Transcripts For CSPAN House Session 20141209

Representatives. World so we can defend the the speaker pro tempore world . Pursuant to the order of the i repeat, is it not a symptom house of january 7, 2014, the chair will now recognize members from lists submitted by of senility to be boring from the majority and minority leaders for morning hour debate. The world so we can defend the the chair will alternate recognition between the parties with each party limited to one world . Mr. Speaker, that is so hour and each member other than prophetic and i thank pat the majority and minority leaders and minority whip buchanan for trying to wake up congress before its too late. Limited to five minutes but in. No event shall debate continue mr. Speaker, finally, i have a beyond 11 50 a. M. Poster beside me of uncle sam the chair recognizes the and uncle sam says, i want you. Gentlewoman from florida, ms. Roslehtinen, for five minutes. I want you to understand that ms. Roslehtinen thank you, if you cannot afford to take mr. Speaker. Just 90 miles from u. S. Shores, care of your veterans, you the most repressive human cannot afford to go to war. Rights abuses in our hemisphere that, again, is what pat are being perpetrated by a regime that has shown no buchanan is saying. And, mr. Speaker, those of us respect for human life, and in congress in both parties need to understand that we have that will never change as long a constitutional responsibility as the castro brothers and to not commit our young men and their kind remain in power in cuba. Women to fight and die and be every day these brutal thugs continue to repress 11 million wounded unless we debate the cubans who yearn for freedom policy on the floor of the and the respect of their basic house. And with that, mr. Speaker, i human rights. But the regime isnt just the ask god to please bless our men and women in uniform and their threat to the people of cuba, families and please, god, they also operate within the continue to bless america, and United States with i yield back the balance of my time. Sophisticated espionage trade the speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. Craft and allies of our worst the chair recognizes the gentleman from california, mr. Enemies. We have but to remember the schiff, for five minutes. Story of anna mon at the, a mr. Schiff mr. Speaker, equal Senior Analyst in our defense justice under the law, impartially and uniformerly intelligence agency. Applied has been for more than anna was one of the master two centuries the ideological minds of cuba intelligence in underpinning of american the u. S. She was a top spy for the democracy. But from the beginning, the castro regime and undermined noblist aspiration has been u. S. Foreign policy efforts intertwined with our struggle with race, a battle that has throughout the world due to her sometimes come to define our nation and to divide it in ways nefarious espionage activities. Shes certainly serving a long that too often cleeve us still sentence in texas. Castro also harbors fugitives today. 150 years since the emancipation proclamation and from u. S. Law such as jo ann, half a century after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, formerly shes a new jersey cop killer ended jim crow, our president , and earned the terrible his attorney general, secretary distinction of being the first of Homeland Security and National Security advisor are woman on the f. B. I. s most all africanamerican. Wanted list of terrorists. Blacks are now prominent in castro went to every facet of american life. But much of this has occurred during my lifetime because people marched and sat, voted iran and met with iranian and demanded greater equality. Supreme leader could he haney and castro said at that time yet, despite the progress, equal justice under the law is not the reality for too many of khomeini and castro said at our fellow citizens, and that time cuba and iran will bring america to its knees. Injustice continues to limit their lives and their its a few examples of why it livelihoods in ways that are is imperative for the obama difficult for many White Administration to get tough americans to comprehend. With castro. Not only to protects our National Security interests, inequality manifested itself at but also to extend a helpful every wrung of the criminal hand to the prodemocracy leaders on the island who are Justice System but its most deadly consequences are to be struggling for freedom. The cuban regime continues to found in the encounters of young men of color with the repress independent police. Journalists, human rights ive seen the video of eric activists, and commits garner in new york and watched arbitrary detentions every day the tragedy in ferguson in the all to thwart any attempt at aftermath of the shooting of Michael Brown. The exercise of freedom of the agony of those families and expression. The anger of their communities i will show you just a few of the names and faces of the have rightfully moved the voices of those opposition nation. Sadly, they are not alone. Leaders in the push for freedom the deaths of eric garner and on the island and each deserves Michael Brown grabbed national the attention of this body. Headlines but decades of strife between police and many poor mr. Speaker, this is the leader and minority neighborhoods have resulted in an endemic mistrust of a movement called ladies in white. Of Law Enforcement there. A group of women tirelessly almost completely foreign to much america, the talk, it is a advocating for the release of Political Prisoners in cuba. Ritual that plays out in black these courageous women walk to and brown households across our nation every day as parents mass, peacefully holding up flowers, and are met with teach their Young Children about the special dangers they brutal attacks by castros face with Law Enforcement. State security. As a father to hear that is heartbreaking. As someone who has long worked they became the leader of this organization after the death of with and on behalf of law her predecessor. Enforcement and has deep respect for the bravery, integrity of so many that wear the uniform, its a call to action. Laura started this movement in first in the months since the cuba and died under mysterious Michael Brown shooting, i pressed for greater deployment causes in october, 2011, and to body worn cameras to police many of them many people in departments across the country, the island and outside have an idea that the president has blamed the castro regime for now endorsed. Her unfortunate and suspicious its a path to greater circumstances of her passing. Transparency and accountability. Second, since cameras alone we also have many prodemocracy will not bridge the chasm of leaders who are still languishing in cuban jails. Mistrust between many and these are some of their communities of color and faces. Police, we must invest in a this first young man, his name 21st Century Police department. Is angel, hes also known as it requires Mutual Respect another face of repression on between the community and the the island. Angel was arrested in march for police. Criticizing the castro regimes and diversifying Police Forces so they are more reflective of brutal human rights abuses and the communities they patrol and the oppression of 11 million of improving the training of his fellow countrymen. Officers to reduce the to this day he remains in likelihood of violent prison nor for the mere confrontations are essential. This will not be accomplished crime of expressing his right overnight and generations of to address grievances through injustice have left these rhyme. Scars. So the third leg of any effort then there is the face of sonia must be enforced by oversight , another member of the ladies through the department of in white. Justice, which has a long record of working with state sonia and her husband were arrested two years ago in a and local agencies to modernize violent raid. And improve practices and her trial has been suspended behavior. Four times without an we ask a lot from our Police Explanation or any reason being and have a difficultnd a who given. Along with sonia fighting for have a difficult and dangerous the causes of freedom and liberty is this young man, job and we grant them enormous power, including the right to take a life under certain jorge, who has been in prison circumstances. It is not only proper that we insist this power is used in cass free throws gulag for impartially and as the last nearly castros gulag for 17 resort. It is fundamental to a just society. Years. Him and his wife have been in the 1951 speech to the new assaulted and beaten by state york legal aid society, the Security Forces and their scars tell a story of resilience and great injuriesist, jurist, commitment to the cause of freedom on the island. It is the daily, it is the they are free now, but one does small, it is the cumulative not know for how long. Injuries of Little People that we are here to protect. Lastly, mr. Speaker, there is if we are able to keep our the case of juan carlos, democracy, there must be one another Freedom Fighter id like to highlight. Commandment, thou shall not hes a lawyer who is blind. He has been spent years ration justice. 63 years later, eric garner defending the human rights of the cuban people. These are just a few of the hauntingly invoked hand when he faces of the prohuman rights pleaded in vain, every time you activists in cuba, mr. Speaker. See me you want to mess with i could not possibly cover the me. Im tired of it. Face of every single dissident it stops today. On the island, but these faces im minding my own business, officer. Im minding my own business. Are representative of the horrors of the cuban regime and please, just leave me alone. The horrors that liberty mr. Speaker, it must stop fighters face every day. Today. I yield back. And that is why, mr. Speaker, the speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. It is our moral obligation to stand in solidarity with these the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from North Carolina, ms. Foxx, for five prodemocracy activists and be minutes. A voice for 11 Million People who are being oppressed and ms. Foxx thank you, mr. Silenced in cuba. Thank you, mr. Speaker, for speaker. This opportunity. Last week the house passed the speaker pro tempore the legislation to extend a number gentleladys time has expired. The chair recognizes the of individual and business tax gentleman from oregon, mr. Braur, for five minutes. Provisions that expired mr. Blumenauer, for five minutes. Mr. Blumenauer thank you, mr. December 31, threen. Speaker. It would reinstate the programs yesterday by unanimous consent retroactively and extend them motion from my friend and the through the end of 2014. Bills republican lead, ted as a former Small Business poe, the house passed h. R. Owner, i recognize the tremendous costs that federal policy can have on american 2901, our paul simon water for businesses and believe the the world act. It was almost anticlimactic temporary extension of many of these tax breaks is necessary. Considering all the ins and however, ive long been a uts its taken for years to be consistent and vocal supporter of simplifying the tax code and able to hammer out the details decreasing the tax burden of necessary to take the next step hardworking americans. In reform of the the hard work if you listen to the political was worth it making our efforts discussion in our country very to have the United States embrace its responsibility to long, youll inevitably hear some liberal lawmakers repeat help the world deal with our water and sanitation crisis. One of their favorite lines, and make no mistake about it, that all of our countrys budget problems would be solved it is a crisis. If only we increased taxes. Oday 152 million hours will be but our old friend across the pond, mr. Churchill, once said, spent by women and girls to get a nation trying to tax itself water. Often dirty polluted water to into prosperity is like a man meet the basic needs of their families. Standing in a bucket trying to lift himself up by the handle. Almost three quarter billion history has shown the truth of people still lack access to this statement. This fundamental necessity of increasing taxes increases life. Theres an even greater crisis Government Spending and crowds out private sector investment, with inadequate sanitation. Diminishing our prosperity. There are approximately 2 1 2 it is ridiculous that americans billion people who suffer from this lack of what most of us take for granted. Labor an average 111 days just it results in horrific disease, to make enough to pay the stunted growth, even government before starting to malnutrition. In fact, the children under 5 keep what they earn for the who are malnourished in india year. At 70,000 pages long, the u. S. Are suffering less from a lack of food and more from the tax code is also far too diseases produced by poor complicated. It is almost five times wordier sanitation. The children who do survive are than the bible, minus the grace left with mental and physical and mercy. Burdens for their entire life. Its so complex and in a world where there are more intimidating that the majority of americans pay good money cell phones than toilets, this just to have someone else tell is something that we can do them how much the government is going to take from them. Something about. Its seriously out of kilter. It is also important that we reduce the number of loopholes the world knows what to do and we can afford a solution. In the tax code, which is why i voted for the budget proposals the enactment of the water for the world legislation moves us introduced by chairman ryan since republicans regained the in that direction by focusing majority in the house of representatives in 2011. The United States efforts on things that will work. These path to prosperity areas of the world most in need budgets provide for and making sure our solutions comprehensive tax reform, close loopholes and make our country are sustainable. I deeply appreciate the more economically competitive. Leadership of my friend, the simple truth is that united colleague, and colead on the states has the highest bill, ted poe, whos been Corporate Tax rate in the tireless in his efforts. The work of chairman royce and developed world. Continuing to make it more the Foreign Affairs committee expensive to do business in the are partners in the other body, u. S. Than elsewhere in the world will not encourage senators dick durbin and bob companies to operate and keep corker, and of course dozens of jobs in this country. Nongovernmental organizations as we move forward with that have been at work around the globe making progress while comprehensive tax reform in the they have been unrelenting 114th congress, it is vital advocates here at home. That we enact policies that strengthen and stabilize our i must also acknowledge the tireless efforts of my economy as well as give legislative director, michael individuals and businesses herald, whos done as much as longterm certainty. I yield back, mr. Speaker. Any human alive to get this across the finish line. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back. Mr. Speaker, this is an amazing the chair recognizes the and important accomplishment, gentleman from tennessee, mr. And it makes me pause. Cohen, for five minutes. Mr. Cohen thank you, mr. Speaker. What else could we do in the thank you, mr. Speaker. Spirit of bipartisan yesterday, there was a vote by cooperation in doing whats the Major League Baseball right . Might it be possible to take a committee on who should be inducted into the hall of fame small step, show a little courage, and embrace what from a particular area. One of the players who was up Ronald Reagan and tip oneill for consideration and could do over 30 years ago . Unfortunately wasnt chosen was president reagan used his radio minnie minosa. Address on thanksgiving 32 years ago to provide leadership and it reminded me of the debt i owe him. To more than double the gas tax. He was the first latin american which he correctly pointed out was really a user fee and which baseball player and in 1954 in memphis, tennessee, a town i had not increased in 23 years. Was born in and a town in the southern United States that was while roads were falling apart. Especially a part of the jim crow era, i went to a baseball well, the current gas tax has me, an exhibition baseball not been increased in almost 22 years and america is falling game and i was on crutches apart and falling behind. Because i had polio and i had a Chicago White sox cap on and a the Highway Trust Fund is going Chicago White sox tshirt and a bankrupt. Everyone acknowledges an player came to give me a baseball from the opposing increase is long overdue with gass lean prices falling team, the st. Louis cardinals. And i thanked him and went and dramatically, seemingly every told my father and we came down week, and are expected to to thank him. He said, dont thank me. Continue doing so well into the thank that player over there. He was the blackest player on foreseeable future. A nickel a gallon per year is the field, number nine, minnie hardly going to be noticed. But as president reagan pointed minoso. He didnt feel comfortable nf out, people will directly 1955 to give me in 1955 to give me the baseball and yet he benefit. Today poor road maintenance was the player with the most compassionate heart and cost the typical family 377 humanity on the field because that was the segregated south. He became my hero and i per year in damage to their followed his career and became cars, far more than they would friends with him. Pay in a small increase in the gas tax. Millions of hours and billions we exchanged gifts when he came to memphis and i went to of dollars are wasted due to chicago. In 1960 he was staying at the highway congestion. Lorraine motel, the segregated so lets square our shoulders. Lets show some backbone and africanamerican hotel in memphis because african, cuban, vision and take another step forward. Lets raise the user fee we latin players, africanamerican call the gas tax, put hundreds wasnt allowed at the peabody of thousands of people to work hotel where others were. All across america at i couldnt believe my baseball hero and great allstar was familywage jobs, and renew and staying at the lorraine, which happens to be where dr. King rebuild this great country. Was murdered. This would be a nice christmas but thats where he had to present that americans will enjoy for years to come. Stay. I learned about segregation from living in memphis and from being befriended by minnie the speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. Minoso. The gentleman from recognizes the separation of people by race, that period of jim crow the gentleman from North Carolina, mr. Jones, for five minutes. Mr. Jones a recent article and previous slavery, which insisted in this country of 250 titled, down the opiate rat years, slavery, 100 some odd hole. Mr. Simon writes about afghanistan and i quote, if you years of jim crow, still pervades this country. Spent 13 years pounding money there are lingering down a rat hole with little to consequences which must be show for it, you might wake up dealt with. Mr. Schiff well addressed them. One morning and say, hey, im much must be done and law going to stop pounding money down the rat hole. Enforcement and criminal in unfortunately, the united Law Enforcement and criminal States Government does not justice but also in education think this way. And opportunities for jobs mr. Speaker, last week we passed a 585 billion bill which people dont have today in the south and many other places in inner cities. Known as the defense bill with a large percentage of that so as i think about minoso and money going into overseas contingencies, afghanistan, segregation and the effect its iraq, and syria. I question how much damage this had in america, we havent overcome it. Bill causes our military active some write about it and get duty and our retirees. Recognition, people read their let me quote from lloyd, a books. Tiny wrote in the atlantic, former prosecutor and spokesman for the keep your promise Edward Baptist has wrote about the benefits that america has alliance. Got from the slave trade and an Online Coalition of military families and organizations. How many people made money from it, shipping cotton, making she said, and i quote, this is the second christmas in a row clothes, ensuring the slave trade. It was the great economic that National Leaders have benefit of this country and tried to cut military pay made this country great, all on benefits, earned benefits should not even be on the table slavery. Edward baptist writes it well. When entitlement budgets soar and Michelle Alexander writes in the new jim crow and the and other budgets are billions incarceration rates of of dollars over the budget. Africanamericans. I did not vote for the ndaa that is wrongfully high, and if bill. Youre africanamerican, the it was 1,648 pages. Likelihood youre going to be arrested and incarcerated so we did not have enough time to much higher than a caucasian read and comprehend the for living in the same society contents of the bill. And doing the same things. In a recent article in the we must put an end to jacksonville daily news regarding my novote on this discrimination and all in all its forms and fashions. Bill, mike haden, a retired air in the criminal Justice System, sentencing reform needs to take force colonel and present place. Director of governmental in the criminal Justice System, we need to see that law relations for military Officers Association of america, known enforcement agencies and as more, said, and i quote, an prosecutions of Law Enforcement officers are done transparently and fairly and justly. E5 Service Member would lose more than 800 in purchasing and that americans continue to have faith that this is the power annually when the bill home of the land home of the takes effect. This is going to cost them a free and land of the brave and a month just 600 one that people should get equal justice in as planned by our Founding Fathers but never quite implemented. In pay. I yield back the balance of my in the same article, jim, a time. The speaker pro tempore the retired marine living in gentleman yields back. Jacksonville, and serves as a the chair recognizes the senior Vice Commander of the gentlelady from alabama, mrs. Local d. A. V. Chapter said, that roby, for five minutes. Mrs. Roby thank you, mr. Cuts could adversely affect speaker. I rise today to discuss mental military families. Health services for veterans. Charlie brown, a Quarter Master as you know, physical injuries for the v. F. W. Agreed with are not the only ones endured in war. Many soldiers return home with wounds that we cannot see. For some veterans, the psychological trauma endured on the battlefield affects them and their families long after the shots stop firing. Of the two million americans who served in combat in iraq or afghanistan, as many as 300,000 meet criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder. Another 300,000 may have suffered a traumatic brain injury. Mr. Speaker, for these service men and women, access to Quality Mental Health care is crucial. So imagine being one of these soldiers who recently returned home with the lasting psychological effects that so commonly result from war. Now, imagine that in seeking treatment from the v. A. Youre forced to go 67 days without an appointment. 67 days is the new average wait time for new Mental Health patients at the Central Alabama v. A. And mr. Speaker, that number has gotten worse. In may, the wait time for new Mental Health patients was 57 days. Administrators claim that scheduling and labeling errors have contributed to making the problem appear worse on paper than it actually is, but if after all of this time we havent figured out how to properly schedule patients at the v. A. , we have worse problems than i thought. I dont expect it to magically improve overnight, but we shouldnt be moving in the wrong direction. My primary focus is improving care for veterans in alabama. There are ways we can do it. I am eager, eager to see greater utilization of patientcentered Community Care program, otherwise known as pc3, which connect veteran patients and specialists. It makes no sense to make a veteran wait two months for an appointment when we can refer them to an outside provider right away. I believe pc3 is a difference maker, and i will continue to insist the v. A. Leadership utilized it on the Mental Health side. Mr. Speaker, a twomonth wait for Mental Health patients at the v. A. Is obviously a disservice to our veterans. But it is also a major safety concern for veterans, their families, and the public. It might be uncomfortable to talk about, but the fact is we have a very high suicide rate among veterans. 22 veterans commit suicide every day. Its even higher for young male veterans, the very type returning home right now from war. The last thing we should do is make it harder for veterans to get the treatment that they need. Thats why i rise today in support of h. R. 5059, the clay hunt Suicide Prevention act. This bipartisan bill aims to, number one, increase access to Mental Health care for veterans. Number two, better meet the demand. And number three, improve the accountability of Suicide Prevention efforts through the department of defense and the v. A. The bill is named for clay hunt, a marine veteran who served in iraq and afghanistan earning the purple heart. He was diagnosed with ptsd and actually worked to raise awareness about problems facing people like him returning home from combat. Like many veterans, clay ran into roadblocks in his efforts to access care for his ptsd. I encourage everyone to look up clay hunts full story and read about the difficulty that he faced getting needed care from the v. A. For some brethrens it might sound all too familiar. On march 31, 2011, at the age of 28, clay took his own life. Clays story is sad, it is disheartening, it is infuriating, but what clays story is not, its not uncommon enough. 22 veterans a day. Mr. Speaker, we have a long way to go as a nation in making sure veterans in need of Mental Health care are not left behind. Lets start this week by passing the clay hunt Suicide Prevention act. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back. The chair recognizes the gentleman from texas, mr. Gallego, for five minutes. Mr. Gallego thank you, mr. Speaker. Rise today to honor palo aalto college on the south side of san antonio. It has been meeting the needs of First Generation College students in san antonio, in the san antonio area and surrounding communities and in doing so it prepares students for a fouryear Degree Program or enter the work force with the skills and training necessary to strengthen the future of san antonio, bear county, and the 23rd district of texas. It was officially chartered by the state of texas in 1983. Two years later in 1985 it began offering its first classes and since then it has quickly grown with the city of san antonio. In 1991, because of its deep roots in the Hispanic Community and its dedication to helping hispanic families overcome common barriers to Higher Education, pallo aalto college was named an Hispanic Serving Institution by the federal government. Today it serves over 8,000 students and offers 95 relative academic programs that move the country forward. Programs including criminal justice and Aviation Technology among others. It also works very closely with employers like toyota to be sure that its students are receiving cuttingedge training and ensuring that college can meet the demands of texas energy production, it also covers programs in oil and gas technology. T is ably red by dr. Mike, who worked his way up through each of the three Vice President positions, and he served the community for over 19 years. Where others have provided lip service, they have found success. With a Firm Understanding of the promise our nation made to its veterans, it is committed to ensuring Higher Education remains accessible to veterans and active Duty Service Men and women alike. It has been listed among the top 20 of schools that support veteran education. It has an incredible network of people and Resources Available to serve veterans. Al toe pallo palo college. They also play a fundamental role in the success of many individuals in our community and its impact will be seen for many generations. Whether its providing a Second Chance to nontraditional students through its g. E. D. Programs, or whether its preparing students for the next level of education. Palo aalto college is there to meet the needs of the community and help families achieve prosperity. I congratulate them on its upcoming birthday of 30 years of Educational Excellence and i thank them for their continued commitment to ensure education remains accessible. Their mission to provide relevant and needed Educational Opportunities is admirable. I look forward to seeing the many successes of those who passthrough the doors of palo aalto college. Mr. Speaker, i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The chair recognizes the gentleman from virginia, mr. Rigell, for five minutes. Mr. Rigell thank you, mr. Speaker. It is a special and high honor to be in this chamber, the peoples house, to honor and remember and pay respectful tribute to a most remarkable american, true patriot, one of the finest marines ive ever known. Master Gunnery Sergeant jimmy hargrove. Dear friend of mine and my family. Jimmy was enlisted, hes an enlisted marine and this is my father, ike, hes also an enlisted marine. Hes doing great at the age of 91. Hes an evow jima veteran. Theres something about enlisted marines, when we meet each other, we often ask are you a paris island marine, as i was. If you were you usually give the alternate as this or are you a hollywood marine . That is did you go through boot camp in san diego . Well, that applies, that question does, to virtually all enlisted marines, but there are some who that question really doesnt apply to because the answer is neither paris island nor san diego. But its a different place that they went to boot camp. Month ford point, North Carolina. Rom 1942 to 1949, 20,000 young africanamerican men, young black men from across our country, like jimmy, didnt go to paris island or san diego, he went to Montford Point, thats where he endured the training that defines and shapes and molds young men and women now in the marines. Fully segregated unit. These marines have gone on to fight in our nations battles. Jimmy, for example, fought in korea and vietnam. Some have been grievously wounded. Many gave the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. So it is fitting and proper, mr. Speaker, when in 2012 this body and the Senate Unanimously passed legislation which president obama then signed to law which gave to all montford marines, surviving marines, the congressional gold medal. It was a privilege to be at that ceremony. And jimmy took great pride in this and he was there as well with his family, his wife. There is no question, mr. Speaker, we are a better, stronger, and safer america because of our Montford Point marines. And we are a better, safer, stronger america because of the life of jimmy hargrove. This picture from 2013 at the marine corps ball is one of my favorite pictures. It shows the bond between two marines. Really one generation to the next. I consider it an honor to pay tribute to him today and yesterday jimmy was laid to rest in arlington. And its fitting that hes there in arlington, and eternal rest. When i really remember about jimmy and think about is its not pictured in this picture, but his smile. Jimmys smile, he was always so optimistic. Though he knew the bitter fruit of segregation, he himself was not bitter. He was fully optimistic about our nation and he fought for our nation even after his retirement. He engaged in shaping Public Policy and shaping the way our country is headed. I deeply respect him for this. The call yield to but chose to continue to fight for his country. We marines are a proud lot. Its even embeded in our marine corps hymn. Last verse says it. They find the streets are guarded by United States marines. So i really think of jimmy as still being on duty. And in heaven as well. Hes a man of deep faith. So i would say to my friend and respect for his life and his service to our country, id say, master gun hargrove, mission accomplished. Job welldone, marine. Semper fi. May god grant eternal rest to this fine american. May god also provide a special measure of comfort and grace to his wife and their entire family. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The chairlogical 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 passed s. 2142, cited as the venezuela defense of human rights and Civil Society act of 2014 which the concurrence of the house is requested. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to clause 12a of rule 1, the chair declares the house in recess the house will debate in other bills on veterans Mental Health bill. The Senate Voting on nominations right now. Also coming up in 15 minutes from now, Intelligence Committee chair Dianne Feinstein will come to the floor and talk about the relief of interrogation and detention program. John mccain it effective to respond to her remarks at noon eastern. A report is released today. You can see the sun alive on cspan2. Senator feinstein scheduled or 11 00. The head for the centers for medicare and medicaid services. Thatan watch coverage of right now on cspan3. We have a look at what is happening on that committee this morning and that hearing with a reporter this morning. Expected, i want to turn to Michael Doyle with mcclatchy. He joins us on the phone. First what, can we expect from the report . What are the details that will be in it . Guest the report itself will not be made public. And its going to stay classified. Whats coming out is the executive summary. Its about 500 pages thats thought to include about 200 pages of a fair tiff with conclusions as to the efficacy of the enhanced Interrogation Program and it will include about 20 case studies of the exact treatment doled out to suspected terrorists. Host can you talk about the history of the executive summary . This is something thats a expected to be pretty highly redacted, correct . Guest well, yes. The Senate Select committee on intelligent democrats who thored and commissioned the expensive negotiations with the c. I. A. Through the white house to figure out what can be made public and what cannot be. This has gotten down to a granular level of detail. Its to the point of the administration seeking to remove even pseudonyms to c. I. A. Officer involved with the program. So its been a matter of many, many months. The original proposed redacted version from the administration back in august was criticized by Senate Democrats as being blocking out essential information. So theres been a considerable back and forth going back months and lasting up until recent days, even. Host and Dianne Feinstein was hoping to release this report back in the fall, correct . Guest thats correct. And the reason theres been this consistent delay in the release has been disagreement over what can be made reasonably public and what should remain secret. So this has been a very long and drawn out process to get to where we are today with the release of the report. Host and some reports over the weekend that secretary kerry contacted chairwoman feinstein to express some concerns. Do we know what was said in that conversation . Guest its a funny question because the original report from bloomberg said that secretary kerry called senator feinstein to ask her to consider delay or delay release of the report. The reality of the conversation sounds like it was more subtle than that. The secretary of state raised with the senator questions about Foreign Policy of the case noted, evidently, the importance of foreign alliances, made note of the u. S. Hostages. In reading between the lines, one can see that the secretary of state was raising concerns and suggesting by implication that a delay might be considered but it does not sound like he explicitly asked the senator to delay the report. He led her to that conclusion on her own. Host what are do we know about preparations at military securities at diplomatic posts today . Guest over the last 24 or 48 hours, the white house and pentagon had made clear theres a heightened sense of alert and it sounds like theyve been bracing for some reaction, particularly in mideast countries as the details come out. It will be interesting because the overall thrust of the report has been well reported. We know that the c. I. A. Engaged in brutal interrogation techniques. We know that they used overseas prisons from Eastern European countries. And so how the exact level of detail will incite riots or violence is a little unclear. But the administration is taking no chances and has put people on a higher state of alert. Host is there such thing as better times to release this report right now with everything thats going on in syria, in iraq right now . A here a better time given potential time frame of when it could be released . Guest no. There is no better time. There is always going to be the potential for violence. The question really comes down to should it be released or not . And when it is released, theres very possibly going to be some Foreign Policy consequences, some price to be paid. Its hard to imagine there being a better time for this to come out or a worse time. And the determination by the Senate Democrats is that it must come out for the public to weigh what happened in the past and help that guide future decision makings. Host Michael Doyle is a legal a bill to fund the government is coming up. We spoke with a reporter on the detention program. We spoke with a member of congress. But we are joined by david price. A democrat from North Carolina. Serves on the subcommittee of Homeland Security. He joins us before the clock ticks down on the current funding bill. Lets talk about the current g. O. P. Proposal to fund all of the government through 2015 except for Homeland Security, which would be on a much tighter leash. Where do you stand on that plan . Guest i think its a bad plan. It is aimed at making a political point about immigration and about the president s executive action on immigration. Its a strange way to poke the president in the eye though because what theyre doing, in effect, by breaking out the Homeland Security appropriations bill and putting it on automatic pilot, so to speak, is to in effect, cut hundreds of millions of dollars from the very functions that they want to protect. But this freeze in place, funding for Border Security for Immigration Enforcement. It will almost certainly delay the upgrades to make the white house more secure and through secret service. A big problem for the coast guard in having uncertainty what theyre going to be able to procure and build. Why on earth when youre posing thats champion of these functions and of Immigration Enforcement in particular, why in the world would you cut off your nose to your face . Its all about sending a political symbol that we are displeased with what the president has done and setting a confrontation for the first of march this year although its not clear what thats going to look like. But anyway, you have 11 regular Appropriations Bills stitched together and so for the balance of the year, you will have those appropriations in place. And thats a good thing. And this omission is just crazy. Host for viewers who are tuning into this, it might be helpful to explain what a c. R. Is and what an omnibus is. Guest its a combination of continuation resolution and appropriations. The achievement here is that the Appropriations Committee in both houses ha pursuant to this budget agreement, this ryan murray budget agreement have written in a cooperative fashion appropriations bill. With some of the domestic bills, the numbers are so low that its hard to write good bills. And so were really not doing ourselves any favors in the areas of Health Research and so on. But still, you do have Appropriations Bills that are better, i think, almost uniformly. And putting the government on automatic pilot. And thats what a continuum bill is. You enact a continuum resolution. It means you dont shut things down but you dont make nuances that you make in an appropriations bill. Host as weve seen in headline this morning, this g. O. P. Proposal to fund most to the government through september of 2015, except for d. H. S. Has hit a snag as the headline in the Washington Post this morning. If this bill does get to the floor, would you vote for it . Guest i would have to think about that because the omission of Homeland Security and thats a department that ive chaired as Ranking Member, thats the department that ive looked out for. Thats a very major flaw in that bill and puts a real obstacle out for my support. But the snag has nothing to do, i think, with any of this. I mean, the snag, apparently, has to do with representative wanting to have his way with the regulations. Isnt that typical here at the zero hour, this guy brings in this . Hes trying to squeeze more out of the process. I hope he doesnt succeed. If were going to move forward, we have to get this terrorism insurance done and put together with the omnibus bill. Host viewers want to go back and watch that full segment we did on that. What are your democratic colleagues telling you about this proposal if Speaker Boehner doesnt have all the votes that would need to pass it among republicans . Would democrats come over and support this measure . Guest well, they might. And the possibility that we might is partly whats driving this. Theres some hard liners on the republican side who are probably not going to vote for anything. So if hes going to pass this bill, hes going to have some democratic votes. And he knows the sure way to not have those votes is to leave a lot of these riders, these extreme riders on the bill that have been put on the bill by republicans during the appropriations process. Host these are policy provisions . Guest thats right. And i think the fact that his knowing that he needs those democratic votes has had to do with keeping those stuff off, like provisions trying to damage the Affordable Care act, once again, provisions trying to gut environmental regulations. The sort of things that the Appropriations Bills tend to attract. If you lead those sorts of things off, if the only major flaw is the omission of Homeland Security and it is major, but still. The question is how much could we clean this bill up . If it stays clean, it will pass. Host were talking with congressman david price, democrat of North Carolina. Hes a senior democrat on the Appropriations Committee here to answer your questions and comments. If you have them, republicans can call in as well as democrats and independents. Congressman david price, of course, 13term member. Just reelected to his 14th term and serving as i said, on the Appropriations Committee. On that committee, you had the Homeland Security subcommittee. Can you talk more about the Practical Implications of the keeping Homeland Security on sort of that shorter leash . What will what could viewers see as the impacts of that . Guest well, theres the political purpose thats going on here. Thats at work here, to try to express displeasure about the president s executive action on immigration which is a perfectly reasonable executive action, just exercising some discretion like every prosecutor does about hom we deport and whom we take enforcement action against. Host beyond the political maneuvering. Guest thats right. They want to show displeasure. Their idea is to take the Homeland Security department out of the appropriations bill, put it on a short leash. Freezing it in place until the end of february of next year. So the political implication is that you have some kind of showdown at the end of february of next year. I dont know what they think thats going to look like or who it helps. But anyway, there has to be something before the department shuts down. The implication in terms of department functioning is something we should worry about. This is a serious matter. This is freezing in place, funding for the very things republicans profess to care about. Freezing in place, Border Security. Freezing in place Immigration Enforcement. Making secret service scramble at best, making them scramble to put those additional protections in the white house in place that we need. The coast guard as a whole schedule of procurement and ship building that will be thrown into uncertainty. You know, and so well have to fix that in late february but amid conditions of probably political turmoil. Host but a shutdown of just d. H. S. Happens in mid february if that debate happens and a shutdown happens, what actually stops happening at d. H. S. . Central functions would continue, correct . Guest no, thats a good point because d. H. S. Is the Homeland Security department, after all, and thats a term of ours in government as our listeners probably know. The Border Security is not going to set home. But they wont be paid. With great uncertainty about what the future holds for their job and for their department. So, i think Something Like 85 of the personnel of Homeland Security are deemed essential personnel. Doesnt mean the border will go unprotected but it means the hardworking people will not be paid or their pay will be delayed. And the whole i mean, one of the main problems, i think, with government these days is uncertainty. And the unpredictability and just lurching from crisis to crisis. Why would you want to be that and especially with Homeland Security, those essential tuckses would we want to do that . Its a temper tantrum taking legislative form here on our republican colleagues. Poke the president in the eye. Host viewer calls with congressman david price. David is up first on our line for independents. Good morning, david. Caller hey, good morning. How are you gentlemen this morning . Host good, david. Go ahead. Caller i was calling about a comment that the representative made earlier about at the very last moment, we get a person like representative and it puts a snag in this at the very last minute. My question is we know from yeartoyear when the appropriation is due. Why is it that it is the very last minute before anything is ever taken up or done about it . We have a group of democrats right now who are going to be leaving office and he talks about the politics of the republicans. But what about the democrats who want to push something through while they are in this lame duck period before the holidays and for a full appropriation bill continuingr reid has resolutions for how many years . Host congressman . Caller well, the guest , well, the cralle as a whole has resolutions for a good number of years. And when the Appropriations Bills are not ready, the full process hasnt played out and we need to keep the government going for some period of time until we can pass bills. It isnt good practice. It speaks the kind of breakdown of the normal appropriations process which i think is a great loss for the congress. Thats essential power of the purse and a great loss for the country. So there has been this brinksmanship. It indicates that what used to be a fair from the partisan divisions that have beset us here in washington. We come at the last minute, whenever the fiscal year ends or whatever the continued resolution runs out, we have to scramble to get the bills and place. Year is ans this relative improvement on that. We have had a budget agreement the murrayear, agreement which put some numbers in place thomas that escaped sequestration, escaped these mindless, acrosstheboard cuts, reasonably normal Appropriations Bills. What the good news is. A stick together package of 11 out of those 12 else. House and the senate under reasonably cooperative circumstances. It is an effort to get back to Something Like this process. We should do that. We should go ahead and get these bills in place and take advantage of those that work. Is monkeywrench that just throwing into the works has nothing to do with this. I think the caller is right about this. To say, well lets go back and revisit dodd frank, no. That is a path to further deadlock. Caller there seems to be a lack of discussion about getting the whole federal leviathan on under control. The gdp constantly regulate or make it impossible to run a Small Business with obamacare and just the massive federal regulations. There was a congressman a few years ago who just said, every year, give somebody one penny less, dollar, to try to get this , how 18 trillion debt now is it no one in Congress Seems to care . Throwing more debt on our backs, is there actual more discussion in congress about this . We are nibbling around the edges of that problem. People who beat their chest the most about the problems youre talking about. A comprehensive budget agreement is required going forward. The reason that is not too hard to figure out is that we did it twice back in the 1990s. Budget agreement, bipartisan basis, president bush, democrats in congress, and heavy lifting alone produced the 1993 budget agreement. The results of all of that was political lot of they dealt with appropriated spending. Everything on the table, something for everybody to dislike. I will continue to think those were among the best votes i ever cast. What happened was a fouryear budgets,alanced surfaces, we paid off almost 400 billion of the national debt. Politicala lot of fallout for both sides. But we did the right thing. That of course is what went in the trash with the george w. Bush administration, to billion dollar tax cuts right off the bat. Get back to the socalled grand bargain. How do we get back to a serious budget agreement that puts our future in place . Republicans will not even talk about taxes and Neither Party is comfortable with the entitlement question. What the folks running the house now have done is go again and , which actually is some of the best investments we made, Health Research, building highways and transit systems. That builthe things our economic future. It is the wrong place to cut. Say is right, that we need to get a hold of this, put it in a larger perspective, not just cutting, but also making sure that government functions well and that we are making good investments. The only way to do that is to get a solid budget agreement in place going forward. While the challenge is greater than they were in the 1990s, the politics were much worse. For a long time, even before the terms in congress, fester of clinical silent science and psychology, he is answering your calls, taking your questions this morning. Up next in rockville, maryland, on our line for democrats. Good morning. Good morning. Congratulations, congressman. You have duke and carolina. That is great. My comment is that it seems , and just dealing with the continuing resolutions, this is bringing up budget a year. Ore than once in it seems it would be more prudent to set a budget for three years and have a lot of debate and a lot of discussion, get it established, and then the business environment, everybody would know what is there and what they would be dealing with for three years. All the federal agents as well. I work for one, and at times we look at congress and say, that is the measurement for us . We really do not feel that good about it. I work for health and human services. That has been a Beleaguered Agency because of budget uncertainty, moving from crisis to crisis. No function of government has , education as well, in recentwe have seen years. A oneyear process that works the way it is supposed to. There have been people who have suggested by annual budgeting every two years or three years. With some specific functions, we have moved to that. Public broadcasting for various reasons. There are areas where we have moved in that direction. I think what you have, honestly, if you tried to pass a threeyear budget it all at detail, what you have is an inevitable need for revisions, reprogramming. I am not sure you gain that much. There needs to be a response to changing conditions, and i believe it would be a pretty big stretch to write a detailed appropriations bill to cover a threeyear. A threeyear period. We need to think more about the budget process. We have a five year and a 10 year frame for budget planning. We need to make that work. I would settle for a good, solid, one year at a time appropriations process. We have not had that for years. Ho we will go live to capitol hill where the Senate Judiciary subcommittee is hearing how Sexual Assaults are handled on College Campuses. From cornelling and Southern Oregon university. The two senators taking the lead on Claire Mccaskill of misery and Kirsten Gillibrand of new york. I have submitted a longer, more detailed, but concise statement for the record and will try to summarize my remarks , focusing on the best practices we have engaged in, and make recommendations. I want to stress that Cornell University recognizes Sexual Violence is an issue that affects every member of our community. We commit the subcommittee for looking at the interplay between Law Enforcement and campus procedures. I want to thank kristin work onnd for her behalf of survivors, and her willingness to work with campuses on new york state. Closel has played attention to efforts by policymakers. I was honored to participate in senator mccaskills roundtables this year. We appreciate the difficulties of designing policies that represent all of the nuances for Sexual Violence. They are governed by a number of laws, like title ix, regulations and sub regulatory guidances. Law enforcement agencies are governed by the legislations took place. T they look at state law, not campus policy title ix. The differences are standard of proof is one. Campus factfinders need a preponderance of the evidence standard. Law enforcement proceedings use beyond a reasonable doubt, the highest standard. Survivors and those supporting them to come angry and confused when ada can not process cases criminally where a respondent has been found responsible on campus during their proceedings. The lower standard of proof often falls short of the beyond a reasonable doubt standard. Vidence campus factfinders can consider a broad range of evidence like hearsay and unauthenticated evidence that is not admissible in a law receding where rules are stricter. It takes 60 days to process dna because of backlogs in crime. Abs administrative investigations almost always outpace criminal investigations. The time frame may also in a waye discovery that harms the plaintiff in a criminal proceeding. There is no opportunity for campusxamination in a perceiving. Crossexamination is a cornerstone of a criminal trial, guaranteed by the sixth amendment. Campuses must investigate all reports of Sexual Violence made by responsible employees under title ix. They must inform students of their right to file criminal complaints and guide students through the process if they desire. If the student chooses to file a criminal complaint, the campus cannot delay its title ix investigation, which must be concluded within 60 days. This is a source of tension myween the two systems, and administrative colleagues have found due to these conflicts conflicts parties are less willing to participate. A Good Neighbor with your local Law Enforcement agencies. Our cooperative efforts with the local Law Enforcement began before a crime was reported. Leaders and supervisors talk on a regular basis, building relationships so we can share and not only on an emergency basis. Establishing open lines of communication increases confidence and trust to share information on cases that crossed jurisdictional lines. Mlu is not a penicillium. I agree that it can be helpful. Entering into one is not always possible in minutes of allergies with large tourist exits who may find themselves with many different mlus to contend with. There is no guarantee a law agency will cooperate with and mlu. Because of the onesided nature of and mlu, and the resources it lawmakersecure one, should consider sweeping mandates before entering into one. There are other ways to get the same goals. 1 of the schools operating budget toward mlu goes too far beyond something that is out of their control. It gives the department too much discretion in making the determination and the resources could be more fruitfully engaged getting more fruitful methods of cooperation. We have an emphasis on trauma informed investigations. We know only a small percentage of Sexual Assaults are reported to the police. As more investigators, on enforcement and campus judicial investigators, are trained and in investigative techniques, the way we handle cases will improve. A program in ashland, oregon is a good example of how the program works. Community engagement to share resources. Most are not able to engage fully with their campus populations because resources are scarce. Many databases and investigative support tools are not available to campus Law Enforcement, because we are not governmental agencies. Easier access to these resources would be a tremendous help to lawopriate campus enforcement agencies, and ease the burden on the governmental agencies. We know you are concerned about the oversight of title ix in the query act. Law enforcement and inistrative invest administrative investigative positions. As i noted previously, it to support training and trauma informed investigations will benefit campus to caterers and Law Enforcement. Ive concerned about the system of fines that does not differentiate between willful does conduct and inadvertent conduct. It gives the department discretion to assess a therebyant energy, affecting the amount of Resources Available to do a better job. The bill allows the apartment to keep the finds it collects, thereby providing an intimate providing an incentive for over enforcement. I want to direct the fines to research and training. Preventioncation and programs at middle and High School Level to address cultural levels around sex, alcohol, controlled substance uses, and consent. Attitudes and perceptions about sex, healthy relationships, and beforeroles solidify young people reach college. The earlier we can begin a more meaningful and impactful time, the editor chance we have of getting at the root of the problem. Cornell university is not tolerate any form of. Harassment and violence have no place. I appreciate the opportunity for input into your deliberations and will answer any questions the subcommittee has. Welcome. Can you hear me now . For inviting me to testify. As rhodeas served island Sexual Assault coalition for 40 years. Treatment, intervention, advocacy, and Prevention Services to road island residents of all ages. Our trained staff of 40 employees and 60 plus volunteers work closely with Law Enforcement prosecution, hospitals schools, and the community to prevent Sexual Assault with highly trained programs. Campus Sexual Assault is a major focus for day one. The victims of college Sexual Assault about our history. The issuese of prevalence. We know the cases are rarely reported, and the ones that are, hardly ever go on to successful prosecution. It is clear the Current System is not working. There has never been a system that works in the best interest. F victims they won is on the front lines, and committed to changing that in rhode island. To start the process we are organizing a special tax force special task force. Advocates, medical professionals, and Higher Education representatives. The team will be responsible for the oversight of adult sexual response cases from the initial report, to prosecution, to support for the big. We will ensure the victim is in. He driver seat campusbased adjudication processes do not work. Colleges are not confident to handle the investigation and prosecution of the cases, nor should they be. Any hearing should the integrated with Law Enforcement, but it has to be a team approach. After the release of the white house report last year, the issue of campus Sexual Assault became front and center in rhode island. Has been meeting with all of the colleges and universities to develop a best practices approach. We found that everyone at the table, from universities, Law Enforcement, and advocacys, are committed to making major improvements, but we need a centered approach. More than 90 of campus rape are committed by a small percentage of college men. Possibly as few as 4 . Repeat offenders average six victims each. These remain at large, escaping. Erious punishment the current climate is such that universities and lawmakers are scrambling to find a global fix for the problem with misleading policies about alcohol, consent, and what constitutes rape. We need to focus on bystander intervention. So that the vast majority of students who are not committing rape can intervene. We need a system that holds offenders accountable. We know we cannot leave these cases to the criminal Justice System. In part because of the domes because victims are reluctant to support to report. Colleges be required to report them . How can we create a system where thevictims wishes are priority and work in their best interest . We have to make the option of reporting viable. These unsuccessful models in other states, we know a positive experience during initial reporting creates environment where victims are supported and decreases recolonization. Traumatization. We need a big them centered we need a victim centered approach. A few highlights that have impressed us in rhode island. A primary goal of the program is increasing Sexual Assault reporting by eliminating as many barriers to reporting as possible. Another key component is that has the option to make an information report only. The victim can remain anonymous, but provide details of the case the Law Enforcement for documentation. When making an initial report there is no requirement to meet in person with a Law Enforcement officer. Or other party can use an online form or have a Sexual Assault advocate report on their behalf. The victim maintains control over the initial time that the report is made to police. To victim is not pressured participate in a criminal investigation after making the report. What we are advocating for a dozen exist, we have to create it. To report the victims the crimes, we have to have the system that works for them where they are believed, supported, and can be confident in a just outcome. We know it to the students to provide the best possible response to all Sexual Assaults. Otherwise, we are sending a message not to bother reporting the crime. Thank you very much. I would like to thank the distinguished prosecutors for joining us. Let me step out of order. Since i will close the hearing. Senator franken is under the gun for another hearing. If i could yield to him for questioning, i think that is the most you. Ank it seems like the Options Program got unanimous raves from the panel. That says something. Wondering, knowing the Mccaskill Gillibrand legislation, is there anything in it you can take from your wouldms that legislatively say, these are the best practices. You need to do a program like that. Is there any aspect of the program you think should possibly be in the legislation itself . I think it would be great if the legislation could include requirements of Law Enforcement as well. The bill addresses colleges providing confidential advising, a resource that is informed and knowledgeable through the campus. A bit complicated to add into a bill that is mostly directed at campuses, but you probably know about that better than i do. Somehow, including the ideas behind offering choice and commitment to a working with the Campus Administration around reports would go a long way. Of course, at the direction of the victim if that is what they want or not. What about the trauma informed testimony . Is there abe way to describe that that is either general enough to include , or would tell us about what that is and how it works . That is interviewing technique developed by russell strand to be used in the military. It is based on neurobiological science about how our brain forms memory and we experience trauma. It diverges from a rapidfire russian and experience. It asks investigators to slow down, approach and interview while talking about all of the senses of memory. What did you hear, see, smell. Typical linear investigation. Who were you, where were you, who are you with. It starts with tell me what you can about a particular situation that happened. Likelihoodreases the of misinformation being given. At the time victims feel a question, answer and so they may be given answer that is not entirely accurate, or they are trying to be pleasing to those answering the questions. When you phrase things like, only what you can about, that allows the person to tell you what they can. For the whole panel. I have a bill that provides it allows schools to partner with Mental Health providers in a communitybased organization to make sure students have Mental Health treatment as they need it. Newot 55 million in funding for these programs. Well inn this work very schools in minnesota. Often hear about the subject of this shortage of Mental Health counselors on College Campuses. I am interested in exploring the same model with College Campuses for anyone on the panel. What would you include in legislation to expand students access to Mental Health care, and to make sure College Students get the Mental Health support they need . Is great that you are putting that forward. I think its important that students have access on campus and off campus. There may be times when it makes to seekse to them services from private providers in the community. A be with a notforprofit community or other organizations provide services. On campus as well. I dont know that all campuses have that level of professionals needspond to what victims in particular. It is important to expand it and have it available, and have the training available, to those who would like to access it and become skilled in that area. One barrier at our university is a lack of time. O are engaged on campus are disengaged for the summer. I can be disruptive in a therapeutic process. The other is the volume of students accessing the services. That limits the number of sessions people can have with a therapist. It comes back to a resource issue, i think. When you are doing trauma work, it is often long and involved. Thank you. Thank you very much senator whitehouse for holding this hearing. Thank you to our witnesses. I was a prosecutor and managed an office of 400 people and we worked with the university of minnesota and the police chief. One was the discussion on campus Sexual Assaults and Sexual Assaults in the military. I have always put forward that trust in the system is key. Sometimes you cannot prove a case. Sometimes i have met with victims and their families and said we believe you, but we do not have the evidence. We want you to know it will make a difference. The guy will probably do it again, and we can do something then. Those are hard discussions. Made the biggest difference was they felt like they could trust the system if they felt someone was taking them seriously. When someone looks at it from the outside only think about charging. That is not all. It is also about trust. Could you address that in terms of the trust . About why that is an important piece of this . I dont know if i could say it better than you. That is a record replied. It is very important you can have the best advocacy, the energized andnd in pursuit of justice survivor to bring forward, but if you are stymied at any point in the criminal justice proceedings the cousin of lack of evidence or lack of willing to prosecute i have concerns records, then you can have a difficulty in getting other people to come forward. Getting that trust through the system is paramount. One thing at the university of minnesota is called take back. He night it raises awareness. If you could address a simple idea that sometimes we think everyone knows about how to prevent this from happening. A lot of times students are just out of high school. They show up on campus, and could make bad decisions. The perpetrators can make really bad decisions. You talked about how Education Matters . You said it well. What we find at the College Level is what we are talking about consent. And our culture we dont talk a lot about sex in general, and how to pursue it, and make sure Everyone Wants it. There is a percentage of people who are uninformed about how to gain consent to have sex. Was who talked about having education happening earlier where you are talking about consent from an early age. When we do our outreach programs at our school, that is what we are talking about primarily, consent. Not so much Sexual Assault and rape, but knowing what consent is and how to get it. And to make sure that all parties involved are participating because they want to. In terms of educating, Police Officers are on the front line. I like the idea of having more. Omen chiefs when i started as a prosecutor i remember talking to our woman police chief. I thought she was going to take me around and introduced me to the other police chiefs. I thought, how will i know who you are . She said it wasnt hard. She was the only woman then. We have greatly increased the numbers by then. I think we should have more police force,the but can you talk about how to deal with victims Sexual Assault . Think the type of person that is drawn to lawenforcement, is a person who wants to get all of the facts together and to see justice. Erved sometimes, the system goes against the grain and drive of the individuals. To slow downcers and allow the person to give that testimony in a way that makes the most sense and gives the most accurate recollection, is a way we can reemphasize that a victim centered approach will go further in the prosecutorial proceedings. I think, you mentioned women in Law Enforcement. The sentiments of being a good looking as opposed to forward and trying to get to the goal as fast as you can, has to be carefully balanced. Women tend to carry on a more conversational manner of speaking. Whatever level they are and, our colleagues can learn from each other. Anyone who exhibits the traits of good listeners and allowing someone to get information and move forward, should be reinforced. I appreciated your comments on explaining different sides of the colleges and universities. This,l have to look at not every college will be able to have fulltime people do this at a smaller place. You have to look at it in terms of training in the counties and departments as well. Thank you, we appreciate it. Senator blumenthal . Chairman, and thank you for holding this important hearing. I have been involved in helping to write the bill that senator mccaskill, senator gillibrand, and i have done. Working closely with groups, advocates, survivors in connecticut. Holding more than a dozen roundtables to listen directly and to learn from everyone involved in this issue. Reallyl, in my view, involves Law Enforcement. Through a memoranda of understanding that is required. It provides for fact finding and investigations on campus through confidential advisers and a uniform process of adjudication within the university. All too often it is ad hoc and unfair to both sides. Of a process with is whaty and accuracy discourages a lot of survivors from coming forward. This bill will give them more choices. To go through the criminal process off campus, or a fair and uniform process with due process on campus. I think the experience and the university of virginia should toffirm our resolve addressing this epidemic of cant the Sexual Assaults and victimsg reassurance to and survivors there will be due process. And accurate factfinding with integrity, honesty, and services. A commitment to services, so a woman is not left standing outside of a fraternity seeking help her friends. She should have support within the system. Confidential advisers. Services that will elicit the truth from her, and provide a forensiceliciting evidence and preserving it. A system that avoids the kind of ad hoc and sometimes chaotic processes that are so demeaning and his to victims and survivors. That are so demeaning to victims and survivors. The fact that we cannot find facts should increase our determination to make this process worthy of the courage of survivors who come forward. Whatever happened to this victim redoubleor, it should our determination to improve the process. Tim ask this link eimer, i think we should require schools to provide training for anyone who serves on a campus Unification Panel and we should pick people with expertise to provide some measure of fairness and due process. You agree we should not take away a survivors ability to receive oncampus remedies through this kind of justification process . I think it is important that victims have clear, thorough options presented. The options are developed in partnership with all of the appropriate players. Any campus officials should be working ahead of time, before incidents happen. Partnership should partnerships should be in place so that it develops into a system where Law Enforcement knows about every assault that happens. Beever, the victim needs to in charge of what happens with that information later. Should be in charge of the information and what happens with a prosecution if that is the choice . Or an on campus judith acacia . Or an oncampus jude acacia and . I hope i did misread your testimony, but i read it as disapproving those oncampus adjudication processes. That they, to use your word, dont work. They tend to replace any effective reporting or investigation or prosecution on the criminal side. Cases, thes, in most most is that an individual be suspended or expelled. Then free to go to another institution. Given the statistics that most of these individuals are serial offenders that is important. That predators commit crime after crime. A small minority of college men create the overwhelming number of rapes and Sexual Assaults against women. It seems that the issue you raised of recordkeeping and transfers is separate from the andtence and integrity factfinding effectiveness of an oncampus adjudication process. I hope you will support what is in the bill. To preserve and enhance what we have on many campuses. Many are taking their own initiatives to do that. My time has expired, i apologize, but i would be happy if the chairman would allow you to finish your answer. Thank you. I would gladly do that. I dont disagree that there needs to be some kind of process onan option for victims campus. A lot of things need to be addressed to support effective continuation of campus life. Right now, a lot of the processes have been developed in a vacuum and not in True Partnership with Law Enforcement in a way that clearly defines what should be happening on campus, and what should not. Theres too much emphasis on what should not have been on campus. Currently, universities and administrators are forced to act as judge and jury. The defendants rights are violated. We have seen the horror shows on campus after camp this. I dont know if we are at a place where we have developed effective oncampus adjudication processes. Have not worked effectively so far. In some cases, maybe we have, with Law Enforcement. In rhode island we will look at the ashland model. It is the new kid on the block for us. It addresses the concerns you have as well as the concerns we see at date one in terms of at day one in terms of victims not being given all of their options. In many cases only be adjudication options are given to the victim. Adjudicationd process needs to be hand in hand with other options. I want to thank you all for your testimony, appearance, and great work. If i can stay for more questions. Like a distraction, but it is no excuse for continuing to support the cause of continuing to support the services and the process available to victims and survivors. Thank you mr. Chairman. Senator mccaskill called it a complicated the ket. Licated thic i think that is a fair description. You talked about the importance of assuring victim survivors of their right to suspend. The Law Enforcement investigation as it goes forward. One may say, if you get the victim of the crime the right to suspend the investigation that will result in less enforcement. You have seen that is not true. Could you explain that for the committee record . Why giving the right to stop an investigation makes investigations more likely to go forward . When survivors are entered into any process, a Law Enforcement process or administrative process, there is a time frame and a rush. What happens for a lot of survivors is that they feel the process. It is out of their control. A lot of the time they dont truly understand what is going on. Most lay folks dont understand a criminal investigation. We have found it has increased reporting and the cases that go to the das office. The survivors are given the time they need to engage in the process,understand the and to maintain the rest of their life. Another thing that happens is peoples lives get hijacked by the criminal justice process. Theyre needing to find different shifts at work, or it is impacting their studies. Barrier is informing their parents about what happened in the process they are engaged in. By allowing them to pause, they can take care of those pieces in a way they feel comfortable with to continue on in the criminal justice process. From a prosecutors pointed view, by formalizing that, youre not giving much away. In cases like this, where consent is such an important part, or lack of consent, the willingness of the victim to proceed is crucial. Areany respects, you informing and confirming that a powerims of the crime they have anyway, but they dont know. It is a black box going in for them. Has experienced a Sexual Assault and now has to encounter the Law Enforcement ross s has two things going on. One is responding to the event. Getting evidence, taking statements, putting together the case that will go forward one way or another. Thesecond is educating person who is the subject of the offense about the process. We need tohings, think about how we disaggregate them. You said in your testimony that in your program there is a confidential adviser who is exempt from the title ix process. Does that mean it does not click off the title ix timing clock when they are spoken to . The police cane engage with the victim of the crime without being obliged to open a criminal case and proceed with charges . Yes. It seems like a vestibule before you get into the case part. You get the victim, the title ix folks, or someone representing them like a confidential advisor, and Law Enforcement together. That gives the person who is the subject of the crime a chance to understand what its going to choices are or her before the second process is triggered. Is that a fair description of what you are trying to achieve, and is that something we should try to achieve in this legislation . I think so. Bestis probably illustrated by example. A student in our Womens Resource Center was referred to me. She outlined for me what had happened to her. Given my knowledge, which was imperative of the criminal Justice System, i knew what she 11 sharing was a measure crime. The crimes perpetrated against prisonld carry a 25 year sentence. A serious crime. I let her know she was disclosing a crime to me. At that time, i said here are your options. Here is what we can do on campus and heres what we can do with Law Enforcement. One thing that is important as well, is she was getting my. Ndorsement or Law Enforcement like i was opening the door saying you will have a good experience and i can go with you. This woman said, lets do it today. I said we will see if we can. To see if there is a detective available today. There was. I had a free calendar and went with her and she interviewed right away. In that process what i can do as a college administrator, because it was another student who perpetrated the crime, was say are you safe in your Current College environment . Here is the title ix provision. This woman was ok. We need to assess if someone is safe, be able to live in their environment and be a student. She was, and was invested in the process. She participated in a Law Enforcement investigation with my support up until they were ready to interview and make an arrest of him. At that point is when we engaged on campus. X process now, nothing the college will do what in. System, and justice it helped our case as a college that this engagement with Law Enforcement has happened. Both of those procedures happened successfully. That students had a plea bargain. Was convicted of those crimes and was expelled in the university. The last piece i will say, is there are other parts. Her to the grand jury, i went with her when the sentencing happened and explain some of the other pieces of things. Crime victim compensation. Where will he be on probation, and how does she get in touch with those people . Inally, she is still a student she is still impacted. Just because those two processes have concluded, her life continues to be impact it by what happened. Im still a resource for her on campus. Vestibule is aa good word. Sometimes, i think of a hub. Someone who can lay out for a survivor with their options are an accurate and informed way. A second round. I yield to senator blumenthal. Articulatethat is an decision about the way the process can work, ideally. Gothe survivor chooses to from a criminal Justice System to go to a criminal Justice System. Not all survivors may have the decisiveness this woman did. Women. R, what you tell lets talk about women because they are the majority of victims or survivors. About the consequences and timetables. You encourage them to go to the criminal Justice System . We are always going with what they would like. I feel i can comfortably recommend Law Enforcement to them. Disclose is something i know to be a crime in oregon statute, im informing them of that. Do have an obligation to report that crime . I do not. One thing that is important is enforcement is taking delayed reports. There is no timeframe in which someone has to report. On campus, we have worked with students in the title ix process who have reported in a delayed way as well. There is no longer any physical evidence when a delay has been made. There are other kinds of evidences they can be did. That can be collected cautiously, i recommend Law Enforcement. Mostly, i want to do what they would like. In partnership with the you have Options Program, 76 percent of our students who are reporting crime have interactions with Law Enforcement. Most students, because they can information only report, are at least reporting those options. Survivors, if they are not willing to go forward for themselves and their own process, is they learn some a knowledge offended against by the same person and are more willing to go forward. Information to Law Enforcement in the first place, is highly valuable. See the rest of this hearing online at cspan. Org. Congress is about to continue with the last week of work in the lameduck session. In the senate Dianne Feinstein is on the floor. She is talking about the release of a report detailing the cias detention methods. You can see those speeches happening now in the Senate Chamber on cspan. You can read the 500 page summary on cspan. Org. The house is about to gavel back in. Members will continue debate on a bill to reallocate Water Resources in california in response to the drought. We will see debate on 10 other bills, including Suicide Prevention and veterans Mental Health care. Both are possible in the 1 00 hour. Later this week they will consider federal funding and whether to continue federal backing of terrorism insurance. Now to the house for. F the speaker pro tempore the house will be in order. The prayer will be offered by the guest chaplain, reverend dr. Robert jefferies, First Baptist church, dallas, texas. The chaplain lets bow together in prayer. Heavenly father we come into your presence recognizing you are the one true god, the lord over all creation. Father, today i want to thank you for the men and women in this house who so selflessly serve you and serve our nation. I pray that you would bless their work, protect their families, reassure them that they are in this place of leadership because you have promoted them here. And today father, we acknowledge that all of us are here on earth not to do our will but to accomplish your will. We affirm the words of the saumist who said blessed is the nation whose god is the lord. And we confess that no individual, no nation, can experience your favor apart from obeying your commands and following your principles. Father, i pray you would grant these representatives, the wisdom to lead our nation to do just that so that we can experience your blessings and not your judgment. And we pray all of these things in the name of the one who was born in bethlehem, who died on the cross, and rose again that we might have eternal light, jesus christ our lord. Its in his name that he we pray. Amen. The speaker pro tempore the chair has examined the journal of the last days proceedings and announces to the house his approval thereof. Pursuant to clause 1 of rule 1, the journal stands approved. The pledge of allegiance will be led by the gentlewoman from North Carolina, ms. Foxx. Ms. Foxx please join in the pledge to our wonderful flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of america and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman from texas, mr. Gohmert, is recognized for one minute. Mr. Gohmert thank you, mr. Speaker. Our chaplain today is dr. Robert jeffers, Senior Pastor of the 11,000 member First Baptist church in dallas. His opinions are ubiquitous on radio and television as is his radio program, pathway to victory. His weekly programs on over 1,200 stations and systems worldwide, while hes authored 21 books and is a fox news contributor. While some churches flea downtown areas, he led his church in a massive revitalization of downtown dallas. He has a bachelors from baylor, masters from dallas theelogical seminary, doctors from Dallas Baptist university. He and his wife have two daughters who are here today and soninlaw. Dr. Robert is principleled, brilliant, charitable, and his faith in a god leaves no room for fear of man. He and my wife grew up together in church and hes a dear treasured friend of mine. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair will entertain up to 15 further requests for one minute speeches on each side of the aisle. For what purpose does the gentlelady from North Carolina seek recognition . Ms. Foxx i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Ms. Foxx thank you, mr. Speaker. Today i rise to recognize north state aviation, an Aircraft Maintenance Company Based in winstonsalem, North Carolina. In november i had the pleasure of attending the companys fourth Anniversary Event to celebrate the completion of work on the 300 United Airlines aircraft and 00th aircraft overall n four short years, north state aviation has experienced exponential job growth, going from zero to 365 fulltime employees. More than 100 of those employees are military veterans. However the Economic Impact of north state aviation goes beyond the company itself. While the companys ambitious growth plan has enabled hundreds of workers to find jobs in winstonsalem, the local community and regions Aviation Industry have benefited as well. As a result of north states success, the airport has been able to afford the ongoing construction of runway 422 and the airports master plan includes an additional hanger in part to give them more expansion state. North state aviation is a company that recognized an opportunity and seized it through hard work and innovation. Its resulting success is well deserved. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time has expired. For what purpose does the minority whip, the gentleman from maryland, seek recognition . Mr. Hoyer i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. Revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Hoyer i dont know who preceded me there, they were pretty tall. Mr. Speaker, i rise to express my deep concern about the ongoing situation in south sudan. Next monday will mark the oneyear anniversary of the outbreak of civil conflict in that Young Country which gained its independence in 2011. Since that conflict began, as many as two Million People have been displaced while a million and a half people are without secure access to food. 50,000 civilians are estimated to have been killed as a result of fighting between the rival factions. Alarmingly, mr. Speaker, both sides have been stockpiling weapons and are expected to launch fresh attacks once the rainy season ends. The International Community with strong American Leadership must encourage a peaceful resolution before further blood shed occurs. I want to commend the United Nations mission in south sudan, peacekeepers, for their hard work bringing aide to those in need. I thank secretary kerry for his efforts to achieve a political settlement. I traveled there in 2007. The former chair of the Foreign Relations committee, the gentlelady from florida, was with me and i saw a nation full of promise and hope for the future. On the cusp of its independence. That Bright Future of possibilities for the people of south sudan ought not to be dimmed by violence, instability, and emnity. As americans we must exert our diplomatic arsenal to bring an end to the fighting and restore that promise of the peaceful and hopeful future for south sudan. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from colorado rise . Unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. Revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Speaker, recently negotiations with iran over the countrys Nuclear Program were extended again for another seven months. This extension, however, carried no additional or strengthened economic sanctions on iran. Disturbingly we have now heard that the administration has considered sanctions against israel, our ally. A nuclear iran poses an incredible threat to the meet meet and United States. Mr. Tipton the security of our allies, including israel and the stability of the region is at stake. Stronger sanctions are needed regarding iran. Not our ally, israel. To increase pressure in the negotiations achieve a favorable outcome for the u. S. And our allies. There is no room for error. The Administration Must get a strong agreement in place. H. R. 850, the Nuclear Iran Prevention act of 2013 seeks to strengthen and update the sanctions on iran. This passed the house of representatives. Despite broad bipartisan support, the senate has done nothing on this bill. The senate needs to take it up and increase pressure on iran to reach an agreement. We cannot afford to wait. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from new york rise . Without objection, so ordered. Mr. Higgins mr. Speaker, when a Natural Disaster strikes, the damage and cleanup costs often far exceed the local governments ability to respond and to rebuild. Americans take comfort in the knowledge that the federal government will aid in the response by providing assistance to mitigate the often massive costs of Natural Disasters. The recent record breaking snowstorm in western new york reminded the nation that buffaloians are resilient and generous people. That was on display during the storm and aftermath with so many instances of neighbors helping neighbors. But the storm also left my community with significant expenses in terms of the Emergency Response and structures that collapsed under the weight of the snow. That is why i have joined the western new york delegation to urge fema to act quickly to certify the disaster disburse assistance. Western new yorkers are the first to volunteer to aid under other communities in need, now we must ensure a helping hand is there for them when they are in need. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentleman from montana rise . Mr. Daines unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Daines last week the house moved forward historic legislation that represents widespread montana priorities. From protecting some of our states greatest treasures as well as access to our public lands, to developing montanas Energy Resources and creating better certainty for our farmers and ranchers, this bill reflects the concerns of montanans from across our entire state. But just as importantly it represents the way we do things in montana. And the kind of change we need to see in washington. In montana, we know the importance of rolling up our sleeves and working together to get something done. By coming together the montana delegation and montanans from all corners of our state were able to break gridlock in washington and bring this most important legislation forward. Im proud that the house acted last week and passed this bill with strong bipartisan support. I call on the senate to quickly do the same. I yield back my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentleman from florida rise . Unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. Revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to recognize my friend, steve sauls, Florida International universitys Vice President for government relations, who is retiring after 30 years of commitment to the community and the state of florida. During his tenure at f. I. U. , steve helped secure funding for the International Hurricane center out in the wake of hurricane andrew, fought for authorization of the college of law at f. I. U. , and played a key role in creating the college of medicine. Through these efforts and countless others, steve has helped develop f. I. U. Into one of the top universities in the country. I have been honored to represent f. I. U. In my district and work with steve to help support this vibrant educational community. After building a long track record of impressive accomplishments, steve will be sorely missed. I urge you to join me in recognizing his contributions to south florida and our country. Thank you very much. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from florida rise . Ms. Roslehtinen to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Miss rabet ms. Roslehtinen thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor Army Congressional liaison to the u. S. House of representatives, major kevin tann. He will be leaving his post at the end of this month but will continue to serve our great nation working at cyberintelligence at the u. S. Army cybercommand in fort belvoir, virginia. Originally a native of North Carolina, kevin chose to attend college at my alma mater, Florida International university, where he earned a degree in criminal justice and a master of arts in public administration. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the armys aviation branch, kevin participated in multiple combat tours in support of Operation Iraqi freedom. He has earned the Army Aviation and parachutist badges, bronze star medal, Iraq Campaign medal, and many others. It is my distinction distinct pleasure to join with kevins family, friends, and peers, his wife and son as they honor the many accomplishments of his outstanding career. Thank you, mr. Speaker, for the time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from california rise . Without objection, so ordered. Mr. Honda thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today to discuss the issue of gender imbalance in the computing industry. Today women make up over half of the American Work force but only a quarter of the professional computing occupations. We see a similar imbalance in the classrooms. Girls in High School Take over half of all the advance placement exams, but only a fifth of Computer Science exams. This imbalance deprives the computing industry of a great resource of Human Capital and it limits its creativity. So we need to encourage our female students to pursue Computer Science as early as possible. In that spirit i would like to recognize Computer Science Education Week and the hour of code. These programs have reached tens of millions of students worldwide. We need programs like these to ensure that the next generation of computer professionals is diverse. So that we have all the best talents that we can have. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from pennsylvania rise . Mr. Thompson mr. Speaker, unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. Revise and extend i the speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Thompson mr. Speaker, today i rise to recognize the olms f major d. Jim junior of pennsylvania. A world war ii veteran and beloved Family Member and commute leader, he passed away last week at the age of 93. He was awarded the distinguished flying cross for valor as a Forward Air Observer during the battle of iwo jima and the u. S. Air medal and served as an officer in the United States marine corps. Following his service, he attended the university of pittsburgh where he earned his law degree before starting his own private practice. He was also active in the community in the former northwest Pennsylvania Bank and trust board. Major holmes was proceeded in death by his wife. More than 60 years ago. His greatest joy was his family. Mr. Speaker, let us remember the special life of major j. Holmes during this time of mourning. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the entlelady from texas rise . The gentlelady is recognized for one minute. Ms. Jackson lee thank you very much, mr. Speaker. As we come to the season of joy, im always committed to wishing all of my colleagues, this body and this government and our people happy holiday. Were on the brink of a release of a report that talks about issues of torture, which america has stood against. I rise today to communicate that any report of past practices of which we abhor does not indicate our lack of respect for the men and women of the c. I. A. Nor does it give excuse to any International Terrorist to do violence to their own people. This is a delib are a tiff assessment delebtive assessment of how we can move forward. As a member of the Homeland Security committee, it is important to protect our nation, but we should not yield to those who will use this recklessly and violently to do terror around the world. Let me thank our marines who are on high alert. Let me bring attention to my colleagues that tomorrow is human rights day and i hope well stand on this floor and promote the value of human rights. Again, i challenge and charge those who would use this in a violent way that you are wrong, you are wrong and you are wrong. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the time of the gentlelady has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from nebraska rise . Request unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize the Public Service of nebraskas longest serving governor. More important than his time in office is what he has accomplished. Hes kept our state prosperous by supporting agriculture, hoping new trade opportunities, economic incentives and performing education through greater local control. Hes kept our budget balanced. Mr. Smith under his watch, nebraska consistently ranks among the best states to live, work, do business and raise a family. Im thankful and grateful for the governors leadership and service. I join all nebraskans in wishing him and his wife, sally, god speed, as they embark on the next chapter in their lives. Thank you. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. For what purpose does the gentleman from california rise . I ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I represent a very rural district in Northern California which has been greatly impacted by the drought. Mr. Lamalfa the town of reding, for example, has had its Water Supplies cut by 50 this year. Some received no water at all from the Central Valley project leaving thousands of productive farmland fallow. 1,200year drought, historic, in california, its imperative that we act immediately to prepare for another dry year. H. R. 5781 by David Valadao takes immediate action to store more water and start on this remedy. Its just 18 months in duration, this legislation, giving us time to continue to work with the senate on a longer term solution. 5781 has two simple components, creating flexibility so we can store more water in preparation for the coming year and preserves the most fundamental water right of all, the idea that those who live where water originates should have access to it. We also protect Northern California by ensuring that those who live where our water originates do not have their water cut off. Under this measure, north cal will be guaranteed access to the water that rains on their communities. Mr. Speaker, members, we worked in good faith to negotiate a bipartisan bill to address californias drought. Nothing is controversial that leaves the endangered species act intact, respects water rights and helps every region of california. 20 million californians will benefit in some fashion or another. After seven years of drought, its imperative we get on the ball and prepare california for the coming year. Were prepared to continue negotiating, but theres no water to waste, no time to waste. California needs us to act today by passing this measure while we continue to work through the process. Mr. Speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the time of the gentleman has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from kansas rise . I seek unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Speaker, with each new day brings new opportunities for our congress to Work Together and solve problems on behalf of the american people. Mr. Yoder as the 113th Congress Comes to a close, we have over 400 bills that have passed the peoples house, sent to the senate, which reduce government waste and support our nations future, yet these bills were never voted upon or considered in the senate. They were never heard from gefpblet as evidence by the recent heard from again. As evidence by the recent elections, the people reject the dysfunction of the senate and the unilateral action by the executive branch to run roughshod. As the national at the time soared past 18 trillion last week, we need to roll up our sleeves and get to work, to promote Energy Independence and to create jobs and grow our economy, to fix our broken immigration system and ensure the safety and security of the american people. Mr. Speaker, we know that there is much work to be done. As we turn to hopeful optimism for the next congress, lets turn the page together and lets renew our great nation. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the time of the gentleman has expired. All time for one minutes having now expired, the chair lays before the speaker a communication. Lays before the house a communication. The clerk the honorable the speaker, house of representatives, sir, pursuant to the permission granted in clause 2h of rule 2 of the rules of the u. S. House of representatives, the clerk received the following message from the secretary of the senate on december 9, 2014, at 9 22 a. M. That the Senate Passed senate 2520. With best wishes i am. Signed sincerely, karen l. Haas. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, the chair will postpone further proceedings today on the motions to suspend the rules on which a recorded vote or the yeas and nays are ordered on or which the vote incurs objection under clause 6 of rule 20. Record votes on postponed questions will be taken later. For what purpose does the gentleman from washington seek recognition . Mr. Hastings mr. Speaker, i move to suspend the rules and pass s. 1000. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. You the clerk senate 1000, an act to prepare a crosscut budget for restoration activities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from washington, mr. Hastings, and the gentleman from oregon, mr. Defazio, each will control 20 minutes. The chair now recognizes the gentleman from washington. Mr. Hastings mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Hastings i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Hastings thank you, mr. Speaker. First, mr. Speaker, id like to commend congressman wittman, the author of the house companion bill, h. R. 739, which has already passed the house earlier in this congress. Id like to thank him for his work for this government efficiency bill for the Chesapeake Bay. Mr. Wittman is a true champion for the Chesapeake Bay, and this bill is another example of his effective leadership for the bay and his virginia constituents. Mr. Speaker, there are two parts to this bill and ill let mr. Wittman explain that, but id like to ask to comment also that while section 3d of the bill does not require that a copy of the Financial Report be submitted to the committee on science, space and technology, it is our intent that the director should also transmit a copy to that committee. Finally, id like to thank chairman shuster of the transportation and Infrastructure Committee for his assistance in scheduling this bill for Floor Consideration. And i ask unanimous consent to include in the record the exchange of letters on s. 1000 between our two committees. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Hastings and with that ill reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from oregon is recognized. Mr. Defazio mr. Speaker, id yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Defazio i thank the gentleman. Chesapeake bay is americas largest estuary and restoration of the estuary will be an incredible conservation challenge. The federal government, states, localities, conservation groups have spent billions of dollars to improve water quality, fisheries, recreational opportunities since the first Chesapeake Bay agreement was signed back in 1983, yet the water has continued to deteriorate. The efforts have yielded some impressive successes but by many metrics the bay is still in poor health. Its due in large part since bay cleanup began in earnest in the 1980s, a population of the watershed has increased dramatically by more than a third. Theres more wetland loss, more polluted runoff and more nutrients in the waste water and other sources entering the bay. And since, you know, the bay is being loved to death by those who live near it. President obamas 2009 executive order on Chesapeake Bay Protection Restoration has refocused federal efforts and thats a good thing. Our taxpayers and bay advocates deserve to know more about how and how much money is being spent. S. 1000 would require the office of management and budget o prepare a crosscut budget of restoration. This exercise will help identify areas where bay partners can better coordinate or eliminate redundancy. This is commonsense legislation that will help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Chesapeake Bay cleanup efforts. Id certainly congratulate the representative from virginia, mr. Wittman, for championing this cause and shepherding his version of this legislation through the house. I would note that today i did hear on the radio that the governorelect of maryland is proposing to further delay or undo some additional restrictions on the applications of chicken manure and other phosphate, nitrogenrich fertilizers that are contributing to the dramatic deterioration of the bay. I would say this new governor is, you know, being very shortsighted in terms of the benefits of the bay in total versus the small cost that would be imposed upon farmers to get these needed restrictions in place. I would hope he reconsiders and hears a lot about this from his constituents. So i support passage of this bill and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from oregon reserves the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentleman from washington seek recognition . Mr. Hastings mr. Speaker, im very pleased to yield five minutes to the gentleman who sponsored the house version of this legislation, the gentleman from virginia, mr. Wittman. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from virginia is recognized for five minutes. Mr. Wittman thank you, mr. Speaker. Id first like to commend and thank chairman hastings for all of his efforts and his support in bringing this legislation to the floor. We would not be where we are today without his leadership. Its been a true pleasure and honor to serve with him during his time as chairman of the house Natural Resources committee. Mr. Chairman, youve been a tireless champion for preserving our nations bountiful Natural Resources. We thank you so much for the legacy you left and leadership but also for the improvements that youve heard in this nations Natural Resources. I wish you all the best. S. 1000 is the Chesapeake Bay accountability and recovery act of 2014 and i am the author of the house companion legislation, h. R. 739, which has already passed the house earlier this congress and in previous sessions of congress. The Chesapeake Bay is the economic and cultural backbone of our region and is one of our nations most prized Natural Resources. Many activities are currently under way to clean up the bay, but without a coordinated effort, it is impossible to ascertain the effectiveness of these programs or to accurately gauge their success. The restoration effort includes multiple federal agencies and also includes six states and the District Of Columbia as well as more than 1,000 localities and multiple nongovernmental operations. While the drive and determination to restore the bay is shared by all of these entities, the effort can be muddled due to the complexity of various participants. And as weve seen, we have taken in some instances steps forward but in some instances those steps have not been forthcoming with other efforts. We need to make sure that every effort is indeed making progress on restoring the bay. At the same time, as we look at those efforts, its difficult to pinpoint exactly where and how much money is being spent across these wide scope of bay restoration activities. To remedy this, we must ensure that federal, state and local efforts are not working across purposes and that the restoration effort, as a whole, is coordinated and efficient. Today when we are in a resourcechallenged environment, we must get the most out of the dollars that sprent to restore the bay. Spent to restore the bay. This simple legislation would require a crosscut budget to assure federal dollars currently spent on bay restoration activities produce results and ensure that we are coordinating how restoration dollars are being spent. That coordination at the local, state and federal level is critical to make sure we demonstrate results and that we continue those efforts that have proven to be successful. It is also critical to make sure we are not duplicating efforts or unnecessarily spending money in areas not producing results. Second, the bill would require the appointment of an independent evaluator to review restoration activities in the watershed. The Chesapeake Bay accountability and recovery act is a smart, commonsense piece of legislation that will lead to better spending decisions and better government which will ensure that more resources are available to help restore the nations largest estuary, the Chesapeake Bay. This has been a truly cooperative effort and im very grateful for the leadership of senator mark warner and senator tim kaine as champions of bay restoration. I would also like to thank my fellow virginia representatives, frank wolf, jim moran, bobby scott, jerry connolly, and scott rigell, as well as Chris Van Hollen of maryland and congressman randy forbes for their consistent support in getting this bill through the house. I first introduced this bill in 2008 and it has been a difficult road to get to where we are now. But the bay, too, has had a difficult road and with the house passage today, mr. Speaker, we will be one step closer to the next chapter of the bays long history of efforts to restore her to her previous bounty. Today we see that there remains the Economic Foundation of our region is vested in the Chesapeake Bay and it continues to be a national treasure. We hope that with todays efforts it will continue to be enjoyed for generations and generations to come. Mr. Speaker, i urge my colleagues to support the Chesapeake Bay and this commonsense bill and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from virginia yields back the balance of his time. Does the gentleman from oregon seek recognition . Mr. Defazio mr. Speaker, i have no further speakers and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from oregon yields back the balance of his time. The gentleman from washington is recognized. Mr. Hastings thank you, mr. Speaker. I urge my colleagues to adopt this very hard bill that went through an arduous looking at from all aspects, and i want to commend mr. Wittman for his work on this. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass senate bill 1,000. So many as are 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. The gentleman from washington. Mr. Hastings i ask for the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays are requested. All those in favor of taking this vote by the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing until counted. A sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays are ordered. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20 , further proceedings on this uestion will be postponed. For what purpose does the gentleman from washington seek recognition . Mr. Hastings mr. Speaker, i move to suspend the rules and pass h. R. 5699, as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk Union Calendar number 490, h. R. 5699, a bill to authorize the secretary of the interior to acquire approximately 44 acres of land in martinez, california, and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from washington, mr. Hastings, and the gentleman from oregon, mr. Defazio, each will control 20 minutes. The chair now recognizes the gentleman from washington. Mr. Hastings mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and even their remarks include extraneous material on the bill under consideration. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Hastings i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Hastings thank you, mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the john muir Historic Site was established in 1964 and currently consists of 345 acres in martinez, california. H. R. 5699 allows the National Park service to accept a donation of 44 acres of property adjacent to the John Muir National Historic Site. This donation will enhance the recreational value of the existsing park by creating existing park by creating new opportunities for visitors. Its a good bill and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. Does the gentleman from oregon seek recognition . Mr. Defazio yes, mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. R. Defazio i congratulate mr. Miller on this legislation. H. R. 5699 will authorize National Park service to expand the boundary of the John Muir National Historic Site, acquire by donation, 4 acres of land from the Muir Heritage Land trust. It will expand the site, help carry on his legacy of conservation, and environmental stewardship. He was an important historic figure to me and to millions of other americans in terms of his dvocacy for the environment. Obviously owe him a great debt of gratitude for many of the actions of his legacy. Yosemite, Sequoia National founded the o he sierra club back in 19 early part of the last century. This bill will contribute to his legacy and help protect and conserve the place where he found solace and inspiration in his later years. I did read, it was interesting to me, an article that i would describe as sort of describing 21 is it century Political Correctness on the part 21st century on Political Correctness. On the part of historians one from ucla and center for bilogical diversity. Essentially criticizing and denying the legacy of john muir and using a 21st century politically correct backwards telescope to look at it. Just extraordinary to me there are people like that that exist. Sure, he didnt live up to 21st century Political Correctness. And he certainly couldnt have anticipated the Phenomenal Growth of the western United States and the need for amenities that relate to the environment in major urban areas. What he saved is an extraordinary gift enjoyed by millions of americans and people from around the entire world every year. And ive just got to say to those people that they are a bit misguided. With that i want to congratulate my friend and colleague, representative miller, on this. Obviously this is coming at the end of an extraordinary career of service to america and protecting our environment for a future generation. I think its really appropriate that mr. Miller is moving this bill to help perpetuate the legacy of someone else who in a much earlier time also contributed phenomenonly to our Public Resources and assets. With that i yield such time as e may consume to mr. Miller. Mr. Miller thank you, mr. Speaker. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I want to thank chairman hastings and Ranking Member defazio for their help in bringing this bill to the floor. Its been subject of negotiations that didnt end until just a couple weeks ago. Fortunately we have this time for the congress to consider t its a simple bill that will greatly benefit our National Park service by expanding the John Muir National Historic Site. My Congressional District in martinez at no cost to the federal government. Its a terrific resource for People Living and visiting in the bay area. Thousands and thousands and thousands of people come to the Historic Site every year. School children visit it on a regular basis. Certainly visitors from scotland come to the site to see this rather remarkable native of scotland who stirred up so much activity in the United States. As Ranking Member defazio pointed out, he was absolutely key to the founding and existence of yosemite National Park and sequoia National Park. He left his home site that is part of this park and walked to the sierras to explore the sierras and to live in them and write about them. Some of his most famous books were written on those journeys. This land, what we know locally as the plumber ranch, is contiguous to the John Muir National Historic Site, once part of a ranch owned by john swet. A close friend of john muir. There are many historic pictures of them together. He was the father of the California Public school system. And they spent a great deal of time in this area, both farming, farming fruit and grapes and other agricultural products. Very close friends. This donation by the muir land trust to the federal government, if we accept it, will bring these two pillars of californias history together in linking the physical connectness of their ranch. It will connect this area to mount wanda, which was named after john muirs daughter and he used to have orchards at the top of mount wanda and the side of it. So this is a really winwin for the historic community. Its a winwin for this Historic Site. That is visited by so many people. And its a win for the taxpayers since the money was raised locally to purchase this land from the original owner. And to provide it in donation to the National Park service. With the passage of this bill that transaction will be completed. They will expand this park. The nation will have the benefit of this additional historic asset to the sites for people to visit and understand, and again i want to thank chairman hastings for making time for this legislation and this committees jurisdiction and deliberations and to my good friend, peter defazio, for allowing me to present this on the floor. Thank you so very much to both of you. I would urge all my colleagues to vote aye on this matter. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the time of the gentleman from oregon is reserved. Mr. Defazio i have no further requests for time. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from oregon has yielded back his time. The gentleman from washington is recognized. Mr. Hastings mr. Speaker, this is a good piece of legislation. I urge its adoption. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore all time has now been yielded back. The question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 5699, as amended. So many as are 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 the gentleman from washington. Mr. Hastings mr. Speaker, i ask for the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays are requested. All those in favor of taking this vote by the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing. Until counted. A sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays are ordered. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20 , further proceedings on this uestion will be postponed. For what purpose does the gentleman from washington seek recognition . Mr. Hastings mr. Speaker, i move to suspend the rules and pass h. R. 5086, as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 508 , a bill to amend the national trails system act, to direct the secretary of interior to conduct a study on the feasibility designating the chief Standing Bear National Historic trail, and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from washington, mr. Hastings, and the gentleman from oregon, mr. Defazio, each will control 20 minutes. The chair now recognizes the gentleman from washington. Mr. Hastings mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Hastings i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Hastings mr. Speaker, h. R. 5086 is authored by our colleague from nebraska, mr. Forten berry, directs the secretary of interior to conduct a study on the feasibility of designating the chief Standing Bear National Historic trail. The proposed trail would extend approximately 550 miles between nebraska and oklahoma. Following a route taken by chief Standing Bear and the ponka people during the federal indian removal. The trail would also commemorate the chiefs return to nebraska and subsequent trial in 1879 when he became the first native american to be recognized as a person in the federal court decision. Its a good piece of legislation, mr. Speaker. I urge its adoption. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from washington reserves the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentleman from oregon seek recognition . Mr. Defazio i rise in support of the legislation. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Defazio i thank the speaker. Mr. Speaker, h. R. 5086 directs the secretary of interior to conduct a study on the feasibility of designating the chief Standing Bear National Historic trail in oklahoma, nebraska, and kansas. The trail extends 550 miles following the same route taken by chief Standing Bear during federal indian removal in 1877 and their subsequent return to nebraska. Chief Standing Bear played an Important Role in American History. He was the first native american recognized by a United States government as a person under law. Following his arrest and ensuing tribal for leafing his reservation in oklahoma without permission. Chief Standing Bear was honoring his sons dying wish to be buried in the land of his birth and traveled with his sons remain along with 20 members of the tribe from oklahoma back to their lands in nebraska. Unfortunately, at that time leaving the reservation was a violation of law. At the very least 135 years later, it is only right that we look into the feasibility of including this trail as part of the National Historic trail system to reflect on a not so proud period of American History in our country. When native americans were treated as secondclass citizens and honor the courage of chief Standing Bear in living up to the promise he had made to his son. I thank my colleagues on the other side of the aisle for advancing this legislation and representative fortenberry for his leadership on this bill and i support passage and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation. With that i would yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from oregon yields back the balance of his time. The gentleman from washington is recognized. Mr. Hastings mr. Speaker, im very pleased to yield five minutes to the author of this legislation, the gentleman from nebraska, mr. Fortenberry. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from nebraska he, mr. Fortenberry, is recognized for five minutes. Mr. Fortenberry i thank you, mr. Speaker, and let me thank, as well, the distinguished chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources for his leadership on this issue but for his many, many years of devoted service to this body. Well miss you. All the best in the future. Thank you so much for your service. Let me also thank the Ranking Member, mr. Defazio, for his support on this important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, this bill directs the secretary of the interior to conduct a Feasibility Study for the chief Standing Bear National Historic trail. And why is this important . Because, as has already been mentioned, chief Standing Bear holds a special place in native american as well as United States history. Establishing a trail in his name would be an outstanding way to recognize his deep contribution to the wellbeing of our country. Id like to provide some additional background on this extraordinary individual who, again, prevailed in one of the most Important Court cases for native americans in our countrys history. Chief Standing Bear was a ponca chief and in the 1800s, the ponca tribe made its home in the my brara river valley in the inside brara river valley Niobrara River valley in northeast nebraska. They compelled them to move to indian territory in oklahoma. And not wanting to subject his people to the confrontation with the government, Standing Bear obliged and led them from their homes to their new reservation in oklahoma. That journey was particularly harsh, and their new land was inhospitable. Nearly a third of the tribe died along the way from starvation, malaria and other illnesses, including Standing Bears own daughter, prairie flower, and later his son, named bear shield. Standing bear had promised bear shield that he would be bury him back home, back home in their native land in the Niobrara River valley in northeast nebraska. Embarking on that trip in the winter of 1878, Standing Bear led a group of poncas, but when they reached the omaha reservation, the United States army stopped Standing Bear and arrested him for leaving oklahoma without permission. He was then taken to fort omaha and held there to stand trial. And in the meantime, Standing Bears plight actually attract national attention. First in the predecessor to the the omaha daily herald, which is our newspaper back home, and through that the story became well publicized. At the conclusion of his twoday trial, Standing Bear, himself, was allowed to speak and in doing so he raised his hand, mr. Speaker, and he had this to say. That hand is not the color of yours, but if i pierce it i shall feel pain. If you pierce your hand, you will feel pain. The blood that will flow from mine is the same color as yours. I am a man. God made us both. And with those profound words, mr. Speaker, on that late spring day in 1879, i believe that chief Standing Bear expressed the most profound of american sentiments, the belief in the inherent dignity and therefore rights of all persons, no matter their ethnicity, no matter their color. And to the credit of judge elmer dundee, he ruled then that native americans were full persons within the meaning of the law. For the first time in that trial. Mr. Speaker, i believe that the story of the great ponca chief is a story of strength and grace and dignity in the protection of the most basic of human rights. And i also believe its a story that needs to be told again and again, understood and cherished by all americans of coming generations. And mr. Speaker, i believe that establishment of the chief Standing Bear National Historic trail would honor both his courage and legacy, the legacy of this brave individual and his contribution to the Civil Liberties of our nation. So with that i urge my colleagues to support the bill and, again, thank the gentlemen for their support as well and yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. Mr. Hastings mr. Speaker, i yield back the balance of my time on this bill also. The speaker pro tempore all time having been yielded back, the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the ill h. R. 5086, as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and without objection the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. 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 passed with an amendment h. R. 2719, cited as the transportation security acquisition reform act in which the concurrence of the house is requested. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from washington seek recognition . Mr. Hastings mr. Speaker, i move to suspend the rules and ass h. R. 5701, as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 5701, a bill to require that certain federal lands be held in trust by the United States for the benefit of federally recognized tribes in the state of oregon, and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from washington, mr. Hastings, and the gentleman from oregon, mr. Defazio, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from washington. Haste thank you, mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Hastings i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for such time as he may consume. Mr. Hastings thank you, mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, id first like to acknowledge the gentleman from oregon, mr. Defazio and mr. Walden, for their hard work on this piece of legislation which will benefit several Indian Tribes in the state of oregon. H. R. 5701 is a compilation of several standalone bills, most of which have been reported out of the Natural Resources committee and passed by the full house. Title 1 of h. R. 5701 would ease the process for the grand ronde tribe to apply for trust land within the original boundaries which 1857 reservation encompasses 60,000plus acres in polk county in oregon. Further, the bill deems property placed in trust for the tribe after 1988 be part of the tribes reservation. Finally, specific tracks of land totaling 288 acres would be placed in trust for the tribe in its former reservation. Mr. Speaker, title 1 is identical to h. R. 841, which previously passed the house. Title 2 and title 3 are similar to provisions found in h. R. 1526, the restoring healthy forests for Healthy Communities act, which passed the house in september of 2014. Title 4 would make it easier for the Siletz Indian tribe to apply for trust land within the original boundaries of the 1855 siletz coast reservation, which encompassed a large part on the coast of oregon. Gaming on this land would to be held in trust would be prohibited. Now, this is identical to the Natural Resources committee reported version of h. R. 931. And finally, title 5 would correct a situation with respect to the management of the coquille tribal forest in oregon. This forest has been regular has been regulated as part of the northwest forest plan, which is inconsistent with the management of other tribally managed forests in the United States. Under this title, the coquille tribe would be able to manage its forest under the National Indian Forest Resources management act. This will provide the tribe with the ability to better manage their timber resources. So with that, mr. Speaker, in is a good piece of legislation, as i mentioned, encompassing three other pieces of legislation that the house and or the committee has already acted on. And with that i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from washington reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from oregon is recognized. Mr. Defazio mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for such time as he may consume. Mr. Defazio mr. Speaker, this the last and this is the in the series of bills from the Resources Committee and perhaps the last time that ill be on the floor as Ranking Member and chairman hastings will be on the floor as chairman. I just want to thank my colleague from Washington State for all of, you know, the work weve done together. We obviously dont always agree on issues, but i think the Resources Committee has reported out more bills and passed more bills in the house than any other committee in this congress and have been very active and were hoping that the senate will go along with a few we have pending and we will get some of those bills enacted into law. In particular, i want to thank the chairman for his partnership on an issue absolutely critical to the pacific northwest, which is the management of the Columbia River system and the Bonneville Power Administration and the phenomenal gift of that clean and inexpensive power to our region and to the western u. S. Generally. You know, we have some major issues looming and particularly the negotiation or renegotiation or termination of the treaty with canada regarding the Columbia River treaty and the session that the hairman held in his district cold hington state on a day in february i think was critical in helping move that discussion and debate in a productive direction for all the stakeholders and particularly critical for position of the you know, our region in this negotiation. Im only hopeful that well soon get the attention of the state department and whomever they have seen fit to involve in this process and have a recommendation from the state Department Regarding modification, termination of that treaty so we can enter into meaningful negotiations with the canadians. So the gentleman played a particular key role in that and i want to thank him for that and obviously a lot of other work on foresty and other issues. Yes, id be happy to yield to the gentleman. Mr. Moran since you commend doc hastings for his career in congress, we joined in that. Mr. Miller we battled over California Water when he came to the congress and when i came to the congress. The last days of our legislative action, we were once again be discussing California Water. Thats the twist and the turns that this that this place takes with legislation, but i want to thank him for his service and leadership of the Resources Committee. He know house dear those issues are to me. My many years of service on that committee. I thank you for your fairness in dealing with a lot of the issues and as mr. Defazio pointed out, its not about whether we always agree, its about whether you can work out and where you could get on particular issues. Thank you for yielding. Mr. Defazio reclaiming my time. Directly to the legislation before us, mr. Speaker, you know, for too long, firl policies have unfairly disadvantaged federal policies have unfairly disadvantaged western oregon and obviously elsewhere around the country. After signing many treaties with the western oregon tribes, the United States removed them from their original homelands throughout the western part of the state and put them on only two reservations which were established at the time to house potentially people from more than 60 tribal governments. Many of the tribes confed rated ated se he is confeder on these homes and were basically forgotten by the United States despite its promises that it had made in treaty agreements with them. Later in 1954, one of the darkest chapters, was when all but one of the oregon tribes west of the Cascade Mountains lost their federal recognition in the western oregon termination act. The termination era, as scholars call it, was terrible federal indian policy. So bad it was only 30 years later it was formally rebuked by congress. Starting in the 1970s, congress began the process of restoring the western oregon tribes to federal recognition and are cleaning up the mess that United States government had made in western oregon. In fact, i began my congressional career as an original sponsor of the coquille restoration act, legislation to restore one of oregons terminated tribes. I partnered with then senator hatfield on that legislation, which was later enacted into law. While six oregon tribes are now federally recognized, it remains difficult for these tribes to function as the sovereign nations they are and to govern themselves as effectively as they could. Shifts in federal indian policy have made it time consuming and expensive for western oregon tribes and other tribes around the country, and the department of interior to Work Together on land and trust issues. These policy shifts have also deprived two of the tribes of sufficient land bases and has created a legal anomaly with regard to the coquille tribes forest. H. R. 5701, the western oregon indian tribal lands act is long overdue. No cost, commonsense bill. It will go a long way in helping resolve some of the problems of the federal government and its policy shifts over the last century or more than a century have created for the western oregon tribes. This legislation clarifies on reservation land into trust procedures for tribes so they dont have to face outrageous delays in dealing with the department of interior. The bill also makes good on a decades old promises to restore land bases for the coos and cab creek tribes and puts the coquille tribes on equal footing with others nationwide. 5701 deals only with oregon issues. All of the provisions in this oregon tribal bill have received some form of consideration by both the house and senate. This package also enjoys bipartisan, bicameral support. The rarest of rare things in washington, d. C. These days. I strongly encourage my colleagues here in the house to join with me in passing this legislation swiftly so we can get it over to the senate. And hopefully get the senate to act before the hopefully soon looming adjournment of the 113th congress. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from oregon reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from washington is recognized. Mr. Hastings mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Hastings mr. Speaker, i commend two of my colleagues from oregon for their work on this, mr. Walden and mr. Defazio. I failed to mention mr. Schrader, who was the author of h. R. 931, which is title four of this bill. He want to correct that oversight i made. I want to thank my two colleagues for their very kind words. This will, i think, be the last time ill have the opportunity to manage a bill on the floor. And i will just say both gentlemen made the observation that while we cant dont always agree on things, at least we can understand when somebody comes from a particular position, you can deal with that. To want to take this time correct an assertion my friend from oregon made when i had my portrait unveiled. He and i say that because i think most of my colleagues know my position on wilderness areas. Probably contrary to what their vision is. So i want to correct the record because mr. Defazio asserted that my position on wilderness areas was because, as a child i was lost in the wilderness. When we were camping. I thought that was very clever but its not the truth. So while what he said is not on the record, i get the last word here and say on the record i was not lost in the wilderness. Thats not how i derived my position on wilderness areas. With that, mr. Speaker, im prepared to yield back if the gentleman from oregon is prepared to yield back. Mr. Defazio mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Defazio you forgot i reserved, doc, soy i do get to respond. I have to say we were looking logical l for a reason for what i would say is recalstrans ns to create wilderness areas so areas remain undisturbed for future generations. I thought that was potentially a plausible reason. In fact, it was so plausible that the next day in the gym, a republican member who was there who didnt know either me or you as well asked if that was a true story. I played along for a brief period of time and i said no. I appreciate that you have corrected the record. We also in the end in the ndaa bill did do a wilderness package as relates to your state and some other wilderness bills that i think were very bipartisan and reasonable. I appreciate the fact that you supported that. With that i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from oregon yields back. The gentleman from washington is recognized. Mr. Hastings i yield myself the balance of the time. Ill simply say its been a pleasure for me to work with you in our position as Ranking Member. I wish you the best as you move over to the Ranking Member of t i in the next congress. This is a good piece of legislation. As the gentleman from oregon mentioned, several times, tribal issues, particularly in oregon, and im somewhat familiar with that because i do go to the oregon coast at least every other year, i know that those issues are somewhat contentious. I congratulate my colleagues from oregon for this legislation. Urge its passage and yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the question is, all time having now been yielded back, the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 5701, as amended. So many as are 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 thrame. Is laid upon the table. Pursuant to clause 1c of rule 19, further consideration of h. R. 5781 will now resume. The clerk will report the title. The clerk h. R. 5781, a bill to provide shortterm Water Supplies to drought stricken california. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . I have a motion to recommit at the desk. The speaker pro tempore is the gentleman opposed to the bill . Mr. Miller i am. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman qualifies. The clerk will report the motion. The clerk mr. George miller of california moves to recommit the bill h. R. 5781 to the committee on Natural Resources with instructions to report the same back to the house forth with with the following amendment. At the end of the bill add the following, title 4, preserving fishing industry jobs and the regional economy and protecting existing water rights priorities in western states and tribal sovereignty. Section 401, preserving fishing industry jobs and the regional economy. Nothing in this act shall adversely impact the commercial or sport Fishing Industries of california, oregon, or washington or any population of west coast salmon. Section 402, protecting existing water rights priorities in western states. Provisions in this act changing the relative priority of water rights in california shall not create any legal precedent for any other state. Section 403, protecting tribal sovereignty. Nothing in this act shall undermine native American Tribal sovereignty or reduce the quantity or quality of the water available to affected Indian Tribes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from california is recognized for five minutes in support of his motion. Mr. Miller i thank the chair. This is the final amendment to this bill which will not kill the bill or send it back to committee. If adopted the bill will proceed immediately to final passage as amended. There is no question that the underlying bill is controversial. Wherever you stand on the goals of the bill, it is clear it was not drafted properly. Thats no surprise. It was introduced just a week ago and did not go through the normal legislative process and did not receive any hearings or markup. On top of that the sponsors of the bill failed to consult the interested parties. They didnt consult the fibbermen, both commercial and sport, and duck hunters and others who are deeply impacted by this bill or the farmers in the delta, thousands of farmers farming hundreds of thousands of acres and millions of dollars in crops. They didnt consult the water agencies that are responsible for delivering safe and clean drink water for the western states and to so many. To so many in my district with their Drinking Water supply. They didnt consult the tribes whose rights may very well be affected by this legislation. And they didnt even consult the members of congress from this great delta, largest in the pacific coast, of the pacific ocean. They didnt even consult the members with direct interest in this legislation. In fact, it was only when senator Barbara Boxer insisted that there be transparency in the process and that we be given copies of the bill that the negotiateations were called off and senator feinstein said that she would take up this bill next year under regular order. Where does that leave us . With a bill intended to help one region of california at the expense of endangered species that could end up hurting millions of dollars worth of commercial fishing interests, farmers, tribes, and neighboring states. My amendment would fix that. First it clarifies that nothing built would adversely impact the Fishing Industries in california, oregon, or washington. Without this clarification the bill could result in exporting additional water which by doing that would devastate the salmon population and harm thousands of Small Businesses and commercial fishermen. My bill would clarify this bill would not create a precedent of impacting water rights in other states. This bill is a maimingor rewrite of californias water rights plain and simple. Most notably under existing water rights, the bill increased pumping for the Central Valley project would require a reduction in the pumping yet the bill specifies the water supplied to the state water projects not be reduced. Contrary to california law. This means a small subgroup of water users in california will get a higher priority access to water than entitled to under the contracts. Finally, my amendment clarifies that the bill protects tribal sovereignty and wont reduce the quality and quantity of water provided to the Indian Tribes in the federal governments tribal husband obligations. To give you one example, the tribe that could be harmed by this legislation is a tribe in humboldt county dependent upon the water. Their economies is dependent upon it, the tourism is depended on the river. We already saw this year Emergency Water releases from the river to prevent massive fish kills. The water is all pummedped out of the dam before thenpumped t of the dam before then, it wont help the economies. As a minimum we should pass my amendment to ensure this reckless action of this bills sponsors do not result in significant harms to our tribes, fishermen, and neighboring states. One of the rationales for passing this bill by the supporters of it is that this matter just flows to the ocean. Thats the way god created the plain. But the fact of the matter, it doesnt just flow to the ocean. As it goes to the ocean, it leaves the mountains and comes down the state, it goes past the cities of sacramento. It goes past the cities of concord, pittsburgh where hundreds of thousands people live and depend upon it for their Drinking Water supply. Clean water. It goes past the United States steel mills that uses and needs clean water for production. It goes past the dupont facility that needs clean water. It mixes with the saltwater in the marsh that allows fish to survive the difference between saltwater and fresh water. It provides those benefits for hundreds and hundreds of thousands of people and jobs for tens of thousands of people in the industries that are located in the delta, that are located there because of the delta. Then finally, if there is no water that does not flow to the ocean, that seems to be an indictment against the River Systems of california that it flows to the ocean. If it doesnt flow to the ocean, then the salmon cant get out into the bay, the ocean, and the incoming salmon cant come up to spawn for the next generation. What happens is that in oregon, washington, the runs that come up here and provide for commercial fishing, provide for sports fishing, provide for recreation, provide for tourism, provide revenues to the state in terms of fishing licenses, revenues to all of the states, california, provides for the wetlands, duck hunters and preserve one of the great flyways. Thats not just flowing to the ocean. Thats an important water system. Small group of farmers here want to take it for themselves. The speaker pro tempore the time of the gentleman from california has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from washington seek recognition . Mr. Hastings mr. Speaker, i rise to claim time in opposition to the n. T. R. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for five minutes. Mr. Hastings mr. Speaker, i just simply want to say that we have alluded to California Water in the prior exchange. Yes, its complicated. I want to be very, very specific. The bill under consideration today is a shortterm fix to something that needs a longterm fix. And the gentleman made a number of arguments, but i think the gentleman failed to read the bill because there are two specific sections in there that is contrary to what he is asserting would happen. Thats sections 203 and 301. Let me try to be as concise as i can on what this legislation does and why it is important to pass it out of this congress. This legislation to cut to the chase simply says that during rainy periods california is getting rain right now, theyll probably get rain for another couple months, hopefully, during rainy periods this legislation simply gives federal agencies and state agencies the flexibility to direct water to where its needed. It doesnt pree. Other environmental laws. It simply says when it rains, we should have the ability to direct that water where its needed. Thats why it has an Expiration Date in 2016 to give time for a more comprehensive solution to this. From my point of view, this motion to recommit is simply a procedural motion to hopefully stop this process of trying to get shortterm relief to the drought in california. So i urge my colleagues to vote no on the n. T. R. On the m. T. R. , vote yes on the underlying legislation and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. Without objection, the motion is the question is on the motion to recommit. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, the noes have it. The motion is not agreed to. On that, i ask for the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays are requested. Those favoring a vote by the yeas and nays will rise. A sufficient number having risen, the yeas and nays are ordered. Members will record their votes by electronic device. Pursuant to clause 9 of rule 20, the chair will reduce to five minutes the minimum time for any electronic vote on the question of passage. 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 182. The nays are 228. The motion is not adopted. The question is on passage of the bill. So many as are in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. He ayes have it. For what purpose does the the gentleman seek recognition . Request a recorded vote. The speaker pro tempore a recorded vote is requested. Those favoring a recorded vote will rise. A sufficient number having arisen, a recorded vote is ordered. Members will record their votes by electronic device. This will be 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 229, the nays are 18 2. He bill is the speaker pro tempore on this vote, the yeas are 230, the nays are 182. The bill is passed. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. Pusuant to clause 8 of rule 20, the chair will postpobe further proceedings on bills on which the yeas and nays are ordered or on which the bill causes objection under clause 6 of rule 20678 any recorded votes on postponed questions will be taken later. He house will come to order. Will members please take their conversations off the floor so e may proceed. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from North Carolina seek recognition . Mr. Speaker, i move that the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 5185, to rethoffers the young womens Breast Health education and awareness requires learning oung act of 2009 as amended. The speaker pro tempore the house will please come to order. The clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 5185. A bill to reauthorize the young womens Breast Health education and awareness requires learning young act of 2009. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from North Carolina, mrs. Ellmers, and the gentleman from texas, mr. Green, each will control 20 minutes. Before we proceed, the house will please come to order. Members will please take their conversations off the floor so e may proceed. The gentlewoman deserves attention. The chair recognizes the gentlewoman from North Carolina. Mrs. Ellmers mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials in the record on the bill. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mrs. Ellmers mr. Speaker, i yield two minutes time to the chairman of the energy and Commerce Committee, mr. Upton from michigan. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from michigan is recognized for two minutes. Mr. Upton mr. Speaker, could i ask for regular order. The speaker pro tempore the ouse will be in order. Members will please take their conversations off the floor. The gentleman from michigan may proceedings may proceed. Mr. Upton thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise in strong support of h. R. 5185, the early act this very important bipartisan bill would reauthorize education and outreach programmings at the center for Disease Control and prevention highlighted to developed to highlight the risk of Breast Cancer. While most Breast Cancers are found in women over 50 years old or older, about 11 of all new cases of Breast Cancer in the u. S. Are found in women 45 and younger. While diagnosis and treatment are difficult for women of any age, young survivors often find it even more challenging. This bill would reauthorize the important programs created in the early act first passed to increase understanding of Breast Cancer among young women by conducting prevention, research, and a campaign to raise Awareness Among the public and medical providers about early cases of Breast Cancer this bill continues to improve the health and quality of life of young Breast Cancer survivors and young women who are at higher risk of getting the disease. And i want to particularly thank the two authors of the bill. Representative Debbie Wasserman schultz, herself a Breast Cancer survivor, and energy and Commerce Committee member, Renee Ellmers, who is managing the bill this afternoon. I am so proud to support this effort. The prevention, treatment, and ultimately curing of diseases requires an all hands on deck effort to not only educate but also innovate on new cures and treatments. Early this year, the energy and Commerce Committee embarked on the 21st Century Cures Initiative with the goal of finding cures and treatments for thousands without one, including this terrible disease. Sadly, we have all been touched in some manner by cancer or some other disease. Whether its a personal diagnosis or a courageous fight by a loved one. We have been encouraged and humbled by the support we have seen for this initiative but also understand that there is a great deal of work ahead. We look forward to meeting that challenge and this bill helps us. So i would urge my colleagues to support this legislation again, i particularly want to commend the two gentleladies who will be speaking here this afternoon, and urge all my colleagues to vote for it and i and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. The gentleman from texas is the gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Green mr. Speaker, i yield five minutes to the democratic sponsor of this legislation and our colleague from florida, congresswoman Debbie Wasserman schultz. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady from florida is recognized for five minutes. Ms. Wasserman schultz thank you, mr. Speaker. I thank the gentleman. 5185, in support of h. R. He young womens Breast Health education and awareness requires learning young, or the early act. First introduced by myself and sue myrick was law in 2010. This law, which has been capabley implemented by the c. D. C. Must now be reauthorized so we can make sure that good work being done by the c. D. C. Can continue. Im thankful for Renee Ellmers for helping me this year. And i thank the support of fred upton and Frank Pallone for helping bring this reauthorization to the floor today. It would not happen without their willingness and support on the floor. Thank you to senators klobuchar senator klobuchar. This works on a central tenant that we must empower young women to speak up for their bodies. Too many think that Breast Cancer is not happens to younger women. But the hard truth is that more than 26,000 women under age 45 are diagnosed with this deadly disease each year. And too often their Breast Cancer is the more aggressive form and is caught later than it should be. The early act created a crucial Outreach Campaign administered by the c. D. C. And highlights the Breast Cancer risks facing young women while empowering them with the tools they need to fight this deadly disease. It is also educates Health Care Providers about the warning signs of Breast Cancer in women that lead to Early Detection, diagnosis and survival. The early act also created thed a vyry committee on Breast Cancer of young women within the c. D. C. Made up of Breast Cancer, medical professionals and advocates around the nation. The Advisory Committee is hard at work. From genetic testing to fertility preservation. The c. D. C. Is rolling out a number of targeted Media Outreach strategies to reach specific groups of young women who are at risk for Breast Cancer. Understanding these risks are critical, mr. Speaker, because the statistics are sobering. One in eight women reknow will get Breast Cancer in her lifetime. It strikes women from all backgrounds, races andth nit its. It strikes the rich and poor, knows with access to Quality Health care and those with little or no health care. I was a woman, a young woman at high risk, but i didnt know it. Just months after a clean mammogram in late 2011, i know my colleagues here have heard me tell my story, i heard those terrible words, you have Breast Cancer. Thinking of my children and their future, i underwent seven surgeries, including a double mastectomy. And for as much as i thought was knew as an advocate and a fight against Breast Cancer throughout my legislative career, there was so much i did not know. As a jew i was five times more likely to have a genetic few genetic knew and a bracket gene who gave me an 85 of getting Breast Cancer and 60 of getting ovarian cancer. I was fortunate to get the help i needed. I didnt find my tumor through luck, mr. Speaker. I found it through education. After i was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and experienced the experience of Early Detection firsthand i knew i had to introduce legislation to help other young women facing this terrible disease. In the first few years of this law, the c. D. C. Has already accomplished incredible work, identifying where the gaps exist about Breast Health, supporting young survivors through grants, organizations focused on helping these survivors cope with the unique challenges they face as young survivors, including fertility preservation and longterm survivorship challenges. In implementing the targeted media campaign, including innovative social media efforts to reach women at the highest risk, the early act has supported statewide initiatives in georgia, the state established a statewide genetic referral for women at high risk and help collect baseline and postimplementation data and in 2012 michigan distributed over 14,000 Michigan Department of Community Health cancer Family History guides to assist providers in identifying high risk patients for referrals to genetic specialists. The reauthorization of the early act has the support of the susan g. Comban foundation, the American Cancer Society cancer network, live strong foundation, young survival coalition, cans r the black Womens Health nir tiff and the tiger lily foundation. I know these groups have a deep understanding of both the amazing work we have accomplished so far but also the challenges that lie ahead. We must continue these important efforts and empower more women with the knowledge and tools they need to fight this disease, not just to survive, but to thrive. Together, we can save more of our moms, sisters, grandmothers, daughters and sister friends so, please, help us keep up the momentum and stand with congresswoman ellmers and myself in support of the reauthorization of the early act. Mr. Speaker, if i might add, on sunday i marked a celebration of seven years as a survivor of Breast Cancer. So it is particularly poignant and significant and i am so appreciative of the leadership of the house on both sides of the aisle for giving they bill the floor attention that needs and deserves. Thank you so much. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time has expired. The gentlelady from North Carolina. Mrs. Ellmers mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Mrs. Ellmers thank you, mr. Speaker. I just want to say that i am so proud and honored to have been asked to join with my good friend, Debbie Wasserman schultz from florida, as an original cosponsor on this very important, bipartisan early act and thrilled to see this authorization or reauthorization considered in the house of representatives. The early act has been proven record of success, saving countless lives through both preventative and Early Detection measures. Unfortunately, like many good friends, like my friend from florida, they were stricken with an awful cancer. And there are still far too many courageous women fighting this disease, including a dear , iend of mine back home fawnie. She was diagnosed with Breast Cancer at the age of 42 and four years later she continues her courageous fight against this disease. The early act will serve to shed light on this disease and give hope to all women, like fawnie, who are still fighting this awful, awful cancer. This legislation ensures that all women, young and old, have the information and resources necessary to protect themselves and also supports those who are in remission. This legislation will continue its important work of educating future generations on the risks associated with this disease. And i look forward to seeing the early act pass this house and advance on to the senate today. Thank you, mr. Speaker, and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady reserves. The gentleman from texas. Mr. Green mr. Speaker, i rise i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Green i rise in support of h. R. 5185, the early act reauthorization of 2014. According to the centers for Disease Control and prevention, over 220,000 women and 2,000 men were diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2011, making Breast Cancer the most common cancer among women. Approximately 11 of the new brabser cases occur in women under 45 years Breast Cancer cases occur in women under 45 years of age. Most have changes in certain Breast Cancer genes were treated with Radiation Therapy to the breast or chest as a child or young adult or possess certain other risk factors, may be high risk of getting Breast Cancer at an early age. The early act was first signed into law in 2010 to improve young womens Breast Health awareness and as young women were diagnosed with Breast Cancer. It supports research and communication and education initiatives and the support to Breast Cancer survivors and their families. Todays legislation reauthorizes the early act at currently appropriated funding levels and require a study to identify any activities under the act that are duplicative of other federal Breast Cancer education efforts. Ms. T to acknowledge Wasserman Schultz and mrs. Ellmers and those on the energy and Commerce Committee for bringing this bill to the floor today. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation. Breast cancer has touched almost every family i know and this is one way congress can react to it. I yield i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentlelady from North Carolina. Mrs. Ellmers ill continue to reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady reserves. The gentleman from texas. Were ready to close, we have no other speakers, if the gentlelady would yield back the time we will. The speaker pro tempore does the gentleman from texas yield back the balance of his time . Mr. Green yes. Mrs. Ellmers were ready to close, mr. Speaker. Id just like to say a few words, if i may. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Mrs. Ellmers i just want to say, again, thank you to my good friend for allowing me to be part of this. I know how important it is to her and again thousands, thousands like her. And, again, to my friend, fawnie, back home. She has touched so many lives. Shes a teacher, shes a wife, a mother, shes involved in her church, her community. On Christmas Eve shell be at First Presbyterian church in dunn playing the bells in the choir. I also see a smile on her face and i want today to make that smile even bigger. So again, mr. Speaker, thank you so much for allowing this to move forward today, and i yield back the remainder of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back. The question is will the house suspend the rules and the bill h. R. 5185, as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed, and without objection the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from ohio seek recognition . Mr. Latta thank you, mr. Speaker. I move that the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 5705, to modify certain provisions relating to the propane education and research council. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 5705, a bill to modify certain provisions relating to the propane education and research council. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from ohio, mr. Latta, and the gentleman from texas, mr. Green, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from ohio. Mr. Latta mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and and insert remarks extraneous matters in the record on the bill. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Latta mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Latta thank you, mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, i rise today in support of h. R. 5705, the propane education and Research Enhancement act of 2014, which i introduced along with congressman wals. This important Bipartisan Legislation congressman walz. This important bipartisan legs directs the department of commerce to more accurately estimate propane costs. It enables the propane industry to mitt quite price spikes. Last winter in my home state of ohio as well as across 27 26 other states across the country, the lives and livelihoods of Many Americans were threatened due to the propane shortages that were being experienced. Access to heat is a requirement for survival and employment. We want to make sure that americans do not face the same hardships again this winter or in future winters. This bill would take the necessary steps to allow the propane industry to adequately address propane supply and pricing issues so consumers are not negatively impacted this coming winter. In 1996, congress enacted the propane education and research act, authorizing the propane industry to collect and use its own resources for safety, training, research and development and education for the benefit of propane consumers and the public. The law also established the propane education and research council, perc, to accomplish these goals. To prevent this program from creating a disproportionate demand for propane, the department of commerce is required to annually calculate the price for consumer grade propane and compare it with an index of prices as specified competing fuels. If the price of the propane exceeds a certain threshold, perc is restricting from conducting the outreach activities. In 2009 due to a misinterpretation of law by the department of commerce, the restriction was triggered and all education and outreach by perc ceased. While the department of commerce believes that congress intended pera to focus on residentialonly propane, the particulars of the law does not limit it the text of the law does not limit it to the residential market. To correct this desscrepansy, the propane education and Research Enhancement of 2014 would clarify the language. Law to require the department of commerce to use the proper data and bringing the application and law back in line with congress intent. It would also amend the existing pungses of perc for training distributors and consumers and strategies to mitigate the negative effects of the propane price spike. Over the past year i have been working on this legislation with stakeholders and congressman walz to help mitigate having another propane shortage. This legislation is an important step in helping to achieving this and i urge full support of my colleagues for h. R. 5705. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from texas. Mr. Green mr. Speaker, i rise in support of h. R. 5185, but also yield five minutes to my colleague from minnesota, the sponsor of this bill, congressman walz. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from minnesota is recognized. Mr. Walz thank you, mr. Speaker. I thank the gentleman from texas. A special thank you to my friend from ohio, mr. Latta. As many of you just heard, commonsense piece of legislation, but i think its important to note that for many of us and as my colleague mentioned last year when the propain shortage came, folks can prepare, and we understand in ohio and minnesota these harsh winters you prepare for these things. But the situation with propane came so quickly and fast that the imposition that it made in some cases could have become life threatening. Where propane tanks could become empty, families were counting on it heating their homes. I think its important to note that at that time the gentleman from ohio stood up, became a National Leader on this issue and helped not only alleviate at the time but start doing things like this thinking to the future. This is what we should be doing. This is smart. Making sure our markets work correctly. Making sure the intent of congress is followed and consumers are well served. I want to thank you for that. This is what our constituents expect and i know there are a lot of folks in minnesota that benefited from this. You heard what the gentleman talked about. This is a simple fix that its a misinterpretation of where it comes. The point the gentleman has brought up that is critically important, markets are starting to function. This is an education piece. I think when we educate the public right on this, you heard some of the implications of that by not doing that when they stopped all education on this. The propane shortage of last winter came quickly and fast and it had immediate repercussions. I would say once we correct this deficiency, amend it, it will make a difference. It will enable the propane industry to use its resources to mitigate price spikes and more accurately let consumers know what the price of propane is. This is a fairly simple fix, but nothing is simple in congress as we know. And nothing is simple when youre dealing with a complex commodity such as propane. I do think and as we move into this winter norking on wood is one thing, but knocking on wood is one thing, but leadership like the gentleman from ohio has shown is also helping. I encourage my colleagues support this piece of commonsense legislation. Move this forward. And again this is what we are sent here to do. To try to make things better. Make sure our markets function correctly and make sure our constituents are being educated correctly. With that i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The gentleman from ohio is recognized. Mr. Latta thank you, mr. Speakerment i believe we have no other speakers on the bill. If the gentleman from texas is ready to close, well be ready to close, too. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from texas. Mr. Green id like to not to belay the point, id like to yield myself whatever time i consume and very shortly. I support h. R. 5705, the Propane Education Research act. I ask unanimous consent for my full statement to be placed into the record. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Green yield back my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. Mr. Latta thank you, mr. Speaker. Again as the gentleman from minnesota pointed out, we had a great shortage last winter. Affected not only our small family farms out there or large farms out across the country, we had situations where business is being affected, having to shut down. This is a very important piece of bill that will help folks out there. Make sure we hopefully dont have that situation occur again. Mr. Speaker, i urge passage of h. R. 5705 and i yield back the balance of my time. Thank you very much. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 5705. So many as are 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 upon the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from ohio seek recognition . Mr. Speaker, i move to suspend the rules and pass h. R. 5764. The speaker pro tempore without objection. The clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 5764, a bill to authorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from ohio, mr. Gibbs, and the gentleman from new york, mr. Bishop, will each control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from ohio. Mr. Gibbs mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and and their remarks include extraneous material on herh 5764. The speaker pro tempore without objection. The gentleman from ohio is recognized. Mr. Gibbs i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Gibbs mr. Speaker, i rise in support of h. R. 5764, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative act of 2014. The great lakes are an important resource for the United States. More than 30 Million People live in the Great Lakes Region and the lakes help support over 200 billion a year in economic activity. To help ensure coordination between federal, state, and private parties in protecting and restoring the great lakes, a Great Lakes Interagency Task force of federal agencies was created in 2004. In 2010, the task force released an action plan as part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to accelerate efforts to protect and restore the great lakes. In september of this year, the federal agencies released an updated action plan 2 which summarizes the action that the federal agencies plan to implement during fiscal years 2015 through 2019 using great lakes funding. The action plan aims to target the biggest threats to the great lakes ecosystem and to accelerate progress toward longterm goals. Congressman joyce introduced h. R. 576 to amend the Great Lakes Program provisions under section 118 of the clean water act, to formally authorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for five years and carry out projects and activities for great lakes protection and restoration. Under the initiative, the Environmental Protection agency is to collaborate with other federal partners, including the Great Lakes Interagency Task force, to select the best combination of projects and activities for great lakes protection and restoration. Specified principles and criteria are to be used in selecting projects and activities including whether they want to improve the interorganizational coordination and collaboration, to reduce duplication and streamline the efforts. Two, provide the ability to timely achieve strategy and measurable environmental outcomes and leverage resources with other federal and nonfederal partners. The bill authorizes the initiative for fiscal years 2015 through 2019. I encourage all members to support h. R. 5764. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from new york. Mr. Bishop thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Bishop i rise in support of h. R. 5764, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative act of 2014. Let me start by recognizes the hard work of the bipartisan cosponsors of the this of this legislation including the retiring dean of the house, mr. Dingell, and commepped their efforts to move this legislation h. R. 576 would authorize federal appropriations for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. A program initiated by this administration to coordinate the federal restoration efforts of the great lakes. For the decades leading up to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, many federal agencies were involved in the cleanup and protection of the great lakes. However, their efforts were far from coordinated resulting in inefficient cleanup activities that made little progress in the Overall Health of the great lakes. In 2010, this administration launched the initiative to accelerate efforts to protect and restore the largest fresh water fresh surface water system in the wormed, the great lakes. Under the leadership of the former e. P. A. Administrator, lisa jackson, this initiative prioritized five focus areas. Cleaning up toxins in the great lakes areas of concern, combating Invasive Species, promoting the near shore health by protecting watersheds from polluted runoff, and tracking the progress made as well as educating and working with strategic partners. As long as 2013er the initiative has funded more than 1,500 projects and programs of the highest priority to meet immediate cleanup restoration and protection needs. There is tangible proof that the health of the great lakes are improving. From the listing of two additional u. S. Great lakes areas of concern to a list of over 30 Success Stories recently documented by the healing our waters coalition. Yet additional progress is needed and the authorization of appropriations contained in h. R. 5764 is a good step forward to continuing this effort. However, i would note that most of the successes of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative can all be traced back to one factor that i have highlighted over and over again in this congress. The critical need for robust federal funding. As i noted during Floor Consideration of the Water Resources reform and Development Act of 2013, as well as during numerous other authorizations and Appropriations Bills this congress, to see Real Progress in the programs we establish we need also to provide the critical funding to our federal agencies that implement these programs. Too often these days we seem driven to cut federal spending for programs that provide a real benefit to our nation without an awareness of the consequences of these actions. This chamber will recognize there are places where the federal government can help and should be making increased investments such as to repair our troubling infrastructure crubbling flass or protect our fragile natural environment. Later this week i fear we will again be asked to vote on an appropriations package for the federal government that woefully underfunds critical investments in our future. From building the infrastructure that will keep our country competitive into the next century to investing in the water related infrastructure that protects communities, families, and businesses, to making targeted improvements to our natural environment, to ensure the protection of human economic and environMental Health for generations to come. We need to do better. We need to recognize that the expenditure of federal moneys to invest in our nation is not inherently a bad thing. We need to understand that the federal government needs to be an active partner in addressing many of the complex challenges facing our states, our communities, and our everyday lives. We need to support the missions of those federal agencies we have charged with ensuring the longterm economic and environMental Health of this nation. These are only some of the ongoing challenges that face this nation and we need a congress that is serious about taking on the hard questions and making the right investments. Not only for our own lives and livelihoods, but those of generations of americans to come. Mr. Speaker, i commend the bipartisan sponsors of this legislation for ensuring that the new authorization shows some willingness to provide robust funding for these restoration efforts rather than simply and mindlessly cutting these programs. I urge support of h. R. 5764 and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from ohio. Mr. Gibbs mr. Speaker, i yield three minutes to the gentleman from ohio, the sponsor of the bill, mr. Joyce. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from ohio is recognized for three minutes. Mr. Joyce thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today to offer my full support for h. R. 5764, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative act of 2014. The reason is simple, mr. Speaker. The great lakes are a national and economic treasure in the u. S. Which contains 1 vsh 5 of the worlds fresh water supply. The glri is the most important and significant and productive effort to date to protect these five lakes that provide Drinking Water and jobs for millions of people. Its crucial the glri be formally authorized at 300 million for the next five years to ensure that the great work already done is not lost. This does not add any new spending and will continue to make sure necessary resources are available. Glri is action oriented, results driven, initiative targeting the most significant problems within the basin including Invasive Species like asian carp, toxins ep and contaminated sediment, nonpoint source clution pollution, and habitat restoration. The programs are working and the glri will ensure we have healthy great lakes while boosting commits in this vast region. The great lakes are one of the jewels of the United States. When i talk about the great lakes, people who are not from the region i make sure the benefits are twofold. Economic and environmental. Six quadrillion. We are not talking about a little fresh water here. Quadrillion gallons of water in the great lakes. 62 billion. The great lakes supports a diverse range of businesses and thats how much is generated by wages in the Great Lakes Region. 30 million, thats how many people live within the great lakes basin and rely on them for safe Drinking Water, transportation and recreation. 14 million, thats how much money in glri funds that was spent to clean up the river in the heart of my district. Because the programs was working, i was able to see the river taken off the e. P. A. s designated list of places that are areas of concern. A couple of months ago. Thats a really big deal for northeast ohio. 1 1 2 million, thats how many jobs are directly related to the great lakes. 3,500, thats how many diverse species of plant and wildlife call the great lakes home. Finally, last and most telling statistic for you food is the number three. Three is the number of days that residents of toledo in my home state of ohio were unable to drink the water in their homes because of the harmful algae blooms in lake erie. The water in lake erie was literally green. That is unacceptable. That is a clear reason why we need to pass this bill and authorize glri with bipartisan support. Because no american should ever be afraid to drink the tap water in their own home. Supporting this bill will lock in the programs that work to ensure our nations largest bodies of fresh water are protected and will be continue to be protected in the future. Before i close, i want to thank chairman shuster as well as my colleague and dear friend of ohio, representative gibbs, and the transportation and Infrastructure Committee for their help on this bill. We spent a lot of time working on this issue, and im very grateful for their assistance. Id also like to thank majority leader mccarthy for scheduling this important bill for Floor Consideration. Im very excited that glri enjoys so much bipartisan support from great lake members here in congress. When we make these investments in our great lakes, results are produced for our constituents, the environment and businesses throughout the vast region. It is critical we authorize the glri who people for people who live in the speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. Mr. Joyce thank you, again, mr. Speaker, and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new york. Thank you, mr. Speaker. Id like to yield two minutes to the gentlelady from new york, ms. Kaptur, who was the cosponsor of the bill. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized for two minutes. Ms. Kaptur i thank the Ranking Member, mr. Bishop, for yielding and thank the chairman, mr. Gibbs, and obviously my colleague, mr. Joyce, who just spoke. I rise in support, strong support of h. R. 5764. Since the creation of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, our nation has made Great Strides in reviving and protecting our nations greatest fresh water tresh, our great lakes. Still, despite