to a flawed process on such an important to help the wealthy and well-connected issue? Mr. Speaker, because maybe this empowering Americans 50 and older to donor class. choose how they live as they age. With near- isn’t a serious effort in the first place. I get it. They need all this money for ly 38 million members and offices in every My Republican friends know this awful reelection. But the price is being paid state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, legislation will never become law. by the American people. They are get- and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to So why are we wasting the House’s ting legislation that is not in their best strengthen communities and advocate for time on this effort? I have a simple an- interest but is in the best interest of a what matters most to families with a focus swer: to appease the far-right wing of few wealthy donors. on health security, financial stability and the Republican Party in an election personal fulfillment. It is reckless and it is wrong. Over 56 A balanced budget amendment would like- year and to give the impression that percent of the legislation that we have these guys, these Republicans, are ly harm Social Security and Medicare, sub- considered in the Rules Committee this jecting both programs to potentially deep somehow fiscally responsible. year—that is over half—has been bills cuts without regard to the impact on the You don’t have to take my word for to roll back regulations on Wall Street health and financial security of individuals. it. Republican Representative CHARLIE and the financial industry. I don’t see It would also likely diminish the resources DENT of Pennsylvania confirmed in the millions of people protesting in the available for programs assisting Americans press this week that this is merely a who are least able to provide for them- street to give Wall Street a bigger messaging vote. If you think this is selves—services such as meals or heating for break. I don’t hear the voices being cynical, consider for a moment the im- those who are too poor or physically unable raised all across this country to say: petus of bringing this legislation to the to take care of their basic needs without ‘‘Let’s make the rich even richer. Let’s floor. some support. Press reports indicate that Speaker do more to give corporations tax A balanced budget amendment would pro- breaks.’’ I don’t hear that, and yet that hibit outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding RYAN agreed to a vote on the balanced total receipts for that fiscal year. It would budget amendment in exchange for is what the focus of this Congress has been about. impose a constitutional cap on all spending votes to advance the Republican tax that is equivalent to the revenues raised in scam. Can you believe that? Speaker By the way, the vast majority of any given year. Because revenues fluctuate RYAN, the leader of this House, is ad- these bills to help the well-connected based on many factors, spending would, out vancing legislation that could do irrep- and the well-off haven’t even gone of necessity fluctuate as well under a bal- arable harm to our economy and our through regular order. This whole proc- anced budget amendment. Consequently, So- safety net just so he could jam through ess has been a joke. The legislation we cial Security and Medicare benefits would also fluctuate, potentially subjecting each to his precious tax giveaway to corpora- are set to consider later this week is no exception. sudden or deep cuts. Social Security and tions and wealthy donors last Decem- Medicare would therefore cease to provide a ber. I urge my colleagues to oppose this restrictive rule, to oppose efforts to predictable source of financial and health se- Let me remind everyone just how curity in retirement under a balanced budget terrible the tax scam Republicans weaken the Volcker rule, and to oppose amendment. rammed through Congress really is: the balanced budget amendment when The lack of a dependable Social Security It raises taxes on 68 million middle it is considered later this week. and Medicare benefit would be devastating class families to give 83 percent of the Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of for millions of Americans. Social Security is tax cuts included in the bill to the my time. currently the principal source of income for Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I have no half of older American households receiving wealthiest 1 percent of Americans. benefits, and roughly one in five households It gives a $1.3 trillion tax rate break speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time. depend on Social Security benefits for nearly to the largest corporations in this all (90 percent or more) of their income. Over country and rewards these same cor- Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 50 million Americans depend on Medicare, porations for shipping jobs overseas. myself such time as I may consume. half of whom have incomes of less than Here is the other part: it explodes the Mr. Speaker, the hypocrisy of the Re- $24,150. Even small fluctuations in premiums deficit by $2 trillion, jeopardizing the publican majority is on full display and cost sharing would have a significant future of Medicare and Medicaid. today. After passing a $1.5 trillion tax impact on the personal finances of older and But this balanced budget amendment scam bill that showers all the benefits disabled Americans. is supposed to trick people into believ- on the wealthy and very rich corpora- Individuals who have contributed their en- tions, we are now going to consider an tire working lives to earn a predictable ben- ing Republicans still care about fiscal efit during their retirement would find that responsibility. It really is disheart- amendment to the Constitution to bal- their retirement income and health care out ening. ance the Federal budget on the backs of pocket costs would vary significantly There is a pattern here, Mr. Speaker. of hardworking Americans by evis- year-to-year, making planning difficult and At every turn, House Republicans favor cerating social safety net programs. peace of mind impossible.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:16 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.017 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE H3108 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 11, 2018 It is particularly inappropriate to subject There was no objection. cut their hard-earned benefits. Social Social Security to a balanced budget amend- Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are ment given that Social Security is an off- 4 minutes to the distinguished gen- more than just the most successful and budget program that is separately funded tleman from Florida (Mr. DEUTCH) to popular government programs to ever through its own revenue stream, including significant trust fund reserves to finance discuss our proposal. exist; they are solemn promises that benefits. Imposing a cap on Social Security Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank we make to one another as Americans. outlays is unjustifiable, especially when the my friend from Massachusetts for This constitutional amendment would Social Security trust funds ran a surplus for yielding. break those promises, and it would put decades—reducing the past need for addi- Mr. Speaker, today we are seeing the hard-earned Social Security and tional government borrowing from the pub- that the GOP tax scam is one long con. Medicare benefits of tens of millions of lic—and resulted in a public debt that is less Last year, they gave away trillions of Americans at risk. today than what it otherwise would have dollars to the very wealthiest Ameri- been. I urge my colleagues to vote no on cans and the largest corporations while Older Americans truly understand that the previous question so that we can bragging about letting an extra $1.50 budgets matter and that we all need to live protect the promise that we made to trickle down to hardworking public within our means. However, they also under- vulnerable Americans by exempting stand that budgets affect real people; and school employees. It is clear what they they certainly understand the difference be- really intended. It was a setup. Social Security, Medicare, and Med- tween programs to which they have contrib- Who is going to take the fall? Sen- icaid from the balanced budget amend- uted and earned over the course of a lifetime iors, the disabled, children, and those ment. Our constituents deserve noth- of work, and those they have not. AARP op- who are sick. ing less than our standing up for them, poses the adoption of a balanced budget for the promise that we have made to amendment that puts Social Security and The GOP tax scam exploded the def- icit by nearly $2 trillion, and now this them, and for those who depend upon Medicare at risk. If you have any questions, these vital programs. The way we can please have your staff contact Joyce A. Rog- balanced budget constitutional amend- ers, SVP, Government Affairs office. ment is laying the groundwork for an do that is to vote no on the previous Sincerely, attack on Medicare, on Medicaid, and question and pass legislation that will NANCY LEAMOND, on Social Security. enable us to do exactly that. Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Now we are considering a constitu- Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the and Engagement Officer. tional amendment, a change to our Na- balance of my time to close. Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, this tion’s founding document. For all of uncertainty could devastate the nearly Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield the pocket Constitution wagging from myself the balance of my time. half of older American households the GOP, in light of their recent ac- whose principal incomes come from So- tion, this amendment amounts to little Mr. Speaker, the Republican major- cial Security or the over 50 million more than a political farce. If the GOP ity is attempting to amend the United Americans who depend on Medicare. wanted a balanced budget, they should States Constitution with a bill that Even small cuts to Social Security propose one. has had no hearing, no markup, and checks or increases to Medicare pre- Instead, President Trump’s budgets will be considered without any oppor- miums could impact the finances of have threatened the poorest Americans tunity to offer amendments or even a older Americans and disabled Ameri- with the biggest cuts—slashing $500 bil- motion to recommit. cans. lion from Medicare, $1.4 trillion from We have only amended the Constitu- Now, the same week that the Con- Medicaid, and $72 billion from Social tion 27 times in our Nation’s history. gressional Budget Office predicts this Security disability—and it still doesn’t Why isn’t the Republican leadership Republican majority and their tax balance. treating this with the seriousness that scam bill will lead to the return of tril- This week, the Congressional Budget it deserves? Maybe because even con- lion-dollar deficits, we will consider a Office released the devastating impact servative members of their own party balanced budget amendment that has of the GOP tax scam. Fiscal year 2018 know that this vote is a charade. been subject to no hearings and no deficits will increase by $139 billion to markups. Even for this record-breaking a total of $804 billion. In a Politico article titled ‘‘Conserv- closed Republican Congress, to attempt Republicans have put our national atives irate over GOP spending hypoc- to amend our Constitution for only the debt on track to eclipse the size of our risy,’’ Freedom Caucus Chairman MARK 28th time in our Nation’s history in economy by 2028. Let me say that MEADOWS said: ‘‘There is no one on this manner, quite frankly, is stun- again. Our national debt, because of Capitol Hill, and certainly no one on ning. these reckless policies, will put our Main Street, that will take this vote Mr. Speaker, I am going to ask that debt on track to eclipse the size of our seriously.’’ my colleagues vote ‘‘no’’ on the pre- economy. I couldn’t agree more. Republicans vious question. If we defeat the pre- b 1245 just added almost $2 trillion to the def- vious question, I will offer an amend- icit with their tax cut for billionaires. ment to the rule which would amend The idea that the GOP tax scam As the president of the Committee for the bill to exempt Social Security, would pay for itself has been exposed as a Responsible Federal Budget said in Medicare, and Medicaid, vital pillars of a lie. Now we know what is at risk to the same article: ‘‘This reads as, ‘Give our social safety net. help pay for these handouts to billion- us something to hide behind,’ rather I would just say to my Republican aires and large corporations: our sen- than a serious process proposal.’’ friends on the other side of the aisle iors, disabled Americans, children, and who go home to their constituents and those who are sick. But we are here because Republican regularly talk about how great Social Over 55 million Americans rely on leadership is trying to check a box, as Security is, how great Medicare is, and Medicare. More than 67 million Ameri- the Club for Growth put it, in hopes how important Medicaid is, if you real- cans depend on Social Security. These that people will forget their tax scam ly believe it, you are going to vote to programs represent the bedrock of the giveaway. And no wonder why Con- defeat the previous question so we can secure retirement that is too often gress’ approval rating is at just 15 per- offer this amendment. challenged by high prices at the doctor cent. This is a dangerous gimmick that I ask unanimous consent, Mr. Speak- and pharmacy. Social Security is al- my Republican colleagues are pushing. er, to insert the text of my amendment ready off budget. It never has added a If this is successful, it will lead to major cuts to Social Security, to Medi- in the RECORD, along with extraneous penny to the deficit. material, immediately prior to the Mr. Speaker, this balanced budget care, and to Medicaid. We need to take vote on the previous question. amendment would threaten the 120,000 that seriously, and we need to stop it. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. retirees, over 13,000 disabled workers, Mr. Speaker, I include in the RECORD ROTHFUS). Is there objection to the re- and more than 5,000 kids in my home this Politico article titled ‘‘Conserv- quest of the gentleman from Massachu- district who are depending upon this atives irate over GOP’s spending hy- setts? Congress to keep their promise to not pocrisy.’’

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:16 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A11AP7.005 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3109 [From POLITICO, Apr. 10, 2018] a time when the party already faces an up- he might follow suit on a balanced budget CONSERVATIVES IRATE OVER GOP’S SPENDING hill battle retaining its majority this fall. amendment vote. He said a vote is ‘‘likely HYPOCRISY Hill Republicans were shocked because . . . at some point.’’ White House staff members were in the room Democrats are blasting Republicans for (By Rachael Bade and Sarah Ferris) negotiating the budget deal with the top four what House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer House Republican leaders, stung by Presi- leaders in both chambers. They had reas- called a ‘‘political stunt.’’ The Maryland dent Donald Trump’s rebuke of Congress’ re- sured some skittish Republicans that it was Democrat on Tuesday said Republicans are cent trillion-dollar spending spree, are mov- OK to take the vote because Trump would ‘‘worried’’ about the midterm elections and ing to give their rank and file cover by pass- have their backs. ‘‘they’re flailing about.’’ ing a balanced budget amendment this week. When they returned home afterward for ‘‘It sounds to me very much,’’ he said, But many conservatives, including a good the spring recess, some Republicans caught ‘‘like they’re . . . saying one thing and doing number of House Republicans, say the vote is flak from constituents, which in turn sent another, speaking out of both sides of their insincere at best—and blatantly hypocritical GOP leaders into damage-control mode. mouth.’’ at worst. ‘‘This reads as, ‘Give us something to hide Mr. MCGOVERN. Congressman JIM ‘‘There is no one on Capitol Hill, and cer- behind,’ rather than a serious process pro- JORDAN of Ohio, again another Free- tainly no one on Main Street, that will take posal,’’ said Maya MacGuineas, president of this vote seriously,’’ said Freedom Caucus dom Caucus member, said on the bal- the Committee for a Responsible Federal anced budget amendment: ‘‘The time Chairman Mark Meadows (R–N.C.), on the Budget, who said she’d believe the sincerity heels of a $1.3 trillion spending package that of the effort when Republicans propose a to get spending under control was 4 Republicans approved just last month. budget with actual spending cuts. weeks ago. Coming back 4 weeks later ‘‘Leadership is just trying to check a box Not all fiscal hawks are scorning the ef- and saying, ‘Oh, now we’re going to here,’’ added Andrew Roth, vice president for fort. Republican Study Committee Chairman pound our chest like Tarzan and say government affairs at the Club for Growth. Mark Walker (R–N.C.), who asked for a vote we’re for a balanced budget amend- ‘‘I don’t see how voters can distinguish be- on a balanced budget amendment in October, ment,’ it’s not going to fool anybody.’’ tween Republicans and Democrats when it applauded the looming vote—even as he ac- I would argue that the time to get comes to spending.’’ knowledged the uncomfortable timing for One conservative commentator, Barbara spending under control was when Re- the GOP. Walker argued that it’s consistent publicans exploded the deficit with Boland, equated the upcoming exercise to for Republicans to back the amendment ‘‘gorging on a sumptuous feast while insist- after voting for the omnibus, because of the their tax cut for billionaires. I agree ing that you want a svelte physique.’’ And need to fund the military. Walker added, with Mr. JORDAN on this: A sham vote other members of the House Freedom Cau- though, that most members pushing hard for like that isn’t going to fool anybody. cus, all of whom voted against a $1.3 trillion deficit-reduction votes right now personally Mr. Speaker, while I think everybody spending package in late March, are calling opposed the spending bill, as he did. knows that what is going to happen on it little more than a charade. ‘‘We don’t see this as a show vote. We need this balanced budget amendment is ‘‘The time to get spending under control this. It’s something that we’ve been talking really show business, I think it is im- was four weeks ago,’’ said Rep. Jim Jordan about for years,’’ Walker said Tuesday. (R–Ohio), again referring to the late-March portant to stress that it really under- The balanced budget amendment is one of lines the values of my friends on the spending vote. ‘‘Coming back four weeks several measures GOP leaders might bring to later and saying, ‘Oh, now we’re going to the floor in the coming weeks to signal their Republican side and what they think is pound our chest like Tarzan and say we’re commitment to lower spending. The effort is important and what they believe is im- for a balanced budget amendment,’ it’s not being led by House Majority Leader Kevin portant to protect. As I said, if this or going to fool anybody.’’ McCarthy (R–Calif.), who is working with anything like what they are proposing Jordan and Meadows support the balanced the White House to try to force a vote on a ever became the law of the land, pro- budget amendment as a marker for fiscal ‘‘rescissions’’ package that would cut bil- grams like Social Security, like Medi- austerity—it’s the timing of the vote, on the lions of dollars from the just-approved omni- care, and like Medicaid would be at heels of the spending bonanza, that rankles bus legislation. them and other conservatives. It’s still unclear whether the House will risk. There are no provisions in their The proposal requires supermajorities in take up the measure, which GOP aides say draft to protect these programs that so both chambers to pass, as well as ratification could cut as much as $20 billion. House ap- many millions of Americans rely on. by three-quarters of the states, an impos- propriators hate the idea, and some more And again, this is not surprising be- sible hurdle. But with Republicans swim- pragmatic-minded Republicans argue it cause we have seen over the years their ming in red ink—the nonpartisan Congres- would cripple bipartisan spending negotia- attempts to privatize Social Security, sional Budget Office projected regular tril- tions in the future. their attempts to privatize Medicare, lion-dollar annual deficits starting in 2020, Republicans clinched the amount they got their attempts to undermine Medicaid, despite a growing economy—the party feels for defense only because they gave Demo- their constant attacks on programs pressure to do something. crats some money for their own pet projects. The CBO’s deficit forecast hasn’t been that A move to recoup money retroactively would like SNAP. This is nothing new. bleak since the Great Recession. And this infuriate Democrats—even though GOP lead- Mr. Speaker, I just want to close by time, Republicans can’t blame Barack ers fully expect it would fail in the Senate. saying to my Republican friends that Obama and the Democrats. GOP leaders similarly expect the balanced there are some things worth defending, Rather, it’s a result of a combination of budget amendment to fail this week in the and programs like Social Security and GOP-approved bills: tax cuts that CBO now House. It requires 290 votes for passage; the programs like Medicare are worth de- expects to add $1.9 trillion to the deficit over last time lawmakers voted on one, in 2011, it fending. They are worth fighting for. 10 years; a newly passed bipartisan deal to failed 261–165, with 25 Democrats backing the And I want to make it clear that, on raise strict spending caps by $320 billion for bill. two years; and a recent $100 billion infusion Speaker Paul Ryan was one of only four the Democratic side, any Republican of cash into emergency disaster coffers—al- Republicans to oppose the measure at the attempts to undermine, to weaken, to most entirely unpaid for. time. It is unclear whether he will do so undercut Social Security or Medicare, The balanced budget amendment has been again this year. He said the proposal before we will fight you. We will fight you a staple of the GOP playbook going back at the House then could have led to higher with every ounce of energy and least to Newt Gingrich’s 1994 Contract with taxes to pay for more spending. strength that we have because these America. It often resurfaces after major A balanced budget amendment would programs are important. They are im- spending battles that leave conservatives tightly restrict federal spending and require feeling jilted. The last vote, for instance, fol- two-thirds of lawmakers to approve any tax portant to our values, but more impor- lowed the 2011 debt ceiling crisis, when Re- changes. Critics argue it would trigger hun- tantly, they are important to our con- publicans were anxious about the national dreds of billions of dollars in across-the- stituents. debt, which now tops $20 trillion. board cuts. With that, I urge my colleagues to Republicans are returning to it two weeks Ironically, a balanced budget amendment vote ‘‘no’’ on the previous question and after Trump chided Congress for wasting would have potentially prevented the GOP ‘‘no’’ on the rule, and I yield back the money in the omnibus spending deal—a Congress’ biggest legislative achievement balance of my time. scolding that came as the president backed this year: tax reform. With the amendment, Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- away from a threatened veto and signed it. Republicans could not have enacted tax cuts self such time as I may consume. ‘‘I will never sign another bill like this that weren’t paid for; these ones were not. Before us we have a rule that makes again,’’ Trump vowed, adding that ‘‘there are The GOP also probably couldn’t have gotten a lot of things I’m unhappy about’’ with it. the huge budget increase for the Pentagon in order an important change to the His remarks, GOP lawmakers and aides that was included in the omnibus. banking laws. We have seen what hap- say, effectively threw every Republican who In the Senate, Majority Leader Mitch pens when arduous regulations are re- backed the bipartisan deal under the bus at McConnell (R–Ky.) suggested Tuesday that moved from the backs of Americans.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:16 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A11AP7.006 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE H3110 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 11, 2018 Our economy is booming, growth is control of the resolution to the opposition’’ b 1340 strong, even stronger than many ex- in order to offer an amendment. On March pected it would be at this point. 15, 1909, a member of the majority party of- AFTER RECESS fered a rule resolution. The House defeated The Volcker rule, passed under Dodd- the previous question and a member of the The recess having expired, the House Frank, is a solution in search of a prob- opposition rose to a parliamentary inquiry, was called to order by the Speaker pro lem. Our community banks should not asking who was entitled to recognition. tempore (Mr. LAMBORN) at 1 o’clock have to bear the weight of this over- Speaker Joseph G. Cannon (R–Illinois) said: and 40 minutes p.m. arching regulation. Our small town and ‘‘The previous question having been refused, f rural lenders are active members of our the gentleman from New York, Mr. Fitz- communities. They participate in im- gerald, who had asked the gentleman to ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER yield to him for an amendment, is entitled to proving our lives in many ways, even the first recognition.’’ PRO TEMPORE beyond lending. They sponsor little The Republican majority may say ‘‘the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- league teams. They are boosters for the vote on the previous question is simply a ant to clause 8 of rule XX, proceedings local high school. They counsel small vote on whether to proceed to an immediate will resume on questions previously businessmen and women. They con- vote on adopting the resolution . . . [and] has no substantive legislative or policy im- postponed. tribute to our churches and charitable Votes will be taken in the following organizations. They offer help to needy plications whatsoever.’’ But that is not what they have always said. Listen to the Repub- order: neighbors. lican Leadership Manual on the Legislative Ordering the previous question on We should actively seek policies that Process in the United States House of Rep- House Resolution 811; free them to do their jobs. That is what resentatives, (6th edition, page 135). Here’s Adoption of House Resolution 811, if the underlying bill does. It exempts how the Republicans describe the previous ordered; and them from a regulation that has frozen question vote in their own manual: ‘‘Al- though it is generally not possible to amend Agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of in place their ability to invest in local the Journal, if ordered. startups and farming operations. We the rule because the majority Member con- trolling the time will not yield for the pur- The first electronic vote will be con- should exempt them from this burden- pose of offering an amendment, the same re- ducted as a 15-minute vote. Remaining some regulation. sult may be achieved by voting down the pre- electronic votes will be conducted as 5- I hope this House will follow in the vious question on the rule . . . When the mo- minute votes. steps of the Financial Services Com- tion for the previous question is defeated, mittee and approve this bill in an over- control of the time passes to the Member f whelming bipartisan fashion. I urge who led the opposition to ordering the pre- vious question. That Member, because he REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- support of the rule and the underlying VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF legislation. then controls the time, may offer an amend- ment to the rule, or yield for the purpose of H.R. 4790, VOLCKER RULE REGU- The material previously referred to amendment.’’ LATORY HARMONIZATION ACT, by Mr. MCGOVERN is as follows: In Deschler’s Procedure in the U.S. House AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDER- AN AMENDMENT TO H. RES. 811 OFFERED BY of Representatives, the subchapter titled ATION OF MOTIONS TO SUSPEND MR. MCGOVERN ‘‘Amending Special Rules’’ states: ‘‘a refusal THE RULES In section 2(a), insert ‘‘as amended by the to order the previous question on such a rule amendment specified in section 3 of this res- [a special rule reported from the Committee The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- olution’’ after ‘‘United States’’. on Rules] opens the resolution to amend- finished business is the vote on order- At the end of the resolution, add the fol- ment and further debate.’’ (Chapter 21, sec- ing the previous question on the reso- lowing new section: tion 21.2) Section 21.3 continues: ‘‘Upon re- jection of the motion for the previous ques- lution (H. Res. 811) providing for con- ‘‘Sec. 3. The amendment referred to in sec- sideration of the bill (H.R. 4790) to tion 2(a) of this resolution is as follows: tion on a resolution reported from the Com- ‘After section 7, insert the following sec- mittee on Rules, control shifts to the Mem- amend the Volcker rule to give the tion (and redesignate the subsequent section ber leading the opposition to the previous Board of Governors of the Federal Re- accordingly): question, who may offer a proper amendment serve System sole rulemaking author- or motion and who controls the time for de- SECTION 8. EXEMPTION OF SOCIAL SECURITY, ity, to exclude community banks from bate thereon.’’ MEDICARE, AND MEDICAID FROM the requirements of the Volcker rule, FEDERAL BALANCED BUDGET RE- Clearly, the vote on the previous question on a rule does have substantive policy impli- and for other purposes, and providing QUIREMENT for consideration of motions to suspend Notwithstanding any other provision of cations. It is one of the only available tools law, the following programs and any outlays for those who oppose the Republican major- the rules, on which the yeas and nays resulting therefrom shall be exempt from ity’s agenda and allows those with alter- were ordered. any Federal balanced budget requirement: native views the opportunity to offer an al- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- (1) All Social Security benefits payable ternative plan. tion. under title II of the Social Security Act. Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield back The SPEAKER pro tempore. The (2) Payments under the Medicare program the balance of my time, and I move the question is on ordering the previous under title XVIII of the Social Security Act. previous question on the resolution. question. (3) Payments to States under the Medicaid The SPEAKER pro tempore. The program under title XIX of such Act.’ ’’. The vote was taken by electronic de- question is on ordering the previous vice, and there were—yeas 231, nays question. THE VOTE ON THE PREVIOUS QUESTION: WHAT 186, not voting 11, as follows: The question was taken; and the IT REALLY MEANS Speaker pro tempore announced that [Roll No. 133] This vote, the vote on whether to order the YEAS—231 previous question on a special rule, is not the ayes appeared to have it. Abraham Brat Conaway merely a procedural vote. A vote against or- Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. Aderholt Bridenstine Cook dering the previous question is a vote Allen Brooks (AL) Costello (PA) against the Republican majority agenda and The yeas and nays were ordered. Amash Brooks (IN) Cramer a vote to allow the Democratic minority to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Amodei Buchanan Crawford offer an alternative plan. It is a vote about ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- Arrington Buck Culberson what the House should be debating. ceedings on this question will be post- Babin Bucshon Curbelo (FL) Mr. Clarence Cannon’s Precedents of the Bacon Budd Curtis poned. Banks (IN) Burgess Davidson House of Representatives (VI, 308–311), de- f Barletta Byrne Davis, Rodney scribes the vote on the previous question on Barr Calvert Denham the rule as ‘‘a motion to direct or control the RECESS Barton Carter (GA) Dent consideration of the subject before the House The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Bergman Carter (TX) DeSantis Biggs Chabot DesJarlais being made by the Member in charge.’’ To ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair defeat the previous question is to give the Bilirakis Cheney Diaz-Balart opposition a chance to decide the subject be- declares the House in recess subject to Bishop (MI) Coffman Donovan Bishop (UT) Cole Duffy fore the House. Cannon cites the Speaker’s the call of the Chair. Accordingly (at 12 o’clock and 53 Blackburn Collins (GA) Duncan (SC) ruling of January 13, 1920, to the effect that Blum Collins (NY) Duncan (TN) ‘‘the refusal of the House to sustain the de- minutes p.m.), the House stood in re- Bost Comer Dunn mand for the previous question passes the cess. Brady (TX) Comstock Emmer

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:16 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.021 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3111 Estes (KS) LaMalfa Rooney, Francis McNerney Quigley Soto Griffith Marshall Royce (CA) Faso Lamborn Rooney, Thomas Meeks Raskin Speier Grothman Massie Russell Ferguson Lance J. Meng Rice (NY) Suozzi Guthrie Mast Rutherford Fitzpatrick Latta Ros-Lehtinen Moulton Richmond Swalwell (CA) Handel McCarthy Sanford Fleischmann Lewis (MN) Roskam Murphy (FL) Rosen Takano Harper McCaul Scalise Flores LoBiondo Ross Nadler Roybal-Allard Thompson (CA) Harris McClintock Schweikert Fortenberry Long Rothfus Napolitano Ruiz Thompson (MS) Hartzler McHenry Scott, Austin Foxx Loudermilk Rouzer Neal Ruppersberger Titus Hensarling McKinley Sensenbrenner Nolan Rush Frelinghuysen Love Royce (CA) Tonko Herrera Beutler McMorris Sessions Gaetz Lucas Norcross Ryan (OH) Hice, Jody B. Rodgers Russell Torres Shimkus Gallagher Luetkemeyer O’Halleran Sa´ nchez Higgins (LA) McSally Rutherford Tsongas Shuster Garrett MacArthur O’Rourke Sarbanes Hill Meadows Sanford Vargas Sinema Gianforte Marchant Pallone Schakowsky Holding Meehan Scalise Veasey Smith (MO) Gibbs Marino Panetta Schiff Hollingsworth Messer Schweikert Smith (NE) Gohmert Marshall Pascrell Schneider Vela Huizenga Mitchell Scott, Austin ´ Goodlatte Massie Payne Schrader Velazquez Hultgren Moolenaar Smith (NJ) Sensenbrenner Visclosky Smith (TX) Gowdy Mast Sessions Pelosi Scott (VA) Hunter Mooney (WV) Perlmutter Scott, David Wasserman Smucker Granger McCarthy Shimkus Hurd Mullin Graves (GA) McCaul Peters Serrano Schultz Jenkins (KS) Stefanik Shuster Newhouse Graves (LA) McClintock Peterson Sewell (AL) Waters, Maxine Jenkins (WV) Noem Stewart Smith (MO) Graves (MO) McHenry Pingree Sherman Watson Coleman Johnson (LA) Norman Stivers Smith (NE) Griffith McKinley Pocan Sinema Welch Johnson (OH) Nunes Taylor Smith (NJ) Grothman McMorris Polis Sires Wilson (FL) Johnson, Sam Olson Tenney Smith (TX) Guthrie Rodgers Price (NC) Smith (WA) Yarmuth Jones Palazzo Thompson (PA) Smucker Handel McSally Jordan Palmer Thornberry Stefanik Harper Meadows NOT VOTING—11 Joyce (OH) Paulsen Tipton Stewart Harris Meehan Bishop (GA) Frankel (FL) Shea-Porter Katko Pearce Trott Stivers Hartzler Messer Black Gosar Simpson Kelly (MS) Perry Turner Taylor Hensarling Mitchell Ca´ rdenas Issa Kelly (PA) Pittenger Upton Tenney Walz Herrera Beutler Moolenaar Castor (FL) Moore King (IA) Poe (TX) Valadao Thompson (PA) Hice, Jody B. Mooney (WV) King (NY) Poliquin Wagner Higgins (LA) Mullin Thornberry ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Kinzinger Posey Tipton Walberg Hill Newhouse The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Knight Ratcliffe Walker Holding Noem Trott Kustoff (TN) Reed Turner the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- Walorski Hollingsworth Norman Labrador Reichert Walters, Mimi Hudson Nunes Upton ing. LaHood Renacci Weber (TX) Huizenga Olson Valadao LaMalfa Rice (SC) Webster (FL) Hultgren Palazzo Wagner Lamborn Roby b 1405 Wenstrup Hunter Palmer Walberg Lance Roe (TN) Hurd Paulsen Walden Mr. LIPINSKI changed his vote from Latta Rogers (AL) Westerman Jenkins (KS) Pearce Walker ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ Lewis (MN) Rogers (KY) Williams Wilson (SC) Jenkins (WV) Perry Walorski So the previous question was ordered. LoBiondo Rokita Johnson (LA) Pittenger Walters, Mimi Long Rooney, Francis Wittman Johnson (OH) Poe (TX) Weber (TX) The result of the vote was announced Loudermilk Rooney, Thomas Womack Johnson, Sam Poliquin Webster (FL) as above recorded. Love J. Woodall Jordan Posey Wenstrup Stated for: Lucas Ros-Lehtinen Yoder Joyce (OH) Ratcliffe Westerman Luetkemeyer Roskam Yoho Katko Reed Williams Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoid- MacArthur Ross Young (AK) Kelly (MS) Reichert Wilson (SC) ably detained. Had I been present, I would Marchant Rothfus Young (IA) Kelly (PA) Renacci Wittman have voted ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall No. 133. Marino Rouzer Zeldin King (IA) Rice (SC) Womack The SPEAKER pro tempore. The King (NY) Roby Woodall NOES—184 Kinzinger Roe (TN) Yoder question is on the resolution. Knight Rogers (AL) Yoho The question was taken; and the Adams Demings Kuster (NH) Kustoff (TN) Rogers (KY) Young (AK) Aguilar DeSaulnier Langevin Speaker pro tempore announced that Barraga´ n Deutch Larsen (WA) Labrador Rohrabacher Young (IA) the ayes appeared to have it. LaHood Rokita Zeldin Bass Dingell Larson (CT) RECORDED VOTE Beatty Doggett Lawrence NAYS—186 Bera Doyle, Michael Lawson (FL) Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I de- Beyer F. Lee Adams Davis, Danny Jeffries mand a recorded vote. Blumenauer Ellison Levin Aguilar DeFazio Johnson (GA) A recorded vote was ordered. Blunt Rochester Engel Lewis (GA) Barraga´ n DeGette Johnson, E. B. Bonamici Eshoo Lieu, Ted Bass Delaney Jones The SPEAKER pro tempore. This Boyle, Brendan Espaillat Lipinski Beatty DeLauro Kaptur will be a 5-minute vote. F. Esty (CT) Loebsack Bera DelBene Keating The vote was taken by electronic de- Brady (PA) Evans Lofgren Beyer Demings Kelly (IL) vice, and there were—ayes 230, noes 184, Brown (MD) Foster Lowenthal Blumenauer DeSaulnier Kennedy Brownley (CA) Fudge Lowey Blunt Rochester Deutch Khanna not voting 14, as follows: Bustos Gabbard Lujan Grisham, Bonamici Dingell Kihuen [Roll No. 134] Butterfield Gallego M. Boyle, Brendan Doggett Kildee Capuano Garamendi Luja´ n, Ben Ray F. Doyle, Michael Kilmer AYES—230 Carbajal Gomez Lynch Brady (PA) F. Kind Abraham Budd Diaz-Balart Ca´ rdenas Gonzalez (TX) Maloney, Brown (MD) Ellison Krishnamoorthi Aderholt Burgess Donovan Carson (IN) Gottheimer Carolyn B. Brownley (CA) Engel Kuster (NH) Allen Byrne Duffy Cartwright Green, Al Maloney, Sean Bustos Eshoo Langevin Amash Calvert Duncan (SC) Castro (TX) Green, Gene Matsui Butterfield Espaillat Larsen (WA) Amodei Carter (GA) Duncan (TN) Chu, Judy Grijalva McCollum Capuano Esty (CT) Larson (CT) Arrington Carter (TX) Dunn Cicilline Gutie´rrez McEachin Carbajal Evans Lawrence Babin Chabot Emmer Clark (MA) Hanabusa McGovern Carson (IN) Foster Lawson (FL) Bacon Cheney Estes (KS) Clarke (NY) Hastings McNerney Cartwright Fudge Lee Banks (IN) Coffman Faso Clay Heck Meeks Castro (TX) Gabbard Levin Barletta Cole Ferguson Cleaver Higgins (NY) Meng Chu, Judy Gallego Lewis (GA) Barr Collins (GA) Fitzpatrick Clyburn Himes Moulton Cicilline Garamendi Lieu, Ted Barton Collins (NY) Fleischmann Cohen Hoyer Murphy (FL) Clark (MA) Gomez Lipinski Bergman Comer Flores Connolly Huffman Nadler Clarke (NY) Gonzalez (TX) Loebsack Biggs Comstock Fortenberry Cooper Jackson Lee Napolitano Clay Gottheimer Lofgren Bilirakis Conaway Foxx Correa Jayapal Neal Cleaver Green, Al Lowenthal Bishop (MI) Cook Frelinghuysen Costa Jeffries Nolan Clyburn Green, Gene Lowey Bishop (UT) Costello (PA) Gaetz Courtney Johnson (GA) Norcross Cohen Grijalva Lujan Grisham, Black Cramer Gallagher Crist Johnson, E. B. O’Halleran Connolly Gutie´rrez M. Blackburn Crawford Garrett Crowley Kaptur O’Rourke Cooper Hanabusa Luja´ n, Ben Ray Blum Culberson Gianforte Cuellar Keating Pallone Correa Hastings Lynch Bost Curbelo (FL) Gibbs Cummings Kelly (IL) Panetta Costa Heck Maloney, Brat Curtis Gohmert Davis (CA) Kennedy Pascrell Courtney Higgins (NY) Carolyn B. Bridenstine Davidson Goodlatte Davis, Danny Khanna Payne Crist Himes Maloney, Sean Brooks (AL) Davis, Rodney Gowdy DeFazio Kihuen Pelosi Crowley Hoyer Matsui Brooks (IN) Denham Granger DeGette Kildee Perlmutter Cuellar Huffman McCollum Buchanan Dent Graves (GA) Delaney Kilmer Peterson Cummings Jackson Lee McEachin Buck DeSantis Graves (LA) DeLauro Kind Pingree Davis (CA) Jayapal McGovern Bucshon DesJarlais Graves (MO) DelBene Krishnamoorthi Pocan

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:16 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A11AP7.007 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE H3112 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 11, 2018 Polis Schneider Titus 780, in lieu of the amendment in the na- bers may have 5 legislative days in Price (NC) Schrader Tonko Quigley Scott (VA) Torres ture of a substitute recommended by which to revise and extend their re- Raskin Scott, David Tsongas the Committee on Financial Services, marks and submit extraneous material Rice (NY) Serrano Vargas printed in the bill, an amendment in on the bill under consideration. Richmond Sewell (AL) Veasey the nature of a substitute consisting of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Rosen Sherman Vela Roybal-Allard Sires Vela´ zquez the text of Rules Committee Print 115– objection to the request of the gen- Ruiz Smith (WA) Visclosky 63, modified by the amendment printed tleman from Texas? Ruppersberger Soto Wasserman in part B of House Report 115–600, is There was no objection. Rush Speier Schultz Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I Ryan (OH) Suozzi Waters, Maxine adopted, and the bill, as amended, is Sa´ nchez Swalwell (CA) Watson Coleman considered read. yield myself such time as I may con- Sarbanes Takano Welch The text of the bill, as amended, is as sume. Schakowsky Thompson (CA) Wilson (FL) follows: Mr. Speaker, I rise today in very Schiff Thompson (MS) Yarmuth H.R. 4293 strong support of H.R. 4293, the Stress NOT VOTING—14 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Test Improvement Act of 2017. I want Bishop (GA) Hudson Shea-Porter resentatives of the United States of America in to thank the gentleman from New Brady (TX) Issa Simpson Congress assembled, York (Mr. ZELDIN), who is a real work- Castor (FL) Moore Walden SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. horse on the Financial Services Com- Frankel (FL) Peters Walz This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Stress Test Im- Gosar Rohrabacher mittee and a real leader in trying to provement Act of 2017’’. ensure that we have affordable credit ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE SEC. 2. CCAR AND DFAST REFORMS. for our constituents so that they can Section 165(i) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street The SPEAKER pro tempore (during achieve the American Dream. In his the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- Reform and Consumer Protection Act (12 U.S.C. 5365(i)) is amended— legislation, he will bring clarity and ing. (1) in paragraph (1)— reasonableness to the stress test re- b 1415 (A) in subparagraph (B)(i)— gime. (i) by striking ‘‘3 different’’ and inserting ‘‘2 Currently, as we know, banks face So the resolution was agreed to. different’’; and two separate, legally mandated stress The result of the vote was announced (ii) by striking ‘‘, adverse,’’; and tests: the CCAR and the DFAST. To- as above recorded. (B) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(C) CCAR REQUIREMENTS.— gether, these two programs constitute A motion to reconsider was laid on ‘‘(i) LIMITATION ON QUALITATIVE CAPITAL one of the greatest expansions of the the table. PLANNING OBJECTIONS.—In carrying out CCAR, Federal Reserve’s supervisory powers f the Board of Governors may not object to a com- in recent history. But what is impor- pany’s capital plan on the basis of qualitative THE JOURNAL deficiencies in the company’s capital planning tant to note, Mr. Speaker, is that, in addition to these mandated stress The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- process. ‘‘(ii) CCAR DEFINED.—For purposes of this tests, banks conduct stress tests every finished business is the question on subparagraph and subparagraph (E), the term single week on one asset class or an- agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of ‘CCAR’ means the Comprehensive Capital Anal- other. the Journal, which the Chair will put ysis and Review established by the Board of It is important to know how banks de novo. Governors.’’; and can withstand tough, stormy financial (2) in paragraph (2)— The question is on the Speaker’s ap- weather, but this was taking place proval of the Journal. (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘semi- annual’’ and inserting ‘‘annual’’; and even prior to either DFAST or CCAR. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- (B) in subparagraph (C)(ii), by striking ‘‘3 dif- What has happened now, Mr. Speaker, nal stands approved. ferent sets of conditions, including baseline, ad- is these particular tests are incredibly f verse,’’ and inserting ‘‘2 different sets of condi- onerous to the point where the reports tions, including baseline’’. ELECTING A MEMBER TO A CER- are not just measured in pages, they SEC. 3. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. are measured in pounds, and it is TAIN STANDING COMMITTEE OF The amendments made by this Act may not be THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTA- construed to prohibit an appropriate Federal doubtful that anyone actually reads TIVES banking agency (as defined in section 3 of the them. Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813)) Then, to compound the challenge, Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, by di- from— Mr. Speaker, the Federal Reserve’s rection of the Democratic Caucus, I (1) ensuring the safety and soundness of an stress tests have become kind of a cat- offer a privileged resolution and ask entity regulated by such an appropriate Federal and-mouse exercise in which the Fed for its immediate consideration. banking agency; and staff and compliance officers attempt The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- (2) ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and supervisory policies, and the to outwit each other in a game that lows: following of appropriate guidance, by an entity has no rules and no transparency. In H. RES. 816 regulated by such an appropriate Federal bank- other words, it is a secret test. Nobody Resolved, That the following named Mem- ing agency. really knows what is on it. It is dif- ber be and is hereby elected to the following SEC. 4. REDUCTION OF SURPLUS FUNDS OF FED- ficult for Congress, it is difficult for standing committee of the House of Rep- ERAL RESERVE BANKS. our markets, and it is difficult for the resentatives: (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 7(a)(3)(A) of the public to even assess whether or not Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 289(a)(3)(A)) is (1) COMMITTEE ON RULES.—Mrs. Torres. these tests are effective. The resolution was agreed to. amended by striking ‘‘$7,500,000,000’’ and insert- ing ‘‘$7,480,000,000’’. Mr. Speaker, it is very important to A motion to reconsider was laid on (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Subsection (a) shall note, if you don’t know what is on the the table. take effect on June 1, 2018. test, how can you adhere to the rule of f The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill, law if you don’t know what the law is? as amended, shall be debatable for 1 And so something really needs to STRESS TEST IMPROVEMENT ACT hour equally divided and controlled by change here. OF 2017 the chair and ranking minority mem- Now, it is fortunate that yesterday Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, pur- ber of the Committee on Financial the Federal Reserve finally took action suant to House Resolution 780, I call up Services. to begin to simplify and refine the the bill (H.R. 4293) to reform the Com- The gentleman from Texas (Mr. HEN- CCAR stress testing regime. Recog- prehensive Capital Analysis and Re- SARLING), and the gentlewoman from nizing the opacity of the stress test re- view process, the Dodd-Frank Act California (Ms. MAXINE WATERS) each gime, Federal Reserve Vice Chairman Stress Test process, and for other pur- will control 30 minutes. for Supervision Randy Quarles said in a poses, and ask for its immediate con- The chair recognizes the gentleman statement: ‘‘Our regulatory measures sideration in the House. from Texas. are most effective when they are as The Clerk read the title of the bill. GENERAL LEAVE simple and transparent as possible.’’ I The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I couldn’t agree more, as does the gen- KATKO). Pursuant to House Resolution ask unanimous consent that all Mem- tleman from New York as well.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:12 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A11AP7.008 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3113 Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, this par- Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. buffer to nearly $2 trillion today. That ticular proposal is somewhat modest in Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time is $750 billion in more high-quality its attempt to simplify the process. It as I may consume. funding that banks can safely lend and does follow the results of a review un- Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose H.R. invest, which helps explain why busi- dertaken by former Fed Chair Yellen, 4293, the Stress Test Improvement Act, ness lending has also increased almost which found a need to reduce the bur- which is designed to line Wall Street’s 80 percent the last 8 years. den resulting from stress testing re- pockets by weakening a critical tool to But H.R. 4293, this bill, would under- quirements. Almost everybody agrees prevent a future financial crisis. mine all of that and proposes three with that, especially on our smaller fi- Bank stress tests are a forward-look- changes that megabanks like Wells nancial institutions. So that is one ing tool where a hypothetical scenario Fargo would love to see. First, the bill more reason why this is needed. or two are tested, such as, how would a would eliminate the adverse scenario I am glad the Federal Reserve recog- megabank fare if a major recession oc- from Fed-run stress tests. But like in nizes the need to reform the stress test curred next year with unemployment car crash tests today, multiple sce- regime because, again, it contributes and foreclosures going way up? These narios can help ensure an institution to a climate of legal and regulatory un- tests, incredibly, are very helpful to can survive a wider range of unforeseen certainty when the rule of law is so see if banks might need to maintain events. critical to the foundation of our soci- more capital to help buffer against Second, the bill would bar the Fed ety and it is so critical to economic such a scenario. from making qualitative objections to a bank’s capital plan. Even the Federal growth. b 1430 But in light of the Fed’s announce- Reserve led by President Trump’s ap- ment yesterday, it is also important to These are similar to crash tests for pointees issued a lengthy proposal yes- point out what the Fed did can easily cars where a manufacturer runs their terday altering some of the stress test- be undone next week, next month, or cars through crash test simulations to ing rules, and their proposal maintains their ability to make qualitative objec- next year. That is why it is critical see if passengers will remain safe in tions. So there is no basis for Congress that Congress has to make improve- various kinds of crashes. Such testing to unilaterally make it harder for regu- ments in the stress testing regime per- provides valuable insights regarding lators to ensure megabanks are well manent, especially for the CCAR proc- what design adjustments might be run and capitalized. ess, which is not—I repeat, not—a cre- needed to ensure the car is as safe as possible. Third, the bill would allow Wall ation of statute. Street megabanks to conduct fewer The gentleman from New York (Mr. So let us take a look at how this safeguard developed. When President company-run stress tests—annually in- ZELDIN) has come up again with just stead of semiannually. But given how the right bill, H.R. 4293, and it will help Obama took office, his administration inherited an economy in free fall with quickly tides can shift, routine, semi- provide a commonsense, and, oh, by the annual testing can better identify way, bipartisan reform that will inject about 800,000 jobs lost that very month. Many wondered how many more finan- problems before they grow into larger badly needed accountability, trans- problems. parency, and targeted relief to reduce cial firms might fail. So Treasury Sec- retary Geithner worked with the Fed- As a former Federal Reserve official legal and regulatory uncertainty for fi- wrote last year: ‘‘Had stress tests as nancial institutions. eral Reserve, and together they de- signed the Supervisory Capital Assess- conducted now been in place before the Why is this important, Mr. Speaker? crisis, they could have made firms At the end of the day, it is not really ment Program. These stress tests checked how resil- more resilient to unexpected losses, the banks that are the subject of these ient the largest banks were if, in fact, and at a minimum could have given su- regulations. At the end of the day, it is the economy continued to deteriorate. pervisors the ability to question banks’ their customers. And what this com- Results were published, and we learned continued dividend and share buybacks mittee and what this House has to do is that 10 of the 19 participating firms in the quarters leading to the height of ensure that there is affordable and were collectively about $75 billion the crisis.’’ available credit to help fund people’s Accordingly, I strongly urge Mem- short of the required capital ratios. American Dreams. bers to reject this rollback for Wall These tests provided criminal trans- I heard from a gentleman by the Street megabanks. parency to the market, thereby ena- name of John in my district from Mes- Let me just add by saying: Why bling the banks to begin recapitalizing quite, Texas. He said: would we do this? themselves with new funds from inves- Why would we, knowing what we Credit helped me obtain my first home, tors who themselves had renewed con- and 13 years later, I am still in it. It has went through in 2008 where we had this helped us grow from one child, when we fidence in the banking industry. subprime meltdown, we went into a re- moved in, to four. We ran into some bad Following this success, Congress de- cession—almost a depression—and we times, but I was able to withstand it all with cided to mandate these stress tests to discovered that the banks were under- the help of the available credit lines that I be regularly required of the Nation’s capitalized and they could not deal had at the time. Without the credit, it would largest banks in Dodd-Frank. This with this kind of change in the econ- have been nearly impossible to still be where would ensure banks and their regu- omy, they could not deal with the fact me and my family are today. lators remained vigilant, especially that something had gone wrong and be That is why it is so important, Mr. when times were good, so that they prepared to deal with it rather than us Speaker. People need credit to pay could spot problems much earlier and having to bail them out in the way their bills, to buy their homes, to pay take corrective action. that we did? for their car repairs; and all of these The Federal Reserve implemented I don’t know why we would do this regulations, the regulatory onslaught these Dodd-Frank stress tests along- now. So I would simply ask Members to that has been taking place for almost a side their Comprehensive Capital Anal- ask the question: Why is it we would decade, makes that credit less avail- ysis and Review, known as CCAR, take away something that would make able and more expensive. It shrinks the which added a capital planning compo- the banks safer, that would make them American Dream, and we can’t allow nent to the tests. more stable, and that would make that to happen on our watch, Mr. According to credit rating agencies them able to be able to sustain despite Speaker. and financial analysts, these stress the fact there was a crisis developing That is why it is so important that tests, along with Dodd-Frank’s other in the economy? we bring some rationality to the stress enhanced prudential requirements of Why would we want to take away test so that, hopefully, people like the largest banks, have made our fi- this safety that we have built with John in Mesquite can continue to get nancial system much safer. stress testing? that line of credit. Mr. Speaker, that is Now, let me give you some numbers. So, with that, Mr. Speaker, I would why it is so important that we all vote Since 2009, the 34 largest banks have ask the Members to reject this roll- for H.R. 4293 today. increased their capital by $750 billion, back for Wall Street megabanks, and I I reserve the balance of my time. bringing the industry’s total capital reserve the balance of my time.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:25 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.031 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE H3114 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 11, 2018 Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I sumers and inserted more, not less, un- regulators to err on the side of being yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from certainty into the financial system. overly cautious so they aren’t blamed New York (Mr. ZELDIN), who is a hard- By eliminating the midcycle review when something goes wrong. working member of the House Finan- and shifting from biannual to annual Unfortunately, this has led to a situ- cial Services Committee and the bill’s stress testing requirements, we are ation in which regulators are evalu- sponsor. lessening the compliance tax that has ating stress tests based on subjective Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank raised the cost of lending and hurt con- and unclear standards. The stress tests the chairman for all of his great leader- sumers who have lost access to the are opaque; it is like asking banks to ship and mentorship throughout this small business loans or mortgages that kick a field goal when they don’t even process to get this bill to the floor help finance their American Dream. know where the goal posts are. What is today. Without needed reform, rather than more, the regulators keep ratcheting Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support ensuring financial stability, the Fed- up the standards. of H.R. 4293, the Stress Test Improve- eral Reserve’s stress tests are likely For the stress tests to achieve their ment Act. It is critical bipartisan legis- missing real risks while constraining goal, however—the goal of keeping the lation that injects transparency, con- the competitive flow of financial serv- financial system safe and sound—they sistency, and fairness into the stress ices that is critical to increasing eco- need to be transparent and they need testing process. nomic opportunity. to be fair. I especially want to thank my bipar- While a valuable resource, stress test H.R. 4293, a bill with bipartisan sup- tisan supporter and partner on this im- results may be creating a false sense of port, would approve the stress testing portant bill, Congressman DAVID SCOTT security, while at the same time sow- process for bank holding companies by of Georgia. ing the seeds of financial instability. In repealing the ability of regulators to Stress tests are one of the aspects of order to succeed, a stress test must reject a financial institution’s stress current law that are contributing to build from an accurate forecast of the test based on subjective and opaque the climate of legal and regulatory un- next macroeconomic storm, and even standards. certainty because the Federal Reserve the best forecasts tend to be wrong. Another important improvement to has failed to provide the necessary The Stress Test Improvement Act the process would be the elimination of transparency around this process. will make stress testing more effective the overly burdensome midcycle review A stress test is a financial analysis by making the rules more transparent by shifting from biannual to annual performed internally by a financial in- and fair. We are not gutting standards stress testing requirements. stitution or done externally by a regu- but making them work for the real These reforms would make it easier lator to assess if a bank can withstand world. This bill is a bipartisan team ef- for Congress, the markets, and the pub- stressful economic conditions. Stress fort to accomplish these goals. lic to assess both the integrity of the tests, when done correctly, are an im- Without transparency about what the findings of the stress tests and the ef- portant way for banks and regulators stress testing rules are, there is no way fectiveness of the Fed’s regulatory to understand the ability of financial to ensure the government plays by the oversight. institutions to survive a contracting rules. By subjecting financial institu- Some critics, nonetheless, have economy or weather a major economic tions to a questionable regime that claimed that this bill would weaken storm like a recession. lacks accountability and transparency, Dodd-Frank. On the contrary, H.R. 4293 Ensuring that these tests are done regulators are failing to achieve the would improve the flawed standards of right, with fairness and objectivity, is important goals that they are tasked Dodd-Frank and strengthen the stress essential for protecting depositors and with: ensuring safety and soundness. testing process to ensure that it pro- the overall financial system. That is With the critical reforms in this leg- duces the results we seek: a safer and why passing the reforms in this bill islation, we are upholding sensible more stable financial system. should be a priority on both sides of standards for financial institutions, Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague the aisle. while clarifying the requirements for from New York, LEE ZELDIN, and Con- Working together on a bipartisan and the frequency of stress tests. gressman DAVID SCOTT for supporting basis, Mr. SCOTT offered an amendment To the hardworking men and women this bill, and I urge my colleagues to to this bill that was accepted unani- in my district and nationwide, it is support this bill. mously by the members of the Finan- common sense that banks ought to Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. cial Services Committee, including the know the standards and tests their reg- Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time ranking member, and this bill cleared a ulators are subjecting them to. By in- as I may consume. committee markup with a bipartisan jecting some transparency and consist- Mr. Speaker, again, I raise the ques- vote of 38–21. ency into the stress testing regime, we tion of why are we considering a bill By focusing the bill on three core re- are taking needed capital off the side- that would reduce the amount of scru- forms, we are improving this important lines so it can be invested in the pri- tiny that we have with this stress test- process to protect soundness in the vate economy to create jobs and ing from the biggest banks in America, banking system, while also reforming wealth. when, in fact, we know that this stress the negative unintended consequences I want to thank Chairmen HEN- testing was created because of the and damaging overreach of Dodd- SARLING and LUETKEMEYER for their problems that we were faced with in Frank. leadership on this important issue. I 2008? By striking the adverse scenario re- also want to thank my Democratic We learned an awful lot about what quirement from stress testing, these partner on this important bill, DAVID we should not do and what we should important tests can actually focus on SCOTT. change in order never to be in the posi- real-world conditions to protect finan- Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this tion again where we have to bail out cial institutions and the customers bill. all of these big banks. they serve from threats to the stability Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. of the financial system. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of b 1445 By repealing the ability of the Fed- my time. We are simply saying: Banks, you eral Reserve to reject a company’s cap- Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I have to be tested. You have to have a ital plan based solely on a qualitative yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman stress test to see if you can withstand stress test, we are making the process from Utah (Mrs. LOVE). the difficulty that will be presented if, more transparent and fair. Mrs. LOVE. Mr. Speaker, when it in fact, the economy gets in trouble. It This legislation ends the ability of comes to bank regulation, the job of is as simple as that. regulators to arbitrarily reject a finan- the regulator is to balance the need for Do you have enough capital? Are you cial institution’s capital plan without economic growth with the safety and organized in such a way that you won’t feedback or constructive criticism. soundness of the financial system. go under, that you won’t create a prob- These secretive rejections by regu- With fresh memories of the most re- lem in our economy because of the size lators have done little to protect con- cent financial crisis, it is natural for of your bank if you get in trouble?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:25 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.033 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3115 So I would simply ask our Members prohibit the Federal Reserve from ob- cative, and it doesn’t materially ben- to reject this bill because this bill is jecting to a capital plan on the basis of efit the patient in terms of better not needed. It is simply a way by which qualitative reasons; such as, the rea- health outcomes. to comply with the megabanks’ request sonableness of the assumptions and The analogy applies to banks. Stress to not have to do the work that is nec- analysis underlying the plan. The bill testing is good, but overkill is costly, essary to prove that they are safe. And would also cut the frequency of CCAR and it costs the financial system and I don’t know why we would do that. tests in half, taking away tools and re- doesn’t materially add to financial sta- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of ducing the amount of information bility. Certainly there is merit to my time. available to the Federal Reserve about stress testing, but there is no doubt Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I bank health and is a fundamentally that the cloud of secrecy surrounding yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman bad idea. these tests confounds the ability of fi- from New York (Ms. TENNEY), another Really, it is basically what we have nancial firms to correctly identify sys- hardworking member of the House Fi- been saying. We have been saying that temic risks, to take corrective action, nancial Services Committee. this would reduce the stress tests from to chart a more sustainable or profit- Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in semiannually to an annual test. able path for the future. As a result, fi- support of H.R. 4293, the Stress Test Why would you want to have less nancial firms, many of them banks, are Improvement Act, bipartisan legisla- scrutiny of these banks? Why would left trying to anticipate these Fed tion by my great colleague, the gen- you want to reduce the amount of time models, wasting valuable time and re- tleman from New York (Mr. ZELDIN). that they would have relative to being sources that could be used to actually We keep hearing about megabanks, able to prove that they are safe? address risks that threaten our econ- but all banks affect industries, small Also, I think it is very important omy. businesses, and large businesses. So what is being said here about the Fed So this environment of regulatory every time we adjust the marketplace and the Fed’s ability to basically re- uncertainty actually, I would argue, and we make more regulations, you view, on the basis of qualitative rea- undermines financial stability because also impact small businesses as well, sons, such as reasonableness and of as- it distracts from the mission of the in- and our ability to survive. As the sumptions and analyses underlying the stitution, and it certainly is costly in owner of a small business, this affects plan. terms of driving up costs and taking me as well. So they are looking to see if these away access to capital for productive But stress testing is an important banks are well capitalized, if these activities that actually strengthen the tool that can encourage the safety and banks can withstand, again, problems economy. For these reasons, I am a soundness of an individual depository in our economy that would arise that proud supporter of this bill, which is a institution and the overall health of could create unemployment and all great first step to clean up some of the the banking system, including all kinds of other adverse conditions. regulatory uncertainties surrounding banks, across all sizes and sectors. So I would ask the Members to op- these tests. However, the Federal Reserve has im- pose this bill. This is just another de- The bill does a few things. First, it plemented its stress testing in a man- regulation bill for the biggest banks in reduces the frequency of the required ner that imposes unnecessary burdens America. We should not be doing that company-run stress tests to once per without providing proportionate bene- because these are the banks that, if year. One is enough to identify risks, fits. This is especially true for smaller they are undercapitalized, if they don’t instead of two. Second, it eliminates institutions for which the cost of this have what is needed to withstand prob- one of the supervisory scenarios that exercise is disproportionately burden- lems in our society that could arise in must be run, leaving just two, again some. It can also affect larger banks. the economy, it could cause us to go eliminating redundancy and super- H.R. 4293 would fix the tests so they into another recession, even a depres- fluous, costly activities. Finally, it can properly show smarter ways to sion perhaps. prohibits the Federal Reserve from ob- strengthen a financial institution’s Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of jecting to a bank holding company’s planning. This legislation improves the my time. capital plan based on unknown quali- Federal Reserve’s stress testing proc- Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I tative reasons. esses mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from These institutions need to know by requiring a select group of banks, or Kentucky (Mr. BARR), the chairman of what the Fed is looking for in order to bank holding companies, to conduct in- our Financial Services Subcommittee satisfy the stress testing that is ap- ternal, company-run stress tests once a on Monetary Policy and Trade. plied to them. Again, I applaud Con- year rather than semiannually. Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gressman ZELDIN and Chairman HEN- I want to thank Mr. ZELDIN again for chairman for the recognition and the SARLING for their hard work on this sponsoring this, as always, a bipartisan author of this legislation, Mr. ZELDIN, commonsense regulatory improvement piece of legislation. And it is impor- for his leadership on the Stress Test bill. It is not deregulation. It is better tant to note that, if we are going to re- Improvement Act, which I strongly regulation. It is more effective regula- duce regulations and burdensome fees support. tion to not only unleash greater cap- and procedures on companies, it has to Mr. Speaker, the Federal Reserve ad- ital under the economy but actually be across all sectors, not just one. And ministers two stress tests that they be- enhance financial stability. I think this legislation shows that and lieve analyze the ability of U.S. firms For those reasons, Mr. Speaker, on shows the sponsor’s willingness to do to weather various forms of economic behalf of the American economy and that. turbulence. While the Fed failed to for financial stability, I urge my col- Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman, sound the alarm prior to the last finan- leagues to vote for the Stress Test Im- and I urge all my colleagues on both cial crisis, the thought is that, with provement Act. sides of the aisle to support this legis- these tests, one of which was instituted Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. lation. by the Dodd-Frank financial control Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. law in the aftermath of the financial as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time crisis, the Fed can prevent or at least Mr. Speaker, I don’t know what this as I may consume. mitigate the severity of the next crisis. overkill argument is all about. This is Mr. Speaker, I would like to share I believe that stress tests can be very about deregulation. The banks, these with Members a Communications productive and useful, but there is such megabanks, don’t need any more de- Workers of America letter to us on a thing as overkill. When a relatively regulation or help from Congress. In H.R. 4293. healthy patient goes to the doctor, the 2016, the industry made record-break- And they state: H.R. 4293 would un- doctor typically doesn’t say: And you ing profits, more than $170 billion in dermine the effectiveness of the Fed- need to go to another doctor, and you profits. The Republicans gave the eight eral Reserve’s Comprehensive Capital need to come see me again every largest Wall Street banks a $15 billion Analysis and Review—that is, CCAR— month. That is really not required. It windfall from their tax scam bill. And stress test. Specifically, the bill would adds costs, it is redundant, it is dupli- CEOs are making more money on Wall

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:25 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.036 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE H3116 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 11, 2018 Street, as much as they made in 2006, every bank in America every day. being given by these former Fed before they drove our economy into a Many, many banks, particularly the Chairs. I mean, they are saying do not massive ditch. larger banks, may do up to 200 stress be tricked, do not be fooled, that this is Megabanks need reasonable but tests a week. a deceptive bill, and that stress testing strong stress tests to keep our econ- What the gentleman from New York must continue in order to ensure the omy safe. And I want to tell you, after is trying to do is add some level of clar- stability of our banks in the event the Dodd-Frank reforms were put in ity, sanity, and reasonableness to the economy goes awry. place—and the stress test was one of federally instituted CCAR process, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of the things that had to be done—the something that can take literally 40,000 my time. banks resisted it, but finally they came pages—40,000 pages—can take tens of Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I into compliance. And it took them sev- millions, if not over $100 million, to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from eral years, and then they did it the way produce that could have been used to Georgia (Mr. DAVID SCOTT), the Demo- that Dodd-Frank would have them do loan to our constituents to buy their cratic cosponsor of this legislation and it. So there are no problems. home, to repair their car, to put gro- a proud member of the Financial Serv- These stress tests now are stress ceries on the table, to pay for their ices Committee. tests that reveal exactly what is going healthcare premiums. Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. on in the bank. And so why are we try- b 1500 Speaker, I thank Chairman HEN- ing to undo this? Why do you want to SARLING and my distinguished ranking And some say, well, these tests have see them once a year instead of twice a member, who has some very serious to be conducted semiannually. Why year? Twice a year has proven that we concerns. can keep them straight, that we can semiannually? What is wrong with an- nually? What is sacrosanct about semi- I want to take a moment to explain make sure that they are well capital- that the bill is basically my bipartisan ized, that we can make sure they have annually? And, oh, by the way, why are we testing for both worst-case scenario amendment that Mr. ZELDIN and I a good financial plan. worked on that passed in committee, So I would simply say, let’s not get and some mid- scenario? Okay. Either you are going to sur- and I think it is very important for me involved in more deregulation and take to work through this to explain how it us back to where we were when we got vive the 100-year flood or you are not. If you can survive the 100-year flood, will not affect as my ranking member in trouble in 2008. I would ask the has stated. However, I want to make Members to vote ‘‘no’’ on this bill. surely you can survive the 50-year flood. So why do we need that other sure that people know we have got Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of things in here to address. my time. test? It keeps intact the essence of what Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I mean, what we hear from our we were trying to accomplish with may I inquire how much time I have friends on the other side of aisle: Oh, stress tests in Dodd-Frank. Now, my remaining. my God, we can’t question the Federal The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. regulators. I mean, they come from amendment essentially rewrote this bill, as I said, so that we are left with PALAZZO). The gentleman from Texas Mount Olympus. They have this great just three simple things, tweaks that has 111⁄2 minutes remaining. wisdom that we can never challenge Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I them. we are making. yield myself such time as I may con- Well, the truth is we are Article I of The first one is, in today’s CCAR sume. the Constitution, and we are the ones test, banks are now required to run Mr. Speaker, I listened very carefully who make the law, and that is why we stress tests that have, one, a baseline, to the distinguished ranking member, have hearings, and we listen very close- adverse, and severely adverse scenario. who observed that our banks have ly. We listen closely to our regulators; My amendment simply removes the ad- more capital today. And this is a good we listen closely to our constituents; verse requirement. thing. To the extent that Dodd-Frank we listen closely to market partici- And why is that? Because, in talking had anything to do with it, I would say pants; and then we make judgments. about how we can stimulate more congratulations to the Dodd-Frank We make judgments. growth for our banks while at the same Act. But I also noticed that, for many So, yes, there is a balance. There is a time maintaining the proper stress of us, many of our banks are still balance between economic opportunity test, we heard that the adverse sce- undercapitalized. and financial stability. We want there nario rarely proved or shed any light And the ranking member had every to be strong financial stability, but we on the health of the bank that isn’t al- opportunity to vote for the Financial also want there to be strong, strong ready shown when testing a bank for a CHOICE Act that would require 10 per- economic opportunity for all of our severely adverse scenario. So we didn’t cent, far more capital than these banks constituents. need the other one if one is doing it, that she is concerned about failing Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of and so we eliminated that. have today, but she rejected that. my time. Secondly, my amendment eliminated She often uses the phrase ‘‘Wall Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. the Fed’s ability to reject a capital Street megabanks,’’ but it is her side of Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time plan solely on what we refer to as the the aisle that supports a taxpayer bail- as I may consume. qualitative portion of the test. Now, out fund for what she calls the Wall Mr. Speaker, I would like to share Mr. Speaker, we did this because stress Street megabanks. That comes from with Members the opinions of former tests are tests of both the bank’s our friends on that side of the aisle, Chair Janet Yellen, who has stated books, which is the quantitative side, Mr. Speaker; not on this side. She says that stress testing improves public un- and a test of the bank’s internal con- we have to bail out these banks. derstanding of risk at large banking trols, which is the qualitative side. So No, we don’t have to. We don’t have firms, provides a forward-looking ex- rejecting a capital plan solely on the to. We should support bankruptcy over amination of firms’ potential losses, qualitative portion of the test gen- bailout. And we should support high and has contributed to significant im- erates a lot of uncertainty within our levels of capital over incredibly intru- provement in risk management. banking system for banks, and it is sive Federal control, Federal control Former Chair Ben Bernanke has something that the Federal regulators that ultimately gets resolved into less praised stress testing for playing a cru- already, earlier last year, stopped re- credit and more expensive credit for cial role in the recovery of the econ- quiring the banks under $250 million many of our constituents. omy and creating a more resilient from having to do. So we simply re- Again, Mr. Speaker, I would add, postcrisis U.S. banking system. moved that. banks have stress-tested themselves The deceptively named Stress Test And then, lastly, my amendment long before the appearance of Dodd- Improvement Act—that is, this bill— eliminated the midyear tests that Frank. Long before the appearance of severely weakens this key element of banks are required to do internally. Dodd-Frank. In fact, stress tests are bank oversight and must be rejected. Why did we do that? Because right taking place on some group of assets at We cannot ignore the analyses that are now, if you are a bank above a certain

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:25 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.037 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3117 asset size, you are required to do inter- that: ‘‘. . . failing to meet standards swer that question because this is sim- nal tests. My amendment just changes that are never stated.’’ It is sort of a ply a deregulatory bill for the biggest this so that the tests are done. Kafkaesque creature of our bureauc- banks in America, for the megabanks, The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. racy. not needed, and certainly we need the DUNCAN of Tennessee). The time of the Zeldin’s bill improves the stress test- information. We never want to go gentleman has expired. ing process by requiring the Federal through a period of time like we did in Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I Reserve to follow regular notice-and- 2008 where we discovered that our yield an additional 30 seconds to the comment practices and issue clear reg- banks were not well capitalized and gentleman. ulations on economic conditions and could not withstand the problems that Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. methodologies and to assess the effec- we encountered. Speaker, I want to urge my colleagues tiveness of the Fed’s models. It also al- I simply ask all Members to oppose who are looking at this that I very leviates the compliance burden on this bill, and I yield back the balance carefully listened to my ranking mem- firms by spacing out CCARs and of my time. ber, and I have made sure, when we DFASTs. These are targeted, reason- Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, worked it in the process, that we ad- able reforms that can greatly improve may I ask how much time I have left. hered to that. No phase of this stress the process. This will enhance, not The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- test is eliminated. hurt, financial stability and leave us tleman from Texas has 2 minutes re- And the thing I want to add, over in with a healthier more vibrant econ- maining. the Senate, in the reg bill, S. 2155, two omy. Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I of the three parts of this bill and my Again, I urge my colleagues to sup- yield myself the balance of my time. amendment are already captured in S. port the Stress Test Improvement Act. Well, the ranking member poses the 2155, which received 67 bipartisan Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. question, ‘‘Why?’’ I can tell you why, votes. Mr. Speaker, may I ask how much time Mr. Speaker. It is because Therese So it is with gracious affection to my I have left. from Waco has written: ranking member, because oftentimes The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- I would like to express my disappointment we have to work together, and respect tlewoman has 151⁄2 minutes remaining. at being rejected for a home loan, which to my chairman that I urge all our Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. would cost less than the house I presently Members, both Democrats and Repub- Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance have been renting for 5 years. As a small- licans, to support this very important of my time. business owner, I run my design studio out of Mr. Speaker, my colleagues on the my home office and take every tax break and worthwhile legislation. that is legal to offset the taxes payable if I Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. other side of the aisle continue to focus didn’t. on pushing through giveaways to Wall Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of We do it for Sherry from Eustace, Street and megabanks like Wells Fargo my time. who writes: Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I that could be harmful to consumers, yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from investors, and our Nation’s economy. After a divorce 4 years ago, I needed to buy a car because my car was over 10 years old. Pennsylvania (Mr. ROTHFUS), who Week after week, Republicans advance I have a checking account in my name, I served as our vice chairman of the Fi- legislation that is basically reckless have a savings account, but they did not nancial Services Subcommittee on Fi- and misguided. H.R. 4293 is yet another loan me money. nancial Institutions and Consumer bad bill from the Republicans that There is an onslaught of financial Credit. weakens critical protections put in regulations that is costly, intrusive, Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, I thank place by Democrats to prevent another burdensome, and is causing credit to be the chairman for yielding. financial crisis. less available—less available—to the I rise to express my support for H.R. As we have discussed, the bill under- people who need it. That is why we do 4293, the Stress Test Improvement Act. mines the stress test framework for this, Mr. Speaker, week after week I also want to commend my colleague our Nation’s largest banks. Stress tests after week. We do it to make sure that Representative ZELDIN for his work on are an important regulatory tool that our constituents can buy homes, that this important issue. have much improved the safety of our they can have cars. If they have tough Those of us who travel our districts financial system. times, if they lose a job, if they go to speak with the men and women who Mr. Speaker, when we crafted Dodd- through a painful divorce, that is why work at financial institutions are well Frank, we mandated these stress tests we do it, Mr. Speaker. aware of the high costs and lack of and put in place other enhanced pru- clarity in the stress test process. Com- dential guardrails for large banks to b 1515 panies are being forced to dedicate sub- not only prevent damage to our econ- Again, stress-tests are important. stantial resources and immense omy, but also help grow our economy, That is why banks do it themselves amounts of time to go through the and they are working. H.R. 4293 weak- every single week. Comprehensive Capital Analysis and ens the rigor and frequency of these But the question is: How do we cali- Review, or CCAR, and the Dodd-Frank stress tests, a move that simply makes brate this? Act Stress Tests, DFAST. no sense. We have used the ranking member’s I have spoken to compliance staff Rather than harmful measures such prescription, and that of my friends on who reported submissions in the tens of as this one, Congress should be work- the other side of the aisle, and it thousands of pages. For each dollar or ing to strengthen consumer protec- brought us 1.6 percent economic staffer put towards CCAR or DFAST, tions, reform our broken system of growth. Thankfully, today, with a new there are fewer resources being dedi- credit reporting, provide tailored, re- Congress and with a new President, we cated to innovation or helping cus- sponsible relief for community banks, have 3 percent economic growth, and tomers. and ensure that recidivist megabanks all types of opportunities are coming. Of course, we all believe that stress are held accountable for breaking the We should not listen and go back to tests can and should be useful experi- law. those days. It is time to go forward to ences. Some of the information turned I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on this bill, and I a better America with greater oppor- up in stress tests could be helpful, but urge Members again to simply ask the tunity for all Americans. That means we are desperately in need to enact question: Why, at this point in time, we have to reform the stress test to en- meaningful reform to provide better would we want to basically reduce the sure that not only do we have financial transparency, clarity, and reduce ability for us to know exactly what is stability, but we have financial oppor- undue burden. going on in those banks, whether or tunity as well. That is the work of the Columbia University Professor not they are fully capitalized, whether gentleman from New York. Charles Calomiris described the process or not they could withstand a serious Mr. Speaker, I urge everyone to sup- as one in which ‘‘regulators punish problem in our economy? port H.R. 4293, the Stress Test Improve- banks for failing to meet standards I don’t think that the opposite side of ment Act of 2017, and I yield back the that are never stated.’’ Let me repeat the aisle, my friends, could really an- balance of my time.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:25 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.038 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE H3118 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 11, 2018 The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time bank holding company for purposes of this Wall Street megabanks to line their for debate has expired. Act. pockets while reducing safeguards that Pursuant to House Resolution 780, ‘‘(iii) PATTERN OR PRACTICE OF UNSAFE OR better protect the Main Street econ- the previous question is ordered on the UNSOUND BANKING PRACTICES AND OTHER VIO- omy from another financial crisis. LATIONS RELATED TO CONSUMER HARM.—The While I deeply disagree with the bill’s bill, as amended. term ‘pattern or practice of unsafe or un- The question is on the engrossment sound banking practices and other violations approach, I offer this motion to recom- and third reading of the bill. related to consumer harm’ means engaging mit, not in a manner that sends the The bill was ordered to be engrossed in all of the following activities, to the ex- bill to the committee and kills the bill, and read a third time, and was read the tent each activity was discovered or oc- but rather to attempt to improve the third time. curred at least once in the 10 years preceding bill before the House votes on final pas- the date of the enactment of this Act: MOTION TO RECOMMIT sage of the measure. ‘‘(I) Having unsafe or unsound practices in We all know megabanks have been Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. the institution’s risk management and over- given a free ride in Washington for far Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recom- sight of the institution’s sales practices, as too long when it comes to repeated, mit at the desk. evidenced by— egregious offenses. They just get a The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the ‘‘(aa) an institution lacking an enterprise- fine—the equivalent of a slap on the gentlewoman opposed to the bill? wide sales practices oversight program that enables the institution to adequately mon- wrist—for harming consumers. Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. Since 2010, megabanks have racked In its current form, I am. itor sales practices to prevent and detect un- safe or unsound sales practices and mitigate up over $160 billion worth of fines, yet The SPEAKER pro tempore. The risks that may result from such unsafe and they keep breaking the law. Clerk will report the motion to recom- unsound sales practices; and We have talked about Wells Fargo’s mit. ‘‘(bb) an institution lacking a comprehen- growing list of illegal actions that have The Clerk read as follows: sive customer complaint monitoring process harmed millions of consumers. Sure Ms. Maxine Waters of California moves to that— they have been fined, but these fines, recommit the bill H.R. 4293 to the Com- ‘‘(AA) enables the institution to assess cus- even $1 billion in fines, are just the mittee on Financial Services with instruc- tomer complaint activity across the institu- tion; cost of doing business for a company tions to report the same back to the House that made over $22 billion in profit in forthwith with the following amendment: ‘‘(BB) adequately monitors, manages, and Page 2, line 7, strike ‘‘and’’. reports on customer complaints; and 2017. This soft enforcement approach is Page 2, line 14, strike the period and insert ‘‘(CC) analyzes and understands the poten- just increasing their operational risk ‘‘; and’’. tial risks posed by the institution’s sales and losses, which, at the end of the Page 2, after line 14, insert the following: practices. day, will impact not only all of their (3) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(II) Engaging in unsafe and unsound sales consumers, but the broader economy as ‘‘(3) TREATMENT OF CERTAIN GSIB BAD AC- practices, as evidenced by the institution— well. TORS.— ‘‘(aa) opening more than one million unau- I hope Republicans and Democrats thorized deposit, credit card, or other ac- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The following shall can all agree that any megabank that apply to any global systemically important counts; ‘‘(bb) performing unauthorized transfers of engages in a pattern or practice of un- bank holding company and any subsidiary safe or unsound banking practices and thereof, if such global systemically impor- customer funds; and tant bank holding company or any sub- ‘‘(cc) performing unauthorized credit in- other egregious violations that has re- sidiary thereof has engaged in a pattern or quiries for purposes of the conduct described sulted in profound consumer harm in practice of unsafe or unsound banking prac- in clause (i) or (ii). the last 10 years is not entitled to any tices and other violations related to con- ‘‘(III) Lacking adequate oversight of third- benefit of regulatory relief provided sumer harm: party vendors for purposes of risk-mitiga- under this bill, especially regulatory ‘‘(i) The Board of Governors shall provide tion, to prevent abusive and deceptive prac- relief that would eliminate the type of for an additional adverse set of condition tices in the vendor’s provision of consumer products or services. oversight that makes sure our econ- under paragraph (1)(B)(i) for the evaluation omy stays safe. So my amendment required by paragraph (1). ‘‘(IV) Having deficient policies and proce- ‘‘(ii) Subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) dures for sharing customers’ personal identi- would exclude a megabank like Wells shall not apply. fiable information with third-party vendors Fargo that has fraudulently opened ‘‘(iii) The stress tests required by para- for litigation purposes that led to inad- millions of accounts without their cus- graph (2)(A) shall be required semiannually. vertent disclosure of such information to un- tomers’ consent, enrolled consumers in ‘‘(iv) In issuing regulations under para- intended parties. life insurance policies without their graph (2)(C), each Federal primary financial ‘‘(V) Violating Federal consumer financial consent, and forced nearly 1 million regulatory agency shall establish methodolo- laws with respect to mortgage loans, includ- Americans to purchase auto insurance ing charges of hidden fees and unauthorized gies for the conduct of stress tests required they didn’t need. by paragraph (2) that shall provide for an ad- or improper disclosures tied to home mort- gage loan modifications. Since 2016, I have been calling for ditional adverse set of condition. Wells Fargo to face real penalties. I in- ‘‘(B) DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of this ‘‘(VI) Engaging in unsafe or unsound bank- paragraph: ing practices related to residential mortgage troduced H.R. 3937, the Megabank Ac- ‘‘(i) FEDERAL CONSUMER FINANCIAL LAW.— loan servicing and foreclosure processing. countability and Consequences Act, to The term ‘Federal consumer financial law’ ‘‘(VII) Violating the Servicemembers Civil compel the Federal bank regulators to has the meaning given that term under sec- Relief Act.’’. fully utilize existing authorities to tion 1002 of the Consumer Financial Protec- Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California stop megabanks from repeatedly flout- tion Act of 2010 (12 U.S.C. 5481). (during the reading). Mr. Speaker, I ing the law and harming millions of ‘‘(ii) GLOBAL SYSTEMICALLY IMPORTANT ask unanimous consent that the read- consumers. So I was glad to see Janet BANK HOLDING COMPANY.— ing be waived. Yellen, on her last day at the Fed, take ‘‘(I) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘global system- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there bold action to cap the bank’s size until ically important bank holding company’ means— objection to the request of the gentle- it cleans up its act. ‘‘(aa) a bank holding company that has woman from California? We must do more to send a strong been identified by the Board of Governors of There was no objection. message to all megabanks that there the Federal Reserve System as a global sys- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- will be real consequences for their bad temically important bank holding company ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from actions that mislead, abuse, or deceive pursuant to section 217.402 of title 12, Code of California is recognized for 5 minutes its customers. H.R. 4293, in its current Federal Regulations; and in support of her motion. form, would send the opposite message ‘‘(bb) a global systemically important for- Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. to recidivist megabanks and undermine eign banking organization, as defined under Mr. Speaker, this is the final amend- the hard work we have done since the section 252.2 of title 12, Code of Federal Reg- ment to the bill, which will not kill the 2007–2009 financial crisis. ulations. bill or send it back to committee. If Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to ‘‘(II) TREATMENT OF EXISTING GSIBS.—A company or organization described under adopted, the bill will immediately pro- adopt this motion to recommit so that clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (A) on the ceed to final passage, as amended. we do not reward a recidivist date of the enactment of this Act shall be Mr. Speaker, we have talked at megabank like Wells Fargo for re- deemed a global systemically important length about how H.R. 4293 is a bill for peated operational failures that ripped

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:25 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.041 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3119 off millions of consumers, and I yield The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- could pose a threat to the financial stability of back the balance of my time. ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- the United States; Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I ceedings on this question will be post- ‘‘(B) provide an opportunity for the nonbank financial company to meet with the Council to claim the time in opposition. poned. present the information described in subpara- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- f graph (A); and tleman from Texas is recognized for 5 ‘‘(C) if the Council does not rescind the deter- minutes. FINANCIAL STABILITY OVERSIGHT mination, provide notice to the nonbank finan- Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, as COUNCIL IMPROVEMENT ACT OF cial company, its primary financial regulatory the ranking member talks about the 2017 agency and the primary financial regulatory hundreds of millions of dollars of fines Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, pur- agency of any of the company’s significant sub- suant to House Resolution 780, I call up sidiaries of the reasons for the Council’s deci- that these banks have paid, who have sion, which notice shall address with specificity violated provisions of civil law, maybe the bill (H.R. 4061) to amend the Finan- how the Council assessed the material factors that means the system is working. cial Stability Act of 2010 to improve presented by the company under subparagraphs That is what ought to happen to the transparency of the Financial Sta- (A) and (B). wrongdoers. There ought to be fines. bility Oversight Council, to improve ‘‘(2) PERIODIC REEVALUATION.— No one can defend what happened at the SIFI designation process, and for ‘‘(A) REVIEW.—Every 5 years after the date of a final determination with respect to a nonbank Wells Fargo. I hope that the current other purposes, and ask for its imme- financial company under subsection (a) or (b), management team is cleaning up what diate consideration in the House. as applicable, the nonbank financial company has been a mess and what has harmed The Clerk read the title of the bill. may submit a written request to the Council for consumers for many, many years under The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- a reevaluation of such determination. Upon re- the previous team. ant to House Resolution 780, an amend- ceipt of such a request, the Council shall con- But I do know this: that Wells Fargo ment in the nature of a substitute con- duct a reevaluation of such determination and has been fined almost a half a billion sisting of the text of Rules Committee hold a vote on whether to rescind such deter- dollars already. Their former CEO had Print 115–64, modified by the amend- mination. ‘‘(B) PROCEDURES.—Upon receipt of a written $75 million clawed back in compensa- ment printed in part A of House Report request under paragraph (A), the Council shall tion. They lost $29 billion of market 115–600, is adopted, and the bill, as fix a time (not earlier than 30 days after the value—their investors—and investiga- amended, is considered read. date of receipt of the request) and place at tions are ongoing, as it well should be. The text of the bill, as amended, is as which such company may appear, personally or But I would point out that our pru- follows: through counsel, to— ‘‘(i) submit written materials (which may in- dential regulators continue to have full H.R. 4061 authority to enforce all of our con- clude a plan to modify the company’s business, Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- structure, or operations, which shall specify the sumer protection laws: the Alternative resentatives of the United States of America in length of the implementation period); and Mortgage Transaction Parity Act, the Congress assembled, ‘‘(ii) provide oral testimony and oral argument Consumer Leasing Act, the Electronic SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. before the members of the Council. Fund Transfer Act, the Equal Credit This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Financial Sta- ‘‘(C) TREATMENT OF PLAN.—If the company Opportunity Act, and the Fair Credit bility Oversight Council Improvement Act of submits a plan in accordance with subpara- Billing Act. When they find violations, 2017’’. graph (B)(i), the Council shall consider whether the plan, if implemented, would cause the com- people are fined, as they well should be. SEC. 2. SIFI DESIGNATION PROCESS. Section 113 of the Financial Stability Act of pany to no longer meet the standards for a final But what we are talking about, once determination under subsection (a) or (b), as ap- again, is trying to create economic op- 2010 (12 U.S.C. 5323) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2)— plicable. The Council shall provide the nonbank portunity for all those who need it, to (A) in subparagraph (J), by striking ‘‘and’’ at financial company an opportunity to revise the make credit more available and less ex- the end; plan after consultation with the Council. ‘‘(D) EXPLANATION FOR CERTAIN COMPANIES.— pensive for people who are trying to (B) by redesignating subparagraph (K) as sub- With respect to a reevaluation under this para- buy a home, repair a car, and put gro- paragraph (L); and graph where the determination being reevalu- ceries on the table. (C) by inserting after subparagraph (J) the ated was made before the date of enactment of following: What the gentleman from New York this paragraph, the nonbank financial company ‘‘(K) the appropriateness of the imposition of is saying, again, when it comes to a may require the Council, as part of such re- prudential standards as opposed to other forms federally imposed stress test, after evaluation, to explain with specificity the basis of regulation to mitigate the identified risks; for such determination. hours and hours of testimony, we be- and’’; lieve that maybe that test ought to be ‘‘(3) RESCISSION OF DETERMINATION.— (2) in subsection (b)(2)— ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—If the Council, by a vote of administered annually, instead of (A) in subparagraph (J), by striking ‘‘and’’ at not fewer than 2⁄3 of the voting members then semiannually. That would be a better the end; serving, including an affirmative vote by the balance. That is what is happening (B) by redesignating subparagraph (K) as sub- Chairperson, determines under this subsection from the gentleman from New York. paragraph (L); that a nonbank financial company no longer What the ranking member’s motion (C) by inserting after subparagraph (J) the meets the standards for a final determination to recommit would do is simply water following: under subsection (a) or (b), as applicable, the ‘‘(K) the appropriateness of the imposition of that down when all of our consumer Council shall rescind such determination. prudential standards as opposed to other forms ‘‘(B) APPROVAL OF COMPANY PLAN.—Approval protection laws remain fully in effect. of regulation to mitigate the identified risks; They are working. by the Council of a plan submitted or revised in and’’; and accordance with paragraph (2) shall require a Mr. Speaker, I urge rejection of the (3) by amending subsection (d) to read as fol- vote of not fewer than 2⁄3 of the voting members motion to recommit, I urge adoption of lows: then serving, including an affirmative vote by H.R. 4293, the Stress Test Improvement ‘‘(d) REEVALUATION AND RESCISSION.— the Chairperson. If such plan is approved by the Act, from Mr. ZELDIN from New York. ‘‘(1) ANNUAL REEVALUATION.—Not less fre- Council, the company shall implement the plan Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance quently than annually, the Council shall re- during the period identified in the plan, except of my time. evaluate each determination made under sub- that the Council, in its sole discretion and upon sections (a) and (b) with respect to a nonbank request from the company, may grant one or The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without financial company supervised by the Board of objection, the previous question is or- more extensions of the implementation period. Governors and shall— After the end of the implementation period, in- dered on the motion to recommit. ‘‘(A) provide written notice to the nonbank fi- cluding any extensions granted by the Council, There was no objection. nancial company being reevaluated and afford the Council shall proceed to a vote as described The SPEAKER pro tempore. The such company an opportunity to submit written under subparagraph (A).’’; question is on the motion to recommit. materials, within such time as the Council deter- (4) by amending subsection (e) to read as fol- The question was taken; and the mines to be appropriate (but which shall be not lows: Speaker pro tempore announced that less than 30 days after the date of receipt by the ‘‘(e) REQUIREMENTS FOR PROPOSED DETER- company of such notice), to contest the deter- the noes appeared to have it. MINATION, NOTICE AND OPPORTUNITY FOR HEAR- mination, including materials concerning ING, AND FINAL DETERMINATION.— Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. whether, in the company’s view, material finan- ‘‘(1) NOTICE OF IDENTIFICATION FOR INITIAL Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas cial distress at the company, or the nature, EVALUATION AND OPPORTUNITY FOR VOLUNTARY and nays. scope, size, scale, concentration, interconnected- SUBMISSION.—Upon identifying a nonbank fi- The yeas and nays were ordered. ness, or mix of the activities of the company nancial company for comprehensive analysis of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:25 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.042 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE H3120 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 11, 2018 the potential for the nonbank company to pose serving, including an affirmative vote by the paragraph (5), the Council shall, prior to mak- a threat to the financial stability of the United Chairperson, propose to make a determination ing a final determination— States, the Council shall provide the nonbank in accordance with the provisions of subsection ‘‘(i) consider whether the plan, if imple- financial company with— (a) or (b), as applicable, with respect to a mented, would mitigate the risks identified in ‘‘(A) written notice that explains with speci- nonbank financial company. the notice under paragraph (4); and ficity the basis for so identifying the company, ‘‘(B) DEADLINE FOR MAKING A PROPOSED DE- ‘‘(ii) provide the nonbank financial company a copy of which shall be provided to the com- TERMINATION.—With respect to a nonbank fi- an opportunity to revise the plan after consulta- pany’s primary financial regulatory agency; nancial company provided with a written notice tion with the Council. ‘‘(B) an opportunity to submit written mate- under paragraph (2)(C)(i), if the Council does ‘‘(B) VOTING.—Approval by the Council of a rials for consideration by the Council as part of not provide the company with the written notice plan submitted under paragraph (5) or revised the Council’s initial evaluation of the risk pro- of a proposed determination described under under subparagraph (A)(ii) shall require a vote file and characteristics of the company; paragraph (4) within the 180-day period fol- of not fewer than 2⁄3 of the voting members then ‘‘(C) an opportunity to meet with the Council lowing the date on which the Council notifies serving, including an affirmative vote by the to discuss the Council’s analysis; and the company under paragraph (2)(C) that the Chairperson. ‘‘(D) a list of the public sources of information evidentiary record is complete, the Council may ‘‘(C) IMPLEMENTATION OF APPROVED PLAN.— being considered by the Council as part of such not make such a proposed determination with With respect to a nonbank financial company’s analysis. respect to such company unless the Council re- plan approved by the Council under subpara- ‘‘(2) REQUIREMENTS BEFORE MAKING A PRO- peats the procedures described under paragraph graph (B), the company shall have one year to POSED DETERMINATION.—Before making a pro- (2). implement the plan, except that the Council, in posed determination with respect to a nonbank ‘‘(C) REVIEW OF ACTIONS OF PRIMARY FINAN- its sole discretion and upon request from the financial company under paragraph (3), the CIAL REGULATORY AGENCY.—With respect to a nonbank financial company, may grant one or Council shall— nonbank financial company with a primary fi- more extensions of the implementation period. 2 ‘‘(A) by a vote of not fewer than ⁄3 of the vot- nancial regulatory agency, the Council may not ‘‘(D) OVERSIGHT OF IMPLEMENTATION.— ‘‘(i) PERIODIC REPORTS.—The Council, acting ing members then serving, including an affirma- vote under subparagraph (A) to make a pro- through the Office of Financial Research, may tive vote by the Chairperson, approve a resolu- posed determination unless— require the submission of periodic reports from a tion that identifies with specificity any risks to ‘‘(i) the Council first determines that any pro- nonbank financial company for the purpose of the financial stability of the United States the posed regulations or other regulatory actions evaluating the company’s progress in imple- Council has identified relating to the nonbank taken by the primary financial regulatory agen- menting a plan approved by the Council under financial company; cy after receipt of the resolution described under ‘‘(B) with respect to nonbank financial com- subparagraph (B). paragraph (2)(A) are insufficient to mitigate the pany with a primary financial regulatory agen- ‘‘(ii) INSPECTIONS.—The Council may direct risks identified in the resolution; the primary financial regulatory agency of a cy, provide a copy of the resolution described ‘‘(ii) the primary financial regulatory agency nonbank financial company or its subsidiaries under subparagraph (A) to the primary finan- has notified the Council that the agency has no (or, if none, the Board of Governors) to inspect cial regulatory agency and provide such agency proposed regulations or other regulatory actions the company or its subsidiaries for the purpose with at least 180 days from the receipt of the to mitigate the risks identified in the resolution; of evaluating the implementation of the com- resolution to— or ‘‘(i) consider the risks identified in the resolu- pany’s plan. ‘‘(iii) the period allowed by the Council under tion; and ‘‘(E) AUTHORITY TO RESCIND APPROVAL.— paragraph (2)(B) has elapsed and the primary ‘‘(ii) provide a written response to the Council ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—During the implementation financial regulatory agency has taken no action that includes its assessment of the risks identi- period described under subparagraph (C), in- in response to the resolution. fied and the degree to which they are or could cluding any extensions granted by the Council, ‘‘(4) NOTICE OF PROPOSED DETERMINATION.— be addressed by existing regulation and, as ap- the Council shall retain the authority to rescind The Council shall— its approval of the plan if the Council finds, by propriate, issue proposed regulations or under- ‘‘(A) provide to a nonbank financial company a vote of not fewer than 2⁄3 of the voting mem- take other regulatory action to mitigate the written notice of a proposed determination of bers then serving, including an affirmative vote identified risks; the Council, including an explanation of the ‘‘(C) provide the nonbank financial company by the Chairperson, that the company’s imple- basis of the proposed determination of the Coun- with written notice that the Council— mentation of the plan is no longer sufficient to cil, that a nonbank financial company shall be ‘‘(i) is considering whether to make a pro- mitigate or prevent the risks identified in the supervised by the Board of Governors and shall posed determination with respect to the resolution described under paragraph (2)(A). nonbank financial company under subsection be subject to prudential standards in accordance ‘‘(ii) FINAL DETERMINATION VOTE.—The Coun- (a) or (b), as applicable, which notice explains with this title, an explanation of the specific cil may proceed to a vote on final determination with specificity the basis for the Council’s con- risks to the financial stability of the United under subsection (a) or (b), as applicable, not sideration, including any aspects of the com- States presented by the nonbank financial com- earlier than 10 days after providing the pany’s operations or activities that are a pri- pany, and a detailed explanation of why exist- nonbank financial company with written notice mary focus for the Council; or ing regulations or other regulatory action by the that the Council has rescinded the approval of ‘‘(ii) has determined not to subject the com- company’s primary financial regulatory agency, the company’s plan pursuant to clause (i). pany to further review, which action shall not if any, is insufficient to mitigate such risk; and ‘‘(F) ACTIONS AFTER IMPLEMENTATION.— preclude the Council from issuing a notice to the ‘‘(B) provide the primary financial regulatory ‘‘(i) EVALUATION OF IMPLEMENTATION.—After company under subparagraph (1)(A) at a future agency of the nonbank financial company a the end of the implementation period described time; and copy of the nonpublic written explanation of the under subparagraph (C), including any exten- ‘‘(D) in the case of a notice to the nonbank fi- Council’s proposed determination. sions granted by the Council, the Council shall nancial company under subparagraph (C)(i), ‘‘(5) HEARING.— consider whether the plan, as implemented by provide the company with— ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 30 days the nonbank financial company, adequately ‘‘(i) an opportunity to meet with the Council after the date of receipt of any notice of a pro- mitigates or prevents the risks identified in the to discuss the Council’s analysis; posed determination under paragraph (4), the resolution described under paragraph (2)(A). ‘‘(ii) an opportunity to submit written mate- nonbank financial company may request, in ‘‘(ii) VOTING.—If, after performing an evalua- rials, within such time as the Council deems ap- writing, an opportunity for a written or oral tion under clause (i), not fewer than 2⁄3 of the propriate (but not less than 30 days after the hearing before the Council to contest the pro- voting members of the Council then serving, in- date of receipt by the company of the notice de- posed determination, including the opportunity cluding an affirmative vote by the Chairperson, scribed under clause (i)), to the Council to in- to present a plan to modify the company’s busi- determine that the plan, as implemented, ade- form the Council’s consideration of the nonbank ness, structure, or operations in order to miti- quately mitigates or prevents the identified financial company for a proposed determina- gate the risks identified in the notice, and which risks, the Council shall not make a final deter- tion, including materials concerning the com- plan shall also include any steps the company mination under subsection (a) or (b), as applica- pany’s views as to whether it satisfies the stand- expects to take during the implementation pe- ble, with respect to the nonbank financial com- ard for determination set forth in subsection (a) riod to mitigate such risks. pany and shall notify the company of the Coun- or (b), as applicable; ‘‘(B) GRANT OF HEARING.—Upon receipt of a cil’s decision to take no further action. ‘‘(iii) an explanation of how any request by timely request, the Council shall fix a time (not ‘‘(7) FINAL COUNCIL DECISIONS.— the Council for information from the nonbank earlier than 30 days after the date of receipt of ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days financial company relates to potential risks to the request) and place at which such company after the date of a hearing under paragraph (5), the financial stability of the United States and may appear, personally or through counsel, to— the Council shall notify the nonbank financial the Council’s analysis of the company; ‘‘(i) submit written materials (which may in- company of— ‘‘(iv) written notice when the Council deems clude a plan to modify the company’s business, ‘‘(i) a final determination under subsection (a) its evidentiary record regarding such nonbank structure, or operations); or or (b), as applicable; financial company to be complete; and ‘‘(ii) provide oral testimony and oral argument ‘‘(ii) the Council’s approval of a plan sub- ‘‘(v) an opportunity to meet with the members to the members of the Council. mitted by the nonbank financial company under of the Council. ‘‘(6) COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF COMPANY paragraph (5) or revised under paragraph (6); or ‘‘(3) PROPOSED DETERMINATION.— PLAN.— ‘‘(iii) the Council’s decision to take no further ‘‘(A) VOTING.—The Council may, by a vote of ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—If a nonbank financial action with respect to the nonbank financial not fewer than 2⁄3 of the voting members then company submits a plan in accordance with company.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:25 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A11AP7.014 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3121 ‘‘(B) EXPLANATORY STATEMENT.—A final de- (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Subsection (a) shall a better bill if it did. It also wouldn’t termination of the Council, under subsection (a) take effect on June 1, 2018. be a bipartisan bill. That is not what or (b), shall contain a statement of the basis for The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- this bill is trying to do. Rather, this the decision of the Council, including the rea- tleman from Texas (Mr. HENSARLING) bill simply brings needed transparency sons why the Council rejected any plan by the nonbank financial company submitted under and the gentlewoman from California and accountability to the designation paragraph (5) or revised under paragraph (6). (Ms. MAXINE WATERS) each will control process. ‘‘(C) NOTICE TO PRIMARY FINANCIAL REGU- 30 minutes. Mr. ROSS and Mr. DELANEY, in H.R. LATORY AGENCY.—In the case of a final deter- The Chair recognizes the gentleman 4061, do this by reversing the presump- mination under subsection (a) or (b), the Coun- from Texas. tion that government bureaucrats cil shall provide the primary financial regu- GENERAL LEAVE should dictate the business models and latory agency of the nonbank financial com- Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I operational objectives of private busi- pany a copy of the nonpublic written expla- nesses in requiring the FSOC to ap- nation of the Council’s final determination.’’; ask unanimous consent that all Mem- (5) in subsection (g), strike ‘‘before the Coun- bers may have 5 legislative days in proach the potential designation of a cil makes any final determination’’ and insert which to revise and extend their re- nonbank by encouraging companies to ‘‘from the outset of the Council’s consideration marks and submit extraneous material address the risk prior to designating of the company, including before the Council on the bill under consideration. them as SIFIs in order to actually re- makes any proposed or final determination’’; The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there duce systemic risk. and objection to the request of the gen- Let me sum it up, Mr. Speaker. All (6) by adding at the end the following: tleman from Texas? this is saying is that a nonbank finan- ‘‘(j) PUBLIC DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT.—The Council shall— There was no objection. cial institution that the Financial Sta- ‘‘(1) in each case where a nonbank financial Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I bility Oversight Council feels may be company has been notified that it is subject to yield myself such time as I may con- creating undue risk in the system, give the Council’s review and the company has pub- sume. them an opportunity to remedy that licly disclosed such fact, confirm that the Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support before you designate them as a too-big- nonbank financial company is subject to the of H.R. 4061, the Financial Stability to-fail institution backed up with a Council’s review, in response to a request from Oversight Council Improvement Act of taxpayer bailout fund. At least give a third party; 2017. ‘‘(2) upon making a final determination, pub- them an opportunity to remedy the licly provide a written explanation of the basis I want to commend two friends, Mr. risk that you are concerned about. for its decision with sufficient detail to provide ROSS from Florida on the Republican What could be more common sense? the public with an understanding of the specific side of the aisle and Mr. DELANEY on What could be more reasonable? That bases of the Council’s determination, including the Democrat side of the aisle, for their is why it is such a strong, bipartisan any assumptions related thereof, subject to the collective leadership on bringing forth bill coming out of the House Financial requirements of section 112(d)(5); this truly bipartisan bill, a strong, bi- Services Committee. ‘‘(3) include, in the annual report required by partisan bill, which has 58 different co- section 112, the number of nonbank financial sponsors, half from each side of the b 1530 companies from the previous year subject to pre- Specifically, Mr. Speaker, applying liminary analysis, further review, and subject to aisle. a proposed or final determination; and Before talking a bit about the bill, bank-like regulation to nonbanks, such ‘‘(4) within 90 days after the enactment of this there has been a lot of news today, Mr. as asset managers, broker-dealers, in- subsection, publish information regarding its Speaker. Part of the news, that I just surance companies, and private invest- methodology for calculating any quantitative could not overlook, is the fact that my ment funds just doesn’t make sense. thresholds or other metrics used to identify dear friend and colleague from Florida Nonbanks do not have access to the de- nonbank financial companies for analysis by announced that he would be retiring at posit insurance fund, they don’t have the Council. the end of this Congress. I do want to access to the Federal Reserve’s dis- ‘‘(k) PERIODIC ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF DESIGNATIONS.— say what a pleasure and honor it has count window or lending facilities. ‘‘(1) ASSESSMENT.—Every five years after the been to work with the gentleman from Nonbanks take far larger capital hair- date of enactment of this section, the Council Florida. I have appreciated his leader- cuts on the assets they hold. Nonbanks, shall— ship, I have appreciated his knowledge, when they fail, fail very differently ‘‘(A) conduct a study of the Council’s deter- and I have appreciated his calm de- from banks. minations that nonbank financial companies meanor and his ability to further If an individual mutual fund were to shall be supervised by the Board of Governors fail, the shareholders of that fund and shall be subject to prudential standards; strong, bipartisan measures that will and help create greater credit opportunities would bear the losses, not the tax- ‘‘(B) comprehensively assess the impact of for hardworking Americans. I would payer. There is no reason to apply the such determinations on the companies for which say I will miss him, but I will be gone same system to them. such determinations were made and the wider as well. Maybe he will invite me down So the bill would bring, again, clarity economy, including whether such determina- to the Florida coast for some deep sea and accountability to the FSOC des- tions are having the intended result of improv- fishing. I look forward to receiving ignation process. That should be self- ing the financial stability of the United States. that invitation at the appropriate evident. ‘‘(2) REPORT.—Not later than 90 days after completing a study required under paragraph time. To date, the FSOC has designated (1), the Council shall issue a report to the Con- Now back to business, Mr. Speaker. four nonbank financial companies as gress that— The Financial Stability Oversight systemically important financial insti- ‘‘(A) describes all findings and conclusions Council is charged with identifying tutions. Today, only one remains des- made by the Council in carrying out such study; emerging threats to our financial sta- ignated and it is unclear for exactly and bility. However, during the previous how long. ‘‘(B) identifies whether any of the Council’s administration, the FSOC, as it is The de-designation of these compa- determinations should be rescinded or whether related regulations or regulatory guidance called, went far beyond identifying this nies seems to point to a recognition should be modified, streamlined, expanded, or risk and, instead, just concocted in- that these companies do not present a repealed.’’. credibly irrational speculative sce- potential risk that FSOC first claimed SEC. 3. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. narios about sectors of the financial that they did. MetLife, one of them, ac- None of the amendments made by this Act markets that had nothing to do with tually challenged FSOC’s SIFI deter- may be construed as limiting the Financial Sta- the financial crisis. In turn, they have mination in court, and FSOC’s designa- bility Oversight Council’s emergency powers caused more harm to the financial sys- tion was found by an Article III judge under section 113(f) of the Financial Stability tem than added stability. to be fatally flawed, arbitrary and ca- Act of 2010 (12 U.S.C. 5323(f)). It bears highlighting at the outset pricious, and a critical departure from SEC 4. REDUCTION OF SURPLUS FUNDS OF FED- that this bill does not strip the FSOC FSOC’s own standards. ERAL RESERVE BANKS. (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 7(a)(3)(A) of the of its ability to designate a nonbank fi- Based on that case alone, it certainly Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 289(a)(3)(A)) is nancial company as a SIFI, or system- seems appropriate for Congress to en- amended by striking ‘‘$7,500,000,000’’ and insert- atically important financial institu- sure there are proper guardrails put in ing ‘‘$7,451,428,571’’. tion. Frankly, Mr. Speaker, it would be place in this designation, because at

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:25 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A11AP7.014 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE H3122 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 11, 2018 the end of the day, the designation I also reject the myths Republicans my colleagues to learn from the mis- doesn’t just affect, again, Wall Street, continue to spread about the Dodd- takes of the past and oppose H.R. 4061. it is felt directly by Main Street house- Frank Act in their effort to roll back Mr. Speaker, I am absolutely weary holds who are trying to save for col- so many of its critical reforms. The of coming to this floor with bills that lege, save for retirement. They would majority has claimed that Dodd-Frank deregulate megabanks. I am absolutely see their costs rise and their invest- has caused tremendous burden on the tired of coming to this floor having to ment returns fall on a mutual fund if it financial industry and resulted in lend- remind my colleagues over and over was designated, simply because inves- ers denying affordable access to credit again about the crisis that we had to tors would be required to bail out other to consumers and families, but the be presented with and had to work too-big-to-fail firms. numbers tell the real story of the suc- through in 2008. So this is a common sense piece of cess of Dodd-Frank and the need to I don’t know why it is our Members legislation, it is strongly bipartisan, maintain its regulatory regime, includ- find so much time to protect the big- and I urge all Members to support it. ing the FSOC. Why? Because bank prof- gest banks in America, the richest Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of its and share prices have skyrocketed banks in America, the CEOs who are my time. and are now far above pre-recession making millions of dollars, while, in Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. heights. fact, the consumers come second or Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time In addition, business lending has in- third in the work that they are doing. as I may consume. creased 80 percent and community This is simply about deregulation. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to banks are doing well. This is about giving the banks more H.R. 4061, the so-called Financial Sta- What is more, pay for bank execu- power. This is about disregarding the bility Oversight Council Improvement tives is through the roof. CEO pay on fact that we have had to fine them over Act. Wall Street is back up to levels we last and over again and they still find ways The bill would recklessly complicate saw in 2006. Even Wells Fargo’s CEO, to defraud and to cheat the consumers the process used by the Financial Sta- yes, the recidivist megabank that has of America. bility Oversight Council, also referred violated numerous laws and harmed As the chairman just mentioned to as FSOC, to designate nonbank millions of consumers, was paid $17.5 about the fines of Wells Fargo, well, firms for heightened oversight and pro- million last year. In fact, the CEO was they are up for another fine of about a tect the economy. paid 291 times the median salary for billion dollars because they cheated The bill would also give companies Wells Fargo employees. their clients, they cheated their cus- more avenues to delay by at least 4 While Wall Street has fully recov- tomers, they created accounts in their years or block these designations even ered, Main Street has not. As Neel names that they didn’t know anything when the designations are warranted. Kashkari, a Republican former Treas- about, they forced insurance on them According to former Treasury Sec- ury official who now serves as the that they didn’t need, many of them al- retary Lew, who previously chaired president of the Federal Reserve Bank ready had insurance, and it goes on and FSOC and strongly opposed this bill of Minneapolis argued in a Washington on and on. last Congress: ‘‘An extensively long 4- Post op-ed on March 8, 2018: ‘‘The Great I hope that we could convince our year process to designate large, com- Recession pushed millions of Ameri- Members that we need to spend more plex firms that pose significant risk to cans out of the labor force, some of time on some of the issues that are the financial system is not an improve- whom still haven’t returned. Although really confronting America. ment; instead, it would effectively the headline unemployment rate has I am on this committee as the rank- render meaningless one of the most im- fallen from a peak of 10 percent during ing member. We don’t have any bills or portant tools we in future councils the recession to 4.1 percent this past any sessions about homelessness. We should have to address threats to fi- January, that statistic ignores people are not talking about the people who nancial stability.’’ who have given up looking for work. A are on the street all over America. We The nonpartisan Congressional Budg- different measure of people in their are not talking about the housing cri- et Office confirmed this view, finding prime working years suggests that sis where the average family even that that H.R. 4061 would increase the risk more than 1 million Americans are still is employed working every day can’t that undesignated systemic nonbank on the sidelines.’’ afford to buy a home, now can’t even firms will fail. Keep in mind, these are warnings afford to lease a place to live. It is off Let me be very clear: This bill is a from a Republican official. In fact, he the scale. thinly veiled attempt to hinder and goes on to say: ‘‘Big banks still threat- I could go on and recount all of the needlessly delay FSOC’s existing abil- en our economy.’’ things we should be addressing just in ity to designate firms for heightened So I will continue to oppose measures our committee, not to talk about the oversight. like H.R. 4061 that would return our other things and issues in this Con- Americans for Financial Reform has regulatory regime back to a system gress of the United States that we also underscored that this bill would: that encouraged interconnected, huge should be looking at, we should be pay- ‘‘Provide giant, global financial firms firms to grow at all costs and that ing attention to. numerous opportunities to use insider cheered as these firms devised new and We have had all of the gun issues, we lobbying and the courts to delay or so-called innovative products, many of have all the issues that are going on prevent actions that banking regu- which are only innovative in terms of now about Syria, and on and on and on, lators are attempting to take to safe- how risky and unsound they were. and yet we find the time to come to guard economic stability.’’ As so many have noted, if we under- this floor day in and day out, time and One of the reasons Congress created mine the ability of FSOC to stand time again, to talk about how we can FSOC was to make sure that large, guard, as this bill would do, then we make the biggest banks in America interconnected firms like Bear risk opening the door once again to the richer and more profitable. Stearns, AIG, or Lehman Brothers wolves of Wall Street to wreak havoc Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of would never again devastate the sta- with our economy again. my time. bility of our financial system and jeop- This bill, in effect, recreates the Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I ardize our country’s strong economy moral hazard in Wall Street’s cor- yield myself 10 seconds just to say as with their risky practices and relent- porate culture that promotes profits the jihad against banks continues, if less demand for profits over safe and before consumers. This bill would put you read the bill, it doesn’t have to do sound operations. the interests of corporate America be- with banks, it has to do with nonbanks. So I simply cannot support this bill, fore protections of consumers, the in- And the apocalyptic vision that is de- which would add hurdles to prevent terests of the public, and the stability scribed by the ranking member is sup- FSOC from fulfilling its vital role of of the U.S. economy. ported by a majority of Democrats on identifying interconnected, huge com- So, we must all remain vigilant the committee. panies that warrant enhanced safe- against bills like this or we risk an- Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the guards. other financial crisis. I, therefore, urge gentleman from Florida (Mr. ROSS),

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:31 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.045 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3123 who serves as the vice chairman of our in potential savings over the lifetime cial company to be eligible for designa- Subcommittee on Housing and Insur- of their investment. That is signifi- tion. ance and is the Republican sponsor of cant. Stage 2, preliminary review, 6 this piece of legislation. That is why these reforms included months: staff analyzes preliminary Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the in H.R. 4061 are critical to the more data and meets with the company, chairman for yielding, for his kind than 90 million investors who rely on consults with existing regulators. words, for his leadership, and more im- the services of asset managers to Stage 3, in-depth review, 14 months: portantly, for his friendship. achieve their most important financial staff analyzes extensive data, meets Mr. Speaker, I wish to also thank the goals. with company, consults with existing regulators, FSOC deputies meet with staff of the Financial Services Com- b 1545 mittee in the work they have taken on company. To be sure, FSOC has begun to recog- behalf of the people of this country. Proposed designation and hearing on Mr. Speaker, as some of you may nize the benefits of providing increased the final designation, 4 months. FSOC know, the Financial Services Com- transparency and, in 2015, FSOC made provides written basis of proposed des- mittee has been operating at a break- welcome reforms to improve the ignation, oral hearings, provides neck speed in the 115th Congress. In nonbank SIFI designation process. lengthy written basis of final designa- fact, we have had Financial Services Many of these are codified in this bill. tion. Importantly, our legislation will also bills on the floor 17 of the last 18 weeks Total time from outset of analysis to give FSOC the authority it needs to that the House has been in session. final designation, 2 years. work with primary regulators who I am proud to highlight that the ma- Judicial and annual reviews: any des- have institutional knowledge, skill, jority of these bills have been passed ignated company may challenge and experience overseeing nonbank FSOC’s determination in court; every out of this Chamber by strong bipar- firms to address threats to our econ- designated company is re-reviewed by tisan majorities. Throughout this process, we have omy without jeopardizing our constitu- FSOC every year to consider de-des- demonstrated that the House can find ents’ financial opportunities. ignation. After 8 years, if we don’t take steps I want you to know what is being bipartisan agreement on commonsense to address the obvious shortcomings of proposed in this bill is quite different measures that will benefit our con- FSOC, like the nonbank designation and, instead of the 2 years that I have stituents. process, the regulator intended to pro- just walked through, it would take ap- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support tect the financial stability could very proximately 4.3 years. At such time, of a bill that continues this streak of well become the liability. you could have one of these nonbanks bipartisanship in the service of Ameri- Again, I am proud to have worked in trouble, presenting great risk, and cans back home, H.R. 4061, the Finan- with my colleague and friend, JOHN you would not be able to do very much cial Stability Oversight Council Im- DELANEY, on this great bill, and I ap- about it. provement Act. preciate the support of Chairman HEN- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of My good friend from Maryland, Con- SARLING in moving it through com- my time. gressman JOHN DELANEY, and I have mittee and now onto the House floor. Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I been working this bill for nearly 5 This bill does have 58 original co- yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from years, with the shared goal of improv- sponsors—29 Democrats, 29 Repub- Michigan (Mr. HUIZENGA), who serves ing resiliency of our financial system, licans. It passed out of the Financial as the chairman of our Capital Mar- while protecting Americans from cost- Services Committee 45–10. Our legisla- kets, Securities, and Investments Sub- ly and unnecessary regulations that tion demonstrates that there can be committee. create barriers to achieving their fi- broad bipartisan support for increased Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I want nancial goals. transparency of the FSOC SIFI des- to say I am going to miss both the By codifying procedures to increase ignation. chairman and the gentleman from the transparency of the nonbank sys- I believe we can do even more, and I Florida (Mr. ROSS) after they leave this temically important financial institu- welcome the opportunity to work with term. tions, or SIFIs, designation process, my colleagues on additional bipartisan I am going to try to address the and providing a chance for nonbank reforms beyond those we are consid- ranking member’s timing issue, but the firms to work with their primary regu- ering today to better address systemic fact is that much of this bill simply lators to reduce risks prior to designa- risk by firming up the cooperative re- codifies what FSOC’s current process is tion, our legislation achieves this goal. lationship between FSOC and the pri- and, thus, is not changing that timing. Mr. Speaker, we must be clear that mary regulator to ensure substantive Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support simply designating more companies as engagement that can result in swift of H.R. 4061, the Financial Stability systemically important financial insti- resolution of FSOC’s concerns prior to Oversight Council Improvement Act of tutions does not make our system all SIFI designations. 2017, which would enhance trans- safer. That is especially true for Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to parency and procedural fairness for the nonbank firms, like asset managers support this bill. nonbank systemically important finan- and insurers, that don’t fit well into Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. cial institutions designation process. the bank-centered regulatory regime Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time Dodd-Frank created FSOC and for SIFIs. as I may consume. charged it with identifying risks to the Handing down a SIFI designation to I would like to just walk through financial stability of financial compa- a nonbank financial firm is like using a some of what happens with FSOC with nies that would pose a threat to our sledgehammer to catch a butterfly. Not these nonbank designations and the overall financial stability. The problem only are you unlikely to succeed, but process, because I have always wanted with this is that FSOC has the author- you are also likely to destroy the very to be sure that the process would give ity to designate a nonbank financial thing you set out to protect. these nonbanks an opportunity to basi- institution, such as an asset manager After all, it is the family saving for cally convince FSOC that they were or an insurance company, and subject the downpayment on a home or retire- safe and they were sound and they the institution to heightened pruden- ment or the children’s education that didn’t present any risk, and all of that. tial supervision and regulation by the suffer when FSOC uses a heavy-handed Of course, a lot of this was triggered Federal Reserve. regulation of last resort as the primary by AIG. If you remember AIG and what All you hear from the other side is line of defense against threats to our happened with this nonbank who was that this is about megabanks. It is the economy. involved in credit default swaps with- exact opposite. It is about these insur- The American Action Forum has out the collateral to back them up, ance companies and these asset man- found that additional capital require- this certainly was informative, and it agers and broker dealers. ments resulting from a SIFI designa- helped to develop this process. In 2014, FSOC designated MetLife, a tion of asset management firms could Stage 1, the metrics: minimum quan- life insurance company, for ‘‘height- cost American retirees at least $100,000 titative metrics for a nonbank finan- ened prudential supervision’’ by the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:31 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.046 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE H3124 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 11, 2018 Federal Reserve. However, in 2016, a They have done a great job on this. services sector, which is a mission that Federal district court rescinded FSOC’s Their bipartisan approach enhances the I also support. SIFI designation of MetLife, finding ability of FSOC to mitigate risk, a But they were given very limited that it was ‘‘arbitrary and capricious’’ very important element, but it also en- tools to fulfill that mission. Effec- and that the FSOC had ‘‘made critical sures that affected nonbank—again, tively, their one tool was to designate departures’’ from its own standards nonbank—financial institutions are af- companies as systemically risky to the from making designation determina- forded the opportunity and the ability system. So they had the power to des- tions. to question and engage—not veto, but ignate; they didn’t really have the Now, I wasn’t there when Dodd- to question and engage—the FSOC power to de-risk the system, which Frank was created, but I have been prior to a final SIFI designation being should be their job. dealing with the echo effect of it for made. What this piece of legislation—again, the last 7 years, and I don’t believe this This is good work that gives hard- this piece of strongly bipartisan legis- is what Congress intended. I don’t be- working taxpayers a solution, and this lation—does is effectively empower lieve that the architects—in fact, I is what they expect: commonsense, bi- FSOC with the ability to reduce risk in can’t believe that the architects—of partisan solutions. I encourage all of the financial services system by work- Dodd-Frank intended for bank regu- my colleagues to vote ‘‘yes’’ on this ing in a collaborative manner with companies that it is considering des- lators to rewrite the rules of insurance important bill. ignated and the primary regulators of companies. Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. those companies to develop plans to de- As The Wall Street Journal wrote: Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time risk those companies. ‘‘It’s as if a committee of baseball um- as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, wouldn’t we be better pires rewrote the rules of football de- Mr. Speaker, I would like to share off with a financial services system spite protests from the NFL players, with Members a statement from the that has less risk in it, fewer compa- owners, and referees.’’ former Secretary of the Treasury who nies that are considered systemically Let me give a personal example. My had the responsibility to head FSOC, risky in substance, as opposed to hav- political science degree should then and that is Jacob J. Lew. He said, and ing a system that is inherently more qualify me to be a chemical lab sci- I will read from his communication to risky or has greater risk and has more entist. Hey, they both have science in us: companies designated? the title. Unfortunately, none of the legislation the In other words, designation doesn’t, It doesn’t make sense. committee plans to consider this week—re- in and of itself, reduce risk. What re- In fact, even Barney Frank, the law’s ferring to this bill—would strengthen the duces risk is primary regulators work- namesake, told Congress that, in gen- Council’s ability to address the very real ing with FSOC and companies that it eral, he did not believe that companies risk the largest and most complex financial deems potentially worthy of designa- firms could pose. ‘‘that just sell insurance’’ should be tion to develop strategies and plans to designated as systemic. Instead, these proposals would be a big step backwards for regulatory tools to pre- de-risk those companies. That is pre- Well, today we have the ability to vent the same kinds of threats. These bills cisely what this legislation does. right the ship. By passing this impor- would severely undermine and impair the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The tant bill, Congress has the opportunity Council. One of the proposals would require time of the gentleman has expired. to bring about commonsense, bipar- the Council to spend 4 years analyzing a firm Mr. HENSARLING. I yield the gen- tisan reforms to this designation proc- before taking action to address any risk the tleman from Maryland an additional 30 ess. And this is what American, hard- firms may propose, doubling the time period seconds. working taxpayers expect out of us: an for designation review. Mr. DELANEY. That is precisely ability to find a solution. I reserve the balance of my time. what this designation does, which is Specifically, the Financial Stability Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I why so many Democrats supported this Oversight Council Improvement Act of yield 2-1/2 minutes to the gentleman bill, because we believe, as do many of 2017 would amend the Dodd-Frank Act from Maryland (Mr. DELANEY), the lead my Republican colleagues, that the to require FSOC to determine whether Democratic cosponsor of the legisla- mission of FSOC is worthy and that we to subject a U.S. or a foreign nonbank tion and a hardworking member of the should be empowering FSOC to do its financial company to supervision by Financial Services Committee. job and de-risk the financial industry the Federal Reserve, must consider the Mr. DELANEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank of the United States of America. appropriateness of imposing height- the chairman for giving me an oppor- Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. ened prudential standards as opposed tunity to rise in support of H.R. 4061, a Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time to other forms of regulation to miti- bipartisan bill that I worked very as I may consume. gate identified risks to the financial closely on with the gentleman from Mr. Speaker, I do think that it is im- stability. In other words, as my friend Florida (Mr. ROSS), and I thank him for portant that we share as much infor- from Florida said, don’t go butterfly giving me the opportunity to partner mation as we can about FSOC because hunting with a sledgehammer. with him on this bill. This is a bill, as not a lot is known by the average per- H.R. 4061 directs FSOC to reevaluate, has already been stated, that came out son about FSOC, and when we talk both annually and periodically, final of the Financial Services Committee about it, we oftentimes fail to talk determinations of systemic risk re- with the support of the majority of the about who makes up FSOC. We are talking about 10 voting mem- garding a nonbank financial company Democrats. bers, headed by Treasury, the Treasury under supervision. Mr. Speaker, about 10 years ago, we Secretary. You have on FSOC all of the Finally, the bill directs the FSOC to had a financial crisis; and during that experts. You have the Federal Reserve. study the impacts of its determina- financial crisis, 19 of the 20 largest fi- You have the FDIC. You have the OCC. tions to nonbank financial companies nancial institutions in this country You have the NCUA. You have the to Fed supervision and prudential failed or needed support from the Fed- CFPB, the FHFA, the SEC, the CFTC, standards and whether such determina- eral Government. More importantly, and an independent insurance expert. tens of millions of Americans lost their tions have the intended result of im- So here you have convened on the jobs, lost their homes, lost their retire- proving domestic financial stability FSOC all of these experts, and they are ment savings. every 5 years. looking at nonbanks that could present In the wake of that crisis, it was very The SPEAKER pro tempore. The great risk to our economy, like AIG. time of the gentleman has expired. appropriate for Congress to do some- I have to keep reminding people Mr. HENSARLING. I yield the gen- thing, and we did, with Dodd-Frank about AIG because AIG was this tleman from Michigan an additional 30 legislation, which is legislation that I nonbank that we bailed out to the tune seconds. strongly support. As part of the Dodd- of about $182 billion, $183 billion. Mr. HUIZENGA. I would like to com- Frank legislation, FSOC was estab- mend the bipartisan work of my col- lished, the Financial Stability Over- b 1600 leagues and friends, Representative sight Council; and the job of FSOC was Don’t forget, they were involved with ROSS and Representative DELANEY. to reduce systemic risk in the financial credit default swaps that were not

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:31 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.048 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3125 collateralized. They were basically put- many great provisions of the regu- Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague ting insurance out there that, when the latory relief package put together by from Florida (Mr. ROSS) for intro- time came due for them to have to pay Chairman CRAPO over in the Senate, in- ducing this important measure being off, they couldn’t because they didn’t cluding a number of bills I have offered considered today. have the collateral to do that. with my colleagues in the House, I was Mr. Speaker, the Dodd-Frank Act in- So with these experts, with the expe- extremely disappointed with the fact troduced into our Nation’s capital a riences that we have gone through, that the legislation didn’t include this new culture of regulatory burden where FSOC makes a lot of sense. And when legislation or something similar to it. a select few Washington bureaucrats it is said that all they can do is des- I don’t understand how Congress can dictate how our Nation’s financial in- ignate, that is extremely important be- justify a regulatory reform package stitutions should run themselves. cause that gives the companies an op- that does so little to ease Dodd-Frank’s While I support the necessary regula- portunity to go back and take a look cost on investors, especially when the tions from our Nation’s fiduciary rule at themselves and see what they can do Financial Services Committee in the makers that upholds the goals of safe- to reduce this risk to become more sta- House has taken demonstrated steps, a ty, soundness, and fair play, far too ble, and this has happened already. strong record of bipartisan success, in often our regulators have overstepped As a matter of fact, I think to des- making reforms to FSOC’s nonbank their boundaries and entered into dan- ignate a nonbank, FSOC must have a SIFI designation authority. gerous territory of overregulation. vote of two-thirds of its members, in- The Financial Stability Oversight Section 113 of the Dodd-Frank Act cluding the Treasury Secretary. So Council Improvement Act amends the gave the Financial Stability Oversight this is not easily done. Dodd-Frank Act to require the FSOC, Council immense deliberate power to Again, designation gives the compa- when determining whether to subject a declare nonbank financial companies nies an opportunity to go back and U.S. or foreign nonbank financial com- as systemically important to the finan- take a look. At least one of them has pany to supervision by the Fed, to con- cial stability of the United States. decided to downsize. sider the appropriateness of imposing Once that determination is made, Let me just share this with you. heightened prudential standards. these nonbank financial institutions First, FSOC is certainly not running a In other words, it provides these become subject to extraordinarily Hotel California. A designated firm nonbanks the opportunities to adjust stringent prudential supervision and like GE Capital was able to make the their business models before being sub- regulation by the Federal Reserve. kind of risk-reducing structural re- jected to supervision by the Federal This is a power that should not be forms that led to their de-designation Reserve, thereby acknowledging that taken lightly. under the annual review process re- these companies might wish to change FSOC’s systemically important des- quired by Dodd-Frank. So, no, des- their business model after such a des- ignation carries with it a significant ignation in order to be free of these ignated firms are not stuck with their regulatory burden, a new public percep- substantial regulatory costs. designation forever. tion, and a new regulator. It is important that we have well-de- Don’t forget, they get reviewed every Mr. ROSS’ legislation would require fined processes in place so these year. Don’t forget, they can make the FSOC, when deliberating on wheth- nonbanks understand the rules of the changes. Don’t forget, they can take er or not to designate a nonbank as road. The government provides these systemically important, to consider the advice. They can come in and they companies some reasonable due process the appropriateness of imposing new can continue to work on putting them- when proposing to dramatically inter- burdens on the institution, as opposed selves in order so that they can get de- rupt their business with a slew of new to pursuing other forms of regulation designated. And I think that is ex- regulatory requirements. tremely important and that should not Finally, let’s remember that inves- to mitigate identified risk to the finan- get lost. tors bear the costs of inappropriate cial stability of the United States. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of regulation being applied to nonbanks, Mr. Speaker, Mr. ROSS’ legislation my time. like mutual funds. would help end the culture of overregu- Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I The asset management industry is lation in Washington and alleviate the yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from modeled in a fundamentally different intense burden that has been imposed Illinois (Mr. HULTGREN), who serves as way, and our regulatory system should on many institutions that have unspar- the vice chairman of our Capital Mar- reflect that. Investors take on the risk ingly received this designation. kets, Securities, and Investment Sub- and manage those risks in order to re- This is not to say that FSOC’s power committee. ceive returns to pay for things like re- to designate institutions as system- Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I tirement or education for their chil- ically important should not be used, thank Chairman HENSARLING for his dren. Safety and soundness regulation, but rather that FSOC should exercise work on this and some of the other as the Fed applies it to the banks, is its authority judiciously and in its in- things. When you look at the number completely inappropriate. tended manner. of bipartisan bills that have passed out At a minimum, we should be pro- Mr. ROSS’ bill ensures that the of the Financial Services Committee viding nonbanks like mutual funds a FSOC’s designations going forward will this session, it is really impressive, and chance to work with the FSOC to ad- be prudent, shrewd, and most impor- I am grateful for his work. dress their concerns before slapping in- tant, necessary. I also want to thank DENNIS ROSS vestors with new regulatory costs. The good news out of Washington is and JOHN DELANEY and all my col- Finally, we should never forget, that the culture of overregulation is leagues who have worked so diligently again, that this was a strong bipartisan changing. A new era has been ushered on H.R. 4061, the Financial Stability bill that received 45 votes in com- in that thinks twice before regulating, Oversight Council Improvement Act of mittee, and we ought to all consider thoughtfully revisits the necessity and 2017, which I strongly support. supporting it here on the floor. I am effectiveness in past regulations, and I think it is fair to say that a Finan- going to, and I encourage my col- considers the burden of future regula- cial Stability Oversight Council leagues to support it as well. tions. chaired by Secretary Mnuchin is not Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. Much of this has to do with the extremely likely to subject nonbanks Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of changes in leadership at the regulatory to enhanced prudential supervision. my time. agencies and the good work being pur- In fact, I understand they are consid- Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I sued there. But changes in who creates ering removing some designations. yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from and enforces the regulations aren’t However, Congress still should take Colorado (Mr. TIPTON), who serves as enough. the appropriate steps to make the law the vice chairman of our Sub- In order for our small towns to be that provides this authority to the committee on Oversight and Investiga- able to prosper, our small businesses to Treasury much more practical. tions. grow, and our families to succeed, we Furthermore, I would like to point Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank must continue to pursue legislative out that although I was happy to see the chairman for yielding me time. changes to regulations that sustain

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:31 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.051 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE H3126 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 11, 2018 this new era of regulatory cautiousness That is right. not create the kind of turbulence and and predictability. This bill would have put it to AIG problems that we had in 2008. By pursuing legislative fixes to regu- that you are going to get designated Having said that, I am very pleased latory problems, we can provide the and regulated if you don’t get out of about the wide breadth of expertise certainty required by our financial sec- the credit default business. that is on the FSOC. And I certainly tor, both big and small, to once again Had they done that, the meltdown in believe that having gone through the provide a bright future for the Amer- 2008 would have been much less signifi- steps that they take, that those steps ican economy and for American fami- cant. will allow everyone to understand and lies. So let us encourage these companies see how fair they are, what kind of Mr. Speaker, Mr. ROSS’ legislation to de-risk, and let us have heightened time it takes; and it gives every oppor- being considered on the floor helps to regulation on those who refuse to do so tunity to be de-designated from being cement that certainty, and I encourage or who by their very size pose a risk to identified as a SIFI. my colleagues to support the measure our entire economy. So I am very pleased and proud that here today. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues in I am able to say to my colleagues—no Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. the Democratic Caucus to have some matter how they vote—that I believe Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time faith in the 60 percent majority who that the FSOC is an important reform as I may consume. have been assigned to the Financial in the Dodd-Frank reforms. I would ask Mr. Speaker, a moment ago, I identi- Services Committee and voted in favor them to oppose this bill, but if they do fied the 10 voting members that serve of this bill. not support it, I respect that. I think on FSOC. I did not add to that the non- Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. we should all remember that each and voting members. To show you the ex- Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time every one of us—elected by the people pertise that is involved with FSOC, as I may consume. who send us here—have a voice and we they also have these nonvoting mem- One of the wonderful things about have a right to represent our constitu- bers: Estate Insurance Regulator, Es- working and living in a democracy is ents in the best way that we see pos- tate Bank Regulator, State Securities that people have an opportunity to sible. Regulator, and the Federal Insurance have opinions and to voice them and to Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Office. act out on them. And certainly we my time. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I don’t always agree on everything. The my time. yield myself 5 seconds just to say I Republicans don’t always agree in their Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I take note that the ranking member re- caucuses. Sometimes they walk lock- yield 21⁄2 minutes to the gentleman spects her Democrat Members who dis- step for all kinds of reasons, but they from California (Mr. SHERMAN), one of agree with her, but, apparently, not do disagree sometimes when they feel the Democrat cosponsors of the legisla- enough to yield them any of her time. it is safe to do so. tion. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 21⁄2 Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I sup- But Democrats do not always agree, minutes to the gentleman from North port the committee system. The Demo- and we disagree perhaps more in our Carolina (Mr. BUDD), yet another hard- cratic Caucus has put roughly 25 of its caucus than Republicans do, and we working member of the Financial Serv- members on the Financial Services feel free to do that because we under- ices Committee. Committee. We are the members of the stand the importance of the democracy Mr. BUDD. Mr. Speaker, I thank my Democratic Caucus assigned to study and what it permits and allows you to colleague from Florida (Mr. ROSS) for and debate legislation on Financial do. leading the fight on this issue, and also Services issues. So in saying that, we take every ef- for the support across the aisle on this We did just that. And 60 percent of fort in my committee to make sure issue. the Democrats assigned to the Finan- that all of our members have the infor- Mr. ROSS’ bill corrects another over- cial Services Committee, 15 Democrats, mation that they need. My staff is sight of the Dodd-Frank Act by reform- voted in favor of this bill, while 10 op- available to provide any assistance ing the nonbank SIFI designation proc- posed it. that we can provide. So we are very ess. So if members of our caucus wonder pleased and proud that I, as the rank- Mr. Speaker, this bill does not take what would our caucus position be if ing member, operate the committee in away FSOC’s ability to designate all the members of our caucus had a a way that respects all of its members. nonbank financial institutions with chance to really analyze bills in this And even those members who come the SIFI tag. It simply gives these in- particular technical area, one would to the floor who are opposed, perhaps, stitutions a greater opportunity to be expect that 60 percent of our caucus to a bill or are supporting a bill that I heard before their final designation would support this legislation. and others may oppose, I respect that. from FSOC. The reason for that is that the pur- That is how democracy works. FSOC should not be able to simply pose of regulation is to reduce risk So today, we do have Democratic dish out this designation to these insti- rather than having risk be the reason members who are supporting this bill. tutions, subjecting them to Federal Re- to have regulation. For whatever reasons, they believe serve requirements, without explaining This bill focuses on getting compa- that FSOC perhaps is too tough on their reasoning. Unfortunately, we nies to reduce their risk. There are some of the companies, that somehow have seen FSOC do this in the past. those that say if we just designate they really don’t achieve their mission This is especially important since more companies as SIFIs, we will get of reducing risk. Whatever it is they nonbank financial institutions are more regulation. believe, they certainly have a right to clearly different entities than banks No, you won’t. do that. And I respect that. are. Capital requirements, for example, What you get is more companies des- might not be suitable to address the b 1615 ignated, but then you get pressure to risk profile of nonbank financial insti- have less regulation on all the des- Having said that, I believe that the tutions, so why even subject them to ignated companies. lesson that we learn, as a result of 2008 these requirements. What we need is to reserve the SIFI and the recession that we went This is not a smart regulation, Mr. designation for those who are clearly through, and AIG, the nonbank, in par- Speaker. Simply put, the nonbank SIFI exposing our economy to the risk of ticular, that we bailed out when we designation process is not fair in its another meltdown, and we need to en- saw the weakness of AIG, and the fact current form. Again, this bill is a courage companies to be less of a risk that they had basically dealt with smart, targeted step that I am con- to our economy. these credit default swaps, and that it fident will benefit investors and benefit The ranking member, who is bearing had created such a problem in our our economy. Transparency and fair- a substantial oratorical challenge, economy, I am so pleased that we had ness should be welcome and not re- being, I think, the only speaker oppos- the foresight and the wisdom to come jected. ing the bill, correctly points out that up with a way by which to identify this Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this AIG was a risk to our economy. risk of the nonbanks so that they do bill.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:31 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.052 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3127 Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. H.R. 4061 helps financial institutions because they were designated as a Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time to delay or block heightened oversight nonbank SIFI. as I may consume. and weakens FSOC’s ability to protect The ranking member brings up AIG, In these debates, oftentimes we find our economy. Mr. Speaker, this bill ig- but guess what? AIG was regulated by ourselves explaining to people how our nores the lessons of the past and in- a Federal regulator who had full abil- committees work, and that is very vites the return to the risky financial ity to stop anything they were doing good that we take the opportunity to system that led to the financial crisis. for safety and soundness. And guess do that because I think that, in this Mr. Speaker, I urge my Members to what? The regulator, in which many on complicated system that we work in, oppose the bill, and I yield back the the other side of the aisle put total people need to understand what we do balance of my time. faith into, they missed it. They and how we do it. Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, screwed up. They said under oath in I am very appreciative to the chair- may I inquire how much time I have our committee: Yeah, we had full au- man for recognizing and giving time to remaining. thority to stop it, and we just missed some of our Members today, and I The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- it. We just missed it. think he will remember that I have tleman from Texas has 31⁄4 minutes re- So it is time, Mr. Speaker, that we done that for him also. I can recall on maining. improve this Financial Stability Over- flood insurance, the National Flood In- Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I sight Council. I urge all Members to surance bill, I was very gracious and I yield myself such time as I may con- support H.R. 4061. gave Members on the Republican side sume. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of the aisle an opportunity to have a Mr. Speaker, why is this important, of my time. say. And not only that, Ex-Im Bank and what does this bill do? Let me try Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in was another instance where I gave time to make it very succinct. Dodd-Frank strong support of H.R. 4061. Among other im- to the Members from the opposite side gave the Federal Government the portant provisions, a key component of this bill of the aisle, so I would not like people power to designate firms to be too big is the creation of a new subsection K within who are listening to think that some- to fail and backed them up with a tax- Sec. 113 of the Dodd Frank Act. This section how this is unusual. payer fund, a bailout fund. We think calls on FSOC to consider ‘‘the imposition of We do use the influence and power of that is wrong. prudential standards as opposed to other our positions to determine when that But that is not what this bill does. forms of regulation to mitigate the identified makes good sense for us, and I would The bill doesn’t repeal the bailout risks.’’ I am confident that members of both like to say to the chairman of our com- fund. It simply says to nonbanks—not parties in the House and the Senate share the mittee: There will be other times when banks, nonbanks—mutual funds, insur- common goal of avoiding future financial cri- I will afford Republicans an oppor- ance companies: You know what? Be- ses—our debates since the enactment of tunity to speak and have their say fore we knock you upside the head with Dodd Frank have been around how best to when you don’t feel that that is the a sledgehammer, we are going to give achieve this overarching goal. That’s why I be- proper thing for you to do at that time. you a chance to get your act together. lieve that if we were considering language So let us all remember how this system That is essentially what this bill today calling on all financial regulators, both works. does. And why is that important? It is state and Federal, to meet on an ongoing Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of important because we have people who basis, to compare notes and make rec- my time. are trying to capitalize small busi- ommendations on steps that each agency Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I nesses. It is important because we have could take to achieve this goal, it would pass believe I have the right to close. I have people who are trying to save for their by unanimous consent. no further speakers, so I reserve the Asset managers, insurers, and other finan- retirement. Enhanced prudential balance of my time. cial intermediaries serve a critical role in help- standards, which is the legal term of Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. ing our constituents manage the financial risks art for coming down with a ton of Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance they will face throughout their lives and meet bricks onto a company, that can cost of my time. their financial needs and objectives. Managing people. Mr. Speaker, week after week, the assets, whether personal or as part of a retire- In fact, it has been estimated that majority is continuing to push through ment plan such as a 401(k), has increasingly these enhanced prudential capital re- bills to roll back critical reforms that become the responsibility of individuals who quirements imposed with a SIFI des- Democrats put in place to protect con- are well served by asset managers and the ignation, a too-big-to-fail designation sumers, investors, and our economy. products they provide. And managing lon- on a mutual fund, could trim as much Let’s recount some of the bills that the gevity and mortality risks are just two areas of majority has recently pushed through as 25 percent or $108,000 for a mutual expertise that insurers are uniquely situated to the House: fund investor’s returns over a lifetime help. I think we would agree these essential In recent months, they have passed of investing. That comes out of the products and services should be well regu- legislation to allow payday lenders to pockets of our seniors. That is why this lated, but in an efficient manner that allows evade State interest rate caps, decrease is so important. providers the room to innovate and serve their operational risk capital requirements, Contrary to what you hear on the customers’ needs and roll back enhanced prudential other side of the aisle, the FSOC, the New subsection K of this bill is a charge for standards for the Nation’s largest Financial Stability Oversight Council, regulators to act, on an ongoing basis, to take banks; weaken customer protections will still have full ability to designate the steps necessary to help companies oper- for mortgages; undermine efforts to an institution as too big to fail. But it ate in a safe and sound manner as the first combat discriminatory and predatory says: You know what? Before you do line of defense against future economic stress. lending; reduce consumer privacy pro- that, consider some other methods: In other words, this bill encourages regulators tections; weaken rules that the finan- consider seniors, consider small busi- to determine what activities are potentially cial services industry finds inconven- nesses, and consider the impact of what risky, using, among other tools, the process ient; undermine protections for mom- you are going to do. set forth in section 120 of the Dodd Frank Act, and-pop investors; and allow financial Look at what happened to GE Cap- and calls on the appropriate prudential regu- institutions to challenge rules, finan- ital. This was one of the great financ- lator to ensure they appropriately address cial regulations, in court, if they be- ing companies in America, and they such activities on an ongoing basis. This ap- lieve them not to be uniquely tailored were basically a coyote in a trap that proach makes eminent sense, can help pre- to their business needs. had to chew its leg off. There is hardly vent a future crisis, and I am pleased to sup- Every week, the list of harmful legis- anything left of them. They used to port this provision and the entire legislation. lation put forth by the majority for fund furniture retailers, bread bak- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. House passage grows. H.R. 4061, the so- eries, Jack in the Box franchises. They MITCHELL). All time for debate has ex- called Financial Stability Oversight provided credit to startups all over pired. Council Improvement Act is the latest America, $31 billion in 2010 to 1.2 mil- Pursuant to House Resolution 780, example of the majority’s misguided lion small and midsized businesses, and the previous question is ordered on the and reckless agenda. now, next to nothing. Next to nothing, bill, as amended.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:31 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.054 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE H3128 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 11, 2018 The question is on the engrossment Mullin Rohrabacher Suozzi A motion to reconsider was laid on Murphy (FL) Rokita Taylor and third reading of the bill. Neal Rooney, Francis Tenney the table. The bill was ordered to be engrossed Newhouse Ros-Lehtinen Thompson (CA) Stated against: and read a third time, and was read the Noem Roskam Thompson (PA) Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, had I third time. Norcross Ross Thornberry been present, I would have voted ‘‘nay’’ on Norman Rothfus Tipton The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Nunes Rouzer Trott rollcall No. 135. question is on the passage of the bill. O’Halleran Royce (CA) Turner Olson Ruiz Upton f The question was taken; and the Palazzo Ruppersberger Valadao Speaker pro tempore announced that Palmer Russell Vargas STRESS TEST IMPROVEMENT ACT the ayes appeared to have it. Paulsen Rutherford Veasey OF 2017 Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, on Payne Sanford Vela Pearce Schneider Wagner that I demand the yeas and nays. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Perlmutter Schrader Walberg finished business is the vote on the mo- The yeas and nays were ordered. Perry Schweikert Walden tion to recommit on the bill (H.R. 4293) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Peters Scott, Austin Walker Peterson Scott, David Walorski to reform the Comprehensive Capital ant to clause 8 of rule XX, this 15- Pittenger Sensenbrenner Walters, Mimi Analysis and Review process, the Dodd- minute vote on passage of H.R. 4061 Poe (TX) Sessions Weber (TX) Frank Act Stress Test process, and for will be followed by 5-minute votes on: Poliquin Sewell (AL) Webster (FL) Posey Sherman Wenstrup other purposes, offered by the gentle- The motion to recommit on H.R. Quigley Shimkus Westerman woman from California (Ms. MAXINE 4293; and Ratcliffe Shuster Williams WATERS), on which the yeas and nays Passage of H.R. 4293, if ordered. Reed Sinema Wilson (SC) Reichert Smith (MO) Wittman were ordered. The vote was taken by electronic de- Renacci Smith (NE) Womack The Clerk will redesignate the mo- vice, and there were—yeas 297, nays Rice (NY) Smith (NJ) Woodall tion. 121, not voting 10, as follows: Rice (SC) Smith (TX) Yoder Roby Smucker Yoho The Clerk redesignated the motion. [Roll No. 135] Roe (TN) Stefanik Young (AK) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The YEAS—297 Rogers (AL) Stewart Young (IA) question is on the motion to recommit. Rogers (KY) Stivers Zeldin Abraham Curbelo (FL) Issa This is a 5-minute vote. Aderholt Curtis Jenkins (KS) NAYS—121 The vote was taken by electronic de- Aguilar Davidson Jenkins (WV) Adams Garamendi O’Rourke vice, and there were—yeas 188, nays Allen Davis (CA) Johnson (LA) Barraga´ n Gomez Pallone Amash Davis, Rodney Johnson (OH) 231, not voting 9, as follows: Bass Green, Al Panetta Amodei Delaney Johnson, Sam Blumenauer Green, Gene [Roll No. 136] Arrington Pascrell DelBene Jordan Bonamici Grijalva Babin Pelosi YEAS—188 Denham Joyce (OH) Brady (PA) Gutie´rrez Bacon Pingree Adams Maloney, Dent Katko Butterfield Hastings Eshoo Banks (IN) Pocan Aguilar Carolyn B. DeSantis Keating Capuano Higgins (NY) Espaillat Barletta Polis Barraga´ n Maloney, Sean DesJarlais Kelly (MS) Carson (IN) Hoyer Esty (CT) Barr Price (NC) Bass Matsui Diaz-Balart Kelly (PA) Cartwright Huffman Evans Barton Raskin Beatty McCollum Donovan Kennedy Castor (FL) Jackson Lee Foster Beatty Bera McEachin Duffy Kihuen Castro (TX) Jayapal Richmond Fudge Bera Beyer McGovern Duncan (SC) Kilmer Chu, Judy Jeffries Rosen Gabbard Bergman Blumenauer McNerney Duncan (TN) Kind Cicilline Johnson (GA) Roybal-Allard Gallego Beyer Blunt Rochester Meeks Dunn King (IA) Clarke (NY) Johnson, E. B. Rush Garamendi Biggs Bonamici Meng Emmer King (NY) Clay Jones Ryan (OH) Gomez Bilirakis Boyle, Brendan Moulton Estes (KS) Kinzinger Cleaver Kaptur Sa´ nchez Gonzalez (TX) Bishop (MI) F. Murphy (FL) Esty (CT) Knight Clyburn Kelly (IL) Sarbanes Gottheimer Bishop (UT) Brady (PA) Nadler Faso Kuster (NH) Cohen Khanna Schakowsky Green, Al Black Ferguson Kustoff (TN) Brown (MD) Napolitano Connolly Kildee Schiff Green, Gene Blackburn Fitzpatrick Labrador Brownley (CA) Neal Courtney Krishnamoorthi Scott (VA) Grijalva Blum Fleischmann LaHood Bustos Nolan Crowley Langevin Serrano Gutie´rrez Blunt Rochester Flores LaMalfa Butterfield Norcross Cummings Larson (CT) Hanabusa Bost Fortenberry Lamborn Sires Capuano O’Halleran Davis, Danny Lawrence Hastings Boyle, Brendan Foster Lance Smith (WA) Carbajal O’Rourke DeFazio Lee Heck F. Foxx Larsen (WA) Soto Ca´ rdenas Pallone DeGette Levin Higgins (NY) Brady (TX) Frelinghuysen Latta Speier Carson (IN) Panetta DeLauro Lewis (GA) Himes Brat Gaetz Lawson (FL) Swalwell (CA) Cartwright Pascrell Demings Lieu, Ted Hoyer Bridenstine Gallagher Lewis (MN) Takano Castor (FL) Payne DeSaulnier Lofgren Huffman Brooks (AL) Garrett Lipinski Thompson (MS) Castro (TX) Pelosi Deutch Lowenthal Jackson Lee Brooks (IN) Gianforte LoBiondo Titus Chu, Judy Perlmutter Dingell Lowey Jayapal Brown (MD) Cicilline Peters Gibbs Loebsack Doggett Luja´ n, Ben Ray Tonko Brownley (CA) Clark (MA) Jeffries Peterson Gohmert Long Doyle, Michael Lynch Torres Buchanan Clarke (NY) Johnson (GA) Pingree Gonzalez (TX) Loudermilk F. Maloney, Tsongas Buck Clay Johnson, E. B. Pocan Goodlatte Love Ellison Carolyn B. Vela´ zquez Bucshon Cleaver Jones Polis Gosar Lucas Engel Matsui Visclosky Budd Clyburn Kaptur Price (NC) Gottheimer Luetkemeyer Eshoo McCollum Wasserman Burgess Cohen Keating Quigley Gowdy Lujan Grisham, Espaillat McGovern Schultz Bustos Connolly Kelly (IL) Raskin Granger M. Evans McNerney Waters, Maxine Byrne Cooper Kennedy Rice (NY) Graves (GA) MacArthur Fudge Nadler Watson Coleman Calvert Correa Khanna Richmond Graves (LA) Maloney, Sean Gabbard Napolitano Welch Carbajal Costa Kihuen Rosen Graves (MO) Marchant Gallego Nolan Yarmuth Ca´ rdenas Griffith Marino Courtney Kildee Roybal-Allard Carter (GA) Grothman Marshall NOT VOTING—10 Crist Kilmer Ruiz Carter (TX) Guthrie Massie Crowley Kind Ruppersberger Bishop (GA) Rooney, Thomas Simpson Chabot Hanabusa Mast Cuellar Krishnamoorthi Rush Cramer J. Cheney Handel McCarthy Walz Cummings Kuster (NH) Ryan (OH) Frankel (FL) Scalise Clark (MA) Harper McCaul Wilson (FL) Davis (CA) Langevin Sa´ nchez Moore Shea-Porter Coffman Harris McClintock Davis, Danny Larsen (WA) Sarbanes Cole Hartzler McEachin DeFazio Larson (CT) Schakowsky Collins (GA) Heck McHenry b 1653 DeGette Lawrence Schiff Collins (NY) Hensarling McKinley Mses. BARRAGA´ N, JACKSON LEE, Delaney Lawson (FL) Schneider Comer Herrera Beutler McMorris DeLauro Lee Schrader Comstock Hice, Jody B. Rodgers and Mr. NADLER changed their vote DelBene Levin Scott (VA) Conaway Higgins (LA) McSally from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ Demings Lewis (GA) Scott, David Cook Hill Meadows Ms. ESTY of Connecticut, Messrs. DeSaulnier Lieu, Ted Serrano Cooper Himes Meehan Deutch Lipinski Sewell (AL) Correa Holding Meeks MEEKS, HECK, and Mrs. BEATTY Dingell Loebsack Sherman Costa Hollingsworth Meng changed their vote from ‘‘nay’’ to Doggett Lofgren Sinema Costello (PA) Hudson Messer ‘‘yea.’’ Doyle, Michael Lowey Sires Crawford Huizenga Mitchell So the bill was passed. F. Lujan Grisham, Smith (WA) Crist Hultgren Moolenaar Duncan (TN) M. Soto Cuellar Hunter Mooney (WV) The result of the vote was announced Ellison Luja´ n, Ben Ray Speier Culberson Hurd Moulton as above recorded. Engel Lynch Suozzi

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:31 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.056 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3129 Swalwell (CA) Tsongas Wasserman So the motion to recommit was re- Trott Walorski Wittman Takano Vargas Schultz jected. Turner Walters, Mimi Womack Thompson (CA) Veasey Waters, Maxine Upton Weber (TX) Woodall Thompson (MS) Vela Watson Coleman The result of the vote was announced Valadao Webster (FL) Yoder Titus Vela´ zquez Welch as above recorded. Wagner Wenstrup Yoho Tonko Visclosky Wilson (FL) Walberg Westerman Young (AK) Torres Yarmuth The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Walden Williams Young (IA) question is on the passage of the bill. Walker Wilson (SC) Zeldin NAYS—231 The question was taken; and the NAYS—174 Abraham Goodlatte Norman Speaker pro tempore announced that Aderholt Gosar Nunes the ayes appeared to have it. Adams Gomez Napolitano Allen Gowdy Olson Aguilar Gonzalez (TX) Neal Amash Granger Palazzo Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, on Barraga´ n Green, Al Norcross Amodei Graves (GA) Palmer that I demand the yeas and nays. Bass Green, Gene O’Rourke Arrington Graves (LA) Paulsen Bera Grijalva Pallone The yeas and nays were ordered. ´ Babin Graves (MO) Pearce Beyer Gutierrez Panetta Bacon Griffith Perry The SPEAKER pro tempore. This Blumenauer Hanabusa Pascrell Banks (IN) Grothman Pittenger will be a 5-minute vote. Blunt Rochester Hastings Payne Bonamici Heck Barletta Guthrie Poe (TX) Pelosi The vote was taken by electronic de- Boyle, Brendan Higgins (NY) Barr Handel Poliquin Perlmutter vice, and there were—yeas 245, nays F. Himes Barton Harper Posey Peters Brady (PA) Hoyer Bergman Harris Ratcliffe 174, not voting 9, as follows: Pingree Brown (MD) Huffman Biggs Hartzler Reed Pocan [Roll No. 137] Brownley (CA) Jackson Lee Bilirakis Hensarling Reichert Polis Bishop (MI) Herrera Beutler YEAS—245 Bustos Jayapal Price (NC) Renacci Butterfield Jeffries Bishop (UT) Hice, Jody B. Abraham Fleischmann Quigley Rice (SC) McCaul Capuano Johnson (GA) Black Higgins (LA) Aderholt Flores Raskin Roby McClintock Carbajal Johnson, E. B. Blackburn Hill Allen Fortenberry Rice (NY) Roe (TN) McHenry Ca´ rdenas Jones Blum Holding Amash Foxx Richmond Rogers (AL) McKinley Carson (IN) Kaptur Bost Hollingsworth Amodei Frelinghuysen Rosen Rogers (KY) McMorris Cartwright Keating Brady (TX) Hudson Arrington Gaetz Roybal-Allard Rohrabacher Rodgers Castor (FL) Kelly (IL) Brat Huizenga Babin Gallagher Ruiz Rokita McSally Castro (TX) Kennedy Bridenstine Hultgren Bacon Garrett Ruppersberger Rooney, Francis Meadows Chu, Judy Khanna Brooks (AL) Hunter Banks (IN) Gianforte Rush Ros-Lehtinen Meehan Cicilline Kihuen Brooks (IN) Hurd Barletta Gibbs Ryan (OH) Roskam Messer Clark (MA) Kildee Buchanan Issa Barr Gohmert Sa´ nchez Ross Mitchell Clarke (NY) Kilmer Buck Jenkins (KS) Barton Goodlatte Sarbanes Rothfus Moolenaar Clay Kind Bucshon Jenkins (WV) Beatty Gosar Rouzer Mooney (WV) Clyburn Krishnamoorthi Schakowsky Budd Johnson (LA) Bergman Gottheimer Mullin Schiff Burgess Royce (CA) Connolly Kuster (NH) Johnson (OH) Biggs Gowdy Murphy (FL) Schneider Byrne Johnson, Sam Russell Cooper Langevin Bilirakis Granger Newhouse Schrader Calvert Jordan Rutherford Courtney Larsen (WA) Bishop (MI) Graves (GA) Noem Scott (VA) Carter (GA) Joyce (OH) Sanford Crist Larson (CT) Bishop (UT) Graves (LA) Norman Serrano Schweikert Crowley Lawrence Carter (TX) Katko Black Graves (MO) Nunes Cummings Lawson (FL) Sewell (AL) Chabot Kelly (MS) Scott, Austin Blackburn Griffith O’Halleran Davis (CA) Lee Sherman Cheney Kelly (PA) Sensenbrenner Blum Grothman Olson Davis, Danny Levin Sires Coffman King (IA) Sessions Bost Guthrie Palazzo DeFazio Lewis (GA) Smith (WA) Cole King (NY) Shimkus Brady (TX) Handel Palmer DeGette Lieu, Ted Soto Collins (GA) Kinzinger Shuster Brat Harper Paulsen Delaney Lipinski Speier Collins (NY) Knight Smith (MO) Bridenstine Harris Pearce DeLauro Loebsack Swalwell (CA) Comer Kustoff (TN) Smith (NE) Brooks (AL) Hartzler Perry DelBene Lofgren Takano Comstock Labrador Smith (NJ) Brooks (IN) Hensarling Peterson Demings Lowenthal Thompson (CA) Conaway LaHood Smith (TX) Buchanan Herrera Beutler Pittenger DeSaulnier Lowey Thompson (MS) Cook LaMalfa Smucker Buck Hice, Jody B. Poe (TX) Deutch Lujan Grisham, Titus Costello (PA) Lamborn Stefanik Bucshon Higgins (LA) Poliquin Dingell M. Tonko Cramer Lance Stewart Budd Hill Posey Doggett Luja´ n, Ben Ray Torres Crawford Latta Stivers Burgess Holding Ratcliffe Doyle, Michael Lynch Tsongas Culberson Lewis (MN) Taylor Byrne Hollingsworth Reed F. Maloney, Vargas Curbelo (FL) LoBiondo Tenney Calvert Hudson Reichert Ellison Carolyn B. Veasey Curtis Long Carter (GA) Huizenga Thompson (PA) Renacci Engel Maloney, Sean Vela Davidson Loudermilk Carter (TX) Hultgren Thornberry Rice (SC) Eshoo Matsui Vela´ zquez Davis, Rodney Love Chabot Hunter Tipton Roby Espaillat McCollum Visclosky Denham Lucas Cheney Hurd Trott Roe (TN) Esty (CT) McEachin Wasserman Dent Luetkemeyer Cleaver Issa Turner Rogers (AL) Evans McGovern Schultz DeSantis MacArthur Coffman Jenkins (KS) Upton Rogers (KY) Foster McNerney Waters, Maxine DesJarlais Marchant Cohen Jenkins (WV) Valadao Rohrabacher Fudge Meeks Watson Coleman Diaz-Balart Marino Cole Johnson (LA) Wagner Rokita Gabbard Meng Welch Donovan Marshall Collins (GA) Johnson (OH) Walberg Rooney, Francis Gallego Moulton Wilson (FL) Duffy Massie Collins (NY) Johnson, Sam Walden Ros-Lehtinen Garamendi Nadler Yarmuth Duncan (SC) Mast Comer Jordan Roskam Dunn McCarthy Walker Walorski Comstock Joyce (OH) Ross NOT VOTING—9 Emmer McCaul Conaway Katko Rothfus Walters, Mimi Bishop (GA) Rooney, Thomas Simpson Estes (KS) McClintock Cook Kelly (MS) Rouzer Weber (TX) Frankel (FL) J. Faso McHenry Correa Kelly (PA) Royce (CA) Walz Webster (FL) Moore Scalise Ferguson McKinley Costa King (IA) Russell Wenstrup Nolan Shea-Porter Fitzpatrick McMorris Costello (PA) King (NY) Rutherford Westerman Fleischmann Rodgers Cramer Kinzinger Sanford Williams 1709 Flores McSally Crawford Knight Schweikert b Wilson (SC) Fortenberry Meadows Cuellar Kustoff (TN) Scott, Austin Wittman So the bill was passed. Foxx Meehan Culberson Labrador Scott, David Womack The result of the vote was announced Frelinghuysen Messer Curbelo (FL) LaHood Sensenbrenner Woodall Gaetz Mitchell Curtis LaMalfa Sessions as above recorded. Yoder Gallagher Moolenaar Davidson Lamborn Shimkus A motion to reconsider was laid on Yoho Garrett Mooney (WV) Davis, Rodney Lance Shuster Young (AK) the table. Gianforte Mullin Denham Latta Sinema Gibbs Newhouse Young (IA) Dent Lewis (MN) Smith (MO) PERSONAL EXPLANATION Gohmert Noem Zeldin DeSantis LoBiondo Smith (NE) Mr. SCALISE. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoid- NOT VOTING—9 DesJarlais Long Smith (NJ) Diaz-Balart Loudermilk Smith (TX) ably detained. Had I been present, I would Bishop (GA) Rooney, Thomas Simpson Donovan Love Smucker have voted ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall No. 135, ‘‘nay’’ on Frankel (FL) J. Walz Duffy Lucas Stefanik rollcall No. 136, and ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall No. 137. Lowenthal Scalise Duncan (SC) Luetkemeyer Stewart Moore Shea-Porter Duncan (TN) MacArthur Stivers f Dunn Marchant Suozzi Emmer Marino Taylor HUMAN TRAFFICKING, A SCOURGE b 1701 Estes (KS) Marshall Tenney ON HUMANITY Faso Massie Thompson (PA) Mr. VISCLOSKY changed his vote Ferguson Mast Thornberry (Mr. POE of Texas asked and was from ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ Fitzpatrick McCarthy Tipton given permission to address the House

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:31 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A11AP7.019 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE H3130 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 11, 2018 for 1 minute and to revise and extend iors who were selected as finalists for minute and to revise and extend his re- his remarks.) the Oneida County Good Citizens marks.) Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, Award, presented by the Oneida County Mr. LAMALFA. Madam Speaker, to- at 15 years old, Jane was pregnant, Chapter of the DAR, the Daughters of night I rise to congratulate Pleasant alone, out on the streets, and ready to the American Revolution. Valley High School for sending both end her life. When Marcus and Robin The 2018 finalists were Rachael the boys and girls basketball teams to Thompson found her, Jane thought she Powles, Elizabeth Militillo, Crystal the State of California championship was saved. But instead of taking her to Lin, Madden Barnes, Abigail Hall, and games for their division. safety, the criminals forced the girl on William Thomas. Rachael Powles from After incredibly successful seasons a terrifying 6-week trek across the Sauquoit Valley Central School was by both the girls and boys teams, I am United States. the first prize winner and will go on to very proud to say that both programs The outlaws photographed Jane in represent Oneida County at the State made it all the way to the finals played suggestive photos and sold her on the level. at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, marketplace of sex slavery—human These six outstanding individuals home of the Sacramento Kings NBA trafficking. Truck stops and sleazy were chosen based on their academic team. hotel rooms became her life, sold to achievements, extracurricular activi- Though the two games had differing any pervert with the money and desire ties, and an essay contest. These stu- results, to be playing in the final game to buy sex from a child. dents clearly have a great future ahead of the season in the State in your divi- After multiple beatings, Jane sought of them, and it is great to see such sion while the rest of your opponents help at a hospital, where nurses identi- strong youth leadership coming from are home at spring break is plenty to fied her as a sex-trafficked victim. The Oneida County. be proud of. It says a lot about the stu- Thompsons are now locked up in prison I wish the first prize winner, Rachael dents and the head coaches and their for the crime they committed—modern Powles, the best of luck as she con- families on both teams. day slavery. tinues in the New York State competi- The last time the Pleasant Valley Madam Speaker, human trafficking tion, and, hopefully, we will be seeing girls made it to the State champion- is a scourge. We must remain vigilant her in Washington, D.C., as a national ship was 1985. This is the first trip for like the nurses in this case and rescue finalist. the boys to the State championship. Madam Speaker, I ask that Members victims and send traffickers to the jail- What these young men and women join me in congratulating these stu- house where they belong. No more sell- both did on the basketball courts this dents on displaying qualities of service, ing our children on the marketplace of year was remarkable—even inspiring leadership, and patriotism. The Daugh- slavery. Pleasant Valley alum and Green Bay ters of the American Revolution is a And that is just the way it is. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers to highly respected organization that is contribute to their trip. f devoted to our community, our chil- While the girls did lose a hard-fought b 1715 dren, and our Nation. Being a finalist contest, the boys pulled it out and won in this wonderful organization is an a 70–65 thriller in which they never CONGRATULATING COACH LANCE honor, indeed. WIGFALL trailed in the game. f Congratulations to the boys team on (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given FAIR HOUSING MONTH their first-ever State championship and permission to address the House for 1 to the girls team for again making an- (Mrs. BEATTY asked and was given minute and to revise and extend his re- other trip to the State finals. Indeed, a permission to address the House for 1 marks.) truly remarkable, outstanding season minute.) Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise for Pleasant Valley High School for the this evening to honor Coach Lance Mrs. BEATTY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 50th boys and girls team. They have much Wigfall of East Orange, New Jersey, for to be proud of. becoming the 2017–2018 boys indoor anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. f track and field coach of the year. Signed into law 7 days after Reverend Coach Wigfall was a star track ath- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s tragic as- ATTACK ON SYRIA sassination in Memphis, Tennessee, the lete at East Orange during the late (Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was Fair Housing Act builds on his dream 1990s and early 2000s. Now, as coach, he given permission to address the House to ensure that every American can live is helping a new generation of young for 1 minute.) men grow as athletes and leaders. wherever they choose. While in the five decades, our coun- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, During Coach Wigfall’s tenure at try has made progress in securing outrage is certainly not a tough East Orange, the school’s track and equal opportunity and access to afford- enough word to watch the children of field team has broken onto the na- able housing for all with the Syria, and innocent civilians, be at- tional stage. But Coach Wigfall re- unencumbered ability to rent or to tacked by poisonous gas. Assad is a vi- minds his athletes to enjoy the mo- buy, but our work continues. cious dictator, and Russia has propped ment, trust the process, and always put In fact, just last week, in my commu- him up. academics before athletics. nity, community leaders broke ground It is important for the American peo- Coach Wigfall is a mentor and a role on the final phase of a $120 million pub- ple and for Syrian Americans to know model for his team. He is an asset to lic-private project for Legacy Pointe at that we will not tolerate the kind of East Orange and to all young people in Poindexter, fueled by a $30 million vile violence, particularly against chil- New Jersey’s 10th Congressional Dis- HUD Choice Neighborhood grant that I dren. But Congress must stand for its trict. helped to secure in 2014, but our work constitutional responsibility of debat- I ask my colleagues to join me in continues. ing an authorization to use military congratulating Coach Wigfall for be- I stand here today in that spirit to force. We must not, at any time, reck- coming coach of the year. say that I will continue to defend the lessly ignore actions by the adminis- f central tenets of the Fair Housing Act tration that really should be a collabo- rative thought-provoking discussion DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN so that all Americans can pursue the American Dream without fear of dis- and debate on the strategy for dealing REVOLUTION GOOD CITIZENS with the crisis in Syria, but, more im- AWARD crimination or redlining. Madam Speaker, our work continues. portantly, the propping up of Assad by (Ms. TENNEY asked and was given f Russia and its supporters. permission to address the House for 1 The children need us in Syria to be minute and to revise and extend her re- CONGRATULATING PLEASANT able to stop both the bloodshed and the marks.) VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL terrible tragedy of gas attacks that im- Ms. TENNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise (Mr. LAMALFA asked and was given mediately cause life and injury. It is today to recognize six high school sen- permission to address the House for 1 time for us—the Members of Congress—

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:31 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.062 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3131 to come to this floor and debate our and friends. Please know that the city PAC: some big, giant thing where they strategy in Syria. of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and do independent expenditures and pour f the whole country grieve with you. money in against their enemies and f pour money in in favor of their friends. TRIBUTE TO MARY REGULA Politics in America has become the (Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given INEQUALITY AND FAIRNESS FOR battle of the billionaires now. You have permission to address the House for 1 ALL AMERICANS to get a billionaire on your side in minute.) The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. order to win. I mean, we know that Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, at HANDEL). Under the Speaker’s an- whether it is the Coates’, or the Mer- this spring season of new life, please let nounced policy of January 3, 2017, the cers, or the Adelsons, or whoever it is, us pay tribute to the spirited life of a gentleman from California (Mr. it is some big, rich person who is going visionary woman dedicated to high DESAULNIER) is recognized for 60 min- to sponsor a political candidate, and learning and civic improvement, Mary utes as the designee of the minority that is who gets to represent us in Regula from Ohio, who tragically leader. what is supposed to be a democratic so- passed this last week. GENERAL LEAVE ciety. So I think that it is critical to As an educator first, her love of his- Mr. DESAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I make the link between economic in- tory drew her to national causes. Mary ask unanimous consent that all Mem- equality and political inequality. had a style and a spirit all her own. I bers may have 5 legislative days in I will say again, when we get eco- nomic inequality to the degree that it vividly recall her dressing as Mary which to revise and extend their re- is, one of the other things that is pur- Todd Lincoln at the dedication of the marks and include extraneous material chased, besides political influence, is First Ladies Museum in Canton, Ohio, on this Special Order. mergers and acquisitions. which she had spearheaded, as she duti- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there fully and lovingly put in place fas- I would just like to point out to ev- objection to the request of the gen- erybody that it doesn’t matter what in- cinating historical truth about a long- tleman from California? neglected dimension of American polit- dustry you are talking about, markets There was no objection. are deeply concentrated and anti- ical life. ESAULNIER. Madam Speaker, Mr. D competitive. If you are talking about A soulmate to her beloved husband, my colleagues and I wanted to spend a the very honorable Ohio Congressman like a pharmacy—not a pharmaceutical few moments on what, to me, is the company, but a pharmacy—CVS, Ralph Regula, Mary was a beautiful most important domestic issue in our and engaging force for good and for Walgreens, we used to have Rite Aid country right now: the issue of inequal- and, of course, they merged together. progress on many levels. ity and fairness for all Americans. It is On countless late nights here in the And, of course, there is another merger at historic levels of disparity from Capitol, she would work into the coming up. Every day you open the where it should be, historically both evening with her husband. Then, when paper, there is some other big company from an economic standpoint, an eth- votes were complete, they would drive buying up some other big company, ical standpoint, and, in my view, a home together, usually in Ralph’s red concentrating markets, making the moral standpoint. It is important for pickup truck. Their service was a pa- barriers to entry even higher so that Congress to know what the experts triotic love of America. the small-business person is just locked know and to share that with this House May Mary Regula’s family and out. and with the American public. friends, and the people of greater Can- It costs a lot to get into business I am pleased to partner with some of ton, Ohio, which Mary and her husband now. If your opponent, who is some big, my good friends: Representative LEE, served for 36 years, know our abiding huge company, doesn’t want you in the who I hope will be here soon, a good gratitude for their service and for market, they can just drop their prices, neighbor in northern California, who suffer the losses, because they are big, electing such an extraordinary Con- has done such extraordinary work run you out of business, and raise them gressman, a seasoned appropriator, and around poverty and inequality; and right back on up. his awesome life partner, beloved also Ms. DELAURO from Connecticut, But if you look at any market—beer, Mary. who has also helped us to put this Spe- hamburger, chicken, online search en- f cial Order together. gines, anything you want—almost all HONORING THE LIFE OF RHONDA Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- of them are deeply concentrated—two, LEROCQUE tleman from Minnesota (Mr. ELLISON), three, maybe four—companies rep- resenting 80 or 90 percent of the indus- (Mr. KIHUEN asked and was given my good friend and colleague, and a na- try, which cuts off opportunity, limits permission to address the House for 1 tional spokesperson on issues of in- competition, and it is bad for the minute and to revise and extend his re- equality. Mr. ELLISON. Madam Speaker, let American people. marks.) Madam Speaker, I have a few more Mr. KIHUEN. Madam Speaker, today me thank the gentleman from Cali- things to share, but I will kick it back I rise to remember the life of Rhonda fornia for yielding. I appreciate all of to Congressman DESAULNIER for now. LeRocque. Rhonda attended the Route the work Congressman DESAULNIER does in this area. And I want to thank Maybe he can kick it back to me a lit- 91 Festival in Las Vegas on October 1. tle later, and we will just have a con- Rhonda was married to her husband, him for raising this particular issue for this Special Order. versation for a little while. Jason, for 21 years, with whom she had Mr. DESAULNIER. Madam Speaker, a 6-year-old daughter, Ali. Madam Speaker, I agree with him that inequality is the issue of the mo- that sounds good to me. Rhonda and Jason were very active Madam Speaker, I do want to say, as ment. Not only does inequality funnel in their church and enjoyed partici- a former small-business owner, having money from working Americans up to pating in humanitarian projects to- owned restaurants in the San Fran- gether. One of their biggest projects the richest people, but what do they do cisco Bay area for many years, I can was when they traveled to New Orleans with the money once it is up there? definitely identify with your comments after Hurricane Katrina to help rebuild There is only a certain number of boats that all too often Main Street America, homes. you can ski behind, only a certain those entrepreneurs who employ most Rhonda worked for a design firm in number of houses you can buy, and of our workers, are at a distinct dis- Cambridge, Massachusetts, but only a certain number of luxury cars advantage. dreamed of opening up her own cater- you can buy. ing business. She loved skiing, cooking, What do the billions go to? Much of b 1730 and baking, but nothing could surpass it goes to things like merger and acqui- And, unfortunately, I always felt this her love for her family. She is remem- sition, and also political influence. It is as a small independent restaurant bered for being a selfless and joyful very important to understand that as owner, that the desires of a lot of my woman who had a strong faith. economic inequality has grown, polit- fellow restaurateurs that were nation- I would like to extend my condo- ical inequality has also grown. Now- ally owned were not necessarily my de- lences to Rhonda LeRocque’s family adays, the money goes into some super- sires. I supported the community. I was

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:12 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.065 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE H3132 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 11, 2018 active in the community. I was in the son in multiple communities is seeing Indirectly, of course, I benefited from Rotary or went to Rotary, was very ac- a benefit, and this is going to be a chal- that, because their kids were the first tive. They didn’t have that kind of lenge. kids in their family who went to col- Main Street presence. So I put up here, there have been lege, my parents. But they had to en- I do think that we have deserted that many famous admonitions through his- dure World War I, the Great Depres- kind of—we collectively, I think, in tory, starting with Plato and Aristotle, sion, and World War II, a trans- this body, have all too often deserted about this issue, about the inequality formative period of time that then led that constituency, which is so much a issue of humans treating other hu- to what some economists will now say part of not just our economy, but our mans. The first one I would like to was really a unique period of time culture in America. point out because it comes from Adam where there was great economic Ben Franklin, when he started, went Smith—Adam Smith, who wrote ‘‘The growth after the war, during the Eisen- through and was trained by his father Wealth of Nations,’’ the great Scottish hower administration and after that, and his older brother. Somewhat con- political economist whom many people Truman through Eisenhower and be- troversially, he came to Philadelphia in the Chicago school and people who ginning with Roosevelt, where every- and walked down the street and started believe in this idea of trickle-down eco- body was benefiting. a business. nomics look to and the invisible hand So this great consumer economy was So, to your point, I think that is that he so famously wrote about. a benefit to everyone sharing the really important, that when you look But the quote on the top here, I wealth and the historical disparities at the fabric of America, what this in- think, is a very clear demonstration of that we have come to from outside equality talks about—and as we go his view in the late 1700s in spite of his that. through this, it will sound from some- perspective on many things, and it is So if you want to go back to the best what of an academic perspective be- the first quote on the chart: ‘‘The dis- world, the best parts of that world, ac- cause we have listened to the experts. position to admire, and almost to wor- knowledging that America had real We have listened to experts, particu- ship, the rich and the powerful, and to challenges there around race, and con- larly in my area in northern California despise, or, at least, to neglect persons tinues to have, that had to be ad- at Berkeley and Stanford, but we have of poor and mean condition is the great dressed. We had real challenges around gone to others. and most universal cause of the corrup- sex and sexism that had to be ad- This presentation will be about what tion of our moral sentiments’’—Adam dressed. There were other issues about the economic history and what the eco- Smith. things that we needed to deal with in nomics are telling us so that everyone The second quote is from someone this country that are urgent, and we can accept this in terms of the histor- whom we are all familiar with. A great have dealt with since that time. So I ical record and the facts as Thomas American, a great Republican progres- don’t want to make it sound like ev- sive, Teddy Roosevelt, said: ‘‘The man Piketty put in his best selling econom- erything was wonderful. We had our of great wealth owes a peculiar obliga- ics book, very dry, ‘‘Capital in the challenges. Twenty-First Century,’’ which I take a tion to the state because he derives One of the great things about this lot of my influence from. special advantages from the mere ex- country, as so many people have said, When the majority was going istence of government,’’ a quote rooted is we acknowledge our weaknesses, but through their tax reform bill, I hap- in a passage from Luke in the Bible. we address them and aspire to move on. That passage says and is quoted often pened to pick up a compilation of I would say we are at one of those in our political discourse: ‘‘To whom economists—it was very broad, from points where we are particularly chal- much is given, much is required.’’ That their ideological perspective—called, is part of what Jesus of Nazareth said lenged in that regard. ‘‘After Piketty’’; and as I was reading So, if we could go to the first of these when he was giving his gospels on the this, I already knew this, and I thought charts, in particular, I want you to mountain as part of the Sermon on the this tax plan is probably the worst look at the dates, because this will be Mount or prelude to that. medicine to give this environment be- And the last quote, I think, is very consistent in the four diagrams we are cause it will only make it worse, in my demonstrative for the situation we are going to bring up. The dates starting view, based on a hopeful thought that in and leading up to these next elec- on the far left in the early periods, the all of this will trickle down from the tions both in 2018 and 2020. The great 1920s, which actually was the gilded wealthiest. jurist, the first Jewish American to be age, and then through to 2013. We know that in an economy like the a member of the U.S. Supreme Court, So this particular chart talks about United States, where 70, 75 percent of it Louis Brandeis, said: ‘‘We can either inequality and that historical perspec- is consumer driven, you need people to have democracy in this country or we tive. In the United States, right now, spend money. Myself, as a small-busi- can have great wealth concentrated in income inequality has grown rapidly ness person, if people didn’t have dis- the hands of a few, but we can’t have by every statistical measure for 30 posable income to come in my door to both.’’ years. America’s top 10 percent—and pay for the food, I couldn’t pay my em- With that, I would like to briefly go this is not class warfare. This is a dis- ployees. I couldn’t do all the things I through four charts that I think are cussion of what the statistics tell us wanted to do to engage in the commu- visually demonstrative of the problem and what that implies for our democ- nity. So this is the fabric of the Amer- we are exposed to, and I would like peo- racy and the benefit that we all should ican economy, but it is really about ple who are watching to particularly derive as it is written in our sacred the fabric of the American culture and look at the timeframe on the graphs. creeds in the Constitution, the Dec- what we want for our kids. So it has been talked about going laration of Independence, and also in One of the most disturbing things is back to when America was great. These our other great commentary. being a baby boomer and the parent of charts will demonstrate that this pe- So America’s top 10 percent, approxi- two sons in their thirties and to see riod of time, that a lot of us who had mately 32 million people, now average their struggles as they do well and play parents who fought in World War II, more than nine times as much income by the rules and do as is required of grandparents who fought in World War as the bottom 90 percent, or about 293 them. What we are passing on, my gen- I, heard their stories about that na- million people. Think of that. The top eration and future generations, is not tional commitment in both those in- 10 percent, 32 million people, many of just the challenge of a prospectively stances and in both generations. them got their wealth from talent and lower life expectancy, but all the de- I grew up in a household outside of good work. Some of them have not had spair we see in too many communities Lowell, Massachusetts, hearing my as much talent and hard work, and in this country that this last election, French-Canadian grandparents and my that is human nature. according to the ultimate winner in Irish grandparents talking about com- But because of the policies that we the Presidential campaign, was about ing to Lowell, Massachusetts, to work have passed—and as my friend from reaching them. in those textile mills for the oppor- Minnesota has alluded to, the influence Over a quarter into his term, I defy tunity to improve their lives and the in politics, in our election process, that anyone to say where the average per- lives of their kids. is more extreme than it has ever been

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:31 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.067 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3133 in the history of this country. It has al- This is the sweet spot that people during the Eisenhower administration, ways been there. It has always been talk about going back to. in particular, almost a third of Amer- part of our dynamic. Now we are here. Well, if history is ican workers were in a union—it was Being from California, there is a fa- right and taught us anything, and what the glory days of America; but it was mous quote from a former speaker of Piketty talks about in a very classic also the glory days, and this wasn’t a the State assembly that money was the economic historian view and his view coincidence, of American workers hav- mother’s milk of politics, sort of a day- of Western democracy and economic ing a voice in American economy and to-day look as a working politician, trends, his view is these are inevitable. with their employers, where they but now we are at extreme, extreme This is my perspective, of course. I partnered. levels. am not trying to put words in Dr. So since then, CEO compensation and Independent expenditures, to what Piketty’s mouth. average workers have changed. With my friend from Minnesota talked But this was sort of an anomaly, unions playing a smaller role, down to about, in the Supreme Court decisions when you look through Western eco- 11 percent from almost 35 percent, than around Citizens United and nomic industry, according to Piketty, they did decades ago, the gap between SpeechNOW, two decisions in 2010, have which was the best-selling economics CEOs and workers was eight times created a world that this country has book in modern history. larger in 2016 than 1980. Union partici- never seen before, where the Supreme So that would make one wonder what pation has declined to 11 percent, as I Court decided in those two decisions by comes after this, and what Piketty said, from its peak in the 1940s and a 5–4 majority that the American pub- suggests and others suggest is there is 1950s. lic and their representatives had very a correction. And the question, I think, As of 2015, 100 CEOs—and I don’t say limited ability to put any kind of con- we have for this time in our history is: that they don’t have talent and capa- trols over what is called independent What kind of correction is that going bilities, but this is just a historical expenditures. Those are funds that are to be? Is it going to be the correction fact. Since 2015, 100 CEOs had company written. And the one condition is those that we want in this House, this sanc- retirement funds worth $4.7 billion, people who are doing that cannot com- tum sanctorum of democracy, the municate or be in party with the cam- which is a sum equal to the entire re- House of Representatives, where we tirement savings of the 41 percent of paigns. battle it out, we express ourselves and You can go and see how that has dra- U.S. families with the smallest retire- our ideologies, our perspectives—our matically changed in the last cycles ment funds. That is just the 41 percent constituencies have very different and will continue to get worse in this that don’t have retirement. world views—but we acknowledge that next cycle. This last cycle, the Presi- So imagine that; 100 individuals, who this is not right, this is a problem, and dential cycle, it got up to, I believe, are supposed to be not just our eco- this is not America as we envision it or just about $9 billion of independent ex- nomic captains, they are supposed to our great leaders envisioned it, wheth- penditures that are largely not held ac- be our social and community captains, er it was Washington or Lincoln? countable. and they were once. In the 1970s, CEO So next, America’s top 1 percent, Lincoln once famously said: compensation was roughly about four roughly 3.2 million people, averaged 40 If wages and capital are not equal, if they times the median income for their times more than the bottom 90 percent. become different, then we have lost democ- workers. So if you went to Ford or Mo- racy. And if capital, in particular, gets be- torola, there was a different corporate America’s top 1 percent, or one-tenth yond wages, we have really lost democracy. of a percent, or roughly 325,000 people, culture then, a feeling of social respon- average over 198 times the income of And he also cryptically said: sibility. It still exists, but it exists in the bottom 90 percent, or roughly 293 I have the Confederate Army in front of this context: Now it is almost 300 million people. me, but I have the northern banks behind times. me, and, honestly, I fear the latter the more. The top 1 percent of America’s in- So when you look at large companies come earners have more than doubled There is nothing wrong with capital; that are global, think of that, of their their share of the Nation’s income there is nothing wrong with invest- median global employees, this is the since the mid 20th century. This is the ment; but, from a historical perspec- disparity. So it is just another thing period post-World War II. The incomes tive, this is not a healthy economy. We that we should be cognizant of. of the top 1 percent peaked last during want a mix, and we want everybody to Retirement savings. Workers with the 1920s, during the start of the Great enjoy it. employer 401(k) plans have a median So just to go on, between 1992 and Depression. So you can see this again, balance of just $18,433. 2002, the 400 highest incomes—that is, the concentration. So let’s talk for a minute about pay- individuals—reported more than dou- Again, people will start pounding check income, and then I would like to ble, even after the dot.com bubble their chest and saying: ‘‘You are start- ask if my colleague would like to jump ing class warfare.’’ The numbers speak burst. So, corrections, they still in- back in. This will only take a second. for themselves. These numbers are creased more. The benefit of the recov- So paycheck income. We are talking driven and they are attributed—if peo- eries after the dot.com bust and after about a few different things, but they ple at home want to see where we got the recession benefited, again, this dis- all add up to the same thing. So what these numbers so they are not driven parity, the people at the top end of the by fake news, they are driven by im- spectrum. Since 1979, the before-tax in- do you get? Your paycheck, if you are partial, nonpartisan constituencies. comes of the top 1 percent of America’s lucky enough to have investments in And the point is just to say that we households increased more than four your home or in the stock market or in have got a problem. times faster than the bottom 20 per- any other kind of investment. So, again, at the last peak, this gave cent. Less than half of American workers us great social displacement, gave us, Through much of this introductory actually have investments on Wall arguably, the conditions that created part, we have been talking more about Street. So when we look at Wall Street World War I, definitely gave us the everybody in the middle income, but it going up, this is the disparity between conditions that gave us the Great De- has really disadvantaged poor people. what we measure as helping the econ- pression, gave us the conditions, fortu- omy and what is happening on Main b 1745 nately, that led to Franklin Roosevelt Street. and the New Deal, and through this So when we talk about doing away So the average person on Main sweet period where the economy was with healthcare or Social Services or Street, who doesn’t have any invest- growing by 5, 6 percent, and it was gen- food stamps, it is really a cruel, sort of ment on Wall Street—and it is inter- erating benefit across all demographics Dickens type of bargain where people esting. When Wall Street started to go and did what Henry Ford said when he who are already suffering will suffer down recently, it was because there started making his Model T. He said: more. were statistical reports from the De- I want a product that is a quality product CEO compensation. With the unions partment of Labor that wages were fi- that my workers can afford, so I want to pay playing a smaller role than they did nally coming up. It is not lost on me my workers enough to pay for this car. decades ago—and, during this period, that Wall Street would be concerned

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:31 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.068 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE H3134 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 11, 2018 about inflation because wages are fi- enough to the benefit for everybody, empowerment for working people, no nally going up for American workers, the economy, the company, the inves- matter what their color. which is obviously a problem. tors. It was more skewed toward the In 1968, the Federal minimum wage, Paycheck income. For more than investors. if it had been adjusted for inflation, three decades, wages have been stag- So in 2016, Wall Street banks—this would be about $11.62. But as the gen- nant. Typical American workers and was 2016, just recently—doled out $24 tleman just mentioned, it is now $7.25. the lowest-wage workers have seen lit- billion in bonuses to 177,000 of largely And the server minimum wage, the tip tle or no growth in their real weekly New York Wall Street-based employ- minimum wage is $2.13. People don’t wages in that time. So when you con- ees; $24 billion for 177,000 of America’s believe me when I say that, but it is sider cost of living, which is going up 320-plus million people and 175 million $2.13. exponentially in areas like where I workers. This is 1.6 times the combined How can it be legal to pay a server live, in the San Francisco Bay area, earnings of all 175 million Americans $2.13? They say, oh, they make it up in and these urban areas, like D.C., where who work full time at the Federal min- tips. Do they? What if their tips aren’t young people are constantly moving to imum wage of $7.25. given to them? What if there is wage because that is where the jobs are, be- The CEO of McDonald’s—when I was theft, which happens all the time? tween 1979 and 2007, paycheck income in the California Legislature when we I want to thank the gentleman from of the top 1 percent of the U.S. earners were trying to raise minimum wage, we California for mentioning that in 1968, exploded by over 256 percent; 256 per- figured out they were fighting against the average CEO got paid about 20 cent for the top 1 percent, but stagnant raising it to $15 and indexing it for in- times more than the average worker. for the rest of us. flation, but the CEO’s compensation Today, it is above 300 percent, 300 While productivity has increased at a was almost $35,000 an hour. I don’t times. So the inequality has dramati- relative rate since 1948, since the 1970s, think his commitment or his quality to cally not just enriched the rich, it has wages have not. So we are more pro- work was that different, and it made working and middle class and the ductive than we have ever been. The wouldn’t have been in the 1970s. working poor suffer. American workforce is more produc- This bonus pool was large enough to There are—and this is a shocking sta- tive, when we talk about these glory have lifted all 3.2 million U.S. fast food tistic. There has been a 60 percent days, than they have ever been because workers or all home care aides or all growth in people living under the Fed- they have accepted compromise and restaurant servers and bartenders up to eral poverty guideline since 1968. That working with innovation to make us $15 an hour. is wrong, and this tax bill that we just more productive. Madam Speaker, I will take a little passed will do nothing other than make We have put a second income into the break if it is appropriate and yield to it all that much worse. household. The value of women coming the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. It is a cruel irony that, in the face of into the workforce has made such a ELLISON). this spread, this gap that working peo- change, not just to our economy, but to Mr. ELLISON. Madam Speaker, I ple are experiencing relative to their our way of life. Unfortunately, as op- definitely want to thank the gen- richer fellow Americans, that we would posed to other industrialized countries, tleman for the important information say, oh, you know what we need to do? we haven’t provided the infrastructure he has shared with us tonight. Folks Give the rich people even more money. for usually the woman who comes into who are tuned in definitely, I believe, Now, again, I am not anti-rich. I the workforce to replace their activi- are interested in this topic. In fact, it wouldn’t mind being rich myself one ties at home; so early education, high is the thing that most people think day. But I do hope that if I ever were to quality education, things like that, not about. be doing well financially, that I would to mention the fact of pay disparity be- As I am here tonight, I would say, not pull the ladder up, climb up the tween genders, which I will now go to. Madam Speaker, that we just cele- ladder and then pull it up so that peo- American women are now almost as brated, or shall I say we just memorial- ple can’t even follow me. likely to work outside the home as ized the loss of Martin Luther King, Wait a minute. That is exactly what men. So in 1973, 14 percent, if memory which it was his 50th anniversary of his they are doing. They are trying to take serves me right, of women with chil- passing, of his assassination back on away the Affordable Care Act, which dren were in the workforce full time; April 4. And just recently, this is the actually gave millions of people 1973. By 1994, that number had changed year that we passed the fair housing healthcare for the first time. They to 74 percent. So think of that in the law in 1968, so it has been 50 years. want to put work requirements on re- context of social change; the benefit it A lot of people, when they think of ceiving Federal benefit and aid. They gave us from having talented women King, they think, oh, he helped African want to make it tougher to be working being in the workforce and being more Americans defeat Jim Crow segrega- class and poor. It is outrageous. in the culture, but we didn’t provide tion, and that is true. That is one way I just want to wrap my own com- the infrastructure that they had pro- to look at it. ments up tonight by just saying it vided, in my view, when they were at But when he died, he was marching doesn’t have to be this way. Poverty is home raising kids and being part of the with sanitation workers who were paid not something that simply happens community. It was a good change for so little they could not make ends like the weather. It is not a storm and, this country, but we didn’t adapt to it meet. They weren’t allowed to go into oh, boy, how did that ever happen? No, from a public sector. adequate shelter when it was raining, it is a series of decisions made by peo- You look at the French and the West- so two of them, one day, happened to ple who have political power, who ad- ern Europeans, it didn’t happen as dra- go into the back of the garbage truck. vantage some and disadvantage others. matically there, but they provided the The garbage truck had a malfunction, It is things that we do, and it is also infrastructure, which we should here. and those two men were crushed in the things that we don’t do. It is when we Women still make up only 27 percent garbage truck, and so that initiated a just let markets concentrate and don’t of the top 10 percent of the labor in- strike which Martin Luther King came engage in legitimate anti-trust action; come earners; so this is the glass ceil- and joined two times, it being the last and it is when we pass a tax bill that ing. Among the top 1 percent of fight he was ever in. we know, before anything has hap- women, they make up slightly less Why do I bring up this point? Be- pened, that 83 percent of the benefits than 17 percent of workers. At the top cause we think of America as being will go to the top 1 percent. This is how 1 percent level, a woman makes up more evolved since that time. We you create massive inequality. only 11 percent. think, oh, we have got voting rights; There are things we can do about it. Bonus pay. This is a big issue that we have gotten rid of discrimination. It I think we could start by passing a pol- has come in the last 20 years. In 2016, is illegal now. icy that links CEO pay to raises for we were going to incentivize, or before But I will tell you what. Despite the workers. What if a CEO thinking that, during the Clinton administra- fact that we still are battling for racial about, you know, I am going to get my tion, incentivize performance. Unfortu- equality, we have absolutely slipped pay, I am going to get a big fat old nately, our performance wasn’t tied backwards in the fight for economic bonus. Oh, okay. If I do that, I have got

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:31 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.070 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3135 to make sure my folks get some of this idea and made a lot of money. It about the rest of the world has come up too. What if we passed a policy like wouldn’t stop people from amassing from $1 a day on average of these poor that? any wealth, but what it would do is countries to $2 a day. What if we said you couldn’t deduct make sure that people at the middle To my great chagrin and shock, 3.2 those bonuses off your taxes the way and the bottom of the economy had a million people in the United States that they do now? greater shot and a better share. now live on under $2 a day. Think What if we actually said to ourselves, My Republican friends’ vision for the about that. The United States of Amer- we are going to have a very high estate economy is that, look, you know, here ica, 3.2 million people. This is extreme tax? I think that is fair enough. I is how you have a good economy: You poverty that we often ascribe to very, mean, what did you do, other than ne- don’t make rich people or big compa- very underdeveloped poor countries. gotiate a birth canal, to get all that nies pay any taxes, and you shuffle all According to Oxford economist Rob- money? I think that we should reward the property taxes and the sales taxes. ert Allen, absolute poverty in the work, not just birth. You let those things be on the shoul- United States is anything under $4 a I think, what if we said we are going ders of the working folk. Then you day due to the costs. to make majo investments in public don’t spend on public institutions like Can you imagine trying to live on $4 wealth? What do I mean by public public schools or anything. You just let a day. But, yes, over 3 million of our wealth? Well, I don’t know, the parks, those folks do the best they can. fellow citizens attempt to. In comparison, let’s say based on the roads, the bridges, the transit, the If those kids aren’t smart enough to this, if you took the $4, then you go up schools. What if we invested in those be born to rich parents who send them to 5.3 million Americans are in this public institutions that actually help to private school, forget about it. We economic definition of absolutely poor everybody come up? are just going to underfund that, or we by global standards. There are more Even the rich folks can go to the pub- are going to do charters, and then we people in absolute poverty in the lic park. We don’t ration that. We say will let individuals own those schools United States than in Sierra Leone or it is something for all of us. and make money off of them. Their idea of a business model is to Nepal. What if we said we are going to make In comparison, zero percent of the smash the workers down, treat the sure that the right to join a union is a populations of Germany, Iceland, Swit- workers like a cost, push their labor right that we are going to protect and zerland live in absolute poverty. Two- costs as far down as they can get it, defend, knowing that the fortunes of tenths of a percent of Great Britain and amass the wealth at the top as unions—when union density goes up, and three-tenths of a percent of France much as they can, allow stock working class people do better. When live in absolute poverty, respectively. union density goes down, working class buybacks, and don’t regulate anybody, So this is just the extreme that I people’s wages stagnate and go down. and don’t have any rules of the game so think we have to hear about because What if we lifted the minimum wage that you get a free-for-all, and then too often we gloss over the issues in to a livable wage? when the economy finally goes bust, this Chamber of people who are really What if we had real consumer protec- oh, you know, we just go back to John struggling, the absolutely poor, the tion? Q. Taxpayer and Jane Q. Taxpayer and very poor, the most vulnerable What if we said that everybody can make them bail them out. amongst us, while we correctly try to go to the doctor? Anyway, I think there is a better help everybody in the bottom 90 per- I believe that we should have uni- way. I think we can have a better econ- cent, particularly middle income, but versal single-payer healthcare. That is omy. We can have a democracy. We can we have got to help everyone. my opinion, and I hope others join me. have an economy that allows for free With that, I yield to my wonderful What if we did things like looked at enterprise and we can have a public friend from Connecticut, who is such a the labor policies that they have in sector that makes sure that liberty and passionate, determined, eloquent some countries around the world? justice and opportunity are for every- spokesperson in this Chamber for Do you know, in Germany, Madam one, not just a few. issues around poverty and inequality. Speaker, that workers have to be on Mr. DESAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, I want the board of the corporation if the cor- thank my colleague from Minnesota to thank the gentleman, and I want to poration is above a certain size? (Mr. ELLISON) for his passion and his thank him for his commitment and commitment. b 1800 passion to this issue, and for orga- I just want to mention a couple nizing this effort tonight, and to join That makes sense. They certainly are things before I turn it over to my in- with him and our colleague from Min- affected by what the company does. credible colleague from Connecticut, nesota (Mr. ELLISON) to focus on the In Germany, if there is a slowdown, a who brings such passion and real in- issue of income inequality. recession, and that happens, everybody sight to these issues. And for those of us who serve in this takes fewer hours rather than just lay- But as the gentleman from Min- institution, we have a moral obliga- ing off people who are just relegated to nesota (Mr. ELLISON) said about min- tion, a moral responsibility, to help the unemployment lines, who see their imum wage, in the 1960s, if you worked those who are in punishing poverty. skills deteriorate and who are just out a full-time job and you earned the Fed- It was more than 50 years ago, Presi- of the workforce and it is hard to get eral minimum wage with an average dent Lyndon Johnson and a bipartisan back in. amount of overtime, you earned 55 per- Congress worked together to create the What if we did these things? What if cent of the median household income social safety net. And that social safe- we said to ourselves that we were going nationally. ty net is representative of the values of to have a trade policy that really So think of that. You could work a this great country where it says that it factored in how is this policy going to minimum wage job in the sixties, and is not every man or woman for himself impact the local economy and workers? you could have enough to earn at least or herself, but it is our shared responsi- I definitely think trade is a good thing, half of what the rest of your citizens bility for one another, our account- but what if we thought about how it is were doing. So you could pay for hous- ability for one another, and particu- going to impact this worker, these ing. You could get by. larly in times of need. workers, this factory right here? I know there are a lot of things, but Their priority—their priority—bipar- What if we got rid of the idea of right if we had indexed that for inflation this tisan Members of this institution, was to work and said everybody in Amer- whole time, it would be very different. to lift families out of poverty. ican can join a union? And just a few statistics on extreme Their tools? This would make America a stronger poverty, because Mr. ELLISON brought Programs to help end hunger, cre- country for working Americans. It this up. ating good-paying jobs, provide afford- would improve our economy. It would So extreme poverty or absolute pov- able healthcare, guarantee a quality put money in the hands of working erty is the definition by the economics education for all of our children. Americans, and it wouldn’t stop people profession. It is not limited to nations But, unfortunately, and I will be spe- from getting rich if they got a great outside our borders. So we like to talk cific here, we have an administration,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:50 Jul 20, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD18\APRIL\H11AP8.REC H11AP8 abonner on DSKBCJ7HB2PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE H3136 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 11, 2018 we have a President, and we have a program. Let Medicare wither on the for your passion and your empathy for Speaker of this body, Mr. RYAN, who vine. understanding. are not fighting a war on poverty. They The fact is life hasn’t changed that Since I quoted Scripture, I just want are fighting a war on working families much. There is a consistency about to tell people watching, we were both and the poor. some of our colleagues on the other raised Catholics, and a lot of that President Trump and Speaker RYAN side of the aisle. brings in the social gospel and our pas- do not value the beneficiaries of these Yesterday, under the guise of review- sion for it. I am not a Biblical scholar, programs. They do not value these peo- ing welfare, the Trump administration so I may refer to something inac- ple’s lives, unless they happen to have is once again targeting the most vul- curately. an estate or a corporate spending ac- nerable among us. I thank the gentlewoman for her life- count. They want corporations and the The President’s latest executive time commitment on these issues. wealthiest Americans to see bigger order would make it more difficult for And how important at this critical profits, even if the poor suffer greater people to access services: healthcare, moment where we live in this Dickens- pain. nutrition, housing. A tax on our social kind of America, where we are doing so Republicans have repeatedly gone safety net does not reflect our values, much as a survivor of cancer, both of after the nutrition programs, the food nor does it make sense at all. us, and we know of the investments in stamp program, Social Security, Medi- The biggest issue that people are fac- the NIH and the National Cancer Insti- care, and Medicaid; programs that help ing today is that they are in jobs that tute and every other disease. There is people bounce back from tough times just do not pay them enough money to just this strange dichotomy in this and to retire with dignity after a life of live on. So we must do more to end Dickens-kind of world where we are hard work. poverty and to end income inequality, benefiting from rational, dispassionate, When I did research for a book that and that does begin with wages. bipartisan efforts on that hand, and on was published last year, ‘‘The Least Now, the social safety net has helped the other hand, we let this continue to Among Us: Waging the Battle for the millions of Americans. According to exist. And I would argue that we are Vulnerable,’’ what I found is, when it Brookings Institution, the poverty rate making it worse in our decisions in the came to nutrition programs, who were has declined by more than one-third last 2 months. So I thank the gentle- the people who were engaged and in- since 1967, in large part due to the suc- woman for being here. volved? cess of our safety net programs. It con- This chart, to be boring after that Bob Dole, Republican from Kansas. tinues to help millions. In an average wonderful, compassionate moment, George McGovern, Democrat. month, the food stamp program bene- just talks about total wealth. So you When you looked at the child tax fits help feed one in four children in see, the total wealth over these same credits, George Bush was for a child the United States. periods of years for the richest 10 per- tax credit, as well as Jay Rockefeller. What good news, then, that, Mr. Democrats and Republicans who came cent—this 15 percent is families be- Speaker, his view of what should hap- tween 10 percent and 50, so this is the together on these issues for refundable pen is that if people are humiliated tax credits for families to help lift 50 percent margin. And this is every- enough, that in fact they will try to thing below the 50 percent. them out of poverty. figure out how to make do for them- When you take a look at a whole va- So 50 percent of Americans are down selves. here. The lowest 1 percent, you can see riety, Social Security, Medicare, Med- That is not what this country is where their wealth is. Wealth inequal- icaid, while there may have been dif- about. It is a slap in the face to hard- ity is ever greater than income in- ferences in the Chamber as they de- working Americans. It is time for a equality, so this is total wealth. In bated them, but when it came to the better deal for Americans, one that 1982, the poorest American listed on vote, they were passed on a bipartisan does prioritize job creation, as you the Forbes list of America’s richest 400 basis because, it is my view, that the have talked about, rising incomes, a had a net worth of $80 million, and folks who served there understood why 21st century economy that levels the they had a life of value. Many of those they were elected and what this insti- playing field for the working class and people had a very deep commitment to tution is about and how it provides op- the working poor. portunity for people in this country. And I am reminded of the words of this country and a social commitment. That is what our job is here, is to Bobby Kennedy, whose legacy fighting I know many of those people. That generation, across the board, provide opportunity for the people of poverty should be a model for all of us, had a different view of things. But it this country. It is about educating and just let me quote him. Mr. Speak- was in our corporate culture, and I needy children, feeding hungry fami- er, I am sure the gentleman has read would argue, unfortunately, share- lies, supporting our veterans, and this quote, if I know him: ‘‘I believe holder profits has driven too many shielding seniors from poverty. that as long as there is plenty, poverty very shortsighted investments in this Those are not the great achievements is evil. Government belongs wherever country, both in the private sector and that the other side of the aisle looks evil needs an adversary and there are certainly in the public sector. at. They are grating to our colleagues people in distress.’’ on the other side of the aisle. It is This is what our role and our respon- In 2016, the richest Americans needed about the view that these are the tak- sibility is, is to help to provide that op- a net worth of $1.7 billion to reach the ers, not the makers; that they relax in portunity. Do not let people be aban- Forbes 400. The average member held a a hammock and don’t want to get up doned in this country for some ideolog- net worth of $6 billion, over 10 times and go out to work, demeaning hard- ical views or the sense that we need to the 1982 average, after adjusting for in- working people in this country. make sure that the wealthiest, the mil- flation. We will go to our next chart, and The majority in this body and in the lionaires, the billionaires, the corpora- then I will wrap up, Madam Speaker. Senate and in the White House are tions, need to be the winners in our so- The net worth of America’s top 1 per- forcing everyday Americans to pay for ciety. their $2 trillion tax cut for corpora- It is not just Congress’ moral obliga- cent holds nearly half of the national tions and for the wealthiest Americans, tion to help those in poverty, it is our wealth invested in stock and mutual and now they want to use this tax cut duty. That is why we were elected to funds. So this goes to watching the scam as an excuse to gut services and come to this institution. We should not stock market—while it is important investments that are critical to our be abandoning the people who put their for this country and I am not dispar- families and our communities. faith and trust in all of us. aging that—this disconnect, it may be I just want to go back for a second, Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the gen- going up, but does it benefit everyone? because I was here. This was on the tleman for focusing on this issue and It benefits everyone to a degree, but food stamp program. I was here for the thank him for including me. certainly to a lesser degree, I would Contract with America. Wow. 1995. argue, than it has in the past, in those Do you know where it went? b 1815 years of post-World War II. The billion- Let’s abolish the school lunch pro- Mr. DESAULNIER. No, the thanks aires who make the Forbes 400 list now gram. Let’s block grant the food stamp are all mine, my friend and colleague, have as much wealth as all African-

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:31 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.074 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3137 American households, plus a third of brought those Puritans to the shore of uary 3, 2017, the gentleman from Texas America’s Latino-Hispanic populations Massachusetts to start anew, a place (Mr. GOHMERT) is recognized for 60 min- combined. In other words, 400 of our that I have been to many times in my utes as the designee of the majority wealthiest citizens have as much youth growing up outside of Boston. leader. wealth as 16 million African-American But Mr. Winthrop, future-Governor Mr. GOHMERT. Madam Speaker, I households, and 5 million Hispanic- Winthrop, admonished to his ship- come into the conclusion of a very in- Latino households. mates, he said that where we are going, teresting day and week. Our current At the end of the 20th century, the we should always be as a city upon a Speaker of the House, of course, has typical White family held a net worth hill. And it comes from the Sermon on announced that he is not going to be six times greater than the typical Afri- the Mount, that we should be as a city seeking reelection. I think he made it can-American family. That gap is upon a hill because the rest of the clear before he was elected Speaker growing. world will look upon us. that he really wasn’t seeking the posi- So this particular chart is from the It has been popular in our culture in tion. He didn’t really want the posi- work by Piketty. The blue line, as you both parties. Jack Kennedy, in a tion. He had other things in mind. He can see, is the percentage of capital, speech in 1961 before the Massachusetts enjoyed his chairmanship, but he ended the amount of capital as a percentage legislature as President said: ‘‘We must up stepping up to the plate, being of GDP in this country, and the red always consider that we shall be as a elected Speaker. And for his willing- line is wages. These green bars are city upon a hill—the eyes of all people ness to serve, he is to be applauded. where we have had recessions. are upon us.’’ I have appreciated having a Speaker The important point to make in all Today, the eyes of all people are who, even when we disagreed, I knew of the slides is, the sweet spot where truly upon us—and our governments, in he always tried to be honest and was wages and capital were close to what every branch, at every level, national, somebody that wanted to do the right Lincoln admonished us we should be, is State and local, must be as a city upon thing. So I appreciate that very much. where everybody benefited. And when a hill. We hadn’t always had that, and I ap- Kennedy continued and finished by you get to this, as in the Gilded Age, preciated having that from Speaker saying history will not judge us, and I the concern here tonight is: What do would say that this is true for us PAUL RYAN. we do about this? Do we respond, as we Some of my colleagues have said: today, here. always have, through our civic institu- Kennedy said: ‘‘History will not ‘‘Gee, Louie, we have gotten calls say- tions, to this institution, to this room, judge our endeavors—and a govern- ing you ought to run for Speaker where Americans have struggled with ment cannot be selected—merely on again.’’ And so I really appreciate that, these issues and come out with a prod- the basis of color or creed or even but I need to make clear: Back in De- uct that largely benefited everyone, all party affiliation. Neither will com- cember of 2014, after the Speaker—at Americans? petence and loyalty and stature, while that time, John Boehner—had pushed And it didn’t benefit it based on any essential to the utmost, suffice in through a CR/Omnibus bill that imme- kind of demographic group. It bene- times such as these.’’ diately broke many of the promises fited it in its best moments based on Kennedy concluded: ‘‘For those to that got Republicans elected back to the merit of your hard work and will- whom much is given, much is re- the majority in November of 2014, after ingness to work an honest day. Most quired.’’ the promises, so many of our promises Americans that I know, working people And I conclude with Ronald Reagan and the Speaker’s promises were bro- in my district and throughout this who talked about a city on a hill often. ken in that December 2014 CR/Omnibus, country that I have visited, don’t ask He talked about it on the eve of his a number of us realized, we have got to for too much, in my view. They aspire election in 1980. And as his farewell ad- have a new Speaker. We can’t go to make enough to buy a home, to dress, his last address to the country in through 2 years like this, these kinds raise a family, to retire in comfort, and the Oval Office on January 11, 1989, of outrageous, broken promises with to leave the next generation wealthier Reagan said: ‘‘I’ve spoken of the shin- the country suffering under and fuller than their generation. ing city all my political life, but I ObamaCare, so many problems that We are failing in that obligation, and don’t know if I ever quite commu- were before us. some of that obligation is for all of us. nicated what I saw when I said it. But So we began to try to get enough Re- And I would reach out to those who are in my mind it was a tall, proud city publicans. We did the numbers. We benefiting the most from this, and built on rocks stronger than oceans, knew that if all of the Republicans many of them, Warren Buffett and oth- windswept, God-blessed, and teeming voted, we needed 29 Republicans to ers, Bill Gates, have addressed this with people of all kinds living in har- vote for any living person to be Speak- issue. But we really need them to lead mony and peace; a city with free ports er who was not the current Speaker, us to a conversation about if this is that hummed with commerce and cre- John Boehner. right. If this historical record and the ativity.’’ And we tried for like 3 weeks. We economic historians are right, how do And Reagan concluded by saying: couldn’t get more than nine people to we correct this? How do we correct it ‘‘And if there had to be city walls, the agree to vote for someone other than in such a way that is constructive and walls had doors and the doors were John Boehner. The vote was coming up use these institutions to make sure open to anyone with the will and the on the House floor on Tuesday, and on heart to get here. That’s how I saw it, that we improve upon this and really Friday night I got a call from THOMAS and see it still.’’ make America as great as it can be. MASSIE and JIM BRIDENSTINE, two of Ronald Reagan was right. Jack Ken- So in my opening, I talked about the the finest people who ever served in nedy was right. We should be as a city Christian admonition from the Bible Congress—two of the smartest as well, on a hill. And with the inequality we about to those who are given much, currently have in this country, I would people of real integrity. And THOMAS much is expected, required. This has argue the rest of the world does not said, ‘‘Louie, Jim had a brilliant idea, been through our political liturgy, look at us that way. and we need to talk to you about it.’’ such as it is in this room and others, If we want to fulfill those obligations And JIM BRIDENSTINE, who, like I say, that there is a social obligation, a so- handed down to us through Scripture was brilliant, served our Nation in the cial contract. And we have an obliga- and our own political scripture, we Air Force, graduated from Rice Univer- tion to protect individual hard work have to have the courage and the con- sity, which has rather high standards and merit. Those two things are things fidence to address these issues in this of intelligence to be admitted. And JIM that Americans believe in. And when Chamber. said: ‘‘Hey wait, Thomas, would you re- they work together, they work for ev- Madam Speaker, I yield back. peat that part about a guy from Rice eryone. f having a brilliant idea, you being a guy The other thing that has come from from MIT?’’ many of our spiritual backgrounds is ISSUES OF THE DAY And anyway, they got on and they something that John Winthrop talked The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under said: ‘‘We are stuck with nine people. about when he left England and the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- We can’t get past nine people. We need

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:31 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.075 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE H3138 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 11, 2018 29 Republicans to vote for somebody agreed to vote for somebody besides ly, it would never be me after I made besides Speaker Boehner.’’ And if we the current Speaker, John Boehner: that many people angry. can get to 29, of course, that was our Look, guys, I have given this a lot of So overnight, Sunday night, we goal. The whole goal, though—to make thought. If I am the only one who an- started getting new people to pledge a full disclosure—the plan was, if we nounces, then you will have both main- that they were willing to vote for could get 29 Republicans to vote for stream media and you will have Repub- someone besides Boehner. I encouraged somebody besides John Boehner, then lican and Democratic reporters casting people to vote for somebody besides me that would throw it into a second bal- this as an election between this crazy so you don’t make Boehner totally lot for the first time since 1923. guy from Texas, even though I feel mad. b 1830 quite certain that I scored much, much JIM BRIDENSTINE said: LOUIE, I am higher than my opponent would have going to nominate you on the floor, There was some point back in the at that time. They will say that he is and all I would ask is that you at least 1800s, mid-1800s, when they had over 60 crazy, and poor John Boehner is deal- vote for yourself if I am going to nomi- ballots cast before they elected a ing with this crazy guy. nate you so that I am not the only one Speaker. But that was a goal, and we I said that what occurred to me is voting for you. knew if we got 29 and we got to a sec- that, if one of you guys sent out word He had been hearing me tell others to ond ballot, then we could call for an that you were announcing, then I could vote for anybody but me; it is fine. We emergency conference among the Re- ask FOX News if I could come on to an- just need to get to 29. publicans, go down and meet in HC–5 nounce, and during the announcement So I said: Absolutely, JIM. If you are downstairs, and we knew the 29 of us I could make clear that this isn’t about gutsy enough to stand up and nominate would be belittled, fussed at, and yelled me being Speaker. It is about getting a me for Speaker, I will absolutely vote at. for myself so that you don’t look, in I could say: Look, you can yell at us different Speaker. So-and-so an- some way, lame. and call us whatever names you want, nounced yesterday; somebody else may I will always treasure and appreciate but we are not changing our vote. So announce tomorrow. It is about getting the words that JIM BRIDENSTINE said let’s agree to a compromise Speaker. a new Speaker. By that afternoon, we expected to TED YOHO said: Well, LOUIE, if that is and the things that he spoke during his have a compromise Speaker. There all it will take to get you to announce, nomination, even during so much of were a number of potential people who I will send out an announcement this the uproar against me by some of my would have been acceptable. That was afternoon announcing that I am run- colleagues. It still warms my heart to the plan. ning for Speaker. hear what JIM BRIDENSTINE had to say THOMAS, JIM, and I, all three, knew I said: Okay. TED, if you announce here on the floor about me. that if I announced, then there would you are running for Speaker, send out He has been nominated by our Presi- be an awful lot of people in our party that announcement today. As soon as dent to be head of NASA. BRIDENSTINE who would hate me for the rest of my it goes out, I will call FOX News to see is probably one of the smartest people life or their life, whichever came first. if I can come on. to be named as head of NASA. He has The point that THOMAS and JIM made That all happened. TED sent out the been in the sky. He has served his was that we have a number of our press release. I called FOX News, and country nobly and well, both flying Members who have been hearing from they let me on early that morning. I planes and flying the rules of the House constituents who have said: Look, we made it back from Dallas to Tyler in here in Congress. He would be an abso- want you to vote for somebody besides time to go to church, and the struggle lutely incredible asset to NASA and to John Boehner for Speaker. There had was on. this country once he is confirmed. been a poll done that showed that, as I But I knew, and all eight of our other I had asked some other people—I recall, 61 percent of nationwide Repub- patriot Republicans in the House knew, imagine JIM knows—but what I have lican voters across the country wanted that by my announcing formally as a heard from other people is that it is somebody besides John Boehner as candidate for Speaker, which would not the Democrats who have a hold on Speaker. bring about so much response from JIM BRIDENSTINE for head of NASA; it So as some of our Members heard their constituents demanding that is actually our own Senator MARCO from constituents saying to vote for Members vote for somebody besides RUBIO. Now, that is what I was told by anybody but Boehner. They said: I Boehner now that somebody has for- some people I trust. would. I would vote for anybody but mally announced, those people who If that is the case, I know that John Boehner if someone else formally were made to feel very uncomfortable BRIDENSTINE didn’t support Senator announced. But no one has formally because of my announcement and the RUBIO in the primary for President, but announced, so I am not just going to wrath they heard from constituents, BRIDENSTINE is one of the finest, most throw my vote away, and that would some would probably never forgive me qualified, and most intelligent people satisfy their constituents. and would be angry with me. It would we could ever hope to have as head of THOMAS’ and JIM’s point was that, if mean that I would never be able to be NASA. If what I was told is true, that you announce, then they will hear from elected to any position. Even if we had for some reason MARCO RUBIO has a all of those thousands of constituents a dogcatcher in the House, I could grudge against JIM BRIDENSTINE, I hope saying: Hey, you said if somebody an- never get elected to that after I worked that he will do the right thing, put nounced, and now a Republican has an- to have made that many people angry. that grudge aside, whatever it is, and nounced, so keep your promise and And I made a lot of people angry. get this incredibly noble and qualified vote for somebody besides Boehner. People were calling by the thousands man into being head of NASA. We can’t The thinking of THOMAS and JIM was up here. I had many Members tell me keep hurting our country with these that, if we do that and you announce, they had gotten over 1,000 calls from kinds of actions by Republicans. then that would make those guys so constituents saying: Vote for LOUIE. So I appreciate very much, Madam uncomfortable that had been promising There was one article that got it Speaker, people calling and encour- I would vote for anybody but Boehner right, that reported accurately that I aging me to run for Speaker, but I if somebody announces, that we could was overheard a number of times say- knew exactly when I announced for finally get to the 29. We have been ing: Look, guys, you know that Boeh- Speaker before, there would be people stuck on nine for weeks now. ner is going to be mad at you if you who would likely never forgive me for So I had asked them to let me give it don’t vote for him; but you know he is making their lives so uncomfortable. I some thought overnight. The next going to be doubly mad at you if you had a goal. I just knew in my soul, if morning, there was a conference call vote for me because of how strongly he we didn’t get a new Speaker soon, we already scheduled with all nine of us. I feels about me. So vote for anybody. would lose the majority at the end of said: Let’s talk about it in the morning You pick a living person and name 2016. and give me a chance to think about it. them as your vote. We have got to have If Congress had been in such dismal What occurred to me is what I told 29. If we get 29, we will have a com- shape in 2016, it would have hurt any the other eight Members who had promise candidate for Speaker. Clear- chance we had of possibly winning the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:31 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.077 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3139 Presidency. I just knew this country Donald Trump colluding with Russia or what he had done, and he didn’t learn was in such rough shape that we had to the Trump campaign to change the for quite some time. do that. Even though it meant people outcome of the election. But he had sent some chemical to Alaska to be used to help research hating me and being angry at me for b 1845 years to come, it was worth it to try to what he was trying to establish in help my country. I was willing to do So what the special counsel’s job has making a new battery. This was my that. morphed into, illegally, I might add, is understanding from the testimony we So I appreciate the calls, and I appre- the special counsel no longer being in had at the hearing. So, since he was ciate the encouragement, but I was pursuit of a specified crime in the ap- sending something by mail to Alaska, willing to sacrifice any possibility that pointment of special counsel to inves- then, under venue statutes, that al- I would ever be elected to anything by tigate; but he now has a person target, lowed the U.S. attorney to prosecute other Members of Congress in order to Donald Trump, and he has taken his either in his home State, in the conti- get a different Speaker. job to be search everything you can, nental U.S., or in Alaska; and since he We ended up with PAUL RYAN, and de- now raid his lawyer’s office so that you really wasn’t friends with anybody in spite our disagreement on some things, can try to find some crime unrelated to Alaska, they drug him up to Alaska, I knew he was always trying to be hon- Donald Trump that you could use in threw him in jail there with a high est, and I will always appreciate that. evidence to prove against his lawyer, bond for no reason other than the Jus- We all know that we did not lose the Michael Cohen. tice Department being ruthless. majority in the House and our failure And then, once we have found suffi- And they tried this man for commit- under Speaker Boehner did not hurt us cient crimes, we will tell Michael ting the heinous crime of violating a and keep us from being able to elect a Cohen: Okay, we have got evidence regulation that required, if someone Republican President. So I think those that will put you in prison for life, or sent this particular substance through are good things that arose out of it, but 1,000 years, whatever they are going to the mail, it had to go by ground. He now we need to be looking ahead for do, unless you agree to tell us some- knew that. He checked the box to mail the future. thing—don’t care if it is true or untrue; by ground only. He didn’t realize that I do think that people—unlike me— we need you to say it is true—that even when you check the box ‘‘by who might have a chance to be elected Donald Trump committed a crime, and ground only’’ there was a regulation Speaker and who have not done things then we won’t prosecute you. that said that wasn’t good enough; you like anger my colleagues by announc- That has to be what that big raid was also had to get this Federal stamp to ing back in 2015, people who have a all about, because even if Donald put on there that had a picture of an chance need to put together a plan of Trump told his attorney, Mr. Cohen, airplane with a line across the airplane action, something like a Contract with anything that had to do with a poten- so that it wasn’t supposed to be taken America, not a farce like was put to- tial crime for which Mr. Cohen was rep- in the air. gether that Speaker Boehner helped di- resenting him, they could not intro- He got thrown to the ground, badly rect, which was the Pledge to America. duce that. That would be privileged, abused, taken to jail in Alaska, tried As soon as we were elected after that covered by the attorney/client relation- for a Federal felony because he didn’t pledge, the pledge was abandoned by ship, the privilege. I know absolutely, put a little sticker on with a plane Speaker Boehner. without any question in my mind, that with a line through it. Well, the jury We need an agreement: You reelect Donald Trump never made a question did the right thing. They did a jury us to the majority, here are the things admitting guilt in anything because he nullification and found him not guilty, we are going to do, and then do them. certainly convinced me that he is not although technically he was guilty of I appreciate what my friend THOMAS guilty of anything. Nothing that has not putting that little sticker on there. MASSIE said to a reporter earlier this been proven. afternoon. The reporter was demanding They felt like he had been punished But as The Heritage Foundation es- of Congressman MASSIE what he saw enough. They found him not guilty. tablished in recent years, there are so would ultimately be the result of a So he was ready to go home, but the many laws that carry criminal pen- Justice Department was so angry that race for Speaker. THOMAS MASSIE said: alties that incorporate regulations Well, I see this race for Speaker a lot he had been acquitted that they looked that unelected bureaucrats have put in like NASCAR. There are many, many for anything to try to keep him incar- place so that if you violate a regula- laps to go, and I am sure there will be cerated. And what they came up with tion, then you could be convicted, put some spectacular crashes before we fin- was another statute that said, if any- ish that race. in prison. one ever leaves certain substances un- So I think that could very well be the We have had hearings in prior years attended for so many days, then they case. There are many, many laps to go in Judiciary Committee. The estimate are strictly liable, they are guilty of a in the race for Speaker that we didn’t is probably over 5,000 Federal crimes. Federal felony of abandoning these even know about until this morning, And we are not even sure how many chemicals. And there is no defense for and THOMAS is probably right. There there are, but probably over 5,000. And the fact that you were kept away from will probably be some spectacular so many of them incorporate regula- those chemicals 100 percent involun- crashes along the way in that race to tions: If you violate the regulation pro- tarily, against your will. be Speaker. We just need people who mulgated by this agency or depart- So, as I understood from what we got believe in the power of prayer to be ment, then you are guilty of a crime, at our hearing, he ended up being con- praying for an honest and honorable and you can go to prison. victed of abandoning these chemicals, Speaker who will follow the right plan, So we heard some horror stories; even though he didn’t abandon them. and then we will go from there. such as, the gentleman, nerd, up in the The Justice Department was guilty of Also, I want to touch on this incred- northwest trying to create some kind that, not him. But those were the regu- ible investigation not of a crime—we of new, better battery. And he knew lations. They were properly stored, but have long since gotten past a special the laws and the requirements how to he was forced to go to Alaska. He counsel, Special Counsel Mueller, in- take care of chemicals, and he was very couldn’t stay there with his chemicals, vestigating a crime which, under laws fastidious in doing that, followed the and he went to prison for that. and regulations, is a requirement to law, legal requirements, on keeping Now, I bring all that up to say that even appoint a special counsel. You chemicals that he used to try to de- there are probably thousands of cases have to have a crime in order to have velop this battery. And one day he is like that. We heard about a number of a special counsel. As we found out, driving along in his little fuel-efficient, others. And The Heritage Foundation’s there was no crime that could be point- small car, and he has three suburbans point was that probably most Ameri- ed to, yet they raised the question swoop up: one behind, one in front, one cans have committed Federal felonies maybe the Trump campaign somehow to the side. They force him off the we don’t even know about because of colluded with Russia. road. They grab him out of his little some technical violation like that gen- As we have heard from Comey and so car, throw him to the ground, boot in tleman had that ended up with him many others, there is no evidence of the back, handcuff him. He had no idea being incarcerated for 18 months or so.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:31 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.079 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE H3140 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 11, 2018 So if we abandon the constitutional lawyer Cohen and, in the alternative, trained to know when they got a com- approach to proving crimes in America trying to get evidence that they could plaint about a potential radical that you are innocent until proven use to squeeze Cohen to get him to tes- Islamist threat is it tells you that the guilty and that judges are not allowed tify, even creating a crime if he has to. person making the complaint or giving to give search warrants, or even arrest That seems pretty serious. the information about a potential rad- warrants, unless—well, for search war- But you look at the history of what ical Islamist terrorist is an rants, under the Fourth Amendment, Robert Mueller has been engaged in, Islamophobe and you really need to in- items are described with particularity the way he destroyed the life of Ted vestigate the person making the com- that are to be searched for, and the Stevens. He probably would still be a plaint about or giving the information area to be searched is identified with Senator today and be alive were it not about the potential terrorist, that is particularity. You have got to be spe- for Robert Mueller’s FBI. who you need to investigate. As I have cific. b 1900 been told by former FBI agents, it was And in this case, we have a special like Mueller made us look under every counsel who is out of control. I have And what of the supervising FBI rock for Islamophobes rather than told the President, I have said in the agent who we found out had helped looking for radical terrorists. media: Mueller should be investigated manufacture evidence and hid evidence What a legacy. It will be in history himself. And I can’t help but think that proved Ted Stevens was inno- books in years to come. Not current that Rosenstein, as deputy attorney cent—not just a reasonable doubt, defi- ones. Because as long as the Federal general, and Mueller, as special coun- nitely proving he was innocent? Well, Government is involved in education, sel, are running out the clock on stat- she continued on with the FBI. I don’t history is not taught, and when it is, so utes of limitation for any crimes they know if she is still with them, but the often it is not taught appropriately, may have committed in stifling the in- person who was the whistleblower was but perhaps it is after the rise and fall vestigation under Rosenstein’s control run out of the FBI pretty quickly. He of the United States, but at some point as U.S. attorney and Mueller’s control was notified he would not be allowed to history books will record how amazing as FBI Director into Russia trying to investigate any more criminal cases, it was that America could select a spe- gain control over American uranium. which means he has got to get out. cial counsel who had done so much And we also know that Comey has So Mueller made sure the guilty, ma- damage, blinding the FBI of its ability admitted he leaked information, which licious prosecuting FBI agent was re- to see what a radical Islamic terrorist should be pretty easy to prove is a warded and the honest, honorable FBI was doing, and maliciously prosecuting crime. He admitted it. He should be in- agent was punished. We saw what he people, and they are going to say: Are vestigated. Each time Mueller’s special did to Dr. Hatfill, who was not guilty these potential indications of the fall counsel team has leaked information, of any crime, yet Mueller was inces- of the civilization that rewards people it most likely has been a crime as well, sant in trying to establish that he was who are not actually defending the for which Mueller needs to be inves- guilty for a number of years without country but prosecuting patriots with- tigated and held to account. any proof whatsoever. And that is, of in the country? It is a very interesting Each time there has been a leak course, why Dr. Hatfill ended up with a time. about the President that contained in- $6 million or so settlement from the I don’t think we have to get to that. formation that it was a crime to leak, Federal Government. I think if we can get a second special Mueller should have been all over that. But the great consistent thing about counsel to investigate Comey; his men- But the trouble, we know, if he were to Robert Mueller—no matter how many tor and bosom buddy, Robert Mueller; be investigating the most obvious lives he destroys, how many people, and Mr. Rosenstein—I mean, for heav- crimes being committed, then he would like the two in Boston who died in pris- en’s sake, we find out that Mr. Rosen- be most likely under arrest himself. on of a crime that Mueller’s FBI agents stein not only was involved in the Rus- We need to know: Rosenstein and he was supervising had totally sian investigation, knew that they Mueller, were they complicit in helping framed—he was still there at the end were trying to illegally obtain U.S. ensure that Russia would end up with trying to keep them from being pa- uranium, but that he also signed at such a sizable amount, 20 percent or so, roled, even till eventually they ended least one of the requests for a warrant of our uranium? They had a person up with a $100 million-plus settle- extension on a Trump campaign mem- under cover that was giving them in- ment—but no matter how many lives ber, even when he knew that it was sa- formation showing that Russians were he destroys, how many people he lacious allegations, that the allega- committing crimes; and, as far as we pushes for malicious prosecution, how tions were not verified, and that the can tell, they made sure nothing was many businesses he may jeopardize, his Clinton campaign was behind the pro- done so that nothing would prevent great consistency is he never apolo- duction, as was a foreign intelligence some of the Cabinet members approv- gizes. It doesn’t matter who he de- agent out for hire who also hated Don- ing the sale of U.S. uranium. That stroys or what he destroys. He won’t ald Trump. needs to be investigated. ever apologize. So, I mean, for heaven’s sake, Mr. The leaks that we know have been And you got to really admire a guy Rosenstein obviously committed at committed that are crimes, they need who is so strong-headed that despite least one fraud upon the FISA court, to be investigated. Obviously that is any crimes that he or those working which brings me back around again to going to take a second counsel, a spe- for him may commit or people who the point: I think it is time to get rid cial counsel. And no, even appointing a may die, as happened at Boston as he of the FISA courts. Let’s go back to current U.S. attorney somewhere to in- refused to adequately investigate the— having Federal courts that can be vestigate the special counsel and twice, the tip that was given twice by trusted but just can’t make everything Comey and Rosenstein, it is going to Russia that the older Tsarnaev was a secret. have to be outside of the current Jus- radical Islamist and going to kill peo- Let’s make sure that we have a le- tice Department, outside the current ple. Under Mueller, he made sure that gitimate judge who can’t be sure that U.S. attorney. FBI agents purged the training mate- everything will be so secret that he or And it seems pretty clear to me, no rial, and then he made sure that—from she feels comfortable just granting 99.9 one would need as many of the heart- what agents have told me, they make percent of the requests. I know I have less prosecutors as Mueller has hired. you, as an FBI agent, feel like that if read the one that was made for a war- It is obvious he is on a witch hunt. you receive a complaint or a notice rant to get Verizon to disclose all of its Seemed pretty obvious to some of us that an American citizen has noticed information about all of its customers; that, by his outrageous activity in suspicious activity by somebody who and when I read the affidavit that came raiding a lawyer’s office, he was prob- says appears to be a practicing Muslim, out from WikiLeaks and I read the ap- ably hoping the President would fire but they are gathering guns, maybe plication, I was astonished. Mueller. That is an indication he really gathering materials to build bombs or It burst my bubble of thinking we doesn’t have anything; he has gotten like the guns out in San Diego, what could trust the FISA courts because desperate and is trying to manipulate Mueller made sure his agents were there was no particularity. It said, just

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:31 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.080 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3141 basically, we don’t know of any crimes can get. It is like Eric Holder said re- hemorrhaging 800,000 jobs a month. being committed, but we do need every cently in an interview: I know Robert Nearly $13 trillion in household wealth Verizon customers’ records, and that is Mueller, and he won’t stop until he was completely lost. Home values what the application said. Yeah, we gets something on Trump—something plunged, on average, by almost 20 per- just need every—we need a warrant to like that. cent. Millions of people lost their require Verizon to give us every cus- I think he is right. It is time to fire homes. And at the peak of the reces- tomers’ records, all the records they Rosenstein. It is time to have Rosen- sion, unemployment reached 10 per- have got. stein, Mueller, and Comey inves- cent. African-American unemployment And the judge, a nominated and con- tigated. It is time to get down to what reached almost 17 percent, and Latino firmed Federal judge just signed off on we know has been occurring, that it so unemployment was 13 percent. it. Oh, sure, you want every record. No clearly appears to be Federal felonies. In short, millions of Americans lost crime has been committed. There is no Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance their jobs and millions lost their particularity of describing a particular of my time. homes. At the root of the economic cri- thing to be seized or a person who has f sis were bad mortgages sold to families committed a crime or anything like that could not afford them, a lack of that, just give us all the records you PROTECT AMERICAN CONSUMERS consumer protections to shield Ameri- have got on everybody you got records AND DEFEND THE CONSUMER FI- cans from financial predators. on. And the FISA court judge just NANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU No single government agency was signed it. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. dedicated to protecting consumers. Again, I come back to the fact: any GAETZ). Under the Speaker’s an- They were dedicated to protecting judge—Federal, State, or local—who nounced policy of January 3, 2017, the banks and other financial institutions. has lawyers come before that court and Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from But often consumer concerns was a sec- commit a fraud upon the court, as bla- New York (Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY) ondary thought, a third thought, or not tant as was committed in extending, for 30 minutes. thought about at all. getting a search warrant and con- Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New So Democrats wrote and passed into tinuing a search warrant on a member York. Mr. Speaker, thank you so much. law the Wall Street Reform and Con- of the Trump campaign, even though it We are here today to declare our sumer Protection Act, and at the heart was such a brief time, and four times strongest resolve and determination to was the Consumer Financial Protec- they got that warrant, extended three protect American consumers and de- tion Bureau. Its sole purpose was to times, apparently, and the judges are fend the Consumer Financial Protec- prevent this type of economic disaster not outraged enough to call the law- tion Bureau. and to protect consumers. yers to account? The Bureau is under assault by the Consumers want and need protection. Well, we find out at least one of the current administration, the Republican The Federal Government sets and en- parties involved was apparently dear administration, and we will do every- forces safety standards on a wide vari- friends with the Federal judge, so I thing in our power to guard it and to ety of consumer goods. But until 2010, guess, to that Federal judge, if you are protect it so that it can protect con- with the passage of the Wall Street Re- a dear friend and you lie to the judge sumers. form and Consumer Protection Act, or you participate in the fraud upon I am pleased to stand here with there were few protections for con- the court, it is okay, because you are Democratic House members of the Fi- sumers of financial products—and friends; whereas, an honorable, up- nancial Services Committee and of the many, many abuses. right, honest American would be out- Joint Economic Committee. I would Senator ELIZABETH WARREN, in her raged that a friend would participate in like to thank Ranking Member MAXINE groundbreaking article, called for the a fraud upon the court. WATERS for her leadership and for creation of an agency dedicated solely But until we can see that the FISA working collaboratively with me to or- to protecting consumers of financial courts can be trusted, I think we need ganize this important Special Order. products, pointed out the absurdity of to come back to that issue. We need to not protecting consumers: b 1915 redesign courts. Yes, I know there are ‘‘It is impossible to buy a toaster agents in this world who want to de- It is fitting that the Financial Serv- that has a one-in-five chance of burst- stroy the United States of America and ices Committee Democrats lead efforts ing into flames and burning down your our freedom, and some things would to protect the Consumer Financial Pro- house. But it is possible to refinance an need to be done in camera, some tection Bureau, because we created it existing home with a mortgage that records would need to be sealed, but we in 2009 when we passed the landmark has the same one-in-five chance of put- can’t keep doing this where FISA Wall Street Reform and Consumer Pro- ting the family out on the street. . . .’’ judges can make outrageously uncon- tection Act, known as Dodd-Frank for What is good enough for toasters and stitutional rulings, granting warrants, Senator Chris Dodd and our former col- washing machines and cars, she argued, and no accountability. league and chairman, Barney Frank. is good enough for mortgages. And it And the thing here is, I would be say- It is also fitting that Democratic certainly would help our people. She ing this if this were being done to a House Members of the Joint Economic was right. And that is a primary reason Democrat. I would be saying this if it Committee participate because the at- that we must defend the original mis- were done, you know, to anybody. It is tack on the CFPB not only hurts con- sion of the CFPB today. just so wrong, and I am hoping that sumers, but harms businesses and our Ranking Member WATERS will de- eventually, at some point, some of my overall broader economy. scribe some of the excellent work of friends across the aisle will say: Wait a Let’s put things in historical perspec- the CFPB, which they have done to minute, we can’t keep allowing the tive. During the last 2 years of the protect consumers. United States Department of Justice to George W. Bush administration, we suf- Three numbers bear pointing out: In be spying on American citizens. We fered what former Federal Reserve the first 6 years, the CFPB handled surely can go a ways further as a na- Chairman Bernanke called ‘‘the worst more than 1.2 million complaints and tion before we become quite so Orwell- financial crisis in global history, in- has delivered almost $12 billion—bil- ian as has occurred in the FISA court cluding the Great Depression.’’ lion, as in B—in relief, and sent that and in this special counsel vilification The former Chair of the Joint Eco- money back to consumers for their use of individuals. nomic Committee for President in their pockets and their homes, to They have got their person. Now, I Obama, Christina Roamer, said that nearly 30 million consumers who had am sure they would be pleased to indict the economic shocks during that period been harmed. the President if they could find that were five times greater than the Great My Republican colleagues call this perhaps he ever mailed a substance Depression. ‘‘regulatory overreach’’ or government that didn’t have the little sticker with In the last month of the Bush Presi- run amuck. They want the CFPB to be the airplane on it with a line through dency alone, our economy lost over less aggressive. In other words, they it. They are looking for anything they 800,000 private sector jobs. We were don’t want the CFPB there to protect

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:31 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.082 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE H3142 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 11, 2018 and help consumers. In fact, it is doing Now that Mick Mulvaney runs the destined to repeat it. So now the effort exactly what it is intended to do: pro- CFPB, he is taking radical steps to by the Republican majority to roll tect ordinary Americans against finan- make it ineffective. This means weak- back the protections from the Wall cial predators. ening consumer protections and re- Street Reform Act and to roll back the I dare opponents of the CFPB to in- stricting enforcement. protections from the CFPB are increas- form those 30 million Americans who We had a hearing today at the Finan- ing the probability of another catas- have received almost $12 billion in re- cial Services Committee this morning, trophe. We don’t want that to happen, lief of their plans to weaken the agen- and I asked him how many enforce- and that is why we defend Dodd-Frank, cy. For those who want to neuter the ment actions he has taken since he has and that is why we will fight to oppose CFPB and consumer protections, it is started as the Acting Director for 5 efforts, in any way, shape, or form, to outrageous, it is wrong, and Democrats months? His answer was none, zero. weaken the CFPB. are going to fight this like you would Now, under the former Director, Why in the world would anyone want never believe. Richard Cordray, the Bureau took to weaken protections for working men I would like to draw your attention roughly 70 enforcement actions. They and women? to one very important function of the were bringing one roughly every week Now, one of the great leaders in this CFPB: enforcing the Credit Card- to protect consumers. But now, under country for working men and women holders’ Bill of Rights, the CARD Act, Mulvaney, they are bringing absolutely and for fair treatment under the laws which I am proud to have authored. none. of our country is the esteemed ranking The CARD Act prevents what were Weakening the CFPB and loosening member of the Financial Services Com- some of the worst abuses of the credit consumer protections will make tens of mittee from the great State of Cali- card industry. It used to be almost out millions of American families vulner- fornia, Ms. MAXINE WATERS, a tireless of control. You couldn’t walk on the able. But it will also affect the econ- advocate for consumers and the work floor or down the street without people omy via an indirect route. of the CFPB. She has led Democrats on coming up to you and telling you sto- A lack of effective protections will numerous efforts to maintain the ries about credit card abuses. make it difficult for consumers to dif- structure, independence, and power of The bill was common sense. It cut ferentiate good products from bad. the Consumer Financial Protection Bu- out unfair, deceptive, anticompetitive Reputable financial institutions that actions by restricting fees. It protected treat their consumers fairly—and there reau so that it can continue working consumers against retroactive rate in- are many of them—will suffer with this for you, working for the people, the creases on existing balances. In order uncertainty, and they will be American families, the consumers that to increase the rate, the consumer had incentivized to copy their disreputable we have in our country. to opt in and agree to an increased competitors in a race to the bottom. Mr. Speaker, it is now my honor to rate. In this way, weak consumer protec- yield to the gentlewoman from Cali- What happened before is they would tions can slow economic growth. As it fornia (Ms. MAXINE WATERS), the dis- be told you can buy a car for $8,000 at turns out, what is good for consumers tinguished ranking member. a 6 percent interest rate. They would is also good for the economy. b 1930 We have other people who are here to buy the car, then all of a sudden the Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. speak, but I do want to say that, in rate was up to 20 percent, 30 percent, Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman and consumers were caught in a never- some ways, at the heart of a financial MALONEY for helping to make sure that crisis was a lack of consumer protec- ending cycle of debt. we come to the floor this evening so This bill requires the lenders to alert tion. Predatory lenders were able to that we can speak up for the Consumer consumers of any rate increases, pre- sell bad mortgages. It was immensely Financial Protection Bureau. vents double billing, and prevents profitable. They were what we called Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening, lying. If you say your rate is one rate, NINJA loans for people with no in- along with my Democratic colleagues then that is what the rate has to be. It come, no job, and no assets. on the Financial Services Committee, prevents credit card companies from In New York, they used to say that, to discuss a central component of the raising credit limits for people who if you can’t afford your rent, go out Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and can’t repay the debt. and buy a house; it is easy to do. They In 2016, the CFPB report found that were handing out bad loans and then Consumer Protection Act, the Con- the CARD Act alone saved American securitizing mortgages on the sec- sumer Financial Protection Bureau. consumers over $12 billion. That is 12 ondary market, which were destined to Mr. Speaker, I really want to thank billion, as in B. I call it the Democratic fail. And they bought insurance—de- my colleague, Mrs. MALONEY, for orga- stimulus plan because it kept the fault swaps—to supposedly eliminate nizing this event with me tonight. Mrs. money in the consumers’ hands and not risk, which, in fact, only made it MALONEY is a valuable member of the in fees that were unfair. riskier. A giant wave of mortgage de- Financial Services Committee and she But it is not enough just for the faults ignited the financial crisis, lead- is also a leader on the Joint Economic CARD Act to exist. It also has to be en- ing to the worst economic crisis since Committee, she serves on the Oversight forced. Enforcement of existing laws the Great Depression. and Government Reform Committee. has been a critical function of the Economists have said over and over She is a very, very busy Member of CFPB. again we could have saved our economy this Congress, and I don’t know exactly Few would deny that the CFPB has from this terrible $15 trillion loss of how she finds time to do everything been very effective. That is why I be- home values and home assets if we just that she does, but I am so grateful for lieve the opponents, the Republican had good management and protection the opportunity to serve with her, be- majority and others, are attacking it. of consumers. And it all began with a cause of her dedication and her com- The Trump administration has mountain of bad mortgages, many of mitment, not only to her constituents, launched an assault on the CFPB. them unfair and predatory. If the but to the citizens of this country, and President Trump illegally appointed a CFPB had existed at that time and if it particularly focused on consumer pro- man to head the CFPB who once said had implemented current mortgage tection. that he wished it didn’t exist. As a standards, we would not have had that The Consumer Bureau is vitally im- Member of Congress, he sponsored a financial crisis. portant in protecting American con- bill to abolish it. So I would say Mick Mulvaney and sumers from unfair, deceptive, or abu- Now, why would you put someone in other opponents of the CFPB should sive practices by financial institutions charge of an agency who says they have learned a lesson from the cata- all across the country. want to abolish it, unless you want to strophic financial crisis that caused Following the financial crisis, Con- abolish it? many Americans to lose their homes gress created the Consumer Bureau in This follows in the pattern of other and their jobs, and we are still recov- order to ensure that Americans have a appointments in this administration: ering. regulator solely focused on ensuring putting people in charge of an agency The philosopher, George Santayana, that they are not preyed on by bad ac- that they fundamentally oppose. said that those who forget the past are tors. The need for such an agency was

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:31 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.084 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3143 made very clear by the 2008 crisis, to run the whole agency as the direc- country who are involved in the kind of which was driven by unchecked, decep- tor. actions that the Consumer Bureau is tive, predatory lending that caused So many of us were shocked at the designed to deal with and to force them millions of American families to lose audacity that she exhibited, and tried to do the right thing. their homes. to find out from Mr. Mulvaney today, I So, Mr. Speaker, in that, I would like The Consumer Bureau has been an did in particular, why did he halt the to thank Congresswoman MALONEY for enormous success, and under the lead- lawsuit against her company and why initiating this action this evening that ership of Richard Cordray, the agency would she send him her resume to ask we are taking to make sure everyone worked exactly as we intended it to. to be considered for the role of director understands the importance of the Con- The Consumer Bureau has returned of the Consumer Bureau. sumer Financial Protection Bureau, nearly $12 billion to over 30 million Mr. Mulvaney’s many harmful ac- and I appreciate working with her to consumers who have been harmed by fi- tions send a signal to bad actors that get this done. nancial institutions. The agency has they can get away with abusing con- Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New also addressed more than 1.2 million sumers. York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentle- consumer complaints about financial What is more, Republicans have re- woman for her statement tonight and institutions. lentlessly attacked the Consumer Bu- for her leadership. But now Donald Trump has moved to reau since its inception. Despite what Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman ‘‘do a big number on Dodd-Frank’’ and my Republican colleagues may have from the great State of Nevada (Mr. undermine the Consumer Bureau. De- you believe, the leadership structure of KIHUEN), and we welcome him. spite the fact that the Dodd-Frank the Consumer Bureau is not unique. In Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank statute is very clear that the deputy fact, there are other Federal regu- Representative MALONEY and Ranking director of the Consumer Bureau shall latory agencies with similar struc- Member WATERS for providing me this serve as acting director in the absence tures, but these facts haven’t stopped opportunity to speak about the critical or unavailability of the director, Presi- Republicans and some in the industry importance of the Consumer Financial dent Trump illegally appointed his Of- from making legal challenges to its Protection Bureau, the CFPB. fice of Management and Budget Direc- structure. That is why last year, I led Mr. Speaker, during the recession, tor, Mick Mulvaney, to serve as acting 40 other current and former Members Nevada was ground zero for the hous- director. Because Mr. Mulvaney serves of Congress to file a brief with the D.C. ing crisis. at the pleasure of the President as Circuit Court of Appeals in the P.H.H. For 5 years, Nevada led the Nation in OMB Director, President Trump now case support of the Consumer Bureau’s foreclosures. In 2010, 70 percent of Ne- has an inappropriate level of influence independent structure and its clear vada homeowners were underwater on over the operations and activities of constitutionality. And earlier this their homes. I saw firsthand as family, the Consumer Bureau, which is an year, the court issued a decision up- friends, neighbors, and constituents independent agency that is supposed to holding the constitutionality of the who lost their homes because of big be outside of the authority of the exec- Consumer Bureau’s structure. banks and unscrupulous mortgage utive branch. Republicans have been clamoring to lenders. Since his illegal appointment, Mr. weaken, impede, and ultimately de- While Nevada has made a tremendous Mulvaney has indeed been carrying out stroy the Consumer Bureau since its recovery since the recession, the scars President Trump’s harmful agenda and creation. First, they did everything are deep and still fresh. working to reverse much of the impor- they could to block a director from In the wake of the financial crisis, tant progress that the agency has being appointed in the first place, and the CFPB was created to protect Amer- made. This is not surprising given that since then, they have pushed measures icans from unfair, deceptive, or abusive Mulvaney previously stated, ‘‘I don’t to defund and dismantle the Consumer practices that led to the financial cri- like the fact that the CFPB exists,’’ Bureau. The chairman has called for sis, and to take action against compa- and even called the Consumer Bureau a the Consumer Bureau to be ‘‘function- nies that break the law. sick, sad joke. ally terminated,’’ and advanced legisla- The CFPB has cracked down on pred- In his short time at the Consumer tion, including H.R. 10, which I call the atory lenders and aggressive debt col- Bureau, Mr. Mulvaney has stripped the ‘‘Wrong’’ CHOICE Act, to do so. lectors, and forced financial institu- Office of Fair Lending and Equal Op- Now, in Mick Mulvaney, Republicans tions to return over $11 billion to portunity of its enforcement and super- have an ally to destroy the Consumer Americans who have been taken advan- visory powers, in a move that badly Bureau from within, but it is unclear tage of. weakens the agency’s ability to crack why destroying the Consumer Bureau Since 2011, the agency has been a re- down on discriminatory lending. He is at the top of the Republican agenda. source for thousands of my constitu- has also taken zero public enforcement There are constituents in every State ents. More than 14,000 Nevadans have actions against financial institutions who have been ripped off by financial gone to the CFPB with complaints, and that harm consumers across the board institutions. Why aren’t Republicans over 3,400 of them about mortgages. during his tenure, even though his fighting for them and for their finan- It is appalling that Mr. Mulvaney and predecessor, Richard Cordray, initiated cial security? congressional Republicans are focused hundreds. Mr. Speaker, Democrats will not on destroying the CFPB at the expense In addition, Mr. Mulvaney has taken allow the Consumer Bureau to be di- of American families. a series of actions that benefit preda- verted from its statutorily mandated When someone has an unwarranted tory payday lenders, including the de- mission of protecting consumers and overdraft, an incorrect credit score, or cision to halt implementation of the serving as an independent watchdog. is misled by their bank, they turn to Consumer Bureau’s sensible payday This agency is crucial for hard- the CFPB for help. rule, the decision to withdraw a law- working Americans, and its work must I will do everything I can to ensure suit against a group of payday lenders continue. that Nevadans never again have to ex- that allegedly misled consumers about Mr. Speaker, in my closing, I would perience the pain of being foreclosed on the cost of loans, which had interest like to thank Congresswoman MALO- or being preyed upon by unscrupulous rates as high as 950 percent a year, and NEY for the way that she conducted her lenders. the decision to cease an investigation questions today with Mr. Mulvaney in The cost to consumers is not only into World Acceptance Corporation, a our committee and asked him how their livelihoods, but the future of our high-cost installment lender which was many cases had he taken up, what had economy, because a strong economy in- reportedly engaging in abusive prac- he initiated against those companies cludes a strong consumer. tices. And, in fact, the former CEO of that are committing fraud, only to find Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New World Acceptance Corporation felt so out that he has done nothing. She York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gen- comfortable with Mr. Mulvaney, that forced him to answer, and he had to tleman for his really heartfelt report she had the audacity to send to him a admit, zero, that he has not taken any to us on how it affected his constitu- letter requesting that she be appointed actions against any companies in this ents.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:31 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.086 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE H3144 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 11, 2018 Mr. Speaker, I include in the RECORD sion. At the root of the crisis were the many ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED an article in Roll Call on the impor- lenders who convinced American consumers to purchase mortgages they could not afford, Karen L. Haas, Clerk of the House, tance of the CFPB, and also the actions reported and found truly enrolled bills that the Consumer Financial Protec- including the infamous NINJA loans to those with ‘‘no income, no job and no assets.’’ At of the House of the following titles, tion Bureau has taken by the numbers first, companies that sold these predatory which were thereupon signed by the to help people in our country. loans were on the outskirts of the industry, Speaker: MULVANEY’S ATTACKS ON CFPB HURT but when regulators failed to step in to pro- H.R. 3445. An act to enhance the trans- CONSUMERS AND ECONOMY tect consumers, many reputable companies parency and accelerate the impact of pro- (By Rep. Carolyn Maloney) that feared being left off the gravy train grams under the African Growth and Oppor- As a congressman, Mick Mulvaney once co- jumped in. tunity Act and the Millennium Challenge sponsored a bill to abolish the Consumer Fi- The mountain of subprime mortgages, sold Corporation, and for other purposes. nancial Protection Bureau. And since being and repackaged as securities presumably to H.R. 3979. An act to amend the Fish and appointed by President Donald Trump to eliminate risk, turned out to be a house of Wildlife Act of 1956 to reauthorize the volun- temporarily lead the agency, he has worked cards, resulting in what former Federal Re- teer services, community partnership, and to cripple it from the inside. serve Chairman Ben Bernanke called ‘‘the refuge education programs of the National What he is doing will hurt consumers not worst financial crisis in global history, in- Wildlife Refuge System, and for other pur- once but twice—first, by letting off the hook cluding the Great Depression.’’ Millions of poses. Americans lost their jobs or their homes. It financial institutions that take advantage of f their customers, and second, by giving other took nine years for the economy to fully re- companies large incentives to do the same. cover. ADJOURNMENT In its first six years, the CFPB has handled Fair regulations that are enforced rigor- more than 1.2 million complaints and deliv- ously are critical not only to protect con- Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New ered almost $12 billion in relief to nearly 30 sumers, but because they are essential for York. Mr. Speaker, I move that the million consumers. It has put in place new markets to work efficiently. Deliberate ef- House do now adjourn. protections against payday lending, inves- forts to undermine the CFPB will not only The motion was agreed to; accord- tigated predatory payday lenders, fought prove to be a raw deal for millions of Ameri- ingly (at 7 o’clock and 43 minutes mortgage servicers for wrongful foreclosures, cans but can cause lasting damage to our p.m.), under its previous order, the economy. established new mortgage standards to pro- House adjourned until tomorrow, tect homebuyers, and required lenders to Thursday, April 12, 2018, at 10 a.m. for verify that borrowers have the means to CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU: repay their loans. It also banned financial in- BY THE NUMBERS morning-hour debate. stitutions from using arbitration clauses to $11.9 billion: Approximate amount of or- f deny consumers the right to sue, took action dered relief to consumers from CFPB super- EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, against companies for illegal collection of visory and enforcement work, including: ETC. student loan debt, ordered Wells Fargo to Approximately $3.8 billion in monetary pay full restitution to customers for opening compensation ordered to be returned con- Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive accounts without their consent, enforced the sumers as a result of enforcement activity communications were taken from the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights, published Approximately $7.7 billion in principal re- a public database of consumer complaints, Speaker’s table and referred as follows: ductions, cancelled debts, and other con- and established extensive educational mate- 4440. A letter from the Under Secretary, sumer relief ordered as a result of enforce- rials on financial products for consumers. Personnel and Readiness, Department of De- ment activity Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., who was fense, transmitting a letter authorizing 15 $398 million in consumer relief as a result the driving force behind the CFPB’s cre- officers to wear the insignia of the grade of of supervisory activity ation, has pointed out that we shouldn’t put major general or brigadier general, pursuant people in charge of agencies they want to de- 29 million: Consumers who will receive re- to 10 U.S.C. 777(b)(3)(B); Public Law 104-106, stroy. That seems self-evident—unless the lief as a result of CFPB supervisory and en- Sec. 503(a)(1) (as added by Public Law 108-136, specific goal is to destroy it. forcement work Sec. 509(a)(3)); (117 Stat. 1458); to the Com- Soon after his appointment, Mulvaney $600 million+: Money collected in civil mittee on Armed Services. began weakening and radically changing the monetary penalties as a result of CFPB en- 4441. A letter from the Acting Director, CFPB, stating that part of the agency’s new forcement work Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, core mission statement would be to deregu- 1,242,800+: Complaints CFPB has handled as transmitting the Bureau’s FY 2017 EEO Pro- late financial products by ‘‘regularly identi- of July 1, 2017 gram Status Report, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. fying and addressing outdated, unnecessary 13 million: Unique visitors to Ask CFPB 2301 note; Public Law 107-174, 203(a) (as or unduly burdensome regulations.’’ 10.5 million: Mortgages consumers closed amended by Public Law 109-435, Sec. 604(f)); He has zealously pursued this new mission on after consumers received the CFPB’s (120 Stat. 3242); to the Committee on Finan- by putting a freeze on the implementation of Know Before You Owe disclosures cial Services. all new rules, delaying long-planned rules to 147: Banks and credit unions under the 4442. A letter from the Director, Regula- protect users of prepaid cards, halting the CFPB’s supervisory authority as of April 1, tions Policy and Management Staff, FDA, agency’s investigation of Equifax for failing 2017 Department of Health and Human Services, to protect customers’ private information, 12 million: Consumers who are takeout transmitting the Department’s final rule — weakening rules against predatory payday payday loans each year; the CFPB has pro- Medical Devices; Technical Amendment lenders, and pulling the plug on a suit posed rules to put an end to payday debt [Docket No.: FDA-2018-N-0011] received April against payday lenders that charged traps 2, 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Pub- annualized interest rates of up to 950 per- 70 million: Consumers who are contacted lic Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the cent. Mulvaney is trying to politicize the about debts in collection during the year; Committee on Energy and Commerce. agency by placing political appointees in po- the CFPB is developing proposed rules to 4443. A letter from the Regulations Coordi- sitions normally staffed by nonpartisan civil protect consumers from harmful collection nator, National Institutes of Health, Depart- servants. He also tried to starve the agency practices ment of Health and Human Services, trans- by requesting zero operating funds for the 3,270+: Colleges voluntarily adopting the mitting the Department’s final rule — Pri- second quarter of fiscal 2018. CFPB and Dept. of Ed Financial Aid Shop- vacy Act; Implementation [Docket No.: NIH- The rollbacks won’t just hurt consumers, ping Sheet 2016-0001] (RIN: 0925-AA63) received April 3, they will also hurt our economy. Fair regu- 169: Visits to military installations by the 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public lations that protect consumers are essential Office of Servicemember Affairs since 2011 Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the for well-functioning markets. Without effec- Committee on Energy and Commerce. 63: Times senior CFPB officials have testi- tive rules, we’ve seen that some companies 4444. A letter from the Chief of Staff, Media fied before Congress will cheat their customers. As word spreads, Bureau, Federal Communications Commis- millions of consumers are forced to question Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New sion, transmitting the Commission’s final whether products are safe or secure. This un- York. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all rule — Amendment of Parts 74, 76 and 78 of certainty leads them to buy less. Many busi- of the hardworking people at the CFPB the Commission’s Rules Regarding Mainte- nesses—even those that treat their cus- and those who worked to create it, and nance of Copies of FCC Rules [MB Docket tomers fairly—lose sales. The economy suf- I thank my colleagues and friends for No.: 17-231]; Modernization of Media Regula- fers. tion Initiative [MB Docket No.: 17-105] re- One would think that deregulators like joining me tonight on this Special ceived March 28, 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Mulvaney would have learned a lesson from Order. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 the 2007–2008 financial meltdown, which Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and threw our economy into a devastating reces- of my time. Commerce.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:31 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11AP7.087 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3145 4445. A letter from the Director, Defense for the years ended September 30, 2017 and the Committee on Transportation and Infra- Security Cooperation Agency, Department of 2016; to the Committee on Oversight and structure. Defense, transmitting Transmittal No. 18-04, Government Reform. 4465. A letter from the Management and pursuant to the reporting requirements of 4457. A letter from the Administrator, Program Analyst, FAA, Department of Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Small Business Administration, transmit- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- Act, as amended; to the Committee on For- ting the Administration’s FY 2017 No FEAR ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- eign Affairs. Act report, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 2301 note; tives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes [Docket 4446. A letter from the Director, Defense Public Law 107-174, 203(a) (as amended by No.: FAA-2017-0909; Product Identifier 2017- Security Cooperation Agency, Department of Public Law 109-435, Sec. 604(f)); (120 Stat. NM-081-AD; Amendment 39-19214; AD 2018-05- Defense, transmitting Transmittal No. 17-71, 3242); to the Committee on Oversight and 05] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received March 26, 2018, pursuant to the reporting requirements of Government Reform. pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control 4458. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Com- Act, as amended; to the Committee on For- Land and Minerals Management, Depart- mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- eign Affairs. ment of the Interior, transmitting the ‘‘Fifth ture. 4447. A letter from the Director, Defense Biennial Report to Congress: Estimates of 4466. A letter from the Management and Security Cooperation Agency, Department of Natural Gas and Oil Reserves, Reserves Program Analyst, FAA, Department of Defense, transmitting Transmittal No. 17-72, Growth, and Undiscovered Resources in Fed- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- pursuant to the reporting requirements of eral and State Waters off the Coasts of ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama tives; Airbus Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA- Act, as amended; to the Committee on For- —— 2017 Update’’, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 2016-9074; Product Identifier 2016-NM-097-AD; eign Affairs. 16295(c); Public Law 109-58, Sec. 965(c); (119 Amendment 39-19213; AD 2018-05-04] (RIN: 4448. A letter from the Director, Defense Stat. 893); to the Committee on Natural Re- 2120-AA64) received March 26, 2018, pursuant Security Cooperation Agency, Department of sources. to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Defense, transmitting Transmittal No. 17-65, 4459. A letter from the Attorney-Advisor, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on pursuant to the reporting requirements of Department of Homeland Security, transmit- Transportation and Infrastructure. Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control ting the Department’s final rule — Civil 4467. A letter from the Management and Act, as amended; to the Committee on For- Monetary Penalty Adjustments for Inflation Program Analyst, FAA, Department of eign Affairs. (RIN: 1601-AA80) received April 2, 2018, pursu- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- 4449. A letter from the Director, Defense ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- Security Cooperation Agency, Department of 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee tives; Airbus Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA- Defense, transmitting Transmittal No. 18-10, on the Judiciary. 2016-9519; Product Identifier 2016-NM-099-AD; pursuant to the reporting requirements of 4460. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, Amendment 39-19200; AD 2018-04-05] (RIN: Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Legislative Affairs, Department of State, 2120-AA64) received March 26, 2018, pursuant Act, as amended; to the Committee on For- transmitting a report entitled ‘‘Report on to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, eign Affairs. Denials of Visas to Confiscators of American Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on 4450. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, Property’’, pursuant to Sec. 2225(c) of the Transportation and Infrastructure. Legislative Affairs, Department of State, Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring 4468. A letter from the Management and transmitting the 2017 Multinational Force Act of 1998, as contained in the Omnibus Program Analyst, FAA, Department of and Observers Annual Report, pursuant to Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Transportation, transmitting the Depart- Sec. 6 of Public Law 97-132 for the period Appropriations Act 1999, Public Law 105-277, ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- January 16, 2017, to January 15, 2018; to the 8 U.S.C. 1182d; to the Committee on the Judi- tives; Airbus Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA- Committee on Foreign Affairs. ciary. 2017-0713; Product Identifier 2016-NM-199-AD; 4451. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, 4461. A letter from the Management and Amendment 39-19170; AD 2018-02-17] (RIN: Legislative Affairs, Department of State, Program Analyst, FAA, Department of 2120-AA64) received March 26, 2018, pursuant transmitting the annual report pursuant to Transportation, transmitting the Depart- to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 2(8) of the Senate’s Resolution of Advice ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on and Consent to the Treaty with Australia tives; GA 8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Airplanes Transportation and Infrastructure. Concerning Defense Trade Cooperation [Docket No.: FAA-2017-1166; Product Identi- 4469. A letter from the Management and (Treaty Doc. 110-10); to the Committee on fier 2017-CE-042-AD; Amendment 39-19217; AD Program Analyst, FAA, Department of Foreign Affairs. 2018-05-08] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received March Transportation, transmitting the Depart- 4452. A letter from the Acting Director, 26, 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to tives; The Boeing Company Airplanes [Dock- transmitting the Bureau’s FY 2017 No FEAR the Committee on Transportation and Infra- et No.: FAA-2017-0806; Product Identifier Act report, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 2301 note; structure. 2017-NM-064-AD; Amendment 39-19216; AD Public Law 107-174, 203(a) (as amended by 4462. A letter from the Management and 2018-05-07] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received March Public Law 109-435, Sec. 604(f)); (120 Stat. Program Analyst, FAA, Department of 26, 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); 3242); to the Committee on Oversight and Transportation, transmitting the Depart- Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to Government Reform. ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- the Committee on Transportation and Infra- 4453. A letter from the Director, Equal Em- tives; Honeywell International Inc. Turbofan structure. ployment Opportunity and Inclusion, Farm Engines [Docket No.: FAA-2017-0020; Product 4470. A letter from the Management and Credit Administration, transmitting the Ad- Identifier 2016-NE-33-AD; Amendment 39- Program Analyst, FAA, Department of ministration’s FY 2017 No FEAR Act report, 19209; AD 2018-04-13] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received Transportation, transmitting the Depart- pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 2301 note; Public Law March 26, 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- 107-174, 203(a) (as amended by Public Law 109- 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 tives; The Boeing Company Airplanes [Dock- 435, Sec. 604(f)); (120 Stat. 3242); to the Com- Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transpor- et No.: FAA-2017-0527; Product Identifier mittee on Oversight and Government Re- tation and Infrastructure. 2017-NM-015-AD; Amendment 39-19215; AD form. 4463. A letter from the Management and 2018-05-06] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received March 4454. A letter from the Director, Equal Em- Program Analyst, FAA, Department of 26, 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); ployment Opportunity and Inclusion, Farm Transportation, transmitting the Depart- Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to Credit System Insurance Corporation, trans- ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- the Committee on Transportation and Infra- mitting the Corporation’s FY 2017 No FEAR tives; Pacific Aerospace Limited Airplanes structure. Act report, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 2301 note; [Docket No.: FAA-2017-1184; Product Identi- 4471. A letter from the Management and Public Law 107-174, 203(a) (as amended by fier 2017-CE-029-AD; Amendment 39-19205; AD Program Analyst, FAA, Department of Public Law 109-435, Sec. 604(f)); (120 Stat. 2018-04-09] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received March Transportation, transmitting the Depart- 3242); to the Committee on Oversight and 26, 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- Government Reform. Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to tives; The Boeing Company Airplanes [Dock- 4455. A letter from the Executive Director, the Committee on Transportation and Infra- et No.: FAA-2017-0766; Product Identifier Federal Retirement Thrift Investment structure. 2017-NM-046-AD; Amendment 39-19203; AD Board, transmitting the Board’s FY 2017 No 4464. A letter from the Management and 2018-04-08] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received March FEAR Act report, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 2301 Program Analyst, FAA, Department of 26, 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); note; Public Law 107-174, 203(a) (as amended Transportation, transmitting the Depart- Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to by Public Law 109-435, Sec. 604(f)); (120 Stat. ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- the Committee on Transportation and Infra- 3242); to the Committee on Oversight and tives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes [Dock- structure. Government Reform. et No.: FAA-2016-9435; Product Identifier 4472. A letter from the Management and 4456. A letter from the Senior Director, 2016-NM-108-AD; Amendment 39-18830; AD Program Analyst, FAA, Department of Government Affairs, National Railroad Pas- 2017-06-06] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received March Transportation, transmitting the Depart- senger Corporation, transmitting Amtrak’s 26, 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); ment’s final rule — Standard Instrument Ap- audited Consolidated Financial Statements Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to proach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:31 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L11AP7.000 H11APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE H3146 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 11, 2018 and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Mis- ting the Administration’s final rule — Ex- trol system used by military commissaries cellaneous Amendments [Docket No.: 31180; tension of Expiration Dates for Two Body and exchanges, and for other purposes; to the Amdt. No.: 3788] received March 26, 2018, pur- System Listings [Docket No.: SSA-2018-0007] Committee on Armed Services. suant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- (RIN: 0960-AI18) received April 2, 2018, pursu- By Mr. MARINO (for himself, Mr. 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- CUELLAR, Mr. GOODLATTE, Mr. SMITH on Transportation and Infrastructure. 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); jointly to the of Texas, Mr. COLLINS of Georgia, and 4473. A letter from the Management and Committees on Ways and Means and Energy Mr. AMODEI): Program Analyst, FAA, Department of and Commerce. H.R. 5468. A bill to amend chapter 7 of title Transportation, transmitting the Depart- 5, United States Code, to provide for certain f ment’s final rule — Amendment of Class E limitations on judicial review of agency ac- Airspace; Selinsgrove, PA [Docket No.: FAA- REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON tions, and for other purposes; to the Com- 2014-0839; Airspace Docket No.: 14-AEA-7] re- PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS mittee on the Judiciary. ceived March 26, 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. By Mr. POSEY: 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of H.R. 5469. A bill to amend the Ethics in Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transpor- committees were delivered to the Clerk Government Act of 1978 to require Members tation and Infrastructure. for printing and reference to the proper of Congress to disclose business ties with for- 4474. A letter from the Management and calendar, as follows: eign entities, and for other purposes; to the Program Analyst, FAA, Department of Committee on House Administration. Mr. BISHOP of Utah: Committee on Nat- By Mr. BUDD (for himself and Mr. Transportation, transmitting the Depart- ural Resources. H.R. 401. A bill to designate MOONEY of West Virginia): ment’s final rule — Amendment of Class E the mountain at the Devils Tower National Airspace; Greenville, NC [Docket No.: FAA- H.R. 5470. A bill to repeal the Office of Fi- Monument, Wyoming, as Devils Tower, and nancial Research, and for other purposes; to 2017-0801; Airspace Docket No.: 17-ASO-17] re- for other purposes (Rept. 115–630). Referred ceived March 26, 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. the Committee on Financial Services. to the House Calendar. By Mr. CICILLINE (for himself and Mr. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Mr. BISHOP of Utah: Committee on Nat- Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transpor- POE of Texas): ural Resources. H.R. 520. A bill to require the H.R. 5471. A bill to direct the Secretary of tation and Infrastructure. Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary the Interior to establish a Gateway Commu- 4475. A letter from the Acting Chairman, of Agriculture to more efficiently develop nities Improvement Program, and for other Federal Maritime Commission, transmitting domestic sources of the minerals and min- purposes; to the Committee on Natural Re- the 56th Annual Report covering activities of eral materials of strategic and critical im- sources. the Commission for FY 2017, pursuant to 46 portance to the economic and national secu- By Mr. COLLINS of New York (for him- U.S.C. 306(a); Public Law 109-304, Sec. 4; (120 rity and manufacturing competitiveness of self and Mr. CARTWRIGHT): Stat. 1489); to the Committee on Transpor- the United States, and for other purposes; H.R. 5472. A bill to promote competition tation and Infrastructure. with an amendment (Rept. 115–631). Referred and help consumers save money by giving 4476. A letter from the Vice President, Gov- to the Committee of the Whole House on the them the freedom to choose where they buy ernment Relations, Tennessee Valley Au- state of the Union. prescription pet medications, and for other thority, transmitting the Authority’s Statis- Mr. BISHOP of Utah: Committee on Nat- purposes; to the Committee on Energy and tical Summary for FY 2017; to the Com- ural Resources. H.R. 4895. A bill to establish Commerce. mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- the Medgar Evers National Monument in the By Mrs. COMSTOCK (for herself and ture. Mr. BEN RAY LUJA´ N of New Mexico): 4477. A letter from the Assistant Secretary State of Mississippi, and for other purposes; with amendments (Rept. 115–632). Referred to H.R. 5473. A bill to direct the Secretary of for Export Administration, Bureau of Indus- Health and Human Services to update or try and Security, Department of Commerce, the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union. issue one or more guidances addressing alter- transmitting the Department’s interim final native methods for data collection on opioid rule — Requirements for Submissions Re- f sparing and inclusion of such data in product questing Exclusions from the Remedies In- PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS labeling, and for other purposes; to the Com- stituted in Presidential Proclamations Ad- mittee on Energy and Commerce. justing Imports of Steel into the United Under clause 2 of rule XII, public By Mr. ESPAILLAT (for himself, Mr. States and Adjusting Imports of Aluminum bills and resolutions of the following GUTIE´ RREZ, Mr. SERRANO, Miss into the United States; and the filing of Ob- titles were introduced and severally re- GONZA´ LEZ-COLO´ N of Puerto Rico, Mr. jections to Submitted Exclusion Requests for ferred, as follows: SOTO, Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ, Mrs. MURPHY Steel and Aluminum [Docket No.: 180227217- of Florida, Mr. VARGAS, Ms. NORTON, 8217-01] (RIN: 0694-AH55) received March 27, By Mr. DEUTCH: H.R. 5466. A bill to exempt Social Security, Mr. LAWSON of Florida, Ms. WILSON of 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Florida, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. HASTINGS, Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Medicare, and Medicaid from any Federal balanced budget requirement, and for other Ms. SHEA-PORTER, Ms. WASSERMAN Committee on Ways and Means. SCHULTZ, Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY 4478. A letter from the Chief, Publications purposes; to the Committee on the Budget. of New York, Mr. RASKIN, and Mr. and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue By Mr. LIPINSKI (for himself, Mr. UFFMAN JONES, Ms. BORDALLO, Mr. BOST, Ms. H ): Service, transmitting the Service’s final reg- H.R. 5474. A bill to make available nec- BROWNLEY of California, Mr. CAPU- ulations and removal of temporary regula- essary disaster assistance for families af- ANO, Ms. CLARKE of New York, Mr. tions — Allocation of Controlled Group Re- fected by major disasters, and for other pur- COHEN, Mr. CORREA, Mrs. DAVIS of search Credit [TD 9832] (RIN: 1545-BL76) re- poses; to the Committee on Transportation California, Mr. DEFAZIO, Ms. ceived March 29, 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. and Infrastructure, and in addition to the BARRAGA´ N, Mrs. DINGELL, Mr. DONO- 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Committee on Financial Services, for a pe- VAN, Mr. FORTENBERRY, Mr. GAETZ, Stat. 868); to the Committee on Ways and riod to be subsequently determined by the Mr. GALLEGO, Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas, Means. Speaker, in each case for consideration of Mr. GRIJALVA, Ms. NORTON, Ms. JACK- 4479. A letter from the Chief, Publications such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue SON LEE, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Ms. tion of the committee concerned. Service, transmitting the Service’s IRB only KAPTUR, Mr. KILMER, Mr. KINZINGER, By Mr. GRAVES of Missouri (for him- Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire, Mr. rule — Transitional Guidance Under Sec. self, Mrs. HARTZLER, Mr. LONG, Mr. LYNCH, Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY 162(f) and 6050X with Respect to Certain LUETKEMEYER, Mr. CLAY, Mr. of New York, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. Fines, Penalties, and Other Amounts [Notice CLEAVER, Mrs. WAGNER, and Mr. MOOLENAAR, Mr. MOULTON, Mr. NEAL, 2018-23] received March 29, 2018, pursuant to 5 SMITH of Missouri): U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. Mr. NORMAN, Mr. O’HALLERAN, Mr. H.R. 5475. A bill to designate the facility of 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on PAYNE, Mr. PETERSON, Ms. PINGREE, the United States Postal Service located at Ways and Means. Mr. POLIQUIN, Mr. RASKIN, Mrs. 108 North Macon Street in Bevier, Missouri, 4480. A letter from the Chief, Publications RADEWAGEN, Ms. ROSEN, Mr. RUSH, as the ‘‘SO2 Navy SEAL Adam Olin Smith and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. SCOTT of Vir- Post Office’’; to the Committee on Oversight Service, transmitting the Service’s IRB only ginia, Ms. SHEA-PORTER, Ms. SINEMA, and Government Reform. rule — Initial Guidance Under Section 163(j) Mr. SUOZZI, Mr. SOTO, Mr. THOMPSON By Mr. NADLER (for himself, Ms. as Applicable to Taxable Years Beginning of California, Mr. VELA, Ms. JACKSON LEE, and Mr. COHEN): After December 31, 2017 [Notice 2018-28] re- VELA´ ZQUEZ, Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN, H.R. 5476. A bill to ensure independent in- ceived April 3, 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. and Ms. WILSON of Florida): vestigations and judicial review of the re- 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 H.R. 5467. A bill to amend title 10, United moval of a special counsel, and for other pur- Stat. 868); to the Committee on Ways and States Code, to extend certain morale, wel- poses; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Means. fare, and recreation privileges to certain vet- By Mr. O’HALLERAN: 4481. A letter from the Regulations Writer, erans and their caregivers, to authorize the H.R. 5477. A bill to amend title XIX of the Office of Regulations and Reports Clearance, appropriation of funds for the purpose of im- Social Security Act to provide for a dem- Social Security Administration, transmit- proving the electronic physical access con- onstration project to increase substance use

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provider capacity under the Medicaid pro- of Georgia, Mr. CLEAVER, Ms. ROY- Imposts and Excises shall be uniform gram; to the Committee on Energy and Com- BAL-ALLARD, Mr. TED LIEU of Cali- throughout the United States; merce. fornia, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, Mrs. By Mr. LIPINSKI: By Mr. SABLAN: BEATTY, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. H.R. 5467. H.R. 5478. A bill to amend the Agricultural COHEN, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Act of 2014 to make funds available for the MCEACHIN, Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, lation pursuant to the following: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Is- Ms. MCCOLLUM, Mr. GALLEGO, Mr. The constitutional authority of Congress lands pilot project for fiscal years 2019 CUMMINGS, Mr. LOWENTHAL, Ms. to enact this legislation is provided by Arti- through 2023; to the Committee on Agri- EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, Ms. cle I, section 8 of the United States Constitu- culture. BONAMICI, Mr. CRIST, Mr. BROWN of tion (clauses 12, 13, 14, 16, and 18), which By Mr. WALZ (for himself and Mr. Maryland, Mr. BEYER, Ms. SPEIER, grants Congress the power to raise and sup- KIND): Mr. LAWSON of Florida, Ms. port an Army; to provide and maintain a H.R. 5479. A bill to direct the Commis- HANABUSA, Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALO- Navy; to make rules for the government and sioner of the Internal Revenue Service to es- NEY of New York, Ms. SA´ NCHEZ, Ms. regulation of the land and naval forces; to tablish a special unit within the office of MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New provide for organizing, arming, and dis- Stakeholder Partnership, Education and Mexico, and Mrs. TORRES): ciplining the militia; and to make all laws Communication to provide members of the H. Res. 818. A resolution recognizing necessary and proper for carrying out the uniformed services with tax assistance, and ‘‘Black Maternal Health Week’’ to bring na- foregoing powers for other purposes; to the Committee on tional attention to the maternal health care By Mr. MARINO: Ways and Means. crisis in the Black community and the im- H.R. 5468. By Mr. RATCLIFFE: portance of reducing the rate of maternal Congress has the power to enact this legis- H. Res. 814. A resolution electing a Member mortality and morbidity among Black lation pursuant to the following: to a certain standing committee of the women; to the Committee on Energy and Article I, Section 1, Clause 1 of the United House of Representatives; considered and Commerce. States Constitution, in that the legislation agreed to. considered and agreed to. By Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania (for concerns the exercise of legislative powers By Mr. WILSON of South Carolina: himself, Mr. MEEHAN, and Mr. COS- generally granted to Congress by that sec- H. Res. 815. A resolution commemorating TELLO of Pennsylvania): tion, including the exercise of those powers the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the H. Res. 819. A resolution recognizing the when delegated by Congress to the Execu- State of Israel and the opening of the United 110th anniversary of the American Associa- tive; Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 of the States Embassy in Jerusalem; to the Com- tion for Cancer Research, the world’s first United States Constitution, in that the legis- mittee on Foreign Affairs. and largest professional organization dedi- lation exercises legislative power granted to By Mr. CROWLEY: Congress by that clause ‘‘to make all Laws H. Res. 816. A resolution electing a Member cated to the conquest of cancer; to the Com- mittee on Energy and Commerce. which shall be necessary and proper for car- to a certain standing committee of the rying into Execution the foregoing Powers, House of Representatives; considered and By Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California (for herself, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHN- and all other Powers vested by this Constitu- agreed to. considered and agreed to. tion in the Government of the United States, By Mr. AL GREEN of Texas (for him- SON of Texas, Mr. HASTINGS, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, Mr. JEFFRIES, Mr. SMITH or in any Department or Officer thereof;’’ self, Ms. BASS, Mrs. BEATTY, Mr. of Washington, Mr. DAVID SCOTT of and Article III, Section 1, Clause 1, Sentence BEYER, Mr. BROWN of Maryland, Mr. Georgia, Ms. BORDALLO, Mr. RUSH, 1, Section 2, Clause 1, and Section 2, Clause BUTTERFIELD, Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. Mr. LOWENTHAL, Ms. LEE, Mr. 2, Sentence 2, of the Constitution, in that the CARBAJAL, Mr. CARSON of Indiana, LAWSON of Florida, Mr. PAYNE, and legislation defines or affects judicial powers Ms. CLARKE of New York, Mr. CLAY, Ms. MOORE): and cases that are subject to legislation by Mr. CLEAVER, Mr. CLYBURN, Mr. H. Res. 820. A resolution recognizing the Congress. CRIST, Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illi- life and significant contributions of Winnie By Mr. POSEY: nois, Mr. DEFAZIO, Mr. ELLISON, Mr. Madikizela-Mandela, the former wife of Nel- H.R. 5469. EVANS, Ms. FUDGE, Mr. GONZALEZ of son Mandela, and an icon in the inter- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Texas, Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ, Mr. HASTINGS, national fight against apartheid and injus- lation pursuant to the following: Mr. HIGGINS of Louisiana, Mr. Article I, Section 8, clause 18 of the United tice in South Africa, for her leadership and HUFFMAN, Ms. JACKSON LEE, Mr. States Constitution. her devotion to the cause of freedom for all JEFFRIES, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHN- By Mr. BUDD: South Africans; to the Committee on For- SON of Texas, Mr. JOHNSON of Geor- H.R. 5470. eign Affairs. gia, Ms. KELLY of Illinois, Mrs. LAW- Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Ms. MAXINE WATERS of Cali- RENCE, Ms. LEE, Mr. LEWIS of Geor- lation pursuant to the following: fornia: gia, Mr. LYNCH, Mr. MEEKS, Ms. This bill is enacted pursuant to the power H. Res. 821. A resolution recognizing the MOORE, Ms. NORTON, Mr. PALLONE, granted to Congress under Article I, Section importance of the Vietnam Veterans Memo- Mr. PAYNE, Mr. POCAN, Mr. QUIGLEY, 8, Clause 3 of the United States Constitution. rial, its replica which travels in ‘‘The Wall Mr. RASKIN, Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER, By Mr. CICILLINE: That Heals’’ exhibit, and the distinguished Mr. RUSH, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. H.R. 5471. servicemembers the memorials honor and DAVID SCOTT of Georgia, Ms. SEWELL Congress has the power to enact this legis- commemorate; to the Committee on Armed of Alabama, Mr. SIRES, Mr. THOMP- lation pursuant to the following: Services, and in addition to the Committee SON of Mississippi, Mr. VEASEY, Ms. Section 1, Article 8 on Natural Resources, for a period to be sub- VELA´ ZQUEZ, Ms. WASSERMAN By Mr. COLLINS of New York: sequently determined by the Speaker, in SCHULTZ, Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN, Ms. H.R. 5472. each case for consideration of such provi- Congress has the power to enact this legis- MAXINE WATERS of California, Ms. sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the lation pursuant to the following: WILSON of Florida, and Mr. SMITH of committee concerned. Article 1, Section 8 Washington): H. Res. 817. A resolution promoting and f By Mrs. COMSTOCK: supporting the goals and ideals of the Fair H.R. 5473. CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY Congress has the power to enact this legis- Housing Act and recognizing April 2018 as lation pursuant to the following: Fair Housing Month, which includes bringing STATEMENT Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 attention to the discrimination faced by Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of By Mr. ESPAILLAT: every-day Americans in the United States in the Rules of the House of Representa- H.R. 5474. housing and housing-related transactions on tives, the following statements are sub- Congress has the power to enact this legis- the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, mitted regarding the specific powers lation pursuant to the following: familial status, disability, and religion; to Article One of the United States Constitu- the Committee on the Judiciary. granted to Congress in the Constitu- tion to enact the accompanying bill or tion, section 8, clause 18: By Ms. ADAMS (for herself, Ms. LEE, The Congress shall have Power—To make Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN, Ms. CLARKE joint resolution. all Laws which shall be necessary and proper of New York, Ms. KELLY of Illinois, By Mr. DEUTCH: for carrying into Execution the foregoing Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. KHANNA, Ms. H.R. 5466. Powers, and all other Powers vested by this MOORE, Ms. NORTON, Mr. CARSON of Congress has the power to enact this legis- Constitution in the Government of the Indiana, Mr. SERRANO, Mr. PAYNE, lation pursuant to the following: United States, or in any Department or Offi- Ms. CASTOR of Florida, Mrs. LAW- Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 of the United cer thereof RENCE, Ms. WILSON of Florida, Mr. States Constitution: The Congress shall have or JOHNSON of Georgia, Ms. BARRAGA´ N, Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Im- Article One of the United States Constitu- Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi, Ms. posts and Excises, to pay the Debts and pro- tion, Section 8, Clause 3: VELA´ ZQUEZ, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mrs. DIN- vide for the common Defence and general The Congress shall have Power—To regu- GELL, Mr. HASTINGS, Mr. DAVID SCOTT Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, late Commerce with foreign Nations, and

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among the several States, and with the In- H.R. 1928: Mr. ESTES of Kansas. H.R. 4653: Mr. MACARTHUR. dian tribes; H.R. 1939: Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. H.R. 4673: Mr. LARSEN of Washington. By Mr. GRAVES of Missouri: H.R. 1953: Mr. HURD. H.R. 4681: Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. H.R. 5475. H.R. 1957: Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. H.R. 4691: Mr. LOBIONDO. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 2015: Ms. DEGETTE and Mr. FOSTER. H.R. 4693: Mr. LOBIONDO. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 2069: Mr. DENHAM and Mr. LOWENTHAL. H.R. 4732: Mr. EMMER, Mr. BARLETTA, Mr. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 7 H.R. 2070: Mrs. TORRES. ROHRABACHER, Mrs. RADEWAGEN, Mr. GAETZ, ‘‘The Congress shall have power to . . . es- H.R. 2077: Ms. DELAURO and Ms. MATSUI. Ms. STEFANIK, Mr. REED, and Mr. COLLINS of tablish Post Offices and Post Roads . . .’’ H.R. 2293: Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, Mr. New York. In the Constitution, the power possessed by LAWSON of Florida, and Ms. WILSON of Flor- H.R. 4747: Mr. BROOKS of Alabama, Mr. Congress embraces the regulation of the ida. WALKER, and Mr. MEADOWS. Postal System in the country. Therefore, the H.R. 2358: Mr. HURD, Mr. GROTHMAN, and H.R. 4775: Mr. BLUMENAUER. proposed legislation in naming a post office Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. H.R. 4841: Mr. STIVERS. would fall under the powers granted to Con- H.R. 2392: Mr. POCAN and Mr. SOTO. H.R. 4846: Mr. KILMER. gress in the Constitution. H.R. 2439: Mr. CLEAVER. H.R. 4881: Mr. CRAMER. By Mr. NADLER: H.R. 2525: Mr. LOEBSACK. H.R. 4903: Mr. HILL. H.R. 4915: Mr. FRANCIS ROONEY of Florida. H.R. 5476. H.R. 2553: Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana and Mr. H.R. 4980: Ms. LOFGREN. Congress has the power to enact this legis- BISHOP of Michigan. H.R. 5002: Mr. KHANNA and Mr. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 2556: Mr. VALADAO. FITZPATRICK. Article I, section 8, clauses 9 and 18 H.R. 2584: Mr. MAST and Mr. RASKIN. H.R. 5003: Mr. PETERSON, Mr. SOTO, Mr. By Mr. O’HALLERAN: H.R. 2620: Mr. DUNN. ROSS, Ms. BROWNLEY of California, and Mr. H.R. 5477. H.R. 2856: Mr. ABRAHAM. SCHNEIDER. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 2899: Mr. WELCH. H.R. 5016: Mr. TIPTON, Mr. JOHNSON of Lou- lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3207: Mr. POLIS, Mr. SIRES, Ms. ROSEN, isiana, Mr. BERGMAN, and Mr. PERRY. Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. MOULTON, and Mr. SWALWELL of California. H.R. 5034: Mr. DEFAZIO, Ms. MICHELLE By Mr. SABLAN: LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico, Mr. BERA, H.R. 5478. H.R. 3260: Mr. CICILLINE. H.R. 3303: Mr. KILMER. and Mr. HASTINGS. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 5052: Mr. DEFAZIO and Mr. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3314: Mr. ESPAILLAT. H.R. 3324: Mr. SCHNEIDER, Mr. VALADAO, LOWENTHAL. Under Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 and Ar- H.R. 5083: Mr. LARSON of Connecticut and ticle IV, Section 3, Clause 2 of the Constitu- Mr. DEUTCH, and Mr. WOMACK. H.R. 3429: Mr. KHANNA, Mr. KILMER, Mr. Ms. DELBENE. tion of the United States. H.R. 5090: Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. TAKANO, and Mr. RASKIN. By Mr. WALZ: H.R. 5105: Mr. BERA. H.R. 3574: Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of H.R. 5479. H.R. 5108: Ms. MCCOLLUM, Mr. NORCROSS, New York. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Mr. RUSH, Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Pennsyl- H.R. 3605: Mr. PASCRELL and Mr. DEFAZIO. lation pursuant to the following: vania, Mr. TONKO, Mr. SIRES, Mr. YARMUTH, H.R. 3617: Mrs. DAVIS of California. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3 of the U.S. Mr. LYNCH, and Ms. TITUS. H.R. 3645: Mr. KILMER. Constitution, which gives Congress the H.R. 5137: Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania and H.R. 3654: Mr. LEVIN, Ms. KUSTER of New power ‘‘to regulate commerce with foreign Mr. HASTINGS. Hampshire, Ms. FUDGE, Mr. RUIZ, Mr. SEAN nations, and among the several states, and H.R. 5171: Mr. LAMALFA. PATRICK MALONEY of New York, and Mr. FOS- with the Indian tribes.’’ H.R. 5176: Mr. BARR. TER. H.R. 5188: Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. f H.R. 3666: Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. H.R. 5191: Mrs. RADEWAGEN, Mr. COLE, Mr. H.R. 3692: Mr. YARMUTH. MACARTHUR, Mr. FITZPATRICK, and Mr. ADDITIONAL SPONSORS H.R. 3767: Mr. PAYNE and Mr. COHEN. RASKIN. H.R. 3790: Mr. CHABOT, Mr. JODY B. HICE of Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors H.R. 5192: Mr. DELANEY and Mr. SESSIONS. Georgia, Mr. HOLDING, and Mr. GAETZ. were added to public bills and resolu- H.R. 5216: Ms. TITUS, Mr. MOULTON, Mr. H.R. 3859: Ms. LOFGREN. tions, as follows: CICILLINE, and Ms. NORTON. H.R. 3866: Mr. HUFFMAN and Mr. AGUILAR. H.R. 5226: Mr. SIRES, Mr. HASTINGS, Mr. H.R. 172: Mr. BIGGS. H.R. 3871: Mr. RYAN of Ohio. LYNCH, and Mr. BEYER. H.R. 173: Ms. ESHOO and Mr. CAPUANO. H.R. 3931: Mr. VALADAO. H.R. 5241: Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI and Ms. H.R. 233: Mr. SUOZZI, Mr. SWALWELL of H.R. 4006: Miss RICE of New York. NORTON. California, Mr. PRICE of North Carolina, Mr. H.R. 4022: Mr. WELCH, Ms. MENG, Mr. H.R. 5248: Mr. YOUNG of Alaska and Mr. PETERS, and Mr. LANGEVIN. WOMACK, Ms. NORTON, Mr. DEUTCH, Ms. PASCRELL. H.R. 427: Mr. SCHIFF. CLARKE of New York, Ms. FRANKEL of Flor- H.R. 5258: Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. H.R. 592: Mr. CUELLAR, Mr. HULTGREN, Mr. URD RADY ida, Mr. H , and Mr. B of Pennsyl- H.R. 5281: Mr. PERRY. MCKINLEY, and Mr. WILLIAMS. vania. H.R. 5294: Mr. MEADOWS. H.R. 644: Mr. BYRNE. ´ H.R. 4097: Ms. DELBENE, Ms. SANCHEZ, and H.R. 5306: Mr. MEEHAN and Ms. SCHA- H.R. 681: Mr. MCCLINTOCK, Mr. PERRY, and Mr. KHANNA. KOWSKY. Ms. TENNEY. H.R. 4099: Mr. BOST, Ms. SEWELL of Ala- H.R. 5311: Mr. FITZPATRICK and Ms. SHEA- H.R. 756: Ms. NORTON. bama, and Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of PORTER. H.R. 778: Mr. FASO. New Mexico. H.R. 5314: Ms. PINGREE and Mr. LOEBSACK. H.R. 788: Mr. GAETZ. H.R. 4116: Ms. NORTON and Mr. KHANNA. H.R. 5327: Mr. YARMUTH. H.R. 846: Mr. KNIGHT. H.R. 4117: Ms. NORTON. H.R. 5329: Mr. BEN RAY LUJA´ N of New Mex- H.R. 881: Mr. RUTHERFORD. H.R. 4243: Mr. FRANCIS ROONEY of Florida. ico. H.R. 942: Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas, Mr. H.R. 4256: Mr. TAKANO, Ms. BROWNLEY of H.R. 5336: Mr. GALLAGHER. SOTO, and Mrs. DAVIS of California. California, Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. GENE H.R. 5348: Mr. BYRNE. H.R. 959: Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Penn- GREEN of Texas, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, Mr. H.R. 5356: Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia, Mr. sylvania and Mr. KIHUEN. DIAZ-BALART, Mr. JOYCE of Ohio, Mr. MOULTON, and Mr. BYRNE. H.R. 967: Mr. NORCROSS. FITZPATRICK, Mr. COLLINS of Georgia, Ms. H.R. 5358: Mr. PETERSON. H.R. 982: Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire, CLARKE of New York, Mr. SIMPSON, Mr. H.R. 5417: Mr. GIANFORTE, Mr. ABRAHAM, Mr. KHANNA, and Mr. GIANFORTE. BABIN, Mr. POSEY, Mr. CICILLINE, Mr. BUDD, Mr. PETERSON, Mr. LAMALFA, Mr. BRADY of H.R. 1057: Mr. OLSON. and Mr. FOSTER. Texas, Mr. GOHMERT, and Mr. PERRY. H.R. 1120: Mr. SCHIFF. H.R. 4265: Mr. MARINO. H.R. 5428: Mr. FITZPATRICK. H.R. 1150: Mr. SHUSTER. H.R. 4314: Mr. GIANFORTE. H.R. 5452: Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI and Ms. H.R. 1206: Mr. ZELDIN, Mr. GALLAGHER, and H.R. 4426: Mr. LEWIS of Georgia and Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mrs. ROBY. VELA´ ZQUEZ. H.R. 5464: Ms. LOFGREN and Mr. BRADY of H.R. 1316: Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. H.R. 4445: Mr. CICILLINE. Pennsylvania. H.R. 1318: Mr. COLLINS of New York. H.R. 4472: Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. H.J. Res. 2: Mr. PALAZZO, Mr. HIGGINS of H.R. 1409: Mr. UPTON, Miss GONZA´ LEZ- H.R. 4473: Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Louisiana, Mr. HUDSON, and Mr. GARRETT. COLO´ N of Puerto Rico, Mr. KEATING, Ms. H.R. 4575: Mrs. WALORSKI, Mr. SCHNEIDER, H.J. Res. 48: Mr. KEATING. STEFANIK, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mr. and Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New H.J. Res. 107: Mr. SUOZZI and Ms. ROSEN. O’HALLERAN, Mr. KHANNA, and Mr. AUSTIN Mexico. H.J. Res. 119: Mr. ZELDIN. SCOTT of Georgia. H.R. 4638: Mr. HIGGINS of New York and Mr. H. Con. Res. 28: Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. H.R. 1445: Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. TONKO. H. Res. 199: Ms. TITUS and Mr. BUDD. H.R. 1542: Ms. MATSUI. H.R. 4647: Mrs. WAGNER, Mr. DUNCAN of H. Res. 576: Mr. FRANCIS ROONEY of Florida. H.R. 1606: Mr. DESJARLAIS and Mr. MESSER. South Carolina, Mr. WESTERMAN, Mr. COO- H. Res. 763: Mrs. HANDEL, Mr. BACON, Mr. H.R. 1734: Mr. POSEY and Mr. FOSTER. PER, Mr. CRIST, Mr. WALZ, and Mr. SOTO. ALLEN, Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia, Mr.

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GRAVES of Louisiana, Mr. HULTGREN, Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania, Mr. BANKS of Indi- H. Res. 800: Ms. SINEMA. ana, and Mr. SMITH of New Jersey.

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Vol. 164 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018 No. 58 Senate The Senate met at 10:30 a.m. and was the House through a new era. Like a NOMINATIONS called to order by the President pro true leader, PAUL stepped up to the Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, now tempore (Mr. HATCH). plate. He answered his colleagues’ call on another matter, yesterday the Sen- f with exactly the earnest, selfless, and ate confirmed the first of six nominees focused approach that has defined his PRAYER slated for consideration this week, entire career in Congress. The results Claria Horn Boom to serve as district The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- have been beyond impressive. judge for the Eastern and Western Dis- fered the following prayer: Capping off a remarkable 20-year ca- tricts of Kentucky. She was confirmed Let us pray. reer in Congress, PAUL’s speakership 96 to 1. There was just one Senator in Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on has yielded one significant accomplish- opposition. us today. You are a God of might and ment after another for his conference, This is the kind of uncontroversial power, and our times are in Your his constituents in Wisconsin’s First nomination the Senate could typically hands. Forgive us for sometimes for- Congressional District, as well as the dispatch by a voice vote, but not these getting to trust Your prevailing provi- American people. days. Over and over again, we have had dence, as You increase our faith True to his career-long reputation as to file cloture and exhaust floor time through the power of Your Holy Word. a champion for pro-growth economics, on amply qualified nominees who then Lord, thank You for our lawmakers. PAUL helped lead the way on last year’s soar through their confirmation votes Remind them that they are appointed once-in-a-generation rewrite of the Na- by lopsided margins. by You and are, therefore, accountable tion’s Tax Code. Thanks in large part Since President Trump took office, to You for their work. May they not to his personal passion and expertise, the Senate has had to hold 82—82—clo- forget that they are servants of Your reform became a reality, and our econ- ture votes on judicial and executive Kingdom as You motivate them to be omy is charting a new course toward nominations. In the first 2 years of faithful in what they think, say, and greater prosperity and greater oppor- President Obama’s administration, do. Provide them with Your wisdom, tunity. there were only 12 such cloture votes— empowering them to fulfill Your pur- On its own, this generational accom- 12 for President Obama, 4 for George W. plishment would secure the Speaker’s poses for their lives. Bush, 8 for President Clinton, and al- We pray in Your strong Name. Amen. legacy as a transformational conserv- ready, just a few months into President ative leader, but, of course, it is far f Trump’s second year, there have been from the only fruit of his speakership. 82. The numbers speak for themselves. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE His leadership was vital to securing ev- Today we will have the opportunity The President pro tempore led the erything from the largest year-on-year to confirm yet another qualified nomi- Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: increase in defense funding in 15 years nee for a critical post. John Ring’s I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the to the remaking of the way we treat nomination to serve on the National United States of America, and to the Repub- and find cures for rare diseases. What Labor Relations Board is an important lic for which it stands, one nation under God, is more, PAUL has paired that ambi- next step to continue cleaning years of indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. tious agenda with infectious good cheer regulatory rust off of the American f and an unflagging commitment to economy. It is a natural addition to serve all Americans. Amidst all the the progress we have made scaling RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY stresses and pressures of leadership, back unhelpful regulations that make LEADER PAUL’s optimism and energy never it harder for American businesses to The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. COT- waned. create jobs and make opportunities for TON). The majority leader is recog- It has been a sincere pleasure and a American workers more scarce. nized. real inspiration to work alongside this Mr. Ring’s confirmation will give the f humble servant and happy warrior. I country a fully staffed NLRB once am glad we can count on his continued again and turn the page on the pre- SPEAKER RYAN’S RETIREMENT leadership through the rest of this year vious administration’s efforts to re- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, this because our work together is far from make this bipartisan Board into a one- morning, Speaker RYAN announced to finished. I look forward to collabo- sided political weapon. Even in a short his colleagues that he will be departing rating closely these next months to im- amount of time last year, we saw just the House at the conclusion of the plement more of the inclusive, pro- how much good a fully functioning 115th Congress. growth, pro-opportunity agenda the NLRB can do for American workers Two and a half years ago, PAUL RYAN American people are counting on us to when it calls balls and strikes fairly in- was drafted by his colleagues to lead keep advancing. stead of bending over backward to

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

S2047

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:29 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A11AP6.000 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S2048 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 11, 2018 meet Big Labor’s every demand. Today penter Technology in Reading, PA, will Let’s be honest about this. This bill we will have the chance to get things invest $100 million in expanded manu- was done for the rich and the wealthy back to normal for the long term. facturing capabilities—$100 million in in power, and there were some benefits Mr. Ring has a distinguished record our economy and American workers be- to the middle class, but it could have in labor negotiation. I would urge my cause of tax reform. For this American been so much better. Our Republican colleagues to join me in voting to con- manufacturer, founded in 1889, the Tax colleagues listened to the wealthy spe- firm him today. Cuts and Jobs Act means a new hot cial interests, the large contributors, After Mr. Ring, the Senate will turn rolling mill to produce the special al- and that is how this bill came about. to the nomination of Pat Pizzella to loys for aerospace and consumer elec- By the way, because it creates a def- serve as Deputy Secretary of Labor. tronics. They are also investing in 3D icit of $1.5 trillion—and I remind our The fact that this Cabinet agency has printing. This is what happens when leader that rural America really cares gone 15 months without its No. 2 offi- manufacturers have the breathing about deficits—there are a lot of Re- cial is yet another testament to the room to bet on the U.S. economy and publicans, particularly the more con- historic obstruction visited on this ad- on their American workforce. Breath- servative ones, who say: Now let’s cut ministration by Senate Democrats. He ing room is exactly what our policy is Medicare and Social Security. How is has been sitting on the calendar for 6 giving them. Carpenter already em- an elderly person in rural America months despite his ample qualifica- ploys more than 3,000 Pennsylvanians, going to feel about that? tions. I would urge all of my colleagues and with this kind of major capital in- I would simply say that this bill was to vote to finally advance Mr. vestment, I expect they will be com- not the right remedy for America, Pizzella’s nomination. peting for future generations of skilled which is owed a lot better. f workers as well. f Pennsylvania should be proud of Sen- TAX REFORM SPEAKER RYAN’S RETIREMENT ator TOOMEY. He is one of the leaders Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, on who have helped lead the charge for tax Mr. SCHUMER. Now, Speaker RYAN. another matter, this week we have reform. It is a shame his colleague, the I know Speaker RYAN quite well. He is been discussing the stark difference be- senior Senator for Pennsylvania, put a good man. He is always true to his tween the Obama administration’s party politics ahead of workers and word. Even though we disagree on most agenda and the policies that President taxpayers and voted to block tax re- issues, in the areas where we can work Trump and this Republican Congress form right from the beginning. together, I find him to be smart, have implemented. Fortunately, my Democratic col- thoughtful, and straightforward. I find During the Obama years, the over- leagues failed to block tax reform from him to have a great deal of integrity. whelming majority of all the limited taking place, even though many now We don’t agree, but he has deep beliefs, new growth and new jobs went to the want to repeal the law that has led to and he is not like some on his side of biggest and richest urban areas. Times new jobs, higher wages, and increased the aisle who say: It is my way or no were good if you happened to live in opportunities all across our country. way. He is willing to meet you to try to New York, San Francisco, or a few Stories like these are just the first get something done. other places, but if you were one of the fruits of tax reform, regulatory reform, So I have thoroughly enjoyed work- millions of Americans in our Nation’s and all the other ways this Republican ing with Speaker RYAN. I admire him towns, smaller cities, suburbs, or rural Congress is fighting for every Amer- as a human being, as a religious man, areas, they were not so good. Accord- ican worker, job creator, and middle- and somebody who cares a lot about his ing to one estimate, between 2010 and class family. family. I understand his frustrations; I 2016, 73 percent of all the employment f do. When you have so many intran- gains in the country went to metro sigent people in your caucus who say areas with more than 1 million resi- RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY ‘‘it is my way or no way,’’ and your dents. Practically everywhere else, LEADER job, even though you have deep beliefs, Americans either treaded water or The PRESIDING OFFICER. The is to want to get something done, it is started sinking. Democratic leader is recognized. hard. It is hard. This President and this Republican f Now, with his newfound political Congress were sent here to put this freedom, I hope the Speaker uses his REPUBLICAN TAX BILL right, and because the American people remaining time in Congress to break gave us a chance to do so, they now Mr. SCHUMER. Thank you, Mr. free from these hard-right factions that have leaders in Washington who focus President. have plagued him so and that have on cutting taxes instead of raising Before I get to the substance of my kept Congress from getting real things them, rolling back overregulation in- remarks, I remind my dear friend the done. If he is willing to reach across stead of piling on more suffocating majority leader that the vast majority the aisle, he will find Democrats will- rules, and looking out for the best in- of the benefits of this tax break, this ing and eager to work with him. terests of all workers and job creators, tax cut, went to the wealthiest of I say to Speaker RYAN: Let’s work to- not just those in our biggest and Americans and large corporations. gether. You are more of a free man wealthiest cities. What are they doing with the money? now. Follow your instincts. Your be- The early results from our inclusive They are using most of it for buybacks. liefs will not be the same as ours, but opportunity agenda are clear. After That was a buyback. They buy back you will want to try to come to some years of stagnation, we are beginning their own stock. The CEO—already a kind of an agreement where we can to see signs that rural America turned rich guy—is making more money. The meet somewhere in the middle. a corner in 2017. One analysis found shareholders, one-third of whom are The job may be made harder because that last year, rural areas outpaced the out of the country and most of whom Congressmen SCALISE and MCCARTHY rest of the country in job creation, rel- are in the top 10 percent of America, are now competing for Ryan’s job and ative to the share of the economy they make more money. The middle class the hard right’s favor—they are too started out with. There is still much, and rural America particularly are left vital in that caucus—but I believe much more to do, but these early behind in this bill. Speaker RYAN is up to the job and can promising signs add up to hundreds of We could have done a tax bill where overcome that problem and work in his thousands of new jobs. That is a sight the benefits went to the middle class— last few months here for the better- for sore eyes in Kentucky, West Vir- not just some—10, 20 percent—but all. ment of our country. ginia, Montana, Maine, and so many So this bill is a bit of a fake. There are f other States. small benefits for the middle class, What about our smaller cities? I re- along with harm to their healthcare. AVOIDING A CONSTITUTIONAL cently heard from my friend Senator The things put in this bill are going to CRISIS TOOMEY that, because of this historic raise many people’s premiums far more Mr. SCHUMER. Now, Mr. President, tax reform we passed last year, Car- than their small tax break. on the issues of yesterday and last

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:23 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G11AP6.002 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2049 night, for months, I have heard my Re- places, leaders use the levers of power The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. SUL- publican colleagues argue that there is to subvert or avoid accountability in LIVAN). Without objection, it is so or- no need to pass legislation to protect all ways. President Trump seems to dered. Special Counsel Mueller and the Rus- wish he could do just that. f sian probe from President Trump be- I want to be crystal clear on this cause they have been assured by anon- point. If the President were to take ac- RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME ymous White House officials that it tion against Deputy Attorney General The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under will not happen. Rosenstein, it would be every bit as the previous order, the leadership time President Trump, in his own words grave of a mistake as removing Special is reserved. on Monday night, made it plain as day Counsel Mueller. America, as we know f that he may be considering firing the it—as we love it—would diminish. I special counsel and/or the Deputy At- know Republicans and Democrats CONCLUSION OF MORNING torney General, which would be equally agree on that. BUSINESS egregious. The White House spokes- So why not take the bull by the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Morning woman, from the podium, said Presi- horns? Why wouldn’t we take imme- business is closed. dent Trump believes he has the author- diate action to potentially prevent a ity to fire the special counsel all by constitutional crisis from coming to f himself, and a report in the New York pass? Why don’t we head it off at the EXECUTIVE SESSION Times said President Trump considered pass and move bipartisan legislation firing Mueller as recently as December, that has been introduced this morning, in addition to a year ago in June. through the Judiciary Committee— EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Only an hour ago, the President which I am told Senator GRASSLEY is The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under tweeted that the ‘‘Fake & Corrupt Rus- seriously considering—on to the floor the previous order, the Senate will pro- sia Investigation’’—his words—was of the Senate, where I hope Leader ceed to executive session to resume ‘‘headed up by all the Democrat loyal- MCCONNELL will place it. A bipartisan consideration of the following nomina- ists, or people that worked for Obama.’’ group this morning—Senators GRAHAM tion, which the clerk will report. Mr. President, will you start telling and TILLIS, BOOKER and COONS—have the truth? Robert Mueller is a Repub- The senior assistant legislative clerk introduced legislation that would help read the nomination of John F. Ring, lican. Deputy Attorney General Rosen- protect the special counsel. Why not stein is a Republican whom you ap- of the District of Columbia, to be a pass this legislation now and avoid a Member of the National Labor Rela- pointed. Christopher Wray, the head of constitutional crisis? Why not avoid an the FBI, is a Republican whom you ap- tions Board for the term of five years injury to the body of this great country expiring December 16, 2022. pointed. and then try to stitch it up? Why not I don’t know how long the President The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- avoid an injury instead of sustaining it ator from Arkansas. can believe people will swallow the and trying to stitch it up? That is what bold mistruths he spews out day after we should be doing. THE OLD GUARD day after day, but what he said—that Let’s not wait until it is too late. Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, last Fri- the people the investigation was being Let’s head the constitutional crisis off day marked the 70th anniversary of the headed up by are all Democratic loyal- at the pass by passing the bipartisan 3rd Infantry Regiment’s reactivation, ists or people who work for Obama—is legislation introduced by Senators and as one of its veterans, I didn’t want patently false, and the President GRAHAM, TILLIS, BOOKER, and COONS to let the moment pass without notice. should retract it. and take the threat of a crisis off the The 3rd Infantry Regiment, more These kinds of remarks make it all table right now. commonly known as the Old Guard, too obvious that the President, who So I urge Senator GRASSLEY to sched- serves across the Potomac River at Ar- cares so little for truth, may be consid- ule a hearing and markup on this bill lington National Cemetery. Most here ering the firing of the special counsel and to report it out of his committee. and most in the Gallery have probably or the Deputy Attorney General. So I He must be sure not to water it down visited the cemetery and seen Old would like to direct my remarks to my with amendments or accept changes Guard soldiers guarding the Tomb of Republican colleagues. I say to my Re- that would render it useless. I urge the Unknowns or conducting funerals. publican colleagues, you can no longer Leader MCCONNELL to then take that Arkansans who visit me here in the rely on anonymous sources as a reason bill and put it on the floor where we Capitol consistently tell me that Ar- for delay or inaction on legislation to can debate and pass it. Surely, some- lington is a highlight of their trip. protect Mr. Mueller and avoid a con- thing this serious deserves the time That is not surprising to me, because stitutional crisis. The evidence is star- and attention of U.S. Senators. I dare Old Guard soldiers set the standard for ing us all in the face. We cannot ignore say, if bipartisan legislation like this their dedication, their diligence, and the elephant in the room any longer came to the floor, it would pass by a their devotion. The 3rd Infantry is the because the consequences of the Presi- large majority—Members of both par- Nation’s oldest Active-Duty infantry dent taking action against Mueller or ties—and the pressure on the House to unit, and yet the reverence we feel for Rosenstein or issuing political pardons do the same would be large. them goes beyond their mere length of is just too dire. As Democrats have The rule of law cannot be a partisan service and to what they represent: the said, and as many Republicans have issue and should not be a partisan dignity of freedom. said, such action would precipitate a issue. We cannot let it become a par- On April 6, 1948, the 3rd Infantry was constitutional crisis in this country. tisan issue. The Congress must clearly, reactivated on orders of the Secretary The President doesn’t seem to realize loudly, and with one voice pass legisla- of the Army. The ceremony was held it, but I know my Republican col- tion to ensure that any effort by the just a few steps from here, on the East leagues do. President to remove Special Counsel Plaza of the Capitol. Then, the Old No person is above the law in this Mueller or Deputy Attorney General Guard immediately conducted another country—not even the President. He is Rosenstein would be rendered unsuc- ceremony to present the Flag of Lib- not a King. He is the President. If the cessful. eration to the President pro tempore of President were to interfere in any way I yield the floor. the Senate and the Speaker of the with the chain of command in the Rus- I suggest the absence of a quorum. House. That flag had flown over this sia investigation or clean house at the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The very Capitol on Pearl Harbor Day, De- Justice Department in order to install clerk will call the roll. cember 7, 1941. Then, those forces lackeys who will carry out his orders, The senior assistant legislative clerk raised that flag over Rome, Berlin, and we would be no better than a banana proceeded to call the roll. Tokyo after we had defeated the Axis republic. The kinds of things we see Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask powers. Finally, the Old Guard led the happening in other parts of the globe unanimous consent that the order for large Army Day parade from the Cap- would be happening here. In those the quorum call be rescinded. itol down Constitution Avenue, where

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:23 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G11AP6.003 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S2050 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 11, 2018 President Truman sat in the reviewing After the Mexican War came the is what makes it a noble and, there- stand at the Ellipse. Civil War, which divided not only our fore, a fulfilling way of life. For re- That is not bad for their first day Nation but also our Army. Ulysses S. minding us of that dignity—the dignity back with the regimental colors. It had Grant and Robert E. Lee, who both that comes with being a free people— been only 18 months since the regi- fought alongside the Old Guard in Mex- the men and women of the Old Guard ment, serving with the 106th Division ico, now faced off against each other. deserve our deepest thanks. as an occupation force in Berlin, was The 3rd Infantry fought every major I yield the floor. caught up in the rushed demobiliza- battle in the war’s first 2 years: First The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tions at the end of World War II. But Bull Run, Second Bull Run, the Seven Democratic whip is recognized. the Army needed an official ceremonial Days Battles, Antietam, Fredericks- Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unit in the Nation’s Capital, as well as burg, Chancellorsville, and, finally, unanimous consent to speak as in the contingency force as tension built Gettysburg. Suffering casualties that morning business. up between the United States and the exceeded its original strength, the Old The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Soviet Union. So the Army called the Guard ended the war at the Union’s object, it is so ordered. 3rd Infantry back into service at Fort mobile headquarters, standing along- VENEZUELA Myer, right next to Arlington, and re- side General Grant at the Appomattox Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, last stored ‘‘the history formerly belong- courthouse as he accepted General week, I spent 4 days in Venezuela. I had ing’’ to the legendary regiment. That Lee’s surrender. never been there before. I was given an was due, in no small part, to the regi- In the days that followed, the vast opportunity to get a visa to go to the ment’s reputation for professionalism, majority of State volunteers returned country, and I jumped at the oppor- present from its very beginning. home to their families—not the Old tunity. Venezuela, of course, on the The 3rd Infantry was stood up in 1784, Guard. The ‘‘regulars,’’ as they were north end of the South American con- when the Continental Congress created known back then, went straight back tinent, is a constant source of concern the ‘‘First American Regiment.’’ The to the front, again protecting settlers in the United States and the region, War for Independence had convinced from Indian raids across the western and I wanted to see for myself what Congress that, whatever its fear of frontier. They defeated Spanish forces was happening. No doubt, many are standing armies, the country needed at aware that Venezuela has been suf- least a small professional fighting in Cuba during the Spanish-American fering devastating economic and demo- force to defend it. So the 3rd Infantry War. They fought rebel insurgents in cratic backsliding, but what I found started as the lone professional regi- the Philippines and then returned to was a country that is on the edge of ment in the early days of our Republic, fight Muslim insurgents there, too, in collapse, facing overlapping economic, when our common defense was orga- some of the same places where the Is- humanitarian, and political crises. nized mostly around State militias. To lamic State is present today. They guarded our border with Mexico On the economic side, Venezuela has this day, its members continue to dis- during World War I. They helped to get so many positive things. It is rich in play that professionalism by holding natural beauty, oil, minerals, and themselves to the most exacting stand- the lend-lease program going in the human talent, but it has seen its econ- ards as the Army’s highest profile unit early days of World War II, before de- omy run into the ground by mindless and the official escort to the President. ploying to Europe itself. But it was But the 3rd Infantry’s profes- after the Old Guard’s reactivation that price controls, multiple exchange sionalism also had a serious purpose: to it assumed the duties for which it is rates, and gross mismanagement. Infla- defend America. So faithfully has the rightly famous today: performing cere- tion is rampant and expected to reach regiment served the American people monies and military honor funerals. 13,000 percent this year, leading to that its history and the Nation’s his- For its first 162 years, the Old Guard what some call ‘‘a race for survival.’’ tory are thoroughly intertwined. defended America’s frontiers and Imagine walking down the main First, it served at posts along the fought its wars, both at home and street of Caracas and seeing long lines frontier, where it protected American abroad. Now these new responsibilities at every ATM. Why are they there? Be- settlements against Indian attacks have defined the Old Guard’s mission cause each day, the residents of Ven- under the leadership of General ‘‘Mad’’ for the last 70 years. The size and ezuela must go to the ATM machine Anthony Wayne, and it fought the structure of the regiment has evolved, with their credit card or debit card and British Imperial Army to a standstill just as Arlington National Cemetery take out the maximum withdrawal al- during the War of 1812. Today, mem- itself has grown. The Old Guard’s lowed. It is hundreds of thousands of bers of the regiment wear a buff strap prominence has increased, as it has Bolivars, which sound like more money on their left shoulders to commemo- participated in major internationally than you could possibly need, but it rate that 18th century heritage. televised events, such as the ceremony translates into 20 cents—waiting an After the war, peacetime demobiliza- to inter the unknown soldiers from hour at an ATM machine for 20 cents’ tion and reorganization gave the regi- World War II and the Korean war in worth of currency so that you can ride ment its current name, the 3rd Infan- 1958 and the state funeral for President the bus back and forth to work. That is try. Then, during the Mexican War, the Kennedy in 1963. But the essence of the what life is like in the capital of Ven- 3rd Infantry distinguished itself with mission has not changed since 1948. ezuela. bravery, skill, and stamina at every It is this history, this reliability, this They have universally discredited major battle of the war, in places like steady, sober leadership that the Old and arbitrary price controls that are Palo Alto, Monterrey, and Vera Cruz. Guard has become known for. Their eerily reminiscent of the failed policies Its famed bayonet charge at the Battle skill and proficiency, their care and at- in Cuba and the Soviet Union. They of Cerro Gordo is what persuaded the tention to detail, their faithfulness and have decimated local production and War Department in 1922 to authorize discipline—all of them—set the highest left basic goods unavailable or the 3rd Infantry to march with bayo- of standards of military conduct and unaffordable. nets fixed to their rifles—a privilege character. Our fellow Americans see all I went down the main street in Cara- still reserved solely to that regiment in that whenever they visit Arlington. cas and saw many shops but no cus- the entire U.S. Army. It was because of They can imagine it on the battlefield. tomers. Basic goods were available— the 3rd Infantry’s valor that General Then, they have little wonder why our shampoo or diapers, for example—but Winfield Scott, the commanding gen- soldiers accomplish such amazing feats they cost the equivalent of 2 or 3 eral of the Vera Cruz campaign, grant- of valor. That is why the Old Guard is months of salary. We stopped and did a ed it the honor of leading the vic- held in such reverence, and that is why translation at one store that isn’t torious march into Mexico City, during it is fitting to mark this important an- under price controls, and we found that which he turned to his staff as the 3rd niversary. a pound of hamburger costs $4, which Infantry passed in review, and said: The Old Guard represents the best of doesn’t sound bad, except that that is ‘‘Gentlemen, take off your hats to the our country, but also the best in our- the minimum monthly wage in Ven- Old Guard of the Army.’’ Ever since, selves. Freedom isn’t free. It requires ezuela—for a pound of hamburger. Peo- the name has stuck. self-sacrifice and self-discipline. That ple waited in long lines.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:23 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G11AP6.005 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2051 Rampant inflation—hyperinflation, seen for decades. Malaria is at record like that of so many other autocrats at really—has made actual cash scarce, levels. heart, also brought the steady disman- and near worthless when it can actu- When the public health officials gave tling of the country’s democracy, a ally be found. I have never visited a me a briefing on the public health cri- path followed by the current President. country where I never touched their sis of Venezuela, they said that the ma- You see, in Venezuela, political par- currency. They warned me against it. ternal mortality rate—the death of ties that look threatening are arbi- They said: If you buy things here, as a mothers—is at the level it was 50 years trarily banned. Political opponents tourist, you are going to pay 20 times ago, the early 1960s. The same thing is who appear to be popular are jailed or what local people pay. They have ex- true for infant mortality—that high a exiled or just plain disqualified from change rates that are bizarre and level. You have to go to South Sudan, running for office. Government institu- change by the minute. These people Yemen, or Syria to find comparable tions, like the Venezuelan election live with this every single day. public health crises, and those three commission, are simply political tools The government of Maduro stages countries are all at war. Venezuela is of the regime. The rule of law has col- raids into formal grocery stores to im- at war with itself. In fact, one expert lapsed. pose arbitrary price controls, leaving said that the outbreak of measles, In 2015, the opposition won a sweep- the owners unable to stock their diphtheria, and malaria was the worst ing victory in legislative elections. shelves or run a functioning business. he had seen, certainly the worst in all What happened next? The President of If there is a rumor that there are eggs of South America. Venezuela, Maduro, installed an illegit- for sale somewhere in Caracas, there is With Venezuelans flooding into imate rubberstamp constituent assem- a rush to that location, and people wait neighboring countries, many of them bly to usurp the legitimately elected for hours in the hopes that they can are spreading diseases that have been National Assembly. It was his way of buy eggs. cured in so many countries around the stopping his opponents. The supreme As a result, informal markets are world. Basic diabetes, asthma, and HIV court and national election council are springing up trying to meet the peo- treatments are simply not available. stacked with partisan cronies who do ple’s demands. Yet even while I walked For 4 months now, HIV patients have whatever the regime asks, regardless of through these markets, I saw long not been given medication. the law. lines. From the second floor in the A staggering number of hospitals Now, with the country on the edge of back, in the dark, there was a long line cannot perform basic services. Many do economic collapse, the President has waiting. I went to the front to see what not have any capacity to perform a called for a snap election on May 20— they were waiting for. They wanted to blood test. There are no x ray machines more than 6 months before it tradition- buy toilet paper. available on a 24/7 basis. Many of them ally would be held. He wants to move Business leaders told me that they don’t have electricity. Some do not quickly, for fear that he might lose. are being vilified by the government, even have clean water. Maduro doesn’t want to risk losing forced to sell products below cost and Venezuelans are suffering malnutri- even under a rigged system, so he is out of markets so the government can tion, and it is particularly acute for rushing forward with this election that be the exclusive seller of imported children, who suffer for a lifetime due doesn’t even come close to meeting es- goods. to stunted brain development. One ex- tablished international standards. Listen to this. They also shared sto- pert said that the rates of malnutrition What I found, and bears repeating, is ries of workers fainting on the job from have affected more than 8 percent of that the critics of the Venezuelan Gov- hunger. Of particular concern, one of the population. In some areas, the per- ernment regime and their actions are the largest employers in Venezuela centage of people suffering from mal- not confined to the United States or said they decided they had to start nutrition is as high as 15 percent. You Canada. They include Central Amer- bringing fruit to the workplace in the can see it on the streets of Caracas. ican countries like Panama and South morning so their workers could get When you look at the public parks, you American countries, which have ex- something to eat. When they fainted, it see these children—thin limbs, spindly pressed their displeasure with Maduro’s was not only dangerous to them but to legs and arms, and you think to your- actions, as well as the European people around them, and they wanted self: These kids are not getting enough Union’s displeasure. The parties and to keep their workers awake. Only one to eat. candidates still remain arbitrarily out of three people in Venezuela eats It is hard to know precisely about all banned. There is zero trust in discred- three meals a day. There are children of these statistics because the govern- ited election commissions, and reg- fainting at school. ment has officially stopped collecting istration and voting processes have The government has run the state oil and releasing information. They leave been dramatically manipulated. industry into collapse, treating it as it up to private organizations. I met with some of the opposition its cash cow and as a way to line their What I found particularly cruel is the leaders, and they told me what happens pockets. Currently, there is little or no government’s supposed effort to help when people try to vote. They have to investment in the oil industry, the na- with hunger. A provision of a monthly go through an elaborate process with a tional oil industry of Venezuela. There food basket was linked to having the machine to register to vote. It is con- is little or no maintenance, and there right political identification card. trolled. It takes too much time. It lim- is a mass exodus of skilled personnel Sadly, these food boxes are imported. its the opposition from registering and engineers. What would an engineer Someone is making a lot of money in their voters. There is little time for a working for a Venezuelan national oil that process, with corrupt middlemen legitimate campaign, especially with company earn in the course of a year? taking a cut at multiple steps along government control of the media. Rep- Dramatically more than most Ven- the way, all to provide a politically utable, long-term election monitors ezuelans—$1,700 a year in annual in- manipulated lifeline that meets only 7 are nowhere to be seen, and none seem come. What do they earn in other coun- of the 12 basic food needs. to be planned for the actual election, tries in Latin America with the same The regime has also linked these food either. skills? They would earn an average in- rations to polling stations during elec- Under these conditions, how can any come of $85,000 a year. Is it any sur- tions, which brings me to the third such election be credible? If President prise they are leaving? overlapping crisis, a democratic crisis. Maduro proceeds with this May 20 elec- It is also no surprise that the country Let me acknowledge that Hugo Chavez tion under these circumstances, he is is suffering a heartbreaking humani- did, in fact, win his initial terms in going to find Venezuela further iso- tarian crisis, one that is notable for democratic elections. He tapped into lated. malnutrition and a breakdown of basic public disenchantment with the failure Amid these deeply troubling and omi- public health. Brave and dedicated of traditional governing parties to ad- nous conditions, I nonetheless met healthcare workers—and I have met dress the deep chasms of poverty in many brave and dedicated Venezuelans some; NGO leaders told me of a short- Venezuela. He even said ‘‘I am not the who are trying to endure and reverse age of vaccines with outbreaks of mea- cause, I am the consequence,’’ referring this horrible situation. Doctors, sles and diphtheria that haven’t been to his rise to power. But his election, nurses, civic leaders, business people,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:23 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G11AP6.006 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S2052 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 11, 2018 politicians, and so many others are difficult to see that possibility. I met gion. It calls this one of the starkest sharing food and medicine, running for some of the Venezuelan Boston Group reversals in modern geopolitics. office and facing the threat of arrest or members. Several of them are deeply Indeed, the administration’s national exile, documenting human rights committed to this administration cur- security strategy that President abuses in the shrinking media state, rently in power. Many of them talk Trump rolled out just a couple of trying to run businesses in a broken about changes that need to be made in months ago states that China chal- economy. It is an incredible act of Venezuela. I haven’t given up hope lenges American power, influence, and courage each day. completely that there may be some interests. It points out again that the I also met with former political pris- voices that can move this country back hopes and aspirations of the optimists oners, political opposition members, to a civilized status. appear to have been dashed. Instead, and their families who are under con- Let me be clear in my concluding we have one of the starkest reversals in stant threat or already under some message to the Venezuelan Govern- modern geopolitics. This leads me to kind of arrest. I would name them ment, specifically, a message that they the subject I want to at least start here, but to do so would put them in should proceed with an election that talking about because it does relate to danger in Venezuela. I was moved by meets the following basic standards: China. their dedication and humanity. All political prisoners must be re- Today, in the Subcommittee on I am haunted by the comments of one leased, and all candidates and parties International Trade, within the Senate group of young idealists. Over dinner must be allowed to compete. There Finance Committee, which I happen to Friday night in Caracas, they talked must be at least 6 months for a legiti- chair, we are convening a hearing on about the future. They said: If we mate campaign. The national election trade issues and China. The core issue called the same group of five opposi- council should be restructured and led my colleagues and I will examine in- tion leaders together a year from now, by a credible group of professionals on volves challenges to U.S. businesses, we would be lucky if three showed up. an evenly divided partisan basis so that manufacturers, and service providers Two of us will be exiled or jailed be- it isn’t loaded for one party or another. who are trying to get access to the Chi- tween now and then. That is what they There must be no linking of food with nese market—a market that represents face by being political opponents of the voting or political party affiliation. the second largest economy in the current regime. I fear how many of The National Assembly must have its world. China, of course, has almost un- Venezuela’s most talented will be sac- powers restored. Credible international fettered access to the United States. There are important protections in rificed under these conditions. and local election monitors must be al- place, like the Committee on Foreign The regime is also tragically holding lowed to observe preelection and actual Investment in the United States, which a U.S. citizen, Josh Holt of Utah, on election processes, with full accredita- does look at some of those investments criminal charges. The charges are non- tion and access. Going forward other- to make sure our national security in- sense. I visited with Josh Holt in his wise will only bring more suffering to prison. The prison is known locally as terests are not compromised. the people of Venezuela and more isola- By and large, China has open access hell on earth. Josh and his Venezuelan tion to their nation. to the United States and the U.S. mar- wife have served 21 months, with no Republicans and Democrats don’t ket. China is the United States’ largest end in sight, and they still haven’t agree on much these days, certainly merchandise trading partner and the gone through the criminal process. He not here in Washington on Capitol Hill, third largest export market for U.S. is suffering, and he should be. It is un- but we do agree that Venezuela and the goods abroad. Although the legitimate derstandable. He is clearly being held consequences of President Maduro’s re- flow of goods and services between the as a political hostage. I appealed to the gime continue to lead that nation down United States and China has increased President and every member of the a negative path, a path of suffering. over the years and is, in many respects, I yield the floor. government to release this young man a positive thing, statistics alone do not and his Venezuelan wife and her daugh- CHINA AND TRADE capture the whole story, hence the ter so that they could come back to the Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I pref- preface that I gave about The Econo- United States. Keeping Josh Holt as a ace my remarks today about China mist’s view of what has changed in political hostage will just isolate the with a recent article from The Econo- China. Maduro regime even more. I am one of mist, dated March 1, 2018, which, I Unfortunately, while Chinese compa- a bipartisan group of Members in Con- think, does a very good job of crystal- nies largely enjoy open access to U.S. gress who will continue to push for his lizing what the hopes and aspirations markets and an economy that is recep- immediate release. that we in the West had for China and tive to foreign investment, U.S. compa- Lastly, I want to note that every what the reality has turned out to be. nies are not afforded reciprocity in this time I go on one of these trips over- It points out that in March 2000, Bill regard. In his State of the Union Mes- seas, including to some of the most far- Clinton divided the American opinion sage, the President made that point, flung corners of the globe, I am always on China into two camps. The first, he which is that in our trading relation- moved by the group of talented Ameri- said, was of the optimists, and the sec- ships, we expect reciprocity—in other cans working for us and representing ond was of the hawks and the pes- words, to treat our trading partners us; those are the men and women in simists. The optimists, as it describes the same way they treat us—hopefully, our Embassies, without exception. it, have an eye on the future and can to everybody’s advantage. Under the Charge d’Affaires, Todd Rob- see China becoming the next great cap- U.S. companies that seek to do busi- inson, our Embassy team in Caracas is italist tiger with the biggest market in ness in China often encounter—I would a point of great pride and outstanding the world. That was the optimistic say always encounter—a protectionist public service. The conditions under view. The Economist writes that the system, one that employs predatory which they are forced to operate are hawks and pessimists, who were stuck tactics and promotes domestic indus- extraordinarily stressful. in the past, saw China as stubbornly re- tries over foreign competitors, many of There was some small hope that ne- maining as the world’s last, great Com- which receive State subsidies. In many gotiations led by the Vatican and re- munist dragon and a threat to stability cases, China has used trade as a weap- gional leaders or most recently hosted in Asia. on and coerced U.S. companies to enter in the Dominican Republic could lead As this article points out, it was not into joint ventures or other business to some kind of path forward between an either/or. It called it a both/and. It arrangements that require a company the Venezuelan Government and the concludes that the China of Xi to hand over its key technology and opposition before it is too late, but all Jingping is a great mercantilist dragon know-how—the so-called secret sauce of these have failed. Some hoped years that is under strict Communist Party of its business—in order to gain market ago that a group known as the Boston control and that it is using the power access. Group—American and Venezuelan of its vast markets to cow and co-opt This practice has already begun to elected officials—might be the begin- capitalist rivals to bend and break the erode America’s technological advan- ning of a dialogue and might be contin- rules-based order and to push America tage and undermine our defense indus- ued to this day, but it is increasingly to the periphery of the Asia-Pacific re- trial base, which is something that

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:23 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G11AP6.008 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2053 should concern all of us and is the sub- vacancies so far. Additionally, five ac- have been working on this issue since ject of a revision of the Committee on complished lawyers are waiting for at least 2012, when I introduced a reso- Foreign Investment of the United hearings for Texas district vacancies, lution, along with a bipartisan group of States, CFIUS, statute that is going to and two more are waiting to be con- my colleagues, that called for be coming out of the Senate Banking firmed for those vacancies. So is Andy backpage.com to cease its facilitation Committee and the House Financial Oldham, who is an accomplished law- of human trafficking, including of chil- Services Committee. It will be an up- yer who has been nominated to fill the dren, and prostitution by eliminating dating of the CFIUS process to meet third seat on the Fifth Circuit since the adult section of the website. We the challenges of today. President Trump has become Presi- had to pass this law because, when it Of course, under section 301 of the dent. I hope we will continue to move would go to court, under the Commu- Trade Act of 1974, the Trump adminis- all of these judicial nominees and nications Decency Act, it was able to tration is currently considering poten- many more across the country very claim that Congress had not carved out tial investment restrictions to address soon. a provision for trafficking, just merely the harm that has resulted from Chi- I know there is a lot of focus on the for child pornography. Thus, it had es- na’s effort to acquire sensitive tech- executive branch and the legislative caped our attempts to bring it to jus- nologies through investments. I look branch, but I believe the judiciary is tice in the past. forward to working with the President the bedrock of our government as it en- This important legislation goes along and others to ensure that the proper sures that equal justice is available to with a bill we passed in 2015, called the steps are taken, but the real issues are all, no matter what one’s station in Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, clear, and we will be considering them life. It is the rule of law that enables which refocused our efforts on fighting in more detail at the hearing this all of our other freedoms to be possible. the sex trade here in the United States afternoon on China’s restrictive mar- It enables our economy to flourish, and by targeting those who purchased human trafficking victims, providing ket. it creates opportunities for our people Even though multiple administra- so that they can pursue their dreams. services to the survivors of this crime, and giving law enforcement new tools tions have attempted to engage Chi- That is how important I believe the ju- to target the organized networks that nese leaders on their trade practices, diciary is, and we should never forget are responsible for commercial sexual the high-level diplomatic talks have it. exploitation. That was just a few years generally yielded little progress and Yesterday, President Trump took an- ago. Yet, just this last month, as I said, have often resulted in commitments other important step in this area when we changed section 230 of the Commu- with zero follow-up action. Discussions he announced he would be nominating nications Decency Act to allow State may continue in the future, but Chi- David Morales to fill one of the vacan- attorneys general and victims to seek na’s market access reforms are still too cies I just mentioned, this one in Cor- justice against websites that know- slow, and real barriers exist. Recip- pus Christi, TX, in the U.S. Southern ingly assist or facilitate commercial rocal treatment for U.S. companies District. David has extensive experi- sexual exploitation and child sex traf- should not be too much to ask. Indeed, ence in working for the Texas attorney ficking. it is the minimum we should insist general and the Governor, as well as in The good news is that since that upon. It is my hope that today’s hear- the University of Texas system. He was time, a grand jury in Arizona has in- ing will paint a clear picture of the recommended by Senator CRUZ and my dicted 7 people, who are affiliated with problems that persist with access to Federal Judicial Evaluation Com- backpage, on 93 counts of money laun- Chinese markets and that significant mittee—a bipartisan group of the best dering, facilitating prostitution, and reforms will follow. and brightest lawyers the State of other crimes. The indictment alleged JUDGES Texas has to offer. David was rec- that the website essentially operated Mr. President, on a second brief mat- ommended to us by what we call the as a highly lucrative online brothel. ter, I will mention that yesterday was FJEC. It performs a great service not After we passed FOSTA, the Fight the 1-year anniversary of Neil Gorsuch only to Senator CRUZ and me but to Online Sex Trafficking Act, some joining the U.S. Supreme Court. the public, generally, in its vetting of websites announced major policy Former Attorney General Ed Meese these potential nominees for judicial changes and shut down sections that called Justice Gorsuch someone in the service and its recommending them to may have helped to enslave and entrap mold of the late Justice Antonin us. David Morales will bring more than young women. So it has not just been Scalia—an impartial judge who applies 23 years of complex litigation and the indictment and, hopefully, the con- laws as they are written and who shows agency dispute resolution to bear. viction of people who facilitated an abiding respect for the rights that I hope our colleagues will join me in backpage over the years, but it has are guaranteed by the Constitution. making sure his nomination is swiftly also had a deterrent effect on other As I have numerous times in the considered and that he is confirmed. websites that have done similar things past, I commend President Trump on I think David and the other Texans and has encouraged them, in their own his outstanding selection, and I con- whom President Trump has nominated self-interests, to shut down those sec- gratulate Justice Gorsuch on his first will make excellent additions to our tions that have helped to facilitate year of serving on our Nation’s highest courts. They are the kinds of people we human trafficking. Court. should want in our courts—those who Backpage has now been seized by Let’s not forget that Justice Gorsuch will impartially ensure that justice is Federal law enforcement. It can no is not the only good news when it done and the law, as written, is fol- longer serve as an open forum for the comes to the Federal judiciary. He is lowed no matter who the litigant is or exploitation of children and the pur- only one part of a much larger and, the type of controversy at issue. chase of human beings for sexual slav- often, untold story. As of earlier this FIGHT ONLINE SEX TRAFFICKING ACT ery. These are all positive signs that month, 30 article III Federal life tenure Finally, Mr. President, for the skep- the law we have enacted is making a judges have been confirmed under tics who like to say that nothing good real difference, ensuring that this ma- President Trump’s tenure—30. That is ever gets done here in Washington, I lignant conduct does not go due, in large part, to the commitment will mention one other item and the unpunished. The prosecution and dis- of the Senate, under our majority lead- real positive consequences of a bill we mantling of backpage has sent a clear er’s leadership, to making sure that just passed and that is being signed message to the pimps and the buyers this was a priority—to confirm judges into law by the President today—the responsible for sexual slavery, result- who have been passed out of the Judici- Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act, ing in the shutdown of many other ary Committee here on the floor of the FOSTA. sites involved in the commercial sex Senate and to maximize our floor time The effort to pass it was led by our trade. This includes message boards in order to get that priority accom- colleague, the junior Senator from where individuals post accounts of the plished. Ohio, Mr. PORTMAN. I and others were sexual assaults of women and children My home State has filled two appel- honored to serve as original cosponsors as if they were reviewing a restaurant late vacancies, as well as two district of this legislation in the Senate. We menu or product.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:23 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G11AP6.009 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S2054 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 11, 2018 As I said yesterday, with reference to it shared, but workers do not have a ployer rights in recent history.’’ In Facebook, the internet can be a very choice. I am pleased the Board is ac- fact, the election rule simply modern- good thing, but we can’t be naive in ig- cepting comments on whether this rule ized union election procedures and has noring the dangers it represents when should be revised. actually resulted in slightly fewer put to a perverse use to women, chil- A fully staffed board is vital to both union elections. employees and employers, and I am not dren, and others. What we did with During the brief 3–2 Republican ma- the only one who thinks that is impor- FOSTA, or the Fight Online Sex Traf- jority late last year before then-Board tant. At a Senate Committee on ficking Act, is an unqualified good Chairman Phillip Miscimarra com- Health, Education, Labor and Pen- thing. It is something that Republicans pleted his term on December 16, 2017, sions, HELP, hearing in September and Democrats worked on together the NLRB rushed to overturn landmark with the President to pass and to sign 2014, then-Chairman Harkin said, decisions, weakening workers’ rights into law. It is a good thing that we ‘‘Keeping the NLRB fully staffed and under the National Labor Relations changed the provisions that inadvert- able to do its work will send a strong Act, NLRA, and undermining the stat- ently shielded the facilitators of sex message to the American people that ute’s core purpose of promoting collec- trafficking online. It is one way we can yes, Washington can work, and our tive bargaining, including the Brown- make the internet a safer place for ev- government can function.’’ ing-Ferris Industries joint employer eryone. While attending the Catholic Univer- I applaud the bipartisan efforts of the sity Columbus School of Law in the standard decision. The Board’s inspec- Members here in both Chambers of evening, Mr. Ring worked for the Inter- tor general has faulted those efforts, Congress, as well as the President for national Brotherhood of Teamsters. and the Board has been forced to va- his support. For those who think noth- After law school, he joined the law firm cate the joint employer decision. A new ing good ever comes out of Washington Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, where he has Republican majority may reorganize these days and that Democrats and Re- worked since 1988. Mr. Ring flourished the NLRB in ways that are unfavorable publicans can’t get along to pursue the at the firm, where he worked his way to workers and their collective bar- public interest, this is exhibit No. 1, up from summer associate to coleader gaining rights. which I would offer, of the most recent of the firm’s labor and management re- Mr. Pizzella is a vocal advocate of so- efforts we have made to shut down this lations practice. called right-to-work laws. They really modern day human slavery. Mr. Ring was nominated to be a ought to be called right-to-be-exploited I yield the floor. member of the NLRB on January 18, laws. As Ross Eisenbray of the Eco- Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, 2018. The HELP Committee held Mr. nomic Policy Institute reported last today the Senate will vote on the con- Ring’s hearing on March 1, 2018, and he year, ‘‘Wages are 3.1 percent lower in firmation of John Ring to be a member completed all paperwork in accordance so-called ‘right to work’ (RTW) states, of the National Labor Relations Board, with the committee’s rules, practices, for union and nonunion workers alike— NLRB. I am glad that we are voting on and procedures. We received Mr. Ring’s after correctly accounting for dif- this nomination because, once Mr. HELP Committee paperwork and his ferences in cost of living, demo- Ring is confirmed, we will once again Office of Government Ethics paperwork graphics, and labor market character- have a full five-member National Labor on January 24, 2018, 36 days before his istics. The negative impact of RTW Relations Board. hearing. Mr. Ring offered to meet with laws translates to $1,558 less a year in Created in 1935, the NLRB admin- all HELP Committee members and met earnings for a typical full-time work- isters the National Labor Relations with five of them, including two Demo- er.’’ Act, which seeks to mitigate and elimi- crats. Following his hearing, Mr. Ring nate labor-related impediments to the responded to 97 questions for the There is a clear correlation between free flow of commerce. The 5 board record, or 158, if you include subques- the decline in union membership and members have 5-year, staggered terms, tions. These responses were provided to stagnant wages. If the Senate confirms and the general counsel has a 4-year Senators prior to the markup, and the Mr. Pizzella and Mr. Ring, the Repub- term. HELP Committee favorably reported lican assault on unions and collective The NLRB should be a neutral um- Mr. Ring’s nomination on March 14, bargaining rights enshrined in the Na- pire in labor disputes. While Board par- 2018. tional Labor Relations Act, NLRA, will tisanship did not start under President I look forward to voting for John gain momentum, and working people Obama, it became worse under him. An Ring, and I trust that he will serve and their families will suffer as a re- overly partisan Board creates insta- with distinction. sult. bility in our Nation’s workplaces and Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, this Mr. Pizzella previously served at the does not serve the intent of the law, week the Senate is considering two im- Department of Labor, as Assistant Sec- which is to create stable labor rela- portant labor-related nominations: the retary of Labor for Administration and tions and the free flow of commerce. nominations of John Ring to serve as a Management under President George The NLRB under President Obama Member of the National Labor Rela- W. Bush. During Mr. Pizzella’s previous took two particularly harmful actions tions Board, NLRB, and Patrick tenure at DOL, the Government Ac- that are still in place today. First, the Pizzella to serve as Deputy Secretary countability Office, GAO, determined joint employer decision threatens the of Labor, DOL. Unfortunately, given that the Department left workers vul- American dream for owners of the Na- the nominees’ well-documented hos- nerable to unscrupulous employers tion’s 780,000 franchise locations. Under tility to the collective bargaining while investigating complaints of min- that decision, companies could find it rights of working men and women, I imum wage, overtime, and child labor much more practical to own all their will not vote to confirm either of them. violations. GAO found that the Wage stores and restaurants and daycare If Mr. Ring is confirmed, he will re- and Hour Division’s complaint intake, centers themselves, rather than en- store the Board to the 3–2 anti-labor complaint resolution, and investiga- courage more franchisee-owned small majority, with no assurances that tion processes were ineffective and dis- businesses. President Trump will fill the Demo- couraged workers from lodging wage- Second is the ambush election rule, cratic seat of former chairman Mark theft complaints. which can force a union election before Gaston Pearce expiring this summer. It employers and employees have a is important to note here that nomina- Mr. Pizzella also has expressed his chance to figure out what is going on. tions to the NLRB have traditionally antipathy to Federal workers and their The rule also forces employers to pro- been confirmed in bipartisan pairs. unions. I am proud to represent many vide union organizers with a list of em- Mr. Ring authored blog posts calling of these public servants. The Federal ployees’ work locations, shifts, job the NLRB an ‘‘activist’’ organization workforce is one of our Nation’s finest classifications, personal email address- during the Obama administration. In assets, and public sector unions make es, and home and cellular telephone other blog posts, he characterized the it more productive. numbers. This information is highly NLRB’s union election procedures as It is ironic that the Senate is consid- personal, and employees may not want ‘‘some of the biggest assaults on em- ering two nominees this week who are

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It could change outcomes in cutting off our trade with all parts of terday was Equal Pay Day, which sym- discrimination cases by requiring the the world as one of our big grievances. bolizes the number of extra days a typ- Supreme Court to use the higher stand- That grievance fell between the griev- ical woman who works full-time, year- ard of ‘‘strict scrutiny’’ when assessing ance of the British Government allow- round must work into 2018 to be paid those cases, the same standard used in ing British soldiers to murder inhab- what a typical man was paid in 2017. racial and religious discrimination itants in America and our taxes with- Women are still only paid 80 cents for cases. out consent. In between those was cut- every dollar paid to a man, a yearly I think many—perhaps most—Ameri- ting off our international trade. We pay difference of $10,086, and the dis- cans would be shocked to learn that have been free traders as a nation since parity is even worse for many women our Constitution has no provision ex- even before we were a nation, and we of color. pressly prohibiting gender discrimina- have been passionate about keeping it Based on an analysis of Census Bu- tion. fair but keeping it free and keeping it reau data, the National Partnership for In a 2011 interview, the late Justice open. Women and Families is releasing a Antonin Scalia summed up the need for Free trade is a big issue for us, and study which concludes that, in sum, an Equal Rights Amendment best. He for some reason it has become this big women employed full time in the U.S. said, ‘‘Certainly the Constitution does national conversation again. Should we will lose nearly $900 billion to the wage not require discrimination on the basis have free and fair trade? Should we gap this year. If the wage gap were of sex. The only issue is whether it pro- continue to engage? What does it mean closed, on average, a working woman hibits it. It doesn’t.’’ to have a deficit in our trade? Does it in this country would be able to afford So I ask my Senate colleagues this have to be equal with every country, more than 1 additional year of tuition question most sincerely: Are we willing that they buy from us as much as we and fees for a 4-year public university, to do what must be done to prohibit buy from them? Suddenly, this has be- 74 more weeks of food for her family, gender discrimination in the Constitu- come a brand-new dialogue again. nearly 7 more months of mortgage and tion? The people being affected by sys- I wish to bring a couple of real world utility payments, or 14 more months of temic gender inequality are our con- moments to this, beginning with the childcare. stituents. They are our mothers, sis- history lesson, by stating that trade— If Mr. Ring and Mr. Pizzella and ters, wives, daughters, and our grand- and international trade, specifically— President Trump are unwilling to pro- daughters. They are American citizens was important to us even before we tect female workers and try to close who deserve basic respect and equality. were a country. We were gathering sup- that pay gap, which seems likely, then It is time to end the assault on work- plies from all over the world to be able let us let us arm women with the most ing families in this country. Let’s end to do our basic production. We are still powerful tool in our legal system: the discrimination by making it possible doing that today. For some reason I run into people U.S. Constitution. Let us finally pass to ratify the ERA. Let’s close the pay that think this international supply the Equal Rights Amendment, ERA. gap. Let’s stop denigrating Federal chain is something new in this genera- The ERA is barely longer than a workers. Let’s support, not attack, the tion. I tell them that they should look tweet, but it would finally give women collective bargaining rights that are at our history and see that the United full and equal protection under the the cornerstone of a strong middle States has always had an international Constitution. Section 1 of the ERA class. I regret that the Senate is poised to confirm two individuals who are un- supply chain. states, quite simply, that ‘‘Equality of We are also 25 percent of the world’s likely to assist these efforts. We can rights under the law shall not be de- economy. There is no nation in the and must do better. nied or abridged by the United States world that can afford to buy as much The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- or by any State on account of sex.’’ from us as we buy from them. We are ator from Oklahoma. When Congress proposed the ERA in the largest economy in the world, by 1972, it provided that the measure had FAIR TRADE far. We are going to buy more from to be ratified by three-fourths of the Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, let other countries. States—38 States—within 7 years. This me do a quick history lesson with this The issue is, How does this work in deadline was later extended to 10 years body. In 1773, the Colonies we were get- our economy and how do we make sure by a joint resolution, but ultimately ting more and more frustrated with we protect American manufacturing only 35 out of 38 States had ratified the King George. There were a lot of issues and the American consumer at the ERA when the deadline expired in 1982. we raised with him—a lot of taxes, a same time? Let me walk through what Note that the deadline wasn’t con- lot of changes, things that were hap- this looks like. tained in the amendment itself; the pening in the judiciary, things that Charlie and Mary Swanson are Okla- deadline was in the text of the joint were arbitrary that were coming down. homans and third-generation farmers resolution. Then it boiled to a head. and ranchers who live in Roosevelt, Article V of the Constitution con- In December of 1773, a group of Amer- OK, with a whopping population of 241. tains no time limits for the ratification ican colonists went out to Boston infu- The agricultural products they produce of amendments, so the ERA deadline is riated with the tariff policy over tea. help feed the world. They raise wheat, arbitrary. To put the matter in con- The British East India Company had cotton, cattle, and milo. text, the 27th Amendment to the Con- special access that no one else had. Every year their crops are harvested stitution, which prohibits congres- They had no taxes and everyone else using John Deere equipment. We look sional pay raises without an inter- had a tax—a tariff. It pushed out all of at the John Deere tractor and its beau- vening election, was ratified in 1992, 203 the other companies except for the tiful green and we think: That is a years after it was first proposed. British East India Company. A group of great American company, except that The Senate should vote on a Senate American colonists went out to one of parts of the equipment also come in its Joint Resolution I have introduced— the ships, grabbed all the tea in the original form from Mexico. Parts come S.J. Res. 5—to remove the ERA dead- harbor, and threw it overboard, cre- from India, and parts from Germany. line, and every State in our Union that ating the legendary Boston Tea Party. Most of the parts come from the United has not yet taken up its consideration That was an argument about tariffs. States. They employ 60,000 people in should do so without any further delay. It was an argument about inter- the United States. Nevada became the 36th State to rat- national trade. It was an argument It is a great American company— ify the amendment last March, leaving about American companies and fair John Deere—but their cabs are made in the ERA just two States short of the trade, and we still talk about it today. Germany. Their hydraulic cylinders required three-fourths of the States It is interesting to note that in our are made in Mexico. The castings from threshold under the Constitution if the letter that Thomas Jefferson wrote in the foundry are from Iowa, but the deadline were to be abolished. 1776, which we now call the Declaration guidance products are from California. The ERA would incorporate a ban on of Independence, in the long list of Some of the transmission and elec- gender-based discrimination, explicitly grievances that we wrote out to King tronic parts come from India, and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:09 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A11AP6.004 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S2056 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 11, 2018 other parts are from Missouri. We see they use, such as the John Deere trac- world, and it is exceptionally impor- that as a great American tractor. tor and the Ford F–150 with the Good- tant that our trade agreements get re- The crews that harvest some of the year or Michelin tires are American- solved as fast as possible. Swanson’s crops are folks that come made, but are dependent on trade from I want fair trade. We had unfair trade in—legally, by the way—from New Zea- all around the world. in 1773 that we protested in the Boston land, Ireland, or South Africa. The I could talk about Dr. Brent Han- Harbor. We still want fair trade agree- wheat they produce goes to export cock, born and raised in Kiowa County, ments right now, but those trade markets all over the world. Some of it OK. He left Kiowa County and went to agreements need to be resolved as fast goes to Egypt, some to India, Japan, the big city of Stillwater to attend as possible. Farmers and ranchers in and South Korea. Oklahoma State University, where he Oklahoma cannot wait a year to find Their cotton is used all over the received his doctor of veterinary medi- out what is going to happen in our United States, but it is also shipped to cine degree. He returned back to Kiowa trade policy. Some of them are on the China, as well, to produce fabrics. County and opened a veterinary clinic edge of the knife right now of bank- Some of the fabrics end up being made in Hobart in 1995. For over 20 years, Dr. ruptcy. They can’t get anything on the into garments that are shipped from Hancock has been taking care of vac- futures market to try to figure out Vietnam. Some of them end up right cinations for sheep, cattle, pigs, goats, what is happening in the now to be able back here in the United States again, cats, and dogs. It is also rumored that to make the basic investments they having started from the cotton from Dr. Hancock can operate on your rab- need to make for this year’s crops. Roosevelt, OK. bit, but that is a whole different story. Predictability helps us, just like fair The milo they raise goes to feed. He vaccinates these animals with and free trade does. So while I under- Most of that feed goes to Texas. If you vaccines to provide some of the safest stand full well that the administration are from Oklahoma, you may consider agricultural products in the world. is engaging in trade negotiations that international trade, but it is still Some of those vaccines come from around the world, I encourage them to domestic trade. A lot of the feed goes companies like Bayer, which is an move from talking about these trade to China. international company based in Ger- agreements to settling them—getting They raise cattle, our great Amer- many. He also uses products from them resolved with Mexico and Canada ican beef. We eat as much beef as we Merck. They have offices in 50 coun- and getting the best deal that we can can possibly eat in Oklahoma, and the tries, and they produce and ship their have, resetting this agreement with rest of it we ship all over the world. products to 140 countries around the NAFTA for another generation to pre- Their beef is used in Oklahoma and all world. pare us for the future. Let’s get that across the United States, but it is also Again, we look at him and say that resolved. Those are our two largest sent to Japan, Korea, and Mexico. he is a good American veterinarian. He trading partners. Resolve our trade Understand this, just as an aside: In must be all American, but he actually agreement with Korea, locking that 2017, U.S. beef producers exported 1.2 depends on products from all over the one in and finishing out all the area million metric tons of beef worth $2 world to provide basic things. around Asia as well. Twelve of those billion. That is just American beef I cannot talk about Oklahoma with- nations have already resolved the trade going around the world. Two leading out talking about oil and gas. Most of agreements they are into, putting us partners in that are Canada and Mex- the pipe that goes down the hole in behind. Those nations are forming con- ico—$980 million in exports. It is a big most of our wells is produced from tracts now. We need to engage as soon part of what they do. steel that is not made in America. as we possibly can. Charlie Swanson drives a Ford F–150 That particular type of steel that is There are big issues with China and pickup. It is a great American product; down holding those wells is produced trade. They have not been fair in all isn’t it? It is a great Ford truck. That around the world but not here. We are their trade agreements. We need to re- F–150, by the way, is a fantastic vehi- dependent upon oil and gas that goes in solve our issues with China, and I am cle. It is completely assembled in the the F–150 pickup and the John Deere pleased that this administration is United States, but the aluminum in tractor, and a part of it relies on steel leaning in to resolve a long-term issue that great American truck comes from from around the world. with China trade. It is about time Canada. About 15 percent of the compo- I can take you to Tulsa, OK—slightly someone does it, but we also need to nents in that great American truck larger than Kiowa County, I would get it resolved. We don’t need retalia- come from Mexico. Some parts even say—to a manufacturing plant called tory tariffs moving across every indus- come from China. That F–150 is not SWEP. They employ 100 people and try in our Nation destabilizing what we only used extensively in the United produce components for refrigerators are doing in the economy. Let’s get States, but it is also shipped around and air conditioners. They import these issues resolved. the world. There are a lot of F–150 products from Europe, and they com- Quite frankly, many of the trade trucks on the roads in Mexico, Canada, bine them with products that they are issues that we have with the rest of the and, yes, even in China. making in the United States and as- world aren’t their tariffs, but they are That F–150 rides on four good, solid semble them. That final product is sold our regulations. When our regulations American-made tires, but the steel all over the country and is also sold to and American redtape from our own cord in those good American tires Canada and Mexico—all from one com- government slow down our own econ- comes from all over the world. The pany in Tulsa, OK. omy, let’s deal with our own house to steel in most of our tires is not made in Drive up the road from Tulsa to make sure what we produce is competi- the United States. A lot of the chemi- Bartlesville to a manufacturing plant tive around the world, but in the mean- cals that go into the production of operated by ABB. They create a lot of time, let’s move our trade conversa- those tires are from Europe, Asia, and products that are in wells, pipelines, tions to trade agreements so we can Latin America. They are good Amer- and refineries all across America. That continue to move on toward doing the ican tires. A lot of them are made in company imports products from sup- same thing we have done since the Oklahoma in the Goodyear facility—a pliers from Canada and Mexico, and 1700s as Americans; that is, trading phenomenal facility—or the Michelin they create a final product that is sold with the entire world and leading the plant in Ardmore. They make great all over the United States, and they world with it. American tires for a lot of vehicles all sell it right back to Canada and Mexico With that, I yield the floor. across the United States, but they have as well. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. parts and pieces from around the world This shouldn’t be shocking to any- ERNST). The Senator from Alaska. in those American-made tires, and they one. This is the same structure that we CHINA are shipping them out as well. So just have had since the 1700s as Colonies. Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam President, as speaking about Charlie and what is We produce some of our products and we all know, our country is facing a lot happening in Roosevelt, OK, population ship them out. We buy some to be able of challenges, particularly overseas, 241, the products they produce are to use in manufacturing. This is a na- and a lot of them are in the news— going all over the world. The products tion that is very interconnected to the Iran, Syria, North Korea. When you

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:09 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G11AP6.013 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2057 look out across the landscape of what Well, unfortunately, whether it is a did they do? They started coming to the big, long-term, geostrategic chal- Democrat or Republican, in the na- our country and investing in our States lenges are that face our Nation, in my tional security and foreign policy with their capital, greenfield invest- view, there is no doubt that the No. 1 realm, most people are sensing that ments—auto factories, for example— challenge economically and from a na- China has rejected that notion. No, we and employing tens of thousands, if not tional security standpoint is the rise of are not going to be a responsible stake- hundreds of thousands, of Americans. China as a great power. We need to be holder in your system. We are going to We would welcome that. As a matter of thinking about that a lot more because set up our own system. As a matter of fact, in Alaska, the Chinese are talking that is going to be the issue our coun- fact, we might even try to undermine about helping us develop a large-scale try faces, not just this year or next your system—the global system set up Alaska natural gas project. Greenfield year but for decades. by the United States of America by investment, employing Alaskans would I come from the great State of Alas- Democrats and Republicans over dec- be positive if that is going to happen. ka. We are an Asia-Pacific State. We ades. So that is the way we need to think are always looking to that region—as a You see it everywhere, whether it is about reciprocity. matter of fact, we are in that region. decades-long theft of intellectual prop- The second key principle is allies— My hometown of Anchorage is closer to erty, whether it is high tariffs, whether allies, allies, allies. The United States Tokyo than it is to Washington, DC. it is any American company coming is an ally-rich nation. Our adversaries What I see as a positive on this issue— into China and being forced to transfer and potential adversaries—think about having been someone in this body for a their technology. No other countries do whom that might be: Russia, North little over 3 years, I have come down to this to China, but they are doing it to Korea, Iran, potentially China. They the floor and talked a lot about this our companies and have been doing are ally-poor. No one wants to join the North Korea team or the Iran team— challenge, the rise of China. It is a lit- that for decades. well, maybe Syria—but the United tle concerning that a couple of years So there is a rethinking right now. States for decades has had allies be- ago nobody was talking about it. Very Clearly, the Trump administration is cause they trust us. We are not a per- few people were talking about it, but thinking about what the new strategy fect nation, but they trust us. Look all that is changing, and I think that is should be. The national security strat- over the world. positive. egy of this administration, which I So what we need to do with regard to It is changing. This administration is commend people to read—it is quite a our strategy on China is make sure we focusing, and it is changing with my good document, written by the out- remember not only our allies and deep- colleagues—Democrats and Repub- going National Security Advisor, H.R. en current relationships with Japan, licans. Certainly, this is an area where, McMaster—focuses a lot on this issue with Korea, with Australia, but expand I think, there is a lot of agreement. I of reciprocity and great power rivalry them—Vietnam. The Presiding Officer was just presiding for the last hour. again. and I went to Vietnam with the chair- The majority whip and the Senator So as we are thinking about it, I man of the Armed Services Committee, from Oklahoma both were talking would like to briefly touch on three a war hero who spent time in prison in principles I think will be key as we de- about issues dealing with China and Vietnam, Senator MCCAIN. The Viet- trade and strategy, and that is posi- bate this. As we help formulate this— namese are very interested in doing tive. hopefully, in a bipartisan manner—this more with us. India, there are incred- The administration is talking about issue is going to be with us for decades. ible opportunities to have a deeper alli- it. If you look at the national security There are three key principles. ance between the oldest democracy in strategy of the Trump administration, The first key principle is reci- the world, us, and the biggest democ- they are starting to focus on this issue. procity—true reciprocity. The majority racy in the world, them. So allies have Front and center is the return of great whip was just talking about this. The to be a key part of our strategy as we power rivalries, with China as the lead- national security strategy of the look at how we deal with the rise of ing, pacing threat and challenge, but it Trump administration talks a lot China for the next two or three or four is also an opportunity for this great about it. The President talks a lot or five decades because all of these Nation of ours. about this. This is just a fairness issue. countries—all of our allies—are having When you look at the history of our As I mentioned, there is IPR theft; the same challenges. country, particularly post-World War high tariffs; the forced tech transfer Finally, the third principle we can- II, the United States set up the inter- from American companies to China; not lose sight of—and for too long this national system—the international giant, subsidized, state-owned enter- body lost sight of it—is robust Amer- trading system and security system. prises and state-backed investment ican economic growth. Since the found- We have been leading them, and so funds buying up companies all over the ing of our Nation, we have been grow- many countries—hundreds of millions world. No other country does that to ing at about 3 or 4 percent GDP of people in the world—benefited from China. growth. I have a chart, and I talk about that. The irony, of course, is that the So when you look at the issue of reci- it all the time down here. Yet, over the one country that benefited probably procity, I would like to break it down last decade, because of policies we in- more than almost anyone is China. into a positive and negative. You have flicted on the American people, we The rise of China was not only negative reciprocity. If we can’t do were barely growing at 1-percent GDP helped, but it was spurred by the Amer- that in your country, you shouldn’t be growth. What does that mean? Every- ican international trading system, the able to do it in our country. It is pretty body talks about numbers, wonky. sealanes of commerce that we have simple, pretty fair, and everybody un- That is a proxy for the American kept open for decades. So there was a derstands that. dream, and we were not growing. We moment in the last couple of decades Then there is positive reciprocity. weren’t growing. In Asia, the coin of where we reached out very much— One thing I have been encouraging the the realm of power more than any- there was a great speech by our former Chinese to do for many years—and I thing—more than military power—is Deputy Secretary of State in the Bush have been over there a lot and spent a the power of your economy, and we administration, a gentleman by the lot of time with senior leaders in that have not had that. We have not shown name of Bob Zoellick, who went on to country. The United States has been up, and that matters. become head of the World Bank. He going over and investing in China for What we are trying to do in this body asked in a speech to the Chinese: You decades. Factories have been rebuilt now—tax reform, regulatory reform, need to now become a responsible from the ground up and we have em- unleashing American energy—is we are stakeholder in this system that we cre- ployed tens of thousands of Chinese going to start growing this economy ated because you have benefited so dra- with American capital. Well, you know again, and that is going to help the matically. You are big, you are power- what, China is getting big enough. American people, that is going to re- ful, and now help become a stakeholder They can do that in America. The Jap- ignite the American dream, but that is in the international order that we set anese did that in the 1980s. We had going to be key with any policy we deal up. Here is the offer to you. major trade disputes with them. What with China.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:09 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G11AP6.014 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S2058 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 11, 2018 So as we are thinking through this During Mr. Ring’s tenure at one of Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the challenge—and I am going to talk the country’s largest firms, he advised Senator from Illinois (Ms. DUCKWORTH) about this a lot, and I know all my col- corporations on how to undermine is necessarily absent. leagues are interested in this. I know worker protections. He also posted The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there my colleague from Michigan is inter- blogs opposing commonsense reforms any other Senators in the Chamber de- ested in it—we need to continue to to modernize union election proce- siring to vote? focus on these core principles—reci- dures, classifying the NLRB actions as The result was announced—yeas 50, procity, our allies, and robust eco- ‘‘some of the biggest assaults on em- nays 48, as follows: nomic growth as we all struggle with ployer rights in recent history.’’ [Rollcall Vote No. 67 Ex.] and put together a long-term strategy Mr. Ring would join recently con- YEAS—50 to deal with the rise of China, the chal- firmed Board member William Eman- Alexander Flake Paul lenges and the opportunities. uel, who quickly ran into ethics trou- Barrasso Gardner Perdue I yield the floor. ble based on his history of representing Blunt Graham Portman The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- corporations. Just 5 months after Mr. Boozman Grassley Risch Burr Hatch ator from Michigan. Emanuel’s appointment, the NLRB was Roberts Mr. PETERS. Madam President, our Capito Heller Rounds forced to vacate a major decision re- Cassidy Hoeven Nation’s middle class was built by the Rubio lated to employer liability due to his Collins Hyde-Smith Sasse Corker Inhofe hard work of American workers. At a Scott conflicts of interest. Yet the adminis- Cornyn Isakson time when our country has become in- Shelby tration continues full steam ahead Cotton Johnson Sullivan creasingly polarized, we should all be Crapo Kennedy with new nominees with extensive cor- Thune able to agree that everybody should porate ties and conflicts of interest. Cruz Lankford have a fair chance to succeed if they Daines Lee Tillis This administration is also breaking Toomey are willing to work hard and play by Enzi McConnell precedent and all conception of fair- Ernst Moran Wicker the rules. ness by refusing to nominate new Fischer Murkowski Young These truly American values have in- NLRB members in bipartisan pairs. De- spired generations of workers who NAYS—48 spite a pending Democratic vacancy on stand together and collectively bargain Baldwin Hassan Nelson the panel, the President and Senate Bennet Heinrich Peters for basic workplace protections such as Blumenthal Heitkamp Reed fair wages, safe workplaces, and rea- majority leader have instead chosen a partisan approach—doubling down on Booker Hirono Sanders sonable hours. These protections allow Brown Jones Schatz American workers and their families to the one-sided nature of a supposedly Cantwell Kaine Schumer be productive members of the economy independent Federal agency. This is Cardin King Shaheen simply an unacceptable development, Carper Klobuchar Smith and achieve their version of the Amer- Casey Leahy Stabenow ican dream, but the American dream and it is an ongoing effort to silence Coons Manchin Tester only exists if hard work is rewarded our Nation’s workers. Protecting Cortez Masto Markey Udall Donnelly McCaskill Van Hollen with the opportunity to earn a good American workers, the American mid- dle class, and the American dream Durbin Menendez Warner living, provide for your loved ones, and, Feinstein Merkley Warren when it is all said and done, be able to should not be a partisan issue. Gillibrand Murphy Whitehouse retire with dignity. I am deeply concerned with Mr. Harris Murray Wyden This is deeply personal to me. As a Ring’s appointment to the NLRB. If NOT VOTING—2 nurse’s aide, my mother found oppor- confirmed to the five-member Board, Duckworth McCain the voting majority of an agency tunity and led the effort to organize The nomination was confirmed. her workplace. She went on to serve as charged with protecting workers’ voices will be stacked with members The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under an SEIU union steward. the previous order, the motion to re- Unfortunately, in the years since I who are focused on undermining funda- consider is considered made and laid grew up in Rochester Hills, it feels as mental worker rights. I think employ- upon the table and the President will though the American dream has moved ers should be treated fairly but not at out of the reach for too many Amer- the expense of our Nation’s workers be immediately notified of the Senate’s ican families. Joining or staying in the and the American middle class. We action. middle class can be a daily struggle. need a balanced and fair NLRB, and we f We must fight every day to support need NLRB members who will stick up CLOTURE MOTION and build the middle class, not chip for American workers and the middle The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant away at fundamental worker rights. class. Mr. Ring will not be that kind of to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the The laws, regulations, and administra- NLRB member. The administration Senate the pending cloture motion, tive decisions that come out of Wash- and the majority are actively pre- which the clerk will state. ington have a direct impact on Amer- venting seating someone who will The senior assistant legislative clerk ican workers, unions, and the middle stand up for workers. class. I will be voting against Mr. Ring’s read as follows: The National Labor Relations Board confirmation, and I urge my colleagues CLOTURE MOTION plays a central role in protecting the to do the same. We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- rights of American workers. The NLRB Thank you. ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the was created to safeguard their ability I yield the floor. Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby to unionize and engage in collective The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- bargaining for fair workplace condi- nation of Patrick Pizzella, of Virginia, to be the previous order, all time is expired. Deputy Secretary of Labor. tions. The question is, Will the Senate ad- Mitch McConnell, Richard Burr, Mike To work as intended, the NLRB must vise and consent to the Ring nomina- Crapo, John Thune, Pat Roberts, David be made up of members deeply com- tion? Perdue, Michael B. Enzi, Lamar Alex- mitted to representing the interests of Mr. WHITEHOUSE. I ask for the yeas ander, John Boozman, Thom Tillis, American workers. Unfortunately, the and nays. Tim Scott, James M. Inhofe, John nominee we will be considering shortly, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a Hoeven, Mike Rounds, John Cornyn, Mr. John Ring, does not share this sufficient second? John Barrasso, Jerry Moran. commitment. In fact, he is the third There appears to be a sufficient sec- The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- labor attorney President Trump has ond. imous consent, the mandatory quorum nominated to the committee with The clerk will call the roll. call has been waived. zero—let me say that again—zero track The assistant bill clerk called the The question is, Is it the sense of the record of representing workers. He has roll. Senate that debate on the nomination only represented clients on the cor- Mr. CORNYN. The following Senator of Patrick Pizzella, of Virginia, to be porate and management side of labor is necessarily absent: the Senator from Deputy Secretary of Labor, shall be issues. Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN). brought to a close?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:09 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G11AP6.015 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2059 The yeas and nays are mandatory that always puts America first. To con- praised his time in heading that Agen- under the rule. tinue to do this, the President needs to cy. The clerk will call the roll. have a full national security team on I expect that this can be a short proc- The senior assistant legislative clerk the job and working for America. The ess to confirm him in the new job for called the roll. Secretary of State is a very important which he has been nominated, that of Mr. CORNYN. The following Senator part of that team. Secretary of State. There is certainly is necessarily absent: the Senator from Tomorrow, the Foreign Relations no good reason for Democrats to slow Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN). Committee is scheduled to have a hear- things down or to attempt to slow Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the ing on Mike Pompeo’s nomination to things down. Senator from Illinois (Ms. DUCKWORTH) do this very important job. Mike We need to restore America to a posi- is necessarily absent. Pompeo understands that if we want tion we once held as the most powerful The PRESIDING OFFICER. (Mr. safety and security at home, we need a and respected Nation on the face of the TILLIS). Are there any other Senators world that is peaceful and stable. I ex- Earth. For 8 years, the previous admin- in the Chamber desiring to vote? pect he is going to talk about all of istration had us going in the wrong di- The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 50, these things at the confirmation hear- rection. The Obama administration fol- nays 48, as follows: ing, and I look forward to his testi- lowed a policy that it called strategic [Rollcall Vote No. 68 Ex.] mony. patience. That meant watching while YEAS—50 We have all heard about Mike the Assad regime in Syria crossed one Pompeo’s impressive qualifications for redline after another. Then the redline Alexander Flake Paul Barrasso Gardner Perdue the job to which he has been nomi- became a green light. The result is that Blunt Graham Portman nated—first in his class at West Point; Syria continues to use chemical weap- Boozman Grassley Risch Harvard Law School; a Member of Con- ons today in attacking its own people. Burr Hatch Roberts Capito Heller gress; and the Director of the Central Strategic patience did not work. Rounds The Obama administration’s policy Cassidy Hoeven Rubio Intelligence Agency. He has the integ- Collins Hyde-Smith Sasse rity, and he has the experience to serve also meant that North Korea was al- Corker Inhofe Scott as America’s Secretary of State. As a lowed to get away with too much for Cornyn Isakson Shelby Cotton Johnson former Member of Congress, he cer- far too long. North Korea continued to Sullivan Crapo Kennedy tainly understands how policy deci- test nuclear weapons, continued to test Thune Cruz Lankford sions get made and the key importance missiles, and continued to use hostages Daines Lee Tillis Enzi McConnell Toomey of congressional oversight. As head of as a way of getting what it wanted Ernst Moran Wicker the CIA, he clearly understands the from other countries. Strategic pa- Fischer Murkowski Young crucial role that the intelligence com- tience did not work with North Korea. NAYS—48 munity plays in preserving America’s The Trump administration has said very clearly that the era of strategic Baldwin Hassan Nelson national security. As a soldier, he un- Bennet Heinrich Peters derstands the consequences of decisions patience is over. The leaders of these Blumenthal Heitkamp Reed that get made in Washington, DC. countries need to understand that their Booker Hirono Sanders I have traveled with Mike Pompeo to belligerence will not succeed. They Brown Jones Schatz Cantwell Kaine Schumer meet with world leaders and to attend need to get the clear message that Cardin King Shaheen national security conferences. He America has a new foreign policy. It is Carper Klobuchar Smith knows the issues, and he knows the a policy to secure America’s national Casey Leahy Stabenow people. He is the right person for this interests and demonstrate America’s Coons Manchin Tester Cortez Masto Markey Udall job. I met with him just last month leadership around the world. Part of Donnelly McCaskill Van Hollen after he was nominated. We talked this leadership is to stand up to show Durbin Menendez Warner about some of the specific issues going that there is a limit to the patience of Feinstein Merkley Warren Gillibrand Murphy Whitehouse on around the world and how they af- the civilized countries of the world. Harris Murray Wyden fect our Nation’s national security. It The previous administration too often NOT VOTING—2 was a very good conversation, and I am placed international opinion ahead of extremely confident that he is the what was actually best for America. Duckworth McCain right person for this job. That only made the world a more dan- The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this I expect many more people will come gerous place. The Trump administra- vote, the yeas are 50, the nays are 48. away from these hearings tomorrow tion has begun to get us back on the The motion is agreed to. with great confidence in Mike Pompeo. right track, and Mike Pompeo will en- f He will be an excellent representative sure that we stay on the right track. EXECUTIVE CALENDAR for our Nation, and he will be a strong When it comes to issues like the up- hand to implement President Trump’s coming discussions with North Korea, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The foreign policy. So I look forward to Mike Pompeo understands the risks of clerk will report the nomination. voting on this nomination as soon as dealing with these kinds of aggressive The senior assistant legislative clerk possible after the hearings. adversaries. He also understands the read the nomination of Patrick It was just a little over a year ago opportunities that we now have be- Pizzella, of Virginia, to be Deputy Sec- that he was confirmed by a very large, cause of President Trump’s forceful retary of Labor. bipartisan majority for his current job stand for American interests. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- as the CIA Director. It was right here Democrats should commit to allow- ator from Wyoming. on this Senate floor where that con- ing this nomination to move as quickly NOMINATION OF MIKE POMPEO firmation occurred. Fifteen Senators as possible. We will have a hearing to- Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I from the other side of the aisle agreed morrow. We need to have a thorough come to the floor as we, as Americans, that Mike Pompeo was the right choice discussion about what is happening continue to see the regular reminders for that position. As the nominee for around the world, and then we need to that the world is a very dangerous the job he now holds, he drew bipar- vote. Let’s not have any more of the place. The horrendous reports out of tisan praise for his qualifications. Two deliberate delays that we have been Syria over the weekend show us there Democratic Senators actually came to seeing by the Democrats in this body— are leaders in the world who will test the floor and spoke in favor of his nom- no more pointless and partisan ob- the rules that define civilized nations. ination—Senators FEINSTEIN and WAR- struction. They will exploit any crack that they NER. They are the current vice chair of America’s adversaries around the see in our resolve. the Intelligence Committee and the world are watching closely—in Russia, President Trump has consistently re- former chair of the Intelligence Com- in Syria, in North Korea, in Iran, and sponded to these kinds of challenges by mittee. Since that time, Mike Pompeo in other places. It is time for us to showing that he is resolute and that he has done an excellent job at the CIA. show that we are serious about main- is unshakable. He has a foreign policy Even Hillary Clinton has come out and taining a strong foreign policy that

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:09 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G11AP6.019 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S2060 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 11, 2018 puts America first. President Trump is A new report this year from the Cen- would demand they think in new ways doing his part. Mike Pompeo is ready ter for Investigative Reporting ana- about how to create housing and eco- to do his part in his job. It is now time lyzed tens of millions of mortgage nomic opportunities for all of their for the Senate to do our job. records and found that all across the residents—no matter their color, no Thank you. country people of color are far more matter family size, no matter their dis- I yield the floor. likely—even holding constant for eco- ability if they have one. These are the I suggest the absence of a quorum. nomic situations—to be turned down types of questions this body told the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The for a loan, taking into account factors country to ask when it enacted the fair clerk will call the roll. like their income and the size of the housing bill five decades ago. The legislative clerk proceeded to loan. We know that the 2008 housing But instead of recommitting our- call the roll. crisis hit communities of color particu- selves to the promise we made 50 years Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask larly hard. ago, too many Washington politicians unanimous consent that the order for In the run-up to the crisis, faulty are trying to take us backward. Earlier the quorum call be rescinded. mortgages were targeted to people of this year, HUD suspended imple- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without color. Even those who qualified for a menting the affirmatively furthering objection, it is so ordered. no-frills, no-surprises prime mortgage fair housing rule. That will not reverse 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FAIR HOUSING ACT were often instead steered into a the requirements of the Fair Housing Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, 50 years subprime, much riskier loan. Even Af- Act. Instead, it hurts communities, ago today, Congress enacted the Fair rican-American and Hispanic borrowers which will once again be left to comply Housing Act, exactly 1 week after the with higher incomes than other bor- with the law without the technical as- assassination of Martin Luther King as rowers found themselves in risky, sistance they need. he fought for economic justice for sani- subprime, designed-to-fail products. Remember that new data that banks tation workers in Memphis. It also These practices of discrimination were going to report to make it easier came just weeks after the Kerner Com- stripped a generation’s worth of equity to spot lenders who discriminate? The mission issued its report on the origins from communities that had fought bill the Senate passed last month right of urban unrest in the 1960s. This re- hard for equal access to home owner- here would exempt 85 percent of banks port contained the now famous warn- ship. from reporting the data they are col- ing that ‘‘our nation is moving toward I know in my community in Cleve- lecting and reporting today. So we are two societies, one black, one white— land, on the southeast side of Cleveland not even going to know what happened. separate and unequal.’’ in the Broadway, Harvard area of that This body has scaled back the amount In the wake of these events, the Fair community, so much wealth has been of data we are trying to gather to stop Housing Act made discrimination in lost. As people finally began to gain in discrimination. Without it, we can’t the sale, rental, and financing of hous- home ownership and in wealth accumu- monitor trends in mortgage lending. It ing illegal for the first time. For gen- lation, what happened in 2006, 2007, will be harder to see who has access to erations, redlining, restrictive cov- 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 devastated affordable mortgage credit and, impor- enants, and outright discrimination these communities. As a number of my tantly, who does not have access. kept families of color locked out of en- colleagues have heard me say, in my HUD is even thinking about changing tire neighborhoods, often far from ZIP Code of 44105, in Cleveland, OH, in its mission statement in ways that di- where jobs were, and they created seg- the first half of 2007, there were more minish the importance of combating regated communities that linger to foreclosures than any ZIP Code in the housing discrimination. The adminis- this day. They denied these families United States of America. tration’s actions over the past year The household wealth of commu- the opportunity to build wealth make it clear they are already waver- nities of color still hasn’t recovered. through home ownership. Many of ing in that commitment. For example, My neighborhood hasn’t, my commu- these exclusionary practices were car- in 2017, HUD withdrew guidance requir- nity hasn’t, and my State hasn’t. Mid- ried out by private entities and local ing equal access for transgender people dle-class Black and Hispanic families governments. But as Richard Rothstein in homeless shelters. Let’s pick on lost half their wealth from 2007 to reminds us in his new book, ‘‘The Color them even more. According to a report 2013—half their wealth. Middle-income of Law’’—and I recommend to every- in the New York Times, Dr. Carson’s Black household wealth was $63,000 in body listening that they read that HUD has suspended several anti-dis- 2007. A decade later, it was $38,000. The book—Federal policies also played a numbers are similar for Hispanic crimination investigations, including significant role in reinforcing segrega- households—$85,000 down to $46,000. an investigation of discriminatory tion. Borrowers with these higher cost housing advertisements on Facebook. From 1934 through 1962—30 years, loans were foreclosed on at about triple The administration proposed a 14-per- three decades—98 percent of all FHA the rate of borrowers with standard, 30- cent cut to the HUD budget, including mortgages went to White homeowners. year, fixed-rate mortgages. Over a re- affordable housing and community de- In a country that in those days was cent 8-year period, 9.3 million home- velopment programs aimed at creating about 10 percent African American, 98 owners lost their homes through fore- housing and opportunity for low-in- percent of mortgages went to White closure, distress sales, or surrendering come communities. homeowners. The Fair Housing Act their home to the lender. We know that one-fourth of renters made this despicable discrimination il- After the crisis, we took steps to in this country spend at least 50 per- legal. It required that Federal housing fight this discrimination. We created cent of their income on housing. If one and urban development grants be ad- the Consumer Financial Protection Bu- thing goes wrong in their lives, they ministered in a way that would ‘‘af- reau to look after bank customers and are evicted or they lose their homes. firmatively further’’ fair housing—not to help root out discrimination. We re- One-fourth of people in this country in a reactive way but in a way that quired lenders to report more detailed who rent are paying at least half their would affirmatively further fair hous- data so that we can more easily spot income in housing costs. In Cuyahoga ing. State and local governments and modern-day redlining. County, the second most populous public housing authorities were re- In 2015, HUD also issued the affirma- county in Ohio, one-fourth of all family quired to use their Federal funds in tively furthering fair housing rule. units, one-fourth of all residents, ways that would reverse, rather than This rule would have given clearer homeowners or renters, spend one-half accelerate or reinforce, segregation in guidelines to communities to help of their income on housing, so it is not their communities. them assess their own fair housing just renters, but it is often home- April 11, 1968, however, was not the needs and provided them with the data owners too. end of our work to ensure fair housing they needed to inform their decisions. We are deciding in this body because and equal opportunities. Fifty years It would have allowed them to set their the President wants to—the far right later, we haven’t had the progress we own goals and timelines. in this body wants to cut spending on should have had, and so much more Some of the questions communities housing even more. We have enough needs to be done. would ask during these assessments money to do a huge tax cut for the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:09 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G11AP6.020 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2061 richest people in the country. The rich- This government is going to give tax holders who run the political gamut, est 1 percent will get 81 percent of that cuts to the richest people in the coun- and he has left a very positive impres- tax cut. I was talking to an accountant try, and we are pulling the rug out sion on them. the other day in Elyria, OH. It is tax from under people who are working During his confirmation hearing in season, of course, and he is busy. He every bit as hard as we do in this our EPW Committee, he was very said: When people come and see me, body—and many of them work harder forthright in his answers, very willing they ask inevitably when I am doing than we do—just trying to get along on to look deeper into certain areas, and their taxes ‘‘Well, how does this tax $8 or $10 or $12 an hour. We are denying very willing to not express an opinion bill affect me?’’ people the opportunity of living in a if he didn’t really know or was unsure He asks: Are you a billionaire? safe, stable home. That is why we must of some of the details. Actually, I They laugh and say: Of course not. redouble our commitment to fair hous- think he exhibited a real curiosity as He then says: Well, only if you are a ing. That is why we must take real, to how he could make the EPA run billionaire will it affect you, and then proactive steps. smoother and better and be more re- you will save millions of dollars on My colleagues and I have legislation, flective of what the President and we your taxes. the Fair and Equal Housing Act of 2017, here in the Senate and people across That is a bit of an exaggeration, but that would add gender identity and this country see as a vision for the that is what that tax bill is all about. sexual orientation to those protected EPA. So if you are a billionaire, if you are a from discrimination under the Fair I have also been impressed by the decamillionaire, if you made a million Housing Act. Rather than take us number of individuals who know Mr. dollars last year, you are going to save backward, we must take these sorts of Wheeler and who have come forward a whole lot on your taxes this year. actions to give more Americans the op- and spoken about his expertise and his But if you are living in working-class portunity to have a safe, stable home willingness to collaborate on issues all housing, if you can’t afford much more and to build wealth through home own- across the country. He has had an ac- than the very basic kind of housing or ership. We must constantly work to- tive role in my State of West Virginia, even worse than that, you are going to ward Dr. King’s vision—killed 50 years which is a high energy-producing see your budget cut. You are going to ago this month—of equality and equal State. see fewer vouchers. You are going to opportunity for all. I urge my colleagues to vote to con- see less funding for housing. I yield the floor. firm Mr. Wheeler. They will have no re- What kind of government is this, this The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- gret. I look forward to working with mean-spiritedness? There are more tax ator from West Virginia. him at the EPA on issues that are im- cuts for the richest in this country, but NOMINATION OF ANDREW WHEELER portant to my State of West Virginia let’s stick it to people who are barely Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. President, I appre- and across the country. making it. These are people who make ciate the opportunity to speak today I yield back. $10 to $12 an hour. They make $10 to $12 about the nomination of Andrew The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- an hour, and we are going to cut their Wheeler to be the Deputy Adminis- ator from Missouri. Medicaid. They are making $10 to $12 trator of the EPA—an extremely im- TAX REFORM AND GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS an hour, and we are going to scale back portant position. Mr. BLUNT. Mr. President, over the their SNAP benefits. They are making Mr. Wheeler’s expertise and experi- last couple of weeks, many of us have $10 to $12 an hour, and we are going to ence make him extraordinarily quali- had an opportunity to spend more time undermine their housing subsidies. fied to become the Deputy Adminis- at home than we do just going back What is all of that about in this new trator. I am a little biased when it and forth a few days a week. government that we are living in now? comes to Mr. Wheeler because he has While I was there, I had the oppor- The last thing we ought to do at a great family roots in the State of West tunity to talk to small business own- time when a quarter of all renter Virginia, which, to me, is a good rec- ers, employees—people who are seeing households—400,000 families in my ommendation in and of itself. I think their paychecks for the first time re- State of almost 12 million, 400,000 fami- his wealth of knowledge over the years flecting what we have done with the lies pay half of their income in housing working on environmental policy in tax bill. Both in my hometown of costs. Again, if one thing goes wrong, if the public and in the private sectors is Springfield, MO, and around our State, their car breaks down going to work, just incredible. His knowledge and ex- I also heard a level of optimism that could they come up with $500 to fix perience will be a tremendous asset to was very encouraging. their car? Probably not. Then what the Agency and to the American peo- One of the people I talked to was on happens? Then they are evicted, and ple. He understands—watching policy the national board of manufacturers. A then everything goes upside down be- being made and helping policy being recent poll of the manufacturers look- cause they can’t pay their rent, so they made himself but also then ing at their confidence level reflected get evicted. The kid has to go to a new transitioning to the private sector and that it was the highest it has ever been school district. They lose most of the watching how that policy then influ- in all of the time they have been poll- things they have. They have to find a ences the private sector as well. He has ing on how they see the future. place to live. They probably don’t have had an active hand in significant envi- Mr. President, where you and I live, the money for the downpayment that a ronmental—energy—and infrastructure in an economy that makes things and landlord charges. policy achievements and debates and grows things, we always do better. We A few years ago, I hosted a discussion probably some of the failures that we are a productive part of the country. with some of my colleagues and invited have had, as well as the confirmation We don’t do quite as well in an advice Matthew Desmond, the author of the of numerous Presidential nominees. So economy, but we are not opposed to an book ‘‘Evicted.’’ In the front of the Andrew will have a head start. He will advice-giving economy. We have people book, he scribbled the phrase ‘‘Home = hit the ground running, and that is who give advice. But, frankly, if you Life.’’ If you don’t have decent hous- what we need at the EPA. put that on top of truly productive ca- ing, it is pretty hard to put a stable life Andrew was also tasked with coordi- pacity and a marketplace that meets together for you and your family. One nating and working with the various that capacity, we always do very well. of the things he said in that book is agencies within the committee’s juris- As I talked to people, I heard consist- that when you get your paycheck every diction. Most importantly, he has been ently two reasons that people feel their 2 weeks or once a month, the rent eats and was tasked with this, so he worked optimism is justified and understand- first. You have to pay your rent. If you with other agencies while he was a ably growing. One reason is the Tax can’t afford to pay your rent or you staffer. Cuts and Jobs Act. No matter what was can barely afford to pay your rent, you Beginning in 2009, Mr. Wheeler went said about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, can’t do much else. That simple state- into the private sector, continuing his people who were told it wouldn’t help ment captures so much—a safe, stable work in environmental and energy pol- them are finding out, when they get home is the foundation for opportuni- icy. Throughout his career, he has their first paychecks, that it is helping ties. worked with individuals and stake- them. People who were told that the

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This change was made because wise would have gone to Washington, fore. But until right now, those two the EPA realized that they didn’t have DC. Forty-three different entities have things were not treated in a signifi- the authority. Frankly, if they did come to our offices with ideas about cantly different way; they were treated have the authority, it would have been what they are doing. in the same way. Now, because of legis- a bad idea. The 53,000 State employees in our lation that we passed and the President There was a power plan that would State—the payroll deduction would in- signed, they will be treated in a dif- have been so excessive that, in the dicate that this year, $321⁄2 million ferent way, as they should have been. State where I live, the utility bill from just that group of employees that Location is a great advantage to our would have doubled in about 10 or 12 was sent to Washington, DC, last whole country. Again, in the middle of years—a power plan that would have year—it will stay in Missouri this year. the country, where I live, I have seen— added up to $39 billion in compliance I mentioned on the floor not too long I think it may be our greatest competi- costs, every single penny of which ago that one of our counties had re- tive advantage—access not only to the would have been passed along in your ported that their county payroll—that national marketplace but to the world utility bill and mine, all of it added to the average county employee would marketplace. Generally, we have the the utility bill in ways that just, take home $1,800 more this year, with same things in America. Things that frankly, didn’t make sense. the same paycheck to start with. That allow us to put infrastructure in place The EPA has moved away from that is beyond what they would have taken more readily and make it more afford- but not away from the idea of regula- home last year. For all of those county able to get it done in a quicker way are tion or environmental control. In fact, employees put together, in Boone all good things. Administrator Pruitt came to the County, MO, it would mean that This week, one of the nominees we Thomas Hill Energy Center in our $946,000 will stay in Boone County that will be voting on is the Deputy Admin- State in April of last year to hear di- previously would have gone to Wash- istrator for the Environmental Protec- rectly from workers, from the electric ington, DC. That makes a difference in tion Agency. Over the last decade, co-op members that provide electricity the economy of the county because based on theirs own estimate, the Envi- to many of our rural residents, and there are a lot of other people beyond ronmental Protection Agency imposed from ag leaders about the impact of those 485 employees who see the same somewhere between $43 and $51 billion that. He listened to that and went kinds of things happening to them, but in regulatory costs annually. You have back—I am sure he did that in other it really makes a difference for fami- to be an incredibly strong economy to places—and withdrew that rule but at lies. That take-home pay difference absorb another $50 billion in regulatory the same time proposed a solution for that some people here in the Senate costs from one agency. And that is West Lake Landfill, which has been on and other places in this building would their estimate; you could get other es- the critical ‘‘we need to take care of suggest won’t matter to families—it timates that say: Oh, no, it is going to this’’ list for 30 years. turns out it matters a lot. And I will be a lot more costly than that. These The job of the EPA is not to strangle say again that it particularly matters are the costs they are willing to admit the economy. The job of the EPA is to a lot if you don’t have it. If you have to. make the environment more protected all kinds of money, it is easy to say: The current administration has by doing the things that the EPA was Well, $200 a month—what difference turned the page. I hope that the new designed to do. I think that is what does that make? Let me assure you, it Deputy Administrator becomes an ac- they have been doing—looking at the makes a difference if you don’t have it. tive part of that. I think the EPA has rules that don’t make sense, trying to Lots of families and individuals are be- been on the forefront of really looking be sure that we don’t do things at the ginning to see the ability to do more at the kinds of things that are holding Federal level that cost people their things with their own money. back the economy and trying to do jobs, their livelihood, and their oppor- The second thing I consistently heard things that make sense. tunities for no reason at all. about was just the difference in the The EPA Administrator, Adminis- I had a meeting this week—it was regulation atmosphere. Earlier this trator Pruitt, quickly got on the job of Friday a week ago—at the Missouri week, a dozen Federal agencies came dismantling two of the most costly and State University, where the head of the together in an effort to improve the en- burdensome regulations that may have Missouri Department of Agriculture, vironmental review process to allow in- ever been proposed by any Federal Chris Chinn, and the Missouri Farm frastructure projects to go on more agency. One is the waters of the United Bureau president, Blake Hurst, and I quickly—not only to diminish the time States, where the EPA decided that answered questions for about 45 min- it takes to get a project started but virtually all of the water in the coun- utes from a crowd there to talk about also to be able to, with more certainty, try was somehow related to navigable agriculture and the future of agri- go out and start the process of bidding water. Some of it might eventually run culture. Not a single question was and acquiring and the things you need into navigable water, but the law says asked about the farm bill. The ques- to do to make that happen. that the EPA has the authority to reg- tions were basically about trade, rural There were a dozen Federal agencies ulate navigable water. broadband, and regulation. I think you working together with a common pur- The EPA said: Oh, no, that means could go to lots of other places and say: pose, asking: What can we do to make any water that could ever run into any What do you want to talk about that this system work better? We have had water that could ever run into any you are most concerned about with the up to 29 statutes and 5 Executive orders water that could ever run into navi- Federal Government, and two or three that resulted in a number of different gable water. of those topics would come up again. decisions under Federal law that allow In our State, that meant that 99.7 Last year the Senate used the Con- those projects to move forward more percent of the State would have been gressional Review Act to block 15 new quickly. under the EPA authority, if they want- major rules that had come up late in We had a discussion in the Commerce ed to exercise it, for things that would the previous administration. That act Committee this morning with one of have slowed down the economy, made had been used exactly one time since it the nominees for the Surface Transpor- it harder to resurface your driveway or was put into law, in 1995 or 1996. It had tation Board who had been instru- dig a utility pole or put fertilizer on been used exactly one time during the mental in helping put together a more your field or get a building permit. entire life of the law until we were able streamlined way to get things done if, It was a ridiculous proposal, and Ad- to look at it and use it 15 times last for instance, you were putting some- ministrator Pruitt and the EPA under- year to eliminate rules that would

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:14 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G11AP6.023 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2063 have cost our economy $36 billion in is quite a range of products. One of the pened, and it is attributable entirely to compliance costs. They were not rules things I learned, of the many things I the tax reform. So the benefits from that we had before. In the case of the learned while I was at Carpenter Tech- this tax reform are clearly already last administration, the country had nology, is that tax reform is working flowing to the very workers we in- gone along without these rules even for Carpenter Technology. tended to benefit from it. being proposed for 71⁄2 years but, sud- While I was there, the CEO an- So my friends on the other side have denly, on the way out the door, there nounced a $100 million investment, had some struggles in thinking about were all these new things that would right there in Redding, Berks County, how they can disparage this tax re- have held the economy back in a way PA, to upgrade their capabilities and form. They have come to realize that that, frankly, nobody would want to their capacity to produce these soft calling $1,000 bonuses and multi-thou- have to do if they were still there to magnetics. To be more precise, they sand-dollar pay raises crumbs is prob- take responsibility for it. So we are are buying an entire new hot rolling ably not such a good idea. So they have looking at what we can do in regula- steel mill in Redding, PA. It is a $100 shifted the argument to be a kind of tion, looking at what we can do in million investment in a new mill that class warfare argument. transportation, looking at what we can will allow them to expand their output and meet increasing demand for this I hear two varieties of this most fre- do to make us more competitive and quently. One is this idea that, well, the allow things to happen so the tax- really fascinating product that they make. benefits all flow to the rich. The second payers have the benefit of a process is this idea that, well, these are greedy that works for them instead of a proc- One of the things the leadership of Carpenter Technology made abun- corporations that get this tax savings, ess that works with them. and they just use the money to buy Rolling back unnecessary redtape dantly clear in their press release and stock back. isn’t just important for infrastructure. in their public statements was that It isn’t just important for individuals. they were able to purchase this mill Let’s unpack this a little bit. What It is also important for strengthening and make this $100 million investment about this argument that it all flows to our economy. I think we are seeing in their company now because of the the rich? Well, there is one problem that happen. These people who are will- tax reform we passed. This is exactly with that argument. That problem is it ing to serve, like some of the individ- the type of capital investment we envi- is not true; it is not true at all because uals we will be voting on this week, are sioned when we passed the tax reform when we did this tax reform, we did it people who are willing to give of them- bill. It was exactly for this kind of eco- in a way that makes the Tax Code selves and their time, their effort, and nomic activity and expansion that we more progressive. What does that their energy to work for the citizens of wanted to lower the cost of deploying mean? That means that upper income our country. We should be grateful to this capital and expanding business and Americans—the wealthiest Ameri- them, but we should also be sure that generate the economic growth and cans—have an increased percentage of we are watching carefully to be sure prosperity that comes with this. the total tax burden. So while every- By the way, Carpenter Technology is that they continue to do the kinds of body gets a savings in percentage not an outlier. This kind of investment things that create opportunity and terms, the savings disproportionately is consistent with the sentiment we are competition. go to lower and middle-income workers With that, I yield the floor. seeing all across the country. and a disproportionately small amount I suggest the absence of a quorum. Just at the end of the first quarter— of the savings go to upper income The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. COT- the quarter that just ended—there was workers. So when the dust clears, the TON). The clerk will call the roll. a large survey of American chief finan- net effect is wealthier people are pay- The bill clerk proceeded to call the cial officers—CFOs—across the coun- ing a larger percentage of the total tax roll. try. It was carried out by Deloitte bill than they paid beforehand. (Mr. TOOMEY assumed the Chair.) LLP. It was exploring the question of So, clearly, the benefits of this tax Mr. TOOMEY. Mr. President, I ask growth expectations for capital ex- reform are flowing to everyone and dis- unanimous consent that the order for penditure. The fact is, their conclusion proportionately to low- and middle-in- the quorum call be rescinded. is that these CFOs anticipate greater come people. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. growth and more hiring. In fact, the What about this idea that stock GARDNER). Without objection, it is so sentiment is at a multiyear high. Why buybacks are such a terrible thing? ordered. is that? Here is what Deloitte had to say about it: There have been some stock buybacks. TAX REFORM What does that mean? That means Mr. TOOMEY. Mr. President, it was Clearly, there’s a high desire for invest- ment in the U.S., and that is coming from companies have taken the additional about 2 weeks ago that I had the oppor- pretax cash flow they have, and they tunity to tour a steel plant in Redding, just the structure of tax reform. [CFOs] are expecting higher domestic wages, almost 40 have decided in some cases that they PA. The plant is owned by Carpenter percent are anticipating and planning for will take a portion of it and return it Technology. It is a company that was higher and front-loaded capital investments, to the owners of the company. founded in 1889. It is quite extraor- and about a third higher research and devel- It just so happens that about 40 per- dinary. It is a vast complex in Redding, opment. What they’ve said is because of tax PA. They have 2,000 employees in reform they’re going to take those actions. cent of the owners of the public compa- nies in America are the people who Berks County, which is where Redding It is very straightforward. It is very have saved in their retirement plans— is located, and they have an additional clear. 401(k) plans, IRA savings accounts, 529 1,200 or so folks throughout other parts So here we are, just 31⁄2 months since of Pennsylvania. passage, and the tax bill has already plans, defined benefit pension plans. Carpenter Technology is a leading and continues to benefit workers and These are middle-income Americans producer and distributor of specialty businesses, and, boy, these are not the whose savings are invested in the metals, including what they call soft crumbs some of our friends on the stocks of companies. magnetics. As I understand it, soft other side of the aisle have tried to In some cases, yes, there have been magnetics increase the efficiency and suggest they are. There are over 500 stock buybacks. That means these sav- the power and the battery life of elec- businesses that we know of—businesses ers have had cash introduced into their tric motors. That is one of the main that are sufficiently high profile that accounts, which then can be deployed applications of these soft magnetics. It we have read about and we can track by the managers of these accounts into is a feature in steel and other metals their announcements. These 500-plus new investments, which is what hap- that allows the magnetic properties to businesses employ over 4 million work- pens for anyone who is selling their be turned on and off very rapidly. It is ers. Over 4 million workers across stock in response to a buyback. They an amazing technology. It is an abso- America have already received bo- get cash. lutely essential component for all nuses, wage increases, enhanced bene- What do they do with that cash? kinds of products, including aircrafts, fits, and increased contributions to They get the chance to reassess where electric cars, even medical devices. It their pension plans. It has already hap- they invest their money, making new

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:14 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G11AP6.025 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S2064 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 11, 2018 investments, making different invest- deficit. Clearly the deficit is growing, Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, as my ments, reallocating capital, and shift- and clearly it is driven by the increase colleague from Pennsylvania has point- ing capital to where there is the great- in spending. ed out, the recently passed tax bill is est demand for it. This is exactly the The bottom line is, whether it is $10 already having a profound impact on way a free enterprise system should trillion or $12 trillion, this deficit is the economy, and, as the Congressional work. This is exactly the mechanism way too big. But tax reform is going to Budget Office report points out, over that allows capital to flow to its high- enhance the revenue collected by the the course of the next decade, it will est use and helps to encourage still Federal Government by helping us cre- significantly increase economic growth more economic growth. ate a larger economy to tax. The in the economy and increase the num- Better still, this is just the begin- spending is our fault. That is some- ber of jobs. It said that over 1 million ning. We are only 31⁄2 months into this. thing we have to get under control. jobs would be created as a result of the We haven’t yet even begun to reap the CBO has observed a couple of other passage of the tax bill. benefits—as a country, as a society—of things. They talk about our tax re- To his point, as well, they talk about this reformed Tax Code. Businesses are form, and they talk about terrific deficits and debt projected out into the already responding to the incentives, things. They say in the report that the future, which clearly are major issues and with the lower after-tax cost of tax reform results in ‘‘higher levels of but, again, I would point out, are a re- capital we have created, we are seeing investment, employment, and GDP.’’ sult of the rate of growth in spending increased investment. Whether it is a We can see dramatically different pro- and not of the impact of the revenues tractor or a new factory or a piece of jections of economic growth post-tax generated by lowering taxes because machinery or a steel mill in Redding, reform, according to the CBO, than we when you get greater growth in the PA, that investment invariably re- had pre-tax reform, according to the economy, it means that more people quires workers to produce that invest- CBO. are taking realizations and more peo- ment, so there is greater job security In January of 2017, they projected ple are paying taxes. The Congressional and more opportunities for those work- that this year the economy would grow Budget Office, as a rule of thumb, sug- ers. But then the company that actu- 2 percent. But after tax reform passed, gests that for each percentage—a 1-per- ally deploys that investment, such as they reassessed this year. They took cent increase in growth of the econ- Carpenter Technology in the case I just the projection of 2 percent for this omy—you get about $3 trillion in addi- mentioned—their workers become year, and they said that now it will tional revenue over the course of a dec- more productive; their workers have grow 3 percent based on tax reform. ade. If we assume, and I believe we will— new tools that allow them to command That is a 50-percent increase in the even the CBO, which I think is very higher wages and a better standard of growth of our economy. That is huge. conservative in terms of growth esti- living. That is what is happening, and For next year, 2019, they were pro- jecting 1.7 percent growth. Now, post- mates, suggests that there is higher that is going to continue to develop as growth attributable largely to the companies are just now beginning to tax reform, they are estimating 2.9 per- cent growth—1.2 percentage points— changes we made in the Tax Code, re- have the opportunity to deploy that ducing taxes on families in this coun- 1 again, an almost 50-percent increase. capital only 3 ⁄2 months into this new try and reducing taxes on our small These are huge increases, and they ex- tax regime. businesses, which incentivize them to I am just delighted that every week plain it. They say: ‘‘The largest effects expand and grow their operations and, that goes by, I learn about more Penn- on GDP over the decade stem from the therefore, create better paying jobs and tax act . . . boost[ing] the level of real sylvania workers and more American higher wages, but also will generate GDP by an average of 0.7 percent . . . workers who are working for busi- more revenue coming in to the Federal over the 2018–2028 period.’’ nesses that are benefiting and enhanc- coffers. The fact is, this tax bill is already ing their investments. It is a really Clearly, the issue that we have in good-news story. working. It is making the structural terms of the debt picture in the long Now I will shift a little bit to the changes in the Tax Code that create a term is not about revenue; it is about CBO report that came out earlier this greater incentive for businesses to in- spending, which is growing dramati- week, which said a few things worth vest. It is making American companies cally over that next decade, particu- noting. One should be on all of our ra- and American workers more competi- larly in what we refer to as mandatory dars, and that is the fiscal challenge we tive than we have been in a very, very spending or entitlement programs. face. We have too much debt, and that long time. It is going to increase the This cries out, I would argue, for re- number is growing too rapidly. capital stock, the invested assets in forms in entitlement programs. But to This fiscal year, the gross amount of our businesses that allow our workers say that somehow tax reform is con- Federal debt is $21 trillion. By the end to become more productive, and it is tributing to that is a far cry from the of this 10-year window, CBO con- going to continue to allow those more truth, and I think the Congressional templates that number will go up to productive workers to earn higher Budget Office numbers bear that out. $33 trillion. This is a huge problem. But wages. Again, I would argue that in terms of I think it is important that we stress Let’s be honest. No one can prove what they suggest we are going to see where this problem comes from. This is with certainty what the future holds, in growth as a result of the changes we a spending problem; this is not a rev- so it is worth looking at what is hap- made in the Tax Code, I believe it is enue problem, and we can see this in pening in the present. As a result of going to be dramatically understated. CBO numbers. our tax reform, what is happening When it came time to draft tax re- In June of last year, almost a year today, what is happening in the present form, Republicans really had two goals ago, CBO projected that over the 10- is this: Millions of Americans have in mind. First, we wanted to put more year window they were considering at been receiving bonuses; millions of money in the pockets of hard-working the time, we would have $43 trillion of Americans have been receiving pay Americans, and we wanted to do that tax revenues flowing into the Federal raises; millions of Americans have seen right away. Second, we wanted to cre- Government, with $53 trillion of spend- increases in their pension contribu- ate the kind of economy that would ing—a net deficit over that period of tions; millions of Americans have seen give Americans access to economic se- $10 trillion. an increase in the value of their pen- curity for the long term. One year later, CBO has updated its sions; and millions of Americans—like Less than 4 months after we passed projections, and now it is calling for the workers at Carpenter Technology— this bill, I am proud to report that the $44 trillion in revenue over the current have seen greater job security and Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has already 10-year window. So there will be $1 tril- greater opportunity as their employers achieved the first goal and is well on lion more in revenue, but $56 trillion in are investing in their companies, and its way to achieving the second. spending—$3 trillion more in spending. that is already beneficial for all of us. To put more money in Americans’ So we go from a 10-year window that I yield the floor. pockets, we lowered tax rates across looks as though the CBO is projecting The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the board for American families, near- a $10 trillion deficit to a $12 trillion ator from South Dakota. ly doubled the standard deduction, and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:14 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G11AP6.027 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2065 increased the child tax credit to $2,000, The goal in all of this was to free up Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and she will not doubling the amount that families can businesses to increase investments in see that benefit as crumbs. deduct per child in terms of the child the U.S. economy, hire new workers, It is too bad that Democrats can’t ac- tax credit. and increase wages and benefits. I am cept the fact that the Tax Cuts and In February, that relief started to happy to report that this is exactly Jobs Act is working. At the very least, show up in Americans’ paychecks. Ac- what they are doing. Since tax reform they should stop trying to undo the cording to Treasury Department esti- became the law of the land, we have benefits that it is bringing to the mates, 90 percent of the American peo- seen a steady drumbeat of businesses American people. Over 500 companies ple are seeing bigger paychecks this announcing good news for American across this country have announced in- year, thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs workers. So far, more than 500 compa- creases in wages, increases in benefits, Act. And thanks to the IRS’s new with- nies, and counting, have announced and bonuses—direct benefits to Amer- holding calculator, families with chil- pay raises, bonuses, 401(k) match in- ican workers, to the tune of over 5 mil- dren can adjust their withholding to creases and other benefits, business ex- lion Americans who already have bene- take into account the individual tax pansions, and utility rate cuts: fitted from this. That is the short-term relief provided in the new tax law, in Starbucks, McDonald’s, Jergens, impact that we have seen already. particular, the increased child tax McCormac & Company, Apple, Best The American people spent long credit. That means even more in the Buy, Walmart, Bank of America, enough in a stagnant economy. It is paychecks of hard-working Americans ExxonMobil, Hormel Foods, UPS, and time to get this economy jump-started without their having to wait until they American Express. And the list goes on and to see those wages and those good- file their 2018 tax returns next year. and on. paying jobs come back into this econ- When it came to our second goal, we I don’t need to tell anyone that omy so that American families can knew that the only way to give Ameri- Americans had a tough time during the benefit, can experience, and can enjoy cans access to real long-term economic last administration or that our econ- a better standard of living, a higher security was to ensure they had access omy had stagnated. But under Repub- quality of life, an opportunity to do to good jobs, good wages, and real op- lican leadership, we are finally starting more for their children, to help them portunities. We knew that the only to see the economy turn around, and with their college education, to set way to guarantee access to good jobs, tax reform is playing a very big part. aside a little bit for retirement, and to wages, and opportunities was to make Unfortunately, Democrats seem unable take care of those day-to-day bills. sure businesses had the ability to cre- to accept the fact that tax reform is Fifty percent of the American people, ate them. benefiting middle-class Americans. In according to polls, say they are living Before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, fact, Democrats recently introduced an paycheck to paycheck. One thing we our Tax Code wasn’t helping businesses infrastructure plan that they want to can do to help them is to make that to create jobs or to increase opportuni- pay for by repealing features of the tax paycheck bigger and, hopefully, to put ties for workers. In fact, it was doing law that are producing so many new them in a position where they can put the exact opposite. Large and small benefits for American workers. aside a little bit for retirement and businesses were weighed down by high Republicans wanted Democrats to where, maybe, they can help save up tax rates and growth-killing tax provi- join us in the process of drafting tax for their kids’ college education, and sions, and all the regulatory and com- reform. After all, a lot of the provi- maybe take a vacation with the family. pliance burdens that came along with sions in the final bill were the result of There are so many ways in which the them. years of work by Republicans and benefits of this bill are delivered to the Our outdated international tax rules Democrats. I was a part of that proc- American people and to American fam- left America’s global businesses at a ess. We had working groups that spent ilies and can help them in their daily competitive disadvantage in the global a good amount of time looking at every lives. We shouldn’t try and go back. We economy. That had real consequences element and feature of the Tax Code— ought to try to go forward and recog- for American workers. A small busi- bipartisan groups of Republicans and nize that the near-term benefits of this ness owner struggling to afford the an- Democrats, working together, making bill are very real to American workers. nual tax bill for their business was recommendations about things that we The long-term benefits are going to be, highly unlikely to be able to hire a new could do to reform our Tax Code in a I think, even more beneficial to Amer- worker or to raise wages. A larger busi- way that would incentivize greater ican workers, to American businesses, ness struggling to stay competitive in growth and expansion and better jobs and to American families because not the global marketplace while paying and higher wages. only now will they benefit from the substantially higher tax rates than its Democrats had previously expressed lower tax rates that are delivered to foreign competitors too often had lim- their support for things that became the entire tax table, but they are also ited funds to expand or increase its in- key parts of the bill, like lowering our benefiting from the doubling of the vestment here in the United States. Nation’s massive corporate tax rate. standard deduction, the doubling of the When it came time for tax reform, we Unfortunately, instead of working with child tax credit, and all the other bene- set out to improve the playing field for us, Democrats chose to play politics. fits that are included in this bill. American workers by improving the Apparently, it was more important to American businesses, small and large, playing field for businesses as well. To them to attempt to score political are also seeing those benefits on a accomplish that, we lowered tax rates points against Republicans than to daily basis, so much so that they have across the board for owners of small work on a bill that they knew had the already made these commitments to and medium-sized businesses, farms, potential to help the American people. over 5 million Americans. That is 500 and ranches. We lowered our Nation’s Almost 4 months after the bill’s pas- companies that are paying out bonuses, massive corporate tax rate, which until sage, they are still playing politics, de- higher pay, and bigger benefits for January 1, was the highest corporate spite the fact that in the face of the their workers. That is only going to in- tax rate in the developed world. We ex- bill’s success, their attempts to criti- crease over time as this economy panded business owners’ ability to re- cize it are sounding pretty desperate. starts to take off because they now cover investments they make in their Take their attempt to portray the have an incentive to expand and grow businesses, which will free up cash that bill’s benefits for workers as ‘‘crumbs.’’ their operations through reduced rates, they can reinvest in their operations Let me tell you that a worker whose when it comes both to large and small and their workers. We brought the U.S. salary just increased by $3 an hour does businesses, through the ability to re- international tax system into the 21st not see that additional $500 a month as cover their costs more quickly and to century by replacing our outdated crumbs, especially when you combine free up that capital with which they worldwide system with a modernized it with the rest of the tax relief in the can invest in and expand and grow this territorial tax system so that Amer- new tax law. A worker who gets an in- economy and create those better pay- ican businesses are not operating at a creased match in her 401(k) account ing jobs. disadvantage next to their foreign com- will see her retirement savings in- This is a win-win for the American petitors. crease significantly as a result of the people. It is a win-win for our country.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:14 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G11AP6.028 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S2066 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 11, 2018 I hope our colleagues on the other side of Labor cut its budget in part by cut- eral years, a great deal of attention has of the aisle will quit referring to it as ting down its own employees’ collec- been paid to prescription drug addic- ‘‘crumbs’’ because I know the Amer- tive bargaining rights and decreasing tion and to prescription drug ican people don’t see it that way. official time. overdoses. I yield the floor. Then there is his long record cham- My home State of Colorado actually I suggest the absence of a quorum. pioning anti-union policies and arguing has an average that exceeds the na- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The to limit collective bargaining rights. tional average when it comes to pre- clerk will call the roll. At the Federal Labor Relations Au- scription addiction and overdose. We The assistant bill clerk proceeded to thority, Pizzella not only ruled consist- are losing a person in Colorado to drug call the roll. ently against workers and unions, but overdose every 36 hours—far too many Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I ask he repeatedly broke with longstanding people. In our rural communities, it is unanimous consent that the order for policy by calling out the names of indi- not just the wealthy who are immune the quorum call be rescinded. vidual workers in his decisions. He or the poor who are immune or the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without chose to call out defendants by name poor who are affected or the wealthy objection, it is so ordered. and put them in the public spotlight. who are affected. It is everyone— Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I come The pattern of Mr. Pizzella’s anti- wealthy, poor, low- and high-income. to the floor today to oppose in the worker ideology is clearly unchanged The opioid crisis and prescription drug strongest terms the nomination of Pat- today. Throughout his career, Mr. addiction have affected every nook and rick Pizzella as Deputy Secretary of Pizzella’s record has been alarmingly cranny of our communities. Labor. consistent. From his years serving as The attention that has been paid to With this nomination President the right hand to Jack Abramoff until the addiction crisis in this country has Trump is once again breaking his now, he has shown that he is not going resulted in some of the greatest bipar- promise to put workers first. Mr. to fight for workers. He will fight tisan achievements Congress has had Pizzella has a record that is time and against them. over the past several years. The pas- again at odds with the goals of the very It would be irresponsible to put a sage of the 21st Century Cures Act will Department he would help to lead as man with such a strong track record of expedite new treatment methods Deputy Secretary. His track record is anti-worker conviction a tweet away through the FDA and provide research one of not merely failing workers but from leading the Department of Labor. treatment dollars for the opioid crisis of failing to enforce laws to protect the It is unconscionable that someone of and the prescription drug crisis and ad- health and safety of workers, seeking Mr. Pizzella’s background would be the diction. to diminish workers’ rights and protec- No. 2 leader at the Department of It also led to passage of the Com- prehensive Addiction and Recovery tions, and undermining the unions that Labor. It is unacceptable that he could Act, legislation that had great bipar- represent and fight for them. be in line to serve as Acting Secretary tisan support. People on both sides of In fact, his record includes working should Secretary Acosta leave the De- the aisle worked on this legislation to- with convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff partment. on behalf of causes that are counter to I strongly oppose his nomination. I gether to pass a bill to address what is happening to our communities. the mission of the Department of will be voting against him, and I en- Every single one of us has a story Labor. courage our colleagues to do the same. about somebody close to us, near to us, In the 1990s, Congress was moving to Thank you, Mr. President. perhaps a friend or relative—probably expand labor and immigration protec- I yield the floor. both—who has fallen victim to pre- tions to the Northern Marianas Is- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. LEE). scription drug addiction and opioid ad- lands, a U.S. Territory, to end the op- The Senator from Colorado. diction. Of course if you end up with a eration of sweatshops that did not fol- OPIOID CRISIS prescription drug addiction, that one low Federal labor laws. The law at the Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, over pill might be $60 or $80, but you can go time let companies bring in foreign the past couple of weeks Congress and out on the streets and find heroin for workers to toil under inhumane condi- the Senate had its State work period, $10 to $15. Now we see the rise of heroin tions. The workers were underpaid. and during that time we go back to our replacing prescription drugs and you They were forced to sign contracts State and travel, listening to our con- see the cycle. The drug dealers have signing away their rights to protest stituents. I had the incredible oppor- figured out a way to lace cocaine with labor conditions, and some were even tunity to go to Colorado and spend fentanyl so that it becomes a little bit coerced to have abortions. time on the Front Range, on the I–25 more addictive and so people are The companies operating under these Corridor, where the vast majority of hooked on cocaine more than they al- inhumane conditions were able to print the population of Colorado lives, and ready are. the words ‘‘Made in the U.S.A.’’ on also spent some time in Western Colo- You know the dangers of fentanyl, a their products. rado, which most people identify as synthetic drug so powerful that you While Congress was looking to take being where they travel to Colorado, can’t have a dog sniff for it at the Post action to change the law so we could with the ski resorts, mountains, Rocky Office because it would kill the animal. better protect workers, Pizzella was Mountain National Park, and the During these roundtables that were working with Abramoff to coordinate Great Sand Dunes National Park. held in the San Luis Valley about all-expense-paid trips for dozens of Re- I also had a chance to visit some of opioids, I learned a couple of things. In publican lawmakers and staff and seek- the smaller communities in Southern Alamosa, CO, I learned that about 90 ing to maintain the sweatshop status Colorado, including an area known as percent of the jail population in quo. the San Luis Valley, where some of the Alamosa is addicted to drugs. At the Patrick Pizzella chose not to work longest living Colorado families have same roundtable, we talked about the for workers but for corporations. These farms. There are families and busi- challenges that rural communities efforts are not just counter to the mis- nesses. have in treatment. We know that if a sion of the Department of Labor, they The focus of this visit was about how police officer or law enforcement offi- are counter to our national values. we grow the economy in the San Luis cer or paramedic finds somebody who is The rest of Mr. Pizzella’s record Valley, the Eastern Plains, and the overdosed and they are revived with shows that he has taken equally ex- Western Slope—areas that haven’t seen Narcan, yes, you saved their life. You treme positions throughout his career. as much economic growth as, perhaps, brought them back, but what happens Take, for example, his radical record as Denver, Fort Collins, or Colorado after that? They are left to their own the sole employee of the Conservative Springs. devices. Do they return to that abuse? Action Project, a far-right group fund- I also wanted to spend some time get- Do they return to that cycle of over- ed by billionaire donors like the DeVos ting into the community and talking dose? Without treatment, yes, they family, or his record when he last about a couple of the issues they face will. served in the Department of Labor. when it comes to the opioid crisis that We learned in Swedish Medical Cen- Under his leadership, the Department this country faces. Over the past sev- ter Englewood, CO, the Front Range

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:14 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G11AP6.034 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2067 suburb of Denver, that 1 out of every 10 that they had with getting reimburse- communities recover and people stop visitors to the emergency room of peo- ment. I later learned from a phar- dying. ple who are revived by Narcan or some macist that it may simply be a coding I yield the floor. other treatment after an overdose will problem, and if it were coded correctly, I suggest the absence of a quorum. be dead within a year. So 1 out of 10 the reimbursement would occur. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The who come into an emergency room will This is what this provider said. They clerk will call the roll. be dead within a year. were trying to make sure Medicaid The legislative clerk proceeded to We know that there has been great could reimburse for the nasal spray of call the roll. success in finding alternatives to Narcan so that children could admin- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I opioid medication. In fact, Colorado ister it to their parents when they ask unanimous consent that the order emergency rooms and the Colorado overdosed, because it is easier for a for the quorum call be rescinded. Hospital Association, working together young child or a little child to admin- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without with a number of hospitals, developed a ister a nasal spray than to give an in- objection, it is so ordered. program called Alternatives to Opioids, jection. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I or ALTO, which is a program that we Kids are given nasal spray so they ask unanimous consent that notwith- actually introduced legislation on— can revive their parents. If that parent standing the provisions of rule XXII, Senator BOOKER, myself, Senator BEN- goes to the emergency room at Swedish all postcloture time on the Pizzella NET, and others—to try to make sure hospital in Denver, CO, revived by that nomination expire at 9:30 a.m. tomor- that emergency rooms don’t just turn child, 1 in 10 of those parents revived row and the Senate vote on confirma- to opioid medication but find other al- will not come back again because they tion of the Pizzella nomination; fur- ternatives because there are other al- will be dead. ther, that if confirmed, the motion to ternatives. You don’t just have to pre- We have done a lot of work in this reconsider be considered made and laid scribe an opioid-based medication. country, and we have a lot more work upon the table and the President be im- As a result, opioid prescriptions out to do when it comes to opiate addiction mediately notified of the Senate’s ac- of the emergency room have decreased and crisis. We have a lot of work to do tion; finally, that there be 2 minutes of by 36 percent over the 6-month course in this Congress to come together and debate equally divided prior to each of this pilot program in Colorado. find ways to stop this—to break the vote. Those are remarkable results. We in- cycle, to make sure it is easier to pre- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without troduced legislation to mimic the same scribe the drugs that will help instead objection, it is so ordered. thing and to learn best practices at the of create addictions. f Federal level so that hospitals around We have talked to people who said the country can work together, share they have to have 8 hours of training LEGISLATIVE SESSION those best practices, identify what and certification, which makes it im- works, and use them. possible for certain drugs to be admin- We have to reform the Medicaid Pro- istered by a physician in the emer- MORNING BUSINESS gency room because they don’t have gram so there is no incentive for doc- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I time to comply with the paperwork. tors to overprescribe addictive medica- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- They actually would rather prescribe tion. In Alamosa, physicians we talked ate proceed to legislative session for a this drug than the opiate-based drug to are entering into contracts with period of morning business, with Sen- because the opiate-based drug, they their patients. At San Luis Valley ators permitted to speak therein for up know, would create the possibility of Health Regional Medical Center, they to 10 minutes each. are entering into contracts with pa- addiction. Yet this other drug The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tients about the responsibility that wouldn’t. There are more barriers to objection, it is so ordered. goes with taking these powerful, pow- prescribe the drug that wouldn’t cause erful drugs. the harm than the drug that would f We found new ways to make sure cause the harm. So we have a lot of that the pill mills are being discovered work to do. These aren’t Republican FISCAL YEAR 2018 INTELLIGENCE and abandoned. We try to make sure issues or Democratic issues. They are AUTHORIZATION BILL that people can communicate with our families’ issues. They are our Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I am put- each other on how these treatments friends’ issues. They are our commu- ting a hold on the Fiscal Year 2018 In- work. nities’ issues. telligence Authorization Act, as cur- While I was in Colorado, we talked I will end it with this story. One of rently drafted, for two reasons. about the devastation that drugs are the healthcare professionals we talked The bill marked up by the Senate In- having on their small communities. We to told a story of their son who was a telligence Committee included three learned about a group of high schoolers golfer—an athlete, loved to golf. He amendments I offered, one of which re- who are talking to other high schools was injured golfing, so they wanted to quired that the Director of National In- about the dangers of addiction and pre- make sure their son was cared for so he telligence, working with the Depart- scription and drug overdose. They are could recover and go on to a golf career ment of the Treasury, produce a report trying to work with each other to stop or whatever career he had in front of on the threat to the United States the cycle and to make sure that people him. They took their son to the doctor. from Russian money laundering. My who need help find help and hopefully Their son was given Vicodin to address first objection to the current version of will avoid it in the first place. the pain from the injury. At this point the bill is based on a change to that Perhaps, one of the most frightening in the story, the mother started to cry provision which downgrades responsi- things that I heard during this round- because she feels guilty and responsible bility for the report and removes the table—being a parent with three chil- for the very first treatment that led Department of the Treasury. The crit- dren of my own, I often worry about down a path of addiction and the even- ical importance of this issue to our na- what happens to them when they go to tual death of their son. All this mom tional security requires the highest school and what pressures they face. wanted to do was help, and she now level responsibility within the intel- Two of them are young now. Our feels the blame of the powerful drug ligence community. It also requires the daughter is 14, and she will be entering that led to the addiction and death of direct involvement of the Department high school. I worry about the pres- their son. It is not a unique story. That of the Treasury to ensure that all the sures they will face from their peers. I story has been shared far too many Department’s financial intelligence re- worry about them, and I worry about times around the country, and yet here sources, including those that fall out- what happens to our community and to we are once again talking about it. side the intelligence community, are their friends with what is around them. So I encourage my colleagues, let’s brought to bear. But I never thought that I would hear continue the great work we have al- My second objection, as I explained what I heard in the San Luis Valley. ready done. Let’s do more. Let’s work in my minority views to the bill in We were talking about prescriptions together, and let’s make sure we can committee, is that it includes a provi- and reimbursement from Medicaid. One find solutions this country will be sion stating that it is the sense of Con- of the providers brought up a challenge proud of. We will know this when our gress ‘‘that WikiLeaks and the senior

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:29 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G11AP6.036 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S2068 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 11, 2018 leadership of WikiLeaks resemble a efforts to make housing in this country Ms. Sprow transformed the SBDC non-state hostile intelligence service more fair and more just, but just the network’s operational methods to favor often abetted by state actors and beginning. economic outcomes over mere output. should be treated as such a service by We know we have so much work left To do so, she instituted a management the United States.’’’ My concern with to do when it comes to expanding ac- performance system to ensure account- this language does not relate to the ac- cess to affordable, safe, and fair hous- ability for network performance. This tions of WikiLeaks, which, as I have ing in America, and we must remain management tool for evaluating, meas- stressed in the past, was part of a di- committed to protecting and expanding uring, analyzing, and improving SBDC rect attack on our democracy. on the progress made 50 years ago operations also helped objectively de- My concern is that the use of the today by the Fair Housing Act. termine economic impact and cus- novel phrase ‘‘non-state hostile intel- Thank you. tomer satisfaction. ligence service’’’ may have legal, con- f Ms. Sprow established a subsidiary stitutional, and policy implications, TRIBUTE TO RENEE SPROW program to assist firms in obtaining particularly should it be applied to government contracts. In 2008, the pro- journalists inquiring about secrets. Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, today I gram’s clients obtained more than $37 wish to celebrate the contributions of The language in the bill suggesting million in government contracts. In Renee Sprow, who dedicated over 30 that the U.S. Government has some conjunction, she developed industry as- years of service to the Small Business unstated course of action against ‘‘non- sistance programs for high technology, Development Center, SBDC, network. state hostile intelligence services’’’ is retail, construction, and green business Ms. Sprow spent her career promoting equally troubling. opportunities in response to client economic development and the growth The damage done by WikiLeaks to needs. Under Ms. Sprow’s leadership, of small businesses, which means that the United States is clear, but with the Maryland SBDC attained national she spent her career helping countless any new challenge to our country, Con- accreditation in 2000, 2005, and 2009. It people and their families achieve the gress ought not react in a manner that is no surprise that, thanks in part to American dream. could have negative consequences, un- One of many highlights of Ms. Ms. Sprow’s significant contributions, foreseen or not, for our constitutional Sprow’s service to the Federal Govern- the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has principles. The introduction of vague, ment and private industry was her crit- named Maryland the No. 1 State in the undefined new categories of enemies ical role in helping to establish the Na- Nation for entrepreneurship and inno- constitutes such an ill-considered reac- tional Minority Purchasing Council, vation. tion. now known as the National Minority Ms. Sprow received a B.A. in business f Supplier Development Council, which administration from Howard Univer- reports private contracts exceeding $1 sity and a master’s degree in business 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE FAIR administration, specializing in mar- HOUSING ACT billion to minority suppliers. She de- signed and directed small, minority keting, from The George Washington Mr. BOOKER. Mr. President, today I and women-owned subcontracting pro- University. She was the guest of honor wish to recognize the 50th anniversary grams for major Federal and private- at a luncheon last week, while the Sen- of the Fair Housing Act. On this day in sector construction and revitalization ate was in recess, to celebrate her ca- 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson projects, resulting in the award of mul- reer and her retirement, so I wanted to signed into law groundbreaking legisla- timillion dollar subcontracts. take this opportunity to urge my col- tion to protect Americans from hous- Under Ms. Sprow’s leadership as di- leagues to join me in thanking Ms. ing discrimination and uphold the val- rector of the Maryland SBDC, the Sprow for her exemplary service to her ues of fairness and equality under the value of contracts awarded to minority community, to Maryland, and the Na- law. firms who met the U.S. Department of tion and to send our best wishes for a Prior to the passage of the law and Defense’s Socially and Economically happy and fulfilling retirement. its subsequent amendments, it was Disadvantaged Business Utilization f legal for Americans to be denied access qualifications increased by more than to housing based on their race, color, TRIBUTE TO DR. KENNETH A. 200 percent. BERTRAM national origin, religion, gender, dis- Ms. Sprow also participated in the ability, or familial status. African- drafting of Public Law 95–507, which es- Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, I rise American soldiers returning from tablished the legal authority to re- today to celebrate the service and fighting for their country on foreign shape Federal procurement policy for achievements of an esteemed and val- shores would come home to find that contracting with minority and women- ued member of the U.S. Senior Execu- they couldn’t purchase a house in cer- owned firms. As an entrepreneur her- tive Service, Dr. Kenneth A. Bertram, tain neighborhoods because of the color self, Mr. Sprow owned and operated who completes a 32-year career of dis- of their skin. The Fair Housing Act two businesses that generated annual tinguished service to our Nation on was a bold commitment to eradicating revenues exceeding $1 million. June 30, 2018. this kind of discrimination, which still Ms. Sprow’s objective while serving Dr. Bertram has worked tirelessly to continues to this day. as director of the Maryland SBDC was improve the medical readiness of U.S. When my own parents moved to New to contribute to economic development military personnel, and challenged the Jersey, illegal racial real estate steer- within the State by making the net- constraints of a burdensome acquisi- ing efforts nearly kept them from buy- work responsive to the needs of Mary- tion system that discouraged meaning- ing a house in an all-White neighbor- land’s small business community. She ful partnerships between military med- hood. It took a sting operation coordi- deftly managed a $4.3 million annual icine and the commercial sector. His nated by the local Fair Housing Coun- budget and 50 staff members in 22 of- work culminated in the creation of the cil with a White couple posing as my fices located throughout Maryland. Medical Technology Enterprise Consor- parents to break the cycle of segrega- During her tenure, she realigned the tium, a South Carolina-based nonprofit tion in the town in which I would even- SBDC network to target assistance to corporation that connects more than tually grow up. The Fair Housing Act businesses more effectively and effi- 170 private-sector companies, academic empowered my parents and their advo- ciently. In 2009, one of her regions research institutions, and nonprofit or- cates and lawyers to press for their ranked first in region III and second ganizations to the U.S. Army Medical right to fair and quality housing, and nationwide for the annual SBDC of the Research and Materiel Command, fos- it stands today as one of the seminal Year award presented by the Small tering research collaborations to pre- pieces of legislation passed in our Business Administration, SBA. In addi- vent injuries and disease impacting our country’s history. tion, the Washington, DC, and Balti- Nation’s soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Today, as we recognize the 50th anni- more district SBA offices each selected marines, treating those who are versary of the Fair Housing Act, we re- a Maryland SBDC region as the winner wounded in conflict and restoring the member that this landmark civil rights of the 2009 SBDC Excellence and Inno- injured to the maximum achievable law was not meant to be the end of our vation Center Award. quality of life.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:39 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G11AP6.033 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2069 Dr. Bertram’s personal awards in- Bronson was also a passionate advo- gender, economic status, or ethnicity. clude the Meritorious Civilian Service cate for children. He founded the Dane The Langar instills the notion of equal- Medal, the Superior Civilian Service County Project for the Prevention of ity and the brotherhood for all. Every Medal, two awards of the Legion of Child Abuse and became the chairman November, the New Jersey Sikh com- Merit, ‘‘A’’ Proficiency Designator in of the National Campaign for Missing munity expands on this tradition and Hematology/Oncology from the Sur- and Exploited Children. organizes the ‘‘Let’s Share a Meal’’ geon General of the U.S. Army, Order No tribute to Bronson La Follette event that distributes meals to home- of Military Medical Merit, two awards would be complete without a nod to his less shelters in the area. In 2017, 275 of the U.S. Army Meritorious Service wonderful sense of humor. Together Sikh community members prepared, Medal, and two awards of the U.S. with his friend, State treasurer Charles packed, and delivered meals to 84 shel- Army Commendation Medal. Dr. Ber- Smith, he campaigned in a camper, ters over 2 days. This served more than tram’s professionalism, patriotism, and bringing their unique blend of politics 15,000 New Jersey, New York, and sustained selfless commitment to serv- and fun to communities throughout Pennsylvania residents. ice reflect the very best values of our the State. He cherished his reputation New Jersey also recently welcomed Nation’s Senior Executive Service. I as a talented washboard player and three Sikh Americans as new public of- join his family and friends in wishing percussionist. His most remembered ficials. On January 1, 2018, Ravi Bhalla him the best in the years ahead. antics involved his Irish Setter ‘‘Cut- became Hoboken’s 30th mayor and the f ter.’’ When Bronson was cited with al- State’s first Sikh mayor. Bhalla had REMEMBERING BRONSON C. LA lowing Cutter to run at large in Maple previously served two terms on Hobo- FOLLETTE Bluff, he hired Madison attorney and ken’s city council. Although Bhalla ex- prankster Edward Ben Elson to defend Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today perienced periodic hateful attacks dur- the dog. Elson demanded that the dog I wish to honor Bronson C. La Follette, ing his mayoral campaign, voters re- be tried by a jury of his peers: 12 Irish who was born in 1936 in Washington, soundingly rejected such divisive rhet- Setters. In his next campaign, Bronson DC, and passed away March 15, 2018, in oric when they elected him mayor. had buttons featuring Cutter with the Madison, WI. Bronson dedicated his life In addition to electing its first Sikh slogan ‘‘Bronson dog gone it.’’ to the pursuit of justice and was known mayor, New Jersey also elected Balvir A colorful spectrum of words is nec- as the People’s Lawyer. He was a pro- Singh as a member of the Burlington gressive in the tradition of his father, essary to capture the essence of County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Senator Robert M. La Follette, Jr., and Bronson La Follette, some of which making him the first Sikh American to his grandparents Senator Robert M. may seem contradictory. Those words win a countywide election in New Jer- ‘‘Fighting Bob’’ La Follette, Sr., and include progressive, irreverent, bipar- sey. Singh, who served for nearly 2 Belle Case La Follette. tisan, entertaining, passionate, fair, years as a member of the Burlington A true Badger at heart, Bronson outspoken, just, funny, service-minded, Township Board of Education, was earned his bachelor’s and law degrees champion, fun-loving, defender, activ- sworn into office on January 3, 2018. from the University of Wisconsin— ist, committed, blunt, values-driven, New Jersey is also home to the Na- Madison. Following his graduation in but what I will remember most about tion’s first Sikh State attorney gen- 1960, he worked in private practice be- Bronson is how vigorously he embraced eral, Gurbir Grewal. Grewal had pre- fore being appointed Assistant U.S. At- his personality, how sweetly he loved viously served as the Bergen County torney for the Western District of Wis- his family, and how passionately he prosecutor. The State Senate unani- consin by U.S. Attorney General Rob- fought for justice. Wisconsin owes a mously approved his appointment by a ert Kennedy. In 1964, at the age of 28, debt of gratitude to this extraordinary 29–0 vote on January 16. Grewal will en- he was elected as Wisconsin’s attorney man who brought equality and justice force the law in a manner that protects general and served two terms. He was to so many. all New Jersey residents. the youngest state attorney general in f The broad support that these three American history ever elected to the ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS individuals garnered is a testament to office. As attorney general, he was a New Jersey’s culture of inclusion of in- champion for consumer protection and dividuals of all ethnicities and reli- served as chair of President Lyndon RECOGNIZING THE SIKH gious backgrounds. Johnson’s Consumer Advisory Council. COMMUNITY IN NEW JERSEY However, we know that Sikh Ameri- In 1968, Bronson became the Demo- ∑ cratic Party’s nominee for Governor of Mr. BOOKER. Mr. President, today I cans across the country continue to en- Wisconsin, an election he lost to in- wish to recognize the important con- dure discrimination and hateful at- cumbent Governor Warren Knowles. In tributions of the Sikh community in tacks, from school bullying to verbal 1974, Bronson was again elected as at- New Jersey and across the country. assaults to violence. torney general of Wisconsin, vowing to New Jersey is enriched by the diversity I invite my colleagues to join me in make the department of justice live up of its residents who have promoted a recognizing the important contribu- to its name. To Bronson, that meant climate of social tolerance and intel- tions of the Sikh community across taking on an activist role, hiring a lectual pluralism that has sustained the country as it celebrates its New bright young progressive team, and not our State throughout its history. Since Year festival. May we join with Sikh being afraid to tackle new ideas and first immigrating to the United States Americans in rejecting discrimination sensitive subjects head on. Wisconsin- from Punjab, India, over 100 years ago, of any kind and embracing the rich di- ites will recognize some of the attor- the Sikh community has played a crit- versity that makes each of our States neys who made up that bright, young ical role in enhancing and contributing strong and whole.∑ team because two of them have become to New Jersey and our Nation. iconic progressives in their own right. This month, Sikhs in New Jersey and f Ed Garvey and Kathleen Falk spent a across the country will celebrate their portion of their early careers in most significant annual event, REMEMBERING HARRY SHIPLEY, Bronson La Follette’s department of Vaisakhi, the Sikh New Year; pro- JR. justice. viding the Sikh community the time to In 1978, Bronson married the love of remember history, celebrate collec- ∑ Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today his life, Barbara. He was also blessed tively, and recommit to their religious I wish to pay tribute to the life of with a son, a daughter, two grand- traditions. Harry Shipley, Jr., from my hometown children, and two great-randchildren. The New Jersey Sikh community has of Fort Smith, AR. Mr. Shipley was a In 1987, Bronson retired from public demonstrated a strong commitment to husband, father, veteran, businessman, service and joined a prominent law public service. Every Gurdwara, the and community leader. He passed away firm where he continued to advocate Sikh place of worship, has a Langar, a on March 24, 2018, at the age of 96. for criminal justice reform and govern- free community kitchen that serves all Born in 1922 during the Great Depres- ment transparency. visitors regardless of religion, caste, sion, Shipley graduated from Fort

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He attended the providing much-needed relief for fami- knowledge and celebrate the church’s University of Arkansas and served as lies. 200 years as a congregation faithfully student commander of the Army ROTC The success of the last 40 years serving the people of Simpsonville and while earning a degree in business. speaks to the vision of the founders Greenville County.∑ A member of the Greatest Genera- and the dedication of CEI’s employees. f tion, he was a second lieutenant in re- We are lucky to have Coastal Enter- UNVEILING OF THE BISHOPVILLE connaissance and intelligence in the prises, Inc., in our State, and I wish to JAMES DAVISON HERIOT STATUE U.S. Army during World War II. He congratulate them on their 40th anni- ON THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF served in the European Theater and versary. I am looking forward to ARMISTICE DAY was injured in the Battle of Siegfried watching the positive impacts of CEI’s Line. Shipley received the Bronze Star work for years to come.∑ ∑ Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, I would like to recognize the American Legion and Purple Heart for his service to his f country. Post 29 in Bishopville, SC as they cele- After the war, he graduated from the REMEMBERING WILLIAM ‘‘BILL’’ brate the unveiling of the James American Institute of Baking in Chi- VARN Davison Heriot statue in downtown cago, IL, and joined his father at the ∑ Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, today I Bishopville on Sunday, November 11, Shipley Baking Company. He worked would like to take a moment to recog- 2018. James Davison Heriot was a there for 54 years, from 1945 to 1996, nize and honor the life of William South Carolina National Guard soldier along with his brother and sons. He re- ‘‘Bill’’ Varn, a great South Carolinian, who received the Medal of Honor for tired in 1996 as chairman of the board who departed this life on November 18, his actions during World War I. after the company was sold to Flower 2017. Bill was a veteran of the U.S. Post 29 is honoring the Americans Foods. Navy and served in World War II. After who fought in World War I by unveiling Mr. Shipley was also a man of faith the war, Bill joined and eventually this statue on the 100th anniversary of and someone who was involved in his took over Enterprise Bank, originally the end of the American involvement community in a variety of ways. He located in Smoaks, SC. Mr. Varn in the conflict, previously known as was a lifetime member of First United served as CEO from 1951 to 2013, when Armistice Day. I look forward to the Methodist Church and served as an he was named director emeritus last unveiling of the Bishopville Heriot usher and on several committees with- spring. It is believed that he is South statue, as well as all other commemo- in the congregation. rations that will take place on this spe- Carolina’s longest serving banker ever, ∑ I join with many in the Fort Smith and dedicated more than 70 years of his cial 100th anniversary. community to honor Harry Shipley, life to the industry. Today Emeritus f Jr., and the wonderful legacy he leaves Bank is a $333 million institution MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE behind. My thoughts and prayers are spread across six SC counties. At 10:32 a.m., a message from the with his loved ones as they mourn his Mr. Varn will be remembered not passing and celebrate his life.∑ House of Representatives, delivered by only for the great contributions he Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- f made in the financial services industry, nounced that the House has passed the 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF COASTAL but also for his love of his country, following bills, in which it requests the ∑ ENTERPRISES, INC. State, and family. concurrence of the Senate: ∑ Mr. KING. Mr. President, today, I f H.R. 2219. An act to increase the role of the wish to recognize the 40th anniversary financial industry in combating human traf- 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF FAIRVIEW ficking. of Coastal Enterprises, Inc., CEI. BAPTIST CHURCH Headquartered in Brunswick, ME, CEI H.R. 4203. An act to amend title 18, United States Code, with regard to stalking. is a national leader in rural economic ∑ Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, I would like to congratulate and honor Fair- H.R. 4921. An act to require the Surface development, helping to grow busi- Transportation Board to implement certain nesses and support communities view Baptist Church in Spartanburg, recommendations of the Inspector General of through providing financing assistance SC for their 100th anniversary, which the Department of Transportation. and support for environmentally sus- will be celebrated on June 24, 2018. H.R. 4925. An act to require the Adminis- tainable practices to increase pros- Fairview Baptist Church was estab- trator of the Federal Railroad Administra- perity in Maine and across the country. lished in 1918 by a group of residents of tion to implement certain recommendations the Fairview community, known also for management and collection of railroad CEI provides loans and technical as- safety data. sistance to small businesses and com- as the Flatwoods, under direction of The message also announced that munity development stakeholders Rev. C.M. Ellis and nine charter mem- pursuant to section 431(a)(3) of the Con- while simultaneously advancing bers. Starting with only 40 members solidated Appropriations Act of 2017 changes in public policy to promote an 100 years ago, Fairview Baptist has (Public Law 115–31), and the order of environment ripe for economic growth. since grown to include hundreds from Since its founding, CEI has been a the Spartanburg area, while still re- the House of January 3, 2017, the mission-driven organization, striving maining a welcoming and devoted Speaker appoints the following individ- to enable all people, especially those place of worship in the community. uals on the part of the House to the from low-income backgrounds, to reach I acknowledge and celebrate the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commis- their full potential. With a joint focus church’s 100 years as a congregation sion: Ms. Rebecca Kleefisch of on economic growth and environmental faithfully serving the people of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin and Ms. health, CEI has tirelessly worked for 40 Spartanburg.∑ Heather Higgins of New York, New York. years to create a Maine economy that f is sustainable both for our citizens and ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED our land. 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF STANDING At 12:19 p.m., a message from the CEI’s immense impact is undisputed; SPRINGS BAPTIST CHURCH House of Representatives, delivered by since inception, they have financed ∑ Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, I would Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- $1.32 billion dollars’ worth of loans, like to congratulate and honor Stand- nounced that the Speaker has signed helping over 2,700 businesses. These ing Springs Baptist Church in the following enrolled bills: companies often provide the backbone Simpsonville, SC, for their 200th anni- H.R. 3445. An act to enhance the trans- of their communities, in total employ- versary, which will be celebrated on parency and accelerate the impact of pro- ing over 37,000 people. Furthermore, October 18, 2018. As Standing Springs grams under the African Growth and Oppor- tunity Act and the Millennium Challenge CEI has been instrumental in the areas celebrates their bicentennial through- Corporation, and for other purposes. of affordable housing and childcare. out the week and weekend, I thank H.R. 3979. An act to amend the Fish and Through their investments, they have them for their ongoing mission of serv- Wildlife Act of 1956 to reauthorize the volun- created or preserved 2,075 affordable ice and fellowship that I hope will con- teer services, community partnership, and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:35 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G11AP6.030 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2071 refuge education programs of the National nental United States’’ (RIN0579–AE20) re- EC–4789. A communication from the Acting Wildlife Refuge System, and for other pur- ceived in the Office of the President of the Director, Consumer Financial Protection poses. Senate on April 9, 2018; to the Committee on Bureau, transmitting, pursuant to law, a re- The enrolled bills were subsequently Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. port entitled ‘‘Consumer Response Annual EC–4778. A communication from the Alter- signed by the President pro tempore Report’’; to the Committee on Banking, nate Federal Register Liaison Officer, Office Housing, and Urban Affairs. (Mr. HATCH). of the Secretary, Department of Defense, EC–4790. A communication from the Acting f transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of Director, Consumer Financial Protection a rule entitled ‘‘Defense Support of Civilian Bureau, transmitting, pursuant to law, a re- MEASURES REFERRED Law Enforcement Agencies’’ (RIN0790–AK04) port entitled ‘‘Consumer Financial Protec- The following bills were read the first received in the Office of the President of the tion Bureau’s Office of Minority and Women Senate on April 10, 2018; to the Committee on and the second times by unanimous Inclusion Annual Report to Congress’’; to the Armed Services. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban consent, and referred as indicated: EC–4779. A communication from the Alter- Affairs. H.R. 2219. An act to increase the role of the nate Federal Register Liaison Officer, Office EC–4791. A communication from the Assist- financial industry in combating human traf- of the Secretary, Department of Defense, ant Secretary for Export Administration, ficking; to the Committee on Banking, Hous- transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of Bureau of Industry and Security, Depart- ing, and Urban Affairs. a rule entitled ‘‘Defense Support of Civil Au- ment of Commerce, transmitting, pursuant H.R. 4203. An act to amend title 18, United thorities’’ (RIN0790–AK06) received in the Of- to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Imple- States Code, with regard to stalking; to the fice of the President of the Senate on April mentation of the February 2017 Australia Committee on the Judiciary. 10, 2018; to the Committee on Armed Serv- Group (AG) Intersessional Decisions and the H.R. 4921. An act to require the Surface ices. June 2017 AG Plenary Understandings; Addi- Transportation Board to implement certain EC–4780. A communication from the Senior tion of India to the AG’’ (RIN0694–AH37) re- recommendations of the Inspector General of Official performing the duties of the Assist- ceived during adjournment of the Senate in the Department of Transportation; to the ant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and the Office of the President of the Senate on Committee on Commerce, Science, and Reserve Affairs), transmitting, pursuant to April 5, 2018; to the Committee on Banking, Transportation. law, a report on the mobilizations of selected Housing, and Urban Affairs. H.R. 4925. An act to require the Adminis- reserve units, received during adjournment EC–4792. A communication from the Direc- trator of the Federal Railroad Administra- of the Senate in the Office of the President tor of Legislative Affairs, Federal Deposit tion to implement certain recommendations of the Senate on April 5, 2018; to the Com- Insurance Corporation, transmitting, pursu- for management and collection of railroad mittee on Armed Services. ant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘As- EC–4781. A communication from the Sec- safety data; to the Committee on Commerce, sessment Regulations’’ ((12 CFR Part 327) retary of Defense, transmitting a report on Science, and Transportation. (RIN3064–AE40)) received in the Office of the the approved retirement of Lieutenant Gen- President of the Senate on April 9, 2018; to f eral Herbert R. McMaster, Jr., United States the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Army, and his advancement to the grade of Urban Affairs. EXECUTIVE AND OTHER lieutenant general on the retired list; to the EC–4793. A communication from the Direc- COMMUNICATIONS Committee on Armed Services. EC–4782. A communication from the Sec- tor of Legislative Affairs, Federal Deposit The following communications were retary of Defense, transmitting a report on Insurance Corporation, transmitting, pursu- laid before the Senate, together with the approved retirement of Vice Admiral ant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Re- accompanying papers, reports, and doc- Terry J. Benedict, United States Navy, and moval of Transferred OTS Regulations Re- uments, and were referred as indicated: his advancement to the grade of vice admiral garding Minimum Security Procedures on the retired list; to the Committee on Amendments to FDIC Regulations’’ EC–4774. A communication from the Direc- (RIN3064–AE47) received during adjournment tor, Office of Management and Budget, Exec- Armed Services. EC–4783. A communication from the Under of the Senate in the Office of the President utive Office of the President, transmitting, of the Senate on April 6, 2018; to the Com- pursuant to law, a report entitled ‘‘OMB Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readi- ness), transmitting the report of fifteen (15) mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- Final Sequestration Report to the President fairs. and Congress for Fiscal Year 2018’’; to the officers authorized to wear the insignia of the grade of major general or brigadier gen- EC–4794. A communication from the Direc- Special Committee on Aging; Agriculture, tor of Legislative Affairs, Federal Deposit Nutrition, and Forestry; Appropriations; eral in accordance with title 10, United States Code, section 777; to the Committee Insurance Corporation, transmitting, pursu- Armed Services; Banking, Housing, and ant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Re- Urban Affairs; the Budget; Commerce, on Armed Services. EC–4784. A communication from the Assist- moval of Transferred OTS Regulations Re- Science, and Transportation; Energy and ant Secretary of Defense (Legislative Af- garding Consumer Protection in Sales of In- Natural Resources; Environment and Public fairs), transmitting proposed legislation rel- surance’’ (RIN3064–AE49) received during ad- Works; Select Committee on Ethics; Fi- ative to the ‘‘National Defense Authoriza- journment of the Senate in the Office of the nance; Foreign Relations; Health, Education, tion Act for Fiscal Year 2019’’; to the Com- President of the Senate on April 6, 2018; to Labor, and Pensions; Homeland Security and mittee on Armed Services. the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Governmental Affairs; Indian Affairs; Select EC–4785. A communication from the Sec- Urban Affairs. Committee on Intelligence; the Judiciary; retary of the Navy, transmitting, pursuant EC–4795. A communication from the Assist- Rules and Administration; Small Business to law, a report relative to the review of the ant to the Board of Governors of the Federal and Entrepreneurship; and Veterans’ Affairs. post courts-martial actions in the case of the Reserve System, transmitting, pursuant to EC–4775. A communication from the Acting 1944 Port Chicago Explosion; to the Com- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Real Es- Administrator, Rural Housing Service, De- mittee on Armed Services. tate Appraisals’’ (RIN7100–AE81) received partment of Agriculture, transmitting, pur- EC–4786. A communication from the Assist- during adjournment of the Senate in the Of- suant to law, the report of a rule entitled ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- fice of the President of the Senate on April ‘‘Truth in Lending—Real Estate Settlement ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to 6, 2019; to the Committee on Banking, Hous- Procedures’’ ((7 CFR Part 1940) (RIN0575– law, a report relative to United States Citi- ing, and Urban Affairs. AD11)) received during adjournment of the zens Detained by Iran; to the Committees on EC–4796. A communication from the Direc- Senate in the Office of the President of the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Fi- tor, Office of Management and Budget, Exec- Senate on April 5, 2018; to the Committee on nance; and Foreign Relations. utive Office of the President, transmitting, Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. EC–4787. A communication from the Presi- pursuant to law, a report relative to discre- EC–4776. A communication from the Attor- dent of the United States, transmitting, pur- tionary appropriations legislation; to the ney-Advisor, Office of the General Counsel, suant to law, a notice of the continuation of Committee on the Budget. Department of Agriculture, transmitting, the national emergency with respect to So- EC–4797. A communication from the Fed- pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled malia that was declared in Executive Order eral Register Liaison, Office of Natural Re- ‘‘Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjust- 13536 of April 12, 2010; to the Committee on sources Revenue, Department of the Interior, ment for 2018’’ (RIN0510–AA04) received dur- Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of ing adjournment of the Senate in the Office EC–4788. A communication from the Gen- a rule entitled ‘‘Inflation Adjustments to of the President of the Senate on April 5, eral Counsel, Federal Financial Institutions Civil Monetary Penalty Rates for Calendar 2018; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nu- Examination Council, transmitting, pursu- Year 2018’’ (RIN1012–AA23) received in the Of- trition, and Forestry. ant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Col- fice of the President of the Senate on April EC–4777. A communication from the Con- lection and Transmission of Annual AMC 9, 2018; to the Committee on Energy and Nat- gressional Review Coordinator, Animal and Registry Fees’’ ((12 CFR Part 1102) (Docket ural Resources. Plant Health Inspection Service, Department No. AS17–07)) received during adjournment of EC–4798. A communication from the Fed- of Agriculture, transmitting, pursuant to the Senate in the Office of the President of eral Register Liaison, Office of Natural Re- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Importa- the Senate on April 5, 2018; to the Committee sources Revenue, Department of the Interior, tion of Lemons From Chile Into the Conti- on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:35 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A11AP6.007 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S2072 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 11, 2018 a rule entitled ‘‘Repeal of Regulatory the Office of the President of the Senate on the Senate on April 3, 2018; to the Committee Amendment and Restoration of Former Reg- April 6, 2018; to the Committee on Environ- on Finance. ulatory Language Governing Service of Offi- ment and Public Works. EC–4814. A communication from the Chief cial Correspondence’’ (RIN1012–AA22) re- EC–4806. A communication from the Direc- of the Publications and Regulations Branch, ceived in the Office of the President of the tor of the Regulatory Management Division, Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Senate on April 9, 2018; to the Committee on Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Energy and Natural Resources. ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- report of a rule entitled ‘‘National Security EC–4799. A communication from the Direc- titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Air Considerations with Respect to Country-by- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, Quality Implementation Plans; State of Col- Country Reporting’’ (Notice 2018–31) received Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- orado; Revisions to the Transportation Con- during adjournment of the Senate in the Of- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- formity Consultation Process’’ (FRL No. fice of the President of the Senate on April titled ‘‘New Source Performance Standards 9976–02–Region 8) received during adjourn- 3, 2018; to the Committee on Finance. and National Emission Standards for Haz- ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- EC–4815. A communication from the Chief ardous Air Pollutants; Delegation of Author- dent of the Senate on April 6, 2018; to the of the Publications and Regulations Branch, ity to New Mexico’’ (FRL No. 9975–94–Region Committee on Environment and Public Internal Revenue Service, Department of the 6) received during adjournment of the Senate Works. Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the in the Office of the President of the Senate EC–4807. A communication from the Direc- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Guidance Regard- on April 6, 2018; to the Committee on Envi- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, ing the Implementation of New Section ronment and Public Works. Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- 1446(f) for Partnership Interests That Are EC–4800. A communication from the Direc- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Not Publicly Traded’’ (Notice 2018–29) re- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, titled ‘‘Air Quality Designations for the 2010 ceived during adjournment of the Senate in Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Primary National Am- the Office of the President of the Senate on ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- bient Air Quality Standard—Round 3—Sup- April 3, 2018; to the Committee on Finance. titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of State plemental Amendment’’ (FRL No. 9976–40– EC–4816. A communication from the Chief Implementation Plans; Alaska: Regional OAR) received during adjournment of the of the Publications and Regulations Branch, Haze Progress Report’’ (FRL No. 9976–71–Re- Senate in the Office of the President of the Internal Revenue Service, Department of the gion 10) received during adjournment of the Senate on April 6, 2018; to the Committee on Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Senate in the Office of the President of the Environment and Public Works. report of a rule entitled ‘‘Guidance Under Senate on April 6, 2018; to the Committee on EC–4808. A communication from the Direc- Section 1061, Partnership Interests Held in Environment and Public Works. tor of the Regulatory Management Division, Connection with Performance of Services’’ EC–4801. A communication from the Direc- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- (Notice 2018–18) received during adjournment tor of the Regulatory Management Division, ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- of the Senate in the Office of the President Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- titled ‘‘Air Plan Approval; South Carolina; of the Senate on April 3, 2018; to the Com- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Update to Materials Incorporated by Ref- mittee on Finance. titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Air erence’’ (FRL No. 9974–17–Region 4) received EC–4817. A communication from the Chief Quality Implementation Plans; Missouri; Up- during adjournment of the Senate in the Of- of the Publications and Regulations Branch, date to Materials Incorporated by Ref- fice of the President of the Senate on April Internal Revenue Service, Department of the erence’’ (FRL No. 9976–48–Region 7) received 6, 2018; to the Committee on Environment Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the during adjournment of the Senate in the Of- and Public Works. report of a rule entitled ‘‘Age 100 Guidance fice of the President of the Senate on April EC–4809. A communication from the Presi- for 2017 CSO Tables’’ (Rev. Proc. 2018–20) re- 6, 2018; to the Committee on Environment dent of the United States, transmitting, pur- ceived during adjournment of the Senate in and Public Works. suant to law, a report relative to tariffs on the Office of the President of the Senate on EC–4802. A communication from the Direc- aluminum and steel imports; to the Com- April 3, 2018; to the Committee on Finance. tor of the Regulatory Management Division, mittee on Finance. EC–4818. A communication from the Chief Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- EC–4810. A communication from the Assist- of the Border Security Regulations Branch, ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ant General Counsel, General Law, Ethics, Customs and Border Protection, Department titled ‘‘Findings of Failure to Submit State and Regulation, Department of the Treasury, of Homeland Security, transmitting, pursu- Implementation Plan Submissions for the transmitting, pursuant to law, a report rel- ant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Def- 2012 Fine Particulate Matter National Ambi- ative to a vacancy in the position of Com- inition of Importer Security Filing Im- ent Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)’’ (FRL missioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protec- porter’’ (RIN1651–AA98) received in the Office No. 9976–35–OAR) received during adjourn- tion, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, of the President of the Senate on April 10, ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- received during adjournment of the Senate 2018; to the Committee on Finance. dent of the Senate on April 6, 2018; to the in the Office of the President of the Senate EC–4819. A communication from the Chief Committee on Environment and Public on April 5, 2018; to the Committee on Fi- of the Trade and Commercial Regulations Works. nance. Branch, Bureau of Customs and Border Pro- EC–4803. A communication from the Direc- EC–4811. A communication from the Chief tection, Department of Homeland Security, tor of the Regulatory Management Division, of the Publications and Regulations Branch, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Internal Revenue Service, Department of the a rule entitled ‘‘Extension of Port Limits of ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Savannah, GA’’ (CBP Dec. 18–03) received titled ‘‘Approval of Nebraska Air Quality Im- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Initial Guidance during adjournment of the Senate in the Of- plementation Plans, Operating Permits Pro- Under Section 163(j) as Applicable to Taxable fice of the President of the Senate on April gram, and 112(l) Program; Revision to Ne- Years Beginning After December 31, 2017’’ 6, 2018; to the Committee on Finance. braska Administrative Code’’ (FRL No. 9976– (Notice 2018–28) received during adjournment EC–4820. A joint communication from the 52–Region 7) received during adjournment of of the Senate in the Office of the President Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Senate in the Office of the President of of the Senate on April 6, 2018; to the Com- the Attorney General, transmitting, pursu- the Senate on April 6, 2018; to the Committee mittee on Finance. ant to law, an annual report relative to the on Environment and Public Works. EC–4812. A communication from the Chief Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Pro- EC–4804. A communication from the Direc- of the Publications and Regulations Branch, gram for fiscal year 2017; to the Committee tor of the Regulatory Management Division, Internal Revenue Service, Department of the on Finance. Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the EC–4821. A communication from the Assist- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Announcement and ant Legal Adviser for Treaty Affairs, Depart- titled ‘‘Approval of California Air Plan Revi- Report Concerning Advance Pricing Agree- ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to the sions, Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management ments’’ (Notice 2018–08) received during ad- Case-Zablocki Act, 1 U.S.C. 112b, as amended, District’’ (FRL No. 9976–06–Region 9) re- journment of the Senate in the Office of the the report of the texts and background state- ceived during adjournment of the Senate in President of the Senate on April 3, 2018; to ments of international agreements, other the Office of the President of the Senate on the Committee on Finance. than treaties (List 2018–0030 - 2018–0035); to April 6, 2018; to the Committee on Environ- EC–4813. A communication from the Chief the Committee on Foreign Relations. ment and Public Works. of the Publications and Regulations Branch, EC–4822. A communication from the Assist- EC–4805. A communication from the Direc- Internal Revenue Service, Department of the ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Additional Guid- section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act, ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ance Under Section 965; Guidance Under Sec- the certification of a proposed license for the titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Air tions 62, 962, and 6081 in Connection With export of defense articles, including tech- Quality Implementation Plans; State of Wy- Section 965; and Penalty Relief Under Sec- nical data and defense services for the oper- oming; Sheridan PM10 Nonattainment Area tions 6654 and 6655 in Connection with Sec- ation, training, and maintenance of Limited Maintenance Plan and Redesigna- tion 965 and Repeal of Section 958(b) (4)’’ (No- ScanEagle and Integrator Unmanned Aerial tion Request’’ (FRL No. 9975–84–Region 8) re- tice 2018–26) received during adjournment of System for end use by the Royal Saudi Land ceived during adjournment of the Senate in the Senate in the Office of the President of Forces in the amount of $50,000,000 or more

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:35 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A11AP6.011 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2073 (Transmittal No. DDTC 17–134); to the Com- section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act, EC–4840. A communication from the Direc- mittee on Foreign Relations. the certification of a proposed license for the tor of Regulations and Policy Management EC–4823. A communication from the Assist- export of semi-automatic pistols of various Staff, Food and Drug Administration, De- ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- calibers to Canada for commercial resale in partment of Health and Human Services, ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to the amount of $1,000,000 or more (Trans- transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act, mittal No. DDTC 17–145); to the Committee a rule entitled ‘‘Good Guidance Practices; the certification of a proposed license for the on Foreign Relations. Technical Amendment’’ ((21 CFR Part 10) export of fully automatic machine guns, gun EC–4831. A communication from the Assist- (Docket No. FDA–2018–N–1097)) received dur- barrels, spare parts, and accessories to Bah- ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- ing adjournment of the Senate in the Office rain in the amount of $1,000,000 or more ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to of the President of the Senate on April 6, (Transmittal No. DDTC 16–097); to the Com- section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act, 2018; to the Committee on Health, Education, mittee on Foreign Relations. the certification of a proposed license for the Labor, and Pensions. EC–4824. A communication from the Assist- export of bolt action rifles and semi-auto- EC–4841. A communication from the Direc- ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- matic rifles of various calibers to Canada for tor of Regulations and Policy Management ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to commercial resale in the amount of $1,000,000 Staff, Food and Drug Administration, De- section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act, or more (Transmittal No. DDTC 17–131); to partment of Health and Human Services, the certification of a proposed license for the the Committee on Foreign Relations. transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of export of machine guns, spare parts, and ac- EC–4832. A communication from the Regu- a rule entitled ‘‘Revision of Organization; cessories to Saudi Arabia in the amount of lations Coordinator, National Institutes of Technical Amendment’’ ((21 CFR Part 5) $1,000,000 or more (Transmittal No. DDTC 16– Health, Department of Health and Human (Docket No. FDA–2018–N–0011)) received dur- 118); to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Services, transmitting, pursuant to law, the ing adjournment of the Senate in the Office EC–4825. A communication from the Assist- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Privacy Act; Imple- of the President of the Senate on April 6, 2018; to the Committee on Health, Education, ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- mentation’’ (RIN0925–AA63) received during ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to Labor, and Pensions. adjournment of the Senate in the Office of EC–4842. A communication from the Chair- section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act, the President of the Senate on April 3, 2018; man, Federal Communications Commission, the certification of a proposed license for the to the Committee on Health, Education, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Commis- export of defense articles, including tech- Labor, and Pensions. sion’s fiscal year 2017 annual report relative nical data and defense services to Norway to EC–4833. A communication from the Assist- to the Notification and Federal Employee support the integration, installation, oper- ant Secretary for Legislation, Department of Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of ation, training, testing, O–Level mainte- Health and Human Services, transmitting, 2002 (No FEAR Act); to the Committee on nance, and repair of F–135 propulsion sys- pursuant to law, a report entitled ‘‘Applica- Homeland Security and Governmental Af- tems in the amount of $100,000,000 or more tions for Regenerative Medicine Advanced fairs. (Transmittal No. DDTC 17–068); to the Com- Therapies’’; to the Committee on Health, EC–4843. A communication from the Chair- mittee on Foreign Relations. Education, Labor, and Pensions. man, Occupational Safety and Health Review EC–4826. A communication from the Assist- EC–4834. A communication from the Assist- Commission, transmitting, pursuant to law, ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- ant Secretary for Legislation, Department of the Commission’s fiscal year 2017 annual re- ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to Health and Human Services, transmitting, port relative to the Notification and Federal section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act, pursuant to law, a performance report rel- Employee Antidiscrimination and Retalia- the certification of a proposed license for the ative to the Animal Drug User Fee Act for tion Act of 2002 (No FEAR Act); to the Com- export of defense articles, including tech- fiscal year 2017; to the Committee on Health, mittee on Homeland Security and Govern- nical data and defense services to Germany Education, Labor, and Pensions. mental Affairs. and Israel to support the design, develop- EC–4835. A communication from the Assist- EC–4844. A communication from the Ad- ment, and manufacture of magazines, grips, ant Secretary for Legislation, Department of ministrator of the U.S. Small Business Ad- new variations of pistols, and other firearm Health and Human Services, transmitting, ministration, transmitting, pursuant to law, components by Israel (Transmittal No. pursuant to law, a performance report rel- the Administration’s fiscal year 2017 annual DDTC 17–102); to the Committee on Foreign ative to the Animal Drug User Fee Act for report relative to the Notification and Fed- Relations. fiscal year 2017; to the Committee on Health, eral Employee Antidiscrimination and Re- EC–4827. A communication from the Assist- Education, Labor, and Pensions. taliation Act of 2002 (No FEAR Act); to the ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- EC–4836. A communication from the Assist- Committee on Homeland Security and Gov- ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to ant Secretary for Legislation, Department of ernmental Affairs. section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act, Health and Human Services, transmitting, EC–4845. A communication from the Direc- the certification of a proposed license for the pursuant to law, a financial report relative tor, Office of the Secretary, Department of export of defense articles, including tech- to the Animal Drug User Fee Act for fiscal Health and Human Services, transmitting, nical data and defense services to Israel to year 2017; to the Committee on Health, Edu- pursuant to law, the Department’s fiscal support the Missile Firing Unit and Stunner cation, Labor, and Pensions. year 2017 annual report relative to the Noti- Interceptor Subsystems of the David’s Sling EC–4837. A communication from the Assist- fication and Federal Employee Antidiscrimi- Weapon System in the amount of $100,000,000 ant Secretary for Legislation, Department of nation and Retaliation Act of 2002 (No FEAR or more (Transmittal No. DDTC 17–107); to Health and Human Services, transmitting, Act); to the Committee on Homeland Secu- the Committee on Foreign Relations. pursuant to law, a financial report relative rity and Governmental Affairs. EC–4828. A communication from the Assist- to the Animal Generic Drug User Fee Act for EC–4846. A communication from the Spe- ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- fiscal year 2017; to the Committee on Health, cial Counsel, Office of Special Counsel, ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to Education, Labor, and Pensions. transmitting, pursuant to law, the Office’s fiscal year 2017 report relative to the Notifi- section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act, EC–4838. A communication from the Direc- cation and Federal Employee Antidiscrimi- the certification of a proposed license for the tor of Regulations and Policy Management nation and Retaliation Act of 2002 (No FEAR export of defense articles, including tech- Staff, Food and Drug Administration, De- Act); to the Committee on Homeland Secu- nical data and defense services to support partment of Health and Human Services, rity and Governmental Affairs. transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of qualification, modification, test, repair, and EC–4847. A communication from the Direc- integration of components for Tamir Inter- a rule entitled ‘‘Cigarettes, Smokeless To- tor of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Cor- ceptor missiles for end-use by the Ministry bacco, and Covered Tobacco Products; poration, transmitting, pursuant to law, the of Defense for Israel in the amount of Change of Office Name and Address; Tech- Corporation’s fiscal year 2017 annual report $100,000,000 or more (Transmittal No. DDTC nical Amendment’’ ((21 CFR Part 1140) relative to the Notification and Federal Em- 17–120); to the Committee on Foreign Rela- (Docket No. FDA–2018–N–0011)) received dur- ployee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation tions. ing adjournment of the Senate in the Office Act of 2002 (No FEAR Act); to the Committee EC–4829. A communication from the Assist- of the President of the Senate on April 6, on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- 2018; to the Committee on Health, Education, fairs. ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to Labor, and Pensions. EC–4848. A communication from the Chair- section 36(c) and (d) of the Arms Export Con- EC–4839. A communication from the Direc- man of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, trol Act, the certification of a proposed li- tor of Regulations and Policy Management transmitting, pursuant to law, the Commis- cense for the export of defense articles, in- Staff, Food and Drug Administration, De- sion’s fiscal year 2017 annual report relative cluding technical data and defense services partment of Health and Human Services, to the Notification and Federal Employee to Canada and the United Kingdom for the transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of production of Tomahawk Missile Electronic a rule entitled ‘‘Medical Devices; Technical 2002 (No FEAR Act); to the Committee on Assemblies in the amount of $100,000,000 or Amendment’’ ((21 CFR Parts 890, 800, 1020, Homeland Security and Governmental Af- more (Transmittal No. DDTC 17–121); to the and 1040) (Docket No. FDA–2018–N–0011)) re- fairs. Committee on Foreign Relations. ceived during adjournment of the Senate in EC–4849. A communication from the Chief EC–4830. A communication from the Assist- the Office of the President of the Senate on Judge, Superior Court of the District of Co- ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- April 6, 2018; to the Committee on Health, lumbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a re- ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to Education, Labor, and Pensions. port relative to the District of Columbia

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:35 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A11AP6.013 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S2074 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 11, 2018 Family Court Act; to the Committee on law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Draw- mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- Homeland Security and Governmental Af- bridge Operation Regulation Atlantic Intra- tation. fairs. coastal Waterway, Wappoo Creek, Charles- EC–4867. A communication from the Asso- EC–4850. A communication from the Gen- ton, SC’’ ((RIN1625–AA09) (Docket No. USCG– ciate Bureau Chief, Wireline Competition eral Counsel, Privacy and Civil Liberties 2017–0713)) received in the Office of the Presi- Bureau, Federal Communications Commis- Oversight Board, transmitting, pursuant to dent of the Senate on April 9, 2018; to the sion, transmitting, pursuant to law, the re- law, the Board’s fiscal year 2017 annual re- Committee on Commerce, Science, and port of a rule entitled ‘‘Connect America port relative to the Notification and Federal Transportation. Fund; ETC Annual Reports and Certifi- Employee Antidiscrimination and Retalia- EC–4859. A communication from the Attor- cations; Establishing Just and Reasonable tion Act of 2002 (No FEAR Act); to the Com- ney-Advisor, U.S. Coast Guard, Department Rates for Local Exchange Carriers; Devel- mittee on Homeland Security and Govern- of Homeland Security, transmitting, pursu- oping a Unified Intercarrier Compensation mental Affairs. ant to law, the report of a rule entitled Regime’’ ((RIN3060–AK57) (FCC 18–29)) re- EC–4851. A communication from the Direc- ‘‘Safety Zones Delaware River, Philadelphia, ceived during adjournment of the Senate in tor, Congressional Affairs and Public Rela- PA’’ ((RIN1625–AA00) (Docket No. USCG– the Office of the President of the Senate on tions, U.S. Trade and Development Agency, 2018–0090)) received in the Office of the Presi- April 5, 2018; to the Committee on Com- transmitting, pursuant to law, the Agency’s dent of the Senate on April 9, 2018; to the merce, Science, and Transportation. fiscal year 2017 annual report relative to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and EC–4868. A communication from the Dep- Notification and Federal Employee Anti- Transportation. uty Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bu- discrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 EC–4860. A communication from the Attor- reau, Federal Communications Commission, (No FEAR Act); to the Committee on Home- ney-Advisor, U.S. Coast Guard, Department transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of land Security and Governmental Affairs. of Homeland Security, transmitting, pursu- a rule entitled ‘‘Procedures for the Mobility EC–4852. A communication from the Chair- ant to law, the report of a rule entitled Fund Phase II Challenge Process’’ ((WC man of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, ‘‘Safety Zones Delaware River, Philadelphia, Docket No. 10–90 and WT Docket No. 10–208) transmitting, pursuant to law, the Commis- PA’’ ((RIN1625–AA00) (Docket No. USCG– (DA 18–186)) received in the Office of the sion’s fiscal year 2017 annual report relative 2018–0246)) received in the Office of the Presi- President of the Senate on April 9, 2018; to to the Notification and Federal Employee dent of the Senate on April 9, 2018; to the the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. 2002 (No FEAR Act); to the Committee on Transportation. EC–4869. A communication from the Dep- Homeland Security and Governmental Af- EC–4861. A communication from the Attor- uty Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bu- fairs. ney-Advisor, U.S. Coast Guard, Department reau, Federal Communications Commission, EC–4853. A communication from the Dis- of Homeland Security, transmitting, pursu- transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of trict of Columbia Auditor, transmitting, pur- ant to law, the report of a rule entitled a rule entitled ‘‘Amendment of Parts 1, 2, 22, suant to law, a report entitled, ‘‘Stronger ‘‘Safety Zone; Lower Mississippi River, Port 24, 27, 90, and 95 of the Commission’s Rules to Management of the Housing Production Gibson, MS’’ ((RIN1625–AA00) (Docket No. Improve Wireless Coverage Through the Use Trust Fund Could Build More Affordable USCG–2018–0229)) received in the Office of the of Signal Boosters’’ ((WT Docket No. 10–4) Housing’’; to the Committee on Homeland President of the Senate on April 9, 2018; to (FCC 18–35)) received in the Office of the Security and Governmental Affairs. the Committee on Commerce, Science, and President of the Senate on April 9, 2018; to EC–4854. A communication from the Dep- Transportation. the Committee on Commerce, Science, and uty Assistant Administrator of the Office of EC–4862. A communication from the Attor- Transportation. Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement Agen- ney-Advisor, U.S. Coast Guard, Department EC–4870. A communication from the Asso- cy, Department of Justice, transmitting, of Homeland Security, transmitting, pursu- ciate Chief, Wireless Telecommunications pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ant to law, the report of a rule entitled Bureau, Federal Communications Commis- ‘‘Schedules of Controlled Substances: Tem- ‘‘Safety Zone: Pier 39 Fireworks Display, sion, transmitting, pursuant to law, the re- porary Placement of Seven Fentanyl-Related San Francisco, CA’’ ((RIN1625–AA00) (Docket port of a rule entitled ‘‘Accelerating Wire- Substances In Schedule I’’ (Docket No. DEA– No. USCG–2018–0125)) received in the Office of less Broadband Deployment by Removing 475) received during adjournment of the Sen- the President of the Senate on April 9, 2018; Barriers to Infrastructure Investment’’ ((WT ate in the Office of the President of the Sen- to the Committee on Commerce, Science, Docket No. 17–79) (FCC 18–30)) received in the ate on April 6, 2018; to the Committee on the and Transportation. Office of the President of the Senate on April Judiciary. EC–4863. A communication from the Attor- 9, 2018; to the Committee on Commerce, EC–4855. A communication from the Dep- ney-Advisor, U.S. Coast Guard, Department Science, and Transportation. uty Assistant Administrator of the Office of of Homeland Security, transmitting, pursu- EC–4871. A communication from the Chair- Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement Agen- ant to law, the report of a rule entitled man, Federal Maritime Commission, trans- cy, Department of Justice, transmitting, ‘‘Safety Zone; Cape Fear River, NC’’ mitting, pursuant to law, the 56th Annual pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ((RIN1625–AA00) (Docket No. USCG–2017– Report of the activities of the Federal Mari- ‘‘Schedules of Controlled Substances: Tem- 0965)) received in the Office of the President time Commission for fiscal year 2017; to the porary Placement of MAB–CHMINACA In of the Senate on April 9, 2018; to the Com- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act’’ mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- Transportation. (Docket No. DEA–421) received during ad- tation. journment of the Senate in the Office of the EC–4864. A communication from the Attor- f President of the Senate on April 6, 2018; to ney-Advisor, U.S. Coast Guard, Department REPORTS OF COMMITTEES the Committee on the Judiciary. of Homeland Security, transmitting, pursu- EC–4856. A communication from the Dep- ant to law, the report of a rule entitled The following reports of committees uty Assistant Administrator of the Office of ‘‘Safety Zone: Juan Benitez Fireworks Dis- were submitted: Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement Agen- play, San Francisco, CA’’ ((RIN1625–AA00) By Ms. MURKOWSKI, from the Committee cy, Department of Justice, transmitting, (Docket No. USCG–2018–0063)) received in the on Energy and Natural Resources, without pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled Office of the President of the Senate on April amendment: ‘‘Schedules of Controlled Substances: Tem- 9, 2018; to the Committee on Commerce, S. 1160. A bill to include Livingston Coun- porary Placement of Fentanyl-Related Sub- Science, and Transportation. ty, the city of Jonesboro in Union County, stances In Schedule I’’ (Docket No. DEA–476) EC–4865. A communication from the Attor- and the city of Freeport in Stephenson Coun- received during adjournment of the Senate ney-Advisor, U.S. Coast Guard, Department ty, Illinois, to the Lincoln National Heritage in the Office of the President of the Senate of Homeland Security, transmitting, pursu- Area, and for other purposes (Rept. No. 115– on April 6, 2018; to the Committee on the Ju- ant to law, the report of a rule entitled 224). diciary. ‘‘Safety Zone: Vigor Industrial Drydock By Ms. MURKOWSKI, from the Committee EC–4857. A communication from the Dep- Movement, West Duwamish Waterway; Se- on Energy and Natural Resources, with an uty Assistant Administrator of the Office of attle, WA’’ ((RIN1625–AA00) (Docket No. amendment in the nature of a substitute: Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement Agen- USCG–2015–1061)) received in the Office of the S. 1181. A bill to direct the Secretary of the cy, Department of Justice, transmitting, President of the Senate on April 9, 2018; to Interior and Secretary of Agriculture to ex- pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled the Committee on Commerce, Science, and pedite access to certain Federal land under ‘‘Schedules of Controlled Substances: Tem- Transportation. the administrative jurisdiction of each Sec- porary Placement of Cyclopropyl Fentanyl EC–4866. A communication from the Attor- retary for good Samaritan search-and-recov- In Schedule I’’ (Docket No. DEA–474) re- ney-Advisor, U.S. Coast Guard, Department ery missions, and for other purposes (Rept. ceived during adjournment of the Senate in of Homeland Security, transmitting, pursu- No. 115–225). the Office of the President of the Senate on ant to law, the report of a rule entitled By Ms. MURKOWSKI, from the Committee April 6, 2018; to the Committee on the Judici- ‘‘Safety Zone: Recurring Fireworks Display on Energy and Natural Resources, without ary. Within the Fifth Coast Guard District’’ amendment: EC–4858. A communication from the Attor- ((RIN1625–AA00) (Docket No. USCG–2018– S. 1260. A bill to authorize the exchange of ney, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Home- 0182)) received in the Office of the President certain Federal land located in Gulf Islands land Security, transmitting, pursuant to of the Senate on April 9, 2018; to the Com- National Seashore for certain non-Federal

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:35 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A11AP6.016 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2075 land in Jackson County, Mississippi, and for By Mr. CASSIDY (for himself, Mr. KEN- sponsor of S. 1533, a bill to amend title other purposes (Rept. No. 115–226). NEDY, and Mrs. MURRAY): XIX of the Social Security Act to cover S. 1602. A bill to authorize the Secretary of S. 2652. A bill to award a Congressional physician services delivered by the Interior to conduct a study to assess the Gold Medal to Stephen Michael Gleason; to podiatric physicians to ensure access suitability and feasibility of designating cer- the Committee on Banking, Housing, and by Medicaid beneficiaries to appro- tain land as the Finger Lakes National Her- Urban Affairs. itage Area, and for other purposes (Rept. No. By Mr. YOUNG (for himself, Mrs. SHA- priate quality foot and ankle care, to 115–227). HEEN, Ms. COLLINS, and Mr. COONS): amend title XVIII of such Act to mod- By Ms. MURKOWSKI, from the Committee S.J. Res. 58. A joint resolution to require ify the requirements for diabetic shoes on Energy and Natural Resources, with an certifications regarding actions by Saudi to be included under Medicare, and for amendment in the nature of a substitute: Arabia in Yemen, and for other purposes; to other purposes. H.R. 2615. A bill to authorize the exchange the Committee on Foreign Relations. S. 1890 of certain land located in Gulf Islands Na- f At the request of Mr. CARDIN, the tional Seashore, Jackson County, Mis- name of the Senator from New Hamp- sissippi, between the National Park Service SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and for SENATE RESOLUTIONS shire (Mrs. SHAHEEN) was added as a co- other purposes (Rept. No. 115–228). sponsor of S. 1890, a bill to improve the The following concurrent resolutions understanding of, and promote access f and Senate resolutions were read, and to treatment for, chronic kidney dis- INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND referred (or acted upon), as indicated: ease, and for other purposes. JOINT RESOLUTIONS By Mr. MCCONNELL (for himself and S. 1990 Mr. SCHUMER): The following bills and joint resolu- At the request of Mr. TESTER, the S. Res. 457. A resolution to authorize testi- name of the Senator from Wisconsin tions were introduced, read the first mony and representation in Kuwait & Gulf (Ms. BALDWIN) was added as a cospon- and second times by unanimous con- Link Transport Co., et al. v. John Doe, et al. sent, and referred as indicated: (Ct. of Common Pleas, Cumberland County, sor of S. 1990, a bill to amend title 38, By Mr. GRAHAM (for himself, Mr. Pa.); considered and agreed to. United States Code, to increase the COONS, Mr. TILLIS, and Mr. BOOKER): By Mr. BLUMENTHAL (for himself and amounts payable by the Department of S. 2644. A bill to ensure independent inves- Mr. MURPHY): Veterans Affairs for dependency and in- tigations and judicial review of the removal S. Res. 458. A resolution designating April demnity compensation, to modify the of a special counsel, and for other purposes; 11, 2018, as the ‘‘Sesquicentennial of Con- requirements for dependency and in- to the Committee on the Judiciary. necticut’s Navy Installation’’; considered demnity compensation for survivors of By Mrs. ERNST (for herself, Mr. and agreed to. certain veterans rated totally disabled GRASSLEY, and Mr. BLUMENTHAL): By Ms. HARRIS (for herself, Ms. STA- at the time of death, and for other pur- BENOW, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mrs. MURRAY, S. 2645. A bill to establish a demonstration poses. program under which the Drug Enforcement Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Ms. HIRONO, Ms. Administration provides grants to certain WARREN, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. BOOKER, S. 2060 States to enable those States to increase Mr. MERKLEY, Mr. WYDEN, and Mr. At the request of Mr. WYDEN, his participation in drug take-back programs; to BLUMENTHAL): name was added as a cosponsor of S. the Committee on the Judiciary. S. Res. 459. A resolution recognizing 2060, a bill to promote democracy and By Mr. BROWN (for himself and Mrs. ‘‘Black Maternal Health Week’’ to bring na- human rights in Burma, and for other CAPITO): tional attention to the maternal health care purposes. crisis in the Black community and the im- S. 2646. A bill to establish a pilot program S. 2177 administered by the Secretary of Labor, in portance of reducing the rate of maternal At the request of Mr. BROWN, the collaboration with the Secretary of Health mortality and morbidity among Black and Human Services, to award competitive women; to the Committee on Health, Edu- name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. grants to counties (or other equivalent enti- cation, Labor, and Pensions. WYDEN) was added as a cosponsor of S. ties) and Tribal entities to administer com- f 2177, a bill to amend the Fair Labor bined workforce training and drug addiction Standards Act of 1938 to establish a treatment and recovery programs, and for ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS minimum salary threshold for bona other purposes; to the Committee on Health, S. 379 fide executive, administrative, and pro- Education, Labor, and Pensions. At the request of Mr. WHITEHOUSE, fessional employees exempt from Fed- By Mr. BLUMENTHAL (for himself, the name of the Senator from Florida eral overtime compensation require- Mr. WHITEHOUSE, and Mr. MARKEY): ments, and automatically update such S. 2647. A bill to amend the Federal Food, (Mr. RUBIO) was added as a cosponsor of Drug, and Cosmetic Act to strengthen re- S. 379, a bill to amend title II of the So- threshold every 3 years. quirements related to nutrient information cial Security Act to eliminate the five S. 2230 on food labels, and for other purposes; to the month waiting period for disability in- At the request of Mr. CORNYN, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and surance benefits under such title for in- names of the Senator from South Caro- Pensions. dividuals with amyotrophic lateral lina (Mr. SCOTT) and the Senator from By Mr. NELSON: sclerosis. California (Mrs. FEINSTEIN) were added S. 2648. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- S. 533 as cosponsors of S. 2230, a bill to re- enue Code of 1986 to encourage employers to quire the Secretary of Housing and hire individuals working in dying industries At the request of Mr. NELSON, the Urban Development to improve serv- or occupations made obsolete by technology, name of the Senator from New Hamp- ices for survivors of domestic violence, and for other purposes; to the Committee on shire (Ms. HASSAN) was added as a co- dating violence, sexual assault, or Finance. sponsor of S. 533, a bill to modernize stalking. By Mr. WHITEHOUSE: the Undetectable Firearms Act of 1988. S. 2649. A bill to require the Secretary of S. 2260 S. 1086 Energy to establish a natural gas demand re- At the request of Mr. SCHATZ, the sponse pilot program, and for other purposes; At the request of Mr. HATCH, the name of the Senator from Montana to the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- name of the Senator from West Vir- (Mr. TESTER) was added as a cosponsor sources. ginia (Mr. MANCHIN) was added as a co- By Mr. LEE: of S. 2260, a bill to establish and fund sponsor of S. 1086, a bill to amend title an Opioids and STOP Initiative to ex- S. 2650. A bill to amend title 49, United 10, United States Code, to remove the States Code, to add definitions for the terms pand, intensify, and coordinate funda- ‘‘common carrier’’ and ‘‘personal operator’’ , prohibition on eligibility for TRICARE mental, translational, and clinical re- and for other purposes; to the Committee on Reserve Select of members of the re- search of the National Institutes of Commerce, Science, and Transportation. serve components of the Armed Forces Health with respect to opioid abuse, By Mr. BLUMENTHAL (for himself and who are eligible to enroll in a health the understanding of pain, and the dis- Mr. LEE): benefits plan under chapter 89 of title covery and development of safer and S. 2651. A bill to promote competition and 5, United States Code. more effective treatments and preven- help consumers save money by giving them S. 1533 the freedom to choose where they buy pre- tive interventions for pain. scription pet medications, and for other pur- At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the S. 2334 poses; to the Committee on Commerce, name of the Senator from New Hamp- At the request of Mr. HATCH, the Science, and Transportation. shire (Mrs. SHAHEEN) was added as a co- name of the Senator from Louisiana

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RES. 286 of Common Pleas for Cumberland of S. 2334, a bill to amend title 17, At the request of Mr. BOOKER, the County, Pennsylvania, in which de- United States Code, to provide clarity names of the Senator from California fense contracting logistics firms based with respect to, and to modernize, the (Mrs. FEINSTEIN), the Senator from in Kuwait have sued competitor firms licensing system for musical works New Mexico (Mr. UDALL), the Senator for defamation and tortious inter- under section 115 of that title, to en- from Maryland (Mr. VAN HOLLEN), the ference for allegedly sending false sure fairness in the establishment of Senator from Connecticut (Mr. MUR- emails to various U.S. government certain rates and fees under sections PHY), the Senator from Oregon (Mr. agencies harming the plaintiff compa- 114 and 115 of that title, and for other WYDEN) and the Senator from Michigan nies. The complaint asserts that in 2011 purposes. (Mr. PETERS) were added as cosponsors representatives of the defendants com- S. 2387 of S. Res. 286, a resolution supporting municated allegedly harmful allega- At the request of Mrs. CAPITO, the the role of the United States in ensur- tions to a number of government agen- name of the Senator from New Hamp- ing children in the poorest countries cies and officials, including an em- shire (Mrs. SHAHEEN) was added as a co- have access to a quality education ployee in the office of then-Senator sponsor of S. 2387, a bill to provide bet- through the Global Partnership for Mark Kirk. Senator Kirk forwarded the ter care and outcomes for Americans Education. information for investigation by the living with Alzheimer’s disease and re- f Defense and Treasury Departments. The plaintiffs issued a subpoena seek- lated dementias and their caregivers SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS while accelerating progress toward pre- ing deposition testimony from the vention strategies, disease modifying former Senate staffer about his com- treatments, and, ultimately, a cure. SENATE RESOLUTION 457—TO AU- munications with the defendants’ rep- S. 2586 THORIZE TESTIMONY AND REP- resentatives about these allegations. At the request of Mr. CORNYN, the RESENTATION IN KUWAIT & Senator Kirk would like to cooperate name of the Senator from Texas (Mr. GULF LINK TRANSPORT CO., ET by providing relevant and unprivileged CRUZ) was added as a cosponsor of S. AL. V. JOHN DOE, ET AL. (CT. OF staff testimony about these commu- 2586, a bill to amend the Federal Water COMMON PLEAS, CUMBERLAND nications. Pollution Control Act to increase the COUNTY, PA.) Accordingly, consistent with the ability of a State to administer a per- rules of the Senate and Senate prac- Mr. MCCONNELL (for himself and mit program under that Act, and for tice, this resolution would authorize Mr. SCHUMER) submitted the following other purposes. former Senator Kirk’s staffer to testify resolution; which was considered and at a deposition. The resolution would S. 2587 agreed to: At the request of Mr. CORNYN, the also authorize the Senate Legal Coun- S. RES. 457 name of the Senator from Texas (Mr. sel to represent Senator Kirk’s former Whereas, in the case of Kuwait & Gulf Link CRUZ) was added as a cosponsor of S. employee in connection with his testi- Transport Co., et al. v. John Doe, et al., Case mony. 2587, a bill to amend the Endangered No. 2012–1820–CIVIL TERM, pending in the Species Act of 1973 to establish a pro- Court of Common Pleas for Cumberland f gram to allow States to assume certain County, Pennsylvania, deposition testimony SENATE RESOLUTION 458—DESIG- Federal responsibilities under that Act has been subpoenaed from Richard Goldberg, NATING APRIL 11, 2018, AS THE with respect to agency actions applica- a former employee in the office of Senator Mark Kirk, relating to his official respon- ‘‘SESQUICENTENNIAL OF CON- ble to highway projects within the NECTICUT’S NAVY INSTALLA- States, and for other purposes. sibilities; Whereas, by the privileges of the Senate of TION’’ S. 2588 the United States and Rule XI of the Stand- Mr. BLUMENTHAL (for himself and At the request of Mr. CORNYN, the ing Rules of the Senate, no evidence under Mr. MURPHY) submitted the following name of the Senator from Texas (Mr. the control or in the possession of the Senate CRUZ) was added as a cosponsor of S. may, by the judicial or administrative proc- resolution; which was considered and 2588, a bill to amend title 54, United ess, be taken from such control or possession agreed to: States Code, to establish a program to but by permission of the Senate; S. RES. 458 allow States to assume certain Federal Whereas, pursuant to sections 703(a) and Whereas the Navy Installation of Con- 704(a)(2) of the Ethics in Government Act of responsibilities under that title with necticut, regarded as Naval Submarine Base 1978, 2 U.S.C. §§ 288b(a) and 288c(a)(2), the New London, had its beginning as a naval respect to agency actions applicable to Senate may direct its counsel to represent highway projects within the States, yard and storage depot on April 11, 1868; current and former employees of the Senate Whereas the people of Connecticut made and for other purposes. with respect to any subpoena, order, or re- the installation possible when a deed of gift S.J. RES. 57 quest for testimony relating to their official from the State of Connecticut and city of At the request of Mr. MORAN, the responsibilities; and New London was signed, conveyed, and pre- names of the Senator from Idaho (Mr. Whereas, when it appears that evidence sented to Secretary of the Navy Gideon under the control or in the possession of the CRAPO), the Senator from West Vir- Welles; Senate may promote the administration of ginia (Mrs. CAPITO), the Senator from Whereas the Navy Installation of Con- justice, the Senate will take such action as necticut was first used for laying up inactive Arkansas (Mr. COTTON), the Senator will promote the ends of justice consistent ships, then for refueling small naval ships from Kansas (Mr. ROBERTS) and the with the privileges of the Senate: Now, traveling through the waters of New Eng- Senator from Idaho (Mr. RISCH) were therefore, be it land, and ultimately as the first submarine added as cosponsors of S.J. Res. 57, a Resolved, That Richard Goldberg is author- base of the United States Navy; joint resolution providing for congres- ized to testify in the case of Kuwait & Gulf Whereas October 18, 1915, marked the ar- sional disapproval under chapter 8 of Link Transport Co., et al. v. John Doe, et al., rival at the Navy Installation of Connecticut except concerning matters for which a privi- title 5, United States Code, of the rule of the submarines G–1, G–2, and G–4 under lege should be asserted. the care of the tender USS Ozark (Monitor submitted by Bureau of Consumer Fi- SEC. 2. The Senate Legal Counsel is author- nancial Protection relating to ‘‘Indi- No. 7), soon followed by the arrival of sub- ized to represent Richard Goldberg in con- marines E–1, D–1, and D–3 under the care of rect Auto Lending and Compliance nection with the testimony authorized in the tender USS Tonopah (Monitor No. 8), and with the Equal Credit Opportunity section one of this resolution. on November 2, 1915, the arrival of the first Act’’. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, on ship built as a submarine tender, the USS S. RES. 168 behalf of myself and the distinguished Fulton (AS–1); At the request of Mr. CARDIN, the Democratic leader, Mr. SCHUMER, I Whereas, on June 21, 1916, Commander name of the Senator from New Jersey send to the desk a resolution author- Yates Stirling, Jr., assumed the command of the newly designated Naval Submarine Base (Mr. MENENDEZ) was added as a cospon- izing testimony and representation by New London, the New London Submarine sor of S. Res. 168, a resolution sup- the Senate Legal Counsel, and ask for Flotilla, and the Submarine School; porting respect for human rights and its immediate consideration. Whereas the property of Naval Submarine encouraging inclusive governance in Mr. President, this resolution con- Base New London expanded during the Ethiopia. cerns a civil case pending in the Court course of the involvement of the United

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:35 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A11AP6.020 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2077 States in World War I, with Congress approv- history in support of the naval and undersea (2) that the alarmingly high rates of ma- ing more than $1,000,000 for real estate and superiority of the United States; ternal mortality among Black women is un- facilities expansion, which created 81 build- (4) recognizes the indispensable role Naval acceptable; ings to support 1,400 men and 20 submarines Submarine Base New London plays in for- (3) that Congress must work toward ensur- by the end of World War I; tifying the national security of the United ing that the Black community has adequate Whereas the second largest expansion of States at a time when adversaries seek to housing, transportation equity, nutritious Naval Submarine Base New London occurred challenge the United States; and food, clean water, environments free from during World War II when the submarine (5) pledges continued support for the oper- toxins, fair treatment within the criminal force exponentially grew in size, and the in- ation of Naval Submarine Base New London justice system, safety and freedom from vio- stallation enlarged from 112 acres to 497 for years to come. lence, a living wage, and equal economic op- acres to accommodate the thousands of per- f portunity; sonnel that serviced the growing fleet; (4) that in order to improve maternal Whereas the nuclear power age following SENATE RESOLUTION 459—RECOG- health outcomes, Congress must fully sup- World War II ushered technological advance- NIZING ‘‘BLACK MATERNAL port and encourage policies grounded in the ments in submarine development with the HEALTH WEEK’’ TO BRING NA- human rights framework that addresses advent of nuclear powered submarines and TIONAL ATTENTION TO THE MA- Black maternal health inequity; the arrival of the USS Nautilus (SSN–571), TERNAL HEALTH CARE CRISIS (5) that Black women must be active par- the first nuclear powered vessel in the world, IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY AND ticipants in the policy decisions that impact when it was commissioned in 1954 at Naval THE IMPORTANCE OF REDUCING their lives; Submarine Base New London; THE RATE OF MATERNAL MOR- (6) that ‘‘Black Maternal Health Week’’ is Whereas the USS George Washington an opportunity to increase attention of the (SSBN–598), the first nuclear ballistic sub- TALITY AND MORBIDITY AMONG state of Black maternal health in the United marine of the United States Navy, created BLACK WOMEN States, amplify the voices of Black women further changes at Naval Submarine Base Ms. HARRIS (for herself, Ms. STABE- and families, serve as a national platform for New London when it was commissioned there NOW, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mrs. MURRAY, Black-women-led entities and efforts on ma- in 1959; Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Ms. HIRONO, Ms. WAR- ternal health, and enhance community orga- Whereas, in 2018, Naval Submarine Base nizing on Black maternal health; and REN, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. BOOKER, Mr. New London extends along the east side of (7) the significance of April 11 through 17, the Thames River, occupies approximately MERKLEY, Mr. WYDEN, and Mr. 2018, as ‘‘Black Maternal Health Week’’. BLUMENTHAL) submitted the following 687 acres, and houses more than 160 major fa- f cilities and more than 15 nuclear sub- resolution; which was referred to the marines; Committee on Health, Education, AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO Whereas Naval Submarine Base New Lon- Labor, and Pensions: MEET don supports fleet readiness by providing S. RES. 459 Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. President, I quality service and facilities to its fleet, Whereas according to the Centers for Dis- have 14 requests for committees to fighters, and families; ease Control and Prevention, Black mothers Whereas the mission of Naval Submarine meet during today’s session of the Sen- in the United States die at 3 to 4 times the ate. They have the approval of the Ma- Base New London is— rate of White mothers; (1) to homeport and put submarines to sea; Whereas Black women in the United States jority and Minority leaders. and suffer from life-threatening pregnancy com- Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph (2) to support the Submarine Center of Ex- plications twice as often as White women; 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Sen- cellence, which trains submariners to take Whereas United States maternal mortality ate, the following committees are au- submarines to sea; rates are the highest in the developed world thorized to meet during today’s session Whereas nearly every submariner in the and are increasing rapidly; United States Navy will be stationed at of the Senate: Whereas the United States has the highest Naval Submarine Base New London for COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC maternal mortality rate among affluent training, with a potential tour of duty in one WORKS countries because of the disproportionate of the attack submarines homeported at the The Committee on Environment and death rate of Black mothers; installation, or with a pre-commissioning Whereas the premature delivery rate Public Works is authorized to meet unit for a new submarine under construction among Black women is 49 percent higher during the session of the Senate on at General Dynamics Electric Boat Shipyard than the rate among all other women; Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at 10:15 a.m. in Groton, Connecticut; Whereas Black women are twice as likely to conduct a hearing. Whereas Naval Submarine Base New Lon- to suffer from severe maternal morbidity don is home to more than 70 tenant com- COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS than White women; mands and activities including— The Committee on Foreign Relations (1) the Undersea Warfighting Development Whereas high rates of maternal mortality is authorized to meet during the ses- Center; among Black women span across income and education levels, as well as socioeconomic sion of the Senate on Wednesday, April (2) the Submarine Learning Center; 11, 2018, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing (3) the Naval Submarine School; status; (4) the Naval Submarine Medical Research Whereas racial disparities exist across in- on the following nominations: Kirsten Laboratory; and come and education levels; Dawn Madison, of Florida, to be an As- (5) the Naval Undersea Medical Institute; Whereas structural racism, gender oppres- sistant Secretary (International Nar- Whereas Naval Submarine Base New Lon- sion, and social determinants of health in- cotics and Law Enforcement Affairs), don is one of the largest employers in south- equities experienced by Black women in the and Thomas J. Hushek, of Wisconsin, eastern Connecticut and employs more than United States significantly contribute to the to be Ambassador to the Republic of 9,500 active duty, reserve, and civilian per- disproportionately high rates of maternal sonnel; and mortality and morbidity among Black South Sudan, both of the Department Whereas Naval Submarine Base New Lon- women; of State. don will always be regarded as the first sub- Whereas race and racism play an integral COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND marine base of the United States Navy and role in maternal health outcomes, care, and TRANSPORTATION the home of the submarine force: Now, there- policy; The Committee on Commerce, fore, be it Whereas fair distribution of resources, es- Science, and Transportation is author- Resolved, That the Senate— pecially with regard to reproductive health ized to meet during the session of the (1) designates April 11, 2018, as the ‘‘Sesqui- care services and maternal health program- Senate on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at centennial of Connecticut’s Navy Installa- ming, is critical to closing the maternal 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing on the fol- tion’’; health racial disparity gap; and (2) commends the longstanding dedication Whereas an investment must be made in lowing nominations: Patrick Fuchs, of and contribution to the Navy by the people Black women’s maternity care and in poli- Wisconsin, and Michelle A. Schultz, of of Connecticut, both through the initial deed cies that support and promote affordable, Pennsylvania, both to be a Member of of gift that established the Navy Installation comprehensive, and holistic maternal health the Surface Transportation Board, De- of Connecticut, and through their ongoing care that is free from gender and racial dis- partment of Transportation, and Re- commitment to support the mission and peo- crimination: Now, therefore, be it becca Kelly Slaughter, of Maryland, to ple assigned to the installation, presently Now, therefore, be it be a Federal Trade Commissioner. known as Naval Submarine Base New Lon- Resolved, That the Senate recognizes— don; (1) that Black women are experiencing COMMITTEE HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND (3) honors the sailors and submariners who high, disproportionate rates of maternal PENSIONS have trained and served at the Navy Installa- mortality and morbidity in the United The Committee Health, Education, tion of Connecticut throughout its 150-year States; Labor, and Pensions is authorized to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:35 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A11AP6.022 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S2078 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 11, 2018 meet during the session of the Senate SUBCOMMITEE ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE, Whereas, in 2003, Oswaldo Paya´ Sardin˜ as re- on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at 10 a.m. CUSTOMS, AND GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS delivered the petition to the National Assembly to conduct a hearing entitled ‘‘The The Subcommitee on International of People’s Power with an additional 14,000 sig- Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018.’’ Trade, Customs, and Global Competi- natures, establishing the biggest nonviolent tiveness of the Committee on Finance campaign to oppose the Communist Party of COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND Cuba; GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS is authorized to meet during the ses- Whereas, in March 2003, the crackdown on The Committee on Homeland Secu- sion of the Senate on Wednesday, April Cuban dissidents by the Government of Cuba, rity and Governmental Affairs is au- 11, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. to conduct a hear- referred to as the ‘‘Black Spring’’, led to the im- thorized to meet during the session of ing entitled ‘‘Market Access Chal- prisonment of 75 individuals, including 25 mem- the Senate on Wednesday, April 11, lenges in China.’’ bers of the Varela Project and 40 members of the Christian Liberation Movement, and the forma- 2018, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing en- SUBCOMMITEE ON CRIME AND TERRORISM titled, ‘‘FEMA: Prioritizing a Culture tion of the Ladies in White movement by the The Subcommitee on Crime and Ter- wives of the imprisoned activists; of Preparedness.’’ rorism of the Committee on the Judici- Whereas, in 2007, Oswaldo Paya´ Sardin˜ as COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS ary is authorized to meet during the called on the National Assembly of People’s The Committee on Indian Affairs is session of the Senate on Wednesday, Power to grant amnesty to nonviolent political authorized to meet during the session April 11, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. to conduct a prisoners and to allow Cubans to travel freely of the Senate on Wednesday, April 11, hearing entitled ‘‘Defeating Fentanyl: without a government permit; Whereas, in 2009, Oswaldo Paya´ Sardin˜ as de- 2018, at 2:30 p.m. to conduct a hearing Addressing the Deadliest Drugs Fuel- entitled ‘‘The President’s FY2019 budg- veloped a Call for the National Dialogue; ing the Opioid Crisis.’’ Whereas petitions and calls by Oswaldo Paya´ et Request for Indian Programs’’. f Sardin˜ as to the National Assembly of People’s COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS Power were repeatedly dismissed and disparaged The Committee on Indian Affairs is RECOGNIZING THE 5TH ANNIVER- by the Government of Cuba; authorized to meet during the session SARY OF THE DEATH OF Whereas Oswaldo Paya´ Sardin˜ as, his family, of the Senate on Wednesday, April 11, OSWALDO PAYA SARDINAS and friends endured years of harassment and intimidation for the peaceful political activism 2018, at 2:30 p.m. to conduct a hearing Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I on S. 1250 and S. 2515. of Oswaldo Paya´ Sardin˜ as; ask unanimous consent that the Sen- Whereas Oswaldo Paya´ Sardin˜ as has been COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY ate proceed to the immediate consider- formally recognized in the past for his dedica- The Committee on the Judiciary is ation of Calendar No. 357, S. Res. 224. tion to the promotion of human rights and de- authorized to meet during the session The PRESIDING OFFICER. The mocracy, including by receiving the Homo of the Senate on Wednesday, April 11, clerk will report the resolution by Homini Award in 1999, the Sakharov Prize for 2018, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing on title. Freedom of Thought in 2002, the W. Averell the following nominations: Mark Jer- The legislative clerk read as follows: Harriman Democracy Award from the United emy Bennett, of Hawaii, to be United States National Democratic Institute for Inter- A resolution (S. Res. 224) recognizing the States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Cir- national Affairs in 2003, and being nominated 5th anniversary of the death of Oswaldo ´ cuit, Nancy E. Brasel, and Eric C. for the Nobel Peace Prize by Valclav Havel, the Paya Sardinas, and commemorating his leg- former President of the Czech Republic, in 2005; Tostrud, both to be a United States acy and commitment to democratic values Whereas, on July 22, 2012, Oswaldo Paya´ District Judge for the District of Min- and principles. Sardin˜ as and Harold Cepero, a fellow pro-de- nesota, Robert R. Summerhays, to be There being no objection, the Senate mocracy activist, died in a troubling car crash United States District Judge for the proceeded to consider the resolution, in Granma Province, Cuba, after being followed Western District of Louisiana, and which had been reported from the Com- by government agents; Whereas the Government of Cuba has failed to Wendy Vitter, to be United States Dis- mittee on Foreign Relations, with an trict Judge for the Eastern District of conduct a credible investigation into the car amendment and an amendment to the ´ Louisiana. crash that led to the death of Oswaldo Paya preamble and an amendment to the Sardin˜ as; COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS title. Whereas the trial and conviction of Angel The Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (Strike all after the resolving clause Carromero, a youth leader of the People’s Party is authorized to meet during the ses- and insert the part printed in italic.) who was visiting Cuba and driving the car at sion of the Senate on Wednesday, April (Strike the preamble and insert the the time of the crash, did not include testimony 11, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. to conduct a hear- part printed in italic.) from key witnesses, and did not resolve ques- ing on the following nominations: Paul tions about whether another car was involved or Whereas Oswaldo Paya´ Sardin˜ as was born in whether Mr. Carromero was coerced by the Gov- R. Lawrence, of Virginia, to be Under Havana, Cuba, in 1952 and became a nonviolent Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Bene- ernment of Cuba into signing a false statement critic of the communist government as a teen- of guilt; fits, and Joseph L. Falvey, Jr., of ager, resulting in 3 years of imprisonment in Whereas, in 2012, the United States Senate Michigan, to be a Judge of the United 1969 at a work camp in Cuba, formerly known unanimously passed Senate Resolution 525, States Court of Appeals for Veterans as ‘‘Isla de Pinos’’; 112th Congress, agreed to July 31, 2012, hon- Claims. Whereas, in 1988, Oswaldo Paya´ Sardin˜ as oring the life and legacy of Oswaldo Paya´ founded the Christian Liberation Movement SUBCOMMITEE ON EMERGING THREATS AND Sardin˜ as; that called for peaceful civil disobedience CAPABILITIES Whereas, in 2013, a number of United States The Subcommitee on Emerging against the rule of the Communist Party of Senators and the United States Department of Cuba and advocated for civil liberties; Threats and Capabilities of the Com- State called for an impartial, third-party inves- Whereas, in 1992 and 1997, attempts by tigation by the Inter-American Commission on mittee on Armed Services is authorized Oswaldo Paya´ Sardin˜ as to run as a candidate Human Rights of the Organization of American to meet during the session of the Sen- for the National Assembly of People’s Power States into the circumstances surrounding the ate on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at 10 were rejected by Cuban authorities; death of Oswaldo Paya´ Sardin˜ as; a.m. to conduct a hearing. Whereas, in 1998, Oswaldo Paya´ Sardin˜ as and Whereas, in 2013, Angel Carromero spoke in SUBCOMMITEE ON READINESS AND MANAGEMENT other leaders of the Christian Liberation Move- detail during an interview with the Washington SUPPORT ment established the Varela Project in order to Post about being hit by another car during the The Subcommitee on Readiness and circulate a legal proposal to advocate for demo- crash, being mistreated and coerced by Cuban cratic political reforms within Cuba, including Management Support of the Com- authorities following the crash, and being made the establishment of freedom of association, the ‘‘scapegoat’’ by the Government of Cuba for mittee on Armed Services is authorized freedom of speech, freedom of the press, free the death of Oswaldo Paya´ Sardin˜ as; to meet during the session of the Sen- elections, freedom to start private businesses, Whereas the dissidents of the ‘‘Black Spring’’ ate on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at 2:30 and amnesty for political prisoners; have been released from prison, but the Govern- p.m. to conduct a hearing. Whereas, in 2002, the Varela Project delivered ment of Cuba continues to suppress, assault, SUBCOMMITEE ON STRATEGIC FORCES a petition to the National Assembly of People’s and detain those peacefully expressing political The Subcommitee on Strategic Power with 11,020 signatures from Cuban citi- beliefs contrary to or critical of the regime; and Forces of the Committee on Armed zens calling for a referendum on safeguarding Whereas the 2016 Human Rights Report on basic freedoms, an end to one-party rule, and Cuba by the United States Department of State Services is authorized to meet during citing Article 88 of the Constitution of Cuba that cited ongoing human rights abuses by the Gov- the session of the Senate on Wednes- allows Cuban citizens to propose laws if the pro- ernment of Cuba, namely ‘‘the abridgement of day, April 11, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. to con- posal is made by at least 10,000 Cuban citizens the ability of citizens to choose their govern- duct a hearing. who are eligible to vote; ment; the use of government threats, physical

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:35 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A11AP6.024 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2079 assault, intimidation, and violent government- (Ct. of Common Pleas, Cumberland County, put themselves in harm’s way for us organized counter protests against peaceful dis- Pa.) every single day. They risk their own sent; and harassment and detentions to prevent There being no objection, the Senate safety to care for others. They wake up free expression and peaceful assembly.’’: Now, proceeded to consider the resolution. every day, put on their uniforms, and therefore, be it Resolved, Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous carry out their duties with an unwaver- That the Senate— consent that the resolution be agreed, ing commitment to their communities (1) recognizes and commemorates the legacy of the preamble be agreed to, and the mo- and a pledge to protect those around Oswaldo Paya´ Sardin˜ as on the 6th anniversary tions to reconsider be considered made them. of his death on July 22, 2018; and laid upon the table with no inter- This morning, we had our weekly (2) honors the commitment of Oswaldo Paya´ vening action or debate. Buckeye Coffee. We had people from all Sardin˜ as to democratic values and principles; The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without over Ohio there. Sure enough, a bunch (3) calls on the Government of Cuba to allow of first responders showed up. It was an impartial, third-party investigation into the objection, it is so ordered. circumstances surrounding the death of The resolution (S. Res. 457) was the EMS chiefs association, and we had Oswaldo Paya´ Sardin˜ as; agreed to. an opportunity to talk with them (4) urges the United States to continue to sup- The preamble was agreed to. about what they are doing every day. port policies and programs that promote respect (The resolution, with its preamble, is Of course, EMS help with regard to for human rights and democratic principles in printed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Sub- traffic accidents, gunshot wounds, and Cuba in a manner that is consistent with the as- mitted Resolutions.’’) so on. But one of the new challenges pirations of the Cuban people; they face that is taking an enormous f (5) urges the Inter-American Commission on amount of their time and effort is the Human Rights of the Organization of American States to continue reporting on human rights SESQUICENTENNIAL OF CONNECTI- opioid crisis. I would bet if you go to issues in Cuba, and to request a visit to Cuba in CUT’S NAVY INSTALLATION your firehouse and ask them, the first order to investigate the circumstances sur- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I responders in our communities are re- rounding the death of Oswaldo Paya´ Sardin˜ as; ask unanimous consent that the Sen- sponding more to overdose runs than and ate proceed to the immediate consider- they are to fires. This is one example of (6) calls on the Government of Cuba to cease where they are on the frontlines deal- violating human rights and to begin providing ation of S. Res. 458, submitted earlier today. ing with this issue and are applying democratic political freedoms to Cuban citizens, Narcan, the miracle drug that reverses including freedom of association, freedom of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The speech, freedom of the press, free elections, free- clerk will report the resolution by the effects of an overdose to save lives. dom to start private businesses, and amnesty for title. We appreciate them, and the service political prisoners. The legislative clerk read as follows: and commitment of these first respond- ers is needed now more than ever. I Mr. MCCONNELL. I further ask A resolution (S. Res. 458) designating April unanimous consent that the com- 11, 2018, as the ‘‘Sesquicentennial of Con- urge all Ohioans this week to dem- mittee-reported amendment to the res- necticut’s Navy Installation.’’ onstrate their thanks to first respond- ers. If you live in a community that is olution be agreed to, the resolution, as There being no objection, the Senate having an event, which a number are, I amended, be agreed to, the committee- proceeded to consider the resolution. hope you will attend the event. If not, reported amendment to the preamble Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I if you cross paths with a first re- be agreed to, the preamble, as amend- ask unanimous consent that the reso- sponder, thank him, thank her, and tell ed, be agreed to, the committee-re- lution be agreed to, the preamble be them we appreciate what they are ported amendment to the title be agreed to, and the motions to recon- doing. agreed to, and the motions to consider sider be considered made and laid upon I know I speak for the entire Buck- be considered made and laid upon the the table with no intervening action or eye State when I say that we are grate- table with no intervening action or de- debate. ful for the work our first responders do bate. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without every single day, and they will con- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. tinue, as the theme says this year, to objection, it is so ordered. The resolution (S. Res. 458) was bring help and hope to all of us. We The committee-reported amendment agreed to. thank them. in the nature of a substitute was The preamble was agreed to. agreed to. (The resolution, with its preamble, is f The resolution (S. Res. 224), as printed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Sub- STOP ENABLING SEX amended, was agreed to. mitted Resolutions.’’) TRAFFICKERS ACT The committee-reported amendment Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Mr. PORTMAN. On another topic, to the preamble in the nature of a sub- suggest the absence of a quorum. Mr. President, today is a big day in the stitute was agreed to. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The fight against sex trafficking. The preamble, as amended, was clerk will call the roll. I just got back a couple of hours ago agreed to. The legislative clerk proceeded to from a meeting at the White House The committee-reported title amend- call the roll. where the President of the United ment was agreed to, as follows: Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, I ask States signed legislation that we have Amend the title so as to read: ‘‘A resolu- unanimous consent that the order for been working on for several years to be tion recognizing the 6th anniversary of the the quorum call be rescinded. able to push back against the sex traf- death of Oswaldo Paya´ Sardin˜ as, and com- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. memorating his legacy and commitment to ficking that is occurring online. It was TILLIS). Without objection, it is so or- democratic values and principles.’’. very emotional. We had a lot of sur- dered. f vivors, victims of sex trafficking, who f were there. AUTHORIZING TESTIMONY AND One of them was standing next to the REPRESENTATION OHIO FIRST RESPONDER President. When he signed the bill, he APPRECIATION WEEK Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I asked whether she wanted to say any- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, I wish thing. Fighting back tears, Yvonne ate proceed to the consideration of S. to talk tonight about the brave Ohio- Ambrose said: I want to tell you about Res. 457, submitted earlier today. ans who dedicate themselves every day my daughter. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The to protecting all of the rest of us; that She told the President about her 16- clerk will report the resolution by is, our first responders. This week is year-old daughter who was trafficked title. Ohio First Responders Week, a week of on backpage.com, a website that has The legislative clerk read as follows: appreciation, the theme being ‘‘Bring- most of the commercial sex traffic, and A resolution (S. Res. 457) to authorize tes- ing Help, Bringing Hope.’’ Well said. how she got a call on Christmas Eve a timony and representation in Kuwait & Gulf Police officers, firefighters, EMS pro- couple of years ago. Her daughter had Link Transport Co., et al. v. John Doe, et al. fessionals, and other first responders been murdered. As she said, no mother

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:29 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A11AP6.034 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S2080 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 11, 2018 should ever have to accept or take that information. They fought us at the dis- report. You can find it online. call. trict level. They lost there. Then they ‘‘Backpage’’ is the search, and look on She talked about how her daughter fought us at the circuit level. We Portman.senate.gov. Go to got dragged into this issue of traf- fought and won there. Then they Portman.senate.gov, and you will see ficking and said that she hopes the leg- fought us at the Supreme Court of the this report, if you are interested in it. islation we passed will be able to save United States. We had to take it all the The summaries will help. What it says, other daughters, other granddaughters, way to the Supreme Court. basically, is that they are trafficking other Americans who otherwise would Then, yes, they did provide us with these individuals, and they know they become part of the sex trafficking trag- about a million documents. They still are doing it. Yet they are immune. edy we have seen unfold in our coun- refused to testify. They took the Fifth. Once we determined that was our try. But they did provide us with the docu- issue, we determined it was time for us This legislation came out of experi- ments because they had to under the to figure out legislation to actually ences we have all had when we go back threat of penalty of law. Through those change our Federal law that was per- home. We talk to victims and sur- documents, we found out something mitting it. The culmination of that vivors, and we have learned over the shocking, which was that not only were was today when the President of the past several years that trafficking is they selling women and girls online United States signed that into law. actually on the increase in this coun- and making a lot of money doing it, For a couple of years, we had quite a try, in this century. People think: but they were purposely selling under- legislative struggle because there were Well, trafficking is going on, but it age girls and trying to hide the fact a lot of individuals who said: Well, you happens in Africa or it happens in Asia that they were doing it. Think about can’t touch these internet companies or it happens in Latin America. It hap- that. They were not only selling girls because of this law. pens here. It probably happens in your and women online, but they were tak- The law was passed 21 years ago, at community. Unfortunately, it happens ing ads for underage girls, knowing the infancy of the internet. It was well- in my State of Ohio way too fre- they were underage and running the intentioned, but I do not believe that quently. ads anyway. any Member of this body intended, Through our investigation and stud- In fact, they would go to the people when they passed that law, to say that ies of this, increasingly, we heard who were trying to place the ads and you should be able to traffic people on- about online trafficking. Survivors say: You know what, you need to line knowingly and not pay some con- have told me: ROB, this has moved from change this word. You can’t use the sequence for it, not be accountable for the street corner to the smartphone. word ‘‘schoolgirl’’ because this indi- it. Groups, including the National Cen- cates the girl is underage. You can’t We made a very narrow carve-out for ter for Missing and Exploited Children, use the word ‘‘cheerleader’’ because trafficking of individuals online. We showed that from 2005 to 2015 there was that shows that she is underage. You made sure that it was consistent with an 800-percent increase in reports of can’t use the word ‘‘Lolita,’’ which is a the Federal criminal law that was al- trafficking. All of the experts agree novel about a young girl being traf- ready in place if you were to do it off- that there is an increase in trafficking, ficked and an older man. line. We ensured that there was a Good and all agree that most of this is at- You can’t use the description of the Samaritan provision so that if a tributable directly to one thing—the girl and put her age in there if she is website was in good faith trying to movement to the ruthless efficiency of underage, but they want your ad any- clean up its site and edit its site and online selling of women and children. way. They edited the ads, so they were get this information off of it, they One website in particular kept com- complicit in this. would not be liable. That Good Samari- ing up—backpage.com, which I men- You would think a prosecutor would tan or safe harbor provision was in our tioned earlier. So we launched an in- be able to go after these people, right? legislation. We proceeded to get it vestigation over a 2-year period in the They are engaged in illegal activity on- passed. Permanent Subcommittee on Inves- line. If that activity were happening We had a lot of pushback, particu- tigations, which I chair. We decided to offline, on the street corner in your larly from the tech community—not dig deep and find out what was going community, it would be illegal. When everybody in the tech community but on, why it was happening, and what the the prosecutors went after these people certain people who believe strongly nature of this was. What we found was online and when the victims of traf- that this legislation was somehow a shocking. ficking, like the woman I talked about threat to internet freedom. I do not be- Senator CLAIRE MCCASKILL of Mis- earlier whose 16-year-old daughter was lieve that to this day. I believe it is souri is the ranking member of the murdered while she was being traf- targeted, it is responsible, and it cer- committee. She and I did this inves- ficked on backpage—when they went tainly is an issue on which you would tigation, together with our committee, after backpage in that case, they were think everybody would agree. and we issued the report together. It unsuccessful. Why? Because they said: Just because you are online does not was bipartisan from the start. I would Yes, Desiree died. Yes, Desiree would mean you are not accountable and re- say it was even nonpartisan, and it is have a lawsuit here, as well as other sponsible for selling people online— to this day. women and families who came to tes- again, in the context of more and more The investigation involved asking tify before us. Kubiiki Pride is one, and trafficking in this country. As you backpage.com for a lot of information her daughter was there today. But look into it, you determine that is be- that they were unwilling to give. We there is a Federal law that says: We, cause of this online presence, the ruth- had to subpoena them, and they still the courts, can’t even take up this case less efficiency of the online selling of refused to provide the information. We because the Federal law provides an women and children. had to come to this Chamber, to the immunity, a shield, to these websites. We were able to bring it to the floor U.S. Senate, and get a vote of the en- Unbelievable. for a vote after a committee process. tire Senate—the first time in 21 years We had a court in Sacramento last We went through the Permanent Sub- we had to do this—to be able to enforce year actually tell Congress, basically: committee on Investigations. We went these subpoenas. Every Member of this Please change this law. They said: We through the Commerce Committee. At body got engaged and involved in this, can’t stop this exploitation—this al- the end of the day, we got a vote in and by the end of the process, we had a leged exploitation of women and girls. this Chamber of 97 to 2. That rarely unanimous vote from the Senate to We can’t stop it because Congress has happens around here—rarely, if ever. say: Yes, you should be able to force passed a law that protects these Again, today, finally, the President people to provide relevant information websites. No one can go after them. signed the bill. to the committees that are doing over- The more we learned, the more we It looks like it was easier to do at sight, like ours. dug, the more we found out what was the end. I will tell you, a couple of We got permission to enforce it, really going on, we determined that years ago, we were told: This will never which meant potential criminal sanc- our report, which you can see here— happen. You can’t make this happen. tions, and they still wouldn’t give us and I encourage you to check out this You can’t beat us. We have a lot of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:35 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G11AP6.043 S11APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2081 power. We have a lot lobbyists. We Justice Department had not made events, where there tend to be an in- have a lot of abilities to stop you in these indictments. It was great that crease in trafficking. What she does is the committee. they did it. It is also about time, in my she goes to the hotels and asks them to Yet, through persuasion and, frankly, view. Now we have this tool to allow put a bar of soap in the bathroom. On through the personal testimony of vic- other prosecutors to be more aggres- that bar of soap, she has listed the na- tims and survivors who were willing to sive, to do what should have been done tional hotline for sex trafficking. A girl come forward and courageously share years ago—to save the lives of so many can call that number and have someone their stories, we were able to prevail. girls, women, and boys whose lives come rescue her, and she can escape Today, it was a victory—not for this have been taken off track because of from her trafficker. body, not for the legislative process, the trauma associated with this. We That simple act of making these bars but it was a victory for those victims also now have the opportunity for the of soap and getting hotels to place and those survivors. victims themselves to file lawsuits. them in these bathrooms has been re- One mom told me today: This means This is already having a chilling ef- markably effective. Think about it. my granddaughter won’t have to worry fect. In other words, it is already tak- These girls or women may have no about this issue. It means that when ing down these websites that don’t other time where they have privacy, my kid goes to the mall, I don’t have want to be sued. They know our legis- where they don’t have the trafficker to worry as much about what might lation—although very narrowly craft- with them, where they are not feeling happen, who might try to take her into ed—applies to them because they are under duress. When they have their pri- this web of trafficking. knowingly involved in, supporting, as- vate moment in the bathroom, they see My hope is that this legislation will sisting sex trafficking. the number. Many of them have called be able to curb the online trafficking I think this is a victory for the vic- that number and have been able to es- in a significant way. We are already tims, the survivors, and, maybe most cape this life and get back to a produc- seeing the results of that. I was told importantly, the potential future vic- tive life, with treatment, with support, today, in fact, that websites that traf- tims. It is also an opportunity for us to with the kind of longer term recovery ficked people online are shutting down celebrate something that this Chamber that is needed to get through the trau- all over America because they don’t accomplished in a bipartisan way, ma, to get through, in many cases, the want to be sued, because they are los- going through the right process, doing drug addiction. Drugs are involved in ing their immunity. It is not affecting the research, coming up with the facts, this, as you can imagine, as a way to the freedom of the internet, but it is narrowly crafting legislation that make these women, girls, and boys de- affecting those evil websites that were works, which doesn’t have a negative pendent. In fact, in Ohio, unfortu- engaged in criminal activity and hid- impact, but in fact, it helps to change nately, that is a common practice, is ing behind section 230 of the Commu- behavior. We are already seeing it. that drugs are involved. nications Decency Act. I am told that My hope is that we will do more of Theresa Flores has done something as many as 80 percent of those traf- that around here. We have many other incredible. She has channeled her frus- ficking websites have shut down just in issues to address. Earlier, we talked tration and all of the trauma she went the last several days because they about the opioid crisis. Congress passed through into something very construc- don’t want to be subject to these law- some good legislation, but we need to tive. She was there today, and her com- suits. do more. ment to me was that, by this act, by We also had something else that was We have an issue with getting people passing this law, we are going to save very interesting happen this week. The back to work who are in the shadows of lives, and we are going to enable future Department of Justice went after our economy, some of whom have a fel- generations to not go down the tragic backpage.com. They actually indicted ony record, some of whom are addicted and dark road she had to go down. That seven individuals. If you look at the in- to opioids, some of whom don’t have should make us feel good in this Cham- dictment, which I have here—you can the skills to engage in a modern econ- ber. It should make us feel good for find this by going on the Justice De- omy. That is a huge challenge. To me, those whose lives can be helped partment website, I am sure; it is in it is unbelievable that we have so many through this and for those victims to the district court in Arizona—you will people who are in our country but not at least have the opportunity to have see that they named seven individuals. in our labor force. Our labor force par- their day in court, to be able to seek These are the same seven individuals ticipation rate, as economists call it, is justice. we named in our report. They also used as low as it has ever been for men in I thank the President of the United the information from our report about the history of our country. There are States for signing the legislation the fact that backpage was changing probably 9 million men between 25 and today. I thank Ivanka Trump in par- ads, editing ads. In other words, they 55 who are able-bodied and not working ticular for her support on the legisla- were knowingly allowing ads about un- today. That is wrong. tion all along the way. I hope this leg- derage girls to be run because they There are many issues we need to ad- islation will be a model for others to wanted the profits. That is exactly dress. If we can do those studies in the come. what is talked about in this indict- same way and come up with sensible I yield back my time. ment. solutions based on research, based on The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- The work of the Permanent Sub- good practices, keep it not just bipar- ator from Georgia. committee on Investigations was very tisan but nonpartisan, and say: Let’s f important because it enabled us to pro- get the politics out of this, and let’s vide to the Justice Department infor- try to figure out how to help people— ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, APRIL mation they used for these indict- which is our job around here; that is 12, 2018 ments. We provided that information 10 what we were elected to do—maybe we Mr. PERDUE. Mr. President, I ask months ago, and the indictments came can make progress in a number of dif- unanimous consent that when the Sen- out in the last several days. ferent areas. ate completes its business today, it ad- My hope is that now, because this Today, at the signing ceremony for journ until 9:15 a.m., Thursday, April law passed, we will see a lot more pros- this legislation, the SESTA legislation, 12; further, that following the prayer ecutions because we have now allowed I had the opportunity to see a friend of and pledge, the morning hour be State prosecutors and attorneys gen- mine, Theresa Flores, who runs a group deemed expired, the Journal of pro- eral around the country and local pros- called Save Our Adolescents From ceedings be approved to date, the time ecutors, district attorneys, and county Prostitution, S.O.A.P. the reason she for the two leaders be reserved for their prosecutors—who are the ones who ul- uses the acronym S.O.A.P. is that The- use later in the day, and morning busi- timately are going to be much more ef- resa, who is a survivor—she was traf- ness be closed. Finally, I ask that fol- fective and more able to go after this ficked years ago and now has a passion lowing leader remarks, the Senate pro- kind of activity—to do so. for this issue. She calls her organiza- ceed to executive session and resume Backpage has been in existence for 14 tion S.O.A.P. because she goes to major consideration of the Pizzella nomina- years. Until this week, the Federal events around the country, sporting tion under the previous order.

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HONORING MR. JARED KING Combat Action Ribbon, two Navy and Marine ship changed hands ten years ago, from Les Corps Commendation Medals, three Navy and Mayfield to Jared Mayfield, Stanley was made HON. ROD BLUM Marine Corps Achievement Medals, two Presi- the store manager because of his increasing OF IOWA dential Unit Citations, a Meritorious Unit Com- dedication to the customers. mendation Medal, the Navy E Ribbon, six Stanley’s aim is to make sure that all cus- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Navy Good Conduct Medals, a National De- tomers feel important and that they can get Wednesday, April 11, 2018 fense Medal, an Afghanistan Campaign everything they need in one place, from gaso- Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Medal, a Sea Service Deployment Medal, a line and propane, snacks and drinks, and sim- honor a remarkable young man, Jared John Navy Rifle Expert Medal and a Navy Pistol Ex- ple automotive essentials, to pizza and even King who attained the Eagle Scout Award. Be- pert Medal. hunting and fishing supplies. coming an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in I count it an immense honor to celebrate Stanley is a husband and a father, and the Boy Scouts, has only been accomplished this true American patriot upon his retirement strives to instill hard work in the lives of his by approximately four percent of all Boy from the United States Naval Special Warfare children. His advice to those who want a ca- Scouts. The process requires earning at least Development Group—SEAL Team Six. The reer in business management is to stay in 21 merit badges which takes years to fulfill. people of Leslie County and all of Kentucky school, read more, and always ask questions At the age of 15 and a freshman in high are incredibly proud of our hometown hero, if you don’t know something. school, Mr. King should be proud of his ac- Richard Paul Melton. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Stanley Davis for his desire to complishment. Receiving his Eagle Scout rank f demonstrates that he is a strong, dedicated, make a difference in his community. and proven leader. With this accomplishment, HUGH BRITTENHAM f it is my hope he will continue to serve as a HONORING THE LIVES AND SERV- role model for younger boy scouts. Thank you HON. FRANCIS ROONEY ICE OF ELWOOD, INDIANA FIRE- to Mr. King for making a positive impact in OF FLORIDA FIGHTERS KYLE HIBST AND northeast Iowa. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DAVID WITTKAMPER f Wednesday, April 11, 2018 TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF U.S. NAVY Mr. FRANCIS ROONEY of Florida. Mr. HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS OF INDIANA SEAL RICHARD PAUL MELTON Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hugh IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Brittenham, a fine young man from Estero HON. HAROLD ROGERS High School. At the FSU relays, Hugh was Wednesday, April 11, 2018 OF KENTUCKY able to both break his already national record Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, it is IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES setting 800-meter event time, and snag an- with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor other national record for the 1,600-meter the lives of two outstanding public servants, Wednesday, April 11, 2018 event. Madison County volunteer firefighters Kyle Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I I congratulate Hugh for his exceptional com- Hibst and David Wittkamper who lost their rise today to pay tribute to an American hero mitment to the Estero running program. I also lives in a plane crash on April 2, 2018. Kyle and one of Eastern Kentucky’s bravest sons, extend my congratulations to Hugh’s family, and David both were active members in their U.S. Navy SEAL Richard Paul Melton, in cele- Estero running coaches Mike Bumpus, Ben community and served as volunteer firefighters bration of his retirement from a valiant 20-year Pignatone, Leigh Williamson, Brian Olitsky and with the Pipe Creek Township. military career. the late former athletic director Jeff Sommer, The Pipe Creek Township Volunteer Fire As a member of the nation’s elite Seal who made the Estero running program into Department was established in 1960 and is lo- Team Six, Paul Melton has served as one of what it is today. cated in Elwood, Indiana. The department is the United States’ highly trained experts in f all-volunteer and provides fire and rescue pro- warfare, special reconnaissance, counterter- tection to more than 4,000 residents of Pipe rorism and national defense. Our Navy SEALs HONORING STANLEY DAVIS Creek Township. As volunteer firefighters, are the most highly esteemed warriors around Kyle and David donated their time to provide the world, known for their unmatched success HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON emergency services for Pipe Creek Township. in covert special operations by sea, air and OF MISSISSIPPI Being a volunteer firefighter is not for the faint land, displaying incredible dedication to our IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of heart. Those who answer the call of duty country with every mission and unmatched are motivated by a sense of pride in their Wednesday, April 11, 2018 willpower in enemy territory. community. The dedication and service of vol- Our nation owes this Navy SEAL and his Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- unteer firefighters across Indiana is essential family a great debt of gratitude for their com- er, I rise today to honor a talented and driven to the safety of our communities. bined sacrifice during his brave service over man Mr. Stanley Davis. Mr. Davis has shown A life-long Hoosier, Kyle graduated from the last two decades. He has served five tours what can be done through tenacity, dedication Elwood Community High School in 2005 and in Afghanistan, as well as tours in the Arabian and a desire to serve his community while began a career in public service in 2011, Peninsula, the Horn of Africa and the greater having a successful career. when he joined the Pipe Creek Township Vol- Middle East. While we may never know the Stanley was born and raised in the Brick- unteer Fire Department. In addition to his work gravity of his classified missions and the immi- yard Hill community in Yazoo City, along with at the fire department, Kyle was the owner of nent danger he faced in areas infiltrated with his mother and eight siblings. He attended Anytime Fitness in Elwood and also an area some of the world’s most brutal terrorists, let school in Yazoo City at Main Street Elemen- field manager for U-Haul. Kyle and his wife us never fail to applaud and recognize his un- tary, and Yazoo City Junior High, before grad- Kimberley, were married for four years. Kyle dying determination to defend our freedom uating from Yazoo City High School in 1986. was a beloved husband and a devoted father and protect our allied nations. Stanley Davis, the manager at 49 Exxon who enjoyed spending time outdoors with his Senior Chief Petty Officer Paul Melton is Fuelmart on Jerry Clower Boulevard in Yazoo son, Grayson, and watching Notre Dame Foot- decorated with some of the highest honors be- City, is known for making every customer feel ball. In addition to his wife and son, Kyle is stowed upon any member of the U.S. Armed important. Over the years, the name of the survived by his parents; Frederick and Re- Forces, including: five Bronze Star Medals convenience store changed. It is still com- becca Hibst; his two sisters, Kirsten Hibst and with Combat V, a Purple Heart, a Joint Serv- monly referred to as Mayfield’s or Texaco by Kacie Johns, and many other loving family ice Commendation Medal with Combat V, a many Yazoo residents. When the store owner- members.

∑ 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 03:27 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K11AP8.001 E11APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with REMARKS E430 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 11, 2018 Raised in a family of public servants, David tle Return to Flight activities following the loss CONGRESS OF FUTURE MEDICAL followed the legacy of his father and grand- of Space Shuttle Columbia and her crew in LEADERS father by becoming a firefighter in the same 2003; deputy director of the Marshall Space department where they had both served. Flight Center from 2007 to 2009, and director HON. KEN BUCK David graduated from Indiana Christian Acad- of the Marshall Space Flight Center from 2009 OF COLORADO emy, in Anderson, and joined the Pipe Creek to 2012. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Township Volunteer Fire Department in May 2007, serving selflessly for 11 years. David In 2012, Mr. Lightfoot, became associate Wednesday, April 11, 2018 was even training to become an EMT to ex- administrator of NASA, the highest ranking Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to rec- pand his role within his community. When civil servant position in the agency. ognize 13 high school students who were cho- David wasn’t volunteering, he worked as a Mr. Speaker, on January 20, 2017, following sen by the National Academy of Future Physi- fork lift operator at Red Gold in Elwood. David the departure of NASA Administrator Charles cians and Medical Scientists to represent the State of Colorado as Delegates at the Con- and his wife Autumn were married for 5 years; Bolden at the end of the Obama Administra- she was his soulmate. In addition to his wife, gress of Future Medical Leaders. These stu- tion, Mr. Lightfoot became the Acting Adminis- David is survived by his parents, Melvin and dents are Madeline Brummet, Joslyn Burnett, Darlene Wittkamper; sister, Megan (husband trator of NASA. Dalton Duncan, Bergen Evans, Devyn Chad) Welsh; brother, Devin Wittkamper, and Since the date he assumed the Acting Ad- Kincade, Jack Lewis, Caitlyn Lutters, Owen many other loving family members. ministrator role, Mr. Lightfoot has led NASA Richardson, Giovanna Rubio, Dallas Snow, Kyle and David will be forever missed by through the transition to the current Adminis- Kimberlee Sukle, Aleigh Trimble, and Jordan their families as well as their colleagues and tration, through the Fiscal Year 2018 and Fis- Wieck. friends in Elwood and at the Pipe Creek cal Year 2019 budget submissions, through The Congress is an honors-only program for Township Volunteer Fire Department. The Congressional budget hearings, and through top students in our country who aspire to be physicians or medical scientists. These stu- people of Indiana’s Fifth Congressional District the reestablishment of the National Space are grateful for Kyle’s and David’s service to dents are nominated by their teachers or the Council and NASA’s participation therein. our Hoosier community and it is my privilege Academy based on their leadership ability, to honor them today. On behalf of all Hoo- Perhaps, most importantly, Mr. Lightfoot has academic achievement, and dedication. This siers, I would like to recognize Kyle and David provided steadfast leadership of NASA’s pro- program is designed to inspire young people for their impact and service to our community. grams, including the development of the to go into medical research fields or be physi- I extend my deepest condolences to Kyle and Space Launch System and Orion crew vehi- cians, and provides a path, plan, and men- David’s families, the Pipe Creek Township cle, the commercial crew program that will re- toring resources to help them reach their goal. Volunteer Fire Department, their friends, and establish U.S. human spaceflight capability to During the Congress, the students will have their fellow volunteer firefighters who mourn low-Earth orbit, the development of the James the chance to learn from leaders in the med- their loss. My thoughts and prayers are with Webb Space Telescope and Mars 2020 flag- ical field as well as government officials, top them. medical school deans, leaders from the private ship science projects, the commencement of f sector, and even Nobel laureates. the aeronautics x-plane project, and the con- These students’ acceptance to this pres- PERSONAL EXPLANATION tinued advancements in space technologies tigious program is an incredible feat, and it is that will enable future NASA missions. my honor to rise today and recognize the out- HON. LUIS V. GUTIE´RREZ The nation is fortunate to have had such a standing accomplishment of this future leader. OF ILLINOIS committed, experienced, and technically- Our nation greatly benefits from the achieve- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES knowledgeable leader at the helm of NASA for ments of physicians and medical scientists, and it is important that we continue to inspire Wednesday, April 11, 2018 what has become the longest Acting Adminis- trator period in the agency’s history. younger generations to pursue careers in the Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ. Mr. Speaker, I was un- medical field. avoidably absent in the House chamber for Mr. Speaker, it is not surprising that Robert Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 4th Congres- Roll Call votes on Tuesday, April 10, 2018. Lightfoot has received numerous prestigious sional District of Colorado, I extend my con- Had I been present, I would have voted Yea awards and accolades for his service to gratulations to these students and wish them on Roll Call votes 130 and 131, and voted NASA, engineering, and civil space, including the best in their future endeavors. Nay on Roll Call vote 132. the Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished f f Executives, the highest honor for Federal gov- SERGEANT GONZALEZ RETIREMENT OF ROBERT M. ernment work. However, like the NASA work- LIGHTFOOT, JR. ACTING ADMIN- force he leads, Mr. Lightfoot never forgets that HON. FRANCIS ROONEY ISTRATOR, NASA he is part of a team. OF FLORIDA In an interview with NASA Tech Briefs in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May, 2010, Mr. Lightfoot said, ‘‘Spaceflight is HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON Wednesday, April 11, 2018 OF TEXAS very much a team sport, and being part of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES these teams, whether it was running engine Mr. FRANCIS ROONEY of Florida. Mr. tests, whether it was return to flight, whether Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Wednesday, April 11, 2018 Sammy Gonzalez. A Lee County Sheriff’s Of- it’s working through problems associated with Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. fice deputy since 2007, he has made an in- anything we’re working on, if I can do that, Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the career of credible commitment to run from their head- an outstanding civil servant who has dedicated that’s what an engineer does. But you rarely quarters in Fort Myers to the Fallen Officer his professional life to furthering our nation’s do it by yourself. I have been very fortunate to Memorial in Tallahassee, Florida. goals in space exploration at the National Aer- be part of some tremendous teams, and the This effort, a run of approximately 400 onautics and Space Administration. higher up I’ve moved, there are still teams miles, is being made on behalf of family mem- Robert M. Lightfoot, Jr., Acting Administrator there . . . they’re just different.’’ bers left behind following the on-duty death of of NASA will retire on April 20, 2018 after 29 For his excellence in engineering contribu- a law enforcement officer. Sergeant Gonzalez years of service at NASA. tions to NASA, for his 29 years of dedication is raising funds and awareness for Concerns Mr. Lightfoot’s NASA career, which began in of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), a not-for-profit to furthering the nation’s goals in civil space, 1989 as a test engineer and program manager organization that assists the families of fallen and for his outstanding leadership of NASA for the space shuttle engine technology officers. C.O.P.S. pays for counseling, sum- testbed program at the Marshall Space Flight through an extended period as Acting Admin- mer camp, and other programs for family Center in Huntsville, Alabama, is marked by istrator, I extend my deepest thanks and ap- members of officers killed in the line of duty. numerous leadership roles, including as: as- preciation, and send my best wishes to Robert This nine-day run, which the Sergeant refers sistant associate administrator for the Space M. Lightfoot, Jr. as he retires from Federal to as the ‘‘Run for the Fallen,’’ will require Shuttle Program at NASA Headquarters from government service and embarks on the next Gonzalez to cover approximately 45 miles 2003 to 2005 where he worked on space shut- chapter of his life. each day. The venture, in its entirety, equates

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:27 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A11AP8.002 E11APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with REMARKS April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E431 to the completion of over 15 consecutive mar- and traditional lectures, he is able to engage trial and farm accidents, shootings, and nat- athons. Good luck and Godspeed. and interact with students effectively. As a ural disasters. The most common preventable f Google Certified Educator, he also incor- cause of these deaths is a victim losing too porates Google Classroom, Socrative, and much blood in the mere minutes before HONORING RONALD LOUTHERBACK Kaboot technology into his lessons. These trained responders arrive. Just like CPR train- education tools create other avenues for stu- ing, being able to recognize and care for a HON. DANA ROHRABACHER dents to learn skills that will positively impact traumatic injury can prevent victims from OF CALIFORNIA their future career choices. In this age of so- bleeding out. I was among the 126,000 that IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cial media, Jordan also utilizes live debates on were trained last year on how to Stop the Wednesday, April 11, 2018 Twitter to engage students during events like Bleed and I hope to inspire others to join me the State of the Union. in supporting this program. Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, Corona In addition to his successful career in the I urge my colleagues to join me and rise in Del Mar resident Ronald Loutherback passed classroom, Jordan serves on the district’s pro- support of National Stop the Bleed day and on April 5, 2018 from heart failure. Ron was fessional development team and on the Amer- help to end the loss of life from uncontrolled a deeply religious person, a kind and outgoing ican Government curriculum committee. He bleeding by getting trained to Stop the Bleed. man who was an American patriot to the core also mentors student teachers and serves as f and actively supported conservative events. an instructional coach, giving future teachers PERSONAL EXPLANATION He leaves his wife Therese Loutherback, chil- the opportunity to learn from someone who is dren Lonnie and Debra, three grandchildren motivated, passionate, and driven. Lastly, Jor- and three great-grandchildren. Ron is best dan serves the community even further as a HON. GWEN MOORE known for being the founder and president of member of the Missouri Council for Social OF WISCONSIN THE WINE CLUB, premium discount wine re- Studies and the St. Louis Teacher Academy. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tail stores that earned the honor by Southern Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in recog- Wednesday, April 11, 2018 Wine and Spirits magazine as being the best nizing Mr. Jordan McGaughey on this great Ms. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, on April 10, I premier wine shops in the United States. His honor. missed Roll Call votes No. 130 and 131. Had shops were located in Santa Ana, San Fran- f I been present, I would have voted YEA on cisco, and Santa Clara since 1985, and were Roll Call 130 related to the End Banking for sold in 2000. Ron had belonged to the Sunny RECOGNIZING THE NORTHEAST IN- Human Traffickers Act of 2018, and YEA on Hills Tennis Club, the Newport Beach Tennis DIANA BASE COMMUNITY COUN- Roll Call 131 relating to the Combat Online Club, and the Santa Ana Country Club. He CIL Predators Act. lived life to the fullest and was loved by all. He will be truly missed. HON. JIM BANKS f f OF INDIANA HONORING THE 2017 FELLOWS OF IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF IN- HONORING MR. JORDAN VENTORS MCGAUGHEY ON RECEIVING THE Wednesday, April 11, 2018 MILKEN EDUCATOR AWARD Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise HON. STENY H. HOYER today to recognize the Northeast Indiana Base OF MARYLAND HON. BLAINE LUETKEMEYER Community Council and its annual Race for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF MISSOURI the Warrior. Across eleven counties in north- Wednesday, April 11, 2018 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES east Indiana, the NIBCC is working with over Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Wednesday, April 11, 2018 30 community groups, making my district one of America’s most engaged regions when it honor the 155 inventors who will soon be in- Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise comes to supporting our military. ducted as the 2017 Fellows of the National today to honor Mr. Jordan McGaughey on re- The Race for the Warrior is the hallmark for Academy of Inventors (NAI). To be named as ceiving the Milken Educator Award. the NIBCC. In its fourth year, proceeds from Fellows, these men and women were nomi- This award was established in 1987 by the the event raise funds for the NIBCC Military nated by their peers and underwent the scru- Milken Family Foundation to attract, retain, Support Fund. This fund provides one-time tiny of the NAI Selection Committee, having and motivate the finest teaching talent to con- grants to local military members for emer- had their innovations deemed as making a tinue the good work of molding young minds. gency relief, as well as other military and vet- significant impact on quality of life, economic The Milken Educator Award has been hailed erans support programs. development, and welfare of society. Their in- as the ‘‘Oscars of Teaching’’ and provides I am proud of the work the NIBCC does on duction ceremony here in the nation’s capital public recognition and financial rewards to behalf of our active duty servicemembers, vet- will feature a keynote address by U.S. Com- those who have the honor of receiving the erans, and their families in my district. missioner for Patents, Andrew Hirshfeld. award. f Collectively, this elite group holds nearly Jordan earned his bachelor’s degree in His- 6,000 patents. The individuals making up this tory in 2007 and his master’s in Education in IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL year’s class of Fellows include individuals from 2008 from Truman State University. He now STOP THE BLEED DAY 124 research universities and non-prof it re- teaches American government classes at search institutes spanning the United States Seckman High School in Imperial, Missouri HON. EARL L. ‘‘BUDDY’’ CARTER and the world. The group of Fellows, now 912 where he has shown outstanding commitment OF GEORGIA in total, is composed of more than 100 presi- to his students, fellow educators, and the com- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dents and senior leaders of research univer- munity. His classes stress the importance of sities and non-prof it research institutes, 439 valuing diversity, debating hot topics, and Wednesday, April 11, 2018 members of the National Academies of using critical thinking to formulate a personal Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, the Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; twenty- opinion. Students have the opportunity to be- ability to recognize and effectively assist life- eight inductees of the National Inventors Hall come more involved in the legislative process threatening bleeding in someone can save a of Fame, fifty-two recipients of the U.S. Na- when they write their legislators, and in one life. On March 31, 2018, the country came to- tional Medal of Technology and Innovation particular lesson, they develop, present, dis- gether to recognize National Stop the Bleed and U.S. National Medal of Science; twenty- cuss, and vote on ‘‘new’’ constitutional amend- Day. Stop the Bleed is a program that is of- nine Nobel Laureates; 261 AAAS Fellows; 168 ments. Jordan’s students consistently perform fered by the American College of Surgeons to IEEE Fellows; and 142 Fellows of the Amer- above district and state averages and many teach people how to become an immediate re- ican Academy of Arts & Sciences, among have gone on to careers in government and sponder to victims suffering from uncontrolled other awards and distinctions. The NAI was education. bleeding by using direct pressure, gauze and founded in 2010 to recognize and encourage To foster an enjoyable learning environ- bandages, and tourniquets. inventors with patents issued from the U.S. ment, Jordan uses numerous teaching styles. Each year, more than 180,000 people die Patent and Trademark of fice, enhance the By rotating between cooperative learning ac- from traumatic injuries sustained as a result of visibility of academic technology and innova- tivities, collaborative inquiry-based learning, events including vehicle crashes, falls, indus- tion, encourage the disclosure of intellectual

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:27 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K11AP8.004 E11APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with REMARKS E432 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 11, 2018 property, educate and mentor innovative stu- setts, Lowell; Eric D. Isaacs, The University of Hyongsok T. Soh, Stanford University; Steven dents, and translate the inventions of its mem- Chicago; Subramanian S. Iyer, University of L. Stice, University of Georgia; Steven L. Suib, bers to benefit society. California, Los Angeles; Joseph A. Izatt, Duke University of Connecticut; Russell H. Taylor, All Americans are greatly indebted to University; William R. Jacobs Jr., Albert Ein- Johns Hopkins University; Jeffrey A. Toretsky, innovators such as these for contributions to stein College of Medicine; Rakesh K. Jain, Georgetown University; Rocky S. Tuan, Uni- our country and the world through their work. Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard versity of Pittsburgh and The Chinese Univer- I commend these individuals, as well as the University; Stephen Albert Johnston, Arizona sity of Hong Kong; Robert Vince, University of organizations and taxpayers that make their State University; Ranu Jung, Florida Inter- Minnesota; Andrew J. Viterbi, University of work possible, for all they do to revolutionize national University; Brian L. Justus, U.S. Naval Southern California; Tuan Vo-Dinh, Duke Uni- the world in which we live. I hope attention Research Laboratory; Alexander V. Kabanov, versity; Scott A. Waldman, Thomas Jefferson brought to this round of inductions will encour- The University of North Carolina at Chapel University; Thomas A. Waldmann, National age future generations to strive to meet this Hill; Aravinda Kar, University of Central Flor- Cancer Institute; Peter Walter, University of high honor and continue the spirit of discovery ida; Kazunori Kataoka, The University of California, San Francisco; Fei Wang, Univer- and innovation. Tokyo; Howard E. Katz, Johns Hopkins Uni- sity of Tennessee, Knoxville; Scott C. Weaver, The 2017 NAI Fellows include: versity; Arie E. Kaufman, Stony Brook Univer- The University of Texas Medical Branch; Samuel I. Achilefu, Washington University in sity, SUNY; Donald B. Keck, University of Thomas J. Webster, Northeastern University; St. Louis; Dereje Agonafer, The University of South Florida; Jeffery W. Kelly, The Scripps Chin-Long Wey, National Chiao Tung Univer- Texas at Arlington; Mark G. Allen, University Research Institute; David V. Kerns Jr., Olin sity; Lorne Whitehead, The University of Brit- of Pennsylvania; James P. Allison, The Uni- College of Engineering; Robert S. Keynton, ish Columbia; Cheryl L. Willman, The Univer- versity of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; University of Louisville; Dennis K. Killinger, sity of New Mexico; Alan N. Willson, Jr., Uni- Hiroshi Amano, Nagoya University; Richard R. University of South Florida; Kwang J. Kim, versity of California, Los Angeles; Teresa K. Anderson, Massachusetts General Hospital; University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Wayne H. Woodruff, Northwestern University; Amy E. Leif Andersson, Texas A&M University and Knox, University of Rochester; Philip T. Wright, Florida Atlantic University; Eli Uppsala University; J. Roger P. Angel, The Kortum, Rice University; Philip T. Krein, Uni- Yablonovitch, University of California, Berke- University of Arizona; Diran Apelian, Worces- versity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; John ley; Paul Yager, University of Washington; ter Polytechnic Institute; Plamen B. Atanassov, J. La Scala, U.S. Army Research Laboratory; Jackie Y. Ying, Institute of Bioengineering and The University of New Mexico; Craig H. Ben- Jonathan J. Langberg, Emory University; Sang Nanotechnology; Bin Yu, SUNY Polytechnic son, University of Virginia; Cory J. Berkland, Yup Lee, Korea Advanced Institute of Science Institute; Mona E. Zaghloul, The George The University of Kansas; Vijayakumar and Technology; Fred C. Lee, Virginia Tech; Washington University; Zeev Zalevsky, Bar- Bhagavatula, Carnegie Mellon University; Eric C. Leuthardt, Washington University in St. Ilan University; Lynn Zechiedrich, Baylor Col- David J. Bishop, Boston University; Donald L. Louis; Nathan S. Lewis, California Institute of lege of Medicine. Bitzer, North Carolina State University; Randy Technology; Tsu-Jae King Liu, University of I hope my colleagues will join me in con- D. Blakely, Florida Atlantic University; Helen California, Berkeley; Chih-Yuan Lu, National gratulating these new NAI Fellows. M. Blau, Stanford University; Timothy M. Taiwan University; Zhenqiang Ma, University Block, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute; Daniel J. of Wisconsin-Madison; Michele Marcolongo, f Blumenthal, University of California, Santa Drexel University; Laura Marcu, University of HONORING CAROL JOHNSON- Barbara; Susmita Bose, Washington State California, Davis; R. Kenneth Marcus, BURGER University; Steven T. Boyce, University of Cin- Clemson University; Gary S. Margules, Nova cinnati; Edward S. Boyden, Massachusetts In- Southeastern University; Mary Helen McCay, HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON stitute of Technology; Anthony B. Brennan, Florida Institute of Technology; Kishor C. OF MISSISSIPPI University of Florida; Carrie L. Byington, Texas Mehta, Texas Tech University; Deirdre R. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES A&M University; Marvin H. Caruthers, Univer- Meldrum, Arizona State University; sity of Colorado Boulder; Dennis S. Charney, Bhubaneswar Mishra, New York University; Wednesday, April 11, 2018 Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; Gregory Moller, University of Idaho; Clayton Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- Yang-Tse Cheng, University of Kentucky; Yet Daniel Mote, Jr., University of Maryland; er, I rise today to honor a remarkable public Ming Chiang, Massachusetts Institute of Tech- Shouleh Nikzad, NASA Jet Propulsion Labora- servant, Carol Johnson-Burger who was nology; Joanne Chory, Salk Institute for Bio- tory; John R. Nottingham, Case Western Re- named the first woman and African American logical Studies; Mooi Choo Chuah, Lehigh serve University and Cleveland Clinic; President and CEO of United Way of the Cap- University; David E. Clemmer, Indiana Univer- Mariappan P. Paranthaman, Oak Ridge Na- ital Area in Jackson, Mississippi in July, 1995. sity; Geof frey W. Coates, Cornell University; tional Laboratory; Christopher R. Parish, The Born in Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi, Stanley N. Cohen, Stanford University; James Australian National University; Peter L.T. she graduated from Tougaloo College and E. Crowe Jr., Vanderbilt University Medical Pirolli, Florida Institute for Human and Ma- was very involved in the Civil Rights Move- Center; Pieter Cullis, The University of British chine Cognition; Daniel A. Portnoy, University ment in Mississippi, having the opportunity to Columbia; Mari Dezawa, Tohoku University; of California, Berkeley; Dennis W. Prather, meet and work with Medgar Evers and Dr. William L. Ditto, North Carolina State Univer- University of Delaware; Paul R. Prucnal, Martin Luther King. Carol was the first Black sity; Prabir K. Dutta, The Ohio State Univer- Princeton University; Nirmala Ramanujam, teacher to integrate the public schools in Pearl sity; Jack A. Elias, Brown University; Zhigang Duke University; Jennifer L. Rexford, Prince- River County, Mississippi, one of the most rac- Z. Fang, The University of Utah; Tim A. ton University; Kenner C. Rice, National Insti- ist counties in Mississippi at the time. Fischell, Michigan State University and West- tutes of Health; Camillo Ricordi, University of Carol is active in her community and on the ern Michigan University; Paul B. Fisher, Vir- Miami; Gabriel Alfonso Rincon-Mora, Georgia national and international levels with United ginia Commonwealth University; Edward P. Institute of Technology; Bruce R. Rosen, Mas- Way Worldwide. She has served on many Furlani, University at Buffalo, SUNY; sachusetts General Hospital; Barbara O. boards including co-chairing with former Gov- Guangping Gao, University of Massachusetts Rothbaum, Emory University; Jonathan M. ernor William Winter, the process that created Medical School; Suresh V. Garimella, Purdue Rothberg, Yale University; Max F. Rothschild, a strategic plan for the City of Jackson and as University; Bruce E. Gnade, Southern Meth- Iowa State University; Clinton T. Rubin, Stony vice chair of the Secretary of the State’s Non- odist University; Lawrence Gold, University of Brook University, SUNY; Shelly Sakiyama-El- profit and Charities Laws study group. She is Colorado Boulder; Sheila A. Grant, University bert, The University of Texas at Austin; Henry a founding member of the Central Mississippi of Missouri, Columbia; Mark A. Griswold, Case Samueli, University of California, Los Angeles Chapter of 100 Black Women and the Mis- Western Reserve University; Horng-Jyh Harn, and University of California, Irvine; Ulrich S. sissippi Chapter of the International Women Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital; Robert W. Heath, Schubert, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena; Forum. She serves on the Executive Com- Jr., The University of Texas at Austin; Walter Paul A. Seib, Kansas State University; Ter- mittee of the National Professional Council for Brown Herbst, Northwestern University; Mark rence J. Sejnowski, Salk Institute for Biological United Way Worldwide and as a mentor to C. Hersam, Northwestern University; David M. Studies; Mohammad Shahidehpour, Illinois In- United Way Professionals in South Africa. Holtzman, Washington University in St. Louis; stitute of Technology; Yun-Qing Shi, New Jer- She is the recipient of many awards but her Ming Hsieh, University of Southern California; sey Institute of Technology; Subhash L. greatest joy is being ‘‘Grammie’’ to her Ian W. Hunter, Massachusetts Institute of Shinde, University of Notre Dame; Richard W. grandkids Nicholas and Logan. She, her son Technology; Mikko Hupa, A˚ bo Akademi Uni- Siegel, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Marcus and the grandkids are active members versity; Oliver C. Ibe, University of Massachu- Krishna P. Singh, University of Pennsylvania; of Anderson United Methodist Church.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:27 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A11AP8.009 E11APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with REMARKS April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E433 Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me and dedication. This program is designed to Highland won the title with a score of 95.08, in recognizing Carol Johnson-Burger for her inspire young people to go into STEM fields making this the school’s third dance team dedication to serving others. and provides a path, plan, and mentoring re- championship in a row. Highland ended the f sources to help them reach their dreams. Dur- preliminary round with a three-point advantage ing the Congress, the students will have the and then secured the win by posting the high- PERSONAL EXPLANATION chance to learn from luminaries of the STEM est team score of Head Coach Emily Wellen’s field including top scientific university deans, tenure. The victory was especially exciting to HON. EVAN H. JENKINS leaders from government and the private sec- seniors Olivia Genteman, Abigail Rogier, OF WEST VIRGINIA tor, and even Nobel laureates. Kayla Davis and Katie Etter, who now claim IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES These students’ acceptance to this pres- the title of three-peat champions. tigious program is an incredible feat, and it is I would like to congratulate the entire High- Wednesday, April 11, 2018 my honor to rise today and recognize the out- land dance team on their victory: Kayla Davis, Mr. JENKINS of West Virginia. Mr. Speaker, standing accomplishment of this future leader. Bree Etherton, Katie Etter, Alexis Finely, Paige had I been present, I would have voted Yea Our nation greatly benefits from the achieve- Foster, Olivia Genteman, Kylie McFarland, on Roll Call 130, Yea on Roll Call 131, and ments of scientists and technologists, and it is Abbey Mortland, Claire Pabst, Abigail Rogier, Yea on Roll Call 132. important that we continue to inspire younger Tatum Stock and Brooke Wilson, as well as f generations to pursue careers in the STEM Coach Wellen, on a superb end to a great fields. season. NATIONAL LAWN CARE MONTH Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 4th Congres- Mr. Speaker, today it is an honor for me to sional District of Colorado, I extend my con- acknowledge the hard work and dedication of HON. ANDY HARRIS gratulations to these students and wish them the Highland High School varsity dance team OF MARYLAND the best in their future endeavors. in winning the 2018 championship, and I wish IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f the team, and their coach, all the best in the Wednesday, April 11, 2018 future. RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVER- f Mr. HARRIS. Mr Speaker, it is with great SARY OF CLARK COUNTY MU- pleasure that I rise today to recognize April as SEUM HONORING EXCLUSIVE KUTZ national lawn care month. The landscape in- BARBER SHOP dustry employs nearly 1 million workers and HON. JACKY ROSEN contributes annual revenue of $78 billion to OF NEVADA HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON our nation’s economy. From the National Mall OF MISSISSIPPI IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to an opening day outfield and even in our IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, April 11, 2018 own front and back yards, images of beautiful Wednesday, April 11, 2018 lawns are iconic depictions of American cul- Ms. ROSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ture and the American dream. honor the 50th anniversary of the oldest and Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- As we recognize these images, we must largest museum in the Las Vegas Valley. er, I rise today to honor Exclusive Kutz Barber also recognize the work that goes into the up- On April 20, 2018, the Clark County Mu- Shop, a Yazoo City business making an im- keep of such lawns. Landscape and lawn care seum will celebrate 50 years of engaging visi- pact not only on hairstyles, but also on the professionals play a vital role in ensuring that tors, and creating a deeper understanding and needy of the community. Oliver Sampson, owner of Exclusive Kutz, lawns are not only maintained but also enjoyment of history and culture. healthy. Healthy grass and turf deliver essen- The first public museum in the Las Vegas along with Steve Beckford and Lonnie Conley, tial benefits to families, communities, and the Valley, in the last fifty years the Clark County create lasting impressions on customers by environment. Museum has moved, changed names, and be- providing them with popular or custom hair- Healthy lawns offer protection against dis- come a pre-eminent location for learning about styles. Exclusive Kutz is proud to service men, ease carrying insects. They provide oxygen, the history of Southern Nevada. It now has a women, and children of all cultures, providing protect our waterways, and clean the air. They collection of more than 1 million artifacts, and the best experiences possible for their cus- are the backdrop for important life memories has become a true reflection of the story of tomers. such as first steps, athletic accomplishments, Southern Nevadans. Barber shops are known for their conversa- and gatherings for friends and families. I am a proud supporter of the important tions, and Sampson reflected on the variety of Healthy lawns are important parts of our com- work museums are doing in our districts. That talks that have occurred in his shop, ranging munities. is why I requested robust funding for the Insti- from politics and religion, to economics and tute of Museum and Library Services’ (IMLS) f fiance´s. Office of Museum Services (OMS) from House Exclusive Kutz was recently featured in an CONGRESS OF FUTURE SCIENCE appropriators and was pleased to see it in- AND TECHNOLOGY LEADERS issue of The Yazoo Herald giving free haircuts cluded in this year’s spending package. and facials to the needy of Yazoo City at the I want to congratulate the Clark County Mu- Manna House. HON. KEN BUCK seum on reaching this impressive milestone. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me OF COLORADO Thank the museum staff and supporters for in recognizing Exclusive Kutz Barber Shop IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES their contributions to help preserve Southern and its owners for their desire to make a dif- Nevada’s history and culture, and I look for- Wednesday, April 11, 2018 ference in the lives of children and the com- ward to seeing all that they accomplish in the munity. Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to rec- next 50 years. f ognize 9 high school students who were cho- f sen by the National Academy of Future Sci- RECOGNIZING MR. PJ KEELER FOR entists and Technologists to represent the RECOGNIZING THE HIGHLAND BEING NAMED THE RECIPIENT State of Colorado as Delegates at the Con- HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY DANCE OF THE GOOD SCOUT AWARD gress of Future Science and Technology TEAM Leaders. The students are Daniela Arenas HON. JOHN J. FASO Berenste, Carter Brand, Benjamin Davis, Eve- HON. JOHN SHIMKUS OF NEW YORK lyn Esparza, Denita Guimaraes-Paez, Amanda OF ILLINOIS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Rees, Yoselin Thompson, Alex Truitt, and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Christopher Zavakos. Wednesday, April 11, 2018 The Congress is an honors-only program for Wednesday, April 11, 2018 Mr. FASO. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound top students in our country who aspire to work Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recog- respect that I rise today to recognize and cele- in science, technology, engineering, or math nize the Highland High School varsity dance brate Mr. PJ Keeler for being named the Twin (STEM) fields. These students are nominated team, who are the 2018 Illinois High School Rivers Council, Boy Scouts of America recipi- by their teachers or the Academy based on Association Competitive Dance Class 1A ent of the Good Scout Award. This designa- their leadership ability, academic achievement, champions. tion is reserved for those distinctive members

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:27 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A11AP8.011 E11APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with REMARKS E434 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 11, 2018 of our community who exhibit the values of RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL nization grew and consequently, the St. An- scouting and are a force for good. ROOFING CONTRACTORS ASSO- drew’s Society of Philadelphia was formed in Mr. Keeler has distinguished himself as a CIATION AND NATIONAL ROOF- 1747 by twenty-five Scottish gentlemen to help cornerstone of the Columbia County commu- ING WEEK Scottish immigrants adjust to life in the New nity. Through his innovative thinking as Co- World. This impressive organization gets its lumbia County Treasurer and his decades- HON. RANDY HULTGREN name form Scotland’s patron saint and is the long participation in the volunteer fire depart- OF ILLINOIS oldest charitable membership organization in North America. ment and ambulance service, Mr. Keeler has IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES improved the quality of life for the county’s Throughout the subsequent two and a half many residents. His tireless dedication to Co- Wednesday, April 11, 2018 centuries, the Scots have used their talent and lumbia County and the compassion he shows Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today hard work to the service of this country. A toward his friends and neighbors has made to recognize the National Roofing Contractors monument was constructed on October 8, him a role model within the community for Association (NRCA), headquartered in Rose- 2011 in Philadelphia to commemorate Scottish young generations to follow. mont, IL, and its efforts to designate the week immigration and depicts the importance of Mr. Keeler’s legacy of hard work is a source of June 3–9, 2018 as National Roofing Week. Scots to the success of the United States. I of inspiration, instilling the values of deter- The roof is one of the most important com- am proud that this monument serves as a mination, confidence, and civility in his com- ponents of any home or business. It is the first symbol of the American Dream in my district. munity. I am grateful for Mr. Keeler’s years of line of defense against natural elements, such Established in 1988 by a U.S. Senate Reso- dedicated service to Columbia County and to as rain, snow or wind, and yet it is often taken lution, Tartan day serves to recognize the New York state. for granted until it falls into disrepair. National achievements and contributions made by f Roofing Week honors the thousands of roofing Scottish Americans to the United States. In contractors and roofing-related businesses Philadelphia, a ceremony, facilitated by the St. PERSONAL EXPLANATION across the country and the industry’s commit- Andrew’s Society of Philadelphia, was held on ment to public service. National Roofing Week April 7 to honor the occasion. HON. EARL BLUMENAUER is a valuable reminder of the significance qual- Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing OF OREGON ity roofing has on every home and business in the vigintennial of Tartan day and the years of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the United States. service Scottish immigrants have brought not only to Philadelphia but to this country. Wednesday, April 11, 2018 Established in 1886, NRCA is one of the na- f Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, had I tion’s oldest trade associations and the voice been present for the vote on H.R. 2219, the of professional roofing contractors worldwide. HONORING SCOTT FLEMING ON End Banking for Human Traffickers Act of Today, the NRCA has more than 3,800 mem- HIS RETIREMENT FROM GEORGE- 2018 (Roll no. 130), which would increase the bers located across all 50 states and rep- TOWN UNIVERSITY role of the financial industry in combating resents a variety of industry stakeholders, in- human trafficking, I would have voted ‘‘aye.’’ cluding roofing, roof deck, and water proofing HON. STENY H. HOYER Additionally, had I been present for the vote contractors. Utilizing its vast network of roofing OF MARYLAND on H.R. 4203, the Combat Online Predators contractors and industry-related members, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES NRCA is responsible for the installation of a Act (Roll no. 131), which would amend title 18 Wednesday, April 11, 2018 of United States Code with regard to stalking, majority of new construction and replacement Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay trib- I would have voted ‘‘aye.’’ roof systems on commercial and residential ute to Scott Fleming, a former House staffer Finally, had I been present for the vote on structures in America. Most of its members and longtime public servant who is retiring in approving the Journal (Roll no. 132), I would are small, privately held businesses that pro- May after seventeen years working for have voted ‘‘aye.’’ vide high-paying jobs for thousands of hard- working families and individuals that are the Georgetown University. Over the years, I’ve f backbone of our economy. had the opportunity to get to know Scott well, HONORING DR. STEVEN WILLIAMS Professional roofing contractors provide vital both through his work on Capitol Hill and in services to their communities, both on and off the Clinton Administration as well as later dur- HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM the clock, in all 50 states. NRCA members will ing his long tenure as a liaison between OF NEW MEXICO recognize National Roofing Week on June 3– Georgetown University, my law school alma IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 9 by supporting numerous charitable commu- mater, and Congress. nity service roofing projects throughout the na- Scott’s association with Georgetown goes Wednesday, April 11, 2018 tion. I commend the NRCA and the vital role back more than four decades. He graduated Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New the organization and its members play in from Georgetown’s Edmund A. Walsh School Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. every community and I ask all my colleagues of Foreign Service in 1972 with a bachelor’s Steven Williams, one of Albuquerque’s leading to join me in acknowledging their contributions degree. Already, though, he was working for HIV physicians and researchers, who will re- during National Roofing Week. Sen. Stuart Symington, from his home state of tire this year after more than two decades of f Missouri, as a Staff Assistant. After obtaining serving our community. his master’s degree in public policy from the In the early 1990s, the Albuquerque com- RECOGNIZING THE 20TH Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at munity had few doctors who were willing and ANNIVERSARY OF TARTAN DAY the University of Texas-Austin, Scott went to able to take on patients with HIV. That was work for Rep. Dan Glickman from Kansas, until Dr. Williams organized a team of physi- HON. ROBERT A. BRADY serving from 1975 to 1988 in the roles of Leg- cians and nurses at the University of New OF PENNSYLVANIA islative Assistant, Legislative Staff Director, Mexico Hospital to provide those diagnosed IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and Chief of Staff. When Rep. NITA LOWEY with the virus with emotional support, testing, was elected, she hired Scott in 1989 as her and survival education. Over time, Dr. Wil- Wednesday, April 11, 2018 first Chief of Staff and to oversee the opening liams built this practice into an outstanding Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, of her Congressional office. specialty clinic within the hospital called the today I rise to honor the 20th anniversary of Leaving the House in 1995 with a wealth of Truman Clinic. In addition to providing high Tartan day on April 6th along with the many legislative experience and institutional knowl- quality medical care, Dr. Williams and his accomplishments of Scottish Americans in my edge, Scott joined the Clinton Administration’s team have also supported fundraising and pro- district. Department of Education as Deputy Assistant vided guidance to local organizations sup- I am a proud member of the Friends of Secretary and Director of Congressional Af- porting HIV patients. Scotland Caucus and am well aware of the fairs. Later, he served as Assistant Secretary Mr. Speaker, on behalf of New Mexico’s deep history of Scottish immigrants in Phila- for Legislation and Congressional Affairs. First Congressional District, I want to thank Dr. delphia. As Scotland witnessed a tumultuous When President Clinton left office in 2001, Steven Williams for his years of service to our 18th century, Scots turned to Philadelphia to Scott left government service but didn’t ven- community, and congratulate him on his well- pursue a better life. During early settlements, ture too far. He returned to his alma mater to deserved retirement. We wish him nothing but Philadelphia was largely used as a gateway to serve as Georgetown’s Associate Vice Presi- the best in all his future endeavors. the United States. Demand for a unifying orga- dent of Federal Relations. While doing so,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:27 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A11AP8.018 E11APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with REMARKS April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E435 Scott has also served on the boards of the Towne’s real estate and franchise agree- same uniform he wore in France which still fit National Association of Independent College ments, and served as Frank’s business part- him like the day he first put it on. We rode to- and Universities and of NAFSA: Association of ner. gether on the Metro and sat down across from International Educators Public Policy Advisory David’s life was not all work as he cherished another man around Tom’s age who was Committee. his time with his family as well: his wife Karen; dressed as a civilian. The man immediately During his tenure, Scott worked tirelessly to four sons Joseph, Stephen, David Jr. and recognized Tom’s uniform and started to talk secure federal funding for key educational ini- Ethan; brothers Frank, Stephen and Matthew; with him. As it turned out, both of these men tiatives benefitting students at Georgetown and two sisters, Molly Regan and Gretchen had served in the same unit those many years and at institutions of higher education across Cappiello. In his spare time he volunteered ago. I remember it as a wonderful day when the country. He’s won accolades for his work with non-profits and spent time with his wide two heroes were reunited. to shape the Post–9/11 G.I. Bill and related and varied network of friends. All appreciated Tom was born on May 27, 1916 in Nenedes legislation to increase benefits available to vet- David’s positivity and resilience in his struggle Samos, Greece, to Prodomos Vouvounas and erans seeking to attend college and graduate with cancer, his ability to keep moving forward Angeliki Safoulis Vouvounas. Tom came to the school. In recent years, Scott has been at the despite hardship. United States in 1933 to Youngstown, Ohio forefront of efforts by Georgetown and other Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me a and moved to Warren, Ohio in 1945. He universities to prevent the deportation of few moments to honor David Downing’s life bravely served in the U.S. Army and fought in DREAMers studying in this country, which and legacy. His impact on his community, col- World War II at Normandy, France and in the they’ve called home from a young age, and leagues, and family is admirable, and I offer Battle of the Bulge. wishing to be a part of building its future. my deepest condolences to his family, friends, After serving in the Army, Tom returned Throughout his time at Georgetown, he’s been and colleagues. home to serve the state of Ohio and his com- a fervent promoter of public service careers, f munity in Warren. He was the co-owner of Lib- taking time to bring students to Capitol Hill erty Restaurant on Main Street, with his wife, and teaching classes at Georgetown’s RECOGNIZING NEW KINGERY and he worked for the Ohio Department of McCourt School of Public Policy. PRINTING COMPANY Liquor Control as a manager of State Liquor Scott has been an advisor, friend, and—in Store on Main Street. Tom also worked as a my opinion—the embodiment of the Jesuit HON. JOHN SHIMKUS Warren Transit bus driver. Tom was also an principles that make up the ‘Spirit of George- OF ILLINOIS active member at St. Demetrios Greek Ortho- town’ throughout his career. I wish my fellow IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dox Church in Warren. He was involved as an Hoya all the best in retirement and thank him altar server, American Hellenic Education Pro- Wednesday, April 11, 2018 for his service to the Congress, in the execu- gressive Association (AHEPA), senior group, tive branch furthering educational opportunities Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recog- Yasou Club, past President of the Church 50 in our country, and to Georgetown University nize the New Kingery Printing Company as it Club, and an active participant with the church and institutions of higher learning throughout celebrates its 50th anniversary. festival. In his free time, Tom enjoyed going to America. New Kingery press, located in Effingham, Il- the track, gardening, and planting flowers. f linois, will mark this milestone by installing a He is survived by his nine children, Perry new, state-of-the-art press. For many years to Vouvounas of Cortland, Pete (Jacquline) HONORING THE LIFE OF DAVID come, this dynamic, efficient, and cost-saving Vouvounas of Howland, Angela (Christopher) DOWNING upgrade will give New Kingery the capacity to Kalafatis of Dallas, Parisa (Frank) Gombarcik meet its customers’ future needs. The press’s of Howland, Demetra Vouvounas and Christos HON. BRIAN HIGGINS new nonstop feeders are 50 percent faster Vouvounas, both of Houston, Nick Vouvounas OF NEW YORK than its predecessors’, able to be fed either of Bayshore, Long Island, N.Y., Maria (Curtis) IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sheets or rolls, and can handle projects that Elder of Warren and Joanna (Edward) Colucci require light-weight paper on up to heavier Wednesday, April 11, 2018 of Girard; 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grand- cardboard. With the new upgrades this family- children and five great-great-grandchildren. He Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I owned and operated business, which special- was preceded in death by his parents; wife, rise today to honor the life of David M. Down- izes in catalogs, publications, marketing collat- Helen T. Vouvounas; a brother, Andreas ing, a diligent worker, kind employer, devoted eral and book production, will continue its tra- Vouvounas; and a sister-in-law, Helen A. husband, father, brother, and friend. After a dition of providing great service and high qual- Vouvounas. hard-fought battle with cancer, David passed ity work. Tom was a valued member of the commu- away Sunday, April 8, 2018 at the age of 53. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to ac- nity, and I know he is dearly missed. I am David grew up in Orchard Park and grad- knowledge Michael Kingery, who is a second thankful for the memories I have with him, and uated from Canisius High School. He contin- generation president of New Kingery Printing I extend my sincerest condolences to his fam- ued to Princeton University where he earned Company, and all of the employees whose ily and friends. his degree in History. While at Princeton, hard work and dedication has made New f David played both golf and hockey for the Uni- Kingery Press the success that it is today, and versity. After his time there, David returned to the success it will remain in the future. I wish HONORING THE GAY AND LESBIAN Buffalo to get his MBA from the University at the company all the best. ACTIVISTS ALLIANCE OF WASH- Buffalo. f INGTON, D.C. Eager to apply his skills, David started work- ing outside of the family business at Procter & REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON ATHANASIOS ‘‘TOM’’ P. Gamble and Rich Products in sales and mar- OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA VOUVOUNAS keting. However, drawn towards the family IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES profession, in 1994 he joined his brother Frank Downing, Jr. at Towne Automotive Group, the HON. TIM RYAN Wednesday, April 11, 2018 business started by their father, Frank Down- OF OHIO Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ing, Sr. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ask the House of Representatives to join me Together the two brothers worked side by in celebrating the 47th anniversary of the Gay side to grow their family business into one of Wednesday, April 11, 2018 and Lesbian Activists Alliance of Washington, the largest automobile dealers in the region. Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, today I rise D.C. (GLAA) on April 26, 2018. GLAA is a val- At one point, David even served as Vice to remember the life of Athanasios ‘‘Tom’’ P. ued and respected local organization long in President of the dealership, while Frank Vouvounas, 101, who passed away peacefully the vanguard of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, served as President. The brothers proved to on Friday, March 30, 2018 at the Humility transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) com- be a good pair in business and worked to- House in Austintown, Ohio with his family by munity’s struggle for equal rights. gether harmoniously. When Towne’s longtime his side. GLAA, since its founding in April 1971, has Chief Financial Officer Mike Smith retired, I will never forget Tom as long as I live. He been in the business of advocating for the Dis- David assumed his role. In this position David was almost 90 years old when he came to trict of Columbia’s full and equal rights and for managed the dealer group’s relationships with Washington, DC., and we visited the World residents’ civil rights. The Alliance defended banks and insurance companies, dealt with War II Memorial. Tom arrived wearing the the District’s landmark D.C. Human Rights Act

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:27 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A11AP8.023 E11APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with REMARKS E436 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 11, 2018 of 1977 and also demanded the Act’s broad GLAA’s 2018 Distinguished Service Award PERSONAL EXPLANATION enforcement. In addition, GLAA forcefully ad- and in celebrating GLAA’s 47 years of con- vocates for LGBTQ youth, seniors and con- tributions to the LGBTQ community here in the HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON sumers as well as for the rights of transgender District of Columbia. OF FLORIDA people. GLAA especially focuses on f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES transgender rights regarding equal treatment Wednesday, April 11, 2018 by the police and access to culturally com- IN MEMORY OF JOHN T. GLASSON petent healthcare. Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I was GLAA also builds and nurtures coalitions HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK not present for the following votes because I with other constituencies. Specifically, it edu- OF PENNSYLVANIA chose to remain in my congressional district in cates and rates candidates for D.C. offices. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Miami for an important district event. GLAA also works with its coalition partners Wednesday, April 11, 2018 Had I been present, I would have voted: and D.C. elected officials to advance its goals Yes on Roll Call Vote No. 130; Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to and to defend the District’s autonomy. More Yes on Roll Call Vote No. 131; and honor the memory of John T. Glasson. Known recently, GLAA worked with its coalition part- No on Roll Call Vote No. 132. by many as ‘‘Johnny Angel’’ he had an infec- ners to achieve the enactment of the District f tious smile. For 47 years John was a volun- of Columbia Religious Freedom and Civil Mar- teer firefighter with Levittown Fire Company SENATE COMMITTEE MEETINGS riage Equality Amendment Act, which permits No. 2 where he served for some time as Dep- Title IV of Senate Resolution 4, same-sex couples to marry in the District of uty Chief. An active member of his community, agreed to by the Senate of February 4, Columbia. John was a third-degree brother with the 1977, calls for establishment of a sys- GLAA will present its 2018 Distinguished Knights of Columbus and helped to organize tem for a computerized schedule of all Service Awards to recipients at a reception on the South East Pennsylvania National Fallen meetings and hearings of Senate com- April 26, 2018. The awardees include: Check It Enterprises, formerly the Check It Firefighter Foundation golf outings as well as mittees, subcommittees, joint commit- Gang, started as a street gang 10 years ago. raising funds for Local 22 IAFF Widow’s Fund. tees, and committees of conference. The gang formed when a group of LGBTQ In total, John helped raise over $180,000 for This title requires all such committees youth banded together as a gang in response charitable organizations. John will be forever to notify the Office of the Senate Daily to bullying and attacks on their LGBTQ identi- remembered by his large family including Digest—designated by the Rules Com- ties. The members’ oppression, traumatization many brothers and sisters but also by the mittee—of the time, place and purpose and victimization produced anti-social behav- handful of individuals whose lives he saved as of the meetings, when scheduled and iors. Check It members received no positive a volunteer firefighter. While John did not like any cancellations or changes in the reinforcement or encouragement until they met to recount those stories, his impact on the meetings as they occur. As an additional procedure along a mentor, Ron Moten, five years ago. Ron Lower Bucks community will be felt for gen- with the computerization of this infor- never gave up on them and showed them a erations to come. Mr. Speaker, John exempli- mation, the Office of the Senate Daily better way. Under his tutelage, Check It found- fied how active participants can be a force for Digest will prepare this information for ed a clothing line and opened a business in good in their communities. My district is better printing in the Extensions of Remarks Historic Anacostia. They raised $50,000 in re- because of men like John Glasson. section of the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD modeling costs for a building, where they f on Monday and Wednesday of each make and sell clothing. The space also pro- IN HONOR OF THE VOLUNTEERS week. vides a safe haven for LGBTQ youth and OF THE HOSPICE AND PALLIA- Meetings scheduled for Thursday, young adults, as well as an area for other ac- TIVE CARE CENTER OF April 12, 2018 may be found in the Daily tivities and programs. In 2016, filmmakers ALAMANCE-CASWELL Digest of today’s RECORD. Diana Flor and Toby Oppenheim chronicled them in the award-winning documentary, HON. MARK WALKER Check It. MEETINGS SCHEDULED OF NORTH CAROLINA D.C. Councilmember Mary M. Cheh, who IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES APRIL 17 has represented Ward 3 since 2007, chairs the Committee on Transportation and the En- Wednesday, April 11, 2018 9:30 a.m. Committee on Armed Services vironment. Councilmember Cheh authored the Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to To hold hearings to examine the nomina- Conversion Therapy for Minors Prohibition recognize the passionate and committed vol- tions of Admiral Philip S. Davidson, Amendment Act of 2013 and the Death with unteers of the Hospice and Palliative Care USN, for reappointment to the grade of Dignity Act of 2015. Additionally, her legisla- Center of Alamance-Caswell, in Burlington, admiral and to be Commander, United tive advocacy includes measures to protect North Carolina. States Pacific Command, and General the environment, combat homelessness, pun- It is fitting to recognize these individuals Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy, USAF, for ish bias crimes against homeless individuals during April, National Volunteer Month. Hos- reappointment to the grade of general and eliminate the statute of limitations for the pice of Alamance-Caswell is the only non-prof- and to be Commander, United States Northern Command, and Commander, prosecution of sexual assault. She fights it hospice care center in the Burlington area. North American Aerospace Defense alongside community advocates for LGBTQ This organization depends on the efforts of Command, both of the Department of issues, particularly those advocating for home- volunteers and could not survive without their Defense. less LGBTQ youth. Councilmember Cheh also hard work. SD–G50 supports legislation to require individuals sub- For decades, volunteers have donated their 10 a.m. ject to temporary protective orders to sur- time to patients and family members, selflessly Committee on Appropriations render their guns and to prevent domestic vio- giving to those in need. These volunteers Subcommittee on Department of Defense lence through the creation of a Domestic Vio- have demonstrated a commitment to the mis- To hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for lence High-Risk Team, which is based upon a sion: to offer the right care, at the right time, fiscal year 2019 for the National Guard successful model in other jurisdictions. in the right way. and Reserve. Mr. Don Blanchon, the executive director of In addition to medical treatment, volunteers SD–192 Whitman-Walker Health is the third awardee. provide assistance and comfort for the families Committee on Banking, Housing, and He guides Whitman-Walker in its commitment of patients. Through each step, administrative Urban Affairs to provide an affirming and safe health care support, fundraising, patient care and compan- To hold hearings to examine the nomina- environment to gender and sexual minorities ionship, these individuals are there in times tions of Thelma Drake, of Virginia, to and other marginalized communities in the when they are needed most. be Federal Transit Administrator, De- District. During his 11 years of leadership, It is a privilege to honor the volunteers of partment of Transportation, Jeffrey Nadaner, of Maryland, to be an Assist- Whitman-Walker has emphasized treating the the Hospice and Palliative Care Center of ant Secretary of Commerce, and Seth whole person, integrating the role that advo- Alamance-Caswell. Through their hard work, Daniel Appleton, of Missouri, to be an cacy and legal intervention play into that care. compassion, and desire to serve, they dem- Assistant Secretary of Housing and Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Represent- onstrate the charitable spirit we are so fortu- Urban Development. atives to join me in honoring the recipients of nate to have in North Carolina. SD–538

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:27 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A11AP8.027 E11APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with REMARKS April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E437 Committee on Commerce, Science, and 2 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Transportation Joint Select Committee on Solvency of Committee on Armed Services To hold hearings to examine the nomina- Multiemployer Pension Plans Subcommittee on Airland tion of Karl L. Schultz, to be Admiral To hold hearings to examine the history To hold hearings to examine Air Force and to be Commandant of the Coast and structure of the multiemployer modernization in review of the Defense Guard, Department of Homeland Secu- pension system. Authorization Request for fiscal year rity. SD–215 2019 and the Future Years Defense Pro- 2:30 p.m. SR–253 gram. Committee on Appropriations Committee on Energy and Natural Re- SR–222 Subcommittee on Energy and Water Devel- sources opment To hold an oversight hearing to examine To hold hearings to examine proposed APRIL 19 deferred maintenance and operational budget estimates and justification for 9:30 a.m. needs of the National Park Service. fiscal year 2019 for the Army Corps of Committee on Armed Services SD–366 Engineers and the Bureau of Reclama- To hold hearings to examine the posture Committee on Foreign Relations tion within the Department of the In- of the Department of the Navy in re- To hold hearings to examine United terior. view of the Defense Authorization Re- States policy in Yemen. SD–430 quest for fiscal year 2019 and the Fu- SD–419 Committee on Appropriations ture Years Defense Program. 2:30 p.m. Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing SD–G50 Committee on Armed Services and Urban Development, and Related Subcommittee on SeaPower Agencies APRIL 24 To hold hearings to examine proposed To hold hearings to examine Navy ship- 9:30 a.m. building programs in review of the De- budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2019 for the Department of Committee on Armed Services fense Authorization Request for fiscal Housing and Urban Development. To hold hearings to examine the posture year 2019 and the Future Years Defense SD–192 of the Department of the Air Force in Program. Committee on Armed Services review of the Defense Authorization SR–232A Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Request for fiscal year 2019 and the Fu- Capabilities ture Years Defense Program. APRIL 18 To hold hearings to examine accelerating SD–G50 10 a.m. new technologies to meet emerging Committee on Commerce, Science, and threats. APRIL 25 Transportation SR–232A Committee on Commerce, Science, and 2:30 p.m. To hold hearings to examine abusive Committee on Indian Affairs robocalls and how to stop them. Transportation Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, To hold hearings to examine H.R. 597, to SR–253 take lands in Sonoma County, Cali- Committee on Environment and Public Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security fornia, into trust as part of the reserva- Works To hold hearings to examine Olympic tion of the Lytton Rancheria of Cali- To hold hearings to examine the appro- abuse, focusing on the role of national fornia, and H.R. 1491, to reaffirm the priate role of states and the Federal governing bodies in protecting our ath- action of the Secretary of the Interior government in protecting groundwater. letes. to take land into trust for the benefit SD–406 SR–253 of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Committee on Homeland Security and Committee on Indian Affairs Mission Indians. Governmental Affairs To hold an oversight hearing to examine SD–628 To hold hearings to examine the nomina- the 30th anniversary of tribal self-gov- tions of David Williams, of Illinois, ernance, focusing on successes in self- APRIL 26 Robert M. Duncan, of Kentucky, and governance and an outlook for the next 9:30 a.m. Calvin R. Tucker, of Pennsylvania, 30 years. Committee on Armed Services each to be a Governor of the United SD–628 To hold hearings to examine the Depart- States Postal Service. Committee on the Judiciary ment of Defense budget posture in re- SD–342 Subcommittee on Border Security and Im- view of the Defense Authorization Re- Committee on the Judiciary migration quest for fiscal year 2019 and the Fu- To hold an oversight hearing to examine To hold hearings to examine strength- ening and reforming America’s immi- ture Years Defense Program. the Patent and Trademark Office. gration court system. SH–216 SD–226 SD–226

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:27 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\M11AP8.000 E11APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with REMARKS Wednesday, April 11, 2018 Daily Digest Senate Sesquicentennial of Connecticut’s Navy Installa- Chamber Action tion: Senate agreed to S. Res. 458, designating April Routine Proceedings, pages S2047–S2082 11, 2018, as the ‘‘Sesquicentennial of Connecticut’s Measures Introduced: Nine bills and four resolu- Navy Installation’’. Page S2079 tions were introduced, as follows: S. 2644–2652, S.J. Pizzella Nomination—Agreement: Senate resumed Res. 58, and S. Res. 457–459. Page S2075 consideration of the nomination of Patrick Pizzella, Measures Reported: of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Labor. S. 1160, to include Livingston County, the city of Pages S2058–67 Jonesboro in Union County, and the city of Freeport During consideration of this nomination today, in Stephenson County, Illinois, to the Lincoln Na- Senate also took the following action: tional Heritage Area. (S. Rept. No. 115–224) By 50 yeas to 48 nays (Vote No. 68), Senate S. 1181, to direct the Secretary of the Interior and agreed to the motion to close further debate on the Secretary of Agriculture to expedite access to certain nomination. Pages S2058–59 Federal land under the administrative jurisdiction of A unanimous-consent-time agreement was reached each Secretary for good Samaritan search-and-recov- providing that notwithstanding the provisions of ery missions, with an amendment in the nature of Rule XXII, all post-cloture time on the nomination a substitute. (S. Rept. No. 115–225) expire at 9:30 a.m., on Thursday, April 12, 2018, S. 1260, to authorize the exchange of certain Fed- and Senate vote on confirmation of the nomination; eral land located in Gulf Islands National Seashore and that there be two minutes of debate, equally di- for certain non-Federal land in Jackson County, Mis- vided, prior to each vote. Page S2067 sissippi. (S. Rept. No. 115–226) A unanimous-consent agreement was reached pro- S. 1602, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior viding for further consideration of the nomination, to conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasi- post-cloture, at approximately 9:15 a.m., on Thurs- bility of designating certain land as the Finger Lakes day, April 12, 2018. Page S2081 National Heritage Area. (S. Rept. No. 115–227) Nomination Confirmed: Senate confirmed the fol- H.R. 2615, to authorize the exchange of certain lowing nomination: land located in Gulf Islands National Seashore, Jack- By 50 yeas to 48 nays (Vote No. EX. 67), John son County, Mississippi, between the National Park F. Ring, of the District of Columbia, to be a Mem- Service and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, with an ber of the National Labor Relations Board for the amendment in the nature of a substitute. (S. Rept. term of five years expiring December 16, 2022. No. 115–228) Pages S2074–75 Pages S2049–58, S2082 Measures Passed: Messages from the House: Pages S2070–71 Oswaldo Paya Sardinas: Senate agreed to S. Res. Measures Referred: Page S2071 224, recognizing the 6th anniversary of the death of Oswaldo Paya Sardinas, and commemorating his leg- Executive Communications: Pages S2071–74 acy and commitment to democratic values and prin- Additional Cosponsors: Pages S2075–76 ciples, after agreeing to the committee amendments. Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S2078–79 Pages S2076–77 Authorizing Representation by Senate Legal Additional Statements: Pages S2069–70 Counsel: Senate agreed to S. Res. 457, to authorize testimony and representation in Kuwait and Gulf Authorities for Committees to Meet: Page S2077 Link Transport Co., et al. v. John Doe, et al. (Ct. of Record Votes: Two record votes were taken today. Common Pleas, Cumberland County, Pa.) Page S2079 (Total—68) Pages S2058–59 D368

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:14 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D11AP8.REC D11APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with DIGEST April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D369 Adjournment: Senate convened at 10:30 a.m. and Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans adjourned at 6:54 p.m., until 9:15 a.m. on Thurs- Affairs, and Related Agencies: Senators Boozman day, April 12, 2018. (For Senate’s program, see the (Chair), McConnell, Murkowski, Hoeven, Collins, remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today’s Capito, Moran, Rubio, Schatz, Tester, Murray, Reed, Record on page S2081.) Udall, Baldwin, and Murphy. Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: Senators Graham (Chair), McConnell, Committee Meetings Blunt, Boozman, Lankford, Daines, Rubio, Hyde- Smith, Leahy, Durbin, Shaheen, Coons, Merkley, (Committees not listed did not meet) Murphy, and Van Hollen. Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban BUSINESS MEETING Development, and Related Agencies: Senators Collins Committee on Appropriations: Committee announced (Chair), Shelby, Alexander, Blunt, Boozman, Capito, the following subcommittee assignments: Daines, Graham, Hoeven, Reed, Murray, Durbin, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food Feinstein, Coons, Schatz, Murphy, and Manchin. and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies: Sen- Senators Shelby and Leahy are ex officio members of ators Hoeven (Chair), McConnell, Collins, Blunt, each subcommittee. Moran, Rubio, Hyde-Smith, Merkley, Feinstein, APPROPRIATIONS: MISSILE DEFENSE Tester, Udall, Leahy, and Baldwin. AGENCY Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies: Senators Moran (Chair), Alexander, Mur- Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Depart- kowski, Collins, Graham, Boozman, Capito, ment of Defense concluded a hearing to examine Lankford, Kennedy, Shaheen, Leahy, Feinstein, Reed, proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal Coons, Schatz, Manchin, and Van Hollen. year 2019 for the Missile Defense Agency, after re- Subcommittee on Department of Defense: Senators ceiving testimony from Lieutenant General Samuel Shelby (Chair), McConnell, Alexander, Collins, Mur- A. Greaves, USAF, Director, Missile Defense Agen- kowski, Graham, Blunt, Daines, Moran, Hoeven, cy, Department of Defense. Durbin, Leahy, Feinstein, Murray, Reed, Tester, APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF Udall, Schatz, and Baldwin. AGRICULTURE Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development: Sen- Committee on Appropriations: ators Alexander (Chair), McConnell, Shelby, Collins, Subcommittee on Agri- Murkowski, Graham, Hoeven, Kennedy, Lankford, culture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Admin- Feinstein, Murray, Tester, Durbin, Udall, Shaheen, istration, and Related Agencies concluded a hearing Merkley, and Coons. to examine proposed budget estimates and justifica- Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Gov- tion for fiscal year 2019 for the Department of Agri- ernment: Senators Lankford (Chair), Moran, Boozman, culture, after receiving testimony from Sonny Daines, Kennedy, Coons, Durbin, Manchin, and Van Perdue, Secretary, Robert Johansson, Chief Econo- Hollen. mist, and Diem-Linh Jones, Acting Budget Officer, Subcommittee on Department of Homeland Security: all of the Department of Agriculture. Senators Capito (Chair), Shelby, Murkowski, Booz- APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF man, Hoeven, Lankford, Kennedy, Tester, Shaheen, ENERGY Leahy, Murray, Baldwin, and Manchin. Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy Subcommittee on Department of the Interior, Environ- and Water Development concluded a hearing to ex- ment, and Related Agencies: Senators Murkowski amine proposed budget estimates and justification (Chair), Alexander, Blunt, McConnell, Daines, Cap- for fiscal year 2019 for the Department of Energy, ito, Rubio, Hyde-Smith, Udall, Feinstein, Leahy, including the National Nuclear Security Administra- Reed, Tester, Merkley, and Van Hollen. tion, after receiving testimony from Rick Perry, Sec- Subcommittee on Departments of Labor, Health and retary, Lisa E. Gordon-Hagerty, Administrator, Na- Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies: tional Nuclear Security Administration, and Paul M. Senators Blunt (Chair), Shelby, Alexander, Graham, Dabbar, Under Secretary for Science, all of the De- Moran, Capito, Lankford, Kennedy, Rubio, Hyde- partment of Energy. Smith, Murray, Durbin, Reed, Shaheen, Merkley, Schatz, Baldwin, Murphy, and Manchin. APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF Subcommittee on Legislative Branch: Senators Daines TRANSPORTATION (Chair), Hyde-Smith, Shelby, Murphy, and Van Hol- Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Trans- len. portation, Housing and Urban Development, and

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Related Agencies concluded a hearing to examine Strategic Systems Programs, all of the Department of proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal Defense. year 2019 for the Department of Transportation, after receiving testimony from Elaine L. Chao, Sec- CBO BUDGET AND ECONOMIC OUTLOOK retary of Transportation. Committee on the Budget: Committee concluded a hear- SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND ing to examine the Congressional Budget Office’s budget and economic outlook, focusing on fiscal Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Emerg- years 2018–2028, after receiving testimony from ing Threats and Capabilities concluded open and Keith Hall, Director, Congressional Budget Office. closed hearings to examine Special Operations Com- mand’s efforts to transform the force for future secu- NOMINATIONS rity challenges, after receiving testimony from Lieu- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: tenant General Scott A. Howell, USAF, Vice Com- Committee concluded a hearing to examine the mander, Special Operations Command, Lieutenant nominations of Patrick Fuchs, of Wisconsin, and General Kenneth E. Tovo, USA, Commanding Gen- Michelle A. Schultz, of Pennsylvania, both to be a eral, Army Special Operations Command, Lieutenant Member of the Surface Transportation Board, De- General Marshall B. Webb, USAF, Commander, Air partment of Transportation, and Rebecca Kelly Force Special Operations Command, Rear Admiral Slaughter, of Maryland, to be a Federal Trade Com- Timothy G. Szymanski, USN, Commander, Naval missioner, who was introduced by Senator Schumer, Special Warfare Command, and Major General Carl after the nominees testified and answered questions E. Mundy III, USMC, Commander, Marine Corps in their own behalf. Forces Special Operations Command, all of the De- partment of Defense. UTILIZING SIGNIFICANT EMISSIONS WITH DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES ACT BASE Committee on Environment and Public Works: Com- Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readi- mittee concluded a hearing to examine S. 2602, to ness and Management Support concluded a hearing support carbon dioxide utilization and direct air cap- to examine the health of the Department of Defense ture research, to facilitate the permitting and devel- industrial base and its role in providing readiness to opment of carbon capture, utilization, and sequestra- the warfighter, after receiving testimony from Lieu- tion projects and carbon dioxide pipelines, after re- tenant General Edward M. Daly, USA, Deputy Com- ceiving testimony from Senator Heitkamp; Mark manding General, Army Materiel Command, Vice Northam, University of Wyoming School of Energy Admiral Paul A. Grosklags, USN, Commander, Resources, Laramie; S. Julio Friedmann, Naval Air Systems Command, Vice Admiral Thomas CarbonWrangler LLC, Livermore, California; Noah J. Moore, USN, Commander, Naval Sea Systems Deich, Center for Carbon Removal, Oakland, Cali- Command, Lieutenant General Lee K. Levy II, fornia; and Feng Jiao, University of Delaware Center USAF, Commander, Air Force Sustainment Center, for Catalytic Science and Technology, Newark. Air Force Materiel Command, and Major General MARKET ACCESS CHALLENGES IN CHINA Craig C. Crenshaw, USMC, Commanding General, Marine Corps Logistics Command, all of the Depart- Committee on Finance: Subcommittee on International ment of Defense. Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness con- cluded a hearing to examine market access challenges DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION REQUEST AND in China, after receiving testimony from Dean Gar- FUTURE YEARS DEFENSE PROGRAM field, Information Technology Industry Council, Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Stra- Christine Bliss, Coalition of Services Industries, tegic Forces concluded a hearing to examine United Linda Menghetti Dempsey, National Association of States nuclear weapons policy, programs, and strat- Manufacturers, and Thea Mei Lee, Economic Policy egy in review of the Defense Authorization Request Institute, all of Washington, D.C. for fiscal year 2019 and the Future Years Defense Program, after receiving testimony from Guy B. NOMINATIONS Roberts, Assistant Secretary for Nuclear, Chemical, Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded and Biological Defense Programs, Robert M. Soofer, a hearing to examine the nominations of Kirsten Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear and Missile Dawn Madison, of Florida, to be an Assistant Sec- Defense Policy, General Robin Rand, USAF, Com- retary (International Narcotics and Law Enforcement mander, Air Force Global Strike Command, and Affairs), and Thomas J. Hushek, of Wisconsin, to be Vice Admiral Terry J. Benedict, USN, Director, Ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan, both of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:14 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D11AP8.REC D11APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with DIGEST April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D371 the Department of State, after the nominees testified NOMINATIONS and answered questions in their own behalf. Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a FEMA PREPAREDNESS hearing to examine the nominations of Mark Jeremy Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- Bennett, of Hawaii, to be United States Circuit fairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the Judge for the Ninth Circuit, who was introduced by Federal Emergency Management Agency, focusing Senator Schatz, Nancy E. Brasel, and Eric C. on prioritizing a culture of preparedness, after receiv- Tostrud, both to be a United States District Judge ing testimony from William B. Long, Administrator, for the District of Minnesota, who were introduced Federal Emergency Management Agency, Depart- by Senator Smith, and Robert R. Summerhays, to be ment of Homeland Security. United States District Judge for the Western Dis- trict of Louisiana, and Wendy Vitter, to be United OPIOID CRISIS RESPONSE ACT States District Judge for the Eastern District of Lou- Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: isiana, who were introduced by Senator Cassidy, after Committee concluded a hearing to examine an origi- the nominees testified and answered questions in nal bill entitled, ‘‘The Opioid Crisis Response Act of their own behalf. 2018’’, after receiving testimony from Jennifer Donahue, Delaware Office of the Child Advocate, DEFEATING FENTANYL Georgetown; and Robert Morrison, National Associa- Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime tion of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors, and and Terrorism concluded a hearing to examine de- Jessica Hulsey Nickel, Addiction Policy Forum, both feating fentanyl, focusing on addressing the deadliest of Washington, D.C. drugs fueling the opioid crisis, including S. 2635, to BUSINESS MEETING amend the Controlled Substances Act and the Con- trolled Substances Import and Export Act to modify Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee ordered favor- the offenses relating to fentanyl, S. 2481, to increase ably reported the following business items: the penalties for fentanyl trafficking, S. 2456, to re- S. 1250, to amend the Indian Health Care Im- authorize and expand the Comprehensive Addiction provement Act to improve the recruitment and re- and Recovery Act of 2016, and S. 207, to amend the tention of employees in the Indian Health Service, Controlled Substances Act relating to controlled sub- restore accountability in the Indian Health Service, stance analogues, after receiving testimony from improve health services, with an amendment in the Christina E. Nolan, United States Attorney for the nature of a substitute; and District of Vermont, Department of Justice; Kemp S. 2515, to amend the Indian Self-Determination Chester, National Heroin Coordination Group, Of- and Education Assistance Act to provide further self- fice of National Drug Control Policy; Kenneth C. governance by Indian Tribes. Miller, Greenville Police Department, Greenville, INDIAN PROGRAMS BUDGET South Carolina; Josiah D. Rich, The Miriam Hos- Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee concluded an pital, Providence, Rhode Island; and Brian J. oversight hearing to examine the President’s pro- Browne, University of Maryland School of Medicine posed budget request for fiscal year 2019 for Indian Department of Emergency Medicine, Baltimore. Programs, after receiving testimony from John Tahsuda, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the NOMINATIONS Interior for Indian Affairs; Rear Admiral Michael D. Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Committee concluded a Weahkee, Acting Director, Indian Health Service, hearing to examine the nominations of Paul R. Law- Department of Health and Human Services; Aaron rence, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of Veterans Payment, National Congress of American Indians, Affairs for Benefits, and Joseph L. Falvey, Jr., of Washington, D.C.; and Robert McGhee, United Michigan, to be a Judge of the United States Court South and Eastern Tribes Sovereignty Protection of Appeals for Veterans Claims, after the nominees Fund, Nashville, Tennessee. testified and answered questions in their own behalf.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:14 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D11AP8.REC D11APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with DIGEST D372 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST April 11, 2018 House of Representatives Committee Election: The House agreed to H. Res. Chamber Action 816, electing a Member to a certain standing com- Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 14 pub- mittee of the House of Representatives. Page H3112 lic bills, H.R. 5466–5479; and 8 resolutions, H. Financial Stability Oversight Council Improve- Res. 814–821 were introduced. Pages H3146–47 ment Act: The House passed H.R. 4061, to amend Additional Cosponsors: Pages H3148–49 the Financial Stability Act of 2010 to improve the Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: transparency of the Financial Stability Oversight H.R. 401, to designate the mountain at the Dev- Council, to improve the SIFI designation process, by ils Tower National Monument, Wyoming, as Devils a yea-and-nay vote of 297 yeas to 121 nays, Roll Tower, and for other purposes (H. Rept. 115–630); No. 135. Pages H3119–28 H.R. 520, to require the Secretary of the Interior Pursuant to the Rule, an amendment in the na- and the Secretary of Agriculture to more efficiently ture of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules develop domestic sources of the minerals and mineral Committee Print 115–64, modified by the amend- materials of strategic and critical importance to the ment printed in part A of H. Rept. 115–600, shall economic and national security and manufacturing be considered as adopted. Page H3119 competitiveness of the United States, and for other H. Res. 780, the rule providing for consideration purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 115–631); of the bills (H.R. 4061) and (H.R. 4293) was agreed and to March 15th. H.R. 4895, to establish the Medgar Evers Na- Stress Test Improvement Act: The House passed tional Monument in the State of Mississippi, and for H.R. 4293, to reform the Comprehensive Capital other purposes, with amendments (H. Rept. Analysis and Review process, the Dodd-Frank Act 115–632). Page H3146 Stress Test process, by a yea-and-nay vote of 245 Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein he yeas to 174 nays, Roll No. 137. appointed Representative Bacon to act as Speaker pro Pages H3112–19, H3128–29 tempore for today. Page H3099 Rejected the Maxine Waters (CA) motion to re- Recess: The House recessed at 10:31 a.m. and re- commit the bill to the Committee on Financial Serv- ices with instructions to report the same back to the convened at 12 noon. Page H3103 House forthwith with an amendment, by a yea-and- Guest Chaplain: The prayer was offered by the nay vote of 188 yeas to 231 nays, Roll No. 136. Guest Chaplain, Chaplain Scott Foust, U.S. Air Pages H3118–19, H3128–29 Force, Arlington Cemetery, Arlington, VA. Pursuant to the Rule, an amendment in the na- Page H3103 ture of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Journal: The House agreed to the Speaker’s approval Committee Print 115–63, modified by the amend- of the Journal by voice vote. Pages H3103, H3112 ment printed in part B of H. Rept. 115–600, shall Committee Election: The House agreed to H. Res. be considered as adopted, in lieu of the amendment 814, electing a Member to a certain standing com- in the nature of a substitute recommended by the mittee of the House of Representatives. Committee on Financial Services now printed in the Page H3112 Pages H3104–05 bill. H. Res. 780, the rule providing for consideration Recess: The House recessed at 12:53 p.m. and re- of the bills (H.R. 4061) and (H.R. 4293) was agreed convened at 1:40 p.m. Page H3110 to March 15th. Volcker Rule Regulatory Harmonization Act— Senate Message: Message received from the Senate Rule for Consideration: The House agreed to H. by the Clerk and subsequently presented to the Res. 811, providing for consideration of the bill House today appears on page H3104. (H.R. 4790) to amend the Volcker rule to give the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Quorum Calls—Votes: Four yea-and-nay votes and sole rulemaking authority, to exclude community one recorded vote developed during the proceedings banks from the requirements of the Volcker rule, by of today and appear on pages H3110–11, a recorded vote of 230 ayes to 184 noes, Roll No. H3111–12, H3128, H3128–29, and H3129. There 134, after the previous question was ordered by a were no quorum calls. yea-and-nay vote of 231 yeas to 186 nays, Roll No. Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and ad- 133. Pages H3105–10, H3110–12 journed at 7:43 p.m.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:14 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D11AP8.REC D11APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with DIGEST April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D373 APPROPRIATIONS—DEPARTMENT OF THE Committee Meetings TREASURY INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS RAIL SAFETY AND INFRASTRUCTURE— Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, STAKEHOLDER PERSPECTIVES Foreign Operations, and Related Programs held a Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Trans- budget hearing on the Department of the Treasury portation, Housing and Urban Development, and International Programs. Testimony was heard from Related Agencies held a hearing entitled ‘‘Rail Safety Steven Mnuchin, Secretary, Department of the Treas- and Infrastructure—Stakeholder Perspectives’’. Testi- ury. mony was heard from public witnesses. APPROPRIATIONS—DEPARTMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS—NATIONAL HOMELAND SECURITY INSTITUTES OF HEALTH Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Home- Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, land Security held a budget hearing on the Depart- Health and Human Services, Education, and Related ment of Homeland Security. Testimony was heard Agencies held a budget hearing on the National In- from Kirstjen Nielsen, Secretary, Department of stitutes of Health. Testimony was heard from Francis Homeland Security. Collins, Director, National Institutes of Health. APPROPRIATIONS—U.S. CAPITOL POLICE APPROPRIATIONS—INTERNAL REVENUE Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legisla- SERVICE tive Branch held a budget hearing on the U.S. Cap- Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Finan- itol Police. Testimony was heard from the following cial Services and General Government held a budget U.S. Capitol Police officials: Matthew R. Verderosa, hearing on the Internal Revenue Service. Testimony Chief of Police; Steven A. Sund, Assistant Chief of was heard from David J. Kautter, Acting Commis- Police; and Richard L. Braddock, Chief Administra- sioner, Department of Treasury. tive Officer. APPROPRIATIONS—DEPARTMENT OF THE CYBER OPERATIONS TODAY: PREPARING INTERIOR FOR 21ST CENTURY CHALLENGES IN AN Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Inte- INFORMATION-ENABLED SOCIETY rior, Environment, and Related Agencies held a Committee On Armed Services: Full Committee held a budget hearing on the Department of the Interior. hearing entitled ‘‘Cyber Operations Today: Preparing Testimony was heard from the following Department for 21st Century Challenges in an Information-En- of the Interior officials: Ryan Zinke, Secretary; abled Society’’. Testimony was heard from public Denise Flanagan, Director, Office of Budget; and witnesses. Olivia Barton Ferriter, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Budget, Finance, Performance and Acquisition. MEMBER DAY Committee On Armed Services: Full Committee held a APPROPRIATIONS—U.S. STRATEGIC hearing entitled ‘‘Member Day’’. Testimony was COMMAND heard from Chairman Chabot, and Representatives Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense Vela´zquez, Kihuen, Donovan, Johnson of Louisiana, held a budget hearing on the U.S. Strategic Com- Rutherford, and Schneider. mand. Testimony was heard from General John E. Hyten, Commander, U.S. Strategic Command. This A REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT OF THE hearing was closed. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE BUDGET, STRATEGY, POLICY, AND PROGRAMS FOR APPROPRIATIONS—NATIONAL OCEANIC CYBER OPERATIONS AND U.S. CYBER AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION COMMAND FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019 Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Com- Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Emerg- merce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies held a ing Threats and Capabilities held a hearing entitled budget hearing on the National Oceanic and Atmos- ‘‘A Review and Assessment of the Department of pheric Administration. Testimony was heard from Defense Budget, Strategy, Policy, and Programs for RDML Tim Gallaudet, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Assistant Cyber Operations and U.S. Cyber Command for Fis- Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, cal Year 2019’’. Testimony was heard from Kenneth Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and P. Rapuano, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Atmosphere, Department of Commerce. Homeland Defense and Global Security, Department

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:14 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D11AP8.REC D11APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with DIGEST D374 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST April 11, 2018 of Defense; and Admiral Michael Rogers, Com- rea’s Diplomatic Gambit: Will History Repeat mander, U.S. Cyber Command, Director, National Itself?’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. Security Agency. NO ABDUCTED CHILD LEFT BEHIND: AN FACEBOOK: TRANSPARENCY AND USE OF UPDATE ON THE GOLDMAN ACT CONSUMER DATA Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa, Committee on Energy and Commerce: Full Committee Global Health, Global Human Rights, and Inter- held a hearing entitled ‘‘Facebook: Transparency and national Organizations held a hearing entitled ‘‘No Use of Consumer Data’’. Testimony was heard from Abducted Child Left Behind: An Update on the a public witness. Goldman Act’’. Testimony was heard from Suzanne UPDATE ON THE RESTORATION OF Lawrence, Special Advisor for Children’s Issues, Of- PUERTO RICO’S ELECTRIC fice of Children’s Issues, Bureau of Consular Affairs, INFRASTRUCTURE Department of State; and public witnesses. Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled Committee on the Judiciary: Full Committee held a ‘‘Update on the Restoration of Puerto Rico’s Electric markup on H.R. 5283, to make technical amend- Infrastructure’’. Testimony was heard from Charles ments to update statutory references to certain provi- R. Alexander, Director, Contingency Operations and sions classified to title 7, title 20, and title 43, Homeland Security Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps United States Code; H.R. 5293, to make technical of Engineers; Jeffrey Byard, Associate Administrator, amendments to update statutory references to certain Office of Response and Recovery, Federal Emergency provisions that were formerly classified to title 50, Management Agency; Bruce J. Walker, Assistant Appendix, United States Code; H.R. 5335, to make Secretary, Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy technical amendments to update statutory references Reliability, Department of Energy; and public wit- to provisions reclassified to title 34, United States nesses. Code; H.R. 5344, to make technical amendments to COMBATING THE OPIOID CRISIS: update statutory references to certain provisions IMPROVING THE ABILITY OF MEDICARE which were formerly classified to chapters 14 and 19 AND MEDICAID TO PROVIDE CARE FOR of title 25, United States Code; and H.R. 5447, the PATIENTS ‘‘Music Modernization Act’’. H.R. 5283, H.R. 5293, Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on H.R. 5335, H.R. 5344, and H.R. 5447 were or- Health began a hearing entitled ‘‘Combating the dered reported, without amendment. Opioid Crisis: Improving the Ability of Medicare MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES and Medicaid to Provide Care for Patients’’. Committee on Natural Resources: Full Committee held THE 2018 SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT OF THE a markup on H.R. 3144, to provide for operations BUREAU OF CONSUMER FINANCIAL of the Federal Columbia River Power System pursu- PROTECTION ant to a certain operation plan for a specified period Committee on Financial Services: Full Committee held of time, and for other purposes; H.R. 3392, the a hearing entitled ‘‘The 2018 Semi-Annual Report of ‘‘Lake Bistineau Land Title Stability Act’’; H.R. the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection’’. Testi- 3997, the ‘‘Free Veterans from Fees Act’’; H.R. mony was heard from Mick Mulvaney, Acting Direc- 4257, the ‘‘Advancing Conservation and Education tor, Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. Act’’; and H.R. 5005, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study to deter- FINANCING OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT: mine the suitability and feasibility of establishing THE ADMINISTRATION’S PROPOSAL the birthplace of James Weldon Johnson in Jackson- Committee on Foreign Affairs: Full Committee held a ville, Florida, as a unit of the National Park System. hearing entitled ‘‘Financing Overseas Development: H.R. 3144 and H.R. 5005 were ordered reported, The Administration’s Proposal’’. Testimony was without amendment. H.R. 3392, H.R. 3997, and heard from Ray W. Washburne, President and Chief H.R. 4257 were ordered reported, as amended. Executive Officer, Overseas Private Investment Cor- LEGISLATIVE MEASURES poration. Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fed- NORTH KOREA’S DIPLOMATIC GAMBIT: eral Lands held a hearing on H.R. 1037, to authorize WILL HISTORY REPEAT ITSELF? the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia Foundation to establish a commemorative work in and the Pacific held a hearing entitled ‘‘North Ko- the District of Columbia and its environs, and for

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:14 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D11AP8.REC D11APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with DIGEST April 11, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D375 other purposes; H.R. 1791, the ‘‘Mountains to vide for housing stipends and supply fee payments Sound Greenway National Heritage Act’’; H.R. under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program 2991, the ‘‘Susquehanna National Heritage Area for individuals affected by extended school closures Act’’; and H.R. 3045, the ‘‘Eastern Legacy Extension due to natural disasters; H.R. 4451, to amend title Act’’. Testimony was heard from Representatives 38, United States Code, to provide for a five-year ex- Reichert, Smucker, Lynch, and Messer; former Sen- tension to the homeless veterans reintegration pro- ator Slade Gorton; Joy Beasley, Acting Associate Di- grams and to provide clarification regarding eligi- rector, Cultural Resources, Partnerships, and Science, bility for services under such programs; H.R. 4830, National Park Service, Department of the Interior; to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide Leo S. Lutz, Mayor, Borough of Columbia, Colum- for the disapproval of any course of education for bia, Pennsylvania; and public witnesses. purposes of the educational assistance programs of LOCAL RESPONSES AND RESOURCES TO the Department of Veterans Affairs unless the edu- CURTAIL THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC cational institution providing the course permits in- dividuals to attend or participate in courses pending Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Sub- payment by Department, and for other purposes; committee on Healthcare, Benefits and Administra- tive Rules held a hearing entitled ‘‘Local Responses H.R. 4835, to extend the pilot program on off-base and Resources to Curtail the Opioid Epidemic’’. Tes- transition training for veterans and spouses; and timony was heard from Amy Haskins, Project Direc- H.R. 5044, to amend title 38, United States Code, tor, Jackson County Anti-Drug Coalition, West Vir- to clarify the treatment of certain surviving spouses ginia; Lisa Roberts, Coordinator, Scioto County Drug under the contracting goals and preferences of the Action Team Alliance, Ohio; Derek Siegle, Executive Department of Veterans Affairs. H.R. 4830 and Director, Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking H.R. 4451 were ordered reported, as amended. H.R. Area Program; and Karen Ayala, Lead Staff, DuPage 1206, H.R. 3023, H.R. 3940, H.R. 4835, and H.R. Heroin/Opioid Prevention and Education Task-Force, 5044 were ordered reported, without amendment. Illinois. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES SCHOLARS OR SPIES: FOREIGN PLOTS TARGETING AMERICA’S RESEARCH AND Committee on Ways and Means: Full Committee held DEVELOPMENT a markup on H.R. 5446, to amend the Internal Rev- enue Code of 1986 to restrict the immediate sale of Committee on Science, Space, and Technology: Sub- seized property by the Secretary of the Treasury to committee on Oversight; and Subcommittee on Re- perishable goods; H.R. 5444, to amend the Internal search and Technology held a joint hearing entitled Revenue Code of 1986 to modernize and improve ‘‘Scholars or Spies: Foreign Plots Targeting America’s the Internal Revenue Service, and for other purposes; Research and Development’’. Testimony was heard H.R. 5445, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of from Michael Wessel, Commissioner, U.S.-China 1986 to improve cybersecurity and taxpayer identity Economic and Security Review Commission; and protection, and modernize the information tech- public witnesses. nology of the Internal Revenue Service, and for other THE STATE OF TRADE FOR AMERICA’S purposes; H.R. 2901, the ‘‘Volunteer Income Tax SMALL BUSINESSES Assistance Permanence Act of 2017’’; H.R. 5440, to Committee on Small Business: Full Committee held a require notice from the Secretary of the Treasury in hearing entitled ‘‘The State of Trade for America’s the case of any closure of a Taxpayer Assistance Cen- Small Businesses’’. Testimony was heard from public ter; H.R. 5438, to amend the Internal Revenue Code witnesses. of 1986 to allow officers and employees of the De- partment of the Treasury to provide to taxpayers in- MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES formation regarding low-income taxpayer clinics; Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Subcommittee on Eco- legislation to amend the Internal Revenue Code of nomic Opportunity held a markup on H.R. 1206, to 1986 to restrict the immediate sale of seized prop- amend title 38, United States Code, to include the erty by Secretary of the Treasury to perishable goods; cost of applying to an institution of higher learning H.R. 5437, to require the Secretary of the Treasury as part of the benefits provided under the Post-9/11 to establish a program for the issuance of identity Educational Assistance Program; H.R. 3023, to protection personal identification numbers; H.R. amend title 38, United States Code, to eliminate the 5439, to provide for a single point of contact at the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay Internal Revenue Service for the taxpayers who are reporting fees to educational institutions; H.R. victims of tax-related identity theft; legislation to 3940, to amend title 38, United States Code, to pro- amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:14 Apr 12, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D11AP8.REC D11APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with DIGEST D376 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST April 11, 2018 electronic filing of the annual returns of exempt or- ment, to hold hearings to examine the Office of Informa- ganizations and provide for making such returns tion and Regulatory Affairs, 10 a.m., SD–342. available for public inspection; H.R. 4403, the Committee on the Judiciary: business meeting to consider ‘‘Moving Americans Privacy Protection Act’’; H.R. S. 994, to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide 1512, the ‘‘Social Security Child Protection Act of for the protection of community centers with religious af- 2017’’; H.R. 5192, the ‘‘Protecting Children from filiation, and the nominations of John B. Nalbandian, of Kentucky, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Sixth Identity Theft Act’’. H.R. 5444, H.R. 5445, H.R. Circuit, Kari A. Dooley, to be United States District 2901, H.R. 5440, H.R. 5438, H.R. 5446, H.R. Judge for the District of Connecticut, Dominic W. Lanza, 5437, H.R. 5439, H.R. 5443, H.R. 4403, H.R. to be United States District Judge for the District of Ari- 1512, and H.R. 5192 were ordered reported, as zona, Jill Aiko Otake, to be United States District Judge amended. for the District of Hawaii, Michael Y. Scudder, of Illi- nois, and Amy J. St. Eve, of Illinois, both to be a United Joint Meetings States Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit, Charles J. Williams, to be United States District Judge for the UNLEASHING AMERICA’S ECONOMIC Northern District of Iowa, and Joseph H. Hunt, of Mary- POTENTIAL land, to be an Assistant Attorney General, Timothy A. Joint Economic Committee: Committee concluded a Garrison, to be United States Attorney for the Western hearing to examine unleashing America’s economic District of Missouri, Kenji M. Price, to be United States potential, after receiving testimony from Douglas Attorney for the District of Hawaii, John Cary Bittick, to be United States Marshal for the Middle District of Holtz-Eakin, American Action Forum, Chad Georgia, David L. Lyons, to be United States Marshal for Moutray, National Association of Manufacturers, and the Southern District of Georgia, and Rodney D. Mark J. Mazur, Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center, Ostermiller, to be United States Marshal for the District all of Washington, D.C.; and Richard Hampton, of Montana, all of the Department of Justice, 10 a.m., Circuit Interruption Technology Inc., Rogers, Min- SD–226. nesota. Select Committee on Intelligence: to hold closed hearings to f examine certain intelligence matters, 2 p.m., SH–219. COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY, House APRIL 12, 2018 Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior, (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Environment, and Related Agencies, budget hearing on the Smithsonian Institution, 9:30 a.m., 2007 Rayburn. Senate Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Depart- Education, and Related Agencies, budget hearing entitled ments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Edu- ‘‘Investments in our Health Workforce and Rural Com- cation, and Related Agencies, to hold hearings to examine munities’’, 10 a.m., 2358–C Rayburn. proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Re- 2019 for the Department of Labor, 10 a.m., SD–124. lated Agencies, budget hearing on the National Aero- Committee on Armed Services: to hold hearings to examine nautics and Space Administration, 10 a.m., H–309 Cap- the posture of the Department of the Army in review of itol. the Defense Authorization Request for fiscal year 2019 Subcommittee on Defense, budget hearing on the U.S. and the Future Years Defense Program, 9:30 a.m., National Guard and Reserve, 10 a.m., H–140 Capitol. SD–G50. Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, budget hearing Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: to on the Government Publishing Office, 10 a.m., HT–2 hold hearings to examine the Consumer Financial Protec- Capitol. tion Bureau’s semi-annual report to Congress, 10 a.m., Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Af- SD–538. fairs, and Related Agencies, budget hearing on Energy, Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: to Installations, and Environment, 10 a.m., 2362–A Ray- hold hearings to examine the 2018 hurricane season, fo- burn. cusing on the status of preparation and response capabili- Subcommittee on Homeland Security, budget hearing ties, 9:45 a.m., SR–253. on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Committee on Finance: to hold hearings to examine the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 10 a.m., 2359 Ray- 2018 tax filing season and future Internal Revenue Serv- burn. ice challenges, 10 a.m., SD–215. Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, budget hearing Committee on Foreign Relations: to hold hearings to exam- on the Architect of the Capitol, 2 p.m., HT–2 Capitol. ine the nomination of Mike Pompeo, of Kansas, to be Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Secretary of State, 10:15 a.m., SD–419. Development, and Related Agencies, budget hearing on Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: the Department of Transportation, 2 p.m., 2358–A Ray- Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Manage- burn.

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Committee on Armed Services, Full Committee, hearing Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Water, entitled ‘‘The Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Author- Power and Oceans, hearing entitled ‘‘Examining the Pro- ization Budget Request from the Department of De- posed Fiscal Year 2019 Spending, Priorities and Missions fense’’, 10 a.m., 2118 Rayburn. of the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces, hear- Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminis- ing entitled ‘‘Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Request for Com- tration, and the Four Power Marketing Administrations’’, bat Aviation Programs’’, 2 p.m., 2212 Rayburn. 2 p.m., 1324 Longworth. Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, hear- hearing entitled ‘‘355 Ship Navy: Delivering the Right ing entitled ‘‘The Benefits of the Navajo Generation Sta- Capabilities’’, 3:30 p.m., 2118 Rayburn. tion on Local Economies’’, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth. Committee on the Budget, Full Committee, hearing enti- Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Sub- tled ‘‘The Congressional Budget Office’s Budget and Eco- committee on Government Operations; and Sub- nomic Outlook’’, 10 a.m., 1334 Longworth. committee on Intergovernmental Affairs, joint hearing Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on entitled ‘‘Improper Payments in State-Administered Pro- Health, continue hearing entitled ‘‘Combating the Opioid grams: Medicaid’’, 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn. Crisis: Improving the Ability of Medicare and Medicaid Subcommittee on National Security, hearing entitled to Provide Care for Patients’’, 10:15 a.m., 2322 Rayburn. ‘‘A ‘Caravan’ of Illegal Immigrants: A Test of U.S. Bor- Subcommittee on Energy, hearing entitled ‘‘The Fiscal ders’’, 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn. Year 2019 Department of Energy Budget’’, 10 a.m., Committee on Small Business, Subcommittee on Investiga- 2123 Rayburn. tions, Oversight, and Regulations, hearing entitled Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Over- ‘‘Community Support: Entrepreneurial Development and sight and Investigations, hearing entitled ‘‘Oversight of Beyond’’, 11 a.m., 2360 Rayburn. the Federal Housing Finance Agency’’, 10 a.m., 2128 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Full Com- Rayburn. mittee, markup on H.R. 5294, the ‘‘Treating Barriers to Subcommittee on Monetary Policy and Trade Sub- Prosperity Act of 2018’’; H.R. 3288, the ‘‘Northern Bor- committee, hearing on H.R. 4311, the ‘‘Foreign Invest- der Regional Commission Reauthorization Act of 2017’’; ment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2017’’, 2 p.m., H. Con. Res. 115, authorizing the use of the Capitol 2128 Rayburn. Grounds for the National Peace Officers Memorial Service Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Over- and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhi- sight and Management Efficiency, hearing entitled bition; H. Con. Res. 113, authorizing the use of Capitol ‘‘Building for the Future: Examining Challenges Facing Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby; the Department of Homeland Security’s Consolidated legislation on the General Services Administration Capital Headquarters Project’’, 10 a.m., HVC–210. Investment and Leasing Program; H.R. 4177, the ‘‘PRE- Subcommittee on Transportation and Protective Secu- PARE Act of 2017’’; H.R. 5319, to transfer Coast Guard rity, hearing entitled ‘‘Examining the President’s FY property in the Town of Jupiter Island, Florida, for inclu- 2019 Budget Request for the Transportation Security Ad- sion in Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge; H.R. ministration’’, 2 p.m., HVC–210. 5326, the ‘‘Maritime Technical Corrections Act of 2018’’; Committee on House Administration, Full Committee, and H.R. 4673, the ‘‘Promoting Women in the Aviation markup on H.R. 4631, the ‘‘Access to Congressionally Workforce Act’’, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. Mandated Reports Act’’; and H.R. 5305, the ‘‘FDLP Committee on Ways and Means, Full Committee, hearing Modernization Act of 2018’’, 11 a.m., 1310 Longworth. entitled ‘‘Hearing on the Effects of Tariff Increases on the Full Committee, hearing entitled ‘‘Examining the Role U.S. Economy and Jobs’’, 10 a.m., 1100 Longworth. of Shared Employees in the House’’, 11 a.m., 1310 Long- Subcommittee on Human Resources, hearing entitled worth. ‘‘Jobs and Opportunity: Local Perspectives on the Jobs Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Regulatory Gap’’, 2 p.m., 1100 Longworth. Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law, hearing on legis- Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Subcommittee lation on the Permitting Litigation Efficiency Act of on Department of Defense Intelligence and Overhead Ar- 2018; and H.R. 4423, the ‘‘North Texas Water Supply chitecture, hearing entitled ‘‘Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Security Act of 2017’’, 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. Hearing’’, 9 a.m., HVC–304. This hearing will be closed.

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Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 9:15 a.m., Thursday, April 12 10 a.m., Thursday, April 12

Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Thursday: Senate will continue consider- Program for Thursday: Consideration of the following ation of the nomination of Patrick Pizzella, of Virginia, measure under suspension of the Rules: H.J. Res. 2—Pro- to be Deputy Secretary of Labor, post-cloture, and vote posing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution on confirmation of the nomination at 9:30 a.m. of the United States. Following disposition of the nomination of Patrick Pizzella, Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Andrew Wheeler, of Virginia, to be Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE Gutie´rrez, Luis V., Ill., E430 Norton, Eleanor Holmes, The District of Columbia, Harris, Andy, Md., E433 E435 Banks, Jim, Ind., E431 Higgins, Brian, N.Y., E435 Rogers, Harold, Ky., E429 Blum, Rod, Iowa, E429 Hoyer, Steny H., Md., E431, E434 Rohrabacher, Dana, Calif., E431 Blumenauer, Earl, Ore., E434 Rooney, Francis, Fla., E429, E430 Hultgren, Randy, Ill., E434 Brady, Robert A., Pa., E434 Rosen, Jacky, Nev., E433 Jenkins, Evan H., W.Va., E433 Brooks, Susan W., Ind., E429 Ryan, Tim, Ohio, E435 Buck, Ken, Colo., E430, E433 Johnson, Eddie Bernice, Tex., E430 Shimkus, John, Ill., E433, E435 Carter, Earl L. ‘‘Buddy’’, Ga., E431 Luetkemeyer, Blaine, Mo., E431 Thompson, Bennie G., Miss., E429, E432, E433 Faso, John J., N.Y., E433 Lujan Grisham, Michelle, N.M., E434 Walker, Mark, N.C., E436 Fitzpatrick, Brian K., Pa., E436 Moore, Gwen, Wisc., E431 Wilson, Frederica S., Fla., E436

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