Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2156) to provide for the establishment of a national memorial and national monument to commemorate those killed by the collapse of the Saint Francis Dam on March 12, 1928, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the bill currently under consideration.

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

The Saint Francis Dam disaster is considered one of the worst civil engineering catastrophes in the 20th century.

H.R. 2156, introduced by the gentleman from California (Mr. Knight), my good friend, recognizes the incident's devastation and subsequent impacts on the residents of northern Los Angeles County by establishing a national memorial and monument to preserve the area for future generations.

The bill authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the memorial using donations from the community, working in consultation with the Santa Clarita City Council and the public. No taxpayer funds are authorized for the construction of the memorial.

The bill also authorizes the creation of a 440-acre monument that will encompass the Saint Francis Dam memorial. The boundaries of the monument were designated in consultation with the local community, and the bill includes provisions to ensure motorized access within the monument and continued grazing on any land where it is already permitted.

The memorial and the monument created by this legislation are a fitting tribute to the 400 people who lost their lives tragically and thousands more whose lives were forever changed by the Saint Francis Dam disaster.

Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill introduced by Mr. Knight, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Knight), the author of the legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 597) to take lands in Sonoma County, California, into trust as part of the reservation of the Lytton Rancheria of California, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the bill currently under consideration.

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

H.R. 597, sponsored by the gentleman from California (Mr. Denham), my colleague, would take into trust approximately 511 acres of land of noncontiguous fee land owned by the Lytton Rancheria. The land is adjacent to the town of Windsor, in Sonoma County, California. Under the bill, gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act is prohibited on these lands.

In 2009, the Tribe applied to the Department of the Interior to place title to approximately 127 acres of lands acquired in this area in trust. The application is still pending with the Department of the Interior.

The Tribe has testified that it intends to use a portion of the lands for Tribal housing, while the rest would support a diverse range of economic development, including plans for a future resort and winery.

I want to thank the sponsor of the legislation for his hard work on this bill, and I urge adoption of the measure.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on January 29, 2017, U.S. Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator William ``Ryan'' Owens was killed during a raid in Yemen. At the age of 36, he gave the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect our great Nation. He is survived by his wife and three young children.

This week I introduced a bill which would rename the Chillicothe, Illinois, post office in honor of Ryan's life and service as a Navy SEAL. My office and I worked closely with the U.S. Postal Service, the U.S. Navy Congressional Liaison Office, Central Illinois Gold Star Families, and, most importantly, Ryan's family. All of us were determined to make sure we got this right. His wife ultimately made the decision to name the post office after Ryan in Chillicothe, a town in my district, where Ryan graduated high school.

This effort has the backing and bipartisan support of the entire Illinois delegation, and it is our hope that the post office will forever remind the community of their hometown hero and his commitment to serving our country.

While we can never fully repay Chief Owens and his family for the sacrifices he made, renaming the post office in his honor is a small effort to thank him for his service and his dedication to protecting America.

He and his family are forever in our hearts and prayers.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor Mark Scott, who passed away in May, 2017.

A native of Eureka, Illinois, Mark Scott attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science and later served as a funeral director for 20 years. As a servant of the community, he was found helping families in their greatest time of need at Otto-Argo Funeral Home in Eureka, Davis-Fulton in Peoria, and Irwin Chapel in Granite City. Later, Mark began his career as a financial agent, working for Country Companies in Eureka for the past fifteen years.

Mark continued his service and devotion in the community as an accomplished Eagle Scout with Masonic Lodge Triple 835 and as president of the Eureka Rotary Club. In addition, Mark was a member of the Eureka Business Association and served on the board at the Heart House. In his spare time, he was known as an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed outdoor projects and birdwatching, as well as a family man who was fond of vacations and game nights with his wonderful wife, Andrea, and children, Alyssa and Derek. Furthermore, Mark was a man of faith, serving as a deacon

and President of the Board of Central Christian Church.

Mark Scott made his community a better place. He will always be in the hearts and minds of friends and family throughout the Eureka community. May he rest peacefully in heaven.

Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to honor Specialist James Stevens as he selflessly defended our nation.

A native of Knoxville, Iowa, Specialist Stevens grew up playing with ``GI Joe'' action figures and watching war movies, dreaming that one day he too would become a soldier. In 2010, James enlisted in the U.S. Army and then graduated from Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia, achieving his childhood dream. During his time at Infantry School, James learned how to defend this nation and the importance of brotherhood. Two years later, Specialist Stevens deployed to Afghanistan where he was stationed at Combat Outpost Zerok. In support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Specialist Stevens and his infantry unit were responsible for guard duty and combat patrols. Stevens' valor and leadership led him to serve as a decorated hero receiving the Afghanistan Campaign medal with Campaign Star, Army Commendation Medal, NATO Medal, and the Combat Infantryman' s badge.

Currently a veteran, Stevens continues to serve members of his community in East Peoria, Illinois. As a proud father, he raises his two girls, Kirstin and Madison, and teaches his daughters the same lessons learned while serving aside his Army brothers at Fort Riley: loyalty, duty, respect, and honor. In addition, Stevens volunteers with the Habitat for Humanity Greater Peoria Area where communities come together to build homes for veterans and military families.

Specialist James Stevens is an American hero, who has dutifully served his nation and continues to proudly serve his family and community. Thanks to Specialist Stevens for his service and sacrifice. This country is blessed to have servicemen, like James Stevens, who selflessly devoted their careers to protecting this country. We owe him a debt that can never be repaid.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Police Week, a time to honor and thank law enforcement officers for all they do in service to our communities.

As a former State and Federal prosecutor, I have worked with law enforcement officers at every level: local, State, and Federal. I watched as they tirelessly worked to carry out justice and keep our communities safe.

As a Member of Congress, I have the privilege of representing a district that is both rural and urban. I have seen the different challenges that our officers have faced. They have done it in a tremendous way, both at the local police level and at the sheriff level. The work and effort put in by the officers in each community never ceases to amaze me. It is a big reason why our district has continued to thrive with vibrant and safe communities.

This work does not come without its risks. Far too many officers pay the ultimate price. Last year in South Jacksonville, Illinois, in my district, one of its own was killed in the line of duty. Losses like this are devastating for both the families and our communities. We must never forget their sacrifices and we must continue to work to keep our officers protected.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the work the House is doing this week to do just that. I thank every law enforcement officer for their commitment and dedication towards keeping America safe.

Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to honor Niemann Foods as they celebrate one hundred years of business.

In 1917, brothers Ferd Sr. and Steve Niemann achieved the American dream by opening their first grocery store, Niemann Brothers, in Quincy, Illinois. By providing quality produce, goods, and customer service, the Niemanns afforded the opportunity to expand their operations to thirty grocery stores by 1930. One decade later, the Neimann brothers opened Quincy's first full service supermarket, Food Center, which was open seven days a week. Food Center became the heart of the town and was the beginning of the area's modern shopping tradition. Today, Niemann Foods, an ESOP company, provides employment for over 5000 hard-working people spread throughout their retail banners, which include County Market, Save-A-Lot, Ace Hardware, Pet Supplies Plus and Haymakers convenience stores. As the Niemann tradition continues to thrive, consumers can find their quality products and customer service at more than one hundred stores all across the Midwest.

For one hundred years, Niemann Foods has given back to their community through hard work, generosity, and their commitment to helping others. Without a doubt, Niemann Foods is a staple of Illinois' 18th District and I am proud to consider them our neighbors. Congratulations to Niemann Foods on a prosperous century and I wish them one hundred more years of success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor Sergeant Joshua Rodgers, who made the ultimate sacrifice last Wednesday night in Afghanistan. Sergeant Rodgers was a native of Bloomington, Illinois, in my congressional district, and was one of two American soldiers killed during a raid targeting an ISIS prison last week.

Sergeant Rodgers graduated from Normal Community High School in 2013, where he competed on the track and football teams. His teammates and coaches remember him as a hard worker and a great leader. He had a true sense of duty and believed it necessary to serve his country.

After graduation from high school, he enlisted in the Army, achieving the position of Army Ranger. In his short career, he did three tours in Afghanistan. He would go on to receive numerous medals for his service, such as the Army Achievement Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Sergeant Joshua Rodgers was a man of courage, and he gave his life on the battlefield fighting against the evil of ISIS and terrorism. His bravery and sacrifice in the name of liberty and freedom will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with Joshua's family during this difficult period.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would ask that the House rise and take a moment of silence to pay tribute to Sergeant Joshua Rodgers for his service and sacrifice for our country and for free people everywhere.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1665, the Disaster Declaration Improvement Act. I thank my colleagues, Mr. Barletta and Mr. Rodney Davis, for their leadership on this important issue.

Rural areas are the heart of not only my district, but of America as a whole. They are the source of food and resources, and are home to millions of American families. When natural disasters come to these communities, we should be doing everything in our power to help them get back on their feet. Instead, the regulatory regime forces these areas to meet a higher and unfair threshold in order to get the FEMA resources that they need.

My district faced this problem back in 2013, after a tornado swept through Washington, Illinois, destroying nearly 1,000 homes. This was a massive loss, but FEMA's formula for public assistance kept Washington from getting the assistance it needed to repair the public infrastructure damaged by the storm. While individuals could get some relief for personal property, this damage to infrastructure affects every member of the community.

This is why I am a proud cosponsor and supporter of H.R. 1665, the Disaster Declaration Improvement Act. This bill will change and modernize FEMA's formula so that it is easier for rural areas and areas with lower population density to get the support and assistance they need after a disaster.

I urge my colleagues to vote for its passage today to ensure that all Americans, regardless of the town they live in, can know that help will be on the way after such tragic events happen.

Mr. Speaker, after more than a year, the Obama administration's Iran nuclear deal remains deeply unpopular.

At the time of the agreement, the American people believed they had given up too much, and they were right. We already knew the administration had paid cash in exchange for American prisoners, but this week we learned from an investigation by Politico that the Obama administration was also not truthful about the Iranian prisoners we released.

These prisoners were not ``civilians accused of trade violations,'' as the administration had claimed. They were men who posed a threat to our national security, accused of supplying Iran with materials for their weapons program.

It had taken hundreds of hours for our law enforcement and intelligence services to track down and build cases against these men, and the Obama administration was willing to undo all of that to use these men as a bargaining chip.

Undermining our national security is not in the best interest of our country, nor is being dishonest with the American people.

As we move forward, we must be clear-eyed and vigilant with the Iranian regime and its intentions while supporting and strengthening our intelligence community. That is a path towards a nuclear-free Iran.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Lamar Smith for yielding time and for his leadership on this important issue.

Mr. Speaker, my district in central and west central Illinois is home to some of the most fertile farmland in the entire world. My district is the ninth largest congressional district in terms of corn and soybean production. With that said, farming families across the 19 counties I represent are faced every day with burdensome rules and regulations created by the EPA with little or no transparency into the data that influenced those regulations in the first place.

These rules and regulations have and continue to cause real-world consequences to the agriculture community. Moreover, these EPA directives have far greater reach outside the realm of just farmers.

Manufacturing and trade industries in my district have also seen a direct negative impact from these agency actions. They have continued to hurt the ability of these industries to create jobs and economic opportunities in central and west central Illinois.

As such, I am here today in support of the HONEST Act, which encourages a more open and transparent Federal Government. It requires data and studies used by Federal agencies in the rulemaking process to be made publicly available to the American people and independent scientists. The goal is to promote more accountability for Washington, D.C., bureaucracies, such as the EPA.

The bottom line is costly Federal regulations should only be based upon data that is comprised of sound science and that can withstand scrutiny and review.

Simply put, the HONEST Act is a step in the right direction to restore trust in the EPA and in Federal bureaucracies.

Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to honor United States Marine Corps Major Reid B. Nannen, who passed away Sunday, March 1, 2014, while training at TOPGUN NAS in Fallon, Nevada.

Reid attended Olympia High School where he was a two-year captain of the swim team, a section leader for the drum line, and an Illinois State Scholar. Reid then attended the University of Illinois where he participated in the Marching Illini Drum Line, and also served as commander of the NROTC Drill Team his senior year. After graduating, Reid married the love of his life, Sarah M. Simpson, on August 6, 2005, in Peoria, Illinois.

Reid was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in May 2004. After completing The Basic School, Reid attended Naval Aviation Training and received his Wings of Gold in February 2007. He deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from May to December of 2010. Reid attended Tactical Air Control Party training in 2011 and proceeded to Camp Pendleton, California, for duty as a forward air controller. Reid deployed for the second time to Afghanistan from October of 2011 to May of 2012. Reid's valor and leadership led him to serve as a decorated hero receiving the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Achievement Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal and Air Medal.

In honor of Reid's sacrifice, it is my privilege to commemorate his service through the designation of the Major Reid B. Nannen Highway in Hopedale, Illinois. My prayers and thoughts go out to his wife, Sarah, and their four children, who have lost a loving husband and father. Our Nation is blessed to have servicemen like Captain Reid who have selflessly given their life in defense of our country and our freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I send to the desk a resolution and ask unanimous consent for its immediate consideration in the House; and, further, that it be read in full.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials in the Record on the subject of my Special Order.

Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to honor the life, career, and public service of Robert H. Michel, known as Bob Michel, former Congressman of the 18th District of Illinois and the longest serving Republican leader of the House of Representatives, who passed away earlier this month on Friday, February 17. He was 93 years old. This Thursday, March 2, he would have turned 94. He served in Congress in this institution from 1956 to 1994.

To staff, friends, and colleagues, Bob Michel was more than a Congressman and House leader. He was a mentor and larger-than-life person. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to stand before you and our colleagues tonight to recognize the remarkable life of our departed leader and friend. Over the past week I have had the opportunity to hear testimony from friends, family, former colleagues, and the public as they reflect on the reputation of Mr. Michel.

Among the many stories that have been told, it has been mentioned time and time again the foundation upon which Bob Michel built his remarkable career and reputation. Throughout Mr. Michel's 50 years in politics, he never wavered from his values of civility, uncommon decency, and humility. Those values were instilled in him at the earliest age, rooted in his faith and family upbringing, and followed him throughout his life.

Bob Michel was born to German and French immigrants in Peoria, Illinois, on March 2, 1923, to Anna and Charles Michel. Hard work and respect were required among the Michel children. After dinner each night, it was mandatory for the Michel household to read the Bible rather than go outside and play. The young Bob Michel was a product of Peoria Public Schools.

Bob Michel didn't come from a privileged background or a family that had money. He held numerous jobs, which played a formidable role in his upbringing, teaching him the rewards of hard work and accountability. His early jobs varied from mowing yards, delivering on two newspaper routes, working in a factory, a tailor shop, and a grocery store.

Michel graduated from Peoria High School and attended one semester at Bradley University before enlisting at age 19 as an infantryman in the U.S. Army to fight in World War II. Michel landed in Normandy on the fourth day of the D-day invasion of Europe and fought his way across France and Belgium to the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded in action and was discharged after earning two Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, and four Battle Stars. When we talk about the Greatest Generation, Bob Michel was a shining example of the Greatest Generation.

Bob Michel would return to Peoria, Illinois, after the war to complete his business administration degree at Bradley University. He joined the a cappella choir there, where he would meet the love of his life, Corinne Woodruff. They were married for 55 years.

It was immediately after graduation that Michel's path into politics started after then-president of Bradley University David Owen approached Bob to inform him about a candidate by the name of Harold Velde running for Everett Dirksen's congressional seat. After interviewing, Velde hired Michel as a staffer. Years later, Michel would go on to replace Velde in the House after he retired, winning a contested four-way primary and defeating his Democratic opponent. Thus began the service of Bob Michel in the U.S. House, which would lead him to rise to the House leadership and serve a stint as minority whip and eventually minority leader for 14 years.

Throughout his rise in leadership, Bob Michel remained grounded to his district, never forgetting where he came from. Michel was masterful at building personal relationships and represented the gold standard for public service. That reputation derived from his commonsense approach and midwestern upbringing.

This past Saturday, we laid Bob to rest in his hometown of Peoria, Illinois. Bob was remembered at that time and honored as an American hero, a tremendous public servant, a devoted father, husband, and friend. Mr. Speaker, the life of this incredible statesman will never be forgotten, and the legacy he has left behind should serve as a reminder for how we as public servants can continue our work moving forward.

Again, I am proud to stand with my colleagues tonight as a successor to Congressman Michel's seat and to honor our beloved friend, colleague, leader, and mentor.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus), the dean of our Republican delegation.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Shimkus for those beautiful words for Leader Michel.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Bustos), who shares Peoria, Illinois, with me, Bob Michel's hometown, and she was also at the funeral on Saturday.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hultgren).

Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Hultgren for those wonderful words for Leader Michel.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the minority whip.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Leader Hoyer for those warm words and inspiring words and heartfelt words for Leader Michel. It means so much for his family, for all of us in Peoria, and for all of his colleagues.

I want to thank everybody here tonight from the Illinois delegation that spoke so fondly about Mr. Michel. When we think about the traits that he exemplified--integrity, sincerity, humility, genuineness, and civility--that everybody talked about here tonight, I think it is also important to remember where he came from in Illinois.

The congressional district that he represented, the 18th Congressional District, was the same district that Congressman Abraham Lincoln represented from 1847 to 1849. It is also the same congressional district that Everett Dirksen represented and that Bob Michel represented for 38 years, and you think about the values that they all exemplified, those strong midwestern values they never forgot.

The other thing that is unique about all three is they were all buried within 1 hour of each other. Oak Ridge Cemetery, President Lincoln; Pekin Cemetery, Everett Dirksen; and this last weekend, Leader Michel in Peoria, Illinois. Bob Michel could have been buried in Arlington Cemetery in a beautiful grave, but he chose to be buried next to the love of his life in Peoria, Illinois. That says a lot about the person that he was. I think it is unique that, within an hour's drive, you can go see all three of their graves, but I think it reflects the midwestern values that he had and those traits.

The other thing that I just want to mention here in closing is that he served his 14 years as the Republican leader, the longest of anyone in this institution as a leader of the minority party. But he also had a number of people that he mentored and tutored: from Jack Kemp, to Trent Lott, to Dick Cheney, to Newt Gingrich; people that served under him, and he mentored in their positions, and that should not be lost.

Bob Michel was a conservative Republican, but the way that he went about the work that he did, his style of civility and treating friend and foe alike, and being able to work across party lines when he needed to made this institution a better place. We need more people like Bob Michel in public service. He is a shining example of what public service should be. I couldn't be prouder to serve in the same congressional district that he represented for 38 years.

Lastly, Mr. Speaker, he made us proud to be from Peoria, Illinois. He made this institution a better place. He made this country a better place by his service of over 50 years.

Tonight we say: Mr. Leader, rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise on behalf of my constituent, Ed Rapp, from Peoria, Illinois. Mr. Rapp recently retired as a top executive and group president from Caterpillar Inc. after thirty-six years of tremendous and admirable service to the company and the Peoria community. He was recently diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease and turned his focus to raising awareness and supporting those in search of a cure. The following is an open letter Mr. Rapp penned to his grandson:

An Apology to My Grandson Cole

On the heels of a frustrating election, the combination of

reading ``Hamilton'' and seeing the Chicago Cubs win the

World Series, I'm compelled to put my thoughts down in

writing taking the form of an apology to my grandson, and the

next generation of Americans. ``Hamilton'' reminded me of the

combination of leadership and compromise demonstrated by our

Founding Fathers. And the Cubs showed us that, against the

odds of history, if you improve competitiveness, you can

compete and win. (And let the record show that I--a die-hard

St. Louis Cardinals fan--can appreciate that feat!)

Fortunately, what was the most disappointing election

process in my history is behind us. My words are not aimed at

one party or the other as I am equally frustrated by both

sides. Our leaders spend too much time trying to defeat the

opposing party instead of focusing on how to make sure that

America competes and wins.

At 59 years old, my generation inherited the most

competitive country in the world, and that competitiveness

led to the highest standard of living in the world. We seem

to have overlooked the direct correlation between a country's

competitiveness and the standard of living of its citizens.

The Cubs championship team stands as a first class example

of how changing the way you compete can change your results.

If you want to improve your competitiveness, you adapt. New

leadership made great draft choices that complemented wily

veterans, ending more than a century of losing.

The same opportunities are afforded to this great nation

(yes, it should be noted I remain optimistic about this

country's future). However, what lies ahead won't be easy. It

will require strong leaders like Hamilton, compromise by both

parties and an understanding that it is all about

competitiveness.

Like it or not, our infrastructure is in a state of

disrepair and we have not addressed its long term funding in

more than 20 years. The build-out of our US highway system in

the 1960s ignited one of the greatest economic booms in

history. But we haven't re-invested. The road to progress

still begins with a road, period.

We have gone from having one of the most competitive

corporate tax rates in 1986 to being the laggard amongst OECD

countries. While the rest of the world has gone to a

territorial system, we are still living in the past with our

worldwide system. With a corporate tax rate 56 percent higher

than the average of other OECD countries, is it any wonder

companies want to locate in other parts of the world?

We also seem to have forgotten that our country was built

by immigrants. We must remain a nation where the world's best

and brightest come to innovate and create new businesses. We

can't continue to provide world-class college education to

young minds from around the world, and then tell them to pack

their bags.

The political debate criticized global trade. Have we

forgotten the U.S. is only five percent of the world's

population and, for decades, led by example on free trade,

which improves the standard of living of Americans and our

trading partners? We need to move forward and trade is

fundamental to growth. If countries turn nationalistic, we

won't like the long term outcome (Brexit and backing out of

the Trans Pacific Partnership really concern me).

I would offer my generation has made no meaningful progress

on some of the core elements of competitiveness in decades

(no major corporate tax or immigration reform since mid-

1980s, no change on infrastructure funding since 1993, no

major global trade deal since 1994) and, as illustrated

above, the cost will be significant: a lower standard of

living for the next generation. For this, I say to my

grandson, I am sorry.

But, as emphasized up front, I remain optimistic. I really

do hope and pray for the next generation that Congress and

the President work together to take on the challenges at

hand. Be brave and compromise like Alexander Hamilton.

Improve competitiveness like the Cubs. And, as we go about

``Making America Great Again,'' let's just remember what made

her great in the first place.