Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate my dear friend and mentor, Senator Slade Gorton, on recently turning 90 years of age. On January 8th, Senator Gorton celebrated this special day, and I join him in this celebration of a rich life full of achievements and service.

Born on January 8, 1928, Senator Gorton has dedicated his life to serving my home state of Washington and our country. He started his lifetime of service to this country in the United States military, serving in the Army, as a Lieutenant in the Air Force, and as a Colonel in the Air Force Reserve.

Senator Gorton began his career in politics in 1959 when he was first elected to the Washington State House of Representatives. He served in the State House for ten years and was chosen by his peers as majority leader from 1967 to 1969.

He left that role to serve Washingtonians in a different capacity as State Attorney General for twelve years until 1981. Never willing to give up a fight for what he believed to be right, Senator Gorton argued 14 cases before the United States Supreme Court. During his term as Attorney General, on October 17, 1975, I had the great honor of receiving the Law Enforcement Award of Commendation from Attorney General Gorton as a young Sheriff's Deputy.

But he wasn't through fighting for the interests of Washingtonians. He was elected to the United States Senate in 1981, dedicating eighteen years to representing Washington on some of the most impactful committees in the chamber including Appropriations; Budget; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; and Energy and Natural Resources. Well respected by his colleagues, Senator Gorton served in Republican leadership as counsel to the majority leader.

Following his service in elected office, Senator Gorton has continued to serve the people of Washington and the United States. In 2002, he was asked to be on the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission) established by Congress and President George W. Bush. This commission published a report on the circumstances of the September 11th terrorist attacks on our country and included recommendations for how to guard against future attacks.

After an exceptional career in public service, Senator Gorton continues to mentor and educate the rising leaders of the next generation through the Slade Gorton International Policy Center.

I am privileged to consider Senator Gorton a close friend and am honored to celebrate his accomplishments and distinguished career. As I started my own career in politics, Senator Gorton took the time to share with me his experiences and expertise. I am better for his support and encouragement. He was a wonderful example and influence to me, as I took office, on how to best serve the people from our home state of Washington. I am forever grateful.

I join with his family, friends, and Washington's Eighth District in congratulating him on this special occasion and wishing him a wonderful 90th.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Deputy Daniel McCartney who died in the line of duty on Monday, January 8, 2018.

On that somber day, Washington State's and our nation's law enforcement lost one of their own. Deputy Daniel McCartney from the Pierce County Sheriff's Department lost his life in the line of duty while responding to a call of a reported home invasion. Deputy McCartney was shot while on foot chasing the suspects and died the next morning from the wounds he sustained.

Deputy McCartney lived a life dedicated to serving his country. His career began with six years of service in the United States Navy beginning in 2002 where he served as an electronics technician 2nd class in Afghanistan. Following his military service, Deputy McCartney served with the Hoquiam Police Department for five years. While there, he was selected and awarded the Officer of the Quarter by his peers.

After his time in Hoquiam, Daniel McCartney served with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department for three years. He was well loved and respected by his colleagues and his community. Many of those who worked with him over the years have shared stories over the past week about the kind of man Deputy McCartney was. He was always willing to put others before himself, attending community events on his days off and assisting with extra tasks around the office when help was needed. Deputy McCartney always went above and beyond the call of duty.

Pierce County Sheriff Paul Pastor spoke highly of Deputy McCartney, saying that he always ran toward trouble and he ran to protect. He was a man who helped others with the heart of a servant, spirit, strength and compassion.

Since his passing, Washington State has greatly mourned his loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loving family that he leaves behind, his wife and his three young boys. We also remember his colleagues at the Pierce County Sheriff Department as they face the heartbreak of losing a coworker and friend.

Today, in Pierce County, Washington, his family, friends, colleagues, and community will unite to celebrate his life and honor his service to our country. We recognize that same service here in Washington, D.C. today. I join with his family, friends, and community in thanking Deputy McCartney for his service.

Madam Speaker, before I came to Congress, I spent 33 years as a cop. Today is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, a day to honor our dedicated law enforcement officers who selflessly put their lives on the line each and every day to protect our families. We not only honor those who protect and serve us today, but we also remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Sadly, yesterday, in my community, we experienced the death, the murder, of another police officer. His name was Deputy Daniel McCartney of the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, shot and killed while responding to a burglary call. This brave man was also a Navy veteran and leaves behind a wife and three sons--4 years old, 6 years old, and 9 years old--without a father.

I ask you to join me today in praying for his family and for his colleagues in the Pierce County Sheriff's Department.

Every day, law enforcement officers are asked to stand tall in the face of danger. I know.

To paraphrase a quote from Sheriff Pastor yesterday after the death of his fallen officer, he said: Deputy McCartney ran toward trouble, ran to protect. He is a man who served with the heart of a servant, with spirit, with strength and compassion.

Please join me today in thanking our law enforcement officers across this Nation for their dedicated service.

Mr. Speaker, as a member who has the honor of representing the heart of Mount Rainier National Park, the jewel of the 8th Congressional District and Washington State, I rise today to recognize Superintendent Randy King for his outstanding service to our country, the environment, and the National Park Service and to congratulate him on his retirement on January 2, 2018.

Randy was raised in Michigan and attended Michigan State University, where he developed his love of the outdoors through outdoor excursions with family and friends. After college, he began his accomplished 40- year career with the National Park Service, serving in six national parks including Yellowstone, Acadia, the Intermountain Regional Office, and even an assignment in Australia. In 2003, Randy moved to Mount Rainier National Park to serve as the Deputy Superintendent, including a 15-month detail as Acting Superintendent in 2009 through 2010. Since 2011, Randy has served as the Superintendent of the Mount Rainier National Park.

The challenges of managing the diverse landscape and needs of this park are endless. It includes 235,625 acres of forests, meadows, and mountains, and a National Historic Landmark District. Every year, Mount Rainier is graced with millions of day-hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy the visitor centers, back-country, and summit of the mountain's 14,410 foot summit. With every visit comes inherent dangers from the wild landscape and it was often up to Randy and his team to plan and engage in rescue and recovery efforts. Randy managed all of these challenges with skill and grace.

During his tenure, Randy worked tirelessly to maintain open, honest relationships with surrounding community leaders, businesses, staff, and visitors. He oversaw upgrades to the permitting process, renovations to historical landmarks, improvements to trail and road access, increased stewardship opportunities within the park, and the opening of a memorial to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their service to this country. I had the honor of working closely with Randy when we passed legislation to name the Eatonville Post Office after Ranger Margaret E. Anderson who gave her life protecting visitors in the park. As Co-Chair of the National Parks Caucus, Randy and I have worked together on many projects over the years in an effort to strengthen and protect our parks.

Randy is a proven leader whose warmth, kindness, and charismatic leadership is a credit to the National Park Service and will be missed at Mount Rainier Mr. Speaker, I again offer my congratulations to Superintendent Randy King, for his service and dedication to the community and visitors of the Mount Rainier National Park.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding and for his leadership in bringing this tough piece of legislation. I mean tough in the sense that it has taken years to put this together and at least 40 hearings on the legislation that is presented today.

Mr. Speaker, when I travel my district from the suburbs of Auburn, Washington, to the orchards of Chelan, I hear the same thing from middle-income, hardworking families, from the apple grower in Wenatchee, the tech entrepreneur in Issaquah, and the growing family in Maple Valley, Washington: They want to keep more of their hard-earned money, plan for the future, and they want to have some certainty in their future. They want to care for those they love.

They deserve a plan that gives them the opportunity at their first job or a better job. They deserve a chance to decide how they want to spend their money.

It is their money. Why wouldn't they deserve that chance?

They want a Tax Code that is simpler, fairer, and that works for them. They want the same bright future for their children.

This is a bill that is not just a tax bill, but it is a bill that reignites, in my opinion, the belief in the American Dream.

In the Eighth District of Washington State, the median income family of four will receive a tax cut of $3,654. In Washington State, 21,875 new jobs will be created.

This plan will change lives. It will energize our economy and get our economy booming again.

As we went through this process, I asked myself several questions over the last few years, to be honest with you. Here are the questions:

Will this plan make the American economy boom again?

Will this plan create jobs in America?

Will this plan increase paychecks?

Will this plan put more money in the pockets of hardworking Americans?

Will this plan make the Tax Code fairer and simpler?

The answer I came to and I think that Americans will come to, Mr. Speaker, is a resounding ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, for over two decades, Eastside Baby Corner (EBC) in Issaquah, Washington has provided invaluable services to families in need throughout the surrounding community. EBC founder, Karen Ridlon, first saw the need for a nonprofit committed to providing families with resources for babies through her work as a local nurse practitioner. Countless newborn babies in her practice left the hospital to go to homes that did not have adequate food, clothing, sanitary care products, and safety equipment.

What began as a small collection of resources collected in Ms. Ridlon's dining room has grown into an organization that serves over 800 children each week and has filled over 500,000 orders of baby essentials. Nonprofits similar to EBC have filled important needs within communities across America. In 2016 alone, more than 300 nonprofit diaper banks and diaper pantries that are members of the National Diaper Bank Network across 46 States distributed over 52,000,000 donated diapers, helping ensure that more than 278,000 children had the diapers they needed.

In light of Diaper Awareness Week last month, I visited EBC, toured the warehouse, and met with some of its committed volunteers. I applaud EBC and other members of the National Diaper Bank Network for the critical work they do to provide families with the infant essentials they need and better ensure that babies have a healthy start to life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Ms. Pearl Genevieve Moore of Preston, WA on her 100th birthday today.

Pearl was born in Washington State on September 18, 1917 to parents Hulda and Olaf Carlson, who immigrated to Preston, Washington from Varmland, Sweden. Pearl graduated from Broadway High School in 1935.

In 1941, Pearl married the love of her life, Mr. Marshall Moore. They were married for 56 beautiful years.

Pearl credits her wonderful life to God's grace, her ancestors, and a busy social life. She is actively involved in her church community and many have been blessed by her hospitality and care over the years. Pearl also loves to garden and enjoys eating lots of vegetables, peanuts, and chocolate.

Through her big heart and dedication to her community, Pearl has continued to make Preston a better place throughout her lifetime. I join with her family, friends, and the Eighth District in congratulating her on this special occasion and wishing her a wonderful birthday

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the City of Maple Valley, in light of its designation as a Purple Heart City. The City of Maple Valley will be the first in Washington's Eighth Congressional District to become a Purple Heart, as well as the third city in the State of Washington. Additionally, the designation falls on the anniversary of 9/11, an event that will forever be seen in our hearts as a symbol of strength, hope, and freedom.

The Purple Heart is awarded to wounded members of the armed forces of the United States as a combat decoration for their commitment to our great country. As you visit the City of Maple Valley, you will find a road sign explaining the Purple Heart significance, which reminds all those visiting, of the sacrifice made for a just and free civilization. Furthermore, I would like to also thank the Boy Scout Troop 711 for building the display case for the plaques and other Purple Heart memorabilia, for the public to observe, learn and enjoy.

I thank the City of Maple Valley for its dedication to our armed forces who've risked their lives for ours. The City will not only be known as a beautiful place for wilderness, recreation and to raise a family; but one as an allegiance to our public servants.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Legal Services Corporation and its important work across the country in facilitating civil legal aid for those in need.

Civil legal aid is one of the most effective strategies for helping victims of domestic violence and that is why our federal government must make a strong investment in the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), which administers federal funding for civil legal aid.

From my over 33 years in law enforcement, I know all too well that unlike people who commit crimes, victims do not always have the same opportunity for an attorney. For a low-income individual in need of help with a civil legal issue, paying expensive legal fees for an attorney is not an option. And for people who are in abusive relationships, the thought of navigating the legal system alone can often be what keeps them from leaving their abuser.

Research shows that providing an attorney can reduce the number of domestic violence victims by as much as 21 percent. A 2015 study out of King County, WA, where I was the Sheriff, found that when survivors received legal representation they were 85 percent more likely to have child visitation rights denied to the abusive parent, 77 percent more likely to have restrictions placed on the abusive parent's child visitation, and 47 percent more likely to have treatment ordered for the abusive parent.

Our great nation was founded on the principle of justice for all, not just for those who can afford it. When low-income families and survivors of domestic violence are forced to face the justice system on their own, it is a failure of our society. As the appropriations process moves forward, I urge you to support and strengthen funding for the Legal Services Corporation.

I thank the chair for yielding and for all his hard work in working together with us to address the issue of gun crime in this country.

As everyone knows, over the last several years especially, high- profile shootings and violent crime have caught the attention of Americans all across this country and sparked a debate about what should be done to reduce gang violence and gun crime in the United States.

Well, the truth is, there is an answer and a proven solution that actually worked for many years when I was the sheriff in King County in Seattle, Washington. It is a program called Project Safe Neighborhoods. It was first the Safe Cities Initiative by the Clinton-Gore administration and then changed to Project Safe Neighborhoods under George Bush.

Through strong partnerships, Federal, State, and local governments created local gun crime reduction task forces and form coalitions with other agencies, community groups, and citizens committed to reducing gun crime.

Between 2001 and 2009, when data was collected on the program, cities that were first to implement the program achieved a significant decline in violent crime.

We need to fund this program. The data and the statistics that were collected that show this is a proven solution was ignored by the previous administration. Despite the high rates of success for cities that have implemented the program, funding for the program has steadily decreased.

My amendment to increase funding for Project Safe Neighborhoods is fully offset by a reduction to the General Administration account at the Department of Justice.

Mr. Chairman, I urge all Members to support this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I rise for the purpose of engaging in a colloquy with the chairman about the COPS Hiring Program.

Managed by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, or COPS, the COPS Hiring Program is vital to State and local law enforcement agencies. The program provides our communities with the much-needed funding to hire law enforcement officers and meet public safety demands.

Since its beginning, the COPS Hiring Program has placed more than 129,000 officers in communities across the United States to advance policing and crime prevention efforts.

Make no mistake, these officers are necessary for the safety of our neighborhoods, constituents, and loved ones. Staffing challenges not only jeopardize the safety of our men and women in uniform, but also directly lead to the breakdown and trust between law enforcement and our communities.

From my over 33 years of experience in law enforcement, I know that police departments and sheriffs' offices must have the staff necessary to engage with their communities and proactively respond to their needs, instead of running from one call to the next.

COPS Hiring is a proven program that studies have shown reduces crime without a corresponding increase in arrests. Effective policing lowers crime rates and builds strong community relationships. Throughout my time in Congress, I have been fighting to keep this program funded. It is the same this year.

While I appreciate that the bill before us includes a $100 million increase for Byrne-JAG law enforcement grant program, and I thank the chairman for his efforts, I am disappointed that it doesn't provide funding for the COPS Hiring Program.

As this process moves forward, I urge the chairman to include funding for the COPS Hiring Program. We must continue this program that has been so important to State and local law enforcement. This program is not just good for those who put their lives on the line every day, but it benefits all citizens as our country works to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

I thank the chairman, and I just mention that I know in my heart his compassion and dedication to the men and women who wear the uniform across our country. I look forward to working with him in making sure the COPS program is funded once again.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on the Budget be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 3732) to amend section 1113 of the Social Security Act to provide authority for increased fiscal year 2017 and 2018 payments for temporary assistance to United States citizens returned from foreign countries, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 4 o'clock and 26 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Tuesday, September 12, 2017, at 10 a.m. for morning-hour debate.

Mr. Speaker, during Immigration Heritage Month, I want to recognize the great spirit and desire for a better life that lives within our Nation's immigrants today and those before them.

America's immigrants have started companies big and small, contributed to their local communities, and have been our friends, family, and neighbors. But our immigration system is broken. It is failing the many children who are brought to the United States outside of their own control.

That is why I have sponsored and cosponsored the BRIDGE Act and the Recognizing America's Children Act to protect these children who only want to live the American Dream.

I believe, Mr. Speaker, that we have to work together, we must work together to pass a long-term immigration reform bill that secures our borders, yes, but just as importantly, protects our children, protects the families and the workers who want nothing more than to be a part of this great country and live the American Dream.

Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call Nos. 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, and 299 I was absent due to personal illness. Had I been present, I would have voted yes. On roll call No. 293 I was also absent due to personal illness. Had I been present, I would have voted no.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 299, I missed the vote due to a personal illness. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

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