Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today representing a district in which school sports are at the heart of community gatherings.

In Kentucky, basketball is a way of life. In my district, students practice their whole life to have the chance to attain athletic scholarship opportunities from universities they would otherwise be unable to attend. These students go on to accomplish great things and give back to their communities because of the scholarships they gain from athletic competition.

This legislation would essentially subvert the purpose of gender divisions in these competitions by allowing biological males who identify as female to compete against girls in the same division. We have already seen instances where young women were denied scholarship opportunities because biological males competed in the same category with them and placed higher on the podium in track competitions.

A bill with a name like the Equality Act sounds like a bill that in some way advocates for all people. That is what we strive for in this country: equality before the law. That is why, over the more than two centuries this country has existed, we have, thankfully, updated our laws to right wrongs and bring us closer to treating all people with the dignity they deserve.

But as I look at H.R. 5, I am deeply troubled, and I believe most Americans would be deeply troubled by what is really there.

I serve as ranking member for the Civil Rights and Human Services Subcommittee for the Committee on Education and Labor. In our subcommittee, we held a hearing on the Equality Act, and what became abundantly clear was that this legislation would alter Federal nondiscrimination law in ways that would have unintended effects we cannot know today.

This bill is following in the tradition of others we have seen so far throughout this Congress: a clever name, an allegedly noble purpose, but a vehicle for serious, harmful consequences.

Equality and freedom must coexist. H.R. 5 totally redefines one and delivers a serious blow to the other.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of my friend Mr. Jay Price of Casey County in the First Congressional District of Kentucky.

After graduating from Western Kentucky University as an ag major, Jay returned home to manage his family's beef cattle farm and teach agriculture at Casey County High School. Jay devoted his career to educating nearly three decades of young farmers. His students will not only remember the skills they learned but the life lessons and guidance he provided at every opportunity.

As an FFA adviser, teacher, and mentor, his support in and out of the classroom had an outsized influence on thousands of young adults. By connecting them with industry and State leaders, he ensured they were well prepared to pursue remarkable educational and career opportunities.

Jay also dedicated his time to advancing the prosperity of his fellow farmers through his leadership in local and State organizations. His peers recognized his profound influence on Kentucky agriculture and inducted him as a member of the Kentucky Cattlemen's Association Hall of Fame, along with many other accolades throughout his life.

His passion for the agriculture industry and his students is rivaled only by his love for his family: his wife, Carol; his daughters, Lauren and Lindsay; their husbands, Brian and Jon; and his

grandchildren Clay, Avery, and Hudson.

I join with his entire family--including his mother, siblings, and a host of friends who he considered family--in celebrating and remembering his lifetime of service to others.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of Rodney Burress who passed away on April 29, 2019 at the age of 58 after decades of service to Taylor County.

Rodney faithfully served his community in multiple capacities throughout his life. He maintained local roadways during his time with the Road Department, protected the community as the County Jailer, and impacted many during his time as Taylor County Circuit Clerk. In his final years of public service, he was an especially strong supporter of the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks' Trust for Life which promotes organ donor awareness. When he was not serving his community, Rodney enjoyed spending time farming with his father, brother, and sons.

Those in Taylor County remember Rodney for his servant's heart and kind spirit. His membership in the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels is a testament to these characteristics. He lived his life in faith and was a brilliant light in the community who practiced compassionate conservatism.

I join Rodney's family and friends, as well as all those he impacted, in celebrating his life of devoted service to the 1st District of Kentucky. May God continue to bless the members of his family through whom his legacy lives on.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the entrepreneurial spirit and compassionate philanthropy of Ray Eckstein, who passed away on April 20, 2019, at the age of 93.

After receiving a law degree from Marquette University, Mr. Eckstein founded Wisconsin Barge Line. He later sold the business and formed Marquette Transportation, leading him to relocate to Paducah, Kentucky. His business had a profound economic impact and brought numerous jobs to the region.

Mr. Eckstein and his wife touched the lives of many through the establishment of the Ray and Kay Eckstein Charitable Trust. The couple's generosity has, no doubt, had a tremendous impact on the local community.

Over the years, they have gifted the area they loved with a hospice care center, regional cancer care center, and heart and vascular institute, all named in their honor.

Mr. Eckstein was widely known for his warm, compassionate spirit and devotion to his family. I join with all those who knew him to express our gratitude for his outstanding contributions to western Kentucky.

May God continue to bless the many members of his family through whom his memory lives on.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and legacy of Private First Class Charles D. Brewer, an American hero and exemplary public servant.

Charles D. Brewer was born on August 16, 1923 in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. A Calloway County native, he enlisted in the United States Army on February 23, 1943 at the age of 20, during the height of the second World War.

He trained at Camp Atterbury, Indiana and received a combat infantry badge along with rifle expert qualification.

Private Brewer Shipped overseas with Company K of the 120th infantry. He contributed to the war effort as a truck driver, transporting light supply loads. Brewer valiantly served on several campaigns in the European theater including Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Ardennes. Although he suffered wounds in action, Brewer recovered to join the Allies in celebrating the epic defeat over the Axis forces. His valance earned him two Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, and a Good Conduct Ribbon. On November 17, 1945 he was honorably discharged and rejoined civilian life.

I am honored to recognize Private Charles D. Brewer and his great contributions to the 1st District of Kentucky and the American war effort. His many decorations represent the extraordinary sacrifice and bravery of heroes like Private Brewer. Today, I join this Calloway County native's family and friends in celebrating his legacy and honoring his noble service to our nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ashley Bailey, Lori Fulkerson, Jessica Sheffer, Dana Alves, and Amy Legate-- instructors at Henderson County High School who are receiving the National Excellence in Action Award from the Department of Education and Advance CTE. These awards are given to competitive schools with impressive career and technical education programs that provide students hands-on experiences and exposure to local industry in the career fields they are interested in pursuing.

Established over 35 years ago, Henderson County High School's outstanding Health Science program has grown tremendously and is now one of the largest CTE programs in Kentucky. Students choose from focus areas including allied health, pre-nursing, or medical administrative assisting to gain knowledge and training specific to their future careers.

All seniors enrolled in the program select a local health care facility partner to participate in work-based learning Upon completion of the program, students can earn up to 12 college credits and five industry-recognized credentials. Henderson County High School partners closely with the local Henderson Community College to prepare students for postsecondary education by teaching relevant topics and skill sets.

I am thankful for Ashley Bailey, Lori Fulkerson, Jessica Sheffer, Dana Alves, and Amy Legate's leadership and devotion to educating young minds in Kentucky's 1st District.

Their efforts are setting students up for success in the high-demand healthcare industry. I look forward to the many future accomplishments from these educators and their students.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

For more than three decades, this organization has assisted families in their times of greatest need and unimaginable pain, and it has assisted law enforcement agencies with the recovery of more than 290,000 missing children.

Although the Walsh family was the victim of child abduction with a tragic ending, their story inspired others and began a movement to create a coordinated national response to assist families like themselves.

The resulting organization has dutifully carried out their mission of finding missing children, reducing child sexual exploitation, and preventing future victimization. They achieved these goals not only by assisting families during and after their traumatic experiences but by providing technical assistance and resources to law enforcement and healthcare professionals.

I am proud that two vital pieces of legislation became law during the last Congress, the CyberTipline Modernization Act of 2018 and the Missing Children's Assistance Act of 2018, both of which strengthened and modernized programs essential to supporting the center's operations.

I join with the staff, partners, and past and future beneficiaries of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in celebrating their 35th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my good friend, Mike Falconite of Kentucky, who passed away on Friday, March 29, 2019, at the age of 62.

Mike was born to the late Joe Falconite and Betty Lou Falconite and grew up in Cairo, Illinois. Mike's father owned and operated a heavy equipment company, which Mike took control of and moved to Paducah with his family in the 1980s.

Mike was a great friend of mine who will be remembered for his work ethic, generosity, big heart, and passion for the outdoors.

Mike expanded his company to multiple States and employed hundreds of people before selling it in 1995 and setting his sights on real estate in Paducah, starting up Falconite Development. I admired Mike's vision for Paducah and his enthusiasm for developing and expanding the community.

Mike's motto was, ``The more you build, the more you learn.'' He lived that motto in many aspects of his life.

When Mike was not looking for the next real estate venture, he enjoyed boating at Kentucky Lake and hunting, which took him on many adventures across the United States and other countries in search of prized game.

He loved spending time with his family, including his two children, Nicki Roof and Joe Falconite, plus seven grandchildren.

Mike was a humble, fair, and passionate man who was always willing to help others in need. Giving the benefit of the doubt to anyone he encountered, he will, undoubtedly, be remembered by those who loved him as hardworking, charitable, and incredibly passionate. I join with all of Mike's friends and family today in honoring his life, legacy, and love for others.

Congratulating Brandon Garnett

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Brandon Garnett of Christian County for recently receiving the 2019 Friend of Agriculture award.

Brandon Garnett has proved to be a strong advocate for agriculture and the farmers of western Kentucky. He has facilitated a number of important ag-related activities in the community, including the Christian County Cattlemen's rodeo scholarships for local youth and the soon-to-be ag expo center. Brandon is regional vice president for Farm Credit of Mid-America and serves on several boards throughout the city of Hopkinsville.

In receiving the Friend of Agriculture award, Brandon shared the role his father played in shaping his outlook on being a friend to agriculture and how ``to always know that agriculture was a way of life and something that would always provide well if you put your heart into it.''

I am proud to know we have individuals like Brandon who work tirelessly to advocate on behalf of our agriculture community, serving, teaching, and always offering a helping hand.

Again, I congratulate my good friend, Brandon Garnett, on being named the 2019 Friend of Agriculture, and I look forward to his continued success in Christian County and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in disappointment that, once again, the Federal Government is nearing another debt limit. Our national debt is a record $22 trillion.

I blame both parties for this reckless and immoral burden that has been placed on our children. We do not have a taxing problem in Congress; we have a spending problem in Congress.

Both parties have lacked fiscal responsibility over the past four decades. Both parties have operated in deficits when they were in power.

Mr. Speaker, it will take both parties working together to control our spending. Our national debt is the single biggest challenge that faces our great country, and, surely, we can make it a bipartisan movement to cut unnecessary and wasteful spending while still funding our most important priorities of Social Security, Medicare, and our national defense.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Supreme Court Justice Bill Cunningham from Lyon County, of the First District of Kentucky, on his upcoming retirement from the Kentucky Supreme Court.

After serving in the United States Army, Bill Cunningham was the Eddyville city attorney, the public defender for the Kentucky State Penitentiary, and the Commonwealth's attorney for the 56th Judicial District. He then served on the bench as a circuit judge for 15 years before his election to the Kentucky Supreme Court in 2006.

As an avid writer, Bill Cunningham documented important parts of Kentucky's history in his books. Through his writings and life as a concerned citizen, he sought improved race relations and minority representation on juries.

Justice Cunningham evidently passed his passion for public service on to his son, Congressman Joe Cunningham of South Carolina. I am proud to serve alongside Congressman Cunningham and look forward to working with him to promote bipartisan legislation in the 116th Congress.

As Justice Cunningham begins the next phase of his life, I join with the people of western Kentucky to express our gratitude for his lifetime of public service to the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the bicentennial of the founding of Simpson County and the City of Franklin in the 1st Congressional District of Kentucky.

Simpson County was founded on January 28, 1819 with the City of Franklin formally incorporated in 1820. To honor both, the local community is beginning a year-long celebration on Monday, which will highlight their shared past and anticipate their bright future.

Simpson County's namesake, Captain John Simpson, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1812, but postponed service in the House to fight in the War of 1812. Although Captain Simpson died before returning home from the war, his legacy carries on in the selfless service displayed daily by the residents of Simpson County. I appreciate the generations of local officials, military veterans and citizens of Franklin-Simpson who have steadfastly devoted themselves to the betterment of others. I am also grateful for all who have assisted with the planning of the celebration. This historic milestone is a culmination of their efforts and a testament to their collective pride for their beloved community.

I look forward to continuing to work with local leaders and residents to further the economic and industrial prosperity of Simpson County and the City of Franklin for generations to come. I join with the county's current and former residents in honoring this tight-knit, culturally rich community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in solidarity with the Marshall County community to honor and remember the precious lives of Preston Cope and Bailey Holt. Preston and Bailey were victims of a tragic shooting at Marshall County High School in Benton, Kentucky, on this day last year.

Marshall County High School is comprised of a truly compassionate group of students, parents, and alumni who have demonstrated the resiliency of this community in the wake of such devastation.

Preston Cope and Bailey Holt remain in our hearts as we remember and honor all that these young, bright individuals brought to their families, friends, school, and community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 128, the Small Business Advocacy Improvements Act of 2019.

I am proud, once again, to be the sponsor of this legislation which passed the House in a bipartisan manner during the 115th Congress. I want to thank my colleague, Chairwoman Velazquez, for working with me on this bill.

The Office of Advocacy at the United States Small Business Administration plays a vital role in ensuring that Federal agencies adequately consider how their policies impact America's small businesses. While the Office of Advocacy has done excellent work on behalf of our Nation's small businesses, the current law is silent on whether it can research and advocate on behalf of small business on international matters such as trade initiatives and regulations. This is a problem that we can easily address.

For many small businesses, exporting and operating overseas is an important part of their success and allows them to grow. Given the Office of Advocacy's knowledge and research on how domestic regulations impact small businesses, it is appropriate for the office to advocate and research small business interests on international matters as well, especially since international opportunities play a vital role for many of our Nation's small businesses.

This bill advances the Office of Advocacy's mission to advocate for America's small businesses and clarifies its authority on international small business issues. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important bipartisan bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Sergeant William M. Bays, a beloved father and respected American hero who lost his life on June 10, 2017.

Born October 17, 1987, in Barstow, California, Sergeant Bays valiantly rose through the ranks since enlisting in the United States Army in 2009, eventually serving as a squad leader with D Company, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division.

Sergeant Bays' reputation of steadfast selflessness, along with the numerous awards he earned for his service--including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart--are evidence of his relentless dedication to safeguarding our nation's freedoms and values. His patriotic spirit and dedication to his country were rivaled only by his fervent commitment to his family and his enthusiasm for serving others.

I join with his family and loved ones--including his wife, Jasmin Bays, his children, and his extended family--in celebrating his accomplishments and recognizing his noble service to our nation. His outstanding legacy of patriotism and compassion lives on in each member of his family and in all those who knew him.

I am grateful for the Kentucky General Assembly's dedication of this roadway in the 1st District of Kentucky, as it will serve as a testament to his extraordinary sacrifice, which is worthy of our deepest respect and admiration.