Transcripts For CSPAN U.S. House Of Representatives 12052017 20171205

Designated for them. Host okay. Caller i dont know why anybody said that. Host the Supreme Court, the mortgage will x air in the evening on cspan. Right now, we go to the house of representatives. The speaker pro tempore the marriage, we will air the audio this coming friday on cspan. Right now, we go to the house of representatives. Speakers room, washington, d. C. , december 5, 2017. Hereby appoint the honorable jody b. Highs to act as speaker pro tempore on this day. Signed, paul d. Ryan, speaker of the house of representatives. The speaker pro tempore the chair will receive a message. The messenger mr. Speaker, a message from the senate. The secretary mr. Speaker. The speaker pro tempore madam secretary. The secretary i have been directed by the senate to inform the house that the senate has agreed to the amendment of the house to s. 371, an act to make technical changes and other improvements to the department of state authorities act, fiscal year 2017. 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. 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. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to acknowledge the work of a student at penn state dubois, alec baker, a native of clarion, pennsylvania, is a student in the Wildlife Technology Degree Program at penn statedubois. He was awarded a grant from the office of undergraduate education for an independent research project. Alecs area of study is black bears and the impact they have on farmers and agriculture in pennsylvania. The commonwealths corn crop. Alec conducted this project this summer and gathered the information through october and is processing his findings this fall. Alec has conducted his research primarily using Clarion County for his study area. Crop damage dating back to the year 2000. He plans to chart trends in the data through these years and monitor sites for continued activity using cameras. In total, 219 students apply to receive an ericcson discovery grant and alec was the one who received a grant. The grant allows student to immerse themselves in original research under the direct supervision of a faculty member to obtain hands on experience in their chosen field. Alec has just completed his sophomore year in Wildlife Technology degree associate program and will go on to earn a bachelors degree in wildlife, fisheries and science. I applaud him for undertaking this area of study. I have no doubt that it will help farmers in the commonwealth of pennsylvania to help their crops from bear damage. Thanks to studies like alecs, the commonwealth will be better able to understand how bears influence agriculture and how farmers can implement better management tactics to protect their crops. I congratulate alecs on this achievement and all those who received this Discovery Award and i look forward to the results. Thank you, mr. Speaker, and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The chair recognizes the gentleman from oregon, mr. Blumenauer, for five minutes. Mr. Blumenauer thank you, mr. Speaker. Its sad to watch the Trump Administration leading america in retreat, withdrawing positions of international leadership, hallowing out the state department, crippling us for years to come. Last night there was an example of that retreat right here on the floor of the house as our republican friends were unable to address their plan for raising taxes for americans in every state by restricting their ability to deduct state and local taxes. Why force millions of americans to pay taxes on taxes . Why, mr. Speaker, is there a proposal to destabilize insurance rates across america, leading to 10 premium increases year after year . And to have up to 13 million additional uninsured americans over the course of the next 10 years . They have no answer as to why to mortgage our childrens future for greater benefits for the richest and most privileged americans. When corporations are recording record high profits and have trillions of dollars of profits overseas, why are we borrowing to provide more benefits to the largest corporations and wealthiest people while we are ignoring the people who visit , seeking every day not a sympathetic ear but action . For example, action on the Opioid Crisis and the opioid deaths claiming 64,000 Americans Last year. Our former colleague, patrick kennedy, whose advocacy is informed by his own struggle to overcome opioid addiction, will testify today in the other body that we could easily productively spend up to 200 billion more dealing with a crisis, helping people with recovery. The senate is proposing to ncrease 1 10,000 of that amount, not 200 billion, 20 million to deal with this crisis, because we dont have e money, yet were borrowing 1. 5 trillion to give additional tax benefits to those who need them the least. Were not being able to adequately help our veterans whose needs are clear to anybody who visits a Veterans Administration hospital in their state. Or provide investments in roads and bridges and transit, in water and sewer that would strengthen every community, make it safer, and business more competitive. Good policy and effective investment is possible if were not mortgaging our childrens future, borrowing vasts sums of money to lavish more tax reductions on people who dont need it while ignoring the needs of people who do, who visit offices every day here on capitol hill. America does not have to be in retreat, claiming poverty, that were helpless to meet the needs of the American People. If Congress Finds the courage and the will to do its job. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The chair recognizes the gentlewoman from tennessee, ms. Mrs. Blackburn, for five minutes. Mrs. Blackburn thank you, mr. Speaker. I want to rise today to talk about an issue women are talking about every single day, and as i am home and out and about in my district, i hear this repeatedly, they will come up to me and they will say, marsha, im becoming a security mom. I fear for the security of my children. Im concerned about what is happening on our streets and in our communities. And mr. Speaker, i will tell you last week after the verdict came down in the kate steinle trial, the fact that a criminal illegal alien was not found guilty, i received so many comments and calls from people saying something needs to be justice t this because was not delivered for the life of kate steinle. And that brings us to the issue of sanctuary cities and those policies. The very idea, the very idea that some elected officials or some cities could choose to say, we will become a haven for those that are outside of federal law, but not all federal law, just this particular federal law. That defies common sense. T defies reason because we are a nation of laws, a nation that abides by the rule of law, a ation of law and order, not of anarchy. Sanctuary city policies are making america less safe. On this there should be no doubt. We have to think, what does this example set for our country . What does it say to people that abide by the law, that feel that their lives are endangered, that their security is endangered . What kind of message does sanctuary policies send to the thin blue line, people that stand to protect us every single day . Mr. Speaker, i would suggest that sanctuary city policies are cracking the foundation of our democracy. It is why it is important that this body take action. I would suggest it is why it is important that we pass the clear act, legislation i have authored that would strip sanctuary cities of funding, that would require that criminal illegal aliens, criminal illegal aliens be deported from this country. I yield back my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman yields. The chair recognizes the gentleman from North Carolina, mr. Butterfield, for five minutes. Thank you, mr. Speaker, for yielding time this morning. Mr. Speaker, i rise this morning to honor and recognize a great american, a visionary, a states man and a friend, mayor william v. Bell, better known as mayor bill bell. Yesterday, mr. Speaker, my friend, bill bell, ended 16 years of distinguished service as mayor of the city of during ham, North Carolina, of course durham, North Carolina, of course located in my congressional district. Durham has always been a progressive city, a city i attended undergraduate school and law school at North Carolina central university. This city has always been a progressive city, above the average, but under bill bells leadership, the city has become a thriving southern city, rivaling charlotte and even atlanta, georgia. Bill bells work as mayor is but a part of a long tenure of service to durham that spans more than four decades. This week i join the entire Durham Community in thanking mayor bill bell for his many, many years of public service. With mayor bells retirement on last evening, december 4, 2017, he leaves office, he leaves his office having literally transformed the Durham Community. The citys leadership has now been passed to a new mayor, steve shule, who was also a who is also a friend and a visionary leader. The city of durham, North Carolina, is in good hands. Born william v. Bell in 1941, he grew up in winstonsalem, North Carolina. He received a degree in Electrical Engineering from Howard University here in washington, d. C. He then went on to receive his masters degree in Electrical Engineering from new york university. After graduating, bill returned to North Carolina where he worked as a Senior Engineer at i. B. M. Corporation in durham. Bill bell has been a Community Development trailblazer, not only as mayor but Vice President and chief operating durham, f united incorporated. We use the acronym u. D. I. Bill bell had a unique vision for his beloved community. This vision led to his election to the board of commissioners in 1972. At the time bill was one of two africanamerican commissioners on the fivemember board. Bill bell served on the board of county commissioners until 1994 and, again, from 1996 until the year 2000. Even serving as chairman from 1982 to 1994. In 2001, mr. Speaker, bill bell was elected mayor for the city of durham. He was then reelected seven yes, thats seven times serving as durhams longest serving mayor, 16 years. Mayor bill bell will be remembered for leading the city of durham toward great progress. His legacy includes heading up the transformation of Downtown Durham from boarded up windows to a city of which is a top destination that is now home to a variety of thriving businesses and Technology Startups as well as Major Projects such as the Durham Performing Arts center and the American Tobacco campus. It is a thriving city, mr. Speaker, and i encourage anyone to take a look at durham and see how impressive this city is. From leading the transformation of Downtown Durham to placing a renewed emphasis on even addressing gun violence in the community, mayor bell has always fought to improve the lives of his constituents. It has been a pleasure to work with mayor bell on behalf of the citizens of durham and the first district, the Durham Community is stronger thanks to bill bells leadership. Hes without a doubt a visionary trailblazer who will go down in history having left a positive mark on his city. Yesterday, mr. Speaker, mayor bill bell turned over the office now to mayor steve shule. He served on the city council since 2011 and i know he will continue to build on this legacy. Finally, mr. Speaker, mayor bells daughters, tiffany bell and nicole bell and Christian Bell hughes, im told they are all excited about their dads decision to enjoy a life of retirement. I dont believe bill bell is going to actually retire but im sure hes going to spend less time in public service, but im sure he will continue his advocacy in some significant way. While bill bell is deserving of far greater accolades than those i have cited, i ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this great american, bill bell. On behalf of the United States house of representatives, the residents of durham, North Carolina nrk, and the people of the first congressional district, i express my sincere appreciation for mayor bill bells elected service, his dedicated service, and nish him nothing but my best and wish him nothing but the best wishes in the months and years to come. Thank you, bill bell, for your leadership. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from texas, mr. Poe, for five minutes. Mr. Poe mr. Speaker, when teenagers select university to attend, they assume their school will proteaningt take care of something horrible occurs and will protect them d take care of them if something horrible occurs. On a friday night she realized how deeply misplaced something horrible her trust in the school was. On that night hannah and her friends went to a fellow students house party. It was a typical College Evening filled with dancing and laughter. It wasnt until the party began to wind down that hannahs friends noticed she was missing. Hannah was always very safety conscious and never wandered off alone. So her friends were immediately worried and began frantically looking for her in the house. They called her name. Searched the entire first floor. Hannah was nowhere to be found. So they tried to go upstairs to search the second floor, but a man grabbed them and forced them down the stairs. Nobody was allowed to go upstairs, he said. Hannahs friends argued with him. They screamed her name. And threatened to call the police. Just as the situation was escalating, hannah appeared at the top of the stairs. She was a mess. She was confused. She was barely able to walk or to speak. The girls took hannah by the arms and immediately left the house. Something really awful had happened to her. So they rushed her to the Howard University emergency room. Mr. Speaker, heres where the University System completely failed her. When the doctor finally came to see hannah, he told her, she was too drunk so she should go home and just sleep it all off. The friends begged the doctor to give her a rape kit, but he just away. And sent them this is malpractice, mr. Speaker. Rape kits can provide critically important evidence in Sexual Assault kits, especially case where is the victim has been drugged. When hannah woke up the next morning, she was in so much pain she could barely walk. So she called the police and returned to the University Emergency room for a rape kit. But because hannah couldnt remember exactly what happened and who her assailant was, the police and the hospital staff again refused to conduct a rape kit. Mr. Speaker, the purpose of a rape kit is to find out who the assailant was. Desperate and being denied assistance from her own university, hannah still reached out for help. She went to George Washington university hospital. But they told her that since she was denied a kit, rape kit at ward university, she was not allowed to get one at this hospital. Hannah sought help and was rejected at every turn. This is tragic, mr. Speaker. Most of us have kids. A lot of them go to universities. All four of mine did. Three are girls. We expect universities to do something to protect those ever this students when a crime is committed against it. The doctors and medical staff at both University Hospitals were apparently not trained to deal with traumatized rape victims. They were clearly ignorant of how important forensic evidence is after an assault. So to ensure this doesnt happen to more victims, ift introduced legislation that will require a i have interdutiesed legislation that will require a hospital to provide access to a nurse or doctor who is properly trained to provide medical care for trauma and rape victims. Or have a plan in place to quickly get a victim to a nearby hospital. I said hospital, universities must have a plan in place or have access to a staffer. Act bill is named the megan in honor of another college rape victim from texas who was at the university of alabama and she was denied proper postrape treatment at a hospital and eventually she took her own life because of the fact that no one paid attention to her. This bill will ensure victims can access the care they need. Having a safe, Sexual Assault rensic examiner or nurse examiner, for rape victims at universities ensures that rape kits are properly examined. And collected. Universities not only need to have access to a safe, but they need a Victim Advocate trained in Sexual Assault on campus. And all rape kits from students and nonstudents must be quickly analyzed so that the offender can be determined. Mr. Speaker, there are thousands of rape kits all over the country sitting on police shelves that just havent been examined. This is awful. Hannah was denied justice because of incompetence. And victims should be are people too, mr. Speaker. Schools, especially, should be prepared to deal with Sexual Assault victims. Otherwise there will be more victims like hannah. And thats just the way it is. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. The chair recognizes the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. Fitzpatrick, for five minutes. Mr. Speaker, k today i recognize a Catholic High School and the 5 million contribution they received to help educate the next generation of students in bucks county. This gift in recognition of the schools continued success was donated by a 1972 graduate who wanted to thank his teachers for all they did to help shape his life. The benefactor, mr. Tom lynch, said he gave the gift because, quote, anything is possible when you get a good education, end quote. This quote rings true in the years of every ears of every american. Opportunity to learn from a young age is a critical experience. Continued support for our teachers and our schools is of the utmost importance. With this donation, Common League plans to set up a significant amount aside forle ahe ollarships and tuition scholarships and Tuition Assistance for families in need. This offers institutions to grow and greater support to our communities. We all thank mr. Lynch for supporting such a great institution. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to recognize the players, coaches, and staff of the Palisades High School Football Team and to congratulate them on an incredible season w their consistent displays of grit and tenacity, the pirates should be proud of what they accomplished, a 131 season and the best record in palisades football history. Although their season ended with a tough loss in the playoffs, the pirates Football Team should hold their heads high. They have worked hard and made their community proud. To the fans, friends, and family that have supported palisades, we offer our congratulations. To all those who work with and youth sports ed in our districts, we offer our thanks. And to the young student athletes on the palisades Football Team, i say welldone. I hope that you take the lessons of cooperation and determination that you have learned on the fieldfield with you when you step off the field. On the field with you when you step off the field. Our community is proud of you. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The chair recognizes the gentleman from minnesota, mr. Emmer, for five minutes. Mr. Speaker, i rise 2017 o congratulate the recipients of the greater st. Cloud Development Corporations innovation award. These four resipants received this award, their awards, for their ability 2017 recipients of the greater st. Cloud development to incorporatw and invan hollenive ideas into their field. I want to first congratulate mighty ax hops in foley for receiving the forprofit emerging Company Award which highlights their contributions to the hop industry and efforts to develop an experimental hop yard. Cybermation received the forprofit established Company Award for decades of work in Digital Health Care Technology for seniors. Cybermation has been innovating since 1996. I also want to recognize the Community School for receiving the Nonprofit Organization award for the schools commitment to building minnesotas premiere adapive playground in st. Cloud. Adaptive playground in st. Cloud. And finally duke ad for also receiving a Nonprofit Organization award for their Leadership Program in st. Cloud that trains members of underrepresented communities with the knowledge and skills to produce grassroots change. Again, congratulations to all of this years Award Winners and thank you for your innovation and contribution to our communities. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to recognize capital one and its executive team and employees for generosity and commitment to the ocal communities they serve. Capital one has generously contributed to the boys and girls club of Central Minnesota to support the Organizations Mission to enable young people to reach their full potential. Pital ones 15,000 grant to fund project learn helps advance a focus on eequipping kids with coding skills to meet the needs of the future. Stem and tech related skills are important to the future of our nation and capital one is making a significant investment in our future leaders. Since 2012, capital one has donated over 80,000 to the boys and girls club of Central Minnesota. Again, i want to thank capital one for their commitment to the young people of Central Minnesota. Were blessed to have you and our team in our community and the great state of minnesota. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to congratulate an amazing constituent of mine for his talent and perseverance. From 2003 to 2008, mike shultz from kimble, minnesota, was a professional snowmobile racer. In 2008 while competing at a National Snow cross race, mike a snowmobile accident that resulted in the loss of his left leg. After such a devastating experience, no one would have thought less of mike if he stopped a snowmobile accident that resulted in the loss of his left leg. After such a devastating experience, no one would have thought less of mike if he stopped competing. But mike shultz didnt give up. Instead, he was racing again at the National Level in less a sn that resulted in the loss of his left leg. After such a devastating experience, no one would have thought less of mike if he stopped competing. But mike shultz didnt give up. Instead, he was racing again at the National Level in less than eight months. Over the past 10 years, mike has earned eight gold medals at the adaptive pive motor cross. Mike would not allow his accidents zent to keep him from sharing his talent and spirit with the world. His talent is not limited to racing snowmobiles. In 2010 he began snowboarding as research for his company which develops prosthetic equipment for athletes. This led him to compete as a member of the u. S. Snowboarding team. He is now in his fourth season. As if all of his other accomplishments are not enough, mike is now a kellogg cereal celebrity. Over the years immensely talented athletes have graced boxes of frosted flakes and were proud this year mike joins the ranks. Im honored to congratulate mike on all his incredible accomplishments and recognition by kelloggs. Hes prove of what you can accomplish when you confront lifes challenges head on. Example to us nd all. Were proud and honored hes a member of our community. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The chair recognizes the gentleman from texas, mr. Green, for five example to us all. Were proud and honored hes a member of our community. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The chair recognizes the gentleman from texas, mr. Green, for five minutes. Mr. Green thank you, mr. Speaker. Im always grateful to have this preeminent privilege of standing in the well of the congress of the United States of america. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to nnounce that three prominent democrats have asked to meet with me to discuss impeachment. Mr. Speaker, i will meet with them. I will meet with them in my office and heres what i will say. I will tell them that impeachment is not about democrats, that its not about republicans. I will tell them that its about democracy. Its about government of the people, by the people, for the people. I will tell them that i refuse to sit on the sidelines while the world is considering one of the great issues of our time. I will tell them that i will continue, that i will be a part of this great debate. Will tell them the words that i have heard but i do not know the origin of. I will tell them that if a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps he hears a different drummer. Let them step to the music he hears, however measured, however far away. Mr. Speaker, i will tell them that tomorrow we will bring articles of impeachment to the floor of the congress of the United States of america for a vote. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The chair recognizes the gentleman from alabama, mr. Byrne, for five minutes. Mr. Byrne mr. Speaker, i rise to commemorate National Miners day. National miners day is recognized on december 6 each year and i want to express my deep appreciation to the hundreds of thousands of men and women who work in our nations youries, dredge operations and other mine facilities to help build and power our nation. These workers do a great deal to extract the materials found in every home, building, road, bridge and public works project. U. S. Domestic production and use of stone, sand and gravel, aggregates, amounted to 2. 5 billion tons of crushed stone. It valued at 25 billion. The u. S. Mine safety and Health Administration has reported that throughout 140 facilities, almost 3,000 people in my home state of alabama owe their jobs to aggregates mining. Workers in the aggregate sector has helped workplaces the safest they have ever been. In fact, 2016 marked the 16th Consecutive Year in which the industry reduced its injury rate from the year earlier level. The rate stood at the record ow level of just 1. 95 injuries per 200,000 hours worked. I applaud the safe practices of the aggregates industry and the hardworking men and women who are helping to continue this positive trend. As chairman of the house work force protection subcommittee i continue to work with the labor departments mine safety and Health Administration to advance smart regulation and preventative enforcement that can help keep the workplace safe. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to remember the life of dr. Laura blackwell. She recently passed away after fighting cancer and our medical issues. She was raised at her childhood farm home in monticello, iowa. She obtained an Associates Degree in missouri and a bachelors degree from the university of northern iowa. She later earned her doctorate in administration of Higher Education from the university of alabama. After an early career in k12 education, she started working in alabamas Community College system. She rose from serving as a tutor to becoming the director of Adult Education at wallace Community College in dotham, at ama, and also worked southern Community College. During my time as chancellor of alabamas Community College system, i grew to know laura as a very dependable colleague. I appreciated her honest and direct approach to the issues we faced together. During her career she held numerous roles in professional and civic organizations. She was recognized with the girl scout women Achievement Award and as the city of doth ams Community Leader of the year. Even though she retired from education she never stopped working to make the world a better place. She launched communities of transformation, a program through the United Methodist church, working to bring together from every segment of society. Suffice it to say, she had a positive impact on so many lives throughout her time on this earth. Whether it was helping a student at a Community College reach their full potential or giving hope to a struggling family, so many people owe their success to laura blackwell. So on behalf of alabamas first congressional district, i want to share my deepest condolences of her father, fred, and their four children. I hope they can all take comfort knowing that she will live on in the lives of countless individuals she touched and she will be sorely missed. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The chair recognizes the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. Kelly, for five minutes. Mr. Kelly i thank the speaker. I rise today in honor of one of my constituents, United States marine major eric berkette from new castle, pennsylvania. Major burkette was deployed as a member of the 24th Expeditionary Force in morocco. On april 11, 2012, he was nearly killed in a plane crash. A crash which took the lives of two of his brothers in arms. After coming home to walter reed, he lost one of his legs and he continues to recover from his numerous injuries to this day. His wife, melissa, who also is foormer marine, has been by his side from day one, along with their loving six children. Major berkette may never fly again but already with his recovery he soars high above most of us. It was his spirit of service and patriotism that led him to start a program for adaptive archery for his fellow Wounded Warriors. I proudly submit for the poem penned in his honor and in celebration of his new adaptive home built thanks to the gary sinise foundation. At this time id like to read an excerpt from this poem. As his two brothers, angels now up to heaven would rise, coming back home with only his family upon which to rely. So all by his side his fine wife, melissa, and children, giving the strength to try. As he knew it was time, time to rebuild his life, armed with his heart of strength and iron will, giving the power and courage to nourish him to instill, that is strength to rebuild. Who against all odds our Wounded Warriors into that dark night move onward still. It speaker, it is people, is people like major burkette who we celebrate, people who put themselves in harms way in order to protect the rest of us. I am so proud and so humbled to be able today to submit this poem in honor of major burkette and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The chair recognizes the gentleman from texas, mr. Arrington, for five minutes. Mr. Arrington mr. Speaker, im proud to represent a rural district in west texas thats home to 14 million acres of farmland and thousands of hardworking farmers and ranchers. These men and women are feeding and clothing the American People. Theyre bolstering our economy and theyre strengthening our National Security. As a member of the house agriculture committee, im committed to delivering results that are in the best interest, not only of west texans, but all americans, and doing that with my neighbor and strong leader of the ag committee, mike conaway. As we craft the next farm bill excuse me there are a few priorities that if achieved will put our United States farmers and ranchers and our country as a whole in the strongest competitive position. The first is we must maintain americas food and fiber independence from other countries which, like energy independence, is a National Security imperative. To achieve this objective, we must maintain a viable and responsible safety net for all commodities, which means the committee must work in a bipartisan way to get cotton back in under title 1 of the farm bill, and we can never again let the World Trade Organization dictate Agriculture Policy to the United States. Addressing the gaping hole in the current agriculture safety net for cotton and fixing other shortfalls in the Risk Management program for both crops and livestock will ensure a strong and viable ag sector for the United States and for rural america. Unfortunately ultimately, rather, we must maintain appropriate programs to mitigate against unforeseen Global Market changes in commodity prices, ensure against adverse weather events and maintain access to credit so farmers across the country can continue to supply america with abundant and affordable source of food. Additionally, as texas is the top cattle producing state in the nation and represents 80 billion in annual cash receipts nationwide, maintaining key livestock disaster programs are equally important to a responsible and effective safety net for our ag producers. Second, our Rural Communities need greater access to Broadband Communications to be viable in the monday earn era. Increasing modern era. Ncreasing this is necessary to support this and infrastructure such as health care and education and for Overall Economic stainability so we can finally close the Digital Divide between rural and urban america. No rural america, no food, fuel and fiber for the American People. Third, we must we need another generation of farmers and ranchers. The american agriculturist is facing tough times. The average age of the farmer is nearly 60 and the number of people involved in Ag Production in their 30s and 40s continues to decrease dramatically. And this with less than 1 of the American Population involved in Ag Production. The math doesnt look promising. Operating expenses continue to rise and farmers, particularly the young ones, have less equity to finance their operations. Farmers of all ages need a dependable and flexible operating loan structure with loan amounts that are useful and we must work to ensure that usda has the flexibility it need to extend credit to the most in the most meaningful way. Fourth, innovation makes it possible for the farmers and rancher to continue to operate. Ensuring adequate and Equitable Research funding for agriculture colleges across the country is key. Lets not just pour all of our money into the land grant institutions just because theyre land grant institutions. Lets fund the best ideas. Its called meritocracy. It was what our country was founded. As former vice chancellor for commercialization at texas tech university, i saw some of the best and most innovative ideas spawn from research go to the market and make a difference for our economy and the quality of our lives. Lastly, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program needs a more focused accountability. As we craft the next farm bill, we should continue to monitor the effectiveness of all programs, but especiallyly snap which accounts for 80 of all spending in the farm bill. While the intent of snap is wellmeaning, the increase of recipients who are work capable adults without dependence aans, accounting for nearly 30 of all recipients. We need ablebodied adults work in order to receive government assistance. Not just in snap but all government programs. Mr. Speaker, in closing, our farmers and ranchers are essential to the vitality and security of this great nation, and this legislation is extremely critical to the success of our farmers. By including the priorities ive outlined today in the next farm bill, we can ensure a safer, stronger, freer america for our children. Mr. Speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The chair recognizes the gentleman from kentucky, mr. Barr, for five minutes. Mr. Speaker, i rise today in strong support of efforts to simplify our outdated and overly complex tax code in order to make our economy more competitive and to provide big tax cuts to hardworking american families. Last night the house voted to go to conference with the senate to work out differences between our two versions of the tax cuts and jobs act. I am confident the Conference Committee will report a reconciled bill capable of passing both chambers because the American People need and deserve tax relief. And make no mistake. No matter what the tired talking points are on the other side of the aisle, this legislation will be a tremendous benefit to middle and lower income americans who have been hit hardest by the policies of the Previous Administration. And this is a massive victory for low and middleincome americans. But dont just take it from me. Lets review the facts. The house bill takes the lowest 10 tax bracket to zero and it doubles the standard deduction meaning hardworking americans can immediately take home more of their paychecks. Specifically, the first 24,000 of Family Income will be completely taxfree under this plan. Were nearly doubling the Child Tax Credit and changes to all tax brackets means we are lowering taxes for low and middle income taxpayers even as we simplify the tax code and broaden the base. A study by the Nonpartisan Tax Foundation found in kentucky this legislation will create 11,782 new fulltime jobs and it will increase takehome pay by 1,724 for kentucky households making the median income. And not only will middle income families keep more of their paychecks, their paychecks will grow. A letter signed by 137 economists last week sent to all members of the house and senate made the case that, quote, a competitive corporate rate is the key to an economic engine driven by greater investment, capital stock, business formation and productivity, all of which will yield more jobs and higher wages. That is why these economists are urging us to make the tax cuts and jobs act law. They note that our current Corporate Tax rate of 35 , which is the highest in the industrialized world, has made america noncompetitive, resulting in the loss of 4,700 companies to overseas competitors since 2004, lost jobs and lost wages. This analysis is confirmed by the Tax Foundation which concludes that approximately 74 of Corporate Taxes are paid by workers in the form of lower wages. Lets give American Workers a pay raise. Reducing the Corporate Tax rate will ignite economic growth, allow jobs to return home from overseas, will increase new private sector jobs through greater investment and it will increase paychecks, a winwinwin for middle class workers and those looking to get ahead. Now, the ultimate irony is if you actually wanted to help the wealthy and the wellconnected, then you would vote against tax form and keep the current tax code in place. Because its a complicated mess of multiple brackets, high rates and special interest loopholes. The code is a haven for tax interest tax manipulators and the wellconnected. Its an impossible frustration for ordinary middleclass americans who need just to comply with the code hire tax lawyers and accountants. So if you want to help the middle class, get rid of this complicated mess. Finally, mr. Speaker, id like to take a moment to respond to my friends on the other side of the aisle who after more than doubling the National Debt during the Obama Administration and who continue to push massive unpaid increases in spending, such as Single Payer Health care, governmentrun health care have suddenly become gravely concerned about our National Deficit and debt. Now, let me be clear, i welcome this epiphany. I welcome their change of heart and i hope we can Work Together to actually address the true cost drivers of our deficit and debt. Last year the federal government took in 3. 3 trillion in revenue. 3. 3 trillion. Our deficits are not the result of too little revenue. They are the result of members of congress who are unwilling to force the government to live within its means. And we will never balance the budget or even think about paying down our debt without robust economic growth. Those on the other side assume the 1. 5 trillion tax cut are increase the debt by Social Security 5 trillion that. Is based on the absurd assumption that nobody changes behavior when you get a tax cut. Its based on the assumption the economy is fixed. They are wrong because they dont account for the extra revenue that tax reform will generate by creating more taxpayers and higher paychecks. As was noted by an analysis by the American Enterprise interinstitute, if the economy grows by an average of institute, if the economy grows by an average of 2. 6 , the republican tax bill will not raise the deficit f it grows faster, the deficit will actually fall. It should be noted that in the last two consecutive quarters the u. S. Economy has grown at an annual rate of 3 or o more. Thats in part due to the increased confidence by businesses, consumers, investors, and entrepreneurs that we will complete tax reform this year. Mr. Speaker, i encourage all my colleagues concerned about the deficit, concerned about the debt to join me in supporting the tax cuts and jobs act when this bill returns to the house floor so we can ignite economic growth, create new jobs, and give American Workers the pay increase that they deserve. Mr. Speaker, its their money. Lets give it back to them. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The chair recognizes the gentleman from South Carolina, mr. Norman, for five minutes. Mr. Norman thank you, mr. Speaker. December is a special month. We celebrate the birth of christ, but we also celebrating a church in rock hill, South Carolina, that has done Amazing Things. Its a 30year celebration for the First Baptist church in rock hill, South Carolina. Its also celebrating a pastor that has stood the test of time. He has done Amazing Things at this church. Let me tell you whats happened, whats occurred over the past 13 over the past 30 years. The church relocated in april of 2004 to an 84,000 square foot facility. It was 52 acres of land. Folks, i can tell you when the First Baptist church made that move, the land out there was a forest. You didnt see the shopping centers. You didnt see the fast food. You didnt see the service stations. The Clothing Stores that are there now. They took a chance on faith. And i will remember when the board took that vote, it wasnt a simple majority. They had had to have an 0 plus in agreement of the board to locate there. If thats not democracy, i dont know what is. They completed of the budget was 490,000. It increased to 2,637,000. They have had over 1500 baptisms. They sponsored the First American africanamerican congregation for membership in the York Baptist Association in 1994. They sponsored a second africanamerican congregation for membership in the York Baptist Association in 2017. Let me tell you about pastor hogg. 1958. Born in january 14, was born in kentucky. He was baptized and ordained in the First Baptist church of whitesburg, kentucky. Hes been pastor of the was bor. He Bethel Baptist church. Coalsom pastor of the baptist mission. The bus minister of the First Baptist church in contract c some of the honors and offices that he has devoted his time and talent to have been the South Carolina Baptist Convention where he was president from 1993 to 1994. He was president of the pastors conference. He was chairman of the united christian baccalaureate planning committee. On the billy graham carolina crusade executive committee. On the charter member of the city of rock hill, no room for racism board. Some of the new things he has started while at First Baptist church in rock hill was contemporary worship service, deaf minstrirks women and mens ministries. Television broadcast a morning worship service. He had Live Streaming of worship services. Sun beams day school. Conducted eight capital fund campaigns. Mr. Speaker, fellow members, i could go on and on, but this 30 years is something to remember. Its something that ought to be a milestone for the church, and it is. If anybody has stood the test of time, its been steve hogg and the First Baptist church. I commend the congregation. Its great day for our state. Its a great day for america. God bless america. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The chair recognizes the gentlewoman from florida, ms. Roslehtinen, for five minutes. Ms. Roslehtinen thank you. Permission to revise and extend. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Ms. Roslehtinen thank you so much, mr. Speaker. Two weeks ago human rights in my native homeland of cuba, known by one name, antunis, was detained in cuba on o his way to the airport. He was coming to speak at an event hosted by Freedom House and justice cuba right here in d. C. To educate the public on the brutal realities of what continues to occur every day in cuba. Instead castro sent his thugs to detain him and prevent him from boarding the plane. The regime promised him that he could travel if he only, quote, tempered his activism, end quote. Well, mr. Speaker, anyone who knows him who spent many a year in castros jails knows that he will not abandon his principles, nor should he ever be forced to do so. [speaking says, spanish] end quote, which means i wont stay silent. The castro regime wants to paint a picture that people on the island are free. That human rights abuses do not exist in cuba, but we know better. That is why it continues to be the day, every day, arbitrary arrests, beatings, stopping dissidents and activists from t speaking out, thats the menu every day. Reminding the world that they want what these activists want is freedom. That is really what transpires in castros cuba for dissidents. Our message to those brave fighters for freedom in cuba must be that were listening to their plight. That well stand with them in opposing castros evil rule. And that we have not forgotten about them. Or their continued fight for freedom and democracy. So i urge this administration to continue to undo the damage done by the Previous Administration and their failed policy toward cuba. I urge the administration to offer unequivocal support for the brave cuban people. They deserve our unwavering support, they deserve our solidarity. So that the people of cuba achieve what they have been seeking for decades and it is simple, mr. Speaker. Freedom, democracy, respect for human rights, respect for the rule of law. Open markets, liberty from communism. Mr. Speaker, in cuba, venezuela, and nicaragua leftist dictators refuse to follow the rule of law, circumventing or ignoring completely their constitutions to maintain their hold in open from communism. Power. This practice has now spread to bolivia where strong men morale less morales is taking a page from this playbook. In 2016 he proposed a constitutional referendum to eliminate term limits for president s so that he could run for a third term. But what happened in bolivia . The majority of the people said no. Hey went to the ballot box and this through their votes, referendum. This throughr votes, referendum. But what did morales do . He went to the court system hes already rigged in his favor to seek the outcome that he desired. Sure enough, his spineless granted him his wish, approved his illegitimate run for a fourth term, agreeing that this was his human granted him the only right apparently thats respected in bolivia, his human right to run for another term. Ignoring completely the human rights of millions who voted to uphold their laws under their constitution. The courts decision last week to lift constitutional limits on reelection should be disturbing to all of us and should serve as a wakeup call throughout the hemisphere. If we dont Pay Attention to bolivia, it will soon become another cuba, another venezuela. Failed states. The decision to allow morales to run for yet another term further erodes the Democratic Institutions in that country. Sadly, this was not the first time that morales or his thugs have chipped away at bolivias democratic foundations in order to remain in power. In 2013 the Constitutional Court allowed him to run for a third term. Stating that his first term didnt count. Do over, mulligan, because it occurred before the 2009 constitution took effect. What a farce. This was object oously a cynical political ploy and was obviously a cynical political ploy and should serve as a harbinger, and it was. Not to mention the ruling falls outside the courts mandate and evaluate compliance with the to interpret and evaluate compliance with the constitution. Responsible nations in our hemisphere, mr. Speaker, must not remain silent, nor and eval compliance with the to should t this esteemed body. We must speak out in support of the people of olivia bolivia to democratically elect their next leader. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of the bolivian people before there is another crisis should this esteemed of democracy in o hemisphere. Thank you, mr. Speaker. The speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time has expired. The chair now recognizes the gentlewoman from texas, ms. Jackson lee, for five minutes. Thank you very much, mr. Speaker. Thank you ve much, mr. Speaker. A few minutes ago in detroit the dean of the United States offered his retirement immediately. He has asked me, a member of the Judiciary Committee, to offer his words to his colleagues. And to again put this and to again put this statement in the record that indicates that hes notified speaker ryan, leader pelosi, and Governor Snyder of my retirement from the United States house of representatives. As i mportant to note begin that there is no no undermining of the rights of women and the abhorrence of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault. But as i begin this is a statement that believe should be read on behalf of the dean of the United States congress, mr. John conyers. As a member of congress i have known mr. Conyers does not shy away from a legislative challenge. In addition to being the first member toint dues the Martin Luther king holiday bill, he was to introduce the Martin Luther king holiday bill, he was the first to hold hearings on police misconduct, the first to exam the problem of solitary confinement. The first to offer racial profiling legislation. The first to introduce protecting against disenfranchisement of exfelons, and first to introduce legislation to protect black farmers from discrimination. Among many civil rights protect disenfranchisement of measures n 2007 representative conyers stood up for the prerogatives of the house of representatives, successfully brought a suit against a former president Bush White House for failing to comply with subpoenas related to u. S. Attorneys investigation. Hes been chairman of the Judiciary Committee and he will continue to stand for what is right. Its now my privilege to read this statement from mr. John conyers. I reiterate that he says that he notified speaker ryan, leader pelosi and governor from from his retirement the United States house of representatives. Its his honor and privilege to serve the constituents of detroit, michigan, as a United States congressman in the 13th and 14th congressional districts for 53 years. He came to congress this is his statement, again i came to congress in 1964. Since then i have devoted my entire career to improving the lives of my constituents in detroit on the on behalf of justice everywhere. These years witness a profound evolution in civil rights led by millions in the streets who marched for justice and people of conscience in the congress. Both democrats and republicans who heard them and enacted the civil rights act, the Voting Rights act and other landmark reforms. Have been in the forefront of the civil rights movement. Ive been a champion of justice for the oppressed and the disenfranchised. I never wavered in my commitment to justice and democracy. I am proud to have been part of that rich history. I have been privileged to be a founder of the Congressional Black Caucus and to represent the United States congress by being dean. I pass, as indicated, the law dealing with Martin Luther king jr. Holiday, the violence against women act, the hate crimes act, the extension of the Voting Rights act. I have led the fight against mandatory minute mums, hoping to reverse the devastating incarceration rates for africanamericans and poor people. I tried to pass a universal health care law, h. R. 676. Every Congress Since 1989, i have introduced h. R. 40, to study rep rations for slavery and i deeply appreciate those handful of courageous colleagues to join me. I am proud we have been able to accomplish to bring hundreds of millions of dollars in critical grants and federal funding for southeast michigan, to revitalize our great city, attract rich talent and return to us prosperity. I recognize that in this present environment, due process will not be afforded to me. I was taught by my great woman, my mother, to honor women. The first employ i ever hired was mrs. Rosa parks who worked in my office for 22 years. Its been my great honor to work alongside some of the most talented and honorable staff on capitol hill and in detroit. Ive stated my position on these allegations. Ive worked with both women and men. Given the totality of the circumstance, of not being afforded the right of due process in conjunction with Current Health conditions and to preserve my legacy and good name, i am retiring. I hope my retirement will be viewed in the larger perspective my record of service as i enter a new chapter. I pledge to continue my commitment to a progressive vision and butter future for this country i love. I owe that to the legacy of my father, john conyers sr. , who integrated labor. And my brother. To my loving wife monica and to my sons john iii, who i believe offers hope to this generation of leadership and committed to being an advocate of fairness d justice for all and call who never leaves my side. I dont want this to be distracted from their important work or the goals of the Democratic Party to be distracted. Its been an honor and a privilege of my life to represent the people of michigan in the house of representatives, but that responsibility will now fall to my colleagues and my successor. They have my deepest support and prayers. Jobs, justice and peace. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back. Pursuant to clause 12a of rule 1, the chair declares the house in recess until noon today. The house back at noon hills o debate six bills, including extending sanctions against venezuela officials. Being negotiated off the floor for debate this week, 2018 federal spending. Current spending runs out on friday. You will find all the action in the house on cspan. Republicans have been meeting today to talk about the agenda. A reporter reports Pete Sessions tells her a shortterm fix for 2018 federal spending will continue funding the government until the summer 22, and he expects house votes to her. The chair of the House Freedom caucus said about the extension, when the choice becomes past the funding bill we give you or stay in washington over christmas, how does that produce a good result and honest debate . It does not. From detroit news, a tweet from cspans producer about john conyers who has announced he is retargeting. The dean of the house and 27term democrat announced he will not seek election in 2018 on a radio show. Conyersses his son john iii to replace him. Outside the Supreme Court in oral arguments today in the case of a baker from colorado who refuse to make a wedding cake for a samesex couple. The Colorado Civil Rights Commission ruled it was discrimination when the baker turned away a samesex couple in 2012. The case will be decided by late june. Looking here outside the court we have been seeing people and protesters throughout the morning, and here is a look down the steps that you just saw from the Supreme Court at the folks assembled here. Carry the promise that no one else will because of who they are, not now, not ever. Regardless of what happens here today, regardless what the Court Decides later, we will win, and we will one day tell our grandchildren we are all great americans thank you. Applause]d [cheers] hate,s case is not about not about one person or one law. It is about the promise of the equality that is part of our country it is important america has been marching for generations. This is about real people, families, communities, and all of us. If that promise for quality is broken by those who think they under civil rights laws the stories of our families who have suffered through discrimination affects every aspect of their lives, from and powerfulh, examples of the harm that comes from this refusal to see us. Or any disfavored group. Discrimination, born of bigotry and fed by fear, is nothing new. The targets in this case happened to be a gay couple [indiscernible] to allow individuals discrimination in the public sphere [indiscernible] there was no exception for those who discriminate based on personal religious beliefs. Why . Because it would have undercut protections for all of us picked if individuals were to decide if they were bound to follow the law, for the victims of discrimination and their family and community, this thing of the in the committee and