Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment I cosponsored with Representative Gosar that will expand the Good Neighbor Authority for counties.

Good Neighbor Authority allows the Forest Service to enter into cooperative agreements and contracts with States and Puerto Rico to execute projects that perform watershed restoration and forest management services on National Forest System lands.

The current text of the farm bill includes language to expand the Good Neighbor Authority to include Indian Tribes. This simple amendment seeks to build on that commonsense provision by empowering local communities and allowing the Forest Service to include counties as partners to these agreements.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

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

Mr. Chair, my amendment would allow land management agencies like the U.S. Forest Service and BLM to quickly remove dead trees after wildfires to pay for reforestation and rehabilitation after devastating fires.

Last year, over 1 million acres burned in Montana. Livelihoods were threatened, wildlife habitats were destroyed, and whole landscapes were scarred.

My commonsense amendment was passed, verbatim, in the Resilient Federal Forests Act by this body. It would allow the agencies to quickly respond, as well as to raise funds to further rehabilitate the forest. An expedited environmental assessment would still be required and public input would still be included in order to move forward with the project. Most importantly, this amendment would require that at least 75 percent of the burned area would be reforested.

These landscape scale projects are badly needed. The Rice Ridge fire burned over 160,000 acres alone. Quickly responding to the damage caused will protect our public lands and restore our watersheds for the future and restore them to the quality we have come to love in Montana.

As I mentioned, similar language was included in the Resilient Federal Forests Act, which passed the House on a bipartisan basis on November 11, 2017.

My amendment is supported by the Federal Forest Resource Coalition, the National Association of Counties, the National Water Resources Association, and the Idaho Forest Group.

Mr. Chair, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar).

Mr. Chair, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson).

Mr. Chair, at this time, I urge adoption of my commonsense amendment.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a Montana musician known and loved by hundreds of thousands of fans in Montana and across the world.

That's no exaggeration, because she has played in one iconic Montana establishment for 55 years.

Patricia Spoonheim, better known as Piano Pat, began playing keyboards at the Sip 'n Dip Lounge in Great Falls in 1963. Travel publications acclaim the Sip 'n Dip as a ``must see'' in Montana, and Piano Pat is one of the reasons.

Pat was born and raised along Montana's Hi-Line in the 1930s. Even during harsh winters, Pat's mother would drive her over 80 miles roundtrip for piano lessons. She began playing professionally at the age of 14.

Pat worked multiple jobs and played several nights a week to support her family. Now into her 80s, Piano Pat still enjoys what she does. She teaches her grandchildren piano and continues to work nights at the Sip 'n Dip. The one song she says she particularly loves performing is ``Try a Little Tenderness.''

Television networks and national publications have profiled Piano Pat. A cable television channel recently featured her to represent Montana in a series titled ``Her America: 50 Women, 50 States.''

Her music and spirit have entertained countless Montanans and visitors from across the globe. It is my honor to recognize Patricia Spoonheim for entertaining patrons of the Sip 'n Dip and for representing our Montana way of life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Police Week to honor the heroes who dedicate their lives to keep our communities safe and secure.

Montana's courageous law enforcement officers are the epitome of selfless public service. Yesterday marked the 37th annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service. It is only fitting that I honor one of Montana's fallen heroes.

One year ago today, Broadwater County sheriff's deputy, Mason Moore, made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. A routine traffic stop turned into a pursuit of two violent suspects who callously took Deputy Moore's life.

Deputy Moore was a dedicated husband and father of three, including twin teenage boys. His sacrifice to keep his community safe will not be forgotten.

Today, Mr. Speaker, I honor the law enforcement community in Montana during National Police Week for their dedication, service, and sacrifice. I am grateful for those in uniform who serve and protect our communities and pray for their safety.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Iola ``Olie'' Else, the long-time rodeo coach at the University of Montana-Western in Dillon.

For more than two decades, Coach Else has been the driving force behind the school's nationally recognized college rodeo team. The Bulldogs place high in the regional standings and compete for national titles. In fact, her teams rank in the top 10 in the National Collegiate Rodeo Association every year.

The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association named Else Coach of the Year in 2004. She was the first woman to earn the award.

A red blazer and cowbell are Olie's trademarks at college rodeo competitions. UMW rodeo athletes recognize that ringing cowbell from the stands whenever they rope or ride.

Current and former athletes recall her leadership and support that have guided them through college and beyond. Considered more than just a coach, many of the athletes regard Else as a second mother, and she often refers to them as her kids. Despite the team's regional and national recognition, Else says she's most proud that her kids graduate and go out into the world to make a difference.

Olie is retiring after 25 years as head coach, but it won't be her last rodeo. You can be sure her kids will see and hear her from the stands in future competitions.

In honor of rodeo moms and mothers everywhere, today I honor Iola ``Olie'' Else for her dedication to education, the sport of college rodeo, and our Montana way of life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to report that optimism among Montana small businesses is strong and on the rise. I recently concluded a tour of Montana's Main Street businesses; and as I listened to business owners, they described their growing confidence.

They talked about how progrowth reforms, which this Congress and our President delivered, are providing them and their small businesses greater certainty. They described how cutting taxes and cutting red tape are leading them to invest, create Montana jobs, and grow.

Their confidence and optimism match the national trends. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index, which gauges optimism, hit new records in the second quarter. A survey from CNBC, which measures small business confidence, remains near its record high for the first quarter.

Mr. Speaker, I am encouraged by the optimism I saw from Montana small businesses, and I will continue working to grow opportunities that improve the lives of all Montanans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Harold Blattie, the executive director of the Montana Association of Counties. After more than 15 years serving MACo and more than 40 years as a public servant, Harold Blattie will retire in May.

Mr. Blattie's public service has crossed the paths of many Montanans. In 1975, he was elected to serve on the local school board which he did until 1995. He also served his community as a volunteer firefighter, in local organizations, and on the board of the local electric cooperative.

Mr. Blattie became involved with MACo in 1995 as a commissioner in Stillwater County. He began serving as MACo's assistant director in 2002, and three years later, became executive director. Throughout his time with MACo, Mr. Blattie has been an ardent advocate of the association's goals and vision.

Under his leadership, the organization has grown its staff from 10 to 40. MACo is strong, diverse, capable, and influential. Harold Blattie may have lost a lot of sleep along the way, but he has inspired generations of Montanans committed to serving their communities.

Today, I honor Harold Blattie for his dedication to public service and his tireless defense of our Montana way of life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3144, which will bring certainty to the management of the Federal Columbia River Power System.

For generations, the system has provided thousands of Montanans with clean, low-cost energy. Compliance with environmental mandates and litigation, however, threaten our way of life.

The Bonneville Power Administration spent over $700 million to comply with environmental red tape in 1 year alone. Thirty percent of those costs were passed on to taxpayers. A recent court-ordered spill released nearly $40 million of potential hydropower. Approximately 130,000 Montana taxpayers will pay a portion of the costs for this court-mandated spill. This increase is on top of rate hikes of up to 50 percent that western Montana electric co-ops have faced since 2011.

It is time to bring certainty to the operations of the Columbia River System.

Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor of this bipartisan bill, I urge my colleagues to bring some relief to Montana taxpayers and pass H.R. 3144.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lonnie Bell, a Montanan who shared his warmth, wit, and talents with hundreds of thousands over his seven decades as a country music disc jockey.

Bell, a Navy veteran with 20 years of service, began entertaining audiences while stationed in Oahu in 1953. For the next 30 years, he combined genuine love for country music with his authentic and unpretentious broadcast style in stations around the country. Bell made Montana his permanent home in 1964.

In 1985, Bell began his second radio career, hosting a popular Sunday country music program until last month. In March, the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Famer signed off the air with his final broadcast from Billings.

Along the way, Bell, an accomplished musician, helped country music legends Charlie Pride and Loretta Lynn find their way to stardom.

It is my honor to recognize Lonnie Bell for his countless contributions to country music and to our Montana way of life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Allen Johnson for his heroism in receiving the Purple Heart during the Korean War. Allen Johnson joined the Army in January of 1951, and soon found himself fighting for our country on the battlefields of the Korean War. On November 24, 1951, Mr. Johnson was wounded in battle. Though earning the Purple Heart, he never received it until just this year.

Allen Johnson went on to serve in the National Guard and retired with the rank of Captain. Like so many of his generation, Mr. Johnson never sought fanfare or special recognition for his service. He and his wife, Mardell, were married 62 years, and raised ten children. Mr. Johnson served his community as a member of the VFW and American Legion.

Allen Johnson passed away last October, but he will remain an inspiration to all Montanans. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the life and service of Allen Johnson.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark tax day 2018.

I do not make it a habit of celebrating tax day, but this year is different. Tax day 2018 is the last time the American people will have to file their taxes under a complex, outdated Tax Code.

The new Tax Code lowers the tax rate for every Montanan. The reduced rates are creating larger paychecks. A teacher in Billings told me her take-home pay has gone up $1,500 a year.

The new Tax Code provides relief to Montana families by doubling the child tax credit. Parents will have more money to buy their children clothes, diapers, and food.

Today, I am celebrating tax day 2018 because we are putting that old antigrowth Tax Code out to pasture. In its place is a new, simpler Tax Code that cuts rates for all Montanans, helps families, and is growing our economy, leading to more jobs and higher wages.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman, and I appreciate his leadership on this critical issue.

Washington doesn't have a revenue problem. Washington has a spending problem, plain and simple, and it is past time we get our fiscal house in order.

The last time the Federal Government ran a budget surplus was about two decades ago. At the time, the economy was growing, unemployment was low, and Republicans controlled Congress. In 1997, Republicans cut spending and taxes, and for the next 4 years, the Federal Government ran a surplus.

Since that time, Washington has failed to live within its means. The national debt stood at $5.8 trillion in 2001. Since then, it has nearly quadrupled to more than $21 trillion.

But this issue isn't just about the numbers. Ultimately, our kids and grandkids will pay for the Federal spending we are not willing to pay for today. We shouldn't force future generations to pick up the tab for Washington's voracious spending appetite.

The sobering truth is that, if we fail to make the necessary spending reforms today, we will face a fiscal crisis. The only way out of such a fiscal crisis would be punishing tax increases and drastic cuts to essential government programs.

It is time we take action to bring fiscal discipline to Washington and avert a fiscal crisis. If you are in a hole, the quickest way out is to stop digging. Amending the Constitution to require a balanced budget is how we quit digging. The amendment will force the Federal Government to face the reality that households and small businesses face every day: you can't spend more than you make.

Let's get on the record here. Should the Federal Government balance its

budget? Should it live within its means like hardworking Americans who make tough decisions about how they make ends meet?

The answer is yes, which is why I have cosponsored and will vote for the balanced budget amendment. I encourage my colleagues to vote for this resolution and begin to get our fiscal house in order.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to let colleagues know that the tax cuts are working in Montana.

For the last 2 weeks, I met with hardworking Montanans who are benefiting from tax cuts.

Owners of the Billings Flying Service are investing in new equipment, as well as more research and development.

Workers at the UPS facility in Missoula are receiving expanded benefits and more money in their paychecks.

The owner of KFC restaurants throughout Montana gave employees a raise, boosted starting wages, and plans renovations for many of its facilities.

Owners at Loenbro in Great Falls are increasing benefits and investing in new equipment.

A farmer near Bozeman plans to double his food processing staff from 6 to 12.

Mr. Speaker, the tax cuts are working in Montana and throughout the country. They are leading to job creation, bigger paychecks, greater investment, higher wages, and economic growth. We must remain focused on policies to encourage growth, optimism, and the American Dream.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of Montana men's basketball team for an outstanding season and to wish them success in the 2018 NCAA Tournament.

The Grizzlies were regular season champions of the Big Sky Conference, going 16 to 2 in conference play.

Last weekend, the squad won the Big Sky Tournament.

They begin their journey in the NCAA Tournament tonight with a first- round game in Wichita, Kansas.

The Grizzlies will be strong contenders. Their defense is relentless, leading the Big Sky Conference this year. Every player on the floor contributes to their offense. They represent the spirit of Montana.

Congratulations also to Montana head coach Travis DeCuire, who was named Coach of the Year in the Big Sky Conference. In his fourth season at the helm, he guided the Grizzlies to a 26-7 record and their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2013.

I know the folks in the Treasure State will join me in saying: ``Up With Montana.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to Washington inactivity that has locked up hundreds of thousands of acres of Montana public lands.

In the 1970s, Congress designated over 1 million acres of Montana as wilderness study areas. The U.S. Forest Service and BLM were charged with determining whether to include them in the National Wilderness Preservation System.

By the early 1980s, the Forest Service and BLM had made their recommendations, but Congress did not act. Now, nearly 40 years later, Congress still hasn't acted, and those study areas are still locked up.

Mr. Speaker, last week I introduced the Unlocking Public Lands Act and the Protect Public Use of Public Lands Act. These bills will release nearly 700,000 acres of lands found to be not suitable for wilderness designation and return them to Forest Service and BLM management.

County commissioners, State legislators, and impacted communities support this overdue action.

Congress is about 40 years late in unlocking Montana's public lands and increasing public access to them. It is time to finish the job.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight another example of Federal overreach that threatens our Montana and Western way of life. Unclear Federal regulations could force millions of Americans who recreationally compete in rodeos or participate in other equestrian events to get a commercial driver's license. But these are not folks competing for their livelihoods. In a recent story in the Billings Gazette, Andy Bolich, the head coach for the Montana State University rodeo team, said: ``For the most part, around Montana, I would say rodeo is a hobby for most people.''

Yet Federal regulations could force these rodeo participants to wade through unnecessary, costly red tape for their hobby. That is why I recently led a letter which a bipartisan group of 26 colleagues signed, to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. We urged the Department of Transportation to clarify how the CDL regulations treat those who participate recreationally in rodeo events.

Mr. Speaker, we must continue reforming, rolling back, and repealing unnecessary regulations to protect our Montana and Western way of life.