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

Vol. 163 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017 No. 59 House of Representatives The House met at 10 a.m. and was us, we must never forget those who de- about World War I and those who gave called to order by the Speaker pro tem- fended and protected freedom. so much during it. pore (Mr. WEBSTER of Florida). Many of us in Congress, as well as I hope my colleagues will join me in f citizens all over this country, are rel- cosponsoring H. Con. Res. 41. atives of World War I veterans. Many f DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO like myself had a grandparent who TEMPORE fought for this Nation. Many lost their RISE UP MAY 1 The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- relatives to this war, while many rel- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The fore the House the following commu- atives returned from war forever Chair recognizes the gentleman from nication from the Speaker: changed. Over 116,000 were killed, over Illinois (Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ) for 5 minutes. Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ. Mr. Speaker, if WASHINGTON, DC, 200,000 wounded, and over 70,000 suf- April 5, 2017. fered the effects of inhaling chlorine Donald Trump is going to be successful I hereby appoint the Honorable DANIEL gas dispelled by German military. as a President—successful from his WEBSTER to act as Speaker pro tempore on My grandfather was one of the 70,000, point of view; not the point of view of this day. and he, like many, could not cope with the American people, or history, or the PAUL D. RYAN, the effects of gas-damaged lungs and rest of the world, or the point of view Speaker of the House of Representatives. the psychological burden of war. At the of people who like peace and freedom, f age of 34 in 1926, he committed suicide. but from his point of view—then he is going to have to rely on fear. MORNING-HOUR DEBATE My father, an only child, was only 13. I am not unique in this situation, as He got elected by creating fear about The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- many families tragically suffered the immigrants, Mexicans, and Latinos, ant to the order of the House of Janu- same fate. That is why we must con- calling us rapists and criminals. He got ary 3, 2017, the Chair will now recog- tinue to remember and honor World elected by creating fear about Presi- nize Members from lists submitted by War I veterans and their families. dent Obama, the Blacks, thugs, and big the majority and minority leaders for I want to thank Colonel Charles Bow- cities. morning-hour debate. ery, Jr., executive director, U.S. Army He got elected by creating fear The Chair will alternate recognition Center of Military History, and his among Americans about the big, scary between the parties, with each party staff for the many months of work or- world out there with threats from ISIS, limited to 1 hour and each Member ganizing this national remembrance. al-Qaida, and Mexico. But for some rea- other than the majority and minority This week across the country, we will son, he left out things like the fear of leaders and the minority whip limited begin a yearlong celebration marking Russia or his buddy and friend, Putin. to 5 minutes, but in no event shall de- the 100th anniversary of World War I. And if President Trump is going to bate continue beyond 11:50 a.m. This Friday, the North Carolina Mu- enact his agenda of deportations, build- f seum of History will hold a ribbon-cut- ing a wall, and making it impossible ting ceremony to mark a year cele- for people to come to the United States 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF WORLD brating those who served from North with visas, he needs to use fear as well. WAR I Carolina. My wife and I will be in at- For example, he feels he needs to pub- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The tendance. lish a list every week of the crimes Chair recognizes the gentleman from Additionally, Mr. Speaker, I would that were committed by immigrants to North Carolina (Mr. JONES) for 5 min- like to remind Congress that on April scare Americans into fearing our com- utes. 10, 11, and 12, PBS will be airing a munity. Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, this year is three-part series titled ‘‘The Great And Trump needs to use fear in an- the 100th anniversary of World War I. Night’’ at 9 p.m. eastern standard time. other very important way. He needs to April 6 of 1917 was the beginning of it I think it will be a very informative scare the immigrant community. all, when Congress voted to authorize television program on the history of Why? military force. our country, but also the history of Because he knows he doesn’t have Mr. Speaker, I have introduced a res- World War I. the money, the manpower, or the time olution, H. Con. Res. 41, that will not In returning to this resolution, Mr. to drive 11 million men, women, and only remember World War I, but also Speaker, I again want to thank the children who are undocumented out of honor those veterans who served. While United States Army for taking the lead this country. He doesn’t have enough those brave people are no longer with in educating the American people jails, ICE agents, or airplanes to deport

b This symbol represents the time of day during the House proceedings, e.g., b 1407 is 2:07 p.m. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05AP7.000 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H2700 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 5, 2017 11 million people. That is the popu- go to riseupmay1.org to get more info Ms. CLARKE of New York. Mr. lation about as big as the State of Illi- about what is planned in your city or Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the nois, and such a max exodus will not be your State. life of Mrs. Dolores S. Williams, a com- easy. This will be a day for all Americans munity matriarch. So what do they do? to demonstrate our resistance to the Her life was a true Brooklyn story. They use fear. Trump has to make mass deportation, mass discrimination, Born in Newport News, Virginia, on immigrants scared to leave their and mass deception policies of our February 14, 1933, she came to New houses. Trump has to make parents President. York City with her family as a young scared to take their kids to school. The way you deal with fear is to girl as part of the Northern migration Trump has to make doctors’ offices, stand up with your friends and allies from the South in search of oppor- courthouses, police stations, and fire and demonstrate your strength in num- tunity. departments places where immigrants bers. That is why I am going to rise up Growing up in Bedford-Stuyvesant are afraid to go. on May 1. Brooklyn, Dolores graduated from Trump has to make sure that un- Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a Thomas Jefferson High School and documented immigrants who are rais- moment to welcome the graduating married Jacob A. Williams in 1951 and ing children—most of whom are Amer- class of 2017 from Inter-American Mag- raised three children: Cheryl Elise, ican citizens—in families who have net School in the city of Chicago and Jacob Conrad, and Celeste Elena. lived in the U.S. on average for more the parents who are accompanying the than a dozen years, and who own students and the teachers. A special Dolores was a staunch believer in homes, cars, and businesses, he has to welcome to my grandson, Luis Andres education and was actively involved in make them so afraid that they want to Figueroa Gutierrez, who is with them her children’s school and with issues in leave this country. this morning at our Capitol. her community. It is a Presidency and a Presidential f She also practiced what she policy agenda that relies on fear and preached. She returned to school and bullying to achieve success—or what MINERS’ PENSIONS received a bachelor of arts in education people who surround Trump define as The SPEAKER pro tempore. The from Brooklyn College at the age of 40. success, at any rate. Chair recognizes the gentleman from She found success as an educational How do Americans respond to fear? West Virginia (Mr. JENKINS) for 5 min- sales representative for Random House Do we hide in our homes and isolate utes. publishing company, inspired by a de- ourselves and run? Mr. JENKINS of West Virginia. Mr. sire to support the education of all No, that is not what people do in the Speaker, time is running out to do children. United States of America, and we never right by our miners, their families, and Dolores returned to the classroom, will. We stand up and we stand to- their widows. earning a master of science degree in gether and confront fear. At the end of the month, the benefits special education from Hunter College, So on May 1, millions of Americans they worked their lives for will expire. which she used to pursue her passion are going to stand up. We are going to For families across West Virginia, that by working with developmentally chal- stand together and we are going to rise would be nothing short of dev- lenged children in her beloved Bedford- up. astating—families like Teresa Ander- Stuyvesant. May 1 is an international day to rec- son of McDowell County. Her father, She was a woman of high distinction ognize the contributions of working Donald Richardson, worked his whole and a real New Yorker, a real people, and it is observed as Labor Day life in the mines of West Virginia. Brooklynite, survived by three children in much of the world. This year, it will Teresa shared with me what these and nine grandchildren who will never be a day to honor working people of all benefits meant to her father and to her forget her kindness and love. types, but there will be a special em- mother, Mary. phasis this year on immigrants work- Here is what she wrote: I, too, was very fortunate in my ing and living in the United States. ‘‘I remember from a young age listen- youth to have been a part of the ex- In 42 cities in 33 States, from Mil- ing to him tell me and my brothers sto- tended family of the Williams. I be- waukee to Seattle, to LA, to Chicago, ries about the mines and teaching us friended their youngest daughter, Ce- to Boston, cities and towns will hold about his United Mine Workers bene- leste, and we grew up together in the activities, marches, rallies, and work- fits and to let no one take advantage of quintessential village that raised its shops to lift up immigrant commu- this most precious insurance that he children in the Prospect-Lefferts com- nities and demonstrate the solidarity fought and worked so hard for. munity in Brooklyn, where we were between Americans and immigrants. ‘‘He would say, when I’m gone, you neighbors. Mrs. Williams and her fam- This is a campaign to galvanize broad need to still protect these benefits that ily embraced me and reinforced the support for immigrants, so this is not we worked for. This is how your moth- values of my home and family. She going to just be a Latino thing or an er will make it when I’m no longer here shared the expectations of becoming immigrant thing. Churches, mosques, to provide for her.’’ highly educated and well-rounded and congregations are going to rise up. Mr. Speaker, Donald is no longer young adults, always encouraging Unions, students, teachers, and work- with us. He passed away back in 2012. through conversations filled with ing men and women are going to rise Now his wife, Mary, and his daughter, laughter. up on May 1. Teresa, are asking us to keep his prom- Let’s be clear, when we marched for ise, to keep our promise, the promise b 1015 women in massive numbers the day the Federal Government made to our Her support and encouragement after the inauguration, it was not just miners more than 70 years ago. helped me in my formative years to women marching. When we came to the I urge my colleagues to act and to focus on my educational goals and life- airports to stand up for American val- protect these vital benefits. long aspirations. ues and against Trump’s Muslim ban, Mr. Speaker, we cannot let the clock it was not just Muslims standing up for run out on our miners and their fami- To my dearest Cheryle, Conrad, and American values. It was a lot of the lies. They kept up their end of the bar- Celeste, I extend my deepest, most pro- rest of us, too. gain. Now it is time for us to do the found condolences. Now that she has So if you care about justice, rise up same. returned to her ancestors, let us al- ways remember her timeless pursuit of with us on May 1. If you think a man f should be able to use a men’s bath- public service, her profound respect for room, even if his birth certificate says HONORING MRS. DOLORES education and lifelong learning, and he was born a woman, rise up with us. WILLIAMS her love for family and community. If you think global warming is a thing The SPEAKER pro tempore. The She is now in the arms of God. Well and science is a thing and the planet Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from done, Dolores Williams. Rest now in Earth is a thing to be protected, then New York (Ms. CLARKE) for 5 minutes. peace.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.003 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2701 HONORING THE LIFE AND MEM- yearning and care for our country, he year community college—casualties of ORY OF AMBASSADOR CLAYTON committed himself in multiple ways to inaction. YEUTTER serving our institutions of governance. Women would have 78 more weeks of The SPEAKER pro tempore. The But he never forgot his humble roots food for a family; so families, literally, Chair recognizes the gentleman from back in Nebraska. can suffer from a lack of food. Food on the table is important in the richest Nebraska (Mr. SMITH) for 5 minutes. So I simply want to say: Well done, Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speak- good, faithful servant Clayton Yeutter, country in the world. Women should er, I rise in memory of Ambassador my friend. not earn less such that their families Clayton Yeutter, a native of Eustis, I thank the gentleman for honoring would suffer. Women would have 7 more months of Nebraska, who recently passed away Ambassador Yeutter’s life. Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speak- mortgage and utility payment. after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Women would have 11 more months Mr. Yeutter was a true statesman, er, I can’t say enough to honor such a true giant in public service as Sec- of rent. who generously shared his time and ex- Women should not find themselves pertise throughout his very remarkable retary Yeutter, Ambassador Yeutter. The list goes on of his many titles, an making less than what men make in career. On top of his numerous profes- the richest country in the world, in a sional accomplishments, Mr. Yeutter incredible man, but his humility did so much for our country. country where we have the technology, was known as a humble, kind, and re- the know-how, and the ability to make spected leader who never lost sight of f a change. They should not have this his commitment to rural America. WOMEN ARE CASUALTIES OF circumstance. No one understood the importance of INACTION We can change this circumstance if trade to American agriculture better we so desire. We but only have to have than he did, and his work has benefited The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from the will. The way is there to make sure generations of, incidentally, Nebraska women are treated equally in this agriculture producers as well as others Texas (Mr. AL GREEN) for 5 minutes. Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speak- great society. across the country. I believe, Mr. Speaker, that we ought Mr. Yeutter grew up on a cattle and er, I rise today to speak on the topic of casualties of inaction, casualties of in- to have task forces that are looking corn operation in central Nebraska into this, not just for today or tomor- during the Great Depression. He at- action, Mr. Speaker, because there are some things that we can do if we would row, but to look into it until there is a tended the University of Nebraska, solution that is available. Until we where he earned a bachelor’s degree in but only act. There are some cir- cumstances that we can change if we have the solution, we should not stop animal husbandry and, later, a juris taking the action necessary to make a doctorate and a Ph.D. in agricultural would but only act. So today, I want to talk for just a moment about some of change in the lives of women. economics. And finally, Mr. Speaker, we ought the casualties of inaction. After serving in the Air Force in the not allow the people who have made it Mr. Speaker, a recent report has indi- 1950s and returning home to work on possible for every man to breathe the cated that women are casualties of in- his farm, he got his start in politics as breath of life to be treated unfairly, be- action when it comes to their earning chief of staff for Nebraska Governor cause every man alive owes his very ex- power in the United States of America, Norbert Tiemann in the mid-1960s. istence to some woman who is willing the greatest country in the world. Mr. Soon he was named director of the Ne- to suffer the pains of labor so that we Speaker, the report seems to indicate braska Mission to Colombia, which led could breathe the breath of life. him to the USDA and decades of distin- that women earn about 80 cents for f guished public service. every dollar a man earns—about 80 His extensive resume included serv- cents for every dollar a man earns. EMPOWER SYRIAN PEOPLE AND ing as U.S. Trade Representative under Mr. Speaker, this is an abomination. REMOVE ASSAD President Ronald Reagan and Agri- It is something that a great nation The SPEAKER pro tempore. The culture Secretary under President should not tolerate, and it is some- Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from George H.W. Bush. He also ran the Chi- thing that we can change if we but Indiana (Mrs. BROOKS) for 5 minutes. cago Mercantile Exchange for 8 years only have the willpower to do so. Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speak- and served as chairman of the Repub- Women earn about $40,742 if they er, I rise today to condemn yesterday’s lican National Committee. work year-round on a full-time job. deadly chemical attack in Syria. As we mourn the loss of this influen- Men earn about $51,212 working full- Early yesterday morning, while most tial Nebraskan, I extend my condo- time, year-round. This is about $10,470 people were asleep in the rebel-held lences to Mr. Yeutter’s wife, Cristena, difference. city of Khan Shaykhun, airstrikes hit, and his children, grandchildren, and Mr. Speaker, women should not be a carrying what is suspected to be poi- great-granddaughter as well. casualty of $10,000-plus in their annual sonous gas. These airstrikes are be- I yield to my colleague from Ne- salaries. This is something we can lieved to be the work of the Syrian braska (Mr. FORTENBERRY). change. Government or its ally, Russia. Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, I But when we look closer at these According to the AP, at least 72, if thank my friend, Congressman ADRIAN numbers, Mr. Speaker, we realize that not up to 100 people, including at least SMITH, for yielding, and I thank him, Asian women earn about 85 cents for 10 children, were killed and hundreds more importantly, for honoring the life every dollar a man earns, Black women more injured. Entire families were and memory of our mutual good friend earn about 63 cents for every dollar a found dead in their homes, and Clayton Yeutter. man earns, and Latinas earn about 54 healthcare workers who rushed to help In my desk in my office there is a let- cents for ever dollar a man earns. others were also overcome by the poi- ter, and it was written to me by Clay- Well, what does this really mean in son. A second airstrike hit near a hos- ton Yeutter, former Secretary of Agri- terms of what they can do if they have pital where victims were being treated. culture, a couple of years ago. Of the equality of opportunity to receive The Assad regime’s continued use of course, we all receive a lot of letters, proper pay? Here is what it means: chemical weapons on its own people, but sometimes you get one that you If this gender gap were eliminated, innocent families, and children is des- just want to keep close to you. women would have enough money for picable, and this is not the first time. Clayton Yeutter was a gentleman, he approximately 15 more months of child Besides these unspeakable, horrific was a farmer from Nebraska, and he care per year. So children are suffering. acts against innocent people since the was a true statesman. In that letter, he This inaction is impacting children. Syrian civil war began 6 years ago, basically kindly and gently encouraged Children are casualties of our inaction. more than 11 million Syrians—half of me in public service. He was the ideal Women would have approximately 1.2 the country’s prewar population—have public servant. He expressed his senti- years of tuition and fees for a 4-year been displaced from their homes. ments to me personally, but in his pub- public university, or they would have The urgency of this situation cannot lic life, with a great nobility, a great the full cost of tuition and fees for a 2- be denied. We can no longer ignore the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.005 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H2702 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 5, 2017 continued abuse and killing of the Syr- was developed here in the United The fact is our Nation’s opioid crisis ian people. We must take meaningful States. transcends politics, and so must our re- action to empower the Syrian people And one final point. Noah Smith and sponse. I applaud the President’s exec- and remove Assad from power. Heather Boushey and others have utive order to investigate the roots of f talked about what really will create this epidemic and outline tangible ac- the jobs of the future, and they have tions we can take to fight back. MORE COMPETITION NEEDED IN written about having universities and Any response to this challenge must BROADBAND COMMUNICATIONS colleges spread out across this country. treat the whole person, not just the ad- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Abraham Lincoln did it with the land diction. We must focus on the under- Chair recognizes the gentleman from grants in the 1860s. lying issues driving people to seek California (Mr. KHANNA) for 5 minutes. We need college towns across Amer- opioids, while increasing the accessi- Mr. KHANNA. Mr. Speaker, I rise ica, and if we did that, if we expanded bility and affordability for prevention, today to express my deep concern with our universities, if we expanded re- for education, for treatment, and for the recent FCC decision that strips search, if we expanded broadband in a recovery of this disease. Charter Communications of the re- competitive place, we could create the As Pamela shared, every life is a pre- quirement to provide broadband in a jobs of the future all across this great cious life, and every life is worthy of competitive manner. country. being reclaimed. I agree. I believe ev- When Charter merged with Time f eryone in this Chamber agrees as well. Warner, there was a regulatory review, Let’s get to work together to support and the requirement was that Charter OPIOID AND DRUG ADDICTION these brave families that need our help. CRISIS IN AMERICA would actually provide broadband in f areas that would improve competition. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Just yesterday, the Chairman revoked Chair recognizes the gentleman from RECOGNIZING THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS that regulatory decision and said that Pennsylvania (Mr. FITZPATRICK) for 5 Charter doesn’t have to provide minutes. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The broadband in an area where some other Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I Chair recognizes the gentleman from competitor is providing broadband. rise today to share the story of a young South Carolina (Mr. CLYBURN) for 5 Now, why does this matter? Ameri- man from my district whose tragic minutes. cans already pay three to four times passing underscores one of the biggest Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to more for access to the internet than issues facing our community and fac- congratulate the University of South our European counterparts, and that is ing our Nation. Carolina Gamecocks basketball team. absurd. We invented the internet. We Carlos Castellanos of Falls Township, It was the thrill of a lifetime to at- built the technology that fuels the Bucks County, graduated from tend the NCAA women’s basketball na- internet. We should have the cheapest Pennsbury High School. He always tional championship game last Sunday prices. loved sharing his talents and love of at the American Airlines Center in So why don’t we have cheaper prices? music by playing the guitar and drums Dallas, Texas. It is because four or five monopolies at school and also for local church The Gamecocks have electrified Co- basically provide the internet service groups. However, like so many around lumbia and the entire State of South for everyone. You have Verizon, AT&T, the Nation, Carlos got involved with Carolina. We are all incredibly proud of Comcast. drugs during his time at school and what these coaches and players have What is the solution? We need more even spent some time in jail. But with achieved. competition. the strength and support of his family, For head coach Dawn Staley, win- But what is this FCC Chairman he began receiving treatment, and his ning the national championship is the doing? He is having policies that are life improved. latest in a string of achievements that going to lead to less competition, basi- she has accumulated in her lifetime 1030 cally carving up the map of this coun- b and in South Carolina over the last 9 try and saying: You can only provide He helped others by volunteering at a years. service here. Don’t compete with any- recovery house. He brought people suf- Under her leadership, the Gamecocks one else. fering in similar situations into treat- have made the NCAA tournament 6 Let’s just carve up the map so every ment programs. years in a row and went on to the Final ISP provides service in a particular In early December, Carlos walked his Four in 2015. area and you don’t have competition. mother, Pamela, down the aisle for her This year, they finally got over the And who suffers? The consumers. wedding. He was getting ready to go hump and are national champions. Her And, by the way, it is not just the back to school. He had a steady job, coaching staff have done an impressive consumers in my district in Silicon and he had a girlfriend. It would seem job, and I congratulate each of them. Valley. It is consumers in rural Amer- to so many that Carlos’ battle with ad- The team Coach Staley has built is ica who are paying the highest prices diction was heading in the right direc- an incredible group of young women for internet service. tion—a needed point of hope in a war from South Carolina and around the Mr. Speaker, we need an FCC that is that has caused so much devastation. country. A’ja Wilson, a junior from going to promote competition, that is Then on December 23, just 2 days be- Hopkins, South Carolina, won the Most going to go after monopolies, that is fore Christmas, two police detectives Outstanding Player Award of the Final going to put American citizens ahead showed up at Pamela’s door to tell her Four and was named to the All-SEC of corporate profits. If anything, we the devastating news that no mother first team this season. need a country that is going to have can prepare for: Carlos had overdosed Wilson was joined on the All-SEC universal broadband, universal internet on a drug laced with fentanyl, and he first team by senior Alaina Coates access. was unable to be saved. from Irmo, South Carolina. Unfortu- Just like we talk about having a uni- Mr. Speaker, Carlos’ life and his nately, Coates missed the NCAA tour- versal right to health care, just like we death cast light on the fact that addic- nament with an ankle injury and has talk about a universal right to college, tion is nothing short of a chronic dis- concluded a fantastic career with the we can’t live in a society where every- ease. Gamecocks. one can’t have access to the internet. I share this story with Members of In addition to making the All-SEC The jobs of the future are going to re- this Chamber because last week Carlos’ first team this year, she did so last quire it, and it ought to be a bipartisan mother, Pamela, visited the White year as well and was All-SEC second issue to have universal access to the House to share her family’s personal team her first 2 years in the program. internet at the cheapest prices, cheaper experience as the President established We wish her a speedy recovery and than any other country, not five or six the Commission on Combating Drug hope that she has as much success in times more expensive than other coun- Addiction and the Opioid Crisis, a wor- the future as she has had with the tries, given that all of the technology thy effort that deserves our support. Gamecocks.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.006 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2703 The Gamecocks finished 2017 with a Coates missed the NCAA tournament with an time a decision was being made. They 33–4 record and won their third con- ankle injury and has concluded a fantastic ca- wanted the subject held up to every secutive Southeastern Conference reer with the Gamecocks. In addition to mak- conceivable light and every voice in Championship en route to this national ing All-SEC First team this year, she did so the country to be heard. championship. The Gamecocks have last season as well, and was All-SEC Second This is certainly true of the effort to developed an incredible fan base. They team in her first two years in the program. We replace the collapsing bureaucracy of have led the Nation in attendance for wish her a speedy recovery and hope that she ObamaCare with the patient-centered women’s basketball over the last sev- has as much success in the future as she has marketplace that we have long prom- eral years. had with the Gamecocks. ised. In addition to their success on the The full roster of this championship team in- These deliberations must continue court, these coaches and players are cludes Victoria Patrick, Bianca Cuevas-Moore, until they bear fruit because there is role models off the court. I especially Kaela Davis, Doniyah Cliney, Allisha Gray, no excuse for failure. ObamaCare is want to acknowledge assistant coach Araion Bradshaw, Tiffany Davis, Mikiah Her- only getting worse. Nikki McCray-Penson. Diagnosed with bert Harrigan, A’ja Wilson, Alexis Jennings, Last year’s average 25 percent pre- cancer 3 years ago, she has been a real Alaina Coates, and Tyasha Harris. mium increase is likely to be followed inspiration to many. The Gamecocks finished 2017 with a 33–4 by even bigger increases this year. The Throughout her treatment, she re- record and won their third consecutive South- flight of healthcare providers from the mained totally committed to the team eastern Conference Championship en route to system is only going to accelerate. The and never missed a day of work. this national championship. The Gamecocks rapid expansion of Medicaid, which Thankfully, she is now cancer free. have developed an incredible fan base. They could exceed defense spending by next I also want to congratulate the have led the nation in attendance for women’s year, is not only fiscally unsustainable, Gamecocks men’s team. After winning basketball over the last several years. In addi- it doesn’t even guarantee care. their first NCAA tournament game in tion to their success on the court, these Dwindling Medicaid providers and 43 years, they reached the Final Four coaches and players are role models off the lengthening waiting lists means that for the first time in their program’s court. I especially want to acknowledge Assist- many Medicaid patients have no re- history. ant Coach Nikki McCray-Penson. Diagnosed course but to flood emergency rooms. The original Medicaid population, Having both men and women from with cancer three years ago, she has been a the elderly, the blind, the disabled, who the same school reach the Final Four real inspiration to many. Throughout her treat- were only reimbursed an average 57 is pretty uncommon. Coach Frank ment she remained totally committed to the cents on the dollar, are pushed to the Martin and his assistants are building team, and never missed a day of work. Thank- back of every line by able-bodied a tremendous program. Although they fully, she is now cancer free. ObamaCare expansion patients who are came up five points short of a victory I also wish to congratulate the Gamecocks Men’s team. After winning their first NCAA reimbursed at 90 percent. in the semi-championship game, they The American Health Care Act is far proved themselves a team of cham- tournament game in 43 years they reached the final four for the first time in their programs from perfect. I have argued vigorously pions. for a comprehensive bill rather than Mr. Speaker, although representing history. Having both men and women from the the current piecemeal approach that the University of South Carolina in same school reach the final four is pretty un- we are following. this august body is a singular honor for common. Coach Frank Martin, his assistants and staff Now, I lost that debate, but I haven’t me, I feel certain that these 2017 NCAA lost sight of the ultimate goal: to re- Final Four appearances by these young consisting, of Matt Figger, Perry Clark, Bruce Shingler, Andy Assaley, Scott Greenawalt, store our healthcare system as the best men and women are the beginnings of in the world. many more to come. Coach Frank Mar- Doug Edwards, Mark Rodger, Jay Gibbons, Dushawn Davis, Jarett Gerald, Brian Steele, I could list a lot of things that could tin and Coach Dawn Staley are truly a Ryan McIntyre recruited and molded an in- be made better by the current bill, and dynamic duo. credible group of young men including perhaps they will be in our extended Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Uni- TeMarcus Blanton, Tommy Corchiani, PJ negotiations, but those who expect per- versity of South Carolina Gamecocks basket- Dozier, Rakym Felder, Hassani Gravett, fection in our legislation fundamen- ball team. It was the thrill of a lifetime to at- Khadim Gueye, Evan Hinson, Kory Holden, tally misunderstand our system. tend the NCAA women’s basketball national Jarrell Holliman, Sedee Keita, Maik Kotsar, Congress was never designed to make championship game last Sunday at the Amer- Justin McKie, Duane Notice, John Ragin, perfect law. It was designed to make ican Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Game- Christian Schmitt, Chris Silva, Sindarius the best law that is acceptable to the cocks have electrified Columbia and the entire Thornwell, Ran Tut are building a tremendous most people. And it is pretty good at state of South Carolina, and we are all incred- program. that when we let it be. ibly proud of what these coaches and players Although they came up five points short of When the Constitutional Convention have achieved. a victory in the semi-championship game they seemed hopelessly deadlocked, Ben- For Head Coach Dawn Staley, winning the proved themselves a team of champions. jamin Franklin declared that he didn’t national championship is the latest in a string Mr. Speaker, although representing the Uni- entirely approve of our Constitution, of achievements that she has accumulated in versity of South Carolina in this august body but he had learned, over the years, to her lifetime and in South Carolina over the last is a singular honor for me, I feel certain that doubt a little of his own infallibility nine seasons. Under her leadership, the these 2017 NCAA Final Four appearances by and to recognize the limitations of Gamecocks have made the NCAA Tour- these young men and women are the begin- making decisions with others. nament six years in a row and went to the nings of many more to come. Coach Frank He noted that when you assemble a final four in 2015. This year, they finally got Martin and Coach Dawn Staley are truly a dy- group of people to benefit from their over the hump and are national champions. namic duo. collective wisdom, you also had to ac- Her coaching staff, Lisa Boyer, Nikki McCray- f cept their collective shortcomings and Penson, Fred Chmiel, Melanie Balcomb, Cyn- realize that a perfect product is never thia Jordan, Freddy Ready, Ariana Moore, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN’S WISDOM possible from such a process. Hudson Jacobs, Marcella Shorty, Katie Fowler The SPEAKER pro tempore. The In another speech, he recalled being have done an impressive job, and I congratu- Chair recognizes the gentleman from an apprentice tradesman trying to fit late each of them. California (Mr. MCCLINTOCK) for 5 min- together two pieces of wood. It was The team Coach Staley has built is an in- utes. often necessary, he said, to shave a lit- credible group of young women from South Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, Con- tle from one and then a little from the Carolina and around the country. A’ja Wilson, gress is fundamentally a deliberative other until you had a joint that could a Junior from Hopkins, South Carolina, won institution. Deliberations take time, hold together for centuries. In this the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four and they are often messy. In fact, the same manner, he urged them to each award and was named to the All-SEC First bigger the issue, the messier the delib- join together in each part with some of Team this season. Wilson was joined on the erations. our demands. All-SEC First Team by Senior Alaina Coates The designers of our Constitution Compromise is not an end in itself. It from Irmo, South Carolina. Unfortunately wanted a great, big, ugly debate every is a means to an end. As long as that

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.008 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H2704 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 5, 2017 end moves us forward toward better A thank you is due to CITGO for sup- I realize that the easiest thing in the policy, more freedom, greater pros- porting STEM education in Corpus world to do is to spend other people’s perity, whatever perfections the meas- Christi and other areas where they op- money; and you can never satisfy any ure may include are often precisely erate. government’s appetite for money or what are required to bring it to fru- PRAISING THE VETERANS CHOICE PROGRAM land. They always want more. But it is ition. I fear we are losing sight of these Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, a myth to say or think that the De- simple truths. since first being elected to Congress, I fense Department is underfunded when Ironically, factions within the House have been fighting for our veterans to defense spending has doubled since who are the most adamant in opposing get the care they were promised and 2002. ObamaCare have become, as a practical earned. Yet, even though this spending has matter, its most effective defenders. I After hearing veterans tell horror gone way up, most people around the know they don’t intend this to be, but story after horror story of long wait country seem to believe it has gone the reality is that ObamaCare survives times, canceled appointments, and hav- way down. We hear some saying the today solely because of their actions in ing to travel miles to distant cities to military has been decimated or has un- this House. get treatment, Congress got something dergone drastic cuts. This has been a Benjamin Franklin was right. In de- right when they passed the Veterans masterful public relations job, I as- liberations of this magnitude, it is es- Choice and Accountability Act in 2014. sume, by the Pentagon, working with sential that we each doubt a little of It created the Veterans Choice Pro- defense contractors and think tanks our own infallibility and that we each gram that allows any veteran who is funded by the defense industry. part with a few of our own demands, in unable to obtain an appointment with Last year, we spent $177.5 billion for order to join together and produce the the VA within 30 days or has to travel new equipment, tanks, planes, weapons reforms that our country depends on us more than 40 miles to a VA facility for of all sorts. Most of this equipment to enact. care to see a private doctor who can does not wear out after just 1 year, yet A political minority doesn’t need to see them faster and closer to home. we keep spending similar amounts on compromise. It has the luxury of stand- Though the implementation of the new equipment every year. ing solely on principle. But the major- Veterans Choice Program has not been I mentioned that the military con- ity, entrusted with making the actual without hiccups, it is proving very struction funds are in a separate bill, decisions to guide our country to bet- helpful for getting veterans faster, not in the regular Defense Department ter days, must compromise if it is to more quality care. appropriations bill. The $181 billion we make law that will hold together for I hear time and again from veterans have appropriated over the last 10 the centuries. in the district that I represent that years in this bill means you probably Lincoln once reminded Congress that this is working for them. cannot find any military base in the we can succeed only by concert. He Soon, in fact later today, the House world without new construction going said: It is not can any of us imagine will vote on H.R. 369, to eliminate the on, and much more that is only 3 or 4 better, but can we all do better. He sunset of the Veterans Choice Program urged us to rise to the occasion, to years old or even newer. and ensure the program continues after We have a $20 trillion national debt. disenthrall ourselves, for only then August 7. Last week, I read in The Washington could we save our country. I encourage all my colleagues to vote I hope that some of our colleagues Times that the estimate now is that we ‘‘yes’’ on this bill to continue Veterans will be $91 trillion in debt 30 years from will consider this advice during the Choice. I look forward to continuing to Easter recess. now. Obviously, if we allow that much hear the great successes it provides for debt, we will be printing so much f our veterans and for our doctors. money that our Social Security and AWARD WINNERS FROM CITGO IN- f military and civil service pensions will NOVATION ACADEMY FOR ENGI- THE COST OF DEFENDING OUR be worth very little. NEERING, ENVIRONMENTAL & COUNTRY In the biography, ‘‘Bonhoeffer,’’ MARINE SCIENCE AT MOODY The SPEAKER pro tempore. The about the famous theologian, by Eric HIGH SCHOOL Chair recognizes the gentleman from Metaxas, it says that, in 1921, the cur- rency exchange rate was 75 German The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Tennessee (Mr. DUNCAN) for 5 minutes. Chair recognizes the gentleman from Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee. Mr. marks to the dollar. The next year, it Texas (Mr. FARENTHOLD) for 5 minutes. Speaker, defense spending was $348 bil- was 400 marks to the dollar. Then infla- Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, I lion in 2002. Now it is well over $600 bil- tion really took off, and, by early 1923, would like to congratulate the Corpus lion a year, and this total does not in- it was 7,000 to 1. Christi students from the CITGO Inno- clude the military construction budget Metaxas wrote: ‘‘The resultant eco- vation Academy for Engineering, Envi- which has totaled more than $181 bil- nomic turmoil would make the bleak ronmental & Marine Science at Moody lion over the last 10 years, and many conditions of a few months earlier look High School for winning two awards at billions more in supplemental appro- like the good old days.’’ the Marine Advanced Technology Edu- priations. There is presently a request By August, a dollar was worth 1 mil- cation International Remotely Oper- for another $30 billion supplemental ap- lion marks. The book says: ‘‘By the end ated Vehicle competition recently held propriations for the military. of 1923, things had become impossible. at NASA’s Johnson Space Center’s On top of all this, almost every year In October, Dietrich wrote that every Neutral Buoyancy Lab in Houston, for the 29 years I have been here, there meal cost 1 billion marks.’’ Texas. has been an end-of-the-year omnibus Germany, in the early 1920s, was one This competition was the final round appropriations bill which always con- of the most educated countries in the in a series of science fairs and chal- tains even more for the Defense De- world. It is hard to imagine what could lenges focusing on underwater tech- partment. happen here in the United States if we nology that can adapt to harsh ocean continue to spend money we do not and space environments. b 1045 have and run trillions more into debt. The AquaBot Technicians robotics I have always believed that national With the exception of a brief down- team won the Aloha Award for team defense is one the most important, turn in 1958, President Eisenhower gave spirit and friendliness. Natasha San- most legitimate functions of the Fed- the Nation 8 years of peace and pros- chez was named the competition’s eral Government. But I am also a fiscal perity and balanced budgets, and he MVP. conservative. looks better with the passage of time. The CITGO Innovative Academy pro- With our Nation $20 trillion in debt He spent most of his career in the mili- vides students training to become the and many trillions more in unfunded tary and loved and respected that insti- next generation of science and tech- future Social Security and pensions li- tution. nology professionals by offering upper ability in the years ahead, we des- But in a new book called ‘‘Ike’s level engineering, math, and science perately need some fiscal conservatives Bluff,’’ by Evan Thomas, is this very courses. in the Pentagon. interesting observation: ‘‘Eisenhower

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.009 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2705 was, in effect, his own Secretary of De- ceedings and announces to the House Supervisor Benoit dedicated his life fense.’’ When Defense Secretary Neil his approval thereof. to the safety of our community as a po- McElroy warned him that further Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- lice officer for the Corona Police De- budget cuts could harm national secu- nal stands approved. partment, and then as a commander in rity, Eisenhower acerbically replied: If f the California Highway Patrol. He you go to any military installation in served as a board member for the the world where the American flag is PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Desert Sands Unified School District, flying and tell the Commander that Ike The SPEAKER. Will the gentleman as a California assemblyman and State says he’ll give him an extra star for his from Arkansas (Mr. HILL) come for- senator, and most recently as super- shoulder if he cuts his budget, there’ll ward and lead the House in the Pledge visor of Riverside County. be such a rush to cut costs that you’ll of Allegiance. I was honored to work with Super- have to get out of the way.’’ Mr. HILL led the Pledge of Alle- visor Benoit. His dedication, respect, He would periodically sigh to Andy giance as follows: and devotion to his constituents is ex- Goodpaster, his Chief of Staff, ‘‘God emplary and admirable. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the My thoughts and prayers remain help the Nation when it has a Presi- United States of America, and to the Repub- dent who doesn’t know as much about lic for which it stands, one nation under God, with his wife, Sheryl, and to their two the military as I do.’’ indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. children, Ben and Sarah. On behalf of the people of California’s As we all know, Eisenhower made a f famous statement in his farewell ad- 36th Congressional District, my wife, dress warning against the excesses of ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Monica, and my family, thank you sin- cerely for your service. the military-industrial complex. I The SPEAKER. The Chair will enter- think, Mr. Speaker, he would be tain up to 15 requests for 1-minute f shocked at how far we have gone down speeches on each side of the aisle. LET’S ACT NOW ON CLIMATE that road against which he warned us. f CHANGE f (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN asked and was WELCOMING BRANDON MARTZ RECESS given permission to address the House (Mr. WALBERG asked and was given The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- for 1 minute and to revise and extend permission to address the House for 1 ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair her remarks.) minute.) Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, declares the House in recess until noon Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise my constituents and I are so blessed to today. live, to work, and to play in the para- Accordingly (at 10 o’clock and 49 today to welcome Brandon Martz and dise that is south Florida. But for our minutes a.m.), the House stood in re- his family from Jackson County to our kids and our grandchildren to enjoy cess. Nation’s Capitol. They are here with the help of the the same positive experiences that we f Dream Foundation, which fulfills have had, it is vital that we act now to b 1200 dreams for terminally ill young people combat climate change. Creating a thoughtful dialogue on AFTER RECESS and adults. Brandon is 18 years old and has been battling Duchenne muscular Capitol Hill about the harmful impact The recess having expired, the House dystrophy since he was a toddler. of climate change is essential for us to was called to order by the Speaker at One of the things we talked about be able to take proactive action toward noon. today in my office was the 21st Century solving the challenges brought about f Cures Act and the need to expedite the by this real and growing threat. PRAYER development of new cures by Congress can no longer dispute the prioritizing medical research and fact that sea level rise has been occur- The Chaplain, the Reverend Patrick streamlining the FDA approval proc- ring steadily over the last 100 years. I J. Conroy, offered the following prayer: ess. have seen firsthand how our streets God of the universe, we give You Signed into law in December of last keep flooding from king tides, which thanks for giving us another day. year, this landmark initiative will impacts our constituents, businesses, Concerns about budget, taxes, immi- bring hope for patients and families tourism, and our economic livelihood. gration, among others, reveal the con- suffering from some of the worst dis- There is positive progress emerging siderable divisions both in Congress eases and hopefully fulfill many from south Florida. We have led on sea and among the American populace as dreams. level rise proposals with the Miami- well. Meanwhile, advocacy groups of Mr. Speaker, it was an honor to Dade County Sea Level Rise Task many persuasions, from the National spend time with Brandon, his brother, Force and the Southeast Florida Re- Down Syndrome Society to the Small and his parents today and play a part gional Climate Change Compact. Arts and Crafts Association, visit the in helping Brandon’s dream become a Mr. Speaker, I ask that we put par- offices of Members all over Capitol reality. tisan politics aside and tackle the inev- Hill. I hope their time in Washington of- itable threat of climate change. As opinions and emotions surge loud- f ly and with little indication of easy so- fers an opportunity to create many lution, we take this quiet moment to lasting memories together as a family BUILDING TRADES ask Your blessing upon the Members of and fulfill many dreams. (Mr. VARGAS asked and was given this people’s House. f permission to address the House for 1 We thank You again that we have a minute.) REMEMBERING RIVERSIDE COUN- Nation steadied by the Constitution, Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise TY SUPERVISOR JOHN J. BENOIT and that our participative form of gov- today to congratulate the San Diego ernment, difficult as it is, continues to (Mr. RUIZ asked and was given per- Building and Construction Trades model for the world the values of free- mission to address the House for 1 Council, and the International Brother- dom rooted in a respect for all Your minute.) hood of Electrical Workers Local 569, children. Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, Riverside and applaud the leadership of their May all that is done this day be for County supervisor John J. Benoit business manager, a proud marine, Your greater honor and glory. served his community with duty, Tom Lemmon. Amen. honor, and integrity. Yesterday, these patriots stood up f Last year, Supervisor Benoit passed for something much larger than them- away in December 2016 after battling selves when they resisted the Trump THE JOURNAL pancreatic cancer. His legacy of service administration’s contempt for workers’ The SPEAKER. The Chair has exam- to his constituents lives on throughout rights, misogyny, racism, and ined the Journal of the last day’s pro- my district. Islamophobia.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.011 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H2706 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 5, 2017 It is in the best tradition of orga- with the private sector, higher edu- than $1 billion spent by outside groups nized labor to stand for others’ rights cation, and other key stakeholders to in the 2016 election. It is virtually im- and against a system that attempts to work together to strengthen their possible to know where all this money exploit the most vulnerable in our soci- manufacturing economies. It provides is coming from. ety. They stood up against threats to targeted investments and support to While U.S. laws prohibit foreign organized labor. They stood up against make regions and local communities money from being used in our elec- separating immigrant families. They competitive in manufacturing again— tions, there is a loophole that could stood up for working families and the communities like those in my home allow this money in. That is why I am most vulnerable in our society. State of Rhode Island, the birthplace of introducing the Election Protection Again, I congratulate Tom Lemmon, the American industrial revolution. and Integrity Certification Act to close Gretchen Newsom, and Carol Kim, Mr. Speaker, let’s put America back that loophole and keep money from along with many others, for their cour- to work at good-paying jobs. Let’s get Russia and other foreign sources out of age to speak up and resist. this done and pass H.R. 1672. Let’s work our election system. Their resistance is a great patriotic to export great American goods and Mr. Speaker, our democracy is under reminder to all of us to stand up for not great American jobs. attack and Democrats and Republicans what we know is right. f need to join together to stop Russian f influence in our elections. We need to SIKH FESTIVAL OF VAISAKHI PENDING CRISIS IN AFRICA close the foreign money loophole. (Mr. MEEHAN asked and was given f (Mr. HILL asked and was given per- permission to address the House for 1 mission to address the House for 1 minute.) HONORING THE LIFE OF CHIEF minute and to revise and extend his re- Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise DEPUTY CLINT GREENWOOD marks.) today to recognize and to raise na- (Mr. BABIN asked and was given per- Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today tional awareness of the Sikh festival of mission to address the House for 1 to bring attention to the impending Vaisakhi. Next Friday, hundreds of minute.) crisis in Africa. More than 20 million thousands of Sikhs living across the Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, it is with a people in Yemen, South Sudan, Soma- United States will take part in the fes- heavy heart that I rise today to honor lia, and Nigeria face starvation and tival to celebrate these significant ele- the life of Harris County Precinct 3 As- famine, according to the U.N. Sec- ments of their religion: the Sikh New sistant Chief Deputy Constable Clint retary-General. Year, the spring harvest, and the cre- Greenwood. At a time when the mainstream ation of Khalsa, the fellowship of de- On Monday morning, Chief Deputy media and the Washington press corps vout Sikhs created in 1699. Greenwood was tragically murdered as is obsessed with President Trump, they This year, on April 8, the East Coast he arrived to work at the Baytown, remain silent when there is a mounting Sikh Coordination Committee has or- Texas, courthouse. Chief Deputy disaster that could make the Syrian ganized a National Sikh Day Parade to Greenwood was a respected and com- refugee crisis look like child’s play. mitted 30-year law enforcement vet- All four of these countries have weak mark this occasion. Mr. Speaker, I, along with my fellow eran of the Houston area. or failing governments, and each is in chairs on the Sikh Congressional Cau- My heartfelt prayers go out to Chief the midst of a seemingly endless con- cus, introduced H. Res. 189, which rec- Deputy Greenwood, his family, and the flict perpetrated by evil terrorist ognizes Vaisakhi’s historic, cultural, entire law enforcement community. groups, such as Boko Haram, al and religious significance and its im- After yet another intentional killing Shabaab, and al-Qaida. of a Texas law enforcement officer, we Pouring the billions of needed dollars portance to the Sikh communities across the United States. Additionally, must do more to end the continued vio- into the region will help stop the com- lence and hate-filled rhetoric directed ing famine, but it will take American it expresses this body’s respect for all communities and religions who cele- at our brave law enforcement officers. leadership working with partners in We hope for a quick apprehension of the region willing to take a stand to brate the festival. I encourage all of my colleagues to the evil perpetrators and an answer to rid their continent of these terrorist why. threats. support this measure in honor of Vaisakhi. I stand in strong solidarity with the I will continue to bring light to the law enforcement community and offer f imminent crisis in Africa, and I urge my deepest condolences to all those my colleagues to focus on this critical CLOSE THE FOREIGN MONEY impacted by the senseless murder of issue. LOOPHOLE Chief Deputy Greenwood. f (Mr. KILMER asked and was given Rest in peace, Brother Clint Green- MAKE IT IN AMERICA permission to address the House for 1 wood, and may God bless your family (Mr. CICILLINE asked and was given minute.) and all those who wear the uniform. permission to address the House for 1 Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, we know f minute.) from our law enforcement and intel- b 1215 Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, in the ligence agencies that there was an ef- 20th century, good-paying manufac- fort by Russia to covertly influence our PUTIN’S ATTEMPT TO HIJACK DE- turing jobs built the middle class in elections. MOCRACY NEEDS INVESTIGA- Rhode Island and across our country. And we know that, according to Re- TION But in recent decades, millions of these publican Intelligence Committee (Mr. HIGGINS of New York asked and jobs have disappeared. Factories have Chairman RICHARD BURR, Russia is was given permission to address the been shuttered. Bad trade deals have both covertly and overtly trying to in- House for 1 minute.) moved American jobs to other coun- fluence elections right now in France Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. tries. and in Germany. Speaker, from the North Atlantic to It is time to rebuild American manu- What most folks may not know is the North Pacific, to the Baltic Seas, facturing. It is time to support making that right now there is a loophole in the Russian people are standing up to things in America again. That is why I our campaign finance laws that would Vladimir Putin and his decades of egre- have introduced H.R. 1672, the Make It allow foreigners to use their wealth to gious corruption. The protests in Mos- In America Manufacturing Commu- influence our elections, possibly in- cow are punctuated with chants that nities Act, a bipartisan bill that will cluding wealthy individuals aligned Putin is a thief. And, of course, the help revitalize American manufac- with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin anticorruption protest leaders have turing and promote the creation of and corporations controlled by Putin been jailed. And our President, the good-paying jobs in our country. allies. United States President, the leader of This is a commonsense bill that This is not a partisan issue. This is the free world, says that he admires incentivizes communities, together an American issue. There was more Putin’s strongman ways.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.014 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2707 Here is the rub that every American LET’S FIX THE AFFORDABLE NATIONAL RETIREMENT of every political persuasion should be CARE ACT TOGETHER PLANNING WEEK concerned with, and that every Amer- (Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of (Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given ican family, millions of whom have New York asked and was given permis- permission to address the House for 1 lost a soldier in defense of our democ- sion to address the House for 1 minute minute.) racy, should be concerned with: Putin and to revise and extend her remarks.) Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise is trying to discredit the exact democ- Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New today in recognition of the nearly 50 racy that millions of our brothers and York. Mr. Speaker, I would like to million baby boomers about to retire. sisters have died for. Putin is a thug make a sincere suggestion to our Re- It is National Retirement Planning and a street punk. His attempt to hi- publican colleagues who are working Week, and before I get to the impor- jack our democracy needs an aggres- hard to come up with a replacement for tance of this effort, let me say, there sive and honest, independent investiga- the replacement plan on health care are no more important foundational tion. that didn’t fly. programs that sustain our seniors and f Let’s fix the Affordable Care Act and retirees than Medicare and Social Se- HONORING ELBERT BENNETT work together in a bipartisan way. I curity. These earned benefits are crit- have always said: the best legislation is ical, as nearly half of all baby boomers (Mr. COMER asked and was given always bipartisan. Drop your plans to saved nothing for their retirement. permission to address the House for 1 repeal and replace the Affordable Care Thank you to Representative JOHN minute.) LARSON from Connecticut for intro- Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, today I Act. Stop undermining this law, and ducing the Social Security 2100 Act, would like to recognize Mr. Elbert Ben- work with Democrats to make the law which protects and strengthens Social nett for his service as president of the work better. Security for decades to come. I have Kentucky Magistrates and Commis- That is what the majority of Ameri- long been an advocate for protecting sioners Association board of directors. cans want us to do. Millions of people workers’ pensions, and, sadly, more Elbert, one of nine children, was born now have health insurance, thanks to Americans than ever before are shoul- in Princeton, Kentucky. After grad- the Affordable Care Act. Insurance dering the burden of financing retire- uating Caldwell County High School in companies can no longer refuse to in- ment alone. 1967, he began working at The Times sure people with preexisting condi- That is why we need a national con- Leader newspaper in Caldwell County. tions, and essential health benefits like versation on retirement planning, and He has accomplished much since start- maternity care and mental health care Congress should lead it. Far too many ing at that newspaper. are now provided. Elbert held office in the Kentucky We know that no law is perfect. We seniors find Social Security is simply Young Farmers Association and was acknowledge that. So let’s do our job not enough to live on. America must elected magistrate in 2002. Prior to this and do what the American public want preserve Social Security, protect re- election, Elbert served 20 years on the us to do: join together in a bipartisan tirement accounts and pensions, and Fredonia City Council. Elbert has been way to make the Affordable Care Act work with our constituents to make a lifelong cattle farmer, is the former work better. sure they have the resources they need president of the Fredonia Lions Club, f to have a dignified retirement. and is an active member of the Cattle- Thank you to the National Retire- CLIMATE CHANGE IS HARMING men’s Association. ment Planning Coalition, whose fan- OUR HEALTH Most recently, Elbert has given his tastic online resources are available to time to the Wounded Warrior Project, (Mr. PALLONE asked and was given all Americans free of charge. Let’s get cooking barbecue and hosting veterans permission to address the House for 1 to work for our retirees. on his farms. Elbert is widely known minute.) In closing, let me also say hardiest and respected as a barbecue cook, Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, Earth congratulations to Congressman STEVE cooking for thousands at church Day 2017 provides an important oppor- STIVERS from the great State of Ohio, events, Lions Club events and chil- tunity to raise awareness of the con- who has been just promoted to briga- dren’s events. sequences of President Trump’s execu- dier general in the Ohio National In 2008, Elbert Bennett’s peers elect- tive action abandoning meaningful Guard. Onward, STEVE STIVERS. We are ed him to the Kentucky Magistrates progress on climate. Left unchecked, very proud of you on a bipartisan basis. and Commissioners Association board climate change will continue to harm f of directors. He has held every office the health and safety of our commu- inside the State association, including nities. That is why the American Pub- ELIMINATE SUNSET DATE OF sergeant-at-arms, secretary, treasurer, lic Health Association declared 2017 as VETERANS CHOICE PROGRAM vice president, and president. the Year of Climate Change and (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania While president of KMCA, the asso- Health. asked and was given permission to ad- ciation has had many legislative vic- Seasonal changes, higher tempera- dress the House for 1 minute and to re- tories, including stabilizing essential ture, droughts, and severe storms are vise and extend his remarks.) 911 resources for cities and counties in leading to more heat-related illnesses Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Kentucky. One of Elbert’s most notable and death, increased asthma attacks, Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of accomplishments as president of KMCA and more severe allergies. The sci- H.R. 369, which will eliminate the sun- is the association’s annual children’s entific evidence is clear: climate set date of the Veterans Choice Pro- shoe drive, which donates over 600 pairs change endangers human health. The gram. The Choice Program gives the of shoes annually to needy school- health harms of climate change led 11 men and women who served this great children all across the Commonwealth medical societies to form the Medical Nation the ability to receive health of Kentucky. Society Consortium on Climate and care in their own home communities. He was recently elected to the Ken- Health, which recently issued a report Instead of waiting for a VA appoint- tucky Association of Counties execu- titled: ‘‘Medical Alert! Climate Change ment or traveling a long distance to a tive board as second vice president, Is Harming Our Health.’’ VA facility, our veterans can get serv- where he represents the magistrates One of the consortium doctors said: ices closer to home. The Choice Act and commissioners. ‘‘The worst-case scenarios of climate states that the Department of Veterans I cannot speak highly enough about change really worry me. It would mean Affairs is authorized to continue serv- Elbert Bennett and how his service has a level of human suffering we can hard- ices until August 7, 2017, or until the positively influenced the First District ly contemplate, much less respond to.’’ funds provided under the Choice Act and the Commonwealth of Kentucky as Mr. Speaker, we can’t allow that to ran out, whatever occurs first. a whole. I am honored to recognize El- happen. This problem demands imme- There is still funding set aside for bert Bennett today and the great work diate action, not denial, and certainly this program. Our veterans should be he does for the people of our State. not delay. entitled to use it. That is why I support

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.016 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H2708 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 5, 2017 H.R. 369, which would eliminate the ex- ing National Security Council meet- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there piration date on the Choice Act. ings. And today I stand a little bit objection to the request of the gen- However, I do have serious concerns more reassured that Bannon will not be tleman from Colorado? that I want to see addressed in the fu- serving on the National Security Coun- There was no objection. ture with the third-party provider cil. b 1230 Health Net, which has provided less Up next: remove him from the White than satisfactory services to our vet- House. Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the rule and the under- erans. We must give our veterans all f that we can when they return home, lying legislation. H.R. 1219, the Sup- PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION and I urge my colleagues to support porting America’s Innovators Act of OF H.R. 1219, SUPPORTING AMER- H.R. 369. 2017, will allow America’s small busi- ICA’S INNOVATORS ACT OF 2017, nesses to thrive, creating jobs, devel- f AND PROVIDING FOR PRO- oping incredible products and services, SPEAK UP AND SPEAK OUT TO CEEDINGS DURING THE PERIOD and growing our Nation’s economy. CHANGE POLICY FROM APRIL 7, 2017, THROUGH Starting a business, designing a prod- (Mrs. MURPHY of Florida asked and APRIL 24, 2017 uct, developing a service, these was given permission to address the Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, by direction projects often require upfront capital. House for 1 minute.) of the Committee on Rules, I call up For entrepreneurs and startups in this Mrs. MURPHY of Florida. Mr. Speak- House Resolution 242 and ask for its country, access to capital is one of the er, on February 1, I introduced legisla- immediate consideration. biggest hurdles they will face. Without tion to prohibit individuals whose pri- The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- it, they may not have the cash on hand mary role is political, like Steve lows: for research and development, the Bannon, from serving on the National H. RES. 242 funds to make payroll at the end of the Security Council or its main subgroup, Resolved, That upon adoption of this reso- month, or the raw material needed to the Principals Committee. The bill has lution it shall be in order to consider in the start production. obtained 183 cosponsors and received House the bill (H.R. 1219) to amend the In- Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1219 seeks to pro- significant public support. The major- vestment Company Act of 1940 to expand the vide more sources of funding for our investor limitation for qualifying venture small businesses by raising the cap ity of the American people clearly be- capital funds under an exemption from the lieve that our national security policy- definition of an investment company. All that requires a group of investors to making process should not be contami- points of order against consideration of the register as an investment company. nated by partisan politics. bill are waived. The bill shall be considered This change in the law is important. It Today, the Trump administration re- as read. All points of order against provi- allows angel funds, which are basically sponded to this message, removing Mr. sions in the bill are waived. The previous a pool of accredited investors, to per- Bannon from the NSC and the Prin- question shall be considered as ordered on mit up to 250 investors in one fund as cipals Committee. I am incredibly the bill and on any amendment thereto to opposed to the 100 permitted by current final passage without intervening motion ex- law. proud of this development, which is cept: (1) one hour of debate equally divided clearly in the interest of our Nation’s and controlled by the chair and ranking mi- As long as the fund does not exceed security. nority member of the Committee on Finan- $10 million in capital commitments, it Today is a victory for democracy be- cial Services; and (2) one motion to recom- would be considered a qualified venture cause it proves that the people, when mit. capital fund that is exempt from costly they speak up and speak out, can SEC. 2. . On any legislative day during the registration with the SEC. change policy for the better. period from April 7, 2017, through April 24, Angel funds allow individuals who 2017— may not otherwise invest in startups to f (a) the Journal of the proceedings of the join together and direct their invest- MAKE OUR GOVERNMENT SAFE previous day shall be considered as approved; and ment dollars to promising young com- ACT (b) the Chair may at any time declare the panies. Without raising the cap on the (Mr. ESPAILLAT asked and was House adjourned to meet at a date and time, size of these funds, we may be pushing given permission to address the House within the limits of clause 4, section 5, arti- potential investors out of the market. for 1 minute.) cle I of the Constitution, to be announced by Small businesses, in their earliest Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, the Chair in declaring the adjournment. stages, often have nowhere to turn for SEC. 3. The Speaker may appoint Members today, President Trump finally saw to perform the duties of the Chair for the du- credit. While banks have historically what I recognized and what the Amer- ration of the period addressed by section 2 of been a source of funds, in recent years, ican people knew months ago: someone this resolution as though under clause 8(a) of small business loans from banks have like Steve Bannon should not hold a se- rule I. declined. That is where these groups of curity clearance, no less serve on the SEC. 4. Each day during the period ad- individual investors come in. In many National Security Council. dressed by section 2 of this resolution shall cases, they are providing just enough Bannon has made numerous inflam- not constitute a calendar day for purposes of cash to push businesses off the ground section 7 of the War Powers Resolution (50 matory statements in support of over- U.S.C. 1546). to the next level of funding; but by throwing the United States Govern- SEC. 5. Each day during the period ad- overregulating groups of angel inves- ment. During an interview on August dressed by section 2 of this resolution shall tors, we are blocking significant 22, 2016, Bannon referred to himself as not constitute a legislative day for purposes sources of capital from ever reaching ‘‘Leninist,’’ saying: of clause 7 of rule XIII. startups. ‘‘Lenin wanted to destroy the state, The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. We need to wisely regulate in this and that’s my goal too. I want to bring CARTER of Georgia). The gentleman country, and this legislation doesn’t everything crashing down, and destroy from Colorado is recognized for 1 hour. eliminate the need for larger invest- all of today’s establishment.’’ Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, for the pur- ment funds to register with the SEC. It That is what he said, Mr. Speaker. pose of debate only, I yield the cus- simply raises the cap for smaller That is why I introduced the Make Our tomary 30 minutes to the gentleman groups of individuals to contribute a Government Safe Act, which would from Massachusetts (Mr. MCGOVERN), limited amount of funds to the Amer- amend the National Security Act of pending which I yield myself such time ican small business community. For 1947 to prevent anyone from serving on as I may consume. During consider- businesses on the receiving end, these the National Security Council who has ation of this resolution, all time yield- funds may be the difference between made the statements that Steve ed is for the purpose of debate only. success and bankruptcy. Bannon did about taking down the sys- GENERAL LEAVE Thankfully, the Jumpstart Our Busi- tem. Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- ness Startups Act has already raised My bill would prevent someone who mous consent that all Members have 5 the cap requiring companies to register has threatened to destroy the govern- legislative days to revise and extend with the SEC from 500 investors to 2,000 ment from participating in or attend- their remarks. investors. By allowing small companies

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.017 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2709 to seek more individual investors, ties. That is why this bill is refreshing. it so quickly, so sloppily, that they had these businesses can expand the num- It stands as an exemplar of the sort of to amend their amendments. I mean, ber of individuals who have a stake in consensus-driven legislation that can this would be laughable if it weren’t so the company’s future, the number of earn America’s trust. tragic. And even after all of that, they individuals who will ensure the venture Everyone can agree that innovative were not able to piece together votes succeeds. companies help the American economy within their own Conference, and the H.R. 1219 is a natural complement to grow and add to the quality of life in bill imploded. the JOBS Act, allowing those potential our Nation. Everyone recognizes how Well, it was a mess from beginning to investors to more easily join their re- important access to capital is for small end; and, to put it bluntly, the process sources to efficiently and successfully businesses. was a disaster. Don’t take it from me. invest in America’s small businesses. This bill was reported out of the Fi- Listen to Sean Hannity of FOX News. In fact, the current limit on the num- nancial Services Committee with over- Now, don’t adjust your television set. I ber of investors who can join together, whelming support. I ask now that the am actually going to quote FOX set by the Investment Company Act of entire House support the rule and this News—and Sean Hannity, at that. I 1940, is a relic from nearly 80 years ago. underlying legislation. can’t believe that he and I agree on In the past 80 years, our financial mar- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of something. ket and our economy have drastically my time. Here is what he said. According to a changed. The barriers to entry for Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield CNN report, he said: ‘‘Now, this legisla- small businesses in many industries myself such time as I may consume. tion was flawed from the beginning. It are lower than ever. (Mr. MCGOVERN asked and was was created behind closed doors. Not Just yesterday, I spent time with given permission to revise and extend one single Member saw the bill until it Etash Kalra. Etash is a young man his remarks.) was rolled out. And that made it a dis- from my district who won the Congres- Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I want aster.’’ sional App Challenge. Already, in high to thank the gentleman for yielding me That is Sean Hannity, one of Presi- school, he takes computer science the customary 30 minutes. dent Trump’s biggest cheerleaders, one classes and codes smartphone apps. He Mr. Speaker, this is the 28th closed of the biggest cheerleaders of my Re- even started a club to teach others pro- rule we are considering in Congress. publican friends. Here he is trashing gramming. Let me repeat that. This is the 28th the Republican health bill. And if that He and students like him have many closed rule that we are considering in is not a wake-up call for Republicans, I of the skills needed to start a small this Congress. That means that 64 per- don’t know what is. You know, if Re- business. They have the ability to cre- cent of the rules that the Republican publicans are being criticized on their ate software programs that consumers leadership has brought to the floor this process by Sean Hannity, they have a want and need. They may start small, year have been completely closed, with serious problem. they may start in high school, but they no opportunity for Democrats or Re- Now we are reading that Republicans hold great potential. publicans to offer their ideas to expand are again huddling in back rooms in Many individual investors may see upon or improve the legislation. the Capitol in an effort to resurrect that potential. This bill allows those Under a closed rule, you can’t even their terrible plan to repeal the Afford- investors to make a down payment on offer an amendment to fix a typo. If able Care Act, strip important protec- the future of these young entre- somebody is in their office listening to tions away from our constituents, and preneurs. Without growing the sources the debate on this bill and has an idea put insurance companies in charge of and amount of capital available to on how to improve it, they are denied our health care. There it is on the front these businesses, we will end up stifling that opportunity to offer any amend- page of today’s Washington Post: ‘‘GOP the innovation and entrepreneurial ments on the floor—in short, no Presses for New Health Plan.’’ spirit that our country is known for. amendments. Now, I haven’t been invited to any of Our Nation is successful because Mr. Speaker, this place is called the these secret backroom negotiations, Americans are innovators and hard people’s House. Maybe it should be but from what we are hearing, it isn’t workers. Those Americans who start called the Russia House because this is good. It seems that things are not businesses embody this spirit. We are the way they legislate in Russia, com- looking good for hospitals. MassDevice not here asking for the government to pletely closed, no opportunity for dif- alerted us to the fact that: ‘‘Hospital help these people succeed. No, these in- ferent ideas to be brought before the Stocks Fall as GOP Looks to Revive dividuals are fully capable of building Congress and debated. TrumpCare Bill.’’ businesses on their own. But we are I have never, in all my years in Con- It appears as though Republicans are here asking the government to step out gress, experienced a more authori- still working to make their bill even of the way so that our fellow citizens tarian approach to legislating than I more devastating. Mother Jones re- can help American small businesses have in this Congress. I have never en- ported: ‘‘TrumpCare 2.0 Still Isn’t succeed. countered a more closed Congress than Cruel Enough to Satisfy Conserv- This rule and the underlying legisla- this Congress is. atives.’’ tion should not be controversial. Last This is not right, and it should not be Yesterday, Tribune Media Wire wrote Congress, similar legislation passed the considered normal. Not only Demo- about: ‘‘How the Revised TrumpCare Financial Services Committee by a crats should be outraged, but Repub- Plan Could Hit Americans with Pre- vote of 57–2. It then passed the House licans ought to be outraged as well. existing Conditions.’’ by a vote of 388–9. You know, I wish my Republican I include in the CONGRESSIONAL Yesterday, I came to the House floor friends had learned something from the RECORD, Mr. Speaker, an article that and spoke about the importance of collapse of their healthcare bill a few appears in today’s New York Times passing bipartisan bills. Many Ameri- weeks ago. They rushed to the floor a about how the latest health proposal cans see their Capital awash in par- bill cobbled together in the dark of weakens coverage for preexisting con- tisanship and bickering. They suffer night, filled with bribes and backroom ditions. under poorly crafted policies, while deals. In fact, to strong-arm Members [From the New York Times, Apr. 4, 2017] politicians in D.C. fail to find con- into voting for the bill and to correct REPUBLICAN HEALTH PROPOSAL WOULD UN- sensus on legislation that would help. for all the technical drafting errors DERMINE COVERAGE FOR PRE-EXISTING CON- They wonder why politicians who talk that occurred thanks to their secretive DITIONS about bipartisanship on the campaign process, there were not one, not two, (By Margot Sanger-Katz) trail can’t come together in Wash- not even three, but five—that is right, Throughout the debate to repeal and re- place the Affordable Care Act, President ington to pass commonsense legisla- five—separate manager’s amendments Trump and Republican congressional leaders tion. filed with the Rules Committee. have insisted they would retain a crucial, The challenge before us is to find so- Now, let me explain that. popular part of the health law: the promise lutions to our Nation’s problems that Only the people who wrote the bill that people can buy insurance even if they’ve overlap the principles held by both par- were allowed to amend it. They wrote had illnesses in the past.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.020 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H2710 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 5, 2017 Their efforts foundered last month, when a Obamacare. Many states had ‘‘high-risk like, that people need, and that people House health bill had to be pulled from the pools,’’ where people shut out of the tradi- deserve. floor after it failed to attract enough sup- tional insurance markets could buy special Protecting essential health benefits port. Late Monday night, word emerged that plans with the help of state subsidies. The in people with preexisting conditions is the White House and the group of conserv- Freedom Caucus proposal is likely to include ative lawmakers known as the Freedom Cau- some money that states could use to set up our moral obligation. Taking these cus had discussed a proposal to revive the such pools. protections away from people would be bill. But the proposed changes would effec- ‘‘The fundamental idea is that marginally cruel and unjust and immoral. I would tively cast the Affordable Care Act’s pre-ex- sick people would pay with risk associated say to my Republican friends: You isting conditions provision aside. with their coverage,’’ Mr. Meadows said don’t have to do it. The terms, described by Representative Monday. ‘‘Those that have, you know, pre- But I guess we will have to wait and Mark Meadows, Republican of North Caro- miums that would be driven up because of catastrophic illness or long-term illnesses, see until these secret negotiators lina and the head of the Freedom Caucus, are emerge from their back rooms with de- something like this: States would have the we’ve been dealing with that for a long time option to jettison two major parts of the Af- with high-risk pools.’’ tails to share. And I will start getting fordable Care Act’s insurance regulations. But insurance in the old high-risk pools ready for the next emergency Rules They could decide to opt out of provisions tended to be expensive, and often came with Committee. I am looking forward to that require insurers to cover a standard, long waiting periods or benefit limitations, that meeting because that will prob- minimum package of benefits, known as the even for the very sick. The main difference between the policy en- ably be the only time we will have to essential health benefits. And they could de- vironment in 2009 and today is that the fed- talk about the bill because I think it is cide to do away with a rule that requires in- eral government would now be offering tax probably too much to expect that my surance companies to charge the same price credits to help healthy people buy what Republican friends would actually, this to everyone who is the same age, a provision would probably be relatively skimpy plans. called community rating. time around, hold a hearing. Maybe The proposal is not final, but Mr. Meadows That would mean that more middle-income they will bypass a markup, but they Americans would probably have health cov- told reporters after the meeting that his will have to go to the Rules Committee erage than before the Affordable Care Act, members would be interested in such a bill. since the combination of policies would tend in an emergency meeting, and we will To pass the House, any bill would need to to make insurance much more affordable for probably look forward to another mar- find favor not just with the Freedom Caucus, people who are young and healthy. tial law rule. but also with more moderate Republicans. It What states would choose to do with this But we are doing this bill today that would also need to attract the support of set of options is hard to predict. Before no one has ever heard of. It was a non- nearly every Republican in the Senate to be- Obamacare, few states required community controversial suspension bill last year, come law. rating of health plans. And few states re- The ability to opt out of the benefit re- but now we lift it up like it is the most quired insurers to cover all of the benefits quirements could substantially reduce the deemed essential under Obamacare, though important piece of business that we are value of insurance on the market. A patient most did require a few types of treatments to facing in America today. You know, with cancer might, for example, still be al- be covered. State governments would face a what about the urgent priorities facing lowed to buy a plan, but it wouldn’t do her difficult choice: either take away the re- our country? much good if that plan was not required to quirements, and leave sick patients without I think it is clear that Speaker RYAN cover chemotherapy drugs. insurance options, or keep them and see peo- The second opt-out would make the insur- and the majority leader are grasping ple unable to afford coverage under the new ance options for those with pre-existing con- for filler legislation to keep us busy on subsidy system. ditions even more meaningless. Under Obamacare, states can already the House floor so that the American Technically, the deal would still prevent waive many of the law’s insurance rules if people really don’t see really how dys- insurers from denying coverage to people they can show that an alternative program functional this majority really is. with a history of illness. But without com- would cover as many people with comprehen- Representative MARIO DIAZ-BALART, munity rating, health plans would be free to sive coverage at a lower cost to the govern- a Member of the Republican Con- charge those patients as much as they want- ment. But that standard is difficult to meet. ference, said, and I think he said it best ed. If both of the Obamacare provisions went Mr. Meadows suggested that the waivers away, the hypothetical cancer patient might last week when he said: ‘‘It’s pretty under discussion should be ‘‘very easily evident that we don’t have the votes be able to buy only a plan, without chemo- granted’’ to states. therapy coverage, that costs many times The politics of health care in the United among Republicans to do, in essence, more than a similar plan costs a healthy cus- States have shifted since the Affordable Care anything that’s real.’’ tomer. Only cancer patients with extraor- Act was passed seven years ago. In recent Maybe that is why we are wasting dinary financial resources and little interest months, the law has grown more popular, our time this week on these bills in- in the fine print would sign up. and the pre-existing conditions policy is stead of moving an infrastructure There is a reason that many conservatives among its best-known protections. That want to do away with these provisions. Be- package or finishing the FY17 appro- could create political pressure for states to priations process, which should have cause they help people with substantial keep the insurance rules, even if they are not health care needs buy relatively affordable required by law. But it is likely that at least been finalized last year. coverage, they drive up the price of insur- some states might decide to eliminate them I will remind my Republican col- ance for people who are healthy. An insur- if they are made optional. Shifting norms leagues that our government runs out ance market that did not include cancer about health insurance regulation may also of funding on April 28. That is 5 legisla- care—or even any cancer patients—would be affect the idea’s reception in Congress. tive days from now, since we are going one where premiums for the remaining cus- Mr. Meadows said that the proposal pre- on break at the end of this week. Now, tomers were much lower. The result might sented to the Freedom Caucus would retain maybe, again, this is a radical idea, but be a market that is much more affordable for the pre-existing conditions policy. But that people with a clean bill of health. But it would be true in only the most literal sense. maybe we should be dealing with that would become largely inaccessible to anyone The mix of policies could allow insurance today. who really needs help paying for medical companies to charge sick people prices that I am beginning to give up hope for care. few of them could pay. And it could allow regular order in the appropriations We do not have to speculate to know what them to exclude benefits that many healthy process under the Republican leader- the world looks like without essential health people need when they get sick. The result ship, but I would have thought we benefits and community rating. It was how could be a world where people with pre-exist- would at least have some insight about most state insurance markets worked before ing conditions would struggle to buy com- Obamacare. Back in 2009, most sick people prehensive health insurance—just like before a funding bill by now. Again, 5 legisla- who did not get insurance through work or a Obamacare. tive days from now, the government government program were excluded from Thomas Kaplan contributed reporting. potentially could be shut down. coverage if they had a history of health prob- Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I Maybe some of you think that the lems like allergies or arthritis. Plans that mean, preexisting conditions. Oh, my underlying legislation that this rule did not cover pregnancy care or drug addic- God. What are my friends thinking would allow us to consider, a bill to in- tion treatment were widespread. (The data about? crease the number of companies that about individual market insurance pre- And we are reading that essential are exempted from certain SEC regula- miums is a little spotty, but it appears that tions, is vitally important. Maybe you they were substantially lower in most health benefits are still on the chop- states.) ping block. are being inundated with calls about One idea Republicans have about how to You know, these are some of the this issue. I don’t know. Maybe your care for the sick was also in effect pre- main provisions of the ACA that people townhalls are overflowing with people

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05AP7.005 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2711 demanding this SEC suspension bill, I will keep bringing up Susan Rice and introduced by Representatives PATRICK but I am certain that no Member of her illegally unmasking people if they MCHENRY and NYDIA VELA´ ZQUEZ, would this body could say with a straight face would like to do that. We can continue amend the cap currently contained in that this is somehow more important with that conversation. the Investment Company Act to allow than keeping the entire Federal Gov- I would prefer to talk about H.R. 250 investors, instead of that 100, for a ernment open. 1219. So we know that small businesses qualified venture capital fund, and, For the life of me, I don’t understand and entrepreneurs are the heartbeat of therefore, enhance angel investors’ why we always have to get right up to the American economy, and access to ability to provide important funding to the edge of the cliff, but here we are financial capital is vital for entre- our small businesses. again. Today is just the latest example preneurs seeking startup money, or to This bill is a very modest increase to that the priorities of this Republican operate, or to expand their businesses. the current exemption which has been leadership do not serve the American However, gaining access to capital has in place for nearly 77 years, since 1940. people. remained an enduring challenge for Modernizing the cap is long overdue I would urge my colleagues to think small businesses. and reflects today’s capital markets re- about this as we spend time in our dis- The financial crisis and the Great Re- alities and the increasingly important tricts over the next 2 weeks. Maybe, cession made the situation worse as role that angel investors play as they when we get back, Congress can actu- capital became increasingly hard to ac- commit the funds necessary to help ally do its job and fund the government cess from institutional banks and var- these small businesses grow. and focus on things that are important ious capital players. And while condi- The Securities and Exchange Com- like a jobs bill or an infrastructure bill tions have improved somewhat in the mission continues to ignore the back- instead of more of the same Republican recent years, many entrepreneurs con- log of good ideas to spur capital forma- messaging bills. tinue to struggle with accessing the tion recommended by entrepreneurs, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of capital that they need to compete and small businesses, and market partici- my time. to grow. pants at the SEC’s annual government- In order to succeed, these companies business forum on capital formation. b 1245 need capital and credit, which is the So in the SEC’s absence, Congress must Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I have an in- lifeblood for growth, expansion, and job act to promote market efficiency and quiry for the Speaker, if I may. What is creation. Yet the government con- capital formation. That is what we are the title of this bill? tinues to construct arbitrary walls here to do today, and I do think that The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. that cut them off from essential fi- that is an extremely important thing YODER). The Clerk has read the title of nancing as smaller companies are for us to do here in Congress. the bill. Would the gentleman like the caught in a sea of regulatory red tape I think that we can all agree that we Clerk to re-read the title of the bill? created by Washington bureaucrats of- support smart regulation that protects Mr. BUCK. That is all right, Mr. tentimes. investors and maintains orderly and ef- Speaker. I appreciate it. As we had a similar bill yesterday, I ficient markets. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman made the point at that time as well. time of the gentleman has expired. from Michigan (Mr. HUIZENGA), my We know that 60 percent of all net new friend. Mr. BUCK. I yield an additional 1 jobs that have been created here in the minute to the gentleman from Michi- Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I ap- United States, 60 percent of all net new preciate the opportunity to rise, and I gan. jobs that have been created here over Mr. HUIZENGA. I think we can all do feel like, to clarify, the bill title of the last 2 decades, have come from agree that we need to support smart H.R. 1219 is Supporting America’s these small businesses. regulation that protects investors and Innovators Act. Congress has made strides in tai- maintains orderly and efficient mar- Our colleagues have seen time and loring the regulatory environment for kets. But outdated, excessive, and un- time and time again that the other side these smaller companies—most nota- necessary regulation where costs out- has wanted to come to the floor and bly when we passed, with strong bipar- weigh the benefits is just dumb regula- talk about everything other than what tisan support, the Jumpstart Our Busi- tion that overly burdens smaller com- we are dealing with. But I do want to ness Startups Act, or JOBS Act, in panies. lay out, as one of the senior members 2012. That was a bipartisan bill that So let’s provide some regulatory re- of the committee, what has happened was signed by President Obama. lief by enacting this bipartisan bill in Financial Services when we have The JOBS Act’s benefits are notable that will ease the burdens on small dealt with this. as more and more companies use its businesses and job creators to help fos- Last Congress, this exact bill passed provisions to raise investment capital ter capital formation and get Ameri- 52–2 in the committee, with the rank- in both the public and the private mar- cans back to work. ing member supporting the bill. There kets. And the JOBS Act raised the cap Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield were no dissenting minority views that on investors in a privately held com- myself such time as I may consume. were offered. And now, with this par- pany from 500 to 2,000 investors, but I am glad the gentleman from Michi- ticular piece of legislation, H.R. 1219, the limit on the number of investors gan believes that closed rules are reg- there were no amendments even offered acting as a coordinated group to invest ular order—maybe in Russia, but that at the Rules Committee. in a company remained at 100, where it is not supposed to be the norm here in So which is it? My friends across the has been since 1940, some 77 years ago. the people’s House. We have an obliga- aisle complain when we don’t do reg- I think it is about time that we update tion to actually debate serious bills. ular order. They complain if this had that. Right now, my Republican friends gone on suspension. I am kind of re- As noted by Kevin Laws, of AngelList are behind closed doors somewhere in minded of Groucho Marx in his movie, in his written testimony before the the Capitol debating healthcare legis- ‘‘Horse Feathers.’’ Whatever that is, I Capital Markets Subcommittee: ‘‘With lation. And what I am against is this am against it. That seems to be their online fundraising and general solicita- whole process. This is backwards. My attitude. tion becoming more common because Republican friends ought to be out in But I do look forward to working of the JOBS Act, companies are bump- the open debating health care. They with my colleagues across the aisle to ing up against the limit more fre- ought to be doing hearings. This is make sure that they join me in sup- quently. The current limit . . . now what I am objecting to. porting government funding when we acts as a brake on the amount of In the scheme of things, this is a rel- are going to be dealing with that here money the company wanted to raise, atively minor piece of legislation, com- shortly. leaving tens of millions of dollars on pared to my Republican friends’ plans So on to our bill here, H.R. 1219, un- the table that did not go into to repeal the Affordable Care Act. less the opposition, the other side of startups.’’ Yes, we should be debating Russia the aisle, would like to continue to Well, H.R. 1219, the Supporting Amer- and all the ties that the Trump admin- talk about a lot of nongermane things; ica’s Innovators Act, a bipartisan bill istration has with Russia. The question

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.022 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H2712 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 5, 2017 used to be: Who in the administration There was no objection. have made charitable donations, has ties with Russia? Now the question Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, this is whether you have paid taxes, whether is: Who in this administration doesn’t a big deal. The American people have a you have avoided taxes, whether you have ties with Russia? Yes, those are right to know because the American have used loopholes, whether you have important things we ought to be talk- people are concerned that this White dollars in offshore areas. So this is an ing about. But, come on. House is on a collision course with cor- essential. What we are objecting to is you ruption. It is time to let a little light I want my Republican friends to bringing filler to the floor while, in se- shine on the President’s tax returns so think of something. This is not a par- cret, you are trying to dismantle the American people know what his tisan issue. This should concern you health care in a way that we believe dealings have been and know what, just as much as it concerns your con- will harm millions and millions of quite frankly, they have been able to stituents. The American people across Americans; that will take away their know about every other President and the country, 74 percent, say that his protections, those who have pre- every other major party nominee. tax returns should be disclosed. existing conditions; that will throw I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished b 1300 millions of people off of their insur- gentlewoman from California (Ms. ance; that will take away essential ESHOO) to discuss our proposal. We are now moving into an area of health benefits. Yeah, that is impor- Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I thank my questions about national security. tant to us, and it is important to the colleague from Massachusetts for Who is the President doing business American people. yielding the time to me. with? What we are objecting to is a process While I support the underlying bill, I Whose interests come first? Is it the where you debate these issues in secret want to urge my colleagues to defeat national security of the United States and you bring stuff like this to the the previous question so that this bi- of America by the Commander in Chief, floor. partisan legislation, the Presidential or is it for some Trump business? Mr. Speaker, this week, President Tax Transparency Act, can be made in These are very serious questions that Trump signed a bill to allow internet order for consideration and a vote. you should want answered. service providers to sell their cus- The legislation is very simple. It is In a democracy—in a democracy— tomers’ sensitive information. This in- not pages and pages and pages. It sim- transparency is essential. They go formation includes location, financial ply states that there will be a require- hand in hand. We are not a banana re- and health data, information about ment that the President of the United public. We don’t have people in charge customers’ children, Social Security States, all future Presidents, and Pres- of the government that stand above the numbers, web browsing history, app idential nominees of the major parties law or just disregard it. usage history, and the content of their publicly disclose their tax returns. For In this case, it is not the law. It is a customers’ communications, such as decades, Republican and Democratic beautiful tradition that patriots on the emails and video chats. Presidents and Republican and Demo- Republican side and the Democratic Yet, amazingly, President Trump’s cratic candidates of both parties have side honored. Why did they honor it? I tax return information is still off lim- voluntarily disclosed this information, think they honored it because they its to the American people. Every but not this President. wanted to honor the American people. President since Gerald Ford has dis- Now, this tradition began in 1973, That is what this effort is about. closed his tax return information. with President Richard Nixon who, Now, it is important to note that the These returns have provided a basic while under audit by the IRS, publicly President wasn’t always opposed to level of transparency that has helped released his tax returns and submitted this important transparency. As far to ensure the public’s interest is placed them for review by Congress because back as 2011, he said that he would re- first. lease his tax returns if he ran for Presi- So the message from President there was a mini scandal at that time dent. Trump and the Republican Party is regarding his claims of charitable giv- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The clear: It is okay for companies to profit ing. He released his tax returns and, time of the gentlewoman has expired. off your medical and financial informa- shortly after, gave what became a fa- Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield tion, or information contained in your mous speech: ‘‘People have got to know the gentlewoman from California an private emails, but the American voter whether or not their President is a additional 2 minutes. is not allowed to know if the President crook. Well, I am not a crook.’’ Ms. ESHOO. In 2012, he criticized has any conflicts of interest. That is The Joint Committee on Taxation, at Mitt Romney for not releasing his re- right. Donald Trump’s privacy matters, that time, ultimately found numerous turns until late in the campaign. In but your privacy doesn’t. errors in the President’s return, and Internet companies can auction off that he owed about a half a million dol- 2014, Mr. Trump told an Irish television your private, personal information to lars in back taxes, and he paid them. network: ‘‘If I decide to run for office, the highest bidder. But information re- Now, since then, every President has I’ll produce my tax returns, abso- lated to Donald Trump’s business life voluntarily released their tax returns. lutely.’’ In 2016, he said repeatedly that must be kept secret. But this tradition is now being tested he would release his returns ‘‘over the Mr. Speaker, the American people de- by a President who continues to hide next few months’’ and ‘‘before the elec- serve better, and it is incumbent upon his finances and faces an unprece- tion.’’ It hasn’t happened yet. us, as the people’s elected Representa- dented number of potential conflicts of So all of these issues should concern tives, to hold the executive branch ac- interest relating to his business em- all Members of Congress because, as I countable. pire. said a moment ago, transparency is es- So I am going to ask people to vote Now, through his financial disclosure sential in a democracy. ‘‘no’’ on the previous question. And if forms, we know that he has some 564 Mr. Speaker, this is the fourth time we defeat the previous question, I will businesses around the world and inside this year that I have offered the Presi- offer an amendment to the rule to the United States. This is a legitimate dential Tax Transparency Act as the bring up Representative ESHOO’s bill, question being posed by the American previous question motion, and today I which will require Presidents and people, and that is: If we don’t know, filed a discharge petition on the bill, major party nominees for the Presi- whose interest is he operating under? which I encourage all of my colleagues dency to release their tax returns. Who is he there for? to sign at the desk. If we defeat the Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous con- Is he making decisions relative to previous question today or if we reach sent to insert the text of my amend- trade that will benefit his business? We 218 Members of the House on the dis- ment in the RECORD, along with extra- don’t know. Why? Because a tax return charge petition, we can vote on this bi- neous material, immediately prior to is highly instructive. Tax returns dis- partisan legislation and ensure—under- the vote on the previous question. close to whom you owe debt, what the score ‘‘ensure’’—that the President of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there debt is, where your businesses are, the United States provides trans- objection to the request of the gen- whether they are in the United States parency for the American people now tleman from Massachusetts? or in a foreign country, whether you and in the future.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.024 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2713 Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- and economic growth in our districts, health care of a lot of people in this self such time as I may consume. will continue to be choked off from country. Mr. Speaker, I am reminded of an old what should be easily accessible and af- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Western movie, ‘‘The Man Who Shot fordable capital. my time. Liberty Valance,’’ and a line in that Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I have no movie: ‘‘When the legend becomes fact, support this rule and to support this bi- further speakers, and I reserve the bal- print the legend.’’ partisan legislation. ance of my time. It turns out, Mr. Speaker, that this Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield bill was marked up without any myself such time as I may consume. myself the balance of my time, and I amendments on March 9, 2017, in the Mr. Speaker, I just want to be clear will close for our side. Senate Banking Committee and was fa- so that my good friend from Colorado Mr. Speaker, I want to alert my Re- vorably reported unanimously and understands where I am coming from. publican colleagues to some recent without any amendments offered. It I don’t really care about this bill. I polls that came out today. There is a was also marked up on March 9, 2017, in think it is a noncontroversial bill that, poll that Qinnipiac did that said that the Financial Services Committee and quite frankly, probably could be ap- Trump is more unpopular than Obama was reported out with a 54–2 vote. proved by voice vote if it were brought ever was, and, today, President There were no amendments offered up that way. Trump’s approval rating is at 35 per- on this particular legislation, Mr. The point I am trying to make is cent. That is down from 37 percent, and Speaker, in the Rules Committee; and, that this is a relatively minor bill com- that is the lowest, I think, of any as a matter of practice, it is considered pared to some of the important issues President this early on in his Presi- a closed rule because there were no that we need to deal with. It is trouble- dency. I think the lowest rating ever amendments offered. So the idea that some to me that, on this bill, which my was President George W. Bush. It was somehow this legislation has been hid- friend from Colorado said involved at 28 percent, but it took 8 years, two den and that we are engaging in some years of hearings and where the spon- unpopular wars, and a staggering econ- sort of subterfuge is not accurate. sor of the bill consulted with Demo- omy to get to that point. But with Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the cratic colleagues—I favor all of that. President Trump, we are already at 35 gentleman from Illinois (Mr. But what I am really outraged about is percent. The Gallup Poll says his ap- HULTGREN), my good friend. that, while we are talking about this proval is at 39 percent. Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I relatively inconsequential bill and By the way, the Affordable Care Act, thank my good friend from Colorado. about how wonderful this process according to Kaiser, now polls at 55 Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support around this bill is, there are meetings percent approval rating, and the Re- the rule providing for consideration of going on in secret, right now, with my publican Congress is about as low as H.R. 1219, the Supporting America’s Republican colleagues, on dismantling President Trump is right now. Innovators Act of 2017. This is a bipar- health care in this country, conversa- I am trying to think of the words to tisan piece of legislation that has seen tions that might result in tens of mil- help my colleagues understand what productive debate and almost no oppo- lions of Americans losing their health these polls mean. I guess ‘‘not good’’ sition when it was considered by the insurance, conversations involving tak- comes to mind, or ‘‘very, very bad.’’ I House Financial Services Committee. ing away essential benefits from insur- don’t think, even if you tried, you The House considered a very similar ance packages, conversations that could get poll numbers so low so early bill last July that received 388 votes would basically remove protections for on in a new Congress or so early on in here in the House in support. people who have preexisting condi- a new administration. Congressman PATRICK MCHENRY has tions. I would say to my friends the reason been steadfast in his dedication to find- All of this is going on in secret. We for this unpopularity is the way you ing opportunities to update our securi- are reading about it in the press. I am are conducting business in our govern- ties laws so we can harness the true sure my colleagues know about it be- ment, that the closed processes that power of our capital markets. In recent cause they are reading about it. Maybe are being used with regard to legisla- memory, this started with the JOBS they are proud of these secret meet- tion I think are unprecedented. There Act, which was very bipartisan and has ings. I want to know where these secret has never been a more closed Congress been crucial to reinvigorating our cap- meetings are. than this one. You were pretty closed ital markets. However, there is still I am simply saying to my friends on last session as well. This is a terrible more we can do. the other side of the aisle, on some- pattern. The Supporting America’s Innovators thing as big as health care, you ought I agree with my friend, Mr. BUCK, on Act of 2017 increases the limit on the to be having these meetings out in the one thing he said. The gentleman said number of individuals who can invest open. There ought to be hearings. You yesterday that good process produces in certain venture capital funds before ought to bring in patients and patient good policy, but perhaps equally as im- those funds must register with the SEC advocate groups. You ought to bring in portant, good process helps instill faith as investment companies under the In- doctors, nurses, and heads of hospitals. in this institution. I agree with that. I vestment Company Act of 1940. Cur- You ought to bring in people who are could have said those remarks here rently, the act limits the number of in- going to be affected by any kind of today. vestors in an investment company fund changes you make in our healthcare My question is: If that is the case, to 100 if the fund is to be exempt from policy. why are my Republican friends toler- registration with the SEC. This reg- Instead, it is being done behind ating a process on healthcare reform istration is an extremely costly regu- closed doors, in secret, and I think the that is now going on that is being done latory requirement that is not always American people are outraged by that. behind closed doors in some back room appropriate. That is one of the reasons why the bill somewhere in this building with no The Chamber of Commerce describes you brought to the floor recently only input from patients or patient advo- this as a fix to what has come to be had 17 percent support amongst the cate groups or doctors or nurses or hos- known as the ‘‘99 investor problem,’’ American people. pitals or anybody who has anything to that is, the requirement that certain So what we are objecting to is the do with health care? Why, on some- venture capital funds register with the fact that we are not bringing to the thing so important, is the process so SEC once they reach their 100th inves- floor matters that are urgent, like closed and so restrictive and so secre- tor. Increasing this low threshold, keeping the government running and tive? originally set in the 1940s, would allow like an infrastructure bill. We are also I will tell you, just as this closed venture capital to continue to play the objecting to the fact that we are read- process led to a disastrous Republican important role in the economy that it ing that my Republican friends are, healthcare bill recently, this continued has in the past. once again, behind closed doors negoti- closed process will lead to more dis- Unless Congress updates this thresh- ating another healthcare bill that we aster. This is not the way we should be old, startups, the driver of job creation think will do great damage to the doing the people’s business. So we

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.026 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H2714 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 5, 2017 strongly object to the way the Repub- Mr. Speaker, I appreciate my friend SEC. 6. Immediately upon adoption of this licans are running this House and, in from Massachusetts quoting me yester- resolution the Speaker shall, pursuant to fact, the way the President is handling day, and I would love to just emphasize clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole this issue as well. a few of the words that he said a mo- House on the state of the Union for consider- It is always nice to see Vice Presi- ment ago: I also shudder to think if ation of the bill (H.R. 305) to amend the Eth- dent PENCE in the hallway when he is Hillary Clinton won the Presidency. ics in Government Act of 1978 to require the walking back and forth, but it would be My friend was kind enough to focus disclosure of certain tax returns by Presi- better to see him in a public setting his half hour on H.R. 1219, Supporting dents and certain candidates for the office of talking about what the administra- America’s Innovators Act of 2017. It is, the President, and for other purposes. All tion’s priorities are, not rushing from in fact, a great piece of legislation, and points of order against consideration of the one back room to another back room I am proud to close now on that bill. bill are waived. General debate shall be con- fined to the bill and shall not exceed one to another back room trying to make We have the opportunity today to hour equally divided among and controlled secret deals to get more people to vote improve access to capital for America’s by the respective chairs and ranking minor- for something when they have no idea entrepreneurs and startups. The men ity members of the Committees on Ways and what is in the legislation. That is not and women who start companies in this Means and Oversight and Government Re- the way of doing business. So we object Nation put everything on the line. form. After general debate the bill shall be to the process. They give of their time and their finan- considered for amendment under the five- Again, I urge my colleagues to also cial resources. They give of their week- minute rule. All points of order against pro- ends and evenings and vacations. visions in the bill are waived. At the conclu- vote ‘‘no’’ on the previous question so sion of consideration of the bill for amend- we can have an opportunity to see Our economy relies on the small ment the Committee shall rise and report President Trump’s tax returns. Every businesses that these men and women the bill to the House with such amendments President since Gerald Ford has dis- create. Small businesses are the back- as may have been adopted. The previous closed their tax returns, every major bone of the American economy. They question shall be considered as ordered on Presidential candidate, and every day provide jobs and important products the bill and amendments thereto to final we read in the newspaper about more and services. They contribute to the passage without intervening motion except life of their communities. one motion to recommit with or without in- and more potential conflicts of interest structions. If the Committee of the Whole between the President and his family. I If we want to grow our economy, if rises and reports that it has come to no reso- have to tell you, we are on a collision we want to increase hiring, if we want lution on the bill, then on the next legisla- course with corruption. The President to improve our quality of life, then we tive day the House shall, immediately after has promised to drain the swamp. He need to unleash America’s entre- the third daily order of business under clause has created a cesspool, and it should be preneurs and startups. That is why we 1 of rule XIV, resolve into the Committee of of concern to every single person in need to support this bill. the Whole for further consideration of the We must expand access to credit for bill. this Chamber, Democrat and Repub- SEC. 7. Clause 1(c) of rule XIX shall not lican alike. small-business owners. We need to apply to the consideration of H.R. 305. I don’t think it is too much to ask for make it easier for angel investors to transparency when it comes to the per- take a risk on young companies. We THE VOTE ON THE PREVIOUS QUESTION: WHAT son who is our Commander in Chief. I are not asking the American taxpayer IT REALLY MEANS shudder to think if Hillary Clinton had to take a risk or spend any money on This vote, the vote on whether to order the won the Presidency and didn’t release this. We are simply asking the Federal previous question on a special rule, is not her tax returns, the outrage that would Government to allow angel investors to merely a procedural vote. A vote against or- join together in larger groups to invest dering the previous question is a vote be coming from the other side of the against the Republican majority agenda and aisle. I can’t even imagine how much in promising young American compa- a vote to allow the Democratic minority to outrage would be coming from them. nies. offer an alternative plan. It is a vote about Yet when Donald Trump hides his fi- I am encouraged that this bill rep- what the House should be debating. nancial information from Congress and resents a bipartisan effort to make Mr. Clarence Cannon’s Precedents of the the American people, there is silence; small-business owners in this country House of Representatives (VI, 308–311), de- people don’t want to know. Well, the more rewarding. When the cost of scribes the vote on the previous question on the rule as ‘‘a motion to direct or control the majority of people do. Poll after poll starting a small business is outweighed by the reward, our country will benefit consideration of the subject before the House show the overwhelming majority of being made by the Member in charge.’’ To Americans want to know what is in his from the resulting innovation and job defeat the previous question is to give the tax returns. creation. We simply need to give entre- opposition a chance to decide the subject be- Why is this such a state secret? Why preneurs the tools they need to suc- fore the House. Cannon cites the Speaker’s can’t people see what they want to see ceed, and one of those tools is access to ruling of January 13, 1920, to the effect that and what they have been given with capital. ‘‘the refusal of the House to sustain the de- every other President? America’s entrepreneurs and startups mand for the previous question passes the So this is an opportunity to put this need H.R. 1219. Americans who want to control of the resolution to the opposition’’ work for small businesses need H.R. in order to offer an amendment. On March issue behind us, and if there is nothing 15, 1909, a member of the majority party of- controversial in his taxes, well, then 1219. Americans who want to buy great fered a rule resolution. The House defeated this issue goes away and we can talk products, access incredible services, the previous question and a member of the about something else. But maybe there and visit amazing websites all need opposition rose to a parliamentary inquiry, is something he is hiding. Maybe there H.R. 1219. asking who was entitled to recognition. is something that we should be con- I thank Chief Deputy Whip MCHENRY Speaker Joseph G. Cannon (R–Illinois) said: cerned about. Maybe there are conflicts for introducing this important bill, and ‘‘The previous question having been refused, of interest that might be constitu- I thank Chairman HENSARLING for the gentleman from New York, Mr. Fitz- gerald, who had asked the gentleman to tionally questionable. Maybe there are bringing this legislation before us. I ´ yield to him for an amendment, is entitled to ties to Russia that would cause my col- also thank Representative VELAZQUEZ, the first recognition.’’ leagues on the other side of the aisle Representative HOLLINGSWORTH, Rep- The Republican majority may say ‘‘the more concern. resentative SHERMAN, and Representa- vote on the previous question is simply a This idea of hiding this has to stop. I tive GOTTHEIMER for cosponsoring this vote on whether to proceed to an immediate urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on the legislation. vote on adopting the resolution . . . [and] previous question and vote ‘‘no’’ on the I ask my colleagues to vote ‘‘yes’’ on has no substantive legislative or policy im- plications whatsoever.’’ But that is not what underlying rule. the rule and vote ‘‘yes’’ on the bill. The material previously referred to they have always said. Listen to the Repub- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance lican Leadership Manual on the Legislative of my time. by Mr. MCGOVERN is as follows: Process in the United States House of Rep- AN AMENDMENT TO H. RES. 242 OFFERED BY b 1315 resentatives, (6th edition, page 135). Here’s MR. MCGOVERN how the Republicans describe the previous Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- At the end of the resolution, add the fol- question vote in their own manual: ‘‘Al- self the balance of my time. lowing new sections: though it is generally not possible to amend

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.027 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2715 the rule because the majority Member con- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. trustee have been paid or the plan provides trolling the time will not yield for the pur- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Financial for the payment of all such fees, costs, and pose of offering an amendment, the same re- Institution Bankruptcy Act of 2017’’. expenses on the effective date of the plan. sult may be achieved by voting down the pre- SEC. 2. GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO COV- ‘‘(18) In a case under subchapter V, con- vious question on the rule. . . . When the ERED FINANCIAL CORPORATIONS. firmation of the plan is not likely to cause motion for the previous question is defeated, (a) DEFINITION.—Section 101 of title 11, serious adverse effects on financial stability control of the time passes to the Member United States Code, is amended by inserting in the United States.’’. who led the opposition to ordering the pre- the following after paragraph (9): (f) Section 322(b)(2) of title 11, United vious question. That Member, because he ‘‘(9A) The term ‘covered financial corpora- States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘The’’ then controls the time, may offer an amend- tion’ means any corporation incorporated or and inserting ‘‘In cases under subchapter V, ment to the rule, or yield for the purpose of organized under any Federal or State law, the United States trustee shall recommend amendment.’’ other than a stockbroker, a commodity to the court, and in all other cases, the’’. In Deschler’s Procedure in the U.S. House broker, or an entity of the kind specified in SEC. 3. LIQUIDATION, REORGANIZATION, OR RE- of Representatives, the subchapter titled paragraph (2) or (3) of section 109(b), that is— CAPITALIZATION OF A COVERED FI- ‘‘Amending Special Rules’’ states: ‘‘a refusal ‘‘(A) a bank holding company, as defined in NANCIAL CORPORATION. to order the previous question on such a rule section 2(a) of the Bank Holding Company Chapter 11 of title 11, United States Code, [a special rule reported from the Committee Act of 1956; or is amended by adding at the end the fol- on Rules] opens the resolution to amend- ‘‘(B) a corporation that exists for the pri- lowing: ment and further debate.’’ (Chapter 21, sec- mary purpose of owning, controlling and fi- ‘‘SUBCHAPTER V—LIQUIDATION, REOR- tion 21.2) Section 21.3 continues: ‘‘Upon re- nancing its subsidiaries, that has total con- GANIZATION, OR RECAPITALIZATION jection of the motion for the previous ques- solidated assets of $50,000,000,000 or greater, OF A COVERED FINANCIAL CORPORA- tion on a resolution reported from the Com- and for which, in its most recently com- TION pleted fiscal year— mittee on Rules, control shifts to the Mem- ‘‘§ 1181. Inapplicability of other sections ber leading the opposition to the previous ‘‘(i) annual gross revenues derived by the ‘‘Sections 303 and 321(c) do not apply in a question, who may offer a proper amendment corporation and all of its subsidiaries from case under this subchapter concerning a cov- or motion and who controls the time for de- activities that are financial in nature (as de- ered financial corporation. Section 365 does bate thereon.’’ fined in section 4(k) of the Bank Holding not apply to a transfer under section 1185, Clearly, the vote on the previous question Company Act of 1956) and, if applicable, from 1187, or 1188. on a rule does have substantive policy impli- the ownership or control of one or more in- cations. It is one of the only available tools sured depository institutions, represents 85 ‘‘§ 1182. Definitions for this subchapter for those who oppose the Republican major- percent or more of the consolidated annual ‘‘In this subchapter, the following defini- ity’s agenda and allows those with alter- gross revenues of the corporation; or tions shall apply: native views the opportunity to offer an al- ‘‘(ii) the consolidated assets of the corpora- ‘‘(1) The term ‘Board’ means the Board of ternative plan. tion and all of its subsidiaries related to ac- Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield back tivities that are financial in nature (as de- ‘‘(2) The term ‘bridge company’ means a fined in section 4(k) of the Bank Holding newly formed corporation to which property the balance of my time, and I move the Company Act of 1956) and, if applicable, re- of the estate may be transferred under sec- previous question on the resolution. lated to the ownership or control of one or tion 1185(a) and the equity securities of The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. more insured depository institutions, rep- which may be transferred to a special trustee DENHAM). The question is on ordering resents 85 percent or more of the consoli- under section 1186(a). the previous question. dated assets of the corporation.’’. ‘‘(3) The term ‘capital structure debt’ The question was taken; and the (b) APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTERS.—Section means all unsecured debt of the debtor for Speaker pro tempore announced that 103 of title 11, United States Code, is amend- borrowed money for which the debtor is the ed by adding at the end the following: the ayes appeared to have it. primary obligor, other than a qualified fi- ‘‘(l) Subchapter V of chapter 11 of this title nancial contract and other than debt secured Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, on applies only in a case under chapter 11 con- by a lien on property of the estate that is to that I demand the yeas and nays. cerning a covered financial corporation.’’. be transferred to a bridge company pursuant The yeas and nays were ordered. (c) WHO MAY BEADEBTOR.—Section 109 of to an order of the court under section 1185(a). The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- title 11, United States Code, is amended— ‘‘(4) The term ‘contractual right’ means a ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- (1) in subsection (b)— contractual right of a kind defined in section ceedings on this question will be post- (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘or’’ at 555, 556, 559, 560, or 561. the end; poned. ‘‘(5) The term ‘qualified financial contract’ (B) in paragraph (3)(B), by striking the pe- means any contract of a kind defined in f riod at the end and inserting ‘‘; or’’; and paragraph (25), (38A), (47), or (53B) of section (C) by adding at the end the following: 101, section 741(7), or paragraph (4), (5), (11), ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER ‘‘(4) a covered financial corporation.’’; and PRO TEMPORE or (13) of section 761. (2) in subsection (d)— ‘‘(6) The term ‘special trustee’ means the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- (A) by striking ‘‘and’’ before ‘‘an uninsured trustee of a trust formed under section ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair State member bank’’; 1186(a)(1). (B) by striking ‘‘or’’ before ‘‘a corpora- will postpone further proceedings tion’’; and ‘‘§ 1183. Commencement of a case concerning today on motions to suspend the rules (C) by inserting ‘‘, or a covered financial a covered financial corporation on which a recorded vote or the yeas corporation’’ after ‘‘Federal Deposit Insur- ‘‘(a) A case under this subchapter con- and nays are ordered, or on which the ance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991’’. cerning a covered financial corporation may vote incurs objection under clause 6 of (d) CONVERSION TO CHAPTER 7.—Section 1112 be commenced by the filing of a petition rule XX. of title 11, United States Code, is amended by with the court by the debtor under section 301 only if the debtor states to the best of its Record votes on postponed questions adding at the end the following: ‘‘(g) Notwithstanding section 109(b), the knowledge under penalty of perjury in the will be taken later. court may convert a case under subchapter V petition that it is a covered financial cor- f to a case under chapter 7 if— poration. ‘‘(1) a transfer approved under section 1185 ‘‘(b) The commencement of a case under FINANCIAL INSTITUTION has been consummated; subsection (a) constitutes an order for relief BANKRUPTCY ACT OF 2017 ‘‘(2) the court has ordered the appointment under this subchapter. Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I of a special trustee under section 1186; and ‘‘(c) The members of the board of directors (or body performing similar functions) of a move to suspend the rules and pass the ‘‘(3) the court finds, after notice and a hearing, that conversion is in the best inter- covered financial corporation shall have no bill (H.R. 1667) to amend title 11 of the est of the creditors and the estate.’’. liability to shareholders, creditors, or other United States Code in order to facili- (e)(1) Section 726(a)(1) of title 11, United parties in interest for a good faith filing of a tate the resolution of an insolvent fi- States Code, is amended by inserting after petition to commence a case under this sub- nancial institution in bankruptcy, as ‘‘first,’’ the following: ‘‘in payment of any chapter, or for any reasonable action taken amended. unpaid fees, costs, and expenses of a special in good faith in contemplation of such a peti- The Clerk read the title of the bill. trustee appointed under section 1186, and tion or a transfer under section 1185 or sec- The text of the bill is as follows: then’’. tion 1186, whether prior to or after com- (2) Section 1129(a) of title 11, United States mencement of the case. H.R. 1667 Code, is amended by inserting after para- ‘‘(d) Counsel to the debtor shall provide, to Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- graph (16) the following: the greatest extent practicable without dis- resentatives of the United States of America in ‘‘(17) In a case under subchapter V, all pay- closing the identity of the potential debtor, Congress assembled, able fees, costs, and expenses of the special sufficient confidential notice to the chief

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05AP7.004 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H2716 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 5, 2017 judge of the court of appeals for the circuit agreement (including a qualified financial ‘‘(1) for the payment of the fees, costs, ex- embracing the district in which such counsel contract), including any claims arising in re- penses, and indemnities of the special trust- intends to file a petition to commence a case spect thereof that would not be allowed se- ee from the assets of the debtor’s estate; under this subchapter regarding the poten- cured claims under section 506(a)(1) and after ‘‘(2) that the special trustee provide— tial commencement of such case. The chief giving effect to such transfer, such property ‘‘(A) quarterly reporting to the estate, judge of such court shall randomly assign to remains subject to the lien securing such which shall be filed with the court; and preside over such case a bankruptcy judge debt, executory contract, unexpired lease or ‘‘(B) information about the bridge com- selected from among the bankruptcy judges agreement (including a qualified financial pany reasonably requested by a party in in- designated by the Chief Justice of the United contract); and terest to prepare a disclosure statement for States under section 298 of title 28. ‘‘(ii) the court has determined that as- a plan providing for distribution of any secu- ‘‘§ 1184. Regulators sumption of such debt, executory contract, rities of the bridge company if such informa- ‘‘The Board, the Securities Exchange Com- unexpired lease or agreement (including a tion is necessary to prepare such disclosure mission, the Office of the Comptroller of the qualified financial contract) by the bridge statement; Currency of the Department of the Treasury, company is in the best interests of the es- ‘‘(3) that for as long as the equity securi- the Commodity Futures Trading Commis- tate; or ties of the bridge company are held by the sion, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Cor- ‘‘(B) such property is being transferred to trust, the special trustee shall file a notice poration may raise and may appear and be the bridge company in accordance with the with the court in connection with— heard on any issue in any case or proceeding provisions of section 363; ‘‘(A) any change in a director or senior of- under this subchapter. ‘‘(4) the transfer does not provide for the ficer of the bridge company; assumption by the bridge company of any ‘‘(B) any modification to the governing ‘‘§ 1185. Special transfer of property of the es- debt, executory contract, unexpired lease or documents of the bridge company; and tate agreement (including a qualified financial ‘‘(C) any material corporate action of the ‘‘(a) On request of the trustee, and after contract) of the debtor secured by a lien on bridge company, including— notice and a hearing that shall occur not less property of the estate unless the transfer ‘‘(i) recapitalization; than 24 hours after the order for relief, the provides for such property to be transferred ‘‘(ii) a material borrowing; court may order a transfer under this section to the bridge company in accordance with ‘‘(iii) termination of an intercompany debt of property of the estate, and the assignment paragraph (3)(A) of this subsection; or guarantee; of executory contracts, unexpired leases, and ‘‘(5) the transfer does not provide for the ‘‘(iv) a transfer of a substantial portion of qualified financial contracts of the debtor, to transfer of the equity of the debtor; the assets of the bridge company; or a bridge company. Upon the entry of an ‘‘(6) the trustee has demonstrated that the ‘‘(v) the issuance or sale of any securities order approving such transfer, any property bridge company is not likely to fail to meet of the bridge company; transferred, and any executory contracts, the obligations of any debt, executory con- ‘‘(4) that any sale of any equity securities unexpired leases, and qualified financial con- tract, qualified financial contract, or unex- of the bridge company shall not be con- tracts assigned under such order shall no pired lease assumed and assigned to the summated until the special trustee consults longer be property of the estate. Except as bridge company; with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corpora- provided under this section, the provisions of ‘‘(7) the transfer provides for the transfer tion and the Board regarding such sale and section 363 shall apply to a transfer and as- to a special trustee all of the equity securi- discloses the results of such consultation signment under this section. ties in the bridge company and appointment with the court; ‘‘(b) Unless the court orders otherwise, no- of a special trustee in accordance with sec- ‘‘(5) that, subject to reserves for payments tice of a request for an order under sub- tion 1186; permitted under paragraph (1) provided for in section (a) shall consist of electronic or tele- ‘‘(8) after giving effect to the transfer, ade- the trust agreement, the proceeds of the sale phonic notice of not less than 24 hours to— quate provision has been made for the fees, of any equity securities of the bridge com- ‘‘(1) the debtor; costs, and expenses of the estate and special pany by the special trustee be held in trust ‘‘(2) the holders of the 20 largest secured trustee; and for the benefit of or transferred to the es- claims against the debtor; ‘‘(9) the bridge company will have gov- tate; ‘‘(3) the holders of the 20 largest unsecured erning documents, and initial directors and ‘‘(6) the process and guidelines for the re- claims against the debtor; senior officers, that are in the best interest placement of the special trustee; and ‘‘(4) counterparties to any debt, executory of creditors and the estate. ‘‘(7) that the property held in trust by the contract, unexpired lease, and qualified fi- ‘‘(d) Immediately before a transfer under special trustee is subject to distribution in nancial contract requested to be transferred this section, the bridge company that is the accordance with subsection (c). under this section; recipient of the transfer shall— ‘‘(c)(1) The special trustee shall distribute ‘‘(5) the Board; ‘‘(1) not have any property, executory con- the assets held in trust— ‘‘(6) the Federal Deposit Insurance Cor- tracts, unexpired leases, qualified financial ‘‘(A) if the court confirms a plan in the poration; contracts, or debts, other than any property case, in accordance with the plan on the ef- ‘‘(7) the Secretary of the Treasury and the acquired or executory contracts, unexpired fective date of the plan; or Office of the Comptroller of the Currency of leases, or debts assumed when acting as a ‘‘(B) if the case is converted to a case the Treasury; transferee of a transfer under this section; under chapter 7, as ordered by the court. ‘‘(8) the Commodity Futures Trading Com- and ‘‘(2) As soon as practicable after a final dis- mission; ‘‘(2) have equity securities that are prop- tribution under paragraph (1), the office of ‘‘(9) the Securities and Exchange Commis- erty of the estate, which may be sold or dis- the special trustee shall terminate, except as sion; tributed in accordance with this title. may be necessary to wind up and conclude ‘‘(10) the United States trustee or bank- the business and financial affairs of the ‘‘§ 1186. Special trustee ruptcy administrator; and trust. ‘‘(11) each primary financial regulatory ‘‘(a)(1) An order approving a transfer under ‘‘(d) After a transfer to the special trustee agency, as defined in section 2(12) of the section 1185 shall require the trustee to under this section, the special trustee shall Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Con- transfer to a qualified and independent spe- be subject only to applicable nonbankruptcy sumer Protection Act, with respect to any cial trustee, who is appointed by the court, law, and the actions and conduct of the spe- affiliate the equity securities of which are all of the equity securities in the bridge com- cial trustee shall no longer be subject to ap- pany that is the recipient of a transfer under proposed to be transferred under this sec- proval by the court in the case under this section 1185 to hold in trust for the sole ben- tion. subchapter. efit of the estate, subject to satisfaction of ‘‘(c) The court may not order a transfer ‘‘§ 1187. Temporary and supplemental auto- the special trustee’s fees, costs, and ex- under this section unless the court deter- matic stay; assumed debt penses. The trust of which the special trust- mines, based upon a preponderance of the ee is the trustee shall be a newly formed ‘‘(a)(1) A petition filed under section 1183 evidence, that— trust governed by a trust agreement ap- operates as a stay, applicable to all entities, ‘‘(1) the transfer under this section is nec- proved by the court as in the best interests of the termination, acceleration, or modi- essary to prevent serious adverse effects on of the estate, and shall exist for the sole pur- fication of any debt, contract, lease, or financial stability in the United States; pose of holding and administering, and shall agreement of the kind described in para- ‘‘(2) the transfer does not provide for the be permitted to dispose of, the equity securi- graph (2), or of any right or obligation under assumption of any capital structure debt by ties of the bridge company in accordance any such debt, contract, lease, or agreement, the bridge company; with the trust agreement. solely because of— ‘‘(3) the transfer does not provide for the ‘‘(2) In connection with the hearing to ap- ‘‘(A) a default by the debtor under any transfer to the bridge company of any prop- prove a transfer under section 1185, the trust- such debt, contract, lease, or agreement; or erty of the estate that is subject to a lien se- ee shall confirm to the court that the Board ‘‘(B) a provision in such debt, contract, curing a debt, executory contract, unexpired has been consulted regarding the identity of lease, or agreement, or in applicable non- lease or agreement (including a qualified fi- the proposed special trustee and advise the bankruptcy law, that is conditioned on— nancial contract) of the debtor unless— court of the results of such consultation. ‘‘(i) the insolvency or financial condition ‘‘(A)(i) the bridge company assumes such ‘‘(b) The trust agreement governing the of the debtor at any time before the closing debt, executory contract, unexpired lease or trust shall provide— of the case;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05AP7.006 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2717 ‘‘(ii) the commencement of a case under terminate or modify, the debt, contract, livery obligation under such qualified finan- this title concerning the debtor; lease, or agreement on account of— cial contract, including during the pendency ‘‘(iii) the appointment of or taking posses- ‘‘(A) the assignment of the debt, contract, of the stay provided under subsection (a), sion by a trustee in a case under this title lease, or agreement; or shall constitute a breach of such qualified fi- concerning the debtor or by a custodian be- ‘‘(B) a change in control of any party to nancial contract by the counterparty. fore the commencement of the case; or the debt, contract, lease, or agreement. ‘‘(c) Subject to the court’s approval, a ‘‘(iv) a credit rating agency rating, or ab- ‘‘(c)(1) A debt, contract, lease, or agree- qualified financial contract between an enti- sence or withdrawal of a credit rating agency ment of the kind described in subparagraph ty and the debtor may be assigned to or as- rating— (A) or (B) of subsection (a)(2) may not be ac- sumed by the bridge company in a transfer ‘‘(I) of the debtor at any time after the celerated, terminated, or modified, and any under, and in accordance with, section 1185 if commencement of the case; right or obligation under such debt, con- and only if— ‘‘(II) of an affiliate during the period from tract, lease, or agreement may not be accel- ‘‘(1) all qualified financial contracts be- the commencement of the case until 48 hours erated, terminated, or modified, as to the tween the entity and the debtor are assigned after such order is entered; bridge company solely because of a provision to and assumed by the bridge company in the ‘‘(III) of the bridge company while the in the debt, contract, lease, or agreement or transfer under section 1185; trustee or the special trustee is a direct or in applicable nonbankruptcy law— ‘‘(2) all claims of the entity against the indirect beneficial holder of more than 50 ‘‘(A) of the kind described in subsection debtor in respect of any qualified financial percent of the equity securities of— (a)(1)(B) as applied to the debtor; contract between the entity and the debtor ‘‘(aa) the bridge company; or ‘‘(B) that prohibits, restricts, or conditions (other than any claim that, under the terms ‘‘(bb) the affiliate, if all of the direct or in- the assignment of the debt, contract, lease, of the qualified financial contract, is subor- direct interests in the affiliate that are prop- or agreement; or dinated to the claims of general unsecured erty of the estate are transferred under sec- ‘‘(C) that accelerates, terminates, or modi- creditors) are assigned to and assumed by tion 1185; or fies, or permits a party other than the debtor the bridge company; ‘‘(3) all claims of the debtor against the en- ‘‘(IV) of an affiliate while the trustee or to terminate or modify, the debt, contract, tity under any qualified financial contract the special trustee is a direct or indirect ben- lease or agreement on account of— between the entity and the debtor are as- eficial holder of more than 50 percent of the ‘‘(i) the assignment of the debt, contract, signed to and assumed by the bridge com- equity securities of— lease, or agreement; or pany; and ‘‘(aa) the bridge company; or ‘‘(ii) a change in control of any party to ‘‘(4) all property securing or any other ‘‘(bb) the affiliate, if all of the direct or in- the debt, contract, lease, or agreement. credit enhancement furnished by the debtor direct interests in the affiliate that are prop- ‘‘(2) If there is a default by the debtor for any qualified financial contract described erty of the estate are transferred under sec- under a provision other than the kind de- in paragraph (1) or any claim described in tion 1185. scribed in paragraph (1) in a debt, contract, paragraph (2) or (3) under any qualified fi- ‘‘(2) A debt, contract, lease, or agreement lease or agreement of the kind described in nancial contract between the entity and the described in this paragraph is— subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (a)(2), debtor is assigned to and assumed by the ‘‘(A) any debt (other than capital structure the bridge company may assume such debt, bridge company. debt), executory contract, or unexpired lease contract, lease, or agreement only if the ‘‘(d) Notwithstanding any provision of a of the debtor (other than a qualified finan- bridge company— qualified financial contract or of applicable cial contract); ‘‘(A) shall cure the default; nonbankruptcy law, a qualified financial ‘‘(B) any agreement under which the debt- ‘‘(B) compensates, or provides adequate as- contract of the debtor that is assumed or as- or issued or is obligated for debt (other than surance in connection with a transfer under signed in a transfer under section 1185 may capital structure debt); section 1185 that the bridge company will not be accelerated, terminated, or modified, ‘‘(C) any debt, executory contract, or unex- promptly compensate, a party other than the after the entry of the order approving a pired lease of an affiliate (other than a quali- debtor to the debt, contract, lease, or agree- transfer under section 1185, and any right or fied financial contract); or ment, for any actual pecuniary loss to the obligation under the qualified financial con- ‘‘(D) any agreement under which an affil- party resulting from the default; and tract may not be accelerated, terminated, or iate issued or is obligated for debt. ‘‘(C) provides adequate assurance in con- modified, after the entry of the order approv- ‘‘(3) The stay under this subsection termi- nection with a transfer under section 1185 of ing a transfer under section 1185 solely be- nates— future performance under the debt, contract, cause of a condition described in section ‘‘(A) for the benefit of the debtor, upon the lease, or agreement, as determined by the 1187(c)(1), other than a condition of the kind earliest of— court under section 1185(c)(4). specified in section 1187(b) that occurs after ‘‘(i) 48 hours after the commencement of ‘‘§ 1188. Treatment of qualified financial con- property of the estate no longer includes a the case; tracts and affiliate contracts direct beneficial interest or an indirect bene- ‘‘(ii) assumption of the debt, contract, ficial interest through the special trustee, in ‘‘(a) Notwithstanding sections 362(b)(6), lease, or agreement by the bridge company more than 50 percent of the equity securities 362(b)(7), 362(b)(17), 362(b)(27), 362(o), 555, 556, under an order authorizing a transfer under of the bridge company. section 1185; 559, 560, and 561, a petition filed under sec- ‘‘(e) Notwithstanding any provision of any ‘‘(iii) a final order of the court denying the tion 1183 operates as a stay, during the pe- agreement or in applicable nonbankruptcy request for a transfer under section 1185; or riod specified in section 1187(a)(3)(A), appli- law, an agreement of an affiliate (including ‘‘(iv) the time the case is dismissed; and cable to all entities, of the exercise of a con- an executory contract, an unexpired lease, ‘‘(B) for the benefit of an affiliate, upon the tractual right— qualified financial contract, or an agreement earliest of— ‘‘(1) to cause the modification, liquidation, under which the affiliate issued or is obli- ‘‘(i) the entry of an order authorizing a termination, or acceleration of a qualified fi- gated for debt) and any right or obligation transfer under section 1185 in which the di- nancial contract of the debtor or an affiliate; under such agreement may not be acceler- rect or indirect interests in the affiliate that ‘‘(2) to offset or net out any termination ated, terminated, or modified, solely because are property of the estate are not transferred value, payment amount, or other transfer of a condition described in section 1187(c)(1), under section 1185; obligation arising under or in connection other than a condition of the kind specified ‘‘(ii) a final order by the court denying the with a qualified financial contract of the in section 1187(b) that occurs after the bridge request for a transfer under section 1185; debtor or an affiliate; or company is no longer a direct or indirect ‘‘(iii) 48 hours after the commencement of ‘‘(3) under any security agreement or ar- beneficial holder of more than 50 percent of the case if the court has not ordered a trans- rangement or other credit enhancement the equity securities of the affiliate, at any fer under section 1185; or forming a part of or related to a qualified fi- time after the commencement of the case ‘‘(iv) the time the case is dismissed. nancial contract of the debtor or an affiliate. if— ‘‘(4) Subsections (d), (e), (f), and (g) of sec- ‘‘(b)(1) During the period specified in sec- ‘‘(1) all direct or indirect interests in the tion 362 apply to a stay under this sub- tion 1187(a)(3)(A), the trustee or the affiliate affiliate that are property of the estate are section. shall perform all payment and delivery obli- transferred under section 1185 to the bridge ‘‘(b) A debt, executory contract (other than gations under such qualified financial con- company within the period specified in sub- a qualified financial contract), or unexpired tract of the debtor or the affiliate, as the section (a); lease of the debtor, or an agreement under case may be, that become due after the com- ‘‘(2) the bridge company assumes— which the debtor has issued or is obligated mencement of the case. The stay provided ‘‘(A) any guarantee or other credit en- for any debt, may be assumed by a bridge under subsection (a) terminates as to a hancement issued by the debtor relating to company in a transfer under section 1185 not- qualified financial contract of the debtor or the agreement of the affiliate; and withstanding any provision in an agreement an affiliate immediately upon the failure of ‘‘(B) any obligations in respect of rights of or in applicable nonbankruptcy law that— the trustee or the affiliate, as the case may setoff, netting arrangement, or debt of the ‘‘(1) prohibits, restricts, or conditions the be, to perform any such obligation during debtor that directly arises out of or directly assignment of the debt, contract, lease, or such period. relates to the guarantee or credit enhance- agreement; or ‘‘(2) Any failure by a counterparty to any ment; and ‘‘(2) accelerates, terminates, or modifies, qualified financial contract of the debtor or ‘‘(3) any property of the estate that di- or permits a party other than the debtor to any affiliate to perform any payment or de- rectly serves as collateral for the guarantee

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05AP7.006 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H2718 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 5, 2017 or credit enhancement is transferred to the ‘‘(b) A case under subchapter V of chapter academic communities have examined bridge company. 11 of title 11, and all proceedings in the case, how best to prevent another similar ‘‘§ 1189. Licenses, permits, and registrations shall take place in the district in which the crisis from occurring and to eliminate ‘‘(a) Notwithstanding any otherwise appli- case is pending. the possibility of using taxpayer mon- cable nonbankruptcy law, if a request is ‘‘(c) In this section, the term ‘covered fi- nancial corporation’ has the meaning given eys to bail out failing firms. made under section 1185 for a transfer of The Judiciary Committee has ad- property of the estate, any Federal, State, or that term in section 101(9A) of title 11.’’. (b) AMENDMENT TO SECTION 1334 OF TITLE vanced the review of this issue with the local license, permit, or registration that the aim of crafting a solution that will bet- debtor or an affiliate had immediately before 28.—Section 1334 of title 28, United States the commencement of the case and that is Code, is amended by adding at the end the ter equip our bankruptcy laws to re- proposed to be transferred under section 1185 following: solve failing firms, while also encour- may not be accelerated, terminated, or ‘‘(f) This section does not grant jurisdic- aging greater private counterparty modified at any time after the request solely tion to the district court after a transfer diligence in order to reduce the likeli- on account of— pursuant to an order under section 1185 of hood of another financial crisis. ‘‘(1) the insolvency or financial condition title 11 of any proceeding related to a special Among others things, this effort re- trustee appointed, or to a bridge company of the debtor at any time before the closing sponded to provisions of the Dodd- of the case; formed, in connection with a case under sub- chapter V of chapter 11 of title 11.’’. Frank Wall Street Reform and Con- ‘‘(2) the commencement of a case under sumer Protection Act that called for this title concerning the debtor; (c) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMEND- ‘‘(3) the appointment of or taking posses- MENTS.— an examination of how to improve the sion by a trustee in a case under this title (1) The table of sections of chapter 13 of Bankruptcy Code in this area. concerning the debtor or by a custodian be- title 28, United States Code, is amended by During the past two Congresses, the fore the commencement of the case; or adding at the end the following: Judiciary Committee favorably re- ‘‘(4) a transfer under section 1185. ‘‘298. Judge for a case under subchapter V of ported the Financial Institution Bank- ‘‘(b) Notwithstanding any otherwise appli- chapter 11 of title 11.’’. ruptcy Act, legislation that improved cable nonbankruptcy law, any Federal, (2) The table of subchapters of chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code to better facili- State, or local license, permit, or registra- title 11, United States Code, is amended by tate the resolution of financial firms. tion that the debtor had immediately before adding at the end the following: That legislation was the culmination the commencement of the case that is in- ‘‘SUBCHAPTER V—LIQUIDATION, REORGANIZA- of a bipartisan process that solicited cluded in a transfer under section 1185 shall TION, OR RECAPITALIZATION OF A COVERED FI- and incorporated the views of a wide be valid and all rights and obligations there- NANCIAL CORPORATION under shall vest in the bridge company. range of leading experts and relevant ‘‘1181. Inapplicability of other sections. ‘‘§ 1190. Exemption from securities laws regulators. In both instances, the bill ‘‘1182. Definitions for this subchapter. passed the House by a voice vote under ‘‘For purposes of section 1145, a security of ‘‘1183. Commencement of a case concerning a the bridge company shall be deemed to be a covered financial corporation. suspension of the rules. security of a successor to the debtor under a ‘‘1184. Regulators. This Congress, Chairman MARINO of plan if the court approves the disclosure ‘‘1185. Special transfer of property of the es- the Subcommittee on Regulatory Re- statement for the plan as providing adequate tate. form, Commercial and Antitrust Law information (as defined in section 1125(a)) ‘‘1186. Special trustee. introduced the Financial Institution about the bridge company and the security. ‘‘1187. Temporary and supplemental auto- Bankruptcy Act as H.R. 1667. Following ‘‘§ 1191. Inapplicability of certain avoiding matic stay; assumed debt. its introduction, the Subcommittee on powers ‘‘1188. Treatment of qualified financial con- Regulatory Reform, Commercial and ‘‘A transfer made or an obligation incurred tracts and affiliate contracts. Antitrust Law conducted a hearing on by the debtor to an affiliate prior to or after ‘‘1189. Licenses, permits, and registrations. ‘‘1190. Exemption from securities laws. the bill. H.R. 1667 is identical to pre- the commencement of the case, including vious legislation, with one minor any obligation released by the debtor or the ‘‘1191. Inapplicability of certain avoiding estate to or for the benefit of an affiliate, in powers. change to refine the director liability contemplation of or in connection with a ‘‘1192. Consideration of financial stability.’’. protection provision. Last week, the transfer under section 1185 is not avoidable The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Judiciary Committee approved the leg- under section 544, 547, 548(a)(1)(B), or 549, or ant to the rule, the gentleman from islation by a unanimous voice vote. under any similar nonbankruptcy law. Virginia (Mr. GOODLATTE) and the gen- The bill before us today is the prod- ‘‘§ 1192. Consideration of financial stability tleman from Illinois (Mr. SCHNEIDER) uct of a careful, deliberate, and thor- ‘‘The court may consider the effect that each will control 20 minutes. ough process, and reflects a diverse any decision in connection with this sub- The Chair recognizes the gentleman range of views from a variety of inter- chapter may have on financial stability in from Virginia. ested parties. the United States.’’. The Financial Institution Bank- GENERAL LEAVE SEC. 4. AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 28, UNITED ruptcy Act makes several improve- STATES CODE. Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I ask ments to the Bankruptcy Code in order (a) AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 13.—Chapter 13 unanimous consent that all Members to enhance the prospect of an efficient of title 28, United States Code, is amended by may have 5 legislative days within adding at the end the following: resolution of a financial firm through which to revise and extend their re- the bankruptcy process. ‘‘§ 298. Judge for a case under subchapter V marks and include extraneous mate- The bill allows for a speedy transfer of chapter 11 of title 11 rials on H.R. 1667, currently under con- of the operating assets of a financial ‘‘(a)(1) Notwithstanding section 295, the sideration. Chief Justice of the United States shall des- firm over the course of a weekend. This ignate not fewer than 10 bankruptcy judges The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there quick transfer allows the financial firm to be available to hear a case under sub- objection to the request of the gen- to continue to operate in the normal chapter V of chapter 11 of title 11. Bank- tleman from Virginia? course, which preserves the value of ruptcy judges may request to be considered There was no objection. the enterprise for the creditors of the by the Chief Justice of the United States for Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I bankruptcy without a significant im- such designation. yield myself such time as I may con- pact on the firm’s employees, suppliers, ‘‘(2) Notwithstanding section 155, a case sume. and customers. under subchapter V of chapter 11 of title 11 In 2008, our economy suffered one of shall be heard under section 157 by a bank- The bill also requires expedited judi- ruptcy judge designated under paragraph (1), the most significant financial crises in cial review by a bankruptcy judge ran- who shall be randomly assigned to hear such history. In the midst of the crisis and domly chosen from a pool of judges des- case by the chief judge of the court of ap- in response to a fear that some finan- ignated in advance and selected by the peals for the circuit embracing the district cial firms’ failures could cause severe Chief Justice for their experience, ex- in which the case is pending. To the greatest harm to the overall economy, the Fed- pertise, and willingness to preside over extent practicable, the approvals required eral Government provided extraor- these complex cases. Furthermore, the under section 155 should be obtained. dinary taxpayer-funded assistance in ‘‘(3) If the bankruptcy judge assigned to legislation provides for key regulatory hear a case under paragraph (2) is not as- order to prevent certain financial input throughout the process. signed to the district in which the case is firms’ failures. The Financial Institution Bank- pending, the bankruptcy judge shall be tem- In the ensuing years, experts from ruptcy Act is a bipartisan, balanced ap- porarily assigned to the district. the financial, regulatory, legal, and proach that increases transparency and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05AP7.006 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2719 predictability in the resolution of a fi- a bankruptcy judge and subject to ap- The legislation includes several pro- nancial firm. Furthermore, it ensures peal. visions that improve the ability of a fi- that shareholders and creditors, not Another reason I support this bill is nancial institution to be resolved taxpayers, bear the losses related to that it appropriately recognizes the through the bankruptcy process. It al- the failure of a financial company. important role the Dodd-Frank Act has lows for a speedy transfer of a financial I would like to thank Chairman in the regulation of large financial in- firm’s assets to a newly formed com- MARINO, who chaired the hearing on stitutions. Without doubt, the Great pany. That company would continue this legislation and who is the lead Recession was a direct result of the the firm’s operations for the benefit of sponsor of the bill. I am also pleased regulatory environment at the time. its customers, employees, and credi- that Ranking Member CONYERS and Fortunately, the Dodd-Frank Act has tors, and ensure the financial stability Subcommittee Ranking Member done much toward reinvigorating a of the marketplace. CICILLINE joined in introducing this im- regulatory system that makes the fi- This quick transfer is overseen by portant legislation. I want to thank nancial marketplace more accountable and subject to the approval of an expe- them and their staff for their efforts in and more resilient. rienced bankruptcy judge, and includes developing this bill. In particular, title II of the Dodd- due process protections for parties in I urge my colleagues to vote in favor Frank Act establishes a mandatory interest. of this important legislation. resolution process to wind down large b 1330 Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of financial institutions, which is a crit- my time. ical enforcement tool for bank regu- The bill also creates an explicit role Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I lators to ensure compliance with the in the bankruptcy process for the key yield myself such time as I may con- act’s heightened regulatory require- financial regulators. In addition, there sume. ment. are provisions that facilitate the trans- Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in H.R. 1667 is an excellent complement fer of derivative and similarly struc- support of H.R. 1677, Financial Institu- to the Dodd-Frank Act’s resolution tured contracts to the newly formed tion Bankruptcy Act of 2017. process and will help facilitate the company. This will improve the ability I commend Regulatory Reform, Com- rapid administration of a debtor’s as- of the company to continue the finan- mercial and Antitrust Law Chairman sets in an orderly fashion that maxi- cial institution’s operations. TOM MARINO and Ranking Member mizes value and minimizes disruption Finally, the legislation recognizes DAVID CICILLINE, as well as Judiciary to the financial marketplace. the factually and legally complicated Committee Chairman BOB GOODLATTE, Accordingly, I support this measure. questions presented by the resolution for their leadership on this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of of a financial institution. To that end, I support this legislation for several my time. the bill provides that specialized bank- reasons. To begin with, H.R. 1667 ad- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I ruptcy and appellate judges will be des- dresses a real need recognized by regu- yield such time as he may consume to ignated in advance to preside over latory agencies, bankruptcy experts, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. these cases. and the private sector that the bank- MARINO), the chairman of the Regu- The bankruptcy process has long ruptcy law must be amended so that it latory Reform, Commercial and Anti- been favored as the primary mecha- can expeditiously restore trust in the trust Law Subcommittee and the chief nism for dealing with distressed and financial marketplace as soon as pos- sponsor of this legislation. failing companies. This is due to its sible after the collapse of a system- Mr. MARINO. Mr. Speaker, I thank impartial nature, adherence to estab- ically significant financial institution. Chairman GOODLATTE, Ranking Mem- lished precedent, judicial oversight, This need is perhaps best illustrated ber CONYERS, and my current new and grounding in the principles of due by the collapse and subsequent bank- ranking member, Mr. CICILLINE, for process and the rule of law. We are here ruptcy of Lehman Brothers in 2008. As their work on this important legisla- today as part of an effort to structure a result of that firm’s failure and the tion. I further thank my colleague a bankruptcy process that is better rampant uncertainty it generated, a across the aisle, Congressman SCHNEI- equipped to deal with the specific worldwide freeze on the availability of DER from Illinois, for helping us man- issues raised by failing financial firms. credit quickly developed. This, in turn, age this. I want to stress again the bipartisan triggered a near collapse of our Na- This is a bipartisan bill that is better support that went through this proc- tion’s economy and clearly revealed for having gone through the regular ess—at the subcommittee level and at that current bankruptcy law is ill- legislative order. It was a pleasure to the full Committee on the Judiciary equipped to deal with complex finan- work with such knowledgeable and pro- level chaired by Chairman GOODLATTE, cial institutions in acute economic dis- fessional colleagues. my colleague on the other side of the tress. In the wake of the financial crisis of aisle who is helping us manage this and H.R. 1667 would establish a special- 2008, Congress enacted the Dodd-Frank the individuals in this House who real- ized form of bankruptcy relief specifi- Wall Street Reform and Consumer Pro- ized what had to be done to protect the cally designed to facilitate the expedi- tection Act. That legislation was in- law abiding citizens of this country tious resolution of a large, system- tended to address, among other things, from a financial disaster. ically significant financial institution, the potential failure of large financial As a sponsor of the bill, I urge my such as Lehman Brothers, while mini- institutions. colleagues to vote in favor of this im- mizing its impact on the financial mar- While the Dodd-Frank Act created a portant legislation. ketplace. regulatory process for such an event, Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I Under the bill, the debtor’s operating the act states that the preferred meth- yield myself the balance of my time. subsidiaries would continue to function od of resolution for a financial institu- I am pleased to note that H.R. 1667 is outside of bankruptcy, while the debt- tion is through the bankruptcy proc- the product, indeed, of a very collabo- or’s principal assets, such as its se- ess. rative, inclusive, and deliberative proc- cured property, financial contracts, However, the Dodd-Frank Act did not ess, which should be the norm, not the and the stock of its subsidiaries, would make any amendments to the Bank- exception, when it comes to drafting be transferred to a temporary ‘‘bridge ruptcy Code to account for the unique legislation. It reflects thoughtful sug- company.’’ characteristics of a financial institu- gestions offered by Federal regulators The bridge company, under the guid- tion. The legislation before us today and the Federal judiciary as well as ance of a trustee, would then liquidate fills that void. leading bankruptcy practitioners and these assets to pay the claims of the The Financial Institution Bank- academics. debtor’s creditors. The bill would also ruptcy Act is the product of years of I support H.R. 1667, and I urge my temporarily prevent parties from exer- study by industry, legal, and financial colleagues to do the same. cising their rights in certain qualified regulatory experts. It is also the result Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance financial contracts. of bipartisan review over the course of of my time. Each critical step of this process four separate hearings before the Judi- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I would be done under the supervision of ciary Committee. yield myself the balance of my time.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.032 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H2720 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 5, 2017 The Financial Institution Bank- H.R. 1667, the Financial Institution Bank- electronic vote will be conducted as a ruptcy Act is a necessary reform to en- ruptcy Act,’’ addresses this concern by estab- 5-minute vote. sure that taxpayers will not be called lishing a ‘‘single point of entry’’ for the resolu- on to rescue the next failing financial tion of an insolvent financial institution with as- f firm. The legislation relies on long- sets exceeding $50 billion. The goal of the bill PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION standing bankruptcy principles that is to establish a process where a distressed fi- OF H.R. 1219, SUPPORTING AMER- will be applied in a predictable and nancial institution could voluntarily seek bank- ICA’S INNOVATORS ACT OF 2017, transparent manner. The Financial In- ruptcy relief while its subsidiaries continue to AND PROVIDING FOR PRO- stitution Bankruptcy Act is a bipar- operate. CEEDINGS DURING THE PERIOD tisan measure that enjoys broad sup- But while I support H.R. 1667 and am an FROM APRIL 7, 2017, THROUGH port from outside experts, and I urge original cosponsor of this bill, make no mis- APRIL 24, 2017 my colleagues to vote in favor of this take: I will strongly oppose any effort to com- important reform. bine this measure with a repeal of the Dodd- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Frank Act, or any part of this law for that mat- finished business is the vote on order- of my time. ter. ing the previous question on the reso- Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sup- Since this law was enacted, the economic lution (H. Res. 242) providing for con- port of H.R. 1667, the ‘‘Financial Institution recovery has led to the creation of more than sideration of the bill (H.R. 1219) to Bankruptcy Act of 2017.’’ 15 million private sector jobs, a 60% increase amend the Investment Company Act of In 2008, the United States economy nearly in business lending, and record performance 1940 to expand the investor limitation collapsed as a direct result of lending prac- by the Dow Jones Industrial Average. for qualifying venture capital funds tices in the housing market that were preda- It is critical that we build on this progress under an exemption from the definition tory, unsafe, and in many cases fraudulent. through education, training, and other initia- of an investment company, and pro- Investments in toxic securities created a tives to promote economic opportunity. Too viding for proceedings during the pe- cycle of failure in the housing market: the de- many Americans are still unemployed or work- riod from April 7, 2017, through April clining health of the market undermined the ing two or even three jobs just to get by while 24, 2017, on which the yeas and nays value of these securities, which, in turn, dev- Wall Street has never been better. were ordered. astated the housing market and caused the We must also preserve and advance the The Clerk read the title of the resolu- failure of several of the nation’s largest finan- protections established by the Dodd-Frank Act tion. cial institutions. to ensure transparency and stability in the fi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The With the financial system in near collapse, nancial system while protecting consumers. question is on ordering the previous large financial institutions were essentially able The National Bankruptcy Conference agrees question. to ‘‘blackmail’’ the government because these with this assessment, and has previously in- The vote was taken by electronic de- banks were so large that there was no way to structed that the Dodd-Frank Act should ‘‘con- vice, and there were—yeas 231, nays break them apart, as then-FDIC Chair Sheila tinue to be available even if the Bankruptcy 182, not voting 16, as follows: Bair testified in 2009. Code is amended to better address the resolu- [Roll No. 217] Although the true hardship caused by this tion of SIFIs because the ability of U.S. regu- YEAS—231 widespread fraud is incalculable, we do know lators to assume full control of the resolution Abraham Dent Johnson (OH) that it erased $10 trillion of household wealth process to elicit the cooperation from non-U.S. Aderholt DeSantis Johnson, Sam and caused 8 million Americans to lose their regulators is an essential insurance policy Allen DesJarlais Jordan jobs and 5 million Americans to lose their Amash Diaz-Balart Joyce (OH) against systemic risk and potential conflict and Amodei Donovan Katko homes. dysfunction among the multinational compo- Arrington Duffy Kelly (MS) Rhode Island, my home state, was hit par- nents of SIFIs.’’ Babin Duncan (SC) Kelly (PA) ticularly hard by the recession. When I took of- Moreover, should this legislation become Bacon Duncan (TN) King (IA) Banks (IN) Dunn Kinzinger fice, the unemployment rate in Rhode Island law, Dodd-Frank provides a valuable backstop Barletta Emmer Knight hovered at 11.2%, the fifth highest in the to bankruptcy through its Orderly Liquidation Barr Farenthold Kustoff (TN) country. Authority, which empowers the Federal De- Barton Faso Labrador In the wake of this economic disaster, the Bergman Ferguson LaHood posit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to act as a Biggs Fitzpatrick LaMalfa Dodd-Frank Act was enacted to comprehen- receiver for large financial institutions that are Bilirakis Fleischmann Lamborn sively reform the financial system. ‘‘too big to fail.’’ Bishop (MI) Flores Lance Because of this law—which includes some I urge my colleagues to support this legisla- Bishop (UT) Fortenberry Latta of the strongest consumer protections passed Black Foxx Lewis (MN) tion. Blackburn Franks (AZ) LoBiondo since the Great Depression—the banking sys- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. JEN- Blum Frelinghuysen Long tem is stronger; there is more transparency in KINS of West Virginia). The question is Bost Gaetz Loudermilk consumer lending; and the Consumer Finan- on the motion offered by the gen- Brady (TX) Gallagher Love Brat Garrett Lucas cial Protection Bureau (CFPB) continues to tleman from Virginia (Mr. GOODLATTE) Brooks (AL) Gibbs Luetkemeyer serve as an important watchdog to protect that the House suspend the rules and Brooks (IN) Gohmert MacArthur Americans against predatory lending and fraud pass the bill, H.R. 1667, as amended. Buchanan Goodlatte Marchant in the financial system. Buck Gosar Marino The question was taken; and (two- Bucshon Gowdy Marshall Title I of Dodd-Frank provides stability in thirds being in the affirmative) the Budd Granger Massie markets by requiring large financial institutions rules were suspended and the bill, as Burgess Graves (GA) Mast to have a ‘‘living will’’ to serve as a plan for amended, was passed. Byrne Graves (LA) McCarthy Calvert Graves (MO) McCaul the ‘‘rapid and orderly resolution in the event A motion to reconsider was laid on Carter (GA) Griffith McClintock of material financial distress or failure.’’ the table. Carter (TX) Grothman McHenry Title II ends taxpayer bailouts of banks that f Chabot Guthrie McKinley are too big to fail by providing financial regu- Chaffetz Harper McMorris ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Cheney Harris Rodgers lators with orderly liquidation authority where a Coffman Hartzler McSally bank’s collapse ‘‘would have serious adverse PRO TEMPORE Cole Hensarling Meadows effects on financial stability in the United The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Collins (GA) Herrera Beutler Meehan ant to clause 8 of rule XX, proceedings Collins (NY) Hice, Jody B. Messer States’’ and ‘‘no viable private sector alter- Comer Higgins (LA) Mitchell native is available.’’ This process expressly re- will resume on questions previously Comstock Hill Moolenaar quires a finding by the Secretary of the Treas- postponed. Conaway Holding Mooney (WV) ury that the bankruptcy process would not be Votes will be taken in the following Cook Hollingsworth Mullin Costello (PA) Hudson Murphy (PA) appropriate to resolve a distressed firm. order: Cramer Huizenga Newhouse Leading commentators agree, however, that Ordering the previous question on Crawford Hultgren Noem the U.S. bankruptcy process is not designed House Resolution 242; and adopting Culberson Hurd Nunes to accommodate the orderly resolution of a House Resolution 242, if ordered. Curbelo (FL) Issa Olson Davidson Jenkins (KS) Palazzo large financial institution that poses systemic The first electronic vote will be con- Davis, Rodney Jenkins (WV) Palmer risk to the entire economy. ducted as a 15-minute vote. The second Denham Johnson (LA) Paulsen

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.034 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2721 Pearce Royce (CA) Trott b 1358 Rouzer Smith (TX) Walker Perry Russell Turner Royce (CA) Smucker Walorski Pittenger Rutherford Upton Mr. SUOZZI change his vote from Russell Stefanik Walters, Mimi Poe (TX) Sanford Valadao ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ Rutherford Stewart Weber (TX) Poliquin Scalise Wagner So the previous question was ordered. Sanford Stivers Webster (FL) Posey Schweikert Walberg Scalise Taylor Wenstrup Ratcliffe Scott, Austin Walden The result of the vote was announced Schneider Tenney Westerman Reed Sensenbrenner Walker as above recorded. Schweikert Thompson (PA) Williams Scott, Austin Thornberry Reichert Sessions Walorski Wilson (SC) Stated against: Sensenbrenner Tiberi Renacci Shimkus Walters, Mimi Wittman Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I Sessions Tipton Rice (SC) Shuster Weber (TX) Womack Shimkus Trott Roby Simpson Webster (FL) was unavoidably detained. Had I been Woodall Roe (TN) Smith (MO) Shuster Turner Wenstrup present, I would have voted ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall Yoder Rogers (AL) Smith (NE) Simpson Upton Westerman Yoho Rogers (KY) Smith (NJ) No. 217. Sinema Valadao Williams Young (AK) Rohrabacher Smith (TX) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Smith (MO) Wagner Wilson (SC) Young (IA) Rokita Smucker question is on the resolution. Smith (NE) Walberg Wittman Smith (NJ) Walden Zeldin Rooney, Francis Stefanik The question was taken; and the Rooney, Thomas Stivers Womack J. Taylor Woodall Speaker pro tempore announced that NOES—181 Ros-Lehtinen Tenney Yoder the ayes appeared to have it. Adams Gabbard Neal Roskam Thompson (PA) Yoho RECORDED VOTE Aguilar Gallego Nolan Ross Thornberry Young (AK) Barraga´ n Garamendi Norcross Rothfus Tiberi Young (IA) Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I de- Bass Gonzalez (TX) O’Halleran Rouzer Tipton Zeldin mand a recorded vote. Bera Green, Al O’Rourke A recorded vote was ordered. Beyer Green, Gene Pallone NAYS—182 Bishop (GA) Grijalva Panetta The SPEAKER pro tempore. This is a Blumenauer Gutie´rrez Pascrell Adams Garamendi Pallone 5-minute vote. Blunt Rochester Hanabusa Payne Aguilar Gonzalez (TX) Panetta The vote was taken by electronic de- Bonamici Hastings Pelosi Barraga´ n Gottheimer Pascrell Boyle, Brendan Heck Perlmutter Bass Green, Gene Payne vice, and there were—ayes 240, noes 181, F. Higgins (NY) Peterson Bera Grijalva Pelosi not voting 8, as follows: Brady (PA) Himes Pingree Beyer Gutie´rrez Perlmutter [Roll No. 218] Brown (MD) Huffman Pocan Bishop (GA) Hanabusa Peters Brownley (CA) Jackson Lee Polis Blumenauer Hastings Peterson AYES—240 Bustos Jayapal Price (NC) Blunt Rochester Heck Pingree Abraham Dunn Lance Butterfield Jeffries Quigley Bonamici Higgins (NY) Pocan Capuano Johnson (GA) Raskin Boyle, Brendan Himes Aderholt Emmer Latta Polis Carbajal Johnson, E. B. Rice (NY) F. Huffman Allen Farenthold Lewis (MN) Price (NC) Ca´ rdenas Kaptur Richmond Brady (PA) Jackson Lee Amash Faso LoBiondo Quigley Carson (IN) Keating Rosen Brown (MD) Jayapal Amodei Ferguson Long Raskin Arrington Fitzpatrick Loudermilk Cartwright Kelly (IL) Roybal-Allard Brownley (CA) Jeffries Castor (FL) Kennedy Ruiz Bustos Johnson (GA) Rice (NY) Babin Fleischmann Love Richmond Bacon Flores Lucas Castro (TX) Khanna Ruppersberger Butterfield Johnson, E. B. Chu, Judy Kihuen Rush Capuano Jones Rosen Banks (IN) Fortenberry Luetkemeyer Roybal-Allard Barletta Foxx MacArthur Cicilline Kildee Ryan (OH) Carbajal Kaptur Clark (MA) Kilmer Sa´ nchez Ruiz Barr Franks (AZ) Marchant Carson (IN) Keating Clarke (NY) Kind Sarbanes Ruppersberger Barton Frelinghuysen Marino Cartwright Kelly (IL) Clay Krishnamoorthi Schakowsky Castor (FL) Kennedy Rush Bergman Gaetz Marshall Biggs Gallagher Massie Cleaver Kuster (NH) Schiff Castro (TX) Khanna Ryan (OH) Clyburn Langevin Schrader Cicilline Kihuen Sa´ nchez Bilirakis Garrett Mast Bishop (MI) Gibbs McCarthy Cohen Larsen (WA) Scott (VA) Clark (MA) Kildee Sarbanes Connolly Larson (CT) Scott, David Clarke (NY) Kilmer Schakowsky Bishop (UT) Gohmert McCaul Black Goodlatte McClintock Conyers Lawrence Serrano Clay Kind Schiff Cooper Lawson (FL) Sewell (AL) Cleaver Krishnamoorthi Schneider Blackburn Gosar McHenry Blum Gottheimer McKinley Correa Lee Shea-Porter Clyburn Kuster (NH) Schrader Bost Gowdy McMorris Courtney Levin Sherman Cohen Langevin Scott (VA) Brady (TX) Granger Rodgers Crowley Lewis (GA) Sires Connolly Larsen (WA) Scott, David Brat Graves (GA) McSally Cuellar Lieu, Ted Smith (WA) Conyers Lawrence Serrano Brooks (AL) Graves (LA) Meadows Cummings Lipinski Soto Cooper Lawson (FL) Sewell (AL) Brooks (IN) Graves (MO) Meehan Davis (CA) Loebsack Speier Correa Lee Shea-Porter Buchanan Griffith Messer DeFazio Lofgren Suozzi Costa Levin Sherman DeGette Lowenthal Swalwell (CA) Courtney Lewis (GA) Buck Grothman Mitchell Sinema Bucshon Guthrie Moolenaar Delaney Lowey Thompson (CA) Crist Lieu, Ted Sires DeLauro Lujan Grisham, Thompson (MS) Crowley Lipinski Budd Harper Mooney (WV) Smith (WA) Burgess Harris Mullin DelBene M. Titus Cuellar Loebsack ´ Soto Byrne Hartzler Murphy (PA) Demings Lujan, Ben Ray Tonko Cummings Lowenthal Speier DeSaulnier Lynch Torres DeFazio Lujan Grisham, Calvert Hensarling Newhouse Suozzi Deutch Maloney, Tsongas DeGette M. Carter (GA) Herrera Beutler Noem Swalwell (CA) Dingell Carolyn B. Vargas Delaney Luja´ n, Ben Ray Carter (TX) Hice, Jody B. Nunes Takano Doggett Maloney, Sean Veasey DeLauro Lynch Chabot Higgins (LA) Olson Thompson (CA) Chaffetz Hill Palazzo Doyle, Michael Matsui Vela DelBene Maloney, ´ Thompson (MS) Cheney Holding Palmer F. McCollum Velazquez Demings Carolyn B. Ellison McGovern Visclosky DeSaulnier Maloney, Sean Titus Coffman Hollingsworth Paulsen Tonko Cole Hudson Pearce Engel McNerney Walz Deutch Matsui Eshoo Meeks Wasserman Dingell McCollum Torres Collins (GA) Huizenga Perry Tsongas Collins (NY) Hultgren Peters Espaillat Meng Schultz Doggett McGovern Esty Moore Waters, Maxine Doyle, Michael McNerney Vargas Comer Hunter Pittenger Veasey Comstock Hurd Poe (TX) Evans Moulton Watson Coleman F. Meeks Foster Murphy (FL) Vela Conaway Issa Poliquin Welch Ellison Meng Frankel (FL) Nadler Wilson (FL) Vela´ zquez Cook Jenkins (KS) Posey Engel Moore Fudge Napolitano Yarmuth Eshoo Moulton Visclosky Costa Jenkins (WV) Ratcliffe Costello (PA) Johnson (LA) Reed Espaillat Murphy (FL) Walz NOT VOTING—8 Esty Nadler Wasserman Cramer Johnson (OH) Reichert Evans Napolitano Schultz Crawford Johnson, Sam Renacci Beatty Hoyer Slaughter Foster Neal Waters, Maxine Crist Jones Rice (SC) Bridenstine King (NY) Takano Frankel (FL) Nolan Watson Coleman Culberson Jordan Roby Davis, Danny McEachin Fudge Norcross Welch Curbelo (FL) Joyce (OH) Roe (TN) Gabbard O’Halleran Wilson (FL) Davidson Katko Rogers (AL) Gallego O’Rourke Yarmuth Davis, Rodney Kelly (MS) Rogers (KY) b 1405 Denham Kelly (PA) Rohrabacher So the resolution was agreed to. NOT VOTING—16 Dent King (IA) Rokita DeSantis Kinzinger Rooney, Francis The result of the vote was announced Beatty Green, Al Lowey DesJarlais Knight Rooney, Thomas Bridenstine Hoyer McEachin Diaz-Balart Kustoff (TN) J. as above recorded. Ca´ rdenas Hunter Slaughter Donovan Labrador Ros-Lehtinen A motion to reconsider was laid on Chu, Judy King (NY) Stewart Duffy LaHood Roskam the table. Davis (CA) Larson (CT) Duncan (SC) LaMalfa Ross Davis, Danny Lofgren Duncan (TN) Lamborn Rothfus Stated against:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05AP7.008 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H2722 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 5, 2017 Mr TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoid- SEC. 3. AUTHORITY TO DISCLOSE CERTAIN MED- During a full committee hearing last ICAL RECORDS OF VETERANS WHO month, Secretary Shulkin testified: ably detained. Had I been present, I would RECEIVE NON-DEPARTMENT OF VET- have voted ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall No. 218. ERANS AFFAIRS HEALTH CARE. ‘‘Without congressional action, vet- f Section 7332(b)(2) of title 38, United States erans will have to face longer wait Code, is amended by adding at the end the times for care.’’ AMENDING THE VETERANS AC- following new subparagraph: He went on to say that allowing CESS, CHOICE, AND ACCOUNT- ‘‘(H)(i) To a non-Department entity (in- Choice to sunset would be ‘‘a disaster ABILITY ACT OF 2014 cluding private entities and other Federal for American veterans.’’ agencies) that provides hospital care or med- With the passage of this bill today, Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I ical services to veterans as authorized by the move to suspend the rules and pass the Secretary. we can get one step closer to avoiding bill (S. 544) to amend the Veterans Ac- ‘‘(ii) An entity to which a record is dis- that disaster. cess, Choice, and Accountability Act of closed under this subparagraph may not re- In anticipation of the program’s expi- 2014 to modify the termination date for disclose or use such record for a purpose ration, VA has already started halting the Veterans Choice Program, and for other than that for which the disclosure was referrals to Choice for services, like other purposes. made.’’. maternity care and oncology care that The Clerk read the title of the bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- typically require lengthy episodes of The text of the bill is as follows: ant to the rule, the gentleman from care. That means that veterans with S. 544 Tennessee (Mr. ROE) and the gentleman cancer or veterans who are pregnant from Minnesota (Mr. WALZ) each will Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- can no longer choose to take advantage resentatives of the United States of America in control 20 minutes. of Choice care if they live far away Congress assembled, The Chair recognizes the gentleman from a VA medical facility or have to from Tennessee. SECTION 1. MODIFICATION OF TERMINATION wait more than 30 days for the next VA DATE FOR VETERANS CHOICE PRO- GENERAL LEAVE appointment. GRAM. Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I As if that wasn’t bad enough, if Section 101(p)(2) of the Veterans Access, ask unanimous consent that all Mem- Choice is not extended by the end of Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Pub- bers have 5 legislative days in which to April, VA will have to stop sending re- lic Law 113–146; 38 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amend- revise and extend their remarks and ferrals to Choice for many other serv- ed by striking ‘‘, or the date that is 3 years add extraneous material into the after the date of the enactment of this Act, ices that veterans are relying on. whichever occurs first’’. RECORD. To prevent this, S. 544 would remove The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there SEC. 2. ELIMINATION OF REQUIREMENT TO ACT the August 7, 2017, sunset date from the AS SECONDARY PAYER FOR CARE objection to the request of the gen- Choice program. This will allow the RELATING TO NON-SERVICE-CON- tleman from Tennessee? program to continue working for vet- NECTED DISABILITIES AND RECOV- There was no objection. eran patients until all the money re- ERY OF COSTS FOR CERTAIN CARE Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I maining in the veterans Choice fund— UNDER CHOICE PROGRAM. yield myself such time as I may con- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 101(e) of the Vet- the money that Congress provided 3 sume. years ago for this exact purpose—is erans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act I rise today in support of S. 544. Con- of 2014 (Public Law 113–146; 38 U.S.C. 1701 fully expended. gress created the Choice Program in note) is amended— It would also ensure that, as we move 2014 to ensure that veterans waiting in (1) in the subsection heading, by striking forward with ongoing efforts to create line at the Department of Veterans Af- ‘‘OTHER HEALTH-CARE PLAN’’ and inserting an enduring solution to the problems ESPONSIBILITY FOR OSTS OF ERTAIN fairs medical facilities across the coun- ‘‘R C C VA is facing, veterans are not cut off CARE’’; try had an option of seeking care in from potentially lifesaving or life-pre- (2) in paragraph (1), in the paragraph head- their communities. Though Choice is serving care. ing, by striking ‘‘TO SECRETARY’’ and insert- far from perfect, 3 years later, more The bill would also eliminate the re- ing ‘‘ON HEALTH-CARE PLANS’’; than a million veterans have used it to (3) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3); quirement for VA to act as the sec- get care they needed faster and closer (4) by redesignating paragraph (4) as para- ondary payor for nonservice-connected to home. graph (2); and care provided under Choice. This would (5) by adding at the end the following new Choice has also led to a nationwide conversation about the importance of bring Choice in line with VA’s other paragraph: care in the community programs and ‘‘(3) RECOVERY OF COSTS FOR CERTAIN the VA healthcare system, the need for remove a pain point that, while well- CARE.— VA to be a better partner to commu- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—In any case in which an nity providers and hospitals every- intentioned, has impeded the provision eligible veteran is furnished hospital care or where, and the actions we must take to of care for certain patients and chal- medical services under this section for a non- ensure that VA is well positioned to lenged VA’s ability to issue reimburse- service-connected disability described in sub- provide high-quality care to veterans ments to community providers in a section (a)(2) of section 1729 of title 38, timely consistent manner. United States Code, or for a condition for for generations to come. As chairman, I am wholeheartedly committed to see- In addition, the bill would authorize which recovery is authorized or with respect VA to share medical record informa- to which the United States is deemed to be ing that conversation through to a so- a third party beneficiary under Public Law lution. tion with community providers who 87–693, commonly known as the ‘Federal We are currently refining legislation are jointly treating veteran patients. Medical Care Recovery Act’ (42 U.S.C. 2651 et that will provide a long-term path to This would ensure that the clinicians seq.), the Secretary shall recover or collect make the VA healthcare system and caring for veterans, both in VA and from a third party (as defined in subsection VA’s care in the community programs, community medical facilities, have all (i) of such section 1729) reasonable charges including Choice, work better for vet- the information that they need to for such care or services to the extent that erans, for VA, for community pro- make well-informed treatment plans the veteran (or the provider of the care or viders, and for taxpayers alike. Our and provide the highest quality care. services) would be eligible to receive pay- Subsequent redisclosure of medical ment for such care or services from such goal is to have that solution on the third party if the care or services had not President’s desk later this year. records information would be prohib- been furnished by a department or agency of However, Choice is expected to sun- ited, meaning that personal patient in- the United States. set just four short months from now on formation would be safeguarded from ‘‘(B) USE OF AMOUNTS.—Amounts collected August 7, 2017. And when it does, the inappropriate disclosures. by the Secretary under subparagraph (A) VA expects to have anywhere from $800 As chairman, as a veteran, and as a shall be deposited in the Medical Community million to $1.2 billion left in the Choice doctor, I cannot think of anything Care account of the Department. Amounts so fund. more important that we can do today deposited shall remain available until ex- Absent enactment of this bill or leg- to help our Nation’s veterans and pass pended.’’. (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Paragraph islation like it, on August 8, those this legislation out of the House of (1) of such section is amended by striking funds will no longer be available to Representatives and swiftly deliver it ‘‘paragraph (4)’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraph help veterans get the care they need, to the President’s desk for his signa- (2)’’. with potentially tragic consequences. ture.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05AP7.012 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2723 I urge all of my colleagues to join me The bill gives us time to rewrite the Hampshire (Ms. KUSTER), my good in doing that by supporting this bill Choice Program. The bill will give us friend and a friend of all veterans, our today. time to address all of the problems ranking member on the Oversight and I reserve the balance of my time. with Choice so that veterans’ care is Investigations Subcommittee. b 1415 managed and coordinated with VA and Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. community care providers and so that Speaker, I, too, want to commend our Mr. WALZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- veterans do not have wait times. It will chairman, Mr. ROE, and ranking mem- self such time as I may consume. also make sure the money will con- ber, Mr. WALZ, for their bipartisan ef- Mr. Speaker, I, too, rise in strong tinue to be spent on veterans’ health forts. support of S. 544 to eliminate the sun- care. I rise to speak on S. 544, the bill that set on the Veterans Choice Program. I look forward to working with the will eliminate the sunset on the Vet- This bill will basically allow the De- chairman. As I said earlier, his steady erans Choice Program. partment of Veterans Affairs to con- hand and visionary leadership has got- The Veterans Choice Program was a tinue spending previously appropriated ten us to this point. It will ensure that bipartisan effort to quickly help our resources in the Veterans Choice Pro- we can figure out what the next veterans in need by ensuring they had gram to provide direct and timely pa- iteration of community-based care access to quality health care after the tient care to veterans. It allows the VA looks like, and we can come together, crisis in Phoenix. However, it was a to charge a veteran’s healthcare in- bring that to the floor, and get it temporary program. It was not in- surer for nonservice-connected care so passed. tended to last longer than a few years that veterans aren’t sent expensive For this reason, I would urge my col- until Congress could have developed medical bills, wasting time trying to leagues to support this legislation so the future of VA community care. As figure out how to get them paid. Fi- veterans can receive their care now many of my colleagues note, the nally, it allows the VA to share med- while Congress continues to work to Choice Program needs an update. This ical information with community care improve upon that. bill represents the first step of that providers so patient care is better co- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of process. ordinated. my time. It is expected that the Veterans This legislation is identical to H.R. Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I Choice fund will still have funding by 369, which passed unanimously in our thank my friend, Ranking Member August 2017, as noted, when the Choice Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. It in- WALZ, for his kind words and his hard Program is scheduled to sunset. This cludes amendments offered by mem- work on this legislation also. bill will ensure that our veterans will I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman bers of that committee. be able to use those resources, and it from Florida (Mr. BILIRAKIS), the vice I would like to take a moment, Mr. will ensure those who have long-term chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Com- Speaker, to congratulate and thank care through the Choice Program will the chairman of the committee for the mittee. Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, while not suddenly find themselves without bipartisan way that he approached the Veterans Choice Program is by no care. this. The issue of veterans care is a means perfect—the chairman said this, But, as we design a new program to passionate issue for all of us. as well as the ranking member—many replace the Choice Program, we must The issue of the Choice Program of our men and women who wore our ensure that it is an effective and effi- arose out of the crisis in Phoenix and Nation’s uniform rely on it for in- cient system of care that follows the other places in 2014, and a sunset that creased access to quality health care. very best practices of American health needed to be addressed was handled in I strongly support S. 544 because vet- care. Part of that is ensuring that a professional manner. It brought all erans should have certainty that their these healthcare practitioners do not parties together. I think the chairman care will continue, and I am optimistic discriminate on the basis of race, sex, is going to get a unanimous vote. They that our efforts to reform and build gender, or sexual orientation. have got one in the Senate. upon the Choice Program will yield The current Choice Program elimi- I can see that, under less steady positive results going forward. The in- nated those protections to facilitate hands, where this may have bogged tentions and goals of the Choice Pro- faster implementation, and while I am down, and I appreciate the chairman’s gram are good, giving our true Amer- concerned of the regulatory burden sense of urgency in getting it to this ican heroes more choices and more fo- these antidiscrimination measures point. It puts us in a good place. So cused care; but, clearly, some areas of could provide, I am committed to thank you for that. the program need improvement. I hear working with my colleagues across the It also gives us the time we need to that from my veterans. aisle on a commonsense and reasonable come to a bipartisan fix for the Choice We have already taken some solid compromise. We can make a program Program. We know, under the Choice steps to make the program work better that not only provides effective and ac- Program, veterans are still waiting too for veterans, but not enough. We will cessible care for our veterans, but also long to receive care. As we said, in 2014, have the opportunity to fix this in a bi- prevents discrimination in the work- we all supported the Choice Act be- partisan fashion; for example, one posi- place and upholds the finest ideals of cause of the crisis. Throughout the tive step: The eligibility rules initially the United States of America. country, veterans were waiting, and in stated that a veteran had to live 40 Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I some cases dying, because they were miles as the crow flies from the nearest yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from waiting for care. If we recall right, an VA facility. We changed it to 40 miles Colorado (Mr. COFFMAN), my good honorable and decent man, the VA Sec- driving distance. That is just common friend, a veteran of both the Marine retary, resigned over this crisis. So sense; isn’t it? I think it is. We have Corps and the Army, twice deployed to this was an important issue that need- also made reforms to increase the num- Iraq, and a very active member of the ed to be addressed. We passed the ber of non-VA providers who are al- committee. Choice Act so that veterans could get lowed to participate in the program Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I stand that care. and expand eligibility to all enrolled today in support of legislation to re- The Choice Program was created as a veterans. move the sunset date on the Veterans temporary fix, designed to end this There is much work to be done, there Choice Program and, in turn, bring summer or when the VA spent the $10 is no question. The only way we can continuity to our Nation’s veterans billion. As the chairman said, there is continue improving the Veterans currently receiving their health care in about $1 billion left in Choice. With Choice Program and ensure that vet- the community through the Choice veterans still in need of care, we can- erans see no interruption to their Program. Although the program is not not possibly allow that to go back health care is to eliminate the sunset perfect, it did provide our Nation’s vet- without addressing where it needs to date. erans with an unprecedented choice in go. It would be a waste of money, a Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of S. 544. where they seek their health care and waste of time, and it would make vet- Mr. WALZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 assisted the VA in reducing the ap- erans’ wait times even higher. minutes to the gentlewoman from New pointment wait times backlog.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.040 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H2724 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 5, 2017 While my colleagues and I on the Mr. Speaker, I include in the RECORD There is no appreciable administrative House Veterans’ Affairs Committee a letter echoing these concerns from burden that justifies continuing to suspend work to streamline and reform the the Human Rights Campaign, the Na- these protections and requirements. Federal tional Women’s Law Center, The Lead- contractors and subcontractors with less VA’s in-community care programs, it than 50 employees and $50,000 in contracts or is critical that we pass S. 544 to extend ership Conference on Civil and Human subcontracts are not covered by OFCCP’s af- the Veterans Choice Program beyond Rights, and the National Partnership firmative action requirements. More than 94 the August 7 sunset date. This will pro- for Women & Families. percent of health care and social assistance vide help to veterans seeking long- APRIL 5, 2017. firms had fewer than 50 employees in 2009. term care through the Choice Program DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: We write to express The larger providers, those with 50 or more and help meet our Nation’s obligations our serious concerns about H.R. 369/S. 544, employees and $50,000 or more in federal con- to our veterans who have sacrificed so which would eliminate the sunset of the Vet- tracts, should be well-equipped to meet the erans Choice Program. The Veterans Choice minimal administrative obligations associ- much in defense of our freedom. Program currently includes a provision ex- ated with maintaining an affirmative action Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman ROE empting it from oversight by the Office of plan. for his leadership on this matter. Federal Contract Compliance Programs The carve-out of VA contractors from the Mr. WALZ. Mr. Speaker, at this time (OFCCP). This has diminished civil rights employment discrimination rules applicable it is my privilege to yield 3 minutes to protections when the Department of Vet- to federal contractors not only has a detri- the gentleman from California (Mr. erans Affairs (VA) enters into federal con- mental impact on the workforces affected, TAKANO), my good friend and also a tracts for veterans’ health care services. The but sends a disturbing message that ensuring good friend of veterans, the vice rank- Veterans Choice Program was always in- fair treatment for women, people of color, tended to be a temporary solution to ease LGBT people, veterans, and people with dis- ing member of the full Committee on the health care access crisis faced by the vet- abilities is unnecessary and inconsequential. Veterans’ Affairs, erans receiving care through the VA. We fear It sets a precedent for future carve-outs and Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank that removing the sunset will open the door represents a step backward from equal op- the ranking member, the gentleman to extension of the program, including ex- portunity. Any continuation of the Veterans from Minnesota, for yielding. tending the provision that strips critical Choice Program must ensure OFCCP juris- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support equal employment opportunity protections diction to enforce the antidiscrimination of S. 544. This legislation ensures that from the men and women serving our na- rules and other equal employment oppor- the approximately $1 billion left in tion’s veterans. OFCCP must have full juris- tunity protections for these providers. diction to protect against employment dis- For further information, please contact Choice funding is spent on the critical crimination and promote equal employment the Human Rights Campaign, the National mission of providing veterans timely opportunities. Women’s Law Center, the Leadership Con- access to care. The antidiscrimination rules enforced by ference on Civil and Human Rights, or the It would be an abdication of our re- OFCCP ensure that federal contract dollars National Partnership for Women and Fami- sponsibility to veterans if we allowed further equal employment opportunity and lies. this money to go back to the Treasury are not used to subsidize unlawful discrimi- Sincerely, instead of going to those who need and nation. OFCCP plays a unique and vital role NATIONAL WOMEN’S LAW in combating unlawful employment discrimi- CENTER. deserve our support. nation by federal contractors on the basis of I appreciate the efforts from my col- LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE sex, race, national origin, religion, color, ON CIVIL AND HUMAN leagues on both sides of the aisle for sexual orientation, gender identity, and dis- RIGHTS. advancing this legislation. ability. It also enforces the Vietnam Era NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP The Choice Act was designed as a Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act, or FOR WOMEN & FAMILIES. rapid response to the veteran wait time VEVRAA, which requires nondiscrimination HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN. and affirmative action for special and dis- crisis, but its framework and imple- Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I mentation has been deeply flawed. Ob- abled veterans of any war, campaign, or ex- pedition in which a campaign badge has been yield myself such time as I may con- jective analyses found that it is not authorized. In addition, OFCCP guides con- sume. meaningfully reducing veterans’ wait tractors and subcontractors on affirmatively I look forward to working with Rank- times, and its arbitrary standards have promoting equal opportunity in the work- ing Member WALZ and our fellow com- added a layer of confusion for both pa- place and promotes fair and nondiscrim- mittee members to strike the appro- tients and providers. inatory federal contractor workplaces. Many priate balance between ensuring pro- There is bipartisan consensus that of its regulations require contractors to take tections that are in place to provide affirmative steps to expand the pool of indi- these concerns must be addressed when provider agreement authority from the Choice Act sunsets and the funding viduals from which it recruits, and evaluate their own practices to identify and address being unfairly utilized and reducing ad- expires. We can and must do a better conduct that limits equal employment op- ministrative burdens on small pro- job of prioritizing and streamlining portunities for protected classes of workers. viders. veterans’ access to care in the commu- By conducting compliance audits and sys- However, absent passage of this legis- nity. We can and must do better than temic investigations, through its data col- lation today, veterans with serious the existing Choice Act. lection and investigative authority, OFCCP need will not be able to get the care Now, the Choice Act was a temporary can aid contractors in identifying and resolv- they need. Already, veterans who are emergency measure to address an unac- ing practices that limit equal employment pregnant or who have been diagnosed ceptable crisis. Unfortunately, it con- opportunities, without relying solely on indi- viduals who are willing to risk retaliation to with cancer have been unable to take tained language that undermined pro- challenge unfair employment practices. advantage of the increased access to tections against workplace discrimina- OFCCP’s historic and current role in ensur- care that the Choice Program provides. tion for Federal contractors. The next ing artificial barriers do not restrict employ- I would also note that, since Choice iteration of this law cannot subvert the ment based on sex, race, color, national ori- granted VA provider agreement au- rights of those who treat and serve our gin, religion, sexual orientation, gender thority in the Choice Act 3 years ago, veterans. identity, disability, or veteran status has the committee has not heard a single The Office of Federal Contract Com- improved opportunities for a wide range of instance where that authority has been pliance Programs continues to be a workers across the country and has ensured improperly utilized or resulted in un- that federal tax dollars do not subsidize dis- vital tool for ensuring fairness and crimination. fair labor practices. equality in the workplace. It should Carving out the VA provider agreements Furthermore, the exclusion afforded apply to everyone that does business from these antidiscrimination protections, in the Choice Act is no more generous with the Federal Government because affirmative action rules, and data reporting than providers under Medicare or in the Federal Government cannot en- requirements has the effect of narrowing em- TRICARE currently enjoy, and there is dorse discrimination of any kind. ployment opportunities for women, people of no reason why providers accepting vet- I will fight to ensure that this com- color, people with disabilities, veterans, and eran patients should have to deal with mittee and this Congress restores their LGBT individuals and removes critical tools more administrative burdens than pro- for ending employment discrimination and commitment to equality and fairness harassment. Extending the provision that viders under Medicare and TRICARE. I as we develop a more streamlined and weakens these protections ultimately can assure you, as a Medicare provider thoughtful method for connecting vet- threatens harm not only to workers, but to and a TRICARE provider, that is erans with community care. those who depend on them for care. enough burden.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.042 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2725 Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the access to quality care. It is clear, how- Mr. O’ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, I would gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. ever, that, in the rush to set up the like to begin by thanking the chairman LANCE), my good friend and fellow Choice Program, many veterans were of the full committee, and I join the classmate. still forced to wait too long and bu- ranking member of the full committee Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I certainly reaucratic headaches continue to delay in honoring the work of Chairman ROE, commend the chairman of the com- needed care. his staff, and his ensuring that we do mittee, Dr. ROE, for his leadership on We need to get Choice 2.0 right and the right thing for every single one of this issue, as well as the ranking mem- balance the obvious need for care in the veterans in this country that we ber for his leadership. the community while protecting the are here to serve. I rise in strong support of S. 544, top quality care that the VA provides. It would be easy just to criticize the which will extend the Veterans Access, We must also make sure that Choice 2.0 Choice Program which has not worked Choice, Accountability and Trans- protects the civil rights of veterans as fully as intended. Too many of the vet- parency Act. This is an important bill. well as VA employees, contractors, and erans that we represent are still get- I have heard from constituents in the community providers caring for our ting bills when their provider in the congressional district I serve that the veterans. community, the VA, and the third- Choice Program is working and Con- Today’s bill will allow the VA to con- party administrator can’t resolve their gress should extend its authorization tinue spending the remaining funds in differences. and its funding. the Veterans Choice Program fund. It Too many veterans are having too The Choice Program was the first will also allow the VA to reimburse hard of a time in getting an appoint- step in a long road to true trans- community providers faster and im- ment in a timely fashion. And as we formation of the Veterans Administra- prove the sharing of medical records. It learned recently, the VA still is not tion. Veterans should get to choose the gives us time to continue our bipar- fully measuring the true wait time for care and the facility serving them best. tisan work to fix the Choice Program. the more than 3 million appointments No veteran should ever been forced into Each Member of this body, on both that have been made through the waiting lines and other limitations. sides of the aisle, agrees that our vet- Choice Program right now. We don’t Many Veterans Administration erans have earned the very best care have the kind of accountability that healthcare facilities do tremendous available. Mr. Speaker, I urge my col- we must have. All the same, the Choice Program is work, like the Lyons VA Hospital in leagues to support this legislation so bridging care for veterans who need it Bernards Township, Somerset County, that veterans can receive care now in millions of instances. To simply New Jersey, in the district I serve. But while Congress uses this opportunity to allow the sunset to take place without care through the VA should not be lim- get this right. having the time necessary to work on ited to VA facilities. Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I some of the necessary fixes would be ir- The extension of the Choice Program yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from responsible. So thanks to the chairman should be a down payment on other re- Pennsylvania (Mr. COSTELLO), a former and the ranking member, we are able forms. We should be expanding choice member and a very active member of to do that today. and eliminating geographic limita- our committee. We also ensure that the VA becomes Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. tions, and I hope to work with Chair- the primary payer, which is going to man ROE and his committee to do so. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his reduce some of the billing headaches Too many of our Nation’s heroes leadership. that veterans have unnecessarily been Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support have lost confidence in a desperately subjected to. broken bureaucracy, and we have of the Veterans Choice Program Im- Mr. Speaker, I also want to point out begun to reform that in 2014, and we provement Act. that the bill contains the Vet Connect continue today. Legislation like this This legislation protects access to Act, which I was able to author with bill is another step in restoring that health care for our Nation’s veterans Congressman BENISHEK, a bipartisan trust and faith. by maintaining the VA Choice Pro- bill, last session, re-introduced this The brave men and women who have gram and ensuring that funds already session. stepped forward to serve our Nation de- allocated for veterans health care re- It is bicameral, as well, in the Sen- serve our continued dedication to fix- main dedicated to that purpose. ate. We have Senators TESTER, ISAK- ing the VA and ensuring they receive Veterans across my district have uti- SON, and MANCHIN, who authored this the services they have earned in our lized the program to access treatment bill that ensures that veterans’ private defense. from community healthcare providers. medical information follows them from And while they appreciate the flexi- b 1430 the VA to their provider in the commu- bility this program provides, I often nity and then back to the VA, ensuring Mr. WALZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 hear of a need to make improvements that every appointment, every pro- minutes to the gentlewoman from Cali- and remove hurdles that prevent this vider, and every doctor can make in- fornia (Ms. BROWNLEY), the ranking program from realizing its full poten- formed medical decisions on behalf of member of our Health Subcommittee. tial. those veterans. Right now, at the cur- Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. I am pleased this legislation takes rent rate of inclusion of veterans’ per- Speaker, I thank the gentleman from several steps to reduce red tape. Now, sonal medical information, it would Minnesota, our ranking member, for what do I mean by that? take 60 years to get all the data into yielding me time and for his tireless First, we are going to speed up reim- the hands of the doctors who need to advocacy on behalf of our Nation’s vet- bursements to community providers. make that care. erans. We are going to strengthen medical This brings the VA and the veterans As the ranking member of the House record sharing between the VA and under the VA’s care into modern med- Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on community providers and reduce out- ical record keeping and sharing. It hon- Health, it has been my privilege to of-pocket costs for veterans—all very ors all of the HIPAA regulations; en- work with the ranking member and my important steps to improving the VA sures privacy of veterans’ medical fellow committee members to establish Choice Program. These are common- records; but, most importantly, en- and conduct rigorous oversight of the sense, bipartisan improvements. sures that they are going to get better, Choice Program. I want to thank Chairman ROE for more informed quality care, better out- We enacted the Choice Act in a time his leadership. comes, better treatment. It is what the of crisis. Those of us who served on the Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to veterans that we serve have earned and committee during that time remember support this bill. deserve. all too well the horrific stories that Mr. WALZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 I am very proud to join my col- came to light that moved Congress to minutes to the gentleman from Texas leagues in this to work for its passage. enact this law. (Mr. O’ROURKE), my good friend, the I hope that the other Members of this Congress passed the Choice Act to en- ranking member of our Economic Op- body will join us in supporting this sure that all veterans receive timely portunity Subcommittee. unanimously.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.043 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H2726 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 5, 2017 Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I should be the option of last resort for With that, once again, I encourage have no further speakers, and I reserve veterans. all of my Members to support this leg- the balance of my time. In Ely, Nevada, a rural community in islation. Mr. WALZ. Mr. Speaker, may I in- my district, the VA is considering not Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance quire how much time I have remain- renewing its contract with the Ely of my time. ing? I have two speakers to go. Community Clinic, forcing veterans to The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. rely solely on the Choice Program for question is on the motion offered by WOODALL). The gentleman from Min- access to care. Just this week, hun- the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. nesota has 71⁄2 minutes remaining. dreds of veterans turned out at a forum ROE) that the House suspend the rules Mr. WALZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 in Ely to voice their opposition to and pass the bill, S. 544. minutes to the gentleman from Cali- using the Choice Program. The question was taken; and (two- fornia (Mr. CORREA), a good friend, a Closing the VA clinic in Ely will be thirds being in the affirmative) the new member of the Veterans’ Affairs burdensome for many veterans in rules were suspended and the bill was Committee, someone who came to the northern Nevada and central Nevada passed. House of Representatives and asked to and could force them to travel hun- A motion to reconsider was laid on serve veterans and be on the com- dreds of miles to get healthcare serv- the table. mittee. ices that they rely on. These veterans f Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I thank have already fought for their country. SELF-INSURANCE PROTECTION Chairman ROE and our ranking mem- They shouldn’t have to fight to keep ACT ber, Mr. WALZ, for all the good work for their VA clinic in Ely open. all of our veterans. Mr. Speaker, I support this bill, but Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Mr. Speaker, I rise also in support of it is not enough. We owe it to our vet- House Resolution 241, I call up the bill the Choice Act and urge my colleagues erans not to use the Choice Program as (H.R. 1304) to amend the Employee Re- to also protect our veterans’ access to a crutch, but to make the proper in- tirement Income Security Act of 1974, health care. vestments in the health care our vet- the Public Health Service Act, and the Our veterans all gave some, and erans deserve. Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to ex- many, many made the ultimate sac- Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I clude from the definition of health in- rifice for our Nation. Providing our reserve the balance of my time. surance coverage certain medical stop- vets with the best health care our Na- Mr. WALZ. Mr. Speaker, once again, loss insurance obtained by certain plan tion can deliver on a timely basis is the I would like to thank the chairman, sponsors of group health plans, and ask least we can do for our veterans. the staff, and everyone who has been for its immediate consideration in the Sadly, as all of us know, in 2014, the here. House. average wait time at a VA medical cen- I think, of all the committees that The Clerk read the title of the bill. ter was 115 days. The Choice Program are modeling the behavior of democ- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. RICE has provided vets with the opportunity racy, bipartisanship, and what our gov- of South Carolina). Pursuant to House of obtaining health care in their com- ernment stands for, the Veterans’ Af- Resolution 241, the amendment in the munity on a timely basis. fairs Committee is one that takes that nature of a substitute recommended by The VA, of course, is an excellent in- responsibility seriously. The chairman the Committee on Education and the stitution that takes care of many, always models it. I think this is a case Workforce, printed in the bill, shall be many of our veterans. Yet, when the of that. considered as adopted, and the bill, as VA is not available, the Choice Pro- You heard the speakers come here. amended, shall be considered read. gram can be the best option for our he- This is a big issue. There may be some The text of the bill, as amended, is as roes. differences in how the delivery, long follows: No one—no one—should have to wait term, looks, but there is no division on H.R. 1304 3 months to see their doctor, especially getting the best and most timely care Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- our vets, our heroes. We must meet our to our veterans. resentatives of the United States of America in commitment one way or another. I With that, I encourage my colleagues Congress assembled, urge my colleagues to support this bill. to support S. 544. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. Let’s, all of us, keep the promise this Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Self-Insurance country has made to every one of our of my time. Protection Act’’. veterans. Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I SEC. 2. CERTAIN MEDICAL STOP-LOSS INSUR- Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. ANCE OBTAINED BY CERTAIN PLAN SPONSORS OF GROUP HEALTH reserve the balance of my time. I want to thank the majority and the PLANS NOT INCLUDED UNDER THE Mr. WALZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minority staff that worked on this bill, DEFINITION OF HEALTH INSURANCE minute to the gentleman from Nevada and certainly the Senate, Senators COVERAGE. (Mr. KIHUEN), who has taken a keen in- TESTER and ISAKSON, and the com- (a) ERISA.—Section 733(b)(1) of the Employee terest in veterans’ issues. I am grateful mittee on the Senate side for getting Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1191b(b)(1)) is amended by adding at the that he is here today. this over here in a timely way. We end the following sentence: ‘‘Such term shall Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank needed to do this now so that we could not include a stop-loss policy obtained by a self- Chairman ROE and Ranking Member continue care for patients that would insured health plan or a plan sponsor of a WALZ for their bipartisan work on this go past August 7. We have people right group health plan that self-insures the health issue on behalf of our veterans and our now who are getting care that is going risks of its plan participants to reimburse the country. It is very refreshing to see bi- to be long term, and they would be cut plan or sponsor for losses that the plan or spon- partisanship here in this body. off or couldn’t use the Choice program. sor incurs in providing health or medical bene- Mr. Speaker, veterans have made the We have heard a lot of the problems fits to such plan participants in excess of a pre- incredible sacrifice for our country. with Choice here, but it has also helped determined level set forth in the stop-loss policy obtained by such plan or sponsor.’’. The Department of Veterans Affairs a lot of veterans. What we feel like we (b) PHSA.—Section 2791(b)(1) of the Public has the obligation to ensure that they want the opportunity to do now is be Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg–91(b)(1)) is have access to high-quality and afford- given a little bit of time, in a bipar- amended by adding at the end the following able health care. tisan way, to work out the problems new sentence: ‘‘Such term shall not include a I support the aim of S. 544 to make with this. stop-loss policy obtained by a self-insured key improvements to the Choice Pro- I think this goes for everyone on our health plan or a plan sponsor of a group health gram as Congress continues to work on committee: At the end of the day, our plan that self-insures the health risks of its plan longer term solutions. purpose, our goal is to provide access participants to reimburse the plan or sponsor for losses that the plan or sponsor incurs in pro- While I am hopeful that this bill will and the best quality of care for vet- viding health or medical benefits to such plan help eliminate the problems and delays erans that this country can deliver. participants in excess of a predetermined level that veterans have experienced with That is the goal of our committee in a set forth in the stop-loss policy obtained by such the Choice Program, this program bipartisan way. plan or sponsor.’’.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:10 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.045 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2727 (c) IRC.—Section 9832(b)(1)(A) of the Internal ability of self-insured health coverage. Now, while many self-funded plans, Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at It is also embraced by labor organiza- in conjunction with the purchased the end the following new sentence: ‘‘Such term tions, schools, cities, and counties. stop-loss, look like a traditional fully shall not include a stop-loss policy obtained by Of course, there is some level of risk insured plan, stop-loss coverage itself a self-insured health plan or a plan sponsor of associated with these plans. That is a group health plan that self-insures the health is not regulated at the Federal level. risks of its plan participants to reimburse the why employers purchase stop-loss in- There is no indication or suggestion plan or sponsor for losses that the plan or spon- surance, so that employees can count that the administration would seek to sor incurs in providing health or medical bene- on their healthcare coverage when they regulate stop-loss insurance, so the bill fits to such plan participants in excess of a pre- need it. Because it simply serves as a prohibits Federal regulation of stop- determined level set forth in the stop-loss policy financial backstop to an actual health loss insurance. obtained by such plan or sponsor.’’. insurance policy, stop-loss has never The Federal Government does not The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- been regulated as health insurance by regulate stop-loss insurance today, and tlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. the Federal Government. Never. doesn’t look like it is going to seek to FOXX) and the gentleman from Virginia But as we all know, the previous ad- regulate self-insurance in the foresee- (Mr. SCOTT) each shall control 30 min- ministration had a constant urge to able future, so it is difficult to ascer- utes. regulate practically every aspect of tain exactly what the purpose of the The Chair recognizes the gentle- American life, regardless of the con- bill is. woman from North Carolina. sequences. It was only a matter of time But employers, particularly small before the Obama administration made b 1445 ones, do face risks when self-insuring. I stop-loss insurance one of its regu- think it is important that we ensure GENERAL LEAVE latory targets, even though many em- that employers are aware of the risks Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- ployers would find it nearly impossible and protect them and their employees mous consent that all Members may to self-insure as a result. when appropriate. They can incur tre- have 5 legislative days in which to re- Limiting a popular free-market mendous losses if the employee incurs vise and extend their remarks and in- healthcare option that millions of a serious injury or illness. clude extraneous materials on H.R. Americans rely on was a price they Employees are also at risk of receiv- 1304. were willing to pay in order to push The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ing fewer benefits because many con- their government-run healthcare sumer protections do not apply to self- objection to the request of the gentle- scheme. woman from North Carolina? funded plans. Fortunately for working families, the Employers are legally prohibited There was no objection. Obama administration was unsuccess- Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- from discriminating on the basis of ful, and we now have a new administra- health status, but stop-loss insurers self such time as I may consume. tion committed to expanding, not lim- are not. Many policies have provisions I rise today in strong support of H.R. iting, affordable healthcare options. that will trigger immediate, even ret- 1304, the Self-Insurance Protection Act. However, all this highlights the need to roactive, increased premiums when the Mr. Speaker, across the country, protect access to self-insurance. hardworking men and women are Employers need long-term certainty stop-loss insurer receives greater-than- struggling to afford rising healthcare when it comes to the healthcare bene- expected claims. To date, many States have taken ac- costs, and their options continue to fits they provide, and working families drop year after year. At the same time, deserve peace of mind that they won’t tion to regulate stop-loss insurance in employers, large and small, are finding lose the plan they like because of a order to protect both businesses and it harder to provide the type of high- partisan, unnecessary Federal regula- workers. Some have required a min- quality, affordable healthcare coverage tion. The Self-Insurance Protection imum, what is called attachment their employees need. Act provides that certainty and peace point. That is when the stop-loss insur- With over 150 Americans relying on of mind by reaffirming existing law and ance kicks in. Others have restricted an employer-sponsored health plan, preventing Federal bureaucrats from the selling of stop-loss insurance with Congress must do everything possible regulating stop-loss as health insur- certain small group markets. to ensure employers have the tools ance. New York prohibits the sale of stop- they need to help control healthcare There is more we can and should do loss insurance to small employers, and costs for working families. Preserving to promote affordable healthcare cov- prohibits employers from serving as access to self insurance is one simple erage for working families. This legis- their own third-party administrators. step we can take as part of that effort. lation is one small step we can take to North Carolina has chosen to regulate More than 60 percent of employers ensure Americans can continue to ben- stop-loss insurance as if it were normal who offer healthcare coverage choose efit from flexible healthcare plans that health insurance, holding stop-loss in- to self-insure. This means that instead help lower costs. surance to the same standards of oth- of purchasing a plan from an insurance I urge my colleagues to stand up for ers in the market. company, employers pay their employ- affordable healthcare options for work- Now, if States want to ban stop-loss ees’ healthcare costs directly. As a re- ers and employers by voting in favor of insurance altogether, that should be a sult, the employers have greater flexi- H.R. 1304. State prerogative. States have taken bility to structure a healthcare plan to Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of these steps because, frankly, self-insur- the unique needs of workers and their my time. ing and stop-loss insurance come with families. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, greater risks to both employers and Although these plans provide impor- I yield myself such time as I may con- employees. Stop-loss plans place an- tant protections, they are free from sume. nual limits on services. Some place an- certain restrictive rules that force Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1304, the Self-In- nual limits on services or exclude cov- workers to purchase one-size-fits-all surance Protection Act, purports to erage for certain benefits, such as pre- benefits that they may not want or protect stop-loss insurers from being scription drugs. need. Self-insurance is a popular option regulated at the Federal level. It ap- Furthermore, the renewal of stop- that often leads to lower health insur- pears that we are considering a bill loss insurance is not guaranteed, so if ance premiums for workers and their that is a solution in search of a prob- an employer suddenly has high medical families. lem. costs, the stop-loss insurer can refuse In years with below average medical I am not opposed to stop-loss insur- to renew or charge so much that it is claims, any remaining healthcare dol- ance or the purpose of stop-loss insur- no longer affordable. lars can help offset premiums for work- ance. It can be helpful in shielding em- In the committee markup, the gen- ers the following year, or can be used ployers from unforeseen risks in many tlewoman from Oregon (Ms. BONAMICI) to help create new jobs and higher instances when they choose to self-in- offered a clarifying amendment to en- wages. sure and want to protect themselves sure that this legislation would not be It is not just private sector employ- from unexpected and unusually high construed to restrict the ability of ers who like the flexibility and afford- expenses. States to regulate stop-loss insurance.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:10 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05AP7.009 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H2728 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 5, 2017 Chairwoman FOXX agreed to include fective model. In fact, in 2016, more Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to such clarifying language in the com- than 60 percent of all employers offer- support H.R. 1304. mittee report, agreeing with the intent ing health insurance coverage were Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, of that amendment. Based on that un- self-insured, of the 160 million or so I reserve the balance of my time. derstanding, that amendment was people in this country that have insur- Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 withdrawn. ance through their job. minutes to the gentleman from Michi- The clarifying language is in the re- Even the labor unions have embraced gan (Mr. WALBERG), chairman of the port, and that clarification is vital to this approach. However, employers Health, Employment, Labor, and Pen- ensure that there is nothing in the bill may also take greater financial risk sions Subcommittee. that incorrectly can be interpreted as when providing this popular option to Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise to preempt or restrict a State’s ability workers. To help mitigate that risk, today in support of H.R. 1304, the Self- to regulate stop-loss insurance as they many employers opt to purchase stop- Insurance Protection Act. I thank my see fit, or otherwise restrict effective loss insurance. good friend, Dr. PHIL ROE, for his lead- oversight and regulation of these poli- Stop-loss insurance is not health in- ership and insights on this issue. cies at the State level. I appreciate the surance, nor has it ever been consid- b 1500 majority’s willingness to work with us ered health insurance under Federal on the inclusion of that clarifying lan- law. It does not process medical claims, As the Affordable Care Act continues guage. and it does not perform any other tra- its death spiral—and indeed it does, Mr. Speaker, while I don’t intend to ditional function of health insurance. very clearly, and ultimately will leave oppose the legislation, I would note What it does instead is provide employ- people without insurance—too many that it seems to be a distraction from ers choosing to provide self-insurance small businesses in the process and the Republicans’ recent failed attempt with a financial backstop, protecting working families in my district have to repeal the Affordable Care Act. the benefits of workers and their fami- been left without real options for After 7 years of complaints, the Repub- lies. healthcare coverage that they can af- licans offered an alternative which was Unfortunately, the former adminis- ford. demonstrably worse than the Afford- tration threatened to regulate stop- Self-insured plans are one solution able Care Act on every measure; more loss insurance as traditional health in- that small businesses have tried to people uninsured, higher prices, and surance, a move that would put work- push back against these rising costs. the policy you end up getting is worse. ers and their families at risk of losing These policies provide employers flexi- Democrats will continue to resist access to the self-insured market. bility to design a healthcare plan tai- any attempts to move this country While we now have a new administra- lored to the unique needs of their backwards by making health insurance tion that understands the importance workers and their families. Last year, less accessible and less affordable to of providing more pathways to afford- over 60 percent of employers who of- American families. able healthcare coverage, Congress fered healthcare coverage utilized self- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of must also act to ensure that no future insured plans. my time. administration will be able to restrict Unfortunately, the previous adminis- Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 tration pursued regulations that would minutes to the gentleman from Ten- the self-insurance option. The Self-In- surance Protection Act does just that. jeopardize access to self-insured plans nessee (Mr. ROE), the author of the bill, by redefining stop-loss insurance as a member of the Education and the This legislation reaffirms long- standing policies, prevents future bu- traditional health insurance under Workforce Committee, and chair of the Federal law. Stop-loss insurance does Veterans’ Affairs Committee. reaucratic overreach, and clarifies once not pay our medical claims; rather, it Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I and for all that stop-loss insurance is is a tool—I remind you—that simply rise today in support of the Self-Insur- not health insurance. By supporting ance Protection Act, H.R. 1304. H.R. 1304, we will promote more provides protections for employers to Mr. Speaker, I find it hardly plau- choices and protect access to afford- guard against a catastrophic medical sible you could make something worse able healthcare coverage options for claim. where one-third of the counties in my families. Mr. Speaker, our constituents need district have no option to buy any in- Let me put this all in English. I was more affordable healthcare options, not surance on the exchange, and the third the mayor of Johnson City, Tennessee, fewer; and the bill before us will stop largest county in the State of Ten- where we had a self-insured plan for any future administration from put- nessee has no option. So I would beg to the teachers and for the workers there ting harmful limitations on self-in- differ, Mr. Speaker. at the city. The city provided an oppor- sured plans. To achieve meaningful We all want to ensure workers have tunity for people to have health insur- healthcare reform, we must promote access to high-quality, affordable ance for their families. We would ac- flexibility and innovative options, not health coverage. That is exactly what cept risks up to $250,000, and then we curtail them. this legislation is all about. bought policies to protect the tax- H.R. 1304 provides much-needed cer- Self-insured plans offer high-quality payers and the city from any costs that tainty to the workers and employers healthcare coverage at a reasonable went above that. who access quality care through self- cost for workers. This popular option What this plan also allowed us to do insured healthcare plans. As employers allows employers to pay their employ- is put in incredibly innovative health and their employees look to plan for ees’ healthcare costs directly and, if prevention, things like wellness pro- the future, the Self-Insurance Protec- costs are lower than expected, those grams, smoking cessation, weight loss, tion Act will help provide some long- savings can be reserved for later years diabetes screening, lowering choles- term certainty that these affordable to help cover their workers’ future terol. We put all those things in that health insurance options are available. healthcare costs. plan, which helped hold—even with in- I ask my colleagues to join me in sup- One of the benefits to self-insurance surance premiums going up, we were porting this legislation and promoting is that employers have more flexibility able to level insurance costs going up healthcare choice for American work- to customize their healthcare plans as and, therefore, save the employees and ers and for their employers. they see fit for the unique needs of the teachers money in that commu- Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, their employees. These plans are also nity. That is all it is. I yield myself such time as I may con- free from many of the restrictive re- Everybody buys insurance in this sume. quirements associated with traditional country to mitigate risk. When you by Mr. Speaker, we are continuing to healthcare plans, requirements that homeowners insurance, you say: I will hear complaints about the Affordable limit choices and force employees to have $1,000 deductible. So if I have a Care Act. Whatever someone thinks purchase specific benefits they may not roof blow off, I can stand to pay $1,000, about the Affordable Care Act, I think want or need. but my insurance covers the rest. it is important to look at the replace- As healthcare costs have risen, many That is all this is. It just protects ment that was offered just over a week employers have turned to this cost-ef- risk. ago which actually would have made

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:10 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.049 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2729 things worse. It would have increased recognizing that stop-loss insurance is RAISING A QUESTION OF THE the number of uninsured, it would have a distinct business insurance and pre- PRIVILEGES OF THE HOUSE increased the price, it would have re- vents bureaucrats from—one more Mr. JEFFRIES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to duced the quality of the product, and it time—tinkering with our economy and a question of the privileges of the would have made it less likely that in- damaging health care. House and offer a resolution previously surance companies would come in and I urge my colleagues to support this noticed. offer anything at all. legislation, as it is an important meas- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The If we are going to amend the Afford- ure to promote and to increase access Clerk will report the resolution. able Care Act, we ought to improve it. to health care. The Clerk read as follows: We ought to make things better. We Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, Expressing the sense of the House of Rep- should first do no harm with the Af- I yield myself the balance of my time. resentatives that President Donald Trump fordable Care Act, and we should not Mr. Speaker, this bill prohibits Fed- shall publicly disclose his tax return infor- allow this administration to sabotage eral regulation of stop-loss insurance. mation, which would conform with an impor- the Affordable Care Act. When they The Federal Government does not reg- tant tradition connected to occupancy of the said it might implode, we have to be ulate stop-loss insurance. It does not White House, as well as uphold his promise careful that they are not doing the im- affect the States’ ability to regulate to the American people that he would release his tax returns. plosion. There are things that this ad- the insurance, and that is where it Whereas, every President since Gerald ministration can do to undermine the should be done. So the bill does no Ford has disclosed his tax return informa- Affordable Care Act and sabotage it, harm. I would hope that, after this bill, tion to the American people; and we would hope that we would join we will refocus our efforts into address- Whereas, in May 2014 Donald Trump stated in a bipartisan effort to make sure that ing some of the challenges with the Af- during a television interview: ‘‘If I decide to that does not happen. fordable Care Act by first doing no run for office I’ll produce my tax returns ab- solutely. I would love to do that’’; Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of harm, not going backwards like the bill Whereas, in February 2015 Donald Trump my time. did several days ago where the costs stated during a radio interview: ‘‘I have no Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 went up, the number of insurers went objection to certainly showing tax returns’’; minutes to the distinguished gen- down, and the quality of the insurance Whereas, in February 2016 Donald Trump tleman from Michigan (Mr. MITCHELL) was worse. We can improve healthcare stated during a televised Republican Presi- who is a member of our committee. coverage in this country, but we can’t dential debate: ‘‘I will absolutely give my re- Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Speaker, I do it if the first step is a backward turns, but I’m being audited now for two or thank the gentlewoman from North three years, so I can’t do it until the audit is step. finished, obviously’’; Carolina for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Whereas, in May 2016 Donald Trump stated Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my time. during a television interview: ‘‘I will really of the Self-Insurance Protection Act, of Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- gladly give them. When the audit ends, I’ll which I am a proud cosponsor. Restor- self the balance of my time. present them. That should be before the elec- ing health care is more than one bill— Mr. Speaker, we all want workers tion’’; our plan has always included a series of and employers to have access to high- Whereas, the IRS has made clear that any efforts to directly address the chal- quality, affordable healthcare cov- taxpayer, including Donald Trump, may re- lenges facing our healthcare system. lease his tax returns at any time while under erage, and that is exactly what this audit; The challenges resulted from legislation is about. Whereas, the House of Representatives by ObamaCare. This legislation is one Our Nation faces significant constitutional design is the institution clos- such effort, part of a series of measures healthcare challenges. Costs are soar- est to the American people, and an over- to increase choice and access. This bill ing, and choices are diminishing. This whelming majority of the American people would make it easier for families to get legislation will in no way address all of think Donald Trump should release his tax health insurance from their employers. these challenges; however, it is one returns immediately; As my colleagues have noted, more Whereas, 17 different intelligence agencies step we can take to protect access to in the United States have concluded that than 160 million Americans get their affordable healthcare options for work- Vladimir Putin and his Russian regime insurance from an employer. Of that, 60 ers and employers. interfered with our Presidential election for percent of employers offering Let’s give workers and employers the purpose of helping Donald Trump; healthcare coverage are self-insured, who rely on self-insured healthcare Whereas, multiple high-level Trump asso- meaning employers directly reimburse plans a little bit of certainty and peace ciates were in regular contact with Russian healthcare providers and employees for of mind today by passing this common- operatives and intelligence agents during the medical expenses. These self-insured same time that Russia was hacking into our sense legislation. democracy; plans provide more flexibility than tra- Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to vote Whereas, multiple high-level Trump asso- ditional healthcare plans, as they can in favor of the Self-Insurance Protec- ciates have financial ties to the Russian re- be designed and operated to meet the tion Act, and I yield back the balance gime; unique needs of workers and families. of my time. Whereas, Paul Manafort, Donald Trump’s For many years, the company I led, in The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. former campaign chairman, engineered a fact, was self-insured, and we bought DUNCAN of Tennessee). All time for de- pro-Russia change in the Republican Party stop-loss coverage. bate has expired. platform in July 2016 and has received mil- lions of dollars from pro-Russian oligarchs to For most self-insured employers, Pursuant to House Resolution 241, advance Putin’s agenda; choosing to buy stop-loss insurance the previous question is ordered on the Whereas, Michael Flynn, Donald Trump’s simply assists them in avoiding cata- bill, as amended. first National Security Adviser, resigned in strophic losses. It is a business insur- The question is on the engrossment disgrace for misleading to Vice President ance policy. Regulating it like a tradi- and third reading of the bill. Mike Pence about potentially unlawful tional healthcare insurance would re- The bill was ordered to be engrossed phone calls to the Russian Ambassador and strict access to self-insured plans dra- and read a third time, and was read the failed to disclose financial compensation re- matically. third time. ceived from a Russian propaganda media outlet closely tied to Vladimir Putin; We should be making it easier, not The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Whereas, Carter Page, a top foreign policy harder, for employers to offer their em- question is on the passage of the bill. adviser to the Trump campaign, has now ac- ployees comprehensive health pack- The question was taken; and the knowledged visiting the Kremlin in the ages, and it certainly should not be left Speaker pro tempore announced that midst of the 2016 Presidential election; to an unelected bureaucrat to decide the ayes appeared to have it. Whereas, Jeff Sessions, Donald Trump’s which types of plans or which benefits Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, on that I de- Attorney General, misled the Senate under work for American families. mand the yeas and nays. oath by failing to disclose his meetings with the Russian Ambassador that took place in This legislation is a simple, straight- The yeas and nays were ordered. July 2016 at the Republican National Con- forward approach to protect self-in- The SPEAKER. Pursuant to clause 8 vention and again in September of 2016; sured healthcare plans. It offers clar- of rule XX, further proceedings on this Whereas, Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s ity, reaffirming longstanding policies question will be postponed. personal attorney, now acknowledges being

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:10 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.051 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H2730 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 5, 2017 in contact with Russian operatives at the 1. Immediately request tax return informa- tentionally placed with the body clos- same time the attacks on our democracy tion of Donald J. Trump for tax years 2007 est to the people as part of the Great were taking place; through 2016 for review in closed executive Compromise. The Heritage Foundation Whereas, Jared Kushner, a senior White session by the Committee on Ways and House advisor and Donald Trump’s son-in- Means, as provided under section 6103 of the report urges Members of this House to law, now acknowledges previously undis- Internal Revenue Code, and vote to report ‘‘be more zealous in protecting this ex- closed meetings with the Russian Ambas- the information therein to the full House of clusive prerogative.’’ sador; Representatives; and President Trump has expressed an in- Whereas, Roger Stone, a self-described po- 2. Postpone consideration of comprehen- terest in working with the House to litical trickster and Donald Trump’s long- sive tax reform legislation until after the take on the most significant legislative time consigliere, now acknowledges being in elected Representatives of the American peo- reform of our Tax Code in 30 years. contact with the Russian-aligned hacker ple in this House have been able to review Guccifer II and predicted during the cam- Trump’s tax returns and ascertain how any How can we work with him on this leg- paign that John Podesta’s emails would soon changes to the Tax Code might financially islation if we do not know how the pro- be exposed; benefit the President of the United States. posed reforms might financially benefit Whereas, Ian Fleming, the renowned Brit- him or the companies or countries to b 1515 ish author has observed, ‘‘Once is happen- which he has business entanglements? stance. Twice is coincidence. Three times is The SPEAKER pro tempore. Does the How can we ascertain whether sug- enemy action’’; gentleman from New York wish to gestions made by the executive branch Whereas, Donald Trump has shown an un- present argument on the parliamen- are aimed to help the American people restrained willingness to criticize and insult tary question of whether the resolution allies of the United States of America; or aimed to help the President or his Whereas, Donald Trump wrongly accused presents a question of the privileges of allies in business or throughout the Great Britain, our closest ally, of wire- the House? world? Mr. JEFFRIES. Yes, Mr. Speaker. tapping Trump Tower in New York City; The Founders of this great Nation The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Whereas, Donald Trump declined to shake made it so that we, as representatives German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s hand tleman from New York is recognized. while seated together during their recent Mr. JEFFRIES. Mr. Speaker, under of the people, have the constitutional joint appearance at the White House; rule IX, clause 1, questions of the privi- duty to check and balance the execu- Whereas, Donald Trump stated in a recent leges of the House are ‘‘those affecting tive branch, not the other way around. C–PAC speech that ‘‘Paris is no longer the rights of the House collectively, its The integrity of this body is at risk if Paris’’; we choose to follow the path of unfet- Whereas, Donald Trump threatened to can- safety, dignity, and the integrity of its proceedings.’’ tered obedience to the executive cel a refugee transfer agreement with our branch. The American people deserve ally Australia and reportedly hung up on the This resolution is privileged based on Prime Minister; two issues of institutional integrity, to see his tax returns, and we have the Whereas, Donald Trump told the President both anchored in the United States power in this House to make it happen. of Mexico that America would deploy mili- Constitution. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The tary personnel to that sovereign nation if Upon adoption of the Constitution, Chair is prepared to rule. our southern neighbor does not deal with its Senators were elected by State legisla- The gentleman from New York seeks ‘‘bad hombres’’; tive bodies; justices were appointed by to offer a resolution as a question of Whereas, Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized our strategic and military alliance the executive branch; Presidents were the privileges of the House under rule with Western European allies and called placed into office indirectly through IX. NATO ‘‘obsolete’’; the electoral college. As the Chair most recently ruled on Whereas, Donald Trump refuses to say a The House was the only institution March 22, 2017, the resolution directs negative word about Vladimir Putin or his where Members were directly elected the Committee on Ways and Means to corrupt Russian regime; by the people. We were given 2-year meet and consider an item of business Whereas, Bill O’Reilly interviewed Donald terms to stay close to the people. Our under the procedures set forth in 26 Trump on Super Bowl Sunday and asked about Putin’s brutal and murderous regime; integrity as a separate and coequal U.S.C. 6103 and, therefore, does not Whereas, Donald Trump responded, ‘‘There branch of government flows directly qualify as a question of the privileges are a lot of killers. You think our country’s from our ability to vigilantly represent of the House. so innocent?’’, suggesting a moral equiva- their interests. Mr. JEFFRIES. Mr. Speaker, I appeal lence between the United States and Russia; We don’t work for the executive the ruling of the Chair. Whereas, Yogi Berra, the great Yankee branch. We don’t work for President The SPEAKER pro tempore. The catcher and philosopher-King, once observed Trump. We work for the people of this question is, Shall the decision of the ‘‘that’s too coincidental to be a coinci- great Nation, and the American people dence’’; Chair stand as the judgment of the Whereas, Donald Trump tweeted on Janu- overwhelmingly want the President’s House? ary 11: ‘‘I have nothing to do with Russia— tax returns released. MOTION TO TABLE Secondarily, this House should exer- no deals, no loans, no nothing’’; Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I have a mo- Whereas, Donald Trump Jr. once stated: cise its prerogative as a separate and tion at the desk. ‘‘Russians make up a pretty disproportionate coequal branch of government, vigi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The cross-section of a lot of our assets. We see a lantly represent the people, and act as Clerk will report the motion. lot of money pouring in from Russia’’; a check and balance against Presi- Whereas, disclosure of Donald Trump’s tax The Clerk read as follows: returns will help the American people and dential obstruction. Our integrity hangs in the balance. Ms. Foxx moves to lay the appeal on the their elected Representatives in this House table. better understand Trump’s financial ties, if The integrity of this House also any, to Putin’s Russia; hinges, lastly, on our willingness to The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Whereas, the American people have a right properly legislate changes to the Tax question is on the motion to table. to know whether financial conflicts of inter- Code. The American people have, in The question was taken; and the est exist between the President of the United many cases, lost faith in our institu- Speaker pro tempore announced that States and a hostile foreign power; tions of government, in part because the ayes appeared to have it. Whereas, the chairmen of the House Ways Mr. JEFFRIES. Mr. Speaker, on that and Means Committee, Joint Committee on they believe that we are out of touch Taxation, and Senate Finance Committee and that we do not act in the best in- I demand the yeas and nays. have the authority to request Donald terests of hardworking Americans. The yeas and nays were ordered. Trump’s tax returns under section 6103 of the Pursuant to Article I, section 7, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Tax Code; and clause 1 of the Constitution, often re- ant to clause 8 of rule XX, this 15- Whereas, the FBI is conducting a criminal ferred to as the Origination Clause, the minute vote on the motion to table and counterintelligence investigation into House of Representatives has the sole will be followed by a 5-minute vote on Russian interference with the recent Presi- authority to initiate legislation that passage of H.R. 1304. dential election, including possible collusion between the Trump campaign and the Krem- raises revenue for the national govern- The vote was taken by electronic de- lin: Now, therefore, be it: ment. vice, and there were—yeas 228, nays Resolved, that the House of Representatives According to a 2011 Heritage Founda- 185, answered ‘‘present’’ 2, not voting shall— tion report, the taxation power was in- 14, as follows:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:10 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05AP7.019 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2731 [Roll No. 219] Doggett Larson (CT) Raskin The Clerk read the title of the bill. Doyle, Michael Lawson (FL) Rice (NY) YEAS—228 F. Lee Richmond The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Abraham Gosar Palazzo Ellison Levin Rosen question is on the passage of the bill. Aderholt Gowdy Palmer Engel Lewis (GA) Roybal-Allard This is a 5-minute vote. Eshoo Lieu, Ted Allen Granger Paulsen Ruiz The vote was taken by electronic de- Amash Graves (GA) Pearce Espaillat Lipinski Ruppersberger Amodei Graves (LA) Perry Esty Loebsack Rush vice, and there were—yeas 400, nays 16, Evans Lofgren Arrington Graves (MO) Pittenger Ryan (OH) not voting 13, as follows: Foster Lowenthal Babin Griffith Poe (TX) Sarbanes [Roll No. 220] Bacon Grothman Poliquin Frankel (FL) Lowey Fudge Lujan Grisham, Schakowsky Banks (IN) Guthrie Posey Schiff YEAS—400 Barletta Harper Gabbard M. Ratcliffe Schneider Abraham Culberson Hunter Barr Harris Gallego Luja´ n, Ben Ray Reed Schrader Adams Cummings Hurd Barton Hartzler Garamendi Lynch Reichert Scott (VA) Aderholt Curbelo (FL) Issa Bergman Hensarling Gonzalez (TX) Maloney, Renacci Scott, David Aguilar Davidson Jackson Lee Biggs Herrera Beutler Gottheimer Carolyn B. Rice (SC) Serrano Allen Davis (CA) Jeffries Bilirakis Hice, Jody B. Green, Al Maloney, Sean Roby Amash Davis, Rodney Jenkins (KS) Bishop (MI) Higgins (LA) Green, Gene Matsui Sewell (AL) Roe (TN) Amodei DeFazio Jenkins (WV) Black Hill Grijalva McCollum Shea-Porter Rogers (AL) Arrington DeGette Johnson (LA) Blackburn Holding Gutie´rrez McGovern Sherman Rogers (KY) Babin Delaney Johnson (OH) Blum Hollingsworth Hanabusa McNerney Sinema Rohrabacher Bacon DeLauro Johnson, E. B. Bost Hudson Hastings Meeks Sires Rokita Banks (IN) DelBene Johnson, Sam Brady (TX) Huizenga Heck Meng Smith (WA) Rooney, Francis Barletta Demings Jones Brat Hultgren Higgins (NY) Moore Soto Rooney, Thomas Barr Denham Jordan Brooks (AL) Hunter Himes Moulton Speier J. Barraga´ n Dent Joyce (OH) Brooks (IN) Hurd Hoyer Murphy (FL) Suozzi Ros-Lehtinen Barton DeSantis Katko Buchanan Issa Huffman Nadler Swalwell (CA) Roskam Bass DesJarlais Keating Buck Jenkins (KS) Jackson Lee Napolitano Ross Takano Bera Deutch Kelly (IL) Bucshon Jenkins (WV) Jayapal Neal Rothfus Thompson (CA) Bergman Diaz-Balart Kelly (MS) Budd Johnson (LA) Jeffries Nolan Rouzer Thompson (MS) Beyer Dingell Kelly (PA) Burgess Johnson (OH) Johnson (GA) Norcross Royce (CA) Titus Biggs Doggett Kennedy Byrne Johnson, Sam Johnson, E. B. O’Halleran Russell Tonko Bilirakis Donovan Khanna Calvert Jordan Jones O’Rourke Rutherford Torres Bishop (GA) Doyle, Michael Kihuen Carter (GA) Joyce (OH) Kaptur Pallone Scalise Tsongas Bishop (MI) F. Kildee Carter (TX) Katko Keating Panetta Schweikert Vargas Black Duffy Kilmer Chabot Kelly (MS) Kelly (IL) Pascrell Scott, Austin Veasey Blackburn Duncan (SC) Kind Chaffetz Kelly (PA) Kennedy Payne Sensenbrenner Vela Blum Duncan (TN) King (IA) Cheney King (IA) Khanna Pelosi Sessions Visclosky Blumenauer Dunn Kinzinger Coffman Kinzinger Kihuen Perlmutter Shimkus Walz Blunt Rochester Ellison Knight Cole Knight Kildee Peters Shuster Wasserman Bonamici Emmer Krishnamoorthi Collins (NY) Kustoff (TN) Kilmer Peterson Simpson Schultz Bost Engel Kuster (NH) Comer Labrador Kind Pingree Smith (MO) Boyle, Brendan Eshoo Kustoff (TN) Comstock LaHood Krishnamoorthi Pocan Waters, Maxine Smith (NE) F. Espaillat Labrador Conaway Lamborn Kuster (NH) Polis Watson Coleman Smith (NJ) Brady (PA) Esty LaHood Cook Lance Langevin Price (NC) Welch Brady (TX) Farenthold LaMalfa Costello (PA) Latta Smith (TX) Larsen (WA) Quigley Wilson (FL) Brat Faso Lamborn Cramer Lewis (MN) Smucker ANSWERED ‘‘PRESENT’’—2 Brooks (AL) Ferguson Lance Crawford LoBiondo Stefanik Brooks (IN) Fitzpatrick Langevin Culberson Long Stewart DeFazio Sanford Brown (MD) Fleischmann Larsen (WA) Curbelo (FL) Loudermilk Stivers Brownley (CA) Flores Larson (CT) Davidson Love Taylor NOT VOTING—14 Buchanan Fortenberry Latta Davis, Rodney Lucas Tenney Beatty King (NY) Slaughter Buck Foster Lawson (FL) Denham Luetkemeyer Thompson (PA) Bishop (UT) LaMalfa ´ Velazquez Bucshon Foxx Levin Dent MacArthur Thornberry Bridenstine Lawrence Williams Budd Frankel (FL) Lewis (MN) DeSantis Marchant Tiberi Collins (GA) McEachin Yarmuth Burgess Franks (AZ) Lieu, Ted DesJarlais Marino Tipton Davis, Danny Sa´ nchez Bustos Frelinghuysen Lipinski Diaz-Balart Marshall Trott Butterfield Fudge LoBiondo Donovan Massie Turner 1545 b Byrne Gabbard Loebsack Duffy Mast Upton Calvert Gaetz Lofgren Duncan (SC) McCarthy Valadao Ms. MCCOLLUM, Messrs. WELCH, Capuano Gallagher Long Duncan (TN) McCaul Wagner and QUIGLEY changed their vote from Carbajal Gallego Loudermilk Dunn McClintock Walberg ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ Ca´ rdenas Garamendi Love Emmer McHenry Walden Messrs. JOHNSON of Louisiana, Carson (IN) Garrett Lowenthal Farenthold McKinley Walker Carter (GA) Gibbs Lowey Faso McMorris Walorski POSEY, DENT, SMUCKER, HUNTER, Carter (TX) Gohmert Lucas Ferguson Rodgers Walters, Mimi and RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois Cartwright Gonzalez (TX) Luetkemeyer Fitzpatrick McSally Weber (TX) changed their vote from ‘‘nay’’ to Castor (FL) Goodlatte Lujan Grisham, Fleischmann Meadows Webster (FL) Castro (TX) Gosar M. Flores Meehan Wenstrup ‘‘yea.’’ Chabot Gottheimer Luja´ n, Ben Ray Fortenberry Messer Westerman Mr. SANFORD changed his vote from Chaffetz Gowdy Lynch Foxx Mitchell Wilson (SC) ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘present.’’ Cheney Granger MacArthur Franks (AZ) Moolenaar Wittman So the motion to table was agreed to. Chu, Judy Graves (GA) Maloney, Frelinghuysen Mooney (WV) Womack Cicilline Graves (LA) Carolyn B. Gaetz Mullin Woodall The result of the vote was announced Clark (MA) Graves (MO) Maloney, Sean Gallagher Murphy (PA) Yoder as above recorded. Clarke (NY) Green, Gene Marchant Garrett Newhouse Yoho A motion to reconsider was laid on Clay Griffith Marino Gibbs Noem Young (AK) Cleaver Grothman Marshall Gohmert Nunes Young (IA) the table. Clyburn Guthrie Massie Goodlatte Olson Zeldin f Coffman Gutie´rrez Mast Cohen Hanabusa Matsui NAYS—185 SELF-INSURANCE PROTECTION Cole Harper McCarthy Adams Capuano Cooper ACT Collins (GA) Harris McCaul Aguilar Carbajal Correa Collins (NY) Hartzler McClintock Barraga´ n Ca´ rdenas Costa The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Comer Hastings McCollum Bass Carson (IN) Courtney finished business is the vote on passage Comstock Heck McGovern Bera Cartwright Crist of the bill (H.R. 1304) to amend the Em- Conaway Hensarling McHenry Beyer Castor (FL) Crowley Connolly Herrera Beutler McKinley Bishop (GA) Castro (TX) Cuellar ployee Retirement Income Security Cook Hice, Jody B. McMorris Blumenauer Chu, Judy Cummings Act of 1974, the Public Health Service Cooper Higgins (LA) Rodgers Blunt Rochester Cicilline Davis (CA) Act, and the Internal Revenue Code of Correa Higgins (NY) McNerney Bonamici Clark (MA) DeGette Costa Hill McSally Boyle, Brendan Clarke (NY) Delaney 1986 to exclude from the definition of Costello (PA) Himes Meadows F. Clay DeLauro health insurance coverage certain med- Courtney Holding Meehan Brady (PA) Cleaver DelBene ical stop-loss insurance obtained by Cramer Hollingsworth Meeks Brown (MD) Clyburn Demings certain plan sponsors of group health Crawford Hoyer Meng Brownley (CA) Cohen DeSaulnier Crist Hudson Messer Bustos Connolly Deutch plans on which the yeas and nays were Crowley Huizenga Mitchell Butterfield Conyers Dingell ordered. Cuellar Hultgren Moolenaar

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:38 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05AP7.015 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H2732 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 5, 2017 Mooney (WV) Rokita Suozzi HOUR OF MEETING ON TOMORROW CLIMATE ALARMISTS OFFER NO Moore Rooney, Francis Swalwell (CA) SOLUTIONS Moulton Rooney, Thomas Takano Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Speaker, I ask Mullin J. Taylor unanimous consent that when the (Mr. SMITH of Texas asked and was Murphy (FL) Ros-Lehtinen Tenney House adjourns today, it adjourn to Murphy (PA) Rosen given permission to address the House Thompson (CA) meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow. Nadler Roskam Thompson (MS) for 1 minute and to revise and extend Napolitano Ross Thompson (PA) The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. his remarks.) Neal Rothfus Thornberry COMER). Is there objection to the re- Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Newhouse Rouzer Tiberi quest of the gentleman from Arkansas? climate change alarmists always pre- Noem Roybal-Allard Tipton There was no objection. Nolan Royce (CA) Titus dict cataclysmic events that will inevi- Norcross Ruiz Tonko f tably occur when the world’s tempera- Nunes Ruppersberger Torres MOMENT OF SILENCE REMEM- ture rises by more than 2 degrees Cel- O’Halleran Rush Trott O’Rourke Russell sius. Tsongas BERING VIRGINIA TECH VICTIMS Olson Rutherford Turner But all the howling and gnashing of Palazzo Ryan (OH) (Mr. GRIFFITH asked and was given Upton teeth signifies nothing. It is all pos- Pallone Sanford permission to address the House for 1 Valadao Palmer Sarbanes turing for their own purposes, includ- Vargas minute.) Panetta Scalise ing a desire to control people’s lives or Veasey Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I am Pascrell Schiff get another government grant or an Paulsen Schneider Vela joined today by Members of the Vir- ´ Payne Schrader Velazquez ginia delegation and Members who academic promotion. Pearce Schweikert Wagner were affected by the horrific attack by The Paris climate agreement, sup- Perlmutter Scott (VA) Walberg ported by about 200 countries, would, Walden a gunman at Virginia Tech on April 16, Perry Scott, Austin at best, only prevent an increase in Peters Scott, David Walker 2007. Today, we ask that all pause to Peterson Sensenbrenner Walorski remember the victims of this attack. temperature by one-sixth of a degree Pingree Serrano Walters, Mimi Although 10 years have passed, those Celsius. Walz Pittenger Sessions whose lives were tragically cut short or If the Paris Agreement has little im- Pocan Sewell (AL) Wasserman Poe (TX) Shea-Porter Schultz altered forever will not be forgotten. pact on global temperatures, then no Polis Sherman Weber (TX) As we approach April 16, I ask that we regulation proposed by the Obama ad- Posey Shimkus Webster (FL) keep the families and loved ones of the ministration nor any single bill intro- Price (NC) Shuster Welch duced in Congress would have any sig- Quigley Simpson Wenstrup victims in our thoughts and our pray- Ratcliffe Sinema Westerman ers. nificant impact on climate change— Reed Sires Wilson (FL) May God bless the Hokie community, not one regulation, not one piece of Reichert Smith (MO) Wilson (SC) their courage, their spirit, and their legislation. Renacci Smith (NE) Wittman Rice (NY) Smith (NJ) Womack determination to honor the memory of So the next time you hear or read Rice (SC) Smith (WA) Woodall those not here today. about some imminent calamity due to Richmond Smucker Yarmuth Accordingly, I would ask that all climate change, remember it is just all Roby Soto Yoder Members join me at this time in a mo- words and no action. Roe (TN) Speier Yoho Rogers (AL) Stefanik Young (AK) ment of silence. The real solution isn’t more ineffec- Rogers (KY) Stewart Young (IA) f tive and costly regulations. It is inno- Rohrabacher Stivers Zeldin RECENT CHEMICAL ATTACKS IN vative technology that will make all NAYS—16 SYRIA forms of energy cleaner and less expen- sive. Conyers Jayapal Schakowsky (Mr. LANGEVIN asked and was given DeSaulnier Johnson (GA) Visclosky f Evans Kaptur Waters, Maxine permission to address the House for 1 Green, Al Lee Watson Coleman minute and to revise and extend his re- HONORING BISHOP JIMMY W. Grijalva Lewis (GA) marks.) GLENN, SR. Huffman Raskin Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, yester- (Mr. VEASEY asked and was given NOT VOTING—13 day, dozens of Syrians suffered yet again at the hands of Bashar al-Assad permission to address the House for 1 Beatty Lawrence Slaughter minute.) Bishop (UT) McEachin Smith (TX) when he employed chemical weapons in Bridenstine Pelosi Williams an attack that left children gasping for Mr. VEASEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise Davis, Danny Poliquin air and suffering in the middle of the today to honor Bishop Jimmy W. King (NY) Sa´ nchez streets. In the deadliest chemical at- Glenn, Sr., who was recently elevated tack in Syria since 2013, the death toll to Auxiliary Bishop of Texas’ North- b 1557 has now surpassed 70 and continues to east Fourth Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ. Mr. NADLER changed his vote from rise. Bishop Glenn first embraced the call ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ This attack was morally reprehen- to serve at the young age of 8 years old So the bill was passed. sible, but let’s be clear: this attack is the fault of President Assad, and it is a when he began singing at revival serv- The result of the vote was announced war crime. He must be held account- ices around Texas. By the time he was as above recorded. able for his actions, as must the Rus- 21, Bishop Glenn was licensed and or- A motion to reconsider was laid on sian regime that continues to enable dained to serve as minister and began the table. his acts of carnage. to travel across the State of Texas to Stated for: Such barbarism is an attack on our help spread the word of Christ. Mr. POLIQUIN. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. collective humanity, and a chemical Bishop Glenn has served in various 220 on passage of H.R. 1304, I am not re- attack of this nature must never hap- Fort Worth churches, including Geth- corded because I inadvertently missed the pen again in Syria or anywhere else in semane Church of God in Christ, St. vote. Had I been present, I would have voted the world, and the world must not look Mary Church of God in Christ, and ‘‘aye.’’ the other way. Greater Love Chapel Church of God in Mr. Speaker, I condemn this attack Christ. PERSONAL EXPLANATION and these actions in the strongest pos- A true servant with a heart for oth- Ms. SA´ NCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. sible terms. I am grateful to the hu- ers, he took on a major leadership role 219, On Motion to Table Appeal of the Ruling manitarian groups and the medical per- within the Church of God in Christ and of the Chair, I was unavoidably detained and sonnel who are tending to these now serves as the vice president of the missed the vote. Had I been present, I would wounds today. My heart breaks for the National Evangelist Department. have voted ‘‘nay.’’ victims who were injured and killed in On May 5, Bishop Glenn will be rec- I was also unavoidably detained for rollcall Syria. ognized for his recent elevation to Aux- No. 220, H.R. 1304, the Self-Insurance Pro- Let us speak out as a world with one iliary Bishop of Texas’ Northeast tection Act and missed the vote. Had I been voice to condemn this attack and say: Fourth Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction dur- present, I would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ Never again. ing their inaugural banquet.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:38 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05AP7.016 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2733 I hope you will all join me in con- complex, we are constantly sending our scourge. We have heard from law en- gratulating Bishop Glenn on this mo- diplomats to places further afield. forcement officers and healthcare pro- mentous achievement. They are deserving of our full support viders who have chronicled the growing f and our utmost respect for their brav- influx of crime and addiction in our so- ery, dedication, and service in defense ciety. DO YOUR JOB of the United States and our values. In 2016, in Broome County alone in (Mr. GALLAGHER asked and was I call on my colleagues to join me in my district, 76 people died from drug given permission to address the House protecting our strategically important overdoses. Ninety percent of those for 1 minute.) investments in diplomats, diplomacy, deaths were opioid related. Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, trust and development, as well as defense. We have kicked the can down the in government is at a record low, and it f road for far too long. Now, Congress is not hard to see why. must act swiftly and work to provide In 2016, Members of the House of Rep- HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. resources for those struggling with ad- resentatives were in session for a total BUDDY HICKS diction by supporting rehabilitation of just 55 full legislative days. That is (Mr. POE of Texas asked and was centers, as well as educational and pre- 55 days out of 365. In what other job are given permission to address the House ventative programs. you allowed to work for just 55 days a for 1 minute and to revise and extend That is why I am taking the lead on year? his remarks.) the national level by supporting the Looking at this, it is not hard to un- Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is funding of the Comprehensive Addic- derstand why Congress has a lower ap- with heavy heart that I rise today to tion and Recovery Act in the 2018 budg- proval rating than cockroaches, honor the life and memory of my et. This is only a start, but I will con- colonoscopies, and Genghis Khan. friend, Dr. Buddy Hicks of Kingwood, tinue to fight across all sectors to find Despite working for 55 days out of Texas, who passed away Sunday while comprehensive and caring solutions to the year, Members of this body are paid delivering a sermon at Pipeline Church this tragedy in our communities. more than three times the median in Humble, Texas. f household income in America. This is a photograph of Buddy and his RECENT ATTACKS IN SYRIA Mr. Speaker, this is why I have intro- wife, Carolyn, and their grandson, Cole. duced the Do Your Job Act, which Buddy was doing what he loved to do (Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was would prohibit Congress from taking a until the very moment that the good given permission to address the House recess until it passes a budget and Lord called him home. The Lord called for 1 minute.) funds the government. In other words, him home right in the middle of his Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I Congress can’t take a vacation until it sermon. rise as a mother. As I looked at the does its job. I know this sounds simple. For nearly 30 years, Buddy has faith- video of young children trying to sur- But where I am from in northeast Wis- fully and tenaciously ministered to vive, trying to live in Syria—this is consin, if you don’t do your job, you congregations throughout the great one of the most potent pictures—I had lose that job; if you don’t finish your State of Texas. He was a man of God, to come and cry out for the mothers work, you do not collect a paycheck. always had a smile, never met a and children of that vile and heinous Here we are just a day away from stranger. He spent his life spreading act. I am calling upon Americans and this leaving this Chamber for a 2-week the gospel to communities throughout government to stop talking and to act, break from legislative activity, risking Texas and bringing other followers to to begin to demand that Russia stop government shutdown, and yet we are fellowship with each other. assisting President Assad—himself a leaving. Buddy was a member of my pastors’ terrorist—against his people and begin This is unacceptable, and this is why roundtable, an organization that he or- to understand that the chemical attack I am standing before you today. I am ganized that had religious leaders from was driven by Assad’s bombers. urging all of my colleagues in the 115th all faiths come together to work to- No matter where it might have been, Congress to unite behind a simple idea: gether in our community. you have to know that families are let’s work together and do our jobs. I leaned on him for prayer and guid- here. f ance. I have a great deal of apprecia- To my Syrian neighbors in Houston, tion for Buddy and his dedication to STATE DEPARTMENT CUTS Texas, we are standing with you. We church and the Humble-area commu- must find a resolution. (Mr. SCHNEIDER asked and was nity. He will be sorely missed. Even as we are investigating Russian given permission to address the House My prayers are with his wife, Caro- collusion and Russian investigation for 1 minute and to revise and extend lyn; their three children, Angela, into elections, the President must say his remarks.) Shari, and Trey—Trey worked for me to Vladimir Putin to become a world Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise here in Congress—and our prayers also citizen and not a thug. This is today in support of our Nation’s dedi- go to his two grandchildren, Cole and thuggish. We are killing people. cated diplomats, the hardworking men Zoe, for they will miss their Pops. The Syrian people and Syria deserve and women at the State Department 2 Timothy 4:7 recites Buddy’s life to to live. We must stand up and fight to- and USAID who are heroically serving a tee: gether, and I hope that we will imme- our country here and around the world. ‘‘I have fought the good fight, I have diately be able to respond to this with In his very first budget, President finished the race, I have kept the the United Nations, with our sur- Trump has proposed draconian cuts to faith.’’ rounding neighbors, and with legisla- these agencies. These reductions And that is just the way it is. tion that brings sanctions against Rus- threaten not only our leadership in the f sia and Assad. world, but they put our Nation’s people and interests at unnecessary risk. OPIOID EPIDEMIC f Our global leadership depends on bal- (Ms. TENNEY asked and was given MAJOR GOALS anced investment in three areas: de- permission to address the House for 1 (Mr. BIGGS asked and was given per- fense, diplomacy, and development. minute and to revise and extend her re- mission to address the House for 1 Undermining any one of these pillars marks.) minute and to revise and extend his re- weakens all of them. Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise marks.) The State Department and USAID’s today to recognize families across this Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today effectiveness and success is not a func- great country who have been tragically to speak to my constituents and report tion of equipment or technology. Rath- affected by the growing opioid epi- on promises I made to them. er, it is the experience, capabilities, demic plaguing our communities. I promised to introduce legislation to and strategic deployment of our people. All too often, we hear the heart- prevent Members of Congress from In a world where our challenges are, wrenching stories from families who being paid until a balanced budget is every day, more numerous and more have lost loved ones to this pernicious passed.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:38 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.060 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H2734 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 5, 2017 I promised to rein in bureaucratic Our Father, who art in Heaven, hal- ing to honor Representative Rankin rulemaking and restore Article I au- lowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom and to share what 100 years of women thority to Congress. come, Thy will be done, on Earth as it in Congress means to them. I promised to end the ObamaCare is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily Mr. Speaker, with that said, I yield loophole that is designed to benefit bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Members of Congress. we forgive those who trespass against FRANKEL), my friend and co-chair of I promised to pass Grant’s Law to us. Lead us not into temptation, but the Congressional Women’s Caucus. protect innocent U.S. citizens from vio- deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speak- lent illegal immigrants. kingdom, and the power, and the glory er, it is an honor to be with you today. I promised to ensure that Common forever and ever. First of all, I want to celebrate Core never becomes a Federal mandate, In Jesus’ name, Amen. Jeannette Rankin also as being the and that States and local officials have f first woman in Congress. authority over the teaching of our Na- Today I am going to talk about tion’s youth. JEANNETTE RANKIN AND 100 someone who was my role model, one I promised to remove Arizona from YEARS OF WOMEN IN CONGRESS of my favorites, Bella Abzug. the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under Bella Abzug was a leading liberal ac- place it into a newly established 12th the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- tivist and politician. She lived from circuit that can provide more equal ac- uary 3, 2017, the gentlewoman from In- 1920 to 1998, and was especially known cess to justice. diana (Mrs. BROOKS) is recognized for 60 for her work with women’s rights. I am pleased to inform and report to minutes as the designee of the major- After graduating from Columbia Uni- my constituents that I have cospon- ity leader. versity Law School, she became in- sored legislation to address all six of GENERAL LEAVE volved in the antinuclear and peace my promises. I am working every day Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speak- movements. In the 1960s, she helped or- to pass these bills through the United er, I ask unanimous consent that all ganize the Women Strike for Peace and States Congress. My constituents ex- Members have 5 legislative days in the National Women’s Political Cau- pect me to keep every promise I made. which to revise and extend their re- cus. I intend to do that just as long as I am marks, and include extraneous mate- I just want to say that I feel like that in this body. rials on the topic of my Special Order. is how I got my start in political activ- f The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ism, was in the antiwar marches in the 1960s at Boston University. b 1615 objection to the request of the gentle- woman from Indiana? Mrs. Abzug won a seat in the United HONORING THE LIFE OF KAREN There was no objection. States House of Representatives, where DELANEY SHIDELEFF IN HER Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speak- she advocated for women’s rights and FIGHT WITH ALS er, I rise today to remember the first withdrawal from the Vietnam war. And (Mr. FITZPATRICK asked and was woman elected to Congress, Jeannette even after leaving office, she continued given permission to address the House Rankin. 100 years ago this week, on to work on many causes, including the for 1 minute and to revise and extend April 2, 1917, Jeannette Rankin in- establishment of the Women’s Environ- his remarks.) spired millions of Americans when she ment and Development Organization. Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I became the first woman in the Nation’s Incidentally, I know we have a lot of rise today in recognition of my con- history to serve in the United States Harvard lawyers in this Congress, but stituent, Karen Delaney Shideleff of House of Representatives. she was rejected because of her gender. Ottsville, who passed away this Janu- It is hard for me to believe, but But kudos to Columbia because they ary after a courageous fight with ALS. Jeannette Rankin served in Congress got her. During her 6 years with ALS, Karen before women had the national right to She was known for her hats and her did everything to make a difference vote in this country. In fact, it was a big voice, and she really left a mark for and serve as an advocate for individ- driving force behind her decision to run many of us. uals and families living with ALS. She for elected office. Upon her historic Representative BROOKS, I am happy participated in the Ride to Defeat ALS; election in November 1916, she de- to be with you here today. I think the Phillies Phestival benefiting re- clared: ‘‘I may be the first woman there are a lot of women today who are search efforts; served as a board mem- Member of Congress, but I won’t be the feeling nervous or anxious because of ber for the Greater Philadelphia ALS last.’’ political situations, but someone like Association Chapter; and she lobbied The women who have joined me here, Bella Abzug gives us inspiration that her representatives both in Washington and are going to join me here on the you can have a big voice, you can be a and in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, all floor this afternoon, are her living leg- community activist, and you can make the while undergoing numerous drug acy, along with the more than 300 a difference in life. and other research trials. women who have served in Congress be- I am going to leave you with her The strength, compassion, and zest fore us. quote. She said of herself: for life exhibited by Karen is an inspi- Representative Rankin, a Republican ‘‘I’ve been described as a tough and ration for those dealing with the diag- from Montana, served two terms in noisy woman, a prizefighter, a man- nosis of ALS and those individuals and Congress; the first term from 1917 to hater, you name it. There are some community members committed to de- 1918, and the second term from 1941 to who say I’m impatient, uppity, rude, feating this uncompromising disease. It 1942. profane, brash and overbearing’’—oh, is with Karen’s legacy in our minds Because of Rankin’s groundbreaking my goodness, I think I am talking that the fight against ALS continues, achievement 100 years ago, hundreds of about the whole Women’s Caucus and must continue. women from across the country have here—‘‘but whatever I am—and this Our thoughts and our prayers as a made history in Congress, drawing at- ought to be made very clear at the out- nation and in this Chamber go out to tention to the pressing issues of their set—I am a very serious woman.’’ Karen’s husband, Bob, and her family time and creating policies that have Mr. Speaker, I want to thank another and friends. impacted generations of Americans. We very serious woman. It has been a f are as diverse as the districts we rep- pleasure to be with you and to honor resent, and I am pleased to be joined on the women who came before us and led THE LORD’S PRAYER the floor by my fellow women in Con- the pathway. (Mr. RUSH asked and was given per- gress to celebrate this important mile- Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speak- mission to address the House for 1 stone. er, I thank Congresswoman FRANKEL minute and to revise and extend his re- In recognition of her work and the for her remarks and for reminding us marks.) rich history of women in Congress, that often while those of us in this Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I want to re- Members of Congress from across the arena might be called names, we are a cite this prayer: country, across party lines, will be ris- strong voice. She was a very serious

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:38 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.062 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2735 legislator, as are you. I just want to I am reminded of this each time I women of color: 18 African Americans, thank you for your leadership in this look at my two young girls, Grace and 10 Latinos, nine Asian Pacific Island- body and thank you for being a part of Brynn; and I look at them and I see so ers, and one multiracial Member. honoring the 100 years of women in the much boundless potential. That is why In 1951, Ruth Thompson, a longtime House. I view this centennial, this milestone, lawyer and judge, became the first Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentle- so much bigger than Congress. It is not woman to represent my home State of woman from Washington (Mrs. MCMOR- a date on the calendar. It is a celebra- Michigan in Congress. She was the first RIS RODGERS), my friend, our Repub- tion of the American spirit. Our coun- woman to serve on the House Judiciary lican Conference chair, the fourth high- try is the place where you can imagine Committee. est Republican in the House, and also what is possible, and then go out and Since then, we have had nine more the highest ranking woman in Con- make it happen. female Members from Michigan, in- gress. I welcome her to discuss and Our government is where good ideas, cluding myself. I am proud to be in the honor Jeannette Rankin. no matter their source, can be debated, 115th Congress to stand alongside Con- Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. considered, and crafted into law, and gresswoman DEBBIE DINGELL and Sen- Speaker, a big ‘‘thank you’’ to SUSAN where our ideas and values can have ator DEBBIE STABENOW. We work to- BROOKS and LOIS FRANKEL, co-chairs of real and positive impact on millions of gether for the Michigan delegation and the Women’s Caucus for this Congress, lives. the Congressional delegation to ad- for bringing us all together to cele- I want my daughters to know that vance the concerns of women and brate Jeannette Rankin. not only should they take a seat at the issues in our great State. This body, the people’s House, is the table, but that there is a seat reserved I also want to recognize a woman heart of representative government, for them. I want them to know that that truly I stand on her shoulders, and and it functions best when everyone, when they speak, the world should lis- that was the first African-American no matter their background or their ten; that when they act, it is with pur- woman to serve in Congress, Shirley walk of life, has a voice. And 100 years pose; and when they lead, they can Chisholm. ago, Jeannette Rankin gave women change the world. So we have, in our history of Con- that voice. She shattered a glass ceil- After 100 years, we stand on the gress, so many women who paved the ing here in Congress and paved the way shoulders of giants, but we stand there way, opened doors, and have been role for more than 300 women to lead and to to lift up the next generation higher models not only for us standing here serve. today but for women all over the coun- As she famously said: ‘‘I may be the than ourselves. We stand there so that try. first woman Member of Congress, but I every woman has a voice and has an I will work with my colleagues across won’t be the last.’’ opportunity to be legendary, and so And she was right. We now have 104 that women can keep making history the aisle to see that the concerns of women serving the Halls of Congress, for many years to come. women are addressed and to continue more than any other time in history. Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speak- increasing our representation in local Today, women play key roles in all er, I thank the gentlewoman so very government. areas of policymaking. We are involved much, and I am so inspired by the fact In the words of Representative in the budget, tax reform, education, that the gentlewoman is the first Rankin, we are half of the people, and health care, and national security. woman to have given birth to three we should be half of Congress. Every day, women bring their unique children while serving in Congress, also Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speak- perspectives, talents, and passions into her service in her State legislature be- er, I want to thank the gentlewoman the national debate, and remind us fore and her role in leadership in this from Michigan for her work as vice that all issues are women’s issues. Ev- body. I just want to thank her very chair of the bipartisan Women’s Cau- erything we have accomplished as much for being a part of this. cus. I also want to thank her so much women leaders: the first female speak- Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentle- for partnering with me and visiting a er, the first female committee chair- woman from Michigan (Mrs. LAW- school in Detroit where my son was a man, the first African-American RENCE), my friend from the State to student teacher. I will forever remem- woman; and Latinas; the first women the north of Indiana, and would turn it ber our partnership visiting with those to have children while serving in Con- over to her for any thoughts she might kids at Davison Elementary and want gress. All of these advances and mile- have celebrating 100 years of women in to thank her for that. stones were made possible by the brav- Congress. Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, it is a great example of how we work to- ery of women in the early 20th century. b 1630 Rankin had the courage to say: Why gether. I thank the gentlewoman from not me? Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I Indiana for her leadership. She had the courage to step up and thank the gentlewoman from Indiana Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. I now yield be the first, and she couldn’t even vote for being co-chair of the Women’s Cau- to the gentlewoman from California in the election, but she won and stood cus and for being an amazing mother. (Mrs. MIMI WALTERS), the other vice in this very Chamber and spoke her Mr. Speaker, I rise today to illus- chair of the Women’s Caucus, my mind. I find it incredibly moving. It is trate the importance of 100 years of friend. so powerful. women in Congress. Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. She was a trailblazer, and she really On April 2, 1917, Jeannette Rankin Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my set the standard for women. She stood from Montana was sworn in as the first fellow female Members of the House of strong in her beliefs when everyone woman ever to serve in Congress. Her Representatives to pay tribute to around her challenged her ideas, her life was filled with extraordinary Jeannette Rankin, the first woman methods, even her very presence. achievements, and she was one of the elected to the U.S. House of Represent- This is the example everyone in the few suffragists elected to Congress and atives 100 years ago. Chamber should be setting—is setting the only Member of Congress to vote A mere 4 years after Congresswoman for the next generation of women lead- against the U.S. participation in both Rankin’s landmark election, three ers. Fortunately, we have a strong World War I and World War II. more women were elected to Congress, foundation. We are following in the She has said that ‘‘I may be the first including Mae Ella Nolan. footsteps of so many inspiring women: woman,’’ but we all know she said ‘‘I Congresswoman Nolan was not only Jeannette Rankin, Edith Rogers, Clare won’t be the last,’’ holding the door the first woman from California to be Boothe Luce, Coya Knutson, Lindy open for all of us to follow behind her. elected to Congress, she was also the Boggs, Jennifer Dunn, to name a few. While we have a long way to go for first woman to chair a congressional The women in this room and the hun- women representing Congress, in 2017, committee. dreds that came before us show the we are in the company of 104 amazing Mr. Speaker, now a century after world that women have something women in Congress. We are 19 percent Jeannette Rankin was sworn into Con- unique, something special to offer the of the 535 Members who serve. Thirty- gress, it is not enough to simply recog- world. eight of the 104 women in Congress are nize the significant contributions

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That is why we must products made in Nazi Germany. woman from Tennessee (Mrs. BLACK), work together to expand opportunities, The release of John Steinbeck’s sem- my good friend, and actually the chair remove barriers, and empower the next inal novel, ‘‘The Grapes of Wrath,’’ of the Budget Committee. I have long generation of women. consumed her. She began studying the admired her career since joining the We must always remember that we plight of migrant farmworkers coming conference, and I just want to thank stand on the shoulders of those who to California from the Dust Bowl her for being here and look forward to came before us and fought for equal- States. anything she might share with us ity—equality of opportunity, not-qual- After meeting the author, Helen was about her thoughts about women serv- ity of outcome. named president of the John Steinbeck ing for 100 years here in Congress. As we strive to make our country Committee and became the national Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentle- stronger for the next generation, we spokesperson for the rights of mi- woman. must continue to fight so that each grants. Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Speaker, I thank woman has an equal opportunity to That work attracted the attention of the gentlewoman from Indiana for compete and to excel based on her President and First Lady Franklin and yielding to me and for hosting this abilities and accomplishments. Eleanor Roosevelt, and Eleanor became very important Special Order where we I want to thank the co-chairs of the a mentor to Helen. recognize women and, in particular, Helen Gahagan Douglas won the open Congressional Women’s Caucus, Con- Jeannette Rankin. congressional seat in California’s 14th Mr. Speaker, I want to rise today to gresswoman BROOKS, and Congress- District in 1944. She was in the Holly- honor Jeannette Rankin and to cele- woman FRANKEL, for sponsoring this wood area, and that was her district. brate 100 years of women in Congress. Special Order. She served three terms in Congress, Jeannette inspired millions of Ameri- Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speak- earning a reputation as a deep thinker, cans when she became the first woman er, I want to thank the gentlewoman voice for the downtrodden, and skilled in the Nation’s history to serve in the from California for spending time with orator. House of Representatives. us and talking about the women who In 1950, she ran for the United States A Republican and a former school- came before us who fought for equality, Senate, facing fellow southern Cali- teacher from Montana, Jeannette de- who fought for us, and women like fornia Congressman Richard Nixon. clared ‘‘I may be the first woman Mem- Jeannette Rankin who actually fought In the campaign, Nixon conflated her ber of Congress, but I won’t be the so hard that she fought her way here anti-Nazi views and work for migrant last,’’ as is seen on the poster that the before women had the right to vote in workers with being a communist fellow gentlewoman from Indiana has right this country. traveler. there in front of the Chamber. Mr. Speaker, the gentlewoman from He also employed anti-Semitic surro- Mr. Speaker, while we may not agree California, too, has served in her State gates who attacked her for marrying a on all the issues, Jeannette and I share legislature, and I want to commend her Jewish man. a vision to preserve and protect the for her service and being a role model These and other low-campaign tac- American Dream for future genera- for so many people in her State. tics spurred Douglas to call Nixon tions. Mr. Speaker, I yield to another gen- ‘‘Tricky Dicky,’’ a moniker that stuck We do so with the hope that young tlewoman from the State of California with him his entire career. girls, like my two granddaughters, (Ms. SPEIER), who, in my time here in During the Watergate scandal, more would be able to live a life they choose Congress, I have observed has fought than two decades after the 1950 Senate for themselves, not that someone else on behalf of women and girls and has race, a popular bumper sticker in Cali- chooses for them. fought, in particular, with respect to fornia read, ‘‘Don’t blame me, I voted For me, this topic is deeply personal. issues involving sexual violence and for Helen Gahagan Douglas.’’ I spent the first years of my life in pub- other violence against women. I want After her death in 1980, California lic housing, the daughter of parents to commend her for that work. State Senator Alan Cranston delivered with no more than a ninth-grade edu- Mr. Speaker, I would love to hear her a stirring eulogy on the Senate floor. cation. thoughts on the 100 years of women in He said: ‘‘I believe Helen Gahagan I came from a background where peo- Congress. Douglas was one of the grandest, most ple didn’t always know how to dream, Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I thank eloquent, and deepest-thinking people and, as a result, I was prepared to set- the gentlewoman from Indiana for cre- we have had in American politics. She tle for a life of unfulfilled potential. I ating this opportunity for us to cele- stands among the best of our 20th cen- had started to believe that, as a young brate 100 years of women serving in tury leaders, rivaling even Eleanor woman growing up in the fifties and Congress. Roosevelt in stature, compassion, and the sixties, who literally lived on the It is remarkable that we are still try- simple greatness.’’ other side of the tracks, maybe the ing to see our numbers inch upwards But it is Congresswoman Gahagan American Dream wasn’t for me. and continue to be at something like 19 Douglas’ own words that speak best for But in time, doors of opportunity percent when women represent over 50 her legacy. As we celebrate 100 years of were opened that helped me to realize a percent of the voting population. women in Congress, I can think of few plan for my life that was greater than I thought it would be interesting to quotes more fitting than Helen’s: ‘‘I I could ever imagine. highlight one of these women in Con- knew men never would share power I became the first person in my fam- gress, a great woman, and one that I with women willingly. If we wanted it, ily to earn a college degree. I fulfilled have long admired. Her name is Helen we would have to take it.’’ my desire of becoming a nurse, and I Gahagan Douglas. She was the first Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speak- became privileged to serve in the Ten- California woman elected to Congress er, I thank the gentlewoman from Cali- nessee General Assembly, and now in in her own right—in that case, not suc- fornia for sharing the trials and tribu- Congress. ceeding a deceased husband. lations of a woman who came before us. I have traveled far corners of the Helen Gahagan was an actress and an As she said, as I look throughout our world, and I have seen the struggle opera singer who did not consider her- Chamber, the descriptions of her as that women endure for access to edu- self political until a chance conversa- grand and eloquent and deep-thinking cation, a paycheck, and for real inde- tion she had over coffee while per- really remind me of so many of the pendence. I am keenly aware that only forming in Vienna, Austria, in 1938. women who we serve with currently here in this country is my story even The man was a Nazi sympathizer, and today. possible.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:38 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.066 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2737 Only here could someone like me go We come from all parts of this coun- woman as well for being an incredible from living in the halls of public hous- try to talk about women here serving role model, not only for the young ing to serving in the halls of the United in the House over the last 100 years. women of American Samoa, but for the States Capitol—that is why we call While I come from the Midwest, we young men of American Samoa be- this the American Dream. heard from the West Coast, CATHY cause, as I have often said, we need to Jeannette Rankin reminds us that MCMORRIS RODGERS. We heard from the also bring along the young men to sup- the people’s House represents Ameri- other Midwest Member, BRENDA LAW- port young women who choose to run cans from all walks of life. Today in RENCE from Michigan, the great State for office. I assume the gentlewoman Congress, we have 104 women serving, of California, but I don’t think anyone had many of them in her election get- and I am honored to be the first female comes as far to serve in the House of ting involved and helping her come to chairman of the Budget Committee. Representatives as the next Member I this place and be a voice for American As we celebrate 100 years of women am about to introduce. Samoa. in Congress, we must resolve to ensure Congresswoman AMATA COLEMAN I know the gentlewoman’s work on that stories like ours are not unique. RADEWAGEN joins us from American the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, that The work we have done here in Con- Samoa, so she represents a territory she has continued to be a strong voice gress must reach today’s young women and travels tremendous distances to be for the men and women of our armed with the truth that they have God- here in this body each and every week services and veterans, and I want to given talents waiting to be used, and that we are in session. thank her for that fine work. that the American Dream is theirs to I have really enjoyed getting to know At this time, I welcome a new friend share as well. you as a Member. With the beautiful and a new colleague to talk about the I again thank the gentlewoman from reminder of the flower that you wear women in Congress, someone whom I Indiana (Mrs. BROOKS) and the gentle- regularly here in this body, you remind have just recently met, Congressman woman from Florida (Ms. FRANKEL) for us of the incredibly beautiful place RASKIN from the great State of Mary- bringing us together to celebrate this from which you come and the proud land. I welcome him to this body and monumental anniversary. people that you represent. I look for- to the Chamber and any thoughts that Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speak- ward to hearing your remarks. he might want to share. I know that he er, I want to thank the gentlewoman I yield to the gentlewoman from comes from the academic world prior from Tennessee for spending her time American Samoa (Mrs. RADEWAGEN). to coming here, as a professor. And for with us today. I think her story coming Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Mr. Speaker, I anything the gentleman might want to from, as she said, public housing, and I rise today to commemorate the 100th share with us on his thoughts on think over time because of education anniversary of the swearing in of the women serving in Congress, I yield to and because of opportunities in this first woman to serve in Congress, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. country, and she started the business, Jeannette Rankin of Montana. RASKIN). she got her nursing degree, she started As the first woman to represent Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank a business before coming here to Con- American Samoa, I could not be more the gentlewoman so much for con- gress, served in her State Legislature honored and humbled to be here today vening this superb discussion of as well, I know she is a mom, she is a to salute this great woman who paved Jeannette Rankin and a century of grandmother, she has been an incred- the way for each and every one of us women in Congress. She, of course, was ible voice here in the House, and she serving in Congress today. part of the great generation of suffrag- really does show that everything is Imagine the difficulties she had to ettes who transformed America by win- possible in this country. Yet I really deal with as the first woman in Con- ning the right for women to vote, first appreciate her acknowledging that we gress—in 1917, no less—a woman who in a lot of the State legislatures and by are standing on the shoulders of the stood by her convictions no matter the women who came before us. way of State constitutional amend- cost. It must have been extremely ment, and then by way of the 19th b 1645 harrowing for her at times, but she sol- Amendment. So it is a fitting tribute I just want to thank the gentle- diered on as one would expect from the that the gentlewoman brought every- woman, and I know other women in first female in what was at the time, body together to do this. Tennessee serve as well. The chair of and in many ways still is, a male-domi- I was reflecting today, when I heard my subcommittee, Congresswoman nated world. that this was going to happen, about MARSHA BLACKBURN, is serving as chair The Congresswoman was a woman of the fact that we have, in Congress, I of the Communications and Tech- rock-solid principles which she abso- think it is 85 women now, which is nology Subcommittee of the Energy lutely would not budge from, as evi- about one-fifth of the Chamber, and I and Commerce Committee, and there denced by her being the only Member think there are 20 U.S. Senators, which have just been terrific folks that have of Congress to vote against involve- is also one-fifth on the Senate side. Ob- come from Tennessee. ment in both world wars, a position viously, those numbers are not propor- Mrs. BLACK. It is really just such a that was very unpopular at the time. tionate to women’s place in the popu- wonder when we look at this country But she stood by her beliefs and could lation. and, having traveled, as I know that not be swayed, an example for all of us. I hope that we could use the anniver- you have, throughout the world, see While Congresswoman Rankin served sary of Jeannette Rankin’s election to the struggles of women in many, many only two terms in Congress, her legacy reflect on things that could be done to other countries. I know we are not lives on in all of the women who have improve these numbers today. One of quite where we want to be, and I know served since and those who will in the the things that I would love to be able we have still a ways to go, but I am so future. She famously once said, and we to pursue with the gentlewoman and proud of what we do here in the United have all said it several times because it other interested Members is the use of States to lift up our women and to rec- is worth saying and repeating: multi-Member districts, which were ognize that they have talents that we ‘‘I may be the first woman Member of much more common at the time that need in every sector of our society. Congress, but I won’t be the last.’’ she first served than they are today. Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Absolutely. She was absolutely correct, and I am A lot of our States have multi-Mem- As Congresswoman MCMORRIS RODGERS grateful for her determination to en- ber districts for election to State house mentioned, there needs to be a seat re- sure that the women of this great Na- or State senate. When you use multi- served at the table here in the House. tion have a voice in Washington. Member districts, the proportion of And I certainly know that women on Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to women rises considerably because what both sides of the aisle, like yourselves, rise and join me in saluting this re- happens is people form tickets, they are mentors to other women in other markable woman and the lasting leg- form slates, and it would be very un- legislative bodies and in other elected acy she has left behind as an example usual today to form a slate that is not offices, encouraging them to come to to all women. balanced according to gender and some this body, and so I just want to thank Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speak- kind of racial, ethnic diversity. When you for that. er, I just want to commend the gentle- we have single-Member districts, it is

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:11 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.068 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H2738 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 5, 2017 much tougher to accomplish that. So across both sides of the aisle who She continued this work first as that is one of the things that we could served our State in government roles Under Secretary of Agriculture for discuss, in addition to making this at every level since our State’s found- Rural Development under President Chamber and other chambers much ing 200 years ago. Clinton and then as Board Chair and more work-family friendly, especially It was in 1851 that women in Indiana, CEO of the Farm Credit Administra- for people who are in the young par- in response to the failure of an amend- tion under President Obama. enting years. ment to our State constitution to give After nearly 20 years in the Indiana I thank the gentlewoman for what married women equal rights to prop- Legislature and as Center Township she has done and salute her on this erty, formed the Women’s Rights Asso- trustee, where she erased the city’s project. ciation of Indiana. This group worked welfare agency debt, Democratic Rep- Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. I thank the for the next 70 years to achieve wom- resentative Julia Carson, the grand- gentleman for speaking out and for en’s suffrage. mother of our own colleague now, Con- being here today. It is important that women recognize gressman ANDRE´ CARSON, was elected I think that we do have a long way to the success of other women, because we to represent our State capital city of go. There are many initiatives that are didn’t get here on our own, and encour- Indianapolis. She was the first African being undertaken around the country. age and support each other to break American and first woman to represent The gentleman’s offer or suggestion of through those barriers. The women the city in Congress, and she served for a multi-Member district is certainly that have come before us have set the 12 years. A staunch and passionate ad- not one that I am familiar with. I know groundwork for us to continue building vocate for the poor, she focused on that often our party organizations re- upon. helping people achieve financial lit- quire it to have gender balance, cer- Since winning the right to vote, eracy and supported working families. tainly in political organizations many seven women from Indiana have rep- b 1700 times. But that is certainly a concept resented Indiana in Congress. That is that I am not familiar with. only seven, and that includes me. I In 2013, Indiana sent two Republican But I will say that, as a new Member would like to highlight just some of women to Congress for the first time in of Congress, I think and am hopeful the accomplishments of the Hoosier more than 50 years. I am proud to be that, as you work in your committee women who came before me. serving in Congress alongside my good work, you will meet the incredible Virginia Ellis Jenckes was a widow friend, Representative JACKIE women in the body who serve cur- who managed her late husband’s farm WALORSKI. Born in South Bend, JACKIE rently. We, both sides of the aisle, are on the Wabash River. Serving as her served our State as a member of the In- constantly recruiting and asking more own campaign manager, and with her diana State House of Representatives women to consider serving. 19-year-old daughter as her driver, and in Congress. She has been an advo- Often, our State legislatures or city Jenckes logged 15,000 miles on a dis- cate for commonsense solutions to councils and other places are wonderful trictwide speaking tour before her elec- growing our economy and strength- places to seek out women to continue tion in 1933, unseating a 16-year vet- ening our national security from the to serve in office, and it is because of eran Congressman to become the first beginning. terrific colleagues like the gentleman female to represent Indiana in Wash- Hoosier women have certainly left who add so much. I know he is already ington. In Congress, she advocated for their marks in America’s history book, adding to this body in a significant stronger flood control measures, as but as I stand here today, I am struck way, and I want to thank him for hon- well as for American farmers, veterans, by, quite frankly, how much work we oring Jeannette Rankin. and workers. still have to do. Indiana is one of only Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk a In 1949, Representative Cecil Murray 22 States that hasn’t yet sent a female little bit more, because it was 97 years Harden became the first Republican United States Senator to Washington. ago that the 19th Amendment granted woman elected to represent Indiana. As you have heard today, 19.4 percent women the right to vote. I want you to She believed that women had an impor- of the seats in the House and Senate think about this once again. tant role to play in politics. She fa- are held by women. Jeannette Rankin was elected to mously said earlier in her career: ‘‘The A lot has been accomplished by Congress before she could even vote, more interest you take in politics, the women like Representative Jeannette before women had the right to vote. more you meet your responsibilities as Rankin—four women in the past 100 And can you imagine being elected be- a citizen.’’ She served for five terms years—and, today, I want to encourage fore women across the country could and pushed for more women to become all of us to consider how much further really cast a ballot? That is pretty in- engaged in and consider running for we can go in the next 100 years. credible and pretty historic. public office. And, in fact, I was pleased I am pleased that another colleague, She had a vision that women in Con- that her great-granddaughter was in- a freshman from the great State of gress would one day be equal to the volved in my first run for office. Washington, is joining a previous Con- number of men, their male colleagues. In 1982, Representative Katie Hall be- gresswoman, CATHY MCMORRIS ROD- Now, unfortunately, 100 years later, we came the first African-American GERS, from the State of Washington, are still far short of that goal. The re- woman from Indiana to be elected to who was here earlier. I was pleased to ality is that many women today are Congress. Democratic Representative meet Representative JAYAPAL at our still making history by just running Hall supported measures to reduce un- first Women’s Caucus meeting. I want for elected office, just like Congress- employment, to address crime, family to welcome the gentlewoman. The gen- woman Rankin did 100 years ago. debt and bankruptcy, and alcohol and tlewoman has been an incredibly As you may or may not know, I am drug abuse. She is best remembered for strong advocate on behalf of women in the Congresswoman from the Fifth introducing and working to enact legis- her career prior to coming to Congress, Congressional District of Indiana. I lation to make Dr. Martin Luther representing Seattle and the sur- represent Hoosier communities in eight King, Jr.’s birthday a Federal holiday. rounding area, and I would welcome a urban, suburban, and rural counties in The fourth female elected to rep- discussion. central Indiana. resent our State in Congress, Rep- I want to welcome the gentlewoman What you may not know is that, resentative Jill Long Thompson, as a new member in the freshman class. when I was elected in 2012 along with earned the nickname ‘‘Jill Longshot’’ Many women have joined the gentle- my colleague Congresswoman JACKIE when she became the first woman to woman in this freshman class. I want WALORSKI, we were the first Republican earn the nomination of a major party to welcome the gentlewoman to our women to represent the State of Indi- for a U.S. Senate seat in Indiana in celebration of 100 years of women in ana in Congress in more than 50 years. 1986. Although her bid was unsuccess- Congress. By running and winning, Jackie and I ful, she went on to win a seat in the Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I thank were making history for the Indiana House in 1989. She served three terms the Congresswoman so much for her Republican Party, and we joined a in Congress, focusing on efforts to help leadership and for her work on all of proud tradition of Hoosier women Hoosier farmers. these issues.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:11 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.070 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2739 I was listening to the gentlewoman think I am one of just about a dozen want to ensure that our daughters and as I came in and thinking that I Members of Congress who were not our granddaughters have seats reserved couldn’t agree with the gentlewoman born in the United States but have the at the tables, have seats here in this more on, first of all, the need for us to great honor and privilege of becoming body in the future, and that eventually do a lot of work to continue to increase a United States citizen and now serv- this body better reflects the composi- our presence and our ability to really ing in this great body where only 11,000 tion of our country where, actually, effect policy decisions in the best ways, or so people have served before in the more than 50 percent of our population but also to celebrate the accomplish- history of our country. is women. We need to do what we can ments of Jeannette Rankin as well as So I thank the gentlewoman again to encourage women to continue to all of the Congress Members that are for her leadership. I look forward to seek out leadership opportunities at all here. working with the gentlewoman. I ap- levels, whether it is working in student I am so proud to represent the Sev- preciate her yielding in her Special government in their schools, whether enth District in Seattle. When I ran for Order hour. Hopefully, it is a great it is working in student government in the State senate, it was my first run symbol of the things we can do to- their colleges and universities, whether for elective office. I became the only gether. it is having a leadership role in their woman of color in the State senate. Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. I thank the church group, or whether it is having a But our State has traditionally been gentlewoman so very much for coming leadership role in their neighborhood very strong with women’s leadership. here today. group or in their Y or in their 4–H. We are fortunate to have two women I think the gentlewoman has re- All of these things can help give Senators. We have had a woman Gov- minded us that we are a body that re- them the skills to then go on, whether ernor and a woman mayor of the city flects the country, and the gentle- it is in their local communities, in city of Seattle. So we have, I think, made woman, indicating that she was not halls or in their local city councils or some strides that have been very im- born in this country, yet she is an in- county councils, or in their neighbor- portant to the well-being and the wel- credible role model for so many young hood associations, or in State legisla- fare of our State. men and women. As I have said pre- tures and then, really, coming to this Unfortunately, we have taken some viously, I think it is important for the body, because women do have strong, steps backwards in the last couple of young men of this country, regardless serious, and thoughtful voices. The years. The numbers of women in legis- of where they were born, who now live women before us certainly had that. It lative office at the State level have in this country, to see that women like was proud pioneers like Jeannette gone down, but I do believe that Repub- the gentlewoman are a strong voice in Rankin who came to this body before lican and Democratic women, together, this body. women had the right to vote. I want to have put together a strong agenda for While the gentlewoman mentioned continue to celebrate their accomplish- the things that we care about around that there have been about 11,000 peo- ments. The fact that women are still families. ple who have served in this body, there making history by participating in pol- I am very pleased to have already have only been about 300 women. We itics is a sign that we still have far to worked with one of the members of have a long way to go. go. your caucus across the aisle, ILEANA I also want to thank the gentle- I want to thank all of the women and ROS-LEHTINEN, on a letter around do- woman for sharing her work with the gentleman from Maryland who par- mestic violence victims and the immi- ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, who has been in ticipated in celebrating Jeannette gration system. I am very pleased Congress serving this body, a female Rankin. about the work that the gentlewoman who has been here longer than any Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance has championed and that we intend to, other female in this body. She does tre- of my time. together, lead around making sure that mendous work. She has been chair- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise families have security for themselves woman of the Foreign Affairs Com- today to commend Women’s Caucus Chairs: and for their children. mittee and continues to be a strong—I SUSAN BROOKS and LOIS FRANKEL, for hosting I rise to congratulate the gentle- assume the gentlewoman is serving this bipartisan special order focused on the woman for what the gentlewoman is with her on that committee. Achievements and Importance of Women in speaking about today, for the work Ms. JAYAPAL. Not on Foreign Af- Congress. that the gentlewoman has done, and to fairs, unfortunately, but we work on I am proud to be a Woman Member of Con- say that I remain very committed to immigration issues together. gress representing the great state of Texas. trying to find all of the areas where we Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. I think the And, as a member of the Women’s Caucus, women, together, can put forward pri- gentlewoman helps demonstrate that I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of orities that are important to us. very often we find colleagues, female Congresswoman BROOKS’ commemorative We do joke that, if they would just colleagues across the aisle, to work on resolution which honors the life and legacy of turn the keys of all elective office over issues together, whether it is on legis- the first woman to serve in i the United States to women, I think we would get a lot of lation, cosponsoring legislation or co- Congress, Jeannette Pickering Rankin, on the things done—and no disrespect to our leading legislation, whether it is lead- l00th anniversary of her swearing-in to Con- incredible male colleagues who have ing discussion groups here in the gress, who famously said ‘‘I may be the first been right there with us every step of House, or whether it is leading letters woman in Congress, but I won’t be the last.’’ the way. So I am looking forward to to the agency heads in the executive It is critical today that we take pause to this time here in the House of Rep- branch and letting them know that we highlight the importance and contributions of resentatives. stand together on those issues. women Members in Congress; as well as: I am proud to also be the first Indian- So I look forward to working with 1. Recognize the importance of the Suffrag- American woman ever elected to the the gentlewoman here in this body, and ette Movement in achieving opportunities for House of Representatives. I think that I want to thank the gentlewoman for women; as we think about getting women into her time and her thoughts. 2. Emphasize the imperative of promoting office, we also should continue our At this time, I would like to wrap up education for women in STEM; and work on making sure that women of by sharing that we see that women 3. Affirm our nation’s commitment to ex- color enter elective office and that the have taken on leadership roles like all panding opportunities for women in my home representation of people here in this of the women who have spoken here state of Texas and across the country. great Chamber that we are so honored during this past hour. In many ways, This year marks the 100th anniversary of to serve in reflects the representation these women have all made history in the first woman being elected to Congress, that we have across the country of their own rights in their communities, Representative Jeannette Rankin of Montana. women, of people of color, of African in their States, in their districts, and This resolution is a fitting way to honor Rep- Americans—as the gentlewoman men- in this body. We should celebrate each resentative Rankin’s legacy, and to celebrate tioned in her speech—of immigrants, of their accomplishments. the many contributions of the female law- and, actually, of people who have been As CATHY MCMORRIS RODGERS from makers who have succeeded her in this insti- born outside of the United States. I the great State of Washington said, we tution.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:11 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.072 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H2740 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 5, 2017 Jeannette Rankin was a trailblazer who quired a determined leader to represent the projects and programs of particular relevance broke barriers throughout her lifetime and voice of so many Americans who felt dismay to USDA. whose example continues to inspire women at their treatment. Recipient institutions have used these the world over. She took an extremely active role in chang- grants for worthy endeavors, such as: She graduated from the University of Mon- ing the way women were to be judged from 1. establishing a Jeannette Rankin Women tana with a biology degree in 1902. that point on. and Minorities in STEM Fields Program fellow- She later became active in the women’s suf- She remarked that, ‘‘Women in this country ship program for women and minority high frage movement, organizing the New York must become revolutionaries. We must refuse school students in rural areas; Women’s Suffrage Party and working for the to accept the old, the traditional roles and 2. providing mentorship and hands-on, serv- National American Woman Suffrage Associa- stereotypes.’’ ice-based learning to high school students and tion. This is a sentiment that I myself take to undergraduates in particular STEM fields; and In 1916, Representative Rankin became the heart, women in this nation are now told they 3. offering mentoring services to current un- first woman elected to Congress, even before have a right to determine the kind of life they dergraduates to help them successfully com- the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which want to lead; Shirley Chisholm was at the core plete STEM-based degrees. guaranteed the right to vote to women. of this movement. These women were in positions of great re- For all of her contributions to women’s On January 25, 1972, Chisholm announced sponsibility during times when this nation was rights, to political activism, and to this institu- her candidacy for president. under a great burden. tion, it is only fitting to pay tribute to her She stood before the cameras and in the The true greatness of their story is not just achievements. beginning of her speech she said: that they overcame the oppression they faced, This year also marks the 45th anniversary ‘‘I stand before you today as a candidate for but that they had the courage to help remedy of the first woman in her own right to rep- the Democratic nomination for the Presidency a nation that in many ways had spited them. resent Texas in the House of Representatives, of the United States. They refused to bend their principles to the Congresswoman Barbara Jordan. I am not the candidate of black America, al- hatred they faced; they were true pioneers in In 1972, Congresswoman Jordan, was the though I am black and proud. leadership. first African American elected to the Texas I am not the candidate of the women’s They are my role models in Congress be- Senate after Reconstruction, and the first movement of this country, although I am a cause they represent the kind of leaders that Southern African-American woman elected to woman, and I am equally proud of that. I am America has always needed at times of adver- the United States House of Representatives. not the candidate of any political bosses or sity, they had a spirit and a courage that could Congresswoman Barbara Jordan was a law- special interests. not be broken, they had a vision of America yer, educator, an American politician, and a I am the candidate of the people.’’ that exceeded that of most of their peers. leader of the Civil Rights Movement. Shirley Chisholm did not win the nomination; I am very proud to be a Member of Con- Today, it is with great honor that I serve in but she went on to the Democratic Convention my mentor and friend’s former seat, continuing gress and to follow in the footsteps of giants in Miami and received 151 delegates’ votes. like Jeannette Rankin, Barbara Jordan, and to carry the torch she elevated for so many More than that, she demonstrated the will and for so many years, representing the out- Shirley Chisolm. and determination of so many Americans who Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor standing constituents of Houston, Texas. had previously felt forgotten, she had lighted a We tend to think that before the Women’s the life and legacy of Jeannette Rankin, fire under so many who had felt whose groundbreaking career in Congress a and Civil Rights Movements minority Ameri- disenfranchised. cans had no ability to represent themselves in century ago paved the way for all of my fe- I am glad to walk in their footsteps and will male colleagues standing here today. government. continue to encourage women to uphold the Despite the tremendous obstacles of intimi- Jeannette Rankin was persistent, driven, principles they taught us to fight for and cher- dation and harassment that was faced by and fearless. ish. these brave Americans, they sought and won She came to the House of Representatives Because Representative Rankin is a grad- election to political office. before women even had the right to vote in uate of the sciences from a rural area, encour- Prior to her election to Congress, Jordan this country. aging participation in programs such as the taught political science at Tuskegee Institute in Jeannette Rankin’s voice in Congress was Jeannette Rankin Women and Minorities in Alabama for a year before passing the Texas instrumental for women’s suffrage. She knew STEM Fields Program is the perfect way to State bar in 1960 and starting a private law how to get things done, opening the first honor her legacy as a woman of the sciences practice by which she served her community House floor debate on women’s right to vote and the first woman elected to Congress, and with pride. in 1918. In 1994, President Clinton awarded her the to inspire the next generation of women and And she stayed true to her convictions Presidential Medal of Freedom and The minorities from rural areas to take up STEM throughout her life, advocating for peace. NAACP presented her with the Springarn fields. Today my fellow female Members of Con- Medal. Following in the footsteps of so many as- gress and I stand together to honor trail- She was honored many times and was tounding role models, we must continue to en- blazers like Jeannette Rankin, whose bravery given over 20 honorary degrees from institu- courage women, particularly those from under- and determination opened the doors for tions across the country, including Harvard served communities across the country, to women in the United States and throughout and Princeton, and was elected to the Texas participate in research and projects in all aca- the world. demic fields, and specifically in the sciences. and National Women’s Halls of Fame. f Congresswomen Jordan and Rankin both Women and minorities have been and con- dedicated their lives to the pursuit of unfet- tinue to be underrepresented in STEM fields. COMMUNICATION FROM THE tered democracy so that we all could have a Although women make up 47% of the total DEMOCRATIC LEADER voice and use it freely. U.S. labor force, they comprise only 36% of The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Shirley Chisholm became the first African the computing workforce, 24% of the engi- ROTHFUS) laid before the House the fol- American woman elected to Congress, when neering workforce, and 18% of the advanced lowing communication from the Honor- she was elected to represent the New York’s manufacturing workforce. able NANCY PELOSI, Democratic Leader: Indeed, minority representation in STEM Twelfth Congressional District in 1968 running MARCH 30, 2017. on the slogan, ‘‘Fighting Shirley Chisholm— fields is even lower, with African-American and Hon. PAUL D. RYAN, Unbought and Unbossed.’’ Latino workers comprising 29% of the general Speaker of the House of Representatives, U.S. She reflected that spirit well during her 14 workforce, but only 15% of the computing Capitol, Washington, DC. years in Congress. workforce, 12% of the engineering workforce, DEAR SPEAKER RYAN: Pursuant to Section During her first term she spoke out for civil and 6% of the advanced manufacturing work- 4(a) of House Resolution 5, 115th Congress, I rights, women’s rights, the poor and against force. am writing to appoint the following mem- The Jeannette Rankin Women and Minori- bers to the House Democracy Partnership: the Vietnam War. The Honorable David Price of North Caro- Her first term in Congress was set against ties in STEM Fields Program is one way that lina, Ranking Member the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement we can address these glaring disparities. The Honorable Keith Ellison of Minnesota and the women’s movement for equal rights. The program awards grants to universities The Honorable Susan Davis of California Shirley Chisolm had an understanding that and institutions of higher learning to distribute The Honorable Gwen Moore of Wisconsin during those turbulent times the nation re- to eligible applicants, and they prioritize The Honorable Dina Titus of Nevada

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:01 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05AP7.021 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2741 The Honorable Lucille Roybal-Allard of to the Court, I have heard a number of summa cum laude from Harvard Col- California officials and commentators criticize lege and magna cum laude from Har- The Honorable Gerry Connolly of Virginia the effort taking place in the Senate vard Law School. The Honorable Ted Lieu of California After serving as a law clerk to Judge The Honorable Norma Torres of California over the last few days and into the Thank you for your attention to these ap- next few days to stop Gorsuch. I have Henry Friendly of the U.S. Court of Ap- pointments. heard them criticize it by invoking the peals for the Second Circuit, and then Sincerely, aphorism ‘‘two wrongs don’t make a Justice William Brennan on the U.S. NANCY PELOSI, right.’’ Of course, they are referring to Supreme Court, he practiced law at Ar- Democratic Leader. the fact that President Obama’s nomi- nold & Porter here in Washington; and f nation of Merrick Garland, the Chief he worked as a Federal prosecutor in APPOINTMENT OF MEMBER TO Judge of the D.C. Circuit Court of Ap- the Department of Justice, where he CONGRESSIONAL-EXECUTIVE peals to the U.S. Supreme Court, was played a leading role in the investiga- COMMISSION ON THE PEOPLE’S stonewalled for 9 months in the last tion and prosecution of the Oklahoma REPUBLIC OF CHINA year of President Obama’s Presidency. City bombers and the investigation and Judge Garland didn’t even receive a prosecution of Ted Kaczynski, the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The hearing. It never got to the point that Unabomber. Chair announces the Speaker’s ap- there was a vote. He would have loved He has had nearly 20 years of judicial pointment, pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 6913, the opportunity to have someone fili- experience on the D.C. Circuit Court of and the order of the House of January buster his nomination on the floor of Appeals. The Senate originally con- 3, 2017, of the following Member on the the Senate. His nomination never got firmed him in an overwhelming 76–23 part of the House to the Congressional- to the floor of the Senate. He never had vote, where he not only swept the Executive Commission on the People’s a hearing in committee—completely Democratic Caucus in the Senate, but Republic of China: unprecedented in our history simply to won the majority of Republicans when Mr. LIEU, California. stonewall, obstruct, and sandbag a ju- he first went on the court. f dicial nominee like this. I will have His nomination to the Supreme SUPREME COURT NOMINATIONS something to say about the qualifica- Court fell victim to the GOP Senate tions of Judge Garland. leadership’s rule-or-ruin mentality The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under But, in any event, the Democrats that is ravaging the most basic norms the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- now are saying: We are not going to of American political democracy in uary 3, 2017, the gentleman from Mary- proceed with the nomination of Judge this century. If Garland could not be land (Mr. RASKIN) is recognized for 60 Gorsuch; we are going to block it. In confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court, minutes as the designee of the minor- answer, I hear repeatedly from U.S. then no moderate liberal judge can be. ity leader. Senators and commentators this Some people have suggested that GENERAL LEAVE phrase: Two wrongs don’t make a right. Gorsuch should be filibustered for ex- Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask Of course, that truism is true. But actly 9 months, which is the length of unanimous consent that all partici- what does this excellent piece of folk time that the GOP used to run out the pating Members have 5 legislative days wisdom have to do with the current sit- clock on the Merrick Garland nomina- to revise and extend their remarks and uation of the nomination of Gorsuch to tion. In other words, he was blockaded include extraneous material on the the Supreme Court? for 9 months. Therefore, blockade subject of my Special Order. If you saw someone punching out a Gorsuch for 9 months, then have a vote The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there security guard and running into a bank on him. objection to the request of the gen- to rob the bank, it would be legally and This apparently symmetrical answer tleman from Maryland? morally wrong for you to go punch out would certainly make President There was no objection. another security guard at a bank Trump’s nominee twist in the wind and Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, on behalf across the street and go rob that bank. suffer the way that President Obama’s of the Congressional Progressive Cau- Two wrongs, indeed, do not make a nominee twisted in the wind and suf- cus and my partner in this Special right. You don’t solve one bank rob- fered, but that is not the point. It is Order hour, Congresswoman JAYAPAL bery by committing another. But if not to inflict pain on the nominee. The from the State of Washington, I rise to you saw someone punching out a secu- real problem is not 9 months of legisla- discuss the imminent Senate filibuster rity guard and running into a bank to tive obstructionism, much less retribu- against President Trump’s nomination go rob it and you decided to run after tion for what was inflicted on one of Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme the robber, pounce on him, and punch judge. Court. him out, that would be completely le- The real question is: Who gets to Ordinarily, a Supreme Court nomina- gally and morally justified. have the seat on the Supreme Court? tion like this would be an all-con- In other words, stopping the original It is about the next 25 years of Su- suming public matter. It has gotten a wrong is not in itself a wrong. Stopping preme Court decisionmaking. That little bit less attention because there is the original wrong is right. That is the seat, by all rights, belongs not to so much going on all over the globe. right thing to do, and that is what the Judge Gorsuch, but, rather, to Judge The world is on fire today. We see out- Democrats are doing. They are trying Merrick Garland. rageous atrocities taking place in to block a crime in progress because, Judge Gorsuch, however qualified he Syria under the so-called leadership of understand, we have never, in Amer- might be in terms of his own career, President Assad. We see here in Amer- ican history, seen something like a would present a jurisprudence dramati- ica a government in turmoil, as every President send a nomination to the Su- cally to the right of the jurisprudence day the curtain is drawn back just a preme Court to the U.S. Senate to fill that would clearly be advanced by the little bit further on the Russian con- a seat probably for 20 or 30 years and addition of Judge Garland to the court. nection with the Trump White House. the Senate just says simply: We are not That is what we are going to talk But we do need to take some time to going to have any hearings about it. about tonight. focus on the U.S. Supreme Court if for That is exactly what they did to Judge I am going to begin by turning it no other reason than what we have in Merrick Garland. over to a great champion of justice, the America today is one-party control of Constitution, and the Bill of Rights for the U.S. House of Representatives, the b 1715 all the people, my distinguished col- U.S. Senate, the White House, and, if Let me just say a few words about league and the vice chair of the Pro- the Supreme Court goes, too, we essen- him before I turn it over to my col- gressive Caucus. tially have no meaningful multiparty league, Congresswoman JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentle- democracy in terms of the essential Judge Garland is, arguably, one of woman from Washington (Ms. governance of the country. the two or three most experienced and JAYAPAL). Now, as the Senate takes up the qualified judges ever to be nominated Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I thank President’s nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. He graduated my good colleague from Maryland (Mr.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:11 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05AP7.026 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H2742 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 5, 2017 RASKIN). It has been such a pleasure Now, why do I bring this up in the His appointment is a deep threat to since coming to Congress—and it seems context of Judge Gorsuch? something that I have appreciated my difficult to believe that it has been al- Because I believe that as we mark whole life and that women before me most 3 months—but it has been such a Equal Pay Day, we need to know that have fought for so hard. His appoint- pleasure to co-lead this Special Order we will have a Supreme Court Justice ment is a threat to Roe v. Wade, which hour with the gentleman and to really who will, in fact, crack down on the has protected women’s rights to abor- bring to the public all of the issues gender pay gap and enforce the law. tion access. that we feel are so important in the Unfortunately, Judge Gorsuch has a Trump has said many times that he Progressive Caucus, issues that have history of prioritizing big business over intended to appoint a Justice who ranged from the issue we are talking people. In fact, he has ruled in favor of would overturn Roe v. Wade. While about now with the Supreme Court employers in two-thirds of the employ- being questioned in his confirmation nomination, to issues around health ment and labor disputes that have been hearing, Judge Gorsuch sidestepped all care, immigration, the Muslim ban, brought before him on the basis of dis- of the questions on this issue, but his and many others. crimination. Let’s be clear: Equal Pay views are obvious. He has questioned I think that the vision that we are Day and the situation that women face and argued against the legal founda- trying to make sure people understand is about discrimination. tion of a woman’s right to choose, and for the Progressive Caucus and cer- Gorsuch ruled against an African- he has been critical of the decisions of tainly for Democrats is a vision of in- American man who claimed that he Roe v. Wade’s and its reliance on the clusion, a vision that respects the was fired because of racial discrimina- right to privacy and the substantive rights of everybody, regardless of what tion in Johnson v. Oklahoma Depart- due process rationale. gender you are, regardless of what race ment of Transportation. That is unacceptable. Roe v. Wade is or religion you might be. In Poindexter v. Board of County the law of the land, and it has helped This moment is, in fact, very impor- Commissioners of the County of save the lives of millions of women tant. Tomorrow, Senate Republicans Sequoyah, he ruled against a man who across our country. We need to make argued that he was demoted because of will attempt to push through President sure that we protect that right to his political views. Trump’s Supreme Court nominee Neil choose and continue to allow abortion Gorsuch. I stand with my colleague, His opinion in Strickland v. UPS was particularly troubling. The court ruled access in this country. Mr. RASKIN, and with our other Demo- Judge Gorsuch has also taken actions in favor of a female employee who had cratic colleagues in the Senate who are that signal his support for the been discriminated against based on opposing this nomination because I defunding of Planned Parenthood. Of sex. Judge Gorsuch, though, wrote a truly believe that confirming Neil course, we remember the doctored vid- dissenting opinion, despite the fact Gorsuch to this position would be a eos that came out to destroy Planned devastating backslide for numerous that the woman’s male colleagues tes- tified that she was required to attend Parenthood’s image. Utah Governor communities. Gary Herbert attempted to defund the I want to go through some of the counseling sessions while they were organization, but the tenth circuit communities that would be affected not, even though she was out per- issued an injunction. Gorsuch stood and how. Women, people of color, peo- forming them. with the Governor. He even went so far ple living with disabilities and mem- The court ruled in her favor, but, as to push for a rehearing by the full bers of the LGBTQ community will again, Judge Gorsuch, President court, without being asked by the Gov- have to wonder if the conservative ma- Trump’s nominee to the Supreme ernor. The court refused. Gorsuch jority on the Supreme Court is going to Court of the United States of America, issued then a dissenting opinion that systematically remove their protec- went out of his way to undermine her. relied on the very fallacies that the tions and strip them of their rights. Perhaps the clearest example of Unfortunately, Neil Gorsuch, though Gorsuch’s affinity for big business was Governor was pushing. an accomplished justice in his own his ruling in the Hobby Lobby case, We cannot afford to have this critical right, does have a track record of doing which many people across the country vote on the Supreme Court go to some- that throughout his judicial career. So may know about. He ruled that private one who so clearly intends to under- this isn’t as simple as saying: Well, you corporations should enjoy the same mine women’s fundamental and con- blocked our nominee; therefore, we are constitutional protections as people. stitutional rights. going to block your nominee. Not only are people being told that Judge Gorsuch has also shown that No. This is about the issues and the the money of corporations represents he presents a threat to the LGBT com- refusal he has had to answer some of protected speech, but women across munity. In 2005, he wrote that people the questions before the committee. this country are being told that those should rely on the ballot box to achieve I did want to reflect briefly on the corporations can make decisions about marriage equality. fact that yesterday was Equal Pay women’s health care and their rights to During his confirmation hearing, he Day. Ninety-four days into the year, make decisions about their own body. was asked about cases that involve Equal Pay Day symbolizes the amount This case sent a clear signal that Judge LGBT people as a class. This qualifica- of extra time that it takes for a woman Gorsuch is no friend of women’s repro- tion is important because it adds to earn the same amount as a man. We ductive rights. heightened scrutiny. Apparently, have got to work—I see the heads nod- It isn’t a surprise, frankly, that this Gorsuch was not comfortable with this, ding up there in the Chamber—extra President chose him, because he does because he dodged the question. That is hard for an additional 3 months and fit right into this administration’s all- alarming. Our LGBT community does some days in order to earn the same out assault that we have seen since the face discrimination at extremely high wages as a man. beginning of this Congress on women’s rates. This is not a speculation; it is When you break it down by race, the rights to make decisions about their fact. gap widens even further. Black women bodies and their health care. Gorsuch could not even give a working full time year round only earn Judge Gorsuch wrote a concurring straight answer when Senator DIANNE 63 cents to the dollar. For them, Equal opinion arguing that the Affordable FEINSTEIN asked if he agreed with Jus- Pay Day comes on July 31. Latina Care Act forced employers to violate tice Scalia that there is ‘‘no protection women earn a mere 54 cents, which their religious beliefs by providing for women or gays or lesbians under means that their Equal Pay Day—get birth control. It is our right to choose the equal protection law.’’ this—is November 2. whether and when we want to have With States around the country at- Over a lifetime, the financial losses families. But rather than coming to tempting to pass discriminatory bills, that women face due to this gap are the conclusion that corporations it is crucial that we have a Supreme immense. On average, a 20-year-old should be required to allow women to Court Justice who will apply that woman will lose $418,000 over the make their own healthcare decisions, heightened scrutiny. course of her 40-year career. For Black Judge Gorsuch made it very clear that Finally, people living with disabil- women, they will lose $840,000. Latinas he stands with big business and against ities are also fearful of this appoint- will lose more than $1 million. women’s rights. ment and the possibility that Judge

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:11 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.076 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2743 Gorsuch might be our next Supreme into nomination by President Obama. due to inadequate safety training. He Court Justice. That has never, ever happened before sided with a trucking company that In Luke P., a case involving a se- in our history. fired a trucker driving through Illi- verely autistic student, Judge Gorsuch Last year, Republicans ignored their nois—that is my State—who decided to ruled that a State can provide an edu- constitutional duty by denying Judge leave his broken trailer instead of cation offering minimal educational Garland a hearing. By the way, he had freezing to death, literally. The truck progress to students with disabilities. been approved by the Congress in the was down, couldn’t get started, and his Rather than requiring States to ful- past for a seat on the district court, choice was to sit there with the truck fill their responsibilities under the In- and he had praise on both sides of the or to be able to go to safety in freezing dividuals with Disabilities Education aisle. So it wasn’t a question of his temperatures. Act, Judge Gorsuch was satisfied with being qualified or not. It was they did Fortunately for workers, Judge putting a student’s learning potential not want the ability of Barack Obama Gorsuch was in the minority in some of at severe risk. In the middle of his con- to even nominate someone and have those cases, but we can’t count on him firmation hearing, the current Su- him considered for the Supreme Court. being in the minority once he is on the preme Court unanimously overruled So now they want to break the rules Supreme Court. His dangerous his decision. of the Senate to rush their own nomi- antiwoman, antiworker views should What does that say about his judg- nee through. This is a nomination to not be elevated to our highest court. ment? Do we want a Supreme Court the United States Supreme Court, the So I urge my Democratic colleagues who gets it wrong on so many issues? highest body in the land, the highest in the Senate to stand strong against Judge Gorsuch should not be ap- Court in the land. The decisions the the Gorsuch nomination. And to Sen- pointed to the Supreme Court. The fact next Justice takes part in will affect ate Republicans, it was disrespectful to that Senate Republicans are threat- Americans for decades, if not centuries, the Constitution to block Judge Gar- ening the nuclear option if Democrats because it could set precedent. Given land. I am not even saying necessarily filibuster his appointment is just terri- the importance of this position, Sen- that he would have been approved, but fying. It would have long-lasting con- ators have the right to insist on a 60- to not even offer him a hearing or a sequences, and it is inappropriate to se- vote threshold for ending the debate on vote was disrespectful to our Constitu- lect a man for this key position to the the nominee, and Senate Democrats tion, and it is disrespectful to the tra- United States Supreme Court who should insist on 60 votes because Judge ditions of the Senate to force Judge makes decisions about so many issues Gorsuch has demonstrated time and Gorsuch through now. that affect all Americans across our time again that he has put the interest We don’t want to break the rules to country. of corporations above Americans—I get one nominee through, especially It is not right that they would make will describe that later—whether it is not a nominee who puts critical protec- that on a purely partisan ideological worker safety or a woman’s access even tions for Americans at risk. Women are basis. There should be a 60-vote thresh- to contraception. watching. Workers are watching. And old. We should make sure that they un- I am going to talk for a minute about on Friday, all Americans will know derstand that, if they do this and they women. President Trump said he would whose side the Senate is on and whose go to the nuclear option, it will have nominate a judge to overturn Roe v. side the Senate Republicans are on. Ev- long-lasting consequences for them in Wade, the 1973 decision that said, as a eryone is paying attention. matter of privacy, that women could their districts, in their offices, and also Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank make their own decisions about termi- for the entire country. the gentlewoman from Illinois for nating a pregnancy. Women take that b 1730 those excellent comments. As we have threat very seriously. Judge Gorsuch been discussing this evening, there is Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank talked about precedents he likes, like an egregious process problem with the Congresswoman JAYAPAL for that ex- Brown v. Board of Education, inte- nomination of Judge Gorsuch, and cellent discussion of the pro-choice grating the schools. I agree with him there is an egregious substantive prob- question and other jurisprudence. on that. But tellingly, when he men- lem with it. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the distin- tioned the precedents that he reveres, guished gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. he certainly did not give Roe v. Wade The process problem, of course, is SCHAKOWSKY). the same status. that the seat properly belongs to Judge Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I Judge Gorsuch’s judicial record Merrick Garland, the chief judge of the am really grateful to the gentleman for should add to our concern. After the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, who was yielding but also for organizing this 10th Circuit panel ruled against the denied, extraordinarily, even a hearing Special Order on something that really State of Utah’s attempt to defund for a 9-month period. The justification is special: Who is going to sit on the Planned Parenthood following the re- for that offered by Senator MCCONNELL Supreme Court, and how do we deal lease of deceptively edited videos, was that he felt that the people should with Judge Neil Gorsuch’s nomination? Judge Gorsuch called for the full court speak in the 2016 election. Of course, Of course, we in the House don’t have a to hear the case, presumably to over- President Obama was President. The vote, but we certainly do have the turn the decision. Judge Gorsuch was Senate was the Senate. The people had privilege to be able to weigh in on in the minority in this instance, and spoken in the 2012 and 2014 elections. something as important as this in this his request was dismissed. But they said they wanted the people manner. So I do appreciate the oppor- In the Hobby Lobby case, Judge to speak. tunity. Gorsuch sided against women, allowing Well, the interesting thing, of course, Judge Gorsuch’s nomination to the bosses to deny their women employees is that the people spoke, and 2.9 mil- Supreme Court is the latest battle in contraception as part of health cov- lion more people voted for the can- the Republicans’ war on women and erage. didate who said she would appoint workers. I will find myself agreeing Now I want to talk a little bit about someone to the Court who was pro- and probably repeating some of what workers. In many other cases, Judge choice, pro-Bill of Rights, pro-civil lib- Congresswoman JAYAPAL has said, but Gorsuch has prioritized the interest of erties, and not the Justice promised by I think it bears repeating. employers over the rights of workers. Donald Trump, someone who would re- First of all, let me say we should He blocked a woman in Colorado from verse Roe v. Wade and stand by Citi- make no mistake: this is a stolen Su- going to trial on sexual harassment zens United and the corporatization of preme Court seat. Senate Republicans claims because she didn’t report the the Supreme Court. So the people demonstrated unprecedented—meaning harassment quickly enough. spoke. never before in history—disrespect for Judge Gorsuch denied a professor The other problem, the substantive the President of the United States, with leukemia at Kansas State Univer- problem, is that Judge Gorsuch adds to Barack Obama, and our Constitution sity protection under the Rehabilita- what has come to be called the cor- by denying Judge Merrick Garland a tion Act. He sided with a mining com- porate majority on the corporate vote or even a hearing when he was put pany after a worker was electrocuted Court. Corporations win; workers lose.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:11 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.078 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H2744 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 5, 2017 Corporations win; investors lose. Cor- career, demonstrate he is a judge with I just want to remind my colleagues: porations win; consumers lose. Repeat- an agenda. His frequent dissents and Would it happen if it were President edly. Time after time in the Roberts concurrences show he is out of the Obama? Would it happen if it were Court, the jurisprudence of the Court is mainstream of legal thought . . .’’ President George W. Bush? Would it defined by the identity of the parties, Now when we say mainstream, we are happen if it were President Clinton? which is completely antithetical to our not suggesting that we dictate what he These are the Presidents I have had the whole concept of rule of law and con- wants to do, but the mainstream is privilege of serving with. No, it would stitutional justice. where the American people are. They not. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the very are on Main Street, no matter who You cannot be the person who selects thoughtful gentlewoman from Texas they are. the person to a lifelong position on the (Ms. JACKSON LEE). ‘‘. . . the mainstream of legal Supreme Court and your whole admin- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thought and unwilling to accept the istration, the context of the White thank the distinguished gentleman constructs of binding precedent and House, is totally under investigation, from the great State of Maryland, a stare decisis’’—that is a key element, including your former national secu- well respected theorist and professor not willing to accept what has been ac- rity adviser for lying to the Vice Presi- who has been such an addition to the cepted by so many—‘‘when they dictate dent of the United States of America, Committee on the Judiciary. results he disfavors. If confirmed to the your allegations that your former Let me say something not out of ar- Supreme Court, which is closely di- President wiretapped you, which has rogance or even difficult pride because vided on many critical issues, Judge been disapproved by the FBI Director. I pride goes before the fall, but I do be- Gorsuch would tip the balance in a di- don’t think so, and I don’t think we lieve the Committee on the Judiciary rection that would undermine many of can go forward. in this Congress—both the House and our core rights and legal protections.’’ So I would say that the nomination the Senate—has, at this moment, the So let me make these two points in of Judge Gorsuch should be filibustered highest responsibility for truth. I don’t joining my colleague. The most indict- as it is. I am saddened by the fact that think there should be one moment of ing decision where Judge Gorsuch was it has to be filibustered. I would hope partisanship in our committee. Cer- in the dissent—let me see if the Amer- that Mr. MCCONNELL could pull it tainly I am delighted to be here with ican people can understand this deci- down, that the President would under- you and the Congressional Progressive sion where, in fact, if I am correct, the stand that the whole nomination proc- Caucus, but we both serve on the Com- gentleman prevailed in the lower court, ess was compromised. There was no mittee on the Judiciary, and our rank- I believe, and this is the truck driver, consultation with the Democrats, as ing member, Mr. CONYERS, is a member the freezing truck driver who was all Presidents have done. And, frankly, of the Congressional Progressive Cau- freezing one night when the cargo part we call it: We are not ready; we are not cus. I believe that we are here, as was of his big, huge 18-wheeler was at- prepared; we are unready, if you will, the Congressional Black Caucus just a tached to a bad working—I am trying to go forward with a nomination by few days ago, because it really be- to be a trucker here now—cab that he this President who is under complete hooves us to be able to speak to an im- sits in. The brakes didn’t work. investigation by the FBI and various portant point that I think that I would intelligence agencies in the United b 1745 like to make, a brief point. States. First, I would like to indicate that I know a lot of truckers, and that is Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank none of this reflects on Mr. Gorsuch’s absolutely zero. You just don’t drive— the gentlewoman from Texas for those personality, character, or standing as a icy roads, freezing. He tried to wait on extraordinary comments. Congress- member of the judiciary who has the repair guys. They did not come. He woman LEE makes me think about the served in the 10th Circuit for any num- knew that if he had attached the large partisan identification of Supreme ber of years or the many accolades that part of the 18-wheeler that it would be Court nominees because it is a rel- he received from colleagues, but it does dangerous, and he might lose his life. atively recent phenomena that we go to the question of the temperament He drove the cab off and he was fired. identify them as Democrats or Repub- and the ability to withstand the easy His legs had been freezing. He had been licans. way of making decisions where you feel there for a long period of time. Many of my favorite Supreme Court most comfortable. That is not the Su- Judge Gorsuch wound up being the Justices were appointed to the Su- preme Court. dissenter on a decision that favored not preme Court by Republican Presidents. The Supreme Court is to be able to somebody’s personality or ‘‘I am a Justice Suitor, of course, was ap- look at the proceedings of the lower union member judge.’’ No. It was about pointed by the first President Bush. He courts, but also the facts, and make de- the fact that he said employers could was an exceptional Justice, who earned cisions regardless of where you stand just fire you for whatever reason what- the ire, unfortunately, of the Repub- politically in your former life or where soever. licans because he voted with the major- you feel comfortable in your philos- The plaintiff has not been able to ity in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, af- ophy. And so my concern, and the rea- work for 7 years. It has impacted his firming a woman’s right to choose an son why I think there is courageous ac- whole life. But the other members of abortion in consultation with her phy- tions by my colleagues in the other the court thought that he had a legiti- sician and her family and because he body as they proceed to filibuster—and mate reason and did everything that he voted in Lee v. Weisman to prevent re- filibuster sounds like an ugly word. It could. That is Main Street. ligious prayers from taking place at sounds like here they go again, what My final point is that we are in a public school graduation ceremonies. obstructionists. But let me be very very unique and challenging time. The rhetoric then in the Republican clear. I have had the privilege to either There are investigations going on re- Party was, ‘‘No more Suitors,’’ despite read about great jurists, or I have ei- garding this administration, and we the fact that he had been nominated by ther lived through that period of time, really don’t know where the truth will a Republican President. ‘‘No more and they were not all appointed by wind up. Suitors’’ is what they said. Democrats. I am certainly a great ad- There are suggestions by commit- Or Justice Kennedy, who has been an mirer of Chief Justice Warren, who led tees—not this Member or not the dis- exceptional Justice when it comes to the Court for a number of years, a Re- tinguished Congressman that is on the vindicating the constitutional rights publican, and certainly I have watched floor here with me—that crimes have and equality of the LGBT Americans. Justice Kennedy for a period of time been perpetrated, criminal acts, some- He was the one who authored the deci- and many others. But listen to the one may go to jail. I believe Judge sion in Lawrence v. Texas, overruling Leadership Conference on Civil Rights; Gorsuch should not be confirmed until Bowers v. Hardwick, saying that the I want to take their words: ‘‘Judge we determine the conclusion of the in- State of Texas and other States could Gorsuch’s decade-long record on the vestigations against the Trump admin- not arrest, prosecute, and incarcerate Federal bench, as well as his writings, istration. This is not biased. This is not gay people simply for their relation- speeches, and activities throughout his about picking one side versus another. ships. He wrote that.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:11 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.080 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2745 He also was the author of the Su- President Kennedy, said that corpora- and consumers and other people who preme Court’s magnificent decision in tions are endowed with all kinds of spe- have to deal with this newfound cor- the Obergefell case, determining that cial attributes, like perpetual life of porate power. equal protection means that States the corporation, the limited liability of Judge Gorsuch seems like a good cannot discriminate against gay and the shareholders, and all kinds of legal guy. He is right out of central casting, lesbian citizens in the institution of trappings and subsidies. He said: The but he is being put on the Court to par- marriage—and there is no going back corporation is the creature of the ticipate in the greatest concentration on that. State, and the State need not permit of corporate power, jurisprudence, and But, of course, the rhetoric on the its own creature to consume it, to de- thinking on the Supreme Court in its other side now, because it has got to be vour it. entire history, with the possible excep- turned into a partisan football, is, ‘‘No So we had a doctrine, which is that tion of the Lochner period. Of course, more Kennedys.’’ ‘‘No more Kennedys.’’ corporations could be confined to the in the Lochner period, in the early 20th ‘‘No more Suitors.’’ Why? Because they economic realm. They could not con- century, the Supreme Court began to did their jobs as Justices. ‘‘We want vert all of the wealth and power they slash away at child labor laws, at laws people like Neil Gorsuch who are going accumulate in economics into political protecting the rights of people to be- to tow the line every step along the power. But that is what the Supreme long to unions, at any kind of social way.’’ Court did in Citizens United. regulation, saying that violated due Neil Gorsuch is someone that they But it didn’t stop there. Because now process. are convinced will be part of both the the question became, as the Tenth Cir- Well, today, the First Amendment, attempt to dramatically reduce or cuit Court of Appeals put it: If a cor- where religious freedom played the abolish the privacy rights of the peo- poration has political rights, if a for- same role that due process played dur- ple, turn the clock back on the equal profit business corporation has polit- ing the Lochner period, they become a rights of the LGBT community but, ical rights, why doesn’t a for-profit catchall rubric for the Court to strike also, more importantly, participate in business corporation have the religious down the laws of the people and to ben- what has been called the development rights of the people? And that became efit big corporate power against the of the corporate court Neil Gorsuch. the Hobby Lobby decision in 2014. rights of actual human beings, like the Now, that is a long-running develop- Hobby Lobby was a for-profit busi- people who lost their contraceptive ment. But the critical moment came in ness corporation, not a religious enti- care in the Hobby Lobby case because 2010 with the Citizens United decision. ty, not a church, not a mosque. It was some of the corporate lawyers rep- Understand, the traditional doctrine a business corporation. And it was not resenting Hobby Lobby had the bright for two centuries was that a corpora- organized for religious purposes. It was idea to assert that the corporation was tion is, in the words of Chief Justice organized for profitmaking purposes. protected by the Religious Freedom John Marshall from the 1819 decision in Yet the corporate leadership said: We Restoration Act. And, of course, Judge the Dartmouth College v. Woodward don’t want to participate in the provi- Gorsuch went along for the ride, with case, he said, ‘‘an artificial being, in- sion of contraceptive care for our em- all of the other corporate judges and visible, intangible, existing only in the justices on the corporate court. contemplation of law,’’ not possessing ployees under the Affordable Care Act. We don’t want to do that. We assert the Mr. Speaker, there is one category of the constitutional political rights of judges in our Federal judiciary that the people. But in Citizens United, a religious rights of the corporation. Now, stop and think about that for a merit the Appalachian Justice, who are deeply divided 5–4 Supreme Court found second. From the standpoint of most called ‘‘Justice.’’ Everybody else is for the first time in our history that religions, it is pure blasphemy to say called ‘‘Your Honor’’ or ‘‘Judge.’’ But for-profit business corporations enjoy the people who go on the Supreme the political free speech rights of the that a corporation should have reli- gious rights. As James Madison put it Court get to be called ‘‘Justice.’’ It people. means something. So what did that mean as a practical back when he wrote his famous remon- matter? Because, after all, before, the strance against religious taxation: The b 1800 CEOs could spend whatever they want- religious rights of the people are sacred There is a massive injustice taking ed of their own money independently in in our system because they are be- place here because of the outrageous a political campaign—see Buckley v. tween the person and God, they are be- sandbagging, stonewalling, and ob- Valeo; the members of the board, the tween the believer and God. The gov- struction of the D.C. Circuit Court corporate executives, could spend ernment doesn’t get involved; corpora- Chief Judge Merrick Garland, who was whatever they wanted independently in tions aren’t involved; and all of these denied even a hearing in the U.S. Sen- a political campaign—see Buckley v. other artificial entities aren’t in- ate. Now there is an attempt to tilt the Valeo; they could contribute up to the volved. It is between the person and his Court for the next 15, 20, or 30 years limits—see Buckley v. Valeo; now they or her religious faith or worship. with the appointment of Judge can contribute to every Member of But beyond the blasphemy of it, Gorsuch to the corporate bloc. Congress and every Member of Con- think about what this means. What it So here in the House of Representa- gress’ opponent because of a recent de- means is that a business corporation tives, of course, we do not enjoy the cision handed down by the Supreme can say that it does not want to par- power of advice and consent; but a Court. ticipate in the provision of contracep- number of us simply wanted to say this But there is one thing they couldn’t tives to their employees, thereby vio- evening that we stand very strongly in do: The CEOs could not take money di- lating the rights of their employees. solidarity with those Members of the rectly out of the corporate treasury to If a corporation can exercise its Senate who are exercising their con- spend in politics. But the Citizens newly found religious conscience to say stitutional duties by trying to fili- United majority gave them that power. that it doesn’t want to provide contra- buster this nomination, which is con- This breached an understanding that ceptives to employees, why can’t the ceived in a wrong, in an attempt to had been in place for centuries that the corporations say: Well, it also violates steal a Supreme Court seat and, if it most conservative Justices on the our rights to compel us to serve people were to be accomplished, would be des- Court adhered to. Chief Justice on an interfaith or interracial basis; tined simply to add to a rightwing pro- Rehnquist, a very conservative judge, that offends our religious beliefs, too, corporate majority on the Roberts said that corporations are magnificent as a corporation? Where does this doc- Court. vehicles for the accumulation and in- trine end? Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance vestment of wealth, and they have Now, why do we raise this? Because of my time. worked great for the economy, but Judge Gorsuch was part of the major- f they are very dangerous if you allow ity which determined that corporations them to cross the line from economics have a religious conscience, have a re- THE SUPREME COURT AND THE to politics. ligious soul. He has been part of the RIGHT TO LIFE Justice White, a very conservative spiritual ennoblement of business cor- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Justice, appointed by a Democrat, porations to the detriment of workers BIGGS). Under the Speaker’s announced

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:11 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.081 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H2746 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 5, 2017 policy of January 3, 2017, the Chair rec- that brings about a predictable conclu- vious Court—it left very little of the ognizes the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. sion that might be completely erro- Constitution to be reviewed. KING) for 30 minutes. neous. If we would have had nine Justice Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, it is To give an example, Mr. Speaker, I Thomases on that Court, they would my honor to be recognized by you to would say that the series of decisions have concluded this: first, that prece- address you here on the floor of the that were made by the Supreme dent didn’t count. Eisenstadt, look at U.S. House of Representatives. Court—and the first one I would start it if you like, look at the reasoning if I came to this floor this evening to with, and I am going to get to abortion you like, but they are not bound by it. take up a topic that I think is essential in this decision: Griswold v. Con- Griswold v. Connecticut, they are not to the future of our country for our necticut. bound by it. moral foundation. Yet, as I have lis- In the early sixties, the Court had a In the case of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. tened to the gentleman from Mary- case before them where the State of Bolton, I might add, the combination land’s presentation, there are a few Connecticut had banned contracep- of those two cases together gave abor- moments I would like to spend with tives, not just contraceptives in the tion on demand in America for any rea- the other perspective before I move school, as one might say today, but son or no reason at all from an irra- into the topic I came to address. contraceptives that would be used in tional foundation that began with a I go back as far as the gentlewoman marriages. So there was a case. Gris- stare decisis view that came from an from Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE), who wold took it all the way to the Su- activist Court that, I believe, wanted used the reference and said that stare preme Court, and the Supreme Court to come to that conclusion anyway. decisis is binding precedent. Well, Mr. ruled that it was a right to privacy of I think they believed that society Speaker, I want the American people married couples to be able to purchase was moving along and that society was to know that stare decisis is a Latin contraceptives. going to get to the place where they term, a legal term that means, once There is no right to privacy that is supported abortion. They just thought the case is decided, it deserves def- stipulated in the Constitution. But it they would just go ahead and beat the erence. It has already been decided; it was a decision that was made by the Congress to the punch or beat the deserves deference, but where it has Supreme Court that, if respected as State legislatures to the punch and im- never been a binding precedent. stare decisis, now the next Court would pose a right to abortion on America, There have been a number of times be bound by it, and the next Court was. and that is what they did. that the Supreme Court has turned 180 So the Supreme Court ruled that We saw this happen in our country. degrees on what the gentlewoman from Connecticut couldn’t ban contracep- We saw this happen in different places around the world, and now it is still Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE) has called a tives to married couples because they binding precedent. I could go through a had a right to privacy to purchase being pushed in some of the countries in the world. list of those, Mr. Speaker. those—as illogical as it sounds, even as Mr. Speaker, if there is anybody lis- I think it is important to note that I say it, Mr. Speaker, married couples accepting a decision of a previous Su- tening from the nation of Chile, I had a constitutional right decided by would suggest to them: Back away preme Court as if somehow it were Griswold v. Connecticut to purchase from that push to legalize abortion in binding precedent and then settled law contraceptives within the State of Con- your country. We have seen what has and then incorporate it into the Con- necticut and the Nation, as the deci- happened in America. stitution itself would be a very erro- sion turned out. Twenty percent of the pregnancies in neous concept to carry into the Su- Well, that decision didn’t flow over America now end in abortion, and the preme Court itself, because we have to into unmarried couples. So unmarried death toll of a bell that would ring for go back and evaluate that these were couples went to court, and they sued. 58.5 million babies that have been mortals that made the decision in the And it became the Eisenstadt decision, aborted since 1973. It is a missing com- Supreme Court and the other courts which concluded that any rights that ponent of two going on three genera- and they aren’t always right. And if a are bestowed upon married couples tions. case is not soundly reasoned, it needs with regard to right to privacy in pur- And those little babies today, Mr. to be reconsidered. chasing contraceptives also must be Speaker, had they been given that So I appreciate Justice Clarence available to unmarried couples who right to life that is guaranteed to any Thomas’ view on stare decisis. Essen- might be cohabiting or having a rela- born person in the United States—if tially, it doesn’t exist. If you want to tionship in whatever way and they someone commits mass murder in the evaluate the reasoning of a previous should be able to purchase contracep- United States of America, mass serial Court, that is a good thing to do be- tives, too. murder in the United States of Amer- cause they have already thought it So this right to privacy established ica, mass serial murder in multiple lo- through and they have already written by Griswold, expanded by Eisenstadt— cations in multiple States in a ghastly on it. There are already majority opin- see, how this is bringing us down to an and ghoulish and blood-thirsty way, we ions and dissents that are generally irreversible conclusion, Mr. Speaker? take them to court and say: You are written. Yet, to be bound by that, real- This right to privacy was then ar- innocent until proven guilty. You may ly handcuffs any future decisions. So it gued before the Court in 1973 in Roe v. have, by my description, committed is worth looking at the decisions of the Wade. And the Supreme Court of the capital crimes that would be facing the previous Court, but we can never be United States concluded in the ema- death penalty. Federal murder, it bound by them. So I take issue with nations and penumbras that there was might be, in multiple States that have the gentlewoman from Texas’ position this right to privacy that extended to the death penalty. that stare decisis is binding precedent. abortion itself. No matter how ghastly a murderer It is never binding precedent. So when I hear the gentlewoman we have, we give that murderer first Stare decisis is an indicator, and it is from Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE) say the presumption of innocence. They are informative. We have to go back to the stare decisis is binding precedent—if innocent until proven guilty. We give text of the Constitution and the var- we are going to accept as binding them an opportunity to be tried by a ious amendments, and we have to un- precedent that there is a Court-manu- jury of their peers. They are sometimes derstand what they were understood to factured right to privacy in Griswold, tried in the court of public opinion on mean at the time of ratification. Oth- reinforced by Eisenstadt that is the top of it. If they don’t have their due erwise, the Constitution no longer is a foundation for the irrational, illogical, process—and often it is concluded by a guarantee from generation to genera- and unconstitutional reasoning that judge along the way that they don’t— tion. It is just simply an artifact of his- has brought about the abortion of 58.5 they can appeal their death penalty all tory that allows the Justices to hold up million babies since 1973 and all be- the way up to the Supreme Court of and say: Hey, we are bound by stare de- cause a Court chased the rationale the United States. cisis; we can only make a decision that down a narrower and narrower path Why? narrows things down; and we are essen- that they were bound to make deci- Because they have a right to life be- tially trapped into a funnel of reason sions only on the judgment of the pre- cause they are deemed and legally are

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:11 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.084 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2747 a person not only in the eyes of God, ing him in the morning, and he was pens at that moment of conception but in the eyes of American law. In the talking about the ladies in the church. when the genetics of the father and the eyes of American law, the most ghastly When a baby cries, they pick the baby mother are joined together in a unique murderer that I can describe has a up and they go outside the church in being has begun, that has such a robust right to life and a right to due process order to get that baby’s cries away growth that if we think of it in terms until such time as the full appeals all from the congregation so the rest of of the multiples of size from the fer- the way up the board have been heard. them can hear the sermon. He said it tilized egg until the 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9- If they are sentenced to death, then it doesn’t bother him when there are ba- pound baby is born, the dramatic must be the most merciful death that bies crying in his church because those growth that is there, that little baby we can possibly devise in this country are the only innocent voices in that has a soul in it from that moment. And or the judges will rule that it is uncon- church, the voice of babies. that is human life. It is nurturable, and stitutional, cruel, and inhuman punish- The most innocent that we encounter it must be protected, must be protected ment. That is how we treat the most are actually in the womb, not yet born, in law. ghastly murderers in America. not yet with an opportunity to fill So what we have done is, we have in- But the most innocent among us, their lungs full of air and scream for troduced the Heartbeat bill here in the those 58.5 million little babies that are their own mercy. We have to speak for United States Congress, and we have there curled up in an innocent little them. We have to defend them. We two-and-a-half dozen or so cosponsors fetal position in their mother’s womb have to protect them. on the bill. This is the first time I with little fingers, little toes, feet, We know by our conscience, we know know of that this legislation has been hands, eyes, nose, ears, and a mouth— by our science, we know by natural introduced in the United States Con- no teeth yet, but that mouth has an ex- law, we know by what is innate with us gress, but it protects the life of every pression on it; it smiles; it frowns; it in our intuition that life has to begin little baby who has a heartbeat. It re- twists itself around—those babies can at a moment. You can’t take a life by quires that if any abortionist seeks to feel pain. They can put their hands to- accident. If there is going to be an commit an abortion, that they first gether, and they can move around. The error, it must be on the side of life. check for a heartbeat. expressions on their faces, we now see That heartbeat can be discovered as b 1815 them through 4D ultrasound. early as 16 days from the moment of Mother after mother, father after fa- I know that when I was able to hold conception. I would like to have a bill ther, grandparents, brothers, sisters, our firstborn, I looked at him, and that protected life from the moment of uncles, even before the baby is born, there was an aura about him. I was so conception, and I would support such a they bond with that little baby amazed that that miracle was in my thing. We can’t scientifically prove through the ultrasound. We have al- hands, and that was an extension into conception, but we can scientifically ways known, the Catholic church has another generation from the long line prove heartbeat, and everybody knows, always known, and so have many of the of families that we all have and share every mother knows, every father other Christians organizations and and enjoy. knows, every human being knows that many entities around this country and I looked at him, and I thought, could if a heart is beating, there is life. And around this world have always known anybody take this little baby’s life you can’t describe this life as anything that that baby’s life began at the mo- now, now that he is here, now that he other than human life. It is human life. ment of conception. is minutes old; could anybody take his It is innocent life—nothing more inno- If you look at our society, we don’t life now? Of course they could not. cent than a conceived little baby. have a lot of sympathy, as our society Well, some can, and we do our best to We need to protect human life in all is concerned, for those beings that lock them up or send them in the next of its forms, from conception to nat- can’t scream for their own mercy. That life. ural death. This bill, the Heartbeat baby is silent. That baby can’t cry out But to take the life of a newly born Protection Act of 2017, protects those from the womb. The ring of that baby’s baby is one of the most ghoulish things babies from the moment their heart- cries doesn’t echo in our ears. We turn that I can think of, and so I thought, beat can be detected, the baby is pro- our mind away from it. We turn our this little life is sacred. I know there is tected. eyes away from it. And we listen to a soul in him. I know there is. And so And if an abortionist is determined people say: Well, it is choice. could anyone take his life the minute or decides to commit an abortion, they Well, the baby is never given the before he was born? Is he any different? choice. must first check for a heartbeat under This little baby that could be the What transformed him as he came this law, and they must keep the next Einstein, the next Lincoln, the through the birth canal? He is not records to demonstrate that they have next Ronald Reagan, the next Billy transformed. He is the same baby. done so. If they fail to do so, they Graham, how many of those gifts to He could be born by cesarean. His life would be facing a Federal penalty of a the world are in that mountain of guilt is as sacred, and as unique, and as fine, imprisonment up to 5 years. The that is poured upon the United States much created in God’s image, and as mother is not penalized in this. She is of America that numbers now over 58.5 much as a soul within him, born by ce- not subjected to this. It is the abor- million? sarean as if he comes through the birth tionists who are subjected to this stat- We will never know the answer to canal. So could anybody take his life ute. that question, Mr. Speaker. We will the minute before he was born, or an I would reiterate: if a heartbeat is de- never know. hour, or a day, or a week, or a month, tected, the baby is protected. Mr. We cry out to the conscience of the or a trimester, or two, or three? Speaker, some people will be won- American people, the conscience that What transforms this child through dering—and they will be wondering, especially now knows because of that period of time that I have de- well, what kind of support does legisla- ultrasound that that baby’s life begins scribed as 9 months? What transforms tion like that have across the United at the moment of conception, and them? So if you think back through States of America? So we have a poll science can prove it when we can de- from the minute before a little boy or here that is on this easel, and this is tect a heartbeat. When we can detect a an innocent little baby girl is born to the question about the Heartbeat bill, heartbeat, we know that is life and we the hour of the week, the hour of the H.R. 490, and we went to over 1,000 know that it is innocent human life. day, the week, the month, the tri- adults in America and asked for their For the purposes of the law today, it mester, there is no dramatic moment opinions. is innocent, unborn human life not pro- from the moment of conception, be- Those 1,002 interviews were con- tected by law, not even close to the cause conception is the dramatic mo- ducted, as a matter of fact, and this first protection we offer the most hei- ment. It is the instant, the moment life has a sampling error that is about as nous murderer that we can devise. Yet, begins. small as you get in a legitimate poll. they are the most innocent. At that moment, if God doesn’t al- Sometimes you will see them in 51⁄2 I remember Father Jonathan Morris ready put the soul in that little baby, percent or more, but this is down to a was speaking one day as I was watch- I am completely convinced that it hap- little over 3 percent accuracy, and it

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:11 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.085 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H2748 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 5, 2017 says: Do you agree or disagree or have Heartbeat bill, and 13 percent of the nous murderer without a due process no opinion on supporting the Heartbeat Independents oppose, and 27 percent of all the way to the Supreme Court, and bill that would outlaw abortion in the—so it is 61 percent support among then do so in the most painless and America? If a heartbeat can be de- Independents, and 55 percent support merciful way possible while babies are tected, it would outlaw abortion unless among Democrats, 86 percent support being torn apart in the womb, then there was a physical threat to the among Republicans. That is the party what have we come to as a nation? physical life or health of the mother. breakdown for those who think of this We have the chance to rectify this, Sixty-nine percent of Americans in politics. Mr. Speaker. We have an opportunity, agree with this legislation. That is I think of this in human terms, Mr. an opportunity to move the Heartbeat across the spectrum. It is across the Speaker. I think of this in terms of bill, an opportunity to send a message board, Mr. Speaker. That includes picking up little babies and holding from the House to the Senate and to all Democrats, no party, independents, them in my arms, and feeling that of America. Americans have an oppor- and Republicans, and it includes 13 per- love, and that special smell that a lit- tunity to weigh into us—to sign onto cent of the people who had no opinion. tle baby has, and the gurgle, the laugh- this bill, to move this, to save the lives Those that disagreed are 18 percent ter, and the crying. It is all part of life. of all of the babies who are born who over here in the orange, Mr. Speaker. When I think of the privilege of being have a heartbeat. If a heartbeat is de- So we are sitting here with 69 percent able to go to church with almost my tected, the baby is protected. of Americans who support legislation whole family and taking up, well, I That needs to be our rallying cry that would protect innocent, unborn guess last Sunday, parts of three pews across this country and across this human life from the moment that a and not all of all three. And I think of land. Forever. heartbeat can be detected. this little baby that got passed back to Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Because we know that life is pre- me, and he is kind of an in-law shirt- of my time. cious, and every one of those lives con- tail relation. I had never held him be- f tributes to the well-being of humanity. fore. He snuggled up in my arms there No matter what kind of life we may at the end of mass, and I was able to LEAVE OF ABSENCE think they experience, they are a bless- carry him out. By unanimous consent, leave of ab- ing to their father, they are a blessing We have also little children who sence was granted to: to their mother, they are a blessing to come out of the pews to run up front at Mr. MCEACHIN (at the request of Ms. their family, they are a blessing to this the beginning of the collection to carry PELOSI) for April 4 and today. country. And I would point out, Mr. their dollar bill up and put it in that f basket. They are being raised right, Speaker, that when you break this HOUSE BILLS AND JOINT RESOLU- those little kids. They will be fine. But down, 69 percent in favor that support TIONS APPROVED BY THE PRESI- I see them bubbling out of the pews and the Heartbeat bill, H.R. 490, only 18 DENT percent oppose. And I think some of coming, pouring down the aisle, and them will do that for political reasons, lining up there. Sometimes they trip The President notified the Clerk of but they would have a hard time mak- and run into each other, and knock the House that on the following dates ing the argument if they are looking in each other down, and help each other he had approved and signed bills and the eye of someone who has survived up, and little big brother or sister will joint resolutions of the following titles: an abortion. go help the little 2-year-old back again. January 20, 2017: I have never heard one of the pro- When you see that joy and you hear H.R. 39. An Act to amend title 5, United abortion people look at one of the sur- that gurgling laughter, and you think: States Code, to codify the Presidential Inno- vivors of abortion and say: You should 58.5 million babies never even had a vation Fellows Program, and for other pur- poses. have never been born. No one does chance to do that—never had a chance January 31, 2017: that. They don’t have the nerve to do to learn, to love, to laugh, to play, to H.R. 72. An Act to ensure the Government so because they know that each one of fall in love, to have their own children, Accountability Office has adequate access to us contributes to the well-being of soci- to feel that joy of family, to experience information. ety, and each one of us are a gift from this life in this wonderful country that February 14, 2017: God. And His gift to us are the tools we have. All denied them, denied them H.J. Res. 41. A joint resolution providing that we are born with, and our job is to because the Supreme Court came down for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 with a ruling that said: Well, stare de- of title 5, United States Code, of a rule sub- develop them and utilize them for the mitted by the Securities and Exchange Com- well-being of everyone else. cisis, the right to privacy, extended mission relating to ‘‘Disclosure of Payments Here is the breakdown politically: 86 right to privacy. In the emanations and by Resource Extraction Issuers’’. percent of Republicans support the penumbras of the Constitution is a de- February 16, 2017: Heartbeat bill, only 6 percent of Repub- cision that they would support abor- H.J. Res. 38. A joint resolution dis- licans disagree. I don’t know why they tion on demand. approving the rule submitted by the Depart- do, but 6 percent do. I don’t know what Well, we know that the Court has ment of the Interior known as the Stream their argument is. In the center, we also left room—and we will have a new Protection Rule. have the graph of the Democrats; 55 Court soon—the Court has left room February 28, 2017: H.J. Res. 40. A joint resolution providing percent of Democrats—they are the for us to make this argument before for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 ones who would be lined up against the Court. And if anyone should stand of title 5, United States Code, of the rule this, I would think, but it is a signifi- up and say that we shouldn’t move this submitted by the Social Security Adminis- cant majority. In fact, if this were a legislation to save the lives of the next tration relating to Implementation of the political election, Mr. Speaker, that 58.5 million babies because a Court NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007. would be a landslide at 55 percent of might rule it unconstitutional, my H.R. 255. An Act to authorize the National Democrats supporting the Heartbeat challenge back to the Court, Mr. Science Foundation to support entrepre- Speaker, is: it was an erroneous deci- neurial programs for women. bill. H.R. 321. An Act to inspire women to enter Now, we are looking for some Demo- sion in Roe v. Wade. It was erroneous the aerospace field, including science, tech- crats to sign on it. Maybe they will re- in Eisenstadt, it was erroneous in Gris- nology, engineering, and mathematics, flect the will and wishes of their con- wold, and it was erroneous in Doe v. through mentorship and outreach. stituents. Fifty-five percent of Demo- Bolton. And all of those together are March 13, 2017: crats support the Heartbeat bill, 25 per- bound up—don’t be hiding behind stare H.R. 609. An Act to designate the Depart- cent oppose—more than 2 to 1. The un- decisis, Supreme Court. ment of Veterans Affairs health care center decided are in orange. That is 25 per- Let’s look at this right to life that in Center Township, Butler County, Pennsyl- vania, as the ‘‘Abie Abraham VA Clinic’’. cent. So it is well over 2 to 1—21⁄2 and we have, and the right to equal protec- March 27, 2017: actually, bordering on 3 to 1, support tion under the law that is guaranteed H.J. Res. 37. A joint resolution dis- among the Democrats for this. to us in the 14th Amendment, and that approving the rule submitted by the Depart- If you go to the Independents, 61 per- is extended out to all of the States. ment of Defense, the General Services Ad- cent of Independents support the And if we can’t execute the most hei- ministration, and the National Aeronautics

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:11 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05AP7.086 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2749 and Space Administration relating to the rule of the Department of the Interior relat- March 21, 2017: Federal Acquisition Regulation. ing to ‘‘Non-Subsistence Take of Wildlife, S. 442. An Act to authorize the programs of H.J. Res. 44. A joint resolution dis- and Public Participation and Closure Proce- the National Aeronautics and Space Admin- approving the rule submitted by the Depart- dures, on National Wildlife Refuges in Alas- istration, and for other purposes. ment of the Interior relating to Bureau of ka’’. March 28, 2017: Land Management regulations that establish H.J. Res. 83. A joint resolution dis- S. 305. An Act to amend title 4, United the procedures used to prepare, revise, or approving the rule submitted by the Depart- States Code, to encourage the display of the amend land use plans pursuant to the Fed- ment of Labor relating to ‘‘Clarification of flag of the United States on National Viet- eral Land Policy and Management Act of Employer’s Continuing Obligation to Make nam War Veterans Day. 1976. and Maintain an Accurate Record of Each March 31, 2017: H.J. Res. 57. A joint resolution providing Recordable Injury and Illness’’. S.J. Res. 1. A joint resolution approving for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 H.R. 1228. An Act to provide for the ap- the location of a memorial to commemorate of title 5, United States Code, of the rule pointment of members of the Board of Direc- and honor the members of the Armed Forces submitted by the Department of Education tors of the Office of Compliance to replace who served on active duty in support of Op- relating to accountability and State plans members whose terms expire during 2017, and eration Desert Storm or Operation Desert under the Elementary and Secondary Edu- for other purposes. Shield. cation Act of 1965. April 3, 2017: H.J. Res. 58. A joint resolution providing S.J. Res. 34. A joint resolution providing f for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education SENATE BILLS AND JOINT RESO- submitted by the Federal Communications relating to teacher preparation issues. LUTIONS APPROVED BY THE Commission relating to ‘‘Protecting the Pri- March 31, 2017: PRESIDENT vacy of Customers of Broadband and Other H.J. Res. 42. A joint resolution dis- Telecommunications Services’’. approving the rule submitted by the Depart- The President notified the Clerk of ment of Labor relating to drug testing of un- the House that on the following dates f employment compensation applicants. he had approved and signed bills and ADJOURNMENT H.R. 1362. An Act to name the Department joint resolutions of the Senate of the of Veterans Affairs community-based out- following titles: Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I patient clinic in Pago Pago, American move that the House do now adjourn. January 20, 2017: Samoa, the Faleomavaega Eni Fa’aua’a The motion was agreed to; accord- Hunkin VA Clinic. S. 84. An Act to provide for an exception to April 3, 2017: a limitation against appointment of persons ingly (at 6 o’clock and 28 minutes H.J. Res. 69. A joint resolution providing as Secretary of Defense within seven years of p.m.), under its previous order, the for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 relief from active duty as a regular commis- House adjourned until tomorrow, of title 5, United States Code, of theh final sioned officer of the Armed Forces. Thursday, April 6, 2017, at 9 a.m. EXPENDITURE REPORTS CONCERNING OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL Reports concerning the foreign currencies and U.S. dollars utilized for Official Foreign Travel during the first quarter of 2017, pursuant to Public Law 95–384, are as follows:

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, DELEGATION TO BELGIUM, EXPENDED BETWEEN FEB. 17 AND FEB. 21, 2017

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

Hon. Michael Turner ...... 2/19 2/21 Belgium ...... 578.00 ...... N/A ...... 578.00 Hon. Lois Frankel ...... 2 /18 2 /20 Belgium ...... 578.00 ...... 8,576.00 ...... 9,154.00 Hon. Thomas Marino ...... 2/18 2/21 Belgium ...... 869.00 ...... 2,227.00 ...... 3,096.00 Hon. Steven ‘‘Brett’’ Guthrie ...... 2/18 2/21 Belgium ...... 869.00 ...... 1,778.00 ...... 2,647.00 Hon. Mike Kelly ...... 2/18 2/21 Belgium ...... 869.00 ...... 1,523.00 ...... 2,492.00 Hon. James Costa ...... 2 /17 2 /21 Belgium ...... 1,031.00 ...... 7,750.00 ...... 8,781.00 Hon. Ted Deutch ...... 2/19 2/21 Belgium ...... 578.00 ...... 6,839.00 ...... 7,417.00 Jessica Calio ...... 2/17 2/21 Belgium ...... 1,156.00 ...... 2,011.00 ...... 3,167.00 Janice Robinson ...... 2/17 2/21 Belgium ...... 1,156.00 ...... 2,011.00 ...... 3,167.00 Ed Rice ...... 2/17 2/21 Belgium ...... 1,156.00 ...... 2,011.00 ...... 3,167.00 Committee total ...... 8,840.00 ...... 34,726.00 ...... 43,566.00 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. h HON. MICHAEL R. TURNER, Feb. 21, 2017.

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, nority Depository Institutions’’, pursuant to Jetty A, North Jetty, and South Jetty, in ETC. 12 U.S.C. 1463 note; Public Law 101-73, Sec. Washington and Oregon [Docket No.: 308 (as amended by Public Law 111-203, Sec. 160405311-6999-02] (RIN: 0648-BF95) received Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive 367(4)(B)); (124 Stat. 1556); to the Committee April 4, 2017, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); communications were taken from the on Financial Services. Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to Speaker’s table and referred as follows: 976. A letter from the Executive Director, the Committee on Natural Resources. Office of Minority and Women Inclusion, Of- 978. A letter from the Acting Chairman, 974. A letter from the Secretary, Division fice of the Comptroller of the Currency, of Corporation Finance, Securities and Ex- Federal Maritime Commission, transmitting transmitting the FY 2016 Annual Report of the FY 2016 Annual Report, pursuant to 46 change Commission, transmitting the Com- the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion, U.S.C. 306(a); Public Law 109-304, Sec. 4; (120 mission’s final rule — Inflation Adjustments pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 5452(e); Public Law 111- Stat. 1489); to the Committee on Transpor- and Other Technical Amendments Under Ti- 203, Sec. 342(e); (124 Stat. 1543); to the Com- tation and Infrastructure. tles I and III of the JOBS Act [Release Nos.: mittee on Financial Services. 33-10332; 34-80355; File No.: S7-09-16] (RIN: 977. A letter from the Acting Deputy As- 979. A letter from the Vice President, Gov- 3235-AL38) received April 4, 2017, pursuant to sistant Administrator for Regulatory Pro- ernment Relations, Tennessee Valley Au- 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. grams, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, thority, transmitting the Authority’s Statis- 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Fi- NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric tical Summary for FY 2016; to the Com- nancial Services. Administration, transmitting the Adminis- mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- 975. A letter from the Chairman, Federal tration’s final rule — Taking and Importing ture. Deposit Insurance Corporation, transmitting Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals 980. A letter from the Regulations Coordi- the Corporation’s FY 2016 report to Congress Incidental to Rehabilitation of the Jetty nator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid entitled ‘‘Preservation and Promotion of Mi- System at the Mouth of the Columbia River: Services, Department of Health and Human

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Services, transmitting the Department’s in- Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. KHANNA, Mr. offer, and for other purposes; to the Com- terim final rule — Medicare Program; Ad- KIHUEN, Mr. KILDEE, Mr. KILMER, Ms. mittee on Oversight and Government Re- vancing Care Coordination Through Episode KUSTER of New Hampshire, Mr. LAN- form, and in addition to the Committees on Payment Models (EPMs); Cardiac Rehabili- GEVIN, Mrs. LAWRENCE, Mr. LAWSON House Administration, the Judiciary, Armed tation Incentive Payment Model; and of Florida, Ms. LEE, Mr. LEVIN, Mr. Services, and Education and the Workforce, Changes to the Comprehensive Care for Joint LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. TED LIEU of for a period to be subsequently determined Replacement Model; Delay of Effective Date California, Ms. LOFGREN, Mr. by the Speaker, in each case for consider- [CMS-5519-IFC] (RIN: 0938-AS90) received LOWENTHAL, Mr. BEN RAY LUJA´ N of ation of such provisions as fall within the ju- April 4, 2017, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); New Mexico, Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN risdiction of the committee concerned. Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); GRISHAM of New Mexico, Mr. LYNCH, By Mr. CUMMINGS (for himself, Mr. jointly to the Committees on Energy and Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of New CONYERS, Ms. JACKSON LEE, Mr. Commerce and Ways and Means. York, Ms. MATSUI, Ms. MCCOLLUM, CLAY, Ms. LEE, Ms. BASS, Mr. 981. A letter from the Regulations Coordi- Mr. MCEACHIN, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. CA´ RDENAS, and Ms. NORTON): nator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid MCNERNEY, Mr. MEEKS, Ms. MENG, H.R. 1906. A bill to provide for the sealing Services, Department of Health and Human Ms. MOORE, Mr. MOULTON, Mr. NAD- or expungement of records relating to Fed- Services, transmitting the Department’s LER, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, Mr. NEAL, Mr. eral nonviolent criminal offenses, and for final rule — Medicaid Program; Dispropor- NOLAN, Mr. NORCROSS, Ms. NORTON, other purposes; to the Committee on the Ju- tionate Share Hospital Payments — Treat- Mr. O’ROURKE, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. PA- diciary, and in addition to the Committees ment of Third Party Payers in Calculating NETTA, Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. on Agriculture, and Ways and Means, for a Uncompensated Care Costs [CMS-2399-F] PERLMUTTER, Mr. PETERSON, Ms. PIN- period to be subsequently determined by the (RIN: 0938-AS92) received April 3, 2017, pursu- GREE, Ms. PLASKETT, Mr. POCAN, Mr. Speaker, in each case for consideration of ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- QUIGLEY, Mr. RASKIN, Mr. RICHMOND, such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); jointly to the Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mr. RUIZ, Mr. tion of the committee concerned. Committees on Energy and Commerce and RUPPERSBERGER, Mr. RUSH, Mr. RYAN By Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia (for him- Ways and Means. of Ohio, Ms. SA´ NCHEZ, Mr. SARBANES, self, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. POCAN, Mr. Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. SCOTT of Vir- f MEEKS, Mr. CICILLINE, Mr. RASKIN, ginia, Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia, Mr. COHEN, Mr. RUSH, Mr. BISHOP of REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON Mr. SERRANO, Ms. SEWELL of Ala- Georgia, Ms. CLARKE of New York, PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS bama, Ms. SHEA-PORTER, Mr. SHER- Ms. NORTON, Ms. LEE, Mr. HASTINGS, MAN, Mr. SIRES, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Ms. Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of Ms. JACKSON LEE, Mrs. WATSON COLE- SPEIER, Mr. SUOZZI, Mr. SWALWELL of MAN, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Ms. WILSON of committees were delivered to the Clerk California, Mr. TAKANO, Mr. THOMP- Florida, Mr. TED LIEU of California, for printing and reference to the proper SON of California, Mr. THOMPSON of Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, Mr. DAVID calendar, as follows: Mississippi, Ms. TITUS, Mr. TONKO, SCOTT of Georgia, Mr. HUFFMAN, Mr. Mr. GOODLATTE. Committee on the Judi- Mr. VARGAS, Mr. VEASEY, Mr. VELA, DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. RICH- ciary. H.R. 1667. A bill to amend title 11 of Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ, Mr. WALZ, Ms. MOND, Ms. FUDGE, Ms. BASS, Mr. the United States Code in order to facilitate WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, Ms. MAXINE BUTTERFIELD, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. AL the resolution of an insolvent financial insti- WATERS of California, Mrs. WATSON GREEN of Texas, Ms. MAXINE WATERS tution in bankruptcy (Rept. 115–80). Referred COLEMAN, Mr. WELCH, Ms. WILSON of of California, Mr. NORCROSS, Mr. to the Committee of the Whole House on the Florida, and Mr. YARMUTH): MCNERNEY, Mr. PAYNE, Ms. JUDY CHU state of the Union. H.R. 1902. A bill to protect our Social Secu- rity system and improve benefits for current of California, Ms. ESHOO, and Mr. f and future generations; to the Committee on SMITH of Washington): PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Ways and Means, and in addition to the Com- H.R. 1907. A bill to direct the Secretary of mittees on Education and the Workforce, Homeland Security to conduct research and Under clause 2 of rule XII, public and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be development to mitigate the consequences of bills and resolutions of the following subsequently determined by the Speaker, in threats to voting systems, to amend the Help titles were introduced and severally re- each case for consideration of such provi- America Vote Act of 2002 to require the vot- ferred, as follows: sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the ing systems used in elections for Federal of- committee concerned. By Mr. LARSON of Connecticut (for fice to comply with national standards de- By Mr. SCOTT of Virginia (for himself, himself, Ms. ADAMS, Mr. AGUILAR, veloped by the National Institute of Stand- Mr. TAKANO, Mr. COURTNEY, and Ms. Ms. BARRAGA´ N, Ms. BASS, Mrs. ards and Technology for operational security WILSON of Florida): and ballot verification, to establish pro- BEATTY, Mr. BERA, Mr. BEYER, Mr. H.R. 1903. A bill to improve compliance grams to promote research in innovative BISHOP of Georgia, Mr. BLUMENAUER, with mine safety and health laws, empower voting system technologies, and for other Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER, Ms. BONAMICI, miners to raise safety concerns, prevent fu- purposes; to the Committee on House Admin- Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Pennsyl- ture mine tragedies, and for other purposes; istration, and in addition to the Committees vania, Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania, to the Committee on Education and the Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. Workforce. on Science, Space, and Technology, and ´ CARBAJAL, Mr. CARDENAS, Mr. CAR- By Mr. OLSON (for himself, Mr. Homeland Security, for a period to be subse- SON of Indiana, Mr. CARTWRIGHT, Ms. quently determined by the Speaker, in each REICHERT, Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of CASTOR of Florida, Mr. CASTRO of case for consideration of such provisions as Pennsylvania, Mr. PASCRELL, and Mr. Texas, Ms. JUDY CHU of California, fall within the jurisdiction of the committee KIND): Mr. CICILLINE, Ms. CLARK of Massa- H.R. 1904. A bill to amend title XVIII of the concerned. chusetts, Ms. CLARKE of New York, Social Security Act to align physician super- By Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania (for Mr. CLAY, Mr. CLEAVER, Mr. CLY- vision requirements under the Medicare pro- himself and Mr. DEFAZIO): BURN, Mr. COHEN, Mr. CONNOLLY, Mr. gram for radiology services performed by ad- H.R. 1908. A bill to provide for the use of CONYERS, Mr. CORREA, Mr. COURTNEY, vanced level radiographers with State re- funds in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Mr. CROWLEY, Mr. CUELLAR, Mr. CUM- quirements; to the Committee on Energy and for the purposes for which the funds were MINGS, Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illi- Commerce, and in addition to the Committee collected and to ensure that funds credited nois, Mr. DEFAZIO, Ms. DELAURO, Ms. on Ways and Means, for a period to be subse- to the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund are DELBENE, Mrs. DEMINGS, Mr. quently determined by the Speaker, in each used to support navigation; to the Com- DESAULNIER, Mr. DEUTCH, Mrs. DIN- case for consideration of such provisions as mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- GELL, Mr. DOGGETT, Mr. MICHAEL F. fall within the jurisdiction of the committee ture, and in addition to the Committees on DOYLE of Pennsylvania, Mr. ELLISON, concerned. Ways and Means, and the Budget, for a pe- Mr. ENGEL, Ms. ESHOO, Ms. ESTY, Mr. By Mr. CUMMINGS (for himself, Mr. riod to be subsequently determined by the EVANS, Ms. FRANKEL of Florida, Ms. ISSA, Ms. JACKSON LEE, Mr. SCOTT of Speaker, in each case for consideration of FUDGE, Ms. GABBARD, Mr. GALLEGO, Virginia, Mr. SMITH of Washington, such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- Mr. GARAMENDI, Mr. GONZALEZ of Mr. CONYERS, Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN, tion of the committee concerned. Texas, Mr. AL GREEN of Texas, Mr. Ms. NORTON, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. By Mrs. LAWRENCE (for herself, Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas, Mr. GRIJALVA, COHEN, Mr. FOSTER, Mr. PAYNE, Ms. CONYERS, Ms. NORTON, Mrs. WATSON Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ, Ms. HANABUSA, Mr. BASS, and Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALO- COLEMAN, Mr. BRADY of Pennsyl- HASTINGS, Mr. HECK, Mr. HIGGINS of NEY of New York): vania, Mr. EVANS, and Mr. COHEN): New York, Mr. HUFFMAN, Ms. JACK- H.R. 1905. A bill to prohibit Federal agen- SON LEE, Ms. JAYAPAL, Mr. JEFFRIES, cies and Federal contractors from requesting H.R. 1909. A bill to prioritize educating and Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, that an applicant for employment disclose training for existing and new environmental Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Ms. KAPTUR, criminal history record information before health professionals; to the Committee on Mr. KEATING, Ms. KELLY of Illinois, the applicant has received a conditional Energy and Commerce, and in addition to

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the Committee on Education and the Work- Carolina, Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, H.R. 1925. A bill to amend title XIX of the force, for a period to be subsequently deter- Mr. YOHO, Mr. CA´ RDENAS, Mr. DIAZ- Social Security Act to protect at-risk youth mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- BALART, Mr. NORCROSS, Mr. CURBELO against termination of Medicaid eligibility sideration of such provisions as fall within of Florida, Mr. DEUTCH, Mr. BILI- while an inmate of a public institution; to the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. RAKIS, Mr. CUELLAR, Mr. SMITH of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. By Ms. STEFANIK (for herself, Mr. New Jersey, Ms. WILSON of Florida, By Mr. CA´ RDENAS (for himself, Mr. CARTER of Texas, Mr. COOK, Mr. Mr. POE of Texas, Mr. HASTINGS, Mr. GRIJALVA, Ms. NORTON, Mr. POCAN, CRAMER, Mr. FASO, Mr. JONES, Mr. DESANTIS, Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of and Mr. SERRANO): OLSON, Mr. RENACCI, Mr. ROYCE of Pennsylvania, Mr. MCCAUL, Ms. H.R. 1926. A bill to amend title 18, United California, Mr. WEBSTER of Florida, KELLY of Illinois, Mr. WEBER of States Code, to ensure that juveniles adju- Mr. YOUNG of Iowa, and Mr. ZELDIN): Texas, Mr. DONOVAN, Mr. CHABOT, Mr. dicated in Federal delinquency proceedings H.R. 1910. A bill to amend title 38, United THOMAS J. ROONEY of Florida, and are not subject to solitary confinement while States Code, to improve the process for de- Mr. FRANCIS ROONEY of Florida): committed to juvenile facilities; to the Com- termining the eligibility of caregivers of vet- H.R. 1918. A bill to oppose loans at inter- mittee on the Judiciary. erans to certain benefits administered by the national financial institutions for the Gov- By Mr. CLAY (for himself, Mr. SMITH of Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other ernment of Nicaragua unless the Govern- Missouri, Ms. ADAMS, Ms. BASS, Mrs. purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- ment of Nicaragua is taking effective steps BEATTY, Mr. BEYER, Mr. BISHOP of fairs. to hold free, fair, and transparent elections, Georgia, Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. CAR- By Mr. SMITH of New Jersey (for him- and for other purposes; to the Committee on SON of Indiana, Ms. JUDY CHU of Cali- self, Mr. SCHNEIDER, Mr. ROSKAM, Mr. Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Com- fornia, Ms. CLARKE of New York, Mr. ENGEL, Mr. WEBER of Texas, Mrs. mittee on Financial Services, for a period to CLYBURN, Mr. COHEN, Mr. CONNOLLY, LOWEY, Mr. DEUTCH, Mr. BILIRAKIS, be subsequently determined by the Speaker, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. and Mr. VEASEY): in each case for consideration of such provi- DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois, Ms. H.R. 1911. A bill to amend the State De- sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the DELAURO, Mrs. DINGELL, Ms. FUDGE, partment Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to committee concerned. Mr. GALLEGO, Mr. AL GREEN of Texas, monitor and combat anti-Semitism globally, By Mr. FERGUSON (for himself, Mr. Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. HASTINGS, Ms. and for other purposes; to the Committee on DUNCAN of Tennessee, Mr. BARTON, NORTON, Mr. BROWN of Maryland, Mr. Foreign Affairs. Mr. GROTHMAN, and Mr. FRANKS of HOYER, Ms. JACKSON LEE, Mr. By Mr. CARTWRIGHT (for himself, Mr. Arizona): JEFFRIES, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHN- SCOTT of Virginia, and Ms. WILSON of H.R. 1919. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- SON of Texas, Mr. JOHNSON of Geor- Florida): enue Code of 1986 to clarify eligibility for the gia, Mr. LARSON of Connecticut, Ms. H.R. 1912. A bill to ensure that claims for child tax credit; to the Committee on Ways LEE, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act and Means. LOWENTHAL, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. are processed in a fair and timely manner, to By Mr. UPTON (for himself, Mr. GENE MEEKS, Ms. MOORE, Mr. NADLER, Mrs. better protect miners from pneumoconiosis GREEN of Texas, Mr. SHIMKUS, Ms. NAPOLITANO, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. POCAN, (commonly known as ‘‘black lung disease’’), DEGETTE, and Mr. TIBERI): Mr. POLIS, Mr. RICHMOND, Mr. RUSH, and for other purposes; to the Committee on H.R. 1920. A bill to amend part B of title Education and the Workforce, and in addi- Mr. SERRANO, Ms. SEWELL of Ala- XVIII of the Social Security Act to exclude tion to the Committee on Ways and Means, bama, Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, Mr. customary prompt pay discounts from manu- for a period to be subsequently determined THOMPSON of Mississippi, Mrs. facturers to wholesalers from the average by the Speaker, in each case for consider- TORRES, Mr. TURNER, Mr. VARGAS, sales price for drugs and biologicals under ation of such provisions as fall within the ju- Mr. VEASEY, Ms. WILSON of Florida, risdiction of the committee concerned. Medicare, and for other purposes; to the Ms. MCCOLLUM, Mr. HUFFMAN, Ms. By Mr. PANETTA (for himself, Mr. Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in KELLY of Illinois, Mr. SABLAN, Mrs. addition to the Committee on Ways and VALADAO, Mr. DENHAM, and Mr. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York, Means, for a period to be subsequently deter- COOK): Mr. CARTWRIGHT, Mr. ROSS, Ms. TSON- H.R. 1913. A bill to establish the Clear mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- GAS, Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana, Mr. Creek National Recreation Area in San Be- sideration of such provisions as fall within PRICE of North Carolina, Ms. nito and Fresno Counties, California, to des- the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, Mr. RUIZ, Mr. ignate the Joaquin Rocks Wilderness in such By Mr. BANKS of Indiana: PETERS, Ms. PLASKETT, Mr. EVANS, counties, and for other purposes; to the Com- H.R. 1921. A bill to amend the Head Start Mr. RASKIN, Mrs. DEMINGS, and Ms. mittee on Natural Resources. Act to authorize block grants to States for LOFGREN): By Mr. ISSA (for himself and Mr. prekindergarten education, and for other H.R. 1927. A bill to amend title 54, United DEUTCH): purposes; to the Committee on Education States Code, to establish within the National H.R. 1914. A bill to amend title 17, United and the Workforce. Park Service the African American Civil States Code, to grant owners of copyright in By Mr. BURGESS (for himself and Mr. Rights Network, and for other purposes; to sound recordings the exclusive right to pro- CUMMINGS): the Committee on Natural Resources. hibit the broadcast transmission of the H.R. 1922. A bill to amend the Higher Edu- By Mr. CONNOLLY (for himself and sound recordings by means of terrestrial cation Act of 1965 to establish fair and con- Mr. THOMAS J. ROONEY of Florida): radio stations, and for other purposes; to the sistent eligibility requirements for graduate H.R. 1928. A bill to provide a permanent ap- Committee on the Judiciary. medical schools operating outside the United propriation of funds for the payment of By Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ: States and Canada; to the Committee on death gratuities and related benefits for sur- H.R. 1915. A bill to amend the Small Busi- Education and the Workforce. vivors of deceased members of the uniformed ness Act to provide the Administrator of the By Mr. CAPUANO (for himself and Mr. services in event of any period of lapsed ap- Small Business Administration authority to JONES): propriations; to the Committee on Appro- increase amount for general business loans, H.R. 1923. A bill to prohibit the use of priations. and for other purposes; to the Committee on members of the United States Armed Forces By Mr. CRIST: Small Business. to carry out offensive combat operations in H.R. 1929. A bill to increase the maximum By Mr. SHUSTER (for himself, Mr. Syria; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. amount of increased cost of compliance cov- ´ ROGERS of Alabama, Mr. AUSTIN By Mr. CARDENAS (for himself, Ms. erage available under the National Flood In- SCOTT of Georgia, Mr. FRANKS of Ari- CLARKE of New York, Mr. COHEN, Mr. surance Program, and for other purposes; to zona, Mr. HUNTER, Mr. TURNER, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, the Committee on Financial Services. MOULTON, and Ms. TSONGAS): Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New By Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois (for H.R. 1916. A bill to ensure the ballistic mis- Mexico, Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY himself and Mr. PETERS): sile defense capacity of the Army; to the of New York, Mr. RASKIN, Ms. ROY- H.R. 1930. A bill to require the Administra- Committee on Armed Services. BAL-ALLARD, Mr. SERRANO, Ms. tion of General Services to issue guidance re- By Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio (for himself, SLAUGHTER, Mr. VARGAS, and Mr. lating to the procurement of reclaimed re- Ms. SEWELL of Alabama, Mr. BISHOP GRIJALVA): frigerants; to the Committee on Oversight of Georgia, Mr. SESSIONS, Mrs. ROBY, H.R. 1924. A bill to provide definitions of and Government Reform. and Mr. MURPHY of Pennsylvania): terms and services related to community- By Mr. DOGGETT (for himself, Mr. H.R. 1917. A bill to allow for judicial review based gang intervention to ensure that fund- BLUMENAUER, Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. of any final rule addressing national emis- ing for such intervention is utilized in a CARTWRIGHT, Ms. JUDY CHU of Cali- sion standards for hazardous air pollutants cost-effective manner and that community- fornia, Mr. CICILLINE, Mr. COHEN, Mr. for brick and structural clay products or for based agencies are held accountable for pro- CONYERS, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. DEFA- clay ceramics manufacturing before requir- viding holistic, integrated intervention serv- ZIO, Ms. DELAURO, Mr. ELLISON, Mr. ing compliance with such rule; to the Com- ices, and for other purposes; to the Com- GARAMENDI, Mr. GENE GREEN of mittee on Energy and Commerce. mittee on Education and the Workforce. Texas, Mr. GRIJALVA, Ms. EDDIE BER- By Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN (for herself, By Mr. CA´ RDENAS (for himself and NICE JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. JOHNSON Mr. SIRES, Mr. DUNCAN of South Mr. GRIFFITH): of Georgia, Ms. KAPTUR, Mr. KILDEE,

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Mr. LARSON of Connecticut, Ms. LEE, sequently determined by the Speaker, in furnished to a veteran because of a service- Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. LOEBSACK, each case for consideration of such provi- connected disability, restores the maximum Mr. LYNCH, Ms. MOORE, Mrs. NAPOLI- sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the achievable mobility in the activities of daily TANO, Ms. NORTON, Mr. POCAN, Mr. committee concerned. life, employment, and recreation, and for RASKIN, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Ms. By Mr. GALLAGHER: other purposes; to the Committee on Vet- SCHAKOWSKY, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Mr. H.R. 1936. A bill to prohibit congressional erans’ Affairs. THOMPSON of California, Mr. TONKO, recesses until Congress adopts a concurrent By Mr. LATTA (for himself, Mr. Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ, Mrs. WATSON COLE- resolution on the budget that results in a FARENTHOLD, Mr. DUNCAN of South MAN, Mr. WELCH, Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ, Mr. balanced Federal budget by the last fiscal Carolina, Mr. BACON, Mr. SESSIONS, YARMUTH, Mr. NADLER, Mr. SCOTT of year covered by such resolution, and for Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. LAMALFA, Mr. Virginia, Mr. PAYNE, Ms. MCCOLLUM, other purposes; to the Committee on Rules, COLE, and Mr. WALZ): Ms. PINGREE, Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. and in addition to the Committee on the H.R. 1944. A bill to amend section 100905 of LIPINSKI, and Mr. SARBANES): Budget, for a period to be subsequently de- title 54, United States Code, to direct the H.R. 1931. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- termined by the Speaker, in each case for Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary enue Code of 1986 to discourage corporate in- consideration of such provisions as fall with- of Agriculture to require annual permits and versions and to impose tax on unrepatriated in the jurisdiction of the committee con- assess annual fees for commercial filming ac- earnings and unrecognized gains in connec- cerned. tivities on Federal land for film crews of 5 tion with corporate expatriations; to the By Mr. GARRETT: persons or fewer, and for other purposes; to Committee on Ways and Means. H.R. 1937. A bill to provide loan forgiveness the Committee on Natural Resources, and in By Mr. DOGGETT (for himself, Mr. to borrowers of Federal student loans who addition to the Committee on Agriculture, BLUMENAUER, Ms. BONAMICI, Mr. agree to delay eligibility to collect social se- for a period to be subsequently determined CAPUANO, Mr. CARTWRIGHT, Ms. JUDY curity benefits, and for other purposes; to by the Speaker, in each case for consider- CHU of California, Mr. CICILLINE, Mr. the Committee on Ways and Means, and in ation of such provisions as fall within the ju- COHEN, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. CUMMINGS, addition to the Committee on Education and risdiction of the committee concerned. Mr. DEFAZIO, Ms. DELAURO, Mr. the Workforce, for a period to be subse- By Mr. LATTA (for himself, Mr. ARENTHOLD UNCAN DEUTCH, Mr. ELLISON, Mr. FOSTER, quently determined by the Speaker, in each F , Mr. D of South ESSIONS YAN Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ, Mr. case for consideration of such provisions as Carolina, Mr. S , Mr. R of A ALFA OLE HASTINGS, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHN- fall within the jurisdiction of the committee Ohio, Mr. L M , Mr. C , and ALZ SON of Texas, Mr. JOHNSON of Geor- concerned. Mr. W ): H.R. 1945. A bill to establish the Wildlife gia, Ms. KAPTUR, Ms. KELLY of Illi- By Mr. GARRETT: and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council nois, Mr. LANGEVIN, Mr. LARSON of H.R. 1938. A bill to require the President- Advisory Committee to advise the Secre- Connecticut, Ms. LEE, Mr. LEWIS of elect to submit copies to the Committee on taries of the Interior and Agriculture on Georgia, Mr. TED LIEU of California, House Administration of the House of Rep- resentatives and the Committee on Rules wildlife and habitat conservation, hunting, Mr. LOEBSACK, Mr. LYNCH, Ms. recreational shooting, and for other pur- and Administration of the Senate of the Fed- MCCOLLUM, Ms. MOORE, Mrs. NAPOLI- poses; to the Committee on Natural Re- eral income tax returns filed for the 4 most TANO, Ms. NORTON, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. sources, and in addition to the Committee on recent taxable years, and for other purposes; POCAN, Mr. RASKIN, Ms. ROYBAL- Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in ALLARD, Mr. RUIZ, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, determined by the Speaker, in each case for Mr. SARBANES, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Ms. addition to the Committee on Oversight and consideration of such provisions as fall with- SLAUGHTER, Mr. TAKANO, Mr. TONKO, Government Reform, for a period to be sub- in the jurisdiction of the committee con- Ms. TSONGAS, Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ, Mrs. sequently determined by the Speaker, in cerned. WATSON COLEMAN, Mr. WELCH, Mr. each case for consideration of such provi- By Mr. LEWIS of Georgia: HIGGINS of New York, Mr. YARMUTH, sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the H.R. 1946. A bill to amend the Public Mr. NADLER, Ms. PINGREE, Mr. committee concerned. Health Service Act to require reporting by HUFFMAN, Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, Mr. By Mr. GRIFFITH (for himself and Mr. the National Institutes of Health on requests PASCRELL, Mr. MCGOVERN, and Mr. WELCH): for funding research that were not granted LIPINSKI): H.R. 1939. A bill to amend title XVIII of the and had the greatest potential for improving H.R. 1932. A bill to end offshore corporate Social Security Act to ensure equal access of public health, and for other purposes; to the tax avoidance, and for other purposes; to the Medicare beneficiaries to community phar- Committee on Energy and Commerce. Committee on Ways and Means, and in addi- macies in underserved areas as network By Mr. LEWIS of Georgia: tion to the Committee on Financial Serv- pharmacies under Medicare prescription H.R. 1947. A bill to affirm the religious ices, for a period to be subsequently deter- drug coverage, and for other purposes; to the freedom of taxpayers who are conscien- mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in tiously opposed to participation in war, to sideration of such provisions as fall within addition to the Committee on Ways and provide that the income, estate, or gift tax the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Means, for a period to be subsequently deter- payments of such taxpayers be used for non- By Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee (for him- mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- military purposes, to create the Religious self, Mr. ROE of Tennessee, Mr. sideration of such provisions as fall within Freedom Peace Tax Fund to receive such tax KUSTOFF of Tennessee, Mr. the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. payments, to improve revenue collection, FLEISCHMANN, Mr. DESJARLAIS, Mrs. By Mr. GRIJALVA (for himself, Mr. and for other purposes; to the Committee on BLACKBURN, and Mrs. BLACK): CARSON of Indiana, Ms. CLARKE of Ways and Means. H.R. 1933. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- New York, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. EVANS, By Mrs. LOVE (for herself and Mr. enue Code of 1986 to allow individuals to re- Mr. AL GREEN of Texas, Ms. JACKSON LUETKEMEYER): ceive a premium assistance credit for insur- LEE, Ms. KAPTUR, Ms. LEE, Mrs. H.R. 1948. A bill to raise the consolidated ance not purchased on an Exchange, and for NAPOLITANO, Ms. NORTON, and Mr. assets threshold under the small bank hold- other purposes; to the Committee on Ways RASKIN): ing company policy statement, and for other and Means, and in addition to the Committee H.R. 1940. A bill to allow homeowners of purposes; to the Committee on Financial on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be moderate-value homes who are subject to Services. subsequently determined by the Speaker, in mortgage foreclosure proceedings to remain By Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of each case for consideration of such provi- in their homes as renters; to the Committee New York (for herself and Mr. MEE- sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the on Financial Services. HAN): committee concerned. By Mr. HIGGINS of Louisiana: H.R. 1949. A bill to amend the Higher Edu- By Mr. GALLAGHER: H.R. 1941. A bill to amend the Immigration cation Act of 1965 and the Jeanne Clery Dis- H.R. 1934. A bill to establish a 5-year ban and Nationality Act to make the exception closure of Campus Security Policy and Cam- on individuals appointed to Executive Sched- for returning workers permanent, and for pus Crime Statistics Act to combat campus ule positions and Members of Congress en- other purposes; to the Committee on the Ju- sexual assault, and for other purposes; to the gaging in lobbying activities at the Federal diciary. Committee on Education and the Workforce, level; to the Committee on the Judiciary. By Mr. HIGGINS of Louisiana: and in addition to the Committee on the Ju- By Mr. GALLAGHER: H.R. 1942. A bill to amend title 38, United diciary, for a period to be subsequently de- H.R. 1935. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to direct the Comptroller Gen- termined by the Speaker, in each case for States Code, to provide for the termination eral of the United States to periodically con- consideration of such provisions as fall with- of further retirement coverage for Members duct an audit of the Veterans Health Admin- in the jurisdiction of the committee con- of Congress under the Federal Employees’ istration budget, and for other purposes; to cerned. Retirement System, except for the right to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. By Mr. MURPHY of Pennsylvania (for continue participating in the Thrift Savings By Mr. KING of Iowa (for himself and himself, Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania, Plan, and for other purposes; to the Com- Mr. GROTHMAN): Mr. EVANS, Mr. KELLY of Pennsyl- mittee on House Administration, and in ad- H.R. 1943. A bill to amend title 38, United vania, Mr. PERRY, Mr. THOMPSON of dition to the Committee on Oversight and States Code, to require the Secretary of Vet- Pennsylvania, Mr. COSTELLO of Penn- Government Reform, for a period to be sub- erans Affairs to ensure that each wheelchair, sylvania, Mr. MEEHAN, Mr.

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FITZPATRICK, Mr. SHUSTER, Mr. extension of the Medicare-dependent hos- United States to repeal the sixteenth article MARINO, Mr. BARLETTA, Mr. ROTHFUS, pital (MDH) program and the increased pay- of amendment; to the Committee on the Ju- Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Pennsyl- ments under the Medicare low-volume hos- diciary. vania, Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of pital program; to the Committee on Ways By Mr. SWALWELL of California (for Pennsylvania, Mr. DENT, Mr. and Means. himself and Mr. ENGEL): SMUCKER, and Mr. CARTWRIGHT): By Mr. ROE of Tennessee: H. Con. Res. 47. Concurrent resolution ex- H.R. 1950. A bill to designate the facility of H.R. 1956. A bill to amend title 38, United pressing the sense of Congress that until the the United States Postal Service located at States Code, to increase the amounts of edu- conclusion of the FBI’s criminal and coun- 120 West Pike Street in Canonsburg, Penn- cational assistance payable under Survivors’ terintelligence investigations into the na- sylvania, as the ‘‘Police Officer Scott and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Pro- ture of the Russian connection to the Trump Bashioum Post Office Building‘‘; to the Com- gram of the Department of Veterans Affairs; campaign, the Trump Administration is act- mittee on Oversight and Government Re- to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. ing under a ‘‘gray cloud‘‘ of the appearance form. By Ms. SA´ NCHEZ (for herself, Mr. of a conflict of interest, and, as such, should By Mr. O’HALLERAN (for himself, Ms. CURBELO of Florida, Mr. POCAN, Mr. refrain from taking any actions or making SINEMA, and Mr. KIHUEN): YOUNG of Alaska, Mr. SEAN PATRICK any changes to United States policy that H.R. 1951. A bill to provide that the sala- MALONEY of New York, Mr. KING of could be seen as benefitting President Putin or his inner circle; to the Committee on For- ries of Members of a House of Congress will New York, Mr. GALLEGO, Ms. ROS- eign Affairs, and in addition to the Commit- be held in escrow if that House has not LEHTINEN, Mr. QUIGLEY, Mr. MAC- tees on the Judiciary, and Intelligence (Per- agreed to a concurrent resolution on the ARTHUR, Ms. SINEMA, Mr. KILDEE, Mr. budget for fiscal year 2018 by April 15, 2017, manent Select), for a period to be subse- LOWENTHAL, and Mr. CICILLINE): to eliminate automatic pay adjustments for H.R. 1957. A bill to amend the Elementary quently determined by the Speaker, in each Members of Congress, to prohibit the use of and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to ad- case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee funds provided for the official travel ex- dress and take action to prevent bullying concerned. penses of Members of Congress and other of- and harassment of students; to the Com- By Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana (for her- ficers and employees of the legislative mittee on Education and the Workforce. branch for first-class airline accommoda- self, Ms. JENKINS of Kansas, Ms. By Mr. SHERMAN (for himself and Mr. tions, and to amend title 18, United States SA´ NCHEZ, Mr. GOWDY, Mrs. BUSTOS, ROYCE of California): Ms. NORTON, Mrs. LAWRENCE, Mrs. Code, to establish a uniform 5-year post-em- H.R. 1958. A bill to amend the Truth in ployment ban on lobbying by former Mem- DEMINGS, Ms. FRANKEL of Florida, Lending Act to include retrofit loans such as bers of Congress; to the Committee on House Ms. JACKSON LEE, Ms. GRANGER, Mr. property assessed clean energy loans, and for Administration, and in addition to the Com- MITCHELL, Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of other purposes; to the Committee on Finan- mittees on the Judiciary, and Oversight and California, Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS, cial Services. Government Reform, for a period to be sub- Ms. LEE, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON By Ms. SINEMA (for herself and Ms. sequently determined by the Speaker, in of Texas, Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, HERRERA BEUTLER): each case for consideration of such provi- Ms. SPEIER, Ms. ADAMS, Mrs. BEATTY, H.R. 1959. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the Mrs. RADEWAGEN, Ms. STEFANIK, Ms. enue Code of 1986 to increase the exclusion committee concerned. MCSALLY, Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER, for employer-provided dependent care assist- By Mr. O’ROURKE (for himself, Mr. Mrs. HARTZLER, Mrs. NOEM, Mr. ance; to the Committee on Ways and Means. AMASH, Mr. JEFFRIES, Mr. SENSEN- JOHNSON of Ohio, Mr. COSTELLO of By Ms. SLAUGHTER (for herself, Mr. BRENNER, Mr. NADLER, and Mrs. Pennsylvania, Mr. SCALISE, Mr. CAR- BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Pennsylvania, LOVE): TER of Georgia, Mrs. COMSTOCK, Ms. Ms. BROWNLEY of California, Mr. H.R. 1952. A bill to amend title 23, United FOXX, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, Mrs. COHEN, Mr. CONNOLLY, Mr. COSTA, Mr. States Code, with respect to the revocation WALORSKI, Mrs. LOVE, Mr. MEEHAN, CROWLEY, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. HAS- or suspension of drivers’ licenses of individ- Mr. PAULSEN, Mr. CULBERSON, Mr. TINGS, Mr. HUFFMAN, Ms. KELLY of Il- uals convicted of drug offenses, and for other RENACCI, Mr. OLSON, Mr. ISSA, Mr. linois, Mr. KILDEE, Mr. LANGEVIN, Mr. purposes; to the Committee on Transpor- DIAZ-BALART, Mr. KILMER, Mr. CON- LIPINSKI, Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRIS- tation and Infrastructure. AWAY, Mr. STEWART, and Mrs. ROBY): By Mr. PAULSEN (for himself, Mr. HAM of New Mexico, Ms. MCCOLLUM, H. Res. 249. A resolution honoring the life KIND, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, Mr. BEN RAY Mrs. NAPOLITANO, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. and legacy of the first woman to serve in the LUJA´ N of New Mexico, Mr. CA´ RDENAS, PASCRELL, Mr. QUIGLEY, Mr. SAR- United States Congress, Jeannette Pickering Mr. POCAN, Mr. ROE of Tennessee, Mr. BANES, Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, Mr. Rankin, on the 100th anniversary of her HECK, Mr. TIPTON, Mr. YOUNG of SWALWELL of California, Ms. TSON- swearing-in to Congress; to the Committee Iowa, Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. COHEN, GAS, Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ, and Mr. YAR- on House Administration. Mr. TED LIEU of California, Mr. SHIM- MUTH): By Mr. CA´ RDENAS (for himself, Mr. KUS, Mr. DEFAZIO, Mr. GUTHRIE, Mr. H.R. 1960. A bill to require the Supreme COHEN, and Mr. VARGAS): LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. MCGOVERN, Ms. Court of the United States to promulgate a H. Res. 250. A resolution expressing the JENKINS of Kansas, Ms. BONAMICI, Mr. code of ethics; to the Committee on the Judi- need to eliminate life without parole for ROSKAM, Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana, and ciary. children; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Mr. PASCRELL): By Mr. STEWART: By Ms. SLAUGHTER (for herself, Mr. H.R. 1953. A bill to amend title XVIII of the H.R. 1961. A bill to provide for the convey- PAYNE, Ms. BONAMICI, and Ms. Social Security Act to provide for the co- ance of certain land to Washington County, MCCOLLUM): ordination of programs to prevent and treat Utah, to authorize the exchange of Federal H. Res. 251. A resolution expressing support obesity, and for other purposes; to the Com- land and non-Federal land in the State of for designation of the week of April 9, 2017, mittee on Energy and Commerce, and in ad- Utah, and for other purposes; to the Com- through April 22, 2017, as National Young Au- dition to the Committee on Ways and Means, mittee on Natural Resources. diences Arts for Learning Week; to the Com- for a period to be subsequently determined By Mr. TIBERI (for himself and Mr. mittee on Education and the Workforce. by the Speaker, in each case for consider- NEAL): f ation of such provisions as fall within the ju- H.R. 1962. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- risdiction of the committee concerned. enue Code of 1986 to protect older, longer CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY By Ms. PINGREE (for herself, Ms. service and grandfathered participants in de- STATEMENT DELAURO, Ms. TSONGAS, Ms. fined benefit plans; to the Committee on Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of BROWNLEY of California, Ms. TITUS, Ways and Means. the Rules of the House of Representa- By Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ (for Mr. RUSH, Mr. TAKANO, Ms. ESTY, Mr. tives, the following statements are sub- PETERS, and Mr. SABLAN): herself and Mr. SMITH of Texas): H.R. 1954. A bill to amend title 38, United H.R. 1963. A bill to provide protection for mitted regarding the specific powers States Code, to expand health care and bene- survivors of domestic violence or sexual as- granted to Congress in the Constitu- fits from the Department of Veterans Affairs sault under the Fair Housing Act; to the tion to enact the accompanying bill or for military sexual trauma, and for other Committee on the Judiciary. joint resolution. purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- By Mr. WILLIAMS: By Mr. LARSON of Connecticut: fairs, and in addition to the Committee on H.R. 1964. A bill to preserve competition H.R. 1902. Armed Services, for a period to be subse- among mortgage lenders, provide relief from Congress has the power to enact this legis- quently determined by the Speaker, in each unnecessary regulatory requirements on re- lation pursuant to the following: case for consideration of such provisions as sponsible community mortgage lenders, and Article I, Section 8, Clause 1: The Congress fall within the jurisdiction of the committee for other purposes; to the Committee on Fi- shall have power to lay and collect taxes, du- concerned. nancial Services. ties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts By Mr. REED (for himself and Mr. By Mr. KING of Iowa (for himself and and provide for the common defense and gen- WELCH): Mr. WOODALL): eral welfare of the United States; but all du- H.R. 1955. A bill to amend title XVIII of the H.J. Res. 94. A joint resolution proposing ties, imposts and excises shall be uniform Social Security Act to make permanent the an amendment to the Constitution of the throughout the United States

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:11 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L05AP7.100 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H2754 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 5, 2017 By Mr. SCOTT of Virginia: By Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ: Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1903. H.R. 1915. lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8 of the United States lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: Constitution. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution of Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 By Mr. CA´ RDENAS: the United States. The Congress shall have Power * * * To H.R. 1926. By Mr. OLSON: regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1904. and among the several States, and with the lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- Indian Tribes. Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the United lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. SHUSTER: States Constitution. Article 1, Section 8 H.R. 1916. By Mr. CLAY: By Mr. CUMMINGS: Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1927. H.R. 1905. lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I Section 8 of the United States lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: Constitution Article I, Section 8 Article I, Section 8, Clause 18. By Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio: By Mr. CONNOLLY: By Mr. CUMMINGS: H.R. 1917. H.R. 1928. H.R. 1906. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3 of the U.S. Section 1 and Section 8 of Article 1 of the Pursuant to Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 Constitution, To regulate Commerce with United States Constitution. of the United States Constitution, the Con- foreign Nations, and among the several By Mr. CRIST: gress shall have the power to ‘‘regulate Com- States, and with the Indian Tribes. H.R. 1929. merce with foreign Nations, and among the By Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN: Congress has the power to enact this legis- several states, and with the Indian Tribes’’ H.R. 1918. lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia: Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 H.R. 1907. lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois: Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8 H.R. 1930. lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. FERGUSON: Congress has the power to enact this legis- Clause 18 of section 8 of article I of the H.R. 1919. lation pursuant to the following: Constitution, which grants Congress the Congress has the power to enact this legis- The constitutional authority on which this Power to make all Laws which shall be nec- lation pursuant to the following: bill rests is the power of Congress as stated essary and proper for carrying into Execu- Article I, Section 8 in Article I, Section 8, Clause 7 of the United The Congress shall have the Power to lay tion the foregoing Powers. States Constitution. and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Ex- By Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania: By Mr. DOGGETT: H.R. 1908. cises, to the pay the Debts and provide for H.R. 1931. Congress has the power to enact this legis- the common Defence and general Welfare of Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: the United States; but all Duties, Imposts lation pursuant to the following: The Congress enacts this bill pursuant to and Excises shall be uniform throughout the Clause 1 of Section 8 of Article I of the Article I Section 8 of the United States Con- United States; United States Constitution. stitution. By Mr. UPTON: By Mr. DOGGETT: By Mrs. LAWRENCE: H.R. 1920. H.R. 1932. H.R. 1909. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 Clause 1 of Section 8 of Article I of the Article I, Sectiom 8, clause 18 allows Con- The Congress shall have Power to regulate United States Constitution. gress to make all laws, ‘‘which shall be nec- commerce with foreign Nations, and among By Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee: essary and proper for carrying into execu- the several States, and with the Indian H.R. 1933. tion’’ any ‘‘other powers vested by the Con- Tribes. Congress has the power to enact this legis- stitution in the Government of the United By Mr. BANKS of Indiana: lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1921. Stataes. Under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Con- Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Ms. STEFANIK: stitution, Clause 1: The Congress shall have H.R. 1910. lation pursuant to the following: Power to lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Im- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article 1, Section 8: The Congress shall posts and Excises, to pay the Debts and pro- lation pursuant to the following: have power . . . To make all laws which shall Clause 18 of section 8 of article 1 of the be necessary and proper for carrying into vide for the common Defence and general Constitution. execution the foregoing powers vested by Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, By Mr. SMITH of New Jersey: this Constitution in the government of the Imposts and Excises shall be uniform H.R. 1911. United States, or in any department or offi- throughout the United States. Under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Con- Congress has the power to enact this legis- cer thereof. stitution, Clause 18: The Congress shall have lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. BURGESS: Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 H.R. 1922. Power * * * To make all Laws which shall be Article I, Section 8, Clause 4 Congress has the power to enact this legis- necessary and proper for carrying into Exe- Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 lation pursuant to the following: cution the foregoing Powers, and all other By Mr. CARTWRIGHT: Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1: The Congress Powers vested by the Constitution in the H.R. 1912. shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Government of the United States, or in any Congress has the power to enact this legis- Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Department or Officer thereof lation pursuant to the following: Debts and provide for the common Defence By Mr. GALLAGHER: Article I, Section 8, Clause 3: To regulate and general Welfare of the United States; but H.R. 1934. commerce with foreign nations, and among all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uni- Congress has the power to enact this legis- the several states, and with the Indian tribes form throughout the United States. lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. PANETTA: Article I, Section 8, Clause 3: To regulate Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3, To regulate H.R. 1913. Commerce with foreign Nations, and among Commerce with foreign Nations, and among Congress has the power to enact this legis- the several States, and with the Indian the several states, lation pursuant to the following: Tribes. By Mr. GALLAGHER: Article IV, Section 3, clause 2 provides By Mr. CAPUANO: H.R. 1935. Congress with the power to ‘‘dispose of and H.R. 1923. Congress has the power to enact this legis- make all needful Rules and Regulations re- Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: specting the Territory and other Property lation pursuant to the following: Article 1, Section 6, Clause 1: The Senators belonging to the United States.’’ The War Powers Act—P.L. 93–148; 50 U.S.C. and Representatives shall receive a Com- By Mr. ISSA: 1541–1548 pensation for their Services, to be H.R. 1914. By Mr. CA´ RDENAS: ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1924. Treaasury of the United State. lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. GALLAGHER: Article 1, Section 8, clause 8, ‘‘to promote lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1936. the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by Article I, Section 8 of the United States Congress has the power to enact this legis- securing for limited Times to Authors and Constitution. lation pursuant to the following: Inventors the exclusive Rights to their re- By Mr. CA´ RDENAS: Article I, Section 5: Each House may deter- spective Writings and Discoveries,’’ H.R. 1925. mine the Rules of its Proceedings,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:11 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05AP7.029 H05APPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2755 By Mr. GARRETT: United States Constitution and its subse- Nations, and among the several States, and H.R. 1937. quent amendments, and further clarified and with the Indian Tribes, Congress has the power to enact this legis- interpreted by the Supreme Court of the By Ms. SINEMA: lation pursuant to the following: United States. H.R. 1959. Article 1, Section 8 of the United States By Mrs. LOVE: Congress has the power to enact this legis- Constitution H.R. 1948. lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. GARRETT: Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article 1. Section 8. H.R. 1938. lation pursuant to the following: By Ms. SLAUGHTER: Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8, Clause 3: ‘‘The Con- H.R. 1960. lation pursuant to the following: gress shall have power . . . To regulate com- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article 1, Section 8 of the United States merce with foreign nations, and among the lation pursuant to the following: Constitution several states, and with the Indian tribes.’’ The authority to enact this bill is derived By Mr. GRIFFITH: By Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of from, but may not be limited to, Article I, H.R. 1939. New York: Section 8. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1949. By Mr. STEWART: lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1961. This bill is enacted pursuant to the power lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- granted to Congress under Article I, Section Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 lation pursuant to the following: 8 of the United States Constitution. By Mr. MURPHY of Pennsylvania: Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 allows that By Mr. GRIJALVA: H.R. 1950. ‘‘The Congress shall have Power to dispose of H.R. 1940. Congress has the power to enact this legis- and make all needful Rules and Regulations Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: respecting the Territory or other Property lation pursuant to the following: Article 1 Section 8 belonging to the United States; and nothing U.S. Const. art. I, §§ 1 and 8. By Mr. O’HALLERAN: in this Constitution shall be so construed as By Mr. HIGGINS of Louisiana: H.R. 1951. to Prejudice any Claims of the United H.R. 1941. Congress has the power to enact this legis- States, or of any particular State.’’ Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. TIBERI: lation pursuant to the following: Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 H.R. 1962. U.S. Const. art. I, sec. 8, cl. 4 By Mr. O’ROURKE: Congress has the power to enact this legis- U.S. Const. art. I, sec. 8, cl. 3 H.R. 1952. lation pursuant to the following: U.S. Const. art. I, sec. 8, cl. 11–16 Congress has the power to enact this legis- Clause 1 of Section 8 of Article I U.S. Const. art. I, sec. 8, cl. 18 lation pursuant to the following: By Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ: By Mr. HIGGINS of Louisiana: Section 4 of Article I of the Constitution: H.R. 1963. H.R. 1942. Clause 18 of Section 8 of Article I of the Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Constitution: To make all Laws which shall lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: be necessary and proper for carrying into Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 Article I, Section 8 of the United States Execution the foregoing Powers, and all By Mr. KING of Iowa: Constitution other Powers vested by the Constitution in H.R. 1943. By Mr. WILLIAMS: Congress has the power to enact this legis- the Government of the United States, or in H.R. 1964. lation pursuant to the following: any Department or Office thereof. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8 By Mr. PAULSEN: lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. LATTA: H.R. 1953. Article I, Section 8, Clause 3—‘‘To regulate H.R. 1944. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Commerce with foreign Nations, and among Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: the several States, and with the Indian lation pursuant to the following: Article 1 Section 8 grants Congress the Tribes’’ Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 power to lay and collect taxes, duties, im- By Mr. KING of Iowa: The Congress shall have Power to dispose posts, and excises, to pay the debts and pro- H.J. Res. 94. of and make all needful Rules and Regula- vide for the common defense and general Congress has the power to enact this legis- tions respecting the Territory or other Prop- welfare of the United States. lation pursuant to the following: erty belonging to the United States By Ms. PINGREE: Article V of the Constitution. H.R. 1954. Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 f The Congress shall have Power to regulate Congress has the power to enact this legis- Commerce with foreign Nations and among lation pursuant to the following: ADDITIONAL SPONSORS the several States Section 1, Article 8—The Congress shall Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors By Mr. LATTA: have power to lay and collect taxes; duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and were added to public bills and resolu- H.R. 1945. tions, as follows: Congress has the power to enact this legis- provide for the common defense and general lation pursuant to the following: welfare of the United States H.R. 60: Mr. LANCE and Ms. MENG. Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 By Mr. REED: H.R. 179: Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of To regulate Commerce with foreign Na- H.R. 1955. New Mexico and Mr. LANCE. tions, and among the several States, and Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 282: Mr. KNIGHT. with the Indian Tribes; lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 305: Mr. PANETTA, Ms. HANABUSA, Ms. Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 Article 1, Section 8 WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, Mr. FOSTER, Mr. The Congress shall have Power to dispose By Mr. ROE of Tennessee: KEATING, Mr. SMITH of Washington, Mr. of and make all needful Rules and Regula- H.R. 1956. SHERMAN, and Mr. ESPAILLAT. tions respecting the Territory or other Prop- Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 367: Mr. SMITH of Nebraska and Mr. erty belonging to the United States lation pursuant to the following: YOUNG of Alaska. Amendment II Article 1, Section 8 of the United States H.R. 392: Mr. TIBERI, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. A well regulated Militia, being necessary Constitution. ROSKAM, and Mr. HARPER. to the security of a free State, the right of By Ms. SA´ NCHEZ: H.R. 432: Mr. THOMPSON of California. the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not H.R. 1957. H.R. 490: Mr. WITTMAN, Mr. YOUNG of Alas- be infringed. Congress has the power to enact this legis- ka, Mr. JORDAN, and Mr. JOHNSON of Lou- By Mr. LEWIS of Georgia: lation pursuant to the following: isiana. H.R. 1946. Article One, section 8, clause 18: H.R. 496: Mr. STEWART and Ms. DEGETTE. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress shall have Power—To make all H.R. 502: Mr. RASKIN, Ms. GABBARD, and lation pursuant to the following: Laws which shall be necessary and proper for Mr. LYNCH. This bill is enacted pursuant to the power carrying into Execution the foregoing Pow- H.R. 620: Mr. ISSA. granted to Congress under Article I of the ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con- H.R. 635: Mr. HUFFMAN. United States Constitution and its subse- stitution in the Government of the United H.R. 659: Mr. PETERSON and Mr. PETERS. quent amendments, and further clarified and States, or in any Department of Officer H.R. 662: Mr. ROUZER. interpreted by the Supreme Court of the thereof. H.R. 676: Mr. SARBANES, Ms. TITUS, Ms. United States. By Mr. SHERMAN: MENG, Mr. CORREA, Ms. DEGETTE, and Mr. By Mr. LEWIS of Georgia: H.R. 1958. MCNERNEY. H.R. 1947. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 721: Mr. MCCAUL. Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 739: Mr. VEASEY. lation pursuant to the following: Article I; Section 8; Clause 3 of the Con- H.R. 741: Mr. TIPTON. This bill is enacted pursuant to the power stitution states The Congress shall have the H.R. 747: Mrs. TORRES and Mr. DUNCAN of granted to Congress under Article I of the Power to regulate Commerce with foreign South Carolina.

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H.R. 788: Mr. STEWART and Mr. VALADAO. H.R. 1404: Mr. GALLEGO, Mr. SCHWEIKERT, H.R. 1722: Mr. BURGESS, Mr. DESANTIS, Mr. H.R. 804: Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. FRANKS of Arizona, Mr. GOSAR, Ms. HENSARLING, Mr. HUDSON, Mr. KING of Iowa, H.R. 807: Mrs. MURPHY of Florida. SINEMA, Mr. O’HALLERAN, Mr. BIGGS, and Ms. and Mr. LONG. H.R. 896: Mr. LOUDERMILK. MCSALLY. H.R. 1725: Mr. HIGGINS of New York. H.R. 899: Mr. DUNCAN of South Carolina. H.R. 1413: Mr. DEFAZIO. H.R. 1762: Mr. RUIZ. H.R. 927: Ms. ESTY. H.R. 1419: Mr. WEBER of Texas. H.R. 1776: Mr. GRIJALVA and Mr. POCAN. H.R. 953: Mr. SHUSTER and Mr. H.R. 1468: Ms. MCSALLY. H.R. 1796: Mr. WITTMAN and Mr. CRAMER. LOUDERMILK. H.R. 1485: Mr. ROYCE of California. H.R. 959: Mr. MCKINLEY and Mrs. MURPHY H.R. 1513: Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana and Mr. H.R. 1815: Mr. VEASEY. of Florida. KILMER. H.R. 1832: Mr. CICILLINE. H.R. 997: Mr. MARCHANT and Mr. BURGESS. H.R. 1516: Mr. CAPUANO. H.R. 1833: Mrs. NAPOLITANO and Mr. H.R. 1005: Mr. TONKO. H.R. 1544: Mr. O’ROURKE and Mr. HURD. GARAMENDI. H.R. 1551: Mrs. ROBY. H.R. 1017: Mr. RICE of South Carolina. H.R. 1841: Mr. PERLMUTTER, Mr. BLU- H.R. 1566: Mr. GRIJALVA. H.R. 1054: Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of MENAUER, Ms. NORTON, Mr. HUFFMAN, and H.R. 1582: Mr. LUETKEMEYER and Mr. New York and Ms. KUSTER of New Hamp- Mr. POCAN. PETERSON. shire. H.R. 1587: Ms. CLARKE of New York, Mr. H.R. 1870: Mr. DESAULNIER. H.R. 1057: Mr. TIPTON. ELLISON, Ms. LEE, Ms. MOORE, Ms. PINGREE, H.R. 1899: Mr. RUSH. H.R. 1058: Mr. TROTT. Mr. SCHIFF, and Mr. TAKANO. H.J. Res. 1: Mr. GALLAGHER. H.R. 1090: Mr. THOMAS J. ROONEY of Flor- H.R. 1589: Mr. TED LIEU of California. H.J. Res. 2: Mr. GALLAGHER. ida. H.R. 1623: Mr. COLE and Mr. JONES. H.J. Res. 59: Mr. THORNBERRY. H.R. 1116: Mr. WITTMAN and Mr. WALZ. H.R. 1626: Mr. CONAWAY and Mr. H. Con. Res. 8: Mr. MOONEY of West Vir- H.R. 1148: Mr. UPTON and Mr. BEN RAY DESJARLAIS. ´ ginia. LUJAN of New Mexico. H.R. 1639: Mr. RYAN of Ohio. H.R. 1155: Mrs. MURPHY of Florida. H.R. 1645: Mr. GOTTHEIMER. H. Con. Res. 10: Mr. KING of New York and H.R. 1160: Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. H.R. 1648: Mr. CA´ RDENAS, Mr. YODER, Mr. Mr. SENSENBRENNER. H.R. 1172: Mr. WELCH. RUPPERSBERGER, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Ms. H. Res. 28: Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Penn- H.R. 1225: Mr. SCOTT of Virginia and Mr. SPEIER, Mr. PETERS, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, sylvania, Mr. FITZPATRICK, Mr. LYNCH, Mr. RYAN of Ohio. and Mr. CLAY. BROWN of Maryland, Ms. WILSON of Florida, H.R. 1227: Mr. GRIJALVA and Mr. COHEN. H.R. 1661: Mr. HOLDING. Mr. BOST, Mr. SMITH of Missouri, and Mr. H.R. 1235: Mr. DESAULNIER, Ms. BORDALLO, H.R. 1676: Mr. ROSKAM, Ms. LOFGREN, and LAHOOD. ´ Mr. DEUTCH, Mr. CLAY, Mr. GUTIERREZ, Mr. Mr. ROUZER. H. Res. 31: Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Penn- CLYBURN, Mrs. BEATTY, Mr. CROWLEY, Mr. H.R. 1677: Mr. CROWLEY, Mr. MOULTON, and sylvania, Ms. BARRAGA´ N, Mr. FITZPATRICK, LARSEN of Washington, Mr. MEEKS, Mrs. Mr. KEATING. Mr. SHIMKUS, and Mr. BOST. NAPOLITANO, Mr. POCAN, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. H.R. 1695: Mr. SCHIFF and Mr. CRAWFORD. H. Res. 129: Mr. PEARCE, Mr. DEFAZIO, Mr. ALBERG OUZER PERLMUTTER, Mr. QUIGLEY, Mr. WALZ, Ms. H.R. 1697: Mr. W , Mr. R , Mr. LUETKEMEYER, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. ´ ATKO UTHRIE RAVES VELAZQUEZ, Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Penn- K , Mr. G , Mr. G of Mis- RYAN of Ohio, Mr. POSEY, Mr. LOUDERMILK, ARTZLER ATTA sylvania, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Mrs. LOWEY, Mrs. souri, Mrs. H , Mr. L , Mr. Mr. DESANTIS, and Mr. WITTMAN. RADEWAGEN, Mr. MEEHAN, and Mr. SHIMKUS. DELANEY, Mrs. NOEM, Mr. ROGERS of Ala- H. Res. 188: Mrs. WAGNER. H.R. 1241: Mr. REED. bama, Mr. COMER, Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS, H. Res. 199: Mr. GALLEGO and Mrs. DAVIS of H.R. 1243: Mr. SUOZZI and Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. LAMALFA, Mr. COLLINS of New York, Mr. California. H.R. 1291: Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER, Mr. MOONEY of West Virginia, Mr. LEVIN, Mr. LAWSON of Florida, and Mr. MCEACHIN. SAM JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. SWALWELL of H. Res. 220: Mr. SIRES and Mr. BISHOP of H.R. 1307: Mr. RASKIN. California, and Mr. VEASEY. Michigan. H.R. 1318: Ms. ROSEN and Mr. THOMPSON of H.R. 1698: Mr. COLLINS of New York, Mr. H. Res. 234: Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mississippi. BILIRAKIS, Mr. MOONEY of West Virginia, Mr. H. Res. 245: Mr. GRIFFITH. H.R. 1322: Mrs. LOWEY. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. SWALWELL of California, H. Res. 246: Mr. HASTINGS, Mr. VEASEY, and H.R. 1380: Mr. DUNN. and Mr. VEASEY. Mr. BROWN of Maryland.

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