Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. No one can be a better spokeswoman for this issue than Mrs. Demings, who proudly represents her district in Florida and served as the police leader in her hometown.

Mr. Speaker, as we remember the police officers who have fallen in the line of duty, it is with great sadness that I must add another name to that list.

Officer Jimmy Inn of the Stockton Police Department was killed yesterday while responding to a domestic violence call.

Just 30 years old, Officer Inn joined the force in 2015 and was a member of the Honor Guard. He was a husband and a father who leaves behind a 7-month-old son, a stepson, a stepdaughter, and a wife, who also serves as a Stockton police officer.

Officer Inn is remembered as a kindhearted, selfless, and positive person. His commanding officer, Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones, said that he was the epitome of what a police officer should be.

Officer Inn's last act was to help a woman and child in grave danger. Officer Inn sacrificed his life in service to others, and I ask everyone to join me in honoring his life, his service, and his memory.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and accomplishments of Dr. I.M. Singer, one of America's most influential mathematicians.

The son of Polish-Jewish immigrants, Dr. Singer had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in physics in just 2\1/2\ years before joining the United States military during World War II.

Upon returning, Dr. Singer earned a doctorate degree in mathematics from the University of Chicago. Later, he chaired committees at the United States National Academy of Sciences, was a member of the White House Science Council, and cofounded the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute in Berkeley.

Dr. Singer's most prominent contribution was the Atiyah-Singer index theorem, which created a link between mathematical analysis and topology and, ultimately, led to a new field of mathematics. For his work, Dr. Singer received the most prestigious award in mathematics, the Abel Prize.

As a fellow mathematician, I deeply admire Dr. Singer's contributions to theoretical physics and mathematics, which have revolutionized the way we understand the universe.

Madam Speaker, I erroneously voted ``no'' on Amendment 24 offered by Representatives Amash and Lofgren to H.R. 2740. I would like to correct my vote to a ``yes'' on this amendment.

Madam Speaker, more than 415,000 children are currently living in the foster care system in the United States. As a member of the Congressional Foster Youth Caucus, I'm dedicated to strengthening our nation's child welfare system for the children of today and for future generations.

I participate in the annual Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day, where current and former foster youth from across the country come to Washington to meet with Members of Congress.

Today I had the privilege of hosting Erica Hickey, a bright young woman from my home state of California who has been a foster youth advocate with California Youth Connection (CYC) since she went into the foster care system at the age of sixteen. Today, Erica serves as a member of CYC's Board of Directors and attends UC Davis, where she is studying political science. She aspires to go to law school after graduation to study anti-trust and government fraud law.

Erica is passionate about advocacy and policies that support youth mental health, foster youth, homeless youth, and juvenile justice youth. It's been a pleasure to host her in our nation's capital today, and I wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating the life of Dr. Alexander P. Stone.

Dr. Stone was a patient teacher, a mathematical scholar and creator, and a true gentleman. Under his guidance, his students learned more than the fundamentals of calculus and how to solve differential equations on curved surfaces of arbitrary dimension--he also instilled in all of us a deep appreciation for the beauty of abstract mathematical thought.

Dr. Stone held the admiration and respect of all those around him. His breadth of knowledge was clear, and so was his determination as a mathematical mentor to make sure that his students had the instruction and personal attention they needed to excel. He never belittled anyone for asking what may have seemed like a trivial or obvious question and went out of his way to put students at ease during casual conversations as well as in high stakes exams. He celebrated with us as we made new mathematical discoveries that led to our growth and success.

Alex was also a devoted father, which was made clear during dinnertime at his home. His young son was always welcome to join the conversation, setting an example for how to teach children to be inquisitive and engaged without being disruptive.

Dr. Stone's empathy was boundless. He had a rare combination of great kindness in addition to great knowledge. He touched the lives of all who entered his classroom, and he will be missed.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman for allowing me 2 minutes.

We are here today to talk about a global problem that demands a global solution. Since the Industrial Revolution, a significant amount of carbon has been building up in the atmosphere; and, until just recently, the United States was the number one emitter of carbon pollution.

As China ramped up its emissions, we lost that dubious title, but we are still dumping massive amounts of carbon into the atmosphere.

This carbon in the atmosphere has caused energy to accumulate in the oceans and the skies, and that is now causing changes in our environment. And these changes will continue to grow.

The global solution we need is one that the United States actually had a hand in crafting. We led the efforts in the development and adoption of the Paris climate accord; but now, because of this administration's decision, we are telling the world to do as we say, not as we do.

The Paris climate accord is one of the most comprehensive deals to date and is a worldwide agreement to begin reducing carbon emissions. It is the important first step in the battle to stop the dangerous spiral of climate change.

If we retreat from the Paris accord, we are condemning future generations to a world filled with catastrophic climate change and conflict.

H.R. 9 will help heal this rift by putting us in alignment with the rest of the global community and holding us to standards that we helped put in place.

My Republican colleagues say they believe in climate change but have always refused action.

The Paris climate agreement is action. Let's get with the program.

The United States has led by example, so, today, I inform my colleagues: Adopt H.R. 9. Don't make us the past villain for future generations.

Madam Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 1644.

One of the greatest aspects of the internet is its potential to be an equalizer for small businesses that might not otherwise have resources to set up a brick-and-mortar shop. The internet provides them with the means to reach customers around the world. For students who want to learn how to code but whose schools can't afford such classes, the internet opens the door for them. And for veterans who would otherwise have to drive hours to receive healthcare services, the internet gives them the ability to consult with their doctors wherever they are.

All of this is only possible if internet access is unfiltered, and that is not the case today. Today, we don't even have a free and open internet because Trump's FCC has repealed net neutrality protections and set our country on a path backwards.

More than 8,000 of my constituents have written to me and called to express their opposition to elimination of these protections.

I also held a net neutrality townhall, where people came from all over my district. They were of different ages, occupations, and backgrounds, but they all had something in common: They overwhelmingly wanted strong net neutrality protections.

I have listened to my constituents, and that is why I am fighting hard to restore these crucial protections, and that is why I became an original cosponsor of the Save the Internet Act.

We have an opportunity today to pass legislation that would offer real protections for constituents. This legislation is simple. It takes an approach that accounts for the internet of today and tomorrow, and it provides certainty for Americans across the country.

This act will curb monopolistic behavior that would gradually strangle the internet. I am afraid of corporate takeover of the internet.

My friend, the minority whip, spoke about how the Telecom Act of 1934 was passed to curb the monopolies of the large telephone corporations. Today, the situation is similar. The ISPs are large, and they are consolidating with content providers, a ripe situation for monopoly.

Americans hate monopolies.

Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 1644.

Madam Speaker, the Society for Neuroscience, SFN, is the world's largest organization of scientists and clinicians focused on studying the brain and the nervous system. This week, we welcomed them to Capitol Hill to give us an update on their progress and their impact.

Federal funding from agencies like the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation is absolutely critical to their work. Sustained, reliable funding is critical to continuing advancements in neuroscience and to scientific advancement in general.

This week is Brain Awareness Week, and I want to commend the BRAIN Initiative partners. The 2018 total for the BRAIN Initiative program at NIH is more than $400 million.

I have long supported research investments in neuroscience research. It is opening up a vast understanding of our brains, and it is vitally important to the over 100 million Americans impacted by neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric brain disorders.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting robust funding for the National Institutes of Health so that the BRAIN Initiative can continue its outstanding achievements.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn the passing of our colleague, and my dear friend, Congressman Walter Jones.

Walter was a man of principle and patriotism.

Who was dedicated to serving his District and his country.

He was deeply concerned about the state of our nation's politics.

Especially the growing inequities within our campaign finance system.

I had the distinct privilege of working closely with Walter over the past three years.

As co-founders and co-chairs of the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Caucus.

And throughout our work together, I witnessed firsthand his willingness to reach across the aisle and put people before politics.

Walter was a model public servant who held tightly to his passions and his unyielding faith.

His independence in this chamber demonstrated his relentless devotion to doing what he believed was right.

It's no surprise that he was widely respected and admired throughout these halls.

My thoughts are with Walter's family and his Congressional staff at this time.

And I ask my colleagues to join me in taking a moment to celebrate the life of our friend, Walter.

And to honor his legacy of honesty and integrity.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Dakarai Fagorala, who passed away on Sunday, August 12, 2018. Dakarai was only 17 years old and just shy of his 18th birthday when he passed as a result of injuries sustained from a fatal car accident.

Dakarai recently graduated with honors from Deer Valley High School in Antioch, California, where he also played on the basketball team. He was an exceptional young man, working a part-time job to save money for college and help his family during his school years.

He participated in the 2016 National Youth Leadership Forum for National Security-Diplomacy and competed in the 2016 Amateur Athletic Union's ``Jam on It'' Tournament.

Dakarai took great pride in his community and looked for ways to give back. He was a Junior Deacon at Fellowship Church in Antioch and regularly volunteered at homeless shelters in Contra Costa County, cooking and serving meals to veterans and seniors.

Dakarai was a shining light who touched the lives of everyone he met. Our community mourns the loss of Dakarai Fagorala, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Green. I have had the pleasure of serving with Mr. Green for about 12 years now, and he has been an incredible colleague. One thing I can say about Mr. Green: He is good for his word. When he says he is going to provide something and produce something, he does. So I appreciate the gentleman's friendship and collegiality.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of H.R. 6140, the Advanced Nuclear Fuel Availability Act. Every day, we are seeing the devastating effects of climate change, like the deadly wildfires we just had in California; severe flooding around the world; and our Nation's persistent asthma rates, which continue to threaten public health.

The Federal Government has the responsibility to address climate change by investing in proactive measures to combat this prevailing threat. We need a diverse--and I repeat, diverse--energy mix, including nuclear power, which already generates 60 percent of our Nation's zero- emissions electricity.

H.R. 6140 is the future of nuclear technology. It creates a pathway for tomorrow's nuclear reactors so that we will be able to confront the realities of climate change.

This bill directs the Department of Energy to conduct studies, authorizes the Department of Energy to acquire materials, and requires the DOE to develop a schedule to recover these costs.

The availability of high-assay low-enriched uranium is critical to these efforts. Federal investments and protocols regarding the transportation, fuel fabrication, and enrichment to effectively bring this fuel to market are encouraging.

This bill updates the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's policies and addresses the development of a robust regulatory regime, the options for requiring this type of uranium, and the preparation of the infrastructure required for this fuel.

As we look to the future, small modular reactors, or SMRs, as they are referred to, will be useful in a variety of settings, from microgrids to rural areas. And this type of fuel needs to be available by the time SMRs come to the market.

The consortium that is formed here is the type of partnership that will be useful in kick-starting this technology and then turning it over to let industry take the reins.

I thank my partners on this bill--Mr. Flores, Mr. Upton, Mr. Walden, and Mr. Pallone--for their leadership on this issue, and I thank our staffs for their work on this critical legislation.

Mr. Speaker, finally, I thank my friend and colleague Mr. Green, again, who is retiring this year. He has been a champion for bipartisanship and compromise, and an advocate for sound policy in this Chamber. He will be missed. I will also miss the Speaker who is sitting in the Chair right now.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6140.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman, my friend, for yielding.

I want to thank my colleagues here tonight, Mr. Payne, Mr. Schneider, and especially Mr. Garamendi, who has been an absolute fierce advocate for action on climate and other issues. He is untiring, and I really have a lot of respect and admiration for that.

Let me talk a little bit about the report first. This is a scientific report. It was created over a period of years by scientists. It is not an opinion paper. It is a paper that is based on facts, and it is based on modeling.

If you do modeling, then you know what happens is you create a model. You test it against the facts. You adjust the model. You test it against the facts. You adjust it, and you reiterate until your model is pretty accurate. Then you make predictions.

That is what has happened here. They have some very well-tested models that are predicting very bad things. So it is an important piece of scientific literature, and I think science should be at least involved in the decisionmaking in our great country.

Now, I think it is almost laughable that the administration tried to limit the exposure of this report by putting it out on Black Friday. I guess that didn't work because a lot of people are excited in a negative way about this report and what it says.

I think most Americans recognize that there is a problem here. Most all Americans recognize it, especially the millennials and the younger Americans. They know because it is going to affect their lives. Their lives are going to be directly affected more and more as we go forward, so they are very engaged in this issue.

I think everyone knows in their hearts that there is a problem here, but I think one of the things that is a challenge is: How do we move forward on this?

People don't like change. People like to assume that their lives are going to go on, and they will do things the way they have always done them. But I think one of the things they are worried about is jobs.

Well, let's talk about that for a second. Mr. Garamendi mentioned that I worked on windmills. I worked on windmills for 25 years. I climbed a lot of windmills. It is a pretty exciting thing to do. You are up there working on something that is cool. You are looking down on the natural environment around you. If I was a coal miner, I would say: That is a pretty good alternative to going down into coals mine and breathing dust as to go up on windmills--kind of cold sometimes--but to go up on windmills and work your heart out and create clean energy.

So another thing to think about is the number of jobs per energy produced. Renewable energies create a lot more jobs per unit of energy produced. That is an important consideration.

So why can't we move forward?

I think the economy is going to improve if we reduce our consumption of fossil fuels. It will create jobs. It will make the environment cleaner. We will have less health impacts than we are seeing from fossil fuels, from coal, from oil, and certainly see a lot less climate impacts.

There are a lot of really good reasons to move forward on this. I think if you can look at what America and the world would be like if we weaned ourselves off fossil fuels, it is a beautiful picture. We will have a lot of clean energy. We will have people employed. We will have people using electricity for transportation. We will have energy generated from windmills, solar, geothermal, and from all of these technologies that are there today that are economic and cost-effective. In fact, wind and solar are more than competitive with fossil fuels. You can produce more energy per cost of energy with wind and solar than you can with oil and coal.

They say natural gas is a great transition fuel, but if you only lose 2 percent of natural gas emissions in the process of creating energy, then you are already undoing the energy efficiency advantage of natural gas because natural gas methane is so effective as a climate change gas.

I think we have a lot to look forward to if we determine and decide that we are going to move forward with this transition.

One last thing. I want to say I have a challenge to the President.

Mr. President, we know that climate change is happening. If you want to go down as a great President, if you want to go down in history as someone that changed history, as someone who changed history for the better, than embrace climate change action. Make a difference.

Mr. Speaker, during rollcall Vote number 398 on H.R. 1911, I mistakenly recorded my vote as ``nay'' when I should have voted ``yea''.

personal explanation

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mark DeSaulnier for introducing this bill.

This legislation will allow the Contra Costa Water District to assume control over the Contra Costa Canal. It will make important safety improvements by enclosing the waterway to protect against accidental drownings. As Mr. Gianforte indicated, there have been 81 drownings.

Now, if you look at the canals: It is a hot day. They look refreshing. It looks safe. It is not. It is very, very dangerous. Even the best swimmers can drown in those conditions.

It will also improve both the water supply and the land around the canal for recreational use. Additionally, it will upgrade the fish screening equipment to better protect endangered species.

Title transfers such as this will reduce the backlog for repairing and upgrading infrastructure and may reduce duplicative Federal approvals. These type of water projects are the kind of pragmatic policymaking that we should be focusing on on a bipartisan basis.

This bill is one of many pieces of legislation that is necessary to maintain the health of the California delta, which supports the livelihoods of farmers, businesses, and families in my district.

Above all, we need policies that focus on water efficiency and resilience. This program will increase the resilience of the canals. This is forward-thinking legislation that concentrates on mitigating increasing damage from climate change.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Maria McClain for being selected by the National Science Teachers Association and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics as 1 of 10 2018 STEM teacher ambassadors.

For the past 22 years, Maria has been teaching mathematics at Deer Valley High School in my district in Antioch, California. She has twice been named Antioch Unified School District Teacher of the Year and Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year. Maria is also a recipient of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching.

As the only Ph.D. in mathematics in Congress, I have a great appreciation for STEM education and the rewarding impact it has on its students. I am especially thankful for the work Maria is

doing in my district; and around the country, it is teachers like Maria who are shaping the future of this country by bringing their passion and dedication to the classroom.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Maria and in thanking her for her commitment to STEM education.