Floor Statements

Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Madam Chair, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise in support of an amendment to H.R. 3494.

I believe strongly in the principle of government transparency. It is something I ran on and talk about. I have spent my time in Congress working to deliver on accountability and transparency as the vice chair of the Oversight and Reform Committee and through other legislation.

Today, I am introducing this amendment to clarify what Congress already believes to be the law, that Federal whistleblowers have the ability to make protected disclosures to the appropriate congressional committee of jurisdiction, not just members of the Intelligence Committee.

At a time like this, we cannot afford ambiguity. This technical change will allow congressional committees to conduct their business in a more timely and effective manner.

This amendment is not my first effort to protect whistleblowers, nor will it be my last. Those with the courage to stand up and say something is not right should have every single protection that we, as Congress, can offer to them.

Madam Chair, I urge all of my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Carl Boyer.

The lives of every single person in my hometown of Santa Clarita, California, are better thanks to the work and tireless efforts of one of our city's founding fathers, Mr. Carl Boyer.

After moving to what is now California's 25th District in the late 1960s, Carl worked to establish the city of Santa Clarita in an effort to help our community receive the resources it needed. His leadership continued from there as he served on the first-ever Santa Clarita City Council and, eventually, two terms as mayor.

Carl put his city--our city--at the center of every decision he made. From his first day on the council to his last day as mayor, he worked to protect our beautiful open space, and he left office having created one of the best park departments in the United States.

While serving Santa Clarita, he was also a public school teacher and a foster parent to young children who came to the United States for lifesaving medical treatment.

Carl Boyer had a heart of gold, and will be missed by all. On behalf of the vibrant and wonderful community that he helped create, I extend my deepest gratitude for the legacy of service, engagement, and kindness that he leaves behind.

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

Mr. Chair, it is hard to overstate the devastating effects of lengthening fire seasons across the United States, especially in my home State of California.

I represent three diverse valleys in California's 25th Congressional District, across northern Los Angeles and Ventura County, and all of them have had significant wildfires and forest fires in the last year.

In fact, 2018 was the deadliest fire season in California's history. According to CAL FIRE and the National Interagency Fire Center, 8,527 fires burned a total of 1,893,913 acres, the largest area on record.

Not only are these fires larger and more frequent, but they are also hotter and more intense. Soon, the term ``fire tornadoes'' will be a phrase that many people are familiar with.

My own house was evacuated last summer. We had to trailer my horse and relocate my goats and dogs to my sister's house. My sister's house was evacuated shortly thereafter. Sadly, this is not the first time I or my family has had to evacuate. It has practically become a common occurrence for people in areas like ours.

Two days after I found out that I would be coming to Washington to represent my community, three people died in the Woolsey fire, part of which burned through my district in Simi Valley.

We have to do more. I am thankful for the opportunity to put forth this amendment that provides additional funds for wildland fire management and hazardous fuels work. I am offering it to highlight the funding that is already in this bill to prepare for, combat, and reduce the risk of future catastrophic wildfires and to make sure we do more.

These funds are critical because when the Forest Service does not have enough fire suppression funds, they have to borrow from mitigation accounts to pay for fire suppression activities. This fire borrowing delays the very activities that improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk.

We cannot simply treat the effects. We have to treat the cause. But prevention takes funding, and that is why this bill and this amendment are so important.

For the first time, this bill includes $2.25 billion in fire cap adjusted funds. These additional funds ensure that our firefighters will have the resources they need to combat wildfires without fire borrowing, meaning that we will invest in the prevention solutions that we know work.

However, we will only have the cap adjusted funds for 2 years. We must all work together to ensure that any budget agreement includes fire cap adjusted funds for future budget years as well. That is how we can make lasting change on this front.

For my community, for California, and for States across the country experiencing the devastating effects of wildfires, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. Chair, I yield to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum).

Mr. Chair, I urge all of my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the WOW Flower Project participating in the annual observance of Juneteenth.

Whereas the staff and volunteers of WOW Flower Project have agreed to devote their time, resources and energy to this united effort to bring attention to this important day of celebration.

Whereas Juneteenth is an annual observance on June 19th to remember when Union soldiers enforced the Emancipation Proclamation and freed all remaining enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865. This day is an opportunity for people to celebrate freedom and equal rights in the United States.

Whereas WOW Flower Project will hold a public Juneteenth Celebration with the goals of bringing our neighbors together to remember the millions of African Americans who suffered the evils of slavery and celebrate the community's commitment to working toward a more fair and just society. Together, we honor the unbreakable spirit and countless contributions of generations of African Americans to the story of American greatness.

Whereas WOW Flower Project leads us today and every day in recommitting ourselves to defending the self-evident truth, boldly declared by our Founding Fathers, that all people are created equal.

On this day, we rise to declare June 19th, National Juneteenth Awareness Day. Dating back to 1865, Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. We are fortunate to have passionate, forward-thinking, dedicated organizations like the WOW Flower Project who work tirelessly to enact change and educate our community.

Therefore, let it be proclaimed the Antelope Valley declares that every 19th of June is the official Remembrance of Juneteenth.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to declare June 7th, National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Today we are reminded of the epidemic of senseless gun violence that plagues our nation. Our inaction has cost too many innocent lives. Every day, 100 Americans are killed by gun violence and countless others are wounded. We are fortunate to have passionate, forward-thinking, dedicated organizations like Moms Demand Action who work tirelessly to enact change and protect our community. It's time we do our part.

As a lifelong gun owner, I know that respecting the Second Amendment and advocating for gun safety measures are not mutually exclusive. We can adequately retain the right to bear arms while keeping our kids and communities safe.

Like most law-abiding gun owners, I believe that high-risk individuals like terrorists, domestic violence abusers, convicted criminals, and those suffering from mental illness, who are inclined to hurt themselves or others, should not be allowed to purchase weapons.

That is why I cosponsored and voted for H.R. 8, The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019, which establishes new background check requirements for firearm transfers between private parties. On February 27, the House passed H.R. 8.--the first time in 25 years that a piece of gun violence prevention legislation came to the House floor for a vote.

This is a public safety issue, not a partisan issue. Not only do we need stricter background checks, but we also need to provide funding to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to research gun violence as the public health concern that it is. We have a responsibility to do everything we can to address this problem.

Gun safety is a priority for me because I have heard from far too many constituents who are afraid for their lives. One constituent survived the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, only to be killed the following year at the Borderline Bar mass shooting just outside our district. I will always fight for the people of the Antelope, Simi, and Santa Clarita Valleys, above all, and I am committed to pursuing policy solutions that address both the outcomes and root causes of these tragedies.

By wearing orange and commemorating National Gun Violence Awareness Day, Americans will raise awareness about gun violence and honor the lives and lost human potential of Americans stolen by gun violence. I want to thank the advocates and leaders all across America, but especially at home in my district,

for inspiring us every day through their commitment to a better future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3151, the Taxpayer First Act, which is a very exciting piece of legislation because who doesn't get excited about taxes?

However, in all seriousness, we should get excited when paying taxes or filing our taxes becomes easier and better for the American people.

I am so thrilled to be here today to offer my support, and I am beyond grateful that my concerns with the free file provision were heard and acted upon.

I am beyond grateful to Congressman Lewis' leadership on this legislation which will save the government money, protect low-income individuals, and give the IRS resources to offer many additional much- needed services. I also want to thank the Congressman's staff and the Ways and Means Committee staff for working with my team--who also deserve a great deal of thanks--to make this happen. It is an incredible example of the collaboration that can happen to positively affect peoples' lives, and I cannot begin to express my gratitude that such a long-term, well-respected leader such as John Lewis took my concerns into consideration and involved me in the process, even though I am a lowly freshman.

The fact that we were able to get this provision resolved is showing how Congress is changing and showing how we are taking power away from corporations and special interests and back into the hands of regular people. I am proud to be part of that effort.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose the motion to recommit with all of my heart.

Mr. Speaker, I can't believe that we are standing here and having a man tell me what kind of protection I need in sports. This is fear-mongering about trans women playing in sports. Are you kidding me?

I don't know if my colleagues on the other side of the aisle realize that they have met trans people, but they have. They definitely have. I have met many, and this motion reflects nothing more than the prejudice of my colleagues.

My staff has put together a lot of talking points for you today, but it is much simpler than that. The Equality Act ensures that LGBTQ women and girls who are lesbian, bisexual, or transgender will all have the same opportunities as their peers in sports, in housing, and in jobs.

The discrimination that trans individuals face just trying to live their lives every single day is something beyond what most of us could ever imagine.

Through my work and the issue of homelessness, I saw trans women disproportionately affected by discrimination at every single stage of their lives. They have higher rates of poverty, higher rates of sexual abuse, higher rates of homelessness.

And I can tell you, no trans person is trying to game the system to participate in sports. That does not happen, and that is a sad scare tactic that has no place on the floor of the people's House.

State schools and athletic organizations across the country have found for many years that letting LGBTQ student athletes, including girls and women who are transgender, participate in sports does not harm women's and girls' sports in any way.

As an athlete, athletic success is based on so many factors, like individual ability and strength, and those abilities vary widely for people who aren't even trans. It has nothing to do with whether someone is transgender or not. In fact, major advocates for women and girls in sports, such as the National Women's Law Center, the Women's Sports Foundation, Women's Leaders in College Sports, and others, support trans-inclusive policies and oppose efforts to exclude transgender people from participating in sports.

This is not a new concept. Trans people have participated in sports for years. Stop the fear-mongering. This is 2019, and we are not afraid of the boogieman that you are trying to create. We are ready to move forward and tell all of our constituents, all of our communities, all Americans that they matter equally.

You, my colleagues, are on the wrong side of history, and we will be waiting for you on the other side when we reject this amendment and pass H.R. 5.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Pappas).

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

Madam Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from Florida for joining forces with me this evening to host this bipartisan Special Order hour in honor of National Police Week.

As you are about to see, supporting our law enforcement is an issue that unifies us across geography and political party, bringing together diverse perspectives and deep gratitude. I am so proud to rise in support of our law enforcement and the professional peace officers who work tirelessly every single day for the safety and security of our communities.

I represent California's 25th Congressional District, which is home to many of the police officers who serve all of Los Angeles County. My community is rooted in service. It is a value that I grew up with, and one of the reasons that I chose to serve my community by running for office.

My dad is an Air Force veteran and has spent three decades in law enforcement. In fact, he was here with us this week as part of a large group from our district who flew out for Police Week.

As a little girl, I remember what it was like to wonder if my dad would make it home at night. I remember being so scared for his life because he was on the front lines protecting mine and all of the other members of our community. I was proud of him then, and I am proud of him now.

But unlike then, I now have the opportunity to fight for him and the men and women serving just like him. Protecting and supporting our law enforcement should not be partisan. The speakers joining us today demonstrate that we can have meaningful, legislative reform that works across the aisle.

I want to briefly touch on several pieces of legislation that I believe will protect and support our police officers, including H.R. 838, the Threat Assessment, Prevention, and Safety Act, or TAPS, which institutes a process that will identify, investigate, assess, and mitigate threats before they happen.

Fighting for law enforcement also means supporting legislation like H.R. 2070, the POWER Act, to develop new grants for chemical screening; H.R. 1236, the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act, to empower police to keep guns out of the wrong hands; and H.R. 2379, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership, to increase the number of lifesaving bulletproof vests accessible to our law enforcement. Through these bills and others in development, we can keep our communities and officers safe.

Most importantly, I am standing here today to honor the life of Officer Johnathan Tanner. He is a true public servant from the Antelope Valley in my district, who passed away, tragically, at the age of 28 years old after battling cancer. He will be remembered for his steadfast devotion to his community, his church, and his family.

Officer Tanner proudly served the California Highway Patrol with a dedication to the safety of the Antelope Valley. In just his first year out of training, he received the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Award for Excellence in removing impaired drivers from the road, and he was known for his efforts to build public trust in law enforcement.

Out of uniform, Officer Tanner served his community by volunteering his time at Lancaster Baptist Church, where he was a lifelong member. He taught youth ministry classes, coached sports teams, and led a bus route that gives children rides to church.

Officer Tanner leaves behind his wife, Jessie, their two young sons, and a baby girl who is expected to arrive later this month. He is also survived by his parents, two older brothers, and a younger sister.

I am proud to have represented Officer Tanner, and I know that his loved ones and the community will carry on the legacy of his light in the world.

Today, in honor of Police Week and in honor of all of the members of our law enforcement community, I am proud to stand in support of the men and women who put their lives on the line every single day like Officer Tanner and like my dad.

Thank you for all you do.

Madam Speaker, I wanted to finish out by thanking the 2,200 Capitol Police officers here who protect us and the 3 to 5 million people who visit the U.S. Capitol every single year.

They do the job that often goes unnoticed, but we are ensured our safety and protection, and that of every single person who comes to visit us, because of their hard work and service.

To every single law enforcement professional who dedicates their life every single day, we are eternally grateful. I am so proud to be working with my colleagues to continue to fight for recognizing our officers and to take this forward for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1957, the Taxpayer First Act, which I wasn't expecting to rise in support of; but this act improves taxpayer service, modernizes IRS infrastructure, helps low- and middle-income taxpayers, and really creates critical reforms that my colleagues like the Honorable John Lewis have been fighting to pass for years. They have finally gotten Senate Republicans to work with them and, for the first time, could enact critical provisions that will help consumers and become law, despite a divided government.

But that means that Senate Republicans fit in some bitter pills and some problematic provisions. One of these is a piece that came to my attention today--which the corporate tax lobby has spent years and millions of dollars to get--which would bar the IRS from creating a simple, free filing system that would compete with their own.

Analysis shows that, through these corporate programs, U.S. taxpayers eligible for free filing pay about $1 billion a year in unnecessary fees.

In this freshman class, I and many of my colleagues were sent to reject corporate influence and stand up for people. This puts us in a difficult spot.

But the rest of this bill is too important. Champions for low-income, working people say that this is an opportunity that will not come again and will help 150 million taxpayers. Therefore, I support it, and, separately, I will introduce legislation with some of my colleagues to address the problems that have been inserted by special interests.

We have to continue the fight to get big money out of politics, and this is the beginning of the fight, not the end.

Mr. Neguse, I am pretty excited to be here today because we get to brag a little, and I get a little tired with bragging about myself. I think that is something we do a lot as a Member of Congress, and today we get to brag about our friends.

That is a lot of events, and if you recall, the colleagues that many of us replaced, the former colleagues that many of us replaced, were criticized for not having townhalls. But, in fact, during the February recess alone, freshman Members made up 51 percent of the Members of Congress holding townhalls, even though we make up just 18 percent of Congress.

Five thousand letters is a lot of letters.

Congressman Dean Phillips actually started holding townhalls before he was even sworn in.

At her first townhall in Virginia Beach, Congresswoman Elaine Luria, whom I am proud to sit on the Armed Services Committee with, brought the Beach's voter registrar and police chief, the head of its affordable housing efforts, and one of the State delegates with her and heard from more 250 people who were attending.

That is absolutely right. Congressman Brindisi's Working for Rural New York plan focuses on solving problems rural communities face in his district.

Well, let me tell you about my friend Josh Harder from the great State of California, who is fighting for broadband in rural areas through the Save the Internet Act.

And Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, who was Teacher the Year before, is now fighting to keep guns out of our classrooms.

Oh, we are indeed. Eighteen freshmen are leading House subcommittees, as my colleague, Ms. Stevens mentioned, including: Congresswoman Kendra Horn, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, Congressman TJ Cox, Congressman Mike Levin, Congressman Harley Rouda, Congresswoman Susie Lee, Congresswoman Xochitl Torres Small, and Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.

That is a lot of people. And what is so exciting about that is that there has never been a freshman class with this many people with the gavel.

Congressman Andy Levin, who we just heard from, has introduced six pieces of original legislation. That is a lot.

Well, we really want that foreign interference not happening in any future elections, so I am glad to hear that.

Just this week, Congresswoman Kim Schrier introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to help prevent child abuse.

Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer was the first freshman to have legislation pass the House, a bill to bring Federal investment to small businesses in rural America.

My other friend, Congresswoman Katie Porter, a fellow member of the Katie Caucus, has introduced bipartisan legislation to make childcare more affordable.

A truly sweeping Democratic reform package.

The Paycheck Fairness Act and reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.

End corruption in Washington.

Invest in our Nation's infrastructure and public education system.

Above all, we are going to stand up for the people, again, with the full force of this freshman class; and I am so excited to do it with you, Mr. Neguse, and with all of my fellow freshman colleagues.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Equality Act.

As the first LGBTQ woman in Congress from the State of California and the second openly bisexual woman to serve in Congress overall, I could not be prouder to support this landmark legislation.

Throughout my run, I got so many questions about why I chose to be honest about my sexuality. I am married to a man, I am from a purple, historically Republican, district, and everyone said it would be easier for me to hide who I am. But the reality is that representation matters, especially for the LGBTQ community, when so many of our basic rights are still at risk.

Through my work on the issue of homelessness, I have seen how disproportionately our community is affected by discrimination still. The Equality Act will provide basic protections in terms of employment, housing, education, and more. Everyone should have a fair chance to earn a living and provide a home for their families without fear of harassment or discrimination.

I could not be prouder to be part of a new generation of leaders who will be the ones to finally pass the Equality Act and fight for true freedom and equality for all.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding to me.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 47. In addition to permanently reauthorizing the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is, of course, critically important, this bill also establishes a memorial for the St. Francis Dam disaster. This memorial is a project that has been a priority for my hometown, the city of Santa Clarita, for many years, and the site is just miles from where I grew up and where my sister now lives.

The St. Francis Dam was an integral part of our city's water infrastructure back in the 1920s. On March 12, 1928, the dam failed, and the resulting flood killed over 450 people, cost millions of dollars, and destroyed many homes and other property. The collapse of the St. Francis Dam is considered one of the worst civil engineering failures of the 20th century and is the second deadliest disaster in California history.

I am proud that, in the 116th Congress, we will finally be able to magnify the stories of this tragedy and provide a constant reminder of how critical infrastructure is to the safety and security of our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1063) to amend title 44, United States Code, to require information on contributors to Presidential library fundraising organizations, 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 this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Cummings and Representative Meadows for sponsoring this legislation.

Former Representative John Duncan from Tennessee first sponsored a bill to improve Presidential libraries 19 years ago. A bill identical to the one before us passed the House in the last Congress with bipartisan support. I hope we now can finally get this important reform enacted.

The Presidential Library Donation Reform Act would make the process for building Presidential libraries more transparent. Presidential libraries have become increasingly expensive as they have evolved into multipurpose centers.

The costs for building a Presidential library must come from private funding, and modern libraries cost millions--in some cases, hundreds of millions--of dollars to build.

The George W. Bush Presidential Center, for example, cost an estimated $250 million to build, and President Bush raised approximately $500 million for the building and an endowment for his library, museum, and institute.

Although President Obama has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for his Presidential library, he has voluntarily disclosed the names of those who have donated $200 or more.

We should not, however, rely on such voluntary disclosures. Under current law, there is no requirement to disclose the identities of those who donate to a Presidential library, and a President, while still in office, is able to raise an unlimited amount from private donations.

There is no limitation on who can donate to a sitting President for a Presidential library, or how much they can donate, and their identities remain secret.

This bill would require organizations that raise money to build Presidential libraries to disclose the identity of any individual who donates more than $200. The National Archives and Records Administration would then be required to post the donation information online.

The bill would also create criminal penalties for individuals who report false information on donations and for fundraising organizations that omit donation information.

A group of 15 good government organizations, including Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington and the Sunlight Foundation, sent a letter last Congress urging the House to support this bill.

Here is what they wrote: ``Under the current opaque system, Presidents raise funds privately to establish their Presidential libraries. These efforts, which often begin long before they leave office, are unregulated and undisclosed, creating opportunities for, and/or the appearance of, influence peddling. Improved transparency would help reduce the appearance of impropriety and help deter inappropriate behavior.''

This bill had bipartisan support and passed the House last Congress without opposition.

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

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of H.R. 1063, as amended, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1065) to provide for a study on the use of social media in security clearance investigations.

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 this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressmen Lynch and Hice for their work on this bill. This bill would require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to issue a report to Congress on the use of social media checks in background investigations for security clearances.

In recent years, a number of agencies have begun pilot programs to help develop the best methods for incorporating social media into background checks. For example, the Army initiated a pilot program that found that, while checking social media is a valuable tool, it can be costly and may raise legal issues.

This bill would require that OMB conducts a comprehensive study on these issues and report back to Congress. This one-time report would describe the current uses of social media postings for investigative purposes and any legal concerns or impediments to their use.

In addition, the report would summarize the results of any pilot programs on the use of social media conducted to date and provide cost estimates for implementing their widespread use in the background investigation process.

This report would greatly assist Congress in determining whether further legislative action is needed when it comes to the Federal Government's use of social media in background investigations. An identical measure was approved by the House last year without opposition.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch).

Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of H.R. 1065, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.