Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate our ally Israel on its 69th anniversary of independence.

For nearly seven decades, Israel has become a beacon of promise and success amid continued challenges. Since the declaration of the State of Israel back in 1948, they have consistently shown the power of democracy and strength in a volatile part of the world. The people of Israel have also proven themselves to be loyal allies to the United States during tumultuous times, serving as a constant reaffirmation of our unbreakable bond.

Their resolve cannot be understated, either. Israel consistently keeps its citizens safe, despite security threats on a daily basis. The fact that Israel continues to flourish amid constant efforts to terrorize and daunt them is a signal of the nation's strength.

So today we join those in Israel, as well as others around the world, in celebration.

Mr. Speaker, let us continue to protect and preserve the unending and unwavering friendship and relationship between America and Israel.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize National Charter Schools Week and the 25th anniversary of the opening of the very first charter school.

With nearly 3 million students attending public charter schools across the country, 43 States, and the District of Columbia, it is the fastest growing choice option in public education. Minnesota is a leader in developing new innovative ways to educate our students and was the very first State to allow charter schools. Today, Minnesota has 164 charter schools that serve about 57,000 students in kindergarten through the 12th grade. Our State usually ranks among the top in having charter school friendly laws and developing high quality and independent charter school options.

As co-chair of the Charter School Caucus, I believe it is important that we do continue to create and develop this educational option. America will continue to lead the world in innovation and ideas if our students receive the best education possible from early childhood all the way through graduate school, and that means ensuring a child's ZIP Code does not determine the outcome of their education and the quality of their education.

Mr. Speaker, it's been more than three decades since the United States hosted a World's Fair, even as there has been a recent upsurge in local and national interest to do so. Under rules from the Bureau of International Expositions, the U.S. is effectively prevented from hosting Expos and World's Fairs because we are no longer a part of the organization.

That's why I'm joining with my fellow Minnesotans, led by Congressman Emmer, and a bipartisan coalition to authorize the U.S. to rejoin the BIE. This effort also urges U.S. government assistance in advancing Minnesota's bid to host EXPO 2023.

I believe my home state of Minnesota is the perfect place to usher in a new era for American membership in the BIE. Business, civic, and community leaders in Minnesota have already created the Minnesota's World's Fair Bid Committee to start preparing for this unique opportunity to show what our state, our region, and our country have to offer.

We should work with the appropriate federal departments and agencies, and take the necessary steps to ensure the United States rejoins the BIE so that we are not at a disadvantage and so our great cities and states can experience being on display on the world stage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Wesley So of Minnetonka, Minnesota, who earlier this month became the United States chess champion. At 23 years of age, Wesley is already one of the world's top chess grandmasters.

In St. Louis, for the U.S. Chess Championship, Wesley So and his opponent went into a playoff after a two-way tie for first place. In the two-game playoff, So won the first game handily and was able to force a draw in the second game with a perpetual check with his knight. He extended his no-loss streak to 67 games, one of the longest runs in the game's history.

Mr. Speaker, Wesley So has quickly made a name for himself in the world of chess since coming to America from the Philippines 5 years ago. He is now the world's number two ranked player and is in prime position to play the world's top player, Norway's Magnus Carlsen.

Congratulations to Wesley So on an impressive run of dominance. We will be cheering for him as he continues to work on becoming the first American chess grandmaster in more than 40 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to congratulate the Minnetonka High School Boys Alpine Skiing Team on recently winning the Minnesota High School State Championship.

Led by seniors Sergi Piguillem and Marshall Quist, who finished with combined times of 1:17:98 and 1:21:39, respectively, the Skippers were able to defeat rival Edina 166-151.

This is Minnetonka High School's fifth alpine skiing title in their program's history, which illustrates these athletes' dedication to the pursuit of excellence on the slopes and in the classroom. Their state championship title is a testament to their passion and love for the sport, and commitment in putting their best effort forward in all that they do.

Congratulations to head coach Dave Gartner, the parents, and every member of the Minnetonka Alpine Skiing Team on your impressive victory. Our community is proud of you for being tremendous student athletes. Go Skippers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Minnetonka Boys High School Swimming Team on winning the Minnesota Swim and Dive High School State Championship.

After finishing second in the state the past two years, the Skippers were determined to claim the top spot this year. Led by senior Sam Schilling, Minnetonka dominated the competition by winning many of the events and breaking multiple state records along the way too. They even set the National Public High School 200-yard medley relay record, coming in at 1:29:20, a few tenths faster than the previous record set in Indiana earlier this season.

The championship victory earned by the boys on the Minnetonka High School swim team is a testament to their unwavering commitment to hard work and excellence.

Mr. Speaker, Your families, friends, and our entire community are very proud of each and every one of these outstanding student athletes. Congratulations.

Mr. Speaker, today we are taking a very important step to lift the burden of the Affordable Care Act off of the backs of the American people. A key component of this is repealing the burdensome mandates and tax increases that were imposed to help fund this failed law. This includes the medical device tax, a senseless policy that placed an excise tax on lifesaving medical technology.

What did this achieve? A loss of 30,000 high-paying American jobs, less research and development, canceled projects, and postponed expansions. Most importantly, it hurt patients.

There is good news. Just a few years ago, in 2015, we came together on a bipartisan basis and suspended the tax for 2 years. We are seeing positive results. Companies are now hiring again, we have increased research and development, and we have new investments in facilities coming online.

We need to permanently repeal this onerous tax or it is going to start up again. Voting ``yes'' today means permanent repeal of the medical device tax.

Mr. Speaker, I am also encouraged to see several provisions I have authored to enhance and expand the use of health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts that are included in this legislation today.

HSAs and FSAs are now more popular than ever and used by 20 million Americans. It is time to remove the restrictions on HSAs that were imposed in ObamaCare so that we can make them more accessible and easier to use and empower Americans to take more control of their healthcare decisions.

Expanding HSAs will help us also begin to address the rising costs of health care. One recent study showed that, when a large employer switched their employees over to an HSA plan, it lowered their healthcare spending by an average of $900 per employee over a 5-year period. That is real savings, Mr. Speaker.

Let's support a better way forward to lower healthcare costs for patients and put them back in control of their healthcare decisions.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Orono girls basketball team for recently winning the Minnesota High School State Championship.

After falling short of high expectations to win it all last year, the Spartans bounced back this season with an impressive 27-4 record and the top seed, despite many thinking that they had missed their window. That didn't stop these girls though. They were determined to finish the job this season as they stormed through the playoffs. Led by senior Tori Andrew, the team played selflessly. Andrew, the only returning starter from last season, made it a point to give her teammates the recognition that they deserved.

The Spartans went on to beat Winona 65-47 in the State title game.

Orono's resilience, Mr. Speaker, in response to the previous season, speaks highly of their character and their program led by Coach Lavesa Glover in her very first season with the team. These girls showed that they give their all in everything they do, whether it is for their team, their school, their families, or their community.

Mr. Speaker, we are so proud of the Orono girls basketball team. Congratulations on the State title.

Mr. Speaker, this week, we recognized National K9 Veterans Day. It was on March 13, 1942, that the U.S. Army K9 Corps was officially formed, although dogs have had a role in our military ever since our country's founding. We not only honor military dogs, but also police dogs, customs dogs, border patrol dogs, and other working dogs that work to protect our communities.

These dogs provide an incredible service to our brave men and women overseas. They are responsible for saving lives and preventing injuries, sometimes at their own expense.

Many of our servicemembers form very strong bonds with these loyal companions. That is why I authored the Military Working Dog Military Retirement Act and was proud to see it pass with overwhelming bipartisan support last Congress. This new law guarantees that service dogs are returned and retired to the United States after serving overseas. Previously, military members were often forced to spend their own money to bring these animals home.

Mr. Speaker, let us remember and honor these four-legged heroes. They are a valuable component of protecting Americans through their courage and their loyalty.

Mr. Speaker, I want to offer a big congratulations to the Edina Girls hockey team for winning its very first Minnesota high school State championship.

The Hornets dominated in the championship game just last weekend, winning 4-0. Senior forward Lolita Fidler led the way with an early goal in the first period, finishing with two goals. On the other end, senior goalie Anna Goldstein stood on her head throughout the tournament, allowing just one goal in three games.

The girls squad finished with an impressive 28-1-1 record under head coach Sami Reber, who is a former Edina hockey player herself, bringing the title to her alma mater.

Edina's run of excellence is a testament to their program's serious dedication on the ice, in the classroom, and in their community. On top of giving their all in their sport, these students also strive academically and contribute in positive ways at home and among their peers.

Mr. Speaker, we are so proud of these student athletes, and it is fun to see Edina bringing their very first State high school hockey championship home.

Go Hornets.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rare Disease Day to bring widespread awareness to more than 7,000 rare diseases affecting 30 million Americans. These individual diseases may be rare, but their impact isn't.

On this particular occasion, I want to remember Chloe Barnes from Minnesota, who passed away at the age of 2 from metachromatic leukodystrophy, or MLD. Her family founded Chloe's Fight, a foundation that is dedicated to supporting research for rare diseases.

There is no better person to honor and remember Chloe than her older sister, Eva, who wrote an essay in Chloe's memory. Eva writes:

``My sister died when she was 2 and this is what happened. My parents were missing a part in their body. I was fine. But my sister Chloe didn't make it. I don't like talking about it. Because it makes me very sad. I only tell a few people that she died. She was very funny. I loved her so much. Her name was Chloe. She was very brave. My mom and dad are doing a foundation called Chloe's Fight. Because every kid should have a chance to fight.''

Mr. Speaker, we should not only remember those suffering from rare diseases, but we should continue to support initiatives to find new cures and treatments on their behalf.

Mr. Speaker, we all know that human trafficking is a major problem right here in the United States. It is happening in every one of our communities.

This week, as millions of Americans gather to watch the Super Bowl, I would like to shine a light on another troubling fact, and that is that there is an increase in the human trafficking and sex trafficking in the days surrounding the Super Bowl.

Last year, in a few weeks leading up to the Super Bowl event, the Santa Clara Sheriff's Office identified 42 potential victims of sex trafficking during a series of stings and cited 30 additional men for soliciting prostitution.

The good news is, Mr. Speaker, we are drawing attention to this fact and working hard to end this heinous practice. Next year, my home State of Minnesota will be hosting the Super Bowl, and our host committee is already working hard in collaboration with Federal and local law enforcement, with government agencies, with advocacy groups and victims' service organizations to develop a comprehensive and coordinated plan to address the issue. That is because, Mr. Speaker, over the next year, we will continue to end the practice of human trafficking, working tirelessly, and this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase how we can have freedom from the ugliness of trafficking.

Mr. Speaker, earlier this week we observed National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, and we continue to shine a light on this modern form of slavery. As a part of that effort, I am cosponsoring the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, which is the next step in helping the victims of human trafficking.

The heinous practice of human trafficking exploits young girls and boys. These victims are oftentimes our most vulnerable and are taken advantage of by those with no regard for their well-being. The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act will allow victims to petition courts to have their criminal records cleared of nonviolent offenses that were committed as a direct result of being trapped in human trafficking. It is a very important step, Mr. Speaker, in helping these individuals get the opportunity to return to living fulfilling lives on their own terms and getting the fresh start that they deserve.

No man, woman, girl, or boy should ever be subjected to sex trafficking. We must remain vigilant in our fight against this crime and ensure that the victims receive the support and resources they need because, together, we can stop human trafficking.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day to recognize and support our many men and women bravely serving and protecting their communities all across Minnesota and our country.

Law enforcement officers are heroes. They put their lives on the line to keep our neighborhoods, homes, businesses, and schools safe and secure, as was evidenced by the tragedy that took place in Orlando. We owe them so much for the many risks and difficult decisions they make every single day.

It is important that we don't take their service for granted. Our communities are better, thanks to their unwavering commitment. That is why recognitions like today or National Night Out in August, where we promote police community partnerships through neighborhood block parties and cookouts with officers, are so critically important in strengthening the bond between community and law enforcement.

Our men and women in uniform, as well as their families and loved ones, make tremendous sacrifices for the safety and security of their neighbors. We thank them and recognize them for their daily service.

``He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, judges of the supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States, whose appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by law: . . .''