Information and after i cleared passport check host and keith, im sorry, hate house of t there, the representatives just coming in for their work today. Well take you to the house right now. The speaker pro tempore the house will be in order. The chair lays before the house a communication from the speaker. The clerk the speakers room, washington, d. C. , november 1, 2017. I hereby appoint the honorable roger w. Marshall to act as speaker pro tempore on this day. Signed, paul d. Ryan, speaker of the house of representatives. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the order of the house of january 3, 2017, the chair will now recognize members from lists submitted by the majority and minority leaders for morning hour debate. The chair will alternate recognition between the parties. All time shall be equally allocated between the parties and in no event shall debate continue beyond 11 50 a. M. Each member other than the majority and minority leaders and the minority whip shall be limited to five minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from pennsylvania, r. Thompson, for five minutes. Mr. Thompson thank you, mr. Speaker. I congratulated Michelle Bauer for winning first place from the Pennsylvania Municipal LeagueEssay High School contest. Participants were reflected to write about opportunities in their community that allow for their Civic Engagement, encourage volunteers to help with local challenges. Today id like to share with a portion of michelles essay. When i hear the word civic i think of governmental duties. I understand my duty as an american citizen to vote, obey laws, pay taxes and serve on juries. Ese activities all involve one person, yourself. It expands beyond a single individual and encompasses entire communities. The definition of a Civic Engagement is an activity that includes both paid and unpaid forms of political activisms, environmentalism and service. As i look at my community, we have a lot of Civic Engagements. With most towns, my mine has a city council. These elections are open to every member of the city and are an Excellent Way for citizens to have a say in the politics of the town. Just as elections are open to all citizens, so are the weekly meetings. Unique feature about my Towns Council meetings is that they are televised on a local channel for individuals who are unable to physically be present at the meeting or have commitments that require attention. These televised versions provide a perfect solution to keep people abreast of the issues. Also is saveg individual of individuals to vote and participate at the School District level. Anyone is able to run for the school board. Its a great way for civic involvement because the board is looking for new opportunities that can be incorporated into the education of our youth. I attended a Board Meeting where the topics of robots were discussed. As a member of a small Competition Group we were able to present our success and the benefits of curriculum that includes new technology. One month later it was announced that a robotics class will be provided in the Upcoming School year. Can perhaps encourage new career opportunities. One of the most prominent forms of engagement in my community is not related to the politics is the placing of wreaths on the gravestones of Fallen Soldiers on memorial day. Citizens come together the weekend before memorial day and walk through the entire cemetery, adorning and honoring the heros of our country. This event is not for publicity or money but instead is for respecting our veterans. Additionally, it is for the betterment of our community by presenting a beautiful scene to those passing by. Chelle goes on to write, onlookers can be mesmerized by the beauty of the mountainous rural area. Unfortunately, garbage and litter on the sides of the roads and highwayways are commonplace highways are commonplace. The highway through my town is an individual where individuals think it is acceptable to throw garbage out of their vehicles or litter the side of the road for cigarette butts and wrappers. I have been part of the National Honor society highway cleanup. Every spring and fall they walk the sides of the road picking up trash making our town look beautiful. Mr. Speaker, this is a pofferings michelles essay. I portion of michelles essay. I will ask unanimous consent to submit the full essay into the congressional record. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Thompson and i will close with her final paragraph. Civic engagements are abundant in our community. The local firemans pancake breakfast to the city council meetings, civic activities are occurring all around us. Its the obligation of the citizen to engage in these activities, to assist with local challenges and to create a Better Community for all its members. Mr. Speaker, i couldnt agree more. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from california, ms. Roybalallard, for five minutes. Ms. Roybalallard mr. Speaker, last week the laborhhs appropriations subcommittee had a most remarkable hearing on down syndrome which moved us to a new understanding of this disability. D. S. Is a genetic disorder that effects over 300,000 men, women and children in america. T is the most common chromosomal disorder and the frequent cause of learning disability in children. Approximately 6,000 babies in the United States are born with down syndrome, a condition resulting from an extra 21st chromosome. 60 years ago people with d. S. Had a Life Expectancy with less than 20 years and most lived their lives in institutions. Today, due to early medical care and being raised in loving homes, these children can expect to live well into their 60s. Last weeks hearing was one of the most emotionally charged and inspirational hearings i can recall as a member of this subcommittee. The room was filled with children and adults with d. S. And their families, including my young constituent, jose cisnarrows. Amidst the tears, laugh jose cisneros. Amidst the tears, laughsters, e heard about d. S. We learned they are graduating from high school, attending colleges and working at jobs in their communities. And most importantly we saw how these Young Americans are teaching our country about the value of diversity and inclusion while at the same ime increasing the happiness of those lucky enough to be in their very wide circle of friends. We also learned some very surprising and amazing facts about down syndrome. Researchers told us that individuals with d. S. Are medically very special. On the one hand they are highly predisposed to autoimmune disorders such as thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Children with d. S. Are 50 times more likely to develop childhood leukemia and virtually all adults with d. S. Will develop the brain pathology of alzheimers by the age of 40. But they also said that due to a small difference in their genetic makeup, persons with down syndrome are naturally protected from heart disease, high Blood Pressure and most solid tissue cancers. Researchers said studying these unique genetics could help discover ways to prevent or cure diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders and alzheimers disease. With such promising potential, one would think the federal government would invest hefley in down syndrome heavily in down syndrome research. Unfortunately, what we learned is over the last two decades, d. S. Has been one of the least funded genetic conditions at the n. I. H. This hearing left no doubt about the need for a significant and sustained investment in down syndrome research. An initiative could help not only find answers and cures for d. S. But discover its mysteries which can answer questions about other serious and lifethreatening diseases. While the benefits of d. S. Research are unquestionable, it will take time to realize its full potential. In the meantime, we must ensure those living with d. S. Can access and afford highquality, coordinated health care and the Longterm Services and support they need to live Productive Lives in their communities. Medicaid, longterm supports and medicaid communitybased services give them that opportunity by enabling them to maintain gainful employment and stay in their homes and in their communities. Sadly, across our country thousands of people with down syndrome are on very long waiting lists for those services. As lawmakers, we have an obligation to find a bipartisan way to protect and expand Medicaid Services so all individuals with d. S. And other debilitating diseases have access to the lifelong intervention and support they need. The time has come for this country to embrace the gift and potential that down syndrome brings to our society. The 300,000plus americans living with d. S. Today want and deserve the same opportunities available to all of us, to live a full life and to reach their true potential. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from texas, mr. Poe, for five minutes. Mr. Poe thank you, mr. Speaker. Ever since she was a little girl, sylvania loved to play hockey. In massachusetts, hockey was more than a way of life than just a sport. Her parents knew she was talented and supported her dream to play even in college. When she was offered a scholarship in 2011 to be a goalie for the university of connecticut, she felt like all of her dreams had come true so she eagerly accepted. She pulled out of her driveway with her packed clothes and hockey gear, but she would have never known that in a few days her life would change forever. She could not have foreseen how a lifetime of hard work and ambition would suddenly disappear tragically. Like all new students, she was eager to immerse herself in her new college life so on the third day at the university, sylvania went to a house party with some new friends she met. But after two drinks she became began to feel dizzy, numb and lethargic. She quickly lost the ability to. Lk and she became very ill s she as she drifted out of consciousness, a male hockey player at the party instructed others to carry her to his bedroom. When she woke up she found him on top of her sexually assaulting her. She immediately turned to the university for help and reported the assault at the womens center, but the counselor did not tell her to call the police or advise her to press charges or help her in any way. Sylvania then went to the oncampus doctor but instead of treating her like a victim and offer her the care and support she needed, the doctor told her that he didnt want to know even who assaulted her. Get this, mr. Speaker. The doctor told her the remedy was for her to transfer to another university. This is awful. One in five women on our University Campuses are sexually assaulted. Of those less than 25 even report the rape. It took an extraordinary amount of courage for sylvania to report that Sexual Assault, even to multiple people she didnt know, but she was offered no help, no support by anyone. She was alone and she felt it. The doctor wasnt trained to deal with the rape deal with rape victims and made it clear he wanted nothing more to do with sylvania. The university cleerled viewed her as a burden, just another statistic they didnt want to deal with. Mr. Speaker, universities in the United States should be required to have a Victim Advocate on staff, a Sexual AssaultVictim Advocate. Also, to ensure this doesnt happen to more victims at hospitals, ive introduced legislation that would require a hospital to provide access to a staffer its called a safe, Sexual Assault forensic examiner, who is trained to provide care and be sensitive to trauma rape victims and have a plan quickly to or a plan to get that victim to a nearby hospital that does. Universities and nearby hospitals need to Work Together to make sure that rape victims are treated appropriately when they are assaulted. The bill that i just mentioned is named the Megan Rondini act, its in honor of a college Sexual Assault victim at the university of texas excuse me university of alabama campus that was a texas student that was denied access to postrape treatment at a hospital. The university didnt help her and the local Law Enforcement didnt help her. In megans case, because she was alone and abandoned by all three of those entities she later when she returned to texas committed suicide. Anyway, after the rape of sylvania, the university let her to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. She was traumatized and depressed, claiming she wasnt stable enough, the hockey coach removed her from the team. She never played a single game of hockey in college. She withdrew from the university of connecticut shortly thereafter, but her rapist stayed on his hockey team and played for the university. Sylvaina had to sue the university to get justice that. Unfortunate she had to take the matter to court where society and our Justice System should have helpeder. Mr. Speaker, rape is never the fault of the victim. Yet sylvana felt she was the one being blamed for what happened to her. E as a society must demand our universities and hospitals protect and care for Sexual Assault victims. No longer should they be allowed to suffer alone and be abandoned. No more excuses. And thats just the way it is. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from wisconsin, ms. Moore, for five minutes. Ms. Moore mr. Speaker, i rise under the E Pluribus Unum to give voice to the elderly, to he children, the disabled, thee most vulnerable, mr. Speaker, who are once again facing your roposal, mr. Speaker, most vulnerable Rip Health Care and the safety net from them. Is this the best you can do, mr. Speaker, to once again over to over and over again propose this legislation to cut trillions of dollars from medicaid and medicare to fund tax cuts for corporations and for billionaires . And to do this, to slam this through the house without transparency. Mr. Speaker, republicans like to me a tax and spend me a tax an, but today we see this g. O. P. Fiscal plan as another borrow and spend to pay for billionaire tax cuts. Now, the Wharton School and the studies studies both show that at best this flan would produce a paltry now, this is a great plan if youre rich. Its dollars for fools gold but the American People are not fools, mr. Speaker, and that is why the republicans want to rush this through with minimum transparency. This is madness. Trickled down has not work, it does not work and will never work. We got deficits under reagan, under george w. Bush to prove it. The tax cuts will not pay for themselves, mr. Speaker. The tax cuts wont magically produce increased salaries for workers. The tax plan will not lead to these claims in economic growth. Congress should congress should not consider tax cuts for the rich and opening up more tax loopholes. Mr. Speaker, we cannot spend gold spin gold out of straw. 245 that is what we have here. This plan will make most americans more poorer and more sicker if not dead. I urge all my colleagues to reject this bill. Instead, mr. Speaker, i urge my colleagues to fortify our election system from russians further interference. Build new infrastructure. Hats what creates jobs. The Health Program that republicans let expire ensure that all 3. 5 million american citizens in puerto rico and Virgin Islands can have access to water, power, health care this holiday season. Thats what we should be doing. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from minnesota, mr. Emmer, for five minutes. Mr. Emmer mr. Speaker, i rise today to recognize a leader in our community who has received a great honor. Skip dolan, the head Boys Basketball coach for the annandale cardinals was inducted into the minnesota basketball coaches hall of fame in october. Im not going to go through all his statistics, although they are quite impressive. I think its important that we note that a good coach can have a major impact on a kids life. Coaches dont just teach a game to our kids, they ingrain ingrain important life skills in their minds. They teach our kids how to work with others and how to act as a team. They teach our children the value of practice and perseverance, and they teach our kids how to compete with honor, dignity, and how to win with grace. A good coach guides our kids along the road to success which is why im so happy that we have a coach like skip dolan in our community. We can never thank him enough for working with and teaching our kids. And we congratulate him on this incredible honor. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to thank monticello Public Schools superintendent jim johnson for his work and dedication to minnesotas children. After 18 years serving monticello, 12 spent as superintendent, jim is heading into a well deserved retirement. Under jims close supervision, schools within his district have produced outstanding test scores, increased graduation rates, and higher enrollment in a. P. Classes. He also played an Important Role in proving improving his districts athletic facilities. Not only did he help better academics at the schools under his careful watch, he also helped ensure his district students had everything they needed to succeed in life. We cant thank you enough for the work you have done to educate our kids. Our kids are our future and because of you our future is very bright. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to congratulate three young women in my district who have earned an exciting leadership role in the community. Bethlehem, brooklyn, and madeline have all been named the 2017 Rapids Community ambassadors. They will participate in a nine week program that will help them develop their leadership skills by participating in activities that engage the community. The people who end up making the most difference in this world are the one who is show up for others. We want to congratulate these young women on their new roles and thank them for their interest in making life better for those around them. Thank you, bethlehem, brooklyn, and madeline for showing up for s. O. C. Rapids. I know youall have great futures ahead and we look forward to seeing what you will accomplish next. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from oregon, ms. Bonamici, for five minutes. Miss bonn meachy thank you ms. Bonamici thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of the ruby and conhey lgbt elder americans act, legislation im introducing to support our countrys lgbt seniors. The lgbt senior population is growing and its estimated to include nearly six million americans by 2030. Unfortunately, the same generation of lgbt people who fought for rights in the workplace equal marriage, and societal recognition are once again marginalized as they age. Lgbt seniors have fewer support services, higher poverty rates, more social isolation, and inadequate access to Health Care Services compared to the rest of Older Americans. One of the primary barriers to providing services to lgbt seniors is a basic lack of information. The Older Americans act, or o. A. A. Already requires the administration on aging to collect data on the individuals receiving o. A. A. Services and the efficacy of o. A. A. Programs. But if we collected data on Sexual Orientation and gender identity, we could better understand this population and provide services that best fit their needs. Unfortunately, the day that we do have shows ate we do have shows the poverty rate is higher for lgbt seniors which is likely many have faced discrimination while working, he they have been forced town legally marry, and gender inequality. We also know they are less likely than their pearce to have commute support and caretakers Community Support and caretakers to help them. We also know with speaking with them many fear discrimination when receiving home Health Care Services. To be twice as likely single and four times more to not have children. These are complex and important issues that require personalized solutions. The bill im introduced to not. These today with colorado senator Michael Bennett and florida representatives ted deutch and Charlie Crist would help bridge the gap between lgbt seniors antiservices they need. The bill is named for Ruthie Berman and connie kurtz who sued the new york city board of education years ago for domestic partner benefits and won their landmark case in 1994. In the decade since, ruthie and connie have continued their advocacy and fight as champions of lgbt rights. Our bill would amend the Older Americans act to improve services for lgbt seniors and require Data Collection on Sexual Orientation so better decisions can be made. Additionally, the bill would permanently establish a National Resource center on lgbt aging and provide grants for organizations working to improve lgbt services, including access to health care and longterm care. The Resource Centers antigrants will help states and localities reach out to lgbt older adults and provide culturally competent support. By requiring specific consideration for lgbt seniors in the Older Americans act, we can provide support to a vulnerable yet overlooked population. I thank my colleagues for their work on this important issue and i hope many others will join us in supporting this bill to help our lgbt senior communities. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the chairman recognizes the gentleman from florida, mr. Rutherford, for five minutes. Mr. Rutherford mr. Speaker, i rise today to ask the United States house of representatives to join me in recognizing the Young Atlantic coast Young Marines and their hard work during red ribbon week. The Young Marines has performed more than 50,000 Service Hours since last october, with more than 35,000 hours of Community Service dedicated to our veterans. As you can see the Atlantic CoastYoung Marines and their fellow Young Marines throughout florida are very active in their local communities. Reduction of drug demand is a major issue of the young marine program, and red ribbon week is an excellent length opportunity to recognize the Atlantic CoastYoung Marines emphasis on this mission. Red ribbon week is the oldest Drug Prevention program in the nation. We see millions of americans during the last week of october each year. By wearing red ribbons and participating in community antidrug events, young ma pledge to live a drugfree life and pay tribpute to d. E. A. Special agent enrique. He was a veteran of the d. E. A. , assigned to gaut la hara, mexico, where he was on the trail of the countrys biggest drug traffickers. Because he was so close to unlocking 1 billion drug pipeline, he was kidnapped and murdered by drug trafficers traffickers. This tragic death opensed eyes much Many Americans to the dangerous illicit drug trade. Red ribbon week celebrates his life and his vision for a drugfree america. Last week, the Atlantic CoastYoung Marines honored his life through events that helped reduce the demand for drugs throughout northeast florida. These young men and women who participate in this education and Service Program are known to be excellent leaders inside and outside of the classroom. The atlanta coast Young Marines are a shining example of our first coast youth. They also serve our veterans in numerous ways by cleaning yards, making hospital visits, and simply writing cards. Heir dedication to Community Service and our veterans is a shining example of noble selflessness. Mr. Speaker i applaud the Atlantic CoastYoung Marines for their service to floridas first coast commute. I yield back. Community. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the the gentlewoman from washington, ms. Jayapal, for five minutes. Ms. Jayapal i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute five minutes, excuse me. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Ms. Jayapal mr. Speaker, i rise today because we do have a gun violence epidemic in this country, and the time to act is now. Exactly one month ago today we witnessed one of the most horrific Mass Shootings in our countrys history, and congress has done nothing. One month later, legislation on bump stocks has stalled. There is a deafening silence from the majority on any responsible actions on this Public Health crisis. Even though, mr. Speaker, a majority of americans, including responsible gun owners, support responsible gun safety legislation. Today, mr. Speaker, i rise to share a statement written by my constituent, zack ellmore, who is here with us this morning. Zacks sister, alicia johnson, was shot in las vegas. Thankfully she survived and this is what he wrote as he sat next to her hospital bed as she recovered. My sister was shot in las vegas. Ive never been more afraid, more angry in my entire life. The problem with shootings around the country is that unless you know someone directly affected, its easy to say, what a tragedy, and move on with your daily life. Its not so easy when youre getting ready for bed and one of your sisters calls inconsoleably crying to tell you that another one of your sisters has been shot. S not easy to call your mother and shes terrified and crying and all you can do is calm her down while you figure out how to get to your sister as quickly as possible. Its not so easy to see your brotherinlaw with blood still on his hands from doing whatever he could to keep your sister alive. Its not so easy to see your sister in a hospital bed unable to move due to a gunshot wound in her back and staples in her stomach from surgery to check for organ damage. And were among the luckiest ones. I am sick and tired of thoughts and prayers. If thoughts and prayers had any effect whatsoever, there would be a lot of people still alive today. All these thoughts and prayers would have miraculously pulled bullets out of victims and healed wounds, would have stopped these massacres before they started. You know whats better than thoughts and prayers and lines around the block at blood banks, creating a society where we dont have to do these things many times a year. We waited so long to do anything after columbine that Virginia Tech happened. We still couldnt talk about it when the aurora theater shooting happened. That didnt change anything. And then 20 children were murdered at sandy hook. Even that wasnt enough to promote change when dylan rough happened. Still couldnt talk about it and San Bernardino happened. We still couldnt bring ourselves to discuss gun control and the pulse nightclub shooting happened. Lord knows we cant do anything about guns and then las vegas happened and were still being told that now is not the time. Let healing begin. Dont politicize tragedy. But by all means, send thoughts d prayers to all affected by insert massacre here. There is no place in society for any weapon which has the singular purpose to kill people. The man who killed and injured more than any massacre in americas history broke the mold for who commits Mass Shootings. Hed easily passed a background check and psyche evaluation. He was affluent. He is certainly a terrorist. The system we have in place allowed him to accumulate dozens of assault weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition because for all intents and purposes he was not raveg to society. Lets keep not a risk to society. Lets keep in mind that the Second Amendment to the constitution was created two centuries. Its hard for me to believe the Founding Fathers envisioned a world where one man could or would fire 400 rounds a minute into a crowd of people. This should not be difficult. How many people have to die before people will apply a little logic to gun laws . Do more children need to die . Does a hospital need to be attacked . What is your limit . Does it have to happen to you or a loved one before you start to think differently about gun laws . The people of this country have so much power. We protested, pressured our congress men and women and weve seen that work. Why cant we do the same to reduce and hopefully eliminate the insane amount of gun violence in america . Excuse me for not being willing to wait, to let healing begin, for not accepting that now is not the time to talk about a major problem in this country. There is never a wrong time to stand up for what you think is right. My sister was shot in las vegas, and the latest of a devastatingly long line of Mass Shootings in this country. Were luckier than 58 people and their families and likely luckier than many of the over 500 other people who were injured. If i dont talk about it, if we dont truly take steps to effect positive change, everyone reading this will forget it happened because theyll be sending thoughts and prayers to the victims of the next mass shooting in america. And that is the end of the excerpt of his letter, mr. Speaker. Zacks Family Experience illustrates the speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time has expired. Ms. Jayapal mr. Speaker, i hope that we will across the aisle in a bipartisan fashion do what is right for the American People and protect families like zacks across the country. I thank you and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from colorado, mr. Coffman, for five minutes. Mr. Coffman mr. Speaker, i request unanimous consent to address the house for five minutes and to revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Coffman mr. Speaker, i rise today to call attention to the government of ethiopias continued repression of violence against its own people and i urge the house of representatives to vote on House Resolution 128, the supporting respect for human rights and encouraging Inclusive Governance in ethiopia resolution. This resolution calls on the government of ethiopia to take clear, decisive steps towards becoming more inclusive, more democratic and more respectful the basic human rights of its own people. This resolution has overwhelming bipartisan support with more than 70 cosponsors and it passed out of the House Foreign Affairs committee unanimously on july 27. The ongoing human rights crisis in ethiopia is extremely troubling to me. To the resolutions and other cosponsors, to the Many Americans of Ethiopian Heritage and to numerous human rights groups, i firmly believe the passage of this resolution will encourage the Ethiopian Government to end its practice of violence and repression and provide a strong basis of an inclusive government. Specifically, this resolution condemns the excessive use of force by Ethiopian Security forces and the killing of peaceful protesters. Of the arrests and detention of journalists, students, activists and political leaders. And the ethiopians government abuse of the antiterrorism proclamation to stifle political and civil dissent. The resolution does not simply highlight the ethiopians government increasing authoritarian acts but also encourages the United States to support efforts to improve democracy and governance in ethiopia. I believe that the United States can take actions that will positively influence the Ethiopian Government and use our existing institutions to further democracy and Effective Governance in ethiopia. The resolution calls on the Ethiopian Government to admit u. N. Human rights observers so they can conduct an independent and thorough examination of the current state of human rights in ethiopia. On march 9 of this year, the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on africa, global health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations held a hearing to discuss specific steps the United States can take to bring about positive changes for the Ethiopian Government and their people. Among those who testified was st. Josef tefari of the Marys Orthodox Church located in aurora, colorado. Deacon josef was raised in ethiopia and has experienced the daily struggles to many to many ethiopians have faced, living in abject poverty and under an oppressive government. Deacon josef fled from ethiopia in 1976 and came to the United States as a refugee. He and many of the members of the Ethiopian Community in my Congressional District of have worked diligently to organize and assist those still suffering from repression in their home country. Aromo Community President of colorado, jamal, has also shared his concerns with me, and both of these gentlemen have no motives other than the concern of the safety and democracy in ethiopia. They continue to fight for democracy in their homeland. Unfortunately, stories like this are not uncommon in my district, and i am disappointed that the house has not yet scheduled a floor vote on House Resolution 128. I note that on two prior occasions, a vote was tentively scheduled. In both of these instances its my understanding the vote was postponed due to pressure from the Ethiopian Government who curbs human rights abuses against their own people but fail to deliver. Additionally, its been brought to my attention that the Ethiopian Government has threatened to cut off Security Cooperation with the United States should reproceed with House Resolution 128. We proceed with House Resolution 128. I am dismayed rather than solving their problems and moving towards becoming a more democratic government, the Ethiopian Government has chosen to hire a d. C. Lobbying firm to, quote, work with the Ethiopian Government to develop and execute a Public Affairs plan to enhance the dialogue and relationships with policymakers, media, opinion leaders and business leaders, unquote. In addition to, quote, meetings with members of congress, their staffs and executive branch officials, unquote. The issue the Ethiopian Government needs to address is the repression of democracy and its citizens in ethiopia. The solution to whatever negative perception it has in the halls of the u. S. Congress is not a Public Affairs one but rather what concrete steps are taken are being taken against democracy in ethiopia. That is why i remain committed to working with house leadership to have a vote on to have a vote scheduled on House Resolution 128. Mr. Speaker, i encourage leadership to schedule a vote and i call on my colleagues to vote in favor and pass House Resolution 128. I will continue working with local Ethiopian Community leaders in colorado and across the country to raise awareness of the human rights abuses occurring in ethiopia and to bring relief from oppression to the ethiopian people. Mr. Speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from california, mr. Cardenas, for five minutes. Mr. Cardenas thank you, mr. Speaker. Its a privilege and an honor to represent the community of the San Fernando Valley here in the United States congress, and i think its my duty and responsibility to make sure that when somethings going on in Washington People should know whats going to happen to them and how it affects them. I think its really important for everybody to understand right now in the workings, probably going to come to the floor in just a few days, is the ryan speaker ryanmcconnell tax giveaways to big corporations which will actually increase taxes for working families, working mothers and fathers. I think its important for people to understand that this is something that is being sold as a middle tax middleincome tax cut. Actually what its going to do is cut the income, the takehome income to middleclass families. What its going to mean if you are a police officer, a teacher, a waitress, youll see less money every week. It might be 5 less a week. It might be 50 less a week. It might be 100. Let me tell you the opposite whats going to happen should this become law is that the biggest corporations in america are going to see 1 million less in taxes a week. Maybe 50 million less in taxes paid a week. Maybe 100 million less per week paid in taxes. And some people are thinking, well, they earned it. They should keep it. Well, ok. I understand what youre seeing. See, this is the fundamental problem of this 1. 5 trillion reduction in the ability for our federal government to fund things like medicaid and medicare because when we see less money youre going to see members on this floor, in committees throughout this house and in the United States senate saying, well, we dont have the money. When they see a mother whose child has share balance palsy and she says Cerebral Palsy and she says, i go to work every day and thank you for allowing my child to be in a program so that he or she can be safe while i go to work. And theyre going to say, you know what, i agree with you, maam. We should fund that, but since we dont have the money anymore, were going to stop funding that. This is a woman who just wants to work for a living. This is a person who just wants to make sure that she can have the dignity of work and have her child in a safe place, but were going to cut those programs if we have this tax giveaway go through this congress and signed by this president. You see, its a multistep process, and what some of my colleagues and so far the only ones voting for this tax giveaway are my republican colleagues. I say that accurately. Not to be partisan but just to be honest and accurate. They say we have to do this. Its going to stimulate the economy. Well, also in this package, this plan that they want to make into a law, basically what it will do, it will actually incentivize the biggest corporations in america. American corporations. Its going to incentivize them to go ahead and close up shop in your neighborhood and go set up shop somewhere else in the world and the only connection theyre going to have with you, ladies and gentlemen, is they are going to want to sell those products to you built by other than american hands in other parts of the world. The only other connection theyre going to have is this. Theyre going to be able to bring their money, their profits back to the United States pretty much free and clear and just count their ney here where they call themselves an american corporation. I think its important, this is something that is wrong, this is something thats going to hurt the middle class. This is something, again, if youre a teacher, police officers, bus driver this is going to hurt you. If youre a single mother who is working every single day, proud to do that, you are going to see you are not going to have the support you need to make sure that childcare continues for your child. If youre a Family Member that has a mother or father whose only income is social security, they probably depend on meals on wheels. They probably depend on programs like that. Some of that comes from your federal government. Ut when these republican colleagues cut 1. 5 trillion out of the United States budget, its going to come out of you, ladies and gentlemen. Colleagues cut the people who have worked hard, who are finally retired should have the dignity of having a dignified life and have at least one darn meal a day. Thats where its going to come out of. Ladies and gentlemen, im here to warn you, please call your members of congress. Please make sure that you let them know, i dont want that kind of giveaway. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. Mr. Cardenas i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore members are reminded to direct their remarks to the care and not to the a viewing audience of the the chair recognizes the gentleman from louisiana, mr. Abraham, for five minute. Mr. Abraham thank should have having a dignified life and have at least one darn meal a you, m speaker. I have a map beside me. Its not a verizon or at t map showing its coverage. What this is is a snapshot, a moment in time, of the number of airplanes in the United States airspace at any moment. Over 90,000 flights a day. Think about that. Thats over 200,000 takeoff and landings. We in the United States have the safest and the busiest airspace in the world. Yet there are some in congress that want to privatize this to a made up of 13 members only. I personally think it is more of a monopolization not a privatization of our made up ai. This is the taxpayers airspace. This is not the airspace that we should be giving away to a 13member board or the control of. Those that want to pass this airr act, h. R. 2997, want us to compare it to canada i have flown in canada look at the map. Below the line in the United States, above the line in canada. Its not even apples. Its not apples to oranges. Its apples to elephants. You say that makes no sefpblets no, it doesnt. It does not make any sense to give control of this airspace where our wonderful men in uniform, and women, that fly the pilots aircraft, the like myself, but more importantly the carriers who carry all of us here here to there, the ability to control this airspace. Im a small government guy, mr. Speaker. But there are three instances where government needs to be involved in the lives of our citizens. National defense, national intelligence, and national airspace. I would argue that i have probably been in more control towers than any member of congress. En you walk in, they are wonderful controllers looking at modern equipment of computer screens, display lights that are moving aircraft here and there, very professionally. There are those that have stood in this podium, mr. Speaker, and held up pieces of paper like this and have scared our people into saying, this is the way controllers transfer control of airplanes from airspace to airspace. Miscalculation, or gross mischaracterization of whats happening. They use this as a backup if a grid goes down, but they dont use it to move traffic. They use modern computers. The jecks gen, jecks generation of modernization of the next gen, next generation of modern ization, allows separation of aircraft to come miscalculation down. Ss it has save the billions in fuel and other costs, yet we want to give all this modern equipment to the control of a 13member board . I think not. We have all had delays in airports. Most of them i will tell you are weather. How many of us have pulled up in a plane and were waiting for another plane to back out of a gate. Thats not an air Traffic Control issue. Thats an issue with controlling the gates at the airport. That goes back to the airlines. How many of us have been delayed because they come on and when were just fixing to board the plane, oh, you have a maintenance issue. Or were waiting for another pilot crew to get off one aircraft to pilot your aircraft. Again, those 245 would that would want to pass this act would make you believe thats air Traffic Controls fault. No. It doesnt have anything to do with air Traffic Control. C. B. O. Has said if we give this airspace control to a 13member private down. It has board, it will cost 100 billion deficit addition, 100 billion. The Congressional Review Service has said if we do that, that automatically allows sequester to take place. We dont need that. Were trying to get out of that now. Our wonderful men and women in uniform are having hard enough times meeting quotas, meeting equipment, meeting training. Everything because of sequester. Hurt military retirement funding. This would hurt our border patrol. Men and women they are protecting us from terrorist activity on a daily basis. Hurt retirement. Speaker, we need modernization, but we dont need privatization. A bad idea any way you look at t we do need to pass a longterm f. A. A. Reauthorization act. Im all for that. Our f. A. A. Needs to have the stability of funding where they can look down the road more than six months at a time and plan on whats coming down and what they need to do to a bad idea any wak at t we do need to pass a keep safe. Need this , we dont h. R. 297 passed, we need to just fund the f. A. A. For a long time. Yield back. Need this the speaker pro tempore the chairman recognizes the gentlewoman from texas, ms. Ackson lee, for five minutes. The speaker pro tempore the it is son lee i think appropriate this morning to rise to share my passion and my love for this country, but also my frustration. I will use this graphic to set the tone for my remarks this morning. Although the republican tax proposal will be introduced tomorrow, i believe if you look at this graphic and the 80 of , it says that the tax relief will not go to the nd you and you, to American People, or maybe even staff and members who are here who are americans, salaried individuals, it will go to 80 of the 1 of americans. Im not going to talk about the tax legislation this morning. I want the american this to be a symbol of the wrongness of the direction this country and the leader that leads this nation. Were going down a wrong path. When many of us thought we had come together in unity, we can overcome divisiveness because we were different, we recognize the beauty of all of us, rural citizens in west virginia, ohioans in the mountains of the appalachian area. Midwesterners, southerners, northerners, westerners, far west. Immigrant and noni am grant. And nonimmigrant. Unfortunately in 2016, although some some lost and some won, as we move toward a new administration with the hopes and dreams of those who had voted, we looked for the unifying of what i know all president s have done. Its been a privilege of mine to work for president William Jefferson clinton who didnt have an easy time, but sought to unify the country. I worked with president george w. Bush, did not van easy time or an unconflicted election, but sought to unify the country. In fact was a enthusiastic signer of the reauthorization of the Voting Rights act. Or president barack obama who rode in on a sense of hope and unity. That is a task of a president. In the midst of this i want to again having been appointed to the Homeland Security committee in the ashes of 9 11, having ne to ground zero, while our brave first brave First Responders were recovering, were still looking ben trait it will my soul forever. Penetrate my soul forever. Unity is what we sought in spite of our difference of finance. And so i rise to thank the First Responders antiquick response of the ben trait nypd and fire on yesterdays terrorist act. Yes it was a terrorist act. We live in a different world. But rather than rise to the occasion, this morning the words come from the white house. Terrorists came into our country through what is called the lottery program. A Chuck Schumer beauty. I want merit based immigration. You tell me how many immigrants, how many italians and how many who and how many of those escaped the polhol cause who from the holocaust who came before that, how many of them w escaped would have met any test of merit . Did the slaves who were brought here slaves meet a test of merit . All of these individuals helped build this nation. And on the morning when people are mourning of their lost loved ones, rather than bringing the country together, there is a politicizing, calling out names even ers, does it understand what meritbased is . Absolutely not. Taking away from the conspiracy charge against manafort. Taking away from the conspicuous collusion with russians that George Papadopoulos has indicated, oh, hes worrying about him lying. But im worrying about him telling the truth. And he is. They wanted dirty stuff on the opponent, they wanted to work with russia, they wanted to work with putin, and they wanted to conspire against the United States of america. The speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time has expired. Ms. Jackson lee as well as the misunderstanding or the devastating comments of his chief of staff about the civil war. And nfl players being called the speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time has expired. Ms. Jackson lee i am fed up with dividing this nation. Were going down the wrong direction and im not going to accept t the speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time has expired. Ms. Jackson lee all of those who believe in justice and what is right. The speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time has expired. The chair recognizes the gentleman from texas, mr. Arrington. Mr. Arrington mr. Speaker, if the United States is going to maintain the ability to feed and clothe our own people and fuel this American Economy, we need a strong and sustainable Rural America like the district i represent in west texas. What would this country be without the hardworking energy and agriculture producers in small towns across this great land . The heart of smalltown sustainability is access to health care. There are over 5,000 hospitals in the United States and roughly half of them are in Rural America. Serving one out of every five americans. Without access to basic medical services, communities in americas bread basket and energy basin would not survive. Hospitals serving Rural Communities face unique challenges. An aging population, low patient volume, higher percentages of Medicare Beneficiaries to name a few. Each translates into a higher per patient cost which has left 41 of rural hospitals operating at a loss. On top of this, problematic patient volume and patient mix, obamacare has heaped a back breaking, 54 billion in additional Regulatory Burden and unfunded mandates. Since 2010, the year obamacare was enacted, 80 rural hospitals have shut down, 11 of which were in my home state of texas. If this rate continues, in less than 10 years an unimaginable 25 of our nations rural hospitals will close. That would cripple Rural Communities across this country and deliver a devastating blow to our agriculture and Energy Economy affecting all americans, including our neighbors in urban and suburban america. For some texans, the nearest miles s already 100 away in an emergency this distance can mean the difference between life and death. Point of fact, 60 of miles away in all trauma deaths occur in rurala. Despite the fact that Rural America only makes up 20 of the countrys population. Heres a startling fact and scary scenario, 1 3 of rural hospitals have been deemed vulnerable to closure. If all 673 of those hospitals were to close down t. Could result in over 130,000 jobs lost and almost 300 billion in g. D. P. Lost. When unemployment goes down and wages down in these small towns, folks move away in Stem Cell Research of better opportunities n order to sustain the critical lifeline hospitals provide for our Rural Communities, i have introduced h. R. 4178, the Health Care Enhancement for americas rural towns act, or the heart act. Why . They are the heart of our food, fiber production, the heart of traditional american values. This legislation extends two programs vital to the sustainability of rural hospitals and the communities they serve the low Volume Adjustment Program and the medicare dependent Hospital Program. These programs account for less than. 1 of all medicare expenditures but they go a long way to ensuring that Rural Community hospitals have Adequate Funding to serve the unique populations. By extending the program for two years and for the first time permanently extending the medicare depend ebt Hospital Program we can ensure the continuity that you are our rural hospitals desperately need to serve our communities in the future. And just as importantly, we do this in a way thats budget neutral and without spending any additional taxpayer moneys. Lets pass this legislation. Lets protect the heart of Rural America and give our Community Hospitals the certainty they need to keep our people and our communities healthy. Mr. Speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from maryland, mr. Raskin, for five minutes. Mr. Raskin mr. Speaker, thank you very much. I rise to talk about a jobkiller tax bill thats coming to congress this week. And if you dont watch out, it could be coming to your hometown soon. Up until yesterday, mr. Speaker, i thought the new g. O. P. Tax plan was runofthemill upside down class warfare wainled by the wealthiest people in the waged by the wealthiest people in the country. The majority of the tax cut would go to those making 900,000 or more, the richest 1 of the country. I knew it would repeal the alternative minimum tax. The only run donald trump paid any taxes at all in the one year we know he paid taxes in the last decade in 2005. I knew it would repeal the state and local income Tax Deduction which would be terrible news for tens of millions of middle class people in states across the country, including mine in maryland. I knew it would repeal the estate tax which affects the wealthiest. 5 of the country. All of these provisions would help to create a hereditary ole like the hereditary garrcal elite like in russia. And this sweetheart deal would have a 200 trillion hole in programs like medicare and medicaid. I knew all of this. Predictable enough. But then i noticed a provision yesterday thats absolutely shocking, startling, eye popping, unbelievable in the g. O. P. Tax blueprint. Its called the territorial system. And what it means is simple. We will tax american businesses only when their operations are here in america. Heres what that means. If im a business man and i am going to set up a manufacturing plant on main street in my hometown i have to full fraste taxes. I pay everything. If i send my new manufacturing plant in mexico or bangladesh or ireland, i pay zero taxes. Let me we pete that. If i decide to set up my business in america, i pay 100 of the taxes i am going to owe. If i decide to relocate my business and all the jobs abroad, i will pay zero taxes. And that works even if ive already got the business in place here and decide to ship everything overseas. Suddenly i get a 100 tax break for all the profits that i earn overseas. Mr. Speaker, perhaps i misunderstand it. I am not a professor of tax law. Im a professor of constitutional law. So maybe i am not interpreting right. I would love nothing more than one of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to get up and tell me its not true and correct me and explain what ive got wrong. But if ive got it right, this shocking provision tucked into the bill we are about to see is a job killer, a National Emergency and a dagger pointed at the heart of the American Economy and our jobs. And its only a few small big businesses, a few big businesses that will benefit. Small businesses are not going all. Benefited at they dont set up tax dodge subsidiaries in the Cayman Islands or the bahamas or ireland. They dont ship overseas. This is the tiny percentage of large corporations in america leaving the Small Businesses behind and taking millions of american jobs with them. Why would the majority do this to us when donald trump campaigned on a platform of putting America First and promising to bring american jobs back home, not export millions more with the devastating tax plan . And now i see why theyre hurdling this through congress. In 1986 with the tax reform plan, there were 63 days of hearings and more than 450 witnesses in ways and means and the Senate Finance committee. It took two years and 10 months. Now this plan they want to slam through congress in less than two weeks with barely any witnesses, maybe no hearings, maybe one or two hearings and you know why, because theyre tucking the most massive jobkilling provision anyones ever seen into this bill. If anything, we should be imposing higher taxes on those businesses that ship our jobs overseas, not lower taxes. Or they should pay the same. But this plan would wipe out any taxes at all, and it is dumbfounding they would think this is something the congress would put up with. Just like they tried to slam through congress the a. C. A. Repeal and we stopped it when people got the word. We have to make sure, mr. Speaker, that every american understands whats really in this tax bill coming our way. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from florida, ms. Roslehtinen, for five minutes. Mr. Speaker, n i wished to highlight the step forward to cure t. S. C. Miami walk which took place last weekend at my alma mater, Florida International niversity. T. S. C. Is a rare genetic disease that causes uncontrollable tumor growth across the face, body, organs of impacted individuals. Unfortunately there is no cure for t. S. C. South floridas own hero, max luca, pictured right here, was diagnosed with t. S. C. When he was only 2 weeks old. Now hes 9 years old and he has thrived because of the constant love and care provided by his parents, vanessa and max. The t. S. C. Miami walk brings together patients like max luca and their families with supporters who are committed to improving their lives. Every year the walk plays an essential role in advancing lifesaving research and programs to increase awareness of t. S. C. And expanding the network of resources that improve the lives of patients and their families. Mr. Speaker, i would like to recognize the work of vanessa vasquez, her husband, max, and all of the other activists who tubular ded from the sclore owe ciscomplex walk a reality. And i want to thank those that came out to f. I. U. And made this event a resounding success. Due to your efforts, due to hoping we ment, i am can find a cure for this tragic disease. And in the meanwhile, go, max luca. Thank you, mr. Speaker. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman ms. Roslehtinen id ask my colleague to support house res. 593, a bipartisan resolution reaffirming our National Commitment to ending pediatric hivaids worldwide. Its a resolution that i introduced with my friend, congresswoman barbara lee. The fighting against pediatric aids is a great example how our country is a positive and transformative force in the lives of many across the world. Because of our leadership here in the United States, over the past 12 years there has been a 62 increase in the number of women receiving mothertochild transmission prevention services. Wow. And thanks to positive american involvement through programs like pepfar, more than 11. 5 million expectant mothers around the world have received h. I. V. Testing and counseling and nearly two million babies have been born h. I. V. Free. However, even though we have made Great Strides in a fight against pediatric aids over the last few years, we cannot rest, mr. Speaker. We cannot rest while more than 400 children around the world are born with h. I. V. Every day. 400. We cannot rest when less than half of the children suffering from h. I. V. Have access to the lifesaving treatments they so desperately need. Less than half. Indeed, we must redouble our efforts to reach every single mother and child impacted by this terrible disease, and for this reason my friend, congresswoman barbara lee and i just reintroduced House Resolution 593, a bipartisan resolution recommitting our country, the United States, to eradicating pediatric aids worldwide and supporting those who have been impacted by this epidemic. Our resolution also supports our National Efforts to provide women and children with h. I. V. Counseling, with h. I. V. Testing services, as well as expanding their access to lifesaving treatments. Americas ongoing commitment has helped save the lives of many, but so much more remains to be done. We are one of the greatest hopes for a Better Future for countless others. Now more than ever it is essential to ensure we remain committed as a nation to creating a future where no child suffers from hivaids. I urge my colleagues to support this worthwhile cause and cosponsor our resolution, House Resolution 593. I yield back, mr. Speaker. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from tennessee, mr. Cohen, for five minutes. Mr. Cohen thank you, mr. Speaker. Today is the last day of baseball, but more importantly, its the first day of enrollment, open enrollment for the Affordable Care act Patient Protection act. This year enrollment only runs from november 1, today, through december 15. This is half the length of last year when open enrollment extended until january 30. Its six weeks shorter. So to sign up, get up started today. You only have 45 days to do it. This is something the Trump Administration is doing to make it more difficult and less likely people will sign up. Dont let them do this. Sign up for your health care. During this shortened enrollment period, there will also be 12hour periods of scheduled maintenance when the website will be inaccessible. These periods will occur every sunday morning except one during the open enrollment period. December 15 is the last chance for individuals to sign up for Health Insurance for 2018. Unless you have a major event like getting married, having a child or moving. In previous years, individuals were notified of auto enrollment with time to change their choice. This year that happens on december 16, a day after open enrollment ends. So theres no reason to do it. It just tells you what you got and no opportunity to change. So individuals should not rely on auto enrollment. They should use healthcare. Gov to find the best plan for them and their families. In many cases, there are affordable plans. In 2018, in tennessee 88 can find a bronze plan for under 75. In memphis, many consumers earning 30,000 to 48,000 a year can find silver plans for under 100. This is particularly true for those in their late 40s to age 64. You may qualify for premiums and cost sharing reductions like in past years. In 2016, 88 of tennesseans on the exchanges received premium ssistance and 58 received cost sharing subsidies. This is as the president tries to repeal the a. C. A. Funds for navigators to help people through the process have been slashed. Despite that fact well try to find some navigators still around and have a town hall in memphis, possibly november, saturday november 11, were still 2349 process of scheduling that, but we want all the people to get that chance. We encourage all americans to get that chance. Cost sharing reduction subsidies will be available for individuals who qualify for silver plans detrumps decision to stop the government from eimbursing insurers. The a. C. A. Is the law the a. C. A. Is the law of the land. All current efforts to repeal or replace failed because they have not come up a better plan. Health care is difficult. We came up with a plan, it needs not but no repealing. Memphis has seen a decrease in the disparity of Breast Cancer of mortalities rates between white women a clear indication that access to Affordable Care act saves lives. Memphis has done excellent work of expanding access. Addition to local efforts, the Affordable Care act has helped reduce or even eliminate copayments that women have to pay for preventive screenings, including million grams. Access to Affordable Health care has saved white women a clear l and throughout this country. The open enrollment for the Affordable Care act starts today and runs through december 15. Avail yourself of those opportunities. Mr. Speaker, i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to clause 12a of rule 1 shall the chair declares the house returning today at noon to debate nine bills allowing fema disaster funds to fight wildfires. It also allows more money to go to toward fighting wildfires and more logging on federal land as a way to reduce the chance to reduce fires. And state Department Issues including one to let the state department deny or revoke u. S. Passports to people connected to foreign terrorist groups. And tomorrow, Republican Leadership plans to release their plan on tax reform. The announcement was supposed to be today but was delayed because negotiations are still under way. Well have live coverage of the house when they return here on cspan at noon eastern. In the meantime well take you over to a subcommittee of the House Oversight committee looking at the special Inspector General for afghanistans latest report on conditions in afghanistan. The fall quarterly report. Hearing has been under way for about an hour or so. Live coverage on cspan. Mr. Courtney the questions about what our policy should be are not the responsibility of your office. So i just want to acknowledge that. Thats correct, sir. Mr. Welch youre looking at where the dollars we appropriated are going. Are they going to the mission or vanishing in thin air . Number three, i have major questions about our policy. And i thought mr. Duncan had an excellent quote. This is not about our military. I have been to afghanistan four times. And its extraordinary, extraordinary to me to see what our soldiers are accomplishing under extraordinary, extraordinary circumstances. Its our job to give them the policy that gives them a shot at success. Its our job. When mr. Russell is there as a soldier, he has to carry out the mission but were the ones that have to give it to him. So