E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 113 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

Vol. 160 WASHINGTON, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2014 No. 20 House of Representatives The House met at noon and was Guide our minds, thoughts, and de- cut deals with the regime in Iran, Ira- called to order by the Speaker pro tem- sires this day. By Your spirit, breathe nian military leaders pulled no punches pore (Mr. PETRI). into us a new spirit. Shape this Con- in letting us know that they are pre- f gress and our world according to Your pared to strike our homeland, our design that we may fulfill Your will. forces in the Middle East, and our ally DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO Bless the Members of this people’s Israel. TEMPORE House. Give them attentive hearts and These military leaders are at the real The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- open minds, that through the diversity center of power in Tehran, pulling the fore the House the following commu- of ideas, they might sort out what is strings behind the scenes. They are nication from the Speaker: best for this Nation. also the people who this administra- WASHINGTON, DC, May their speech be deliberately free tion is trusting to end their nuclear February 3, 2014. of all prejudice, that others might lis- weapons program even though they in- I hereby appoint the Honorable THOMAS E. ten wholeheartedly. Grant that all dia- vested heavily in keeping that same PETRI to act as Speaker pro tempore on this logue be mutually respectful, sur- program hidden from the world for day. prising even the most jaded with the years. Iranian commanders just this JOHN A. BOEHNER, emergence of unity and justice. past weekend went as far as to talk Speaker of the House of Representatives. Bless us this day and every day. May about destroying America from within f all that is done here be for Your great- and how we will face devastating con- MORNING-HOUR DEBATE er honor and glory. sequences if we exercise our military Amen. option. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- f Madam Speaker, their words are just ant to the order of the House of Janu- another reminder of how this adminis- ary 7, 2014, the Chair would now recog- THE JOURNAL tration has misplaced their trust and nize Members from lists submitted by The SPEAKER pro tempore. The how the current deal with Iran jeopard- the majority and minority leaders for Chair has examined the Journal of the izes our national security. morning-hour debate. last day’s proceedings and announces f f to the House her approval thereof. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- RECESS RECESS nal stands approved. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- f ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair declares the House in recess until ap- declares the House in recess until 2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE proximately 5 p.m. today. p.m. today. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the Accordingly (at 2 o’clock and 3 min- Accordingly (at 12 o’clock and 1 gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. utes p.m.), the House stood in recess. minute p.m.), the House stood in re- HOLDING) come forward and lead the f cess. House in the Pledge of Allegiance. f Mr. HOLDING led the Pledge of Alle- b 1700 giance as follows: AFTER RECESS b 1400 I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the The recess having expired, the House AFTER RECESS United States of America, and to the Repub- lic for which it stands, one nation under God, was called to order by the Speaker pro The recess having expired, the House indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. tempore (Mr. HOLDING) at 5 p.m. was called to order by the Speaker pro f f tempore (Ms. FOXX) at 2 p.m. IRAN TARGETING AMERICA ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER f (Mr. HOLDING asked and was given PRO TEMPORE PRAYER permission to address the House for 1 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- The Chaplain, the Reverend Patrick minute and to revise and extend his re- ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair J. Conroy, offered the following prayer: marks.) will postpone further proceedings Eternal God, we give You thanks for Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, as today on motions to suspend the rules giving us another day. the Obama administration continues to on which a recorded vote or the yeas

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 Mar 15 2010 04:38 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A03FE7.000 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1518 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 3, 2014 and nays are ordered, or on which the grant funds under the State Homeland EMERGENCY SERVICES COALITION vote incurs objection under clause 6 of Security Grant Program and Urban FOR MEDICAL PREPAREDNESS, rule XX. Area Security Initiative may be used April 26, 2013. Record votes on postponed questions Hon. GUS BILIRAKIS, to enhance medical preparedness and House of Representatives, will be taken later. purchase medical countermeasures. Washington, DC. f The Emergency Preparedness, Re- DEAR REPRESENTATIVE BILIRAKIS: The MEDICAL PREPAREDNESS sponse, and Communications Sub- Emergency Services Coalition for Medical ALLOWABLE USE ACT committee held a series of hearings in Preparedness is pleased to support the Med- ical Preparedness Allowable Use Act. The Mrs. BROOKS. Mr. Speaker, I move the 112th Congress on medical pre- events of the last two weeks again dem- to suspend the rules and pass the bill paredness. The subcommittee heard onstrate the need for immediate, at hand (H.R. 1791) to amend the Homeland Se- about the importance of medical coun- protections for our emergency services per- curity Act of 2002 to codify authority termeasures from representatives of sonnel and their families and households. under existing grant guidance author- the emergency response community, The Congressionally-chartered WMD Com- izing use of Urban Area Security Ini- and this bill is in response to those mission has issued warnings for years about the continuing threat from biological weap- tiative and State Homeland Security concerns. ons. Grant Program funding for enhancing In August, I held a field hearing in Emergency services professionals are medical preparedness, medical surge my district looking at central Indi- uniquely expected to continue operating in capacity, and mass prophylaxis capa- ana’s ability to handle a mass casualty hazardous conditions when others are shel- bilities, as amended. event. Like the witnesses who testified tering. Whether responding to industrial The Clerk read the title of the bill. fires, bombs placed in cities, or other situa- The text of the bill is as follows: at the hearings held in the 112th Con- tions with unknown secondary risks, the pro- H.R. 1791 gress, these witnesses at the field hear- tections described in the Medical Prepared- ing stressed the importance of building Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- ness Allowable Use Act will enable emer- resentatives of the United States of America in medical preparedness. gency services to more confidently carry out their tasks. Congress assembled, As a result of this bill, grant funds SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. Pre-event medical caches have been pro- could be used for items such as pre-de- vided for federal workers and hundreds of This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Medical Pre- ployed medical kits for first responders paredness Allowable Use Act’’. postal employees. Your bill addresses the and their families, caches of equip- lack of protection of the millions of local SEC. 2. USE OF CERTAIN HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT FUNDS FOR ENHANCING ment, training and exercises, and plan- and state protectors who daily provide law MEDICAL PREPAREDNESS, MEDICAL ning activities. The grant guidance for enforcement, public works, emergency man- SURGE CAPACITY, AND MASS PRO- these programs currently allows funds agement, fire, rescue and emergency medical PHYLAXIS CAPABILITIES. services. to be used for medical preparedness Section 2008 of the Homeland Security Act of The Coalition looks forward to working 2002 (6 U.S.C. 609) is amended— equipment and activities. with you and your staff in passage of the (1) in subsection (a), by redesignating para- This bill codifies those activities to Bill. Thank you for your leadership and con- graphs (10) through (13) as paragraphs (11) ensure that they will continue to be al- tinuing support for ‘‘protecting the protec- through (14), respectively, and by inserting after lowable, and it will not cost any addi- tors.’’ paragraph (9) the following: Sincerely, tional money to do so. We have seen ‘‘(10) enhancing medical preparedness, med- TIM STEPHENS, ical surge capacity, and mass prophylaxis capa- the benefits that grant funds, including Advisor. bilities, including the development and mainte- those used for medical preparedness ac- nance of an initial pharmaceutical stockpile, in- tivities, have provided when it comes INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION cluding medical kits, and diagnostics sufficient to response capabilities. This was OF FIRE CHIEFS, to protect first responders, their families, imme- Fairfax, VA, April 26, 2013. diate victims, and vulnerable populations from a clearly demonstrated in response to the Boston Marathon bombings. Hon. MICHAEL MCCAUL, chemical or biological event;’’; and Chairman, House Committee on Homeland Secu- (2) in subsection (b)(3)(B), by striking We know that the threat of chemical rity, Washington, DC. ‘‘(a)(10)’’ and inserting ‘‘(a)(11)’’. or biological attack is real. In fact, my Hon. BENNIE THOMPSON, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- subcommittee will be holding a hearing Ranking Member, House Committee on Home- ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from next week to get an update on the bio- land Security, Washington, DC. Indiana (Mrs. BROOKS) and the gen- terrorism threat and preparedness here DEAR CHAIRMAN MCCAUL AND RANKING tleman from New Jersey (Mr. PAYNE) in this country. MEMBER THOMPSON: On behalf of the 12,000 each will control 20 minutes. chief fire and emergency officers of the The Chair recognizes the gentle- We must ensure that our first re- International Association of Fire Chiefs woman from Indiana. sponders have the tools and capabili- (IAFC), I urge you to support the Medical Preparedness Allowable Use Act. This bill GENERAL LEAVE ties they need if such an event should occur. This bill has the support of sev- addresses an important aspect of America’s Mrs. BROOKS. Mr. Speaker, I ask homeland security and emergency prepared- unanimous consent that all Members eral first responder groups, including ness through improving the resiliency of have 5 legislative days within which to the International Association of Emer- emergency first responders by helping pro- revise and extend their remarks and in- gency Managers, the International As- vide pre-event Medkits to first responders clude any extraneous material on the sociation of Fire Chiefs, and the Emer- and their families. bill under consideration. gency Services Coalition for Medical Individual physician-based prescription ef- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Preparedness. I will insert their letters forts and federal planning have already pro- objection to the request of the gentle- of support into the RECORD. vided protections for countless employees of the U.S. Postal Service and the federal gov- woman from Indiana? H.R. 1791 was approved by the Com- ernment—first responders however have not There was no objection. mittee on Homeland Security last year been included in these pre-event protections. Mrs. BROOKS. Mr. Speaker, I yield by a bipartisan voice vote. I am pleased The Medical Preparedness Allowable Use Act myself as much time as I may con- that, during the markup, the com- addresses this gap by allowing jurisdictions sume. mittee approved an amendment offered to use the Urban Areas Security Initiative Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support and State Homeland Security Grant Pro- by the ranking member of the sub- of H.R. 1791, the Medical Preparedness gram funding to improve their medical pre- committee, the gentleman from New Allowable Use Act, introduced by my paredness through the procurement of Jersey (Mr. PAYNE), to ensure that in colleague and the former chairman of Medkits and other medical countermeasures. addition to protecting first responders the Subcommittee on Emergency Pre- In 2008, the Commission on the Prevention funds can also be used to protect vul- of Weapons of Mass Destruction Prolifera- paredness, Response, and Communica- nerable populations such as children. tion and Terrorism issued their report in tions, the honorable Congressman BILI- which the Commission identified a biological RAKIS from Florida. I urge fellow Members to support this attack as the most likely threat to the This bill amends the Homeland Secu- bill, and I reserve the balance of my United States. In the event of a biological rity Act of 2002 to make it clear that time. attack, our nation’s first responders will

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:38 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K03FE7.004 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1519 play crucial roles such as treating patients During the full committee markup of after a series of hearings on medical and mitigating the effects of such a biologi- H.R. 1791, the committee unanimously countermeasures in the Committee on cal attack. One of the most effective ways to approved an amendment I offered. This Homeland Security’s Subcommittee on ensure the resiliency of emergency first re- amendment would ensure that re- sponders is the provision of pre-event Emergency Preparedness, Response, Medkits for first responders and their fami- sources are available to develop plans and Communications. lies. These Medkits will allow first respond- to distribute countermeasures to At these hearings, we received testi- ers to focus on protecting and serving the schools and child care facilities, the el- mony from representatives of the public rather than worrying about the safety derly, individuals with special needs, emergency response community on the of themselves or their families. The Medical and low-income communities in the importance of stockpiling medical Preparedness Allowable Use Act will help ju- event of a biological incident. countermeasures in the event of a risdictions provide these crucial protections I would like to thank the full com- WMD attack. This includes pre-de- to their first responders. mittee chair, Mr. MCCAUL, and the sub- Thank you for your support for America’s ployed medical kits for first responders first responders. We urge you to continue committee chairwoman, Mrs. BROOKS, and their families similar to those pro- your support by ensuring first responders for supporting my amendment. I also vided to postal workers participating and their families are protected while they look forward to continuing to work in the national U.S. Postal Medical protect their communities. with both of you in the future on other Countermeasures Dispensing Pilot Pro- Sincerely, initiatives such as H.R. 3158, the SAFE gram. CHIEF HANK CLEMMENSEN, in our Schools Act, to ensure that the The grant guidance for the State President and Chairman of the Board. needs of our schoolchildren and other Homeland Security Grant Program and vulnerable populations are adequately INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF the Urban Area Security Initiative cur- EMERGENCY MANAGERS, addressed in emergency preparedness rently permits this funding to be used Falls Church, VA, May 1, 2013. and response plans. to procure medical countermeasures Hon. GUS BILIRAKIS, On behalf of the ranking member, and for other medical preparedness and House of Representatives, Mr. THOMPSON, I would also like to medical surge capacity equipment and Washington, DC. thank Chairman MCCAUL for working activities. However, this guidance is DEAR REPRESENTATIVE BILIRAKIS: The U.S. with us to reauthorize the Metropoli- Council of the International Association of developed on an annual basis, as our tan Medical Response System, the chair said, and there is no guarantee Emergency Managers (IAEM USA) is pleased MMRS. This program provided tar- to support the Medical Preparedness Allow- that these uses will be authorized in able Use Act. We thank you for introducing geted grants to 124 highly populated ju- the future. That is why this bill is so a bill which addresses the lack of protection risdictions to support the integration very important. for the emergency services protectors by pro- of emergency management, health and To be clear, no new funding is au- viding funding to enhance medical prepared- medical systems into an organized re- thorized in this bill. However, these ex- ness, medical surge capacity and mass pro- sponse to mass casualty events. penditures authorized and codified by phylaxis capabilities. We were pleased to tes- The program has not been funded the bill we are considering today can tify before you in support of a similar bill since fiscal year 2011 and its authoriza- make a big difference in the protection last session. tion has lapsed. I sincerely hope that Helping local and state jurisdictions pro- of the public, including emergency re- the next time we meet here on the vide crucial protection to first responders, sponders, in the event of an attack, and House floor to address medical pre- their families, and immediate victims from a there should be no doubt that grant paredness, it will be to consider bipar- chemical or biological event through funding may be used to support them Medkits and other medical countermeasures tisan reauthorization legislation for now and in the future. will ensure the resiliency of first responders. the MMRS. As State and local govern- As the former chairman of the Sub- These Medkits will allow first responders to ments continue to stretch their budg- committee on Emergency Prepared- focus on protecting and serving the public ets to make up the reduced Federal ness, Response, and Communications, I rather than worrying about the safety of support across many programs, we themselves or their families. consistently find myself in awe of our Thank you for your continued support to must make sure that the public health community is prepared and equipped to first responders and the sacrifices that protect America’s first responders and their they make for the public. In the wake families. keep our constituents safe. Sincerely, I look forward to working with my of events such as Hurricane Sandy, I JEFF WALKER, ranking member and the majority to am committed to ensuring Congress CEM, IAEM USA President. ensure that MMRS remains a priority does all that it can to support those Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in for this committee. brave men and women. support of H.R. 1791 the Medical Pre- In the meantime, I urge my col- I am pleased that this legislation is paredness Allowable Use Act, and I leagues to support H.R. 1791. With that, supported by the Emergency Services yield myself as much time as I may Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Coalition on Medical Preparedness, consume. my time. which works to ensure that we ‘‘pro- Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1791 would for- Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speak- tect the protectors,’’ and other agen- mally authorize grant recipients under er, I yield such time as he may con- cies as well. I also thank the ranking the State Homeland Security Grant or sume to the distinguished gentleman member for adding that great amend- Urban Area Security Initiative pro- from Florida (Mr. BILIRAKIS), the spon- ment because we must protect our chil- grams to use the funding to enhance sor of this legislation. dren as well. medical preparedness and medical Mr. BILIRAKIS. I must say, Madam I thank and commend, of course, surge capacity. Chair, you are doing an outstanding Representative SUSAN BROOKS, our Although the Federal Emergency job chairing this committee. Thank chair, for her assistance with this bill Management Agency already permits you for your help on this bill. I also and for her willingness to join me as an grantees to use these funds to enhance want to thank Mr. PAYNE. Your father original cosponsor. medical preparedness, this measure would be very proud of you today. He I urge all Members to support this will give some predictability to grant was a good friend of mine. great, very important bill. recipients as they struggle to rebuild Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. Mr. PAYNE. I yield myself such time and maintain a robust medical re- 1791, the Medical Preparedness Allow- as I may consume. sponse capability at the State and able Use Act, which amends the Home- Mr. Speaker, in closing, I urge pas- local level. land Security Act of 2002 to make it sage of this measure as a small step to Additionally, I am proud to support clear that grant funds under the State address gaping needs at the State and this effort to provide resources that Homeland Security Grant Program and local level when it comes to medical will equip our first responders with the Urban Area Security Initiative preparedness. home medical kits. When disaster may be used to enhance medical pre- I urge my colleagues to support H.R. strikes, we have an obligation to pro- paredness and purchase medical coun- 1791, and I yield back the balance of my tect our protectors. We also have an termeasures. time. obligation to protect the most vulner- I originally introduced the Medical Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speak- able in our communities. Preparedness Allowable Use Act in 2012 er, as the gentleman from Florida

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:47 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A03FE7.007 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1520 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 3, 2014 noted in his statement, this bill passed Because of the nature of chemical or bio- Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States the House the last Congress by a bipar- logical terrorist attacks mass casualties are Code. tisan vote of 397–1. I hope Members will the objective and the impressive resources of Sec. 3. Scoring of budgetary effects. Sec. 4. Approval of courses of education pro- once again express their support for our nation’s 4th largest city would likely be vided by public institutions of the men and women who protect us overwhelmed immediately should an attack higher education for purposes every day by voting for this bill. occur it is important to provide them with the of All-Volunteer Force Edu- I want to thank my ranking member resources provided by this legislation. cational Assistance Program for his dedication and his commitment The prepositioning of resources in the form and Post-9/11 Educational As- to protecting the protectors, as he so of medicines that can support pulmonary res- sistance conditional on in-State eloquently stated, and we certainly re- piratory function or arrest neurological damage tuition rate for veterans. quest that our fellow Members support as a result of poisoning lives can be saved Sec. 5. Clarification of eligibility for serv- this bill. ices under the Homeless Vet- that could otherwise be lost. This bill can re- erans Reintegration Program. I yield back the balance of my time. duce deaths and give victims the greatest Sec. 6. Extension of eligibility period for vo- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in chance for survival and recovery. cational rehabilitation pro- strong support of H.R. 1791, the Medical Pre- Emergency responders because of this bill grams. paredness Allowable Use Act for two reasons. would have treatments in the communities Sec. 7. Work-study allowance. First, the bill will save lives. Second, the leg- where they serve and live to help neighbors, Sec. 8. Responsibilities of the Directors of islation is necessary to support the vital work coworkers, and people who are immediate Veterans’ Employment and of first responders in the event of a biological Training. need to live saving help. Sec. 9. Contents of Transition Assistance and chemical terrorists attack or incident. As a senior member of the House Home- Program. The legislation provides for the development land Security Committee, I am mindful of the Sec. 10. Rounding down of increase in rates and maintenance of an initial pharmaceutical need for our first responders to be prepared of disability compensation and stockpile, including medical kits, and and well trained to manage a wide range of dependency and indemnity diagnostics sufficient to protect first respond- potential threats both conventional and uncon- compensation. ers, their families, and immediate victims from ventional. Sec. 11. Limitation on performance awards a chemical or biological event. This bill offers one more resource that will in the senior executive service. The Medical Preparedness Allowable Use Sec. 12. Semiannual reports to Congress on be available to first responders to do the work cost of certain travel. Act will amend the Homeland Security Act of they have dedicated their lives to doing—sav- Sec. 13. Report of infectious disease at med- 2002 to authorize the use of Urban Area Se- ing lives. ical facilities of Department of curity Initiative and State Homeland Security I urge my colleagues to join me in sup- Veterans Affairs. Grant Program funding for enhancing medical porting H.R. 1791, the Medical Preparedness Sec. 14. Prohibition of visual recording preparedness, medical surge capacity, and Allowable Use Act for two reasons. without informed consent. mass prophylaxis capabilities. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Sec. 15. Two-month extension of Veterans This legislation ensures that first responders question is on the motion offered by Retraining Assistance Pro- gram. have necessary medicines and treatments to the gentlewoman from Indiana (Mrs. protect themselves, their families and those SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED BROOKS) that the House suspend the STATES CODE. within their vicinity immediately should a bio- rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1791, as Except as otherwise expressly provided, logical and chemical terrorist attack occurs. amended. whenever in this Act an amendment or re- In short, first responders will not be able to The question was taken. peal is expressed in terms of an amendment do the work of saving lives if they fall victim The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the to, or a repeal of, a section or other provi- to an attack or are distracted by worry regard- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being sion, the reference shall be considered to be ing how their family may be fairing during a bi- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. made to a section or other provision of title 38, United States Code. ological or chemical attack should one occur. Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speak- First responders often include law enforce- er, on that I demand the yeas and nays. SEC. 3. SCORING OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS. ment officers, fire fighters, and emergency The budgetary effects of this Act, for the The yeas and nays were ordered. purpose of complying with the Statutory medical personnel. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- The city of Houston covers over a 1000 Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be deter- ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- mined by reference to the latest statement square mile region in Southeast Texas. It has ceedings on this motion will be post- titled ‘‘Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legisla- an evening population of nearly two million poned. tion’’ for this Act, submitted for printing in people and over three million during the day the Congressional Record by the Chairman of when commuters are in the city. f the House Budget Committee, provided that There are 103 fire stations that serve the b 1715 such statement has been submitted prior to city of Houston with most offering ambulance the vote on passage. or medic support, but there is only one station, GI BILL TUITION FAIRNESS ACT SEC. 4. APPROVAL OF COURSES OF EDUCATION OF 2013 PROVIDED BY PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS Number 22, that specializes in hazardous ma- OF HIGHER EDUCATION FOR PUR- terial. Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, POSES OF ALL-VOLUNTEER FORCE In the city of Houston one out of every ten I move to suspend the rules and pass EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PRO- citizens use Emergency Management Services the bill (H.R. 357) to amend title 38, GRAM AND POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE CONDITIONAL ON IN- (EMS) and within a year there are over United States Code, to require courses STATE TUITION RATE FOR VET- 200,000 EMS incidents involving over 225,000 of education provided by public institu- ERANS. patients or potential patients. tions of higher education that are ap- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3679 is amended EMS response services have 88 City of proved for purposes of the educational by adding at the end the following new sub- Houston EMS vehicles, with just under fifty assistance programs administered by section: percent staffed by two paramedics and can the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ‘‘(c)(1) Notwithstanding any other provi- provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) to pa- sion of this chapter and subject to para- charge veterans tuition and fees at the graphs (3) through (6), the Secretary shall tients. in-State tuition rate, as amended. disapprove a course of education provided by These consist of 15 ALS Squads, and 22 The Clerk read the title of the bill. a public institution of higher education to a ALS transport units with eight functioning in a The text of the bill is as follows: covered individual pursuing a course of edu- ‘‘Dual’’ capacity as both Advanced Life Sup- H.R. 357 cation with educational assistance under chapter 30 or 33 of this title while living in port and Basic Life Support (BLS). Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- the State in which the public institution of The remaining fifty-one transport units are resentatives of the United States of America in higher education is located if the institution Basic Life Support (BLS), and staffed by two Congress assembled, Emergency Medical Technicians. charges tuition and fees for that course for SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. the covered individual at a rate that is high- Law enforcement agencies that serve the (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as er than the rate the institution charges for city of Houston include the Houston Police De- the ‘‘GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act of 2013’’. tuition and fees for that course for residents partment, Harris County Sheriff’s Department, (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- of the State in which the institution is lo- Harris County Constables, Port of Houston tents for this Act is as follows: cated, regardless of the covered individual’s Authority Police and Corrections Officers. Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. State of residence.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:47 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K03FE7.006 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1521 ‘‘(2) For purposes of this subsection, a cov- (1) by redesignating subsection (b) as sub- title 10, United States Code, shall comply ered individual is a veteran who was dis- section (c); and with the requirements of subsections (b)(9) charged or released from a period of not (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the fol- and (c) of such section, as added by sub- fewer than 90 days of service in the active lowing new subsection (b): section (a), by not later than April 1, 2015. military, naval, or air service less than three ‘‘(b) RESPONSIBILITIES.—Each Director as- (c) FEASIBILITY STUDY.—Not later than 270 years before the date of enrollment in the signed to a State under subsection (a) shall days after the date of the enactment of this course concerned carry out the following responsibilities: Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ‘‘(3) If after enrollment in a course of edu- ‘‘(1) Monitoring the performance of vet- submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- cation that is subject to disapproval under erans’ training and employment programs in fairs and the Committee on Armed Services paragraph (1) a covered individual pursues the State, with special emphasis on services of the Senate and the Committee on Vet- one or more courses of education at the same to disabled veterans. erans’ Affairs and the Committee on Armed public institution of higher education while ‘‘(2) Monitoring the performance of the Services of the House of Representatives the remaining continuously enrolled (other than State workforce agency in complying with results of a study carried out by the Sec- during regularly scheduled breaks between section 4212 of this title. retary to determine the feasibility of pro- courses, semesters or terms) at that institu- ‘‘(3) Suggesting to the Assistant Secretary viding the instruction described in sub- tion of higher education, any course so pur- of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and section (b) of section 1142 of title 10, United sued by the covered individual at that insti- Training corrective actions that could be States Code, at all overseas locations where tution of higher education while so continu- taken by the State workforce agency to ad- such instruction is provided by entering into ously enrolled shall also be subject to dis- dress deficiencies in the performance of vet- a contract jointly with the Secretary of approval under paragraph (1). erans’ training and employment programs in Labor for the provision of such instruction. the State. ‘‘(4) It shall not be grounds to disapprove a SEC. 10. ROUNDING DOWN OF INCREASE IN course of education under paragraph (1) if a ‘‘(4) Annually negotiating with the State RATES OF DISABILITY COMPENSA- public institution of higher education re- workforce agency to establish performance TION AND DEPENDENCY AND IN- quires a covered individual pursuing a course goals for veterans’ training and employment DEMNITY COMPENSATION. of education at the institution to dem- programs in the State. (a) ROUNDING.—Each dollar amount in- onstrate an intent, by means other than sat- ‘‘(5) Reviewing the State’s requests for creased under section 2 of the Veterans’ isfying a physical presence requirement, to funding for veterans’ training and employ- Compensation Cost- of-Living Adjustment establish residency in the State in which the ment programs and providing advice to the Act of 2013 (Public Law 113–52), if not a whole institution is located, or to satisfy other re- State workforce agency and the Assistant dollar amount, shall be rounded to the next quirements not relating to the establishment Secretary regarding such funding requests. lower whole dollar amount. of residency, in order to be charged tuition ‘‘(6) Forwarding complaints regarding pos- (b) APPLICABILITY.—Subsection (a) shall and fees for that course at a rate that is sible violations of chapter 43 of this title to apply with respect to a payment made after equal to or less than the rate the institution the appropriate Regional Administrator or the date of the enactment of this Act. charges for tuition and fees for that course to the to the Assistant Secretary, as re- SEC. 11. LIMITATION ON PERFORMANCE AWARDS for residents of the State. quired. IN THE SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERV- ‘‘(5) The Secretary may waive such re- ‘‘(7) Carrying out grant officer technical ICE. quirements of paragraph (1) as the Secretary representative responsibilities for grants For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, considers appropriate. issued under programs administered by the the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may not ‘‘(6) Disapproval under paragraph (1) shall Department. make any performance awards under section apply only with respect to educational as- ‘‘(8) Providing advice to the State work- 5384 of title 5, United States Code. sistance under chapters 30 and 33 of this force agency on strategies to market vet- SEC. 12. SEMIANNUAL REPORTS TO CONGRESS title.’’. erans to employers. ON COST OF CERTAIN TRAVEL. (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Subsection (c) of sec- ‘‘(9) Supervising and managing all support (a) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter I of chapter 5 tion 3679 of title 38, United States Code (as staff, including Assistant Directors, estab- is amended by adding at the end the fol- added by subsection (a) of this section), shall lishing workload priorities, managing all lowing new section: personnel actions, and evaluating all as- apply with respect to educational assistance ‘‘§ 518. Semiannual reports to Congress on signed personnel. provided for pursuit of programs of edu- cost of certain travel cation during academic terms that begin ‘‘(10) Submitting to the Assistant Sec- after July 1, 2016, through courses of edu- retary regular reports on the matters de- ‘‘(a) SEMIANNUAL REPORTS.—Not later than cation that commence on or after that date. scribed in paragraphs (1), (2), (4), and (8), and June 30, 2014, and not later than 60 days after any other matters the Assistant Secretary each 180-day period thereafter, the Secretary SEC. 5. CLARIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ SERVICES UNDER THE HOMELESS determine appropriate. VETERANS REINTEGRATION PRO- ‘‘(11) Performing such other related duties Affairs of the House of Representatives and GRAM. as directed by the Assistant Secretary.’’. the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate a semiannual report on covered trav- Subsection (a) of section 2021 is amended SEC. 9. CONTENTS OF TRANSITION ASSISTANCE by striking ‘‘reintegration of homeless vet- PROGRAM. el made during the 180-day period covered by erans into the labor force.’’ and inserting the (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1144 of title 10, the report. following: ‘‘reintegration into the labor force United States Code, is amended— ‘‘(b) MATTERS INCLUDED.—Each report of—’’ (1) in subsection (b), by adding at the end under subsection (a) shall include the fol- ‘‘(1) homeless veterans; the following new paragraph: lowing: ‘‘(2) veterans participating in the Depart- ‘‘(9) Provide information about disability- ‘‘(1) With respect to each instance of cov- ment of Veterans Affairs supported housing related employment and education protec- ered travel made during the period covered program for which rental assistance provided tions.’’. by the report— pursuant to section 8(o)(19) of the United (2) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), ‘‘(A) the purpose of such travel; States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. and (e), as subsections (d), (e), and (f), respec- ‘‘(B) the destination; 1437f(o)(19)); and tively; and ‘‘(C) the name and title of each employee ‘‘(3) veterans who are transitioning from (3) by inserting after subsection (b) the fol- included on such travel; being incarcerated.’’. lowing new subsection (c): ‘‘(D) the duration of such travel; SEC. 6. EXTENSION OF ELIGIBILITY PERIOD FOR ‘‘(c) ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS OF PROGRAM.— ‘‘(E) the total cost to the Department of VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PRO- The mandatory program carried out by this such travel; and GRAMS. section shall include— ‘‘(F) with respect to covered travel de- (a) EXTENSION.—Section 3103 is amended by ‘‘(1) for any such member who plans to use scribed in subsection (d)(2), the identity of striking ‘‘twelve-year period’’ and inserting the member’s entitlement to educational as- the person or entity that paid or reimbursed ‘‘17-year period’’ each place it appears. sistance under title 38— for such travel. (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment ‘‘(A) instruction providing an overview of ‘‘(2) The final costs to the Department made by subsection (a) shall apply with re- the use of such entitlement; and with respect to all covered travel made dur- spect to a veteran applying for assistance ‘‘(B) courses of post-secondary education ing the period covered by the report, includ- under chapter 31 of title 38, United States appropriate for the member, courses of post- ing costs relating to— Code, on or after the date of the enactment secondary education compatible with the ‘‘(A) transportation, including fares for of this Act. member’s education goals, and instruction travel by air, rail, bus, ferry, cruise ship, SEC. 7. WORK-STUDY ALLOWANCE. on how to finance the member’s post-sec- taxi, mass transit, or other mode of trans- Section 3485(a)(4) is amended by striking ondary education; and portation; ‘‘June 30, 2013’’ each place it appears and in- ‘‘(2) instruction in the benefits under laws ‘‘(B) expenses or reimbursements relating serting ‘‘June 30, 2018’’. administered by the Secretary of Veterans to operating and maintaining a car, includ- SEC. 8. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTORS Affairs and in other subjects determined by ing the costs of fuel and mileage; OF VETERANS’ EMPLOYMENT AND the Secretary concerned.’’. ‘‘(C) passport and visa fees; TRAINING. (b) DEADLINE FOR IMPLEMENTATION.—The ‘‘(D) lodging; Section 4103 is amended— program carried out under section 1144 of ‘‘(E) per diem payments;

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:47 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A03FE7.006 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1522 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 3, 2014 ‘‘(F) baggage charges; ‘‘(4)(A) In any case in which the Inspector nuclear medicine, endoscopy, ultrasound, or ‘‘(G) computer rental fees; General of the Department suspects that a other similar procedures; or ‘‘(H) rental of halls, auditoriums, or other director of a Veterans Integrated Service ‘‘(B) images, video, and other clinical in- spaces; Network has failed to comply with an appli- formation transmitted for the purposes of ‘‘(I) entertainment; cable provision of this subsection, the In- providing treatment through telehealth and ‘‘(J) contractors; spector General shall conduct an investiga- telemedicine technologies.’’. ‘‘(K) registration fees; and tion to determine whether such director SEC. 15. TWO-MONTH EXTENSION OF VETERANS ‘‘(L) promotional items. failed to comply with an applicable provision RETRAINING ASSISTANCE PRO- ‘‘(c) DUPLICATIVE INFORMATION.—Each re- of this section. GRAM. port under subsection (a) shall include the ‘‘(B) If the Inspector General determines Section 211 of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act information described in subsection (b) re- under subparagraph (A) that a director has of 2011 (Public Law 112–56; 125 Stat. 713; 38 gardless of whether such information is also failed to comply with a provision of this sub- U.S.C. 4100 note) is amended— included in a report under section 517 of this section, the Secretary shall suspend such di- (1) in subsection (a)(2)(B), by striking title. rector for such period as the Secretary con- ‘‘March 31, 2014’’ and inserting ‘‘May 31, ‘‘(d) COVERED TRAVEL DEFINED.—In this siders appropriate under subchapter I or sub- 2014’’; and section, the term ‘covered travel’ means chapter II of chapter 75 of title 5, as the case (2) in subsection (k), by striking ‘‘March travel made by an employee of the Depart- may be. In addition to such suspension, the 31, 2014’’ and inserting ‘‘May 31, 2014’’. ment of Veterans Affairs, including an em- Secretary may impose such other adminis- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ployee who is stationed in a foreign country, trative disciplinary action on the director as on official business to any of the following ant to the rule, the gentleman from the Secretary considers appropriate and for Florida (Mr. MILLER) and the gen- locations: which the Secretary is otherwise authorized. tleman from California (Mr. TAKANO) ‘‘(1) If the Department or other element of ‘‘(5) The Secretary shall— the Federal Government pays for such trav- ‘‘(A) maintain records of each notifiable each will control 20 minutes. el, a location outside of— infectious disease or condition reported pur- The Chair recognizes the gentleman ‘‘(A) the several States; suant to paragraph (1); and from California. ‘‘(B) the District of Columbia; ‘‘(B) submit to the Committees on Vet- Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, ‘‘(C) a territory, commonwealth, or posses- erans’ Affairs of the House of Representa- I yield myself such time as I may con- sion of the United States; tives and the Senate a notification of each sume. ‘‘(D) Indian lands (as defined in section 4(4) such notifiable infectious disease or condi- H.R. 357, as amended, is a bipartisan of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (25 tion. package of legislation that relates to U.S.C. 2703(4))); or ‘‘(6) In this subsection, the term ‘notifiable improving employment and training ‘‘(E) the territorial waters of the United infectious disease or condition’ means any opportunities for America’s veterans. States. infectious disease or condition that is— ‘‘(2) If any person or entity other than the ‘‘(A) on the list of nationally notifiable dis- While there are many worthwhile pro- Federal Government pays (or reimburses) for eases or conditions published by the Council visions in this bill, I want to focus on such travel, any location, regardless of of State and Territorial Epidemiologists and section 4 primarily, which deals with whether the location is inside or outside of the Centers for Disease Control and Preven- instate tuition for veterans, and sec- the United States.’’. tion; or tion 14, which ensures privacy of vet- (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of ‘‘(B) covered by a provision of law of a erans who are being treated at a VA sections at the beginning of such chapter is State that requires the reporting of infec- medical facility. amended by adding after the item relating to tious diseases or conditions.’’. section 517 the following new item: Mr. Speaker, our Nation’s veterans (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The reporting re- have always been a source of strength ‘‘518. Semiannual reports to Congress on cost quirement under section 7311(f) of title 38, of certain travel.’’. United States Code, as added by subsection for America’s economy. The post-9/11 SEC. 13. REPORT OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE AT (a), shall apply with respect to a case of a GI Bill has given thousands of our vet- MEDICAL FACILITIES OF DEPART- notifiable infectious disease or condition di- erans the opportunity to attend college MENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. agnosed at a medical facility of the Depart- or receive other types of vocational (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 7311 is amended ment of Veterans Affairs on or after the date training at little to no cost to the vet- by adding at the end the following new sub- that is 60 days after the date of the enact- eran themselves. section: ment of this Act. ‘‘(f)(1) The Secretary shall report to the ap- Every dollar that we provide in edu- propriate entity each case of a notifiable in- SEC. 14. PROHIBITION OF VISUAL RECORDING cation and training benefits to vet- WITHOUT INFORMED CONSENT. erans under the GI Bill goes right back fectious disease or condition that is diag- Section 7331 is amended— nosed at a medical facility of the Depart- (1) by striking ‘‘The Secretary, upon’’ and into our economy when these veterans ment of Veterans Affairs in accordance with inserting ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary, graduate and enter the workforce. I the laws of the State in which the facility is upon’’; and think we can all call that a great in- located. ‘‘(2) In addition to reporting each case of a (2) by adding at the end the following new vestment. notifiable infectious disease or condition at subsection: However, there are many veterans, a medical facility of the Department pursu- ‘‘(b) VISUAL RECORDING.—(1) The Secretary through no fault of their own, who are ant to paragraph (1), the Secretary shall re- shall prescribe regulations establishing pro- forced to pay exorbitant tuition rates port each such case that is classified as a cedures to ensure that, except as provided by to schools simply because of the tran- health-care-associated infection sentinel paragraph (2), any visual recording made by sit nature of their military service, and event to the accrediting organization of such the Secretary of a patient during the course of furnishing care under this title is carried that precludes them from meeting facility. some of the burdensome State resi- ‘‘(3)(A) If the Secretary fails to report a out only with the full and informed consent case of a notifiable infectious disease or con- of the patient or, in appropriate cases, a rep- dency requirements. dition at a medical facility of the Depart- resentative thereof. Mr. Speaker, as most American fami- ment in accordance with State law pursuant ‘‘(2) The Secretary may waive the require- lies know, the difference between to paragraph (1), the Secretary shall— ment for informed consent under paragraph instate versus out-of-state tuition at ‘‘(i) take any remedial action required (1) with respect to the visual recording of a most public schools is immense. Ac- under the laws of the State to correct such patient if such recording is made— cording to the College Board, the aver- failure; and ‘‘(A) pursuant to a determination by a phy- age instate tuition and fees at public ‘‘(ii) if the Secretary does not correct such sician or psychologist that such recording is medically necessary or necessary for the institutions is now $8,655 a year. Out- failure pursuant to clause (i), pay to the of-state students pay an average of State an amount equal to the amount that a safety of the patient; medical facility not owned by the Federal ‘‘(B) pursuant to a warrant or order of a $21,706 per year. Government that is located in the same court of competent jurisdiction; or Since the post-9/11 GI Bill will only State would pay as a penalty to such State ‘‘(C) in a public setting where a person pay for tuition and fees at the instate for such failure. would not have a reasonable expectation to rates at public schools, out-of-state ‘‘(B) The State may file a civil action privacy, such as a waiting room or hallway, student veterans could incur signifi- against the Secretary in the United States and such recording is for general security cant debt to make up that difference. I district court for the district in which the purposes not particularized to the patient. believe that this practice has got to medical facility is located to recover from ‘‘(3) In this subsection, the term ‘visual re- cording’ means the recording or trans- end. the United States the amount described in The men and women who served this subparagraph (A)(ii). mission of images or video, but does not in- ‘‘(C) A civil action under subparagraph (B) clude— Nation did not just defend the citizens may not be commenced later than two years ‘‘(A) medical imaging, including such im- of their own home States, but the citi- after the cause of action accrues. aging produced by radiographic procedures, zens of all 50 States. The educational

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:47 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A03FE7.006 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1523 benefits they receive from the tax- authored this section, which should di- but is not required. Some separating payers should reflect the same reality. rect VA to prescribe regulations ensur- servicemembers may not have addi- Mr. Speaker, many States are out in ing that when veterans receive care tional time to take an optional course. front on this issue, including my home from VA, their privacy will not be vio- H.R. 357 would move the education State of Florida, and I applaud the 22 lated by unauthorized video surveil- track to the mandatory portion for States that currently offer some form lance. veterans seeking to use their GI Bill of instate tuition to veterans, regard- Mr. Speaker, as I said, there are benefits, which will ensure that these less of their residency. many other worthwhile provisions in veterans can make better choices re- Other State legislatures again, as I this bill, and I defer to my colleagues garding their education and assist said, including my home State of Flor- on the floor this afternoon to highlight them in making the most of their GI ida, are currently reviewing legislation other remaining provisions. Bill benefits. to provide this benefit. It is my hope I thank my good friends and the In addition, H.R. 357 also extends the that the House passes this bill, and it ranking member of the committee, the Veterans Retraining Assistance Pro- will encourage those States to move gentleman from California (Mr. gram for 2 months to better align the forward. TAKANO), and everybody who is here program with the traditional academic To that end, section 4 of the bill today who are cosponsors of this bill semester. would require that, in order for public and helping us to move forward. Now, in addition to these provisions, colleges and universities to be eligible I am also grateful to Leader CANTOR Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight to receive payments from a veteran’s and Speaker BOEHNER for their help in two sections which I have sponsored GI Bill benefits, they must enroll these bringing this legislation to the floor. and which are included in H.R. 357. I veterans at instate tuition and fee With that, I urge all of my colleagues believe these sections will also assist rates. to join me in supporting H.R. 357, as our veterans in terms of their edu- There are important limitations to amended. cation and in finding work after their this requirement. First, States would Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of separation from the military. be permitted to require that student my time. Section 6 is from the first bill I intro- veterans show intent to become full- Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield duced, H.R. 844, the VetSuccess En- time residents of the State in which myself such time as I may consume. hancement Act. This provision would they are attending school. As one of Riverside County’s Rep- extend from 12 years to 17 years the eli- Secondly, the instate requirement resentatives, a county that has the gibility period that veterans with serv- would only apply to veterans who are eighth-largest veterans’ population in ice-connected disabilities have to en- attending college within 3 years of the Nation, I proudly rise today in sup- roll in VA vocational rehabilitation their discharge from Active Duty. port of H.R. 357, as amended. This bill and employment programs. These limitations will ensure that this is a far-ranging bill that seeks to im- Veterans with traumatic brain injury policy not only targets the population prove the lives of our veterans. or spinal cord injury often require of veterans that are most adversely af- H.R. 357 includes a number of meas- years to complete rehabilitation and fected by residency requirements fol- ures that were considered by the Sub- adjust to the new realities of day-to- lowing their military separation, but committee on Economic Opportunity day living. Only then can these vet- also fairly recognizes States’ legiti- and was reported favorably out of the erans consider returning to work. This mate interest in subsidizing public edu- Veterans’ Affairs Committee last June. provision will provide these veterans cation for its taxpaying citizens. I want to thank Chairman MILLER of with the additional time they need to Mr. Speaker, I also want to highlight the full committee, and Chairman FLO- seek vocational rehabilitative services. section 14 of the bill, which incor- RES of the Subcommittee on Economic Section 7 is from another bill I intro- porates the text of a bill that I intro- Opportunity, for their leadership. I es- duced, H.R. 1453, the Work-Study for duced called the Veterans’ Privacy Act. pecially enjoyed holding several field Student Veterans Act. This section In June of 2012, a covert camera dis- hearings last year with Chairman FLO- provides for a 5-year extension of the guised as a smoke detector was in- RES in our respective districts. Veterans Work-Study program at the stalled in the room of a brain-damaged The Veterans’ Affairs Committee has VA. veteran who was being treated at the traditionally been a bipartisan com- As an educator, I know how impor- James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in mittee, and I am pleased to see that co- tant these programs are to students to Tampa. Upon discovering the hidden operation continue as both leaders enable them to fit some part-time work camera, the veteran’s family was un- helped bring this bill to the floor into their academic term. The VA pro- derstandably outraged. When the vet- today. gram pays veterans to perform a vari- eran’s family asked about the camera, In the area of education, H.R. 357 ety of tasks, including assisting other VA officials first stated that the cam- would require all public colleges and transitioning veterans by helping them era did not exist. Then they changed universities using the GI Bill to pro- with outreach. their story and admitted that the vide all veterans with instate tuition By providing support in the college ‘‘smoke detector’’ was actually a video rates. Currently, veterans who have Office of Veterans’ Affairs, these stu- camera. not established residency at the school dents help other veterans to navigate When further asked if the camera of their choice must pay out-of-state the VA system. It is an important pro- was recording, the VA told the family tuition rates. gram to veteran students in my dis- that the camera was only monitoring In order to fulfill their military obli- trict and to thousands of others in the patient; it was not recording. Only gations, servicemembers must uproot schools across the country. after inquiries by local media and the their families and periodically move The last provision that tackles tran- Veterans’ Affairs Committee did VA around the country. This makes it dif- sition issues would codify the major admit that the camera was, in fact, re- ficult to establish residency for pur- duties of the directors and assistant di- cording the patient. VA then removed poses of instate tuition rates when vet- rectors from the Department of Labor’s the camera from the patient’s room. erans seek to use their GI Bill benefits. Veterans’ Employment and Training In the wake of this incident, I sent a By providing all veterans with instate Services. letter to VA asking for its legal au- tuition rates, H.R. 357 will make it At present, there is no standardiza- thority to place a camera in a patient’s easier for veterans to choose the edu- tion of the requirements and duties of room without their consent. The VA cational institution that best serves these positions. H.R. 357 will provide replied that the hidden camera did not their needs. more consistency in the services pro- violate the law. The new Transition Assistance Pro- vided veterans by standardizing the re- I am deeply disturbed at VA’s actions gram includes a mandatory 5-day core sponsibilities of these officials. In addi- and response to the privacy interests of program of instruction that all sepa- tion, codifying their duties will enable this veteran and can’t help but wonder rating servicemembers are required to us to better track their funding, review whether similar incidents are occur- take. The education portion is an op- their performance and hold everyone ring across the country. That is why I tional track available to all members accountable to the same standard.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:34 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K03FE7.009 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1524 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 3, 2014 These are important changes to the we can do. And I really appreciate the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. COFF- educational benefits and transition chair sponsoring this provision. MAN), the chairman of the Sub- services for our veterans and will bet- Mr. Speaker, our members of the committee on Oversight & Investiga- ter assist veterans in serving our com- armed services are not given options as tions. munities and our Nation after they to where they will reside. They move Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in leave service. according to the needs of the military. support of H.R. 357 and, in particular, Finally, in terms of fighting veteran It is only fitting that, when these vet- section 13, which encompasses my leg- homelessness and improving VA med- erans use their earned benefits, they islation, the Infectious Disease Report- ical care, H.R. 357 would clarify that are not penalized because of residency ing Act. veterans who are homeless and partici- requirements that they have no control Section 13 imposes necessary require- pating in the HUD-VASH voucher pro- over. ments on the Department of Veterans gram, and those who are transitioning H.R. 357 also provides an extension of Affairs to report infectious disease out- from incarceration, are eligible for the Veterans Retraining Assistance breaks at their medical facilities. services under the Homeless Veteran Program, also originally sponsored by These requirements are a response to Reintegration Program, or the HVRP. I our chair. This important program of- infectious disease problems at VA fa- am sure that all these veterans will fers 12 months of training assistance to cilities that were uncovered by my sub- find these services very beneficial as unemployed veterans between the ages committee’s investigations last year. they look to begin the next chapter in of 35 and 60. Again, it is the least we The investigations highlighted a dead- their lives. can do. During these difficult economic ly outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease at H.R. 357 would require the VA to times, it is important that we do ev- the Pittsburgh VA from February 2011 more consistently report infectious dis- erything we can to assist our veterans to November 2012 which tragically eases diagnosed at VA medical facili- in their job search and retraining ef- caused the deaths of at least five vet- ties to State authorities to increase forts. erans and afflicted as many as 22 oth- I also want to commend the chair- the likelihood that infectious disease ers. man for another provision, and it is the outbreaks that may occur are ad- According to medical experts, timely VA’s patients’ privacy act. And, of dressed sooner and more comprehen- disease surveillance is critical to infec- course, we need to give our veterans sively. tious disease control; and delayed, in- the privacy that they so deserve, as pa- Although we have expressed concerns complete, or inconsistent disease re- tients. porting can compromise an effective over the enforcement mechanism in- I would like to urge all our Members public health response and result in cluded in this provision, we all can sup- to support this great bill. port the importance of comprehensive Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, at this further infectious disease outbreaks. notification. time, I yield 3 minutes to the gentle- Although it has become clear that these deaths could have been prevented H.R. 357 also includes a provision woman from Nevada (Ms. TITUS), who that would protect a veteran’s personal is also the ranking member of the Vet- with proper procedures, the VA failed privacy by directing the VA to ensure erans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Dis- to act appropriately within widely ac- that any visual recording made of a pa- ability Assistance and Memorial Af- cepted medical practices. Surprisingly, tient during treatment is carried out fairs. the VA is not required by current law only with the full and informed con- Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to report the incidence of infectious sent of that patient. to thank the chairman for bringing diseases at their facilities to State and Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of this bill to the floor and my colleague local public health officials. my time. and fellow educator, Mr. TAKANO, for As one of the Nation’s largest health care providers, VA should set the b 1730 yielding to me. I rise today in support of H.R. 357, standard for infectious disease report- Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act of ing. However, they do not even partici- I am proud to yield 2 minutes to the 2013. As professor emeritus of political pate in infectious disease reporting gentleman from Florida, GUS BILI- science at the University of Nevada, like all other medical facilities within RAKIS, the vice chairman of the full Las Vegas, I know firsthand the impor- a particular State, creating a public committee and sponsor for veterans tance of a college education. And I am health risk to those localities with VA not only in his community but around proud that my home State of Nevada facilities. this country. already has laws in place that allow all In response, section 13 requires the Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I veterans, regardless of residency sta- VA to report each case of an infectious thank the gentleman from Florida, tus, to pay instate tuition while at- disease in accordance with the laws of Chairman MILLER, for all of his good tending our public colleges and univer- the State in which the facility is lo- work on behalf of our true American sities. cated. heroes, and I also want to thank the I was fortunate to teach a number of The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ranking member for his good work on our Nation’s heroes during my time at time of the gentleman has expired. behalf of this particular bill and all of UNLV. Having these veterans in class Mr. MILLER of Florida. I yield the its provisions. was truly a win-win situation. Our vet- gentleman an additional 30 seconds. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support erans are able to pursue a college de- Mr. COFFMAN. And failure to report of H.R. 357, the GI Bill Tuition Fairness gree to help them with their transition will subject the VA facility to State Act of 2013. This is an important pack- to civilian life, and their fellow stu- penalties. These penalties are vital to age of veterans’ legislation, of which I dents are able to benefit from hearing ensure the VA will comply with and am a cosponsor, that works to increase about the veterans’ experiences in the improve their reporting requirements. access for our Nation’s heroes and the military, on the battlefield, and in for- Given the VA’s recent inadequate re- benefits they have earned through eign lands while they have served our sponses to infectious disease out- their service to our country. In par- country. breaks, it is imperative that Congress ticular, I want to highlight three sec- I am proud to be a cosponsor of this and our veterans demand improve- tions of this legislation that I am very important legislation that will im- ments. Therefore, I urge full support of proud to support. prove our higher education system and section 13 of H.R. 357, as well as the H.R. 357 will make informed changes help our Nation’s heroes acquire the passage of the entire bill. to the GI Bill program that will allow skills and knowledge to complement Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, at this States to jump-start the process to their experience so they can succeed time, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes provide instate tuition to veterans. once they leave the military. to the gentleman from Pennsylvania The bill would require that in order for I thank the chairman again for bring- (Mr. DOYLE), a great champion of vet- an educational institution to receive ing this bill, and I encourage all of my erans and former member of this com- GI Bill funding, they must offer instate colleagues to support it. mittee. tuition to veterans, regardless of the Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, Mr. DOYLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise veteran’s residency. That is the least I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the today in support of H.R. 357, the GI Bill

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:34 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K03FE7.010 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1525 Tuition Fairness Act. This legislation accountability and transparency to the The inspector general’s report re- contains a number of important Department of Veterans Affairs. vealed some troubling findings. The VA changes in VA programs that provide Over the past year, I have worked lacked proper documentation and our veterans with education, training, with Chairman MILLER and Chairman maintenance of the water system, and rehabilitation, disability benefits, and COFFMAN, my western Pennsylvania was lax in properly informing and test- housing; and it deserves our support. colleagues—Congressmen DOYLE, MUR- ing patients. Further, the VA did not I want to focus my remarks today on PHY, KELLY, and SHUSTER—and local communicate properly with the hos- the disease reporting provisions in the veterans’ families to investigate the pital system in the detection of bill because I have been deeply in- outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease at Legionella. That is why this bill is nec- volved with that issue over the last the Pittsburgh VA. essary, because timely reporting and year or so. The VA Office of the Inspector Gen- transparency requires adherence to the In November of 2012, the VA an- eral determined systemic failures sur- strongest standards, followed by quick nounced that there had been an out- rounding the outbreak led to tragic action. and preventable deaths of local vet- break of Legionnaires’ disease at a VA But with this, our work is not yet hospital in Pittsburgh, which I rep- erans. We must do all we can to ensure that this does not happen again. done. It has been more than 2 months resent. Shortly thereafter, I joined since I last asked VA Secretary Gen- other members of the regional congres- Chairman COFFMAN’s Infectious Dis- ease Reporting Act, which I strongly eral Shinseki to tell Congress what has sional delegation in requesting inves- been done to hold accountable those tigations into the outbreak. In re- support, has been included in today’s legislation. This commonsense reform who are responsible for this outbreak, sponse, the House Committee on Vet- and his agency has promised to do so. erans’ Affairs and the VA Inspector will increase transparency and save lives by improving infectious disease But Congress is still waiting for an an- General’s Office examined the outbreak swer. and the events leading up to it at reporting requirements and requiring length. The Centers for Disease Control the VA to follow the same rules as the 1745 also looked into the outbreak and de- rest of our world-class health care in- b stitutions in western Pennsylvania. termined that it had resulted in several Today’s legislation also builds on an Transparency and accountability are deaths and more than two dozen ill- amendment I offered last year that essential for the Secretary to rebuild nesses. prohibits bonuses for senior VA execu- the trust in the VA. We are grateful to I want to personally express my grat- tives. This money would be better our veterans for their service and itude to my good friend Veterans’ Af- spent resolving the VA disability grateful to the hard workers of the VA fairs Committee Chairman JEFF MIL- claims backlog and ensuring that our hospital system. The Pittsburgh VA LER, Oversight Subcommittee Chair- veterans are receiving the first-rate has been a leader in infection control man COFFMAN, and Ranking Member care they have earned. work and should be commended for MICHAUD for being so responsive to our I urge my colleagues on both sides of that, but, in this case, the failures of requests for investigations and inves- the aisle to vote for this legislation, some are simply unacceptable. tigating the outbreak and holding and I look forward to continuing to My hope is that through this bill re- hearings on it last year. working with my colleagues in Con- In the end, the hearings and inves- quiring reporting of infection cases we gress to serve our Nation’s veterans. will be able to restore the trust that tigations identified a number of short- Mr. TAKANO. I reserve the balance comings in the way the outbreak was the VA has with its veterans and their of my time. families. It is so critically needed in handled and the need to be addressed. Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, order to make these essential changes. One of the concerns raised, as we at this time, I yield 3 minutes to the learned more about the outbreak, was gentleman from the 18th District of I ask for my colleagues to vote in that for some time after the local VA Pennsylvania, Dr. MURPHY, a Navy Re- support of this bill. facility knew it had Legionella bac- servist himself. Mr. TAKANO. Does the gentleman teria in its water supply and that VA Mr. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. from Florida have additional speakers? patients had been sickened by it, it had Speaker, ‘‘Sonny’’ Calcagno, age 85; Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, not notified State or local health agen- John Ciarolla, age 83; Clark Compston, I have one more speaker at this time. cies about the outbreak. Under current age 74; John McChesney, age 63; Wil- law, VA is not required to make such liam Nicklas, age 87; and ‘‘Mitch’’ Mr. TAKANO. I reserve the balance reports, which are required of all other Wanstreet, age 65 are the victims of the of my time. hospitals. Legionnaires’ disease outbreak at the Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, Chairman MILLER, Subcommittee Pittsburgh VA health care system in I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Chairman COFFMAN, Senator CASEY, 2011 and 2012. We can never really heal the Third District of the State of Penn- and Congressmen MURPHY, ROTHFUS, the emotional scars that these families sylvania, MIKE KELLY, who is a stal- and I all agree that in the future the have suffered and the 21 additional wart supporter of the veterans in the VA should be required to report out- families who had a family member State of Pennsylvania and also the breaks of potentially deadly diseases to with a case of Legionnaires’, but we United States. public health authorities, just like can work to make sure something like Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. other hospitals already do. this doesn’t happen again. Speaker, I rise in strong support of The language in this bill is the result Today’s legislation fixes one of the H.R. 357, the GI Bill Tuition Fairness of our discussions over a number of flaws uncovered during this investiga- Act of 2013, a bill introduced by my months. I believe that the need for this tion; and under this bill, VA hospitals friend, Representative JEFF MILLER, reporting requirement is obvious. I will soon follow the same reporting re- chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Com- urge my colleagues to support this bill quirements for infectious diseases as mittee. which will make this important other medical facilities. This way, pub- I wish to highlight section 13, which change. lic health authorities will know when a Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, disease outbreak occurs and can take includes H.R. 1792, the Infectious Dis- I also want to thank my good friend immediate action. ease Reporting Act, a bill introduced by my friend, Representative MIKE from Pennsylvania (Mr. DOYLE) for Thanks to the dogged determination being in the forefront on this par- and diligence of Chairman MILLER, COFFMAN, chairman of the Veterans’ ticular issue. Congressman COFFMAN, the House Vet- Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. The In- At this time, I yield 11⁄2 minutes to erans’ Affairs Committee, the ranking the gentleman from the 12th District of member, and my colleagues, Messrs. fectious Disease Reporting Act is a bill Pennsylvania (Mr. ROTHFUS). DOYLE, ROTHFUS, and KELLY, we now that I am proud to cosponsor. Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in know the Legionnaires’ outbreak was This commonsense provision is nec- strong support of our Nation’s veterans entirely preventable except for the essary to respond to infectious disease and the legislation currently under gross mismanagement and negligence issues at VA facilities nationwide, in- consideration. This legislation makes of a few key officials at the Pittsburgh cluding the deadly outbreak of Legion- much-needed reforms that would bring VA. naires’ Disease at the Pittsburgh VA in

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:38 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K03FE7.011 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1526 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 3, 2014 2011 and 2012 that killed at least five of fact that four unexpected deaths were attrib- H.R. 1791, by the yeas and nays; our veterans and sickened as many as uted to mismanagement and lack of oversight, H.R. 357, by the yeas and nays. 22. This facility became ground zero for tens of thousands of dollars in bonuses were The first electronic vote will be con- the Veterans’ Affairs Committee’s in- awarded to top level executives at the facility. ducted as a 15-minute vote. The re- vestigation, which found gross mis- At the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in maining electronic vote will be con- management by the Pittsburgh VA in Augusta, three patients died after manage- ducted as a 5-minute vote. response to the 2011 outbreak. This is ment failed to act in a timely manner to sched- f particularly troubling to me as there ule appointments. Despite requests to the VA, are many veterans in my district who we are still waiting to hear whether those re- MEDICAL PREPAREDNESS rely on the Pittsburgh VA for their sponsible received bonuses instead of rep- ALLOWABLE USE ACT health care. rimands. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Currently, the VA facilities are not It is past time that we stop blindly handing finished business is the vote on the mo- required by law to report infectious out rewards pay—bonuses should be the ex- tion to suspend the rules and pass the disease at VA facilities to State and ception, not the norm. Furthermore, at a time bill (H.R. 1791) to amend the Homeland local health officials, even though the when so many of our soldiers are returning Security Act of 2002 to codify authority VA is one of the Nation’s largest from war, and in light of the deaths in Atlanta, under existing grant guidance author- health providers; yet, the University of I believe the VA should prioritize veterans’ izing use of Urban Area Security Ini- Pittsburgh Medical Center—it is only a health and well-being above all else. tiative and State Homeland Security few hundred feet away—is required to Mr. Speaker, we should reward our veterans Grant Program funding for enhancing do this. with quality care and services in exchange for The SPEAKER pro tempore. The medical preparedness, medical surge their commitment to our country and our free- capacity, and mass prophylaxis capa- time of the gentleman has expired. doms. I urge my colleagues to join me in ex- Mr. MILLER of Florida. I yield the bilities, as amended, on which the yeas pressing support for our nation’s veterans by gentleman an additional 30 seconds. and nays were ordered. Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. This in- supporting H.R. 357. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The consistency makes absolutely no sense The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by and leaves the VA off the hook. In question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. MIL- other words, this bill holds VA facili- the gentlewoman from Indiana (Mrs. ties accountable to the same standards LER) that the House suspend the rules BROOKS) that the House suspend the as other medical facilities located in and pass the bill, H.R. 357, as amended. rules and pass the bill, as amended. the same State. This just makes sense. The question was taken. The vote was taken by electronic de- Now, our veterans, who have sac- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the vice, and there were—yeas 391, nays 2, rificed so much, deserve far better. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being not voting 38, as follows: in the affirmative, the ayes have it. This bill is a step in the right direction [Roll No. 32] Mr. MILLER. Mr. Speaker, on that I to ensure that veterans receive safe, YEAS—391 high quality health care at the VA. I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. Aderholt Clay Fleming urge strong support of H.R. 357. Bachmann Cleaver Flores Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, in clos- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Bachus Clyburn Forbes ing, H.R. 357 makes important changes ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- Barber Coble Fortenberry to the benefits and services we provide ceedings on this motion will be post- Barletta Coffman Foster poned. Barr Cohen Foxx veterans and to the manner in which Barrow (GA) Cole Frankel (FL) we provide them. I urge my colleagues f Barton Collins (GA) Franks (AZ) Bass Collins (NY) Frelinghuysen to support H.R. 357, as amended. PERSONAL EXPLANATION I have no further speakers, and I Beatty Conaway Fudge Mr. DOYLE (during consideration of Becerra Connolly Gabbard yield back the balance of my time. Benishek Conyers Gallego H.R. 357). Mr. Speaker, on January 29, GENERAL LEAVE Bentivolio Cook Garamendi I was not present when H.R. 2642, the Bera (CA) Cooper Garcia Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, Bilirakis Costa Gardner I ask unanimous consent that all Mem- conference report for the Federal Agri- culture Reform and Risk Management Bishop (GA) Cotton Garrett bers would have 5 legislative days with Bishop (UT) Courtney Gibbs which to revise and extend their re- Act, better known as the farm bill, was Black Cramer Gingrey (GA) Blackburn Crawford Gohmert marks and add any extraneous mate- voted on. Had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘no.’’ Blumenauer Crowley Goodlatte rials that they may have on this legis- Bonamici Cuellar Gowdy lation. f Boustany Culberson Granger The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Brady (PA) Cummings Graves (GA) RECESS Brady (TX) Daines Graves (MO) objection to the request of the gen- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Braley (IA) Davis (CA) Grayson tleman from Florida? Bridenstine Davis, Rodney Green, Al There was no objection. ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair Brooks (AL) DeFazio Green, Gene Mr. MILLER of Florida. Thank you declares the House in recess until ap- Brooks (IN) DeGette Griffin (AR) to all the Members who have come to proximately 6:30 p.m. today. Broun (GA) Delaney Griffith (VA) Accordingly (at 5 o’clock and 48 min- Brown (FL) DeLauro Grijalva the floor today to support this bill. I Brownley (CA) DelBene Grimm encourage all Members to support this utes p.m.), the House stood in recess. Bucshon Denham Guthrie legislation, and I yield back the bal- f Burgess Dent Hahn Bustos DesJarlais Hall ance of my time. b 1830 Butterfield Deutch Hanabusa Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I Byrne Diaz-Balart Hanna rise today in support of H.R. 357, the GI Bill AFTER RECESS Calvert Dingell Harper The recess having expired, the House Camp Doggett Harris Tuition Fairness Act. In addition to requiring all Cantor Doyle Hartzler public institutions to give veterans in-state tui- was called to order by the Speaker pro Capito Duckworth Hastings (FL) tion rates as a condition of receiving GI Bill tempore (Mr. HOLDING) at 6 o’clock and Capps Duffy Hastings (WA) education benefits, this legislation also in- 30 minutes p.m. Capuano Duncan (SC) Heck (NV) Ca´ rdenas Duncan (TN) Heck (WA) cludes a five year limitation on executive bo- f Carney Edwards Hensarling nuses at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Carson (IN) Ellison Herrera Beutler ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Under current practice, the VA pays out Carter Ellmers Higgins PRO TEMPORE about $400 million in bonuses each year. Re- Cartwright Engel Himes Castor (FL) Enyart Hinojosa cently, we have seen these bonuses too often The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Castro (TX) Eshoo Holding go to people whose work does not merit a re- ant to clause 8 of rule XX, proceedings Chabot Esty Holt ward, and to the contrary, may even warrant will resume on motions to suspend the Chaffetz Farenthold Honda rules previously postponed. Chu Farr Horsford reprimand. Cicilline Fattah Hoyer This practice has been evident at the At- Votes will be taken in the following Clark (MA) Fitzpatrick Hudson lanta VA Medical Center, where despite the order: Clarke (NY) Fleischmann Huelskamp

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:38 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K03FE7.013 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1527 Huffman McNerney Salmon b 1856 Carson (IN) Hanabusa Meehan Huizenga (MI) Meadows Sa´ nchez, Linda Carter Hanna Messer Hultgren Meehan T. Ms. CLARKE of New York and Mr. Cartwright Harper Mica Hunter Messer Sanchez, Loretta FRANKS of Arizona changed their vote Castor (FL) Harris Michaud Hurt Mica Sarbanes Castro (TX) Hartzler Miller (FL) from ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ Chabot Hastings (FL) Miller (MI) Israel Michaud Schakowsky Mr. RANGEL changed his vote from Issa Miller (FL) Schiff Chaffetz Hastings (WA) Miller, George Jackson Lee Miller (MI) Schneider ‘‘present’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ Chu Heck (NV) Moore Cicilline Heck (WA) Mullin Jeffries Miller, George Schock So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Clark (MA) Hensarling Mulvaney Jenkins Moore Schrader tive) the rules were suspended and the Clarke (NY) Higgins Murphy (FL) Johnson (GA) Mullin Schweikert bill, as amended, was passed. Clay Himes Murphy (PA) Scott (VA) Johnson (OH) Mulvaney The result of the vote was announced Cleaver Hinojosa Nadler Johnson, E. B. Murphy (FL) Scott, Austin Clyburn Holding Napolitano Johnson, Sam Murphy (PA) Scott, David as above recorded. Coble Holt Neal Jones Nadler Serrano A motion to reconsider was laid on Coffman Honda Negrete McLeod Jordan Napolitano Sessions the table. Cohen Horsford Neugebauer Joyce Neal Sewell (AL) Cole Hoyer Noem Kaptur Negrete McLeod Shea-Porter f Collins (GA) Hudson Nolan Keating Neugebauer Sherman Collins (NY) Huelskamp Nugent Kelly (IL) Noem Shimkus MOMENT OF SILENCE IN REMEM- Conaway Huffman Nunes Kelly (PA) Nolan Shuster BRANCE OF MEMBERS OF Connolly Huizenga (MI) Nunnelee Kennedy Nugent Simpson Conyers Hultgren O’Rourke Kildee Nunes Sinema ARMED FORCES AND THEIR Cook Hunter Olson Kilmer Nunnelee Sires FAMILIES Cooper Hurt Owens Costa Israel Palazzo Kind O’Rourke Slaughter The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. King (IA) Olson Smith (MO) Cotton Issa Pallone King (NY) Owens Smith (NE) COOK). The Chair would ask all present Courtney Jackson Lee Pascrell Cramer Jeffries Pastor (AZ) Kinzinger (IL) Palazzo Smith (NJ) to rise for the purpose of a moment of Crawford Jenkins Paulsen Kirkpatrick Pallone Smith (TX) silence. Crowley Johnson (GA) Payne Kline Pascrell Southerland The Chair asks that the House now Cuellar Pastor (AZ) Stewart Johnson (OH) Pearce Kuster Culberson Johnson, E. B. Pelosi Paulsen Stivers observe a moment of silence in remem- Labrador Cummings Johnson, Sam Perlmutter Payne Stutzman brance of our brave men and women in LaMalfa Daines Jones Perry Pearce Swalwell (CA) Lamborn uniform who have given their lives in Davis (CA) Jordan Peters (CA) Lance Pelosi Takano the service of our country in Iraq and Davis, Rodney Joyce Peters (MI) Perlmutter Terry Langevin Afghanistan, and their families, and of DeFazio Kaptur Peterson Lankford Perry Thompson (CA) DeGette Keating Petri Larsen (WA) Peters (CA) Thompson (MS) all who serve in our Armed Forces and Delaney Kelly (IL) Pingree (ME) Larson (CT) Peters (MI) Thompson (PA) their families. DeLauro Kelly (PA) Pittenger Latham Peterson Thornberry DelBene Kennedy Pitts Latta Petri Tierney f Denham Kildee Pocan Lee (CA) Pingree (ME) Tipton Dent Kilmer Poe (TX) Levin Pittenger Titus GI BILL TUITION FAIRNESS ACT DesJarlais Kind Polis Lewis Pitts Tonko OF 2013 Deutch King (IA) Pompeo Lipinski Pocan Turner Diaz-Balart King (NY) Posey LoBiondo Poe (TX) Upton The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Dingell Kinzinger (IL) Price (GA) Loebsack Polis Valadao HOLDING). Without objection, 5-minute Doggett Kirkpatrick Price (NC) Lofgren Pompeo Van Hollen Doyle Kline Quigley voting will continue. Duckworth Kuster Rahall Long Posey Vargas There was no objection. Lowenthal Price (GA) Veasey Duffy Labrador Rangel Duncan (SC) LaMalfa Reed Lowey Price (NC) Vela The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Duncan (TN) Lamborn Reichert Lucas Quigley Vela´ zquez finished business is the vote on the mo- Edwards Lance Renacci Luetkemeyer Rahall Visclosky tion to suspend the rules and pass the Rangel Wagner Ellison Langevin Ribble Lujan Grisham Ellmers Lankford Rice (SC) Reed Walberg bill (H.R. 357) to amend title 38, United (NM) Engel Larsen (WA) Rigell ´ Reichert Walden States Code, to require courses of edu- Lujan, Ben Ray Enyart Larson (CT) Roby Renacci Walorski (NM) cation provided by public institutions Eshoo Latham Roe (TN) Lummis Ribble Walz of higher education that are approved Esty Latta Rogers (KY) Maffei Rice (SC) Waters for purposes of the educational assist- Farenthold Lee (CA) Rogers (MI) Maloney, Rigell Waxman ance programs administered by the Farr Levin Rohrabacher Carolyn Roby Weber (TX) Fattah Lewis Rokita Marchant Roe (TN) Webster (FL) Secretary of Veterans Affairs to charge Fitzpatrick Lipinski Rooney Matheson Rogers (KY) Welch veterans tuition and fees at the in- Fleischmann LoBiondo Ros-Lehtinen Matsui Rogers (MI) Wenstrup State tuition rate, as amended, on Fleming Lofgren Roskam McAllister Rohrabacher Westmoreland Flores Long Ross McCarthy (CA) Rokita Whitfield which the yeas and nays were ordered. Forbes Lowenthal Rothfus McCaul Rooney Williams The Clerk read the title of the bill. Fortenberry Lowey Roybal-Allard McClintock Ros-Lehtinen Wilson (FL) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Foster Lucas Royce McCollum Roskam Wilson (SC) question is on the motion offered by Foxx Luetkemeyer Ruiz McDermott Ross Wittman Frankel (FL) Lujan Grisham Ruppersberger the gentleman from Florida (Mr. MIL- McGovern Rothfus Wolf Franks (AZ) (NM) Ryan (OH) McHenry Roybal-Allard Womack LER) that the House suspend the rules Frelinghuysen Luja´ n, Ben Ray Ryan (WI) McIntyre Royce Woodall and pass the bill, as amended. Fudge (NM) Salmon McKeon Ruiz Yoder Gabbard Lummis Sa´ nchez, Linda This is a 5-minute vote. Gallego Maffei T. McKinley Ruppersberger Yoho The vote was taken by electronic de- McMorris Ryan (OH) Young (AK) Garamendi Maloney, Sanchez, Loretta Rodgers Ryan (WI) Young (IN) vice, and there were—yeas 390, nays 0, Garcia Carolyn Sarbanes not voting 41, as follows: Gardner Marchant Schakowsky Gibbs Massie Schiff NAYS—2 [Roll No. 33] Gingrey (GA) Matheson Schneider Amash Massie YEAS—390 Gohmert Matsui Schock Goodlatte McAllister Schrader NOT VOTING—38 Aderholt Bilirakis Brown (FL) Gowdy McCarthy (CA) Schweikert Amash Bishop (GA) Brownley (CA) Granger McCaul Scott (VA) Amodei Gutie´rrez Rush Bachmann Bishop (UT) Bucshon Graves (GA) McClintock Scott, Austin Andrews Kingston Sanford Bachus Black Burgess Graves (MO) McCollum Scott, David Bishop (NY) Lynch Scalise Barber Blackburn Bustos Grayson McDermott Serrano Buchanan Maloney, Sean Schwartz Barletta Blumenauer Butterfield Green, Al McGovern Sessions Campbell Marino Sensenbrenner Barr Bonamici Byrne Green, Gene McHenry Sewell (AL) Cassidy McCarthy (NY) Smith (WA) Barrow (GA) Boustany Calvert Griffin (AR) McIntyre Shea-Porter Crenshaw Meeks Speier Barton Brady (PA) Camp Griffith (VA) McKeon Sherman Davis, Danny Meng Stockman Bass Brady (TX) Cantor Grijalva McKinley Shimkus DeSantis Miller, Gary Tiberi Beatty Braley (IA) Capito Grimm McMorris Shuster Fincher Moran Tsongas Becerra Bridenstine Capps Guthrie Rodgers Simpson Gerlach Richmond Wasserman Benishek Brooks (AL) Capuano Hahn McNerney Sinema Gibson Rogers (AL) Schultz Bentivolio Brooks (IN) Ca´ rdenas Hall Meadows Sires Gosar Runyan Yarmuth Bera (CA) Broun (GA) Carney

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:38 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A03FE7.005 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1528 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 3, 2014 Slaughter Titus Weber (TX) made its debut here in the Nation’s FEDERAL PRISON POPULATIONS Smith (MO) Tonko Webster (FL) Capital. Smith (NE) Turner (Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was Welch Over 100 years ago, in 1913, Joe and Smith (NJ) Upton Wenstrup given permission to address the House Smith (TX) Valadao Jennie Weiss started a lunch stand on Westmoreland for 1 minute.) Southerland Van Hollen Miami Beach that has become a south Whitfield Ms JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I Stewart Vargas Williams Florida icon, as recognizable as South Stivers Veasey Wilson (FL) would like to take this opportunity to Stutzman Vela Beach, Little Havana, or the Ever- Wilson (SC) congratulate the United States Attor- Swalwell (CA) Vela´ zquez glades. Wittman Takano Visclosky ney General, Eric Holder, and Presi- Wolf Many families view the opportunity Terry Wagner to dig into a plate of Joe’s stone crabs dent Obama for joining with voices, Thompson (CA) Walberg Womack particularly those of the House Judici- Thompson (MS) Walden Woodall as a special treat, especially because Thompson (PA) Walorski Yoder they have to save up their money for a ary Committee, Republicans and Thornberry Walz Yoho while in order to get to Joe’s. Democrats, and acknowledging that Tierney Waters Young (AK) South Floridians are proud to sup- the United States is comprised of only Young (IN) Tipton Waxman port Joe’s because even after 100 years, 5 percent of the world’s population, but NOT VOTING—41 it is still a family-owned business, one we incarcerate almost a quarter of the Amodei Gutie´rrez Runyan that treats their nearly 400 employees world’s prisoners. Andrews Herrera Beutler Rush like they are part of that family. While the entire U.S. population has Bishop (NY) Kingston Sanford So, to all of my congressional col- increased about one-third over the last Buchanan Loebsack Scalise Campbell Lynch Schwartz leagues, if you cannot make it down to 30 years, the Federal prison population Cassidy Maloney, Sean Sensenbrenner my sunny and warm Miami congres- has increased at a staggering rate of Crenshaw Marino Smith (WA) sional district to try these delicious 800 percent, currently totaling nearly Davis, Danny McCarthy (NY) Speier stone crabs, at least you have the op- DeSantis Meeks Stockman 216,000 inmates and currently operates Fincher Meng Tiberi portunity to get a taste of what you at a 33 percent overcapacity. Garrett Miller, Gary Tsongas are missing in our tropical paradise One-half of those Federal prison pop- Gerlach Moran Wasserman through a brand new Joe’s in downtown ulations are drug offenses. While some Gibson Richmond Schultz D.C. Come and enjoy what south Flor- Gosar Rogers (AL) Yarmuth of them are truly dangerous persons, as ida has to offer. Deputy Attorney General Cole said, b 1906 f many of them are first-timers, and by So (two-thirds being in the affirma- THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS WIN possession only, wound up under Fed- tive) the rules were suspended and the SUPER BOWL XLVIII eral laws, the crack cocaine laws, in bill, as amended, was passed. the Federal system. (Mr. MCDERMOTT asked and was The result of the vote was announced Today, I stand to support the clem- given permission to address the House as above recorded. ency offering that is being offered by for 1 minute and to revise and extend The title of the bill was amended so the Department of Justice, as well as his remarks.) as to read: ‘‘A bill to amend title 38, to reduce barriers in housing and ac- Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, in United States Code, to require courses the Seattle tradition I would like to cess to health care. of education provided by public institu- rise and recognize the football game I ask my colleagues to join me in tions of higher education that are ap- that was played last night in New Jer- working to ensure that we get word out proved for purposes of the educational sey. Our team played very well, and no to these individuals and their families assistance programs administered by one in Seattle was the least bit sur- to make sure that this clemency works the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prised at the result. and works in the right way, Mr. Speak- charge veterans tuition and fees at the er. f in-State tuition rate, to make other f improvements in the laws relating to MILITARY SUICIDES b 1915 benefits administered by the Secretary (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania of Veterans Affairs, and for other pur- asked and was given permission to ad- PRESIDENT WRONG ON poses.’’. dress the House for 1 minute and to re- MARIJUANA A motion to reconsider was laid on vise and extend his remarks.) (Mr. SMITH of Texas asked and was the table. Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. given permission to address the House Mr. Speaker, today I rise to welcome f for 1 minute and to revise and extend encouraging news from the Army on a his remarks.) REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- problem our military has faced for over Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, re- VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF a decade, the increase of suicides. cently, President Obama said that It was announced today that, for the H.R. 3590, SPORTSMEN’S HERIT- marijuana is no more dangerous than first time since 2004, suicides in the AGE AND RECREATIONAL EN- alcohol; however, the White House’s Army have decreased. In 2013, there HANCEMENT ACT OF 2013 own Web site gives numerous examples were 150 suicides in the Active Duty Mr. SESSIONS, from the Committee to the contrary: Army, down 19 percent from the 185 in on Rules, submitted a privileged report 2012. This is great news, but it is just a First, marijuana use, particularly (Rept. No. 113–339) on the resolution (H. first step and a lot more must be done. chronic use that begins at a young age, Res. 470) providing for consideration of Mr. Speaker, even one soldier taking can lead to negative health con- the bill (H.R. 3590) to protect and en- his or her own life is a tragedy, but 150 sequences, such as dependence, addic- hance opportunities for recreational is still an epidemic, especially where tion, respiratory illnesses, and cog- hunting, fishing, and shooting, and for one in five were never deployed. That nitive impairment; other purposes, which was referred to number increases further if you include Second, marijuana is not a benign the House Calendar and ordered to be the Guard, Reserves, and other serv- drug, and it is the second-leading sub- printed. ices. Not only must Congress do more stance for which people receive drug f to address this issue, this country treatment; Third, in the past 20 years, marijuana JOE’S STONE CRAB needs to focus more on the overarching issue of mental health. potency has tripled, leading to serious (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN asked and was As this Congress moves forward, I public health concerns; given permission to address the House will continue to work on this issue and Fourth, long-term use, particularly for 1 minute and to revise and extend intend to introduce legislation again in adolescents, may be linked with her remarks.) dealing with mental health assess- lower IQ later in life. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, to ments during initial enlistments. Mr. Speaker, comparing marijuana to the sound of cracking claws, Joe’s We must keep faith in the promise to alcohol, as the President did, will only Stone Crab, a famous, and especially take care of these individuals who encourage its use and endanger the delicious, South Beach institution has stepped forward to serve our Nation. health of many Americans.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:34 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A03FE7.004 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1529 CASTROVILLE YOU CAN’T MAKE THIS STUFF UP time President Obama first came into (Mr. GALLEGO asked and was given (Mr. GRIFFITH of Virginia asked and office in 2008, the average median permission to address the House for 1 was given permission to address the household income was something like minute and to revise and extend his re- House for 1 minute and to revise and almost $4,000 more in 2007 than it is marks.) extend his remarks.) today in 2014. Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, in my Mr. GRIFFITH of Virginia. Mr. Now, Mr. Speaker, I don’t know how anyone could see that that is good continuing efforts to highlight parts of Speaker, recently, the U.S. Environ- news or that that is a good deal be- the 23rd District, I rise today to talk mental Protection Agency announced cause with inflation and inflationary about one of the jewels of the 23rd, that it is expanding the boundary lines values—we all know, Mr. Speaker, that Castroville, where Texas meets France. of Wyoming’s Wind River Indian Res- people pay more for gasoline today in One of several settlements founded by ervation so that it now includes three 2014 than they did back in 2007. We Henri Castro in 1844, the Alsatian cul- towns: Kinnear, Riverton, and know that people pay far more today ture there is still evident. And most Pavillion. This decision by the EPA, for groceries, Mr. Speaker, in 2014 than people don’t know that it was the first claiming it had authority under the they did in 2007. So what the American county seat of Medina County, serving Clean Air Act, overturned earlier con- people need is relief, relief from these until 1893. gressional actions that reduced the size inflation-pushed high prices on the The population in the 2010 census was of Wind River Indian Reservation and American people. only 2,680 people. It is a small town made clear that the neighboring towns That is why the report that came out very near a big city, 25 miles west of were not a part of this reservation. on Friday regarding the Keystone pipe- San Antonio. There are 97 historical In a January 6 press release, Wyo- line was so important. It confirmed buildings in the town. It is a great ming Governor Matt Mead is quoted as what numerous other studies had al- place for a walking tour. having said: ready told us before, and it is this: And if you are looking for rec- My deep concern is about an administra- The Keystone pipeline will not in- reational relaxation, there are few tive agency of the Federal Government alter- crease carbon emissions here in the places better than Castroville, where ing a State’s boundary and going against United States. It is completely safe. the Medina River meanders through over 100 years of history and law. This should And for the good of the United States be a concern to all citizens because, if the town. The Medina River was once the of America, for the good of our envi- border between Texas and Mexico. EPA can unilaterally take land away from a State, where will it stop? ronment, for the good of job creation, There are 126 acres of pecan trees and for the good of wage increases in the Where will it stop, indeed. I believe flowers along the Medina River in the United States, we should have built the EPA thinks that it controls any- Castroville Regional Park and lots and Keystone and the pipeline and in- thing that touches air or water. They lots of shopping. Castroville Pottery is creased American energy production even think they control the boundaries one of the coolest pottery shops years ago. around, where they will show you how of the Indian nations. You can’t make We have the chance now. And so, Mr. to make your own. this stuff up. Speaker, I call on the Obama adminis- Mr. Speaker, around the 23rd District f tration to implement what the recent in 1 minute. ISSUES FACING THE NATION State Department report issued on Fri- day, and it is this: that we can safely f The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. go ahead and build the Keystone pipe- OBAMACARE CONTINUES TO HURT ROTHFUS). Under the Speaker’s an- SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS line. nounced policy of January 3, 2013, the But I think we need to go much fur- (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina gentlewoman from Minnesota (Mrs. ther than that, Mr. Speaker. I think asked and was given permission to ad- BACHMANN) is recognized for 60 minutes that it would behoove not only this dress the House for 1 minute and to re- as the designee of the majority leader. House of Representatives but also the vise and extend his remarks.) Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I United States Senate and the President Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. want to thank the Speaker for allowing of the United States to unify and agree Speaker, last Tuesday, I hosted a town me this 1 hour to talk on some very on something that would be so good for hall by telephone with constituents to important subjects that are facing the all Americans—young and old, rich and hear their expectations for the Presi- Nation. We deal with economic issues. poor, Black and White, Latinos—all dent’s State of the Union address. The We deal with the health care crisis in elements of the United States. We overwhelming message was clear: we our country. And Americans right now, should unite on growing our economy must repeal and replace the govern- as they are watching us on this floor and growing prosperity for the average ment health care takeover bill, which this evening, wonder if they will have a American. And we can do this, Mr. destroys jobs. job tomorrow. So many Americans Speaker, by engaging in an all-of-the- During the call, I spoke with An- right now are looking at part-time jobs above energy policy whereby we legal- nette, a small business owner from Co- rather than full-time jobs. This is ize all forms of energy and, in fact, en- lumbia who would like to expand her changing their lives, and it is changing courage exploration and growth, be- company and hire more employees. Un- what they thought the future would cause we have reports that are issued fortunately, because of the tax in- hold for them. every single year that come to the creases imposed by ObamaCare, An- Mr. Speaker, I want to assure the same conclusion year after year after nette feels as though the government is American people that it is not over. year: of all the countries in the world— single-handedly prohibiting her from Hold on. We know that better days there are well over 100 countries in the creating new jobs. could be ahead. Why? Because econom- world, and of all the countries in the Annette is not alone. Today, Federal ics can change; economic policies can world, our own government tells us employees received their February pay change. And unfortunately, what we every year in a report that it is the statements, and one dedicated em- have seen coming out of the Obama United States of America that has been ployee showed me her premium had White House, the economic policies singularly blessed. doubled, putting her family in crisis. have led to Americans not having the Blessed how, Mr. Speaker? Blessed House Republicans have an alter- number of hours that they need to be with an abundance of natural energy native that repeals the unworkable able to provide for their families. They resources. Whether it is oil—the United health care law and replaces it with haven’t led to the wage increases that States is blessed with more oil than commonsense solutions that will not they had hoped that they would be able Saudi Arabia—or whether it is natural deter Annette and millions of other to see. gas—the United States of America is small business owners from creating As a matter of fact, Mr. Speaker, blessed with trillions of cubic square jobs. very disturbing information has come feet of natural gas—every day, Mr. In conclusion, God bless our troops, forward that nearly $4,000 in a reduc- Speaker, our scientists and our explor- and we will never forget September the tion of income has occurred, on aver- ers find more and more of these won- 11th in the global war on terrorism. age, to American households. From the derful natural resources: oil, natural

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:34 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K03FE7.022 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1530 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 3, 2014 gas, and coal. And because of the ge- b 1930 can be used to increase productivity in nius of the scientists in the United Just this last week, I spoke with an the United States, can be used, for in- States, we have cleaner options than individual who is an expert in the field stance, on health care to connect us ever before to use this fundamental of nuclear reactors. Before, in the more quickly with a doctor or a nurse source of energy which is the number United States, we relied on large nu- or a pharmacy so we can realize the re- one source of energy in the United clear reactors. In my home State of quirements that we need to become States, and that is coal. Minnesota, Mr. Speaker, we have two healthier individuals. There are so many great innovations In my home State of Minnesota, we nuclear reactors in my State that sup- that are just waiting around the corner see that there is a propane crisis. The ply somewhere between 20 and 25 per- cent of all the electricity needs in Min- if we only legalize them, if we only people in my district are severely cur- open them up, and if we reject this tailed from using this energy resource. nesota. We are grateful that we have these two reactors that provide emis- very heavy hand of government that And there is also a scarcity of the prod- wants to bureaucratize nearly every sion-free power in our State, but we uct as well. I spoke with one individual element of our lives and cause different have a new generation of nuclear reac- today on the plane when I was coming aspects of our lives to be far more ex- tors that could come online and be in who told me that he was so happy. pensive and have less of an ability to available for people all across the His mother locked in at about $1.30 a access the newest innovations. Instead, United States. Think, in a rural area, gallon on propane, and he said there we in the United States need to be where perhaps it is just a few thousand are reports propane could go up to over what we were for the first several hun- people who perhaps wouldn’t have ac- $6 a gallon, perhaps even $7, before the dred years of our existence, and it is cess to nuclear-generated energy, they harshest winter in decades in Min- this: nimble—nimble and able to cap- nesota and other parts of America, as could have access to new, small, nu- italize on the intellect, the raw ideas well, is over. clear modules that are effectively able and the talents that are in the United to be put in very unique locations, States. Legal immigration has bene- Let’s help the American people’s completely safe, almost—almost— lives, Mr. Speaker. Let’s not make life fited this country immeasurably, and waste-free. we embrace with both arms legal im- more difficult for the average Amer- This new generation of nuclear reac- migration and all that has meant for ican. Let’s make life better. And we tors, in my opinion, should be studied our country. These are just a few of the can do that very simply by engaging in and put online in the near future so things that we have to be hopeful an all-of-the-above American energy that we could have yet one more tool about and optimistic about as we go strategy, whereby, literally millions of in America’s energy toolkit. As a mat- high-paying jobs would come online. forward in our country. ter of fact, the United States could be, There are other issues, as well, be- Since President Obama came into of- again, the leading supplier of this new- sides economics, that we grapple with fice, we have seen the average median est generation of modular nuclear reac- here in the United States. One of those household income go down, not freeze tors to be used and deployed across the deals with foreign policy, another deals or stay the same, but actually go down, world where they are safe, where they with national security, and another go down by nearly $4,000. And, in fact, can’t be compromised, and where very, deals with how the United States is the average median income of the aver- very little nuclear waste comes for- viewed across the world. I have spent age American, they now see that their ward. time with my colleagues, many of You see, it is exciting, Mr. Speaker, income is 8 percent less today than it whom this last week were across the to look at the future when so many of was 7 years ago. Rather than that world trying to meet with world lead- my constituents that I speak to today being our story, let’s change the nar- ers and find out what the concerns are are worried and nervous about the fu- rative, Mr. Speaker. Let’s change it for and how we in the United States can ture. They literally tell me, Congress- a positive, happy ending for the Amer- advance our mutual interests. ican people so that when they go to woman, I have no idea if my children I was privileged to be able to go on a their local gas stations, rather than will be as well off in their future as I fact-finding trip recently with one of gas being in excess of $3 a gallon or in am today. Every generation of Ameri- my Democrat colleagues, a wonderful some parts of this country over $4 a cans has been hopeful and optimistic, man from Rhode Island, Representative gallon, let’s bring that price down, Mr. Mr. Speaker, because they have as- JIM LANGEVIN. JIM is a quadriplegic, Speaker, so that it could be $2 a gallon sumed and taken for granted that their and he and I had the privilege of trav- again. I know that is entirely possible children would be better off economi- eling both to Australia and to New and within our grasp. cally than they are today. That is all Zealand, where we met with our coun- of our hope. I know I feel that for my terparts and also where we could talk But what would be even better is to biological children, and that is my see the average American’s income, in- about mutual areas where we could hope and my prayer for our foster chil- work together. cluding senior citizens on fixed income, dren. We want every generation to not to see their incomes go up—their rate We see the rise in Asia of a new and only have what we had but to exceed it aggressive China, a China who, for all of return on their savings, the rate of and shoot for the stars with their am- practical purposes, has been engaging return on their dividends, their invest- bition, their goals, their dreams and in what some would call cyber espio- ments that they have tied up, after a their plans. Isn’t that America? Isn’t nage and cyber warfare against nations lifetime of labor, after a lifetime of that what defines us, to build the next all across the world—not just the doing the right thing, taking their generation of the next mousetrap, to United States but against many na- hard-earned money, putting it into sav- benefit not only us, not only our chil- tions. How can we cooperate, then, ings, putting it into investments, put- dren, but to benefit and lift up those with our allies to counter very aggres- ting it into, for many Americans what among us in the United States who sive steps that could be taken by, for is their number one investment, which seek to move up the next economic lad- instance, the Chinese or perhaps the is their home, seeing Americans’ home der? Russians or perhaps the Iranians or values rise. Why? Because of having a You see, that is what can happen other nations, North Korea, for in- go-go economy, a growth-based econ- with innovation. Pull out a stance, who may not have the United omy, an economy that is growing be- smartphone, if you have a smartphone, States’ best interest at heart, who cause, rather than being a consumer of and you think of what was available to may, in fact, through the use of the energy from foreign nations, we are, in- only the wealthiest among us, you now Internet, through cyber espionage or stead, the world’s leading supplier of see in the hands of people at the bot- through hacking in government com- energy resources across the rest of the tom level of the economic ladder. Yet puters, be, in essence, stealing some of world. how much improved are our lives be- the United States’ most sensitive se- I know this is possible, Mr. Speaker, cause we have smartphones today that crets, secrets that we would not want and I know that we can unify on this are available to us? Think of the appli- our adversaries to have? This is a very issue—not only fossil fuels but also nu- cations, the apps, if you will, that are real issue, Mr. Speaker, and one that clear reactors. on smartphones, and how those apps needs to be addressed.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:38 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K03FE7.023 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1531 That isn’t the only form of warfare. cently as today from some of their able to speak a little bit, also, about There is also economic warfare, where travels, foreign travels across the some other issues that have been in the our private businesses, through their world, is that they have never heard news. The American people continue to own expenditure of funds on research before foreign leaders say to them what ask me about Benghazi: When are we and development, have come up with they are saying now. Foreign leaders ever going to get the truth about innovative new products and have, in are saying, look, we don’t get the Benghazi? Just over a week ago, there effect, had the plans, the designs and United States anymore. We don’t un- was an article by the second-in-com- the processes for those products lit- derstand your foreign policy. We don’t mand in Benghazi who wanted to erally stolen by adversaries—again not understand your national security, be- straighten up the facts and put his with our best interest at heart here in cause we don’t understand who the view on paper. the United States. That information friends of the United States are any- That is all very interesting. We want has been taken, and in some cases, we more. We don’t understand who your to be able to have time to talk about are told, a country like China has built adversaries are anymore. In fact, we that, but I think it is also very impor- a factory in China or in some other lo- can receive communications from the tant that we talk about and listen to cation where all they had to do was State Department or the Defense De- America’s greatest ally in the world. steal the raw data from an American partment or an intelligence depart- There is an ally that felt very company and they could go to work ment, and we can get three different disrespected and even used the word once they had that intellectual prop- pictures of the same scenario. Which ‘‘offended’’ after comments that were erty and put to work perhaps a new one should we believe? made at the Munich conference this line of paint, perhaps a new product There is a problem—and we didn’t week by our Secretary of State. Now, that was being made in the United hear this just once. We have heard this in deference to our Secretary of State, States and now is being made more from multiple regions in the world and followup responses have been that he cheaply in China and is undercutting from multiple world leaders who were didn’t mean to say what was reported the patents, the protections and the in- scratching their heads, even including in the media, but I think it is very im- tellectual property that we have in the former Polish President Lech Walesa, portant that we look at our ally—and United States. who had said the United States is no this is Israel—and what Israel’s re- Do you see, Mr. Speaker, it is a brave longer the political and moral power in sponse is. Again, I think, Mr. Speaker, new world that we live in. That is why the world. we need to look at the context of the national security matters, and it is You see, Mr. Speaker, other nations remarks that were made by our Sec- why foreign policy matters. It is why across the world want the United retary of State. Because, you see, if this last weekend at the Munich con- States, a responsible holder of power, you speak with the Prime Minister of ference it was very important that we to maintain that sense of decency and Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, as I have in the United States listened to and rule of law and adherence to a common done numerous times in the last few paid attention to what it was we were goal of mankind, to prefer peace over months, and if you speak to the For- hearing from our foreign partners in war. Sometimes the United States has eign Minister of Israel, as I have been the world. We have to recognize the re- had to go to war. We have had to go to privileged to do, to the defense sec- ality of our world. Not everyone has war in order to stand face to face and retary in Israel, as I have been privi- America’s best interest at heart. Not toe to toe with some of the most ma- leged to do, and to the intelligence sec- all foreign powers want to make sure niacal dictators that have ever been retary in Israel, as I have been privi- that it is America’s children who will known in human history. That would leged to do, they have been very strong grow up to be the economic and mili- include a Stalin of Russia, that would and united in their view of the greatest tary powerhouse leaders of the world. include a Mao Tse-tung of China, and existential threat that Israel faces You see, many foreign nations would that would include an Adolf Hitler of today. like to see the United States cut down, Germany. These maniacal rulers have reduced down, so that we are no longer served to hurt the chances for peace in b 1945 an economic leader or a military lead- the world, and yet it is the United That threat isn’t new; it is one that er. I believe that the United States has States that has chosen to put on the Israel has faced for the last recent been a strong partner in keeping peace line treasure and blood time after time years. And it is this: it is Iran with a across the world for decades. We are after time. Once war has ensued—no nuclear weapon, because Iran has stat- not a perfect country. We haven’t done one wants war, no one prefers war—but ed unequivocally, once they gain access everything right. We get that. We rec- once that has ensued, it is the United to a nuclear weapon, and potentially ognize that. But I believe that our States through the Marshall Plan that the missile means to deliver that weap- world has been better off when the did, in fact, rebuild Europe and feed on, they have announced they will use United States has been that economic millions who were starving. It was the that weapon against Israel. They will leader and that military leader. United States after World War II, after use that weapon against Israel, Israel If the United States isn’t the leader dropping the bombs in Japan, that being about the size of New Jersey. The in the world, who should be? What went in and helped to rebuild that war- largest city, Tel Aviv, and the sur- would peace be like in the world if torn country and the difficulty that rounding area provides employment to Vladimir Putin and the Russian Gov- had ensued. approximately 80 percent of the Israeli ernment were the leader holding to- These aren’t easy issues. There is no population. So it doesn’t take a lot of gether world powers? Just imagine for clean line here of right and wrong. imagination, Mr. Speaker, to see that a moment what that would be like. Or There are difficulties that we grapple it may be the game plan of a nuclear imagine, Mr. Speaker, what would it be with. We get that. But, Mr. Speaker, weaponized Iran to drop a nuclear like if China was the leader holding to- one thing that we should agree on is weapon on Tel Aviv and effectively gether world powers? We know what that the policies of the United States wipe out the Jewish State of Israel in they have done before. By stealing se- shouldn’t hurt the American people, one fell swoop. crets from our government and steal- and they shouldn’t hurt people in other If that would happen, we should not ing secrets from private industry, we countries. Our policies should be ones kid ourselves, that capability and ca- know what that has done. What would that help the American people and help pacity, I believe, could just as easily be that be like if China was the leading to bring about peace with other na- used against our Western partners and military or economic superpower? tions of the world. That should be easy. allies in the European region. It could We can’t think that this is some far- That is why this last weekend at the be used against Australia, our great off future scenario that could never Munich conference I was particularly ally and friend, and also against New happen. We need to open our eyes, and concerned with our Secretary of Zealand, our great ally and friend. And I think one place that we can open our State’s comments. There was an article it could even be used here in the United eyes is listening to what foreign lead- that had come out just this weekend States of America. ers are telling us. What some of my regarding our Secretary of State, and I The rhetoric that has come out of colleagues have told me even as re- wanted to quote from it. I wanted to be Iran is nothing less than outrageous,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:34 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K03FE7.024 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1532 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 3, 2014 but intentional. The regime has stated, Steinitz, in Israel yesterday morning ceive economic boycotts or sanctions they haven’t deviated one iota from said: or divestment? Would it be Israel, their nuclear goals and ambitions—not Israel cannot be pressured to negotiate which is not being the aggressor with one iota. with a gun against its head. rockets against Gaza, or should it be What would that mean for the world In other words, economic boycotts Gaza? if Iran obtained a nuclear weapon? You from the European Union, from sanc- You see, these rockets are hidden in see, this is a very dangerous, dangerous tions, and also from divestment cam- neighborhoods. They are hidden in game that we are playing with Iran. paigns. nursing homes by the Palestinians. I absolutely disagree fundamentally Now, let’s just think about this for a They are hidden in areas where civil- with the President’s decision under the moment. Boycotts, boycotting Israel’s ians are kept. And these rockets are P5+1 agreement to allow Iran to con- products. Approximately 30 percent, I not fired at military targets, Mr. tinue to spin centrifuges and continue am told, of economic trade that Israel Speaker, by the Palestinians. They are to enrich uranium which could be used engages in comes from Europe. If there specifically targeted at elementary as a fuel for a nuclear weapon. Iran has is a boycott that comes from the EU, schools, at nursing homes in Israel, and not complied with the U.N. resolutions, this will severely handicap Israel’s at innocent human life. Think of this. not at all. They have not. economy, and yet it seems Secretary of And our Secretary of State this What is different today under the State Kerry was threatening Israel weekend, in effect, threatened Israel P5+1? Not much, I would submit. So with an economic boycott. with boycotts, economic sanctions, and the worst nightmare for Israel has been What about sanctions? Sanctions. divestment. No wonder the Israelis realized in that exactly when Iran was Isn’t it the mother of all ironies that were so extremely upset with our Sec- being squeezed with economic sanc- sanctions, by agreement of the United retary of State. Even the economic tions, when they were in a position States, have been lifted from what ar- minister, Naftali Bennett, whom I had where they were starting to yell guably is the United States’ greatest the privilege of meeting on one of my ‘‘ouch,’’ that is exactly when the adversary, a nuclear weaponized Iran, recent trips, had a message for all of United States and the P5+1 pulled back and also Israel’s greatest adversary, a the advice givers: the pressure and allowed Iran to have nuclear weaponized Iran? We would lift Never has a nation abandoned their land some breathing space, breathing space sanctions, ironically, against a rogue because of economic threats. We are no dif- to the tune of billions of dollars of ac- regime with announced intentions to ferent. cess to grow and prop up Iran’s failing annihilate people across the world, the In other words, be warned, Israel will economy. This was not the time to give Jewish State of Israel, the United not give up further land no matter balance to Iran. This was the time to States of America; the Jewish State of what the threats are. And the United demand cooperation from Iran. Israel being the little Satan and the States, which purports to be Israel’s And so what is happening now is that United States of America being de- best friend, should not be the one rat- we see people from all over the world— nominated the great Satan. So we tling the saber with economic threats. China, Russia, various nations—are all would lift sanctions on this maniacal Naftali Bennett went on to say: buying plane tickets to run to Iran to nation, a nuclear Iran, and yet we Only security will ensure economic sta- conduct economic deals because, you would threaten sanctions or the possi- bility, not a terrorist state next to Ben see, under the previous sanction’s re- bility of sanctions from the EU against Gurion Airport. We expect our friends gime, nations were prevented from con- America’s greatest ally, Israel? Isn’t around the world to stand beside us and structing economic deals because it that one of the most severe ironies of against anti-Semitic efforts targeting Israel, would help build up Iran. Now, it is an all time? This being the greatest exis- and not for them to be their amplifier. open-court press to engage in economic tential threat to the world, Iran with a That is how those words were re- commerce with Iran. That is building nuclear weapon. How could it be that ceived in this very volatile part of the up Iran, and it is causing Iran to have our Secretary of State could bring this world. Even Prime Minister Benjamin less incentive to come to the table and up to the world at the Munich con- Netanyahu weighed in on our Sec- stop their program of enriching ura- ference this last weekend, the specter retary of State’s boycott threats, pri- nium, of spinning centrifuges, and they of a boycott against Israel, sanctions marily coming from Europe, during his are not in any way dismantling their against Israel, and the potential of a Cabinet meeting. According to a tran- current nuclear program. divestment campaign analogous to script of the Prime Minister’s remarks As Prime Minister Netanyahu said, it South Africa which actually engaged in on the Prime Minister’s Web site, he is his worst day in 10 years. He said apartheid. called any attempts to boycott Israel this is the deal of the century for Iran. And yet in Israel, what is the so- ‘‘immoral and unjust.’’ Why is it we would fail to listen to called apartheid when the Palestinians ‘‘They will not achieve their goal,’’ our number one ally in the world, can work in the State of Israel? Pal- the Prime Minister said. ‘‘First, they Israel, on this topic of a nuclear estinians are allowed to live in the cause the Palestinians to adhere to weaponized Iran? Why wouldn’t we lis- Jewish State of Israel. There is an ef- their intransigent positions, and thus ten to their concerns? Why—Israel, fort of coexistence from the Jewish push peace further away.’’ which is far more vulnerable to Iran State of Israel. And yet what has the You see, these are not big asks for with a nuclear weapon—wouldn’t we Palestinian Authority done? They have reasonable people to consider. You see, take those concerns into account? thumbed their nose at the Oslo Accord. the Palestinian Authority is being Well, I think it is revealing what They have thumbed their nose. Have asked to recognize the right to exist happened this last weekend at the Mu- they fulfilled the requirements on the for the Jewish State of Israel—the nich conference because you see, Mr. Palestinians? No, they have not. right to exist. They don’t even want to Speaker, one government minister in What did Israel do? Israel took land accept that the Jewish State of Israel Israel called Secretary of State Kerry’s in the Gaza area, which is on the Medi- has the right to exist. That is number statements ‘‘offensive.’’ At the con- terranean Sea. They withdrew Israeli one. Number two, does the Jewish ference the Secretary said, and I quote settlers from Gaza and gave the land State of Israel have the right to defend from the article that was published over to the Palestinian Authority in herself from aggression? They won’t this weekend: exchange for peace. What sort of peace even admit that she has the right to You see, for Israel, there is an increasing did Israel realize by actually giving up defend herself from aggression. delegitimization campaign that has been that land to the Palestinian Author- Maybe it would help if Hamas, which building up. ity? They were met with rockets fired is the ruling authority over Gaza, In other words, there is an effort to in the region near Beersheba and maybe it would help if they remove ar- delegitimize Israel. People are very Sderot. Those areas continue to have ticle 7 from their charter, which calls sensitive to it. There are talks of boy- thousands of rockets pointed at them. for the annihilation of the Jewish peo- cotts and other kinds of things. Are we Who, I ask, Mr. Speaker, is the ag- ple, the extermination of the Jewish all going to be better off with all of gressor in this situation? Who, I ask, people. There isn’t much difference be- that? The Intelligence Minister, Mr. Speaker, should be the one to re- tween the call in the Hamas charter,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:34 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K03FE7.026 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1533 which is the final solution, the rid- and those leaders without cause and determination and decision of the Jew- dance of the Jewish people in the Jew- without reason. ish people. You see, Mr. Speaker, they ish State of Israel, there isn’t much The Prime Minister said: ‘‘They will have given up before. They have given difference between that and what a ma- not achieve their goal’’—meaning the land for peace. They have given one niacal leader tried to accomplish dur- boycott and the sanctions and the di- concession after another. But what ing World War II. And yet these same vestment. ‘‘First, they cause the Pal- they have told me in my visits to terrorists are being given deference in estinians to adhere to their intran- Judea and Samaria, no more the people the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations. sigent positions and thus push peace who live there are temporary settlers. It is bizarre to think that the United further away.’’ True. ‘‘Second, no pres- They are residents, this is their home, States and the policy of the United sure will cause me to concede the vital and they have no intention of leaving, States since 2008 has included calling interests of the State of Israel, espe- and they will fight to the death for on Israel to retreat and give up even cially the security of Israel citizens.’’ their land and for their people and for more land to the Palestinians, which Make no mistake about it: Israel their ancestors and forebears and, yes, have repeatedly called for the annihila- won’t give up, Israel is going to stand, for their children and for the future of tion of the Jewish state. It is amazing Israel is going to be there. So the last the Jewish State of Israel. that the United States and our Presi- nation to put roadblocks in Israel’s You see the Prime Minister Benjamin dent has called on Israel to withdraw way should be the United States of Netanyahu stood in this Chamber right to the pre-1967 borders, which would be America. behind me and stood, Mr. Speaker, at a suicide mission. Secretary Kerry has a proud record of over the lectern, and he told a joint session You see, Mr. Speaker, I have been to three decades of steadfast support for Israel’s of Congress very clearly that Israel security. Israel. I have literally stood in an isn’t what’s wrong with the Middle apartment building where I can look That is the statement that was re- East; Israel is what is right with the out the front window of the apartment leased. But the Secretary’s words don’t Middle East. I know from experience. The very and see the Mediterranean Sea and the add up. At the conference, Kerry said of the first time I was privileged to travel to border of Israel on the west, and look Israel-Palestinian conflict: the Jewish State of Israel was the day out the window in the rear of the after I graduated from high school. It apartment and see Israel’s border on Today’s status quo absolutely, to a cer- tainty, I promise you 100 percent, cannot be was in 1974. I spent my summer in the east with the Golan Heights, about maintained. It’s not sustainable. It’s illu- Israel. It was a very different place a 9-mile width. sory. There’s a momentary prosperity, back then. It was a Third World coun- b 2000 there’s a momentary peace. try. The modern State of Israel was es- In other words, Secretary Kerry is What country could defend itself, es- tablished in 1948 under extremely se- putting pressure on Israel to make a pecially when the call is that the Pal- vere adverse conditions, and they con- change, and to make a change whereby estinian Authority seeks to unite both tinued to fight for the maintenance of putting her sovereignty on the line. the area of Judea and Samaria with their sovereignty. Why? Because they The question is: Will the United were continually attacked by their Gaza, and they want a highway to do States continue to press Israel to with- that? In other words, Israel is being Arab neighbors and continue to remain draw from Judea and Samaria, the Bib- so to this day. called upon to cut herself in two. If she lical homeland of the Jewish State of cuts herself in two, just like any There is only one Jewish state in the Israel? world. There are multiple Arab na- human body, she couldn’t go on, she I ask you, Mr. Speaker, why in the couldn’t survive, she couldn’t live. tions, multiple Muslim nations across world would the United States ask the world, as it should be. We recognize So these requests that are coming— Israel to withdraw from the very loca- in fact, those demands that are coming the right to exist of Muslim nations. tion where, according to Biblical and We recognize Iran’s right to exist. from the Palestinian Authority— Torah documents, the Jewish State of Why is it that only the Jewish State should be shut down by the United Israel was begun; where Abraham, the of Israel has to struggle for the world States of America. That is where the originator of the Jewish State of to recognize its right to exist? Why is delegitimization should come, Mr. Israel, where the Jewish people had it the only nation in the world that has Speaker, not delegitimizing Israel be- their origin. Why would Judea and Sa- to struggle to have recognition of its cause she has a goal of the existence of maria be that area that is the area designated capital—Jerusalem. Jeru- the Jewish state. Shouldn’t Israel have that we would expect would be given salem is the eternal undivided city and that right to continue and preserve back to the Palestinian Authority the undivided capital of the Jewish itself as the Jewish State of Israel? when there has been virtually contin- State of Israel. Yet that appears, once Isn’t that a worthy goal? Should we uous presence of the Jewish people in again, to be the bone of contention for agree with that? that region, albeit to varying degrees? the world, Jerusalem. Even so much so Why should we be undercutting that I had the privilege of standing at Shi- that the United States, which is sup- goal when the so-called partner in loh—or what some people pronounce posed to be Israel’s ally and we are sup- peace, the Palestinian Authority, is Shiloh—where the tent of meeting was posed to have Israel’s back, our Em- unwilling to even work with step one? moved in the interim period between bassy remains in Tel Aviv rather than I understand the response from leaders the First Temple period and the Second in Jerusalem. in Israel this weekend—I understand Temple period on the Temple Mount in There are efforts to have our Em- it—because, in effect, what they are Jerusalem. The temple was in a tent at bassy moved, and I call upon our gov- saying is they no longer recognize the Shiloh. ernment, Mr. Speaker, I call upon our United States of America as its friend. There are artifacts yet today being President, to demonstrate to Israel Isn’t it interesting, Mr. Speaker, that found, shards of pottery that prove that we do have your back, we are your parallels what many Members of Con- that this location in Judea and Sama- greatest ally, and have the United gress have been hearing from various ria was where the Jewish people had States move our Embassy into Jeru- leaders across the world: We no longer their most holy site, where the Holy of salem and do it in a fortnight and recognize the United States of Amer- Holies, the Ark of the Covenant, was make it happen and show the world ica; we no longer recognize your for- kept with the tents built around, where that we literally do have their back. eign policy. Behind closed doors they worship was conducted for over 350 If we can’t do that, Mr. Speaker, I are telling us they want us to succeed. years by the Jewish people. Yet the will call upon our administration to at They want us to remain the world’s su- Jewish people are told they have to minimum change the State Depart- perpower because we provide literally leave that land, the land of their ori- ment’s Web site, which, if you look at defense across the world to keep world gins, the land of worship for over 3,500 the map of Israel and if you look at the order. If we are not here as a force for years—they have to leave? It is incred- capital Jerusalem, Jerusalem is not good, then what, then who, then what ible, it is impossible, it will never be. designated Israel; it is considered an is the next step? So you see these are One thing that needs to be under- international up-for-grabs area. Real- not comments made by our ally Israel stood, Mr. Speaker, is the tenacity and ly?

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:34 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K03FE7.027 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1534 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 3, 2014 Jerusalem is contiguously sur- Husseini, alleged that Jews dem- Israelis had to release over 100 terror- rounded by the Jewish State of Israel. onstrated at the Western Wall to curse ists, many of whom were murderers, How could this not be the very navel of Mohammed. Never happened. That who had killed innocent Israelis, in- the Jewish State of Israel? You see if mosques had been attacked by Jews. cluding an American citizen. The the United States makes a decision to Never happened. That others would United States Government put pres- abandon Israel, as many nations of the soon be attacked. A massive anti-Jew- sure on the Israeli Government to re- world have done, as many nations are ish pogrom convulsed Palestine in lease known murderous terrorists and crying out for an economic boycott of which 133 Jews were murdered by Arab thugs in exchange for—what?—other Israel, economic sanctions against mobs. The British suppressed the as- Israeli prisoners to be returned to Israel, economic divestment against saults, they killed 110 Palestinian Israel? No, Mr. Speaker. It was in re- Israel, as though Israel were a crimi- Arabs. The British Shaw Commission turn for the Palestinians to sit down at nal—if the United States, Mr. Speaker, ignored evidence of the Mufti’s orches- the negotiating table, and they did. chooses to join that extremely mis- tration of the violence and rec- Once again, Israel disadvantaged her- guided, wrongheaded void of all facts, ommended reducing Jewish immigra- self and released murderous terrorists then I make a prediction, Mr. Speaker: tion, and blamed the Jews for the mur- in order to get the Palestinian Author- that the United States will be ad- derous violence against them. ity to just come to the table. What has versely affected economically, and I be- In 1939, a commission that inves- been the goal of the Palestinian Au- lieve that we could see adversity mili- tigated the Arab Revolt recommend thority? Delay, wait, change the terms, tarily against the United States as creating a Jewish state in 20 percent of move the goalpost, never getting to a well. the British Mandate, with 80 percent of point of actually coming to an agree- There has always been one great de- the mandate to be placed under Arab ment. fender of the Jewish state and of the control and incorporated into the We have the instance in ’47-’50 of Jewish people. That defender has been Transjordan. The Arab world rejected Jews in Arab lands being told that they listed throughout antiquity, and Israel that—in other words, the Palestinian had to flee violence and persecution. has had her back held by a force homeland rejected it—and the Arab Re- In 1956, Israel captured the Sinai and stronger than the United States. That volt continued. then later returned it to Egypt. In 1957, strong right arm will remain for Israel. In 1939, the St. James Conference was Israel withdrew from all of the Sinai. That defender will remain. The ques- attended by the Zionist and Pales- In ’67, Egyptian demands were met, and tion is what will be the destiny of the tinian Arab leadership. Again, the Arab that is when Israel returned that land United States? Will our destiny be one parties refused to sit in the same room to Egypt. 1973 was the Yom Kippur war. of blessing or will our destiny be one of with the Zionist representatives. No Egypt attacked Israel. Syria attacked adversity? solution was reached. A paper was Israel. Israel turned the tide with a I think we need to be very clear and written. Further Jewish immigration miracle, and a ceasefire came about. In very careful in how we deal with the would have to be dependent upon Arab ’79, Israel and Egypt signed a peace Jewish State of Israel. Israel must approval. treaty with Egypt, and Israel disman- never be betrayed, and the United b 2015 tled 5,000 communities. States must not put pressure on the In 1947, the United Nations proposed In 1993 were the Oslo Accords. To this Jewish State of Israel. day, they have not been met by the Mr. Speaker, I would like to go over partitioning the British mandate. The Palestinian partners. In 1994, Israel and just a brief timeline that I put together plan was accepted by the Zionist move- the PLO signed the Gaza-Jericho of Jewish and Israeli concessions and ment. It was rejected by all Arab par- Agreement. Again, the Palestinian Au- foreign demands that have been put on ties. Again, 6,000 Jews—1 percent of the thority repudiated that agreement. In the Jewish State of Israel. Israeli population—were killed in a war 1995, the Oslo II agreement was, again, You can go back to 1917 with the Bal- in May of 1948 when Israel declared her- repudiated. In 1997, Israel and the PA four Declaration. self the Jewish state. That was her Go back to 1920. There were Arab at- entre´e into statehood and sovereignty. signed the Hebron agreement. Again, tacks on peaceful Jewish settlements Israel has fought for her sovereignty there was no peace, and it was under- in the northern part of the British-con- ever since and has been under attack cut. In 1998, the Wye River Memo- trolled Palestine, where seven Jews by our Arab neighbors ever since. randum—undercut. In 1999, the Sharm were killed. The British military ad- In 1949, Arab belligerents other than el-Sheikh agreement—again, undercut. ministration urged the disbanding of Iraq signed an armistice agreement In 2000–2001, with the Camp David ne- the Zionist commission, created to as- with Israel. All refused to recognize gotiations, again, Israel came in good sist the British authorities in giving ef- Israel. All refused to negotiate a solu- faith—again, undercut. In 2003, the fect to the Balfour Declaration, prom- tion to the Palestinian-Arab refugee Roadmap for peace did not call for ter- ising the upbuilding of a Jewish na- problem created by the first Arab- rorism-free Palestinian leadership, and tional home in Palestine. The British Israeli war that was launched by the terrorists remain in that leadership military administration was replaced Arab States. The Arab war on Israel today. In 2005, as I said earlier, Israel by a League of Nations mandate. It was created 700,000 Palestinian-Arab refu- withdrew unilaterally from Gaza and Israel that was betrayed. gees. Most were confined to Palestinian northern Samaria, and 8,000 rockets In 1921, anti-Jewish riots occurred in refugee camps in neighboring Arab have attacked Israel in that time. In Jaffa on the Mediterranean, orches- States, and 50,000 remain alive today— 2008, Israel made another peace offer to trated by the British-installed Mufti of only 50,000. The oft-heard figure of 4 or the PA that covered 94 percent of the Jerusalem by the head of the Muslim 5 million Palestinian refugees includes, West Bank. Again, it wasn’t enough. community. They took the lives of 43 contrary to any other refugee case in The PA wouldn’t accept the offer, and Jews in that effort in 1921. The British the world, not only the actual refugees it made no counteroffer. You see, the temporarily suspended Jewish immi- but generations of their offspring. PA is unwilling to say ‘‘yes.’’ gration into Israel. Today, we have refugees from the Syr- That is why this last weekend was so In 1922, Britain removed all of Pal- ian conflict. Only the current refugees important, Mr. Speaker, and why Sec- estine east of the Jordan. Seventy- are included, not multiple generations. retary of State Kerry’s words fell on eight percent of Palestine was removed This is not true with the Palestinians. incredulous ears. In spite of the nu- from the territory of the League of Na- The U.N. called on Resolution 194, call- clear agreement with Iran and now tions mandate for Palestine and power ing for returning refugees between the with the words that were said this last transferred to Emir Abdullah, who es- context of an Israeli-Arab peace, and weekend, we need to make it unmis- tablished the Emirate, later called all Arabs opposed that resolution. takable that I as a Member of Congress Transjordan. On and on we go, Mr. Speaker, to the stand with Israel, as do my colleagues In 1929, a campaign of false rumor present time, including the most re- on both sides of the aisle. and propaganda, orchestrated by the cent demand by Secretary of State Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Mufti of Jerusalem, Haj-Amin el- Kerry against the Israelis that the of my time.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:38 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K03FE7.029 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1535 CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS: Just think about it. Jeannette any type of college. Today, that figure WHEN WOMEN SUCCEED, AMER- Rankin was the first woman elected to is 57 percent. There are, roughly, 3 mil- ICA SUCCEEDS Congress in 1917, who stood before this lion more women currently enrolled in The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under body and said, I may be the first college than men. Women-owned busi- the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- woman to be here, but I won’t be the nesses, like those owned by Vicky uary 3, 2013, the gentlewoman from last. She was right. Congresswoman Linko, Letty Velez, and Christie Hef- Ohio (Mrs. BEATTY) is recognized for 60 Shirley Chisholm was the first Black ner in Illinois, account for nearly $3 minutes as the designee of the minor- woman to serve in this body, and was trillion of the gross domestic product ity leader. the first in our Nation as a female to in the United States. Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to- run for President of the United States. Women are vital to our economic fu- night to lead the Congressional Black Leader PELOSI was the highest ranking ture. Still, the facts on how far we need Caucus’ Special Order hour on: ‘‘When female elected to serve in American to go for women to truly achieve the Women Succeed, America Succeeds.’’ history and was the first female to American Dream are staggering. I am honored to serve as the co-guest serve as House Speaker. One in three adult women is living in anchor this evening with my colleague America is a much better place be- poverty or on the brink of it. One-quar- and classmate, the gentlewoman from cause of their service, but there are ter of single mothers spend more than Illinois, Congresswoman ROBIN KELLY. still far too many women who are left half of their incomes on housing com- We realize the importance ‘‘when behind. We can help rectify that by pared to one-tenth of single fathers. Of all single mothers, nearly two-thirds women succeed, America succeeds’’ has making sure that we advocate for wom- are working in low-wage retail, service on our economic agenda. I would also en’s rights—to have the right to vote, or administrative jobs that offer little like to thank my colleagues Congress- to have pay equity, pay leave, and ac- economic support to adequately pro- man HORSFORD and Congressman cess to quality child care. This vide for the needs of their families. JEFFRIES for their assistance in orga- evening, we will have the opportunity nizing this evening’s Special Order Women make only 77 cents for every to hear many firsthand stories about dollar a man makes—a pay gap that ex- hour. women and the challenges that they Too many women across America are ists even the first year out of college face and how we can help overcome and continues through a woman’s life. being left behind in today’s economy. them. As the President so passionately stated If you are a woman of color, no matter Let me start by introducing my co- what your education is, there is that in his House floor speech of the state of guest anchor, ROBIN KELLY, from the the Union on Tuesday, today, women gap, and the gap grows as your edu- Second District of Illinois. Robin is no cation increases. Wage disparities cost make up about half of our workforce, stranger to the challenges that women but they still make 77 cents for every American women an estimated $400,000 face in the workforce. As a former to $2 million in lost wages over a life- dollar a man earns. This is wrong—and State legislator and administrator and in 2014, it is an embarrassment. It is time. scholar and now a congressional advo- Mrs. BEATTY. Thank you so much, important for me to note: for Black cate for women, I proudly present the women, the pay gap is even larger. Congresswoman KELLY, for providing gentlelady from Illinois, and I yield to Black women on the average earn only us with those necessary statistics so her. we have a better understanding of, 64 cents to every dollar a man earns. Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Thank you, The President implored Congress, the when we move forward, how we need to Congresswoman BEATTY. deal with making a difference in the White House, the businesses from Wall I want to thank all of my colleagues Street to Main Street to come together lives of those women. in the Congressional Black Caucus who Now I have the great honor to yield and give every woman the opportunity have joined us here tonight and who to the gentlelady from Ohio’s 11th Con- she deserves, because, ‘‘when women continue to fight and serve as the con- gressional District. She is the chair- succeed, America succeeds.’’ Mr. President, I couldn’t agree more, science of our Congress. woman of the Congressional Black Cau- Mr. Speaker, ‘‘When Women Succeed, and I thank you for adding this state- cus. She is a leader, a lawyer, and an America Succeeds.’’ It is a simple ment, this call to action, to your State advocate for the people. She leads the enough concept, yet it hasn’t received largest delegation of the Congressional of the Union. Many Democrats invited women from the attention it deserves in the policy Black Caucus in its history. We stand across America to attend the State of arena. As we reflect on moments like 43 strong following her leadership. the Union address or to watch it— the fifth anniversary of the Lilly Please join me as I yield to the chair- women who are among long-term un- Ledbetter Fair Pay Act—a bill that woman of the Congressional Black Cau- employed women who are making a dif- most of us would agree was long over- cus, Congresswoman MARCIA FUDGE. ference in their community, like in my due—it is important that we keep in b 2030 our minds and hearts the critical les- community, a lady by the name of Ms. FUDGE. Thank you so very son of that important legislation, Amelia Caldwell, from the west side, much, and thank you for yielding. working as a home health aide, or to which is that it is unacceptable for pay I want to especially say this evening my guest Karen Morrison, working as discrimination to exist in our work- that as we talk about women, we are an executive in health care. Both must force, that workers who face discrimi- anchored tonight by two women, Con- balance the work life, and both under- nation have a right to claim compensa- gresswoman BEATTY, of course, from stand that we must continue to mentor tion for the injustices they face, that the great State of Ohio, and Congress- and provide resources to support regardless of gender, race, religion, or woman KELLY from Illinois. I have had women, resources such as health care, sexual identity, we all have a right to a wonderful opportunity to meet these child care, equal pay, affordable college be justly compensated for our work, outstanding women, and I am so tuition, early childhood education, eco- and most importantly, that it is bene- pleased that they are here this evening. nomic development opportunities, and ficial to our economy, our families, and I thank them again for leading this more advocates. Why? Because, when our children to pay fair wages to all of Special Order hour for the Congres- women succeed, America succeeds. America’s workers. sional Black Caucus. We know that women have made and In that spirit, we must lift up the Today, members of the CBC raise our continue to make great strides, but cause of an economic agenda for collective voices to advocate for a there is more work to be done. We women and their families. As we look stronger economy by supporting and must provide women with economic se- to grow our economy, let us keep in investing in working women across curity and opportunities that they de- mind how women drive that growth. America. serve, that their families need. Women are the breadwinners or co- My colleagues and I know improving I want to thank the Congressional breadwinners in nearly two-thirds of the economic condition of families and Black Caucus chairwoman, MARCIA America’s families. Women now out- communities across the country begins FUDGE, for her leadership in making number men at every level of the high- with strengthening the economic posi- this a front-burner issue for the Con- er education ladder. In 1964, only about tion of women, because when women gressional Black Caucus tonight. 40 percent of women were enrolled in succeed, America succeeds.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:34 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K03FE7.031 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1536 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 3, 2014 Last week, we marked the fifth anni- Theta sorority, where she served as the That is why our Democratic women versary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay 21st president. She spoke to them be- of the House, under the leadership of Act, the first piece of legislation signed cause they, too, join us in under- Congresswomen NANCY PELOSI, DONNA by President Obama. As a result of this standing that when women succeed, EDWARDS, and DORIS MATSUI, along important legislation, women can more America succeeds. with all of us, have launched the effectively take legal action against Now I would like to yield to the gen- ‘‘When Women Succeed, America Suc- employers for gender-based pay dis- tlelady from California’s Third Con- ceeds campaign. crepancies. While the Lilly Ledbetter gressional District, a woman who has a In drawing attention to the need for Act helped provide a pathway for long history of standing up for people; a true economic agenda for women and women to litigate pay discrimination, a woman who understands when you families in D.C., we all have been it does not address how we will invest talk about the statistics that we have hosting a series of events in our dis- in the economic future of working heard tonight, and we will continue to tricts across the country, and we are women in the United States. hear tonight, about women living in hearing the same thing. Congress- Today, women comprise almost half poverty; a woman who only a few women KELLY and BEATTY, myself, of the American workforce. The coun- weeks ago, as we celebrated the 50th Congresswoman FUDGE from Ohio, are try has come a long way in promoting anniversary of President Johnson’s war all hearing the same thing. equal rights and equal pay for women, on poverty, led us in a press conference Saturday, I was really thrilled and but it is unacceptable that in 2014, with his daughter. Standing with her honored to have been joined by Leader women still make 77 cents on the dol- were members of the Congressional PELOSI at my event in Oakland. I was lar compared to their male counter- Black Caucus. also joined by former Congresswoman parts. I call her a champion of the people. I Lynn Woolsey, who so courageously In my home State of Ohio, women call her our warrior of the people. told her story as a former public assist- make approximately $10,000 less than Join me as I yield to the gentlelady ance recipient needing affordable child men each year, and in my district, the from California, the Honorable BAR- care and a good-paying job as a bridge median wage for women is 86 percent of BARA LEE. over her troubled waters. Ms. LEE of California. Let me first the median wage for men. According to Also at this event I was joined by two thank you, Congresswoman BEATTY, the 2010 Census, in 40 percent of Amer- of my constituents, Clarissa and Irma, for those very humbling remarks, for who shared their struggle of trying to ican households with children, women your tremendous leadership, and for take care of their family. are the sole or primary providers, and the work that you do each and every Clarissa told us about her struggle as over 30 percent of households headed by day not only for the people of your dis- a single parent. When budget cuts women are living in poverty. trict but for the people and the women caused her to lose the subsidy that she African American and Latino women and the children and families in the en- received to pay for child care, she was tend to feel wage discrepancy more tire country. forced to pull her son, Xavier, out of acutely, receiving approximately 64 I just have to say that you have cer- preschool and resign from her job to cents and 55 cents on the dollar, respec- tainly hit the ground running here in care for him during the day. Xavier tively, when compared to White, non- Washington, D.C. I think you have be- started kindergarten unprepared and is Hispanic males. cause of your life’s work in Ohio, and now in his second year, catching up This inequality must not continue. what you have done in Ohio as an with his peers. It is very difficult. The economic security of our Nation’s elected official and how you have just Clarissa is an unbelievable mother. children depends on women’s access to charted the course for so many issues So Xavier is going to make it, and he fair pay. This Nation cannot afford to for so many women. Thank you for is going to be a true leader because of continue treating women unfairly or leading us tonight. Clarissa, who is working each and leave women behind if they expect to Also, Congresswoman KELLY, I want every day to make sure he catches up. strengthen and grow our economy. to thank you for organizing this Spe- This didn’t need to happen if she had We can start to address this inequity cial Order and also for being such a affordable child care. by increasing the minimum wage. Al- champion for women and children and Also, it reminded me of when I was in most two-thirds of workers earning the your district in Illinois. college with my two sons. I always say minimum wage are women. The min- Again, I have been here now for prob- they were the two best educated chil- imum wage has not been sufficiently ably eight terms. You all have just ar- dren under 3 years of age. They were adjusted to reflect inflation. Increasing rived. I just want to thank you. It is college-educated under 3 years because the minimum wage will help lift mil- really an honor to work with you. I had to take them to class with me lions of women and children across the Congresswoman BEATTY, you earlier while a student at Mills College be- country out of poverty. mentioned the President’s quote. I cause I could not afford child care. It is also necessary to establish poli- want to mention once again what he Child care is so critical to the success cies that enable working mothers to said during the State of the Union be- of women. When women succeed, Amer- earn a living wage and to take care of cause I think it is important to make ica succeeds. their families. This requires workplace sure that the country continues to hear Let me tell you about Irma. She is a protections for pregnant workers, paid that the President understands when single mother and a restaurant worker, family sick leave for emergencies, and women succeed, America succeeds, and a low-wage worker. She shared her ex- affordable child care. he is leading the charge in the White perience with pregnancy discrimina- We cannot sit idle as half the popu- House for that, in terms of his leader- tion. There was not a dry eye in the lation of our Nation lags behind. I look ship. room. forward to voting in support of meas- Today, women make up about half of Irma, like so many women, became ures that break down economic bar- our workforce, but they still make 77 pregnant, and her manager reduced her riers preventing women from reaching cents for every dollar a man earns. work hours from 40 hours a week to their full potential, because when That is wrong, and in 2014, it is embar- less than 30 hours a week. He assigned women succeed, we all succeed. rassment. her difficult tasks. You know why he Thank you. So thank you again, Congresswoman did? To try to get her to resign. They Mrs. BEATTY. Thank you, Congress- BEATTY, for reiterating the President’s had her doing work that she would woman FUDGE. Clearly, we can see that quote, because we can’t forget that he never be allowed to do if her doctor had she is no stranger to advocating for truly is supportive of our overall agen- known that they were requiring her to women and for lifting women out of da. do that. poverty and standing for them. It is simply unacceptable that women After assigning her a particularly dif- Earlier today, Congresswoman FUDGE are still being paid 77 cents for every ficult task when she was 8 months had the opportunity to speak to thou- dollar that a man makes. African pregnant, Congresswomen BEATTY and sands of women who are gathered here American and Latina women are being KELLY, do you know what her manager this week to advocate for the same paid even less, at 64 cents and 50 cents, told her? He said, Well, if it’s so hard, agenda, women of the Delta Sigma while doing the same work as men. then why go to work? Why go to work?

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:38 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K03FE7.032 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1537 So Irma’s story is the story of so Mrs. BEATTY. Thank you so much, less, we thank you for all that you many of our constituents. Congresswoman LEE, and so timely are have done. It also reminded me, as my col- your words. It was a particular honor on Friday, leagues have mentioned, of Congress- Talking about Congresswoman Shir- along with Congresswoman YVETTE woman Shirley Chisholm, the first Af- ley Chisholm reminds me of a quote of CLARKE and Congresswoman KELLY and rican American women elected to Con- hers that I read. It said: Congressmen GREG MEEKS and CHARLIE gress. She was fighting when she was Tremendous amounts of talent are lost to RANGEL, to be at the official unveiling here in Congress for pay equity for do- our society just because that talent wears a held by the United States Postal Serv- mestic women. She was fighting for af- skirt. ice of the Shirley Chisholm stamp to fordable child care and for education. Certainly, like you, she was a phe- commemorate the life and times of this Congresswoman CHISHOLM was a nomenal woman. So let me thank you tremendous woman, this Member of founding member of the Congressional again for your personal story and for Congress, this trailblazer, all that she Black Caucus. She was someone that telling us the story of Irma, because as had done. many of us looked up to. Her passion I think of my congressional district I recall that she once made an obser- for the plight of working poor and and I think of a phenomenal family, I vation to a young person who was con- women was undeniable. think of the Troy family, a family sidering a career in public service and Leader PELOSI and myself unveiled where I call her Mother Troy and Pas- asked Congresswoman Chisholm the Shirley Chisholm Black History tor Troy. They have four sons, but they whether he should pursue this or not. stamp on Saturday during our panel have three daughter-in-laws who go out Congresswoman Chisholm responded by discussion. It was just an amazing mo- every day into the community, wheth- saying to this young man interested in ment because of all the people in that er it is feeding a child, providing child public service, Well, if you decide to room. There were 500 of my constitu- care, or working with the homeless or run for office, don’t be a career politi- ents; young people, middle age, old in housing. cian. She said, Be a statesperson. Rep- people. My 89-year-old mother and my resentative Chisholm explained that 2045 two sisters were there. People really b the difference is, a career politician is understood when women succeed, So in each of our communities we only concerned with the next election, America succeeds, and the fight that have stories because we understand in but a statesperson is concerned with Shirley Chisholm mounted for that. our communities that when women the next generation. In Brooklyn, Congresswoman YVETTE succeed, America succeeds. Thank you. As we stand here today, we would all CLARKE serves in the spirit of Shirley At this time, Mr. Speaker, I yield to do well to take that piece of advice Chisholm. She and Congressmen Congressman JEFFRIES from the great that Congresswoman Chisholm uttered JEFFRIES, RANGEL, MEEKS, and KELLY State of New York, and it is, indeed, an decades ago as it relates to the policy had the privilege to unveil Shirley honor, as he is coming to share with agenda connected to the theme ‘‘when Chisholm’s stamp in Brooklyn. you that he represents the Eighth Con- women succeed, America succeeds’’ be- Once again, the message of Congress- gressional District. cause, in order for that to be possible, woman Shirley Chisholm that when He is no stranger to this platform. we also have to be sensitive to what we women succeed, America succeeds, is You see, as our colleague and class- are doing for the next generation of so relevant and so current today. So mate, we are standing in tonight as co- young people in the context of child the principles of our women’s economic anchors because Congressman JEFFRIES care availability, universal pre-K, agenda which we are discussing tonight is the real anchor. He and Congressman strengthening the Head Start program resonates throughout our country, like HORSFORD have been stellar in their that has served so many over decades. raising the minimum wage. I just have leadership, in their scholarship, to What are we doing for the next gen- to reference low-wage workers. The come here for every Special Order hour eration to make sure that women, in majority are women and women of under the Congressional Black Caucus particular, who are raising up the fu- color. and lead us in an agenda that makes a ture leaders of America, are equipped Also, affordable, quality child care difference in the lives of so many peo- with the resources and the ability to and paid family medical leave. Again, I ple. provide them with the best possible up- mentioned my mother, a phenomenal To have him here today, standing bringing? woman who raised three young girls. with us not only as a Congressman but Now, 50 years ago, in this Chamber, Paid family medical care for not only as a spouse, as a father, sends a strong President Lyndon Baines Johnson our children but our elders, our senior message that not only do women un- spoke before a joint session of Congress citizens. It is so important that people derstand when women succeed, Amer- and he declared a war on poverty. And know that they can care for their fam- ica succeeds, but men also understand we know that, as a result of that ini- ily members during their golden years, it. tiative, there were several legislative as well as their children. I yield to the gentleman from the programs that were enacted into law Pay equity and closing the gap in great State of New York (Mr. between 1964 and 1966—Medicare, Med- terms of the statistics we cited earlier. JEFFRIES). icaid, Head Start, school breakfast pro- All of these efforts that we are mount- Mr. JEFFRIES. I thank the distin- gram, Food Stamp Act, college work ing here in Congress, hopefully we will guished gentlewoman from Ohio for study, minimum wage enhancement. have bipartisan support for raising the yielding, as well as for the tremendous All of these programs, taken together, minimum wage in this overall agenda. job that you have done anchoring this contributed in a meaningful way to All of this means that when women CBC Special Order along with our good lifting millions of people out of pov- succeed, America succeeds. The success friend, the distinguished gentlewoman erty. of women is truly central and integral from Illinois. Now, we know, as we stand here to the success of our country as a great It reminds me, back at home, some- today we have still got a lot of work to democracy which stands for liberty and times the pastor in my church would be done. But instead of there being a justice for all. have a guest preacher come and deliver war on poverty, what we have seen far So thank you again, Congresswomen the sermon for the occasion, and the too often during this Congressional ses- BEATTY and KELLY, for organizing this guest preacher will do so well that he sion and the previous one is a war on tonight. will remark afterward, it is a dan- women. That is unfortunate that we I have to close by just saying Con- gerous thing when you bring that type have gone from trying to lift people up gressman Shirley Chisholm was a true of preacher to the pulpit because the and give them an opportunity to pur- Delta woman. She was the epitome of a congregation may not want the main sue the American Dream to failing to Delta woman, and so this week, once preacher to come back again. deal with the issues that women in again, saluting Congresswoman Shirley You and Congresswoman KELLY have America face today and, in some in- Chisholm and our overall women’s done such a tremendous job, certainly, stances, aggressively trying to roll agenda is so timely and so profound. STEVEN HORSFORD and I are at risk of back rights that were hard-fought and Thank you again for this moment. losing our anchor positions. Nonethe- acquired over the years.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:34 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K03FE7.033 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1538 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 3, 2014 Now, as the President mentioned in here today as members of the Congres- underlying factors in why those words this State of the Union that we all wit- sional Black Caucus advocating for are not lived up to for some people— nessed over the last week, that women women in this agenda, because we un- particularly in this case, women. in America make 77 cents for every dol- derstand, when women succeed, Amer- Mr. Speaker, we live in the 21st cen- lar that a man earns. President Obama ica succeeds. tury. Women now make up more than called it an embarrassment. I agree Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor half of our workforce. As President with that statement. It is also a na- now, to yield to the gentleman from Obama said last week in his State of tional outrage. New Jersey, the 10th Congressional the Union Address, paying women less How can it be the case that in Amer- District of New Jersey. And we share a is just plain wrong. In 2014, it is an em- ica, in 2014, we are still allowing for common bond: his father from New Jer- barrassment, and we all agree with him such significant pay disparity that, as sey, my father from New Jersey. He is in that respect. Congresswoman LEE pointed out, is someone who understands all too well This gross gender pay inequality even worse for women of color? So we the value of when women succeed, doesn’t hurt just women. It hurts fami- have got to move forward under the America succeeds. He is a spouse; he is lies, and it hurts our local economy as principle—to bring to life the notion a father of triplets. And so it is so im- well. I don’t know in my case of a hus- that one should be provided equal pay portant, when we talk about early band who is happy that his wife is for equal work. childhood education and when we talk working that hard and making 77 per- The second thing that we can do is to about childhood, child care, that we cent of what she deserves to make. Any deal with this minimum wage issue understand that he understands, when way you look at it, it is lost revenue that we have in America. As was point- women succeed, America succeeds. coming into the home, and it could ed out earlier today, two-thirds of min- Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman make such a difference on small imum wage earners in America are from New Jersey, Congressman DONALD things—vacations, education, gro- women. And so the failure to raise the PAYNE. ceries, food, sustenance to make it minimum wage, to have indexed it ap- Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, let me just through the week, the month, the year. propriately for inflation to account for acknowledge my colleagues from the On top of that, a woman shouldn’t cost-of-living increases in America, freshman class, the gentlewoman from have to feel like she may lose her job if disproportionately adversely affects Ohio and the gentlewoman from Illi- she takes time off to care for her sick women in this country. The reality is, nois, for anchoring this hour, When children. Now this is something that I with a minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, Women Succeed, America Succeeds. know all too well, Mr. Speaker. I know a woman in America can work full- I now am one of two members of the that my wife and I were very fortunate time, 35 hours per week, across an en- freshman class that has not had the op- to have the FMLA while we were rais- tire year and, in attempting to raise a portunity to anchor this hour. Mr. ing our triplets, you see, because one family, fall well below the Federal pov- HORSFORD and Mr. JEFFRIES have done would get sick, then the next one erty line. It is the classic definition of such an exceptional job in that. As Mr. would get sick, then the next one working poor. would get sick, then I would get sick, So the failure to raise the minimum JEFFRIES pointed out, Mrs. BEATTY is then my wife would get sick, and it wage has consequences for women, for always ready for the challenge and has would start all over again. There is no the family, and for the overall well- demonstrated and, as was mentioned way either one of us could care for being of communities all across Amer- earlier, has stepped up to the plate and them while worrying about whether ica, particularly when considering the hit the ground running in the Halls of she is going to have a job to return to, fact that, in 40 percent of American Congress and has demonstrated her households, women are either the pri- leadership on numerous occasions. but still today, too many women have mary or the sole breadwinner. With that, Mr. Speaker, let me just to choose between being employed and So that means, particularly as it re- say that we know we have made great caring for their families. It is just not lates to some of our good friends on the progress in this country closing the right, and it is just not fair. other side of the aisle who often ex- gender wage gap; but women still, as it Finally, Mr. Speaker, in the greatest press concern for family values—and I has been stated, and we need to con- nation on Earth, no one who puts in a share that concern—the best family tinue to let it resonate, earn just 77 40-hour workweek should be living in value is a good paycheck; because if cents on every dollar a man earns for poverty, ever. They are playing by the you ensure that when people are work- the same work. And for women of rules. They are getting up every day, ing hard they are paid well for it, then color, unfortunately, naturally, I am working hard, two and three jobs some- we are ensuring that they have the ca- not surprised, the gap is even wider, times, and still not making ends meet. pacity to take care of their families, of with women of color earning just 64 No one in this Nation that plays by the which women, increasingly, are the cents for every dollar that a man rules should find themselves in that sole or primary breadwinners. makes. condition. In this country, it is just not So I just commend my distinguished In New Jersey, the gap has even about having a job, but it is about hav- colleagues, Representative KELLY and grown worse. In just 1 year, women in ing a good job. Representative BEATTY, the dynamic New Jersey earn, on an average, $13,000 More than two-thirds of minimum duo of the CBC freshman class, for all less than their male counterparts. wage earners are women. We owe it to that they have done and will continue Now, that is shocking. That is abso- them to pay them a wage that they to do on behalf of women, communities lutely incredible that the gap, the mar- could actually live on and provide for of color, and America in the context of gin is that wide, because over the their families because we know, Mr. their tremendous advocacy. course of that woman’s lifetime, that Speaker, in many cases, that woman is Mrs. BEATTY. Thank you so much, adds up to more than $434,000. the wage earner in the home, the only Congressman JEFFRIES. And thank you Now, what could a family over their wage earner in the home, and to have for reminding us, if we could eliminate lifetime do with another $435,000? Prob- them find themselves in that condition the wage gap, if we take, just in part of ably could own a nicer home, send all is unfathomable in the 21st century. my district, in Columbus, in the metro- their children to college, live in a man- I was very encouraged by the Presi- politan area, if we were able to elimi- ner in which all Americans deserve to dent’s actions to raise the wage for new nate the wage gap, it would allow live in. government workers. It makes sense. It women to have 77 more weeks of food; makes sense in this day and age to it would allow them to have six addi- b 2100 have a living wage, something you can tional months more to pay their mort- What we have is working poor. take care of your family on. Congress gage or rent; it would allow them to $434,000—that is a significant amount needs to follow that example. also have 2,555 gallons of gas to be able of money over the course of someone’s There are many things that this Con- to take that child to child care or to go life. That is not the America that I was gress could do to ensure that women to work. raised to believe in. The home of the succeed. Pass the Paycheck Fairness So it is so important that we under- free, the land of the brave. Equality is Act, pass the Family Act, and raise the stand the agenda and why we stand always discussed, but there are always minimum wage for all. All of these

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:34 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K03FE7.034 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1539 measures have been blocked by my col- 41.5 million adult women and 16.8 succeeds’’ is the story of a little lady leagues on the other side of the aisle, million adult working women live in from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, a lady but the success of women in America households below 200 percent of the by the name of Oseola McCarty. The cannot and should not be bipartisan as poverty line. Women workers, single name probably won’t mean a lot to a an issue. mothers, and low-income workers are lot of people. She was someone who We must put our political differences the least likely to have access to paid was a washer woman. She washed aside and show this country that we leave and workplace flexibility offered clothes for women who didn’t look like care and we understand. We owe it to through their employer, only exacer- her or think like her and many who our mothers, we owe it to our wives, bating gender inequality and women’s probably didn’t even know her name, and we owe it to our daughters to pro- poverty. but this woman in her own little wis- vide them with the quality of life that The United States, as we said, the dom truly understood the value of they deserve. wealthiest country in the world, is the when women succeed, America suc- So I implore my fellow Americans only developed nation that does not re- ceeds. that are watching this tonight, wheth- quire employers to provide paid mater- You know why? She took her pay er your Member is a Democrat or a Re- nity leave, and the family and medical every week, and she put it in a jar, and publican, to see where they stand on leave protections that do exist fail to she saved, and you see, she didn’t have this issue, to check how they are vot- cover nearly half of all full-time em- children. She didn’t have a spouse or ing in your interests, and if they are ployees. brothers and sisters, and she wrote a not voting in your interests, then you Revenue of women-owned businesses little note saying that she wanted should remove them. Because when is 27 percent of that of men-owned busi- these dollars to go to a child that was women succeed, America succeeds. nesses. I remember when I was a State underserved, a child who would be able I yield back. representative, thanks to SEIU, being to take these few dollars and get a col- Mrs. BEATTY. Thank you so much, a child care worker for a day, and I lege education because that would Congressman PAYNE. ‘‘Land of the free, went into the home of a woman who make a difference in that child’s life. home of the brave’’—it reminds me of took care of other children for other Well, at the time of her death, someone women so that they could go to work. the words that Leader PELOSI talked opened up that container. And in that Both the child care worker and the about during the 165th anniversary of container, there was an estimated mom going to work were very low-wage the Seneca Falls Convention, the first amount of $150,000. earners, but if it wasn’t for that low- women’s rights convention that ad- So when I think about ‘‘when women wage earner or child care worker, the dressed women in social, economic, and succeed, America succeeds,’’ I will add mom couldn’t afford to pay her so she political life. It said that women the name of Oseola McCarty to that could then go to work. It would be easy should be granted all the rights and list, because that is what we are talk- for the moms to stay home, but they privileges that men possess. So thank ing about tonight. When we talk about didn’t want to stay home. They wanted you for that message. members of the Congressional Black to work. They wanted to build their re- As we continue in this hour, I would Caucus being the conscience of the sume, and they also wanted to give like to yield to my coanchor, the gen- Congress, it means that when we stand their children the opportunity to be tlewoman from Illinois. on this House floor advocating for folks Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Thank you, around other children and to learn from those low-wage child care work- who are voiceless, that is our role. Congresswoman. So when we seem so passionate and I, too, feel compelled to tell my Shir- ers. So both groups of women are af- fected by the minimum wage in this so concerned when some of our col- ley Chisholm story. As you have heard, leagues on the other side of the aisle I was privileged enough to be at the un- country. With that, I yield back, Congress- stand in the way of providing health veiling of her stamp, and I was very, care for women, for providing early very proud to be there, but also, I met woman. Mrs. BEATTY. Thank you so much childhood education or wanting to Shirley Chisholm 22 years ago. I was a for sharing your stories, as my co- make a difference in how we feed our director of minority student services anchor. poor, then it reminds me of all the sto- for Bradley University, and we invited All evening, we have heard the sto- ries that we have heard today. Congresswoman Chisholm out to be a ries of women who have advocated and b 2115 speaker. I picked her up from the air- fought in these Chambers, women like port and drove her back when her time Shirley Chisholm. We know the stories It reminds me of all the women who was done. all too well of the Rosa Parks, of the are fighting because they understand We had the opportunity to have cof- Barbara Jordans. Then as we look to that there are faces on all of the statis- fee together, and I felt her passion for education, we know the stories of tics that we have heard tonight. And the everyday person, to improve their women who serve as presidents of His- all of these faces, whether well-known quality of life. Little did I know that torically Black Colleges and Univer- or not, when you go back to your dis- she was planting a little seed in me, as sities, women like Dr. Johnnetta Cole, tricts, understand when you stand with she was the first black woman elected, women like Cynthia Jackson-Ham- us as members of the Congressional and I am the 30th and hopefully count- mond at my alma mater, Central State Black Caucus, as you stand with us, ing black woman elected to Congress. University. We know women who have with women in our caucus, you are So I am very proud of that moment, worked and earned their place in his- standing with all the women across and it gave me that opportunity to re- tory because they understand that America. And the message you are flect when I heard all of her stories last when women succeed, America suc- sending is, when women succeed, Amer- Friday. ceeds. ica succeeds. You have heard from our many col- We know the stories of our parents. It is my great honor to ask my co-an- leagues that nearly half of the work- But one thing tonight I want to make chor tonight to close us out and ask ev- force is female, yet two-thirds of all sure that we add to these resources eryone to remember that we are here, minimum wage workers are women. when we talk about economic develop- and, yes, I will say it again, when You have heard 40 percent of working ment and we talk about child care and women succeed, America succeeds. women are their family’s primary we talk about all the other services, I yield to the gentlelady from Illi- breadwinner. If these women were paid pay equity and health care, and that is nois. the same wages as their male counter- the right to vote. That is one of the Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Thank you, parts, their family income would in- most critical things that I want us to Congresswoman. You make me think crease by $6,776 a year. This is a $245 remember, because when we get people about my grandmother, because it was billion increase in wealth nationwide. registered to vote and then we allow my grandmother in the late 1940s who If women receive equal pay, our econ- them to be able to vote, that is one of purchased a grocery store and told my omy would generate $447.6 billion in ad- the most powerful tools. grandfather, We are in the grocery ditional income. Again, we all would The story we don’t hear when we talk business now. It was because of her benefit from this, not just women. about ‘‘when women succeed, America parents instilling in her and helping

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:34 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K03FE7.036 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1540 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 3, 2014 her to succeed and be a role model that floor of the United States House of speech like that from the President of she planted a seed for our family and Representatives and to take up some of the United States, the first thing you her sons and then my father and my the issues that I know are important to think is why in the world would he go uncle. And it just fed the line for suc- you and are important to Americans. I before the American people with any cess and all of us going to college be- come here tonight to try to put some kind of a message, let alone one like cause of my grandmother. She was the perspective on this intense debate that that? Don’t take a Christmas break, very strong one in the family. we have had. and I am going to tell Congress what America cannot afford to maintain I would start with this, Mr. Speaker, they ought to do. They ought to pass a the status quo. Nearly 70 percent of that over Christmas vacation, I don’t minimum wage increase; they should Americans on or above the brink of know of a time that this Congress extend unemployment benefits; and poverty are women and the children hasn’t taken a break over Christmas they should pass—the President said who depend on them. That is almost 42 and gone back to celebrate the birth of this to us before—the Senate version of million American women and more our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. the Gang of 8’s comprehensive immi- than 28 million American children liv- That is the foundation of the core of gration reform bill. ing on or at the brink of poverty. To- the faith of our Founding Fathers that I point out, also, Mr. Speaker, that night’s conversation is about sparking established this country, built this America now understands that com- an agenda that will enable women to Capitol, and worshipped in the build- prehensive immigration reform—CIR, achieve greater security. This includes ing. for short—really is three words that raising wages for women and their fam- I do remember a Christmas Eve encompass one word, and that is ‘‘am- ilies and allowing working parents to present that we got from the United nesty.’’ support and care for their families. States Senate Christmas Eve morning One would wonder why the President I want to thank the entire Congres- when they passed a version of chose those three topics and gave that sional Black Caucus, especially my fel- ObamaCare on a Christmas Eve vote, speech at that time. I would give this low co-anchor, the gentlewoman from but I don’t remember a President ever answer, Mr. Speaker: no one should Ohio, Congresswoman BEATTY, who did criticizing Congress for leaving town to really wonder. A President of one party a fantastic job. go visit our families over Christmas va- that has the same party that rules in As we recognize Black History cation until this year when our Presi- the United States Senate and controls Month, we are reminded the Congres- dent of the United States, Mr. Speaker, the agenda over there, who is opposed sional Black Caucus exists to improve made his trip to his home State of Ha- by Republicans in the House of Rep- communities through policy action waii and took his Christmas break out resentatives, is going to do this pre- that meets the needs of millions of our there. He took his family with him, dictably, because tactically it is what most vulnerable citizens. It is that and certainly most thinking Americans you do in this business if you are not a spirit that guides us here tonight. don’t object to such a thing, but I re- uniter but a divider, and that is pick When we see millions of women and member a speech that he gave from Ha- the topics that unify your party and di- children on the brink of poverty, we waii where he criticized Congress for vide the opposing party. must act. When we see total household leaving town over Christmas. He said So he picked three topics that just incomes being short-changed because that we should have stayed here in essentially and almost universally—I of gender biases in wage, we won’t Washington and solved this myriad of will say, virtually—unify the Democrat stand for it. When women succeed, problems we have in our Nation, that Party and are designed to split and di- America succeeds. I will say it again. going home apparently was inappro- vide the Republican Party—minimum When women succeed, America suc- priate. wage, for example. Now, I can go back ceeds. Well, I think when they were here, quite a ways on how far back the min- I thank my colleagues for caring when the Senate was in voting on imum wage goes. But I can say, Mr. enough to get involved in this debate. Christmas Eve morning that morning Speaker, that every time that Congress GENERAL LEAVE when they delivered to us ObamaCare, has raised the minimum wage, some- Ms. KELLY of Illinois. I ask unani- that was the time they should have body has lost a job. It has cost jobs mous consent that my colleagues have gone home for Christmas vacation in- every time. We lose more and more of 5 days to revise and extend their re- stead and listened to the American those entry-level job opportunities marks. people, because the aftermath of that when the minimum wage goes up be- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. was that there was a huge wave elec- cause the employers can’t afford to MESSER). Is there objection to the re- tion in 2010, and Republicans in the train unskilled workers and put them quest of the gentlewoman from Illi- House of Representatives ended up in the workforce and take on all of the nois? There was no objection. with 87 freshman Republicans as a re- risk, the regulation, the recordkeeping, Ms. KELLY of Illinois. With that, I sult of the American people’s rejecting the liability, and sometimes the bene- yield to my co-anchor, Representative ObamaCare. fits package that is required. They Nonetheless, Mr. Speaker, I bring up BEATTY, for any last words. can’t afford to pay all of that and bring Mrs. BEATTY. Let me just say as we the point of the President’s criticism of somebody into the workforce that has close out that it is so important that Congress for taking Christmas off and maybe no skills. you understand that our message to- point out three other topics that he The reason that there are entry-level night is certainly about making a dif- brought up in that speech. He said he wages is so that people can get started ference in the lives of those who live in has an agenda for 2014—and this was a in a job and you can afford as an em- this wonderful country. So let me end preview of his State of the Union ad- ployer to hire them and keep them as we started with, when women suc- dress, I might add—and this agenda there and upgrade their job skills, and ceed, America succeeds. that the President has for 2014 includes hopefully in the same company you can The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- three things: the extension of unem- move them right on up through the bers are reminded to address their re- ployment benefits, adding weeks on chain and bring them up through the marks to the Chair and not to a per- what his number really is—but I know system, and their wages and their ben- ceived audience. that they have supported 99 weeks, al- efit package, or at least their wages, go f most 2 years of unemployment—and up with that consistently. then the other piece of it was to in- I happen to know how that works. We A NATION DIVIDED crease the minimum wage. He is seek- have never—I founded and have oper- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under ing to do that by an executive edict ated a construction company for 28 the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- with regard to the Federal employees. years. In those 28 years, we have never uary 3, 2013, the Chair recognizes the And the third piece was he called upon paid minimum wage. We have always gentleman from Iowa (Mr. KING) for 30 Congress to pass comprehensive immi- paid over that. But when we brought minutes. gration reform. somebody in at a skill level, we identi- Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, it is Now, when you are home with your fied their skills, paid them what we an honor to address you here on the family over Christmas and you hear a thought we could afford to pay them,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:34 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K03FE7.038 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1541 trained them, watched to see how they and an employee. This system of entry- out after he criticized Congress for tak- developed, and gave them raises in pro- level wages that gets people started in ing Christmas off to visit our families. portion to the skill level and the pro- a job where they can learn a skill, Some of the result has been the pres- duction that they gave because, after learn customer relations, learn respon- sure felt by some of the leadership in all, when they come to work, they sibility, learn to look people in the eye, this Congress to produce a document would say, What is my job? And I said, learn to provide service, learn to smile that is called ‘‘Standards for Immigra- Well, your job is to help me make and hustle and act like you like it, if tion Reform.’’ So I received this docu- money. If you do that, then I want you you can do that, you are not going to ment Thursday afternoon about 4:15 to stay here, and we are going to do our be working for minimum wage very and I looked through this. These are best to take care of you. long. principles on immigration, Mr. Speak- Mr. Speaker, I recall walking into But the President and the Democrats er. I looked through this, and it has a my construction office in one of those want to divide that and put that min- preamble that starts out: ‘‘Our Na- years, perhaps in the early nineties, imum wage out of reach of a lot of em- tion’s immigration system is broken.’’ and my secretary had decorated the ployers, which means a lot of espe- Well, that is the first half of the first Christmas tree in the entryway of our cially young people with no skills sentence, and already I disagree. office. I looked at the tree. It looked aren’t going to get the opportunity. Di- Mr. Speaker, our immigration sys- nice, and it had decorations on it. I vide, unify—virtually unify the Demo- tem is not broken. We have a system of don’t usually pay much attention to crats—and divide the Republicans with laws and a system set up for enforce- those things, and I walked on. minimum wage. ment. It is not the system that is bro- She said to me, Well, did you notice The next thing, extending unemploy- ken; it is the President of the United the tree? And I said, Yes, I did. ment benefits to 99 weeks, Mr. Speak- States who has prohibited his law en- And isn’t it pretty? was her question. er? How can we possibly afford paying forcement officers from actually fol- lowing the law. When the law expressly Sure, the tree was pretty. She said, Go people not to work for 99 weeks? The dictates that when encountered, they back and look at it a little more close- long tradition in this country has been need to place people who are unlaw- ly. 26 weeks, a half a year. I went back and looked at that tree fully in the United States in removal Now, a lot of times it is not people’s more closely, and it was symmetrical, proceedings, and the President has pro- fault when they get laid off. It might symmetrically decorated. It didn’t hibited ICE, for example, and the Bor- be seasonal; it might be the company have any lights on it, and it didn’t der Patrol, from carrying out the law, folds; it might be the company have any tinsel on it. All it had on it it is not the system that is broken; it downsizes. But that unemployment for decorations were gold Christmas is the President who has taken an oath that is there is to give them a bridge to emblems that were a thin piece of of office that includes that he take find another job, whatever they need to something thicker than foil but that care that the laws be faithfully exe- do to find that other job. And if this kind of a texture, gold. And it would cuted, and I would close quote there, government decides, this Congress de- be, oh, a snowflake, a star, a baby and that includes that the President is Jesus and different pieces from the na- cides that we are going to borrow instead taking care that the law is not tivity scene all over that tree. Then I money, borrow money from the Amer- being faithfully executed, and there are looked at that, and I said, Yeah, those ican people to run this government, at least five different violations of his are nice. She said, Look a little closer. borrow money from the Saudis, borrow constitutional limitations with regard She turned one of the decorations money from the Chinese—$1.3 trillion to immigration. There are multiple around on the back side, and on the borrowed from the Chinese—so that we others, Mr. Speaker. back side there was engraved the name can extend unemployment benefits and The Constitution is at great risk be- of one of our employees. And you look sometimes provide early retirement for cause of the—I wanted to say ‘‘cava- at another, and it would be their people that decide, ‘‘Well, I can qualify lier,’’ but instead I would say because spouse. And you look at another, it for 99 weeks of unemployment. I will be of the willful—disregard and disrespect would be one of our employees’ chil- 65 by then. I can qualify then for Medi- for the Constitution that we have seen dren. care, Social Security, and my pension as the President has gone down the line By the time I had looked at those plan. There is no reason for me to find and violated this Constitution multiple decorations on that tree, it occurred to a job at age 63 because this Federal times. me that the decisions that I was mak- Government has managed to add on to For example, the President has sus- ing that were designed to help the com- 99 weeks of unemployment,’’ it is not a pended Welfare to Work. When that pany make money also impacted the wise thing to do. It is a bad policy for legislation was written back in the lives of not just the people that we our economy, and it causes our work- middle 1990s, and I know the author of were writing the paycheck to, but their force skills to atrophy, Mr. Speaker. that legislation, it was carefully and spouse, their children, and their family b 2130 specifically written so that the Presi- members, and that the responsibility of dent couldn’t waive the work compo- those decisions impacted all of the So, having dispatched minimum wage nent of TANF, Temporary Assistance names on that tree directly. and having dispatched extending unem- to Needy Families. Even though the It is quite a thing to walk in and un- ployment benefits, now we are down to language is specific and the language is derstand that, Mr. Speaker, and see the third thing. In each case, unem- as tight as they could think to write it how that is. But all of those people on ployment benefits and extending unem- at the time, the President has decided that tree benefited from the decisions I ployment benefits also, it is borrowed we are going to provide TANF benefits, made, hopefully; and we benefited, all money to fund those projects that but there is not going to be a work of us together, from the work we did unify Democrats and divide Repub- component. together. licans. Part of the Republicans are Of the 80 different means-tested wel- That is the way companies are sup- going to say I am going to go along fare programs we have in the United posed to be—good companies espe- with that because I don’t want to take States, at least 80 of them, only one re- cially. Small companies operate like the political heat, and inside they are quired work. All of the hubbub on the families. Good companies today, large going to think it is not a good thing for floor of the House of Representatives in companies, talk about the culture of this country. They do the same thing the 1990s about Welfare to Work, there the workplace. They want that culture on the minimum wage, increasing the was going to be welfare reform and peo- to be a culture that brings people back minimum wage. So the President is di- ple were going to be transitioning from again, people that look forward to viding Republicans and he is unifying welfare to work, all of that hubbub re- going to work every day. They want Democrats against Republicans. sulted in one policy, one program that people to look forward to working with The third thing is this: the proposal required work: Temporary Assistance their colleagues and their coworkers, that this Congress pass comprehensive to Needy Families. The President sus- and they compete for good labor. immigration reform, CIR/amnesty, pended the work component. So we don’t need a Federal Govern- that is the big one of the three divisive The President suspended No Child ment that gets in between an employer agenda items that the President rolled Left Behind. The President supported

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:34 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K03FE7.039 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1542 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 3, 2014 and his minions carried out the Morton before there could be a change in the says that must come first. Of course we memos, which reversed immigration law, but there actually was a rule. So I know that they would legalize every- law, made up new immigration law, checked the rule. Did they propose a body first, and then they are going to and ordered that they not enforce im- rule change? Did they publish it? Did try to secure our borders. It says se- migration law against people that ap- they go through the administrative cure our borders and verify they are se- parently didn’t make the President feel procedures requirements in order to cure. The difficulty with that is, who is politically vulnerable. get a rule change? going to decide when they are secure? I So that is just part of this. That The first thing you do is you go back would hand it over to the Texas border takes us also, Mr. Speaker, down to and read the rule. Did anything change sheriffs, along with New Mexico, Ari- ObamaCare. In ObamaCare there have in the rule that compelled the churches zona, and California. I would hand it been multiple times that the President to provide contraceptives, over to the local government people has violated the law that carries his abortifacients, and sterilizations, as and let them decide. If the States name and his signature. The first and compared to the insurance companies, would certify the borders are secure, if the most egregious—excuse me, not the as the President said in his press con- the sheriffs would certify that the bor- first, the most egregious, was when the ference. No, Mr. Speaker, there was no ders are secure, and if the county su- President announced some time last change in the regulations. The only pervisors would certify that they are year that he was going to delay the im- thing that changed was the President secure, we would have a pretty good plementation of the employer man- gave a speech, and in that speech, he answer as to whether they are secure, date. said religious organizations, you don’t but we have heard those promises be- Now, the law, Mr. Speaker, the have to do this any more. Insurance fore. Janet Napolitano made it clear ObamaCare law says that the employer companies, you have to do this now. that she thought the borders were se- mandate shall commence in each What a reach. What a constitutional cure. Of course, I don’t believe that. month after December of 2013. That overreach for a President to believe When I mentioned earlier in a media means it starts in January, a month that because he spoke, millions would program that just the children, the un- ago. We are into February now. The line up and swoon at the very words of accompanied children that are being President has announced he is going to a President of the United States who picked up along our southern border delay it for a year. He has no author- again is going beyond the bounds of the are running up to the numbers where ity, he has no constitutional authority authority vested in him, limited by the for this year it is going to tally 50,000; to delay the implementation of Constitution of the United States. 50,000 children, some of them little ObamaCare. None. Yet, he extended the That just gives a sample of some of kids, tiny little kids who are being individual mandate, delayed the em- some of the things that are going on, handed over to coyotes to be brought ployer mandate. Mr. Speaker. into the United States so they can When the conscience protection was I bring this up because the President qualify for the promise of the DREAM being violated in the rules that were said to Congress: Pass comprehensive Act—50,000 kids. That is not out of me; written by the Department of Human immigration reform. He also said if he that is from the president of the Immi- Services, he decided every large em- is not satisfied with the results, if Con- gration and Customs Enforcement ployer, large employers had to provide gress doesn’t move fast enough, he has union, Chris Crane, who is a plaintiff in contraceptives, abortifacients, and an ink pen and he has a cell phone, and a lawsuit, by the way, that is stalled sterilizations as part of their health in- he will just run the government by and sidetracked over to Eric Holder surance policies, and religious organi- signing executive orders. That was part and other places. zations and individuals objected. They of the promise that he made behind me, Next point is Implement an Exit/ said I am not going to be violating my Mr. Speaker, in his State of the Union Entry Visa Tracking System. Sup- conscience. The law cannot compel me, address last week. posedly these are the broken parts of because of my religious beliefs, to vio- Well, so some in this Congress think the immigration system. They are late my religious beliefs. That is a if we try to catch up with the Presi- going to enforce the border because First Amendment right, the protection dent, we can get along with him, and something is broken and they need to of the freedom of religion. But the that’s why you see this language here pass a new law. We have the resources President insisted even the Catholic in the preamble of the Standards for to enforce the law. We are spending Church would have to comply. Immigration Reform that says our im- over $12 billion on the southern border, For 2 weeks of national hubbub, the migration system is broken. Well, it is and for about $8 billion, we could build President held his ground. Until noon not broken. What is broken is the trust a four-lane interstate all of the way on a Friday, and a lot of these things between the American people and the from the Pacific Ocean clear down to happen, Mr. Speaker, around noon on a bond that is required when the Presi- Brownsville. But then the Entry-Exit Friday, the President stepped out to dent gives his oath of office to take Visa System was passed into law. That the podium and said, I have heard this care that the laws be faithfully exe- is the law. It was passed into law in discussion that religious organizations cuted, to preserve, protect, and defend 1996. We have an entry system but not don’t want to provide contraceptives, the Constitution of the United States, an exit system, so there is no balance abortifacients, and sterilizations—and not take it apart by executive action of who is here. By the way, if you get abortifacients, Mr. Speaker, are abor- that we can’t catch up with through that working, who is going to keep tion-causing pills. The religious orga- litigation. track who is here, at least theoreti- nizations don’t want to do this, and so If the President doesn’t respect his cally, and how are you possibly going now I am going to make an accommo- oath to the Constitution, and if the to enforce that given that you have dation to the religious organizations. President doesn’t respect the legiti- sanctuary cities and you have the An accommodation, and the accommo- mate congressional authority under ar- equivalent of sanctuary States and you dation he made is, he said, I am now ticle 1 that the Congress has, why have an administration that refuses to going to require the insurance compa- would he then respect a decision made allow their own people who are hired to nies to provide these things for free, by a court, especially a lower court, a do so to enforce the law? I don’t know and he repeated himself, provide these circuit court. Maybe, just maybe, pub- why this is a new piece; it has been the things for free. lic opinion would force him to respect law since 1996. If we can’t get that law So I thought okay, if there is going a Supreme Court, but, Mr. Speaker, it enforced, why would a new one be en- to be a change in policy, I bet I will see is unlikely that we will see a case get forced if this one is not? it come back before the floor of the to the Supreme Court before this Presi- Item number three, Employer Verifi- House of Representatives, and I will dent is finally signing off in his last cation and Workplace Enforcement. have an opportunity to debate, perhaps year of office. That is actually pretty good. That is offer an amendment, and vote on this I look at the points on this Standards the E-Verify program, and the lan- change. Well, Mr. Speaker, I didn’t for Immigration Reform, and there are guage defines it. It says they need a really think that, I just knew that is four different provisions. One is border workable electronic employment veri- what the Constitution would require security and interior enforcement. It fication system. Now, if you make that

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:34 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K03FE7.040 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1543 mandatory, you wonder about the free- But in the final paragraph, the con- will not be restored within the lifetime dom of the American people that now cluding paragraph, it says: ‘‘individuals of this Republic, Mr. Speaker. have to prove that they are an Amer- living outside the rule of law.’’ It says, I yield back the balance of my time. ican before they can go to work. That Mr. Speaker: ‘‘There will be no special The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- is a new burden of proof that we path to citizenship for individuals who bers are reminded to refrain from en- haven’t had before. I don’t want to broke our Nation’s immigration laws.’’ gaging in personalities with regard to speak too strongly against that, Mr. There would be no special path to citi- the President. Speaker. I would just say instead that zenship. f my new IDEA Act is a better idea. Well, let me just say that if you put What it does is it clarifies that wages people on a path to citizenship who are LEAVE OF ABSENCE and benefits paid to illegals are not de- in this country illegally while you have By unanimous consent, leave of ab- ductible for Federal income tax pur- 5 million people waiting outside the sence was granted to: poses. It allows the IRS to come in and United States who do respect our laws, Mr. CRENSHAW (at the request of Mr. do an audit. In that audit, they can run then you have given a special path to CANTOR) for today on account of flight the names of the employees through E- citizenship. The nonspecial path is for delays. Verify, and if the employer uses E- those folks to go back into their home f Verify, they get safe harbor on any vio- country and line up behind the 5 mil- lations of hiring people who can’t law- lion who are lined up in their home ENROLLED BILL SIGNED fully work in the United States. The country today waiting, respecting our Karen L. Haas, Clerk of the House, IRS can look at that and say you had laws to come into the United States; reported and found truly enrolled a bill a chance for safe harbor, you didn’t use otherwise, it is a special path to citi- of the House of the following title, E-Verify. These employees can’t law- zenship. which was thereupon signed by the fully work in the United States, and But they go on and they say: ‘‘that Speaker: you can’t lawfully deduct the wages would be unfair to those immigrants H.R. 2860. An act to amend title 5, United and benefits you paid to them. It is not who have played by the rules and a business expense to break the law. So States Code, to provide that the Inspector harmful to promoting the rule of law.’’ General of the Office of Personnel Manage- the IRS would deny those business ex- That is breathtaking in its concept. We ment may use amounts in the revolving fund penses for salary and benefits, and they are going to provide a special path to of the Office to fund audits, investigations, can attach interest and penalty. So citizenship because it would be harmful and oversight activities, and for other pur- your $10-an-hour illegal becomes about to promoting the rule of law, except we poses. a $16-an-hour illegal, and you have vol- are going to legalize all of those people f untary compliance with E-Verify. It is that have broken the law. And we are a much better situation. Point number not going to ask them to go back to SENATE ENROLLED BILL SIGNED three isn’t so bad. their home country and get in the back The Speaker announced his signature Reforms to the legal immigration of the line; we are going to let them to an enrolled bill of the Senate of the system. That is, they want to accel- stay here and it won’t matter whether following title: erate legal immigration, Mr. Speaker, they are in a line or not. They were S. 1901—An act to authorize the President and the needs of employers and the de- satisfied to live in the shadows of to extend the term of the nuclear energy sire for those exceptional individuals America—that is what they came here agreement with the Republic of Korea until to help our economy. Well, there is to do—or else they came here on the March 19, 2016. some truth in that, but we are bringing promise of amnesty like those kids f in 1.2 million legal immigrants a year that are coming across our southern and giving them an opportunity, a path ADJOURNMENT border now to line up for the DREAM to citizenship; 1.2 million. Now, those Act, 50,000 strong in a year. Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I folks who want to change all this pol- ‘‘Harmful to promoting the rule of move that the House do now adjourn. icy and grant amnesty for everybody law.’’ No. What they are proposing here The motion was agreed to; accord- that is here, and then open the doors is destructive to the rule of law. ingly (at 9 o’clock and 48 minutes up for an accelerated legal immigra- It goes on further and it says: ‘‘from p.m.), under its previous order, the tion to go on after that, to the tens of here on, our immigration laws will in- House adjourned until tomorrow, Tues- millions, and we are not talking about deed be enforced.’’ There is another day, February 4, 2014, at 10 a.m. for 11 million; we are talking about 11 mil- breathtaking statement, Mr. Speaker. morning-hour debate. lion times some multiplying factor Immigration laws from here on would that is probably closer to three times f indeed be enforced. or more than that say over the next 20 I am very confident, and I have not EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, years. looked, but I am very confident that I ETC. b 2145 can go into this CONGRESSIONAL Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive We need to come to a conclusion as RECORD in the House and in the Senate communications were taken from the to what is an appropriate number of and go back to 1986 and pull the debate Speaker’s table and referred as follows: legal immigrants to come into Amer- out of the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD and 4629. A letter from the Director, Depart- ica. I think 1.2 million is plenty gen- point to you where time after time a ment of the Treasury, transmitting the an- erous. I think then we should start to Member of Congress, House and Senate, nual report from the Office of Financial Re- upgrade those applicants so that they said, We are going to pass this amnesty search for 2013; to the Committee on Finan- are young, they have education, they act, and from here on, indeed, our laws cial Services. have language skills, they have learn- will be enforced; we will restore the 4630. A letter from the Director, Office of rule of law from this point forward, but Financial Research, Department of the ing capacity, they have an ability to Treasury, transmitting the 2013 Annual Re- simulate into the American culture first we must grant amnesty. port on Human Capital Planning; to the and the American civilization and con- Those are the words from 1986. Those Committee on Financial Services. tribute and pay taxes so that they are the words from this document that 4631. A letter from the Director, Inter- carry their share of the load because was released just last Thursday. And national Cooperation, Department of De- the day is going to come that they are those have always been the myopic fense, transmitting Pursuant to Section 27(f) not. words of people who believe in open of the Arms Export Control Act and Section Then, Mr. Speaker, I take us down to borders more so than they believe and 1(f) of Executive Order 11958, Transmittal No. the lower end of this. First, the have reverence for our rule of law, 10-13 informing of an intent to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with the DREAM Act gets addressed, and it which we still have the opportunity to Kingdom of Belgium, Australia, Canada, the pretty much embraces DICK DURBIN’s restore, even from the 86th Amnesty Kingdom of Denmark, the Federal Republic DREAM Act. Of course, I reject that Act, the rule of law. of Germany, the Hellenic Republic, the King- for the sake of this, that, again, it re- If we fail to do so here and now, if dom of the Netherlands, the Kingdom of Nor- wards lawbreakers. this amnesty is granted, the rule of law way, Portugal, the Kingdom of Spain, and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:34 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K03FE7.041 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1544 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 3, 2014 Turkiye; to the Committee on Foreign Af- 4643. A letter from the Paralegal Spe- lating to preserving the open Internet and fairs. cialist, Department of Transportation, trans- broadband industry practices shall be re- 4632. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, mitting the Department’s final rule — Air- stored to effect until the date when the Com- Legislative Affairs, Department of State, worthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. mission takes final action in the proceedings transmitting the Interagency Working Model [Docket No.: FAA-2013-0370; Direc- on such rules that were remanded to the Group on U.S. Government-Sponsored Inter- torate Identifier 2013-NM-034-AD; Amend- Commission by the United States Court of national Exchanges and Training FY 2013 ment 39-17711; AD 2013-26-02] (RIN: 2120-AA64) Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit; Annual Report; to the Committee on Foreign received January 23, 2014, pursuant to 5 to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Affairs. U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on By Mr. HIMES (for himself, Ms. ESTY, 4633. A letter from the Acting Inspector Transportation and Infrastructure. and Mr. LARSON of Connecticut): General, Agency for International Develop- 4644. A letter from the Paralegal Spe- H.R. 3983. A bill to establish a competitive ment, transmitting two reports pursuant to cialist, Department of Transportation, trans- grant program assisting the development of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998; to mitting the Department’s final rule — Air- innovative early learning curricula for low- the Committee on Oversight and Govern- worthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes income children; to the Committee on Edu- ment Reform. [Docket No.: FAA-2013-1030; Directorate cation and the Workforce. 4634. A letter from the Executive Analyst, Identifier 2012-NM-193-AD; Amendment 39- By Mr. HIMES (for himself, Mr. POLIS, Department of Health and Human Services, 17712; AD 2013-26-03] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received and Mr. CONNOLLY): transmitting four reports pursuant to the January 23, 2014, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. H.R. 3984. A bill to establish an Early Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998; to the 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- Learning Challenge Fund to support States Committee on Oversight and Government tation and Infrastructure. in building and strengthening systems of Reform. 4645. A letter from the Paralegal Spe- high-quality early learning and development 4635. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, cialist, Department of Transportation, trans- programs, and for other purposes; to the Legislative Affairs, Department of State, mitting the Department’s final rule — Air- Committee on Education and the Workforce. transmitting thirty reports pursuant to the worthiness Directives; The Boeing Company By Mr. WESTMORELAND: Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998; to the Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA-2013-0304; Direc- H.R. 3985. A bill to sunset funding under Committee on Oversight and Government torate Identifier 2013-NM-005-AD; Amend- sections 1341 and 1342, and to repeal section Reform. ment 39-17713; AD 2013-26-04] (RIN: 2120-AA64) 1343, of the Patient Protection and Afford- 4636. A letter from the Attorney-Advisor, received January 23, 2014, pursuant to 5 able Care Act, and for other purposes; to the Department of Transportation, transmitting U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Committee on Energy and Commerce. a report pursuant to the Federal Vacancies Transportation and Infrastructure. By Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- Reform Act of 1998; to the Committee on 4646. A letter from the Paralegal Spe- fornia (for herself, Mr. CONYERS, Ms. Oversight and Government Reform. cialist, Department of Transportation, trans- LEE of California, Mr. GRIJALVA, Ms. 4637. A letter from the Auditor, Office of mitting the Department’s final rule — Air- JACKSON LEE, Mr. HINOJOSA, Ms. the District of Columbia Auditor, transmit- worthiness Directives; CFM International BORDALLO, Ms. SHEA-PORTER, Ms. ting a report entitled, ‘‘Certified Business S.A. Turbofan Engines [Docket No.: FAA- MOORE, Mr. LOWENTHAL, Mr. HOLT, Enterprise Expenditures of Public-Private 2013-0407; Directorate Identifier 2012-NE-22- Ms. CHU, Ms. MCCOLLUM, Mr. Development Construction Projects for Fis- AD; Amendment 39-17710; AD 2013-26-01] (RIN: MCDERMOTT, Ms. BROWN of Florida, cal Year 2013’’; to the Committee on Over- 2120-AA64) received January 23, 2014, pursu- Ms. NORTON, Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, Mrs. sight and Government Reform. ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee NAPOLITANO, Mr. HONDA, Ms. WILSON 4638. A letter from the Director, Office of on Transportation and Infrastructure. of Florida, Mr. CARSON of Indiana, Government Ethics, transmitting the Of- 4647. A letter from the Paralegal Spe- and Mr. PRICE of North Carolina): fice’s final rule — Post-Employment Conflict cialist, Department of Transportation, trans- H. Res. 471. A resolution expressing support of Interest Regulations; Exempted Senior mitting the Department’s final rule — Air- for designation of the week of February 3, Employee Positions (RIN: 3209-AA14) re- worthiness Directives; Various Aircraft 2014, through February 7, 2014, as ‘‘National ceived January 13, 2014, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Equipped with Wing Lift Struts [Docket No.: School Counseling Week’’; to the Committee 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on the Judici- FAA-2013-0023; Directorate Identifier 96-CE- on Education and the Workforce. ary. 072-AD; Amendment 39-17688; AD 99-01-052 R1] 4639. A letter from the Paralegal Spe- f cialist, Department of Transportation, trans- (RIN: 2120-AA64) received January 23, 2014, mitting the Department’s final rule — Air- pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY worthiness Directives; The Boeing Company STATEMENT Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA-2013-0706; Direc- ture. torate Identifier 2013-NM-067-AD; Amend- 4648. A letter from the Chair, NASA Aero- Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of ment 39-17708; AD 2013-25-12] (RIN: 2120-AA64) space Safety Advisory Panel, transmitting the Rules of the House of Representa- received January 23, 2014, pursuant to 5 the Panel’s Annual Report for 2013; to the tives, the following statements are sub- U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Committee on Science, Space, and Tech- nology. mitted regarding the specific powers Transportation and Infrastructure. granted to Congress in the Constitu- 4640. A letter from the Paralegal Spe- f tion to enact the accompanying bill or cialist, Department of Transportation, trans- mitting the Department’s final rule — Air- REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON joint resolution. worthiness Directives; The Boeing Company PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS By Mr. WAXMAN: Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA-2013-0421; Direc- Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of H.R. 3982. torate Identifier 2013-NM-003-AD; Amend- committees were delivered to the Clerk Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: ment 39-17701; AD 2013-25-05] (RIN: 2120-AA64) for printing and reference to the proper received January 23, 2014, pursuant to 5 This bill is enacted pursuant to the power U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on calendar, as follows: granted to Congress under the Commerce Transportation and Infrastructure. Mr. SESSIONS: Committee on Rules. Clause of Article I of the United States Con- 4641. A letter from the Paralegal Spe- House Resolution 470. Resolution providing stitution, and further clarified and inter- cialist, Department of Transportation, trans- for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3590) to preted by the Supreme Court of the United mitting the Department’s final rule — Air- protect and enhance opportunities for rec- States. worthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutsch- reational hunting, fishing, and shooting, and By Mr. HIMES: land GmbH Helicopters [Docket No.: FAA- for other purposes (Rept. 113–339). H.R. 3983. 2013-0340; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-081- Referred to the House Calendar. Congress has the power to enact this legis- AD; Amendment 39-17630; AD 2013-21-06] (RIN: f lation pursuant to the following: 2120-AA64) received January 23, 2014, pursu- Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution of ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS the United States on Transportation and Infrastructure. Under clause 2 of rule XII, public By Mr. HIMES: 4642. A letter from the Paralegal Spe- bills and resolutions of the following H.R. 3984. cialist, Department of Transportation, trans- Congress has the power to enact this legis- mitting the Department’s final rule — Air- titles were introduced and severally re- lation pursuant to the following: worthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Tex- ferred, as follows: Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution of tron Canada Limited Helicopters [Docket By Mr. WAXMAN (for himself, Ms. the United States No.: FAA-2013-0603; Directorate Identifier ESHOO, Ms. MATSUI, Mr. DOYLE, Ms. By Mr. WESTMORELAND: 2009-SW-079-AD; Amendment 39-17706; AD LOFGREN, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. H.R. 3985. 2013-25-10] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received January CAPUANO, Ms. DELBENE, and Mr. PAL- Congress has the power to enact this legis- 23, 2014, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to LONE): lation pursuant to the following: the Committee on Transportation and Infra- H.R. 3982. A bill to provide that the rules of Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 of the United structure. the Federal Communications Commission re- States Constitution.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:34 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L03FE7.000 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1545 ADDITIONAL SPONSORS H.R. 3384: Mr. PETERS of California and H.R. 3864: Mr. REICHERT and Mr. GRIFFIN of Mrs. WALORSKI. Arkansas. Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors H.R. 3392: Mr. LONG. H.R. 3865: Mr. HUELSKAMP, Mr. BARTON, Mr. were added to public bills and resolu- H.R. 3395: Mr. ENYART, Mr. MCKINLEY, Mr. FORBES, Mr. MULVANEY, Mrs. HARTZLER, and tions as follows: SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of New York, and Mr. HURT. H.R. 32: Mr. FINCHER and Mr. HIMES. Ms. BROWN of Florida. H.R. 3870: Ms. SLAUGHTER. H.R. 164: Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. H.R. 3408: Mr. LATTA and Mr. WEBSTER of H.R. 3877: Mr. CLAY and Mr. COURTNEY. H.R. 318: Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Florida. H.R. 3892: Ms. CHU and Ms. BORDALLO. H.R. 322: Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. H.R. 3450: Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. H.R. 3930: Mr. GRAVES of Missouri, Mr. H.R. 333: Ms. KELLY of Illinois. H.R. 3471: Ms. GABBARD. LATHAM, Mrs. CAPITO, Mr. CARNEY, Mr. H.R. 352: Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. H.R. 3482: Mr. PALAZZO and Mr. TIPTON. BENTIVOLIO, Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas, Mr. H.R. 455: Ms. CHU, Ms. TITUS, Mr. FARR, H.R. 3485: Mr. COFFMAN and Mr. PERRY. PETERSON, and Mr. TIBERI. Ms. MENG, Mr. DOGGETT, Mrs. BUSTOS, Mr. H.R. 3486: Mr. BENTIVOLIO. H.R. 3954: Mr. DENT. MURPHY of Florida, Mr. POCAN, Mr. COURT- H.R. 3493: Mr. BISHOP of Utah. H.R. 3964: Mr. BARR and Mr. RODNEY DAVIS NEY, Ms. MATSUI, Mr. TIERNEY, Mr. MEEKS, H.R. 3494: Mr. KEATING, Ms. KUSTER, Mr. of Illinois. Mr. MAFFEI, Mr. HIGGINS, Mr. SARBANES, Mr. CLEAVER, and Mr. FARR. H.R. 3971: Mr. SWALWELL of California. NEAL, Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ, Ms. BASS, Mr. H.R. 3513: Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. H.R. 3972: Ms. BASS, Ms. CHU, Mr. DEFAZIO, DELANEY, Ms. FUDGE, Ms. GABBARD, Mr. H.R. 3529: Mr. STIVERS. Mr. ELLISON, Mr. FARR, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. LOWENTHAL, and Mr. PETERS of California. H.R. 3530: Mr. DOGGETT and Mr. MURPHY of MORAN, Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi, Ms. H.R. 508: Mr. REED. Florida. TSONGAS, Mr. CONYERS, and Ms. NORTON. H.R. 721: Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of H.R. 3538: Ms. BROWNLEY of California, Mr. H.R. 3979: Ms. BONAMICI, Mr. CARTER, Mr. New York. MCGOVERN, Ms. BONAMICI, Mr. KIND, Mr. CONNOLLY, Mr. CRAMER, Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN, H.R. 946: Mr. FLORES. CARTWRIGHT, Ms. WILSON of Florida, and Mrs. Mr. GRAVES of Missouri, Mr. GRIFFITH of Vir- H.R. 1009: Mr. RAHALL. NEGRETE MCLEOD. ginia, Mr. HARRIS, Mr. KING of New York, H.R. 1010: Mr. YARMUTH. H.R. 3539: Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Mr. LANKFORD, Mr. LATTA, Mrs. LUMMIS, Mr. H.R. 1281: Mr. THOMPSON of California and H.R. 3541: Mr. PRICE of Georgia. MASSIE, Mr. MICHAUD, Mr. NUNNELEE, Mr. Mr. CLAY. H.R. 3556: Mr. FARR and Mr. CAMPBELL. PAULSEN, Mr. PITTENGER, Mrs. ROBY, Mr. H.R. 1286: Ms. DELBENE. H.R. 3578: Mrs. CAPITO and Ms. JENKINS. ROKITA, Mr. ROTHFUS, Mr. SHIMKUS, Mr. H.R. 1354: Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. H.R. 3590: Mr. ROE of Tennessee, Mr. RYAN STIVERS, Mr. RAHALL, Mr. TURNER, Mr. WAL- H.R. 1648: Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. of Ohio, Mr. FLEMING, Mr. BYRNE, Mr. DEN, Mr. WENSTRUP, Mr. WESTMORELAND, Mr. H.R. 1701: Mr. FLEMING. ROKITA, Mr. TURNER, Mr. ROONEY, Mr. CAR- WHITFIELD, Mr. WITTMAN, and Mr.WILLIAMS. H.R. 1717: Ms. GABBARD. TER, and Mr. STOCKMAN. H.J. Res. 25: Mr. MICHAUD and Mr. RANGEL. H.R. 1726: Mr. ELLISON. H.R. 3620: Ms. WATERS. H. Con. Res. 78: Ms. BROWN of Florida and H.R. 1869: Ms. DUCKWORTH. H.R. 3635: Mr. WHITFIELD, Mr. ROE of Ten- H.R. 2035: Mr. TIERNEY. Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of New York. nessee, Mr. WITTMAN, Mr. TIBERI, Mr. POE of H.R. 2123: Mr. PASCRELL. H. Con. Res. 80: Mr. CICILLINE. Texas, Mr. SMITH of Texas, and Mr. FRELING- H.R. 2328: Mr. SCHRADER. H. Res. 35: Mr. LANKFORD. HUYSEN. H.R. 2415: Mr. WHITFIELD. H. Res. 109: Mr. MEEHAN. H.R. 3658: Mr. LYNCH, Mr. KENNEDY, Mrs. H.R. 2484: Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia and Mr. H. Res. 153: Mr. BISHOP of Utah. BUSTOS, Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas, and Ms. ISRAEL. H. Res. 302: Ms. GRANGER. DELBENE. H.R. 2502: Mr. LARSON of Connecticut and H. Res. 356: Ms. KUSTER and Mr. COLLINS of H.R. 3671: Mr. COLE. Ms. DELAURO. New York. H.R. 3689: Mr. FARENTHOLD and Mr. H.R. 2553: Mr. FATTAH, Mr. LARSEN of H. Res. 387: Mr. MCINTYRE and Mr. SMITH of POMPEO. Washington, and Mr. KILMER. Washington. H.R. 3697: Mr. POLLS. H.R. 2560: Mr. POCAN. H. Res. 447: Mr. JEFFRIES. H.R. 3711: Mr. GRAYSON. H.R. 2575: Mr. ROSKAM. H. Res. 457: Ms. CHU, Mr. RANGEL, and Mr. H.R. 3712: Mr. YARMUTH. H.R. 2638: Mr. BARTON, Mr. NEUGEBAUER, ISRAEL. H.R. 3717: Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas and Mr. Mr. FARENTHOLD, and Mr. COFFMAN. H. Res. 463: Mr. ENYART. LONG. H.R. 2651: Mr. HARPER and Mr. LANCE. H.R. 3727: Mr. COTTON. H.R. 2694: Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. f H.R. 2767: Mr. DESJARLAIS. H.R. 3732: Ms. FOXX. H.R. 2780: Mr. LARSEN of Washington. H.R. 3738: Ms. CHU. H.R. 2847: Mrs. BEATTY and Ms. LOFGREN. H.R. 3740: Mr. ENYART and Mrs. CAPPS. CONGRESSIONAL EARMARKS, LIM- H.R. 2904: Mr. HIGGINS. H.R. 3747: Mr. PASCRELL. ITED TAX BENEFITS, OR LIM- H.R. 2905: Mr. HIGGINS. H.R. 3753: Mr. PETERS of California. ITED TARIFF BENEFITS H.R. 2907: Mr. LATHAM. H.R. 3757: Ms. ESHOO, Mr. SWALWELL of H.R. 2921: Mr. BENISHEK. California, and Mr. MCNERNEY. Under clause 9 of rule XXI, lists or H.R. 2994: Ms. KELLY of Illinois, Ms. H.R. 3789: Ms. GABBARD. statements on congressional earmarks, DUCKWORTH, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. PETRI, Ms. H.R. 3790: Mr. BACHUS, Mr. VARGAS, Ms. limited tax benefits, or limited tariff HERRERA BEUTLER, and Mr. JONES. GABBARD, and Mr. HOLT. benefits were submitted as follows: H.R. 2997: Mr. CULBERSON. H.R. 3794: Mr. BACHUS. H.R. 2998: Mr. O’ROURKE. H.R. 3824: Mr. HUFFMAN. OFFERED BY MR. HASTINGS OF WASHINGTON H.R. 3040: Mr. CICILLINE. H.R. 3855: Mr. COHEN, Mr. RUSH, Mr. The amendment filed to the Committee H.R. 3116: Ms. MOORE and Mr. LANGEVIN. CICILLINE, Mr. YARMUTH, Mr. HUFFMAN, and Print for H.R. 3590 by me does not contain H.R. 3301: Mrs. WALORSKI. Ms. DELBENE. any congressional earmarks, limited tax H.R. 3382: Ms. BASS, Ms. DELBENE, and Mr. H.R. 3863: Mr. HULTGREN, Mr. YODER, and benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined QUIGLEY. Mr. GARDNER. in clause 9 of House rule XXI.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:38 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A03FE7.012 H03FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 113 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

Vol. 160 WASHINGTON, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2014 No. 20 Senate The Senate met at 2 p.m. and was Senator from the State of Maine, to perform annual adjustment of retired pay for mem- called to order by the Honorable ANGUS the duties of the Chair. bers of the Armed Forces under the age of 62, and to provide an offset. S. KING, Jr., a Senator from the State PATRICK J. LEAHY, of Maine. President pro tempore. Mr. REID. Mr. President, I object to Mr. KING thereupon assumed the any further proceedings with this legis- PRAYER Chair as Acting President pro tempore. lation at this time. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- f pore. Objection is heard. The bill will fered the following prayer: RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY be placed on the calendar. Let us pray. LEADER THE FARM BILL God of our salvation, whose ear is al- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Mr. REID. Mr. President, tonight the ways open to hear the cries of contrite pore. The majority leader is recog- Senate will vote to end debate on the hearts, consecrate our lawmakers nized. farm bill conference report. I expect today for Your service. Give them tall- f the Senate to conclude work on this ness of stature to see above the wall of measure, which will reduce the deficit COMPREHENSIVE VETERANS prideful opinions the greatest good for and protect hungry families. This will HEALTH AND BENEFITS AND the most people. Lord, provide them happen, as I indicated, tomorrow after- with the courage, vision, and wisdom MILITARY RETIREMENT PAY noon. to face these crucial days confident in RESTORATION ACT OF 2014—MO- Passing this legislation will support the ultimate triumph of Your provi- TION TO PROCEED our Nation’s farmers and ranchers and dence. Make their lives as lighted win- Mr. REID. Mr. President, I move to more than 16 million jobs in the farm dows of faith, hope, and love amid the Calendar No. 297, the veterans omnibus industry. Ensuring that our farms re- encircling gloom. Be the unseen guests bill. main the most productive in the world at every meeting and guide each of The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- and protecting American agricultural their decisions. pore. The clerk will report. jobs is vital for our economic recovery. We pray in Your merciful Name. The legislative clerk read as follows: I have been in the Senate and the Amen. Motion to proceed to Calendar No. 297, S. House for a while, as has the chairman 1950, a bill to improve the provision of med- f of the agriculture committee, the jun- ical services and benefits to veterans and for ior Senator from Michigan, so I have PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE other purposes. seen people handle legislation. The The Presiding Officer led the Pledge SCHEDULE work done by Senator STABENOW has of Allegiance, as follows: Mr. REID. Mr. President, following been remarkably good. It is exemplary my remarks and those of the Repub- for her to work to the point where we I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the lican leader, we will resume consider- United States of America, and to the Repub- are now going to pass this important lic for which it stands, one nation under God, ation of the conference report to ac- legislation. I look forward, as she does, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. company the farm bill, H.R. 2642. The to a strong bipartisan vote on cloture time until 5:30 p.m. will be equally di- tonight and on the passage of the bill f vided between the two leaders or their tomorrow. APPOINTMENT OF ACTING designees. At 5:30 p.m. there will be a UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE cloture vote on the farm bill con- As we continue to work toward final ference report. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The passage of the farm bill, a bipartisan As we have already announced, final clerk will please read a communication group of Senators has been working be- passage will be tomorrow after our hind the scenes to reach an agreement to the Senate from the President pro weekly caucuses. to restore emergency unemployment tempore (Mr. LEAHY). MEASURE PLACED ON THE CALENDAR S 1977 benefits to 1.6 million people. In the 3 The legislative clerk read the fol- — . weeks since the Republicans filibus- lowing letter: Mr. REID. Mr. President, I am told that S. 1977 is due for a second reading. tered a bill to extend this important U.S. SENATE, The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- program, 220,000 more Americans lost PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, Washington, DC, February 3, 2014. pore. The clerk will read the bill by their benefits. State economies across To the Senate: title for the second time. the country have suffered as unem- Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, The legislative clerk read as follows: ployed people, who are already getting of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby A bill (S. 1977) to repeal Section 403 of the by on so little, had to find ways to sur- appoint the Honorable ANGUS S. KING, Jr., a Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 relating to an vive on even less.

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

S665

.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S666 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 3, 2014 When unemployment benefits dry up, right for our constituents, our country, traditional row crops, to specialty customers disappear from local stores and our economy. crops like fruits and vegetables, to and businesses suffer. More than $2.2 I urge Republicans to join us to re- livestock, to organics, to local food billion has been drained from State store these crucial benefits. systems. economies since the emergency unem- f For the past 21⁄2 years, we have been ployment insurance expired. working in a bipartisan way with col- Nevada alone lost $29 million in eco- RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME leagues in the Senate and in the House, nomic activity just last month, and $28 Will the chair announce the business and I appreciate our partnership with million has drained from the economy of the day. the chairman and ranking member in in the Republican leader’s home State The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- the House to craft a farm bill that re- of Kentucky since the emergency bene- pore. Under the previous order, the flects the future in American agri- fits expired on December 31. It is no leadership time is reserved. culture and the healthy food choices wonder two-thirds of Americans—in- f that consumers are asking for in the cluding 65 percent of Independents—be- AGRICULTURAL ACT OF 2014— marketplace. As we begin this final debate, I want lieve we should extend unemployment CONFERENCE REPORT assistance. Helping neighbors who have to focus for a few minutes on some of been hit hard is not only the compas- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- what people might not be focused on in sionate thing to do, it is also the smart pore. Under the previous order, the this bill. Later today I am going to thing to do for our economy. Senate will resume consideration of speak about the bill and each of its Economists say there is no way to the conference report to accompany parts. stimulate the economy more than to H.R. 2642, which the clerk will report. There are just five things I wanted to give these people who don’t have jobs The legislative clerk read as follows: highlight as we begin this debate. some money because they are going to The committee of conference on the dis- First, conservation. The farm bill is spend it. agreeing votes of the two Houses on the actually our country’s largest invest- Since Republicans filibustered a bill amendment of the House to the amendment ment in land and water conservation to restore benefits without adding a of the Senate to the bill (H.R. 2642), to pro- on private lands, which are the major- vide for the reform and continuation of agri- ity of our American lands. That means penny to the deficit—that legislation cultural and other programs of the Depart- would not have added a penny to the ment of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018, we are restoring and preserving wildlife deficit—the toll on local and national and for other purposes, having met, have habitat and open spaces. We help farm- economies has been devastating, but agreed that the House recede from its ers reduce runoff to help keep rivers the toll on unemployed Americans has amendment to the amendment of the Senate and streams clean and teeming with been immeasurable. and agree to the same with an amendment, fish. This bill includes a historic new For people who worked all of their and the Senate agree to the same, signed by agreement that ties conservation com- lives and lost their job through no a majority of all conferees on the part of pliance to crop insurance. both Houses. fault of their own, being unemployed is This bill helps prevent plowing of na- difficult enough, but worrying about The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- tive grasses through a provision called how to pay the rent, put gas in the car, pore. Under the previous order, the Sod Saver that will save taxpayers and buy groceries while they look for a time until 5:30 p.m. will be equally di- money and preserve sensitive habitat new job can be demoralizing. For the vided and controlled between the two for years to come. long-term unemployed, some of those leaders or their designees. Second, energy jobs. This farm bill who have been struggling to find work The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- has major investments in American en- for more than a year, $300 a week in pore. The Senator from Michigan. ergy independence. I am very proud to unemployment benefits can be the dif- Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, first, say this conference report contains the ference between keeping a roof over as we begin the final debate and vote full $880 million investment we passed their heads or becoming homeless, and on the farm bill conference report, I in the Senate for renewable and clean this is no hyperbole. thank our majority leader for sup- energy. It includes my Grow it Here, A 57-year-old Nevada woman wrote to porting this effort every step of the Make it Here initiative to support in- me last week to say that the loss of her way. Every time I have gone to him novative biobase manufacturing that unemployment check was the last and said, Mr. Leader, we need to have takes crops grown on our farms, uses it straw. Now she is homeless and couch time for some particular procedural to replace petroleum and other chemi- surfing. She is sleeping on the couches vote or to move it along, he has been cals, and transforms them into con- of friends kind enough to take her in. there. So I thank him very much for sumer products. This is what she wrote: moving this conference report so It contains the Rural Energy for Can you imagine sleeping on friends’ quickly. America Program, known as REAP, to couches at my age? Can you imagine having I also thank Senator COCHRAN and help farmers install on-farm renewable to sell everything you worked hard for just our entire committee. When Senator energy and energy efficiency systems to keep gas in the car in the event someone COCHRAN is here later today, I will to lower their energy usage. This bill calls for an interview? speak more about the wonderful part- supports the development of the next She went on to say: nership we have had. The senior Sen- generation of biofuels, including new I have worked my whole life, since I was 16 ator from North Dakota will be speak- technologies using food and agricul- years old, and contributed to a system that ing after me. I thank, Senator HOEVEN tural waste. is now failing me on a major scale. for being an invaluable partner Third, healthy foods. One of the Millions of people—such as this un- through this entire process. It has been incentivized programs in this bill, fortunate Nevada woman—who have a tremendous pleasure working with among others, is a successful program worked hard all of their lives and con- the senior Senator, and he has made a in Michigan called Double Up Food tributed to their communities and real impact. I am very appreciative. Bucks, which essentially doubles food played by the rules are on the verge of As my colleagues know, the last farm assistance when a family is shopping losing everything, just like her. It bill expired 490 days ago. It is time to for produce at a farmers’ market. doesn’t have to be this way. get it done. It is time to pass this to- Speaking of which, we have quadrupled I remain cautiously optimistic that morrow and to give it to the President support for farmers’ markets—four Republicans will heed their constitu- for his signature. times more help than the previous ents back home and help Democrats re- This is not your father’s farm bill. farm bill. That means farmers have store emergency benefits to Americans This farm bill is focused on the future, more choices to find fresh, locally in need. not the past. We worked long and hard grown foods, and it means farmers have Congress can’t solve every problem, to make sure that policies worked for more opportunities to sell those prod- but we can solve this problem. All we every region of the country, for all of ucts and grow our rural economies. have to do is work together—Demo- the different kinds of agricultural pro- Fourth, research. Crops and livestock crats and Republicans—to do what is duction we do in our country—from are affected by pests and diseases, and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S667 if we are going to continue to be the stone XL Pipeline and the jobs that should be going to America’s middle world’s leader in food production, we will be created almost immediately. class. need to invest in order to fight back. Here is something both parties can ‘‘China and Europe aren’t standing Unfortunately, for years we have had agree on. I see my colleague from on the sidelines,’’ he said, and ‘‘neither to cut funding for critical research, and North Dakota here, and nobody has should we,’’ he said. Republicans ap- that has been a great concern of mine been more aggressively advocating the plauded him for that. He is absolutely and of all of our committee. This farm Keystone Pipeline than he has. This is right. But now the President’s own bill includes an innovative solution to an important shovel-ready project for party is standing in the way of getting that problem. It creates a new agricul- America. Here is the President’s anything done. So if there ever was a tural research foundation modeled chance to work with Republicans on a moment for the President to use his after health research foundations to bipartisan plan to create thousands— phone, this is it because trade should bring private and public dollars to- literally thousands—of private sector be a bipartisan issue. It sure used to be. gether to support our scientists all jobs almost immediately. Here is his Just ask President Clinton. across the country who are working to chance to show he is not captive to the America’s middle class is hurting. fight pests, find cures for crop diseases, ideological extremists on the left. Here The very least Washington can do for and focus on food safety and innova- is his chance for action on a policy the them is to approve job-creating initia- tion. American people actually want. Here is tives such as Keystone and enhancing Finally, reform. This farm bill con- his chance. American exports. So we will see soon tains the greatest reforms to agricul- On Friday, the State Department re- enough if the President meant what he tural programs in decades. We have fi- leased yet another report concluding said about his pen and his phone—if his nally ended direct payment subsidies, what the President and everyone else year of action will really be just that which are given to farmers in good already knew. The Keystone XL would instead of another tired slogan. times and bad. Instead, we shift to a re- meet the President’s stated require- The answer is pretty simple. The sponsible, risk management approach ments on the environment, and there President needs to step up and lead. that only gives farmers assistance was basically no good reason not to Middle class Americans have taken a when they experience a loss. build it. back seat to the hard left extremists in The bill also ends farm payments to So here is a project that essentially this town for entirely too long. It is millionaires, addresses a loophole that wouldn’t cost the taxpayers a dime to time for the President to stand up to allows people who aren’t farming to get build, that would have almost no net these folks and to do the right thing. payments, and tightens payment limits environmental effect, and that would Pick up that phone and that pen and with a cap on payments that, for the put thousands of Americans to work get this done. Mr. President, I yield the floor. first time, includes all commodity title right away. It is an initiative that is The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- programs, including limits on mar- supported by an overwhelming major- pore. The Senator from North Dakota. keting loans. We looked at every part ity of Americans. It is supported by Mr. HOEVEN. Mr. President, it is in- of the farm bill for reform and savings. unions, by businesses, by Republicans, teresting that I follow our minority It is safe to say we are the only area of by Independents, and even by promi- leader who spoke about the Keystone the Federal Government that has vol- nent Democrats—close to 20 right here XL Pipeline issue, as well as the chair- untarily cut spending in our own area in the Senate alone. Yet the President man of the agriculture committee in of jurisdiction. Counting sequestration has delayed and delayed for more than the Senate, the esteemed Senator from cuts, we made a commitment to 5 years now, not because the project Michigan Ms. STABENOW, who has done achieve $23 billion in deficit reduction, really needs to be studied further but such a marvelous job of leading the and we have. because of pressure from the most doc- farm bill. I have spoken about five reasons to trinaire fringe of the doctrinaire left. The role of Congress is to govern. support the farm bill. There are many These are the kinds of folks who care The people of this great country—more more. This farm bill reflects a major a lot more about ideology than what than 300 million people, and the coun- step forward in creating a new para- makes sense for the middle class. Yet try that leads the world—send us here digm for the future and a real victory these are the same folks who have a lot to govern. To govern, we have to join for farmers, families, and all Ameri- of influence in today’s Democratic together on a bipartisan basis to get cans who care about protecting our soil Party. Just look at the war on coal—a something done. Solutions, by their na- and water resources, increasing Amer- war that is being waged with scant ture—particularly solutions to complex ican energy independence, and the concern for the lives of people who live problems—are never perfect. There are quality of life of rural communities in States such as Kentucky where peo- no perfect solutions. But we are elected across our country. ple are really hurting, and it doesn’t to join together, Republicans and With that, at this time, so that other seem to matter much to these folks. Democrats, and solve problems; to put colleagues may speak, I yield the floor. So here is the thing. The President together solutions, although not per- RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY LEADER has run out of excuses on Keystone. It fect, that will meet the challenges this The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- is way past time to make a decision. great Nation faces. pore. The Republican leader is recog- Let’s be honest: This decision shouldn’t Regarding energy, I echo the senti- nized. be a hard one at all because the ments of the minority leader. I have Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, are science, the economics, and common worked on the Keystone project for we in morning business? sense all basically point in one direc- more than 5 years now, first as a Gov- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tion. As far as I can tell, ideology is ernor and now as a Senator, and we ate is currently considering the con- really the only thing that could lead to have tremendous bipartisan support on ference report to H.R. 2642. a different decision. that project and we need to move for- Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous So is President Obama on the side of ward. The minority leader is right on consent to proceed on my leader time. the middle class or is he on the side of point. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- leftwing special interests? He needs to I come today to talk about what I be- pore. Without objection, it is so or- use that pen to show us where he lieve we are on the cusp of moving for- dered. stands, and he really ought to do it ward on, something we have worked on PRESIDENTIAL ACTION today. very hard, particularly these last 2 Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, in While he is at it, he should pick up years, and that is the farm bill. I wish his State of the Union speech last the phone too because in his State of to begin by thanking and commending week, President Obama promised the Union Address the President called the Senator from Michigan who is the America a year of action. He said he on Congress to help break down trade chairman of the Senate agriculture wants to use his pen and his phone to barriers that stand in the way of more committee, who has worked with unbe- make it happen. Here is what I say: American jobs. He called for legislation lievable dedication and who has truly The President should use that pen and that would help prevent foreign coun- shown the spirit of bipartisanship I am that phone of his today for the Key- tries from taking the trade jobs that speaking about.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S668 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 3, 2014 So I begin by thanking our chairman and see how we make it better and re- tinue to help reduce the deficit and the Senator STABENOW, who has worked duce spending. Because when we do debt. with Democrats and Republicans. She that, then we will have done what we We also provide strong support for has continually reached across the are talking about here with the farm livestock. I think perhaps the Senator aisle not only to her ranking member, bill. It seems like a good idea. from South Dakota will tell you about the good and senior Senator from Mis- I see the good Senator from Montana a terrible storm that occurred earlier sissippi Mr. COCHRAN, but also to our on the floor and the Senator from this winter. This has been a tough win- counterparts in the House, including South Dakota as well as the esteemed ter across the country. But for live- Representative FRANK LUCAS, who is Senator from Michigan, and they will stock producers out in the Midwest—in the chairman of the Agriculture Com- tell us the same. Here we are reforming South Dakota, in my home State of mittee in the House, and Representa- a mandatory spending program and we North Dakota, and other areas—thou- tive COLLIN PETERSON, who is the mi- are reducing the cost while strength- sands and thousands of cattle were nority member in the House. One is ening the program. It seems like what killed in an early blizzard. We provide from Oklahoma and one is from Min- we ought to be doing. help and support for those cattlemen. nesota. So north and south, east and I know some folks will come here We continue to provide other pro- west, across this great country, Repub- today and say, Gee, it could be better grams that will help them market not licans, Democrats, Senators and House because of this or that, or we should only here in our country but overseas, Members, and our chairman have have done this or that, and go right to continue to build that favorable bal- worked to fashion a product that truly back into the same old gridlock and, I ance of trade for our country. is a compromise but which is a vital so- guess, argue for having yet another ex- In the dairy program—and it was lution we need to put in place and we tension on a farm bill that expired over very important to get agreement in the need to put it in place now for our a year ago and should have been done a House; this is yet another example of farmers and ranchers. long time ago. We provide a better pro- how the conferees had to work to I will begin with this chart, and I gram with savings of more than $23 bil- strike the right balance between what have to say it is the only one I brought. lion to help reduce the deficit and the everybody wanted, Republican and It is the same chart I am going to end debt. Democrat, to come up with a program up with. I am going to talk about the What did we focus on in this bill to we could get support on—there is no farm bill for a few minutes, but here is make it more cost-effective and to supply management in the dairy pro- why a farm bill is so important. It is make it better? As our chairman on gram. It helps our smaller dairy pro- not just that it is so important to our the agriculture committee said, we ducers with an insurance type product, farmers and ranchers; it is important eliminate direct payments. People and the cost of the premium increases to every single American and beyond, want to talk about reforms. We elimi- with higher levels of production by the for these simple reasons: The farmers nate direct payments for the first time dairy producers. So it is designed the and ranchers we have in this country in a long time—more than $50 billion in way that I think everybody should feel produce the highest quality, lowest direct payments—and we replace it is a fair basis, where, again, when our cost food supply in the world—the with something that is much more smaller dairy producers need help, it is highest quality, lowest cost food sup- cost-effective. We replace it with there, but it is cost effective and it is ply in the world. strengthened crop insurance so that done without supply management. That is what we are talking about. farmers and ranchers can insure like The conservation title—again, the When we talk about good farm policy, other small businesses across this Senator from Michigan talked about we are talking about something that country to manage risk, even though the importance of conservation—is an benefits every single American every they operate in an environment where example where we had disagreement. single day. they certainly can’t control the risks. Right. This goes to the heart of what is Somebody can say, Oh, well, gee, we When we talk about weather, whenever in this farm bill. Here is an example— don’t need a farm bill. Don’t worry we are putting in a crop and then wait- as I have said, our chairman did a mar- about the farm bill; just let the farm- ing to see what the weather will be, velous job on the ag committee, work- ers and ranchers do it the way they do that is a very difficult proposition. So ing with our ranking member and ev- and we will see what happens. Really? we worked with them on crop insur- eryone else—on conservation, I have to That is what we should do? We should ance so they can try to insure the same say, I had some different ideas than take a chance on not having the kind way other types of businesses insure. what is in the final compromise bill. I of sound farm program we have now, That is much more cost-effective than felt that crop insurance and conserva- when we have the highest quality, low- the old direct payments. As our chair- tion should have remained decoupled. est cost food supply in the world, in the man said a minute ago, those direct But they are not. They are coupled in history of the world, that benefits payments were going out good years the final product. But, to make things every single American every single and bad, whether farmers and ranchers work, again we sought and found com- day? We should say, Oh, let’s not worry needed them or not. Now it is insur- promise. We made changes in the bill about that; let’s just let it go and see ance, the way other businesses work. that truly make the conservation pro- what happens? I don’t think that is a We give them an option. We give visions much more farmer friendly. very good argument. them a countercyclical program called What do I mean by that? I mean it is So let’s talk about this farm bill that the price loss coverage that works on a not retroactive. It is forward looking. is so important to every single Amer- countercyclical basis. So if times are The conservation rules in the bill apply ican. Sixteen million jobs in this coun- tough, if prices are low, if they need going forward. They do not go back try, either directly or indirectly, rely help, they get help. And if times are retroactively to the start of the last on agriculture. We have a favorable good and prices are high and they have farm bill. That is very important. You balance of trade in agriculture, and we a good crop, they do not get help. That cannot put people in a situation where have a net worth of farmers and ranch- is cost effective. they are being forced to go out and ers across this country who do an We have tried to design it so we gen- change their farm or ranch on a retro- amazing job every single day. erate real savings—more than $23 bil- active basis. That is also very impor- I am going to start out by talking lion—but if it works as we hope, it will tant. about the fact that we actually saved generate more savings so we will con- Another provision we were able to in- money. We saved more than $23 billion. tinue to have the highest quality, low- clude in the report language is mitiga- So think about it. Here is a mandatory est cost food supply in the world, con- tion. Farmers and ranchers do a tre- spending program where we strengthen tinue to support a growing job base—16 mendous job on conservation. I love to the farm program, we improve it, we million and growing—continue to help hunt and I love to fish. My wife likes to make it more cost-effective, and we us in our balance of trade by creating fish even more. But when I am out save $23 billion to reduce the deficit a favorable balance of trade for this there hunting, I see what is going on, I and the debt. How about we go through country in agriculture, and we hope see who is taking care of the land and every other program in government with the reforms made we will con- making sure the water is there, the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S669 cover is there, the food is there for risk coverage—or the price loss cov- wants to make sure there is not waste, wildlife—deer, birds. erage program, as in your farming op- fraud, or abuse in the Food Stamp Pro- For any conservation program to be eration, whether it is the marketing gram, but for those who need help, truly effective, you have to enlist the loan program, your total payments they get that help. farmers’ and ranchers’ support so the cannot exceed $125,000. Again, I commend not only the lead- conservation community and farmers That is the first time we have had a ership in the ag committee but also the and ranchers are working together in a cap that applies to everything. Right. leadership in the House and the Senate way that works for those individuals, We have had caps before, but they did for recognizing that it is time to put a those business people, those families, not apply to everything. That is a real solution in place for the American peo- those farmers and ranchers who are out reform. You are going to hear others ple. Again, no solution is perfect. But there making their living. Every day come down and say: Well, gee, it should we cannot continue to operate with an they are out there. They are not just have been better. It should have been expired policy that not only does not out there once in a while. They are not like this. But I am telling you, we have give our farmers and ranchers the cer- just out there sometimes, as I am when not had one that applied to everything tainty they need to continue to I go out hunting. They are out there all before where you truly had a cap. produce the highest quality, lowest the time making it work. So these pro- So when we talk about eliminating cost food supply, which benefits every visions have to work for them. direct payments, when we talk about a single American, but where we do not That is why when we talk mitiga- cap that applies to everything, that is achieve the very savings and reforms tion, the mitigation rules have to work a real reform. Furthermore, we have an that we have been sent here by the for the people who own the land—the AGI limit—adjusted gross income American people to achieve. farmers and ranchers. That is why we limit—that also applies to everything So it is time to vote. We will vote on have worked to include language that for the first time, just like the pay- this farm bill. There was a very strong makes sure USDA is focused on an ment limit. Right now, if you make vote in the House—250 to 160—a strong acre-for-acre approach, as long as there $900,000 or more, you do not get any bipartisan support on both sides of the is reasonable and commensurate value, program assistance. Before, again, it aisle. The Senate needs to step up now and we set up a fund to help them do did not apply across the board. That is and put this solution in place for the that. real reform. American people. I think we achieved a good result. All I think in the Supplemental Nutri- With that, I yield the floor. of the wildlife groups, the conservation tion Assistance Program—where we The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- groups, and the hunting groups are on knew it would be tough to come up pore. The Senator from South Dakota. board. They are endorsing this bill. with a compromise—clearly, there were Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. Even the NRA is endorsing this bill. differences of opinion on each side of President, I rise today to urge my col- There is strong support from conserva- the aisle and between the Senate and leagues to support the farm bill con- tion groups, from hunting groups, fish- the House. Here again, I commend the ference report. It has taken a long time ing groups, wildlife groups. leaders of our conference committee— to get to this point, with several un- But at the same time, I think we Senator STABENOW, Senator COCHRAN, necessary roadblocks along the way, have provisions that truly make it Representative LUCAS, and Representa- but we are finally near the finish line, farmer friendly so that it works for our tive PETERSON—and the members of and it is time we conclude this process. farmers and our ranchers. I know that the conference committee. There was a I commend Chairwoman STABENOW, was something we had to work on very lot of work to do in this conference Ranking Member COCHRAN, Chairman hard to get to but is vitally important. committee. LUCAS, and Ranking Member PETERSON The bill has a strong energy title. We To get an agreement on food stamps, for their leadership in developing this included and, in fact, strengthened the on SNAP, supplemental nutrition as- reasonable conference report. beginning farmer and the beginning sistance payments, was no small effort The Agricultural Act of 2014 will re- rancher provisions. or accomplishment. Again, like all duce the deficit, restructure our ag I want to end on reform. Clearly, compromises, if you look at it, it really support programs, continue to feed the with our debt and deficit, it is vitally is fair to both sides. The compromise hungry, aid livestock producers hit by important we find ways to achieve sav- itself—based on the reforms we made in the Atlas blizzard, and enable con- ings. So as we go through all the dis- LIHEAP and getting the States to sumers to know from where their food cretionary spending programs—which truly make sure we do not have waste, comes. is one-third of the Federal budget—we fraud, and abuse, but that people who This conference report certainly is have to find savings. We are working to need help get help—we have truly not perfect. As with any legislation do that. strengthened those provisions. The that is this important and far-reach- Since I have been here, we have re- scoring by CBO is about an $8 billion ing, it is impossible to fully satisfy ev- duced discretionary spending from $1.35 reduction. But again, we get our econ- erybody. But this is a reasonable com- trillion to roughly $1 trillion. Since the omy going. These kinds of reforms will promise. beginning of 2011—discretionary spend- generate more savings while still en- Our ranchers will benefit signifi- ing at that time was $1.35 trillion—this suring people who need help get help. cantly from this bill. Not only does year and next year, it will be about $1 If you look at that number, then it is this compromise enable country-of-ori- trillion. So you can see we have re- very close to what the Senate said they gin labeling to continue as well as duced discretionary spending about 35 had to have. So for those who are in maintain USDA’s ability to ensure a percent—and over this 5-year stretch— that camp, they should feel this is a fair and transparent marketplace, but and that is without counting inflation. bill they can support. That is a fair it also contains critical livestock dis- But two-thirds of the government is compromise. On the House side, where aster assistance programs to help mandatory spending. Two-thirds is clearly there was a desire to have a sig- ranchers in my State who are still re- mandatory spending programs. So we nificantly larger number, if you look at covering from the 2012 drought and last have to find ways to make revisions so this as a two-step process, where you year’s terrible blizzard. My ranchers we protect and preserve the programs take the savings that come out of expi- lost tens of thousands of livestock, and that are vital to us, such as Medicare ration of the stimulus program—where they have been left hanging because of and Social Security, but we also have there was about $11 billion in savings— congressional inaction. With passage, to find ways to take these mandatory and combine it with the reforms we they will finally be able to get the aid programs and find savings and reforms made here—the $11 billion and the $8 they need. as we do here in this farm bill. billion; $19 billion—that was $20 billion. Beyond the important assistance for So when we talk about eliminating That was close to the House’s original livestock producers, this bill also re- direct payments, when we talk about number. forms our farm programs by elimi- payment limitations that for the first Like all good compromises, it is fair nating direct payments and by time apply to everything, whether you and it does seek to get the kind of re- strengthening the crop insurance pro- are getting the ARC program—the ag forms that I think the American public gram. It also offers key support for

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S670 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 3, 2014 young and beginning farmers and volved in production agriculture. When loans so farmers can continue to access ranchers, and it contains reasonable I am not wearing a suit and casting credit at banks in rural communities. conservation compliance requirements votes or traveling around the State It also provides more support for for farm program and crop insurance finding out what is on the minds of farmers and ranchers just getting their eligibility. Montanans, I am farming. From plant- start in agriculture. In rural America This legislation represents more than ing to harvesting, to accessing seed, to we need more young producers willing just assistance to our farmers and hauling food to the market, I know to get up and work hard, keep small ranchers. It is also a jobs bill. It con- firsthand the life in production agri- family farms and ranches going. This tains mandatory funding for several culture. bill is a positive step for beginning energy and rural development pro- I know that whether you are a farmer farmers and ranchers. grams, and it will help USDA deal with or rancher or forester, it can be very Conserving land is another critical the huge backlog of pending rural tough because there is a lot of uncer- issue across this country, particularly water and wastewater infrastructure tainty—uncertainty I witnessed first- rural America. Farmers and ranchers applications. hand last summer when I visited the are the true stewards of the land. This Hundreds of rural communities fields of Montana’s Gallatin Valley, a bill continues that proud American across the country, including Aber- valley that was devastated by a hail- tradition. By improving portions of the deen, Watertown, and Brookings in storm literally hours before harvest Conservation Reserve Program—or South Dakota will also continue to be was to begin, or the uncertainty caused Sodbuster—this farm bill supports our eligible for rural housing programs as a by the blizzard that cost South Dakota outdoor economy by working with result of a provision I included in the thousands of cattle this last fall. farmers and ranchers to preserve more Senate-passed farm bill that is main- Farmers and ranchers understand native prairie for wildlife habitat. tained in this conference report. and accept that uncertainty is a fact of That is good news for the hunters and I would also like to highlight the pro- life because we deal with weather; they anglers of this country. Montana is no visions to address some key forestry know it is part of what comes with exception. It is good news for folks who issues important to the fight against being in production agriculture, but sell rifles and waders and the guides the pine beetle in the Black Hills. This what they cannot accept and what they who show our hunters and anglers bill provides the Forest Service and should not accept is a Federal Govern- where to fish and where to hunt. All in private forest landowners with criti- ment that takes 6 years in drafting a 5- all, this great outdoor economy adds cally needed tools and flexibility. This year farm bill. We do not need that up to $6 billion in the State of Montana includes permanently authorizing kind of uncertainty. That is why we alone. This bill also includes an extension of stewardship contracting to combine need to pass the farm bill we have PILT payments to rural communities timber harvests with needed conserva- today. that cannot generate enough revenue tion work, building on the Mountain When I talk to my fellow producers from lands that are controlled by the Pine Beetle Response Project in the in Montana and around the country, Federal Government. This is a big deal Black Hills by streamlining activities they tell me the lack of a long-term in rural America. It continues strong to combat insect and disease farm bill is preventing them from mak- country-of-origin labeling so con- epidemics, and clarifying the forestry ing critical business decisions. Without sumers know where their meat was exemption to Clean Water Act permit- a long-term farm bill, farmers do not born, raised, and processed, giving ting. These changes provide needed cer- know what crop insurance is going to them the option to buy U.S.-made tainty for both private and public for- look like. They do not know what to meat if they so choose. est managers. expect from future farm loans. It is The big multinational meat-packing While I am overall very pleased with hard to plan ahead or expand oper- firms may not like it, but for American this conference report, there are some ations. You cannot even do the simple ranchers it is critically important, as disappointments. The senior Senator business planning without that farm it is for consumers. Why? Because from Iowa and I have worked for years bill. Americans know we produce the finest Many of us in the Senate got our for meaningful payment limitations. In beef in the world. This 5-year farm bill fact, we were able to include in the start in business and know the impor- takes all of these positive steps while Senate bill a hard cap on payments as tance of a predictable business environ- saving taxpayers $23 billion by making well as new language to define farm ment. Farming and agriculture is no tough choices in the nutrition assist- program eligibility requirements. The different. You need certainty to grow ance program and changing how we House bill includes nearly identical and to prosper. The fact is the lack of apply farm subsidies. language. However, this conference re- a long-term farm bill is hurting econo- Chairman STABENOW and Ranking port actually loosens payment caps and mies from Montana to Maine. Folks Member COCHRAN have written a com- it punts the decision of defining ‘‘actu- need and are demanding a responsible monsense bill that is supported across ally engaged’’ to the Secretary of Agri- long-term farm bill. I think it is time our agricultural community. I wish to culture. This is frustrating. However, for the Senate to do the right thing; thank them for that. In an era when moving forward, I will urge USDA to that is, pass the 5-year farm bill. too many folks look for reasons to vote follow the intent of the Senate and But I am not encouraging folks to no instead of yes, it takes strong and House bills with respect to farm pro- vote for this bill just for the sake of determined leaders to bring a respon- gram eligibility when it undertakes certainty. They should also vote for it sible, bipartisan bill such as this to the rulemaking. because I think it strengthens the floor. That is why—because I am in Even though I am not fully pleased hands of farmers, ranchers, American production agriculture especially—the with everything in this conference re- families who depend on them. Live- work that Chairman STABENOW and port, I think it does represent a com- stock owners will see many benefits Ranking Member COCHRAN did for the promise. As such, I urge my colleagues from this farm bill. This 5-year plan American farmers and ranchers needs to join me in passing the bill. If we do makes livestock disaster assistance to be commended. not, food prices will rise, ranchers in programs permanent and retroactive, That commitment is going to keep my State will be forced out of business, helping those South Dakota ranchers America’s rural economy strong. The and we will not get the deficit reduc- whom I spoke of a minute ago to re- Senators from Michigan and Mis- tion or reforms to our farm programs. coup their October losses as well as sissippi are the reason this bill is fi- I yield the floor. Montana ranchers who lost cattle to nally at the finish line. Thanks to The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- drought back in 2012. them, we are on the verge of approving pore. The Senator from Montana. All in all, livestock owners will be a bipartisan bill that will strengthen Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, I rise to better able to manage risks, improve production agriculture and support speak on the importance of passing production, and meet the new chal- families, farmers, and ranchers across this farm bill that is in front of us, but lenges because of this bill. When it this country. I not only speak as a Senator, I also comes to farmers, this bill removes the My wife and I took over our family’s speak as a farmer, someone who is in- term limits on USDA-guaranteed farm farm in north central Montana in 1978.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S671 We had land and we had a strong work farmers and believe this legislation to Farm in 1996, which was intended to ethic, but we had little else. So with does make a number of positive re- slowly phase out these kinds of sub- some hard work and a few good deci- forms over the long term that should sidies. But when times became particu- sions and weather that cooperated, our help in the effort to reduce, not grow, larly difficult for our farmers in the farm is doing pretty well right now. the involvement of the Federal Govern- years following the 1996 bill with low Our story can be repeated across rural ment in agriculture. prices and drought, these programs America. But production agriculture For example, the legislation transi- were, in essence, reinstituted by Con- will only be strong if it has the cer- tions farm subsidies from a system of gress. The retreat and the movement tainty that comes with a common- direct payments to a more market- away from Federal intervention was sense, long-term farm bill. That is based crop insurance support program. greatly eroded. what is in front of us, a bill that lets Senator Lugar always favored that. I In my view—and that is all I have at farmers and ranchers know how to plan think many other people who have bottom, is my view—Congress should ahead, how to make their books bal- thought about agriculture think that seek to steadily reduce the role of the ance, a bill that lets the distributors is the right path to go. I have sup- Federal Government in farming. But allocate resources and make sound ported that. millions are dependent upon farming business decisions, and a bill that As a 5-year bill, this legislation for their livelihoods, and a thoughtful, takes responsible steps to strengthen should also give our farmers and their conservative approach to reducing Fed- programs that are working and ending families some certainty that they need eral intervention would be to continue others that are not. to make prudent planning decisions this reduction steadily over time. It Let’s not leave farmers and ranchers and give them choices to select pro- surely can’t be done smartly all at and all Americans who depend on them grams that best meet their needs. once without some real dislocation in high and dry again. With strong sup- I believe our farmers can move for- the agricultural marketplace—al- port for production agriculture, with ward and help our Nation remain a though I must say I think we could strong support for a nutrition program, global leader in the production of food have gone a good bit further this year. and with a bill that saves taxpayers and fiber which is critical to our eco- But I remain concerned that the re- significant dollars, it is time to vote nomic well-being and national secu- forms to the SNAP program, the food yes and send this farm bill to the Presi- rity. stamp program, are much too modest. I dent’s desk. The final bill also contains many hope our actions today help set the I yield the floor. other essential provisions to reduce un- table for continued and badly needed The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- necessary regulations, such as the in- reforms that I and others have outlined pore. The Senator from Michigan. clusion of the Environmental Protec- during our debate on the farm bill in Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, be- tion Agency, EPA, forest roads fix, 2012, 2013, and this year. Yet it seems clear to me that the bill fore the Senator from Montana leaves which I have strongly supported. It is before us today regretfully does not go the floor, I wish to thank him for his an excessive intervention into the for- nearly as far as it could in addressing wise counsel throughout the process of est industry to have the EPA involved the abuses and the wastefulness that writing the farm bill. It is nice to have in the issues that they are talking about, and I think we have clarified are contained in those programs. a farmer in the Senate who can give For example, the bill spends $956 bil- that so that won’t be a problem. practical ideas and reactions. This is lion over 10 years. Nearly 80 percent of It also contains provisions that are somebody who has been out there that is for the SNAP program, food designed to help Alabama catfish pro- fighting for the farmer, small farmers, support programs. to be able to make sure they have the ducers, peanut farmers, cotton farmers, It is, in reality, as someone has said, same shot to be successful as the big and forest landowners who compete in a SNAP bill, a food stamp bill. Eighty producers. the global economy. percent of the money goes to that one I am pleased the final bill contains I thank Senator TESTER not only for problem. It asks our farmers to con- his support, but he has a very key my provision to help farmers in States tribute a disproportionate share to def- voice in supporting farmers and ranch- like Alabama that have not signifi- icit reduction. The bill cuts food ers across the country. I very much ap- cantly used irrigation practices in the stamps by only about $8 billion and it preciate his counsel as we bring this ef- past. Under the current USDA policy, cuts the agricultural programs by fort to conclusion. farmers have been excluded from the about $8 billion. That sounds fair, bal- I ask unanimous consent that the Federal irrigation program if they anced, as my colleagues like to use time during quorum calls be equally di- don’t have a history of irrigation, and that word, ‘‘balanced.’’ But we are cut- vided. that makes no sense where we are try- ting $8 billion from the 20 percent of The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- ing to involve more people to smartly the program and the other $8 billion pore. Without objection, it is so or- use more irrigation. I thank the rank- from the other 80 percent of the pro- dered. ing member and the chair of the com- gram, and that is not balanced. Ms. STABENOW. I suggest the ab- mittee for their work supporting us on I want to say to my colleagues that sence of a quorum. that. My provision will help ensure there is no intent or desire of any The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- that more Alabama farmers are able to Member of this Senate to have people pore. The legislative clerk proceeded to access these programs. It has been a who are hungry remain hungry and call the roll. priority of mine for some time, al- people who are in need of food not to Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I ask though it is a small part of the overall have food. What we are saying is there unanimous consent that the order for bill. are a great number of abuses in the the quorum call be rescinded. As a whole, the Congressional Budget program that have clearly been identi- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Office claims that the farm bill will re- fied and should be fixed and haven’t pore. Without objection, it is so or- duce the deficit by $16.6 billion over 10 been sufficiently fixed. dered. years. This is a step, a small step, how- Although it repeals direct payments, Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, the ever, in the right direction. It means the bill replaces those payments with Agricultural Act of 2014 is the culmina- that if current law were extended with- new programs that seek to help farm- tion of a lot of hard work by our con- out change, we would be spending $16.6 ers in a more effective way and that ferees, Representatives MIKE ROGERS billion more than if this bill were will cost at least $27 billion. So we re- and MARTHA ROBY from Alabama, as passed. So that is positive. duce some programs and increase oth- well as my colleagues in the Senate, I wish we could do more, and we can ers. I think most of that is in the agri- Senators STABENOW and COCHRAN and do more. Unfortunately, we haven’t cultural insurance policy, which is others. done more, but this is a positive step. probably, in general, a better way to This important legislation contains a It is fair to say that the elimination of help our agricultural industry. number of commendable measures. countercyclical and direct payments— Congress needs to be careful about During my time in the Senate, I have almost entirely—is a historic occasion. spending more money, and many Sen- been a strong supporter of Alabama’s Of course, Congress enacted Freedom ators and independent analysts think

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S672 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 3, 2014 these new programs may cost even the Senate-passed budget which gar- and their superb staffs. I am also more than CBO is currently projecting. nered bipartisan opposition. blessed with my own superb staff: Adri- It moves money from direct support to The Senate budget, S. Con. Res. 8, in enne Wojciechowski, Kathryn crop insurance, and I think that could section 313 gives the chairman of the Toomajian, Rebekah Weber, Kara be good. We have studied the farm bill Budget Committee the power to adjust Leene, and Tom Berry, all of whom conference report and note that the the budget for any farm bill reauthor- spent hours away from their families Congressional Budget Office has con- ization: ‘‘Provided that such legisla- while working on this important bill. cluded it increases spending in 2014 by tion would not increase the deficit over We ended with a bipartisan, bicameral $2.1 billion above the spending limits either the period of the total of fiscal farm bill that addresses the needs of Democrats and Republicans agreed to years 2013 through 2018 or the period of every region in the country. Senator in December. It is more than what we the total of fiscal years 2013 through STABENOW and I were on the phone or agreed to in December—$2.1 billion 2023.’’ emailing about every hour of the day, over the limits we agreed to in a bipar- Those are complex words I just read. night, and weekends from Michigan, tisan way. But in other words, the farm bill is now Vermont, overseas, and from the Sen- In the Senate this would normally in a situation where it can increase ate, but it worked. Everybody had a subject the legislation before the Sen- spending in the first fiscal year and chance, Republicans and Democrats ate to two points of order, budget promise that it will recoup the money alike, to express their views. Now it is points of order, because it violates the later on, which is exactly what this bill time to vote, pass the bill, send it to budgeted spending limits we just does, and the minority’s rights are di- the President, and give sorely needed agreed to. Proponents of the bill would minished in its ability to stop it be- certainty to our farmers, our families, then be required to either reduce the cause of the Ryan-Murray budget and our rural communities. spending in the bill to the agreed-upon agreement. That is what I warned After all, the 2014 farm bill saves tax- level or gather a supermajority of 60 about in December. Some said there payers $23 billion. It eliminates dupli- votes to waive the point of order and wasn’t anything to it. I warned that cative programs. It strengthens the agree to violate the budget. there was, and I think we are already toolbox for conserving our natural re- However, the Senate majority, our seeing that there is something to the sources. It gives the farmers some Democratic colleagues have deployed a complaints I made. much-needed, long-overdue certainty budget gimmick with Republican sup- I said on the floor of the Senate that as they make planting decisions. They port that rendered these points of the ‘‘power that Senators had to block don’t have the luxury that we seem to order—and consequently limit a mi- tax-and-spend legislation that breaks give ourselves to wait until the very nority’s right to enforce the spending spending limits has been eroded signifi- last second to vote on something. They limits—ineffective. This is something I cantly’’ by Ryan-Murray. have to plan months in advance. It pro- predicted 2 months ago when the Ryan- The danger is that we will certainly vides relief to struggling families, sup- Murray legislation passed. I said on De- have spending increases in the short- port for rural communities, and invest- cember 18, as that deal was being de- term, but we have only promises of ments in a sustainable energy future. bated: spending limitations in the future. Is it a perfect bill? Of course not. No With 57 different reserve funds, the Mur- There is no point of order that lies farm bill is. But while there are provi- ray-Ryan spending bill that is before us now against the bill because the Ryan-Mur- sions I would not have preferred, I do will allow Senator REID and Chairwoman ray agreement passed by Congress, I believe it has a lot of provisions that MURRAY to bring to the floor a practically unlimited number of big tax-and-spend bills. acknowledge—I am not sure if Mem- will benefit Vermont and the Nation. It will not be subject to the 60-vote limit. bers of the House and Senate fully I wish the commonsense dairy poli- Normally the minority party would be able knew what was included in the Ryan- cies that were passed twice by the full to raise a point of order under section 302(f) Murray agreement after that secret Senate and supported by Republicans of the Budget Act. meeting between the two budget lead- and Democrats, by the chair and by the So the Budget Committee chairman ers. ranking member, and also by the House has decided to make an adjustment to This legislation is far from perfect, Committee on Agriculture had not the budget spending levels, and she can and we will see how we proceed with been ambushed at the last hour. As a do so because of the Ryan-Murray the agriculture bill. I appreciate those result, we don’t have a market sta- spending agreement that passed the who have worked on it. We need to do bilization program—something that House, the Republican House, and the the right thing for agriculture. It is an was proposed by dairy farmers them- Senate. This will allow increased important part of our Nation’s econ- selves that would have protected tax- spending in the farm bill above the omy and our national security. I have payers from the exorbitant costs and amount we agreed to. invested a lot of time and effort in it, would have insulated dairy farmers and Though two points of order would lie as I know most of my colleagues have. consumers from volatile rollercoast- against the bill, they are voided in the I appreciate the work of those who ering milk prices. Ryan-Murray legislation because of the have produced this legislation for us. Unfortunately, the Speaker of the powers granted to the Budget Com- I thank the Chair and I yield the House and some of the very powerful, mittee chairman in that legislation. floor. huge industry figures from out West Let me explain this power that was The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- did not want it. granted, yet again. The Ryan-Murray pore. The Senator from Vermont. We do have, because of the constant agreement includes 57 deficit neutral Mr. LEAHY. We all know the Senate work of everybody—and I again would reserve funds. Operationally, a reserve and House agriculture leaders unveiled praise the chair of our own committee, fund allows the chairman of the Senate the long-awaited conference report last Senator STABENOW—a solution that Budget Committee to adjust the allo- week for the 2014 farm bill. It has been while not perfect will help our small cations of budget authority and out- a long trip getting this far. Every con- dairy farmers protect themselves from lays to a Senate committee or commit- ference committee, of course, has some poor economic conditions when milk tees; aggregate levels of budget author- controversy, but the 2014 farm bill has prices plummet or when feed prices ity, outlays, and revenues; and other had more than its fair share of twists skyrocket or, as we have sometimes appropriate levels prior to Senate con- and turns—right down to the negotia- seen in the worst scenario, when both sideration. This allows the proposed tions on the dairy policy in the fleeting happen at the same time. The final legislation to avoid most spending and hours—before we, as conferees, signed farm bill includes changes to lower the revenue-related budget points of order this conference report. It sounds like cost of the Dairy Producer Margin Pro- as long as the measure complies with the old days of The Perils of Pauline tection Program for Vermont’s small, both the subject matter and deficit when we had the farm bill tied to the family dairy farms. It will also discour- neutrality instructions in the reserve railroad tracks or about to head over age large dairies from using this pro- fund. the dairy cliff. gram to flood the markets through In the case of the farm bill, the Fortunately, we had Chairwoman overproduction of milk, something Ryan-Murray budget numbers refers to STABENOW, Ranking Member COCHRAN, that wipes out small family farms.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S673 But the bill is not just about farmers; ority. I am proud this is a bill that of- I come to the floor not to discuss just it is a food bill that supports hungry fers a targeted approach to tackling my issue but to use it as an example children and struggling families and it the needs of each State and agricul- that my colleagues may look forward has healthy food initiatives. I am dis- tural sector, rather than doing it the to in the future; that is, that just be- appointed the final bill contains many easy way, which is a one-size-fits-all, cause something goes through the Sen- cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition As- which ends up not fitting anybody. ate, even without controversy—because sistance Program, but the conferees The regional equity program guaran- as far as I know it wasn’t discussed or worked together and rejected the deep- tees that no State is left out from re- there was no amendment offered to est cuts to the hunger safety net and ceiving conservation resources under strike what I am talking about that the most harmful new conditions which the farm bill. Not only Vermont com- came out of committee and it passed in were advocated by an extreme majority munities but rural America everywhere the House of Representatives by a 230- in the House, both of which would have will be strengthened by a broadband to-194 vote in the same language—one undermined the very reasonably of- development program, energy effi- would assume that something which fered food assistance. These provisions ciency initiatives, and water treatment was the same in both Houses would not would have slashed nearly $40 billion and distribution loans. Vermont’s very be changed by the conference. In fact, from nutrition assistance programs, beautiful Northeast Kingdom REAP rule XXVIII of the Senate rules says eliminating the eligibility for millions Zone will continue to be a catalyst for this: ‘‘Conferees shall not insert in of Americans, and making it harder for growth and progress to help build a re- their report matter not committed to hungry children to receive free school silient rural economy. Organic agri- them by either House, nor shall they meals. culture is supported through certifi- strike from the bill matter agreed to Frankly, I am fed up with hearing cation cost sharing, stronger enforce- by both Houses.’’ Members, whether in the House or ment, crop insurance, and funding for So if Members are interested in the sometimes Members in this body, say: organic research. We should promote Senate rules being followed by con- Oh, we can’t afford to feed these hun- organics because it is the fastest grow- ference committees in the future, un- gry children when they go to school. ing sector in agriculture. derstand in this particular case that These are the same Members who voted I am also pleased that many of the was not followed. The provisions were for a blank check to go to an unneces- harmful provisions from the House not necessarily struck, but they were sary war in Iraq, something that has farm bill were removed during the con- changed in such a manner that the $387 cost us $2 trillion, which they did on a ference negotiations, including dan- million the Congressional Budget Of- credit card. We need to feed children in gerous secrecy provisions and attacks fice said would be saved if my provision America so they might actually learn on critical environmental regulations. stayed in, that amount of money will while they are at school, but some say: One that was proposed by an extremely not be saved. Oh, we can’t afford that. Come on. conservative Republican would have We are talking about a situation that Feeding those hungry children is an in- actually threatened to limit States we are trying to correct, going back at vestment in the future of this great rights. What an amazing turn of least to the 2008 farm bill and maybe Nation. events. We got rid of all of these. previous to that, where 10 percent of Some of the demeaning and offensive Bottom line, the Senate and the the biggest farmers get 70 percent of provisions, such as allowing drug test- House have produced a farm bill that the benefits from the farm program, so ing of beneficiaries and unrealistic at its core is about keeping America it is subsidizing farmers as opposed to work requirements, were left out. strong. Make no mistake, farming is helping medium- and small-sized farm- You’re telling me that we can have part of our national security. Look at ers get through conditions such as nat- tax-paying, hard-working citizens, the number of nations in this world ural disasters, politics, and other as- who, when factories close, won’t be that would give anything to be able to pects beyond the control of farmers able to feed themselves with supple- feed themselves and have food left over that the safety net for farmers was in- mental nutrition. We are going to de- to export. We are more secure as a na- tended to help. mean them after what they have done tion because we can do that. So we could have saved $387 million, for the country? Of course not. This farm bill will boost the econ- and the rules of Senate said this should The legislation promotes food secu- omy, will create jobs, will offer support have been in the final package that rity in low-income communities and for the hungry, conserve our national came back to the Senate, but it is not encourages healthy eating through in- resources, improve our energy security, here. It seems to me my colleagues creased access to fruits and vegetables. and stand up for our country’s families. ought to be aware of that fact because That is something we have done in I am proud to have signed the con- they may be in a similar situation Vermont for years and it is also one of ference report for another farm bill sometime on some other conference the reasons—that and the fact we cover that will support Americans today and committee report, and the question is: every child from birth to 18 years old into America’s future. I look forward Are you going to let a small number of for health care—that Vermont is al- to one of my few duties I get to per- people—for most of this conference re- ways listed as either No. 1 or No. 2 of form after this bill passes: I will sign port 4 people negotiating the difference the healthiest States in the Nation. the bill as President pro tempore after between the House and the Senate— This legislation also—and again I the Speaker signs it. And I know from speak for the other 531 Members of the wish to compliment the Chair on this— what he has said to all of us, the Presi- Congress? Are you going to let a major- continues to share the responsibility to dent will then sign it. ity of that group of people represent a conserve our working farmlands and I yield the floor. minority of the Senate and a minority our natural resources. If we lose these The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- of the House? By this being taken out natural resources, we can’t make them pore. The Senator from Iowa. or this being changed in such a way so again. We are not going to get them Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I am it has no value, that is exactly what back. Federally supported crop insur- going to address a small part of this has happened. ance will ease farmers’ exposure when bill but a very important part of the Making sure we have limits on the natural disasters strike. It will keep bill, something I have been working on amount of money a farmer can get and working lands in production. Mean- through at least two farm bills. Since real numbers that work is not some- while, enlisting farmers to continue the chairwoman of the Committee on thing new. President Bush vetoed a the simple conservation practices they Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry is farm bill in 2008 because he said it con- are already following will ensure the here, Senator STABENOW, I thank her tinues subsidies for the wealthy. In an- protection of our wetlands and our sen- for defending my position up until the other part of his veto message he said sitive lands. last day or two of the conference. She the American taxpayer should not be In a country as diverse as ours, it is kept me informed fully about the dif- forced to subsidize that group of farm- no simple task to produce a farm bill ficulty of the position that both Houses ers who have adjusted gross incomes up that addresses the needs of every re- had taken getting that out of con- to $1.5 million as the rationale for gion or every industry or every pri- ference. vetoing that bill.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S674 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 3, 2014 So what we have is the moral author- ment of Agriculture authority to bring since the Congress had not done its job ity of a majority of the Senate, a moral about some of these reforms on who is and passed a farm bill. Finally, that is authority of the House of Representa- engaged in the business of farming will about to change. tives, and their positions taken on this do the job. But they have had that au- During my campaign I pledged to language—language that limited a thority for a long time, and I see this work tirelessly to get a long-term farm farmer to no more than $250,000 and de- as a Washington hat trick to say you bill passed. Now we are literally at the fining a farmer as somebody who is ac- have done something when you haven’t 1-yard line of finally reaching the goal tually engaged in the business of farm- done anything. of passing a 5-year bipartisan farm bill. ing so nonfarmers don’t get help from I am not going to be able to vote for I am incredibly proud of the work we the farm program—has been taken out, this bill because it would endorse what have done and what we have almost ac- regardless of the moral authority that has happened. Egregious manipulation complished. And I do have to give a said it should be kept in the bill. In behind closed doors of something that shout-out to our tremendous chair- other words, conferees are taking out is the same in both Houses should not woman, Senator DEBBIE STABENOW, something that represented a minority be tolerated, and I hope my colleagues who, as Senator HOEVEN put it, is a of the House of Representatives and a will take that into consideration so it tough negotiator—tough but fair, and minority of the Senate. doesn’t happen to them in the future. absolutely remarkable, not only this We are here to vote on a farm bill— How we will fix other entitlement pro- year but also in 2013 and 2012, and who cloture today, final passage tomorrow. grams if we can’t cut subsidies to mil- never resists an opportunity to inform The farm bill is a very important safe- lionaire farmers who don’t even farm anyone who crosses her path about the ty net for producers. It gives farmers a makes it very difficult. importance to the economy of this chance to survive in tough times. As a As I said, my friend from Michigan, country that a long-term farm bill po- farmer, I understand the risk of farm- Chairwoman STABENOW, has worked sitions us much better to be competi- ing. My payment limit reforms were hard on this bill. I wanted to support tive in the world. adopted—and I can’t say that too many this farm bill. I just can’t get over One subject we talk about a lot is the times—in both bodies of Congress. It what happened behind closed doors, budget and about long-term systemic would have saved $387 million. once again, here in Washington. And as reforms that can give us what in public People said, when we limited through she has told me so many times, she has policy we need to do, such as a safety my amendment that you could have defended my position and I thank her net for farmers, but also reduce costs one nonfarming manager per farming for so doing. to taxpayers. This farm bill saves 23 operation, that was unreasonable. I yield the floor and I suggest the ab- billion in Federal dollars, while still There would have been a lot of providing one of the strongest safety money saved. But more importantly, as sence of a quorum. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- nets for farmers and ranchers ever is the situation today and will prob- pore. The clerk will call the roll. ably be the situation in the future, crafted in a long-term farm bill. It The assistant legislative clerk pro- nonfarmers are going to be able to get makes critical reforms to target re- ceeded to call the roll. benefits from a farm program when sources where they are most needed Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, I ask they don’t have legitimacy for it. This while also giving farmers the oppor- unanimous consent that the order for provision should not have been tunity to thrive. This farm bill the quorum call be rescinded. touched, because it was the same in achieves that goal, and puts our agri- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- both Houses. cultural system in a strong position to Unlimited subsidies, when 10 percent pore. Without objection, it is so or- continue its role as a world leader. of the biggest farmers get 70 percent of dered. This is achieved through effective Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, in the benefits from the farm program, farm programs for growers; livestock actually put a new generation of young spite of all the discussion about our disaster coverage for ranchers and live- and beginning farmers at a severe dis- great energy renaissance and ‘‘all of stock producers; enhanced crop insur- advantage. There is nothing wrong the above,’’ and new manufacturing— ance offerings; expanded research, with farmers getting bigger. That is and, yes, we are going to be a test site which is so critical to so many of our the American dream, to use your po- for the unmanned aircraft—in North new crops; increased export production tential to do the best for yourself. But Dakota we live and we breathe agri- for agricultural products; critical in- when large farmers who shouldn’t get culture. In summer, our plains are vestments in biofuels and in energy; subsidized get big payments from the filled with beautiful sunflowers and our renewal of the Sugar Program to farm program, it is, in my estimation, canola fields and flax. It is the most prevent excess imports of unfairly sub- wrong—particularly when it drives up amazing view, especially when the sidized foreign sugar; and targeted con- the price of land as it has in the recent canola is next to the flax. servation assistance to tackle the 5 to 8 years; drives up the price of cash Our ranchers take serious pride in unique problems in this country, par- rent as it has recently. It is very dif- their cattle herds that graze around ticularly in my State with Devils Lake ficult for people who are just trying to much of our State. The wheat, grain, and the Red River Valley. get into the business of farming to corn, and soybeans farmers provide In North Dakota we grow more than start. So I think when nonfarmers can help to feed the world and have the 20 different crops each year, and we qualify for the farm program as man- best products produced in agriculture lead the Nation in the production of 13 agers when they might not even be today. different commodities, including spring making a phone call to the operation Agriculture also supports 16 million wheat, durum wheat, barley, edible and having limits that don’t mean jobs around the country, including beans, peas, lentils, canola, sunflowers, much—which is exactly what we are thousands of manufacturing jobs in and flaxseed. So while we talk about doing, subsidizing big farmers to get North Dakota. This is not surprising, this expansion and explosion of both bigger—it puts young and beginning given that our State is one of the most corn and soybeans, North Dakota is farmers at a severe disadvantage. productive farm States in the country. leading the way in diversification, Changing my reforms behind closed Those jobs make it possible for our which I think is the future for agri- doors is wrong. The House and Senate State to continue to harvest each year, culture. had spoken on the issue. With no de- supporting families across North Da- North Dakota is also a leading live- bate in the Senate here, a 230–194 vote kota but also throughout the country. stock State, with thousands of cow-calf in support of the Fortenberry amend- I take great pride in the work our operators raising livestock in the West, ment in the House of Representatives— farmers and ranchers do. I know all and a leading producer of sugar beets something under the Senate rules that North Dakotans do as well. For too from growers in the Red River Valley. is the same in both bodies should not long we weren’t supporting them Approximately 25 percent of my be messed with by the conferees, but it enough to enable them to do their job. State’s economic base and employment was changed dramatically. In fact, we held farmers and ranchers is derived from work done on the farm. Some are saying the effort the con- in limbo because they haven’t been I talk about this quite a bit, because I ferees took to give the U.S. Depart- sure how to prepare for this crop year think when we think about economics

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S675 and what generates economic activity, based. We hear all the claims that we studied that. I have looked at every job at the very beginning, we have to have are thinking about the best interests of training program—State and Federal— new wealth creation, and in this coun- the Nation. What we are truly thinking in my State. try new wealth creation comes from about is the best interests of the paro- They have 10 job training pilot pro- what we extract from the earth, how chial values for our own States. That is grams in this bill. We don’t need any we use our resources, and it comes how we get this conflagration of people more job programs. What we need to do from exportation of our goods and serv- coming together to pass a bill that, I is make sure the ones we have work ices. That is new wealth, and farming admit, has some limited reforms in it. and have metrics on them. We need to is such a critical component. When we I just heard the Senator from North make sure that when we spend Amer- think about it, we realize our farmers Dakota talk about how we create ican taxpayers’ dollars that we are ac- and ranchers help grow the economy wealth. I could not disagree more. We tually giving somebody a life skill and reduce our Nation’s trade deficit. create wealth by making sure the risk rather than filling the coffers of the North Dakota alone exported more of capital investment is responsive to companies that contract to do all the than $4.1 billion in commodities this market forces. This farm bill is any- job training programs or allowing the year, contributing to farm cash re- thing but that. There is no response to small bureaucracies that suck up the ceipts of over $7.6 billion. market forces because there is no place grants. Oklahoma’s Federal programs But to simply put in a crop, an aver- else in this country where someone can are highly ineffective—especially when age grower in North Dakota spends up- go into a business or an enterprise and we compare them to the State-run pro- ward to $1 million in import costs with be guaranteed that their revenue is grams, which are highly effective. the hope of earning a modest profit, a going to be secure. We even added a So in this farm bill we are creating modest return on that investment at new supplemental low-cost Crop Insur- more job-training programs. It sounds the end of the year. ance Program that all of us who are good. It is a good sound bite on the What is more, each year North Da- not farmers in America are going to floor, and it is a good sound bite in the kota faces challenges completely out of pay the deductible on. Plus, we are press back home. But something is up, their control, such as floods, droughts, going to subsidize 62 to 63 percent of all and what is up is we continue to make price collapse, and the introduction of the crop insurance in the country. the same mistakes as a legislative new pests and pathogens. Each year When we subsidize crop insurance, body. That mistake is that we want to North Dakota growers face an incred- what we are doing is taking the capital please constituents at home more than ible risk—within the last 2 years—the risk and modifying the risk; therefore, we want to fix the real problems in uncertainty of not having a farm bill. markets are not going to work. front of this Nation. They are able to take the risk because We talk about sugar prices. Ameri- Let me talk about SNAP for a the rest of the country takes a little cans are losing candy manufacturers minute. There is not anybody in this bit of risk with them for that food se- like crazy. Why is that? Because Amer- country I want to go hungry. When this curity and national security that icans pay twice as much as the rest of country was first founded, we used American agriculture provides. the world for sugar because we are pro- some very good principles that the For too long this body has debated tecting cane sugar and beet sugar Senate and the House have totally dis- farm and rural policies in place in our farmers rather than letting market regarded in terms of how to help peo- country without providing the needed forces work. ple. certainty to America. Soon—in just a I am very disturbed at the process of I reference the historical blueprint few hours—we will have the oppor- this bill as well. Senator DURBIN and I from a book written by a man by the tunity to prevail by putting rural tried to put some income limitations name of Marvin Olasky. The title of America on a strong ground by passing on the benefits to the wealthiest in that book was called ‘‘The Tragedy of a comprehensive long-term farm bill this country when it comes to crop in- American Compassion.’’ It talks about that stands for our ranchers and our surance. It passed this Senate with 64 how we used to help people versus how producers and stands for the people or 65 votes. It was in the bill when it we are helping them now; how did we who consume agricultural products in left here. The House passed the same build up people as we helped them this country. versus now; how are we tearing down I urge all of my colleagues to vote thing by a voice vote and the conferees people as we help them. It talks about yes on this bill. It is good for my State, took it out. What is the farm bill about? It is creating dependency versus creating it is good for the country, and it is about protecting the well-heeled and responsibility. good for the world. He outlines several factors this coun- I yield the floor. well-connected in the agricultural The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. community. try has used in the past that we ought to be reembracing. Let me list a couple KAINE). The Senator from Oklahoma. I know a little bit about agriculture. Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, I have My dad ran a ranch with 5,000 mother of them. One is we should give relief to 20 to 30 minutes. I would appreciate it cows. I worked on it in the summer and people only after one-on-one personal if the Presiding Officer would notify after school. Back then—in the 1970s— investigation of their need. Let me say me when I have consumed 15 minutes. there were no benefits for a cattle that again. We ought to know they The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- rancher. That has come into the farm need it. Contrast where the money is ator will be so notified. program since the 1970s. It guarantees coming from. The money is not coming Mr. COBURN. I have been in the Con- them that now they will make deci- from today’s taxpayer when we are gress for a lot of farm bills. I saw sions that are against market forces running a $640 billion deficit. The ‘‘Freedom to Farm.’’ I saw the last but will farm the government. money is coming from our kids and our farm bill, the one before that, and now So I say again, only in Washington grandkids. I am looking at this one. It reminds me when we are going to spend $350 billion Do we not have an obligation to of the auto commercial—something’s more on a program over the next 10 know that when we give somebody a up. Well, it sure is. years will somebody claim we are cut- SNAP card they truly need it versus Only in Washington can we claim a ting spending $14 to $20 billion. Only in the fact that the SNAP cards and PIN bill saves $24 billion when it increases Washington will that happen. It is numbers get sold? The SNAP card is the spending 43 percent over the next unique Washington accounting. then used by somebody else. That is 10 years. How does that fit? Is that just We have heard all the proponents say going on throughout this country. That the language of Washington? In fact, what a great job they did. Let me talk is not to say that most of the people we are going to spend almost $1 trillion a little bit about some of the details of who are getting this benefit don’t need over the next 10 years on what should this farm bill. it. Because there is no personal inves- be called a food security bill rather One of the things the President tigation into it and there is no ac- than a farm bill because this is not a talked about—he just put JOE BIDEN in countability on the part of the receiver farm bill. This is a food security bill. charge of the job training programs. He or the giver, we are creating a situa- The language we hear from our col- is supposed to look at all of them to tion in our country where we are un- leagues is totally parochial or product see if they have metrics. The GAO has dermining self-reliance.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S676 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 3, 2014 The second point he made was to give where you can get your revenue on program alone. CBO’s assumption is necessary articles and only what is im- your crops guaranteed at 86 percent that we are not going to do that. But mediately necessary. That means you and the Federal taxpayer is paying most of the leading agricultural econo- have to investigate it in order to give most of the cost of the insurance for mists in this country think corn is what is least susceptible to abuse; to that? going to be under $4, it is going to be give only in small quantities and in Individuals in Oklahoma, Maine, and $3.75, and wheat will decline and soy- proportion to immediate needs and less Virginia are paying higher tax dollars beans will decline. So the score we than might be procured by labor except so we can create a system where we are have on this bill is nonsense because it in cases of sickness. That is a great investing in crops that are not nec- doesn’t reflect the reality of what is principle. Let’s help people, but let’s essarily good for us and causes us to happening out there. help people help themselves. Let’s pay a higher price for a domestically I appreciate the hard work people did don’t create a situation of temptation produced crop versus world markets; on the farm bill. I am highly critical of to do the wrong thing; to give assist- whereas, we could direct the same in- adding new job programs. I think we ance at the right moment, not prolong puts into a product that is much better have missed it completely. We don’t it beyond duration of the necessity for us and we would be much more even know what the real problem is in which calls for it. We don’t do that at competitive. terms of job training in this program, all in any of our programs; to require One of the points I wish to make is and the 10 pilot programs aren’t going each beneficiary absence from intoxi- that in 2013, net farm income was $131 to make a difference anywhere. What cating liquors and drugs; to dis- billion. That is 16.5 percent over what we ought to have is real programs that continue relieving all who manifest a it was the year before, in an economy are WTO-compliant, that reconnect purpose to depend on alms rather than that is only growing less than 2 per- capital investment with the real world their own exertion for support. I don’t cent. Yet we are going to spend almost forces of market prices and markets. have one problem paying my taxes to $100 billion a year in the future, of We spend $200 million a year just on one program—assisting farmers selling make sure people don’t go hungry and which only 18 percent of that will be their products overseas. Do we know have food on the table for their kids. for agricultural programs, outside of I just watched a documentary my the Food Stamp Program. We are going what sells products overseas? Price, daughter referred to me. I have to say, to spend $18 billion to misdirect capital quality. But we have a little $200 mil- as a physician, I understand the sci- in a way that, in the long run, we won’t lion program that everybody in orga- entific tests and the great research see that kind of growth. nized agriculture gets to take advan- that went into this. It is called ‘‘Forks I will finish with other commentary. tage of. They get a couple of trips a year on the Federal taxpayer. It ought Over Knives.’’ It makes the case that It is necessary that we have a farm not be so. If we want to promote prod- most of our health care cost is based on program, but there is one little trick in ucts, we ought to be out promoting our diet. It is very accurate and well this farm bill that everybody ought to them. We shouldn’t be promoting pri- done—except we have no limitations. be aware of. It is the pressure for the vate brands with Federal Government Senator HARKIN and I have tried for next farm bill that is put in this farm years to get limitations on how food bill, and my colleagues know what it money. We ought to create the oppor- stamps and SNAP cards are used. We is. They didn’t eliminate any of the tunity to promote it, but we shouldn’t be doing it. can’t budge anybody to say we ought to permanent law that is on the books; Needless to say, I will not be voting limit it to healthy foods, because for they just let it stay there, and then we for cloture. I will reemphasize that every $1 we spend on food, we are cre- created the farm bill for 5 years. What Senator DURBIN and I had a great ating $1 in health care costs down the is the purpose of that? amendment. Those who signed the con- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- road. ference report and took that out can’t I recommend that my colleagues ator has consumed 15 minutes. stand up and say anything about any- watch that study. It is unbelievable in Mr. COBURN. I thank the Chair. body who is wealthy in this country or terms of heart disease, diabetes, and The purpose is so that in 10 years, the tax rates or anything else, because hypertension. No medicine, just a and in 5 years when we come to an- they just gutted one of the things that other farm bill, the default position change in diet, and all of a sudden would have put back equality in terms will fall back to 1940s-era agricultural those things go away. They go away of the farm program for the very law, which will create pressure to do a because we take Big Agribusiness’s wealthy in this country. We are con- farm bill again. If we do the same next push to use what is profitable out of tinuing to pay hundreds of millions, if time, it is going to cost $1.5 trillion the food chain and then start supplying not billions, of dollars monthly to the over the following 10 years. foods that are actually good for us. most well-connected, well-financed, It seems to me Congress looks back- My best friend is a feed corn, soy- wealthiest people in this country be- bean, and wheat farmer. The farm is in ward instead of forward when it comes cause they are farming the farm pro- excess of 2,000 acres in Oklahoma. On to the farm bill. One of the things we gram. By taking that out, those who breaks, when they are harvesting, I go ought to do is look at the world and did lost all moral authority to ever say down there and drive a grain buggy. I what the population is. I also wish to anything again about income inequal- have only bent the auger on it once. I say that some of the hardest working ity in this country, because those who hear it from a farmer’s perspective. Do people in this country are the people signed the conference report chose to my colleagues know what he tells me? who are in agriculture. I don’t say take that out. these things to demean them, but mar- He tells me we don’t need this any- We understand how politics works. I kets do work. more. We don’t need it. We need deci- understand how politics works. But We hurt our farmers when we take sions on capital investment to be made credibility is important in our country them away from market forces because on risks and markets. No one can tell and we are losing it. We are losing it that will cause them to make decisions me, when we have $131 billion in net here. Look at the polls. We have lost it that are false choices when it comes to farm income this year, that we need to in the Nation’s Capital as far as the capital investment, and those are false be subsidizing 86 percent of everybody’s American people are concerned. We choices for our country because that product, guaranteeing them, no matter haven’t just lost credibility; we are los- means capital is going into something what happens in yield or price, they ing legitimacy, because we wink and that is subsidized by the government are going to get 86 percent. nod to do the parochial vote, even rather than going into something that The cost of this bill isn’t just the $1 though in the best long-term interests is not subsidized that will create a trillion we are talking about; it is of our country we are doing the wrong greater good and more wealth for our going to be much higher. We have had thing. But it sure sells well at home. country. historically high commodity prices. I yield the floor. This bill does exactly that. You real- They have moderated somewhat, but if The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ize in this bill you are guaranteed 86 they go back anywhere close to histor- ator from Minnesota. percent of your revenue. Let me think ical prices, this bill is going to cost at Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I about that. Do you know anywhere else least another $100 billion, just in one rise today to speak on two matters.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S677 The first is the farm bill and the sec- We also provided permanent disaster together a bipartisan group, including ond is the U.S. attorney situation in relief for our Nation’s livestock pro- the former U.S. attorney under Presi- my State of Minnesota. ducers, something that is very impor- dent Bush, to advise us on a replace- Being a Senator from a State that is tant when we look at all the dead cows ment for Mr. Jones—even before the a leader in agricultural products and in South Dakota and everything that time we confirmed Mr. Jones because now the sixth biggest State in terms of happened there. of our concern over the problems in the agricultural exports, I can tell my col- I believe the strength of this bill is a office, many of which were on the front leagues that the agricultural sector of testament to the work and leadership page of our newspaper. We were able to this country is strong and it has, in of Chairman STABENOW and her tireless get a recommendation from our com- fact, been a jewel in this economy efforts. I thank Senator COCHRAN as mittee for a replacement, Mr. Andy when we look over the last few years well as Chairman LUCAS, and Ranking Luger. He is a respected litigator, a and we look at the industries that were Member PETERSON from my State, and former assistant U.S. attorney. hit so hard during the downturn. Our then also Congressman TIM WALZ who It has now been 196 days since we food supply remains strong. Part of served on the conference committee as made that recommendation to the why it remains strong is because we well. President. It has been 187 days since have believed in investing in agri- This bill is important to the farm- Director Jones was confirmed with no culture and agricultural research and lands of our country, but it also is good full-time U.S. attorney again in the of- in the next wave of machinery and all for rural economies. I believe we do fice. While the office has continued to kinds of things, and it has helped our right by ourselves when we do right by provide the United States with the country, it has been a positive for our our rural communities. high-quality legal representation it de- country. I was listening to my colleague from serves, Minnesota needs a full-time We have 80,000 farms in Minnesota. Oklahoma, and I too have been on com- U.S. attorney. We are an exporting State, and it is bines with farmers. I will say I wasn’t Mr. Luger sailed through the Judici- one of the major reasons our unem- driving that combine, which wouldn’t ary Committee with no objections. He ployment rate is down to 4.6. Because have been good for the farm or the has passed all the tests necessary, in- it is not just about the small farmers neighboring farms. I was a passenger. I cluding the FBI test. He has the sup- all over our State, it is also about the heard a different story from my farm- port of law enforcement with whom I businesses and the employees, and it is ers in terms of the concern about have spoken. He has the support of one also about the fact that we are a coun- bouncing from year to year and not of our Republican Congressmen in the try that makes its own food and is not knowing what the policies are, and how area. I want to thank Senator GRASS- dependent on foreign food the way we good it has been to have a 5-year policy LEY, who also supports him and has are dependent on foreign oil. in place for farm policy, how far we raised issues with the Minnesota U.S. I fought hard to get on the agri- have come from those freedom-to-farm Attorney’s Office because of the fact culture committee when I came to the days when we were foreclosing on that we have not had a full-time attor- Senate. I was honored to serve on the farms all over our State, and how we ney for 888 days, and he has been sup- farm bill conference committee under want to be able to continue to produce portive of our efforts to quickly move Senator STABENOW’s leadership. We food in our State and to encourage Mr. Luger’s nomination, not just worked together, as the Presiding Offi- young farmers and ranchers. That is through the committee but to the cer knows, on a bipartisan basis to put why that amendment was part of my floor. together a farm bill that strengthens Senator GRASSLEY is in a similar sit- major focus, which was to give them the safety net for our Nation’s family uation because his U.S. attorney for some breaks on crop insurance and farms, preserves critical food and nu- the Northern District of Iowa was nom- grazing their cattle on CRP land. trition programs, and brings down the inated on the same day and is also I urge my colleagues to support this deficit compared to the last farm bill awaiting confirmation on the floor. bill. to the tune of over $20 billion, which is Again, they have both come through one of the reasons we wanted to put U.S. ATTORNEY FOR MINNESOTA the Judiciary Committee without any this new farm bill in place. The bulk of Now I wish to turn to a very different objection. the savings comes from the transition topic, which is Minnesota’s U.S. attor- So why is this important? Well, I ran from those direct agricultural subsidies ney. This is an appalling situation, as a prosecutor’s office with about 400 to a more risk-based management sys- the Presiding Officer will hear by the people for 8 years. We worked directly tem of crop insurance. numbers. For 887 days, Minnesota has with the U.S. attorney’s office. We We also worked hard in the conserva- not had a full-time, permanent U.S. at- were there during 9/11 when the U.S. tion area, which is very important in torney—887 days. During that time, Attorney’s Office in Minnesota was my State where hunting and fishing from August 2011 to August 2013, Todd dealing with the Moussaoui case. As are a way of life. The conservation pro- Jones was responsible for doing two you remember, he was caught in Min- visions are streamlined from 23 to 10 jobs. He was responsible for being the nesota. They were dealing with ter- and we have the support of hundreds of U.S. attorney in Minnesota as well as rorism issues. We worked hand in hand. environmental and conservation being the Acting Director of the Bu- We took a number of their white-collar groups, including Pheasants Forever, reau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, cases. which is based in Minnesota, as well as and Explosives. As my colleagues can I have been able to witness firsthand Ducks, Unlimited. imagine, with the mess after Fast and how day in and day out you need a U.S. We also worked hard in the energy Furious, he had a lot of work to do at attorney to make very difficult deci- area to finally fund that title, to ac- the ATF and that was his major focus. sions as to what cases to go forward on, knowledge that we need many sources Meanwhile, we kept going with some and especially without a full-time U.S. of energy in this country, including fine prosecutors, but we didn’t have a attorney it is very difficult to decide biofuels, wind, and solar. That is a big full-time leader. where to put limited resources in terms part of this bill as well. Over the summer, thanks to my col- of strategic decisions. We have not had We kept the nutrition programs league from the State of Arizona, Sen- that person in place for 888 days. strong just by the fact that we were up ator MCCAIN, we were able to finally Protecting our Nation from terror- against suggested cuts of $40 billion confirm Todd Jones to that job. The ists is a top concern for all of us. When from the House of Representatives, and ATF had been without a permanent di- you hear of the Minnesota U.S. Attor- we found a way to make some changes rector for 7 years. We got that done. Of ney’s Office, you might not think: ter- that might not have been our top pri- course, then it officially left the Min- rorism. But in fact, the U.S. Attorney’s ority, but they were ways we were able nesota U.S. attorney’s position open, Office in Minnesota is renowned for its to move on the farm bill and work with even though it had already really been counterterrorism efforts and terrorism some of these States that were open for 2 years. prosecutions, especially investigating leveraging their heating assistance for Even before that decision was made the terrorist organization al-Shabaab. food stamps. Most States were not af- by the Senate to confirm Todd Jones, For years, authorities have been on fected. My State was not affected. Senator FRANKEN and I had gathered alert for al-Shabaab in Minnesota.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S678 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 3, 2014 In Operation Rhino, the Minnesota we are awaiting putting in a U.S. at- Program and the Countercyclical Pro- U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted Omer torney so that Mr. Luger can hire an gram. We also close loopholes in our Abdi Mohamed, who recruited young administrative officer. This is not a Food Stamp Programs and conserva- Somali Americans to fight for terror- small office. There are more than 100 tion programs, which generated about ists in Somalia. Mohamed was indicted people working there, including 54 law- $16 billion in savings, according to the in November 2009 in Minnesota and yers. Again, they are without a full- Congressional Budget Office, and I ap- pled guilty in July 2011 to conspiracy time boss and a leader. I think these plaud the conferees for their efforts. to murder, kidnap, and maim abroad. hard-working prosecutors and the peo- But, unfortunately, just about every This operation is part of an ongoing ple they work with deserve a leader in subsidy eliminated under the farm bill terrorism investigation. As you know, the office. is simply reinvented into a new and there have been suicide bombings in When Minnesota was first made a many times more expensive program. Somalia—sadly, recruiting people out State, President Zachary Taylor filled For example, we have a new thing of our Somali community in Min- the position of U.S. attorney in 2 days called Agriculture Risk Coverage Pro- nesota. We are proud of that commu- for our young new State. Back then, gram, which locks in today’s record- nity. They are an incredible part of our they deserved a U.S. attorney. If they high crop prices and guarantees farm- State. But this did happen. It has led could get it done in 2 days, I think we ers up to an 86-percent return on their to charges against 18 people for aiding should be able to get it done in 888 crop. Depending on market conditions, al-Shabaab—8 of whom have been con- days. ARC—agriculture risk coverage—could victed, some receiving sentences of up I urge my colleagues to support his cost taxpayers between $3 billion to $14 to 20 years in prison. swift confirmation and give this office billion each year—far more expensive So I ask you, why would you pick an and its hard-working prosecutors the than the $5 billion saved by the elimi- office like this not to have a leader for full-time prosecutor they deserve. nation of the Direct Payments Pro- 888 days? But through a variety of cir- Thank you. I yield the floor. gram. The bill also maintains the $95 cumstances—the fact that the ATF job The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- billion federally backed crop insurance was held up in terms of an appoint- ator from Arizona. program which subsidizes crop insur- ment, and then the fact that this is Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I would ance premiums. We then pile on a new being held up right now—we still do like to make remarks about the farm $20 billion program called Supple- not have a leader. bill conference agreement that is be- mental Coverage Option that subsidizes In addition to terrorism cases, the fore us. crop insurance deductibles. U.S. attorney’s office is also respon- Of course, across the Nation Ameri- The bill also strips out an amend- sible for prosecuting major drug cans are demanding that Washington ment offered by my colleagues Senator DURBIN and Senator COBURN which crimes. Recently, the office won a restore their faith in government. Last would have prevented crop insurance major conviction and played a key role year we saw a Congress crippled by subsidies from going to individuals in shutting down a big synthetic drug- government shutdowns and debt-ceil- with a gross income greater than store in Duluth. And 2 weeks ago, the ing standoffs. We nearly failed to pass $750,000 a year. That amendment was Minneapolis Star Tribune had a major a Defense authorization bill. adopted by 59 votes in the Senate’s news story about a growing and deadly While many of my colleagues have farm bill earlier last year. And guess heroin epidemic in Minnesota. As we high hopes this year for returning to what. Surprise. It is absent from the have seen from the death this weekend the practice of moving legislation conference agreement. Millionaire of someone who was a celebrity, I through the regular order and perhaps farmers can rejoice that their crop in- working under a more open amendment think we all know there have also been surance subsidies are safe. That is mil- process, I am profoundly disappointed heroin deaths all over this country, so lionaire farmers, farmers with a gross that one of the first pieces of legisla- Minnesota is not alone. But we are income greater than $750,000 a year. So tion we will send to the President this alone in that we have not had a chief the next time I hear the managers of year is a $1.5 trillion farm bill. It is a leader in our U.S. attorney’s office to this bill talk about the small farmer, I mind-boggling sum of money that is come up with a strategy to deal with guess they are talking about million- this case for 888 days. spent on farm subsidies, duplicative aires as well. In the first half of 2013, 69 people died nutrition and development assistance But it is all part of farm bill politics. of opiate-related overdoses in Hennepin programs, and special-interest pet In order to pass a farm bill, Congress County, MN. That would be 69 people projects. must find a way to appease every spe- died. Some of these deaths were young Taxpayer groups such as Citizens cial interest of every commodity asso- kids. This is a situation that demands Against Government Waste blasted ciation from asparagus farmers to attention immediately, and Mr. Luger this farm bill as a ‘‘Dung Deal.’’ Last wheat growers. If you cut somebody’s is eager to work with law enforcement week, the Wall Street Journal called it subsidy, you give them a grant. If you on a strategy. ‘‘A Bipartisan Taxpayer Raid,’’ writ- kill their grant, then you subsidize Federal and State law enforcement ing: their crop insurance. Let’s look at sev- also partnered to combat identity theft It’s no accident that Congress dropped this eral handouts that special interests and white-collar crime. Minnesota had porker under the cover of the State of the have reaped in this year’s farm bill. the second biggest white-collar convic- Union hoopla. Handouts to agribusiness and The bill provides $7 million in grants tion in terms of money—next to millionaires, continued trade protectionism for the marketing of sheep. Now some for the sugar industry—it’s all still there. Madoff—in the country. Yet this is an who may be viewing this at home will office that we have chosen not to put a How are we supposed to restore the maybe think I am making it up that leader in for 888 days. The U.S. attor- confidence of the American people with we are spending $7 million of their tax ney’s office won a conviction in a $3.65 this monstrosity? A few weeks ago we dollars for the marketing of sheep. billion-dollar Ponzi scheme case—as I crammed down their throats a $1.1 tril- It also adds a thing called—and I am mentioned, the second biggest Ponzi lion Omnibus appropriations bill load- not sure I pronounce it right—‘‘japon- scheme in U.S. history. ed with wasteful spending. Tomorrow ica rice.’’ Japonica rice is a sushi in- Currently, Minnesota’s U.S. Attor- we will wash the omnibus down with gredient grown primarily in California, ney’s Office is headed by an acting di- another trillion dollars. The only pol- and it is added to the list of products rector. But an acting director simply icy that gets bipartisan traction in that can receive farm subsidies. cannot provide the same kind of lead- Congress is Washington’s desire to The bill provides $100 million to pro- ership as a full-time U.S. attorney. hand out taxpayer money like it is mote the maple syrup industry. I re- I know that the local heads of the candy. peat: $100 million to promote the maple DEA, FBI, and other Federal and State We have heard about some of the syrup industry. It says American tax law enforcement agencies are very anx- ‘‘savings’’ generated by this farm bill. dollars will go to—and I quote from the ious to get a U.S. attorney in full time. It is true there are noteworthy cuts to bill—‘‘promote research and education I would also note that we also do not several outdated Depression-era farm for maple syrup production . . . pro- have an administrative officer because subsidies such as the Direct Payments moting sustainability in the maple

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S679 syrup industry . . . and market pro- oil in midst of frigid winter.’’ The arti- catfish office inside the U.S. Depart- motion for maple syrup.’’ cle reads: ment of Agriculture at a cost of $15 So, my fellow citizens, the next time Congress’ mammoth farm bill restores the million a year. you see an advertisement for maple imposition of an extra fee on home heating The USDA will hire inspectors to vis- syrup, you may want to watch it be- oil, hitting consumers in the cold-weather ually inspect catfish in seafood facili- cause it is your tax dollars that paid states just as utility costs are spiking. The ties—only catfish and not shrimp, not for it. fee—two-tenths of a cent on every gallon a cod, not a tilapia, but only a catfish. It places a 15-cent fee on harvesting sold—was tacked onto the end of the 959-page We are going to have a special office bill, which is winding its way through Cap- called—appropriately—the catfish of- Christmas trees. Not even Christmas is itol Hill. The fee would last for nearly 20 left out of this one—a 15-cent fee on years and would siphon the money to develop fice, to inspect visually catfish in sea- harvesting Christmas trees. That equipment that is cheaper, more efficient food facilities—and only catfish. money then is earmarked for pro- and safer, and to encourage consumers to up- Senator SHAHEEN and I and 11 other moting the orchard industry. date their equipment. The heating oil fee Senators have sponsored legislation to There is $12 million for a ‘‘wool re- was backed by Northeast lawmakers who kill this catfish program. I have been search and promotion’’ program. There said it would fund important research to opposing it for years. In 2012, our legis- are a lot of needy areas of America benefit consumers. lation was adopted in the Senate by The bill prohibits oil companies from pass- today, but I had no idea that wool re- voice vote. I assure the distinguished ing the fees on to consumers, but taxpayer manager of the bill that is the last search and promotion was worthy of advocates said that’s a sham and that the $12 million of our tax dollars. money has to come from consumers. To say time that on this issue I will accept a I think this next one is probably my they can’t pass on the cost, said Diane Katz, voice vote. The distinguished chair- favorite—or unfavorite: $5 million for a research fellow in regulatory policy at the person assured me that with a voice study to—again, I am quoting from the Heritage Foundation, ‘‘It’s kind of silly be- vote this amendment of ours would re- bill—‘‘evaluate the impact of allowing cause of course the costs are going to get main in the legislation, and obviously schools to offer dried fruits and vegeta- passed on. Money is fungible.’’ that has not been the case. bles to children.’’ So here we have a special oil tax on So next time the distinguished man- I know that is a tough decision for consumers where the revenue is ear- ager, if it ever comes up again, assures schools to make, as to whether they marked back to the heating oil indus- me that an amendment of mine will be should offer dried fruits and vegetables try, about $15 million a year according adopted in the final legislation, I will to children. Do we need $5 million to to the GAO. Why is the Federal Gov- have to have better authentication help them evaluate that? ernment in the business of collecting than just taking her word. There is $25 million for a new grant funds for heating oil research on behalf Last year, the House Agriculture program to ‘‘teach children about gar- of the heating oil industry? Committee passed a bipartisan amend- dening, nutrition, cooking’’—and get The bill reauthorizes USDA loan sub- ment to repeal it in the farm bill. De- this—‘‘and where food comes from.’’ I sidies for peanut growers and allows spite all this opposition, the unpopular am sure all over America children are them to use their peanuts as collateral. catfish office resiliently survived con- asking: Where does food come from? If a peanut grower forfeits on their ference. We do not need a new USDA catfish inspection program. The Food This may sound like a well-intentioned USDA loan, the Federal Government and Drug Administration already tests initiative, but this grant program is a takes ownership of the peanuts and taxpayers bear the cost of storing the catfish, along with all other seafood. lot like 18 other food and nutrition pro- But certain farm bill conferees are peanuts. grams that the Government Account- insisting on creating a catfish office The infamous sugar program is ability Office declared duplicative in a because catfish farmers in Southern housed in this farm bill. This is prob- report issued 2 years ago. States do not want to compete against ably the most ongoing scandal in the The Federal Government’s duplica- foreign catfish importers, particularly history of all of the farm bills and of tion of nutrition programs has cost those from Vietnam. Its true purpose is all of the egregious aspects of it. Like $62.5 million annually in previous trade protectionism at the taxpayer’s the peanut program, USDA gives sugar years. So here is a new grant program expense. Under this farm bill, there growers, primarily in Florida, Lou- under the label of ‘‘nutrition edu- will be a virtual ban on catfish imports isiana, and Michigan, hundreds of mil- cation.’’ for several years while foreign inspec- lions of dollars in loans each year. The energy title of this bill doles out tors switch from FDA’s inspection pro- If a sugar grower misses their profit about $881 million in energy programs. cedures to USDA’s catfish procedures. Most Americans do not realize that the margins, they get to keep the loan and The Government Accountability Of- farm bill has become as much about en- transfer their excess sugar to the Fed- fice investigated the proposed catfish ergy subsidies as about farm subsidies. eral Government as collateral. Over office. In four different reports—four There is funding for ethanol research, the past year, sugar subsidies and for- different reports—they called it ‘‘dupli- biorefinery installations, and a sugar- feitures have cost the taxpayers $258 cative’’ and ‘‘wasteful’’ and warned to-ethanol program where the Federal million, while over 640,000 tons of sugar that it fragments our food safety sys- Government purchases surplus sugar was handed over to the USDA. tem by splitting FDA’s ability to in- and sells it at a loss to ethanol pro- You know something. If you really spect seafood. ducers. look at it, there are a few families that In fact, one GAO report was simply American taxpayers will spend $5 control the sugar industry in Florida. titled, ‘‘Responsibility for Inspecting million on the Biodiesel Fuel Edu- Those families, God bless them, have Catfish Should Not Be Assigned to cation Program. Now, if there is any- given generous contributions to both USDA.’’ It called on Congress to elimi- thing that is needed in America, it is a Democratic and Republican parties. So nate the catfish office. Both the U.S. good, vigorous biodiesel fuel education the taxpayers have paid $258 million Department of Agriculture and the program. We are going to spend $5 mil- and over 640,000 tons of sugar was hand- FDA have questioned the scientific lion on it. It is to spread the gospel on ed over to the USDA. Combined with value of the proposed catfish office. the benefits of biodiesel. I have no ob- import tariffs and marketing controls, Several years ago, USDA studied the jection to the use of biodiesel. In fact, the USDA Sugar Program costs con- idea and concluded that there is sub- I think I prefer it much more as an al- sumers over $3 billion every year, one stantial uncertainty regarding the ac- ternative compared to corn ethanol. of the most obscene Federal farm sub- tual effectiveness of a USDA catfish in- But here we have $5 million to educate sidies ever conceived. This farm bill, spection program. Even the President’s consumers on the benefits of biodiesel. advertised as full of reforms, does noth- budget proposed to zero it out. Hidden in this bill is a tax on heating ing. American consumers should also be oil. Just yesterday, the Washington Another bizarre handout in this farm concerned about the trade implications Times talked about the farm bill’s Na- bill that I have been involved in now of this program. Some nations, includ- tional Oilheat Research Alliance Pro- for many years is the creation of a cat- ing Vietnam, have threatened WTO re- gram in an article entitled ‘‘Congress fish office. Again, I assure my col- taliation against American agricul- seeks to jack up fees on home heating leagues, I am not making this up—a tural exports, like beef and soybeans.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S680 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 3, 2014 Trade experts warn that this catfish $8 billion over 10 years (1%), which is barely represents a true compromise in the gimmick is the kind of protectionism larger than Senate Democrats’ opening bid longstanding tradition of the Agri- that harms our efforts to win conces- of $4 billion. culture Committees. The proposal con- sions under trade agreement negotia- The elated conferees are bragging that tinues numerous reforms and progres- they closed a food-stamp ‘‘loophole,’’ but tions like the Trans-Pacific Partner- that’s a rosy interpretation. ‘‘Heat and eat’’ sive policies that we created, expanded, ship, which could reduce the tariffs on is a classic liberal spending tactic by which or strengthened in previous farm bills American products sold to Asian trad- states direct small home-heating assistance when I served as chairman of the Sen- ing partners. checks to households solely to make those ate Committee on Agriculture, Nutri- Again, Senator SHAHEEN and I tried households eligible for food stamps. tion, and Forestry. to eliminate the catfish office in the The reform requires that households re- This agreement is not perfect, and Senate’s farm bill, but the managers ceive all of $20 in annual federal heating as- each side had to give. For example, we blocked the vote on our amendment. sistance (rather than today’s $1) to trigger were very far apart and had to nego- benefits. They must be laughing at that one The House Agriculture Committee did in the grocery lobby. Meanwhile, Repub- tiate on how we were going to support the right thing and passed the farm bill licans abandoned reforms that would have the food assistance programs we have. amendment to eliminate it. Unfortu- tightened the program, such as making food- But, in this bill we have preserved nately, when this bill went to con- stamp eligibility contingent upon asset tests SNAP and rejected the draconian ference, several Senate conferees (as used to be the case) or work requirements House provisions that would have blocked the vote in conference to re- (as under welfare reform). meant the end of food assistance for peal it—actually blocked a vote in con- The farm crew is also boasting they elimi- nearly 4 million people. I take solace in nated the ‘‘direct payment’’ program—hand- knowing that no one who needs this as- ference and actually rewrote the law to outs that go to growers whether they increase it. produce a crop or not. Yet the $5 billion in sistance will be kicked off the pro- It seems that catfish is one bottom savings is rolled back into the government- gram. feeder with friends in high places. At subsidized (and uncapped) crop-insurance As a conferee and as a longtime sup- the end of the day, this farm bill will program as well as a new ‘‘shallow-loss’’ pro- porter of SNAP, what we used to call be hailed by its supporters as reform- gram that guarantees farmers’ revenues and food stamps, I am proud of what we minded. Let me assure the American could balloon to $14 billion a year. have done in this bill to improve public that this is hardly reform. It Speaker John Boehner is getting credit for SNAP—the Nation’s most effective nu- was managed under a closed amend- winning his showdown with Collin Peterson trition program. It has been a crucial over the Minnesota Democrat’s demand for a ment process and will prove to be more new Soviet-style program to manage U.S. support to needy families around the wasteful and costly than any farm bill milk supply. The conferees stripped that country, particularly during the recent we have ever seen. stinker, but they salved Mr. Peterson’s feel- economic downturn. For these reasons, I urge my col- ings by fiddling with a separate insurance First, we took a number of steps to leagues to join me in opposing this bill. program as an alternate means to give gov- improve overall program administra- I ask unanimous consent to have print- ernment control over milk production. tion and program integrity. While ed in the RECORD the Wall Street Jour- Handouts to agribusiness and millionaires? SNAP is extremely efficient and effec- nal Editorial appropriately entitled, Continued trade protectionism for the sugar tive with low rates of fraud, we can al- industry? It’s all still there. Heritage Foun- ways strive to do better. This bill ‘‘A Bipartisan Taxpayer Raid.’’ dation research fellow Daren Bakst notes There being no objection, the mate- that the GOP even rolled over for President equips States and USDA with a number rial was ordered to be printed in the Obama’s Christmas tree tax, which demands of new tools to continue their strong RECORD, as follows: a 15-cent assessment on every fresh-cut track record on program administra- [From the Wall Street Journal, Jan. 28, 2014] Christmas tree, to fund an industry pro- tion. A BIPARTISAN TAXPAYER RAID motional program. In this bill we have provided USDA Republicans get credit for keeping the bill (Editorial) with additional resources to improve free of earmarks, and for bucking Demo- President Obama delivered his State of the integrity. USDA has a strong and com- cratic demands that the bill’s savings go to mendable commitment to rooting out Union address Tuesday night to the usual bi- more spending, rather than deficit reduction. partisan cheers for proposals that don’t have But with the Congressional Budget Office re- fraud in the program. But the number a chance of becoming law and that half the porting on Tuesday that the bill saves a pa- of stores accepting SNAP has increased Members despise. If you want to know what thetic $16.5 billion over 10 years (rather than significantly, which means that USDA they were really cheering about, take a gan- the $23 billion negotiators claimed), these must continue to improve its efforts to der at the gaudy spectacle of the 2014 farm are linings without much silver. monitor retailers. This bill provides bill, which gives bipartisanship a bad name. The apparent GOP political calculation is USDA with additional resources to Congressional negotiators on Monday un- that it needs an election-year farm bill to so- veiled this hulking 949-page special-interest boost its use of technology, for exam- lidify its rural-voter support and to ward off ple, by taking advantage of innova- bonanza, which will cost nearly $1 trillion President Obama’s attacks that they are over 10 years—or more than President mean to poor people. Talk about premature tions like data mining, which can show Obama’s stimulus. House Agriculture Chair- surrender. Unlike the autumn government patterns of redemption among retailers man Frank Lucas, said to be a Republican, shutdown, the farm bill did give them real and help pinpoint outlets that may be and Senate counterpart Debbie Stabenow political leverage. Democrats and Mr. Obama abusing the program. We expect USDA (D., Mich.) are advertising the bill’s token want food stamps and a farm bill. Repub- to use data analysis and other smart savings and reforms. The real headline is licans could have held out at least for some tools to uphold the program’s high how complete a victory this is for the enti- reform progress. The main achievement of compliance standards. tlement and farm-subsidy status quo. this bill will be to re-elect Mr. Peterson, the Start with the fact that the subsidy pro- The bill also provides funding for Democrat, and give more GOP voters reason pilot projects for State and Federal grams are still linked to food stamps. House to wonder why they elected these guys. conservatives last summer revolted to force Oh, and it’s no accident that Congress partners to address retailer fraud. the chamber to separate the two, in an at- dropped this porker under the cover of State States selected for the pilot must dem- tempt to end to the unholy alliance of urban of the Union hoopla. GOP leaders are eager onstrate a commitment of resources to Democrats and rural Republicans that sus- to leave town for their annual retreat and to recipient trafficking and they must tains the growth of both. The conferees nego- avoid a conservative revolt. So they are prove that they have accurately deter- tiated a remarriage. planning a vote Wednesday morning, fewer Republicans also caved on a House provi- mined fraud. The States that have suc- than 48 hours after it was unveiled. cessfully found and fought fraud should sion to limit the food-stamp reauthorization So much for Mr. Boehner’s promise to run to three years, which would have required a a more transparent Congress and allow 72 receive priority in partnering with debate on a separate timetable from farm hours for Members to read what they are USDA on the retailer fraud pilot subsidies in the future. The final bill reau- voting on. The American people elected a projects. But success is not defined as a thorizes everything for five years, setting GOP House not merely to oppose the Obama State that has used threats to persuade the stage for a logrolling repeat. agenda, but to stand for real reform. They recipients to accept disqualification. As for food stamps, the House bill had re- deserve a lot better than this. duced future 10-year spending by $39 billion— Subsequent audits must confirm that a mere 5%—in a program that has doubled in Mr. MCCAIN. I yield the floor. the State disqualified participants who cost since 2008 and is now about $80 billion a Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, the con- truly were guilty of fraud and not con- year. The ‘‘compromise’’ settles for a cut of ference report for the 2014 farm bill fused about their rights or scared

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S681 about the possibility of being pros- food benefits because their lives are While I am focused on using back-end ecuted under criminal law, as it is un- chaotic and messy. We do not want vul- data matching to implement this pro- derstandable that some innocent peo- nerable people to feel that their food vision, I would like to discuss the bill’s ple may be. benefits are conditioned upon giving provisions that have to do with what One of the thorny issues we wanted the right answer about why they lost we call data matches. Data matching to tackle was the issue of how to han- their card. We cautioned USDA to helps SNAP to preserve its record of dle when clients request to have their make sure that this provision was not strong program integrity and also cuts EBT card replaced multiple times. The used to delay benefits in any way. We States’ and applicants’ paperwork re- concern was that some households were can balance program integrity needs quirements. repeatedly reporting their cards stolen with compassion for our most vulner- First, the bill makes it possible for or lost. USDA thought that some able citizens. SNAP to more easily exchange data households requesting that their cards The farm bill also tightens SNAP eli- with other programs by adding Federal be replaced 10 or more times per year gibility in response to some rare cases. standards for such data sharing. This were selling those cards. We wanted to One of the provisions that got a lot of sensible provision means that our sys- empower the agency to address that attention was the provision that reiter- tems can ‘‘talk’’ with each other across issue. In the case when a household re- ates that felons who have been con- the various State and Federal pro- quests an excessive amount of card re- victed of certain crimes such as murder grams. It is a welcome and timely placements, the household must pro- and who violate their parole or proba- change. We expect the administration vide an explanation about why they tion cannot be eligible for SNAP. to protect individuals’ personal private need another card. We know from expe- SNAP has long banned fleeing felons information and prevent it from being rience that some households request from the program. My good friend misused. multiple cards because they are con- former Senator Lugar championed that We also are requiring States to use fused about program rules. We heard rule. But Members felt that it was im- HHS’s National Directory of New Hires one report about an elderly woman who portant to reiterate this rule with re- when certifying a household for SNAP requested a card replacement each spect to ex-offenders who served time to help the State determine eligibility month because she thought she was for particularly heinous crimes. As has and what level of benefits the house- been the case for many years now, supposed to throw away the card after hold should receive. Right now States’ those who serve their sentence and are she used the benefits. By asking house- use of the database is optional. We in compliance with the terms of their holds to provide an explanation, States think the Federal database could be parole or probation and who are other- will be able to accommodate individ- helpful to States to find important in- wise eligible for SNAP may apply for uals who need more help to access their formation about the employment of and receive assistance through the pro- benefits. Of course, making a house- noncustodial parents who live or work gram. This provision does not change hold wait to receive a new card until it in other States. provides an explanation is a burden for anything with respect to program eligi- Finally, the bill puts in statute the bility or program operations. States al- the household. Increasingly, States existing State practice of using the ready have the processes in place to aren’t answering their phones in a Federal Systemic Alien Verification implement this provision. timely way. So this requirement Second, over the last several years, for Entitlements Program, or SAVE, to should not be imposed on households there have been highly publicized in- verify immigration status. States can unless we have a reason to believe stances where SNAP participants who use this to efficiently determine eligi- there is a problem—either with their won big at the lottery continued to re- bility without requiring a household to ability to use the card or with program ceive SNAP. My understanding is that fill out unnecessary forms or find pa- integrity. We expect that USDA will both of these winners lived in Michi- perwork. This does not change any- not impose this new requirement on gan. Of course, people who win millions thing with respect to immigrant eligi- households that lose their cards a few of dollars from the Powerball do not bility rules or households’ responsibil- times. We understood that they would need the help of SNAP, and for the ities. This requirement is another ex- set the trigger for the explanation at most part program rules would already ample of a behind-the-scenes adminis- least at 4 times a year. exclude them. But we wanted to be trative efficiency in the bill. The use of It is also important that households sure that this type of thing never hap- the Income Eligibility Verification be able to provide their explanation pens again. We included a provision to System, or IEVS, will remain optional, through any number of options, such as prohibit households where someone though. It is sensible for the adminis- over the phone to their EBT customer won a substantial amount of money tration to set standards for how to service center, via e-mail or mail. Most from a lottery or gambling from par- verify immigration status through a important, we don’t want SNAP agen- ticipating in SNAP. We are leaving it national immigration data set. Given cies requiring households to provide to USDA to define ‘‘substantial’’. Our low rates of error and fraud in SNAP, their explanation in person. That is too expectation is that they will not in- we did not want to dictate how and burdensome a requirement, particu- clude nominal winnings that don’t per- when States use IEVS. larly when many offices may be far manently change the household’s eco- On the topic of data matches, I want away from a given recipient and have nomic circumstances or their ability to to make clear that we want States to long lines and delays to see someone. purchase food. use available data sources containing And, no matter what the reason a We also expect USDA to work with up-to-date, accurate information that household provides, States cannot States to ensure that this provision is helps determine SNAP eligibility and withhold their card or use withholding implemented behind the scenes with- benefit levels as States are making the card as leverage to compel some out asking questions of clients. While their decisions. Matches can help us to other action. Obviously, if the State we had two lottery winners, the nearly verify what clients tell us and reduce believes the household has committed 47 million people who participate in burdens on them. Matches can also fraud or doesn’t believe their expla- this program are struggling. We don’t identify information that clients failed nation, the State should investigate. If want them to be asked if they had won to reveal. However, data matches are they discover illegal activity, they can the lottery when they are going sometimes wrong and they can require pursue a fraud violation through reg- through the process of applying for a lot of staff work to correct, as well as ular program rules. Those are steps benefits. State lotteries and gaming place undue burdens on clients. This that come after the State reissues the commissions must report winners that bill should not be interpreted to force food card. I am particularly concerned exceed the threshold to state SNAP States to seek or to use unhelpful data about how this provision is imple- agencies. That way, State agencies can matches or where they determine the mented with respect to vulnerable remove individuals with substantial data match is not cost-effective. We ex- groups such as the homeless, people lottery or gambling income without re- pect the Secretary will help States de- with disabilities, or seniors. We don’t quiring reports from every participant termine the best ways to use the data want these individuals or any strug- or adding questions to current SNAP sources. It is not sensible to pay for gling household to lose access to their forms. matches for all individuals or to do the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S682 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 3, 2014 matches every month or quarter, rath- programs. States can draw these pilots has been asked to work. Willful refusal er than as the State is making an eligi- from SNAP E&T components, but the to cooperate is different from failing to bility decision or if the State has un- programs can also include work sup- perform adequately at work. Some low- certain information about a SNAP re- ports, like child care or transportation skilled workers will fall short at the cipient. States need the flexibility to assistance, that those with low-paying workplace as a result of taking jobs determine that an individual living a 2- jobs often cannot afford. We want to that may be at the outer limits of their hour drive from the State border with help States build pioneering volunteer ability. This is a difficult determina- a verified long-term job in the commu- programs, which if focused on skills tion, and a State may have a hard time nity does not need to be checked in the building or education programs, might telling with a private sector employer new hire data base to determine if he is boost an individual’s employability. It whether an individual wilfully refused working out of State. We expect USDA was imperative in this effort that to comply or whether the employer to work with HHS to find ways to hold States be creative and try different ap- made demands that the employee could the costs of the match to State agen- proaches to addressing the barriers not, for whatever reason, comply with. cies and the Federal Government in that could be keeping individuals from In such instances, it is inappropriate check, while maximizing payment ac- working, such as stable housing or for States to take away SNAP benefits. curacy. As always, States must ensure childcare. In designing the pilots, we did not in- that SNAP applicants and recipients We recognize that it is far better for tend in any way to take away from always have a chance to prove that the long term for people to secure and States’ existing authority to treat jobs data matches are inaccurate. keep unsubsidized jobs in the private that SNAP applicants and recipients As useful as data matching can be, sector. So we have allowed those types have found for themselves as allowable we need to remember to ensure some of arrangements to be considered part work activities and support such work balance on program integrity efforts. It of the pilots. But because States will with support services like childcare is an inefficient use of resources to have much less control over informa- and transportation. Figuring out which services and ac- have eligibility workers looking for in- tion about what private employers are tivities work the best for different formation about clients every minute doing, we needed to include significant types of people is a hard nut to crack of the day. Asking States to follow up safeguards. We fully expect that these in the job training world, but it is one pilots will operate under longstanding on matches that may not yield any of the main goals of these pilots, and so protections from the SNAP law and changes in eligibility or benefit levels we have required a careful evaluation. other laws against the displacement of isn’t a good use of States’ time and re- With the low-wage labor market the other workers, as well as workplace sources. In the last two farm bills, we way it is and such a high percentage of took steps to establish certification protection laws such as those for SNAP recipients working already, we rules such that States would carefully health and safety, wage and hour must ask how we will know whether assess eligibility at certification and standards, family leave, workers’ com- the State’s program and services made recertification. In the interim, unless pensation, and the like. a difference. So we have required that The initial House proposal in this States had information to suggest that only projects where the State can guar- area was surprising in its harshness. clients were income ineligible or par- antee they will participate fully in the ticipating in two households, house- The House essentially gave States in- evaluation should be included in the holds were to continue to receive bene- centives to throw off of SNAP people pilot. We especially want to know more fits without disruption or inquiries who could not find jobs. Furthermore, about how States can most effectively about their circumstances. Those the proposal allowed States to then assess SNAP participants’ needs early changes worked. Overall program par- spend on whatever they wanted the and match those needs to the right ticipation is up among eligible house- savings obtained from throwing people education and training programs and holds, suggesting that we were right to out of the SNAP program. I thank the other supportive services that will make it easier for households to main- leadership of the conference com- positively affect that individual’s job tain benefits. States need to focus on mittee, especially Chairwoman STABE- prospects. adjudicating eligibility at application NOW, for holding firm to the principle Even though we have invested heav- and renewal. This framework informed in designing these work pilot projects ily in these handful of pilots, we also our approach to the use of datasets. We that we should not give States any new want to learn more broadly what is want States to use third-party data to authority to take away people’s SNAP working and not working so well across make eligibility renewals as efficient benefits when they cannot find jobs. the country in getting SNAP partici- as possible. But, this information is The rules under the pilot project for pants the skills and training they need not meant to be used in fruitless fish- sanctioning people will be the same as to get and keep a well-paying job. So ing expeditions to prove households in- under current law in terms of when under the bill States must report more eligible or to find data that requires sanctions can be applied and for how on the results of the services that they needless back-and-forth between the long. provide to SNAP participants. Using client and the agency during their cer- When it comes to sanctioning indi- this information, USDA will work with tification period. viduals for refusing to cooperate in em- the other experts in job training to im- I would like to turn now to talk ployment and training programs, we prove assessment of whether SNAP em- about one of the more exciting aspects already have in place protections to en- ployment and training can attain more of the nutrition title. The final bill in- sure that if there are good cause rea- longlasting results and will push cludes several reforms of SNAP’s em- sons for noncompliance that individ- States to focus on proven activities. ployment and training program, in- uals cannot be sanctioned. Similarly, We will rely upon this information cluding new investments in identifying for how these are extended to employ- when we reauthorize the program five innovative job training opportunities ment activities under the pilots, the years from now. We understand that for this population. agreement ensures that unless clear SNAP participants are often poorer Most SNAP participants who can evidence shows that an individual and have lower education and skills work, do work. As we know, however, wilfully refused to take actions that than people who participate in other millions of Americans are out of work. she or he could safely and properly job training programs, and as such, we So we want to find more ways to help take, participants in employment ac- made clear we must have appropriate those who are able to work but have tivities in the work pilots may not be expectations of these services’ out- been unable to secure a job. We also subject to sanctions. For instance, no comes and take those differences into want to find ways to build and grow sanction will apply if the employer account. In this slow-growing econ- the skills of workers so that they may gives the individual fewer hours than omy, everyone will not find work im- find better jobs with better pay. expected or if the individual’s mental mediately. Sometimes we have to in- SNAP work programs will receive or physical disability prevents the indi- vest now in building skills to see a bet- better, and more, funding in this bill. vidual from succeeding at the work or ter outcome for people in the future, It gives $200 million to pilot and evalu- if childcare or transportation is not and when designing measures, we ex- ate new state employment and training available at the time when he or she pect USDA to take a long-term view.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S683 As I mentioned above, upfront assess- less stigma. USDA should not approve stand that the Department has not ment is key, and so, while individual State attempts to require photos on fully enforced this rule. One solution assessments already are a requirement SNAP cards unless there is an airtight would be for the Department to allow for SNAP work registrants, we expect way of making sure every household States to protect households during the USDA to have a focus on assess- member can use the card, as well as the transition with a one-time increase ment as part of the state measures. any other person who is authorized to in the month prior to cover the transi- Now, let’s turn to how this farm bill shop for the SNAP recipient. There is tion period. modernizes SNAP through a number of no need for SNAP to pursue such meas- In this debate over the last several improvements for retailers. ures when other card issuers, like cred- years I heard repeated concerns, par- The way we buy our food is evolving it card companies, have not insisted on ticularly from some House Members, rapidly, and this bill helps SNAP re- such measures to maintain security that SNAP was somehow out there re- main in step. This bill gives the Sec- even though those cards are issued to cruiting people who don’t need food as- retary authority to test mobile tech- individuals. sistance to sign up. This is a ridiculous nology use in SNAP, such as applica- One final point I want to make about claim. Quite the opposite is true. Some tions for smartphones that have be- EBT cards. Last fall, because of a people need help learning about the come increasingly common and hold glitch with the computers at an EBT program, and there are many groups special promise to simplify SNAP contractor, Iowa and about 15 other around the country who are working transactions at farmers markets and States had their EBT systems go out of day in and day out to ensure that peo- vegetable stands. But we don’t want re- commission for hours, wreaking havoc ple who need some assistance have the cipients to see higher prices and we in grocery store aisles and leaving information they need to sign up, have don’t want program integrity to lapse thousands without food. In this bill we misperceptions cleared up, and can get as we seek additional ways to accept have taken another step to ‘‘mod- some help navigating what is a very benefits. As a result, we start in this ernize’’ by restricting the ability of complicated and burdensome process. bill with a pilot project to test the States to routinely issue manual At the insistence of the House, we in- idea. We expect USDA to pay special vouchers, but we have created an im- cluded some narrow provisions to pre- attention to testing fraud-prevention portant exception for disasters or sys- vent some perceived, uncommon measures, so that these new tech- tem outages. We expect USDA to cre- abuses. We ended the USDA’s collabo- nologies do not open the program up to ate a simple, fast way for States to de- ration with the Mexican consulate and new schemes for criminal activity. clare that they need to invoke this we prohibit groups who help sign up el- Some things will be tricky in a mobile back-up plan. igible households from being paid on a environment. USDA currently relies on In addition to these changes for how ‘‘bounty’’ basis for each successful ap- inspections of retailers’ stores as a way retailers take SNAP benefits, the bill plication, a practice I don’t believe oc- of keeping out unscrupulous retailers, also raises the bar for retailers in an curs very often, if at all. and so will need to find ways to reli- effort to increase the availability of But we have been assured that we ably distinguish between eligible and healthy foods. Stores that want to par- have done nothing in this bill to under- ineligible or disqualified retailers in a ticipate in SNAP have an obligation to mine the great work that goes on comparable fashion as it implements participate as full partners in making around the country by dedicated indi- this provision. healthy food available to low-income viduals and community groups to help Pilot projects testing purchasing Americans. educate and assist our low-income food online with SNAP benefits also Some retailers have sought to spread neighbors. We still hear that the main are allowed under the bill, reflecting a SNAP issuances out over longer peri- reasons eligible households don’t sign trend in the food industry towards on- ods during the month for the purposes up are that they are not aware of the line transactions. The delivery of gro- of evening out their business. This is program, they don’t understand how it ceries could potentially help elderly or allowed now through staggered works, or they don’t understand the disabled recipients to access food more issuance, and some language in the program rules and can’t get through easily. Of course, we worked here too, statement of the bill managers encour- the process. In this bill, we have done to ensure that the same strong pro- ages USDA to allow benefits to be stag- nothing to change the education and gram integrity standards apply to this gered throughout the month. application assistance activities that potential new way of redeeming bene- I am sympathetic to the need for re- states and community groups can en- fits and we require, in the bill, that the tailers to not have spikes and troughs gage in. We have long prohibited ‘‘re- agency stop the expansion of online in their business, but I am deeply con- cruitment,’’ which is trying to talk transactions if the Department deter- cerned about a practice in some States someone into applying if that person mines the fraud risk is too great. We I have heard of where, as part of a has made an educated choice to not were clear that SNAP benefits cannot State’s staggered issuance plan, house- apply. In this bill we codify that defini- pay for any delivery fees associated holds may receive no benefits for as tion. But we fully expect that it will with online purchases, but we also ex- long as 10 days during a month. Appar- continue to be allowable for USDA, pect USDA to also set standards for the ently this is in the ‘‘transition’’ to States, and other partners to share in- fees to ensure that they are not so high staggering benefits, but this kind of formation about the program, the ad- that, on balance, this provision results hardship in the name of smoothing re- vantages of participation, how the in more hunger. After all, SNAP recipi- tailers business is very troubling. rules work, and to assist people in ap- ents rely on the program because they SNAP benefits already are low and run plying for benefits. Such activities cannot purchase enough food—high out for many households before the end may change someone’s mind about ap- fees would make hunger worse. USDA of the month. To add on another 10 plying, but it is acceptable to change should ensure that fees are capped at days before the household receives the your mind because you learned new, very low levels and are clear to the re- next month’s benefits could be a dev- accurate information or because you cipients so that they are not surprised astating hardship and means more chil- understand what you have to do to at the time the food is delivered. dren, senior citizens, and people with apply. That is not persuasion, but rath- On the topic of modernizing SNAP disabilities going to bed hungry or fac- er, is education, and is still completely benefits, I am troubled by the recent ing heart-wrenching decisions. appropriate under this bill. reports of States seeking to include The SNAP law regarding staggered So to be clear, we have severed the photo identification or fingerprinting issuance actually does provide a re- relationship with the Mexican Govern- as a way of supposedly ensuring pro- quirement to protect households from ment related to SNAP. And while it is gram integrity. That is not a direction stretches without food during the tran- inappropriate for anybody to receive I think the program should go. One of sition. We revisited this provision in their pay as a ‘‘bounty’’ per applica- the main advantages of moving to the last farm bill and again reaffirmed tion, it is fine to be tracking how many SNAP benefit cards, away from the that households may not experience a people a group assists in applying and paper coupons, was that the trans- cut as a result of staggering benefits the outcome of the application process. action looks the same and so there is over the month. Nonetheless, I under- That is just a common, responsible

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S684 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 3, 2014 practice for assessing whether the will result in considerable time pres- in this bill can be used for any of the group successfully is achieving its sure for the Department and States as things that the existing CNMI block goals. Section 16(a) already prohibits a result of the slow process by which grant currently allows for. tying anyone’s pay to the number of the final bill came together. We hope The bill also provides for a pilot pro- people disqualified from SNAP and we they make their best effort to meet gram to test the provision of canned, have extended that principle to appli- these deadlines. But agencies should dried, and frozen fruits and vegetables cation assistance. not establish any claims against house- in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Pro- I do want to address the one signifi- holds for benefits that would have been cant cut in SNAP benefits that the nu- gram. The program, as the name sug- proper under prior rules because new gests, currently allows for only fresh trition title includes. I am dis- rules have not yet been implemented. appointed that as a result of this bill fruits and vegetables. The pilot in the None of this is the fault of any house- conference report was included at the 850,000 very low-income households are hold, and they should not have to expe- going to lose food assistance. There are suggestion of some in Congress who be- rience the hardship of recoupment or lieve that providing other forms of certainly many ways we could have re- tax intercept because the policy- fruits and vegetables will be beneficial invested these funds into SNAP to im- making process moved slowly. for the health of children. prove the program and reduce hard- Several other provisions in the bill’s ship, but I have to agree with my col- nutrition title deserve a mention. I myself am skeptical of the need to leagues that the practice of issuing a In Puerto Rico the Nutrition Assist- make changes to current law with re- household just $1 in energy assistance ance Program block grant plays a spect to the program. As we know from so that they can deduct more income unique role in the safety net because a recent, rigorous evaluation of the than we had intended goes too far and the island does not receive significant Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, it is sensible to address this issue. funds from other programs that are the program is currently effectively In this bill we have limited this prac- available in States, such as TANF and improving child health and increasing tice. It is a painful loss for families SSI. Despite this, Puerto Rico remains consumption of fruits and vegetables. who benefit from this policy, but the shortchanged on nutrition assistance In addition, the program is extremely change repairs the unintended over- too—if NAP operated as SNAP does in popular with both children and with sight. What happens is that States can the States, participation would be 15 schools, with far more schools desiring give SNAP households without heating percent higher and the program would to be included in the program than are or cooling expenses a token LIHEAP cost more than 22 percent more in Fed- able to do so because of limited fund- payment of $1 or less, which enables eral dollars. Because of these inequi- ing. This doesn’t sound to me like a them to qualify for a utility deduction ties, Puerto Rico can currently issue 25 program that is not working. and in turn increases their SNAP bene- percent of its SNAP benefits to house- fits. But the pilot program will settle the holds as cash, rather than in a form question of the health impact of But we do not want this provision to that can only be spent on food. As a re- affect any households in the States canned, frozen, and dried fruits and sult, some of the benefits likely are that have not engaged in this practice vegetables, allowing us to know from a spent on other essential household or to cut benefits for households that sound scientific study whether allow- items. Although I have no objections to do pay for utility expenses in the ing canned, frozen, and dried fruits in- current law, responding as it does to States that engaged in the practice. I creases consumption at a level con- the unique circumstances of Puerto know LIHEAP is a critical program in sistent with a fresh-only program. Rico, on the Agriculture Committee we helping low-income families meet their Luckily, we have a sound benchmark have been under pressure to end this energy needs, especially in cold weath- for purposes of comparison that can be cash allotment. However, I fear that er places and in winters like the one found in the evaluation of the fresh- such a change could be very problem- we’re having this year. When the State only program. And it will be inter- has already determined that a house- atic for some participants who really esting to learn whether other forms of hold needs help paying for utilities, it need access to certain nonfood items fruits and vegetables improve kids is wholly appropriate for SNAP to and lack any other means of obtaining diets in the same way the current pro- piggy-back on that information. We ex- them. This bill requires a study on how gram does. In carrying out this pilot, pect the Secretary to work with States eliminating the cash portion of the nu- we expect USDA to put together the to ensure that where a legitimate trition grant would affect Puerto soundest methodology possible so that LIHEAP payment is made—that is, Ricans. Assuming the study shows that we can compare the performance of the when LIHEAP has determined the it’s feasible to make such a change, the fresh-only program with one that also household pays heating or cooling cash allotment will be gradually provides canned, dried, or frozen fruits costs that such information still can be phased out. But we wanted to be sure and vegetables. used to authorize a utility allowance in to protect poor Puerto Ricans, and so under the bill, if the Secretary deter- In addition, the bill makes a couple SNAP and that nothing should change of changes to the Special Supplemental in how the State makes this deter- mines that eliminating the cash por- tion would cause hardship, he or she Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, mination. All we wanted to do was shut and Children program, known as WIC. down the inappropriate practice of very can exempt categories of participants. small LIHEAP payments to households The exemption could apply to the en- WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition without utility expenses from trig- tire NAP caseload if the study shows education, and health care referrals to gering a full SUA. that changing the policy would signifi- nearly 9 million pregnant and In addition, we also expect USDA and cantly and adversely affect all partici- postpartem women, infants, and very States will work to ensure that house- pants. young children, and has a strong track holds that do not receive LIHEAP but The bill also requires USDA to test record of improving birth outcomes as that do incur utility expenses will con- changes to food assistance in the Com- well as the diets and health of partici- tinue to be able to receive the appro- monwealth of Northern Mariana Is- pants. One reason that WIC has been so priate allowance. Many households do lands. USDA will explore whether effective is that the foods the program pay separately for utilities and need CNMI’s food aid can be configured provides were selected through a rig- the SUA to receive adequate benefits. more like the national SNAP structure orous, science-based process to fill gaps In cases where the cost of gas for heat- and then a pilot is authorized subse- in the diets of the low-income women ing is included in rent but the house- quently to test this new approach. We and very young children who partici- hold pays for air conditioning or where understand that many of SNAP’s ad- pate. There have been many efforts the landlord has a surcharge to rent for ministrative requirements may not be over the years to get Congress to inter- utilities, the tenant should be able to appropriate for CNMI, so we don’t ex- vene in the specific foods offered by claim the higher standard utility al- pect an identical program, just one WIC, the most recent of which has been lowance. that moves in that direction. If the an attempt to require WIC to offer We understand and regret that some Secretary finds that it is not feasible white potatoes. The U.S. Department of the effective dates in this legislation to run such a pilot, the funds available of Agriculture’s decision to exclude

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S685 white potatoes was based on the rec- fighting for them what a pleasure it title of the program. The expected ommendation of the Institute of Medi- has been to partner with him and his costs of nutrition programs are reduced cine, which found that Americans al- really excellent staff, and to have the by $8 billion. The conference report in- ready consume plenty of white pota- opportunity to come here today with a cludes programs to combat waste, toes and providing them through WIC strong bipartisan product that rep- fraud, and abuse. would crowd out purchases of other resents the agricultural and food inter- I am particularly proud of our work vegetables, like leafy greens, that are ests of all parts of our country. to address the needs of our Nation’s truly lacking in participants’ diets. I yield to the distinguished Senator food banks because whether it is in The absence of such a requirement in from Mississippi. Jackson, MS, or in Indianapolis, IN, this legislation reflects a firm commit- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- many people turn to these facilities ment by Congress to protecting the in- ator from Mississippi. when other options are not available. tegrity of the WIC Program by keeping Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I am Other titles of this legislation, such the process of selecting which food to honored to be invited by the distin- as the research title, have proven that offer science-based. guished chairman to proceed in de- keeping the United States’ lead in agri- Another one of WIC’s hallmarks is scribing our work product, the farm cultural research is essential to our that it is very cost-efficient. Each year bill conference report. It has been a maintaining an edge in global competi- Federal WIC spending is reduced by $1.5 true pleasure working with her and the tion. Our land-grant universities, such billion to $2 billion as a result of a members of her staff, it seems like over as Mississippi State University and competitive bidding process for infant a long period of time with her coming Alcorn State University in my State, formula, which results in sole-source to my State of Mississippi and trav- have seen their university-based re- contracts between State WIC programs eling to other regions of the country to search commercialized to improve and infant formula manufacturers. In get a first-hand impression and a lot of American agricultural production. light of the tremendous savings associ- knowledge about the challenges being In addition to agricultural produc- ated with these sole-source contracts faced by the agricultural sector in our tion reforms, this conference agree- country. She has brought to this effort and the valuable health improvements ment contributes to the goal of deficit a lot of enthusiasm and commonsense that WIC participation brings, Con- reduction. The Congressional Budget intelligence and pure old hard work. gress has remained strongly committed Office estimates the bill will save tax- Also, there are the personal courtesies to WIC’s competitive bidding process payers nearly $17 billion. The farm bill that abound to all of us who serve on for infant formula. This legislation baseline was trimmed by $6 billion the agriculture committee in the Sen- calls upon USDA to study the implica- from sequestration, resulting in an ate, during hearings preparing for the tions of sole-source contracting across overall savings of $23 billion. mark-up of an agriculture bill and dur- all nutrition programs, as well as upon Failure to enact this farm bill would ing conference with our colleagues in retailers and consumers, including the leave farmers and related businesses the House to produce a conference re- with uncertainties that have been important role that sole-source con- port. tracts play in WIC. Our consideration I am pleased that this conference re- hanging over the agricultural sector of the WIC Program when it is next re- port represents a 5-year farm bill. It is for the past 2 years. This bill achieves authorized will benefit from a com- very important to production agri- significant savings and addresses a va- prehensive assessment of the implica- culture and to all Americans, as a mat- riety of agriculture needs across the tions of WIC’s infant formula bidding ter of fact. The leadership that we have country. process for participants, retails, and had from other Senators on the com- I urge the Senate to support passage other consumers, as well the implica- mittee is reflected here too. We have of the conference report. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tions for federal cost-containment ef- had an active committee participating forts and the ability of the WIC pro- in hearings as well as our mark-up ses- ator from Michigan. Ms. STABENOW. Again, I wish to say gram to serve all eligible applicants. sions. It has been a pleasure to work what a pleasure it has been to work As I said at the start, this agreement with Senator STABENOW and with all of with the distinguished Senator from is not perfect. Each side had to give a our fellow colleagues on the com- little, but I am proud that we have re- mittee. Mississippi and also with the chairman jected provisions that would have We are recommending reforms in this in the House, Congressman LUCAS, and kicked worthy SNAP recipients off the legislation that are designed to assure the ranking member, Congressman program and this proposal is a sound, producers that we understand the value PETERSON. balanced, bipartisan bill. It contains of a safety net that will support them This really has been an example of significant reforms, and extends and when they are struck by disasters or the House and the Senate working in a funds progressive elements that I was other things that are out of their con- bipartisan way. We are about to take proud to include in previous farm bills. trol. Marketing disasters are just as se- the final steps now in passing the 2014 Coming to agreement wasn’t easy, but vere as weather-related disasters. The farm bill. We have actually passed this this farm bill takes an important step risk management policies in the bill twice in the Senate. Each time we have forward in dealing with the Nation’s recognize the regional differences in gotten large bipartisan majorities be- most important food and agricultural priorities of agricultural production cause of the fact that we have worked issues. I urge my colleagues to support throughout the country. The com- together. it. modity and crop insurance titles of the The final conference report that we The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- conference report reflect how Congress have before us is one of which I believe ator from Michigan. can work effectively to support Amer- we can all be proud. I hope my col- Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, first ican agriculture and at the same time leagues will support it and send it to of all, I thank our majority leader be responsible to taxpayers. the President for his signature. again, as I did earlier today, for his The conference agreement consoli- We all know this has been a long help in bringing this conference report dates and improves programs to en- time in coming—in fact, frankly, way to the Senate as quickly as possible courage farmers and ranchers to use too long. Our farmers and ranchers and for his willingness every step of healthy land and forest management have waited way too long. the way to work with us. I thank my practices to conserve land, water, and This bill has seen a long and winding partner in the Senate, Senator COCH- wildlife resources. Programs such as road, but in the process we have RAN from Mississippi, for his wonderful the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Pro- worked together. We have not quit. We leadership. gram, which will become a part of the have worked across the aisle. The final At this point in time I will turn to Environmental Quality Incentives Pro- bill has the support of over 370 dif- him and allow him to make his state- gram and the Wetlands Reserve Pro- ferent groups, and they represent those ment before proceeding with mine. I gram, are very important elements of a from all over the country and all over want to say to Senator COCHRAN and to new emphasis on conservation. the ideological spectrum. That is be- all of those in Mississippi who are We also achieve savings that are sig- cause we wrote this bill when we were lucky to have him as their Senator nificant from reforms in the nutrition working hard to find common ground.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S686 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 3, 2014 We listened to each other, we respected But it didn’t quite work out that In addition, in order to qualify for ei- each other, and we developed a bill way. Those payments continued, farm ther of these programs, farmers must that works for every kind of agricul- bill after farm bill, even when it was agree to comply with conservation and tural production in every region of our quite clear they were no longer defen- wetlands requirements. They are so im- country, for families, and for con- sible. The checks kept coming in good portant. sumers across the country. years and in bad. In some cases the We are reforming the system to stop We have 16 million people who work checks went to people who weren’t subsidy payments to millionaires, and in America because of agriculture—16 even farming. we have imposed a new, overall cap—a million people. Many of them work in In the budget climate of today, we first-time overall cap—of $125,000, for Michigan. Many of them work in Mis- just cannot afford those business-as- the first time covering both crop sup- sissippi, California, New England, Vir- usual policies of the past. It was one of port and marketing loans, all parts of ginia, North Dakota, and in every my top goals, as we wrote this bill, to the commodity title. other State in this great country. They end direct payments once and for all, This is the overall commodity title grow different crops in different cli- and that is exactly what we have done cap passed by the Senate, even though mates, and they have different needs. together in this farm bill. underneath the cap there were dif- That certainly is one of the challenges, We also went through this bill page- ferences. We are requesting the USDA always, for a farm bill, particularly by-page and made major reforms. We to close what is called the management when we are talking about a farm bill streamlined programs. We have cut red loophole by updating its definition of that reforms programs. Those 16 mil- tape. We have eliminated waste. The ‘‘management’’ and giving the Sec- lion people were on our minds every first thing in this bill, on page 1, line 1, retary, for the first time, the authority single minute as we wrote this bill, and is repealing direct payments. to put limits on the numbers of man- that is why we have such a strong coa- This is not your father’s farm bill. agers on a farm that can qualify for This is a critical step in changing the lition supporting this farm bill. payments. This is a farm bill for the future with paradigm of agricultural policy. In- By ending direct payments once and a whole new focus on responsible risk stead of direct payment subsidies, we for all—by asking farmers to take re- management, healthy, locally-grown are shifting the focus of the farm bill sponsibility for managing their own foods, strong conservation practices, to responsible risk management. Farm- risk, and by partnering with them so clean energy, and research. In fact, it ing is a risky business. In fact, I can’t that they can do it, and by capping think of a more risky business than is a bit of a misnomer to call it a farm farm payments and stopping payments farming in this country. We saw this in bill. It is 12 different bills, all of them to millionaires—we are putting in South Dakota last fall when a freak impressive and worthy of colleagues’ place the most significant reforms in blizzard wiped out tens of thousands of votes, and they all are put together in agricultural policy in decades. This is a cattle and devastated ranchers. We saw what we call the farm bill. bill our colleagues can be proud to vote this the year before when record-set- I want to take a moment to talk for. ting droughts wiped out crops across about these different pieces and all of In hearing some of the opposition, America’s heartland. We saw it in the great policies that we have been people are debating the old farm bills Michigan where the combination of an working on for 21⁄2 years. and not understanding what we have early thaw and a late freeze almost de- The first title, the commodity title, done. if we were going to split off the com- stroyed our entire cherry crop and our Every farmer we have talked to in modity title of the farm bill and give it apple crop. writing this bill said that crop insur- No other industry is as dependent on a name of its own, we would probably ance was their top priority. So we the whims of Mother Nature or on the call it the farm bill. That pretty well strengthened crop insurance and gave wild swings of the market as agri- describes the commodity title. Maybe culture. That is why we have a farm more crops access to this kind of insur- that is why—even though the com- bill. We have a stake, and we should be ance. With this bill, we are taking signifi- modity title of the farm bill is, in fact, proud we have the safest, most afford- cant steps to change the paradigm of smaller in terms of spending this year able food supply in the world because than it has been before—the farm bill we partner with farmers. That is why farmer programs. With crop insurance, has held onto its name all of these risk management is our No. 1 goal in farmers don’t get a check, they get a years. this bill. bill. They may pay tens of thousands of Once upon a time the commodity In fact, it is what farmers have been dollars in premiums and never get a title was the be-all and end-all. The asking for. They want the ability and, check in a year because it is a good first farm bill was written during the more importantly, the responsibility of year and there is no disaster, just like Great Depression, when the entire agri- managing their own risk. Of course, in any other kind of insurance. cultural system in the country broke a country as big and diverse as ours, This bill also includes a very impor- down. Farmers left food to rot in the the risks faced by farmers in Michigan tant permanent livestock disaster as- fields because crop prices were so low. are very different from the risks faced sistance program for ranchers who lose It would bankrupt them to spend the by farmers in Mississippi or Oklahoma livestock due to severe weather, dis- money to harvest and to ship their or Minnesota. That is the key principle ease or other acts of nature. In the products to market. that guided us when we wrote the bill past, Congress had to pass ad hoc dis- At the same time, people were so des- to make sure it worked for all different aster assistance for livestock pro- perate for food that some of the most kinds of crops throughout the country. ducers, adding to the cost and the com- iconic images of the Great Depression As farmers are managing their risk, plexity of the program. These have are long, crowded bread lines that we are giving them the choice to par- been some very tough years for ranch- stretched for blocks and blocks. We ticipate in an Agricultural Risk Cov- ers. In fact, livestock herds are down to have come a long way since the Great erage Program—that we are calling their lowest level since 1951—imagine Depression, and our agricultural farm ARC—which will help them cover that—because of what we have seen. policies are very different than they losses they incur at the individual farm That is why this bill, for the first once were. That is why this farm bill level or county level or they can par- time, has a permanent, funding base- focuses on the future of agriculture in ticipate in a Price Loss Coverage Pro- line, and a system that will ensure our this country. This is not your father’s gram which will trigger if prices drop ranchers don’t go bankrupt because of farm bill. below a reference price. a freak blizzard in October or a scorch- In 1996 Congress passed a law called Both of these programs will use his- ing drought that wipes out a rancher’s Freedom to Farm that eliminated the torically-based acres decoupled from feed supply. This disaster assistance is last vestiges of those production con- production to minimize any influence applied retroactively to October 1, 2011, trols. To give farmers time to get used from the program on farmers’ decisions and makes the program permanent. to the new system, that bill created a on what or where to plant. We don’t One of the worst agricultural disas- system of direct payment subsidies, want them planting to the government ters happened in 2009 to our American which were supposed to be temporary. program. dairy farmers. That is why we worked

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S687 very hard in this bill to strengthen the brought us a plan that conserves soil in many ways were worse than during dairy safety net by replacing the exist- and water resources for generations to the Dust Bowl—the soil stayed on the ing dairy supports with two new pro- come and protects the safety net for ground. We haven’t had a Dust Bowl. grams. The dairy margin insurance farmers to rely on. The soil has stayed on the ground. CRP program, another insurance program, This has been called the greatest ad- was a big part of that, protecting not protects producer margins equal to the vancement in conservation in three only the soil but air quality as well. difference between the all-milk price decades. I wish to underscore for my We also continued an important in- and a national feed cost. We are taking colleagues that this is an important centive program to help older farmers special care to make sure that these in- and historic agreement, and I thank transition their land to beginning surance premiums are affordable for everyone who has been involved in the farmers. small and medium-sized dairy farms, hard work of putting it together. One of the parts of the conservation making sure, especially, that we focus We have also created a new sodsaver title that I am most proud of is a new on any farm with fewer than 200 cows. provision to prevent farmers from focus on regional partnerships. This The Dairy Product Purchase Pro- plowing up native prairie lands, saving will have a big impact on my own gram, which is new and is a part of money for taxpayers and saving abso- Great Lakes—that we in the Great this, gives the Department of Agri- lutely critical wildlife habitat. We need Lakes area love so much—as well as culture the flexibility to purchase to manage land to prevent erosion. the Chesapeake Bay and other critical dairy products, milk, and other prod- That is how we avoid having another areas where there are large-scale re- ucts when margins fall below $4. Those dust bowl during droughts. It is equally gional conservation challenges. We dairy products will be donated for the important to continue preserving wet- consolidated several programs into first time to families in need, through lands that help prevent flooding and one, which will offer competitive, public and private organizations, in- create important wildlife habitats for merit-braced grants to regional part- cluding food banks, homeless shelters, ducks and birds and other waterfowl. nerships made up of conservation and soup kitchens. This was a hard- What else does the conservation title groups, universities, farmers, ranchers, fought compromise on dairy. I have to do? It directly preserves millions of and other private landowners to sup- say my preference would have been acres of wildlife habitat, which in turn port improved soil health, water qual- what we passed twice in the Senate as has helped to rebuild populations of ity and quantity and habitat for wild- a strong dairy policy. But given the re- duck, quail, and pheasants, among oth- life. sistance of the Speaker and the leader- ers. That is why the bill has the strong The final area includes conservation ship in the House and the need to be support of the National Wildlife Fed- easements, which lets landowners vol- able to find something we could move eration, Ducks Unlimited, The Nature untarily enter into agreements to pre- forward on and pass that would work Conservancy, Quail Forever, Pheasants serve wetlands and farmlands and pro- for dairy farmers, we worked very hard Forever, the Audubon Society, World tect them against development and to find a way to move forward to get Food Program USA, and the World sprawl. We consolidated and stream- the votes and support and make sure Wildlife Fund, which are only a handful lined existing easement programs to we were helping farm operations in of the more than 250 conservation protect important land for generations every region of the country. We know groups that have endorsed this bill. to come. the pressures on the New England area To strengthen conservation, we went The farm bill is also an export bill. In farmers are very different from the through every program and focused on fact, agriculture is one of the few areas pressures on our own producers in making it more flexible, easier to use, where our Nation maintains a healthy Michigan or in the Midwest or on the and we were able to take 23 different trade surplus. That is why this farm west coast, and we have worked hard to programs, cut it down to 13, and put it bill continues efforts to expand oppor- find something that works. into 4 different areas with a lot of flexi- tunities for American exports, includ- While title I of the farm bill reforms bility that also allowed us to save dol- ing the Market Access Program, to programs so farmers are taking respon- lars in this bill. promote U.S. agricultural products in sibility for their own risk, title II of The first is working lands, giving overseas markets and develop pro- the farm bill is about risk management farmers the tools they need to be the grams to open new markets for Amer- for the whole country. This is the con- best stewards of their natural re- ican agricultural products. servation bill in this farm bill. In all sources. The centerpiece of this func- The farm bill is also a humanitarian the discussions in the farm bill, it too tion is called EQIP—the Environ- bill that speaks to the best about us often gets overlooked. In fact, it is our mental Quality Incentives Program— and our American values. Around the Nation’s largest and most enduring in- one of the most important conserva- world millions of people get their only vestment in conservation on private tion programs out there for farmers. meals as a result of the generosity of lands, which are the majority of our EQIP gives technical and financial as- the American people through the Food lands in America. sistance to farmers, ranchers, and pri- for Peace and the McGovern-Dole pro- This farm bill includes a historic vate forest owners to help them con- gram. agreement between supporters of tradi- serve soil and water. I saw this last year firsthand in tional commodities and environmental Working lands conservation also in- Haiti, where schools would open bags and conservation groups to link con- cludes the Conservation Stewardship stamped with the American flag and servation compliance to crop insur- Program, which encourages higher lev- provide a modest meal to students ance—critically important as we elimi- els of conservation and the adoption of every day—very likely their only meal nate direct payments and ask farmers new conservation technologies. We that day. I met one little boy who to manage their risk through crop in- continued the conservation innovation saved part of his lunch to take it home surance. We do not want to create un- grants and the Voluntary Public Ac- in his bag to his parents so they could intended consequences of risk for our cess and Habitat Incentive Program, have something to eat that night. lands and our water resources. which allows landowners to get value- In fact, in the life of this program, At the start of this farm bill process, added benefits from their land by open- more than 3 billion—billion—people in commodity groups and conservation ing them to hunting and fishing and over 150 countries have gotten a meal groups were on very different sides on bird watching. We made these pro- thanks to the generosity of the Amer- this issue, but they sat down together, grams even more flexible and added a ican people and the American farmer. they listened, and they found common focus on wildlife habitat, making them The farm bill makes major reforms ground. It turned out their differences easier for farmers to use. to our food aid program, speeding up weren’t as great as they thought they The second area, the Conservation emergency food aid response and giving were. In fact, no one has a bigger stake Reserve Program, recovers highly erod- flexibility to organizations on the in protecting our land and our water ible land from production to benefit ground to supply local food to people in than our farmers. With a little com- soil and water quality as well as wild- need. These reforms mean that because promise and a lot of hard work, which life habitat. Despite record droughts of this farm bill we will feed another is the story of this entire bill, they over the last few years—droughts that 500,000 people around the world. That is

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This is about strengthening the trification brought opportunities to American Jewish World Service, integrity of this program to ensure families across the country in the last among many others. that food assistance is there for fami- century, rural broadband opens doors Of course, we know hunger and pov- lies who have fallen on hard times. for increased commerce and inter- erty strike families all around the The farm bill also includes a number connectedness for the 21st century. globe, including right here at home. I of pilot programs to help people find Ninety percent of community water believe in the richest country in the work or receive job training so they do systems serve 10,000 people or less. We world it is a disgrace for any child to not need food assistance. The Sec- provide mandatory funding to address go to bed hungry at night or go to retary of Agriculture can approve these the backlog of rural water applications school hungry in the morning. Crop in- pilots, which include funding for child at USDA so rural communities have a surance is disaster assistance for farm- care and transportation to make sure safe supply of drinking water. ers who have been hit by a natural dis- individuals are able to succeed. For the first time we prioritize and aster. The nutrition title of the farm The bill increases funding for food reserve funding for rural development bill is disaster assistance for families banks, continues an important effort applications submitted by commu- who have been hit by an economic dis- that provides supplemental food for nities working together on long-term, aster. Most families who need food as- seniors as well as the senior farmers sustainable community and economic sistance only need it for a few months, market program. development plans because these re- and the vast majority of people receiv- I am pleased this bill has the support gional strategies will be more effective ing food help are children, the elderly, of the AARP and others who under- at the local level, and we want to pro- and the disabled, including our disabled stand the importance of senior nutri- vide as much flexibility as possible. veterans. tion. The farm bill’s rural development title When the House of Representatives The farm bill continues efforts to is about entrepreneurship and the last- passed their nutrition bill, they in- serve fresh fruit and vegetable snacks ing strength of small towns across cluded many provisions that would in schools, and includes a new national America in which it invests. As I mentioned earlier today, we are have seriously hurt Americans, such as pilot based on something we do in creating an innovative new Foundation many in Michigan who have paid taxes Michigan called double Up Food Bucks. for Food and Agricultural Research in all their lives, lost their jobs through It essentially doubles the SNAP bene- this bill—modeled after what we do no fault of their own, and are mortified fits for families when they shop for with medical research—to tackle the they need help to put food on the table fresh produce at farmers markets. difficult fight against pests and dis- for their families while they are get- I also wish to mention the healthy eases, and it increases opportunities ting back on their feet. This conference food financing initiative, which ad- dresses the very serious problem of through innovation to create jobs. For report rejects every single one of those too many years, agricultural research harmful provisions. Instead, this final lack of access to grocery stores in low- income neighborhoods. There are many has suffered because of budget cuts conference report before us strengthens over and over. This new research foun- places in Michigan where this is a very the integrity and accountability of the dation will bring together public and serious issue. This financing initiative Supplemental Nutrition Assistance private funds to maintain a steady will help families put healthy food on Program—or SNAP—ensuring every stream of funding for this important the table while creating jobs in neigh- dollar is spent responsibly so those who research. We provide $200 million in borhoods across the country. need help can get it. seed money, and it can be matched by It is also important to stress that the The bill stops lottery winners from $200 million from the private sector in Congressional Budget Office projects being able to get SNAP benefits and an ongoing commitment. stops the use of SNAP funds at liquor that this farm bill, in addition to ad- In addition to the new research foun- stores. It also includes an important dressing fraud and abuse, will spend dation, we have a major new focus on provision that addresses what the $11.5 billion less on food assistance the food and agricultural research through- Washington Post called ‘‘a black eye right way—by the economy improving out this bill. We have a major focus on on the program.’’ We have streamlined and people going back to work. So the specialty crops research initiative eligibility requirements to cut down on when we look at the fact that the num- to find solutions to pests and diseases wasteful duplication, but a number of bers are going down, it is because of that affect fruit and vegetable crops, States discovered a way to use that the economy improving. Frankly, this and we have efforts in this title to sup- streamlining to give some families ad- is where we need to be focusing our ef- port beginning farmers and ranchers as ditional SNAP benefits by counting forts, on supporting businesses to cre- well. We are also continuing successful utility bills they do not have. By send- ate jobs, and part of the way to do that research and extension efforts, includ- ing out as little as $1 in home heating is by passing this jobs bill called the ing work done by our premier land assistance, States have been able to farm bill. grant universities—such as my alma qualify families for a utility deduction, The farm bill is also a credit bill, in- mater, Michigan State University. even if they do not pay any utility creasing access to resources which help As to the forestry title, healthy for- bills. farmers, especially the beginning and ests mean clean air, fresh water, wild- I salute those who want to help peo- veteran farmers, own and operate life habitat, and recreational opportu- ple get additional funds. I would have farms. This results in jobs. This title nities. Coupled with the tools we have very much supported adding additional will make more qualified farmers, of in the conservation title, the forestry help in this bill, but this cannot be jus- all sizes, eligible for USDA farm loans title of the farm bill helps foresters tified—what is being done here. We ad- and gives more flexibility to the USDA maintain the health of our private for- dressed this loophole and protected the so they can better reach new types of est lands. entire program for 47 million people. farming, including local and regional We are strengthening our efforts to Here is what we have done and here producers. fight invasive pests that have de- is what it means to someone on SNAP. With 16 million people working in ag- stroyed many thousands of trees, par- If you receive $20 or more a year in riculture across the country, the farm ticularly in the West. We worked hard low-income heating assistance—if you bill is a jobs bill—and nowhere is that to ensure that private landowners can receive $20 a year in low-income heat- more evident than in America’s rural continue to effectively manage their ing assistance—nothing changes for communities. The rural development operations. you. If you receive less than $20 a year, title of the farm bill authorizes pro- As I mentioned earlier this after- you will need to go back to the old sys- grams which are absolutely essential noon, the farm bill is an energy bill. I

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S689 am extremely pleased that during ne- In every part of this farm bill we in piano playing and the blues—which gotiations with the House we kept the worked on streamlining and consoli- sometimes we were singing during this full funding from the Senate’s energy dating programs. In fact, we ended over process. But it has been my great title. 100 different programs and authoriza- honor to work with him and our House Our rural communities have been at tions in this process. I said to my staff colleagues as we have worked to bring the forefront of the effort to achieve at the very beginning: Don’t think this forward. American energy independence. We are about programs. Think about prin- My ranking member had a different strengthening these efforts through the ciples—what should we be doing in ag- perspective than I had, and we have highly successful Rural Energy for riculture and food policy, not what pro- written this bill together. I have America Program, which helps farmers grams do we want to protect. That is learned a lot about the perspective of and rural small business owners gen- how we have moved forward through- erate their own power or improve en- Mississippi and the South, and I hope I out this entire process. have shared the perspective of Michi- ergy efficiency to lower their utility There is one thing we did add and I bills. Thousands of farms across the gan and the North—and the East and am very pleased with; that is, a new the West—as we have listened to our country have lowered their input costs veterans agriculture liaison at USDA thanks to the REAP program. colleagues. I urge our colleagues to to work with our men and women in support this conference report. We are continuing our commitment uniform who are coming home and to the development of the next genera- want to get involved in agriculture. We CLOTURE MOTION tion of advanced biofuels. Scientific ad- know the majority of our men and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- vancements are allowing us to develop women are coming home to small ethanol with food and agricultural ture motion having been presented towns, such as where I grew up in waste products. With this farm bill, we under rule XXII, the Chair directs the northern Michigan, and rural commu- will see even more biorefineries come clerk to read the motion. nities, and we want to support them so online, producing homegrown fuels The assistant legislative clerk read they can be successful if they choose to which bring competition and lower as follows: go into agriculture. prices for consumers at the pump. This is a new kind of farm bill, de- CLOTURE MOTION This farm bill also supports our growing biobased economy with my signed to meet new challenges of a We, the undersigned Senators, in ac- new grow it here, make it here initia- changing world. We are also making cordance with the provisions of rule tive. Biobased products are manufac- major reforms, eliminating unneces- XXII of the Standing Rules of the Sen- tured items made from all kinds of sary, unjustified programs to cut gov- ate, hereby move to bring to a close de- plant materials that replace petroleum ernment spending and to increase the bate on the conference report to ac- and other chemicals. These products integrity of farm programs. company H.R. 2642, the Federal Agri- This farm bill reflects critical steps are everywhere, from the cups in the cultural Reform and Risk Management in changing the paradigm, where we Senate cafeteria—which are made by a Act. are ending subsidies and giving farmers Michigan company, by the way—to Harry Reid, Debbie Stabenow, Robert the tools they need to manage their Menendez, Bill Nelson, Tom Harkin, cleaning products, industrial lubri- own risks. We support them, but in Tammy Baldwin, Jon Tester, Michael cants, and even the foam in the seats of doing that, as we know, when we have F. Bennet, Patrick J. Leahy, Max Bau- cars which, if it is a new American- insurance products—and that is what cus, Amy Klobuchar, Heidi Heitkamp, made car, will be based on soy oil foam we are looking at throughout this bill, Joe Donnelly, Richard J. Durbin, Mark rather than petroleum oil. Biobased Udall, Martin Heinrich, Sherrod whether it is a new insurance-type ap- manufacturing creates jobs, strength- Brown. proach for cotton or dairy or for our ens our economy, and reduces our use traditional commodities. With any The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- of fossil fuels. other kind of insurance, you pay the imous consent, the mandatory quorum As I have said before, this is a farm call has been waived. bill focused on the future, and nowhere premium, pay the premium, and pay is that more evident than in the spe- the premium but don’t get any help un- The question is, Is it the sense of the cialty crops title. This is essentially less there is a loss, a disaster. This is a Senate that debate on the conference the produce aisle of the farm bill. Spe- fundamental shift in this farm bill, report to accompany H.R. 2642, an act cialty crops include fruits, vegetables, helping our farmers to manage risk in to provide for the reform and continu- nuts, and nursery crops. We are a fiscally responsible way. ation of agricultural and other pro- strengthening the Specialty Crop I think my distinguished ranking grams of the Department of Agri- Block Grant Program, expanding spe- member would admit it was a lot of culture through fiscal year 2018, and cialty crop research, expanding crop in- work. After all of this work, to my for other purposes, shall be brought to surance to include specialty crops, and knowledge, we offer the Senate the a close? continuing the highly successful fresh only effort where a group of people The yeas and nays are mandatory fruits and vegetables SNAP program in within their jurisdiction of authority under the rule. have voluntarily cut spending to re- our schools. The clerk will call the roll. We don’t want to just grow more duce the deficit. If we couple the se- fruits and vegetables, we need to be questration cuts of approximately $6 The assistant legislative clerk called able to get them to consumers. That is billion and the cuts in this bill to agri- the roll. why this farm bill more than quadru- culture, we are coming to the Senate Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the ples support for farmers markets. We and offering a bill of reform, cutting Senator from Alaska (Mr. BEGICH), the are also strengthening local food hubs, programs, cutting duplication, cutting Senator from Louisiana (Ms. LAN- which bring farmers together with spending that actually creates $23 bil- DRIEU), the Senator from West Virginia local supermarkets, restaurants, and lion in deficit reduction. I am proud of (Mr. ROCKEFELLER), and the Senator schools to supply locally grown that. This truly is not your father’s from Colorado (Mr. UDALL) are nec- healthy foods. farm bill. essarily absent. We are about to vote to bring debate The farm bill also recognizes an in- Mr. CORNYN. The following Senators on this conference report to a close. credibly fast-growing segment of agri- are necessarily absent: the Senator But before we do, I once again thank culture—organics. We continue our ef- from Pennsylvania (Mr. TOOMEY) and my ranking member, the senior Sen- forts to support farmers to get certified the Senator from Louisiana (Mr. VIT- ator from Mississippi, who has been a as organic, expand crop insurance op- TER). tions to organic farmers, and provide friend and a partner throughout this funding for continued organic research. entire process. I have enjoyed very The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. DON- This bill truly reflects the diversity much having the opportunity to work NELLY). Are there any other Senators of crops we grow in America, and no- with Senator COCHRAN and his very in the Chamber desiring to vote? where is that more evident than in the competent staff. I learned along the The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 72, specialty crops and organics title. way that we have a great love of music nays 22, as follows:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S690 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 3, 2014 [Rollcall Vote No. 20 Leg.] would love Congress would look at me The name American belongs to us. We have YEAS—72 and say: Go down there and give them in common cause fought and triumphed to- gether. The independence and liberty we pos- Alexander Fischer Merkley hell. I think that is because so many sess are the work of joint counsel and joint Baldwin Franken Mikulski people in America understand what we Barrasso Gillibrand Moran effort, of common dangers, common suf- have endured for the last 6 years, fering and common successes. Baucus Graham Murkowski which is the worst economy of my life- Bennet Hagan Murphy So standing here I am grateful that I time. While we are seeing some Blunt Harkin Murray have never forgotten what my mom Booker Hatch Nelson progress in our national recovery, it Boozman Heinrich Portman has come slowly and unevenly. Many has told me time and time again: ‘‘Boy, Boxer Heitkamp Pryor families are still hurting. Americans don’t forget where you come from.’’ Brown Hirono Reed Well, I know from whence I come. I Burr Hoeven Reid believe Congress is not doing all it can Cantwell Isakson Risch to address the urgent problems they now from whence all of my colleagues Cardin Johanns Sanders face. They believe that we have, in come. I am proud that we, all 100 of us, Carper Johnson (SD) Schatz some cases, made problems worse. descendents of slaves, of immigrants, Casey Kaine Schumer labor factory workers, domestics, of Chambliss King Shaheen Some people, I understand, have sur- Coats Kirk Stabenow rendered to cynicism about govern- farmers who through toil brought from Cochran Klobuchar Tester ment, cynicism about America’s fu- the earth hope, of business people, who Coons Leahy Thune ture, cynicism about the ability for with impossible mountains before them Crapo Levin Udall (NM) climbed high and commanded forth Donnelly Manchin Warner people themselves to shape their own Durbin McCaskill Whitehouse lives and their destiny. But we cannot new opportunity—all of us, despite our Enzi McConnell Wicker allow the pain of so many Americans political differences, share a common Feinstein Menendez Wyden to overshadow that long history we all heritage, and we share a common de- NAYS—22 share. There is a reason why American sire to solve problems, to address the Ayotte Grassley Roberts history does not look kindly upon cyn- challenges that plague this Nation, Blumenthal Heller Rubio ics and naysayers, for even with all of that hurt families, to serve our coun- Coburn Inhofe Scott try so that we may give truth to the Collins Johnson (WI) its wrenching pain and savage prob- Sessions words like ‘‘courage’’ and ‘‘patriotism’’ Corker Lee Shelby lems, our collective past offers a re- Cornyn Markey Warren sounding testimony to overcoming im- and ‘‘wisdom,’’ so that they never be- Cruz McCain possible challenges, to righting terrible come simply empty words etched above Flake Paul wrongs and advancing deeper and deep- our heads but they constantly fuel the NOT VOTING—6 er meaning to those very American passion and desire of our hearts. Begich Rockefeller Udall (CO) words ‘‘liberty and justice for all.’’ That is why 3 months in, almost to Landrieu Toomey Vitter That is what our Nation is, the oldest the day, I am inspired by the work of The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this constitutional democracy, a country this body. I have not surrendered to vote, the yeas are 72, the nays are 22. founded not so that its people get spe- the cynicism about it. I am inspired by Three-fifths of the Senators duly cho- cial treatment because of divine rights the remarkable people who sit around sen and sworn having voted in the af- of Kings and Queens but because every- me right now. This is a great institu- firmative, the motion is agreed to. one is valued. We did not get there tion. I now have an even more fervent, The Senator from New Jersey. right away. Even in our founding docu- relentless belief that together we can address our common cause and the EXTENDING UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE ments, where Native Americans are re- common challenges afflicting our na- Mr. BOOKER. Mr. President, it is an ferred to as savages, African American tional strength. honor to speak for my first time in the as fractions of human beings, and women not at all, we have made Principal among these challenges Senate. As I speak today on the urgent facing the United States is the per- need to extend unemployment insur- progress. I know I am here in this Chamber be- sistent economic hardship and insecu- ance, I feel a sense of profound grati- cause of what this Nation has done by rity facing too many Americans. Our tude that I first want to note. First, I coming together. Like all of my col- economy, though improving, is none- feel this gratitude to the people of the leagues, all 99 of them, we are not here theless failing too many people. Eco- State of New Jersey. It is remarkable, because of some royal lineage or enti- nomic trends and challenges, not of the privilege they have given me to tled ancestor. I personally stand here any individual’s making, and particu- walk into this hall, to stand right in like others because of the grit, work, larly not of the making of those who the area where the great Senator sacrifice, and discipline of my ances- felt the pain of this great recession the Frank Lautenberg stood, to work here tors but also because they had the most, are forcing too many families in this hall which is filled with such blessing to labor in a Nation that for out of the middle class and into pov- history, to have the privilege of sitting generation after generation advanced erty. there at the desk where the Presiding to greater and greater inclusion, great- This is not a threat to just some. It Officer is sitting and touch things that er and greater opportunity, spread is a threat to us all. A shrinking mid- seem like they should belong in a mu- among more and more people. dle class and intractable poverty is a seum, like a gavel from hundreds of Our Nation has an enduring belief threat to America. It is a challenge to years ago, to walk in here and see over that when we struggle together for a the very idea of who we profess to be as our heads words like ‘‘courage’’ and common cause America is better and a Nation; that each generation should ‘‘wisdom’’ and ‘‘patriotism.’’ Most im- we are all better. It is the under- do better than the one before; that we portantly, it is a privilege to walk here standing that we are a Nation with a are a land of growing prosperity shared among my colleagues, all 99 of them, profound and sacred Declaration of by a widening population; that the idea every single one senior to me in Independence. Also, our country has a that anyone born in any station, months and years served, in wisdom, historical chorus that profoundly pro- through hard work, self discipline, and and in experience. It is my prayer, first claimed a declaration of interdepend- sacrifice can make it in America. and foremost, that I prove worthy of ence. But over the last few decades this has this incredible honor. We began and have endured because become less and less the case. You see, With all of that said, I also realize our ancestors understood the common wages are stagnant and by some meas- that I joined this body at a time when cause that is America. This cause was ures have declined for the middle class. Congress is not really thought that heralded by our greatest leaders in Social mobility in America, almost well of by the American public. In fact, every single generation, the people embarrassingly, lags behind many of this institution’s approval ratings are whose words and speeches and exam- our competitor nations. More and more at an all-time low. I find that not sur- ples inspired me to be here today. families are beginning to question that prising. Even when I was running for George Washington, an original Found- idea that in America every generation this office, I encountered so much frus- ing Father, reminded us of this prin- does better than the one before. tration. In the days before I came down ciple and American ideal in his fare- More and more people now are get- here, people who you would think well address where he wrote: ting stuck and feeling stuck through

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S691 no fault of their own in a dismal hope- ties just because their parents can’t af- nies were dangerously undercapital- subduing economic condition. I ford the costs. ized, when rating agencies rated trash watched, when I was Mayor of New Jer- This is why unemployment insurance as treasure and when mortgage compa- sey’s largest city, how company after is critical. It is America answering the nies used reprehensible practices that company shed workers during the re- call to help people in a crisis not of harmed family after family, all to- cession, how retirement savings col- their own making. gether threatening to create cata- lapsed, how the ratio of people looking I am proud, God, I am so proud, that clysmic crisis, we responded—but not for jobs to jobs available jaggedly cut for the past 50 years America has an- now. against the American worker, still swered that call time and time again to For millions of Americans suffering standing now at roughly 3 Americans help others in crisis. We are America. in these horrible economic conditions looking for a job for every job that is We have been America. This is our tra- not of their own making, who play by available. dition. When times are tough, as the the rules, who are looking for work, Amidst this jarring recession, other great New Jersey poet sings: ‘‘We Take who are struggling, who are suffering, economic trends continue to deepen Care of Our Own.’’ In fact, we are a na- we have more than 50 years of history our national economic wounds. Compa- tion that takes care of its own and of responding and extending unemploy- nies are now outsourcing jobs and in- reaches beyond. If there is a crisis, ment insurance—but not now. vestment. New technologies bring in- America is there. If there is a crisis, be I would be remiss if I didn’t take a credible societal benefit, but they are it a typhoon in the Philippines, an moment just to extend and single out also driving many jobs into obsoles- earthquake in Haiti, America responds; my gratitude for the leadership of my cence. The worker in America is facing be it an act of terror in New York or colleague JACK REED. For his efforts, a weakening in negotiating position. Washington, an oilspill in the gulf, he has been incredible in trying to ex- So as a new Senator, I am inspired by flooding in Colorado or a hurricane tend these benefits. He, along with my colleagues, many of them, and es- barreling up the northeastern coast, other of my colleagues, refused to give pecially their incredible staff, the un- America responds. up. He has worked quietly and relent- sung giants of our Federal Government Our tradition is clear. When the vi- lessly to find a bipartisan solution. He who are working hard to meet the chal- cious vicissitudes of the market create has offered compromise, offered pay- lenges. I profess that I hear from Mem- economic crises for our people at levels fors, and has offered a way forward bers on both sides of the aisle a true as high as they are now, America re- that would bring hope. But so far that understanding of our common cause sponds. Extending unemployment in- solution has proved to be elusive. and our collective responsibility here surance has always been viewed in this If we are to honor our collective leg- in the Senate. light. acy and tradition, we cannot surrender Senator after Senator to whom I When Senator Robert Wagner rose in in this moment to the partisanship of talked in my first 3 months is driving the Senate in the mid-1930s amidst a today. So many people are depending an agenda that gives my very hope sus- depression that cast millions of fami- on this body to come together and find tenance. I am proud to roll up my lies—my family—into economic peril, a way not left or right but forward for sleeves and work with them regardless he called the Social Security Act and America, because every week that we of party. While we may have dif- its unemployment provision a com- delay, 70,000 Americans lose their bene- ferences in approach and disagree- pound in which blended elements of fits. For thousands, every week, that ments on strategy, the common call to economic wisdom and social justice means losing a house, an eviction from improve our economy has Senators exist. an apartment, and depletion of savings. nobly pushing what I believe are crit- George Bush, who extended unem- Because 40 percent of those who re- ical important legislative measures, ployment benefits five times, at a time ceived benefits have children, it means measures that range from efforts to ad- when unemployment was lower than it depriving our children of things we dress our national skills gap, to expand is now, said in very plain English: would all consider the basics. Nearly 3 educational opportunities, to boost our Americans rely on their unemployment weeks ago I stood with Senator REED manufacturing sector, to lift small benefits to pay for the mortgage or rent, and pledged to go back to New Jersey businesses, to promote research, devel- food and other critical bills. They need our and return with stories of the people I opment and investment in infrastruc- assistance in these difficult times, and we met who needed our collective action ture, and efforts to stop the perverse cannot let them down. and needed us to come together. incentive that drives jobs and invest- Our inaction in the Senate in not re- Twelve events later, after stops all ment overseas, and so much more. newing emergency unemployment ben- across New Jersey, my heart has bro- But these critical and worthy efforts efits at the end of December, with na- ken time and time again. may take months or longer to move tional unemployment as high as it is It is broken by the former A&P man- through Congress and even more time now, has let millions of Americans, ager in River Edge, working every day to have an effect to expand our econ- adults and their children down—down to find a job and has burned through omy at the necessary rate. Thus they into an avoidable economic misery. his entire life’s savings; by the do not relieve us from the urgency to In New Jersey, I found it was particu- Hunterdon woman whose home of dec- do more right now to help those fami- larly stinging to our residents, even ades has gone into foreclosure. She is lies caught amidst these treacherous confusing to them, that when times working every day to find a job but is economic trends. were not as bad as they are now, we in crisis; by the soon-to-be father in These are families who so desperately acted with bipartisan, no-strings-at- Paterson, working hard every day to want to work, who spend their days tached conviction for our fellow Ameri- find a job but is wracked with worry searching for jobs, sending out resume cans. Not only did we act when the un- about providing for his new baby; by after resume after resume, going online employment rate was lower than it is the father of five in Bridgetowne who and filling out application after appli- now, but we acted to extend unemploy- now struggles every day to find a job cation after application. There are tens ment insurance time after time when but also to afford life’s basic neces- of thousands of New Jersey families long-term unemployment was about sities. He was talking to me about who are visiting food pantries for food half of what it is today. keeping the heat on, about how they or depleting their savings accounts or President after President, Congress can keep gas in the car and food on the are cashing out their IRAs and who are after Congress responded—but not now. table. He told me about the strain and racking up credit cards just to pay for When times were better, we re- the stress it is creating in his oldest, a necessities, who are skipping prescrip- sponded—but not now. 10-year-old son. tions, who are missing rent payments, When fewer people were struggling, These stories from cities to suburbs, and who are falling behind on their we responded—but not now. from Barbara and Robert’s kitchen mortgages, letting car insurance lapse, When foreign competition was not as table in Old Bridge, NJ, to the County having their utilities canceled, and fierce, we responded—but not now. Griddle Lounge in Clinton, NJ, to the having their children miss out—sitting When banks were irresponsibly over- One Stop Center in Plainfield, NJ, were out of field trips or afterschool activi- leveraged and when insurance compa- eerily similar and, most of all, they

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S692 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 3, 2014 were all avoidable with action from strain of unemployment, they found come back into this economy after Congress. ways to volunteer at their local librar- fighting on the frontlines, after facing Eileen from Bernardsville told me ies, at their schools, at their churches. peril and danger most of us can’t imag- she had been looking for work for 1 These were folks such as Mary, whom I ine, and then here in America they year. Federal benefits allowed her to met in Hunterdon County. Mary told have to face the harsh realities of, de- stay afloat and afford the things nec- me she was helping women look for spite their best efforts, being unem- essary to find a job, money for gas, dry work as she herself was. She was help- ployed and even facing the potential cleaning, a cell phone. Even in front of ing them develop skills from her expe- horrors of homelessness. other job seekers, she couldn’t disguise rience while she was trying to find her These men and women who fought for her anger and disappointment with own job. our country, who stood for our Nation, Washington. Her anger was about feel- This is the America I know. From are not lazy. There is no disincentive ing that she and others were being ig- our cities to our wealthier suburbs, to work in these benefits. These are nored. She told me she felt ashamed of people want to work. They want to people who signed up to go to war. The a country that would turn its back on give back. They want to contribute. assemblyman told me how hard it was its own people. She is mad about a Con- They want to represent the truth of for his friends and even him to find a gress that she feels doesn’t hear her, who we are as a country. Time and job. He told me what it does to their but she is mostly mad that anyone, es- time again I heard people say, ‘‘We spirits and what it is like to give all for pecially a Member of Congress, would don’t want unemployment insurance, your country and then have your coun- say she is lazy. we want a job.’’ try fail to do what it has consistently She is right to be mad, especially Even folks who had jobs, though, told done for others during times of crisis about the absurd notion that unem- me of the pain of congressional inac- over the last 50 years—to extend unem- ployment benefits provide a disincen- tion. ployment benefits. tive to work. That allegation frankly I stopped to meet with folks in This man, Bob Andrzejzak, is shorter burns me. It is something I have heard Woodbury. I went to a restaurant, Mar- than me but he stands taller than I will too often; that somehow people are lene Mangia Bene—Senator MENENDEZ ever stand—and on a prosthetic leg. He lazy or that unemployment insurance can probably pronounce that better. I works a job as an assemblyman in New and payments, as meager as they are, spoke with the owners: Christopher, Jersey, with honor, battling to give provide a disincentive to work. This, to Maria, Frank, and other business lead- more hope to his constituents in coun- me, is intellectually dishonest and, ac- ers. The community of businesspeople ties with high unemployment, such as told me how high the prevalence of un- cording to most studies, factually not Cape May County, with an over 12-per- employed people was and how many true. cent unemployment rate. This is one of those corrosive polit- people were losing their benefits, and He has good days, he has bad days, ical strains that burns the collective they came to the simple conclusion, as fighting it out on the front lines of our gut of our national truth, pitting, actu- they watched how it hurt businesses in economic struggle. This Iraq war vet- that town—less money coming to peo- ally, American against American and eran is still fighting to protect his ple in their time of need, less money violates that American wisdom—my country, to advance it, and make real spent, and that meant less revenue for mom always told me—that we should his country for the lives of thousands businesses, which meant that some not look down on another person un- of people. His cause is our common businesses might not be able to hold on less we are extending a hand of help. cause. This burden should not be his to to as many employees, and then those bear alone. We too, U.S. Senators, like We are not calling them lazy. laid-off employees would then need un- When I was mayor of Newark, I saw him, have jobs, elected by the people. employment insurance and more social my share of lines of good people doing We swore an oath to be there for our services. countrymen. We too pledged our sacred that well, offering a hand of help. The cycle feeds itself. These lines, I will tell you as mayor, honor to serve America, to return to If we fail to extend unemployment the words of General Washington. The motivated me even harder to double benefits, economists say it is going to name ‘‘America’’ belongs to all of us. down because they were lines at soup cost the country almost one-quarter of We must be there for everyone, espe- kitchens where Americans were help- a million jobs this year alone. This is cially in this time of trial. ing Americans. They were lines at the another government self-inflicted It is my hope this body, in this gen- one-stop job center where Americans wound we can avoid. Reinstating bene- eration of America, finds our measure were helping Americans. fits will save 19,000 jobs in New Jersey of commonality and comes together to But the longest lines I saw as mayor alone. find a way so we can better tend to were when we had successes, when a But it is bigger than that. Every sin- those in crisis, so that we too may add new business, supermarket or company gle job is a family-added distress. our humble measure to the greatness of would come to town and say they were While all families are important, there that enduring American ideal. hiring. The lines would go on for blocks are some who should weigh especially Let us extend unemployment insur- or wrap around buildings with people heavy on the conscience of our coun- ance. desperate to work, even for minimum- try. I yield the floor. wage jobs. Take New Jersey State Assemblyman The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- I can vividly remember scenes just Bob Andrzejzak, an Iraq war vet who ator from Rhode Island. like that when Newark opened a Home lost his leg in service to our country. Mr. REED. Mr. President, if I could Depot or then-Continental Airlines He pulled together a group of veterans, praise my colleague for his eloquence held a job fair. It was Americans in line young and old, for me to talk with at a and for his passion and say how right with pride in their hearts, resumes in Rio Grande diner in Middle Township he is. I thank my colleague Senator their hands, and hunger to find a job, in Cape May County. MENENDEZ for allowing me to speak, any job, to get to work. I challenge any Member of Congress but I wanted to commend Senator I heard that the last 2 weeks all over who hasn’t done so already to sit with BOOKER for his brilliance and for his my State from former managers apply- veterans who are receiving unemploy- dedication. ing for entry-level jobs to no avail and ment benefits or who, because of our I want to applaud the Senator for people with years of experience so des- inaction, just lost them. It is not hard New Jersey for his maiden speech and perate they were applying for min- to find them. for using this opportunity to focus on imum-wage jobs with no success. Unfortunately, nearly 21,000 veterans the urgent need to renew unemploy- The people who really blew me away, lost their benefits earlier than antici- ment insurance for over 1.7 million who just set me aback because I hon- pated when we failed to extend benefits Americans. The expiration has drained estly should have expected it—but I in December, and about 3,000 or more an estimated $2.2 billion from State didn’t expect to hear it—were people will join them each month unless we economies according to estimates who told me in order to keep their right this wrong. based on data from the Department of pride and to keep their feelings of self- Listen to the testimony of soldiers, Labor and the Ways and Means Com- worth, on top of all of their stress and sailors, airmen, and marines who have mittee.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S693 Our constituents, who lost their job yet at the same time with such sin- they can make ends meet while they’re through no fault of their own and are cerity that I think it is an excellent be- looking for work. searching for work in this extremely ginning to what will be a very long se- Senator BOOKER has always been a challenging economy, are looking to ries of remarks in the Senate on crit- voice for the voiceless, given hope to Congress to renew this commonsense ical issues that will both inform us and the vulnerable, and a helping hand to and very modest support. They’ve at the same time remind us of the high those who need it. It is why he chose worked hard and are searching for calling for which we are all brought to public service. It is who he is and what work with just as much fervor. But on the Senate. he has always stood for. December 28 the rug was pulled out I want to take one moment to add to He spoke eloquently and I commend from under them because some of my what Senator BOOKER said, specifically him for his remarks. He rightfully colleagues on the other side had de- on the topic he ultimately drove home, pointed out that the issue of unemploy- cided they would rather let emergency and that is this question of unemploy- ment insurance isn’t just about the unemployment insurance expire. And ment. I want to relate one story—I see poor. It is about all those people who yet we have traditionally extended aid the Senator from Utah is up, so I will need help while they continue to look when the long-term unemployment relate only one story—but it speaks to for work. rate remains as high as it still unfortu- the very heart of what Senator BOOKER We have seen the recession chip away nately is. was conveying here. at the middle class, pulling more and Democrats have been pushing to ex- I get thousands of letters from people more families to the edge. tend this vital lifeline since before its who depend on their meager unemploy- In this job market, they need more expiration. And on December 17, Sen- ment benefits to avert economic dis- time to find work, and extending un- ator HELLER and I introduced a bipar- aster while they desperately look for employment benefits will give them tisan path forward—and I thank the work. As Senator BOOKER said, these that time. It will allow them to step Senator from New Jersey for his sup- people are not lazy; they are not look- back from the edge. port for that measure. This emergency ing for a handout. They just want a Mr. President, I yield the floor. extension for unemployment insurance job, any job. I want to talk about one The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- for 3 months would give us more time constituent in particular—Noelle from ator from Utah. to work on a year-long extension and Atlantic County, who described herself Mr. LEE. Mr. President, we are bet- address the concerns raised by some of as ‘‘a middle-aged unemployed single ter than this. This farm bill is a monu- my colleagues. This way folks in Rhode mother trying to raise two sons to be ment to every dysfunction Washington Island, New Jersey, Tennessee, and successful contributing members of our indulges in to defend our policies and Kentucky—jobseekers all over the Na- society.’’ She relates what happened twist our economy to benefit itself at tion—would not lose unemployment in- after her marriage ended: the expense of the American people. surance as we work through these com- I didn’t shrug my shoulders and give up, The top-line talking point among de- plex issues. Unfortunately, that imme- even though the ‘‘system’’ said I didn’t qual- fenders of this bill is ‘‘compromise.’’ diate aid was filibustered despite our ify for assistance . . . I took care of children The farm bill, we are told, may be im- efforts. in my home to pay the bills and avoid child perfect, but it is a compromise we can care costs. In 2000, when my children were That did not deter us. We have kept all live with. They said negotiators school age, I found a minimum wage sea- from both Houses and both political on working through those issues raised sonal job and worked hard to become a per- by some of my Republican colleagues manent employee . . . I worked even harder parties came together and hammered and we have addressed them. We are to rise up in the organization and become a out a deal. They said: This is just how now proposing a 3-month fully paid ex- respected manager. When that company you have to act to get things done in tension—which is way out of line with went bankrupt in 2009, I found another job Washington. past extensions. Indeed, 17 of the 20 within two weeks taking a large pay cut and There is, of course, some truth to times that emergency aid was extended making far less than I would have made on this, but it is more of a half truth. unemployment. I stayed with that company no strings were attached. There absolutely is compromise in this for 4 years until I was laid off in July of 2013. thousand-page $1 trillion mess. But it President Reagan extended emer- Once again, I didn’t shrug my shoulders and gency aid three times and President give up. For the following 26 weeks I sought is not a compromise between House Re- George W. Bush did it five times. employment. I have joined every employ- publicans and Senate Democrats. No, it We are still working to secure ment website I could find and I applied for is collusion between both parties enough votes to break a potential fili- any job remotely within my limited job against the American people. It bene- buster. We are not there yet, but I re- skills. Unfortunately, the responses I have fits special interests at the expense of main hopeful. Yet the clock is ticking. gotten have not been encouraging. Thirteen national interest. I hope some of my Republican col- years of retail experience, including nine This bill does not demonstrate how leagues understand that jobseekers de- years of management experience, translates to do things in Washington but instead into few opportunities. No one will consider serve a solution now and not proce- me for any entry level positions based on my demonstrates how to do things for dural delays or obstruction. So I look previous experience. Washington. The final product before forward to continue working with Sen- She closes by saying: us is not just a legislative vehicle, it is a legislative getaway car. ator BOOKER on doing everything we No, I do not think unemployment should can to extend this vital aid to our con- be a way of life. No, I do not think you can And what did they get away with? stituents immediately. be unemployed and disabled. No, I do not Well, the farm bill is really two bills— The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- think 3 million unemployed Americans are one that spends about $200 billion to ator from New Jersey. going to find jobs in 26 weeks. subsidize the agricultural industry and Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, I She is so right, and these are the another that spends $750 billion on the want to commend my colleague from type of Americans Senator BOOKER was public assistance program previously New Jersey for an eloquent and soaring talking about, and this is why the Sen- known as food stamps. The farm bill is, speech that speaks to the collective as- ate should act. thus, a beltway marriage of conven- pirations we should have in this body I don’t believe that is too much to ience between welfare and corporate on behalf of the collective Nation we ask, and I am pleased Senator BOOKER welfare, ensuring the passage of both represent. I am not at all surprised at has come to this floor to lend his voice while preventing reform in either. In- Senator BOOKER’s ability to relate to to the debate and to stand for people stead, Congress broke out the neck this body the lives of people from New such as her. Again, I congratulate my bolts and sutures and put Franken- Jersey and across the country who de- colleague from New Jersey on an elo- stein’s monster back together. pend upon us to respond to them in quent speech on such an important This was the year the farm bill was their times of need and to remind us of issue. supposed to be different. This was sup- the greater nature of what we should I am pleased that he chose to speak posed to be the year when we would fi- stand for as an institution and on be- about unemployment insurance, an nally split the bill into its logical com- half of this country. He did it with such issue critical to so many families in ponent pieces and would subject them aplomb and such passion and intensity, New Jersey and across this Nation so both to overdue scrutiny and reform.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S694 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 3, 2014 This was the year we might have Yet, even all this is squeaky-clean ‘‘That’s a nice fire department you got strengthened the Food Stamp Program legislating compared to this farm bill’s there,’’ Congress effectively says to with work and other requirements for most offensive feature—its bullying, many western communities. ‘‘Nice able-bodied adults, to help transition disenfranchising shakedown of the school your kids have. It would be a beneficiaries into full-time jobs. This American West. Most Americans who shame if anything should happen to was the year we might have added an live east of the Mississippi have no idea it.’’ asset test, to make sure wealthy Amer- that most of the land west of the great These States and communities are icans with large personal bank ac- river is owned by the Federal Govern- looking for nothing more than cer- counts were no longer eligible for food ment. I don’t mean national parks, pro- tainty and equality under the law. Yet stamps. But those reforms aren’t there. tected wilderness, national monu- Congress treats these not as rights to Those reforms aren’t here—not in this ments, and the like. We have a lot of be protected but as vulnerabilities to bill. those and we love them. But that is a be shamelessly exploited. Under this legislation, the Food fraction of a fraction of the land I am For weeks I have been on the phone Stamp Program is not really reformed, talking about. I am just talking about with county commissioners who feel it is just expanded. Once again, the garden-variety land—the kind that is they have no choice but to support a give and take of compromise in Con- privately owned in every neighborhood policy they know doesn’t work. This gress boils down to the American peo- and community across the country. bill takes away their ability to plan ple give and Washington takes. Yet, if More than 50 percent of all of the land and budget with certainty and forces anything, the other side of this bill is west of the Mississippi River is con- them to come back to Congress, hat in even worse. Not only did the con- trolled by a Federal bureaucracy and it hand, every year. County commis- ference committee fail to reform pro- cannot be developed: no homes, no sioners know this is no way to run a grams subsidizing agricultural busi- businesses, no communities or commu- community. I share their frustration, and I ap- nesses, the conference committee re- nity centers, no farms or farmers mar- moved many of the few improvements plaud their commitment to their kets, no hospitals or colleges or the House and Senate tried to include neighbors and their communities. I am schools, no Little League fields, no in the first place. convinced that in the long run, the playgrounds, nothing. For instance, the original Senate best way to protect these communities In my own State, it is 63 percent of bill, for all its faults, included a novel is to find a real permanent solution— the land. In Daggett County, it is 81 provision to limit farm subsidies to ac- one that gives them the certainty and percent. In Wayne County, it is 85 per- tual farms, actual farmers. The Senate the equality under the law they de- cent. In Garfield County, it is 90 per- bill was also going to phase out crop serve. cent. Ninety percent of the land in Gar- insurance subsidies for wealthy Ameri- My vote against the farm bill will be cans with an annual income of more field County isn’t theirs. In commu- a vote to rescue Utahns from second- than $750,000; farmers who made three- nities such as these, financing local class citizenship and local commu- quarters of a million dollars a year, government is a huge challenge. There, nities in my State from permanent de- after all, should not need taxpayer as- as in the East, local government is pendence on the whims of faraway poli- sistance to keep their farms afloat. funded primarily by property taxes. ticians and bureaucrats in Washington, The House bill included a trans- But in counties and towns where the DC. parency reform requiring Members of Federal Government owns 70, 80, or For all the talk we hear in this Congress to disclose any subsidies they even 90 percent of the land, there sim- Chamber about inequality, we nonethe- personally receive under the crop in- ply isn’t enough private property to less seem oblivious to its causes. This surance programs. Yet all of the above tax to fund basic local services: an- bill—and thousands of other bills, laws, reforms mysteriously disappeared from other sheriff’s deputy to police their and regulations like it—are themselves the final legislation now before us. streets, another truck or ambulance to the root cause of our shortage of oppor- It is not as though the farm bill was save their lives and protect their prop- tunity in America today. The end re- a paragon of accountability and fair- erty from fires, another teacher to edu- sult of this legislation will be to dis- ness to begin with. Agricultural policy cate their children. enfranchise and extort the American follows a troubling trend in Wash- To compensate local governments for people to benefit special interests, to ington, using raw political power to the tax revenue Washington unfairly enrich the well-connected at the ex- twist public policy against the Amer- denies them, Congress created—as only pense of the disconnected. ican people to profit political and cor- Congress could—the PILT program. The true cost of that transaction— porate insiders. PILT stands for Payment in Lieu of just another forced deposit and with- For instance, under this legislation, Taxes. drawal from Washington’s dysfunc- the Federal Government will continue Under PILT, Congress sends a few tional favored bank—is a lot more than to force taxpayers to subsidize sugar cents on the dollar out West every year $956 billion. The true cost of this kind companies, both in the law and in the to make up for lost property taxes. of unequal cronyist policymaking is grocery store. The bill maintains the There is no guaranteed amount. Wash- the trust of the American people in the so-called ‘‘dairy cliff,’’ keeping dairy ington just sends what Washington legitimacy of our political institutions, policy temporary. This will create an feels like sending. in the fairness of our economy, and in artificial crisis the next time we take Local governments across the West- the good faith of their countrymen. up the farm bill, which will once again ern United States, and especially in Our constitutional republic, our free undermine thoughtful debate and re- counties such as Garfield, Daggett, and enterprise economy, and our voluntary form. Wayne County, UT, completely depend civil society depend absolutely on the Perhaps of all the shiny ornaments on Congress making good on this prom- equality of all Americans under the hung on this special-interest Christmas ise. Given this situation, there are law, the equality of all citizen oppor- tree, the shiniest may be the actual three possible courses of congressional tunity to pursue happiness in their own croniest handout to the Christmas tree action: communities, according to their own industry itself. Under this farm bill, First, Congress could do the right values, each on a level playing field small independent Christmas tree thing and transfer the land to the with everyone else. This legislation farmers will now be required to pay a States that want it. dangerously subverts that principle special tax to a government-created or- Second, Congress could compromise and mocks any patriot who still holds ganization controlled by larger cor- and fully compensate western commu- it dear. porate producers, like some medieval nities for the growth and opportunity All Americans may be equal but—as tribute to feudal lords. These costs current law denies them. George Orwell might put it if he were will, of course, be passed on to working But in this bill it is neither. Congress here today—under the farm bill some families. So every December, Wash- instead chooses option three: lording Americans are simply more equal than ington will, in effect, rob the Cratchits its power over western communities to others. to pay Mr. Scrooge and his lobbyists in extort political concessions from them, I will not be a part of it, and I en- Washington. like some two-bit protection racket. courage my colleagues to recognize

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S695 that there is another way, there is a mother lost her job through no fault of When this bill is signed into law by better way, a new approach that re- her own, her unemployment checks the President and fully implemented, members what—and whom—we are sup- went for rent and putting food on the our producers will have to make posed to really stand for. table for her three children while she choices among new safety net pro- What we are supposed to stand for is searched for work. So I know the anx- grams, new regulations, and new rules. deliberation—open debate and trans- iety when the family breadwinner loses Some of these choices will happen only parent amendments on this floor, in her job, when every dime makes a dif- once and will be irrevocable. They can- this Chamber. These programs should ference. not be changed for the next 5 years. not be coupled to shield them from Those who say people on unemploy- This is a 5-year bill. We owe it to these scrutiny and protect them from re- ment are lazy or don’t want to work farmers, ranchers, small business own- form. If we need food stamps to fight are insulting and injuring millions of ers, as well as to the next generation of poverty and farm subsidies to maintain Americans, about whom nothing could producers to get this legislation right. our food supply, let those programs be further from the truth. Unfortunately, I believe the Congress stand on their own merits or not at all. High unemployment particularly has missed the mark in that the con- Furthermore, the land out West is hurts women. Among female heads of ference report goes backwards toward not going anywhere. This should be an households, the U.S. unemployment protectionist subsidy programs instead opportunity for us to bring our people rate was 8.7 percent in December. That of forward with innovative and respon- together, not turn our regions against is two points higher than the 6.7 per- sible solutions. each other and turn the right to local cent unemployment rate for the Nation I am not alone in that assessment. As government into a dangerous political as a whole. Neither one of these statis- reported by the Kansas City Star last football. tics takes into account workers who Friday, January 31, all four Kansas It is time to have a serious debate have given up looking for work. We House members voted ‘‘no’’ on what is about a permanent solution to feder- should support a short-term extension arguably the single most important ally-owned lands which can improve of unemployment benefits while Con- piece of Federal legislation in Kansas. economic opportunity and mobility gress works on a needed longer-term Now, that should grab everybody in while reducing the national debt and bill. America’s attention. The entire House Last Friday President Obama an- deficit. All the evidence in this farm delegation from the wheat State was nounced a new effort to support the bill to the contrary, I believe we are united in opposing this version of the long-term unemployed. He gathered capable of finding such a solution. farm bill. Mr. President, I yield the floor. over 300 companies who have signed It is not that we do not appreciate The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- onto a set of best practices for recruit- agriculture or the producers and their ator from Hawaii. ing and hiring unemployed—especially families in our State. It is entirely the Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, I wish to those long-term unemployed—to pre- opposite. We care so much that after 3 vent discrimination against these congratulate Senator BOOKER for his years of work, we will not settle for Americans. maiden speech. It is great to have him supporting backwards legislation just The Federal Government will lead by with us, and I thank Senator BOOKER example in a new Presidential memo- to get something done. I call it a look also for calling upon the better angels randum to improve its own recruiting in the rearview mirror. in all of us to do what is right. Oppor- I understand compromises were and hiring of long-term unemployed tunity and fairness for all are not just made. But I cannot support a bill people. Congress can do its part by up- empty words. They are words to live by which marches backwards toward pro- dating and strengthening job-training and words to live up to. ducers making bad decisions based off programs, such as through the Work- Today I rise to add my support for of government subsidies, retaliation force Investment Act which we will extending unemployment benefits to take up later this year. For right now, against our livestock producers, and, those among us who need and deserve millions of families are counting on us once again, agriculture taking a dis- this lifeline. to extend a vital life line to them. I proportionate cut in spending com- In December over 2,000 Hawaii work- urge my colleagues to support extend- pared—yes—to Federal nutrition pro- ers lost their unemployment benefits. ing unemployment benefits. grams. Since then about 250 more Hawaii I yield the floor. When Chairperson STABENOW and I workers are losing their benefits every The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- started the process of rewriting the week. ator from Kansas. farm bill, Kansas producers, regardless In 2008 our country was plunged into Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, I rise of what they planted, over and over the deepest economic crisis since the this evening to discuss the Agricul- again said their number one priority Great Depression. Many lost their jobs tural Act of 2014—the farm bill con- and concern was the availability of through no fault of their own. Many ference report. crop insurance which protects in case are still unemployed. Since 2008 unem- This legislation has been delayed of disaster. They were also fully aware ployment benefits have kept over 11 over 21⁄2 years, weighing the entire that direct payments would no longer million people out of poverty. Unem- time on the minds of farmers and be available to them, and most were ployed workers spend their benefits im- ranchers all across the country. OK with that direction. Kansas pro- mediately on food and other neces- Last Tuesday I came to the floor to ducers did not ask for a continuation of sities. Unemployment benefits go im- explain why I was the only Senator on a target-priced subsidy program and mediately into the local economy. the farm bill conference not to sign the they certainly did not want Congress Every dollar of spending on unemploy- conference report and why I cannot in to raise the target prices of all com- ment benefits generates almost $1.60 in good conscience support this legisla- modities. local economic activity. tion. I am here today to go beyond my Two years ago, in 2012, the Senate But this isn’t just about numbers. philosophical concerns with the direc- Agriculture Committee and the full For people struggling to find work, tion of the legislation, and I will in- Senate passed a farm bill that ended emergency unemployment insurance is stead focus on how the farm bill will the countercyclical and commodity a vital safety net. It can mean the dif- negatively impact agriculture in my subsidy programs. If signed into law, ference between being able to get back home State of Kansas, as well as other the 2012 Senate farm bill would have on your feet or falling into poverty. States. taken the Federal Government and the These programs provide real hope and The farm bill is not a simple reau- Department of Agriculture out of the real opportunity for people. I know this thorization or continuation of our Na- business of sending signals to pro- because I have lived it. tion’s farm and food programs. We have ducers, essentially telling them what My mother raised three children by already done that once with the 1-year crops to plant. Unfortunately, that re- herself as a single parent. Most of us extension of the 2008 bill. Instead, the form was never fully realized. have relied upon or know families who legislation before us should be a whole- We have something called the new have used the earned unemployment sale rewrite of the programs and poli- Price Loss Coverage Program that is assistance they paid for. When my cies at the Department of Agriculture. contained in this conference report. It

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We don’t over $1 billion worth of U.S. beef and unteer agriculture advisory council. I need to go back to those days. Our pro- Mexico imported over $800 million. fondly refer to them as my ‘‘ag posse.’’ ducers in Kansas want none of that If we do not come into compliance, as With the current cash price for wheat from their Federal Government. required by the World Trade Organiza- at the Dodge City grain elevator Besides having high fixed target tion, Canada and Mexico will retaliate around $6 and a target price guaran- prices, the new Price Loss Coverage against the United States. teed for wheat set at $5.50 a bushel for Program sets the price guarantees so Without these markets, Kansas live- the next 5 years, I asked this young, high that some are at or above the pro- stock producers will lose value on their successful, and informed producer: ducer’s cost of production. This would products, negatively impacting one of What are you going to plant? What he mean the government is essentially the biggest drivers of our State’s econ- told me should not surprise anyone in subsidizing a producer so much that omy. Unfortunately, our efforts to fix this body—or anyone. He said: Pat, I they are guaranteed to make a profit if COOL in the farm bill conference com- am going to plant wheat for the gov- they have a normal or average year. mittee fell short—to the displeasure of ernment subsidy. It gets worse. The early analysis I our livestock producers and trading His answer only reinforces one of my have seen shows that the target prices partners. biggest concerns with this conference are high enough that rice, peanuts, and The GIPSA rule on livestock mar- report. When the Federal Government barley growers will receive a subsidy keting should have been addressed in guarantees producers a subsidy trig- payment at least 75 percent of any the final farm bill conference report as gered off a target price, reference price, given year, likely triggering a payment well. The House version of the farm bill a countercylical price—whatever you 4 out of the next 5 years. had strong provisions that would have want to call it—it always has and al- Other commodities are not treated as let our livestock producers make their ways will lead to planting and mar- favorably. Wheat prices are likely to own marketing decisions instead of keting distortions. trigger a payment, on average, only 35 GIPSA. Yet the provisions were left en- Today many producers have a college percent of the time and soybeans less tirely out of the conference report with or advanced degree, often in business. than 15 percent. no explanation or transparency—be- They are going to evaluate the pro- What that tells me is that the new hind closed doors. grams at the Department of Agri- target price guarantees are set high Finally, I have to address a major in- culture and make decisions that ben- enough for a few commodities to trig- equality in the final conference report; efit their business’s bottom line. ger subsidy payments with a high fre- that is, nutrition spending. When the Instead of planting grain sorghum or quency. Congressional Budget Office released Folks, this is no longer a risk-man- corn or soybeans, my friend in western their official estimate of the budgetary agement tool or part of a responsible Kansas already knows he is going to effects of this agriculture act, I was safety net. Make no mistake, the Price plant the crop he is guaranteed to re- more than disappointed. Loss Coverage Program is nothing ceive the highest subsidy payment According to their letter: more than a profit protection program from the government, not from the CBO estimates that direct spending stem- market. In this case, he plans to plant from some of our commodity growers. The lone commodity that has moved ming from the programs authorized by the wheat at $5.50 per bushel over corn conference agreement would total $956 bil- which has a target price of $3.70 a bush- out of the price supports entirely was lion over the 2014 to 2023 period, of which $756 el. forced to after learning the lesson the billion would be for nutrition programs. I have yet to hear one explanation hard way. That is almost $800 billion. By the In 2002, the World Trade Organization for why Congress is not only including way, that lower figure is a bet on the ruled against the United States for cot- target prices for corn, wheat, sorghum, economy improving and people getting ton programs, including a decoupled soybeans, rice, peanuts, and barley but off the SNAP program, which would target price subsidy. In a settlement raising and fixing their prices regard- certainly be good but is not certain. with Brazil, we have been paying their less of movements in the market. When you do the math, that means 79 producers $147 million a year for dam- Kansas is the breadbasket of the percent—almost 80 percent—of the world. So you might think Kansas pro- ages. We are still paying them. As much as I disagree with the back- total spending in the farm bill will go ducers planting more wheat would be a ward direction of the commodity title, to nutrition programs, including good thing; however, simple economics Kansas livestock producers may have SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition As- and history demonstrate why this is more beef with this conference report. sistance Program. such a dangerous road for the Federal Kansas is in the heart of cattle coun- The final compromise includes $8 bil- Government to take. try. After 3 years of drought, livestock lion in food stamp savings mainly from When all producers in Kansas and the producers in my home State are wait- tightening the Low-Income Heating rest of America have the same price ing for disaster assistance that has and Assistance Program, the infamous guarantees and signals to plant been unnecessarily delayed for over 3 LIHEAP loophole, and that is a good wheat—no matter where you are—and years. thing. States were gaming the system. the majority makes the business deci- Yet when taking the full conference I am all for that, but that amounts to sion to follow subsidy signals instead report under consideration, both the a 1-percent reduction to the nutrition of the market, over time there will un- Kansas Livestock Association and the spending out of a $750 billion program doubtedly be more production than Kansas Pork Association strongly op- if you believe the projections. I think global demand or otherwise. pose this bill. Why? it is probably more toward $800 billion. We will have a surplus of wheat lead- In a letter sent to me by Jeff The Senate Committee on Agri- ing to lower wheat prices. That could Sternberger, president of the Kansas culture, Nutrition and Forestry re- normally be corrected by market sig- Livestock Association, he says: cently released a statement with the nals, but with the fixed target price, We are deeply disappointed the report does headline ‘‘Deficit Reduction: The 2014 farmers will continue to plant wheat not address our two priority issues, manda- Farm Bill,’’ showcasing the savings in for the subsidy—that subsidy guar- tory country-of-origin labeling (COOL) and this legislation. The release highlights antee—leading to further overproduc- the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stock- the inequality between farm and food tion and even lower crop prices. We yards Administration, GIPSA, rule on cattle programs: have been there before, and that is why marketing. Farm subsidy programs were cut far more we tried to reform the program several Mandatory country-of-origin label- significantly than any other area of the farm bills back. ing, or COOL, is a marketing program; budget under the Agriculture Committee’s

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S697 jurisdiction. By comparison, farm subsidy plicated and time-consuming under- For these families every dollar programs were cut by 31 percent, while nu- taking, to say the least. counts. An extra couple of hundred dol- trition programs were reduced 1 percent. I must also thank my colleagues and lars a week can keep food on the table You heard that right. Farmers, friends on the House and Senate agri- or the heat on during cold winter ranchers, farm broadcasters listening culture committees for their knowl- months. It can mean the difference be- in, you heard that right. The farm bill edge, their expertise, and their diverse tween making the rent or mortgage once again prioritizes spending for food perspectives on agriculture. It is going payment or being out on the street. stamps over all other Department of to be really hard to imagine that many That is what emergency unemploy- Agriculture programs, including im- of the faces in the Senate agriculture ment insurance is for—to give folks the portant conservation programs, re- committee room will not be there in little bit of help they need to keep search programs, and rural develop- person for the next farm bill 5 years their heads above water while they ment programs. down the road—Senator TOM HARKIN, search for a job. Unemployment insur- I am fine with reducing farm sub- Senator SAXBY CHAMBLISS, both of ance represents our commitment as a sidies such as the target price program, whom will be sorely missed as they country that we will pitch in when our but we should have included additional have both led the committee in their friends and neighbors have fallen on reforms to the nutritional programs, respective caucuses through previous rough times, knowing they would do which we tried to do—in several farms bills. However, they will lit- the same for us. votes—in a reasonable and responsible erally ‘‘watch over’’ the committee for So far, Republicans seem determined to break that commitment. Because of manner. We were not touching any- years to come, because their portraits Republican filibusters, 1.6 million body’s benefits; we were just looking at are on the wall, hanging just above us. Americans and counting have lost ac- the eligibility requirements. But the I think their eyes move when we con- cess to unemployment insurance since conference principals decided on the sider amendments. the end of last year, including more final compromise—again behind closed Senator MAX BAUCUS will continue than 60,000 people in Massachusetts. doors. his service to the country as the next Their obstruction means we cannot ful- While we all want to provide much Ambassador to China, but we will miss needed certainty to producers—good- fill our commitment to the families his advice and counsel in the com- who need it most. ness knows it is been a long time since mittee. My Republican colleagues should be we had a farm bill in place—the con- Finally, it is hard to describe the looking for a way to say yes—yes to ference missed an opportunity for void that will be created with the de- helping middle-class American families greater and necessary reforms to our parture of Senator MIKE JOHANNS of and their 2.3 million children who rely Nation’s farm programs, burdensome Nebraska. As the Secretary of the De- on unemployment insurance. But, once regulations on livestock producers, and partment of Agriculture, he has seen again, they just want a way to say no. Federal nutrition programs. both sides of the farm bill, imple- Extending unemployment insurance After over 3 years of deliberation and menting one and writing another. Even should be a simple matter. It happened disputes over the farm bill, our pro- though Nebraska left the Big 12 for the five times during the Bush administra- ducers, consumers, taxpayers, and Big 10, this K-State fan can admit we tion and not once—not once—did Re- global trading partners expect and de- will all miss having this champion publicans demand that the costs be off- serve more than what is found in this from the Cornhusker State around. set by cuts or revenue increases else- conference report. So although I will not vote for the where. But the Republicans have in- As a conferee, I did not sign the con- farm bill conference report, I promise sisted on a different standard this ference report last week. That didn’t to all of Kansas agriculture that I fully time, filibustering because the exten- give me any pleasure. As a Kansan and appreciate the need for a farm bill, es- sion of benefits wasn’t offset. Demo- a Senator from a large agriculture pecially one that has been delayed for crats thought this was wrong, but we State, I am going to vote against this years. But while we need a farm bill, compromised and we agreed to offset rearview mirror legislation for all the we do not need this farm bill. the cost. So did we have a deal? No. reasons I have itemized. I truly respect the farmers and The Republicans refused to take yes for Having said that, I do wish to take a ranchers and everybody connected with an answer and filibustered again. moment to personally thank Chair- agriculture for what they do as a pro- Why would Republicans block the ex- person STABENOW and Chairman LUCAS, fession for our economy and for global tension of unemployment benefits? over in the House, for their unwavering stability in a troubled and angry world. Some seem to believe unemployment drive and perseverance to finalize a I just wish the rest of this Senate insurance is actually bad for struggling farm bill. It is one thing for me to would do the same thing. I will con- families. One Republican Senator re- stand and criticize it and find in my tinue to work and to advocate and to cently said emergency unemployment heart and my mind and on behalf of my champion agriculture on their behalf insurance does a ‘‘disservice’’ to people Kansas producers to vote no because I every single day. because it causes them to ‘‘become think that is the right vote, but I also Mr. President, I yield the floor. part of this perpetual unemployed know they have endeavored—Chairman The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- group in our economy.’’ Last year’s Re- STABENOW and Chairman LUCAS—to at ator from Massachusetts. publican Vice Presidential nominee, least get a bill. It is a tall task to get UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE Congressman RYAN, said that Federal a majority of the Members of Congress Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, I wish safety net programs such as unemploy- to understand that the farm bill is not to commend the junior Senator from ment insurance are like ‘‘a hammock, simply a bill that you pay off. New Jersey on his first speech on the which lulls able-bodied people into I can remember when I was chairman Senate floor. He brings a strong voice lives of complacency and dependency.’’ of the committee over in the House and to the U.S. Senate. Today he raises This is an insult to hard-working I asked a colleague to help me on the that voice for our friends and neighbors people across this country—people who farm bill. He said: Why don’t you just who need it, and I am proud to stand are doing their best and can’t find a pay it? That indicated his broad knowl- alongside him. job. edge of the farm bill at that particular Just 5 years ago middle-class fami- This is an insult to people such as time. lies got hammered by the worst eco- Terri, a 41-year-old resident of Gard- The farm bill is not simply a bill you nomic crisis since the Great Depres- ner, MA, who lost her job last year. just pay off. It instead represents im- sion. These families didn’t cause the Here is what she wrote to me after portant legislation for both urban, crisis. They worked hard and played by Congress let the unemployment insur- rural States and districts and the sta- the rules. But they ended up paying the ance program expire: bility of the world, if you will, knowing price for Wall Street’s wild risk-taking [M]y employer suddenly let me go and I found myself unemployed for the first time we have to feed 9 billion people in the and Washington’s failed oversight. Peo- since my very first part-time job at 15. I next several decades. At last, the ple lost jobs, lost savings, lost homes. have been diligently looking for work, apply- Chairs have beaten all the odds and are Far too many of them are still strug- ing everywhere, but I haven’t had any job of- on the verge of completing a very com- gling. fers . . .

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S698 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 3, 2014 She writes that unemployment insur- the low-end retailers are being able to She is not a person who wanted to be ance: find markets for their products because without work. She is not a person who . . . is all we have. I’m already on the our middle class is dwindling, squeezed sought to be unemployed for 10 brink of losing my home, we are struggling by the vise of an increasingly desperate months. None of these people—none of to hang on to what very little we have. . . . situation. How desperate it is for peo- the people on long-term unemployment I know I’m one of 1.3 million faces, but I’m ple who are depending now on unem- insurance—want to be without work. a face from near your home. I’m a face that ployment insurance, as they see the She wrote to me: never thought I’d be in this situation. I’m a deadlines for them approaching and It can take up to three months to get an face that needs the help of my government’s they know they will lose roofs over interview. Then if you have follow-up, it services that I have paid into for many, could be another month. So I do not think it many years. I’m a face that has done every- their heads, meals on their table, for is reasonable to only offer six months of un- thing I’m supposed to—but I feel like I’ve families they are struggling to keep to- employment benefits. fallen aside and no one sees me. gether. As Senator BOOKER and Senator I’m not an abuser of the system. I’m some- WARREN said so well, the unfairness of That pretty much says it. one who really needs my government to be the economic crisis caused by Wall I want to emphasize one aspect of there for me now. Please see me. Street and Washington but visited this problem that I think is absolutely Terri isn’t looking for a life of com- upon Main Street America, middle- unconscionable for this Nation to tol- placency and dependency. And she is class America, mainstream America, erate, and that is the high unemploy- not the exception. A person can’t get still struggling to recover. ment rate among our veterans. unemployment benefits unless they We know the unemployment we face This situation for post-9/11 veterans prove they lost their job through no today is deeper and more intractable is beyond comprehension and beyond fault of their own, and they prove they than at any other time in our history. accepting. The male post-9/11 veterans are actively looking for work. Unem- Long-term unemployment is larger in particular face rates of 8.6 percent, ployment insurance is a critical life- percentagewise than it has been in pre- almost 2 points above the national av- line for people who are trying their vious recessions. That is a tragedy for erage. Many of these veterans have hardest and need a little help—a rec- those families but also for our econ- been out of work for more than 6 months. ognition that Wall Street and Wash- omy, because those consumers are lost Long-term unemployment among our ington caused the financial crisis but to the retailers and to the mainstream small- and middle-sized businesses that veterans is a scourge that this Con- Main Street is still paying the price. gress has an obligation to address. And there is the rub. Republicans depend on them to grow and hire more Many of them left good-paying jobs. line up to protect billions in tax breaks people. In Connecticut, as of last month, al- They came back to a nation that said and subsidies for big corporations with it was grateful, and now they find no armies of lobbyists, but they can’t find most half of all of the individuals who have suffered a job loss—43.6 percent— jobs and no unemployment insurance a way to help struggling families get to keep a roof over their head and food back on their feet. were unable to find work for 6 months or more. That is more than 60,000 peo- on their table. People such as Terri are hurting. That is why I have introduced the They worked hard their whole lives and ple. Those numbers don’t tell the sto- ries. They are not the voices and faces VOW to Hire Heroes Act that would ex- paid into the system, and after the tend a key tax credit to incentivize worst economic crisis in generations, I have seen who are depending on a meager $300 a week and who have lost companies to hire veterans. This credit they are searching for jobs and scram- expired last year, but veteran unem- bling to stay in the middle class. They even that amount. Rosa Dicker, who has a deep knowl- ployment remains a serious problem, are not looking for a handout; they are edge of health care reform from her and I urge the Congress again to pass looking for a chance to rebuild their previous work, has received only three it. I have been joined by Senator lives. They would be there for us; we call-back interviews out of 500 jobs she BEGICH and Senator UDALL of New Mex- should be there for them. has sought, and her job search lasted ico in writing to the Finance Com- Mr. President, I yield the floor. almost a year. Michael Kubica, who mittee to urge it to approve this meas- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- went back to get his MBA after years ure so we can bring it to the floor. ator from Connecticut. of experience in insurance and pub- I want to thank AMVETS as well for Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I lishing, and, again, has been repeatedly its support on a measure that is, unfor- am reminded even at this late hour, turned away for employment. Alicia tunately, increasingly important; that when most of the world has moved on Nesbitt, proud to have been employed is, to ban discrimination against vet- to other pursuits, what a great privi- continuously from the age of 16—dec- erans in both employment and housing. lege it is to be with two magnificent ades ago—recently found herself apply- Believe it or not, this phenomenon oc- voices and advocates for fairness and ing for food stamps. Then, of course, curs. Most would find it incredible. Yet economic opportunity: Senator WAR- there is Katherine Hacket of Moodus, a measure is necessary to ban discrimi- REN of Massachusetts, and my very CT, who joined the President recently nation against men and women who good friend, Senator BOOKER of New to speak out about the need for extend- served in uniform, who served and sac- Jersey, on his first occasion here on ing these benefits. Katherine’s family rificed, who have given to this Nation. the floor. I feel very blessed and fortu- has sacrificed greatly for this Nation, Discrimination, unfortunately, is nate and privileged to be here with because she has not one but two chil- also a fact of life against the long-term them. I feel that way at any moment dren serving in our military. Yet, be- unemployed. I have proposed again and on this floor in this body but particu- cause of Congress’s inaction, Katherine reintroduced the Fair Employment Op- larly as we face this great challenge is struggling to pay for food and heat- portunity Act, which would prohibit ahead: how to preserve and enhance ing bills during her job search. discrimination on the basis of employ- our middle class in America; how to There are good guys out there help- ment status. make sure America fulfills its great ing people to find jobs. Capital Work- Discrimination has been established promise Senator BOOKER evoked so elo- force Partners has done tremendous by various studies—researchers at quently, going back to the days of work. I have met with them and other Northeastern University. Similar stud- George Washington; and now, with job creators, as well as job seekers ies involving academics at Yale, the great leaders facing many of the same around Connecticut, and sometimes University of Chicago, and the Univer- kinds of basic questions about whether those job searches actually succeed, be- sity of Toronto have found that the we can provide that opportunity going cause people are able to sustain their long-term unemployed—the longer forward, whether we are equal to the lives and continue to search for work. they have been unemployed—are much task in an increasingly complex soci- Erin Londen, one of the constituents more likely to be victims of discrimi- ety. whom I met as I have gone around the nation. I want to thank seven cospon- Just today, in the New York Times, State, has found work after 10 months sors on this bill: Senators MARKEY, there was a very profound and telling of unemployment. She writes: GILLIBRAND, SANDERS, SHAHEEN, MUR- story about markets losing middle- I could not be happier! I just love my new PHY, MENENDEZ, and BROWN. I urge class consumers. Only the high-end and job, it is everything I was looking for. other colleagues to support it as well. f

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S699 Finally, I want to thank again Sen- FEDERAL COAL PROGRAM exports to higher priced markets will ator BOOKER. He honors not only his INVESTIGATION continue to increase, we risk not only own long history of public service but Mr. MARKEY. Mr. President, the costing taxpayers money but also exac- also the memory of our late colleague, coal under our Federal public lands is a erbating climate change by, in effect, our extraordinary and esteemed col- tremendously valuable asset that be- subsidizing coal companies to send league, and my wonderful mentor and longs to the American people. For more coal abroad to be burned in dirty friend, Frank Lautenberg. He joins the nearly my entire career in Congress, I power plants. ranks of others in the Senate who are have been working to ensure that we Moreover, the GAO has concluded in fighting for the needs of the economi- do not shortchange taxpayers by giving its public report that the Interior De- cally disadvantaged—people, as he said this asset away to the coal companies partment lacks transparency and is not so eloquently, who play by the rules. for bargain-basement prices. As we are providing sufficient information to the They believe in this country, its ideals, facing Federal deficits and budget cuts public on the Federal coal leasing pro- its goals, and they want to serve it and for programs that benefit hard-work- gram. I am extremely concerned that a give back and contribute. ing, middle-class families, we need to lack of transparency and public infor- This Nation depends on a covenant. ensure more than ever that we are not mation for the American people and for It is the covenant that each of our gen- giving a windfall to coal companies on the Congress is inhibiting proper over- erations leaves the country better for the backs of taxpayers in Massachu- sight of this important program to pro- the one that follows—not only that the setts and across the Nation by selling tect taxpayers. country is better for the next genera- this public coal for less than it is When I was serving as ranking mem- tion, but that each of our generations, worth. ber of the House Natural Resources on our watch, pledges to do better. In 1982, following coal lease sales by Committee, I began an oversight in- That is the reason we need to extend the Department of the Interior on pub- quiry into the Federal coal leasing pro- unemployment insurance. Without it, lic lands in the Powder River Basin, gram in July 2012. While the Depart- we will be a lesser nation, not just eco- PRB, in Wyoming and Montana, I ment has provided me, and my staff nomically but in fairness and morality asked the Government Accountability has reviewed, hundreds of pages of leas- as well. I thank Senator BOOKER for re- Office, GAO, to investigate whether ing documents, certain critical infor- minding us of that fundamental fact taxpayers had received a proper return mation necessary to properly evaluate about our Nation. in these lease sales. The GAO found this program has been withheld. As a I yield the floor. that this Federal coal was sold for pen- result, the Interior Department is not The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- nies on the dollar. The GAO report con- providing information on the Federal ator from New Jersey. cluded that the Interior Department coal program to the Congress in a way Mr. BOOKER. Mr. President, I would had sold this public coal in the Powder that allows for proper oversight. While like to briefly say thank you to my fel- River Basin for $100 million less than it the intent of this restriction may be to low Senators who took time to come was worth. Following that revelation, protect the integrity of future lease and listen to my maiden speech but es- there were a number of recommenda- sales, the effect is to hamper congres- pecially those who also spoke on the tions made to reform the Federal coal sional oversight. issue as well. They spoke with elo- leasing program and ensure that tax- As part of its investigation, the GAO quence. They spoke poignantly about payers were protected. Unfortunately, I released two reports to me, one that is people in their State. And I pray they have concerns that similar problems public and one that is not able to be spoke persuasively. with the Federal coal program may made public. GAO kept one of these re- I thank Senator HIRONO, Senator persist today at the expense of tax- ports nonpublic because the Interior MENENDEZ, my senior Senator, espe- payers in Massachusetts and around Department believes that the propri- cially. I thank Senator WARREN and the country. etary information contained in the Senator BLUMENTHAL, who are still This week, I am releasing a new pub- nonpublic report could harm the integ- here. I thank, also, Senator JACK REED lic GAO report on the Federal coal rity of future lease sales. I believe that and Senate Majority Leader REID, as leasing program. This is the first time increased transparency with these coal well, for their working on this issue. in 20 years that the GAO has evaluated lease sales would increase the integrity I finally want to say that I have al- this program and it is well overdue. of the process, not lessen it. It would ready gotten word from people who ac- The findings in the latest GAO report be very helpful for the American people tually saw some of the speeches from highlight the fact that there still is a to be able to review this information. myself and my colleagues that even the lack of competition for Federal coal But even if that is not possible because words alone made a difference to them. leases. This dearth of competition of concerns about proprietary informa- At least they felt someone heard them, amongst coal companies means that it tion, Senators should be able to review is understanding what they are going is the Interior Department, and not the this information and debate it in order through. But that urgency persists, and market, that is ensuring a fair price is to ensure that taxpayers are protected. my hope is that we, working together, set for these valuable resources. To Unfortunately, we are not able to have can find a way to extend these benefits. give you an idea of the magnitude of that debate on the floor of the Senate Thank you very much. this issue, for every cent per ton that for the American people. That is wrong I suggest the absence of a quorum. coal companies decrease their bids for and very troubling. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The the largest coal leases, it could mean It is concerning to me that an agency clerk will call the roll. the loss of nearly $7 million for the would seek to withhold this sort of in- The assistant legislative clerk pro- American people. We have to act to formation from Congress. Without this ceeded to call the roll. correct the issues identified in the re- information, we cannot make a legisla- Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, I ask port and make sure national resources tive decision about whether the stat- unanimous consent that the order for are not being given away at below mar- utes governing coal leasing on Federal the quorum call be rescinded. ket prices. lands are working as intended and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The GAO has found that the Interior whether the Department is admin- objection, it is so ordered. Department is not properly considering istering them properly. f the potential of future exports of this Based on my staff’s examination of coal from Federal leases. These coal the materials provided to me by the MORNING BUSINESS leases are issued for 20 years and can be Department and included in the non- Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, I ask further extended. Coal exports for elec- public report issued to me by the GAO, unanimous consent that the Senate tricity generation in other countries it appears that the Interior Depart- proceed to a period of morning busi- have doubled in just a few years. Com- ment may be consistently underval- ness, with Senators permitted to speak panies want to sell U.S. coal overseas uing Federal coal leases. The GAO re- for up to 10 minutes each. to China and European markets to in- port found that the Interior Depart- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without crease their profits. If we are not prop- ment is using information that is out- objection, it is so ordered. erly valuing the possibility that coal dated in valuing coal leases. Based on

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S700 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 3, 2014 the examination of the materials pro- S. 1977. A bill to repeal section 403 of the EC–4483. A communication from the Presi- vided to me, I believe that this problem Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013, relating to an dent of the United States, transmitting, pur- may be even greater than stated in the annual adjustment of retired pay for mem- suant to law, a report relative to the des- GAO report. I am concerned that the bers of the Armed Forces under the age of 62, ignation of funding for Overseas Contingency and to provide an offset. Operations/Global War on Terrorism; to the Department may be using extremely f Committee on Appropriations. outdated information and boilerplate EC–4484. A communication from the Under analysis that does not reflect current MEASURES READ THE FIRST TIME Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Tech- market conditions. nology and Logistics), transmitting, pursu- These are tremendously serious prob- The following bill was read the first ant to law, a notification of a completion lems. Based on my staff’s examination time: date of April 2014 for a report relative to the of the materials, I believe that using S. 1982. A bill to improve the provision of Department of Defense purchases from for- appropriate market calculations and medical services and benefits to veterans, eign entities for fiscal year 2013; to the Com- and for other purposes. mittee on Armed Services. assumptions in some recent coal lease EC–4485. A communication from the Under f sales could potentially have yielded Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Tech- $200 million more for the American EXECUTIVE AND OTHER nology and Logistics), transmitting, pursu- people and possibly hundreds of mil- COMMUNICATIONS ant to law, a report entitled ‘‘Barriers to lions of dollars more. Nontraditional Suppliers to the Department Therefore, I am transmitting two let- The following communications were of Defense’’; to the Committee on Armed ters to the Interior Department, one laid before the Senate, together with Services. EC–4486. A communication from the Under that I am able to release publicly and accompanying papers, reports, and doc- uments, and were referred as indicated: Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readi- one that I cannot, which seek answers ness), transmitting, pursuant to law, a re- EC–4477. A communication from the Chief to how the Department will respond to port relative to the Department of Defense of the Planning and Regulatory Affairs the recommendations in the GAO re- (DoD) intending to assign women to pre- Branch, Food and Nutrition Service, Depart- viously closed positions in the Army; to the port and other issues involved in Fed- ment of Agriculture, transmitting, pursuant Committee on Armed Services. eral coal leasing. I believe that until to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Auto- EC–4487. A communication from the Direc- the questions and issues that I have mated Data Processing and Information Re- tor of Defense Procurement and Acquisition raised in my letters to the Department trieval Systems Requirements: System Test- Policy, Department of Defense, transmit- ing’’ (RIN0584–AD99) received during ad- are properly addressed to guarantee ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- journment of the Senate in the Office of the sufficient taxpayer protections are in titled ‘‘Defense Federal Acquisition Regula- President of the Senate on January 23, 2014; place, the Interior Department should tion Supplement: Proposal Adequacy Check- to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, temporarily suspend further Federal list Revision’’ ((RIN0750–AI15) (DFARS Case and Forestry. 2013–D033)) received during adjournment of coal leasing. I will also be introducing EC–4478. A communication from the Chief the Senate in the Office of the President of legislation in the future to reform the of the Planning and Regulatory Affairs the Senate on January 23, 2014; to the Com- Federal coal program to guarantee a Branch, Food and Nutrition Service, Depart- mittee on Armed Services. fair return for the American people. ment of Agriculture, transmitting, pursuant EC–4488. A communication from the Direc- Congress needs to be able to conduct to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Certifi- tor of Defense Procurement and Acquisition the necessary oversight to ensure that cation of Compliance With Meal Require- Policy, Department of Defense, transmit- the problems we have seen in the Fed- ments for the National School Lunch Pro- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- eral coal program in the past do not gram Under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids titled ‘‘Defense Federal Acquisition Regula- Act of 2010’’ (RIN0584–AE15) received during continue. Until that happens we cannot tion Supplement: Limitation on Use of Cost- adjournment of the Senate in the Office of reimbursement Line Items’’ ((RIN0750–AI16) assure taxpayers in Massachusetts and the President of the Senate on January 23, every State that they are getting a fair (DFARS Case 2013–D016)) received during ad- 2014; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nu- journment of the Senate in the Office of the return on this public resource that trition, and Forestry. President of the Senate on January 23, 2014; they own. Until that happens, we lack EC–4479. A communication from the Direc- to the Committee on Armed Services. the assurances that we are not sub- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, EC–4489. A communication from the Sec- sidizing coal companies to increase Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- retary of the Treasury, transmitting, pursu- carbon pollution by sending our coal ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ant to law, a six-month periodic report on titled ‘‘Dinotefuran; Pesticide Tolerances for overseas. It is time for the Congress to the national emergency with respect to Emergency Exemptions’’ (FRL No. 9402–8) re- Libya that was originally declared in Execu- be able to conduct the oversight of this ceived in the Office of the President of the program that is required. tive Order 13566 of February 25, 2011; to the Senate on January 16, 2014; to the Committee Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban f on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Affairs. EC–4480. A communication from the Direc- MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE EC–4490. A communication from the Sec- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, retary of the Treasury, transmitting, pursu- ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- ant to law, a six-month periodic report on At 5:11 p.m., a message from the ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- the national emergency that was declared in House of Representatives, delivered by titled ‘‘Acetochlor; Pesticide Tolerances’’ Executive Order 13348 of July 22, 2004, rel- Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- (FRL No. 9904–19) received during adjourn- ative to the former Liberian regime of ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- nounced that the Speaker signed the Charles Taylor; to the Committee on Bank- dent of the Senate on January 23, 2014; to the ing, Housing, and Urban Affairs. following enrolled bills: Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and EC–4491. A communication from the Assist- S. 1901. An act to authorize the President Forestry. ant Secretary for Legislative Affairs, De- to extend the term of the nuclear energy EC–4481. A communication from the Direc- partment of the Treasury, transmitting, pur- agreement with the Republic of Korea until tor of the Regulatory Management Division, suant to law, an annual report to Congress March 19, 2016. Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- describing actions taken to support and pre- H.R. 2860. An act to amend title 5, United ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- serve Minority Depository Institutions; to States Code, to provide that the Inspector titled ‘‘Indaziflam; Pesticide Tolerances’’ the Committee on Banking, Housing, and General of the Office of Personnel Manage- (FRL No. 9903–88) received during adjourn- Urban Affairs. ment may use amounts in the revolving fund ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- EC–4492. A communication from the Direc- of the Office to fund audits, investigations, dent of the Senate on January 23, 2014; to the tor, Office of Financial Research, Depart- and oversight activities, and for other pur- Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and ment of the Treasury, transmitting, pursu- poses. Forestry. ant to law, the Office of Financial Research’s The enrolled bills were subsequently EC–4482. A communication from the Chair- annual report on activities of the office to signed by the President pro tempore man and Chief Executive Officer, Farm Cred- date; to the Committee on Banking, Hous- it Administration, transmitting, pursuant to (Mr. LEAHY). ing, and Urban Affairs. law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Standards EC–4493. A communication from the Direc- f of Conduct and Referral of Known Suspected tor, Office of Financial Research, Depart- MEASURES PLACED ON THE Criminal Violations; Standards of Conduct’’ ment of the Treasury, transmitting, pursu- CALENDAR (RIN3052–AC44) received in the Office of the ant to law, the Office of Financial Research’s President of the Senate on January 27, 2014; 2013 Annual Report to Congress; to the Com- The following bill was read the sec- to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- ond time, and placed on the calendar: and Forestry. fairs.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S701 EC–4494. A communication from the Gen- Committee on Environment and Public Quality Implementation Plans; West Vir- eral Counsel, Department of Housing and Works. ginia; Section 110(a)(2) Infrastructure Re- Urban Development, transmitting, pursuant EC–4503. A communication from the Prin- quirements for the 2010 Nitrogen Dioxide Na- to law, a report relative to a vacancy in the cipal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish tional Ambient Air Quality Standards’’ (FRL position of Assistant Secretary for Commu- and Wildlife and Parks, National Park Serv- No. 9905–62–Region 3) received in the Office of nity Planning and Development, Department ice, Department of the Interior, transmit- the President of the Senate on January 16, of Housing and Urban Development, received ting, the report of a draft bill entitled ‘‘U.S. 2014; to the Committee on Environment and in the Office of the President of the Senate Fish and Wildlife Service Resource Protec- Public Works. on January 27, 2014; to the Committee on tion Act’’ received in the Office of the Presi- EC–4512. A communication from the Direc- Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. dent of the Senate on January 6, 2014; to the tor of the Regulatory Management Division, EC–4495. A communication from the Gen- Committee on Environment and Public Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- eral Counsel, Department of Housing and Works. ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Urban Development, transmitting, pursuant EC–4504. A communication from the Ad- titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Air to law, a report relative to a vacancy in the ministrator, General Services Administra- Quality Implementation Plans; Indiana; Con- position of Assistant Secretary for Policy tion, transmitting, pursuant to law, sent Decree Requirements’’ (FRL No. 9905– Development and Research, Department of prospectuses that support the Administra- 54–Region 5) received in the Office of the Housing and Urban Development, received in tion’s fiscal year 2014 Capital Investment and President of the Senate on January 16, 2014; the Office of the President of the Senate on Leasing Program; to the Committee on Envi- to the Committee on Environment and Pub- February 3, 2014; to the Committee on Bank- ronment and Public Works. lic Works. ing, Housing, and Urban Affairs. EC–4505. A communication from the Direc- EC–4513. A communication from the Direc- EC–4496. A communication from the Gen- tor of Congressional Affairs, Nuclear Regu- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, eral Counsel, Department of Housing and latory Commission, transmitting, pursuant Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Urban Development, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- to law, a report relative to a vacancy in the ‘‘Dispositioning Boiling Water Reactor Li- titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Air position of Assistant Secretary for Fair censee Noncompliance with Technical Speci- Quality Implementation Plans; Delaware; In- Housing and Equal Opportunity, Department fication Containment Requirements During frastructure Requirements for the 2010 Sul- of Housing and Urban Development, received Operations with a Potential for Draining the fur Dioxide National Ambient Air Quality in the Office of the President of the Senate Reactor Vessel’’ (EGM 11–003, Revision 2) re- Standards’’ (FRL No. 9905–63–Region 3) re- on January 27, 2014; to the Committee on ceived during adjournment of the Senate in ceived in the Office of the President of the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. the Office of the President of the Senate on Senate on January 16, 2014; to the Committee EC–4497. A communication from the Sec- January 23, 2014; to the Committee on Envi- on Environment and Public Works. retary of the Securities and Exchange Com- ronment and Public Works. EC–4514. A communication from the Direc- mission, transmitting, pursuant to law, the EC–4506. A communication from the Direc- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, report of a rule entitled ‘‘Treatment of Cer- tor of Congressional Affairs, Nuclear Regu- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- tain Collateralized Debt Obligations Backed latory Commission, transmitting, pursuant ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Primarily by Trust Preferred Securities with to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Generic titled ‘‘Hazardous Waste Management Sys- Regard to Prohibitions and Restrictions on Letter 2008–1, Managing Gas Accumulation’’ tem; Modification of the Hazardous Waste Certain Interests In, and Relationships With, (NRC–2013–0173) received during adjournment Manifest System; Electronic Manifests’’ Hedge Funds and Private Equity Funds’’ of the Senate in the Office of the President (FRL No. 9828–9) received during adjourn- (RIN3235–AL52) received in the Office of the of the Senate on January 23, 2014; to the ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- President of the Senate on January 27, 2014; Committee on Environment and Public dent of the Senate on January 23, 2014; to the to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Works. Committee on Environment and Public Urban Affairs. EC–4507. A communication from the Direc- Works. EC–4498. A communication from the Chief tor of Congressional Affairs, Nuclear Regu- EC–4515. A communication from the Direc- Counsel, Federal Emergency Management latory Commission, transmitting, pursuant tor of the Regulatory Management Division, Agency, Department of Homeland Security, to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘List of Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: HI– ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- a rule entitled ‘‘Final Flood Elevation Deter- STORM 100 Cask System; Amendment No. 9’’ titled ‘‘2013 Revisions to the Greenhouse Gas minations’’ ((44 CFR Part 67) (Docket No. (RIN3150–AJ12) received during adjournment Reporting Rule and Final Confidentiality FEMA–2013–0002)) received during adjourn- of the Senate in the Office of the President Determinations for New or Substantially Re- ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- of the Senate on January 23, 2014; to the vised Data Elements’’ (FRL No. 9905–71–OAR) dent of the Senate on January 22, 2014; to the Committee on Environment and Public received during adjournment of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Works. in the Office of the President of the Senate Affairs. EC–4508. A communication from the Direc- on January 23, 2014; to the Committee on En- EC–4499. A communication from the Direc- tor of Congressional Affairs, Nuclear Regu- vironment and Public Works. tor of Legislative Affairs, Federal Deposit latory Commission, transmitting, pursuant EC–4516. A communication from the Direc- Insurance Corporation, transmitting, pursu- to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Decom- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, ant to law, the report of a rule entitled missioning Financial Assurance Instrument Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- ‘‘Community Reinvestment Act Regula- Security Program’’ (MD 8.12) received during ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- tions’’ (RIN3064–AD90) received during ad- adjournment of the Senate in the Office of titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Imple- journment of the Senate in the Office of the the President of the Senate on January 23, mentation Plans; North Carolina: Non-inter- President of the Senate on January 24, 2014; 2014; to the Committee on Environment and ference Demonstration for Removal of Fed- to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Public Works. eral Low-Reid Vapor Pressure Requirement Urban Affairs. EC–4509. A communication from the Direc- for the Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High EC–4500. A communication from the Assist- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, Point Area’’ (FRL No. 9905–70–Region 4) re- ant to the Board of Governors of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- ceived during adjournment of the Senate in Reserve System, transmitting, pursuant to ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- the Office of the President of the Senate on law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Prohibi- titled ‘‘Changes to Dispute Procedures’’ January 23, 2014; to the Committee on Envi- tions and Restrictions on Proprietary Trad- (FRL No. 9803–9) received in the Office of the ronment and Public Works. ing and Certain Interests In, and Relation- President of the Senate on January 16, 2014; EC–4517. A communication from the Direc- ships With, Hedge Funds and Private Equity to the Committee on Environment and Pub- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, Funds’’ (RIN7100–AD61 and FRB Docket No. lic Works. Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- R–1432) received in the Office of the Presi- EC–4510. A communication from the Direc- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- dent of the Senate on January 27, 2014; to the tor of the Regulatory Management Division, titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Imple- Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- mentation Plans; State of Kansas; Annual Affairs. ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Emissions Fee and Annual Emissions Inven- EC–4501. A communication from the Sec- titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Imple- tory’’ (FRL No. 9905–66–Region 7) received retary of the Treasury, transmitting, pursu- mentation Plans and Title V Operating Per- during adjournment of the Senate in the Of- ant to law, a six-month periodic report on mit Program; State of Iowa’’ (FRL No. 9905– fice of the President of the Senate on Janu- the national emergency with respect to 21–Region 7) received in the Office of the ary 23, 2014; to the Committee on Environ- transnational criminal organizations that President of the Senate on January 16, 2014; ment and Public Works. was declared in Executive Order 13581 of July to the Committee on Environment and Pub- EC–4518. A communication from the Direc- 24, 2011; to the Committee on Banking, Hous- lic Works. tor of the Regulatory Management Division, ing, and Urban Affairs. EC–4511. A communication from the Direc- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- EC–4502. A communication from the Direc- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- tor, National Science Foundation, transmit- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- titled ‘‘Revisions to the California State Im- ting draft legislation entitled ‘‘Antarctic En- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- plementation Plan, Santa Barbara County vironmental Liability Act of 2014’’; to the titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Air Air Pollution Control District’’ (FRL No.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S702 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 3, 2014 9904–02–Region 9) received during adjourn- ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS S. 1236 ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- EINSTEIN S. 114 At the request of Mrs. F , the dent of the Senate on January 23, 2014; to the name of the Senator from Montana Committee on Environment and Public At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the (Mr. TESTER) was added as a cosponsor Works. names of the Senator from New York of S. 1236, a bill to repeal the Defense of EC–4519. A communication from the Direc- (Mrs. GILLIBRAND) and the Senator Marriage Act and ensure respect for tor of the Regulatory Management Division, from Oregon (Mr. WYDEN) were added Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- as cosponsors of S. 114, a bill to amend State regulation of marriage. ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- title 11, United States Code, with re- S. 1407 titled ‘‘Air Quality Implementation Plan; spect to certain exceptions to dis- At the request of Mr. CASEY, the Alabama; Attainment Plan for the Troy name of the Senator from Virginia (Mr. Area 2008 Lead Nonattainment Area’’ (FRL charge in bankruptcy. WARNER) was added as a cosponsor of S. No. 9904–91–Region 4) received during ad- S. 315 1407, a bill to amend the Elementary journment of the Senate in the Office of the At the request of Ms. KLOBUCHAR, the President of the Senate on January 23, 2014; name of the Senator from Massachu- and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to strengthen elementary and secondary to the Committee on Environment and Pub- setts (Mr. MARKEY) was added as a co- lic Works. sponsor of S. 315, a bill to reauthorize computer science education, and for f and extend the Paul D. Wellstone Mus- other purposes. S. 1456 INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND cular Dystrophy Community Assist- At the request of Ms. AYOTTE, the JOINT RESOLUTIONS ance, Research, and Education Amend- ments of 2008. name of the Senator from New Jersey The following bills and joint resolu- S. 489 (Mr. BOOKER) was added as a cosponsor tions were introduced, read the first of S. 1456, a bill to award the Congres- At the request of Mr. THUNE, the and second times by unanimous con- sional Gold Medal to Shimon Peres. sent, and referred as indicated: name of the Senator from Alaska (Mr. BEGICH) was added as a cosponsor of S. S. 1507 By Mr. ROCKEFELLER: 489, a bill to amend the Tariff Act of At the request of Mr. MORAN, the S. 1980. A bill to amend titles XIX and XXI name of the Senator from New Mexico of the Social Security Act to provide for 12- 1930 to increase and adjust for inflation month continuous enrollment under the the maximum value of articles that (Mr. UDALL) was added as a cosponsor Medicaid program and Children’s Health In- may be imported duty-free by one per- of S. 1507, a bill to amend the Internal surance Program and to promote quality son on one day, and for other purposes. Revenue Code of 1986 to clarify the care; to the Committee on Finance. S. 1033 treatment of general welfare benefits By Mr. MARKEY (for himself, Mr. At the request of Mr. HARKIN, the provided by Indian tribes. UDALL of New Mexico, Mr. name of the Senator from Alaska (Mr. S. 1529 BLUMENTHAL, Mr. FRANKEN, Mr. At the request of Ms. BALDWIN, the WYDEN, and Mr. MERKLEY): BEGICH) was added as a cosponsor of S. S. 1981. A bill to provide that the rules of 1033, a bill to authorize a grant pro- name of the Senator from New Mexico the Federal Communications Commission re- gram to promote physical education, (Mr. UDALL) was added as a cosponsor lating to preserving the open Internet and activity, and fitness and nutrition, and of S. 1529, a bill to provide benefits to broadband industry practices shall be re- to ensure healthy students, and for domestic partners of Federal employ- stored to effect until the date when the Com- other purposes. ees. mission takes final action in the proceedings S. 1135 S. 1688 on such rules that were remanded to the Commission by the United States Court of At the request of Mr. CASEY, the At the request of Mr. KIRK, the name Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit; name of the Senator from Maine (Mr. of the Senator from North Carolina to the Committee on Commerce, Science, KING) was added as a cosponsor of S. (Mr. BURR) was added as a cosponsor of and Transportation. 1135, a bill to amend the Safe Drinking S. 1688, a bill to award the Congres- By Mr. SANDERS (for himself, Ms. Water Act to repeal a certain exemp- sional Gold Medal to the members of HIRONO, Ms. LANDRIEU, Mr. BEGICH, tion for hydraulic fracturing, and for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), Mr. SCHATZ, Mr. BROWN, Mr. other purposes. collectively, in recognition of their su- BLUMENTHAL, Ms. HEITKAMP, Mrs. perior service and major contributions BOXER, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, and Mrs. S. 1174 during World War II. GILLIBRAND): At the request of Mr. BLUMENTHAL, S. 1982. A bill to improve the provision of the names of the Senator from Virginia S. 1712 medical services and benefits to veterans, (Mr. WARNER) and the Senator from At the request of Mr. HATCH, the and for other purposes; read the first time. Minnesota (Ms. KLOBUCHAR) were added name of the Senator from Kansas (Mr. By Mr. HELLER: as cosponsors of S. 1174, a bill to award ROBERTS) was added as a cosponsor of S. 1983. A bill to direct the Secretary of the a Congressional Gold Medal to the 65th S. 1712, a bill to provide protections for Interior, acting through the Bureau of Land workers with respect to their right to Management and the Bureau of Reclamation, Infantry Regiment, known as the to convey, by quitclaim deed, to the City of Borinqueneers. select or refrain from selecting rep- Fernley, Nevada, all right, title, and interest S. 1181 resentation by a labor organization. of the United States, to any Federal land At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the S. 1803 within that city that is under the jurisdic- name of the Senator from Nevada (Mr. At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the tion of either of those agencies; to the Com- name of the Senator from New York mittee on Energy and Natural Resources. HELLER) was added as a cosponsor of S. (Mrs. GILLIBRAND) was added as a co- By Mr. KIRK: 1181, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- S. 1984. A bill to enhance penalties for com- enue Code of 1986 to exempt certain sponsor of S. 1803, a bill to require cer- puter crimes, and for other purposes; to the stock of real estate investment trusts tain protections for student loan bor- Committee on the Judiciary. from the tax on foreign investments in rowers, and for other purposes. By Mr. MORAN: United States real property interests, S. 1950 S. 1985. A bill to reauthorize and modify and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. SANDERS, the the pilot program of the Department of Vet- S. 1184 name of the Senator from Hawaii (Ms. erans Affairs under which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs provides health services to At the request of Mr. CARPER, the HIRONO) was added as a cosponsor of S. veterans through qualifying non-Department name of the Senator from Delaware 1950, a bill to improve the provision of of Veterans Affairs health care providers, (Mr. COONS) was added as a cosponsor medical services and benefits to vet- and for other purposes; to the Committee on of S. 1184, a bill to amend title XVIII of erans, and for other purposes. Veterans’ Affairs. the Social Security Act to include in- S. 1961 By Mr. MANCHIN (for himself and Ms. formation on the coverage of intensive At the request of Mr. MANCHIN, the COLLINS): behavioral therapy for obesity in the name of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. S. 1986. A bill to amend the Older Ameri- cans Act of 1965 to provide for outreach, and Medicare and You Handbook and to DURBIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. coordination of services, to veterans; to the provide for the coordination of pro- 1961, a bill to protect surface water Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and grams to prevent and treat obesity, from contamination by chemical stor- Pensions. and for other purposes. age facilities, and for other purposes.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S703 S. 1977 On page 9, line 2, strike ‘‘$14,500,000’’ and The assistant legislative clerk read At the request of Ms. AYOTTE, the insert ‘‘$12,000,000’’. as follows: name of the Senator from Georgia (Mr. f A bill (S. 376) to reauthorize the National CHAMBLISS) was added as a cosponsor of NOTICES OF HEARINGS Integrated Drought Information System, and S. 1977, a bill to repeal section 403 of for other purposes. the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013, re- COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, There being no objection, the Senate lating to an annual adjustment of re- AND PENSIONS proceeded to consider the bill, which tired pay for members of the Armed Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I wish to had been reported from the Committee Forces under the age of 62, and to pro- announce that the Committee on on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- vide an offset. Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- tation, with an amendment to strike S.J. RES. 10 sions will meet during the session of all after the enacting clause and insert At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the the Senate on February 4, 2013, at 10:30 in lieu thereof the following: name of the Senator from Delaware a.m. in room SD–430 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, to conduct a SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (Mr. COONS) was added as a cosponsor This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Drought Infor- of S.J. Res. 10, a joint resolution pro- hearing entitled ‘‘Hearing on the nomi- mation Act of 2013’’. nation of Surgeon General designate, posing an amendment to the Constitu- SEC. 2. REAUTHORIZATION OF NATIONAL INTE- tion of the United States relative to Vivek Hallegere Murthy.’’ GRATED DROUGHT INFORMATION equal rights for men and women. For further information regarding SYSTEM. this meeting, please contact Emily (a) SYSTEM AMENDMENTS.—Section 3 of the S. RES. 270 Schlichting of the committee staff on National Integrated Drought Information Sys- At the request of Mr. KIRK, the name (202) 224–6480. tem Act of 2006 (15 U.S.C. 313d) is amended— of the Senator from Maine (Ms. COL- (1) in subsection (a)— LINS) was added as a cosponsor of S. COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, (A) by inserting ‘‘and continue to support’’ Res. 270, a resolution supporting the AND PENSIONS after ‘‘establish’’; and goals and ideals of World Polio Day and Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I wish to (B) by inserting before the period at the end commending the international commu- announce that the Committee on the following: ‘‘to better inform and provide for Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- more timely decisionmaking to reduce drought nity and others for their efforts to pre- related impacts and costs’’; and vent and eradicate polio. sions will meet during the session of the Senate on February 6, 2013, at 10 (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the S. RES. 271 following: a.m., in room SD–430 of the Dirksen At the request of Mr. GRAHAM, the ‘‘(b) SYSTEM FUNCTIONS.—The National Inte- name of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. Senate Office Building, to conduct a grated Drought Information System shall— hearing entitled ‘‘Supporting Children ‘‘(1) provide an effective drought early warn- DURBIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. ing system that— Res. 271, a resolution expressing the and Families through Investments in High-Quality Early Education.’’ ‘‘(A) collects and integrates information on sense of the Senate that United States the key indicators of drought and drought im- military assistance for Cambodia For further information regarding this meeting, please contact Aissa pacts, including water supplies and soil mois- should be suspended until an inde- ture, in order to make usable, reliable, and time- pendent and credible investigation oc- Canchola of the committee staff on ly forecasts of drought, including assessments of curs into the July 28, 2013, parliamen- (202) 224–2009. the severity of drought conditions and impacts; tary elections, and election reforms are f and being implemented by the Government ‘‘(B) provides such information, forecasts, and AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEE TO assessments on both national and regional lev- of Cambodia. MEET els; f SUBCOMMITTEE ON NATIONAL SECURITY AND ‘‘(2) communicate drought forecasts, drought conditions, and drought impacts on an ongoing AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND FINANCE basis to stakeholders and entities engaged in PROPOSED Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I drought planning, preparedness, and manage- SA 2712. Mr. PRYOR (for himself, Mrs. ask unanimous consent that the Com- ment, including— HAGAN, Mr. BEGICH, and Mrs. SHAHEEN) sub- mittee on Banking, Housing, and ‘‘(A) decisionmakers at the Federal, regional, mitted an amendment intended to be pro- Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Na- State, tribal, and local levels of government; posed by him to the bill S. 1845, to provide tional Security and International ‘‘(B) the private sector; and for the extension of certain unemployment Trade and Finance be authorized to ‘‘(C) the public; benefits, and for other purposes; which was meet during the session of the Senate ‘‘(3) provide timely data, information, and products that reflect local, regional, and State ordered to lie on the table. on Monday, February 3, 2014, at 3:00 SA 2713. Ms. WARREN (for Mr. PRYOR) pro- differences in drought conditions; posed an amendment to the bill S. 376, to re- p.m., in order to conduct a hearing en- ‘‘(4) coordinate, and integrate as practicable, authorize the National Integrated Drought titled ‘‘Safeguarding Consumers’ Fi- Federal research and monitoring in support of a Information System, and for other purposes. nancial Data.’’ drought early warning system; ‘‘(5) build upon existing Federal, State, re- f The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. gional, private, public, and academic fore- TEXT OF AMENDMENTS casting and assessment programs and partner- f SA 2712. Mr. PRYOR (for himself, ships; and PRIVILEGES OF THE FLOOR ‘‘(6) continue ongoing research and moni- Mrs. HAGAN, Mr. BEGICH, and Mrs. SHA- toring activities related to drought, including re- HEEN) submitted an amendment in- Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, I ask search activities relating to length, severity, and tended to be proposed by him to the unanimous consent that detailees Nona impacts of drought and the role of extreme bill S. 1845, to provide for the extension McCoy and Kevin Batteh be granted weather events and climate variability in of certain unemployment benefits, and floor privileges for the duration of the drought.’’. for other purposes; which was ordered consideration of the conference report (b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Sec- to lie on the table; as follows: to accompany H.R. 2642, the farm bill. tion 4 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 313d note) is The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without amended— At the end of the matter proposed to be in- (1) in paragraph (5), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the serted, add the following: objection, it is so ordered. end; SEC. ll. REPEAL OF CERTAIN REDUCTIONS f (2) in paragraph (6), by striking the period at MADE BY THE BIPARTISAN BUDGET the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and ACT OF 2013. DROUGHT INFORMATION ACT OF (3) by adding at the end the following: Section 403 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 ‘‘(7) $14,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 2013 (Public Law 113–67) is repealed as of the through 2018.’’. date of the enactment of such Act. Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate (c) REPORT.— Ms. WARREN (for Mr. proceed to the immediate consider- (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 540 days after SA 2713. the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under PRYOR) proposed an amendment to the ation of Calendar Number No. 222, S. Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmos- bill S. 376, to reauthorize the National 376. phere shall submit to the Committee on Com- Integrated Drought Information Sys- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The merce, Science, and Transportation of the Sen- tem, and for other purposes; as follows: clerk will report the bill by title. ate and the Committee on Science, Space, and

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Technology of the House of Representatives a ‘‘(b) SYSTEM FUNCTIONS.—The National In- the National Integrated Drought Informa- report on the National Integrated Drought In- tegrated Drought Information System tion System. formation System. shall— (3) CONSULTATION.—In developing the re- (2) CONTENTS.—The report required by para- ‘‘(1) provide an effective drought early port required by paragraph (1), the Under graph (1) shall include the following: warning system that— Secretary shall consult with relevant Fed- (A) An assessment of the implementation of ‘‘(A) collects and integrates information on eral, regional, State, tribal, and local gov- the National Integrated Drought Information the key indicators of drought and drought ernment agencies, research institutions, and System, including an assessment of how the in- impacts, including water supplies and soil the private sector. formation, forecasts, and assessments produced moisture, in order to make usable, reliable, f by such system are utilized in drought policy and timely forecasts of drought, including planning and response activities. assessments of the severity of drought condi- PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM (B) Specific plans for continued development tions and impacts; and HUMAN TRAFFICKING of the system, including future milestones. ‘‘(B) provides such information, forecasts, (C) An identification of research, monitoring, and assessments on both national and re- Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, I ask and forecasting needs to enhance the predictive gional levels; unanimous consent the Judiciary Com- capability of drought early warnings that in- ‘‘(2) communicate drought forecasts, mittee be discharged from further con- clude— drought conditions, and drought impacts on sideration of S. Res. 340 and the Senate (i) the length and severity of droughts; an ongoing basis to stakeholders and entities proceed to its consideration. (ii) the contribution of weather events to re- engaged in drought planning, preparedness, ducing the severity or ending drought condi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without and management, including— objection, it is so ordered. tions; and ‘‘(A) decisionmakers at the Federal, re- (iii) regionally-specific drought impacts. gional, State, tribal, and local levels of gov- The clerk will report the resolution (D) A list of partners with whom the Under ernment; by title. Secretary collaborates to implement the National ‘‘(B) the private sector; and The assistant legislative clerk read Integrated Drought Information System. ‘‘(C) the public; as follows: (E) A description of the outreach activities ‘‘(3) provide timely data, information, and A resolution (S. Res. 340) expressing the conducted by the Under Secretary regarding the products that reflect local, regional, and National Integrated Drought Information Sys- sense of the Senate that all necessary meas- State differences in drought conditions; ures should be taken to protect children in tem. ‘‘(4) coordinate, and integrate as prac- (3) CONSULTATION.—In developing the report the United States from human trafficking, ticable, Federal research and monitoring in especially during the upcoming Super Bowl, required by paragraph (1), the Under Secretary support of a drought early warning system; shall consult with relevant Federal, regional, an event around which many children are ‘‘(5) build upon existing Federal, State, re- trafficked for sex. State, tribal, and local government agencies, re- gional, private, public, and academic fore- search institutions, and the private sector. casting and assessment programs and part- There being no objection, the Senate Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, I fur- nerships; and proceeded to consider the resolution. ther ask unanimous consent that the ‘‘(6) continue ongoing research and moni- Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, I ask committee-reported substitute amend- toring activities related to drought, includ- unanimous consent the resolution be ment be considered, the Pryor amend- ing research activities relating to length, se- agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, verity, and impacts of drought and the role and the motions to reconsider be con- ment, which is at the desk, be agreed of extreme weather events and climate vari- to, the committee substitute, as ability in drought.’’. sidered made and laid upon the table, amended, be agreed to, the bill, as (b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— with no intervening action or debate. amended, be read a third time and Section 4 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 313d note) is The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without passed, and the motions to reconsider amended— objection, it is so ordered. be considered made and laid upon the (1) in paragraph (5), by striking ‘‘and’’ at The resolution (S. Res. 340) was table, with no intervening action or de- the end; agreed to. (2) in paragraph (6), by striking the period The preamble was agreed to. bate. at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (3) by adding at the end the following: (The resolution, with its preamble, is objection, it is so ordered. ‘‘(7) $12,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 printed in the RECORD of Tuesday, Jan- The amendment (No. 2713) was agreed through 2018.’’. uary 28, 2014, under ‘‘Submitted Resolu- to, as follows: (c) REPORT.— tions.’’) (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 540 days (Purpose: To reduce the authorization of f after the date of the enactment of this Act, appropriations amount) the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans OBSERVING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY On page 9, line 2, strike ‘‘$14,500,000’’ and and Atmosphere shall submit to the Com- OF DAISY BATES insert ‘‘$12,000,000’’. mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- The committee-reported substitute tation of the Senate and the Committee on Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, I ask amendment, as amended, was agreed Science, Space, and Technology of the House unanimous consent the Judiciary Com- to. of Representatives a report on the National mittee be discharged from further con- The bill (S. 376), as amended, was or- Integrated Drought Information System. sideration of S. Res. 341 and the Senate dered to be engrossed for a third read- (2) CONTENTS.—The report required by proceed to its consideration. ing, was read the third time, and paragraph (1) shall include the following: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (A) An assessment of the implementation passed, as follows: objection, it is so ordered. of the National Integrated Drought Informa- The clerk will report the resolution S. 376 tion System, including an assessment of how Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- the information, forecasts, and assessments by title. resentatives of the United States of America in produced by such system are utilized in The assistant legislative clerk read Congress assembled, drought policy planning and response activi- as follows: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. ties. A resolution (S. Res. 341) observing the This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Drought In- (B) Specific plans for continued develop- 100th birthday of civil rights leader Daisy formation Act of 2013’’. ment of the system, including future mile- Bates and honoring her legacy as an Amer- SEC. 2. REAUTHORIZATION OF NATIONAL INTE- stones. ican heroine. GRATED DROUGHT INFORMATION (C) An identification of research, moni- Without objection, the Senate pro- SYSTEM. toring, and forecasting needs to enhance the (a) SYSTEM AMENDMENTS.—Section 3 of the predictive capability of drought early warn- ceeded to consider the resolution. National Integrated Drought Information ings that include— Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, I ask System Act of 2006 (15 U.S.C. 313d) is amend- (i) the length and severity of droughts; unanimous consent the resolution be ed— (ii) the contribution of weather events to agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, (1) in subsection (a)— reducing the severity or ending drought con- and the motions to reconsider be con- (A) by inserting ‘‘and continue to support’’ ditions; and sidered made and laid upon the table after ‘‘establish’’; and (iii) regionally-specific drought impacts. with no intervening action or debate. (B) by inserting before the period at the (D) A list of partners with whom the Under The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without end the following: ‘‘to better inform and pro- Secretary collaborates to implement the Na- vide for more timely decisionmaking to re- tional Integrated Drought Information Sys- objection, it is so ordered. duce drought related impacts and costs’’; and tem. The resolution (S. Res. 341) was (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting (E) A description of the outreach activities agreed to. the following: conducted by the Under Secretary regarding The preamble was agreed to.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:28 Oct 22, 2014 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD14\FEB 2014\S03FE4.REC S03FE4 ejoyner on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S705 (The resolution, with its preamble, is ceive its second reading on the next until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly printed in the RECORD of Wednesday, legislative day. caucus meetings. January 29, 2014, under ‘‘Submitted The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Resolutions.’’) f objection, it is so ordered. f ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, f MEASURE READ THE FIRST FEBRUARY 4, 2014 TIME—S. 1982 PROGRAM Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, I ask Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, I un- Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, there unanimous consent that when the Sen- derstand that S. 1982, introduced ear- will be a rollcall vote at approximately ate completes its business today, it ad- lier today by Senator SANDERS, is at 2:35 p.m. on adoption of the farm bill journ until 10 a.m on Tuesday, Feb- the desk and I ask for its first reading. conference report. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ruary 4, 2014; that following the prayer clerk will read the bill by title for the and pledge, the morning hour be f first time. deemed expired, the Journal of pro- ceedings be approved to date, and the ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 10 A.M. The assistant legislative clerk read TOMORROW as follows: time for the two leaders be reserved for A bill (S. 1982) to improve the provision of their use later in the day; that fol- Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, if there medical services and benefits to veterans, lowing any leader remarks, the Senate is no further business to come before and for other purposes. resume consideration of the conference the Senate, I ask unanimous consent Ms. WARREN. I now ask for its sec- report to accompany H.R. 2642, the that it adjourn under the previous ond reading and object to my own re- farm bill, with the time until 12:30 p.m. order. quest. equally divided and controlled between There being no objection, the Senate, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- the two leaders or their designees; and at 7:56 p.m., adjourned until Tuesday, tion having been heard, the bill will re- that the Senate recess from 12:30 p.m. February 4, at 10 a.m.

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RECOGNIZING ALL AMERICANS’ the Gregg County Bar Association. He also Watseka Citizen of the Year and awarded the RIGHT TO LIFE served as an advisor to the City Council and Lifetime Achievement Award by the Watseka was an attorney for the Sabine River Authority Area Chamber of Commerce and the Iroquois HON. DANIEL WEBSTER of Texas for 35 years, during which time he County Times Republic. OF FLORIDA helped to acquire land for the Lake Fork Res- Mr. Dowling will be retiring from the position ervoir. of Middleport Township Supervisor at the end IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Earl’s parents impressed upon him the of March and I would like to thank him for all Monday, February 3, 2014 value of community service, and he devoted a he has done for the residents of Middleport Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on lifetime to many worthy causes. From 2000 to Township, the City of Watseka, and Iroquois January 22, 2013, we remembered the unborn 2003, Earl served as Mayor of Longview. As County. He has been a leader and advocate children who have died as a direct result of Mayor, Earl established public transportation for many important issues throughout his the Supreme Court’s rulings in Roe v. Wade in Longview, developed water resources, and years of service, and has become a well-re- and Doe v. Bolton on January 22, 1973. reduced the City’s debt, among other accom- spected member of the community. An estimated 55 million children have been plishments. Earl also served on the Board of While he is leaving this post and heading aborted in the United States since those Su- Directors of many not-for-profit organizations, into retirement, I know that Mr. Dowling will al- preme Court decisions were handed down including the Longview YMCA, the Longview ways be there to lend a helping hand or give from our Nation’s highest court 41 years ago. Chamber of Commerce, the Longview Eco- advice to those in need. Mr. Speaker, on be- This staggering number represents nearly nomic Development Foundation, LeTourneau half of the 16th District of Illinois, I wish to ex- three times the total population of my home University, and the Highway 80 Rescue Mis- press our deepest thanks to John Dowling for state of Florida. In 2012 alone, Planned Par- sion. Additionally, he served as Chairman of his exemplary service and dedication. enthood reported performing 330,000 abortion Deacons at First Baptist Church of Longview f procedures—more than the entire population where he taught Sunday School for many of Orlando. years. RECOGNIZING JOE CRANKSHAW On this 41st anniversary of those historic Earl was an avid runner who could be found decisions, I mourn for the loss of our Nation’s on the streets in the early morning with his fel- HON. PATRICK MURPHY unborn children and for their families. Every low group of runners affectionately known as OF FLORIDA child is an invaluable gift with unique talents, ‘‘The Pack of Fools.’’ In addition to numerous IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES local races, he participated in more than 40 interests and personality. My wife, Sandy, and Monday, February 3, 2014 I have six children, and it has been a privilege marathons, including five times in the Boston to raise them and watch them as they’ve Marathon. Mr. MURPHY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise grown over the years. Three of our children Earl was an outstanding American, a leader today to recognize Mr. Joe Crankshaw for his are now married, and Sandy and I have eight in his hometown, and beloved by all who knew 56 years in the newspaper business. Mr. beautiful grandchildren. As our family con- him. I am proud to have known him as a per- Crankshaw was born during the Great Depres- tinues to grow, it is a blessing to welcome sonal friend. He was always loyal to his family sion, an era in journalism known as the ‘‘Age more grandchildren and great-grandchildren and will be remembered fondly by his wife of of the Columnists’’ which saw a rise in photo- into our lives. 55 years, Elizabeth Hull ‘‘Betty’’ Roberts; his journalism and 35mm photography. It was the Life is a precious gift, and I am grateful two children Murray and David, along with Da- heyday of newsreels and copy was still done every day for the lives of my children and vid’s wife Amanda; his siblings Claire and by typewriters and edited with scissors and grandchildren. I am saddened by the loss of James; his five grandchildren; and other family glue. 55 million unborn children, children who would members and friends. Mr. Speaker, I ask my Mr. Crankshaw began his career in 1958 have lived to be our cherished sons and colleagues to join me in honoring this great when he was hired by Ernie Lyons, editor of daughters, our brothers and sisters, our neigh- American, Earl Roberts, Jr. Longview has lost the then-weekly Stuart News. After five years, bors, and our friends. Our Nation is strongest one of its favorites sons. Mr. Crankshaw moved on to The Florida when every child’s right to life is honored. To f Times Union and The Miami Herald where his that end, we must never cease to fight for life, stories consistently made the front page. nor cease to be grateful for our own. HONORING JOHN DOWLING’S In 1991 Mr. Crankshaw rejoined the Scripps SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY f Treasure Coast team where he was recog- nized as one of the best by his publisher and HONORING MEREDITH EARL ROB- HON. ADAM KINZINGER colleagues. In the years since, Mr. Crankshaw ERTS FOR A LIFE OF SERVICE OF ILLINOIS has been quick to take advantage of modern TO HIS COMMUNITY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES technology and the many more recent innova- tions in media. According to a Scripps Treas- HON. RALPH M. HALL Monday, February 3, 2014 ure Coast reporter, Mr. Crankshaw received OF TEXAS Mr. KINZINGER of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I an iPhone for his 80th birthday and within a IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES rise today to honor Mr. John Dowling, few days was sharing apps with co-workers Middleport Township Supervisor, and to recog- half his age. Monday, February 3, 2014 nize his many years of service to the citizens It is humbling to recognize Mr. Crankshaw’s Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay of the City of Watseka, Iroquois County and engagement and activism outside of the news- tribute to a wonderful man and close friend, the State of Illinois. room. In addition to being a family man with Meredith Earl Roberts, Jr., of Longview, TX, Mr. Dowling has served for 35 years in edu- two daughters and two stepchildren, Mr. who passed away on January 2, 2014, at the cation as a teacher, coach and administrator Crankshaw loves sharing his knowledge and age of 77 following a brief battle with cancer. in the Watseka Unit 9 District. For the past experiences to those with journalistic ambi- Earl was one of the most influential leaders in twenty five years, John has also been a mem- tions. Last year, he presented a guest lecture Longview for many years and leaves an ex- ber of the Watseka Public Library Board and to journalism students in Utah where he was traordinary legacy of service. plans to serve in this role until his term ex- warmly welcomed via video conferencing. A Born and raised in Longview, Earl earned a pires. Additionally, he served on the Iroquois Korean War veteran, he has always made it a Bachelor of Arts from Baylor University and a County Board for 26 years until November mission to keep the best interests of our mili- law degree from The University of Texas. He 2010 when he retired. tary and veterans and their families a priority; was an esteemed attorney in Longview for In recognition of his tremendous service to and ultimately, Mr. Crankshaw has served as more than 50 years, serving as President of the community, he has been named the a role model and inspiring figure in northern

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

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:03 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K03FE8.001 E03FEPT1 tjames on DSK3TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E152 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 3, 2014 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast communities. Fame inductee Al Stanek struck out 25 and Harold was a successful businessman, own- Though he will be sincerely missed in the Amherst’s Cliff Allen whiffed 16 in Chico- ing and operating his own business, Payne’s newsroom, I wish him the best in retirement. pee’s 1–0 tourney win in 1960, Brown was Famous Furniture Village, in Caddo Mills for there. 35 years. He was active in his community, f He was the Red Sox beat writer from 1986 to June 2009, but also covered the World Se- serving on the board of the Audie Murphy/ IN RECOGNITION OF GARRY American Cotton Museum, the hospital board, BROWN ries in 1967 and 1975. That was Brown, writ- ing on deadline when Carlton Fisk’s home the school board, Hunt County Fair Board, run and Bill Buckner’s error changed his- and bank board. He also served on the City HON. RICHARD E. NEAL tory. Council for many years. He was a founding OF MASSACHUSETTS Awards? A story on Carl Yastrzemski’s member of the Faith Bible Church, where he IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES final weekend made ‘‘Best Sports Stories of served on the board of elders. 1983.’’ The American Legion’s national award Monday, February 3, 2014 Harold is a true American hero whose out- saluted his coverage in 1963. standing service to his country and community In 2002, Brown was in his 52nd year of writ- Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take will be long remembered. I am proud to have this opportunity to introduce an article entitled ing when he earned a New England award for columns. In 2003, the Boston Chapter of the known him as a personal friend, and he will be ‘‘Garry Brown will join a Hall of Fame that Baseball Writers Association of America missed by his family and many friends. Mr. would be incomplete without him’’ that was honored him with the prestigious Dave Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in published in the Springfield Republican on O’Hara Award, a prized honor that signifies honoring this great American, Harold Payne. January 28, 2014. This tribute written by Ron recognition by one’s peers. f Chimelis highlights the outstanding career of The night was memorable. So was the ac- Garry Brown. ceptance speech by a man whose humility is CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2642, Garry has been a well-known and beloved rare for his field. FEDERAL AGRICULTURE RE- sports writer in Western Massachusetts for ‘‘I do get tired of people asking me if Cy FORM AND RISK MANAGEMENT over sixty years. Even after retiring, he still of- Young was a nice guy,’’ said Brown, who ACT OF 2014 paused for effect. fers features and his famed column Hitting on ‘‘He was,’’ the honoree said, drawing warm SPEECH OF All Fields, which he has written for the Spring- laughter and applause from the crowd. He field Republican for over forty years. Garry’s won the Kid Gore Award for high school cov- HON. EARL BLUMENAUER passion and dedication to all sports in West- erage in 1998. That’s associated with basket- OF OREGON ern Massachusetts has earned him the admi- ball, but it’s still a biggie. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ration of his readers as well as his peers. As When the Springfield Public Schools Wednesday, January 29, 2014 a result, Garry was inducted into the Western Sports Hall of Fame selected its inaugural Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I voted Massachusetts Baseball Hall of Fame on Fri- class, the committee wanted badly to elect Brown as a contributor. He respectfully de- against the farm bill conference report be- day, January 31, 2014. clined, saying the first year should be re- cause it represented a missed opportunity to Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to congratu- served for the athletes. enact necessary and long-overdue reforms. late Garry on this well-deserved honor and He was elected in the second. Supporters of this legislation claim $23 billion wish him the best in the future. He campaigned tirelessly for a return of in savings, but by setting commodity target minor league baseball to Springfield. Had it GARRY BROWN WILL JOIN A HALL OF FAME prices at today’s high prices, independent ex- THAT WOULD BE INCOMPLETE WITHOUT HIM materialized, a popular public choice for the perts expect that as prices drop, this legisla- (By Ron Chimelis, The Republican) new ballpark’s name over his objections was Garry Brown Stadium. tion would cost us more in the long run. He was born in the same year as Mickey For the Western Mass. Baseball Hall of The bill does have some bright spots. The Mantle, grew up watching Ted Williams and Fame, Brown was elected unanimously be- removal of the King amendment and the inclu- began his sports writing career when Joe fore he could say no. sion of language cracking down on animal DiMaggio was playing center field at Yankee Now in his seventh decade of service, fighting are victories for animal welfare. The Stadium. Brown was asked about the attributes that Garry Brown was there at Busch Stadium SNAP cuts are not as draconian as the made him a success. in 2004, when the Boston Red Sox ended an version that passed the House last year. I am ‘‘Not knowing when to quit,’’ he said with 86-year World Series title drought. His ency- thrilled that the amendment I worked on with typical self-effacing humor. clopedic knowledge of baseball’s local his- That knowledge, or lack of it, has been a Representatives POLIS and MASSIE easing re- tory is unmatched. blessing to his readers and made this region strictions on the cultivations of industrial hemp It is not who he has covered or where he a much better place. The Western Mass. was included, which shows we are ready to has been, however, that best defines Brown. Baseball Hall of Fame would be incomplete look at hemp as an agricultural commodity, It is how he is viewed by others who find without him, even if an ageless writer for all themselves practically forcing well-deserved and not a drug. There are welcome invest- ages would never say so himself. honors upon a man too humble to expect ments in renewable energy and organics in them. f this bill as well. One such honor will come Friday night. On the whole, however, the bill falls short of Brown is part of the seven-man inaugural HONORING HAROLD PAYNE, A enacting necessary reforms, and maintains the class of the Western Massachusetts Baseball TRUE AMERICAN HERO pattern of cutting SNAP benefits for our most Hall of Fame, which will hold enshrinement vulnerable while spending taxpayer dollars on at the La Quinta Inn & Suites in Springfield. wasteful agriculture subsidies. In Oregon No individual—not a player, manager or HON. RALPH M. HALL executive—has lived a life more interwoven OF TEXAS alone, 78,000 households will face cuts to with baseball’s local history than Brown, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES their nutrition assistance as a result of this bill, while simultaneously the bill adds to the al- who is still going strong at The Republican Monday, February 3, 2014 in Springfield. ready-bloated crop insurance program and Technically, he is retired. That has not Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay creates even more subsidies that benefit large stopped the 82-year-old from continuing to tribute to an outstanding American and vet- agribusinesses and encourage farmers to farm offer features, retrospectives, and live cov- eran of the Second World War, Harold Payne the system, not the land. It continues loop- erage of the Springfield Falcons. of Caddo Mills, TX, who passed away Decem- holes that allow one farm to claim multiple He is still serving up ‘‘Hitting to All Fields,’’ which has survived 40 years of seis- ber 8, 2013 at the age of 92. subsidy payments despite the fact that both mic change in newspapers. Harold was an extraordinary man in many the House and Senate passed farm bills elimi- Achievements? Let’s run down a few, stick- ways. Born and raised in Caddo Mills, Harold nating these loopholes. ing to baseball because the overall list is too was voted class president of Caddo Mills High I am also disappointed that this legislation long. School where he also captained several ath- cuts overall funding for conservation pro- Brown was a high school beat writer from letic teams. Harold attended college at East grams, and fails to enact many important re- 1952–66, which he calls his favorite time. He Texas State University and then served his forms that I have put forward in my legisla- covered Pittsfield’s run to the 1960 state title country as a pilot, flying B–17 bombing mis- tion—the Balancing Food, Farm and the Envi- and that summer’s American Legion World Series, with a 15-year-old shortstop named sions over France and Czechoslovakia. He ronment Act of 2013—that would strengthen Mark Belanger leading the way. later became a founding member of the 390th the conservation title. I was pleased to see the How about Chicopee High’s three straight Bomb Group Memorial Museum in Tucson, Ar- inclusion of language establishing conserva- state titles from 1961–63? When fellow Hall of izona. tion compliance, as well as enactment of a

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:03 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A03FE8.001 E03FEPT1 tjames on DSK3TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E153 Regional Conservation Partnership Program, A RECORD OF SERVICE Defense for Intelligence’s Congressional Ac- which will help encourage farmers to work to- tivities office. gether to protect water quality, water supplies HON. SCOTT H. PETERS Although Louise originally hails from New or wildlife habitat at watershed or regional OF CALIFORNIA York, she graduated from high school and col- lege in Montgomery County, Maryland, and scales. Overall, however, conservation lan- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES guage could and should have gone much fur- has been a longtime resident of Bethesda. ther to provide adequate funding while opti- Monday, February 3, 2014 Since she entered the work force, Louise has mizing results and making it easier for farmers Mr. PETERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I had a varied and distinguished career, having to apply their conservation knowledge to their rise today to recognize and applaud Toni At- worked in both the legislative branch and ex- land. kins on her unanimous selection to be the ecutive branch at different times. Notably, Lou- On balance this bill represents the minimum next Speaker of the California State Assembly. ise began her government service as a Pro- effort that enabled its passage. It is fiscally ir- Toni’s career of public service in California is fessional Staff Member on The House Perma- responsible and continues the alarming trend one marked by achievement, perseverance, nent Select Committee on Intelligence when of subsidizing large agribusiness while cutting and an ability to listen to all points of view. the committee was first established in 1977. benefits for our most vulnerable Americans. From Toni’s earliest days in San Diego, it No doubt those were interesting and chal- We can and should do better, and I will con- was apparent that she was devoted to the lenging times, as the new committee worked tinue working to reform our federal agricultural public good. She worked as the Director of to establish ongoing oversight of the Intel- policies to that end. Client Services for the Womancare Health ligence Community. As a Professional Staff f Center. This position reflected Toni’s constant Member on the HPSCI, Louise played a sig- advocacy for women’s health, including wom- nificant role helping the committee develop its NO TAXPAYER FUNDING FOR en’s reproductive choices. These are issues authorization bills, performing research, and ABORTION AND ABORTION IN- that she has advanced in both her work as an contributing to the critical mission of thorough SURANCE FULL DISCLOSURE elected official, and privately through her ‘‘Toni oversight. ACT OF 2014 Atkins Lesbian Health Fund.’’ Louise left the Committee in 1986 to work in I first started working with Toni in 2000 the private sector for several years, but re- SPEECH OF when we were elected to San Diego’s City turned to the federal government in 1992 and HON. YVETTE D. CLARKE Council. I remember Toni as being a con- joined the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), OF NEW YORK sensus builder, a member who was willing to where she worked for 13 years in a number of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES bring all interested parties to the table. Toni increasingly challenging legislative and public affairs positions. Her work at MDA prepared Tuesday, January 28, 2014 looks past partisan labels to come up with common sense solutions to some of the most her well to become the Chief of Communica- Ms. CLARKE of New York. Madam Speak- challenging issues facing San Diego. tions for the Counterintelligence Field Activity er, today I rise in opposition to H.R. 7, a Re- Toni had many great accomplishments while (CIFA) when it was established in 2005. Short- publican bill intended only to exacerbate divi- serving in the office; she helped pass a living ly after CIFA was merged under the Defense sions between Americans and to undermine wage ordinance that boosted pay for thou- Intelligence Agency in 2008, Louise joined the the rights of American women to access sands of hard working San Diegans and also Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for health care. passed a bill that expanded the affordable Intelligence (OUSDI), where she is now. She H.R. 7 would effectively deny women ac- housing in the city. It was Toni’s hard work has handled a busy, high-profile portfolio of cess to health insurance coverage that in- and fair-mindedness as a legislator which pro- counterintelligence and security legislative cludes abortion, by taking away important tax pelled her to the position of mayor pro-tem of issues in OUSDI’s Congressional Activities of- benefits such as certain tax deductions and San Diego, in which she became the first fice for the past five years. premium tax credits used to help pay for the openly lesbian mayor of the city. Serving in Most recently, Louise has led numerous cost of health insurance coverage. This bill is this position Toni served as an inspiration to congressional engagements related to the lat- so misguided and invasive that it does not LGBT people, their families and allies every- est unauthorized disclosures of classified ma- even allow for coverage when a woman’s where. terial. As so often was true during her career, health is in danger. Toni’s commitment was again called to Louise’s role has been to advise intelligence Despite the Republicans’ ‘‘pro-business’’ serve her state; she was elected in 2010 to professionals in the Department of Defense on stance, this bill would also limit small busi- the California State Assembly, where she how to communicate the impact of these leaks nesses’ ability to claim existing health care de- fights for important issues such as ending and what DoD and defense intelligence enti- ductions or claim the Small Business Health homelessness, and veterans issues. Once ties are doing to prevent future disclosures. Tax Credit for those businesses that offer their again Toni’s vision and judgment has been Louise has also contributed to Congress’s bet- employees comprehensive health insurance recognized by her colleagues and in a unani- ter understanding and oversight of these crit- that includes abortion. mous selection, Toni was chosen to lead the ical issues. Limiting access to these tax deductions and California State Assembly as its Speaker. At the conclusion of her impressive career tax credits not only adversely impacts the em- Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize my as a national security and legislative affairs ployees and the small businesses, but also friend Toni Atkins for her record of achieve- professional, Louise is looking forward to harms the American economy. After all, both ment, and her continued commitment to serv- spending more leisurely days with her hus- Democrats and Republicans agree that small ing the citizens of California. I urge my col- band Mike, their little grandson Ben, and their businesses are the engines of our economy. leagues to join me in honoring Toni as she adult children Josh and Beth. I know Louise Quite simply, H.R. 7 intrudes upon the rela- goes on to lead California’s State Assembly. has been a very devoted daughter to her tionship between a woman and her doctor by f mother, and will now be able to see her more limiting a woman’s ability to access health in- frequently. surance coverage that includes coverage of LOUISE DREUTH’S RETIREMENT And so, Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues abortion and in doing threatens a woman’s FROM GOVERNMENT SERVICE to join me in honoring Ms. Louise Dreuth for health. The notion that women are incapable her dedicated public service. Over the course of rational decision regarding their own bodies HON. MIKE ROGERS of more than 26 years in legislative and public and their own health does not have any place OF MICHIGAN affairs positions within the federal government, in the Twenty-First Century. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES she has advised many national security and So far this year, we have not even had an intelligence professionals on how to commu- opportunity to vote on the extension of unem- Monday, February 3, 2014 nicate important, complex issues to Congress ployment benefits, nor have we had the oppor- Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I and the American public. She has made direct tunity to vote on any meaningful jobs bill. In- rise today to honor the accomplishments of and significant contributions toward positive stead, I am ashamed to say that we waste our Ms. Louise Dreuth. Louise is retiring from the relations between the legislative and executive time on bills such as H.R. 7 that politicizes federal government this month after more than branches of our government. Louise has con- women’s access to health care and takes our 26 years of public service in the national secu- sistently brought great credit upon herself and focus off what should be our primary goal— rity arena. She currently works in the Depart- every office in which she has worked. I thank creating jobs! Jobs! Jobs! ment of Defense as a senior congressional her for her service and wish her all the best I ask my colleagues to oppose this bill. analyst in the Office of the Under Secretary of in her retirement.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:03 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A03FE8.003 E03FEPT1 tjames on DSK3TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E154 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 3, 2014 CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2642, the board of directors of the Consortium for munities and being responsible stewards of FEDERAL AGRICULTURE RE- Computing in Small Colleges. the environment are central to our identity, our FORM AND RISK MANAGEMENT Dr. Cheatham has gone above and beyond culture and our position as a leader in audio ACT OF 2014 his duties as professor and Campbellsville communications.’’ I congratulate Ken and University and his many students have seen Plantronics for receiving the Award for Cor- SPEECH OF the benefits of those actions. Today I thank porate Excellence, a well-deserved recognition HON. YVETTE D. CLARKE Dr. Cheatham for his four decades in edu- of their impressive work. cation and wish him well in his retirement. OF NEW YORK f f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN HONOR OF WILLIAM A. GARY Wednesday, January 29, 2014 PERSONAL EXPLANATION Ms. CLARKE of New York. Mr. Speaker, HON. PAUL A. GOSAR today I rise in opposition to H.R. 2642, a bill HON. TOM REED OF ARIZONA OF NEW YORK that will starve millions of families and children IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and further add to the economic instability of Monday, February 3, 2014 American families. Monday, February 3, 2014 Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in Cutting the Supplemental Nutrition Assist- Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I am writing to in- honor of Mr. William A. Gary, who passed ance Program, referred to as ‘‘SNAP,’’ by form you that I was detained on December 5, away on January 12. Mr. Gary was a long- eight billion dollars ($8 billion) over the next 2013 and was unable to be on the House floor time resident of Prescott, Arizona. He was ten years, H.R. 2642 will undermine access to for votes related to H.R. 3309, the Innovation also a husband, a father, a rancher, and a phi- healthy food for the many children, disabled Act. Had I been there, I would have voted as lanthropist. people, and senior citizens who account for follows: rollcall vote 623: Goodlatte Amend- Mr. Gary was born and raised in Dallas, eighty-three percent of the beneficiaries of the ment for H.R. 3309: ‘‘yes’’; rollcall vote 624: Texas. He left his studies at Texas A&M Uni- program. Watt Amendment for H.R. 3309: ‘‘no’’; rollcall versity to serve our country as a Marine Corps It is estimated that eight hundred and fifty vote 625: Massie Amendment for H.R. 3309: captain in World War II and returned to Texas thousand (850,000) households, of which ‘‘no’’; rollcall vote 626: Jackson Lee Amend- A&M after the war to finish his animal hus- three hundred thousand (300,000) are New ment for H.R. 3309: ‘‘no’’; rollcall vote 627: bandry degree. He met his wife, Marion, when Yorkers, will lose on average ninety ($90) dol- Rohrabacher Amendment for H.R. 3309: ‘‘no’’; he was stationed at Camp Pendleton, where lars per month in SNAP benefits. rollcall vote 628: Conyers Amendment for H.R. she served as a nurse in the Navy. While I am glad that the far larger cuts were 3309: ‘‘no’’; rollcall vote 629: On Final Pas- Mr. Gary was born into a long line of ranch- rejected by the Conference Committee, the sage of H.R. 3309: ‘‘yes.’’ loss of ninety ($90) dollars per month is deep- ers going back to 17th century Virginia. f ly harmful to these households, which are al- Ranching was in his blood. In 1958, he and ready teetering on the brink of economic ca- IN HONOR OF PLANTRONICS his wife, as well as their two children, moved tastrophe. to Arizona, where they bought a ranch and What are we thinking? We are literally tak- HON. SAM FARR subsequently began other businesses. Like ing the food out of the mouths of babes, while OF CALIFORNIA most entrepreneurs, Mr. Gary and his family continuing to provide generous subsidies to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES did not find immediate riches, but through their hard work they eventually found success. large agro-businesses. Monday, February 3, 2014 It is for these reasons that I will vote no on After retiring from ranching, Mr. Gary began this bill and I ask my colleagues to oppose Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to his philanthropic ventures in earnest. He had this bill with me. honor Plantronics, a pioneer in audio commu- honed his fundraising skills when he helped f nications and wearable technology based in found the Marine Military Academy in 1965. my district in Santa Cruz, California. After retirement, he put those skills to use IN RECOGNITION OF DR. FRANK- Plantronics just received the prestigious Sec- again, raising millions of dollars for important LIN D. CHEATHAM ON HIS RE- retary of State’s 2013 Award for Corporate Ex- Prescott institutions. Not only did he raise mil- TIREMENT FROM CAMPBELLS- cellence and with good reason. Over the past lions for the Phippen Museum in Prescott, al- VILLE UNIVERSITY half century, Plantronics has excelled in both lowing the museum to double its size and im- products and people. This innovative company prove its grounds, he also donated several HON. BRETT GUTHRIE was founded in a garage by Courtney Graham pieces to the museum. The museum’s Bill and OF KENTUCKY and Keith Larkin, two airline pilots looking to Marion Gary Western Heritage Gallery is IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES make a smaller, lighter headset for use in air- named in recognition of his and his wife’s con- plane cockpits. Their headsets were adopted tributions. Mr. Gary also raised funds for the Monday, February 3, 2014 by the Federal Aviation Administration, em- Yavapai College Foundation, helping to build Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in ployed in the first Apollo mission, and used to the college’s performance hall and other facili- recognition of Dr. Franklin D. Cheatham. After transmit Neil Armstrong’s legendary first words ties. 1 40 ⁄2 years of educating Campbellsville Uni- from the moon: ‘‘That’s one small step for f versity math and computer science students, man; one giant leap for mankind.’’ Today, Dr. Cheatham will retire on December 31, Plantronics products are used by 911 emer- HONORING THE CENTENNIAL 2014. gency workers, airline pilots, astronauts, and CELEBRATION OF THE SAN Dr. Cheatham, senior vice president for aca- all Fortune 100 companies. DIEGO COUNTY FARM BUREAU demic affairs, attended Campbellsville College While Plantronics emphasizes high-quality (before it became Campbellsville University) products, it is their equal emphasis on people HON. DUNCAN HUNTER and graduated in 1965. He joined the univer- and the environment that has further distin- OF CALIFORNIA sity as a faculty member in 1973. guished this company. The Plantronics manu- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Named a Distinguished Alumnus in 2002, facturing facility has advanced best practices Monday, February 3, 2014 Dr. Cheatham received several awards for his in environmental stewardship, corporate citi- dedication to academic excellence and the zenship, and employment. The company of- Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I am very students at Campbellsville University. Among fers their workforce educational support pro- pleased and honored to rise today and join in the awards are: Teaching Excellence and grams, enabling employees to attain over the Centennial Celebration of one of the most Campus Leadership Award (1989) and the 2,300 degrees; professional development pro- committed, hard-working and influential groups Campbellsville/Taylor County Chamber of grams have supported more than 1,000 em- in San Diego County, the San Diego County Commerce ‘‘Educator of the Year Award’’ ployees’ promotion into new roles; and they Farm Bureau. 2014 marks 100 years of lead- (1992 & 2000). have a new 800,000 square foot facility that ership for this non-profit membership organiza- IN addition to teaching, Dr. Cheatham has generates 70% of its own power. And that’s tion, founded with the objective to promote also served as a faculty advisor for Sigma just the tip of the iceberg. and protect local agriculture. Zeta and the science and math honor soci- As CEO Kenneth Kannappan said, ‘‘Our Since 1914, the San Diego County Farm eties. He also served as president of and on focus on our people, giving back to our com- Bureau has served as the leading advocate

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:03 Feb 04, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A03FE8.007 E03FEPT1 tjames on DSK3TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS February 3, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E155 for the farming community and works with OUR UNCONSCIONABLE NATIONAL Patterson, Pat Curran and Greg Maday. Bring- elected officials, government agencies, edu- DEBT ing Sporting KC to Kansas has been great for cators, the media and the public to create an the team and the entire community. environment that allows for the continued HON. MIKE COFFMAN Mr. Speaker, the Sporting Kansas City soc- growth and sustainability of local agriculture. OF COLORADO cer team is the first major league sports team The first formal meeting of the San Diego to win a league championship at home in Kan- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES County Farm Bureau was held on February sas City since 1985. The pride and excitement 20, 1914, at the Speckles Theater in San Monday, February 3, 2014 the entire Kansas City community has with the Diego where 383 family farmers paid $1 in Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, on January club is great, and we all congratulate Sporting dues to be eligible to vote on creating the or- 20, 2009, the day President Obama took of- KC, the players and coaches, the organization ganization. It was here that the San Diego fice, the national debt was staff, and everyone with a role at the park on County Farm Bureau became the third of 53 $10,626,877,048,913.08. their 2013 Major League Soccer Cup Cham- county farm bureaus formed in California. Today, it is $17,293,019,654,983.61. We’ve pionship. You make us proud. Judge W.R. Andrews of Spring Valley was added $6,666,142,606,070.53 to our debt in 5 f elected as its first president and the Bureau’s years. This is over $6.6 trillion in debt our na- TRIBUTE TO THE BENEDICT longevity can be directly attributed to a proud tion, our economy, and our children could COLLEGE HARAMBEE FESTIVAL lineage of 51 presidents and legion of volun- have avoided with a balanced budget amend- teers who have given unselfishly of their time ment. in support of our local farming community. f HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN Mr. Speaker, there is no question that OF SOUTH CAROLINA PERSONAL EXPLANATION America’s agriculture industry is steeped in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tradition and was an integral industry upon Monday, February 3, 2014 which the economy and self-sufficiency of our HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to young nation was built. America’s ‘‘agrarian OF NEW YORK pay tribute to the Benedict College Harambee republic’’ represented the hope of new begin- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Festival, in Columbia, South Carolina, in my nings and many of our founding fathers be- Monday, February 3, 2014 Congressional District. One of the largest col- lieved the character of leadership and nec- lege-sponsored festivals in the nation, the essary virtue would be found in those who Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speak- Benedict College Harambee Festival will cele- worked the soil, in those who invested their er, I was unavoidably absent during the week brate its twenty-fifth anniversary on February time and effort into the production of their of January 27, 2014. If I were present, I would 22nd. As we observe Black History Month, I crops both for their own existence and that of have voted on the following: believe it is important to highlight this special their community. James Madison extolled the Rollcall No. 24: H.R. 2166—‘‘yea.’’ event for its expression of multiculturalism, in- value of connecting with one’s land and it was Rollcall No. 25: H.R. 3008—‘‘yea.’’ clusion and advocacy of African American Thomas Jefferson who said, ‘‘Agriculture. . . Rollcall No. 26: Motion on Ordering the Pre- Southern history and culture. is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end vious Question on the Rule—‘‘nay.’’ Rollcall No. 27: H. Res. 465—‘‘nay.’’ In 1988 Benedict College led by Dr. George contribute most to real wealth, good morals A. Devlin, Chair of the Division of Social and and happiness.’’ Rollcall No. 28: Approving the Journal— ‘‘yea.’’ Behavioral Sciences, revived its efforts to cre- While there was an initial debate on the Rollcall No. 29: Motion to Recommit with In- ate a series of events to celebrate and study long-term viability of agriculture’s role in devel- structions on H.R. 7—‘‘yea.’’ Black History Month. Originally called the Afri- oping America’s manufacturing base, our na- Rollcall No. 30: Final passage of H.R. 7— can American Bazaar, the free event was de- tion’s productivity in this industry proved to be ‘‘nay.’’ signed to unite the community. The Harambee an immediate return on investment and indic- Rollcall No. 31: Final passage of H.R. 2642, Festival weathered much adversity in its first ative of the ability of the American people to Farm Bill Conference Report—‘‘yea.’’ few years. Initial attempts in 1989 were thrive in any circumstance. As our nation f ‘‘snowed out.’’ Extreme cold and rain in 1991, grew, so did the importance of agriculture, and again in 1992 greatly affected Festival at- particularly in California. Today, California TRIBUTE TO SPORTING KANSAS tendance records. leads all other states in farm income. With 73 CITY Organizers have likened lessons of African percent of the state’s agricultural revenues de- American history to the Harambee Festival be- rived from over 200 different crops and 27 HON. KEVIN YODER cause it teaches that after struggle, success is percent of revenues generated by livestock OF KANSAS possible. The Festival has prospered and is commodities, California is our nation’s leader IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES today one of the biggest college-sponsored in agriculture production. San Diego County festivals in the United States of America with has one of the country’s largest farm econo- Monday, February 3, 2014 an average attendance of over 6,000 people. mies and has more small and organic farms Mr. YODER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to A success story of Benedict College, the than any other county in California. San Diego congratulate the major league soccer team Harambee Festival now includes a bake con- County leads the nation in production of its from my home, the Kansas 3rd Congressional test, fashion show and a number of live per- two major crops, ornamentals and avocados, District—Sporting Kansas City. In early De- formances alongside historical presentations, and is successfully invested in the areas of cember, 2013, Sporting KC squared off as well as community-oriented service activi- nurseries, cut flowers, fruits, vegetables, nuts, against Real Salt Lake in the MLS Cup final ties. field crops, vineyards, livestock, and poultry. match at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan- Since 2010, the Harambee Festival Commu- This production and success is not by sas. The victory gave Sporting KC their first nity Choir has performed annually at the Fes- chance, it is a direct result of the hard work of Major League Soccer title in thirteen years, tival, preserving the rich musical tradition of San Diego County’s agriculture community and was only decided after 10 rounds of pen- gospel music. The Choir is composed of mem- and the tireless advocacy of the San Diego alty kicks. When all was final, Sporting KC bers of the Benedict College Gospel Choir as County Farm Bureau on their behalf. While was victorious 7–6 in a shoot-out win, bringing well as great singers from choirs in the Mid- our nation and my home state of California the Philip Anschutz Trophy to Kansas City. lands, the Pee Dee, and other regions of continue to face many economic challenges, Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes and South Carolina. A number of performers have particularly in the agriculture industry, we the entire roster of players, including MVP de- showcased their talents over the Harambee move forward with full confidence knowing that fender Aurelien Collin, brought so much ex- Festival’s twenty-five year history, including groups like the San Diego County Farm Bu- citement to our community throughout the national recording star Ms. Angie Stone, Mr. reau are leading by example and utilizing a 2013 season. To have the Championship Dwayne Johnson, Jr. from Soul-food Jazz and wealth of experience that will continue to allow match played out in Sporting Park, in front of (former) world champions Double Dutch us to take advantage of our full potential. Con- more than 21,000 loyal fans, only maximized Forces. gratulations again to the San Diego County the energy and atmosphere that night in De- Since its inception, the Harambee Festival Farm Bureau on 100 years of service and I cember and it was simply amazing. has been inclusive in its efforts to bring the look forward to their continued success well We greatly appreciate the investment and community together. A testament of its suc- into the future. leadership of Robb Heineman, Cliff Illig, Neal cess, the Harambee Festival sees people and

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The hard work and dedication Assistant Secretary of Commerce and ronmental restoration activities and of Benedict College and all participating orga- Director General of the United States forest management activities in the and Foreign Commercial Service; to be nizations, exhibitors and vendors continues to Lake Tahoe Basin, to amend title 18, immediately followed by an oversight United States Code, to prohibit the im- sustain a long-lasting legacy of commemora- hearing to examine financial stability portation or shipment of quagga mus- tion and celebration of Black History Month and data security. sels, S. 1080, to amend and reauthorize through the Harambee Festival. SD–538 certain provisions relating to Long Is- An integral annual event, the Harambee Committee on Health, Education, Labor, land Sound restoration and steward- Festival unifies the community and provides and Pensions ship, and the nominations of Victoria an opportunity not only to celebrate but also To hold hearings to examine supporting Marie Baecher Wassmer, of Illinois, to children and families through invest- contribute to a wealth of African American his- be Chief Financial Officer, Thomas A. ments in high-quality early education. Burke, of Maryland, to be an Assistant tory in our Nation. I sincerely thank the Bene- SD–430 dict College Harambee Festival for its commit- Administrator, and Kenneth J. Committee on Homeland Security and Kopocis, of Virginia, to be an Assistant ment to remembering the past while looking to Governmental Affairs Administrator, all of the Environ- South Carolina’s future. Business meeting to resume consider- mental Protection Agency, Roy K. J. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my col- ation of S. 1486, to improve, sustain, Williams, of Ohio, to be Assistant Sec- and transform the United States Postal leagues join me in paying tribute to all who retary of Commerce for Economic De- Service. velopment, Rhea Sun Suh, of Colorado, have contributed to the success of the Bene- SD–342 to be Assistant Secretary of the Inte- dict College Harambee Festival over the past Committee on the Judiciary rior for Fish and Wildlife, Richard J. twenty-five years. It has been a great asset to Business meeting to consider S. 1675, to South Carolina and the broader African Amer- reduce recidivism and increase public Engler, of New Jersey, to be a Member ican community. safety, S. 149, to provide effective of the Chemical Safety and Hazard In- criminal prosecutions for certain iden- vestigation Board, and proposed resolu- f tity thefts, and the nominations of tions relating to the General Services SENATE COMMITTEE MEETINGS Indira Talwani, to be United States Administration. District Judge for the District of Mas- SD–406 Title IV of Senate Resolution 4, sachusetts, James D. Peterson, to be 2:30 p.m. agreed to by the Senate of February 4, United States District Judge for the Committee on Foreign Relations 1977, calls for establishment of a sys- Western District of Wisconsin, Nancy To hold hearings to examine the nomina- tem for a computerized schedule of all J. Rosenstengel, to be United States tions of Luis G. Moreno, of Texas, to be meetings and hearings of Senate com- District Judge for the Southern Dis- Ambassador to Jamaica, John L. mittees, subcommittees, joint commit- trict of Illinois, and Debo P. Adegbile, Estrada, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Trinidad and To- tees, and committees of conference. of New York, and John P. Carlin, of New York, both to be an Assistant At- bago, and Noah Bryson Mamet, of Cali- This title requires all such committees torney General, Department of Justice. fornia, to be Ambassador to the Argen- to notify the Office of the Senate Daily SD–226 tine Republic, all of the Department of Digest—designated by the Rules Com- 10:30 a.m. State. mittee—of the time, place and purpose Committee on Environment and Public SD–419 of the meetings, when scheduled and Works Select Committee on Intelligence any cancellations or changes in the Business meeting to consider H.R. 1206, Committee on Armed Services meetings as they occur. to grant the Secretary of the Interior To hold a closed joint hearing to examine permanent authority to authorize As an additional procedure along counterterrorism policy in review of States to issue electronic duck stamps, the Defense Authorization Request for with the computerization of this infor- S. 741, to extend the authorization of fiscal year 2015 and the Future Years mation, the Office of the Senate Daily appropriations to carry out approved Defense Program. Digest will prepare this information for wetlands conservation projects under SVC–217 printing in the Extensions of Remarks the North American Wetlands Con- section of the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD servation Act through fiscal year 2017, FEBRUARY 11 S. 212, to approve the transfer of Yel- on Monday and Wednesday of each 9 a.m. low Creek Port properties in Iuka, Mis- week. Committee on the Judiciary sissippi, S. 864, to amend the Safe To hold hearings to examine certain Meetings scheduled for Tuesday, Feb- Drinking Water Act to reauthorize nominations. ruary 4, 2014 may be found in the Daily technical assistance to small public SD–226 Digest of today’s record. water systems, H.R. 724, to amend the 9:30 a.m. Clean Air Act to remove the require- Committee on Armed Services ment for dealer certification of new MEETINGS SCHEDULED To hold hearings to examine current and light-duty motor vehicles, S. 51, to re- future worldwide threats to the na- FEBRUARY 6 authorize and amend the National Fish 9:30 a.m. and Wildlife Foundation Establishment tional security of the United States; Committee on Energy and Natural Re- Act, S. 970, to amend the Water Re- with the possibility of a closed session sources sources Research Act of 1984 to reau- in SVC–217 following the open session. To hold hearings to examine S. 1784, to thorize grants for and require applied SD–G50 improve timber management on Or- water supply research regarding the egon and California Railroad and Coos water resources research and tech- FEBRUARY 12 Bay Wagon Road grant land, and S. nology institutes established under the 10 a.m. 1966, to provide for the restoration of Act, S. 898, to authorize the Adminis- Committee on the Judiciary the economic and ecological health of trator of General Services to convey a To hold an oversight to examine the re- National Forest System land and rural parcel of real property in Albuquerque, port of the Privacy and Civil Liberties communities. New Mexico, to the Amy Biehl High Oversight Board on Reforms to the SD–366 School Foundation, S. 969, to amend Section 215 telephone records program 10 a.m. the Neotropical Migratory Bird Con- and the Foreign Intelligence Surveil- Committee on Banking, Housing, and servation Act to reauthorize the Act, lance Court. Urban Affairs S. 1077, to amend the Chesapeake Bay SD–226 Business meeting to consider the nomi- Initiative Act of 1998 to provide for the Special Committee on Aging nations of Wanda Felton, of New York, reauthorization of the Chesapeake Bay Committee on Small Business and Entre- to be First Vice President of the Ex- Gateways and Watertrails Network, S. preneurship port-Import Bank of the United States, 1865, to amend the prices set for Fed- To hold a joint hearing to examine the Katherine M. O’Regan, of New York, to eral Migratory Bird Hunting and Con- challenges and advantages of senior en- be Assistant Secretary of Housing and servation Stamps and make limited trepreneurship. Urban Development, and Arun waivers of stamp requirements for cer- SD–562

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HIGHLIGHTS See Re´sume´ of Congressional Activity. Senate ation of the conference report to accompany H.R. Chamber Action 2642, to provide for the reform and continuation of Routine Proceedings, pages S665–S705 agricultural and other programs of the Department Measures Introduced: Seven bills were introduced, of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018. as follows: S. 1980–1986. Page S702 Pages S666–99 Measures Passed: During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the following action: Drought Information Act: Senate passed S. 376, By 72 yeas to 22 nays (Vote No. 20), three-fifths to reauthorize the National Integrated Drought In- of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, having formation System, after agreeing to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute, and the voted in the affirmative, Senate agreed to the motion following amendment proposed thereto: to close further debate on the conference report to Page S690 Pages S703–04 accompany the bill. Warren (for Pryor) Amendment No. 2713, to re- A unanimous-consent agreement was reached pro- duce the authorization of appropriations amount. viding for further consideration of the conference re- Page S704 port to accompany the bill at approximately 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 4, 2014, with the time until Human Trafficking in the United States: Com- 12:30 p.m. equally divided and controlled between mittee on the Judiciary was discharged from further the two Leaders or their designees. Page S705 consideration of S. Res. 340, expressing the sense of the Senate that all necessary measures should be Messages from the House: Page S700 taken to protect children in the United States from Measures Placed on the Calendar: Pages S665, S700 human trafficking, especially during the upcoming Super Bowl, an event around which many children Measures Read the First Time: Pages S700, S705 are trafficked for sex, and the resolution was then Executive Communications: Pages S700–02 agreed to. Page S704 Additional Cosponsors: Pages S702–03 100th Birthday of Daisy Bates: Committee on Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions the Judiciary was discharged from further consider- ation of S. Res. 341, observing the 100th birthday Additional Statements of civil rights leader Daisy Bates and honoring her Amendments Submitted: Page S703 legacy as an American heroine, and the resolution Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Page S703 was then agreed to. Pages S704–05 Authorities for Committees to Meet: Page S703 Measures Considered: Veterans Medical Services and Benefits: Senate Privileges of the Floor: Page S703 began consideration of the motion to proceed to con- Record Votes: One record vote was taken today. sideration of S. 1950, to improve the provision of (Total—20) Page S690 medical services and benefits to veterans. Adjournment: Senate convened at 2 p.m. and ad- Pages S665–66 journed at 7:56 p.m., until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Conference Reports: February 4, 2014. (For Senate’s program, see the re- Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Manage- marks of the Acting Majority Leader in today’s ment Act—Agreement: Senate resumed consider- Record on page S705.) D101

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after receiving testimony from William Noonan, Committee Meetings Deputy Special Agent in Charge, Secret Service, (Committees not listed did not meet) Criminal Investigative Division, Cyber Operations Branch; Jessica Rich, Director, Bureau of Consumer SAFEGUARDING CONSUMERS’ FINANCIAL Protection, Federal Trade Commission; James A. DATA Reuter, FirstBank, Lakewood, Colorado, on behalf of Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: the American Bankers Association; Mallory Duncan, Subcommittee on National Security and Inter- National Retail Federation, Washington, D.C.; Ed- national Trade and Finance concluded a hearing to mund Mierzwinski, U.S. Public Interest Research examine safeguarding consumers’ financial data, in- Group, Falls Church, Virginia; and Troy Leach, Pay- cluding S. 1927, to protect information relating to ment Card Industry Security Standards Council, consumers, to require notice of security breaches, Phoenix, Arizona. h House of Representatives courses of education provided by public institutions Chamber Action of higher education that are approved for purposes of Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 4 public the educational assistance programs administered by bills, H.R. 3982–3985; and 1 resolution, H. Res. the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to charge veterans 471 were introduced. Page H1544 tuition and fees at the in-State tuition rate, by a 2⁄3 Additional Cosponsors: Page H1545 yea-and-nay vote of 390 yeas with none voting Report Filed: A report was filed today as follows: ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. 33. Pages H1520–26, H1527–28 H. Res. 470, providing for consideration of the Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ‘‘To bill (H.R. 3590) to protect and enhance opportuni- amend title 38, United States Code, to require ties for recreational hunting, fishing, and shooting, courses of education provided by public institutions and for other purposes (H. Rept. 113–339). of higher education that are approved for purposes of Page H1544 the educational assistance programs administered by Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein he the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to charge veterans appointed Representative Petri to act as Speaker pro tuition and fees at the in-State tuition rate, to make other improvements in the laws relating to benefits tempore for today. Page H1517 administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Recess: The House recessed at 12:01 p.m. and re- and for other purposes.’’. Page H1528 convened at 2 p.m. Page H1517 Recess: The House recessed at 5:48 p.m. and recon- Recess: The House recessed at 2:03 p.m. and recon- vened at 6:30 p.m. Page H1526 vened at 5 p.m. Page H1517 Moment of Silence: The House observed a moment Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules of silence in honor of our brave men and women in and pass the following measures: uniform who have given their lives in the service of Medical Preparedness Allowable Use Act: H.R. our country in Iraq and Afghanistan, their families, 1791, amended, to amend the Homeland Security and all who serve in our armed forces and their fam- Act of 2002 to codify authority under existing grant ilies. Page H1527 guidance authorizing use of Urban Area Security Ini- tiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program Quorum Calls—Votes: Two yea-and-nay votes de- funding for enhancing medical preparedness, medical veloped during the proceedings of today and appear surge capacity, and mass prophylaxis capabilities, by on pages H1526–27 and H1527–28. There were no a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 391 yeas to 2 nays, Roll quorum calls. No. 32 and Pages H1518–20, H1526–27 Adjournment: The House met at 12 noon and ad- GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act: H.R. 357, amend- journed at 9:48 p.m. ed, to amend title 38, United States Code, to require

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Committee on Environment and Public Works: Sub- Committee Meetings committee on Water and Wildlife, to hold hearings to SPORTSMEN’S HERITAGE AND examine the safety and security of drinking water supplies RECREATIONAL ENHANCEMENT ACT OF following the Central West Virginia drinking water cri- 2013 sis, 10 a.m., SD–406. Committee on Finance: business meeting to consider the Committee on Rules: Full Committee held a hearing on nominations of L. Paige Marvel, of Maryland, and Tamara H.R. 3590, the ‘‘Sportsmen’s Heritage And Rec- Wenda Ashford, of Virginia, both to be a Judge of the reational Enhancement Act of 2013’’. The Com- United States Tax Court, Time to be announced, Room mittee granted, by record vote of 9–2, a structured to be announced. rule for H.R. 3590. The rule provides one hour of Committee on Foreign Relations: business meeting to con- general debate equally divided and controlled by the sider S. Res. 333, strongly recommending that the chair and ranking minority member of the Com- United States renegotiate the return of the Iraqi Jewish mittee on Natural Resources. The rule waives all Archive to Iraq, S. Res. 270, supporting the goals and points of order against consideration of the bill and ideals of World Polio Day and commending the inter- provides that it shall be considered as read. The rule national community and others for their efforts to prevent and eradicate polio, and the nominations of Rose Eilene waives all points of order against provisions in the Gottemoeller, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary for Arms bill. The rule makes in order only those amendments Control and International Security, Frank A. Rose, of printed in the Rules Committee report. Each such Massachusetts, to be an Assistant Secretary for amendment may be offered only in the order printed Verification and Compliance, Puneet Talwar, of the Dis- in the report, may be offered only by a Member des- trict of Columbia, to be Assistant Secretary for Political- ignated in the report, shall be considered as read, Military Affairs, Robert C. Barber, of Massachusetts, to shall be debatable for the time specified in the re- be Ambassador to the Republic of Iceland, George James port equally divided and controlled by the proponent Tsunis, of New York, to be Ambassador to the Kingdom and an opponent, shall not be subject to amend- of Norway, Colleen Bradley Bell, of California, to be Am- ment, and shall not be subject to a demand for divi- bassador to Hungary, Keith M. Harper, of Maryland, for sion of the question. The rule waives all points of the rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service as United States Representative to the UN Human Rights order against the amendments printed in the report. Council, Max Sieben Baucus, of Montana, to be Ambas- The rule provides one motion to recommit with or sador to the People’s Republic of China, and Arnold A. without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chacon, of Virginia, to be Director General of the For- Chairman Hastings (WA); and Representatives Latta eign Service, all of the Department of State; to be imme- and Holt. diately followed by a hearing to examine negotiations on ONGOING INTELLIGENCE ACTIVITIES Iran’s nuclear program, 10 a.m., SD–419. Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Full nominations of Bathsheba Nell Crocker, of the District of Committee held a hearing entitled ‘‘Ongoing Intel- Columbia, to be Assistant Secretary for International Or- ligence Activities’’. This was a closed hearing. ganization Affairs, Michael Anderson Lawson, of Cali- fornia, for the rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service as Representative of the United States of America Joint Meetings on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Orga- No joint committee meetings were held. nization, and Robert A. Wood, of New York, for the f rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service as U.S. Representative to the Conference on Disarmament, all of COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR TUESDAY, the Department of State, 3 p.m., SD–419. FEBRUARY 4, 2014 Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: to (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) hold hearings to examine the nomination of Vivek Hallegere Murthy, of Massachusetts, to be Medical Direc- Senate tor in the Regular Corps of the Public Health Service, Committee on Armed Services: to receive a closed briefing and to be Surgeon General of the Public Health Service, on the situation in Afghanistan, 10 a.m., SVC–217. 10:30 a.m., SD–430. Committee on the Budget: to hold hearings to examine Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: moving from constant crises to broad-based growth, fo- Subcommittee on Financial and Contracting Oversight, to cusing on the 2014 outlook, 10:30 a.m., SD–608. hold hearings to examine fraud and abuse in army re- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: to hold hear- cruiting contracts, 10 a.m., SD–342. ings to examine the nominations of Rhea Sun Suh, of Committee on the Judiciary: to hold hearings to examine Colorado, to be Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife, privacy in the digital age, focusing on preventing data and Janice Marion Schneider, of New York, to be Assist- breaches and combating cybercrime, 10:15 a.m., SD–226. ant Secretary for Land and Mineral Management, both of Select Committee on Intelligence: to hold closed hearings to the Department of the Interior, 10 a.m., SD–366. examine certain intelligence matters, 2:30 p.m., SH–219.

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Senate Chamber Committee on Education and the Workforce, Subcommittee On Tuesday, at approximately 10 a.m., Senate will on Workforce Protections, hearing entitled ‘‘OSHA’s Regulatory Agenda: Changing Long-Standing Polices continue consideration of the conference report to ac- Outside the Public Rulemaking Process’’, 10 a.m., 2175 company H.R. 2642, Federal Agriculture Reform Rayburn. and Risk Management Act, with a vote on adoption Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on En- of the conference report at approximately 2:35 p.m. vironment and the Economy, hearing entitled ‘‘Testing of During the balance of the week, Senate may con- Chemicals and Reporting and Retention of Information sider any cleared legislative and executive business. under TSCA Sections 4 and 8’’, 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. Senate Committees Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Hous- ing and Insurance, hearing entitled ‘‘The Federal Insur- (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) ance Office’s Report on Modernizing Insurance Regula- Committee on Armed Services: February 4, to receive a tion’’, 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. closed briefing on the situation in Afghanistan, 10 a.m., Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Ter- SVC–217. rorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade, hearing entitled February 6, Full Committee, with the Select Com- ‘‘Terrorist Groups in Latin America: The Changing Land- mittee on Intelligence, to hold a closed joint hearing to scape’’, 2 p.m., 2172 Rayburn. examine counterterrorism policy in review of the Defense Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Bor- Authorization Request for fiscal year 2015 and the Future der and Maritime Security, hearing entitled ‘‘Future of Years Defense Program, 2:30 p.m., SVC–217. the Homeland Security Missions of the Coast Guard’’, 10 Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Feb- a.m., 311 Cannon. ruary 6, business meeting to consider the nominations of Committee on the Judiciary, Full Committee, hearing en- Wanda Felton, of New York, to be First Vice President titled ‘‘Examining Recommendations to Reform FISA of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, Kath- Authorities’’, 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. erine M. O’Regan, of New York, to be Assistant Sec- Committee on Natural Resources, Full Committee, hearing retary of Housing and Urban Development, and Arun on legislation regarding Strengthening Fishing Commu- Madhavan Kumar, of California, to be Assistant Secretary nities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management of Commerce and Director General of the United States Act, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth. and Foreign Commercial Service; to be immediately fol- Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Sub- lowed by an oversight hearing to examine financial sta- committee on Government Operations, hearing entitled bility and data security, 10 a.m., SD–538. ‘‘Mixed Signals: The Administration’s Policy on Mari- Committee on the Budget: February 4, to hold hearings to juana’’, 1:30 p.m., 2154 Rayburn. examine moving from constant crises to broad-based Committee on Rules, Full Committee, hearing on H.R. growth, focusing on the 2014 outlook, 10:30 a.m., 3964, the ‘‘Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Emergency SD–608. Water Delivery Act’’; and H.R. 2954, to authorize Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: February 4, to hold hearings to examine the nominations of Rhea Sun Escambia County, Florida, to convey certain property that Suh, of Colorado, to be Assistant Secretary for Fish and was formerly part of Santa Rosa Island National Monu- Wildlife, and Janice Marion Schneider, of New York, to ment and that was conveyed to Escambia County subject be Assistant Secretary for Land and Mineral Management, to restrictions on use and reconveyance, 2 p.m., H–313 both of the Department of the Interior, 10 a.m., SD–366. Capitol. February 6, Full Committee, to hold hearings to exam- Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Subcommittee ine S. 1784, to improve timber management on Oregon on Space, hearing entitled ‘‘Necessary Updates to the and California Railroad and Coos Bay Wagon Road grant Commercial Space Launch Act’’, 2 p.m., 2318 Rayburn. land, and S. 1966, to provide for the restoration of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Sub- economic and ecological health of National Forest System committee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, land and rural communities, 9:30 a.m., SD–366. hearing entitled ‘‘Finding Your Way: The Future of Fed- Committee on Environment and Public Works: February 4, eral Aids to Navigation’’, 10 a.m., 2253 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Water and Wildlife, to hold hearings Committee on Ways and Means, Full Committee, markup to examine the safety and security of drinking water sup- on H.R. 2575, the ‘‘Save American Workers Act of plies following the Central West Virginia drinking water 2013’’; and H.R. 3979, the ‘‘Protecting Volunteer Fire- crisis, 10 a.m., SD–406. fighters and Emergency Responders Act’’, 10:15 a.m., February 6, Full Committee, business meeting to con- 1100 Longworth. sider H.R. 1206, to grant the Secretary of the Interior House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Full permanent authority to authorize States to issue electronic Committee, hearing entitled ‘‘World Wide Threats’’, 10 duck stamps, S. 741, to extend the authorization of ap- a.m., 210–HVC. propriations to carry out approved wetlands conservation

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projects under the North American Wetlands Conserva- Verification and Compliance, Puneet Talwar, of the Dis- tion Act through fiscal year 2017, S. 212, to approve the trict of Columbia, to be Assistant Secretary for Political- transfer of Yellow Creek Port properties in Iuka, Mis- Military Affairs, Robert C. Barber, of Massachusetts, to sissippi, S. 864, to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act be Ambassador to the Republic of Iceland, George James to reauthorize technical assistance to small public water Tsunis, of New York, to be Ambassador to the Kingdom systems, H.R. 724, to amend the Clean Air Act to re- of Norway, Colleen Bradley Bell, of California, to be Am- move the requirement for dealer certification of new bassador to Hungary, Keith M. Harper, of Maryland, for light-duty motor vehicles, S. 51, to reauthorize and the rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service as amend the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Estab- United States Representative to the UN Human Rights lishment Act, S. 970, to amend the Water Resources Re- Council, Max Sieben Baucus, of Montana, to be Ambas- search Act of 1984 to reauthorize grants for and require sador to the People’s Republic of China, and Arnold A. applied water supply research regarding the water re- Chacon, of Virginia, to be Director General of the For- sources research and technology institutes established eign Service, all of the Department of State; to be imme- under the Act, S. 898, to authorize the Administrator of diately followed by a hearing to examine negotiations on General Services to convey a parcel of real property in Al- Iran’s nuclear program, 10 a.m., SD–419. buquerque, New Mexico, to the Amy Biehl High School February 4, Full Committee, to hold hearings to exam- Foundation, S. 969, to amend the Neotropical Migratory ine the nominations of Bathsheba Nell Crocker, of the Bird Conservation Act to reauthorize the Act, S. 1077, District of Columbia, to be Assistant Secretary for Inter- to amend the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998 to national Organization Affairs, Michael Anderson Lawson, provide for the reauthorization of the Chesapeake Bay of California, for the rank of Ambassador during his ten- Gateways and Watertrails Network, S. 1865, to amend ure of service as Representative of the United States of the prices set for Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and America on the Council of the International Civil Avia- Conservation Stamps and make limited waivers of stamp tion Organization, and Robert A. Wood, of New York, requirements for certain users, S. 1451, to provide for en- for the rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service vironmental restoration activities and forest management as U.S. Representative to the Conference on Disar- activities in the Lake Tahoe Basin, to amend title 18, mament, all of the Department of State, 3 p.m., SD–419. United States Code, to prohibit the importation or ship- February 6, Full Committee, to hold hearings to exam- ment of quagga mussels, S. 1080, to amend and reauthor- ine the nominations of Luis G. Moreno, of Texas, to be ize certain provisions relating to Long Island Sound res- Ambassador to Jamaica, John L. Estrada, of Florida, to be toration and stewardship, and the nominations of Victoria Ambassador to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and Marie Baecher Wassmer, of Illinois, to be Chief Financial Noah Bryson Mamet, of California, to be Ambassador to Officer, Thomas A. Burke, of Maryland, to be an Assist- the Argentine Republic, all of the Department of State, ant Administrator, and Kenneth J. Kopocis, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Administrator, all of the Environ- 2:30 p.m., SD–419. mental Protection Agency, Roy K. J. Williams, of Ohio, Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Feb- to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic De- ruary 4, to hold hearings to examine the nomination of velopment, Rhea Sun Suh, of Colorado, to be Assistant Vivek Hallegere Murthy, of Massachusetts, to be Medical Secretary of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife, Richard Director in the Regular Corps of the Public Health Serv- J. Engler, of New Jersey, to be an Member of the Chem- ice, and to be Surgeon General of the Public Health Serv- ical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, and proposed ice, 10:30 a.m., SD–430. resolutions relating to the General Services Administra- February 6, Full Committee, to hold hearings to exam- tion, 10:30 a.m., SD–406. ine supporting children and families through investments Committee on Finance: February 4, business meeting to in high-quality early education, 10 a.m., SD–430. consider the nominations of R. Gil Kerlikowske, of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: District of Columbia, to be Commissioner of Customs, February 4, Subcommittee on Financial and Contracting Department of Homeland Security, Richard G. Frank, of Oversight, to hold hearings to examine fraud and abuse Massachusetts, to be Assistant Secretary of Health and in army recruiting contracts, 10 a.m., SD–342. Human Services, and Paige Marvel, of Maryland, and Ta- February 6, Full Committee, business meeting to re- mara Wenda Ashford, of Virginia, both to be a Judge of sume consideration of S. 1486, to improve, sustain, and the United States Tax Court, Time to be announced, transform the United States Postal Service, 10 a.m., S–219, Capitol. SD–342. Committee on Foreign Relations: February 4, business Committee on the Judiciary: February 4, to hold hearings meeting to consider S. Res. 333, strongly recommending to examine privacy in the digital age, focusing on pre- that the United States renegotiate the return of the Iraqi venting data breaches and combating cybercrime, 10:15 Jewish Archive to Iraq, S. Res. 270, supporting the goals a.m., SD–226. and ideals of World Polio Day and commending the February 6, Full Committee, business meeting to con- international community and others for their efforts to sider S. 1675, to reduce recidivism and increase public prevent and eradicate polio, and the nominations of Rose safety, S. 149, to provide effective criminal prosecutions Eilene Gottemoeller, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary for certain identity thefts, and the nominations of Indira for Arms Control and International Security, Frank A. Talwani, to be United States District Judge for the Dis- Rose, of Massachusetts, to be a Assistant Secretary for trict of Massachusetts, James D. Peterson, to be United

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States District Judge for the Western District of Wis- regarding the Accelerated Revenue, Repayment, and Sur- consin, Nancy J. Rosenstengel, to be United States Dis- face Water Storage Enhancement Act; and legislation re- trict Judge for the Southern District of Illinois, and Debo garding Water Supply Permitting Coordination Act; and P. Adegbile, of New York, and John P. Carlin, of New draft discussion to Amend the Secure Water Act of 2009 York, both to be an Assistant Attorney General, Depart- to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to implement a ment of Justice, 10 a.m., SD–226. surface water storage enhancement program, and for other Select Committee on Intelligence: February 4, to hold closed purposes, 10 a.m., 1324 Rayburn. hearings to examine certain intelligence matters, 2:30 February 5, Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Na- p.m., SH–219. tive Affairs, hearing on the following measures: H.R. February 6, Full Committee, with the Committee on 3110, the ‘‘Huna Tlingit Traditional Gull Egg Use Act’’, Armed Services, to hold a closed joint hearing to examine and H.R. 3605, the ‘‘Sandia Pueblo Settlement Technical counterterrorism policy in review of the Defense Author- Amendment Act’’, 2 p.m., 1324 Longworth. ization Request for fiscal year 2015 and the Future Years February 5, Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Re- Defense Program, 2:30 p.m., SVC–217. sources, oversight hearing on Energy in America: BLM’s House Committees Red-Tape Run Around and its Impact on American En- ergy Production’’, 2 p.m., 1334 Longworth. Committee on the Budget, February 5, Full Committee, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, February hearing entitled ‘‘The Congressional Budget Office’s Budget and Economic Outlook’’, 10 a.m., 210 Cannon. 5, Full Committee, hearing entitled ‘‘ObamaCare: Why Committee on Education and the Workforce, February 5, the Need for an Insurance Company Bailout?’’, 9:30 a.m., Full Committee, hearing entitled ‘‘Foundation for Success: 2154 Rayburn. Discussing Early Childhood Education and Care in Amer- February 5, Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Job ica’’, 10 a.m., 2175 Rayburn. Creation and Regulatory Affairs; and Subcommittee on Committee on Energy and Commerce, February 5, Sub- Energy Policy, Health Care and Entitlement hearing enti- committee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, tled ‘‘Health Insurance Co-ops: Examining ObamaCare’s hearing entitled ‘‘Protecting Consumer Information: Can Billion Loan Gamble, 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn. Data Breaches Be Prevented?’’, 9:30 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. February 6, Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Job February 5, Subcommittee on Health, hearing entitled Creation and Regulatory Affairs, hearing entitled ‘‘The ‘‘Examining the Implementation of the Food Safety Mod- IRS Targeting Investigation: What is the Administration ernization Act’’, 10 a.m., 2322 Rayburn. Doing?’’, 9:30 a.m., 2154 Rayburn. Committee on Financial Services, February 5, Full Com- Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, February 5, mittee, hearing entitled ‘‘The Impact of the Volcker Rule Full Committee, hearing entitled ‘‘Examining the Science on Job Creators, Part II’’, 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. of EPA Overreach: A Case Study in Texas’’, 10 a.m., February 5, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investiga- 2318 Rayburn. tions, hearing entitled ‘‘The Annual Report of the Office Committee on Small Business, February 5, Full Com- of Financial Research’’, 2 p.m., 2128 Rayburn. mittee, hearing entitled ‘‘The FAA’s Impact on Small Committee on Foreign Affairs, February 5, Full Com- Businesses in the General Aviation Industry’’, 1 p.m., mittee, hearing entitled ‘‘Al-Qaeda’s Resurgence in Iraq: 2360 Rayburn. A Threat to U.S. Interests’’, 10 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. February 6, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy and February 5, Subcommittee on the Middle East and Trade, hearing entitled ‘‘Duplication, Overlap and Frag- North Africa, hearing entitled ‘‘U.S. Counternarcotics mentation in Federal Financial Assistance Programs’’, 10 Operations in Afghanistan’’, 2 p.m., 2172 Rayburn. a.m., 2360 Rayburn. February 5, Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, February hearing entitled ‘‘America’s Future in Asia: From Rebal- 5, Subcommittee on Aviation, hearing entitled ‘‘The FAA ancing to Managing Sovereignty Disputes’’, 2 p.m., 2175 Modernization and Reform Act of 2012: Two Years Rayburn. Committee on Homeland Security, February 5, Full Com- Later’’, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. mittee, markup on H.R. 3696, the ‘‘National Cybersecu- Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, February 5, Sub- rity and Critical Infrastructure Protection Act of 2013’’, committee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, 10 a.m., 311 Cannon. hearing entitled ‘‘Beyond Transformation: Reviewing February 6, Subcommittee on Oversight and Manage- Current Status and Secondary Effects of VBA Tech- ment Efficiency, hearing entitled ‘‘Examining Challenges nology’’, 3:30 p.m., 334 Cannon. and Wasted Taxpayer Dollars in Modernizing Border Se- Committee on Ways and Means, February 5, Sub- curity IT Systems’’, 10 a.m., 311 Cannon. committee on Oversight, hearing on issues before the IRS Committee on the Judiciary, February 5, Full Committee, that affect American taxpayers, 9:30 a.m., 1100 Long- markup on H.R. 2919, the ‘‘Open Book on Equal Access worth. to Justice Act’’; resolution on reauthorization of the Over- House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, February Criminalization Task Force; and ratification of sub- 6, Full Committee, meeting on member access requests, committee memberships, 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. 9 a.m., HVC–304. This is a closed meeting. Committee on Natural Resources, February 5, Sub- committee on Water and Power, hearing on legislation

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Re´sume´ of Congressional Activity

SECOND SESSION OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH CONGRESS The first table gives a comprehensive re´sume´ of all legislative business transacted by the Senate and House. The second table accounts for all nominations submitted to the Senate by the President for Senate confirmation.

DATA ON LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY DISPOSITION OF EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS January 3 through January 31, 2014 January 3 through January 31, 2014 Senate House Total Civilian nominations, totaling 382 (including 2 nominations carried Days in Session ...... 16 15 . . over from the First Session), disposed of as follows: 56′ ′ Time in session ...... 83 hrs, 56 hrs, 28 .. Confirmed ...... 2 Congressional Record: Unconfirmed ...... 378 Pages of proceedings ...... 664 1,515 . . Withdrawn ...... 2 Extensions of Remarks ...... 150 . . Public bills enacted into law ...... 2 4 6 Private bills enacted into law ...... Other Civilian nominations, totaling 1,791, disposed of as follows: Bills in conference ...... 3 3 . . Measures passed, total ...... 28 31 59 Unconfirmed ...... 1,791 Senate bills ...... 6 2 . . House bills ...... 3 16 . . Senate joint resolutions ...... 2 . . . . Air Force nominations, totaling 1,143, disposed of as follows: House joint resolutions ...... 1 1 . . Unconfirmed ...... 1,143 Senate concurrent ...... 1 . . . . House concurrent ...... 2 2 . . Simple resolutions ...... 13 10 . . Measures reported, total ...... 6 17 23 Army nominations, totaling 462, disposed of as follows: Senate bills ...... 6 . . . . Unconfirmed ...... 462 House bills ...... 14 . . Senate joint resolutions ...... House joint resolutions ...... Senate concurrent ...... Navy nominations, totaling 2, disposed of as follows: House concurrent ...... Unconfirmed ...... 2 Simple resolutions ...... 3 . . Special reports ...... 1 . . . . Conference reports ...... 1 . . Marine Corps nominations, totaling 749, disposed of as follows: Measures pending on calendar ...... 207 8 . . Measures introduced, total ...... 102 204 306 Unconfirmed ...... 749 Bills ...... 85 172 .. Joint resolutions ...... 1 3 . . Concurrent resolutions ...... 1 8 . . Summary Simple resolutions ...... 15 21 . . Quorum calls ...... 1 . . Total nominations carried over from the First Session ...... 2 Yea-and-nay votes ...... 24 . . Total nominations received this Session ...... 4,527 Recorded votes ...... 19 6 . . Total confirmed ...... 2 Bills vetoed ...... Total unconfirmed ...... 4,525 Vetoes overridden ...... Total withdrawn ...... 2 Total returned to the White House ...... 0 * These figures include all measures reported, even if there was no accom- panying report. A total of 5 written reports have been filed in the Senate, 18 reports have been filed in the House.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 12:29 Mar 22, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0667 Sfmt 0667 E:\ERIC\D03FE14.REC D03FE14 D108 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST February 3, 2014

Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10 a.m., Tuesday, February 4 10 a.m., Tuesday, February 4

Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Tuesday: Senate will continue consider- Program for Tuesday: Consideration of H.R. 3590— ation of the conference report to accompany H.R. 2642, Sportsmen’s Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act, (Subject to a Rule). and vote on adoption of the conference report to accom- pany the bill at approximately 2:35 p.m. (Senate will recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. for their respective party conferences.)

Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE Gosar, Paul A., Ariz., E154 Neal, Richard E., Mass., E152 Guthrie, Brett, Ky., E154 Peters, Scott H., Calif., E153 Blumenauer, Earl, Ore., E152 Hall, Ralph M., Tex., E151, E152 Reed, Tom, N.Y., E154 Clarke, Yvette D., N.Y., E153, E154 Hunter, Duncan, Calif., E154 Rogers, Mike, Ala., E153 Clyburn, James E., S.C., E155 Kinzinger, Adam, Ill., E151 Webster, Daniel, Fla., E151 Coffman, Mike, Colo., E155 McCarthy, Carolyn, N.Y., E155 Yoder, Kevin, Kans., E155 Farr, Sam, Calif., E154 Murphy, Patrick, Fla., E151

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