All of this event online at cspan. Org. Search tax reform. The house coming in next at later hour because house members have been working, republicans, on their tax package. Well take you live to the house floor on cspan. The house will in order. The prayer will be offered by the guest chaplain, pastor dennis jokela, chaplain, kalamazoo county sheriffs department, kalamazoo, michigan. Pastor jokela please join me for prayer. Father god, we are grateful to be able to come into your presence in a free country such as ours. I ask that you bless this great nation. I ask you to pour out your wisdom and revelation now within the sound of my royce. I ask you to let your glory shine like the light eminating from this place, filling our entire country. I speak unification of our country in its original cando american spirit. I speak life into those dying places, for those places that are in need of your restoration power, i ask that you pour it out on them. I ask that you bless these proceedings today and bless the work of our hands. I ask us all in the mighty name of jesus, amen. The speaker the chair has examined the journal of the last days proceedings ap announces to the house its approval there of. The journal stands approved. The pledge of allegiance will be led by the gentleman from texas, mr. Poe. Mr. Poe i pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of america and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible with berty and justice for all. The speaker without objection, the gentleman from michigan, mr. Up ton, is recognized for one minute. Mr. Upton i rise today to recognize a proud son of portage, michigan, pastor jokela, Kalamazoo Sheriffs Department. He has worked as a Small Business owner, a judge for the vocational society, a corporal nd chaplain at the Kalamazoo Sheriffs Department as well. We thank in particular our First Responders all across the country, sheriffs, Police Officers and pray to keep them and their families safe. Pastor jokelas dedication to Public Service runs deep as the seventh time decorated veteran of vietnam and cambodia. It helped him a pastor with the michigan boot camp for troubled teen and work with the homeless and his commitment to our country is unquestionable. Thank you for your service here and at home. We are all some honored to be with you today. Thank you for your kind words. And i yield bark. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The chair will entertain up to 15 further requests for oneminute speeches on each side of the aisle. For what purpose does the gentleman from pennsylvania seek recognition . Mr. Thompson permission to address the house for one minute and revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection. The gentleman is recognized. Mr. Thompson i rise to congratulate eri emps manufacturing onp 5 years in business. T has grown when orange Fowler Merwin sold equipment to grain millers. His customers complained about stray pieces of metal that found their way into grain that farmers brought to the mills for grinding. In 1942, he devised a sprator in the basement of his home and sold it to a grain miller. Since those Humble Beginnings in that basement, it has expanded into the World Authority of Separation Technologies with operations all over the world. It has been head quartered in erie. It employs more than erie residents on ashbury road. The story of eries manufacturing truly is a classic American Dream tale and has maintained local family ownership throughout its history. I congratulate them on this milestone. Thank you, and i yield bark. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The gentleman from for what purpose does the gentleman from rhode island seek recognition . I ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection. The gentleman is recognized. Mr. Cicilline last week, Hurricane Maria hit puerto rico. Buildings are destroyed and major risk of collapse and millions of America Karen citizens are looking for help. One week later we have not addressed this extraordinary crisis. Congress is not planning a vote to provide aid until next week. President trump talked about owing money to wall street. President trump and my friends who control Congress Need to start treating this with the urgency it demands. My district is home to more than 20,000 Puerto Ricans. They dont understand whats going on in washington, why is it taking so long. The president talks about putting america first, but why is nts he doing to help our fellow citizens in puerto rico. On behalf of my constituents, bring a bill to the floor and lets get this done and lets address the humanitarian crisis that is besetting citizens in puerto rico. With that, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the entleman from texas seek recognition . Mr. Poe permission to address the house for one minute and revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Poe in the darkness of night during the hammering rain of harvey, reservoirs released more water with little notice to people downstream. Meanwhile, hundreds of First Responders battled the rain, rising floodwaters and raging current to rescue people from homes. Ide the dimlylit the 9 11 911 dispatchers answered calls after thousands dialed in. Dispatchers like 26yearold erica wells worked 20hour stretches then trying to grab a nap or two. With phones ringing, the dispatchers sent rescue teams to homes packed with people in need of escape, a woman in labor and families trapped on the roofs. As the 50inch rain kept pounding, the dispatchers answered and calmed and helped those in need. As the morning sun finally broke through the texas sky, the dispatchers emerged and checked on their own families, many of whom had their own homes had flooded. These dispatchers are some of the texas proud that helped save others in the floods of summer. And thats just the way it is. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from texas seek recognition . Permission to address the house the house. Ms. Jackson lee thank you very much, mr. Speaker. At 2 00 a. M. This morning, one of our unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. 2 00 a. M. This morning, our h. P. D. , Houston Police department faced a tragic incident of one of our officers that was participating in a stop long with other officers on 59 south. And unfortunately, a driver that paid no attention to the flashing lights and the work of these officers, sped through and to garcia. He was in surgery with his family and all of those who could be there, the chief and the mayor were there with him. I simply stand to ask for ayers for Ernesto Garcia and his family and we are well aware of the work of the Outstanding Police and fire during Hurricane Harvey and all of the time. So i wish him the best and strongest recovery. As a young man who just entered the police department, just graduated, and i know that our prayers will help him and his family. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman yields back. For what purpose does the gentleman from tennessee seek recognition . Permission to address the house for one minute. He speaker pro tempore works. My constituent was just 13 when he died from cardiac arrest. The school had an external defib rill ator in a near i by office. Since tanners passing, his mother and my constituent who is the gallery today with her husband has been a advocate for increased access. Everyier this year i introduced h. Res. 35 which would encourage schools to have a. E. D. s. In 1998 i introduced and Congress Passed the aviation medical assistance act the law that requires passenger airplanes and airports to have a. E. D. s. Today, im pleased to participate in this years a. E. D. Hunt on the hill sponsor by dr. Phil roe and hosted by the foundation. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to remember tanner jamisons life. And i urge my colleagues to cosponsor h. Res. 35 to hopefully save lives in the future. And i yield back. The speaker pro tempore i remind the gentleman that ference to people in the gallery are not allowed. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from North Carolina seek recognition . Permission to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized for one minute. I rise to discuss a topic heart. R and dure to my ms. Adams sick will cell disease destroys sick will cells in the body. Victims can experience strokes and damages to organs. I watched my sister suffer from it. She was in and out of the hospital and the only resources we had to treat her were our familys love and support. And this is devastating. My sister lost her battle at age 26. Ile medical research this is imperative to support additional federal funding and im a proud cosponsor of h. R. 2410 the sick will Cell Research surveillance prevention and treatment act. Join me in recognizing sick will cell awareness day not only to treat patriots with this disease but by cosponsoring legislation that provides resources to advance medical treatment for this disease. Thank you, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from pennsylvania seek recognition . Permission to address the house for one minute. Revise and extend. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Speaker, this past weekend i participated in the unveiling of the bucks town hometown banners in doils town. They hold the names and faces of the men and women of bucks county who gave their life in service of our nation after the terrorist attacks on september 11. It was a humbling experience to be surrounded by friends and families as well as the community honoring their legacy. And freedom square, a Community Bell memorial supported by the local chapter of the american gold star mothers and the Goldman Family signifies our commitment to remember those who served and sacrificed. Im proud of the patriotism and support shown by our community in bucks county. Mr. Speaker, in honor of their sacrifice and sacrifice of the families and support of the Bucks County Community i ask unanimous consent to enter the 25 fames of these Fallen Heroes into the congressional record at this time. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Fitzpatrick i yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from california seek recognition . Without objection. Thank you, mr. Speaker, im proud to stand with the dreamers and i urge the passage of h. R. 3440, the dream act of 2017. I know what it is like to leave your country of birth as a child. And i know those kids have grown up to become just as american as each and everyone one of us here. Despite what their status may say, this is their country, this is their home. We cannot stand by and allow their lives and wellbeing to be put in jeopardy. He country is on their side. Dont let petty politics get in the way of good policy. The dreamers are courageous young men and women who came forward to register in the daca program. And now they are more vulnerable than ever. So i urge every one of my colleagues to support h. R. 3440, the clock is ticking. We must act to protect the dreamers. I thank you, and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman yields back. For what purpose does the gentleman from arkansas seek recognition . Unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection. The gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Speaker, thank you for the time. It has been eight days since Hurricane Maria la slammed into puerto rico. Power Communications Remain down, fuel, water and food are scarce, infrastructure continues to crumble. Mr. Hill i was pleased to see that President Trump has asked Brigadier General richard kim to go to the island and seek to lead. Because the islands isolation, this isnt houston. This isnt new orleans. Rescue and relief isnt as easy as moving a convoy of Power Company trucks down the interstate highway. This is much more difficult. And therefore, mr. Speaker, i believe its time to set up a joint task force with one person in charge and not get stuck on stupid as one army general famously said. That general, Russell Honore found the government floundering after Hurricane Katrina sm the joint task force can coordinate relief efforts starting with putting our National Guard to work, reopening the air tower, clearing the roads and opening a cao hall. I continue to pray for puerto rico, but each of us must understand that islands crisis is very different. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . Unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Speaker, members, i also want to join my colleague from houston and the prayers for Houston Police officer, Ernesto Garcia, and his family. Mr. Green but i rise today to in support of the 68,000 dreamers that are in houston, harris county, texas. And throughout our country. And call on Congress Congressional leaders to bring up the dream act for an immediate vote. Dreamers are young men and women who were raised in american and know no other country and are an integral part of our schools, our colleges, our work force and our communities. During the worst days of Hurricane Harvey, dreamers helped rescue neighbors and saved lives throughout hue stob and the texas gulf coast houston and the texas gulf coast. President trumps announcement this month to end the daca program was a gut punch to dreamers. Who are helping their families and communities recover from harveys destruction. Congress has a moral obligation to honor the hard work and aspirations of current and earlier generations of immigrants and dreamers who bring up the dream act by bringing up the dream act for our immediate consideration. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Request unanimous consent to address the house for one minute, revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Speaker, i rise in support of 800,000 dreamers abandoned by this administration. Any doubt about the administrations senseless cruelty was put to rest on september 5 when they chose to end daca. Immigrant youth and their families fuel our economy and help create a more dynamic society. Terminating daca is a heartless and vile act that will ruin families and disrupt local economies. Dreamers are the embodiment of americas promise, the idea that no matter where you are from, the color of your skin or the god you worship, if you come here, believe in our values, work hard and contribute to our country, then you deserve a place here in the United States of america. And that is what we are fighting for. To keep the promise of this great country. And to my republican colleagues, you cant profess to support the dreamers, yet fail to support the dream act. Its time to put up or shut up. I call on my colleagues to sign the discharge petition and support a clean dream act. I thank you and yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from california seek recognition . Without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to urge my colleagues to sign the discharge petition to force a vote on the dream act. I believe this legislation would pass today if the speaker would put it to a vote. Survey after survey confirms that a vast majority of americans support dreamers and believe they should be allowed to stay in the United States. The only country theyve known since childhood. Lets be clear. Dreamers lives are not bargaining chips. Dreamers futures are not a real estate deal. Dreamers have started businesses , theyve bought homes, theyve mentored high school students, theyve found work in nonprofits. They give back to their Community Every day. They are teachers, they are nurses, and doctors. Bargbarg they are our neighbors, our ms. Barragan they are our neighbors, our friends, and for some of us like me, they are family. Failing to extend Legal Protection for dreamers would be a historic betrayal, a permanent stain on our country. If you have yet to sign the discharge petition, i urge my colleagues to do so now. With that i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman yields back the balance of her time. For what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . Without objection, the gentleman s recognized for one minute. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise to indicate there is much confusion about something that is near and dear to me. Theres much confusion about impeachment. And so as to give some degree of , i ity, i have in my hand have in this hand an article. Mr. Green that is styled the overcriminalization of impeachment. T is dated august 7, 2017. By jean healy. Hes with the gene healy. Hes with the cato institute. I commend it to all who have any interest in impeachment, because this will give you a summary that will spare you a lot of reading. Of the federalist papers. Reading many other articles. I commend it to you and ill say more about it at a later time. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from michigan seek recognition . Without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized for one minute. Mrs. Lawrence mr. Speaker, i rise today to express my outrage toward the latest travel ban proposed by the trump administration, again. Late on september 24, the administration issued a proclamation with new discriminatory travel restrictions on eight countries. Let me be clear. No matter how many times this administrations tried to repackage it and sell it, a muslim ban is a muslim ban. It remains hateful, discriminatory and goes against our American Values. We wont be fooled by the inclusion of north korea and venezuela. This muslim and refugee ban continues to be part of a dangerous and immoral agenda against a religion, people of color and immigrants. This administration and this man is fanning the flames of fear and anger ban is fanning the flames of fear and anger against immigrants with policies that clearly undermine the Institution Constitution that i love and our american principles. Dressed up and down, this ban must not stand and we must address terrorism and its not restricted to the muslim population. We must address it here on the ground, homegrown terrorism as well. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman yields back the balance of her time. For what purpose does the gentleman from georgia seek recognition . Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Johnson i thank the gentleman, mr. Speaker. I rise today to protect and defend our dreamers. Now that President Trump has failed all of us by rescinding daca, Congress Must now move immediately to protect these courageous, patriotic dreamers, like my constituent and aspiring cardiovascular surgeon, cynthia moran. Cynthia just wants an opportunity to contribute to her community and in her own words, quote, we are only here to contribute to this amazing country, end quote. Like cynthia, all Daca Recipients are our friends, they are our neighbors, they are soldiers on the battlefield. They are new homeowners, they are entrepreneurs, they are students. I urge my colleagues to support our daca constituents and pass legislation that protects these brave young people. And i ask you to do that as soon as possible. And with that, mr. Speaker, i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . I ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute, and to revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is ecognized. Mr. Speaker, ive been saying for years that the American Immigration system is broken and its about time we fix it. We must pass comprehensive immigration reform. This will obviously require bipartisanship and a deliberate policy process to make it happen. And in the meantime, we ought to do what we can, where we can agree to do it. And thats why im working towards this effort to protect our dreamers now. This is why i signed the discharge petition to bring to the house floor a bipartisan, bicameral dream act which will permanently protect these people that were brought here as children. Mr. Costa that are in school, that are serving in our military, that are working and contributing to our economy. That will permanently protect dreamers and offer them a path to earned citizenship. At Fresno State University we have 1,200 dreamers enrolled. We have 600 at merced. We have thousands of young people in the san what wean valley that are im San Joaquin Valley and thats why we must change this law. Thats why im here today, calling on the house leadership to bring the dream act to the floor. Its the right thing to do. Its the american way in which we solve problems. I will continue to do everything in my power to bring the dream act to the house floor to vote and to work for a comprehensive and a longer term immigration policy. So that we dont have to continue to have the political posturing and the fight that has endured way, way too long. Lets fix this for the dreamers now. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The chair lays before the house a communication. The clerk the honorable the speaker, house of representatives. Sir, pursuant to the permission granted in clause 2h of rule 2 of the rules of the u. S. House of representatives, the clerk received the following message from the secretary of the senate on september 27, 2017, at 1 35 p. M. That the Senate Passed senate 1866. Senate 1028. 1057. 504, Senate Senate 870. Signed sincerely, karen l. Haas. The speaker pro tempore the chair lays before the house an enkrolled bill an enrolled bill. The clerk senate 810, an act to facilitate construction of a bridge on Certain Property in christian county, missouri, and or other purposes. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . Mr. Speaker, by the direction of the committee on rules, i call up House Resolution 538 and ask for its immediate consideration. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the resolution. The clerk house calendar number 87. House resolution 538. Resolved that upon adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to consider in the house, without intervention of any question of consideration, the bill, h. R. 3823. To amend title 49, United States code, to extend authorizations for the Airport Improvement Program, to amend the Internal Revenue code of 1986, to extend the funding and Expenditure Authority of the airport and Airway Trust Fund. To provide disaster tax relief. And for other purposes. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. The amendment printed in the report of the committee on rules accompanying this resolution shall be considered as adopted. The bill as amended shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions in the bill as amended are waived. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill as amended, and on any further amendment thereto to final passage without intervening motion except, one, one hour of debate with 40 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the committee on ways and means. And 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the committee on Financial Services. And two, one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Section 2, it shall be in order at any time on the legislative day of september 28, 2017, for the speaker to entertain motions that the house suspend the rules, as though under clause 1 of rule 15. The speaker or his designee shall consult with the minority leader or her designee on the designation of any matter for consideration pursuant to this section. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from texas is recognized for one hour. Mr. Sessions mr. Speaker, thank you very much. During consideration of this resolution, all time is yielded for the purpose of debate only. And i yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentlewoman, my dear friend from new york, Ranking Member slaughter, pending which i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Sessions mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Sessions mr. Speaker, i rise today in support of this rule and the underlying legislation. The rule provides for consideration of h. R. 3823, the disaster tax relief and airport and Airway Extension act of 2017. Mr. Speaker, the whole world is aware of a series of storms that have hit not only americas shores, but those shores of so ny of our territories, including the u. S. Virgin islands and puerto rico. A series of these hurricanes over the past few weeks have caused great devastation in texas, florida, georgia, puerto rico and, of course, again the u. S. Virgin islands. These are people who are american citizens and they are in these territories who are suffering, and they have a loss from devastation and we have never seen an act like this with two storms in succession to each other. This legislation takes important steps, i believe, that are necessary to begin providing relief to those individuals. We have had a lot of debate not only on this floor and not only in the rules committee, but certainly in the u. S. House of representatives and the public media about what steps need to be taken, who needs to be there first, what femas responsibility is and what the responsibility is for h. U. D. And responsibility for states and for citizens and their local communities. But the bottom line is is that much of the evaluation, the undertaking of saving of lives, trying to work to save more property and be there in support of people is an ongoing project that will take a long period of time. Specifically, this underlying legislation helps to address five targeted and meaningful tax provisions that provide relief and make it easier for people to recover and to return to their homes and to make longterm decisions from a money and tax piers perfecttive. It will allow hurricane victims to keep more of their paychecks and protect their properties and provide more affordable and immediate access to Retirement Savings should people decide that they would choose to go that direction at this difficult time in their lives. This legislation also encourages more americans, americans who see what is happening and companies to be able to donate, to donate those who are in need of temporarily by suspending limitations on the deductions for charitable contributions for Hurricane Relief efforts this year. This is an important step and it removes obstacles that might be in the way for the public to get involved and to help their fellow citizens. Together, taken together, these five tax provisions go a long way, we believe, in helping these people recover from these storms. The rule also makes clarifications to ensure puerto rico and the u. S. Virgin islands are treated equitybly in all tax sections of this bill. I spent time this week speaking with the the gentlewoman from rom puerto rico, and congresswoman plaskett in talking about not only their immediate needs but the longterm needs. Both were vigorous not only in their requests for help, but also equally i think balanced in their request for the legislation that would take place today. It represents so many so many hard working people in puerto rico and the Virgin Islands and they are looking for a handle, a way to work through where not only where they are but looking forward to the longterm about how they are going to put their islands back together. I have had many phone conversations with both of them over the last 48 hours. They have asked for our prayers and have asked for our help and i have pledged to do both. But i told them that i believe that this house of representatives would very carefully understand their special request at this time because the islands are under increased pressure simply to get planes that would land to allow not only bring in emergency supplies, but also taking out people who would need to come ashore for those who might be children, elderly people or the sick. In addition to the tax provisions of h. R. 3823, which addresses some of the frailts of the Flood Insurance program, we have included important reform pieces that are proconsumer and increased competition at a very difficult time now that these hurricanes have landed on our shores. This provides options for all americans. The language that passed out of the Financial Services committee 580 and on the floor of the house last year 4190, has now been placed in this bill also. We believe it is another example of bipartisan support, not only by the gentleman from Financial Services committee, jeb hensarling, but also his Ranking Member, Maxine Waters, who very carefully last year in preparation, probably for what would lie ahead in the future, to provide a free Market Opportunity for more people to receive Flood Insurance. Its part of this package and passed here last year 4190. It is an integral part of what might be an answer, maybe for only a few people, but its an option and opportunity and i appreciate chairman hensarling and Maxine Waters for being a part of that last year out of the Financial Services committee 580. This bill reauthorizes the f. A. A. , the federal Aviation Administration for six months. Their funding levels, which would, i believe, be most important to all areas of the country. This is a bipartisan bill. This is an opportunity for people who live in rural areas, people who live in urban areas to know that the f. A. A. , day in and day out, 24 hours a day, is a vital part of the important transportation components of landing planes, bringing people to and from work and back safely. It also is a part of our families who travel the system. And the federal Aviation Administration, the f. A. A. , needs this money and needs the operational capacity to move forward. It also comes at a critical time when the radar system that is in puerto rico, has failed. And it is necessary that we continue to fund the programs at the f. A. A. So they can get these systems back up and online to meet the needs of the islands and make sure this is done safely. Now is not a time to play games with an essential program. And i believe this is very important for each of the members to understand that this is a vital part of this package. Finally, the underlying legislation extends several expiring Health Programs that would be finished at the end of the year, including the Teaching HealthCenter Graduate medical Education Program and the special Diabetes Program or tribes for native americans. I do want to note that this package is focused on Health Programs that are expiring. And chairman greg walden, who is the chairman of the energy and Commerce Committee has every intent to make sure that he will move legislation extending funding for the Childrens HealthInsurance Program, because we know that it expires soon. The chairman has looked into into this and certified and ensured that the money that needs to keep this Program Going is not in jeopardy and looks forward to move the chip program ot only out of to when it is considered on the floor but to the rules committee where it can be equally and fairly debated. Before concluding, i want to affirm to the people of my home state of texas and other areas affected by these disasters, this is the second of a series of responses. This body passed initial Emergency Response legislation providing 15. 3 billion in aid to provide some historical context. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the United States in august followed by hurricane rita and wilma in september and october. The house responded by passing an initial response in september to provide immediate emergency relief. Then after some evaluation, determined the actual needs on the ground. That is by an analysis that took place and thats when the house passed a more comprehensive package that included many of the provisions that are in here that we are doing. But they did that in december. There was some debate yesterday in the rules committee about the timing, about delay, and i assured the gentleman from florida, judge hastings, who is a distinguished member of our committee that while i did not know the exact timing or delay in that timing, that i believe that is forth coming. That as there is a broader evaluation as time moves on as we go from saving people, trying to do recovery, to where we move to the next phases of this opportunity, we will then know more specifically the needs of programs, the work that needs to be done by this program and help we can provide to these areas. I want to thank judge hastings not only for his support of albeit re that people in florida, but where they were part of these storms, i felt like judge hastings care and concern for them to make sure what the house of representatives did was well managed. And i appreciate his feedback. This body has every intention of providing further relief to our further americans. We also understand the federal government that while it has responsibilities, it does so by working with the states and through fema and i have been personally that not only the actions of President Trump and this administration, but i want to add, im proud of the house of representatives. I believe the leadership that paul ryan has provided not only by being on the ground and a looking at these areas but also staying up to date on a daytoday basis means the house is anymoreble and able to move forward. What we are talking about is targeted tax relief to those in need, ensuring that the planes land in puerto rico and continue our Emergency Responses. Mr. Speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentlewoman from new york is recognized. Ms. Slaughter thank you, mr. Speaker. And i thank my friend for yielding me the customary 30 minutes and i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Ms. Slaughter extending the federal Aviation Administrations authority is traditionally something that gets bipartisan support. But that hasnt been the case this time as we saw on monday when a prior version of this bill failed on suspension. It contains several extraneous provisions but didnt include some of the most important priorities that we face. September 30 is nearly upon us. Thats the deadline to reauthorize programs that the American People depend on. That includes things like the perkins stupid loan program which helps lowincome students o finance their education. There are 500,000 students relying on it right now. But the Perkins Loan Program isnt anywhere in this bill. The bill also does nothing to extend the Childrens HealthInsurance Program created in 1997, with broad bipartisan support. And more than nine million children get their Health Insurance through this program. So without continued federal funding, states will run out of money to take care of some of the most vulnerable kids and cant wait for us to act until the end of the year. Community Health Centers have been left out of the bill. And they have told us that they will have problems from day one. If we dont sten their funding, an estimated nine Million People would lose access to health care. These are essential bipartisan programs, mr. Speaker. And whats to say about the majoritys leadership if they are not extended by the deadline . It does not bode well for our ability to fund the government later this year to raise the debt ceiling, extend the Flood Insurance program or reauthorize the foreign Intelligence Surveillance act. This bill is incredibly important one. No one in this chamber or anyone that i know of in the world wants the f. A. A. Program stopped. And their employees furloughed or airport projects brought to a halt. We should Work Together and get it right. This package, however, has not been negotiated on a bipartisan basis. It didnt go through regular order. Committees have been shut out of the process. And democrats who represent half the population of the United States didnt get a say. Now were all glad to see provisions included here to provide some tax relief for victims of the recent hurricanes. With regular order and more open process, this could be a more comprehensive package of extenders that provide more tax relief for victims to recover and to rebuild. After all, the dim cats did suggest 21 bipartisan fax provisions including previous relief legislation after disasters. But none of those except five are included in this bill. Thats a shame. As we said before, this is the 44th closed rule of this session and thats about all the bills weve done. This bill could have been bipartisan or a exre hence comprehensive package of extenders. The bill before us is neelingter. I doubt many of us have had neither. I doubt many of us have had time to review the changes that were made last night. Ive often said a bad process leads to a bad product and, mr. Speaker, im afraid thats what we see with this bill. Another opportunity for bipartisanship has been turned into another political fight. I regretfully reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves the balance of her time. The gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Sessions mr. Speaker, ill reserve my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentlewoman is recognize the gentlewoman from new york is recognized. Ms. Slaughter mr. Speaker, if we defeat the previous question ill offer an amendment to the rule that will bring up h. R. 3440, the dream act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would help thousands of young people who are americans in every way except on paper. Mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment in the record, along with extraneous material immediately prior to the vote on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Ms. Slaughter and to discuss our proposal, i yield one minute to the gentlewoman from california, ms. Sanchez. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from california is recognized for one minute. Ms. Sanchez thank you, mr. Speaker. While my colleagues on the other side of the aisle press forward with their partisan gimmicks, 800,000 young people are Still Holding their breaths. With time quickly running out, they are wondering what their futures look like without daca. Will they lose their jobs . Will they have to drop out of college after theyve already paid tuition . Will they live in fear that i. C. E. Will be waiting for them at any corner . All these fears can be eliminated if Republican Leadership allowed a vote on the bicameral, bipartisan dream act. Passing the dream act will help our country reach the goal of 3 economic growth. The dream act would allow them to continue improving themselves and their education. In the process, they would add 7 728 billion cumulatively to our economy over a decade, due to an education bump. The dream act would allow current teachers, nurses, soldiers, engineers, high school and college students, and hundreds of thousands of others to continue contributing to our economy and our country. I call on my colleagues to vote no on the previous question and instead bring the dream act forward for a vote. We have the votes and the urgency of passing the dream act is real. Thank you, mr. Speaker, and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore does the gentlewoman from new york reserve . Ms. Slaughter yes. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Sessions mr. Speaker, thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, at this time id like to yield three minutes to the honorable and distinguished gentleman, my friend from louisiana, mr. Graves. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from louisiana is ecognized for three minutes. The gentleman from louisiana is recognized for three minutes. Mr. Graves thank you, mr. Speaker. I want to thank the chair mman for yielding the time the chairman for yielding the time. Mr. Speaker, this bill has fundamental problems. Number one, the Flood Insurance provisions that are in this legislation are provisions that are related to Flood Insurance, the Current Program expires on december 9. Why are we dealing with this one component right now . I agree that this provision, that this bill passed the house unanimously previously. But it has fundamental problems advancing in a vacuum outside of the larger reform. And mark my words, mark my words, this provision is going to result in the insolvency of the Flood Insurance program much faster, it is going to increase the debt of the United States. Watch. I promise this is going to happen, and im looking forward to talking more about this later. Number two, mr. Speaker, explain to me the difference between a flood victim in texas, a flood victim perhaps in florida, and one in louisiana. Explain to me how those are any different. We had a 1,000year flood in my Community Just last year. We introduced legislation to provide this same tax relief to our citizens. Why are texans better . I dont understand that. Look, i want to be clear. I think that texas deserves that hurricane victims absolutely deserve tax relief. Theres no question. As do the victims in florida to are florida, in florida, puerto rico and elsewhere. But i dont understand this discrimination and i certainly cant go back home and explain it or defend it. This is absurd. It is absolutely absurd that weve been waiting for 13 months for this exact same tax relief, yet the victims of the other hurricanes get it within weeks. Id love for somebody to explain or justify that. You cant. You cant do it. And so, mr. Speaker, look, ill say it again. F. A. A. Absolutely needs to be extended. If this rosscastor bill was so great, the senate would have taken it up. But they didnt. Because it shouldnt be done in a vacuum. It needs to be part of the larger reauthorization that expires just on december 9. Where we can incorporate it into there. The reason this is being done is because it is trying to artificially increase national Flood Insurance program rates, it is trying to artificially expedite the insolvency of the program. Think about this for just a minute. Were getting ready to have one of the greatest demands upon the national Flood Insurance program for claims from Hurricane Harvey, irma and maria, yet were diverting the revenue stream. Why in the world would you do that . Wheres the money going to come from to pay the claims from people who are flooded . So, mr. Speaker, look, in conclusion, i just want to say theres some things in here that matter. F. A. A. Needs to be extended. We need to provide disaster tax relief without question. This is a fundamentally flawed piece of legislation. We should be sending a clean f. A. A. Extension to the senate. And address these other things elsewhere. With that i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. Mr. Sessions we reserve our time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from Texas Reserves his time. The gentlewoman from new york is recognized. Ms. Slaughter thank you, mr. Speaker. Let me take 30 seconds. First i want to apologize to the gentleman who was speaking when i thought it was my turn. Im sorry about that. And i think he made a very important statement. That we should treat all americans alike. Now, id be pleased to yield 1 1 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from california, ms. Roybalallard. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from california is recognized for 1 1 2 minutes. Ms. Roybalallard mr. Speaker, the president s decision to rescind daca has brought fear to hundreds of thousands of dreamers and their families. They are dreamers like saul who speeches teaches special needs students in los angeles and is one example of how dreamers contribute anded a value to our country and our community and add value to our country and our communities. Dreamers are american in every way except for their immigration status. To send dreamers to a country they have never known would be tragic for them and our nation. Which will lose their valuable contributions. The American People overwhelmingly oppose deporting our dreamers and our Faithbased Community and Business Leaders are imploring congress to pass the dream act. Yet the Republican Leadership is ignoring their wishes and refusing to allow us a vote on this bipartisan, bicameral bill. If my republican colleagues who say they want to protect our nations dreamers, if that is true, this is your chance. Vote no on the previous question so we can vote on the dream act and put our dreamers on the road to the security and future they have earned in the only country they know, the United States of america. The time to pass the dream act is now. Vote no on the previous question. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from california yields back. Does the gentlewoman from new york reserve . Ms. Slaughter i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Sessions mr. Speaker, thank you. I reserve my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from Texas Reserves. Ms. Slaughter mr. Speaker, i yield a minute to the gentlewoman from california, ms. Barragan. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from california is recognized for one minute. Ms. Barragan mr. Speaker, i rise today because there are nearly a million young men and women known as dreamers who are depending on congress to take action to protect them so they are not deported. Dreamers were brought to this country as children. Many barely remember their birth country. They are our teachers, our nurses, and our doctors. They are our neighbors, our friends, and for some of us like me, they are our family. They also contribute to our economy. The Los Angeles Area chamber of commerce estimates that dreamers in Los Angeles County alone contribute 5. 5 billion annually to californias economy. Across the country dreamers would add billions to g. D. P. Over the next decade. Americans overwhelmingly Want Congress to take action and the vast majority of members would support legislation to protect dreamers. Lets not wait another moment. Lets bring the dream act to the floor for a vote so we can protect these young men and women. I urge a vote a no vote on the previous question so we can bring the dream act to the floor. Mr. Speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from california yields back. The gentlewoman from new york reserves. The gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Sessions thank you very much, mr. Speaker. Id advise the gentlewoman, my colleague, that i have one more speaker left and so she may run down the time as she chooses. I reserve my time. Ms. Slaughter do i have a few more. Shall i go ahead with some . Mr. Sessions yes, maam. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentlewoman from new york is recognized. Mr. Sessions i reserve my time, mr. Speaker. Ms. Slaughter mr. Speaker, i yield main to the gentlewoman rom california, ms. Lofgren. Ms. Lofgren mr. Speaker, this chamber must act to protect dreamers now in limbo because of President Trumps decision to end the daca program. Daca recipients are rigorously vetted. Theyre high contributing young people who are brought were brought to this country as children. Theyre cher herbed members of communities cherished members of communities across the country and theyre as american as any of us, in all but their paperwork. President trumps decision to end the Program Means that these inspiring young people stand to lose their futures. Soon theyll be forced out of work and school, faced with the specter of deportation to nations many of them have no memory of. The president has created a moral emergency for our country. This house must allow a vote on a clean dream act. Its a bipartisan bill that gives these young people real opportunity to get right with the law and earn a path to legal permanent residence. We all know if this bill were put on the floor it would pass. The bill deserves a vote and theres no doubt about the publics support. Recent polls from cnn and abc show that 82 to 86 of the American Public supports dream acttype legislation. 82 to 86. Theres almost no issue we work 86 . Theres almost no issue we work on that has thatch support from the American Public. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from california yields back. Ms. Slaughter mr. Speaker, i yield one minute to the gentlewoman from illinois, ms. Schakowsky. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from illinois is recognized for one minute. Ms. Schakowsky mr. Speaker, i rise with an urgent plea to my republican colleagues. Not included in this legislation are the Childrens HealthInsurance Program, community Health Centers, and Teaching Health centers. Whose authorization expires on september 30. This saturday. After this house adjourns. They have known for two years about this date. Yet with no time left the republicans spent precious hours today debating among themselves a plan to cut taxes for the richest of americans. Nine million children rely on the chip program for their health care. 23 million americans rely on community Health Centers. Thats one in five one in 15 americans. And they rely on the doctors that are trained at those centers. If making sure that every child to health has access care isnt if thats not a. Iority do this before it is. Do this before it is too late. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from texas. The gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Sessions mr. Speaker, i is ht up what i believe this chip reauthorization program. I talked specifically with the chairman of the energy and Commerce Committee, greg walden, who is very excited about the opportunity to move the chip bill. The opportunity to do this is not dire or urgent. As a matter of fact, theres money in the bucket right now to , the as it has been program to continue. States have enough funds remaining to their accounts through the end of this year and chairman walden is interested in relooking at, gaining information about to see what sorts of changes, additions or updates he would choose to do. And he intends to do that in and through the committee, providing information on a bipartisan basis. I trust not only what greg walden said, but i also know of his desire to deal effectively in this manner. I want to thank the gentlewoman from illinois for bringing up this important question and i want to provide a timely answer to her. I appreciate her very much. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Slaughter i appreciate the information the gentleman just gave us. We have been told the Community Health service will be in trouble from day one. Do you have the same kind of information about them . Mr. Sessions thank you very much, responding to the gentlewoman, i do not but i will talk to chairman walden immediately. And i will come and find you during the vote and i will or if we end here, and i will let you know. I appreciate once again, mr. Speaker, the yom is very concerned, as is the gentlewoman is very concerned, as is the committee, about childrens programs and womens programs, she would expect me to respond accordingly. Ms. Slaughter i appreciate that. Millions of people use the Community Health care service and the children, we cannot let them go. Mr. Speaker, i yield one minute to the gentlewoman from california, ms. Chu. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Chu its been teleweeks since President Trump announce head would be ending daca. Three weeks of fear in homes, classrooms and offices where dreamers wonder if they still have a future here in the only home theyve ever known. Three weeks for congress to answer President Trumps request for a bill that would stop him from eblings cuting his own cruel order. Well here is that bill. Members from both party sls said they want to do something to protect dreamers. Well, here is that something. Over 80 of americans believe dreamers who live, work and follow the follow the law should stay here. Heres our chance to show were listening. We must pass the dream act because of people like jose antonio vargas, an immigrant from the philippine who never knew he was undocumented until he applied for a learners permit. But that didnt stop his dream , he worked hard, became a journalist and ultimately won the Pulitzer Prize for his articles. Lets act to encourage people to come out of the shadows, lets stop the cruel end of daca and pass the dream act today. The speaker pro tempore members are reminded to refrain from engaging in personalities or comments toward the president. The gentlelady from the gentlewoman from new york reserves . Ms. Slaughter i do. Mr. Sessions i do reserve my time. The speaker pro tempore the jerusalem from new york is recognized. Ms. Slaughter i yield one minute to the gentlewoman from district of columbia, ms. Holmes norton. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Norton i thank my friend for yielding. This bill is full of provisions that could pass in regular order and i am afraid of using the f. A. A. Reauthorization, running t of time again, because the planes cant fly if controllers are not in the air. This bill, the f. A. A. Bill, contains a lot of important provisions that our constituents are crying out for. Among them, airplane noise which is ruining communities across the United States, and study of the Health Impact of that noise. As important as daca, which we should pass and i think could pass and other provisions which would pass on regular order. This bill the f. A. A. Reauthorization bill is not the bill to fool around with. Weve had too many nearmisses by letting that these shortterm extensions pile up. Pass a straight f. A. A. Reauthorization bill. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. The gentlewoman from new york is recognized. Ms. Slaughter i yield two minutes to the gentlewoman from texas, ms. Jackson lee. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Jackson lee i want to thank the gentlelady from new york for her leadership. I thank my fellow texans on this effort. Im not on transportation but i do believe the f. A. A. Should have this extension and i do believe i should advocate for the many, many employees and thatmers of aviation needs the air Traffic Controllers should not be privatized and i understand that this particular bill does not have that provision. Because the focus should be on extending a number of these Health Matters that are very, very important to us and particularly the inspiring Health Programs dealing with the Teaching Health center, medical Education Program, the special Diabetes Program for indians and immunoglobin project. I do take issue with decreasing the fund. I do believe we should move forward on these provisions particularly as it relates to hurricane victims or areas. Let me focus on what is a devastating need in the urricane areas of harvey, irma and maria, these provisions are agreed to by people in the area. Its important that people not have a penalty on their account tax provisions. I hope this moves quickly through the senate. The bill provides a tax credit for 40 of wages up to 6,000 per employee paid by disaster affected employer to an employee from a core disaster area. Charitable deductions. The bill suspends limitations on charitable deduction. In our community there are people who dont have the gap to survive, they are work, their job is closed down because of Hurricane Harvey. Other area they may be receiving charitable moneys. Those who give charitable contributions are needed to be helped. The disaster related personal casualty losses and the special rule for determining the earned income tax credit is extremely important. We want more. Were desperate and we need more, mr. Speaker. I hope well be able to Work Together to get more for those who are desperate from these hurricanes. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from new york reserves. The gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Sessions thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, a good bit of the dialogue thats occurring today has been an active discussion for a long period of time in the Financial Services committee. The gentleman, jeb hensarling, from dallas, texas, chairs that committee. But one of our bright young stars is from tampa, florida, his name is dennis ross. He heard he debate and came down here. Hes been an active part of not only understanding the needs of Community Bus more importantly how were going to have a fix, an answer in the longterm way to look at this flooding problem and the federal flood program. Id like to yield, if i can, three, four minutes to this to the distinguished gentleman from florida, mr. Ross. Mr. Ross thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you, mr. Speaker. For over 50 years, for 50 years, the only game in town for Flood Insurance has been the federal government through the national Flood Insurance program. That means for over 50 year, if you want Flood Insurance your best bet is to go to the federal government, which by the way, especially after these two successive storms that have just hit texas and florida, is going to be over 30 billion in debt. In debt. If we dont do something to save the taxpayers of this program that cannot actuarially support itself, we are doing a total disservice to our constituency and to our country. So what is part of the underlying bill that this rule will allow is the market parity act that will allow consumers to have a choice between the existing Flood Insurance program, which is significantly in debt, or to have the private sector bring in their property, Flood Insurance program, ensure those to insure those risks. In florida in 2004, we had successive hurricanes. That came through my district. And we had billions of dollars paid by fema, paid by nfip. But we had 39 billion paid by the private sector because we had private wind storm insurance. The private sector does a much better job of doing business and managing risks than the federal government. What im asking for this body to accept, what the American People are craving for, is competition in the products they seek to have to protect them with their valuable assets. You know its kind of like the Flood Insurance program is a boat. After 50 years of plugging holes its taking on water more and more and more. And one of the suggestions is, lets just lets just keep bailing. I submit to you that any logical person first step would be to plug the hole. Were going to continue to bail. We need to continue to bail. But we need to plug the hole so we dont get deeper and deep for the debt. The underlying bill, the f. A. A. Reauthorization, is there far reason, to invite the private market to come to the rescue of consumers out there who need to be able to not only have options greater than what the national Flood Insurance program provides, because they dont provide business interruption. They dont provide temporary housing. But the private sector will. More importantly, the private sector will mitigate, manage that risk. Theres no Mitigation Program effective in the federal government right now. Its throwing of dollars to say here, do this, or do that. Private Risk Management will help consumers mitigate, lessen their risk, have more resilient homes. What im suggesting to you is that this is a paradigm shift nor country. If were going to say that the business of the United States should be left to business, and government should do what government should do,s that move in that direct. Because government should not be in the business of insurance. It is in the business of relief. Theres no question about that. But relief is postevent help. Insurance is preevent. Its calculating that risk, managing that risk. Thats what the private sector does so well. We owe toyota our consumers, to our taxpayers who are bailing out the nfip, that we give consume thers choice. So i would submit to you, mr. Speaker, if we have a chance to finally make a paradigm shift where we take the burden of bailouts off the shoulders of taxpayers, and allow those who do best what they do best in managing capital and managing risk, do so for the benefit of consumers that this underlying bill and the f. A. A. Reauthorization allows for that with that, mr. Speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from Texas Reserves. The yom from new york is recognized. Ms. Slaughter let me take 30 seconds to say to the previous seeker speaker is that my understand is that the fallback provision on Flood Insurance came to the federal government because private insurers didnt want to do it. If we can get them to take et over, i think everybody would be relieved. Mr. Speaker, im pleased to yield one minute to the gentlewoman from washington, ms. Iowa jey. Ms. Jey jey. Ms. Jayapal. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Ms. Jayapal the dream act is smart policy that combines American Values of compassion and humanity with whats best for our society. This bill will protect 1. 5 million undocumented imgran from deportation and every day we fail to act is another day that 800,000 documented young people live with an unshakeable fear that they will lose their ability to live without fear of deportation, be able to support themselves an their family, know they can plan for the future whether that be attending school or buying a home or car or starting a new business. Make no mistake, this bill will hurt all will help all americans regardless of legal status. Nationally, the cruel end of this program will cost 460 billion in g. D. P. Over the next 10 years, whereas passing the dream act would bring 22 billion in income to our country every year. But mr. Chairman, this is about more than economics, it is about human life and i urge my colleagues to do what is right, pass the dream act, lets help these young people, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from new york reserves. The gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Sessions thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, this discussion that were having here on the point that we have now had two speakers from my side, the gentleman, mr. Ross, and the gentleman mr. Graves who come down to talk about the debate that has been well alive across the country. About how we deal with emergencies. Huh we deal with flooding. How we deal with the opportunity for states and communities and citizens, the Free Enterprise system, and what i would say fema or the federal government, to get closer in understanding the needs of community the answers to longterm decisions that take place, and what you heard mr. Ross say was, a bill that he works o he worked on with the gentlewoman a democratic colleague, from tampa, and they worked on this piece of legislation, got it passed 580 out of the Financial Services committee, 4190 on this vote. We need to pass, we need to include this we need to put this as part of the options. An option that would be available for people back home no matter where that is. To have a chance to to have more control of their own live, to work in their own communities, and i really appreciate the gentleman, mr. Ross, coming to talk to us today. His hard work that he and kathy castor, the gentlewoman from tampa, did on a bipartisan basis, comes to play. Even though they did it a year ago, it would be in play today. It will be in play one year from now when storms come back as an option, an opportunity. Instead of us searching for answers, one of the answers that would be available. I reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentlewoman from new york is elect niced. Ms. Slaughter i yield 1 1 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from california, mrs. Torres. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mrs. Torres this is a country built on dreams. Our country was founded to protect not just the right to life and liberty but also the pursuit of happiness. Sadly, the dreams of the thousands of young dreamers who were brought here as children have been put on hold by President Trumps decision to end daca, the daca program, ands Congress Inaction to pass the dream act. These young dreamers have created a life for themselves here in the u. S. , and many know no other home other than the u. S. Today, i want to tell you about one special dreamer from my district, jose. He is an extremely legitimate young man. He works six days a week and still finds time to volunteer in his community. His parents, unfortunately, did not tell him that he was undocumented, in an effort to protect him. He didnt find out about his status until it was time to apply for college, but he was extremely upset but he didnt give up. His dream is to go to college and study business. He has so much to contribute to our country. These young people have become part of the american quilt, a quilt that reflects the diversity, and our history and cultural and heritage of this great country. We just throw them and toss them out of our nation. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves. The gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Sessions mr. Speaker, thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, you know, they say that success has many fathers. You can say many mothers. Success is many times in the eye of the beholder, but when lots of people see it, they can get better prepared and then people see that as a model. Id like to take just a minute, if i can, and talk about a model of success that i use and that is back home i have an opportunity to meet with a number of subject Matter Experts on issues and ideas. And one of them is a man named bill dewey and bill is an air affic controller at d. F. W. Airport in dallas, texas. And mr. Dewey and i take time and understand the intory cassie of his job intricacies of his job, air Traffic Controller, safety, planes. D. F. W. Is home to american airlines. Mr. Dewey handles traffic that goes to dallaslove field, home to southwest airlines. But what mr. Dewy has done with me and dewey has done with a member of y as the United States military as air Traffic Controller, but eal life in the tower at d. F. W. Airport to tell us how important this is. Were padding the employees of these agencies. The f. A. A. Has so many dedicated employees just like bill dewey, my dear friend thats at d. F. W. Airport. And this also is a support to those employees to let them know that were going to fund their programs, were going to take care of them. So we should at the same time say thank you to the men and women who are there 24 hours, round the clock, to provide safety. We have now been a number of years where we have not had a plane crash with a fatality and were lucky and part of it goes to the safety of the system at the f. A. A. I reserve my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentlewoman from new york is recognized. Ms. Slaughter mr. Speaker, im pleased to yield one minute to the gentleman from arizona, mr. Gallego. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Gallego mr. Speaker, President Trumps decision to end daca is one of the most cruelest things hes done. Mr. Speaker, ending the daca Program Means protecting 800,000 young people in america right now and are american in every way except on paper, including thousands that served in the military, it means exposing them to deportation from a home theyve ever known and robbing our nation to their exceptional talent, work ethic and patriotism. We cannot allow this president to play politics with so many young lives. Congress must pass the dream act now and as soon as possible to protect these Outstanding Young people, offer the chance for them to become citizens and get back to the country they know and love. Vote know on the previous question so we can end this republican obstructionism and bring this critical bill to the floor. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore members are once again reminded to refrain from engaging in personal attacks towards the president of the United States. The gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Sessions mr. Speaker, thank you very much. What a shock it is to see the president attacked when hes the one thats going to make sure by Challenging Congress that we get this issue done. Mr. Speaker, there was a question the gentlewomans time has expired, my dear colleague, ms. The gentlewoman, my dear colleague, ms. Slaughter, she asked about the Health Center program and the answer is that ive gotten back from the gentleman, the chairman of the energy and Commerce Committee, mr. Walden, the gentleman from hood river, oregon, whos a phenomenal leader to this conference, that it will not have to access mandatory appropriations until early december and that chairman walden understands and appreciates that the gentlewoman, the Ranking Member of the rules committee, ms. Slaughter, has asked a question and he thanks you for asking that, louise, and that he understands that we do have a timing issue and is preparing quickly to address this issue and wanted me to thank you for bringing that up at this time. But i want to thank chairman walden for that message. I reserve my time. The speaker pro tempore reserves. The gentlewoman from new york is recognized. Ms. Slaughter and i thank the chairman for giving me that answer. And id like to inquire from him, mr. Speaker, through you, if he has any more speakers. I am prepared to close. Mr. Sessions that would be great and thank you very much. I dont have any speakers other than myself. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from new york is recognized. Ms. Slaughter thank you, mr. Speaker. This is our 44th closed rule for this session of congress which prevents members from offering amendments to the floor. This has put this congress well on its way to becoming the most closed congress in modern history. Democrats have been routinely unable to do the job we were elected to do to amend bills and represent the concerns of the people of the United States which we are both privileged and obligated to serve. Despite the promises speaker ryan has shown a complete disregard for regular order since assuming the gavel. Bills routinely come before the rules committee that havent been considered by the relevant committees. The majority even moved the Health Care Repeal bill through the chamber earlier this year without a score from the nonpartisan experts at the congressional budget office. This measure would have impacted 1 6 of our nations economy and tens of millions of people if it became law. This is no way to run the peoples house. The public expects more and its high time that we heed those calls. I urge a no vote on the previous question, the rule and the bill, and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman yields. The gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Sessions mr. Speaker, thank you very much. I want to thank my colleague, not only for this long week that weve had at the rules committee, but i also want to thank her other members the gentleman from worcester, massachusetts, mr. Mcgovern, the gentleman from florida, mr. Hastings, for not only their vigorous debate and conversations weve had but actually trying to prepare us at the rules committee that which we believe will lie ahead and today you heard the gentlewoman ask about several important issues. And part of our job is to kind of pitch and catch, and that is to catch the things that come our way, but shes using her vision to look ahead and i admire that and i do owe her answers and her background will tell her, lets get moving on these things if we are going to get them done and i hope i provided her with feedback from the gentleman, mr. Walden, saying exactly that. Mr. Speaker, as the hurricane was still over houston, texas, dumping 50 inches of rain, i received a Conference Call from a number of people in houston as they were preparing to reestablish not only their own communities within houston but also the livelihood of the Business Community and to be prepared. I got a Conference Call from a group of gentlemen, a gentleman, mr. Tom singletary, a gentleman, mr. Kevin hedges, a gentleman, mr. Wrestling, a gentleman, mr. Steve rabin, and they called me and said, we need as quickly as we can to get information about taxes, about people pulling money out of their i. R. A. s and what the rules and regulations would be for that. Mr. Speaker, part of my job is to respond to people, to listen to them, and to listen to their needs and i will tell you that the houston delegation, on a bipartisan basis, up and down the coast going down to Blake Farenthold in Corpus Christi all the way up to garrett graves in louisiana, felt the fury of mother nature. But it didnt mean that it had to divide us or defeat us, and ive seen nothing but resolve thats come from not only those in texas but also those in orida, our two colleagues, jenniffer gonzalez, who is in puerto rico, and stacey plaskett, who is our fine, fine member out of the Virgin Islands, they have asked for help. They have asked for the things that would be necessary. But our ability to effectively listen and turn around in the form of legislation, our ability to be able to schedule meetings and on a bipartisan basis be able to talk and sometimes agree and sometimes disagree but to get our work done is an amazing part of this experiment that were engaged in. I, myself, mr. Speaker, want to thank you for not only your hard work of being here today but being a part of this process. And as we as all of us Work Together, we can make this process work and give confidence to the American People. That confidence is expressed with what we do today. Mr. Speaker, i urge my colleagues to support this rule, the underlying bill. I yield back the balance of my time and i move previous the question on the resolution. The speaker pro tempore the question is on ordering the the question is on ordering the previous on the resolution. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. Ms. Slaughter mr. Speaker, on that i ask for the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays are requested. Those in favor of the yeas and nays will rise. A sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays are ordered. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this uestion will be postponed. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, the chair will postpone further proceedings today on motions to suspend the rules on which a recorded vote or the yeas and nays are ordered or votes objected to under clause 6 of rule 20. The house will resume proceedings on postponed questions at a later time. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from arkansas seek recognition . Mr. Hill mr. Speaker, i move to suspend the rules and pass s. 327, the fair access to Investment Research act of 2017. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the of the bill. The clerk senate 327, an act to direct the securities and Exchange Commission to provide a safe harbor related to certain Investment FundResearch Reports and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from arkansas, mr. Hill, and the gentleman from illinois, mr. Foster, will each control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from arkansas. Mr. Hill mr. Speaker, thank you. I ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and and their remarks include extraneous material on this bill. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Hill mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Hill i thank the speaker. Im pleased that the house is considering s. 327 today, the fair access to Investment Research act. This is the Senate Companion to my bill, h. R. 910, that i had the pleasure of working on with my friend from illinois, mr. Foster, in this congress and our colleague in the last congress, now Governor Carney of delaware. And mr. Speaker, you know, its occasionally on this floor we dont compliment our colleagues in the Upper Chamber at the other end of the building, but we have to say today thank you to senator crapo and senator brown for advancing a number of securities related bills in the last few days, which we appreciate seeing coming back to the house, including s. 327. This bill contains the same language that h. R. 910 that passed the house in may with an overwhelming bipartisan support, a vote of 4052. It also includes some Senate Amendments that have additional clarifications to the bill. First, it clarifies the conflict of interest provision by precluding dealers from issuing research on affiliated Exchange Traded funds. Second, it carves out closed in funds including Business Development companies and finally, it includes a specific definition of affiliated person which matches the definition of an affiliated person in section 2a of the Investment Company act of 1940. Since starting an Investment Firm back in the late 1990s, i have watched exchangetraded funds grow amazingly. E. T. F. s have grown from about 100 funds in the late 1990s with over 100 billion in assets, now over 1,700 funds with over 3 trillion in assets. Exchange traded funds can average 30 of the Trading Volume by value on any given day on our market. Yet despite this growing popularity and increasing importance to retail investors, most brokerdealers do not publish research on e. T. F. s. This is due to anomalies in our securities laws and regulations. S. 327 tackles those anomalies. Given the importance of e. T. F. s to investors and particularly retail investors, steps to facilitate research on Exchange Traded funds are long overdue. The fair access to Investment Research act is simple. It direction directings the s. E. C. To provide a safe harbor for Research Reports that cover e. T. If e. T. F. s, these reports are not considered offers under the section 5 of the securities act of 1933. This allows allows e. T. F. Research to be issued just like Stock Research on a corporate issuer. This commonsense proposal which mirrors the research safe harbors implemented by the s. E. C. Would clarify the law and allow broker dealers to publish Exchange Traded fund research, thereby allowing investors to access that very useful and needed information in this rapidly growing and occasionally complex market of choices. This bill also holds the s. E. C. Accountable to follow congress direction. This bill requires the s. E. C. To finalize the rules within 270 days and if the deadline is not met, an interim safe harbor rule will take effect until the s. E. C. s rule is finalized. Mr. Speaker, issue is not unfamiliar to the commission. As this proposal has been raised both by the commission and by industry many times over the last two decades. So with close to six million u. S. Households holding e. T. F. s, investors need access to this important research. Having worked in the banking and investment industry for the past three decades, i appreciate chairman hensarling and the congress effort to promote capital formation, reduce unnecessary burdens, and grow jobs and the economy. S. 327 is another step in that process. I also want to thank my friend, mr. Foster, of illinois, for working on this legislation and our colleague in the senate, senator heller of nevada, for working with me on this bipartisan, commonsense fix that we worked on together for over two years. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from illinois, mr. Foster is recognized. Mr. Foster sprk thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you also to my colleague from mr. Foster thank you, mr. Chairman. And thank you also to my colleague for the years of hard work that went into this bill. Im proud to support this bill because i believe it will strengthen the abilities of investors to make informed decisions. Exchange traded funds are valuable and popular tools for informsors to diversify risks and returns through a single security at low costs. This bill will help investors understand the various e. T. F. Choices on the market. I was proud the house passed our bill h. R. 910 earlier this congress by a vote of 4052. This bill is essentially the same bill and incorporate, among other things, an amendment by senator Elizabeth Warren to reiterate that the safe harbor will not be available to affiliates of the e. T. F. , including the funds registered investment advisor. Im really proud of the bipartisanship that went into this bill and i urge my colleagues to support this bill and reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from arkansas is recognized. Mr. Hill i thank the gentleman for his comments and appreciate the wok of the senate in this bill and i think its important to note that this will make this Research Flow and in no way will it confuse investors, in fact, enhance their investment. I have no other speakers. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves this egentleman from illinois is ecognized. I appreciate the work of the gentleman and look forward to it being sent to the president s desk and signed into law. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. Mr. Hill i yield back the balance of my time and appreciate the time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The question is will the house suspend the rules and pass senate 327. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended and the bill is passed. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Mr. Speaker, i move to suspend the rules and pass h. R. 3229 as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 3229, a bill to protect the safe i have to judges by extending the authority of the judicial conference to redact Sensitive Information in their Financial Disclosure reports and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from california, mr. Issa, and the gentleman from new york, mr. Jeffries, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from california. Mr. Issa thank you, mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on h. R. 3229 currently under consideration. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Issa mr. Speaker, as chairman of the courts subcommittee, i recognize the importance of judicial security needs. Federal judges hear cases involving hardened criminals on a regular basis. Although not every not everyone threatens a federal judge, not everyone is a gang member, many are. Federal judges and their families should not be at risk for simply doing their jobs. Congress provides funding for a variety of judicial security needs by building secure courthouses, staffing, metal detectors at entrances and so on but theres a simple way to address security needs without extending taxpayer dollars. One method is to redact specific information from judicial Financial Disclosure reports done by the judges and other key employees. If they are to be targeted, we cannot have a judges home address or other information that allows tracking by a criminal to in fact be a source for their demise. The redax authority has been in place since congress began in 1998 to allow for this and has been extended and expanded on a number of cases case os in to include family members. The redax process requires input and agreement from the u. S. Marshal service. The legislation that my colleague and i introduced from new york, mr. Jeffries, would extend the redax authority for an additional 10 years until december 31, 2027. The there is no Financial Impact of this and it serves to put the judges and their families in the position they have historically been in since 1998, that is, less at risk by this information being disclosed. I not only urge the house to support this legislation, but after careful consideration and research, we find that this authority has not been abused, its been properly used, and the federal judges have earned the absolute right to this limited redax. With that, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves this egentleman from new york, mr. Jeffries is recognized. Mr. Jeffries thank you, mr. Chairman. I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record a statement on behalf of the honorable john conyers jr. , the Ranking Member of the committee on the judiciary. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Jeffries mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is is recognized. Mr. Jeffries i rise in support of h. R. 3229 which will extend for 10 years the soonexpiring authority for federal judges and judicial officers to redact from Financial Disclosure forms sensitive personal information that, if revealed, could compromise their safety and security. An independent judiciary thats free of coercion is fundamental to our constitutional democracy, fundamental to the principle of liberty and jusity justice for all and fundamental to the principle of equal protection under the law. Unfortunately, in this country there are some who seek to compromise the integrity of the Judicial Branch through threats, harm, and harassment. According to the u. S. Marshal service, in fiscal year 2017, there has been an increase in every major recorded statistical category regarding the targeting of members of the federal bench and judiciary employees. Failure to extend this authority will create grave Security Risks to judges, judiciary employees, and their families. Each year, only a very small percentage of the Financial Disclosure reports filed contain an approve red dax of information. Redax only occurs if there is a clear nexus between a Security Risk and the information for which redax is sought. Federal judges and other employees of Judicial Branch routinely interact with disgruntled litigants or dangerous defendants. And others who may seek to do them harm. For example, in 2016, a disgruntled defendant was convicted of a diabolical plot to kidnap, torture, and murder u. S. District judge andrew j. Guilford who presided over that defendants wire fraud conviction. In march of this year, the f. B. I. Reported that u. S. District judge derek watson, who issued a temporary restraining order against the president s travel ban, has subsequently been the target of repeated violent threats. And in april, jason springer, an isis sympathizer, was indicted on a charge of threatening to murder u. S. District judge ocheks bykav combings flying an explosive drone into her window. The need to extend the redax authority is a time sensitive Security Matter and i thank chairman goodlatte, Ranking Member conyers, subcommittee chairman issa and Ranking Member of the subcommittee nadler for their leadership on this issue. I urge my colleagues to support h. R. 3229 and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california. The gentleman es reserve . Mr. Jeffrey reese mr. Jeffries i reserve. Mr. Issa we reserve. Mr. Jeffries thank you. I have one more speaker. I yield to the gentleman from new york, mr. Nadler. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Nadler i rise in support of this bill which would extend an important tool in protecting to protecting federal judges and their families. Each year, federal judges are required to file Financial Disclosure reports which are made available to the public. These show any potential conflicts of interest but they also disclose sensitive personal information, like a home address or family members place of business. In the hands of a disgruntled member of the public seeking retribution or otherwise disturbed information this information could put judges and their families at great risk. Under current law, the judicial conference may redact information from a Financial Disclosure form if publishing such information could endanger the safety of the file ore a member of the filers family. Unless congress acts, this redax authority will expire on december 31 of this year. This commonsense bill simply extends the redax authority for 10 years. Unfortunately, many federal judges face threats to their safety. Merely for doing their job. And according to the judicial conference, the number of threats against them are increasing. For example, in ohio an ohio man recently pleaded guilty to arranging a murder for hire plot against a judge. An alleged isis sympathizer was attempting to learn a judges address was indicted a few months ago for threatening the judge. Last year a california man who was already in prison was convicted of plotting to have a federal judge, prosecutors, and f. B. I. Agents killed as revenge. Sadly we also saw threats against several judges who ruled against President Trumps muslim ban. A the president himself launched a verbal assault against the judges and against the federal judiciary more generally, the judges faced a cascade of online threats and they required heightened security measures. Even without such irresponsible and dangerous behavior by the president , federal judges reagly face threats and this legislation is an important tool in protecting their safety. Although disclosure forms should only be redacted in the most extreme and limbed circumstances circumstances, the judicial conference used its redax authority sparingly and wisely and should continue to have this Authority Available to them. I appreciate mr. Jeffries for introducing this legislation and want to recognize Ranking Member conyers for the work hes done in championing this issue over the years as well. I thank chairman good lat and issa for moving this bipartisan bill forward and yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new york reserves. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Issa im prepared to close. Mr. Jeffries i have one additional speaker. Mr. Issa then i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new york is recognized. Mr. Jeffries let me yield to the distinguished gentlelady of texas, the champion of the safety of federal judges. The speaker pro tempore how much time . Mr. Jeffries how much time do i have remaining . Such time as she may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Ms. Jackson lee mr. Speaker, thank you so very much. Let me thank the gentleman from new york for a very thoughtful to really a crucial element justice. Allow me to acknowledge mr. Jeffries for his leadership, mr. Conyers and mr. Goodlatte for working in a bipartisan manner and the manager of the bill for his support and indicate that this has evidence that we wish we did not have to see or could not document. I know that in my own state just a couple years ago, the federal judge in san antonio was attacked, and in my recollection, lost his life. And so we realize that justice requires us to eliminate impediments of fear and danger that may come to the federal judiciary. This thoughtful legislation to redact addresses and other personal information from Financial Disclosure forms of all of the judiciary, magistrates and appeals courts, district courts, obviously the supreme court, is crucial for the courts that represent the third branch of government and really represent a need the kind of stovepipe to allow them to render justice. So on the Financial Disclosure forms, they are important for transparency, but i want to acknowledge that unfortunately there are individuals who would take out their disgust or contempt for the federal government and take that contempt out on the courts. And for that reason, for the reason that it has been reported that there are terror cells in every state, that they dont know from where that threat will come, and the fact that we have this very important bill, i want to congratulate the author of the bill and hope that we will pass this bill as quickly as possible which protects our federal judiciary by allowing their personal information and that of their family members to be redacted because justice has to be kept safe and secure. With that i thank the gentleman for yielding, and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The gentleman from new york. Mr. Jeffries yes, i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore yields back the balance of his time. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Issa thank you, mr. Speaker. I, too, would close by urging y colleagues to support this wellthought out, wellauthored and in regular hearings by the committee universally accepted as necessary and reasonable for a 10year extension, and with that i move the bill and yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The question is will the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 3229 as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended and the bill is passed and without objection the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, proceedings will resume on questions previously postponed. Votes will be taken in the following order ordering the previous question on House Resolution 538, adoption of House Resolution 538 if ordered and the motion to suspend the rules and agree to House Resolution 311. The first electronic vote will be conducted as a 15minute vote. Remaining electronic votes will be conducted as fiveminute votes. The Unfinished Business is the vote on ordering the previous question on House Resolution 538 on which the yeas and nays were ordered. The clerk will report the title of the resolution. The clerk house calendar number 87. House resolution 538, resolution providing for consideration of the bill h. R. 3823, to amend title 49 United States code to extend authorizations for the Airport Improvement Program, to amend the Internal Revenue code of 1986 to extend the funding and Expenditure Authority of the airport and Airway Trust Fund to provide disaster tax relief and for other purposes. And providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules. The speaker pro tempore the question is on ordering the previous question. Members will record their votes by electronic device. This will be a 15minute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc. , in cooperation with the United States house of representatives. Any use of the closedcaptioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u. S. House of representatives. ] the speaker pro tempore on this vote, the yeas are 223 and the nays are 1887. The previous question is ordered. The question is on adoption of the resolution. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. The yeas have it. Mr. Speaker, i request the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays are requested. Those favoring a vote by the yeas and nays will rise. A sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays are ordered. Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a fiveminute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc. , in cooperation with the United States house of representatives. Any use of the closedcaptioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u. S. House of representatives. ] the speaker pro tempore on this vote the yeas are 223. The nays are 190. The resolution is adopted. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. The Unfinished Business is on from e of the gentleman california, mr. Royce, and agree to House Resolution 311, as amended, on which the yeas and nays are ordered. The clerk will report the title of the resolution. The clerk House Resolution 311, resolution recognizing that for 50 years the association of Southeast Asian nations has worked towards stability, prosperity and peace in southeast asia. The speaker pro tempore the question is will the house suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended. Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a fiveminute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc. , in cooperation with the United States house of representatives. Any use of the closedcaptioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u. S. House of representatives. ] the speaker pro tempore the yeas are 413, the nays are zero. 2 3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the resolution is agreed to. And without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. He title is amended. The speaker pro tempore the ouse will be in order. For what purpose does the gentleman from florida seek recognition . Mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent that when the house adjourns today it adjourn to meet at 9 00 a. M. Tomorrow. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. For what purpose does the gentleman from florida seek recognition . Pursuant to House Resolution 538, i call up the bill h. R. 3823, the disaster tax relief and airport and Airway Extension act of 2017 and ask for its immediate consideration. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 3823, a bill to amend title 49, United States code to extend authorizations for the Airport Improvement Program, to amend the interm revenue code of 1986, to stepped the funding and Expenditure Authority of the Airway Trust Fund, to provide disaster tax relief and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to House Resolution 538, the amendment printed in ouse report 11153 and the amendment is the bill is equally divided by on the committee and ways and means and 20 minutes and controlled by the chair and Ranking Member of the committee on Financial Services. The gentleman from florida and the gentleman from massachusetts, mr. Neal, will each control 20 minutes. The gentleman from texas mr. Hensarling and the gentlewoman from california, ms. Waters, ach will control 10 minutes. Mr. Curbelo i ask that members may include extraneous material on the bill under consideration. The house is not in order. The speaker pro tempore this ill come to order. The gentleman is recognized. Mr. Curbelo mr. Speaker, i yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Curbelo mr. Speaker, Hurricane Irmas direct hit to the lower and middle keys was devastating to my district. Many lost much damage. Some lost their lives. But fortunately, keys recovery is well under way and the resiliency of south florida residents has been display on before and during the storm. While receiving the full force of the storm. Key west fire and Police Departments remaped on the ground. They wanted to be there for their neighbors when the storm had passed. Navy personnel under captain bobby baker who sacrificed. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman suspends. The house will be in order. The gentleman needs to be heard. The gentleman may continue. Curbelo Navy Personnel, bobby baker answered the call to serve and stayed behind to ensure they would be there to get the runways open. Coast guard captain stayed to make sure the port of key west could open. Two days after the storm had passed, i visited with both these leaders. They were working tirelessly to stand up their bases and had not yet checked on the interior of their own homes. Monroe county sheriff rode out the storm at the marathon shelter because he felt it was his responsibility to be there to protect his community. First from local municipalities from the city of key west to ocean reef have been working around the clock to get utilities up and running, roads cleared and government offices operational. Im grateful to our First Responders and the Public Officials and employees who have been working hard to serve the people of the florida keys. I thank my office nicole, who has dedicated long hours to assist our constituents and her neighbors in the keys. So they can get the resources they need. Im grateful for her dedication to her neighbors and proud her to have her on my staff. Community organizations are playing an instrumental role in keys recovery. Nonprofit groups like star of the sea outreach, rotary club of key west, just to name a few have been volunteer tooing their time donating their time and serving direct relief to the community. Private companies and Small Businesses have stepped up to help. Roberts fosswood opened up a hotel to First Responders, Navy Personnel and others who chose to ride out the storm. They were providing the entire stock to residents of key west along with hot meals and coffee. Icon builders brought supplies to the food banks. And marathon e. O. C. , which has been operating 24 slb 7 and approximately a third of employees had lost their homes, these people continued working to help in recovery and rebuilding. And the list goes on. On the individual level, people have gone above and beyond to show their conch spirit and have helped neighbors. The outpouring of spirit from local neighbors has been so extraordinary, i could be here all day telling the stories of thousands upon thousands of acts of kindness. This powerful sense of community and humidity is one of the many reasons i am proud to represent these local heroes. Tourism will be opening up again next week, nearly three weeks earlier than anticipated. I have no doubt Recovery Efforts will make the florida keys an even greater one of its kind paradise americans from across the country and people from all over the world have come to love. But the truth is, the keys tourism basic economy has been stalled and perhaps the greatest devastation is the financial strain on individuals, families and small entrepreneurs. Many of those facing hardships are themselves working to assist their fellow survivors putting their personal interests aside. This community is doing its part to help their own. Its time for congress to help our part to help americans in my district in texas, louisiana, puerto rico and the u. S. Virgin islands. When we debated this bill on monday, we talked about how this would allow Small Business owners a crab and lob ter fisherman to claim a tax credit for 40 of employee wages up to 6,000 helping his team to get back to work. This legislation would allow 415,000 hurricane survivors and 7,5,000 keep more of their paycheck by referring to earned income for purposes of determining the earned income tax credit. We are making it easier for taxpayers to deduct the costs of the Property Damage and allowing anyone struggling with initial Recovery Efforts to have access to their Retirement Savings without penalty. Lastly, this legislation will encourage more american businesses and individuals to support qualified Hurricane Relief organizations by lifting caps on Charitable Giving to these depupes. Mr. Speaker, hard working americans in texas, louisiana, florida puerto rico and the Virgin Islands need congress to act. This was derailed by name calling. I hope that will not be the case today because my constituents and those in other communities like my district dont have time to wait. This tax relief package deserves bipartisan support from my colleagues. I thank chairman brady and the ways and Means Committee to shape this legislation for the benefit of south florida residents especially those in monroe county, who are hardest hit by Hurricane Irma and thank chairman sessions for making in order my amendment that will provide additional benefits that are critical for our fellow americans in puerto rico and the people of the u. S. Virgin islands. In the after math of Hurricane Maria they are facing an uphill battle. I stand incomplete solidarity with my friends, Stacy Plaskett and Jennifer Gonzalez and work to get them everything they need to rebuild their communities. I hope for their sake, we can finally get this done today. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from massachusetts is recognized. Mr. Neal i yield myself such time as i may consume. First, i want tore acknowledge those individuals that mr. Curbelo pointed out and congratulate them for their courage and kindness as they attempt to get southern florida back on its feet. The key phrase here that my friend from florida mentioned was the following. Now its time for us to do our part. Our part calls for a much more vigorous effort, a much morrow bus investment and it could and should be done now. We dont have to wait to get this done. Outont have to parcel this in the small amounts that are being suggested. Earlier this week i rose in. Pposition to h. R. 3823 and today, im disappointed to say im not going to support todays updated version of the legislation today either based on the word more. I have no issue with the sixmonth extension of the f. A. A. Authority. And if we are to include extraneous measures on this mustpass legislation in the process of compiling this should have been done in a bipartisan manner. Our republican friends have assembled their nearterm priorities barely if at all consulting the democratic minority. Worse, rather than work to solve a humanitarian crisis they chose to take most of the day off to unveil tax cut for the wealthiest people in america. The priorities at this moment are misguided. As i noted earlier this week, while i support the disaster tax relief in this bill, the package is insufficient. I would hope we would have worked together, but that has not occurred. Traditionally in this body, we honored and used to respect what is known as the National Principle. It was a code of honor that bound us together when one part of the nation was beset by a disaster, a earthquake in california, a tornado in massachusetts, floods in missouri or forest fires in alabama, we did not ask about gender, race, geography and said the National Principle prevails and the federal government will offer a robust response. Instead, unfortunately, this Disaster Relief package that we will consider does not provide the comprehensive package of relief that will drive investment and speed up recovery in American Communities in texas, florida, the u. S. Virgin islands and the devastation across puerto rico. These hurricanes left massive devastation in their wake, and the ongoing situation of the u. S. Virgin islands and puerto rico are dire. This situation not only justifies but demands a comprehensive package of incentives and relief to help these communities and residents get back to their feet. Republicans will behind an amendment they added to the rules committee. Its really a fig leaf amounting to 68 per person in tax relief. We can do much more for our american brothers and sisters in the caribbean, especially given that the administration continues to drag its feet in terms of sending an emergency supplemental request. That should be done forthwith. We can do better and we must do better. They are making vague assurances that we will get around to considering a more extensive package later, but delay and uncertainty will make the situation worse, not better. Todays package should have included other powerful and proven tax incentives that we have extended in the past disaster Recovery Efforts consistently. I consider this a missed opportunity. We need to do more to help our fellow americans recover from these tragedies. Therefore, i intend to oppose his legislation. And i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from florida is recognized. Mr. Curbelo id like to yield one minute to the distinguished gentleman of the ways and Means Committee, mr. Brady. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Brady thank you, mr. Speaker. I first want to thank mr. Curbelo for his leadership in crafting this Disaster Relief package for our communities, and sharme shuster for his leadership on this bill as well. I rise today not only behalf of the people in my district in texas whove just been hammered, on behalf of everyone in texas, puerto rico, the Virgin Islands whove been devastated by this falls destructive hurricanes. These are people who desperately need the support of our bill, the disaster tax relief and airport and Airway Extension act. Hundreds of thousands of families have lost everything, even loved ones. This bill will help them begin to recover through meaningful targeted tax relief they need now. Earlier this week, as communities continue to be decimated by record high wind gusts, flooding and storm surges, regrettably, my House Democrat friends oppose this critical bill, putting politics above the very people they represent. I stand here today to say we all have to do better. We have to show the nation we can stand together in times of great tragedy to help each other and our neighbors. Just as our people did in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. I strongly urge support of this bill. Provide the relief. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. Does the gentleman from florida reserve . Mr. Curbelo i reserve, mr. Speaker. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from massachusetts is recognized. Mr. Neal thank you, mr. Speaker. With that, mr. Speaker, i would like to yield three minutes to the gentleman from new jersey, mr. Pascrell. Mr. Pascrell my heart goes out, as all of us, to those impacted by hurricanes hamby irma and marie harvey, irma and maria. And i am committed to providing the resources necessary for federal response and recovery. We all voted for the money a week and a half ago. That took three days. Other storms in the past took three months. So lets set the record straight. Im pleased to support aid to those affected by harvey, irma, maria, and will continue to do so. We urgently need to deliver relief and assistance to those currently impacted by Hurricane Maria in the u. S. Virgin islands and puerto rico where the entire island has lost power and many are without water. I cant support a bill before us today which does not even close its not even close to providing the robust relief that puerto rico needs. You know it and we know it. The congress and this administration need to step up, help puerto rico recover. I plan to reintroduce legislation to extend the earned income tax credit to residents of puerto rico, and i hope my colleagues will support it. The bill before us today completely circumvented the committee process. I am not a process person, but this bill did not have any hearing. Despite the fact that myself and my republican colleague from new york, mr. Reed, have had legislation on comprehensive Disaster Relief for the last five years. I want to address something my good friend from texas, the chairman of the ways and Means Committee, put out yesterday in response to my position and others. He said that democrats were using Hurricane Relief as a bargaining chip and playing politics to enact our own agenda. He also tweeted that we were sick, which i could only hope was tweeted by an overzealous staffer. This is why i usually fly off the handle, but im going to keep cool, im going to keep calm, and im going to make sure that im a real american, not judging people on where they live. I promise myself i would stay calm for the rest of what i have to say. My only agenda, mr. Chairman, is to help those who have been hurt by disasters, regardless of where in the United States they live, regardless of what they look like, regardless of how they cook their food. If thats a political agenda, i dont know what world were living in. As for playing politics, as i mentioned, the gentleman from new york and i introduced the National Disaster tax relief act to take politics out of the process, to avoid having to have the debates like these. Congress shouldnt pick and choose who gets Disaster Relief and who doesnt based on political whims. Tax relief should not be reserved only for victims of a storm that happen to impact the home district of the ways and Means Committee chairman mr. Neal 30 seconds, mr. Chairman. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for 130ekds. Mr. Pascrell this bill pits residents of texas against ople of florida, utah, other states. We should treat everyone fairly and the reedpascrell bill would do just that. Tax relief would be kicked in automatically even in montana, even in alaska. We should not play favorites when it comes to helping those in need. 30 seconds more . Mr. Neal i yield the gentleman 30 more seconds. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Pascrell thank you, mr. Chairman. So lets be clear who is playing politics here. New york, new jersey, connecticut continue to feel the effects of Hurricane Sandy just as carolinaians, utah, people from west virginia, louisiana still feel the effects of the major floods of 2015 and 2016. This is true in many other states. While this bill takes a few provisions from our bill, it does not get into the real meat and potatoes how it can help everybody. This bill doesnt do enough in the first place and it doesnt include victims of other disasters. I ask my colleagues support fair disaster tax relief. If thats politics, im guilty. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. The gentleman reserves. The gentleman from florida is recognized. Mr. Curbelo mr. Speaker, i yield three minutes to the chairman of the House Committee on transportation and infrastructure, mr. Shuster. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Shuster thank you, mr. Speaker. Thank you, my colleague from florida, for yielding me time. I rise in support of h. R. 3823. Mr. Speaker, i am going to be very clear whats at stake if Congress Fails to pass the f. A. A. Extension. Starting october 1, no aviation taxes will be collected. Approximately 40 million of revenue will be lost each day. The revenue that would have been used for Airport Infrastructure funding and the f. A. A. s important safety, Operational Research functions, no new Airport Improvement Program grants will be issued to airports in the communities across the country. All f. A. A. Accounts funded out of the Aviation Trust Fund and the facilities and equipment, a. I. P. , research, engineering, Development Accounts will be impacted. Thousands of employees will be furloughed, and some will be required to show up to work for no pay. We must also be clear on the impact of hurricane Recovery Efforts currently under way by the f. A. A. And funded from the facilities and equipment account. Including those in puerto rico and the u. S. Virgin islands. The faumplets currently trying to restore radars, navigational aids and other equipment damaged during Hurricane Maria. This is happening while stranded passengers in the san juan airport wait without electricity for flights off the island. Technicians are working around the clock for services but because of the extended challenges and terrain where the equipment is difficult is hard to determine when full rust tration will happen. For instance, as we debate this bill, technicians are working their way to a long radar site on a mountain in puerto rico. The last two miles through the rain forests are impassable so they are using chain sauce to clear paths for themselves and their replacement equipment. The radar, navigation equipment are critical for the safety and operations of flights. We will have plenty of time to debate the f. A. A. But the f. A. A. Extension we are considering this week is not a pawn in a washington game of political brinksmanship. It is ensure the Recovery Efforts continue uninterrupted in order to help those impacted by hurricanes and are desperately needed. I urge all my colleagues to support this critical legislation and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. Does the gentleman reserve . Mr. Curbelo i reserve. The speaker pro tempore ok. The gentleman from massachusetts is recognized. Mr. Neal thank you, mr. Speaker. With that i yield three minutes to the gentleman from oregon, mr. Defazio, who is the Ranking Member of the infrastructure committee. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Defazio i thank my friend for yielding. This would be the fourth f. A. A. Extension in two years. It didnt have to be this way. We had a bill come out of the committee in the last congress and this congress that was bipartisan except for one provision. Thats the privateation of the air Traffic Organization privatization of the air Traffic Organization. There is a Citizen Group called for citizens for ontime flight who are saying we have to fly these old zigzag routes with 1950s radar, and if only we, the airlines, the same airlines, by the way, that have had their dispatch and reservation systems go down 39 times in the last two years, the National Air Traffic system hasnt gone down in the last two years. But anyway, they could do better, they say, our citizens for ontime alliance, say. Unfortunately its based on lies. We have deployed a system where we could fly planes closer together. Its operational actually, but the airlines havent purchased the equipment to use it and they are not going to purchase that equipment until 2020 or after. So theyre saying the f. A. A. s dragging its feet. The f. A. A. s overbudget, the f. A. A. This, the f. A. A. That. No, actually, its the airlines that havent purchased the equipment to use that system. Now, the other most egregious part of this privatization proposal is the ways and Means Committee, chairman brady has decided to give taxing authority to the private corporation. Now, they are not going to call it taxes. Its fees. Ok. But right now we finance our air Traffic Organization with a 7. 5 tax, a progressive tax. More expensive of your ticket the more you pay. Thats how we finance our air Traffic Organization. Well, this bill repeals that ticket tax. First thing happens is the airlines raise their tickets by 7. 5 . They already did that once five years ago when there was a temporary lapse. Only two airlines didnt, spirit and alaska. Everybody else grabbed the money and ran, 400 million. So Congress Repeals the ticket tax. They raise prices 7. 5 . Then we get three seats on the board, three seats will go to Airline Direct airline interest to decide which passengers and how people will pay to use the National Airspace. So they in all probability will come up with a head tax. So in addition to paying 7 billion a year for baggage fees, now were going to start charging people to use the National Airspace with a flat tax. So, hey, thats a big great win for the people with firstclass people. The people that will get a coach seat will pay 20 to 25 . And the person with a 1,000 icket will pay basically threepointsomething percent. This is all unfortunate because we could have passed already out of this house a bipartisan bill, sent it to the senate instead of trying to jam them with this bill thats loaded down with riders we would be jamming them with good longterm policy for the f. A. A. And the traveling public and the Aviation Industry in america. Weve already heard from gentleman from louisiana 30 seconds, richie . Mr. Neal i yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds. Mr. Defazio the gentleman from louisiana, mr. Garrett, whos a member of the committee who will oppose the bill because of provisions with private Flood Insurance. The two senators from louisiana who theyre attempting to jam with this bill are saying they are going to oppose the bill and block it in the senate. So we may end up with no continuing authorization for the f. A. A. Because they wanted to put these Flood Insurance and other riders on this bill instead of passing them with separate legislation. With that i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from florida is recognized. Mr. Curbelo mr. Speaker, i yield two minutes to the distinguished chairman of the House Republican conference, mrs. Cathy Mcmorris Rodgers of washington state. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Mrs. Mcmorris rodgers i thank the gentleman for yielding and for his tremendous leadership on this important legislation. I rise in support of the Disaster Relief and airport and Airway Extension of 2017. It also includes a threemonth extension for the Indian SpecialDiabetes Program. This is an Important Program for many of the tribes i represent in my district. Its also a threemonth extension of the Teaching HealthCenter Graduate medical Education Program thats set to expire at the end of this week. Its estimated we could have a National Doctor shortage of 23,000 by 2025, and we look at the rural areas like mine in eastern washington, its especially stark. We know primary care saves lives, and thats why its so important to include these provisions in the longterm reauthorization of the thcgme program. This program especially trains residents in some of the largest shortage areas, and when you compare it to the traditional medicare program, the Teaching Health center residents are 3 1 2 times more likely to practice primary care, twice as likely to work in rural areas and 2 1 2 times more likely to work in underserved areas. Its a part of the solution in solving our primary care crisis but it must be funded and thats why its so important to continue this funding in this legislation. Without the funding the program will unravel. These centers could be forced to ramp down. Residents could be terminate and some centers may be shut down and their programs eliminated altogether. So i encourage my colleagues to recognize the importance of this program and encourage them to continue working with me on a longterm solution that ensures the future success of this vital program. With that i yield back. Mr. Curbelo mr. Speaker, i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from massachusetts is recognized. Mr. Neal id like to recognize the gentlelady from texas, ms. Jackson lee, for two minutes. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized for two minutes. Ms. Jackson lee let me thank the gentleman from massachusetts for his leadership. Hes been particularly helpful in thinking through how we can Work Together on the multiple crises that texas and florida, the u. S. Virgin islands and puerto rico are facing. Let me thank the manager of the bill for working on these issues as well. T me, first of all, indicate as i have done earlier today that i understand that the f. A. A. Extension is a kleenex tension of which i will a clean extension of which i will support roigs the International Airport will support recognizing the International Airport that is in my district. But again, i will seek the important leadership on the transportation committee, and particularly the Ranking Member when it comes to dealing with not supporting privatization of air Traffic Controllers. But i want to speak specifically to the hurricane tax relief. As i do so, let me particularly make mention that id hoped this bill would have an extension of the chip program and the community Health Centers. Maybe we can work on that because i know in many of our communities impacted by the hurricane, those elements are important. Community Health Centers and certainly the Childrens HealthInsurance Program. But i do want to make a point to say i wish we could have gone further. I know that there are at least 21 different tax credits or exemptions that we could have had to help those with the im impacted by the hurricane. But these i want to cite and say that i appreciate them to be utilized for my constituents now. The bill would provide tax credits, deductions and other relief to taxpayers in disaster areas affected by hurricanes harvey, irma and maria. Most measures would apply to taxpayers in parts of florida, puerto rico, texas and the u. S. Virgin islands. In particular access to ones retirement fund, the bill would waive the 10 penalty on each distribution from retirement accounts for taxpayers in affected areas. Individuals would be eligible to make the withdrawal if their primary residence was in one of the disaster areas as of the date of the storm. The speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time has expired. Ms. Jackson lee they sustained an economic loss. Mr. Neal i yield the gentlelady 30 seconds. Ms. Jackson lee i thank the gentleman. The bill would increase the size of a loan an individual can take from their Employee Retirement fund under the Retirement Plan loans. It would also provide a credit for businesses that were rendered inoperable by the hurricanes, but that retained employees. On the charitable deduction, for those who are giving dollars between the 23rd and december 31, what id like to do, mr. Speaker, is to look at some form of a Disaster Relief tax scheme, if you will, to enchance what were doing now and to listen where we can do in do this in a bipartisan way. Working with mr. Neal, working with the chairman of the committee and making sure we have a longterm response to the journey that my constituents and others will have to take. I close by saying now were up to 185,000 homes that have been severely damaged or damaged. Weve got problems with mortgage deductions and a number of other issues and therefore im hoping we can Work Together. The speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time has expired. Ms. Jackson lee with that let me yield back my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back the balance of her time. The gentleman from massachusetts reserves. The gentleman from florida is recognized. Mr. Curbelo mr. Speaker, i yield 1 1 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from south carolina, mr. Norman. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Norman thank you, mr. Chairman. I rise in support of h. R. 3823, the disaster tax relief and airport and Airway Extension act of 2017. Which provides additional time to debate the future of our nations air Traffic Control system. Earlier this week i visited Charlotte Douglas air Traffic Control tower and learned firsthand the control about the importance of modernizing our Traffic Control system. Fortunately chairman bill shuster exercised leadership through spear heading House Resolution 2997, the 21st century airr act, that does just that. By shifting the current bureaucratic and broken air Traffic Control to a stakeholdermanaged not for profit corporation. With nextgen projected to ultimately cost 120 billion, it is imperative that we fix our air Traffic Control in this congress. Importantly the 21st century airr act also strengthens air service in Rural Communities, through ensuring that general aviation will have full access to u. S. Air space. It advances the remote air Traffic ControlTower Program which means that Rural Communities are fully integrated into our nations air Traffic Control system. I look forward to working with my colleagues on to this critical issue on this critical issue facing the Fifth District in sfpblgt i yield back in south carolina. I yield back. Mr. Curbelo i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from massachusetts is recognized. Mr. Neal mr. Speaker, id like to recognize the gentlelady from new york, ms. Velazquez, for two minutes. I must tell you that anybody who has witnessed her heartfelt advocacy on behalf of the people of puerto rico in the last 24 hours, we would all be moved. I also would say that nobody in this chamber knows more about what has happened in puerto rico right now than the gentlelady from new york. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Mr. Vela thank you. Thank you, ranking ms. Velazquez thank you, thank you, Ranking Member. I really appreciate those kind words. Mr. Speaker, i rise in opposition to the bill. As we all know, many people are hurting in the areas affected by hurricanes harvey, irma and maria. Sadly, the response by the administration has been bumbling, inexcusably weak, and inadequate. While some of the proposals in the bill are needed, these measures are necessary, but far from sufficient to help puerto rico recover. If anything, this is an insult to the american citizens living in puerto rico and the Virgin Islands. Puerto ricos hurting. They do not need legislative lip service, passed just so the majority can claim they are helping. Instead of taking real and meaningful steps to provide muchneeded relief for puerto rico and the Virgin Islands, this bill ignores the challenges they face. Providing personal casualty assistance and penaltyfree withdrawals from retirement accounts is commendable. But not for puerto rico. Just half the island is living in poverty and the average Median Income is under 20,000. In fact, 67 of workers have no money left to save for retirement after paying bills and only one in five workers is contributing to Retirement Savings. So i ask you, what savings will they pull from . And how and when will this happen . American citizens in puerto rico cannot even get cash out of an a. T. M. Without waiting hours in line. Providing funds based on the assessed value of those provisions for puerto rico is insufficient. It is a fig leaf offered by republicans so they can check it off of their list. In order to truly help the many victims affected by the hurricanes, Congress Needs to start by providing the economic support required to recover. Can i have 30 more seconds . Mr. Neal i yield the gentlelady 30 more seconds, mr. Speaker. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Ms. Velazquez mr. Speaker, this bill is unworkable for puerto rico as it stands now. I applaud the efforts and speed with which this was drafted. But it must be strengthened to truly address the needs of americans in this disaster area. Even today i got a call from the most important medical institution, that its running out of antibiotics. The veteran hospital treating the 200,000 soldiers who have participated the speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time has expired. Ms. Velazquez do not have access to health care. If this is how we honor their service no, mr. Speaker. Vote down this legislation. Thank you. The speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time has expired. The gentleman from massachusetts reserves. The gentleman from florida is recognized. Mr. Curbelo mr. Speaker, i reserve and im prepared to close. The speaker pro tempore does the gentleman from massachusetts have any other speakers . The gentleman is recognized. Mr. Neal im prepared to close. I yield myself such time as i might consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Neal thank you, mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, you just heard eloquent testimony from ms. Velazquez about what the people of puerto rico are facing right now. And i wish that the majority would have approached this process differently. The reauthorization of f. A. A. Could have been a simple, straightforward exercise. It could have and should have been a bipartisan effort. They saddled the f. A. A. With unrelated partisan priorities, incorporated with little input from democrats, and presented a weak tax package to address the recent major natural disasters. The version of this bill came up earlier this, were i wish the disaster tax relief section were better designed and more extensive. This updated bill still doesnt provide the adequate relief to the affected families and communities who desperately need it. You just heard from ms. Velazquez on that basis. While waiving penalties on the withdrawal of Retirement Savings and expanding eitc and Child Tax Credit provisions are helpful, the majority inexplicably left out some of the most economically powerful tax incentives on the shelf, including those that would be helpful to rebuild devastated infrastructure. Given this damage and the needs of hardhit areas, especially the Virgin Islands and puerto rico, i cannot understand why we are not including proven assistance contained in previous disaster tax packages to our family and friends as well in places like texas and louisiana. Therefore i urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The gentleman from florida is recognized. Mr. Curbelo thank you, mr. Speaker. I truly deplor the way some colleagues have decided to politicize such a sensitive, urgent and important issue. There are people in my community who are suffering. Who lost their homes. Yet theyre still working hard to help their neighbors rebuild. For them to find out that this institution would oppose a measure to help them, because some colleagues think its just not good enough now you heard them, they recognize theres a lot of good in this package. But its not enough. I am the representative of the district that was hit the hardest by Hurricane Irma. Chairman brady was here. He has been working hard back home to help his Community Recover while managing his responsibilities here as chairman of the ways and Means Committee. Hes calling for passage of this legislation that he sponsored. Also putting their names on this the representative elected by Puerto Ricans on the island to this chamber. She has added her name to this legislation. Also, Stacy Plaskett, a member of the minority who represents the Virgin Islands. She has added her name to the amendment we filed to make this legislation even stronger. So the members representing the districts that were hit the hardest, where people are suffering, and the gentlewoman from new york is absolutely correct, the suffering in puerto rico cannot be compared to anything else that were seeing here on the mainland. Their representative wants to see this legislation passed. But some of our colleagues say its just not good enough. So, because this is not good enough for them, people should get nothing. We wonder, we wonder why so Many Americans dont trust this institution. Why so Many Americans are frustrated with the politics in this country. Because if it isnt perfect, if it isnt exactly what i want, then im against it. Now fortunately not all of the members of the minority agree with this. When we first had this vote on monday, 26 democrats voted in favor of the legislation. And i thank them. Not just from me but on behalf of my constituent the people of florida key, south florida, and of course people of texas, louisiana, puerto rico, and u. S. Virgin islands. I thank my democratic colleagues and all my republican colleagues who supported this package. I invite more members from both parties to support this package today. Because this is not the time to play political games. Now i understand some people here are frustrated about what may have happened in the past. I wasnt here. And i belong to a new generation of members of this institution. Quite frankly, i think none of us on either side are interested in relitigating the old fights, and the old debates. We want to see the solutions for today and tomorrow. And the people of florida, monroe county, the florida key, miami david, the people of texas, louisiana, u. S. Virgin islands, puerto rico, they need us now. They need this solution now. Can we do more later . Absolutely. And everyone knows that this chamber and the other will soon consider additional funding for fema, muchneeded funding, and i will support a robust funding package for fema because the agency is strained and is working hard to help people all over this country. And out in the atlantic. But to say that this is not good enough, instead well do nothing is just unacceptable. I urge my colleagues to reconsider because i think its important that we send a message of National Unity to help those who are hurting, and if we can do more in the future, we will. And we should. So mr. Speaker, in closing, i would just thank all of my colleagues that understand how urgent this situation is how much pain and suffering is being experienced in in these communities. I ask them respectfully to please support this legislation. I yield back the balance of my ime. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. All time for the ways and Means Committee has expired. The gentleman from texas will control 10 minutes, the gentlelady from california will control 10 minutes. For what purpose does the gentleman from texas rise . Mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Hensarling thank you, mr. Speaker. We have all seen the terrible tragedy and suffering from harvey, irma, and maria. We have seen the shattered homes. We have seen the shattered lives. Ive been to houston and my native texas to visit with a number of the victims. There are many tragedies, mr. Speaker, out of these hurricanes and flooding, but one of the tragedy, one of the tragedies, is that in harris county, where houston is 80 of the homes that were flooded did not have Flood Insurance. Now why didnt they have Flood Insurance, mr. Speaker . I believe one of the reasons is because we have a government monopoly called the national Flood Insurance program. Many people dont even know of its existence. Many people think they were safe because they were three feet outside of the governmentdesignated 100year floodplain. Many thought that somehow this was simply rolled into their Homeowners Insurance policy, but it wasnt. So, mr. Speaker, we have an opportunity to make sure that people have more options and more affordable options for Flood Insurance. Wouldnt it be wonderful that for every time you saw a Life Insurance commercial, an Auto Insurance commercial uric saw something about Flood Insurance . To help educate the American People about the need for this basic insurance policy. We could see the savings occur as people rolled this into their homeowners policy. And in the very small portion of the market, mr. Speaker, where there is competition, people are saving, not just hundreds of dollar, but thousands of dollars. Weve heard from the ma fwmbings olas family in pennsylvania, quote, nfip insurance would have cost me 2,700 a year but i was able to find private coverage for only 718. We heard from the sere family also of pennsylvania. I have benefited from switching to private market insurance from fema. I save about 1,000 a year. So mr. Speaker, theres a piece of legislation known as the Flood Insurance market parity and modernization act, also known as rosscasper. I want to thank my colleague from florida, mr. Ross, for his leadership on this issue. Its very simple. It clarifies congressional intent that people ought to have more options. Particularly, mr. Speaker, as people begin to rebuild after these hurricanes, they need Better Options for Flood Insurance, particularly with the nfip 30 billion in debt, facing another bailout, facing an uncertain future. Now we need to take care of that thats why i have proposed, along with chairman duffy a fiveyear, longterm reauthorization. We are currently operating under a temporary 90day authorization. But as we do, lets work on something that we can all agree on. The last time this bill came up in the house, mr. Speaker, 4190. Its recently come out of the Financial Services committee 580. Im not sure you can get that kind of vote tally far mothers day resolution. It is bipartisan. S the very definition of bipartisan. So lets take one important step today to help the victims of harvey, irma, and maria, as they begin to rebuild their homes, to have more Flood Insurance options, more affordable insurance options, as we work through what we might disagree on in the nfip authorization, lets pass, today, what we can agree on and help the victims today and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentlelady from california is recognized. Ms. Waters thank you very much. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Ms. Waters i rise in opposition to this bill which began as a mustpass reauthorization of the federal Aviation Administration, but has now become a Christmas Tree for unrelated republican priorities. Puerto rico is on the brink of a humanitarian crisis, following Hurricane Maria. That is being exacerbated by trumps and congress failure to adequately respond. Tens of thousands in texas and florida are just beginning to pick up the pieces following Hurricane Harvey and irma and yet, other than the small initial down payment of disaster aid weve had, which i might add chairman hensarling voted against, congress has yet to pass a single policy reform that will actually improve the lyes of any of those who found themselves in harms way. This is the first time in this congress that were debating a Flood Insurance policy change on the house floor. However, this is not a policy change that would address the resilience of the Flood Insurance program. Help families to recover, or improve our countrys response to natural disasters. No, the republican response to the catastrophic storms of these last two months is to muscle through the expansion of private Flood Insurance, which has long been sought by the insurance industry. Now, let me be clear. I dont oppose this policy. I voted for it last congress and i voted for it when we marked it up in committee this year. But moving this bill at this time while ignoring all the other policy responses needed for the Flood Insurance program and the ongoing natural disasters in our country is simply irresponsible. The nfip will expire on december 8 of this year. And we still lack a credible plan to ensure that it is reauthorized for the long term. Therefore, i will oppose any and all efforts to break apart the debate on substantive reforms to the nfip from the reauthorization debate we should so desperately be having. The bill before us today does absolutely nothing to address the stability of the nfip which is in jeopardy following a destating series of catastrophic hurricanes across several states and u. S. Territories. We know that we will need to increase the nfips Borrowing Authority so that policyholders from harvey, irmark and maria can be made whole but the chairman has no plan to deal with the debt, frequently telling those of us that have urged him to consider debt foregiveness to just forget about that idea. I have long called for congress to forgive nfips debt, particularly because of the unsustainable burden placed on policyholders paying hundreds of millions of dollars a year just on the interest for the government to pay itself back. Flood insurance is already unaffordable so why are we continuing to make it worse by saddling policyholders with interest on a debt that willner be repaid . We need thoughtful, comprehensive solutions to a longterm reauthorization that addresses the debt afford the debt, affordability, mapping and mitigation. Thats not what we have before us today. Mr. Speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady reserves. The gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Hensarling at thistime im very, very at this time im very, very pleased to yield three minutes to the author of the bipartisan sFlood Insurance market parity and authorization act which passed this body in the last congress 419, 0 the vice chairman of the housing and Insurance Committee and the real loader for affordable leader for affordable, private Flood Insurance, the gentleman from florida, mr. Ross. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Ross i rise in support of the Disaster Relief and airport and airways extension act of 2017 and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this desperately needed legislation. Included in this bill are two provisions particularly important to my residents in central florida. One is tax relief for those recovering from hurricanes harvey, maria, and irma. The other is language taken from the private Flood InsuranceMarket Development act which would allow private insurers to come pete with the national program. The catastrophic impoosket the three major hurricanes is heartbreaking and tragic. However it is inspiring to witness the outpouring of charity and good will from our communities in response. Now its time for congress to rizz to the occasion. The tax relief for disaster victims in this legislation is a great first step. This bill will help individuals in the disaster areas keep their jobs, support retirement savers, encourage charitable contributions to help victims put more money in the pocks of families trying to get their lives back on track after having lost everything. To deny constituent this is relief buzzes to the in the because its not enough is simply irresponsible. To be sure, i agree more aid will likely be needed but is that an excuse to do nothing . I dont think so. This bill isnt about providing immediate relief. Thankfully it also provides some measure of longterm relief to communities as a rule national to floods. The most costly of all natural disasters. Thanks to the inclusion of my legislation, h. R. 14 2, this bill will provide consumers with more options and lower costs in the Flood Insurance marketplace as well as help reduce the unacceptable number of homes not insured for flood losses. Last congress this bill passed the house, nearly identical legislation, by a vote of 4190. Thats why i was so disheartened to hear some characterize this as a longtime republican priority. This isnt a republican priority, its not a democrat priority, its a National Prior thism nfip is more than 25 trillion in debt and runs an annual deficit. This is an Insurance Company on the brink of being unable to pay its claims. Go to the policyholders, the taxpayers, for another bailout. The nfip desperately needs to offload some of its risk and we can help by allowing the private sector to do what it does best, compete for customers by offering better service, lower prices and comprehensive coverage. I understand some think competition will destabilize the nfip. But we need to understand the nfip is beleaguered and totally understand stable. Forcing all of flood risk in this nation into a single governmentrun Insurance Program will contribute to the nfips bloated risk portfolio. Consumers need competition. It will help make Flood Insurance an attractive investment for everyone. Thereby reducing the numb of uninsured homes. Nfip alone consumers are severely limited. An nfip policy covered up to 250,000 of damages. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. Mr. Hensarling i yield the gentleman 15 seconds. Mr. Rots it does not cover those displaced for living expenses. This legislation has untold numbers of supporters. Before i yield i ask unanimous consent to submit for the railroad a letter from 15 major insurance, housing and banking trade jorkses in support of the provisions in 2833. I wish to thank the chairman. And with that, i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore does the gentleman from Texas Reserve . Mr. Hensarling reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Ms. Waters i yield two minutes minutes to mr. Scott. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Scott thank you, ranking lady waters. Let me start off by letting the American People know fully why we democrats on this side of the aisle are opposed to this bill. Nobody has worked as hard as democrats here on this bill. But the reason we object to it is that this is a bill, the Flood Insurance part of which was result of just cherry picking. Items that they wanted. The American People deserve better than that. And then they attach it onto an. A. A. Bill, with a sixmonth extension. Thats no way to treat the issues that we have today. All you have to do is click on the television and look at whats happening to american citizens in puerto rico. In florida. In texas. And youre going to put something where theyve cherry picked this together . To solve this particular problem . Theres no sense of urgency here, mr. Speaker. And another reason about that, its unlike all of our other disaster tax credit relief packages. Every time weve had an expansion added to the bill of expanding these tax credits for lowincome people, expanding the tax credits for the new markets area, for people to immediately come in and invest. Not in this bill. Theres no expansion in this bill. And you talk about i hear my friends over there talk about bipartisanship. My middle name is bipartisanship. Theres nobody on that committee that works harder for bipartisanship than david scott. But the one piece of bipartisanship, our amendment, that i worked feverishly with the gentleman from wisconsin on, mr. Duffy, in which we were able to address the issue of the penalties of expense, on those poor people who chose to have their the speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time has expired. Ms. Waters i yield the gentleman another 30 seconds. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Scott that have their monthly installments there and not be punished for it. We worked together on that. And cut it in half. That cost. That one bipartisan piece of ndeavor in our Financial Services committee is not even included in this bill. Thats why were opposed to it. Lets treat the American People the way they deserve. And no better time. You talk about expanding the health help our people, american citizens in puerto rico, in florida, in texas deserve for us to have a complete Flood Insurance program. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. Does the gentlelady from california reserve . Ms. Waters i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Hensarling mr. Speaker, i think we have the right to close. So we will reserve until the minority closes. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentlelady from california is recognized. Ms. Waters i yield two minutes to the gentleman from new jersey, the Ranking Member of the energy and Commerce Committee, mr. Pallone. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Pallone thank you, mr. Speaker. I want to thank the Ranking Member, ms. Waters. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to oppose h. R. 3823. First id like to mention i have deep concerns over republicans failures to extend Vital Health Care programs that expire this saturday, including important bipartisan programs like chip, community Health Centers, and the national Health Service corps. If we fail to act, access to affordable and quality care for children and vulnerable populations nationwide will be jeopardized. However, i want to focus on another issue that is extremely important to my constituents. And thats Flood Insurance. This bill would undermine efforts to comprehensively reform the national Flood Insurance program by allowing the development of a private Flood Insurance market, while not confronting challenges to nfip. Like increasing affordability, investing in mitigation, and ensuring transparency and accountability. It would not even reauthorize the Flood Insurance program, which is due to expire on december 8, or raise its Borrowing Authority, which is due to run out in the coming weeks. And it could impact claims from hurricanes harvey, irma and maria. When Superstorm Sandy devastated new jersey five years ago, some of the hardest hit communities were in my district. And the nfip did not help them the way it should have. Too many of my constituents are still dealing with high premiums, inaccurate flood maps or are still waiting for their sandy claims appeals to be decide. Thats why i helped introduce the bipartisan safe nfip reauthorization act, which would reauthorize the program, cap premium rate increase, authorize funding for more accurate flood mapping, reform the appeals process, and cap the compensation of Flood Insurance companies. These are changes that we must pursue. And the legislation we consider today does none of this. Mr. Speaker, we should be working together to comprehensively improve the nfip. Doing anything less is an abdication of our responsibility. And i encourage all of my colleagues to oppose this legislation and work towards meaningful Flood Insurance reform. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. Ms. Waters thank you, i reserve the balance of my time. Mr. Hensarling im sorry. Ms. Waters i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady reserves the balance of her time. The gentleman from texas. Mr. Hensarling we continue to reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from california is recognized. Ms. Waters thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield two minutes i beg your pardon. The balance of time to the gentleman from louisiana, a truex pert on Flood Insurance issues, mr. Graves a true expert on Flood Insurance issues, mr. Graves. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Graves thank you, mr. Speaker. I want to thank the gentlelady from for yielding. The gentlelady for yielding. Mr. Speaker, theres been a lot of talk during this discussion about the Flood Insurance program. Theres been talk about making sure that were providing for the hurricane victims. Theres talk about f. A. A. Look, let me be clear. We support f. A. A. We support making sure that we provide all the resources necessary for the hurricane victims, from Hurricane Irma, from Hurricane Harvey and from Hurricane Maria. Where things are getting distorted is this bill includes extraneous provisions that will undermine these very objectives. I want to explain. Under the legislation that has been attached, the Flood Insurance legislation, it does allow private insurers to come in, which all of us support. But not in a vacuum. Because whats going to happen when you do this in a vacuum is youre going to cause premiums to be diverted from the program. This is the program where these people have been paying premiums for years and the programs not going to have the resources to pay their claims. Which means its going to have to borrow more money, which is going to make the premiums go up even greater. Youre going to see the private insurers come in and cherry piccolo and moderate risk policies which is only going to leave the high risk policies in the program, trying to pay a debt and not having a diverse portfolio of low, moderate and high risk policies. This is a flawed approach. It needs to be addressed on december 9, whenever this Current Program expires. We should be addressing this holistically. So i want to say it again. Those of you that have hurricane victim, you are undermining their very recovery by supporting this legislation. One of the other major flaws is this right here. Mr. Speaker. This right here shows flooding in louisiana last year, flooding in texas this year. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. Ms. Waters may i inquire, mr. Speaker, if we have any more time in the 10minute allocation . If, so i would like to yield to the gentleman from the gentleman any additional time that we have. The speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time has expired. The gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Hensarling thank you, mr. Speaker. At this time i am very pleased to yield three minutes to the chairman of our housing and insurance subcommittee, and the leader on Flood Insurance on the house today, and i am happy to yield him the balance of our time. The speaker pro tempore that gentleman has 2 3 4 minutes. Mr. Hensarling we yield him the balance of our time. Mr. Duffy thank you, mr. Chairman. I want to take a moment poment and there mr. Castor and mr. Ross for their hard work this legislation. There are some here in this body that have said, if we let free markets into the national Flood Insurance program that is run by the federal government, youre going to undermine the premiums that come in to the national Flood Insurance pool. Its 25 billion in debt. And its structured in a way where premiums cant rise. This doesnt undermine the program. What were doing is saying, listen, if youre in the national Flood Insurance program right now, the way its structured, theres only one place you can buy insurance. But this is a provision that will open up the market and let private Companies Come in and offer families better policies at better prices. And if they dont, you can stay in the nfip. You dont have to go private. You can stay government. But you give people a choice. Its like saying, listen, you have to keep the United StatesPostal Service as your one carrier. You cant have fedex or u. P. Is you dont get those choices or u. P. S. You dont guess those choices. People want a choice. In houston, instead of having only 20 of the people who had coverage, you might have had 40 or 50 or 60 of the people who have 60 of the people who would have had coverage. More people would have had protection. Im disappointed in the partisanship. Im going to quote a person i rarely quote. But a person that i truly enjoy and like. She once said in a process of a bill, this bill that, quote, this is an example of real compromise. And then on the substance of the bill, this fine woman from california said, quote, we can have the opportunity for constituents to have some choice. I think thats real compromise. Thats substantive compromise. Thats meaningful compromise. And that is the kind of compromise that reasonable people can engage in. And my friends, mr. Speaker, that was the gentlelady from california who is now in opposition to this bill. Every democrat, when this came up by itself, same bill last congress, everyone voted for it. And when it came up in committee, everybody voted for it. And all democrats and republicans voted for this bill because they knew that it was going to offer more choice and better prices to american families. Thats why it was bipartisan. So i think this is the moment where our congress can stand together on behalf of the American People who dont have Flood Insurance, who dont have a reasonable price policy. Lets stand with them today and pass this rosscastor bill. By the way, ross and castor, theyre both from florida. Two florida members, republican and democrat, came together to go, this helps my people. Lets get it done, mr. Speaker. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. Pursuant to clause 1c of rule 19, further consideration of h. R. 3823 is postponed. Im sore rifment all time for debate im sorry. All time for debate is expired. The previous question is ordered on the bill as amended. Pursuant to clause 1c of rule 19, further consideration of. R. 3823 is postponed. For what purpose does the gentleman from nebraska seek recognition . The gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Speaker, i rise today in support of our fellow americans who know what it means to give the ultimate sacrifice for the nation, our gold star families. This past weekend we observed National Gold star mothers and families day, a solemn reminder of our sacred obligation to hold dear in our heart and never forget those in uniform we have ost. I believe this was on president lincolns mind when he wrote to wrote to mrs. Bicksby who lost five sons in the civil war. He wrote, i pray the heavenly father can assuage your bereavement and have you remember only the love. Like many in this chamber i have presented and saluted too many flagdraped coffins of our fallen warriors. We must also recommit ourselves to the task of caring for the families they leave behind, forever carry the pain of their loss. As they gave to the nation, the nation must give to them. I join this body in renewing renewing our only fwation to the gold star families. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman seek recognition. Without objection the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Speaker, september is National Preparedness month and i rise today to offer prayers, condolences, encouragement for those impacted by hurricanes harvey, irma, and maria. Also i rise to thank the thousands of First Responders, neighbor, and volunteers who have come out in droves to respond to these disasters. I stand with those residents now recovering from storm and flood devastation. This nation stands behind you, ready to make you stronger and more resill resilient in the face of disaster. As a resident of a city that faced many disasters, i can attest to the fact that americans across this nation are resilient and only grow in strength in the face of a challenge. In the wake of these disasters, as we remember the 16th anniversary of september 11 terrorist attacks and prepare to mark the fifth anniversary of Superstorm Sandy next month, we are reminded of the critical importance of preparing for disasters we may face. Mr. Donovan we cannot always control whether a disaster will streak our Community Bus we can take every opportunity to prepare ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. We are resilient in the face of disasters. As chairman of the Homeland Security committee, i urge all americans to take this take time this month to make a plan. Sign up for alerts and warnings in your area and check your Insurance Coverage and make sure you have an evacuation plan. We cannot plan on disasters ahead of time but we can certainly prepare ourselves when they come. Thank you, mr. Speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . Without objection the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Smith both the Washington Examiner and Washington Times reported on a practice thats resulting in overly low Approval Ratings for President Trump. Pollsters are not necessarily rigging questions to get a desired result. Instead, they are creating a biased result by how they select people to poll. Frequently the pollsters contact more democrats than republicans. Unsurprisingly, the results tilt antitrump. The examiner pointed out that this, quote, robs trump of about eight points in his Approval Ratings, from 46 to 38 , end quote. The times noted in polls incruding including president ial approval question the economist the economist relied on a sample that used 58 more democrats than republicans, ich, quote, gave democrats a 14point edge while reuters gave them an 11point edge in their sample. As the 2016 election taught us, we shouldnt rely on biased polls if we want accuracy. The speaker pro tempore are there further requests for oneminute speechs . Seeing none, under the speakers announced policy of january 3, 2017, the jeament, ms. Sinema is recognized for 60 minutes as designee of the minority leader. Ms. Sinema september is Suicide Prevention month, a time to raise awareness about the recurring tragedy of suicide. This ep democrat sick too common for the men and women who wore our countrys uniform and but their and put their lives on the line to defend our freedom. An estimated 20 veterans lose their lives to suicide each and every day. A new v. A. Report shows the risk for suicide is 22 higher among veterans than civilians and 250 higher amongst female veterans than female civilians. This is unacceptable. 20 veterans a day lost to suicide should be a call to action for our country and for this congress. We must take action and we must do it now. Typically, the time in this chamber is split, republicans have one hour, and democrats have one hour. But we believe this issue is too important to be overshadowed by partisan politics. Thats why tonight, congressman timur fi and i have brought together members from both sides of the aisle to show our commitment to solving this problem together and finding Real Solutions for our veterans. This is the fifth year that weve assembled this team to raise awareness and send a clear message that the epidemic of veteran suicide must end. We have so much work left to do. So tonight, we demonstrate or ongoing support for individuals, organizations, and agencies devoted to preventing the ep democrat exof veteran suicide. We challenge the v. A. , the department of defense, and our fellow lawmakers to do more. We are failing in our obligation to do right by those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Finally, we stand here tonight, unified, for the military families who have experienced this tragedy. And we say to you, your familys loss is not forgotten. We work for the memory of your loved ones and we will not rest until every veteran has access to the care he or she needs. Mr. Chairman, i yield to the gentleman, mr. Johnson, who understands the importance of addressing this epidemic, colleague and friend of mine, thank you for being here this evening. Mr. Johnson i thank the gentlewoman for yielding. And giving me an opportunity to speak. On such a critically important topic. You know, i served for 26 1 2 years, mr. Speaker. In the United States air force. I pinned purple hearts on the chest of some of my troops that had gone into harms way. I know the stress and strain on military families. And on military members. I represent a district that arguably is one of the largest, not the largest, veteran populated districts in the state of ohio, with nearly 50,000. , we see today, in 2017 20 veterans per day, one every 72 minutes, committing suicide. What does that say about us as a nation . When we send our young people off in uniform to stand in harms way, to protect our freedoms, to protect our liberties, protect our values and ways of life, and then when they come home, we cant get them the help that they need when theyre down. You know, one of the saddest days since i began serving the people of the eastern and southeastern df of certain and seench ohio was the day i got a call from a young wife of a military member. She said she had been dealing with the v. A. For quite some time to get her husband an appointment with a Mental Health counselor. To no avail. He couldnt get in, couldnt get in, couldnt get in i stopped by the v. A. Center one day, i asked to speak to the director. Gave the young mans name. And i said id like to see the status of his appointment. They looked him up in the system. And they said well youll be happy to know, congressman, hes got an appointment next wednesday. I said, well im actually here to tell you that you can cancel that appointment because he committed suicide last week. He had been waiting for weeks and weeks and weeks. To get in to see a Mental Health counselor, struggling with ptsd and the emotional and mental battle scars that came back with him from combat overseas. That we, its one thing end our young people away to fight for us on foreign soil. Imagine for a second what their families go through when theyre gone. Day in and day out, not knowing if theyre going to get that call or that knock at the door to tell them that their loved one has been injured or worse, killed in action. And then we bring their loved ne home and theyre helpest. Helpless in terms of getting them the care and treatment they need. I agree with my colleague, we need to do more. The agency the v. A. , the department of defense. Mental Health Counselors all over the country. Congress. Families. Communities. We need to do more. To help our veterans get back on their feet. In r they have participated disastrous, catastrophic event known as war. Mr. Speaker, i it almost leaves you speechless. To think about the millions of families that are impacted by this. 20 per day. 20 per day. One per day is unacceptable. But yet were seeing 20 per day. I urge my colleagues, and i urge our agencies in the federal government, the v. A. , the d. O. D. , lets get behind an effort and lets turn this trend in the opposite direction. I thank you for the time to speak. With that, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the house will receive a message. The messenger a message from the senate. The secretary mr. Speaker. The speaker pro tempore madam secretary. The secretary the senate has passed without amendment h. R. 3819 cited as the department of Veterans Affairs expiring authorities act of 2017 in which the concurrence of the house is requested. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from arizona is recognized. Ms. Sinema thank you, mr. Speaker. Id like to extend my thanks and gratitude to congressman johnson. Not only is he an amazing representative for the people of ohio, hes a veteran who served our country abeably and ably and proudly and his story of a veteran in his district lost to suicide should be a call to all around the country to take care of the veterans in each of our districts. We have made progress since last year. Ive often shared the story roff a young veteran in my district, Sergeant Daniel somers. He was an army veteran of two tours in iraq. He served on task force lightning, an Intelligence Unit he ran over 400 combat missions as a machine gummer gunner in the turret of a humvee. Part of his role required him to interrogate dozens of terrorist suspects and his work was deemed classified. Like many veterans, he was haunted by the war when he returned. He suffered from flashbacks, ightmare, and additional symptoms of posttraumatic stress, made worse by traumatic brain injury. Daniel needed help. He and his family asked for help. Uh unfortunately, the v. A. Enrolled him in Group Therapy sessions, which Sergeant Somers could not attend for fear of disclosing classified information. Despite requests for individualized counseling, or some other reasonable accommodation to allow Sergeant Somers to receive appropriate care for his ptsd, the v. A. Delayed providing Sergeant Somers with appropriate support and care. Like many, Sergeant Somers isolation got worse when he transitioned to civilian life he tried to provide for his family, but he was unable to work due to histies ability. Sergeant somers struggled with the v. A. Bureaucracy. His disability appeal had been pending in the system for other two years without resolution. Sergeant somers didnt get the help he needed in time. On june 10 of 2013, Sergeant Somers wrote a letter to his family. In the letter, he said, i am not getting better, i am not going to get better. And i will most