Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chauncy D. Buchheit, Executive Director of the Southeast Missouri Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission in Perryville, MO. Mr. Buchheit began his work for the Commission in 1980 and was named Economic Developer of the Year by the Missouri Economic Development Council in 2003.

He has helped make communities better throughout Southeast Missouri as he worked to help both the public and private sectors identify needs, secure funding and pave the way for economic development. For almost 40 years, Chauncy has proven to be a valuable resource for cities and towns in the 7-county region he serves.

As he retires at the end of 2017, Chauncy's enthusiastic participation in economic growth, his valuable expertise and his genuine sense of caring for Southeast Missouri will be genuinely missed by all of us who were privileged to work together with him to make Missouri better.

It is my great pleasure to honor Chauncy D. Buchheit today before the United States House of Representatives for his passionate dedication to the people of Southeast Missouri.

Madam Speaker, a lot has been said today on the floor about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from my friends on the other side of the aisle. They think that this bill before us will make losers of the American workers or of the American economy. The truth is the status quo--our current broken Tax Code--is causing our workers and our economy to lose.

Back in southeast Missouri--I will give you an example under the current Tax Code--a machinist in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, working 40 hours a week is fearful to work harder because the more money that they make, the less that they will have percentagewise unde our current Tax Code. That is simply not right, Madam Speaker.

Back in southeast Missouri, a cotton farmer in Hayti has worked for decades to build his family farm hoping to pass it on to his daughter. Yet, under the current system, his daughter would have to sell portions of the farm or take out a massive loan to continue the family operation.

The status quo in our Tax Code is rigged against the American taxpayer. They can't afford an army of lawyers, accountants, and lobbyists to find all of the loopholes and the bailouts available only to a select few.

The status quo are tax rates for businesses that are so high that the American companies are not able to grow, hire new workers, or be competitive with other countries around the world.

The other side of the aisle was arguing to keep a broken Tax Code that is punishing hardworking taxpayers. All of the grandstanding leaves us with one question that needs to be answered for the American people: What do these tax cuts mean for you? It means that the hardworking family in southeast Missouri will keep more of their paycheck.

Instead of being penalized for success, this bill is about employees. It is about wages. It is about getting to keep more of what you earn. For families and couples, the first $24,000 you earn under this bill will be tax free. You get to keep it. You get to decide how to spend your own money, not the government.

It means that the small businesses and family farms won't feel the sting of the IRS and the death tax when tragedy strikes their family.

It means that lobbyists and special interests become the losers. We close loopholes in handouts that the hardworking taxpayer can't get.

We are ending a Tax Code that isn't built for the everyday American. We are making it simple and fair. It means that America can now compete and win again.

With this bill, we lower the business rate to historic levels. We are making our economy healthy again. We know from history that a healthy economy takes care of itself. It is more stable and sustainable. It provides for full employment, better jobs, and higher wages.

Former President John F. Kennedy knew this when he said: ``Our true choice is not between tax reduction, on the one hand, and the avoidance of large Federal deficits on the other. It is increasingly clear that no matter what party is in power, so long as our national security needs keep rising, an economy hampered by restrictive tax rates will never produce enough revenue to balance our budget just as it will never produce enough jobs or enough profits.''

Madam Speaker, surely, the lesson of the last decade is that budget deficits are not caused by wild-eyed spenders but by slow economic growth and periodic recessions. Any new recession would break all deficit records.

This bill makes the American worker, the American family, the American farmer, the American small businesses, and the American economy winners once again.

Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Clippard Wilson Taylor Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3838 of Cape Girardeau, Missouri on celebrating their 75th anniversary of serving veterans and their families as well as the community.

The Post was chartered on the 20th day of September, 1942 with 44 members. Since then, it has grown to be one of the largest VFW Posts in the state with a current membership of 590, a strong part of the 1.7 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary nationally.

Post 3838 has been instrumental throughout the years fostering patriotism in many ways which include teaching flag etiquette at local schools and supplying American flags to schools, churches, and parks. The Post shows great comradery amongst their war veterans and strives to assist fellow veterans in need. The members have lobbied successfully for legislation to provide care to veterans and funding for the military.

Throughout their years of service, the members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3838 have remained loyal and dedicated to their organization, their country, their members, and the community. Therefore, it is my privilege and honor to recognize the Clippard Wilson Taylor VFW Post 3838 on celebrating their 75th anniversary before the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the formal contribution of the Jo Ann Emerson Congressional Papers to the Kent Library Special Collections and Archives at Southeast Missouri State University. Today, we celebrate and congratulate our district's matriarch, Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson. During Jo Ann's sixteen year tenure in the United States House of Representatives, she was a champion for the people of not only Southern Missouri, but the entire state. She fiercely defended the conservative values shared by the citizens of southeast and south central Missouri while also knowing how to reach across the aisle to pass legislation to the benefit of those she represented.

The Jo Ann Emerson Congressional Papers contain more than one- hundred boxes of documents that follow Emerson's time in Congress. The collection includes official press releases, documents from committee hearings,

personal correspondence, speeches, certificates, and over eleven- thousand photographs.

Emerson was the first Republican woman to represent the state of Missouri in the U.S. House of Representatives. She was reelected eight times, representing Missouri's Eighth Congressional District from 1996 to 2013. During Emerson's time in office, she successfully promoted economic development, secured federal dollars for rural improvements, healthcare, and agriculture, while building the framework for a brighter future for our region.

I want to express my gratitude to Southeast Missouri State University for dedicating the Jo Ann Emerson Congressional Papers to the Special Collections and Archives in the Kent Library, and to Jo Ann Emerson and her family for contributing her photo collection and Congressional Papers. Finally, I want to share a deep and heartfelt thank you to Jo Ann not only for her service and influence on the Eighth District of Missouri, but also for being someone who I looked up to and whose legacy I strive to honor every day.

Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Madam Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment.

In recent years, we have seen a sharp increase in a practice called sue and settle. This happens when a Federal agency accepts a lawsuit from an outside advocacy organization and then, rather than defend itself, proceeds to settle that lawsuit in a closed-door agreement, with the end result being new and more costly regulations. If that isn't bad enough, taxpayers are responsible for footing the legal bill for the attorneys of the radical organizations who filed the suit.

My amendment is simple. It prevents American taxpayer dollars from being used to pay the legal fees of outside advocacy groups for settlements under the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. Litigants can still sue, but they will no longer be financially rewarded by the taxpayers for their efforts. This practice is an abuse of our regulatory process and must be stopped.

Nowhere are these settlements more costly in their outcomes than in the environmental regulatory context. According to the Chamber of Commerce, between January of 2013 and January of 2017, the EPA chose not to defend itself in 77 of these lawsuits with outside environmental advocacy groups. Overall, during the 8 years of the prior administration, the EPA entered into 137 of these settlements. The result of these lawsuits is hundreds of new regulations and tens of millions--even billions--of dollars in compliance costs.

Further, as part of the agreements, agencies are often required to reprioritize their agendas, allocating limited resources to the priorities of these interest groups rather than priorities designated by Congress or ones that have received public and stakeholder input.

The American people are tired of our unaccountable Federal Government, and we have the opportunity to do something about it. This is a simple and necessary step to rein in overregulation and bring transparency back to the regulatory process.

Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert).

Madam Chair, the sue-and-settle practice cuts stakeholders and the public out of the regulatory process. It undermines the Article I authority we hold here in Congress.

By restricting the payment of legal fees, we protect taxpayer dollars, reduce Federal spending, take away the incentive of these environmental advocacy groups to sue the Federal Government, and protect public input in the rulemaking process.

Madam Chair, I urge a ``yes'' vote on my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Chairman, this amendment is very straightforward. It just requires that funds in Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies only go to cities and States that uphold Federal law.

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

Mr. Chairman, the gentleman across the aisle is correct when he says that this does not change current law and it is just enforcing current Federal law. I would just urge the body to support this amendment.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Sarah Barton Murphy Chapter, as they celebrate their 62nd Anniversary in Farmington, Missouri. The chapter is an incredible asset to the community, especially as they commemorate the 230th Anniversary of U.S. Constitution Week, September 17 through 23, 2017.

To help preserve our American heritage through this national observance, the Sarah Barton Murphy Chapter encourages 5th grade students in St. Francois County to participate in ``Ring Bells for Freedom.'' They promote displays in six libraries in three counties and books on Colonial founders to help residents retrace the American story.

The Chapter asks all residents of St. Francois County to study our nation's birth through the events that led to the drafting of the Constitution and its signing on September 17, 1787.

The Sarah Barton Murphy Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution works tirelessly to keep their communities aware of America's amazing heritage. I am honored to recognize the chapter today before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Sarah Barton Murphy Chapter, as they celebrate their 62nd Anniversary in Farmington, Missouri.

The chapter is an incredible asset to the community, especially as they commemorate the 130th Anniversary of U.S. Constitution Week, September 17 through 23, 2017.

To help preserve our American heritage through this national observance, the Sarah Barton Murphy Chapter encourages 5th grade students in St. Francois County to participate in ``Ring Bells for Freedom.'' They promote county library displays and books on Colonial founders to help residents retrace the American story.

The Chapter asks all residents of St. Francois County to study our nation's birth through the events that led to the drafting of the Constitution and its signing on September 17, 1787.

The Sarah Barton Murphy Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution works tirelessly to keep their communities aware of America's amazing heritage. I am honored to recognize the chapter today before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the military service of Major Charles Appleberry of Flat River, Missouri. Major Appleberry was a medical doctor who enlisted in the Army on May 26, 1942 and served until his discharge on January 29, 1946.

As a member of the Army Medical Corps, he served in the South Pacific during World War II. He saved many lives, but one particular surgery is recounted in the Chillicothe Constitution-Tribune on November 1, 1944. It tells of how Dr. Appleberry removed a live Japanese 20 millimeter shell from the chest of Private Jackie Miles on the island of Leyte in The Philippines. The newspaper account explains how the doughboy clung to life, ``unaware that the group of tense medics were risking their lives to save him.'' The article states how Major Appleberry firmly grasped the shell, removed it and safely lifted it to a tray for careful disposal.

After the war, Dr. Appleberry returned to St. Francois County to resume his medical career at the Farmington State Hospital and Bonne Terre Hospital until his death in 1984.

Those who knew the doctor join with VFW Post No. 5741 in Leadington today to honor him for his 55-year career as a physician both at home and at war. I join them in recognizing Dr. Appleberry today before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, children and adults who are mentally and physically disabled have a great friend in an organization called Pony Bird, Incorporated located in Jefferson County, Missouri.

Named after a children's book about a young boy and his magical flying pony, Pony Bird is celebrating its 40th anniversary. It began in 1977 in one home devoted to caring for 10 severely disabled children. Today, Pony Bird provides 24-hour care in six residential homes for up to 60 individuals unable to walk or meet their daily living needs.

The facilities in Mapaville and De Soto allow residents to receive a maximum level of personalized care. They lead happy lives through socialization, participation, work and the opportunity to volunteer as members of their community.

Pony Bird has been recognized many times by the State of Missouri Department of Mental Health for its outstanding level of care. It is my great privilege to celebrate their 40 years of caring for our most vulnerable citizens today before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Beverly Rowe of Rolla, Missouri, as she retires after more than forty- nine years of public service. Her longstanding career at Fort Leonard Wood was dedicated to assisting military service members and their families in many capacities.

Ms. Rowe began her career on October 30, 1967, as a military personnel clerk, preparing reassignment orders for prior-service and medically evacuated soldiers returning to active duty, and soldiers assigned to the Special Processing Detachment. She managed the Hometown Recruiting Assistance Program, Junior Enlisted Travel, and United States Military Academy Preparatory School candidates. She also served as the basic training assignment lead clerk and with the AG Trainee/ Student Personnel Section.

Beverly was promoted to the position of supervisory travel assistant with the Central Port Call Office in February 1984.

In September 1993, Ms. Rowe began working in the Retirement Services Office as a contact representative, a survivor benefit counselor, and processed enlisted and officer retirement applications. She was later selected as the Retirement Services Officer.

Most recently, Ms. Rowe became the Transition Services Manager in June 2012, working with the Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program.

Ms. Rowe completed college courses at Central Texas College, Drury University, and the University of Colorado-Denver while working at Fort Leonard Wood. Upon retirement, she plans to continue living in Rolla and volunteering at Leach Theater.

She has a lifetime of service at Fort Leonard Wood, providing expertise, stability, continuity of operations, and critical support on a daily basis. I celebrate with Beverly Rowe as she enters retirement after more than forty-nine years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri on the occasion of its 150th Anniversary.

The congregation was founded in 1867 and work began that year on its church building which was completed in 1869. In celebrating its momentous anniversary, the congregation is highlighting three words: Survival, Revival and Vital. They want to emphasize all the church at 200 Market Street has overcome to survive this century and a half, to commit to reviving the congregation's presence in Ste. Genevieve and to celebrate how vital the church and the message of Jesus Christ remains.

Known for its historic altar donated to the church in 1950, the congregation now averages about 50 people in its worship services. They remain dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel message and reaching out to the people of Ste. Genevieve.

For continuing its work of proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ through 150 years of change and challenge, it is my great pleasure to honor Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri today before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Trinity Lutheran Church of Egypt Mills, Missouri on the occasion of its 150th Anniversary.

German Immigrants founded the congregation in 1867. They have worshipped in the same, postcard perfect white church on a hill since 1880. During the first fifty years, German was the church's primary language. With the close of World War I, the transition into English was completed.

Trinity members have served their country from the Civil War through the Afghanistan War. Many have died in service. In celebrating its momentous anniversary, the congregation wants to ``Honor the Past and Celebrate the Future''.

For continuing its work of proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ through 150 years of change and challenge, it is my great pleasure to honor Trinity Lutheran Church of Egypt Mills, Missouri, today before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Kennett Board of Public Works 75th year of service as a municipally owned utility to the citizens of Kennett, Missouri. In Missouri's Eighth Congressional District we are thankful to have a public power utility that provides Electric, Natural Gas, Water, Sewer, Internet and Economic Development services to their customers.

Throughout their 75 years, the Kennett Board of Public Works has made it their mission to provide the best possible service at the lowest possible rates for their customers in the Bootheel. With the guidance of their wise and dedicated board members, along with the management of the utility, they have been very successful in accomplishing their mission.

As we celebrate the Kennett Board of Public Works 75th year of service as a municipally owned utility to the citizens of Kennett, Missouri, it is my pleasure to recognize the organization and their efforts before the House of Representatives and thank them for their commitment to their community in Missouri's Bootheel.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Camp Hope/ Chris Neal Farm on the occasion of its 10th Anniversary. Created by Gold Star parents, William, ``Mike'' and Galia White, the camp located on the farm in St. Francois County, Missouri, honors their 23-year-old son, Marine Private First Class Christopher Neal White. Chris was killed in action in Al Anbar, Iraq on June 20, 2006. Not long after, the Whites began to develop their vision for helping wounded soldiers enjoy the great outdoors as their son had done.

Camp Hope provides outdoor adventures for combat wounded veterans of the War on Terror and active-duty combat-wounded soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors. Their Camp Hope experience is entirely free of charge.

Camp Hope's mission is to offer these combat veterans the chance to shoot skeet, hunt turkey and deer, fish, hike, explore the country, or relax around the ever-burning fire pit. The goal is to help them experience healing through nature.

Since 2007, dozens of wounded soldiers from across the nation and all branches of service have laughed and cried together and found their own sense of peace at this 170-acre farm near Farmington. Volunteers--many of them veterans themselves--have helped to make the dream come true donating their time and money to these heroes on the homefront.

In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of Camp Hope/Chris Neal Farm, it is my great pleasure to honor the Whites, the volunteers who join them and the combat veterans they serve today before the United States House of Representatives.