Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Mr. Curtis Ray Goode of Marion County in the 1st District of Kentucky who passed away on December 17, 2018. Born November 8, 1946, Mr. Goode valiantly served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. After serving his country, he was not only a talented diesel mechanic with UPS in Louisville but steadfastly worked for the betterment of his fellow veterans as a devoted member of the Marion County Veterans Honor Guard, the Lebanon VFW, and the American Legion.

Mr. Goode's service in the United States Marine Corps is evidence of his dedication to safeguarding our nation's freedoms and values and is worthy of our deepest respect and admiration. 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 of 51 years, Christine Goode, his children, and his extended family--in celebrating his lifetime of accomplishments and recognizing his noble service to our nation. His outstanding legacy of service and compassion lives on in each member ofhis family and in all those who knew him.

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 to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Drew and Liz White of Union County, Kentucky, for recently being named Kentucky Farm Bureau's 2018 Outstanding Young Farm Family. This award recognizes young farmers between the ages of 18 and 35 who have shown strong leadership potential and farm management skills and have achieved consistent financial success in their farming operations.

Drew and Liz come from families with rich histories in farming. Drew is the fourth generation to live and work on his family's farm, established by his great-grandfather during the Great Depression. Under Drew's management, the farm has grown and experienced success with raising cattle and a multitude of crops.

Liz also grew up on a family farm and enjoyed showing saddlebred horses during her youth. She worked at a local winery throughout her high school and college years before becoming an occupational therapy assistant.

The couple have both been extensively involved in the local agricultural community through the Future Farmers of America organization, the 4-H, and the Kentucky Farm Bureau. Their efforts have not only benefited Union County, but are a model for other young farmers throughout the Commonwealth.

On behalf of the First District of Kentucky, I congratulate Drew and Liz White on their outstanding success and wish them the best as they continue to grow their farming operation and their family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my good friend, Mayor Keith Riddle of Burkesville, Kentucky, on his retirement from public service after 22 years.

His years as a city council member, in addition to his years spent as mayor, have had a profound impact on his fellow citizens. By dedicating his time to taking on countless projects to improve the city and well- being of community members, Mayor Riddle has made great strides for the citizens of Burkesville.

Most notably, during Mayor Riddle's tenure, he was instrumental in the construction of a new water treatment plant, which produces 2 million gallons per day of clean water for the city and surrounding area.

Another massive waterline improvement project was completed under the watchful eye of Mayor Riddle. This project replaced nearly 100-year-old lines and addressed wastewater overflow to provide improved protection of property, rivers, and streams in the community.

Mayor Riddle has truly dedicated his time and talents to helping Burkesville grow and improve. His continuous work with the water department, fire and police departments, and various businesses in the area has helped set the stage for continued success in Burkesville.

On behalf of the First District of Kentucky, I thank Mayor Keith Riddle for his decades of public service and wish him continued success in his retirement.

Recognizing Philanthropy of Darren Cleary

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend Darren Cleary of Tompkinsville, Kentucky, for all the great philanthropy he has given to my home county of Monroe.

Darren is the epitome of a successful businessperson who truly gives back to his community. Darren sponsors many activities and events throughout the year in Tompkinsville, including our annual July Fourth fireworks event at City Park.

He has donated countless dollars to the Monroe County School system for, among other things, a new practice football field for the varsity football team, and along with his wife, Dawn, he is the reason Monroe County now has a swim team.

Darren's main companies, Cleary Construction and Precision Engineering, together are two of the biggest private employers in Monroe County. Tompkinsville, Kentucky, is very fortunate to have Darren Cleary as its citizen.

Congratulating Monroe County Magistrate Karen Gordon on Her Retirement

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Monroe County Magistrate Karen Gordon of my hometown of Tompkinsville in the First District of Kentucky on her retirement from public service.

Since taking office in a 2011 special election to fill the unexpired term of her late husband, Karen has steadfastly served her fellow Monroe Countians over the years and has continually sought opportunities to improve the lives of those around her. Her service as Monroe County's Fourth District magistrate, and a crucial member of the Heart of Tompkinsville board, has spurred economic opportunity and instilled a stronger sense of community pride in her fellow residents.

I join with her daughters, Ann Marie and Amber Lee, as well as her extended family, friends, and all those who have benefited from her efforts, to recognize her distinguished record of public service and dedication to serving others.

Recognizing Service of Alonzo Ford

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize my friend Alonzo Ford from my hometown in Monroe County, Kentucky, specifically Gamaliel, Kentucky.

For nearly three decades, Alonzo's fellow citizens have reelected him to serve as the First District magistrate in Monroe County. This district includes Gamaliel and Fountain Run. He is widely respected as a public servant, and his leadership on several boards, including the farmers market board and the wellness center board, are a testament to his outstanding record of

diligent public service in all facets of life.

I am deeply thankful for his friendship, and I admire his tireless, lifelong devotion to working for the benefit of others. I join with his family and friends, as well as those he has impacted during his career, to express our dedication and gratitude for his contributions to our hometown.

Mr. Speaker, it has been a long road of debate to reach an agreement on the 2018 farm bill. This bill benefits all of rural America, our farmers, producers, and consumers. The agreement we have reached on this year's bill includes many important provisions that will help farm country during tough economic times, fully protecting crop insurance and providing certainty to farmers.

I am particularly glad to see industrial hemp de-scheduled from the controlled substances list, a key provision I worked with Leader McConnell on to ensure unnecessary government restrictions are lifted from this valuable agricultural commodity.

I thank Leader McConnell for his collaboration and attention to legalizing industrial hemp, and I appreciate all of my colleagues who supported this issue and helped bring it to the table.

I was proud to represent the interests of Kentucky farmers during this process, and I look forward to a new year of growth and prosperity for farmers and producers across rural America.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate John Nicholas ``Nicky'' Smith, Mayor of Albany in the 1st District of Kentucky, on his retirement from public office and offer my best wishes as he focuses on doing what he enjoys most--spending time with his loved ones.

As a staunch advocate for the citizens of Albany throughout his tenure, Mayor Smith secured over $27 million in grants and loans to improve the livelihood of each of his neighbors through improvements to downtown infrastructure and the expansion of vital community services. His leadership on Area Development District Boards of Directors and his chairmanship and involvement with multiple community boards and committees during his career are a testament to his fervent spirit and lifelong commitment to bettering those around him.

I join with his family and friends as well as all those who have benefited from his efforts to wish him the best in this new chapter of his life. I am grateful for his steadfast leadership and profound influence on countless residents of the 1st District of Kentucky.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Judge/Executive Johnny Hobdy of Allen County in the 1st District of Kentucky on his retirement after 14 years of public service. I am grateful for Judge Hobdy's contributions to Allen County and admire his leadership and vast influence in communities throughout the 1st Congressional District.

A true public servant, he served in state government under Kentucky Governor Wallace Wilkinson. During this time, he developed a network of connections and an understanding of politics that would aid him throughout his career.

Judge Hobdy has also devoted his time to improving the lives of disabled youth through his involvement with the Center for Courageous Kids in Scottsville, Kentucky. This non-profit organization provides children with serious illnesses like cancer, sickle cell anemia, and muscular dystrophy the opportunity to experience summer camp at no cost.

Throughout his tenure, Judge Hobdy has also served as a Director on several local and regional boards, including the Chamber of Commerce, the Allen County Health Department, and the Barren River Area Development District.

I am honored to call Judge Hobdy a friend and constituent. I join with all those he has

served in congratulating him on pursuing a lifetime of passion and service and wish him continued personal success in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize my friend, Howard Garrett of Edmonton, Kentucky. In addition to serving as mayor since 1993, he has served as an officer of the Kentucky State Jaycees, a member of the local Industrial Board and 9-1-1 Board, and a deacon of the Edmonton Baptist Church. As an officer of the Barren River Area Development District and the Barren-Metcalfe Ambulance Board, his influence was felt throughout the region.

In his personal life, Mayor Garrett is an avid University of Kentucky and Yankees fan. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Teresa, and they are the parents to three children and grandparents to five grandchildren. Mayor Garrett has much to be proud of in his life. On behalf of the First District of Kentucky, I thank him for his years of achievement and compassionate service to the Edmonton community.

Recognizing Monroe County Judge-Executive Tommy Willett

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Monroe County Judge-Executive Tommy Willett on his retirement after serving two consecutive terms in office. Prior to his election, Tommy and his father owned and operated Pure Drug Company in Tompkinsville, Kentucky. Currently, Judge Willett serves as the secretary of the Barren River Area Development District Board of Directors. He also served on the Board of Community Action of Southern Kentucky, Monroe County Water Board, Monroe County Board of Health, and several other significant boards and committees over the years. In his free time Judge Willett enjoys spending time with his two sons, daughters-in-law, and his four grandchildren.

On behalf of the First District of Kentucky, I congratulate Judge Willett on his years of service to Monroe County and wish him many years of continued success in the community to which he has given so much.

Recognizing Clinton County Judge-Executive Richard Armstrong

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize my friend, Clinton County Judge-Executive Richard Armstrong. I am grateful for his efforts to better the lives of First District Kentuckians through his service on the Lake Cumberland Area Development District Board of Directors as well as his involvement with numerous community organizations throughout his career.

As one of Clinton County's prominent community leaders and advocates, he has prioritized industrial development and spurred economic opportunities for those he has served. These significant accomplishments, in combination with his passion for serving his community, have distinguished him as one of the region's most prominent public servants. His achievements and efforts to improve the lives of his fellow Clinton Countians have forged a legacy of outstanding character and commitment to continuous improvements in all facets of community life.

Judge-Executive Armstrong's passion for bettering the community is rivaled only by his love for spending time with his family. I join his wife, Joy; his children, Cannon and Brandy; and his five grandchildren; as well as all those who know him in thanking him for his years of service to his community.

Recognizing Adair County Judge-Executive Mike Stephens

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize my friend, Judge- Executive Mike Stephens of Adair County, Kentucky. His outstanding service and contributions during his tenure have greatly benefited his community, and I am proud to recognize him for his years of service.

Prior to being elected to public office Judge-Executive Stephens owned and operated his own pharmacy. He has also served on the Homeplace Board of Directors and the Lake Cumberland Area Development District Board of Directors. Judge-Executive Stephens' varied experiences and knowledge of the local community made him a compassionate and effective county judge-executive and an exceptional public servant.

On behalf of the First District of Kentucky, I thank Judge Mike Stephens for his numerous accomplishments while serving as Adair County judge-executive.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Mr. Danny Cunningham, owner of Cunningham Farms in Calloway County, Kentucky, for recently being named the 2018 Kentucky Farm Bureau Farmer of the Year. This is the third year in a row a farmer in Kentucky's First Congressional District has been recognized as Farmer of the Year.

After growing up on a small dairy farm owned by his father, Danny Cunningham began his own farming operation in Calloway County. Fifty- eight years later, Cunningham Farms is a massive family-run operation.

Danny has been an active member of the Calloway County Farm Bureau, serving on the board of directors for more than 30 years.

He was married to his late wife, Judy, for over 54 years and is the proud father of three daughters.

I am honored to congratulate Farmer of the Year Danny Cunningham on his unwavering work ethic, dedication to the Calloway County Farm Bureau, and outstanding role in the agriculture community.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2846) to require the collection of voluntary feedback on services provided by agencies, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

I rise today in support of H.R. 2846, sponsored by Congressman Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania.

The Federal Government is in the service industry. Members of this Chamber and our staffs work every day, both here and in our respective districts, to serve our constituents, the American people. The same can be said of the executive branch.

For instance, the Department of Veterans Affairs serves this Nation's military men and women by providing healthcare services, funding education under the GI Bill, and helping veterans and their families afford homes.

However, the 2017 American Customer Satisfaction Index found that the Federal Government ranks near the bottom of all industries in the United States when it comes to customer service. The Federal Government can and must do better for the very people who pay its bills.

In the private sector, companies understand the importance of customer service. As Americans, we can barely

go one day without being asked by a company to provide feedback, whether it is when we make a purchase online, when we call our banks or credit card companies, or when we go out to eat at a restaurant. But Federal agencies often don't prioritize customer feedback because they don't have to compete for customers.

The Federal Agency Customer Experience Act will change that by requiring certain high-impact agencies to collect voluntary feedback on the services they provide, while also making it easier for other agencies to do the same if they choose to.

Using feedback provided by the public, agencies will know more about which aspects of their services are working and which need to be improved. The voluntary questionnaires created under this bill will address the individual's satisfaction with a specific agency interaction and ensure they were treated with professionalism and respect.

Finally, the Government Accountability Office will create governmentwide customer experience scorecards to show everyone which agencies excel and which agencies need to improve.

I thank the bipartisan group of my colleagues who supported H.R. 2846 during committee consideration of the bill, and I urge all Members to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fitzpatrick), the sponsor of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3121) to require the purchase of domestically made flags of the United States of America for use by the Federal Government, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

I rise today in support of H.R. 3121, introduced by Congresswoman Bustos of Illinois. H.R. 3121 is a bipartisan bill to ensure government agencies only buy United States flags made from 100 percent American- made material.

Most Americans may think American flags purchased with taxpayer money for the government are made here at home by Americans using only U.S. materials. Surprisingly, this is not a uniform requirement in current Federal acquisition laws and regulations. When it comes to the content of American flags purchased by executive agencies, the requirements under the current law are inconsistent.

The Department of Defense and the military departments generally are required to buy American flags made entirely of U.S. materials, but civilian agencies are currently permitted to buy flags that are manufactured in the U.S. consisting of only 51 percent American-made materials, or sometimes even less than that.

This bill brings all executive agencies under a single rule when it comes to the content of American flags bought by agencies across the government.

Rather than impose new rules and exceptions for DOD and civilian agency flag purchases, the All-American Flag Act recognizes and essentially adopts current DOD requirements and exceptions.

H.R. 3121 contains limited exceptions that recognize practical realities, such as domestic nonavailability, in keeping with current law governing DOD purchases in textiles, including U.S. flags.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Bustos and the many cosponsors who are leading this effort to honor America's greatest symbol of freedom, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3154) to amend the Inspector General Act of 1978 relative to the powers of the Department of Justice Inspector General.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members

may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3154 introduced by Congressman Richmond of Louisiana.

Inspectors general perform a critical oversight function with regard to misconduct at their respective agencies. The Oversight and Government Reform Committee has long pushed for IGs to have timely and complete access to all the information they need to fulfill their oversight and investigative functions.

In continuance of that mission, H.R. 3154 removes an outdated statute that prevents the inspector general from investigating certain misconduct at the Justice Department.

Under current statute, the DOJ IG must refer allegations of misconduct by Department attorneys to the Office of Professional Responsibility, or OPR, rather than initiate an investigation himself.

The OPR existed prior to the creation of the DOJ IG in 1988, and OPR retained this specific authority when the DOJ IG was created.

H.R. 3154 seeks to harmonize the DOJ inspector general's investigative authority with that of the rest of the Federal inspectors general, who are not similarly restricted. The bill repeals the provision requiring the IG to refer allegations of attorney misconduct to OPR.

Congress and, in particular, the Oversight and Government Reform Committee have consistently supported the need for independent and transparent oversight of Federal agencies and programs.

The current division of investigative authority at DOJ is inconsistent with the committee's history of supporting the notion of an unburdened IG.

The IG is confirmed by the Senate, is accountable to the public, and only can be removed by the President after notification to Congress. Further, the IG has statutory reporting obligations to both agency leadership and Congress.

In contrast, the Director of OPR is selected and appointed by the Attorney General, answers to the Attorney General, and can be removed or disciplined by the Attorney General.

The IG's independence is critical to the value of their work.

The IG maintains transparency by publishing its reports on a public website. The website contains information about the reports, operations, and functions of the IG, including a full archive of its completed reports and its ongoing work. This standard of transparency does not apply to OPR.

Adverse findings by OPR against a DOJ lawyer are subject to review by the Department's leadership and can be overruled by the Department's leadership without any transparency.

It is important to note that this division of authority is a unique situation in the Federal IG community. For instance, the Securities and Exchange Commission Office of Inspector General is responsible for handling misconduct allegations against SEC lawyers, including those with prosecuting authority.

The need for this legislation has also been discussed in multiple hearings before our committee and in reports by watchdog groups. The DOJ IG, Michael Horowitz, testified before this committee most recently on November 15, 2017, about the importance of eliminating this discrepancy.

Congress' own watchdog, the Government Accountability Office, has issued reports with recommendations to empower the DOJ IG.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5759) to improve executive agency digital services, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5759 introduced by Congressman Khanna of California.

The U.S. Federal Customer Experience Index measures citizen interactions with the Federal Government. The 2018 index gave Federal agencies failing scores. Citizens deserve and expect better from their government.

H.R. 5759, the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act, or 21st Century IDEA, requires agencies to modernize their websites and digital services. 21st Century IDEA takes a systematic approach to modernizing websites, services, and forms, so as not to unduly burden agencies.

New and redesigned agency websites will have to meet modernization requirements, such as being searchable, customizable, and secure.

Meanwhile, each agency will survey and create a plan for updating its existing websites and digital services, prioritizing those that are used most by the public. Agencies will also digitize forms so that electronic signatures may be used. All these modernization efforts will improve our constituents' experiences when interacting with Federal agencies.

The bill is supported by the Information Technology Industry Council; The Software Alliance; Adobe; Information Technology and Innovation Foundation; Software & Information Industry Association; ServiceNow; CompTIA; and Microsoft.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Khanna and Congressman Ratcliffe for introducing this important piece of legislation, and to all of the cosponsors on the committee.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6777) to amend chapter 3 of title 5, United States Code, to require the publication of settlement agreements, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6777, introduced by Congressman Palmer of Alabama.

Transparency and public participation are critical to maintaining the public's trust in its government. Since the 1970s, however, Federal agencies have increasingly resolved litigation by entering into consent decrees and other legally binding settlement agreements rather than through a public trial.

These agreements were often negotiated behind closed doors. Secret negotiations prevent the public from holding the Federal Government accountable for decisions made without their input.

States, local governments, industry stakeholders, and taxpayers are often directly affected by the agreements, but are shut out of the negotiations. For example, a consent decree entered into by the Environmental Protection Agency required the city of Fort Smith, Arkansas to reform its sewer systems in 12 years. Sewer utility bills increased by 167 percent in 3 years to fund the obligations of the agreement, while residents' incomes simultaneously decreased by 11 percent.

Due to poor recordkeeping, it is impossible for Congress and the public to determine the full cost of Federal settlement agreements. Most of the public's access to Federal settlement agreement information is currently determined by individual agency discretion, usually issued in the form of a press release.

Further, heads of agencies can declare a settlement confidential and seal the contents of the agreement without providing any explanation. The Settlement Agreement Information Database Act seeks to correct this problem by shining light on the details of Federal settlement agreements. The bill requires the establishment of an electronic and publicly-available database of agencies' settlement agreements. It requires Federal agencies to enter basic information about settlement agreements into the database.

Mr. Speaker, this is a commonsense transparency bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6901) to amend chapter 36 of title 44, United States Code, to make certain changes relating to electronic Government services, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6901, introduced by Congressman Will Hurd of Texas.

The Federal CIO Authorization Act is a bipartisan measure to modernize legacy Federal technology policy.

The Office of Electronic Government was established by the E- Government Act of 2002. The head of this office is commonly referred to as the Federal Chief Information Officer, or Federal CIO.

This bill authorizes and renames the Office of Electronic Government as the Office of the Federal CIO. Codifying the position of the Federal CIO emphasizes the importance of the role to the formation of government-wide technology policy.

Under this bill, the Federal CIO will report to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

The bill also codifies the position of Federal Chief Information Security Officer, under the direction of the Federal CIO.

The bill promotes cost-efficient and secure technology use throughout the Federal Government.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hurd), the sponsor of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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.