Majority and minority leaders and minority whip shall be limited to five minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from nebraska, mr. Smith, for five minutes. Mr. Smith mr. Speaker, i rise to bring attention to the Outstanding Community service demonstrated by the student athletes from North Central sports club in nebraska. Harsh weather and devastating flooding has hit much 6 nebraska this spring, causing destruction to many homes and communities and agriculture producing facilities throughout ourer state. The recovery has not been easy, but the hard work, dedication, and again rossity of nebraskans has been on full display since the disaster struck. I want to highlight one group, the North Central sports club, which is made up of student athletes from rock county, nebraska. These student athletes were excited for their upcoming trip, an annual tradition after completing the hard work of not only their competitive sport seasons and academic requirements but also the fundraising which keeps the program running. However, instead of taking their annual trip, the students decided to donate the funds to help with the recovery of their neighboring community, which suffered much more of the storms damage. Mr. Speaker, nebraskans dont scare from a challenge nor do they stand by as their friends and neighbors suffer. Im honored to recognize these student athletes from rock county, nebraska for their again rossity and community service. Thank you. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore thank you. The chair recognizes the gentleman from connecticut, mr. Courtney. For five minutes. Mr. Courtney thank you, mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, i rise this afternoon to spotlight a couple days from now the house of representatives will be voting on h. R. 896, which is an enact he protecting americans with preexisting conditions. Again, this is a measure to reverse a tea significance made last october by the Trump Administration. It was an administrative guidance in the department of health and Human Services which basically opened the doors for states to submit waivers from the Affordable Care acts protections for patients which almost universally are supported by the american people. For example, in the law it banned the use of preexisting condition exclusions by Insurance Companies, both for individuals applying for insurance and for those who actually got insurance but then had their bills denied because of preexisting conditions. With the stroke of a pen in march, 2010, the Affordable Care act abolished that practice by Insurance Companies which basically was a discriminatory practice for people, again, through no fault of their own, had medical conditions which they could not control. It also eliminated lifetime limits. In other words, Insurance Companies capped the amount of medical bills that they would pay so somebody with a cancer or a serious chronic condition would run into those caps and basically be in bankruptcy land. Lastly, it established the Central Health benefits which were defined by the institute of medicine, not political organizations, based on what Health Insurance should cover. For example, behavioralle health, maternal and child benefits, etc. This decision by the Trump Administration last october basically knocked out the guardrails in the a. C. A. Waiver process which, again, every observer and commentator said would open the doorer again to Insurance Companies using the practice of preexisting condition exclusions. For those who maybe have forgotten what that looked like, i have beside me here a chart which includes a brochure which humana insurance was using back in 2009 when it was selling Health Insurance. Again, its touting great news for people who buy their own Health Insurance, new Flexible Health coverage. If you he read the fine print, it went on to say that there is Important Information about preexisting conditions for those these conditions which would not be covered. Aides, h. I. V. , cancer, c. O. P. D, connective tissue disorder, diabetes, emphysema, hepatitis, emotional or mental illness, and others. Just in case maybe you survived that litmus test, it does going on to say this list is not all inclusive. Other conditions may apply. Thats what Health Insurance looked like before 2010 is that people who in good faith were paying premium dollars for coverage whether they were individuals, small businesses, or large employers suddenly found with the fine print back in those days medical underwriting was excluding people from getting the coverage for the Health Insurance they thought they were buying. Also, the rude awakening of people who had insurance suddenly had their bills reversed. Again, in good faith depending on Insurance Companies to pay for an operation or for a hospitalization or doctors visit. This country turned the page in 2010, it is time to once and for all say that those practices are a thing of the past. Our bill this week, h. R. 896, will restore those patient protections which the Trump Administrations executive order last october reversed. Hopefully the people in this chamber will listen to the universal support for these patient protections all across the country, republicans and democrats, the polling shows its off the charts. And support this bill and block this executive order which would turn the clock back for american patients and Americans Health care system. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from michigan, mr. Mitchell, for five minutes. Mr. Mitchell thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor an outstanding member of our community and our military on his retirement. For more than 35 years, Brigadier General john slocumb served our country. Most recently as the commander commandered of 127th wing in michigans 10th district, a post he held from november 4, 2014, until his retirement this past weekend. His career of more than 35 years and 4,100 flight hours began in 1984 when he received his air force commission to east carolinas universitys rotc program. After receiving his wings, he served eight years on active duty as an f4 phantom and f16 pilot and served as an instructor in bases in georgia and arizona. In 1992 he joined the Arizona Air National guard where he served in a variety of positions. Many related to f16 Flight Training before taking over as Arizona Air National guards 162nd Fighter Wings chief of safety and squadron commander. During his tenure in arizona, he create add new Air National Guard Maintenance Training curriculum, worked to increase Mental Health resources, and initiated a d. O. D. Wide midair Collision Avoidance program, and more. Because of those actions, in 2013 he was inducted to the air force hall of fame. After one year as Inspector General of the Air National Guard based in joint base andrews, in 2014, he he was promoted to Brigadier General and assumed command of the 127th wing in my home district. Its home to 1,can 700 airmen, operating both the a10 and the strato tanker, as well as host to more than 10 organization from all branches of the military and numerous d. H. S. Organizations. Nearly 4,500 active duty, guard, reserve, and civilian personnel call the base home. It is unique with with diverse needs due to its Many Commission miss and the general has been an exceptional leader in our community. Der slocumbs leadership the 127th wing earned a trophy presented to the top flying wing in the Air National Guard. And celebrated milestones for the base 100 years, the 127th wing two flying units, the 107th flying squadron, 100 years. And air refueling squadron of 75 years. Further, last year the 127th air wing was named macomb countys Economic Development partner of the year and slocumb was inducted into the county hall of fame. I have had the honor to work with general slocumb since before i joined congress and greatly appreciate our professional relationship, as well as personal friendship that has grown in the last five years. And our nearly weekly phone calls he has worked with me to ensure i know whats going on at the base and Work Together to address those needs of the men and women who serve. It is clearer he cares deeply about the base, the men and women he commands, michigan, and our nation and we are grateful for his decades of dead dead case to our nation. Ill miss having him commanding the base. Hell continue to remain heavily involved in our community to make our place a great place to live. On behalf of our community and our nation, i wish to extend him all the best in his retirement and i thank him for his many years of exemplary service. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from minnesota, ms. Mccollum, for five minutes. Mr. Speaker, the federal government has an obligation to equally protect the rights of all 573 federally recognized tribal nations. Since the passage of the indian reorganization act of 1934, those rights have included the ability to have lands placed into trust. The intent of the original indian reorganization act was clear, to restore and protect tribal homelands for all sovereign tribal nations. Congress clearly did not intend to limit this right based on the date of a tribes recognition. After all, tribal nations did not get to decide when the federal government would give them the recognition they were due. But in 2009, the Supreme Court ruling in the case of cartier vs. Salazar, called into question whether tribes recognized after 1934 should have equal rights to trust land. Tribal leaders united to ask congress for legislation to fix this problem, to right this wrong. And i am honored to have worked hand in hand in a nonpartisan fashion with my good friend, congressman tom cole, to lead that effort. Tomorrow the house will vote on h. R. 375, a clean legislative fix that is necessary to ensure that we are fulfilling one of our countrys most sacred obligations. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support a clean fix. Mr. Speaker, with that i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from utah, mr. Bishop, for five minutes. Mr. Wish yop 1869, a on may 10, paper wrote that the people of utah, great pioneers of the rocky mountains, received with aically mation the glad news of the completion of the might which work to which as a people they contributed their part. And hand in hand with the great circle of states and territories now rejuicing in union over the event did thank god for its accomplishments. They were referencing the golden spike which has been driven, completing the first transcontinental railroad. That date, may 10, will forever stand as a tribute to the men of vision who foresaw the potential of an empire stretching from coast to coast in the United States bound together not only by iron rails but also by a common interest. From the time the civil war when this protect started until three or four decades later when the Railroad System was completed, america changed. In 1860, the United States was third in the world of production of wheat. When the railroad was completed, we were first. In 1860, the eng land produced three times as much coal as the United States. When the railroad was complete, not only did we lead the world we were producing 110 million tons of coal more than great britain. In the civil war, england was producing six times as much steel as we were. When the railroad was complete, 4 of all steel was 42 of all steel was being produced in the United States, much going to the railroad. In the civil war there are only 30,000 miles of Railroad Track in america. But when the system was complete, there was 167,000 miles chris costing crisscrossing this country. Today we have more Railroad Track than any country. More than the rest of the top 10 which include in order china, india, canada, germany, australia, argentina, france, belgium combined. Even more than nation number 139, the country of liechtenstein, which has 5 1 2 miles. The railroad made our economic explosion possible. The railroad made us an industrial giant. Before the railroad it was difficult to move services or transfer people. But once the spike was driven that was a kick start to what we were going to do. 150 years later we are celebrating the coming of the central pacifics jupiter with the Union Pacifics engine 119 meeting together in utahs backyard. The railroads still provide goods and passenger service. I still remember as a kid my parents taking me to the train for a trip somewhere into idaho. I was in my sunday best since we went up to the observation car i could look out and see the beauty of this america passing us by. It is an American National historical park is a place where the american story is without equal. In kentucky there is Abraham Lincoln birthplace National Historical park. In seneca new york there is the womens rights National Historical part. In dayton you can can attend the aviation National Historical park or walk into the bicycle shop where orville and wilbur write conquered the skies. Theyll recognize in utah the place where the world changed, where not only history was made that day but the herculean effort of those who organized this as well as the immigrant manpower of irish coming from the east, chinese from the west who provided the muscle to accomplish this project. A National Historical park is accomplished by an act of congress. But the spike 150 commission has mobilized a literal army of history lovers to who will host a series of events befitting this historical moment. Started with treemont and a Country Church service. Come to all of you to utah to see the 150th anniversary of the gold spike, which is about the spirit and economy of america and also when that gold spike was driven, america welcomed a new frontier. Mr. Speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from georgia, mr. Carter, for five minutes. Mr. Speaker, i rise day to recognize mr. Lenny apa darden who is being awarded at a luncheon on may 9. He should be an inspiration to us all about how to constantly strive to make the world a better place to live. Mr. Darden has dedicated his fe to young people, teaching deaf children in ethiopia and counseling those in United States. T the young age of 30 he had a thesis for atrisk youth. Along with serving home and abroad, he served in our Nations Armed forces. I couldnt be more proud to have him in the first Congressional District of georgia. Thank you, mr. Darden, for your service, both in the military and in our communities. You truly continue to exemplify a life well lived. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to recognize mr. Richard dick eckberg who is being awarded at the life well lived luncheon on may 9. Well deserving of this honor, he should be an inspiration for us all for striving to make the world a better place to live. A korean war better, dick worked at u. P. S. For 32 years, eventually becoming the Vice President of public affairs. Since then, hes dedicated countless time and resource to numerous charitable organizations around the savannah area, including the museum, the lucas theater, bethesda academy, and many more. Dick, along with his wonderful life, judy, their work with each of these organizations has changed the face of savannah and improved the lives of many in our community. I couldnt be more proud to have him in the first Congressional District of georgia. Thank you, dick, for your service in the military and especially for your service to our community. You truly continue to exemplify a life well lived. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to recognize dr. Les wilkes who is being honored as legends leaders and life well lived luncheon on may 9. He should be an inspiration for us all about striving to make the world a better place to live. He practiced orthopedic surgery for 40 years and before that he served in the United States navy as an orthopedic surgeon. Now, he, after his retirement, hes partnered with hospice savannah to provide photographs to the clients. He continues his work with our veterans by serving in honor flights, escorting veterans to washington, d. C. Dr. Wilkes is also the unofficial photographer for Wesley United Methodist Church in downtown savannah, where he and his wife and is on have wore shipped for many years. I and son have worshiped for many years. I couldnt be more proud to have him in the first Congressional District of georgia. Thank you, dr. Wilkes, for your service, both in the military and in the community. You continue to exempify a life well lived. Exemplify a life well lived. I recognize the Savannah College of art and design on their 40th anniversary. In 1978, an Elementary School acher, ms. Paula wallacae, nted wallace, wanted to frame a new school. It has countless alumni who has gone on to successful careers of film, interior design, so much more. In addition to providing College Students with an exceptional arts centered education, they have given back to our community 10 times over, hosting art festivals, public concerts, and fashion shows. Locations important in our citys history and culture have been restored by its students. The Victory Drive corridor, massie heritage center. I want to thank everyone at scad, faculty, administrators, and students alike, for their contributions to our area. As a native savannahn, i have lways said that scad was the innovation for the renovation to savannah. Thank you, paula, for leading this success over the last four decades. Congratulations on your 40th anniversary. Thank you, mr. Speaker, and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from florida, mr. Gaetz, for five minutes. Mr. Gaetz thank you, mr. Speaker. And after meeting with President Trump yesterday, regarding the ongoing crisis in venezuela, i rise to praise the Trump Administration for its mindful and Strategic Response to conditions in that country. All options must be on the table, including military force. My constituents would likely be among the first in that fight. Im incredibly proud of them. If asked, they will successfully execute any mission they are called to do. But policymakers have an obligation not to send any of americas sons and daughters into any illadvised conflict. The Trump Administration clearly understands the risks associated with military intervention in venezuela at this time. They include a few things. First, if the United States military were to have troops on the ground in venezuela today, it is very likely the maduro regime would scapegoat their own failures. The people of venezuela voted their way into socialism, and now it appears they have to fight their way out of it. While this should be a lesson to us all, military intervention should not be presented as an opportunity for the maduro regime to explain away why people in venezuela have no medicine, have no food, are starving, at times see their own countrymen turning tanks and weapons against them. Those failures belong to the maduro regime. Those failures belong to the socialist dictatorship. Were we to intervene in an unwise way, potentially that would create confusion about the conditions that led to these terrible circumstances. Second, if the United States military were to intervene at this time, it is my concern that it would allow the maduro regime to externalize their conflict. Its no surprise to any in this chamber or many in the Trump Administration that there remains some latent resentment within pockets of latin america regarding u. S. Intervention in regime change and nation building. At a time when we are seeing democratic successes and governments stood up that are beginning to provide for their citizens, it would be deeply unwise to stoke any antiamerican resentment with illadvised conflict. Right now, maduro functionally lacks Material Support from the forwardthinking countries in the western hemisphere, and we would not want to create any opportunity for there to be a call to the new alliance. That ultimately is what a lot of these Transnational Criminal Organizations want in venezuela. They want to erode nation states and borders. They want to end nationalism in our hemisphere to they have a more permissive environment for their illicit activities. Third, the Trump Administration clearly understands that if the United States were deemed to be too involved in the Popular Uprising in venezuela, that maduro would potentially have the opportunity to deny the organic desires of venezuelans to fight for their own freedom. The reason people are rising up in venezuela right now is not a consequence of the United States government. Its a consequence of the failures of their own government and their passionate desire for freedom and one that we should stand with the people of venezuela to execute. Despite these conditions and despite the challenges, i remain hopeful there is a Brighter Future for venezuela. As we meet and gather now, juan guaido is able to go about the country freely despite not having a military, despite not having staff. Hes able to rally thousands of his fellow countrymen in public squares and make the argument for freedom. Meanwhile, the coward maduro remains huddled up in a military base unable to move around and unsure who will turn on him next. But if the last quarter century has taught our country anything about the nature of freedom, it is that freedom has to be fought hardest, fought for hardest by those who yeern to live it. Yearn to live it. Freedom is not the gift that we should give other countries, bought by the currency of u. S. Soldiers. They have to die for it. They have to bury their relatives over it and then they have to love it and care for it so much they will never let another strong man take it away from them. And that they will never fall victim to the passions that led venezuela down this dark path to socialism and dictatorship and starvation and desperation. We stand with the people of venezuela, and they must stand now and fight for a Better Future for their country. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to clause 12a of rule 1, the chair declares the house in recess until 2 00 p. M. Today. Version in the underlying evidence . That is the story to watch today. Host Molly Reynolds from the Brookings Institution joins us to talk about this idea of contempt of congress, use of contempt by congress. Good morning. Guest good morning