Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the hundreds of court reporters and captioners in the Granite State and around the country as we prepare to celebrate National Court Reporting and Captioning Week next week.

Since the beginning of our Nation's history, beginning with the scribes during the Continental Congress and the drafting of our Declaration of Independence and Constitution, the act of transcribing events and important documents has always been a pillar of our democracy.

In fact, after their high school graduations, my own parents met at court reporting school and later went on to start their own court reporting business. Fifty years later, my mother still is in the business.

Court reporters are ever present right now in this very Chamber, in committee hearings, in capturing the spoken word and debate between Members of Congress, including Michele York, formerly of Candia, New Hampshire.

The court reporting and captioning industry continues to grow, estimating 5,000 new jobs over the next several years. To the hundreds of court reporters and captioners in New Hampshire and around the country, thank you for all you do. And to the future reporters and captioners, thank you for continuing a legacy so paramount to our democracy and our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent and friend who was recently named the 2015 Time Magazine Dealer of the Year. Andy Crews, president and CEO of AutoFair, is one of the Nation's most successful auto dealers, with seven stores and 600 employees in the Granite State and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Not only is Andy a natural business leader, he is also an outstanding public servant. He has served in the United States Marine Corps and constantly gives back to the future leaders of our communities.

In addition to donating proceeds of auto sales to help feed the needy around Thanksgivingtime, Andy has spearheaded a program to motivate high school seniors in Manchester, New Hampshire, to excel in their classes for a chance to win a car.

Andy also works closely with the New Hampshire community technical colleges to ensure students are receiving the best education and training to become the next generation of trained auto technicians.

It is people like Andy Crews who make me beyond proud to call myself a Granite Stater. His commitment and passion to the auto industry and our communities are beyond deserving of the 2015 Time Magazine Dealer of the Year award, and I wish him continued success.

Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 53 I was unable to vote because my flight was cancelled due to inclement weather. Had I been present, I would have voted yes.

Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 52 I was unable to vote because my flight was cancelled due to inclement weather. Had I been present, I would have voted yes.

Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 51 I was unable to vote because my flight to Washington was cancelled due to inclement weather. Had I been present, I would have voted yes.

Madam Speaker, Granite Staters are fed up with Washington's wasteful ways. The government's irresponsible spending has led to billions of your dollars being wasted to fund projects that already exist. Instead of ensuring that the most truly in need receive a hand up, your taxpayer dollars are instead being handed out to increase Washington's bureaucracy.

That is why I have launched Operation TAXPAYER, an ongoing initiative designed to eliminate the wasteful plaguing of our government, running up our debt, and crowding out funding for worthwhile programs.

As part of this initiative, I have introduced H. Res. 45, a bipartisan bill to fundamentally alter the way legislation is brought to the House floor.

Under H. Res. 45, every piece of legislation awaiting consideration by Congress would receive a duplication score by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, with the goal of providing Members the necessary knowledge to identify whether or not a new bill creates a new program or project that already exists within our government.

This is a commonsense, bipartisan step that will allow our government to finally take sizable bites out of our debt and deficit while ensuring the protection of safety nets for all Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of Chip Kennett from Conway, New Hampshire, who passed away this weekend at the age of 34 after a heroic 2-year battle with lung cancer.

Chip was a dedicated public servant on Capitol Hill, devoted friend, father, husband, and inspiration to us all. Upon his diagnosis, Chip used his Capitol Hill experience to advocate on behalf of lung cancer research, testifying

before a Senate Aging Committee hearing in 2014 to increase the awareness of the disease. He worked to erase the stigma associated with lung cancer and, in doing so, left a legacy that will continue touching countless lives.

To those who mourn with us today, we rest easier knowing that we could not help but profit from his friendship, his optimism, and his sense of humor. He loved life completely and lived it for others. We are all immeasurably better for having known him.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time, especially his wife, Sheila; their two children, Joe Kennett and Crosby Reynolds; as well as his parents, Bayard and Theresa Kennett.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the President's continued use of executive action to bypass Congress and the American people in order to move forward with his own agenda. In the Granite State, we believe deeply in the rule of law and separation of powers, and the President's abuse of executive authority runs counter to these principles.

The United States is a very generous country to those who come here seeking a better life for themselves and their family. Every year, countless seek solace on our shores in search of economic and political freedom.

Unfortunately, our laws have not kept up with our needs. Our current economic system is broken. Instead of encouraging legal immigration, streamlining the process, and reforming our visa system, the President has intentionally refused to enforce the laws already on the books. The President's DACA order has encouraged thousands of children to take a perilous journey, ripping them from their families and placing their well-being with those who seek to exploit them.

Mr. Speaker, our Nation cannot send a signal that we won't enforce our laws or hold those responsible for breaking them. Our immigration system can be better. Compassion for people and care to faithfully execute our laws are not mutually exclusive.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to rise today in support of, and as a cosponsor of, H.R. 37.

Mr. Speaker, back in April 2012, President Obama signed into law the JOBS Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation which makes it easier for small companies, small businesses, to access capital markets by easing the burden of certain securities regulations.

Despite its sweeping scope, the Dodd-Frank Act does little to spur the type of capital formation that is essential for any real and lasting economic recovery to take hold in our Nation. Without access to capital, business slows, and without regulatory certainty, capital disappears.

A small company should not be subject to the same regulatory demands and requirements that a Fortune 500 company is required to meet. That is why H.R. 37 follows on the success of the bipartisan JOBS Act and continues the Financial Services Committee's extensive examination of finding bipartisan solutions.

This package includes 10 pieces of legislation that my friend from California, the ranking member, supported and endorsed and voted for in the past. We need to make it easier for small companies to access public and private markets so that they can grow, hire, and provide greater economic opportunities for our citizens.

Contrary to this rhetoric we hear this evening, H.R. 37 is not a massive repeal of Dodd-Frank. It is a bill that recognizes Dodd-Frank is not perfect. It is a bill that recognizes market disruptions are not a smart result.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment of the New Hampshire Army National Guard. This week, they deploy to the Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

To the 370-some Granite Staters who are deploying, and also your families who are constantly supporting you, thank you for your service, your commitment, and your sacrifice.

As the first Army National Guard unit to support this artillery mission, you carry forward the National Guard's mantra, ``Always Ready, Always There.''

As my two children, Colby and Jack, join me on the House floor, I am reminded of how grateful I am to you--and the rest of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines--for protecting our country, our safety, and our liberties. You are the very best our Nation has to offer. The Granite State and our Nation are forever indebted to you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 26, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2015. As the recent tragic events in Boston have shown, terrorism is still alive, and we must be ever vigilant in the fight against it.

This overwhelmingly bipartisan piece of legislation will ensure market stability for Main Street, businesses, construction projects, public events, and more by maintaining their ability to access terrorism insurance to keep job-creating businesses and projects moving forward with certainty.

TRIA is an important piece of legislation for protecting taxpayers by requiring insurers to step up and manage more of their own risk. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I ask that the Senate bring up this bill immediately.

Mr. Speaker, on October 30, 2012 Mr. Kenneth Cargill will receive the White Mountains Treasure Award from the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce. I am pleased to congratulate him on this fine achievement and thank him for all of his service to the communities and people of the Mt. Washington Valley.

Mr. Cargill has been an influential lawyer and businessman in the North Country for the last twenty-five years. During that time he has set himself apart as a trusted business leader in the community. Through his practice he has served as a counselor and advisor to more than fifty non-profit Boards in the region, including The Ham Arena, Perni Fish and Game, Friends of Tuckerman's Ravine, the Millen Foundation, the Mount Washington Valley Economic Council, Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Upper Saco Valley Land Trust, and Mount Washington Valley's Children's Museum. In addition to Mr. Cargill's legal experience, he has also served in many public service positions including as the Town Moderator for the Town of Conway and School Board Moderator for the Town of Tamworth.

These impressive accomplishments highlight Kenneth's dedication to his community and his tireless efforts to celebrate everything great about New Hampshire's beautiful North Country. I congratulate Mr. Cargill for receiving this award and for his outstanding service to the Mt. Washington Valley. I wish him the very best for the future.

Mr. Speaker, on October 30, 2012 Mr. Bayard Kennett will receive the White Mountains Treasure Award from the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce. I am pleased to congratulate him on this fine achievement and thank him for all of his service to the communities and people of the Mt. Washington Valley.

Mr. Kennett has been an influential businessman in the North Country since returning to the region in 1977 to take over his family's real estate and land holding companies. During that time he has set himself apart as a trusted business leader in the community. In addition to Mr. Kennett's business experience, he has also served in many positions for the town of Conway including as a member of the Board of Selectmen, Conway School Board, Conway Fire Department, and Conway Precinct Commissioner. His public service also includes works with business and community organizations, serving on Memorial Hospitals Board of Trustees and the Tech Village Realty Board of Directors. He has also helped with local school and sport organizations serving on the Ham Arena Board and as a Little League and Flag Football Coach, and with the Kennett High Boosters.

These impressive accomplishments highlight Bayard's dedication to his community and his tireless efforts to celebrate everything great about New Hampshire's beautiful North Country. I congratulate Mr. Kennett for receiving this award and for his outstanding service to the Mt. Washington Valley. I wish him the very best for the future.

Mr. Speaker, on October 30, 2012 Mr. Peter Pinkham will receive the White Mountains Treasure Award from the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce. I am pleased to congratulate him on this fine achievement and thank him for all of his service to the communities and people of the Mt. Washington Valley.

Mr. Pinkham has previously served as President of the North Conway Chamber of Commerce and later founded the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce. His public service also includes serving as a Selectman for the Town of Conway for six years, as well as the Town Moderator, and as a member of the School Board and the Budget Committee.

Mr. Pinkham has also been instrumental in contributing to the skiing industry with his work at Attitash and with Free Style Skiing. Attitash held the first Free Style competitions in the world in 1966 and helped bring snowmaking to the Valley. Peter also contributed to the sport personally by serving as Director of Attitash and teaching the Junior Ski Program. These great contributions to one of New Hampshire's most loved sports and recreational past times will allow future generations to enjoy both Attitash and the skiing amenities in the Valley for many years to come. Peter has also made numerous contributions to the local theater community founding the Children's Theater Company, Piett Pipper, and Community Theatre, the Resort Players. His work has been performed at the Eastern Slope Inn Playhouse and another of his short musicals was used in the celebrations for Cranmore's 50th Anniversary.

These impressive accomplishments highlight Peter's dedication to his community and his tireless efforts to celebrate everything great about New Hampshire's beautiful North Country. I congratulate Mr. Pinkham for receiving this award and for his outstanding service to the Mt. Washington Valley. I wish him the very best for the future.

Mr. Speaker, on October 30, 2012 Ms. Cindy Russell will receive the White Mountains Treasure Award from the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce. I am pleased to congratulate her on this fine achievement and thank her for all of her service to the communities and people of the Mt. Washington Valley.

Ms. Russell has worked tirelessly to enrich the communities of the Mt. Washington Valley through her work as the Executive Director of the Arts Jubilee since 1983. She also founded Monarch Events which presently serves White Mountains Musical Arts, a non-profit organization devoted to bringing great quality live music performances to the region. Monarch Events has served many other organizations and assisted with such noteworthy events as First Night and the Mount Washington Valley's New Year Festival, Conway's Fourth of July Celebration, the Polar Express, the Bunny Express, the Easter Parade, the 2000 Jackson, NH Bicentennial Celebration, and the 2001 Council on State Governments Eastern Regional Conference.

Ms. Russell's involvement extends even further into the community where she is involved in many restoration projects for the Town of Conway, helping to preserve historic sites and homes, and shaping them into the great centers for the community to gather and celebrate their proud heritage. These impressive accomplishments highlight Cindy's dedication to her community and her tireless efforts to celebrate everything great about New Hampshire's beautiful North Country. I congratulate Ms. Russell for receiving this award and for her outstanding service to the Mt. Washington Valley. I wish her the very best for the future.