Floor Statements

Mr. Chair, I thank the Gentlewoman from New York, Ms. Lowey, for yielding me time.

Mr. Chair, I rise to voice my opposition to the anti-immigration amendments that will be considered later this afternoon.

These poison-pill amendments were not drafted with an eye toward making our nation safer, but rather scoring political points against the President.

As Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I am disturbed that some of my colleagues are willing to play partisan politics with national security.

Over the past month, we have seen major cyber-attacks at American companies and radicalized terrorists wreak havoc on the streets of Sydney and Paris.

Yet the amendments the Majority insists on attaching to DHS' funding bill have nothing to do with cybersecurity.

And they have nothing to do with keeping Americans safe from lone- wolf terrorists or other radicalized individuals.

Rather, the amendments are being considered to satisfy the far-right fringe contingency of the Republican Party who have amassed disproportionate influence over the past few years.

The Amendments we are considering today could force DHS to use its limited resources to remove law-abiding children brought to the country through no fault of their own before deporting those who pose a threat to our safety or security.

Similarly, the Blackburn Amendment would end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, setting in motion the deportation of those who have already come forward, paid the relevant fees and submitted to background checks, from America--the only home most of them have ever known.

In light of global terrorist events that occurred in recent months, the notion that we would remove individuals--who are known to, and have been vetted by, DHS--before focusing on those who may do us harm runs counter to common-sense and contradicts our risk-based approach to homeland security.

I urge my colleagues to reject the anti-immigration amendments that will be considered later this afternoon.

Instead, we should be voting on a clean DHS funding bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable hero, Lillie G. Henson.

Lillie G. Dean Henson was born to the late Aaron and Lillian Dean on August 10, 1949 in Sardis, MS Panola County. She is the ninth of eleven children, five boys and six girls. There were many challenges that she faced that seemed to have placed her in the line of the first born. She was blessed to be born in a Christian home where reading and studying the bible were not an option, therefore, her faith in the Lord was well rooted and grounded.

Faced with many challenges of sickness in my family, Lillie learned the application of her faith was the only true anchor. Growing up was very challenging at times. Early in her growing up years her mother was stricken with a severe heart condition which required lots of rest and carefully prepared meals.

At the age of fourteen, much of the responsibility of taking care of the family fell upon Lillie. Cooking breakfast for the family and preparing a special diet for her ailing mom before going off to school was quite an experience.

As a little girl growing up, Lillie's dad would ask her to read the bible to him, and as a child she remembers reading: ``Honor your father and your mother that your days may be long upon the earth.'' This scripture and many others rested in her spirit as she grew into adulthood. Lillie's passion for the word of God grew greater and greater.

By the time Lillie was a junior in high school, she began to make plans for college . . . only to be asked by her ailing mother to stay home to make sure her younger sister, who was then a junior, finish high school. Her plans were shattered but she learned to be obedient to her parents through the studying of the scriptures.

In 1969, Lillie's mother went to be with the Lord, her sister completed her junior year of high school with perfect attendance and completed high school as planned.

In 1970, Lillie moved to Chicago with her older siblings. Lillie was employed at Brachs Candy Company for twenty years. She was among the first few African Americans to hold a manager's position in the Quality Control Department.

In 1990, Lillie's dad at the age of eighty two became ill. Her husband, Otha Henson, Sr., who was also employed at Brachs Candy Company and is from Kilmichael, MS., decided to move back south to care for Lillie's dad and baby sister, Rebecca, who was born with Spinal Bifida. Lillie's dad passed away in 1991 and Rebecca lived ten years after his death.

Since 1996 to present, Lillie has been employed as Program Manager at Youth Opportunities Unlimited, a Youth Development Program located in Lambert, MS.

Lillie continued her education at Northwest Community College, Senatobia, MS., Rust College, Holly Springs, MS., and in 2012, she earned a BA in Ministry and in 2013 she received a Masters in Christian Counseling from Jacksonville Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, FL.

Lillie is happily married, the proud mother of four children, eleven grandchildren and two great grand boys.

You can find her teaching Sunday school on Sunday mornings at Pleasant Green M.B. Church, Sardis, MS, also a praise and worship leader, counseling, and encouraging and nurturing those in need.

Eph. 6:2, ``Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Lillie G. Henson for she is definitely the epitome of an unsung hero.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Pastor E.L. King, who is a former Educator in the Greenwood Public School District, Extraordinary and public servant.

Mrs. Ethel King was born in Leflore County on June 8, 1959 to Robert and Ethel L. Lawrence. At the age of thirteen, her mother died and she was nurtured by her grandfather, Mr. Willie James Lawrence, along with her seven siblings.

Mrs. King attended Greenwood Public School. She dropped out of school in the twelfth grade in 1976 because she had her first child. She was very independent and determined to make an easier life for her child. She immediately went to work at Rocky Manufactory at the age of eighteen. She remained there 3\1/2\ years. She left Rocky Manufactory to work for Irvin Industry Automobile & Parts for 3\1/2\ years. After seven years of working in a factory environment, she felt life had more to offer her. She went on to take her GED and attended Mississippi Valley State University in 1986. Before completing college in November, 1989, her daughter fell ill and later died with Leukemia in December, 1990. While at the University Hospital, she volunteered as a coordinator to help parents cope with their children's illness. She later volunteered with a candidate for a supervisor position in the 2nd District in Greenwood.

Mrs. King was called into the Ministry in 1992. She completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice in 1993. After completing her degree, her health failed. She continued to fight on in 1996. She went to work as a volunteer permanent substitute teacher at Dickerson Elementary School under the leadership of Mrs. Vivian Redmond. Later she was hired as a full-time substitute teacher. Mrs King was very dedicated to educating children.

In 1998 she was hired at Bankston Elementary School as an assistant teacher until her health failed again. She retired in 2006. After retiring from the school system, Mrs. King worked as a Notary Public of the State of Mississippi under Governor Haley Barbour. She also volunteered with the Fannie Lou Hamer Foundation in Leflore County. Later, she became Pastor of Monument of Grace Church II in Lexington, MS for three years under the leadership of Bishop L.J. Johnson.

Pastor Ethel L. King has made an impact on the lives of many children and adults alike, encouraging them through the scripture, ``. . . but seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all things shall be added unto you.''

Pastor Ethel L. King is married to Edward E. King and they are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters and eight precious grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Pastor Ethel L. King, a Former Educator, a Pastor who is yet inspiring others and often giving of herself to make many lives better.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Trina George, who is a Director, Leader and Public Servant.

Trina George was appointed on June 29, 2009, by President Barack Obama to serve as Mississippi's Director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development. She has made history by being the first woman appointed in this position for the State of Mississippi. In her new role, she is charged with assisting residents of rural Mississippi with a range of programs such as: Affordable Housing, Water Systems Upgrades, and Economic Development Efforts. Rural development also provides grant and loan assistance to local governments and non- profit organizations for fire and police protection as well as health clinics, libraries and other facilities for public use. She is an advocate for rural communities throughout the state to assist with their growth, development and sustainability.

Prior to this appointment, Mrs. George served for 15 years as a Special Project Coordinator for Congressman Bennie Thompson where she resolved community and constituency issues by thinking inside, outside and around the box. Her hands-on experience in the Congressional Office served as an ideal prerequisite for her role in rural economic development and community participation for the State of Mississippi.

Mrs. George served on many civic organizations, including education and volunteer groups. She is actively involved in the community where she is: a Board Member for the Heart of the South Girl Scouts Council, which serves Northern Mississippi and Southern Tennessee; and a Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, and PI Alpha Alpha Honor Society. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from Mississippi Valley State University and a Master's Degree from Mississippi State University. She is currently a Ph.D. Candidate in Public Policy and Administration at Walden University. Also, she holds a Professional Certificate in Management and Leadership from the NeighborWorks Training Institute of America in Washington, DC.

Mrs. George is an important advocate for rural communities throughout the state. She administers and manages over 40 programs which include: housing; business and cooperative programs; community programs; and community facilities which are designed to improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development is an agency that the Obama Administration wants to see in the forefront of efforts to promote renewable energy and conservation of natural resources while ensuring a safe, sustainable, nutritious food supply through the Agency's cooperatives for present and future users.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Trina George, a director, leader and advocate, who is improving the quality of life for rural America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a landmark establishment within the City of Tchula that provides one of the most critical and essential services for all working parents: Wee Care Nursery and Learning Center, Inc.

Tchula's Wee Care Nursery and Learning Center began as Tchula Day Care. Tchula Day Care opened its doors on September 3, 1991. The name was later changed to Tchula's Wee Care Nursery and Learning Center, Inc. On May 15, 1995, Wee Care Nursery and Learning Center #2 opened its doors in Lexington, MS.

Tchula's Wee Care capacity is 142 and Lexington's is 169. Current enrollment is 77 and 54 respectively.

At Wee Care Nurseries and Learning Centers, their mission is to provide child care that meets the needs of each child and family in a safe, educational environment.

They take pride in the Centers and focus on the individual needs of each child, while providing quality, reliable and safe child care.

The goals of At Wee Care Nurseries and Learning Centers are: 1) To provide affordable, convenient, dependable child care services; 2) To create a child care setting for social, cognitive, and physical development; 3) To provide a nurturing environment; 4) To provide learning experiences for children; and 5) To provide a preschool program, readying children for lifelong learning.

Wee Care Nurseries and Learning Centers, Inc. believe that a high quality early childhood program provides a safe and nurturing environment that promotes the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development of young children while responding to the needs of families. They believe in promoting an anti-bias, pro-social curriculum that teaches children to value and respect themselves and others for their own unique individuality. Each child is considered unique in temperament and rate of development. Curriculum is planned to enhance and challenge particular, distinct individual needs, interests and abilities. The curriculum includes: manipulatives, art, music, games, and outdoor play. They believe child-initiated, child-directed, teacher-supported play is an essential component of developmentally appropriate practice. Activities and relationships occur in a healthy, positive and relaxed environment in which well-qualified staff--provide personal attention, guidance and nurturing to each child.

Wee Care Nurseries and Learning Centers, Inc. strives to maintain continuity and consistency throughout the program by conducting helpful staff planning, training and a variety of joint activities involving various groups of children. In this context, all caregivers at Wee Care Nurseries and Learning Centers are encouraged to express their individual educational strengths as they work with children and in their cooperative efforts with other staff members.

When you come to Wee Care Nurseries and Learning Centers, your child will receive the best care the industry has to offer. All you need to do is ``expect more.'' They have been fortunate to get special recognition from: Greenwood Voters' League, Mississippi State University, The Cities of Tchula and Lexington, Mississippi Building Blocks and The Delta Foundation.

Wee Care Nurseries and Learning Center is able to care for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. Along with regular childcare services, they also provide before and after school care and a summer reading and math enrichment program.

Wee Care Nurseries and Learning Centers, Inc. have a Motto/Slogan: Building a better world one child at a time. Learning Today . . . . Leading Today!

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Wee Care Nurseries and Learning Centers, Inc. for its past and present dedication to providing impeccable, dependable childcare services in an effort to help families of all backgrounds within the Tchula community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable hero, Cleotha Saddler.

Cleotha Saddler was born on February 1, 1945 in Illinois to Garfield Allen and Viola Orr. She grew up in a home with six other relatives until her father decided he would raise her in Memphis, TN. Cleotha attended Mississippi Valley State University where she earned multiple degrees in elementary education. She later married Frank Saddler, Jr., settled in Marks, MS, and gave birth to nine children.

Today, Cleotha, also known as ``Cleo'' or ``Lou'', is the rock of her family. She continues to care for her children, and take care of her grandchildren. Over the course of her life, she has contributed to her community tremendously. Her name has become one so common for helping others that the desire from others to want to help even her grandchildren has increased. She is most known in her efforts for raising money for those in need.

In 2005, she stood at the main intersection in Marks, MS tirelessly to gather donations from townspeople to send to Louisiana for Hurricane Katrina victims. In addition to that, she is never been reluctant to gather donations in that same way for families who cannot afford to pay for the funerals and burials of their loved ones. She comforts those families, not just with funds but with endless visits and ``check-in'' calls. She also helps organizations to decorate and/or cook for different events in the community. She is one that is very supportive of the school system, in reference to achieving adequate education. Cleotha is never hesitant to help anyone in any way that she possibly can.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Cleotha Saddler for she is definitely the epitome of an unsung hero.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable enforcement officer and community servant, Under Sheriff Derrick Cubit.

Derrick Cubit was born on a warm, sunny day of September 1, 1970 in Jackson, MS. As a youngster, he lived in Hazlehurst, Mississippi with his mother, Bobbie, his brother, Travis, and his late grandmother, Sarah.

Derrick Cubit started school when he was six-years-old. He went to kindergarten through fifth grades at Hazlehurst Elementary, attended Hazlehurst Middle School, and graduated from Hazlehurst High School in 1988. He continued his education by attending Hinds Community College and Jackson State University where he majored in Criminal Justice.

``Life has been a means of friends and family who you can trust and who trusts you.'' says Mr. Cubit. He is pretty happy with what life brings and is accustomed to being around primarily adults, those who he received wisdom from. He met lots of people who invested and took time with him, and helped him to excel at most of his many and various hobbies. He did well in school because of this and fortunately, self- awareness was something that was learned later on in his years.

Under Sheriff Cubit is a member of the Phi Beta Fraternity and of the Golden Square Lodge #88. There was always an interest in being a public servant, and he finally got an opportunity to work for the Copiah County Sheriff Department in October of 1997. He gives all thanks to the late Chief Deputy Joe L. Young, who gave him the opportunity to become a Deputy Sheriff with the Copiah County Sheriff Department. The trend was set by just meeting his potential, and taking on new challenges when someone brought it to his attention that he'd be perfect for the opportunity to work through the ranks at the Sheriff Department. He started out being a Deputy Sheriff, later was promoted to Juvenile Officer, after that he was promoted to Captain of Patrol, and now he serves as the Under Sheriff for the Copiah County Sheriff Department.

Under Sheriff Cubit always assumed he'd never get married because he was a hard worker and thought that if he was tied down by the constraints of a wife and kids his work might hinder family growth. But then, he met the beautiful Ms. Semekia Jones in 1994 and they agreed to marry in 2001. He had one son before this union and now his new family role suits him as being a father and husband. He's driven to spur his son on to even greater accomplishments.

Despite a lifetime of challenges and accomplishments Under Sheriff Cubit has held on to a quote by James Baldwin: ``The world is before you, and you need not take it or leave it as it was when you came in.'' His goal is to achieve what James Baldwin speaks about. Although he would question, ``How?'' he believes that the moment his son entered this world, he then knew that he had achieved it.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Under Sheriff Derrick Cubit for his dedication to serving our great Country and his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable veteran and community servant, Sergeant Milton Moore. Sergeant Moore has shown what can be done through hard work, setting goals, and aiming high.

Sergeant Moore attended the Southern Regional Public Safety Institute in Long Beach, MS where he graduated with honors in 2000. He has completed training in: Clandestine Lab Investigations, Interview and Interrogation, Psychological Response to Active Shooter, and numerous other training courses, including, FEMA Incident Command System ICS200, IC5300, IC5400, and IC5700.

Sergeant Milton Moore was hired with the City of Vicksburg in September 1999, as a firefighter. Deciding to follow the footsteps of his father, he became an employee of the Vicksburg Police Department in March 2000. Since that time, he has served as a Patrol Officer and Field Training Officer.

Sergeant Moore was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in February 2010, scoring the highest of all candidates. Sergeant Moore is presently serving as a shift commander, where he currently has 9 officers under his command.

Sergeant Moore was only 6 years old when his father joined the Vicksburg Police Department in 1975. Being around law enforcement all of his life, Sergeant Moore gained interest and respect for the duties of law enforcement. He knew that one day he would be able to wear the uniform and follow his father's footsteps and become an officer at the Vicksburg Police Department. Most of the traits and values that Sergeant Moore's father instilled in him he still practices daily. These attributes have helped Sergeant Moore become a model officer.

February 19, 2014, Sergeant Milton Moore was honored as Officer of the Year by the Vicksburg Homecoming Benevolence Club. Being a recipient of this award, was a very humbling experience for Sergeant Moore. The award is named the ``Artel Moore Award'' after Sergeant Moore's deceased father.

Sergeant Moore is a member of the Mississippi Homeland Security Task Force. Sergeant Moore is a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, serving in the U.S. Navy during the first Iraq war, Desert Storm, in 1991.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Sergeant Milton Moore for his dedication to serving our great Country and his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary community leader, Sheriff Oliver Parker, Jr.

Sheriff Oliver Parker, Jr.'s life began in Duncan, MS. Sheriff Parker's mother, Mrs. Eddie Mae Parker, relocated to Hinchcliff, MS when he was 10 years old. Sheriff Parker has resided in Quitman County for over 50 years. He is a graduate of Quitman County High School, Northwest Junior College, and the Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Academy. Parker completed the Mississippi Fire Investigation Training Academy as a requirement to become an Arson Investigator. He has one daughter, Fatina Parker Elliott; one granddaughter, Ashley-Faith Elliott; and one god-daughter, Detra Foster-Webb.

Sheriff Parker has never been a stranger to hard work. He worked assiduously as a teenager to help his single mother provide for his siblings. He has always had a desire to help others. He knew at an early age that he wanted to make a difference in the lives of the citizens of Quitman County. He pursued his dreams of helping the citizens of Quitman County by beginning a career in law enforcement. He served in the capacity of Deputy Sheriff for the Quitman County Sheriff's Department for 23 years. In 1999 he pursued his life-long dream of becoming the Sheriff of Quitman County. He was elected the first African-American Sheriff of Quitman County in November of 1999 and took the Oath of Office on December 9, 1999. He began his responsibilities as Sheriff of Quitman County on January 1, 2000. He has humbly served as Sheriff of Quitman County for 14 years.

Since the beginning of his career as Sheriff of Quitman County, Sheriff Parker has instituted change in a variety of ways and made major contributions to the Quitman County Sheriff's Department. Jailed youth are offered a variety of programs designed to help them avoid returning to jail, as well as GED tutoring and testing. The elderly are assisted via the TRIAD Program. Sheriff Parker also initiated the employment of a full-time School Resource Officer at Madison Shannon Palmer High School. Under Sheriff Parker's leadership, a full-time detective and additional deputies and dispatchers were hired to assist with protecting and serving the citizens of Quitman County. Sheriff Parker's leadership has proven to be successful, as there were no unsolved murders in Quitman County until February 8, 2013.

Sheriff Parker was present at a major milestone in the history of Quitman County which was the unveiling of the Mule Train sign at the city limits of Marks, Mississippi.

Sheriff Parker possesses sound judgment; he has a great sense of accountability to the citizens of Quitman County; and he has an irreproachable professionalism. Sheriff Parker constantly seeks to establish relationships with the community that ensures continued trust and dependability. He is a God-fearing individual who seeks to serve the citizens of Quitman County with the utmost respect, dignity and honesty.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Sheriff Oliver Parker, Jr. for his dedication in being a respected community leader.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a landmark establishment within the Clinton community that provides one of the most critical and essential services for all working parents: Lambs of God, Inc.

Lambs of God, Inc., formerly known as Agape' Childcare, was established on August 1987 by Jessie and Shirley Burns of Bolton, Mississippi. Over the past two decades, the establishment has changed ownership and name twice, but the quality of childcare and nurturing has continued to grow for over 20 years. In 1998, Victor and Cantrell Keyes, also of Bolton, Mississippi, became the new owners and changed the name to Agape Christian Academy. In June 2005, Kenneth and Vickie Lewis of Clinton, Mississippi became the establishment's present day owners and renamed the business Lambs of God, Inc.

Over 1000 children have been served and ministered to through Lambs of God, Inc.

Founded in reference to John 21:15. The business is currently licensed to serve 57 children and is dedicated to developing and nurturing the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth in a safe Christian learning environment.

In addition to providing childcare, the establishment also offers summer camp, preschool, afterschool, before school drop-off, A'Beka tutorial and two well-balanced meals and two afternoon snacks. The overall mission of Lambs of God, Inc. is to interactively engage a child's educational needs while promoting professionalism in the field of childcare.

The vision and inspiration for Lambs of God, Inc. manifested via the encouragement given by Mrs. Daisy Johnson, owner of Kids Are Kids Learning Center in Brandon, Mississippi. Her insight in the field of childcare gave Mr. and Mrs. Lewis the inspiration and the tools needed to encourage and redirect families and single parents. Childcare became the perfect opportunity to lay a strong spiritual/educational foundation, build character and exemplify love, all while strengthening the community and establishing lifelong relationships.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Lambs of God, Inc. for its' past and present dedication to providing impeccable, dependable childcare services in an effort to help families of all backgrounds within the Clinton community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Muriel Ellis, who has been blazing through Mississippi's legal system.

Mrs. Ellis, 54, became the first African American clerk of Mississippi's Supreme Court and Court of Appeals on July 1 this year, after being the first African American Supreme Court deputy clerk and chief deputy clerk.

Mrs. Ellis worked her way through the clerk's office for 23 years after beginning as a legal clerk in 1991. The Callaway High School alumna, who graduated in 1977, became chief deputy clerk in 2009 after being named a team leader in 2000 and deputy clerk in 2007.

The Jackson native said she is blessed and honored to accept her new position. ``I am just going to lead the clerk's office forward,'' she said. Mrs. Ellis took courses at Phillips Business College and worked as a ward secretary for St. Dominic Hospital from 1979-1987.

Mrs. Ellis has seen many changes since working in the clerk's office. Along with Ms. Kathy Gillis, former Mississippi Supreme Court Clerk of 33 years, Mrs. Ellis supervised the office's transition to electronic filing. Since the office's mandatory e-filing for briefs and motions began on Jan. 1, 2014, she continues to work on the electronic transition through implementing emailed orders and clerk's notices, as well as e-filing transcripts and records from other trial courts.

The clerk became interested in a career in the legal system when she was serving as an alternate juror in the Hinds County Circuit Court. While working in the billing edits department at the City of Jackson Water Department, she said she drove past the Supreme Court building all the time on her way to the Water Department office, which is also located on High Street. ``I never knew what this building was, but I used to say: ``That is a pretty building. I would love to work there someday,'' Mrs. Ellis said.

Mrs. Ellis has three children: Karen Ellis Evans, Kimberly Ellis and Leonard Ellis; three grandchildren: Madison Evans, Leonard Ellis, III and Bryson Williams--and is married to Mr. Leonard Ellis, Sr.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Muriel Ellis.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in very reluctant support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 4007 and yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4007 authorizes the Chemical Facility Anti- Terrorism Standards, or CFATS, program through 2017 and came through regular order.

As a lead author of the original legislation to establish DHS' chemical security program, I have consistently supported efforts for this committee to advance freestanding authorizing legislation to ensure that the program, which was stood up pursuant to a paragraph in the 2007 appropriations bill, was fully authorized.

Until today, the closest Congress has come to replacing that appropriations language with a more detailed and comprehensive bill was in 2010, when the House unanimously approved legislation I authored with then-Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman.

H.R. 4007 bears little resemblance to that measure. However, there are a few provisions that are in the spirit of the prior bill, such as worker participation in the development of security plans and the provision of basic whistleblower protections to workers who risk their jobs to come forward to report security issues.

I appreciate the contributions made to the legislation by the chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, particularly with respect to whistleblower rights and the personnel surety program, two areas championed by subcommittee Ranking Member Clarke and committee Democrats.

I am pleased that Democratic efforts to prevent regulatory overreach by DHS with respect to personnel surety ultimately prevailed so that under this bill facilities would have a range of options for how to ensure that individuals accessing their facilities are vetted.

The bill also grants DHS new authorities to identify and bring into compliance facilities that willfully ignore this Federal regulatory program,

putting their workers and surrounding communities at risk. This so- called outlier provision is in direct response to Chemical Safety Board findings regarding the deadly fire and damaging explosions at the West Fertilizer Company in Texas in April 2013. The board determined that they were preventable and that it was due in part to the ``inability of Federal, State, and local regulatory agencies to identify a serious hazard and correct it.''

Though I support a multiyear authorization for CFATS and there are a number of provisions in the bill that I fully support, there is one in the bill, as considered today, that could very well undermine the effectiveness of the entire program. I am, of course, speaking of the language authored by the ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee that directs DHS to establish a so-called expedited approval program, or, as I have come to see it, a self-certification program.

Yes, you heard me right. Under this bill, some facilities would be able to self-certify that they are in compliance with the risk-based performance standards under the program. The population of facilities that would be eligible for this scheme represents about 70 percent of all facilities subject to this regulatory program.

The inclusion of this provision which requires DHS within 180 days to issue guidance to facilities on how to access self-certification has not gone through the rigor of intensive and balanced bicameral legislative debate or discussions. It lacks a legislative history. Allowing certain CFATS-covered facilities to independently certify that the security plans they developed meet statutory requirements is an inherently risky approach that leaves DHS with few options.

Given the resource challenges and chronic backlog challenges in the CFATS program, I have trouble believing that self-certified facilities would receive timely inspections where misrepresentations, omissions, and inadequacies with the plan could be identified. Defenders of this provision have argued that my concerns about turning back the clock on security are misplaced. I certainly hope so.

If this measure is enacted into law, as I expect will occur, we will know within a very short period of time if the CFATS office can effectively design and launch a new program within its program that is consistent with risk-based and performance-based standards.

H.R. 4007 certainly has the potential to be an oversight gold mine, giving the Committee on Homeland Security plenty to dig into during the next Congress. Despite my deep concerns with the self-certification program, I will be voting in favor of H.R. 4007. I will be casting an ``aye'' vote to get the CFATS program off the erratic appropriations cycle and give some predictability to the facilities that are regulated under the program and the men and women that look to DHS to partner effectively with the facilities to help keep them secure.

Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned before, I plan to vote in favor of H.R. 4007, but will do so with deep reservations. By including the self- certification program, I am troubled by the message that this measure may send to the American public about how serious we are about ensuring that facilities comply with the CFATS security program. If a company misrepresents its size in a self-certification to the Small Business Administration to improperly access small business set asides, truly eligible small businesses could be harmed.

If a company misrepresents its chemical holdings and how it is protecting them against sabotage in a self-certification to the Department of Homeland Security to secure CFATS compliance certification, the results could be dangerous, even deadly. I certainly hope that DHS runs all the traps to reduce the likelihood that the program will be exploited.

I plan to vote for this bill to put the CFATS program on a more stable and secure footing, to ensure that chemical workers have whistleblower rights, and to stop DHS from putting in place onerous and unnecessarily burdensome personnel surety vetting requirements. Again, Mr. Speaker, I plan to vote for this bill even with my reservations. It is a good start, and I compliment the chairman of the subcommittee for his work on it. It has been a labor of love. I wish we could have done more, but in the interest of getting us moving, I will support this bill.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 2952 that attaches the Cybersecurity Workforce Assessment Act.

For the Department of Homeland Security to be effective in its cybersecurity mission, it must have a workforce in place to meet this challenge. Yesterday, the House considered legislation to grant DHS special hiring authority to secure talent in the competitive cybersecurity employment marketplace.

The measure before you today includes language, authored by the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Clarke), that requires DHS to develop and issue a comprehensive workforce strategy for the Department's cybersecurity missions, and includes a 5-year implementation plan and a 10-year projection of the cybersecurity workforce needs of the Department.

Cybersecurity is a complex mission for the Department and requires a wide range of talent at all levels. Given the urgent nature of DHS' recruitment efforts, it is essential that the Department have this strategy in place.

Secondly, the bill requires the Department to assess the readiness and capacity of its workforce to meet its cybersecurity missions.

Lastly, the urgent need to fill critical national security positions often leads to an overreliance on contractors.

To encourage students to come to work for the government in this vital arena, this legislation also directs DHS to develop a plan to create a cybersecurity fellowship program. Under such a program, DHS would pay a promising student's tuition in exchange for a commitment to serve for a fixed period of time at the Department in a cybersecurity position.

For all these reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 2952, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Clarke), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies, who actually--this legislation is what she has been about.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

In closing, the legislation under consideration today is a product of bipartisan, bicameral negotiations. It has two parts: the core bill, which addresses the overall direction of Federal physical security and cybersecurity technology research and development efforts for protecting critical infrastructure; and the Clarke cybersecurity workforce amendment.

The language in both parts went through regular order and was approved by the House.

Therefore, I urge passage of H.R. 2952.

Before I yield back, in case Ms. Clarke leaves, our committee has the unfortunate task next year of losing the chair and ranking member of this fine subcommittee, and I want to personally say that I really appreciate the manner in which they worked together on not just hearings but bringing forth good legislation to the full committee and, ultimately, this legislation we are dealing with today. So, I compliment both of them and we will miss them.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Senate amendment to S. 2519, the National Cybersecurity Protection Act of 2014. This bipartisan measure is a product of extensive bicameral negotiations and, in many ways, the culmination of years of oversight work by this committee.

It not only sends a strong message of support for the Department of Homeland Security as the lead civilian agency for cybersecurity, but also pays special attention to the challenge of bolstering network security for critical infrastructure.

Over the past decade, Americans have come to understand the need for cybersecurity to be woven into everything that a company, government, or an individual does, from running the most intricate machinery to everyday participation in social media.

Americans used to depend on the two oceans to protect us from invasion. Interconnectedness resulting from advancement in technology has fostered great economic, scientific, social, and cultural rewards. At the same time, their interconnectedness allows our enemies to do harm without ever stepping foot on U.S. soil.

One of the strengths of S. 2519 is that it emphasizes voluntary information sharing and collaboration between the Department and critical infrastructure owners and operators to address this national threat. Importantly, it does so in a manner that is consistent with our constitutional values and principles.

Much like the House-passed version of this measure, H.R. 3696, that was heralded by the ACLU as ``pro-security and pro-privacy,'' the measure under consideration today effectively avoids the privacy and civil liberties pitfalls that have plagued other cyber information- sharing legislation.

S. 2519 leverages existing private-public partnerships such as information sharing and analysis centers and sector coordinating councils to foster better information sharing and does so without dangling the controversial liability protection ``carrot'' before companies. The opportunity to access timely threat information from a Federal civilian agency should be carrot enough to motivate companies to engage with DHS.

The legislation before us today represents an important moment for the committee and the 113th Congress. At the beginning of this Congress, expectations were high for some legislative action in the area of cybersecurity. It has taken some time to get here, but what we have before us is something solid that sets forth what DHS must do as a lead civilian agency for cybersecurity.

We have seen cybersecurity legislation fail to become law multiple times. While President Obama's executive order is making progress in attempts to shore up some cyber weaknesses in our Nation's fabric, more work needs to be done.

With this cybersecurity legislation, we will be doing our part as DHS authorizers to raise the level of cybersecurity, particularly within the Federal Government and protecting our Nation's critical infrastructure.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Clarke), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation and thank my principal partner in the House, Chairman McCaul, for his unwavering commitment to this issue and willingness to work across the aisle to get it done.

I also want to recognize the contributions of the chairman and ranking member of the Cybersecurity Subcommittee, Representatives Meehan and Clarke, and our Senate partners.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge staff that helped us get this to this point, Rosaline Cohen and Chris Schepis on my staff and Brett DeWitt and Alex Manning on the majority staff.

Again, let me compliment the chair for not giving up and for staying the course. Even doing it on the last day gets it done.

Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yea'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I appreciate the time yielded by the gentlelady from New York.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my strong opposition to H.R. 83, the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015.

Just over a year ago I stood here urging the Republican majority to allow us to vote on the legislation to reopen the government during a 16-day shutdown. At that time the majority's gimmick was called a minibus, essentially cherry-picked programs within Federal agencies to be funded one by one.

Today I am troubled to have to rise yet again to oppose another gimmicky bill that provides piecemeal funding and undermines national security. Once again, the Republican House leadership has laid before us a package that, by design, seems to promote partisan division and appeal to a faction of its party that is blindly determined to punish the Department of Homeland Security for its grievances against the President.

When we returned from Thanksgiving last week, House appropriators were hopeful that we could consider and pass a full omnibus bill. Unfortunately, today we are forced to vote on legislation that provides full-year funding for all Federal agencies except the Department of Homeland Security. In previous Congresses, such an approach would be considered absurd.

It is important that we appreciate the consequences of a short-term continuing resolution for DHS. Contracting for the final national security cutter will be delayed, potentially driving up the cost. Border security technology upgrades along the Rio Grande Valley will not happen as scheduled. This approach not only punishes Secretary Johnson and DHS headquarters, it undermines homeland security.

Madam Speaker, clearly the insertion of the financing for political parties undermines McCain-Feingold, and for that and other reasons I oppose the rule and the underlying bill.