Transcripts For CSPAN U.S. House Of Representatives U.S. House Of Representatives 20180129

Standards. These reforms are critical for providing our nations Banking Systems and the customers they serve, to protect our nations Banking Systems. This bill cleared the Financial Services committee with a strong bipartisan vote of 600. Im especially thankful of the bipartisan cooperation of my colleague from new york, mrs. Maloney, Ranking Member of the Capital Markets subcommittee. Id also like to thank chairman hensarling and newt ke myer for their leadership on this important issue. This is supported by the Financial Services round table and the American Bankers Association and their letters of support have been entered into the record. With that, i urge adoption of this bill and yelled back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The gentleman from colorado is recognized. Mr. Tipton i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 4292 as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative, the bill is passed mr. Speaker. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from colorado. Mr. Tipton on that, question the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays are requested. Those in favor of taking this vote by the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing until counted. A sufficient number having risen, the yeas and nays are ordered. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20 further proceedings on this uestion will be postponed. For what purpose does the gentleman from georgia seek recognition . I send to the desk a report from the committee on rules for filing urn the rule. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title. The clerk resolution provising for providing for consideration of the Senate Amendments to the bill o. H. 695 to amend the National Child protection act of 1993 to establish a National Criminal background check system and criminal history review program for certain individuals who, realed to their employment have access to children, the elderly or individuals with disabilities, and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore referred to the house calendar and ordered printed. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20 proceedings will resume on motions to suspend the rules previously postponed. Votes will be taken in the following order. 534, by the yeas and nation. H. R. 1457 by the yeas and nays. The first electronic vote will be conducted as a 15minute vote. Remaining electronic votes will be conducted as fiveminute votes. The Unfinished Business is the vote on the motion of the gentleman from texas, mr. Poe, to suspend the rules and and pass s. 534 as amended, on which the yeas and nays are ordered. The clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk senate 534, an act to prevent the sexual abuse of my no, sir and amateur athletes by requiring the prompt ror reporting of sexual abuse to Law Enforcement authorities and to other and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the rule as amended . Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a 15minute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc. , in cooperation with the United States house of representatives. Any use of the closedcaptioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u. S. House of representatives. ] the speaker pro tempore on this vote, the yeas are 406, the nays are 3, 2 3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. The Unfinished Business is the vote on the motion of the the gentleman from colorado, mr. Tipton, to suspend the rules and pass h. R. 1457 as amended on which the the yeas and nays are ordered. The clerk will report. The clerk h. R. 1457, a bill to establish requirements for use of a drivers license or personal identification card by certainly Financial Institutions for opening an account or obtaining a Financial Product or service and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill as amended. Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a fiveminute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc. , in cooperation with the United States house of representatives. Any use of the closedcaptioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u. S. House of representatives. ] the speaker pro tempore on this vote, the yeas are 396, the yeas the speaker pro tempore on this vote, the yay are 397, the nays are 8. 2 3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed, without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, the chair will postpone further proceedings today on the additional motion to suspend the rules if a recorded vote or the yeas and nays are ordered or if the vote is objected to under clause 6 of rule 20. The house will resume proceedings on the postponed uestion at a later time. He house will be in order. He house will be in order. Members will take their onversations from the floor. Members will clear the aisles nd the well. For what purpose does the gentleman from colorado seek recognition . I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 47 4792. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 4792, a bill to amend the securities and exchange act of 1934 to expand access to capital, for Small Businesses affected by hurricanes or other natch Natural Disasters and for other urposes. The speaker pro tempore the ouse will be in order. Members will clear the aisles. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from colorado, mr. Tipton and the gentlewoman from new york, ms. Velazquez, each will control 20 minutes. He house will be in order. Embers will be in order. The chair recognizes the gentleman from colorado. Mr. Tipton i ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this bill. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Tipton i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Tipton mr. Speaker, Small Businesses across the country are especially as a rule neble to Natural Disasters. Recent Natural Disasters like Hurricane Harvey in texas and the wildfires in california have left Small Businesses torn apart in their wake. Nationally, theres been a survey of 500 Small Businesses. In 2015 they found 75 of Small Businesses do not develop plans to be able to prepare for disasters. This means Small Businesses are nationally unprepared for Natural Disasters and are unlikely to experience a and are likely to experience a fair amount of difficulty in reopening their doors. A challenge in an already challenging time. Ms. Velazquezs bill, the Small Business access to capital after a Natural Disaster act, would relieve these difficulties by requiring the advocate for Small Business Capital Formation to identify challenge in securing capital for businesses affected by hurricanes or Natural Disasters. As a former Small Business owner and cochair of the Small Business caucus, i know firsthand the Economic Impact a Small Business can have on reeg that will and local economies they serve. In the wake of a Natural Disaster, Small Businesses that reopen and rebuild can have a major impact on helping the local economy recover. Mr. Speaker, a as a Small Business advocate who is already involved in communicating with Small Businesses, requiring the s. E. C. To study issues with access to capital after a Natural Disaster and report annually on its finding of common sense. Mr. Speaker, id like to commend ms. Velazquez for take thinking initiative on this important issue and id like to encourage my colleagues to support her legislation. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentlelady from new york is recognized. Ms. Velazquez i yield myself such time as i may consume. I want to start off by thanking both chairman hensarling and Ranking Member waters for working with me on this legislation and moving it onto the floor. This has truly been a bipartisan effort. My bill, h. R. 4792, the Small Business act stose capital after a Natural Disaster act is simple and straightforward. One of the most important functions of the s. E. C. s office of the advocate for Small Business Capital Formation is to develop proposals and recommend changes to congress that will promote the interests of Small Businesses and their investors, mitigate the problems, and help them secure act stose credit. When we created the advocates office in 2016, we specifically charged it with looking into the unique challenges facing minority and womenowned Small Businesses. My bill requires the advocate to now also consider the unique challenges that Small Businesses affect by hurricanes or other Natural Disasters have with securing act stose credit and work to promote their interests. I developed this legislation because as Ranking Member of the house Small Business committee i understand that Small Businesses are the lifeblood of many communities around the country and i have witnessed firsthand the terrible impact hurricanes and other Natural Disasters can have on the Economic Outlook for Small Businesses. For example, in 2012, Superstorm Sandy ripped through the tristate area and decimated many communities along the new ersey and new york coasts. New jersey was considered ground zero for the storm. Half a decade later, the areas chamber of commerce reports that the Small Businesses in that community are still trying to recover at a cost of 600 billion in lost reknews even at this point. For Small Businesses in puerto rico and the Virgin Islands trying to recover from the effects of Hurricane Maria, the situation is much worse. 2017 was the costliest year on record for weather and climate disasters in the United States and the effects of Hurricane Maria on puerto ricos Small Businesses are unprecedented. Nelson ramirez, president of the entral unido, a Small Business Advocacy Group in san juan, estimates 2 3 of the islands roughly 45,000 small and businesses have closed. At least temporarily. And as many as 10,000 will never reopen. Small and mid sized businesses represent 90 of the private companies on the island and about one third of the work force. In october, the puerto rican Retail Trade Association revealed that a study conducted by economists estimate that the islands Small Business sector will lose 8. 9 billion in a period of six months due to a lack of electricity on the island. But while the situation in puerto rico is unprecedented, this legislation is about more than just puerto rico or the Virgin Islands. Is legislation will serve to drag capital to other areas of our nation impacted by hurricanes an other natch ram disasters this past season, including texas, florida, the u. S. Virgin islands and california which is facing the effects of devastating wildfires and mudslides. For example, about 99 of the companies in houston are considered Small Businesses and most of them do not have the me Economic Resources as the states massive oil and medical industries. As a result, these businesses face a long and expensive road to recovery. This legislation seeks to shorten that distance for these businesses as well. Fema estimates that nearly 40 of Small Businesses never reopen after a disaster. Therefore developing strategies to drive private capital to a community Small Business to a communitys Small Businesses is one of the most efficient uses of private sector capital and one of the most effective ways we in the federal government can help an area recover. Nearly four months after Hurricane Maria, the puerto rican economy is at a near stand still and thousands of the islands Small Businesses are teetering towards insolvency. The businesses in southeast texas, florida, the Virgin Islands and california face tough situations as well. And we must do all that we can to help them recover. I again want to thank chairman hensarling and Ranking Member waters for working with me on this important legislation. Which passed our Committee Earlier this month on a wide bipartisan basis. 570. I also want to thank representatives green, sinema and plaskett for cosponsoring this legislation with me. I urge members to vote yes and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back the balance of her time. The gentleman from colorado. Mr. Tipton mr. Speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from colorado yields back. The question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill, h. R. 4792. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and, without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. The chair will now entertain requests for oneminute peeches. For what purpose does the gentleman from kentucky seek recognition . Without objection. Mr. Speaker, last tuesday, january 23, at 7 57 a. M. , shots erupted through the commons area of Marshall County high school in benton, kentucky. Take the lives of two students and wounding many orlse. The school is the cornerstone of life and activity and the incomprehensible events of last week have shaken the community to its core. In the aftermath of the devastation, a vast network of spirited, compassionate students and alumni have united to support and further strengthen the tightknit, Resilient Community of Marshall County. Comb comb as students and mr. Comer as students and faculty attempt to return to some semblance of normalcy this, were i am joined by my colleagues from the kentucky delegation to express this week, i am joined by my colleagues from the kentucky delegation tokes press our gratitude for the brave responders delegation to express our gratitude to the brave responders. We remember preston cope and bailey holt. Whose young lives were cut tragically short as well as their families and friends left behind. Please rise and join me in a Movement Silence to honor preston and bailey. The speaker pro tempore please rise. The house will have one moment of sigh one minute of silence. Amen. The gentleman is recognized. Mr. Comer thank you, mr. Speaker. Nd i yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from illinois rise . Seek recognition . To address the house for one minute, revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Speaker, since before his inauguration last year, President Trump, his administration and its allies have tested the independence and credibility of the f. B. I. Since the appointment of special counsel mueller, weve seen these efforts grow into an apparent attempt to stymie special counsel muellers investigation and protected administration from potentially being held accountable. Mr. Krishnamoorthi weve seen several pressure tactics employed, from the firing of former f. B. I. Director comey, the Ongoing Investigation into the f. B. I. s investigation of Hillary Clintons emails, and most recently reports of the president s attempt to fire special counsel mueller himself. This is a clear sign that Congress Must act to protect the independence and integrity of the special counsels investigation. I urge my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to come together in protecting the special counsel from baseless termination and ensuring that his investigation can follow the facts wherever they may lead. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from florida seek recognition . Ms. Roslehtinen i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute, revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized for one minute. Ms. Roslehtinen thank you, mr. Speaker. And i rise tonight to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the red cross in south florida. The red cross opened its first south florida chapter in 1918 in order to meet the demands of world war i. In the centuries since, its wonderful volunteers and Trained Personnel have valiantly responded to our most critical needs during Natural Disasters and other catastrophes. While this organization has significantly grown and expanded into five chapters, it still has remained true to its core mission. Which is to be a vital source of relief for disaster victims, while helping to prevent to prepare for and to respond to emergencies across 13 counties. Mr. Speaker, by caring for the most vulnerable members of our society, the local red cross chapter has become a corner stone of our south florida community. So today i would like to congratulate all of the wonderful staff and the volunteers of the south florida red cross for a century of dedication, of service and of excellence. Thank you for serving as stewards of the red cross legacy and for continuing to provide Compassionate Care to all who need it. Congratulations to all. Thank you, mr. Speaker. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back the balance of her time. For what purpose does the gentleman from illinois seek recognition . I ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute, revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to honor James Jim Carney for his Selfless Service to residents of the 10th district as a fire fighter in our community for more than two decades. Jim sadly passed away last month after a heroic 3 1 2year battle with cancer. He was a native of the 10th district, it attending Warren Township high school. After studying at columbia southern university, jim returned home to serve as oncall member of the newport township Fire Protection district and received his paramedic license. Slide slide later in mr. Schneider later in 2000, he earned the rank of lieutenant. Jim was both respected and beloved by his fellow firefighters. They remember him for his calm under pressure and for the welcome he extended to new members of the department. Jim was the kindest person you could ever meet and he showed everyone respect, recalled his close friend in the lincoln scheyer review. Jims memory is one of willing tons put his own life in danger to willingness to put his own live life in danger to save those of his neighbors and our community is incredibly grateful for his s. I offer my condolences to his wife and his children and many family, friends and colleagues who mourn his loss. And with that i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . I ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute, revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one inute. Last on mr. Speaker, week god called home a true con of katie, texas. Johnny nelson. Katy was a littleritis farm rice farming town when i moved there. It was forever changed by johnny. He served as our mayor from 1983 to 1987 and as our city administrator from 1994 to 2014. Glorious years for katy, texas. He was a force behind the katy mills mall and the katy heritage museum. A true texan, johnny was a rice farmer and a cattleman. And we all loved his trademark cigar and cowboy hat. Mr. Speaker, ill close my by paraphrasing another texas icon , coach of the houston oilers. Johnny nelson, may not be a class by himself. But whatever class hes in, it dont take long to call the roll. Thank you, johnny. Welcome home. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentleman from nevada seek recognition . The gentleman without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Kihuen mr. Speaker, today i rise to remember the life of sandy casey. Sandy had a great impact on the students and families she worked with as a special educate Teacher Education teacher at Manhattan Beach middle school. She was passionate about her work and committed to continuing her own learning. Sandy would take on new projects that came her way and she was devoted to all of her students. Sandy attended the route 91 Music Festival in las vegas with her fiance, chris, and her friend. She is remembered by her community as a funloving, freespirt free spirit who was a compassionate and loyal friend. I would like to extend my condolences to sandy caseys family and friends. The whole country grieve with you. Mr. Speaker, i yield the remaining balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentleman from minnesota seek recognition . Mr. Paulsen unanimous consent to address the house for one minute, revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Paulsen mr. Speaker, i want to congratulate bo allen, a High School Graduate and defensive tackle for the philadelphia eagles, who is now on his way to play in the super bowl of the. After a Strong Performance in the n. F. C. National championship game just a week ago. Minnatonka in om 2010. After graduating he went on to play for wisconsin and didnt miss a game in his four years on that team. Then in 2014 bo was the seventh round nfl pick and joined the eagles. He is a key member of the teams defensive line row tafplgtse the phillies defense is now ranked first against the run, fourth against the points allowed and fourth overall. As a vikings fan i was crushed that our season ended the way that it did. But its exciting to see someone from our community now being able to play in the super bowl. I look forward to seeing minute tonka represented on the field this sunday. Good luck, bo. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentlelady from ohio seek recognition . Ms. Kaptur i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute, to revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized for one minute. Ms. Kaptur mr. Speaker, i rise to call out our republican colleagues for still having Left Community Health Centers falling off of funding falling off a funding cliff for this year. Longterm funding for Community Health centers expired last september 30. These Health Centers serve more than 25 million patients in all states in this union and u. S. Territories and employ over 50,000 professionals in the health field nationwide. In ohio more than 85 of Health Center patients fall below 200 of the poverty line, the poorest of the poor. And in 2015 ohio Health Centers served over 600,000 patients. Over half a million. Dont our republican colleagues understand an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure . Community Health Centers remain the nations largest source of primary comprehensive care for medically underserved populations. They are fundamental to life in our communities and neighborhoods, whether they be urban, rural or smalltown. In 2015 america celebrated 50 years of the success of Community Health centers. This congress and its republican majority should not continue to let our constituents down who rely so heavily upon these Health Centers in life and death situations. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back. For what purpose does the gentleman from kansas seek recognition . I ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. I rise to celebrate kansas day and recognize my home states 157 years of statehood. It was accepted into the union as a free state in 1861. Kansas remains resilient and we work hard to meet the challenges of today. After all, our state motto means through the stars to the stars through difficulty. Mr. Marshall we have long been known for wheat product but our agriculture is now more diverse than ever. We are second in the nation in the number of cattle and cavs. Kansas leading the charge on research and inthe vation in agriculture, biosecurity, aviation, medicine and basketball. Mr. Speaker, the proof is in the puddle. Kansans are leaders and we have long history of producing innovators. Dears chrysler, amelia hart an bob dole are a few of the many kansan who was helped shape our society. I see the economic hardships our farmers and producers face but i also see pt my and hope. Im proud to represent my home state every day. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from new jersey seek recognition . Without objection the gentleman s recognized for one minute. Mr. Speaker, hard work pays off. Is now a douglas quarterback for the philadelphia eagles. This sunday hell play in the super bowl. Rasul is one of seven siblings raised by his grandmother he spent his first two years of college at Nassau Community college where he trekked 50 miles from home to class and practice every day. Slept on the floor and sometimes went hungry in pursuit of his dream. Rasul transfered to West Virginia university and was then selected by the eagles in the third round of the 2017 nfl draft. Mr. Speaker, Rasul Douglas success is a testament to how how far good work ethic can take you. Rasul is a shining star for young people in our district. Even a giants fan like me can recognize talent like his. I rise today to wish rasul and the eagles good luck in this weekends super bowl and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. For what purpose does the gentleman from arizona seek recognition . Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise to talk about the most aggressively progrowth tax reform package passed since the reagan administration. Each day we learn about a new business giving a bonus to employees or reinvesting in communities because of the tax relief. Today exxonmobil announced theyd invest an additional 50 million in the United States due to this law. Many americans are seeing the benefits of this. According to americans for tax reform, at least three million americans are receiving special tax reform bonuses and these successes are taking place long before tax reform has even been implemented fully. Most americans have yet to learn how much more money theyll see in their paychecks. Tax reform has placed us on the right course to keep our booming economy humming at a good clip and sets the trajectory for more Significant Growth in the future. I predict a very prosperous new year. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. For what purpose does the gentlelady from texas seek recognition . Without objection the gentlewoman is recognized for ne minute. Ms. Jackson lee mr. Speaker, just a couple of hours ago the republicans on the Intelligence Committee voted to release the nunes report. At the same time they voted not to allow the rebuttal offered by the democrats to be released. All i can say, mr. Speaker, as a member who has been through impeachment, federal judiciary and a president , not one time did i see any side track opportunities or efforts to dismantle that Ongoing Investigation. Were not in an impeachment proceeding. We have a special counsel that is attempting to prvide to the American People a detailed and thoughtful investigation. Why . The why the rule of law has been so obliterated by our republican friends and the idea of democracy and the protection of the institutions of this nation have been undermined, i am shocked. The American People are not clamoring for the destruction of the f. B. I. Nor are they clamoring for the destruction and undermining of special counsel muellers report. Let us stand for the principles of democracy and the constitution. This kind of undermining is dastardly and an embarrassment. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from illinois seek recognition . I ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to honor the life of tim nelson a bailiffed father, husband, community leader, and football coach who pass aid way on january 16, after a courageous battle against Colorectal Cancer since 2013. Despite spending weeks receiving treatment in the hospital and going in and out of remission, his resolve and bravery in his battle against this disease never wavered. The support he and his family received never wavered either. A member of the Calhoun High Schools 1992 state championship football team, tim served as head football coach at mar keth Catholic High School in alton and Dupo High School before returning to Calhoun High School as an assistant in 013. Each of these communities and the entire region never stopped rallying around tim and his family. I ask you to join me in keep his wife casey and young son crew in your thoughts and prayers. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. For what purpose does the gentleman from minnesota seek recognition . To address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Ellison i come before this body with a heavy heart, a friend of mine, mr. Paul booth, we lost him 10 days ago to lieu chemoyasm he dedicated his life to fairness, fairness for workers, fairness in all aspects of life. Paul booth was a leading advisor to nearly every Union President over the last several years at the American Federation of state, county, municipal employees. He also worked hard to lift up dignity in all aspects of his life. He was a student organizers and brought attention to the follow of the u. S. Involvement in the vietnam wash and he had been active in making americans lives better his entire life. He understood the very simple idea that working people have dignity and that they must be treated to reflect that dignity by their government. He also understood that the linkage between hard work and prosperity should always be close and tight and he recognized that in our country today you can work very hard and still only make it. Thats why he was one of the first people to work for a living wage policy in this country. He was fighting for a living wage before it was popular. Paul booth also happens to have a marvelous partner, heather booth, Everybody Knows heather, but i just want to say that when people who make a life of service pass from this life, its important that we recognize the tremendous debt we owe them. I want to thank paul and heather booth for their mentorship of me and for their service to our country. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. For what purpose does the gentleman from pennsylvania seek recognition . I ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to recognize a company in my district that is making a huge impact giving back to our community. Its a company thats been providing roofing in bucks count gisele brated its 10th holiday roof giveaway this past december. Mr. Fitzpatrick every year, theyve held a contest to provide a new roof to a deserving family in our community. This year they selected my constituent beverly bond who is an advocate for those who receive i. V. Infusions and tube feeding who i have had the hon nor of working with. Kanga roof view theirs roof giveaway as a way to give back to the community and make the community stronger. I would like to commend them on their commitment to our community and encourage all our nstituents to follow kanga roofs lead by giving back to our communityism yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. Any additional members seeking oneminute recognition . Seeing none, the chair announces the speaker reese speakers withdrawal of the following individual to the congressional award board on january 25, 2018. The clerk mr. Steve hart of washington, d. C. The speaker pro tempore the chair lays before the house the following personal requests. The clerk ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of texas for today and tomorrow and mr. Mcclintock of california for today and tomorrow. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the requests are granted. Under the speakers announced policy of january 3, 2017, the gentleman from florida, mr. Gaetz, is recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader. Mr. Gaetz thank you, mr. Speaker. I come to the house this evening with several of my colleagues, principally to thank judiciary chairman bob goodlatte, oversight chairman trey gowdy, intelligence chairman devin nunes for their tireless pursuit of the truth thravepls fourpage memo. Ive read it. Over 190 of my republican colleagues have read it. Some democrats have read it. Some have boycotted reading it. And it details circumstances that are deeply troubling to me and that i believe will be deeply troubling to many americans. But this memo encapsulates an entire year of work by these committees, by these Committee Chairmen and they are to be commended for the excellent job they have done for the professionalism that theyve undertaken, and for the stunning facts that theyve uncovered that will soon be available for the American People. Ill have more to say on this throughout the hour, mr. Speaker, but first id like to recognize one of my colleagues in the congress who was one of the first and loudest voices calling for transparency at the highest levels and to the maximum extent possible, ill yield such time as he may consume to mr. Zeldin of new york. Mr. Zeldin thank you to mr. Gaetz for organizing this important special order. To all my colleagues who are coming to the house floor tonight, encouraging the president of the United States now to certify the release of this memo to the American Public. The American Public is a lot smarter than a whole lot of other people give them credit for. Present them with the facts, the truth, and they can form their own independent judgment as to what transpired. That was the first thought that came to my mind when i went to the basement the week before last, the base ofment the house capitol, to read this classified memo of the House Intel Committee. This memo should be immediately released to the American Public so that they have all of the facts. In addition to releasing the memo, i believe its important to be releasing relevant aterial sourced in the memo. Now, tonight, the House Intel Committee voted to publicly release this memo to the American Public and at the same time, the House Democrats came to the committee calling for the desert the declassification and public release of their memo. Now let me add a little bit more context on this memo. That the House Democrats came to he floor asking to be released. They did not allow the voting members of the house intel mmittee to read the memo before voting to declassify and publicly release it. Let me repeat that. The House Democrats, led by Ranking Member adam schiff, went to the House Intel Committee tonight, calling for the public release of their memo. Asking for their colleagues to declassify the memo and publicly release it immediately without giving them the opportunity to read it first. I can speak for myself, i havent read the memo. That the House Democrats offered up tonight. I havent been granted any access to read it. Im not aware of any other of my colleagues who have been able to read it. Cant even confirm it exists now, after the committee meets, its fascinating to watch the minority members of the House Intel Committee going straight to the cameras from the hearing oom to give their narrative. At no point did they mention whatsoever when they were saying that they were outraged, that the majority member of that Committee Members of that committee didnt vote to publicly release that, at no point did they mention that they never gave them the opportunity to read it first. Now, what you dont see at the same time are the majority members of the House Intel Committee racing off to all of those same cameras to give their side of the narrative. The members of that House Intel Committee. Well, were what were asking for is for the American Public to get the facts so that they can form the judgment for themselves. Of this fisa abuse. I too applaud the leadership of mr. Nunes and the House Intel Committee for their work to restore faith with the American People. As a former Army Intelligence officer and j. A. G. Officer my sembings i understand the importance of giving our intelligence agencies the critical tools they need to protect our homeland, assist our troops on the front lines, and surveil our enemies. However, its critical that we strike a balance between National Security and civil liberty, to prevent any gross violation of individual liberties under the guise of National Security. Congress has the responsibility of ensuring an appropriate balance is struck and when it is not, the release of information we feel is in the National Interest and of public importance must get out. Today Congress Took an important step in making this possible. Americans deserve the truth. To pull the wool over the eyes of the American Public insults their intelligence and debases the freedoms and liberties on which our nation was founded. Government transparency and accountability should be neither partisan or divisive. I would urge my colleagues on either side of the aisle, including those who have made especially those who would have voted against its release, to evaluate, to reflect upon their position and come together united in favor of my belief, of our belief that the American Public is a lot smarter than many others give them credit for. Give them the facts and we have faith that they will be title of the bill form their own independent conclusions. Now its up to you, mr. President , i would encourage you to release the memo. I would also encourage you to release relevant materials sourced in it. Americans have the right to know. And if we as their elected representatives fail to stand up for them, who will . The only way forward so give the American Public more information, not less. Release the memo. And thank you again to congressman gaetz for your leadership throughout this entire process. And your efforts to making sure that the American Public learns more not less. Mr. Gaetz i thank the gentleman from new york for yielding back. And i thank him for his persuasive leadership. The gentleman from new york, mr. Zeldin, was one of the first to sign letters to members of the tense committee, and particularly its chairman to members of the Intelligence Committee, and particularly its chairman, to express that we support transparency that the gentleman spoke of. Now i would yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from colorado, mr. Lamborn. Mr. Lamborn i thank the gentleman from florida for yielding time. I also thank him for his leadership on this issue. And for putting this hour together. Mr. Speaker, i have reviewed the secret memo in a secure setting and after having reviewed the contents of the classified memo relating to fisa abuses, i support its full release to the public. Americans deserve the truth and congress should always strive for transparency. Im stunned at the previous administrations underhanded surveillance methods and misuse of power at the highest levels of the f. B. I. And department of justice. This should never have been permitted to happen. Moreover, all federal agencies, including the f. B. I. , should be held to a High Standard and always be held accountable for their actions. The issues that the memo raises must be brought to light and dealt with responsibly. So im pleased that the house Intelligence Committee voted tonight to release the memo, but our work does not end there. We must continually striving for integrity and openness strive for integrity and openness within all levels of government. Thank you, and i yield back the balance of my time. Mr. Gaetz i thank the gentleman for yielding back. Mr. Speaker, i would next like to yield such time as he may consume to my colleague who serves on the judiciary committee, whos worked very hard from the very golf swing to ascertain from the very beginning to ascertain the basis of claims made, a true investigator at heart, the gentleman from arizona, mr. Biggs. Mr. Biggs mr. Speaker, i thank my friend from florida for leading tonights special order. Its been an eyeopening year in office for me. And its an honor to swerve serve with representative gaetz on the judiciary committee, in the per suit of justice. And exact pursuit of justice. And exactly 11 nights ago, mr. Speaker, i walked into a secure vault, signed one of the most detailed nondisclosure documents ive ever seen, and viewed the memo. Everything i read was what i expected to read. That is what is outrageous to me. There was not much that i did not expect to find. So i thank chairman goodlatte, chairman gowdy, chairman nunes and members of the house Intelligence Committee who have now voted to present that memo to the public. I am looking forward to President Trump shortly declassifying permanently that memo. I have heard people say to me, you are eroding trust in government and in the finest Law Enforcement agency in the country, the f. B. I. With your continual attacks. But they dont understand. Were not attacking the f. B. I. We are seeking clarity, transparency and understanding of what went on under the leadership of the department of justice and the f. B. I. And the previous administration. To not reveal that to the public is what erodes trust in their government. Nothing in this memo will impair our National Security. But if we are to withhold this memo from the American People, i believe that instead that would harm our National Security. Because it would harm the integrity of those agencies and it would further erode the trust that americans have in their government. The American People deserve to see the information that i have read, that mr. Gaetz has read, and that over 100 members of congress have read. The leadership of chairman nunes has made it tremendous has made a tremendous difference and this truth will be exposed and i congratulate them. Mr. Speaker, this memo, this memo will provide clarity and understanding. This is the memo, when it gets out, where the American People will say, we need to make changes. We have got to have people in these Law Enforcement agencies that lead agencies, that lead these agencies in these bodies, be truth worthy. Who will follow the law. Who will not abuse their power for political gain or purpose. Mr. Speaker, i trust my constituents, and frankly in the last week i met with literally hundreds of my constituents. The most common talkedabout theme was when will that classified memo be released so i can read it, so i can make a determination, so i can understand what has been going on in our government . I am so pleased that the house Intelligence Committee voted today to answer their questions. And that question is, in short order youll be able to read this and make up your own mind. That is why i encourage President Trump to quickly declassify the memo. Again, i thank my colleague, representative gaetz, and all who have been working on this issue to make this open this memo open and transparent for the American People. And, mr. Speaker, i yield back. Mr. Gaetz i thank the gentleman for yielding back. I thank him for his service on the judiciary committee. Mr. Speaker, at this time i would yield such time as he may consume to another of my colleagues on the judiciary committee, the gentleman from texas, mr. Farenthold. Mr. Farenthold id like to thank the gentleman from florida. Hes definitely been a leader on this issue. And ive got to tell you, i too am happy. The Intelligence Committee has agreed to release the memo. When i was back home in texas last week, it was the number one issue people were talking to me about. And i want to take a minute and step back and do a little bit of a history lesson. The Fourth Amendment to our constitution erode arose from some of the abusive practices that were going on in the colonies. The king of england would send his troops to rifle through peoples effects without a warrant. And our Fourth Amendment said, were not going to let that happen. In these new United States of america. Were going to require the government to get a warrant before they go and go through peoples papers and were protected from illegal searches. And ive been worried since the first day i got here in congress that in our effort to protect ourselves and perhaps out of fear, some of it perhaps warranted, were eroding those rights. So as this memo comes out, regardless of whats in it, we need to be looking at the process. How we went to a secret court to get permission to get this information. How that information was gathered, what that information was, who vetted it, how thoroughly it was vetted, and how the judges reacted and eventually what came out and determined whether we need to reform that process to protect americans rights. Yes, we all have a right to know what is going on with our government. Yes, im worried about career bureaucrats who are elect or elected officials abusing the power of the government to get information on their political enemies, like the king was doing back in the days of the revolutionary war. So this is our opportunity to make sure that that doesnt happen in these United States. Lets not lose sight of what the issue is here. And that is protecting the American People. Not only from foreigners who look to do us harm. But also from an oppressive government who abuses their power to spy on american citizens. So im glad this memo is going to come out. I urge President Trump to promptly release it. And in fact to go beyond that. Look at some of the sources of the material in that. Determine that we can reveal some of those sources without jeopardizing our ability to gather intelligence and release the source material so we know what people knew when they made the decision to pursue this the material covered in this memo. I think this is a great time for this country. I think this is our opportunity to remind ourselves that we do have a right to be safe and secure in our persons and papers, from a government that may be trying to do more than protect us. Maybe some of these folks in the government have shifted from we need to protect america to a, well, the best way to protect america is to protect ourselves and our job and our political agenda. Thats not what the job of our Law Enforcement and Intelligence Community is. Its to protect us from those who want to do us harm. Especially foreigners. And i want to give them the power to do that and the ability to do that, but i do not want to give them the ability to change elections, to go after their political enemies, to spy on any one of us because they can. Human nature is such that if we give the government too much power, there are those who will abuse it. So we in congress have got to keep our eye on the ball at all times and protect the that our nal rights forefathers and Founding Fathers gave us and our men and women in uniform fight for every day that theyre in service to this country. With that, sir, i yield back. Mr. Gaetz i thank the gentleman from texas mr. Gaetz i yield to a fellow member of the judiciary committee, another of the first members of congress to demand the appointment of a Second Special counsel to look into matters such as this, the gentleman from iowa, mr. King. Mr. King i thank the gentleman from florida for yielding to me and i appreciate mr. Gaetz taking the lead. To bring a resolution to the House Judiciary Committee to call for a special counsel to more broadly investigate all the things that have been taken ace driven by Political Part sangship on the other side of