Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3277) to reduce regulatory burdens and streamline processes related to commercial space activities, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on S. 3277, the bill now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, the Space Frontier Act is a missed opportunity, despite months of negotiations. The House successfully added some positive provisions to the bill, including:

Increased the stature of the Department of Commerce Office of Space Commerce to a Bureau of Space Commerce, led by a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary of Commerce;

Reduced from 120 to 90 days a determination for remote sensing applications;

Remote sensing applications cannot be denied if a product will be commercially available within 3 years;

Enhanced deadline enforcement for remote sensing applications;

Included a low-Earth orbit commercialization program authorized at the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee's NASA reauthorization level of $150 million.

This bill contains some improvements over current commercial space law, but many bold reforms in the American Space Commerce Free Enterprise Act, which passed the House unanimously, were not included in this package.

We have not done enough to encourage commercial space activity, which has the potential to transform research, development, discovery, and access to space.

While remote sensing reform is marginally improved over current law in the original version of the Space Frontier Act, it doesn't go far enough. We set out to change how we think about remote sensing, a growing, constantly advancing, and increasingly commonplace industry that should be free to act unless there is a good reason to prevent that. Instead, this bill only tinkers around the edge of a three-decade out-of-date law.

This legislation will keep the government in strict control of American companies' space access and actions, discouraging businesses, and damaging American competitiveness and leadership in space.

Meanwhile, other countries are encouraging technology development in an effort to overtake us and grab market share from American companies. This represents a missed opportunity for American businesses that is being stifled by parochial government interests.

In the bill before us, there is still room for government employees to ignore the deadline enforcement mechanisms and drag out decisions indefinitely. The bill also doesn't guarantee that remote sensing companies will be given all relevant information explaining why their applications were not approved.

There is also less of an assumption of approval for a remote sensing license application than was included in my bill. Who knows what capability will be quashed because we didn't fully empower private industry. Congress must remain vigilant in its oversight of remote sensing licensing, and any abuse of the approval process should be challenged.

My biggest disappointment is that this bill does not establish a self-certification regime for private space missions. American space companies are moving overseas because current laws here don't enable them to conduct business.

The House-passed bill intentionally made it easier to approve private space missions. Regrettably, the Senate killed these provisions.

The Bureau of Space Commerce created in this bill needs to use its authority to the maximum extent possible to

promote, support, and approve private space missions.

Mr. Speaker, there is much work left to be done to bolster American competitiveness and foster innovation, and I hope Congress will act next year to continue our leadership in space.

With this hope and expectation, I support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

I have no other requests for time on this side, so I am prepared to yield back if the gentlewoman from Texas is prepared to yield back.

Before I do, I just want to thank the ranking member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas, who is, obviously, a Texas colleague and a longtime friend, for all of her good work on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee while I have been chairman of that committee. She has been instrumental in our taking to the House floor and having passed on the House floor 35 bills. Of those 35 bills, 33 have been bipartisan, and that is largely due to her contributions and her efforts to try to make those bills bipartisan.

So I do appreciate having worked with her for the last 6 years. I wish her well next year, and I want to congratulate her on being the next chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize Representative Jeb Hensarling who has accomplished so much in only eight terms in Congress.

Jeb served six years as Chairman of the Financial Services Committee where he has continued to ensure that free markets thrive. Interestingly, his portrait features four books: The Bible, Atlas Shrugged, Hayek's The Road to Serfdom, and Friedman's Capitalism and Freedom. These works have guided his commitment to free markets and individual liberties.

Jeb Hensarling is as articulate of a speaker as I have ever encountered. Inevitably, his remarks reveal his perceptive views on subjects ranging from job creation and economic development to our Constitutional rights.

Jeb leaves the Hill the same way that he came, a principled man with the strongest of ideals. I thank Jeb for his years of service to our country and to his constituents in the fifth district.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize my fellow Texan, Representative Joe Barton. The longest serving member in the Texas delegation and eighth most senior in the House, he has spent his 34 year career working for our country and the people of the sixth district.

Joe has a passion for politics and Texas A&M that is rarely matched. Since his time as a fellow in the Reagan White House almost four decades ago, he has continually championed conservative principles.

Joe has been a coach, manager, and player for the Republican baseball team since 1986 and has received several MVP Pitcher awards.

Last year, he and two of his sons were at what seemed like a typical early morning baseball practice that soon became a field of violence. During the ten minutes of shooting, and in the weeks following, he showed perseverance and resolve.

Joe has represented his constituents well for many years. I wish him a happy retirement.

Mr. Speaker, today I'd like to recognize a true American hero, Sam Johnson, who has demonstrated exceptional valor, service, and patriotism. Before he came to Congress he spent 29 years in the Air Force where he flew almost 100 combat missions in the Korean and Vietnam wars.

I encourage all of my interns to read Congressman Johnson's autobiography, Captive Warriors, which recounts his seven years of torture, including 42 months of solitary confinement as a prisoner of war.

Sam Johnson's service to his country didn't end in Hanoi. In his 28 years in Congress Sam continued to demonstrate his unshakable principles and the courage of his convictions.

Congressman Johnson is the last Vietnam POW in Congress and remains a true patriot. I thank Sam for his lifetime of service.

Mr. Speaker, today I'd like to recognize Congressman John Culberson. For almost two decades he has been an advocate for the Texans of the seventh district.

Chairing the House Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, John has maintained or increased the budget for funding NASA. When it comes to space issues, his interest, knowledge, and enthusiasm is unmatched.

A lawyer by trade, John has always fought for NASA to ensure America remains the world-leader in space exploration. His expertise and good counsel will continue to be needed even after his time in Congress comes to an end.

I thank John for his public service. It has been a pleasure working on space issues with him in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, today I'd like to recognize the first Republican to represent the second district of Texas, Ted Poe.

Before coming to Washington, Ted was a felony court judge in Harris County where he was one of the youngest judges in the state. Known for his practical sentencing, his reputation for telling it like it is accompanied him to Congress.

Ted has always put his country first. From his time as a prosecutor to a Congressman protecting our borders and combating human trafficking, he has always prioritized American's safety.

I thank Ted for his 14 years of public service. His patriotism will be missed and as he often says, ``that's just the way it is.''

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank Congressman Michael Capuano for his many years of service to his constituents in Massachusetts's 8th district.

Mike and I served together on then Speaker Pelosi's Task Force on Ethics Enforcement in the ll0th Congress. I developed a great appreciation for Michael's candor and honesty while we both worked together. I have the highest respect for his integrity, judgement, and ability to find the truth on contentious or complicated issues.

Congressman Capuano earned the respect of his colleagues during his time on the Task Force and now as the current Ranking Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

It has been an honor serving with him over the years.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty for her productive years in Congress and on the Science Committee in particular. Representative Esty has served her constituents in Connecticut proudly during her time in Congress.

Among other accomplishments, she enacted H.R. 255, the ``Promoting Women in Entrepreneurship Act'', in the current Congress. She also sponsored on H.R. 1020, the ``STEM Education Act of 2015'', which became law. It promoted educational opportunities for students in STEM subjects.

It is because of her principled approach that 33 of the Science Committee's 35 bills that were approved on the House floor were bipartisan.

Elizabeth was willing to work across party lines to get legislation passed. It has been a pleasure serving with Elizabeth in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank Representative Gene Green for his years of service in Congress. He and I have been members of the Texas delegation for years and I consider him to be both a colleague and a friend.

Gene has selflessly dedicated years of his life to represent the constituents of the 29th district of Texas. He has listened to their concerns and focused on the issues they care about.

Gene has worked with his colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee to pass legislation that has the support of both parties. His current leadership position as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Health, as well as his previous leadership roles on the Committee has garnered him respect from his peers throughout Congress.

I wish Gene the best as he starts his next chapter.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to congratulate Representative Jared Polis on his victory in the Colorado gubernatorial race even though it means he is leaving Congress.

I have worked with Representative Polis on Science Committee issues over the years given his district contains both a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) office. Congressman Polis has shown an acute knowledge regarding High-Tech issues given his experience running internet-based companies in the private sector and his philanthropic work in the area.

I wish him the best of luck as he starts this new chapter serving the constituents of Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize Paul Ryan's 20 years of exemplary Congressional service with great appreciation and gratitude.

I think Speaker of the House may be the toughest job in America. A Speaker has to gather 218 votes to approve any measure, unlike executives who can simply issue orders.

Paul may be the first Speaker who didn't seek the office and, instead, was drafted by the Republicans in Congress--a true testament to the respect his colleagues have for him. And he has handled the speakership with humility, dignity, and confidence.

Speaker Ryan also has consistently made his family a priority, even forgoing political activities on weekends to be with them.

I thank Paul for his leadership and heartfelt commitment to our nation.

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher Farewell

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize the gentleman from California for 30 years of service in Congress. He cares deeply for California's Orange County and his constituents.

Dana Rohrabacher has been an active member of the Science Committee and has been the Chair of the Space Subcommittee. In fact, he was such an able Chairman, I requested a waiver to keep him in that position for two years beyond the regular six-year term limit.

After beginning his career as a speechwriter for President Ronald Reagan, Dana, who is an avid surfer, continued to ride the wave of political service by running and winning his first campaign for Congress in 1988.

A true public servant, Dana has an infectious personality and a sense of humor that brightens any room. In fact, some of his jokes are even funny.

I thank Dana for his friendship and for his service.

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Farewell

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize my friend and colleague, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, or, as she allows me to call her, Lily.

When I first met Ileana, I asked her if she had a nickname. She told me her friends call her Lily and so could I.

Her accomplishments as a Congresswoman from Florida's 27th congressional district are historic. She was the first Cuban-American elected to Congress and also had the distinct honor of serving as the first Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

She has left a positive and indelible mark on Congress and on her colleagues. I thank Lily for her dedicated service to our country.

rep. kevin yoder farewell

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague, Congressman Kevin Yoder for his years of service to Kansas's 3rd congressional district.

Kevin's childhood on a family farm in rural Kansas gave him strong values and a work ethic. As the student body president at the University of Kansas, he showed an early affinity for politics before he entered Congress.

His work here on the Appropriations Committee has focused on balancing the budget, reducing our national debt, securing our borders, and spurring private sector job growth, all in the best interests of our country.

I've enjoyed working with him on these shared goals, and I've also enjoyed our friendship off the Floor when we regularly play doubles tennis matches with Bob Goodlatte, Fred Upton, and Shelley Moore Capito.

Whether on the tennis court or in the halls of Congress, Kevin is a team player, exhibiting determination and a good attitude. I thank Kevin for his service in Congress and for his friendship.

rep. randy hultgren farewell

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize the gentleman from Illinois for his eight productive years in Congress.

Randy Hultgren has been passionate about public service from a young age. He got his start as an intern in D.C. and was then elected to the Illinois House of Representatives, the Illinois Senate, and as the representative of Illinois' 14th district.

Over the years, there have been few, if any, members who rival Randy's steadfast commitment to supporting the U.S. research system. His district is home to a Department of Energy National Laboratory, FermiLab, and he has played a pivotal role in keeping the United States at the forefront of high energy physics.

I thank Randy for his efforts in promoting American innovation. His service has made an impact that will continue to benefit his constituents and our country.

rep. barbara comstock farewell

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize the gentlewoman from Virginia for her years of service in the U.S. Congress.

Barbara Comstock has been an active and effective member of the Science Committee and Chair of the Research and Technology Subcommittee for four years.

She worked tirelessly to promote STEM education and opportunities for American students. Her commitment to empowering women in STEM fields motivated her to author the INSPIRE Women Act, a law that enables NASA to encourage young women to pursue a STEM education.

No doubt Barbara honed her skills while attending high school in my home state of Texas, where she also met her husband. But I know her heart has always been with her constituents in Virginia. I thank her for her public service and the influence she has had on the education of our young women.

rep. bob goodlatte farewell

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize a best friend in Congress, Bob Goodlatte of Virginia.

I often cite Bob as an example of an ideal Member of Congress. Over his 26 years, he has proven himself to be a dedicated public servant, resilient leader, and exemplary statesman.

During his congressional career, Bob served as Chairman of both the Agriculture and Judiciary Committees, one of the few members of Congress to chair two committees.

He also is a leader on Internet and high-tech issues. Bob's work to foster innovation in the technology sector. has contributed to our nation's economic growth.

He is knowledgeable, smart, persistent, cheerful, and a strategic thinker. That's why he is a great Member, a great Chairman, and an inspiration to friends, family, and colleagues.

It has been a privilege to serve with Bob and know him as a close friend.

rep. trey gowdy farewell

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize the gentleman from South Carolina for his eight years of distinguished service in Congress and for his successful Chairmanship of the Oversight Committee.

Trey Gowdy has one of the sharpest legal minds I have ever encountered. He possesses that rare combination of smarts, confidence, and humility.

Trey is a skilled debater and a masterful cross-examiner on the Judiciary Committee. Perhaps it goes back to his education at Baylor University in the great state of Texas.

He will leave a legacy as one of the most capable and versatile experts of law we have in Congress.

I thank Trey for his leadership and service that has benefitted his constituents, the Congress, and our country.

rep. darrell issa farewell

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize the gentleman from California for his 18 years of service in Congress.

Darrell is intellectually gifted, and his knowledge of electronics and technology is unmatched in Congress. And, as a holder of 37 patents, Darrell knows the importance of protecting the property rights of artists and inventors.

He is also a skilled representative and leader. His time as Chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform was one of the Committee's most productive and effective periods. In fact, I appreciate him allowing some of his best staff to join me on the Science Committee.

Darrell will continue to excel as Director of the Trade and Development Agency and I wish him well with his new responsibility.

rep. steve knight farewell

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize the gentleman from California for his long-time service to our country.

Steve Knight is an active member of the Science Committee and Vice Chair of the Energy Subcommittee. He authored several bills to advance research initiatives, improve STEM education, and promote opportunities for women in aerospace.

His father was an Air Force test pilot who still holds the world record for top speed in a winged aircraft. Steve also followed the patriotic calling by joining the Army and serving 18 years with the Los Angeles Police Department.

He has dedicated his professional life to the people of California, holding office in the State Assembly, State Senate, and here in the House of Representatives.

I thank Steve for his commitment and service.

Mr. Speaker, I now have a unified theory that I believe explains the ideology of liberals.

It covers their views of virtually any subject--higher taxes, open borders, more regulations, and the traducing of traditional values.

The reason liberals want more government control is so they can control our daily lives. The reason liberals want to control our daily lives is because they think they are smarter than the American people. The reason they think they are smarter than the American people is . . . well, there is no good reason.

I'm sure many liberals are well-meaning. They want what they feel is best for the country. But that's the problem. They want to impose their views on the American people.

Conservatives want to conserve values and protect freedoms--free speech, freedom of religion, and freedom from excessive government control. That, I believe is what Americans want too.

Mr. Speaker, the Media Research Center has released a report showing online media companies suppress conservative speech.

Their report found that ``War is being declared on the conservative movement . . . and conservatives are losing--badly. It's the new battleground of media bias. But it's worse. That bias is not a war of ideas. It's a war against ideas. It's a clear effort to censor the conservative worldview from the public conversation.

Twitter Leads in Censorship.

Facebook's Trending Feed has been Hiding Conservative Topics.

Google Search Aids Democrats.

YouTube is Shutting Down Conservative Videos.

Tech Firms Are Relying on (advisory) Groups That Hate Conservatives.

Liberal Twitter Advisors Outnumber Conservatives 12-to-1.

Tech Companies Rely on Anti-Conservative Fact-Checkers.''

Conservatives are right to be suspicious of these social media/tech media companies.

Mr. Speaker, it is not easy to summarize 32 years in Congress, but I will try.

Politics comes from the Greek word ``polites,'' meaning citizens, and they are the source of our country's strength.

What I remember most, what was especially meaningful, what made me feel fortunate were the colleagues I served with, the people I worked with, and the constituents we helped.

To my colleagues, thank you for your public service. You didn't have to leave families behind or spend extra hours every week in a car or on a plane, but you did it with a genuine desire to advance America's worthy interests.

To my staff members, past and present, in the D.C. and Texas offices and on the committees I chaired, thank you for your dedication and for advising me on legislation and votes and for assisting thousands of constituents.

To my constituents, thank you for trusting me to represent you all these good years. It has been a wonderful honor.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 5509) to direct the National Science Foundation to provide grants for research about STEM education approaches and the STEM-related workforce, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 5509, the bill now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5509, the IMT Apprenticeships Act, was introduced by Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy with my support and that of the ranking minority member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee. It increases our STEM workforce and improves our national competitiveness.

The IMT Apprenticeships Act directs the National Science Foundation to fund initiatives that support innovative partnerships between academic institutions and local industries. These programs combine formal education with work experiences such as apprenticeships, pairing local employers with the STEM industry.

This bill also requires the NSF to conduct research on market analysis innovations and America's skilled technical workforce.

I would like to thank Leader McCarthy, Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson, and Senate Commerce Chairman John Thune for their efforts on this bipartisan bill. The IMT Apprenticeships Act enhances America's STEM competitiveness and contributes to our future economic prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, I urge its support, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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