Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the career of Scotts Bluff County Veteran's Service Officer John Brehm. For nearly 50 years John has devoted his life to honoring and meeting the needs of American veterans and their families. Prior to this John served for three years in the United States Army, stationed near the 38th parallel in South Korea as well as Fort Carson, CO. His recent retirement marks a legacy of faithful service to others who sacrificed for our nation.

Despite his reluctance to assume credit for himself, the significance of John's impact is widely recognized. His accomplishments include restoring annual commencement of the local Veterans Day parade, partnering with the American Legion to organize County Government Day visits for high school students, and spearheading the establishment of Avenue of Flags displays as well as Veterans Memorial Park which now bears his name in my own hometown of Gering.

John has showed personal concern for each veteran he served, knowing full well the importance of going the extra mile. In addition to facilitating disability claims, his efforts fundraising for Disabled American Veterans vans have meant a great deal to veterans in need of transportation to health facilities in our sprawling, rural region.

John Brehm's dedication and patriotism are rare. His expertise will be missed, but we are grateful for his ongoing engagement as a citizen. Countless Nebraskans have been blessed by his care, and generations to come are indebted to his example.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 4521, the so-called America COMPETES Act.

The trade division of this bill falls squarely within the Ways and Means Committee's jurisdiction, yet the first time we saw these provisions was last week when bill text was released by House Democrats. There was no committee process, no interest in putting together a thoughtfully vetted solution to address China.

In fact, House Democrats wouldn't even bring my TPA amendment to the floor for a vote, an amendment that reflected years of bipartisan work and consensus about the importance of a close partnership between Congress and every President to achieve high-standard, enforceable trade agreements that open new markets for American goods and services.

Instead, what we have before us today is a bill that fails to address China and fails American small businesses and consumers with provisions that would actually discourage work during a workforce shortage by expanding and delinking Trade Adjustment Assistance from new trade opportunities.

It would add more red tape to and narrows eligibility of trade programs like GSP and MTB that small businesses and manufacturers rely on to compete in the global marketplace.

It would also exacerbate the supply chain crisis by making unvetted changes to the de minimis rules. That would also do nothing to address the administration's minimal effort to compete with China in the Indo- Pacific and around the world.

Clearly, this bill is more about talking points than actual effective and proactive policymaking.

President Biden and his party may be content with America sitting on the sidelines as China and our other competitors set global trade standards and divvy up the world's consumers, but I am not.

This is a missed opportunity to spur momentum on a proactive trade agenda, protect American innovation, and alleviate some of the supply chain and workforce pressures our Nation is facing.

Therefore, I will vote ``no'' on this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4996, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act.

I thank Mr. Johnson, Mr. Garamendi, and others for joining me in raising the alarm back in March in a letter to the Federal Maritime Commission about the empty container ships leaving American ports.

This bill follows on that effort, offering necessary reforms to Federal regulations overseeing the ocean shipping industry in order to address problems like this that have been discussed.

Agricultural exports are critical to not only feeding the world but to the livelihood of the producers I represent in Nebraska.

We cannot do that if container ships leave American ports completely empty.

This bill prohibits foreign ocean carriers from refusing U.S. exports unreasonably and gives the FMC more tools to ensure these carriers are held accountable and held to a high standard.

Trade only works if exports reach their final destination in a reliable and affordable way.

This bill is great step toward facilitating exactly that.

It is a reasonable bill, and I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Madam Speaker, here we are again, late at night, debating last-minute legislation to fix problems the current majority created.

When considered alongside the ongoing COVID pandemic, widespread workforce concerns, and the cloud of uncertainty created by unnecessary vaccine mandates, it is clear the combined effects of upcoming Medicare reimbursement cuts represent a critical threat to our healthcare system.

While I commend the efforts that have been made over the last few days to draft solutions which address the concerns of our healthcare providers, instead of coming together to pass a bipartisan compromise, we again find the majority attaching controversial, unrelated material to this bill.

Tonight, the majority has chosen to jeopardize urgent relief for healthcare providers with political gimmicks relating to the debt ceiling and paygo issues we saw coming from miles away.

I am disappointed to see yet another erosion of the rules and precedents of Congress. I urge all members to oppose this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition. It seems the majority has seen everything that the American people are angry about and are doubling down instead of addressing the very problems that need to be addressed.

Americans are angry about the proposed million-dollar payments to folks who want to come to our country illegally. This bill makes that worse.

Americans are angry they can't get the IRS to answer the telephone. This bill spends $45 billion to further weaponize the IRS.

Americans are angry that store shelves are empty and prices are rising because of worker shortages. This bill makes it worse.

Americans can't get necessities like cars. In my district, newly manufactured farm equipment sits unfinished and undelivered because of chip shortages. This bill makes it worse.

Our economy is hurting. We need to get the American people back to work. This bill is only going to make life harder and more expensive for the very people who some are claiming to try to help.

Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize former Nebraska State Senator, Jim Jones, on the occasion of his 90th Birthday.

I had the honor to serve alongside Senator Jones as a Member of Nebraska's Unicameral Legislature, allowing me to witness his dedication to rural communities. His commitment assured that our farmers, ranchers, and all Sandhills residents had a passionate voice in the Legislature.

His family, friends, and community know well his passion for rural life. We are all grateful for his servant leadership. Congratulations again to Jim Jones on his 90th Birthday.

Madam Speaker, I would like to state for the record the prior remarks shared were inaccurate.

The fact of the matter is, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act actually resulted in more revenues to the Treasury. Let's not forget that. And the fact of the matter is, a growing economy will do far more for the American people than new government programs that we can't afford.

We are standing here now, and of course, I think we should make good on our debts and make good on our obligations. This bill is not the solution. Instead of focusing on basics of governing, the majority has chosen to spend the past 10 months kind of arguing here and there--a lot actually--first passing their $2 trillion inflation catalyst at the beginning of the year, and now arguing among themselves how to spend another $5 trillion.

This bill is clearly not the solution. This bill isn't bipartisan. It was brought to the floor solely by Democrats and reflects their take- it-or-leave-it approach to governing. It does nothing to address our Nation's spending problem. It is a blank check which allows the majority to spend as much as they want in the coming months unrestrained by a true debt limit for the duration of this Congress.

Democrats control government and can immediately raise the debt ceiling right now. There is a better way, however, than this particular bill.

Madam Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote.

Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 241.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to be present. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 120, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 121, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 122, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 123, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 124, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 125, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 126, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 127, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 128, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 129, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 130, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 131, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 132, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 133.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose this massive legislation. We are here supposedly for COVID relief, but the vast majority of this bill, as you have already heard, has nothing to do with defeating this disease.

Real COVID relief would prioritize vaccine distribution, reopening small businesses, and getting our children back in classrooms. This bill does not do that.

This bill is a litany of longstanding proposals which are detrimental to our small businesses and will actually hurt our efforts to reconnect the unemployed.

The extension of the child tax credit and EITC were first introduced long before the pandemic and will disincentivize returning to work. Likewise, the proposed bailout for mismanaged multiemployer pensions predates COVID-19. And now we have learned that bringing this bill to the floor was actually delayed because Democrats were adding a new cash grab, drastically lowering the threshold at which gig workers receive a 1099-K.

It is like the majority learned nothing from the debacle they created when they shoehorned new 1099 rules into ObamaCare.

Mr. Speaker, I am appalled that we are here tonight continuing to try to address this in such a manner when we owe the American people better than what this legislation delivers. I urge its defeat.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Vera Dulaney who passed away July 5.

Last November, I was able to recognize Vera on the floor for her retirement and how much she meant to our community. For more than 30 years, she served the community through her position as Scotts Bluff County clerk and election commissioner, as well as in various other volunteer capacities.

Throughout her public service, Vera's diligent work maintained the integrity of our local elections and assisted the effective and efficient operation of Scotts Bluff County. Her outstanding efforts across the community were recently acknowledged when she was presented the Community Volunteer Award for Public Service.

Vera was well-known in our community for her years of official service, humble demeanor, and dedication to family. Her smile always lit up the room. Her devotion to the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Chicago Cubs was only surpassed by her devotion to her family and our community as a whole.

Throughout her long and prosperous life, she touched countless others. Now in passing, we celebrate her life and keep her family and friends in our prayers.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table H.R. 3401, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment. This bipartisan bill passed the Senate with 84 votes and could immediately be sent to the President's desk for his signature.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Nebraska State Trooper Jerry Smith. Jerry was killed last week in a tragic accident while on duty.

Jerry dedicated his life to serving. First, he served our Nation in the Army, where he won a Bronze Star. After his retirement from the Army, he served our great State with the Nebraska State Patrol.

He was highly respected in our community of Scottsbluff and Gering, Nebraska, and we grieve with his family.

His memorial service today was a testament to how many lives he touched and a tribute to his service. People from all around the State, and even law enforcement from out of State, joined together to pay their respects to Jerry.

He is survived by his wife, Karen, their children, and their grandchildren. Our hearts go out to them during this time, and they can be assured the entire State of Nebraska is with them.

We thank Jerry for his service to our State and remember him for his service as well.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Frank LaMere, who died last Sunday night.

A member of the Winnebago Tribe, Frank was proud of his heritage and worked tirelessly for the Native American community. Frank spent the majority of his life fighting for Native American causes and, as a result, was known across Nebraska and other States for his determined efforts.

I had the opportunity of interacting with Frank for several years and was always impressed by the civility he showed, his respect for others, and, most of all, how considerate and thoughtful he was.

Frank had an interest in politics and policy and sought to build relationships with folks on both sides of the aisle. He was devoted to making life better for others and was a role model in his civic engagement.

Frank will be dearly missed, but the people of South Sioux City, Nebraska, and the entire State will remember him for his loyalty, his passion, and his ability to build friendships along the way.

Madam Speaker, I offer my condolences to his family and community.

Madam Speaker, I do want to say that I plan to vote for this bill. I support the improvements it makes to savings and retirement, which have gained bipartisan approval, both in the Senate and here in the House.

In particular, I appreciate hearing from agricultural cooperatives across Nebraska's Third District about the importance to them of the language in this bill reducing PBGC premiums for nonprofits.

I am also incredibly pleased we are moving quickly to address the Gold Star families tax issue and hope we can complete work on that problem as quickly--if not more quickly--as the rest of the provisions in this bill.

I do have reservations and concerns about the process which got us here and some provisions which are no longer in the bill.

As we know, the bill was marked up in the Ways and Means Committee on April 2. We reported it out unanimously, a very bipartisan effort. It was moved out of committee by a voice vote.

Prior to the markup, there were no concerns raised about the provisions in the bill, provisions that would help families pay for the education of their children, whether in home school or public school. As we know, many expenses come up for various reasons.

It is unfortunate that that took place, and I know that this wasn't the first time. Actually, it was the second time in 2 weeks that we are here considering legislation that was a product of bipartisan agreement in committee, but it was altered before it came to the House. It is very unfortunate.

And as I said at the beginning, I am going to support this bill. It has many good provisions, but I hope that we can avoid similar situations from undermining the committee process, undermining the integrity of the committee system that we have that empowers individual Members to work together with colleagues on a bipartisan basis. Let's not undermine that.

Again, I will vote for this bill. It could have been a better bill, and I hope next time we can address the shortcomings, moving forward.