Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, friend, and ranking member, Collin Peterson, for his wisdom and steadfast leadership through the farm bill reauthorization process, Chairman Conaway, and to all of the staff, who worked tirelessly.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the 2018 farm bill and to commend my colleagues on the farm bill conference committee for a truly bipartisan and bicameral product. I stand confident that the bill will move Delaware and our Nation forward.

It gives Delaware poultry growers the vital conservation resources they need when they need them. It shores up an already strong crop insurance program that protects our farmers against catastrophic loss. It provides additional sustainable resources for 1890 land-grant institutions, ensuring schools like Delaware State University continue their crucially important research while preparing the next generation in the ag economy.

And it also ensures nutrition benefits are maintained and protected for our children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families who rely on the social safety net to navigate difficult times.

All of these accomplishments were made possible by cooperation and compromise, which drew me to the Agriculture Committee in the first place.

We came together, we got something done, and that is what the American people want to see. This is a farm bill we can all be proud of, and I ask my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 5787, the Strengthening Coastal Communities Act of 2018.

Mr. Speaker, I want to start by thanking Chairman Bishop and Ranking Member Grijalva for working with myself and Congressman Dunn to quickly pass this important piece of legislation.

In my home State of Delaware and in communities all over the country, our beaches and coastlines are critical not only for their contributions to our economy, but also for their natural beauty. For too long, those communities were encroached upon by overly ambitious development. That development was, in part, aided by programs that were put in place by the Federal Government.

In the 1980s, Congress recognized the burden that development was placing on local communities and passed the Coastal Barrier Resources Act. The act ensured that certain coastal areas were removed from the Federal programs that incentivized increased development.

Through the creation of the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System, coastal communities across the United States were able to ensure that their cherished natural heritage was protected and preserved for generations to come.

As the years passed, the coastal communities across America evolved. The Coastal Barrier Resources Act should have evolved as well. Unfortunately, that didn't happen, and it has been far too long since the maps designating areas belonging to the Coastal Barrier Resources System were updated. It was through the efforts of the Members of those coastal communities that this problem was identified.

We are the people's House, and the Strengthening Coastal Communities Act of 2018 emanated from the thoughts and concerns of everyday citizens. It was the voice of a Member of my home State of Delaware that brought the issue to my attention, and I would be remiss if I didn't recognize him.

Tom D'Amico, the president of the South Shore Homeowners Association, shared with me just how badly outdated the maps were. Tom and other coastal Delawareans told me that the only way in which the Coastal Barrier Resources Act could truly be effective is if the maps designating the exempt areas were kept up-to-date.

I should also recognize the efforts of my State's senior Senator and ranking member on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Tom Carper. I know that Senator Carper has been paying very close attention to this issue, as it has impacted our shorelines for many years.

Finally, I recognize my friend and gentleman from Florida (Mr. Dunn). While, initially, Members from many States had introduced legislation updating maps for their individual States, it became clear that one bill that would update all the maps across the country would be the most effective and efficient way to accomplish our goals. When I came to Congress, I made a promise to the people of Delaware to work with other Members not based on the letter that was next to their name, but rather by finding Members with common interests, common challenges, and those who were willing to work to find common solutions. I am proud to have found a partner for this bill in Mr. Dunn.

From the coasts of Delaware to Florida, to Louisiana, to Hawaii, and to the Virgin Islands, we all have a common interest in maintaining the natural beauty of our great country. While development is crucial to the continued economic growth in our country, we recognize that not every place is appropriate for development. We should not only acknowledge the wisdom of the 97th United States Congress in passing the Coastal Barrier Resources Act, but do everything possible to uphold its legacy by ensuring that the maps are updated and modernized, as this bill has done.

Mr. Speaker, I also recognize Congressman Tom Evans, who was an original cosponsor from the State of Delaware.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Jamie Wolfe a native Delawarean who dedicated her life to advocacy and influencing public policy in order to create independence for people in the disability community.

Jamie was born with Arthrogryposis. Due to the severity of this muscular disorder, Jamie was never able to develop muscle in her arms or legs. With the support of her parents and loved ones, Jamie was dedicated to living a ``normal'' life and overcoming each obstacle she faced. She never met a challenge she didn't attack head on.

Jamie devoted her life to passing important legislation that would help empower those with disabilities and create the opportunity they deserve. Jamie's main goal was to help people who are disabled to gain independence in their everyday life. Through meaningful legislation, education, and advocacy Jamie achieved significant change that made many lives better. More than that, she made my life better. Her unwavering support of the issues she believed in was more than inspiring, it was paramount to the success of thousands of Delawareans and our state was made better for her work.

Please join me in extending our condolences to the entire Wolfe family. I hope that time and memories will help lessen the burden of their sorrow, and that they may draw some measure of comfort knowing that others care and celebrate her life and legacy.

Mr. Speaker, as the farm bill conference committee begins their negotiations, I rise today to urge conferees to include a provision important to Delaware farmers.

Many of our farmers utilize cost share programs under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, known as EQIP. The program provides growers with funds to make necessary farm improvements, while also mitigating environmental risks.

Farmers know what they need. They should be able to access these funds when they anticipate a problem, not after one has cropped up. That is why, this morning, I join my Delaware colleagues, Senators Carper and Coons, in urging the farm bill conference committee to include updates to the EQIP program so farmers can get access to the funds sooner, reducing their costs and environmental footprint, while promoting stewardship of our cherished farmland.

Tweaking the EQIP program may seem like a small change, but it produces big wins for Delaware's farmers and our environment. I urge my colleagues to include this language in the conference report.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today and ask my colleagues to join me in supporting my bill, H.R. 6483, the Trade Assistance for Farmers Act.

As a member of the House Agriculture Committee and a proud representative of Delaware, where 99 percent of our farms are family owned and 1 in 4 acres are permanently preserved for farmland, we have seen firsthand the impact of retaliatory tariffs.

Over the past 60 days, soybean and corn farmers across the country have suffered over $13 billion in losses, and, according to the Delaware Department of Agriculture, our soybean and corn farmers have lost $28 million.

Delaware is a microcosm of the country, with beautiful beaches, thriving cities, and sprawling farms. We know how important agriculture is to our country and our communities.

My bill would create a permanent fix so that all farmers impacted by retaliatory tariffs can have the tools they need to stay competitive, regardless of who is in the White House.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support my bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the bipartisan, bicameral EMPOWER Act.

The goal of this consequential legislation is simple: create safe workplaces and a society where everyone can thrive.

We all have the right to work in a safe environment, but over the past months we have heard stories of individuals from all walks of life. We have seen how widespread harassment is, and the culture of silence. In fact, according to the EEOC, it is estimated that 90 percent of harassment incidents never get reported. That is why we need this bill.

The EMPOWER Act outlines what sexual harassment is, creates systems that foster accountability, and removes the fear of retaliation that keeps so many victims from coming forward. By removing that fear of reporting, eradicating deceptive nondisclosure agreements, and increasing transparency, we are taking meaningful steps to make our workplaces harassment-free and creating a culture of respect throughout society.

From Harvey Weinstein to factory floors to Time's Up and the #MeToo movement, we are going from a moment to a movement to action. I ask that my colleagues join me in supporting this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to again vote against the partisan GOP farm bill.

Mr. Speaker, I traveled across my State and heard countless stories from Delawareans of all backgrounds: farmers, emergency food providers, and working families. I want to share one story.

During Kids Day at the Lewes Farmers Market, every child who attended with a SNAP participant was given $5 in tokens to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables. One boy, clutching his tokens, asked: ``Is this enough to buy a peach?'' The organizers told the boy it was enough to buy a whole basket. He looked up and said: ``Good, because I have never tasted a peach.''

That is what the farm bill is about. It is about connecting people from farm to fork.

This bill is too important for one party to go it alone. I hope my colleagues will vote again against this bill so that we can get back to truly working on a bipartisan farm bill that strengthens the rural economy, our farm safety net, and ensures that all children have the opportunity to taste a peach.

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, due to a funeral, I will miss the vote on H.R. 2851, Stop Importation and Trafficking of Synthetic Analogues Act of 2017. It was my intention to vote ``no.''

Mr. Chairman, first let me thank Chairman Thornberry and Ranking Member Smith for the time. I also want to thank both of them for including my amendment in the en bloc 2 amendment package.

My amendment expresses this body's strong support of the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. The Dover Air Force Base is a pillar of our community in the First State and a pillar of the Air Force community at large.

The Dover Air Force Base is home to the 436th and the 512th Air Lift Wings, representing over 4,000 Active-Duty military and civilians. The 436th was recently recognized with the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. The award served as recognition of the exemplary

work of the entire unit led by Colonel Ethan Griffin who will, unfortunately, soon be leaving Dover.

Along with supporting the missions of the two Air Lift Wings, Dover is also home to the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs and carries out the solemn obligation of caring for our fallen heroes.

Mr. Chair, it is right and fitting that the United States Congress recognize and acknowledge the incredibly important work of the Dover Air Force Base, and I urge my colleagues to support this en bloc amendment package.

Mr. Chair, I have the honor of not only sitting on the Committee on Agriculture but also of sitting on the Committee on Education and the Workforce, so I know very well how important healthy, hunger-free children are to a good education system.

On top of already harmful policies, the Conaway manager's amendment compromises the current science-based nutrition standards in Federal schools meals programs. By politicizing and legislating nutrition standards, this amendment, if adopted, will further threaten the school meals programs upon which millions of children rely.

The USDA updated the current standards based on rigorous, evidence- based processes, as required by the last bipartisan Child Nutrition Reauthorization. These standards rely on expert, nonpartisan recommendations. Research shows that children are now eating 16 percent more vegetables and 23 percent more fruit at lunch. Further, according to a poll by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, 97 percent of Americans support the National School Nutrition Standards and 86 percent say the School Nutrition Standards should stay or be strengthened.

There is simply no reason to depart from science-based and evidence- based standards. We should not compromise on what is best for our children. That is why the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, and others oppose rolling back the standards. I urge my colleagues to oppose these efforts that would further threaten the health of our Nation's children and students.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Mr. Chairman, 42, 23, 89, 200, and 3. These numbers stand out for me. Forty-two million people will be impacted by the SNAP changes; 23 hearings; 89 witnesses, who didn't recommend the proposals that we are seeing today; $200 million spent on 10 pilot programs, of which we won't get the results in time; and 3 years old, the age that we are reducing down from 6 for parents to go to work.

These numbers just don't add up. And one of my concerns is that great proposals might be put on the floor right now, but we had a process, and the process has been flawed, and now we have a flawed product.

So, again, I urge my colleagues across the aisle to come back together in the great tradition of the Agriculture Committee and work on a bipartisan piece of legislation that moves Americans into work-- meaningful work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the rule and the underlying bill. I originally had some things written down on paper, but based on the last comments, I just want to echo the sentiments of my colleague and also share that I served as Secretary of Labor in the State of Delaware. I served as head of State personnel.

Jobs are important to us. I had the opportunity to work on WIA, WIOA, all of those great pieces of legislation for workforce development. And I want to talk about some myths.

There is a myth that the majority of people on SNAP aren't working or won't work in a year. That is a myth. Two-thirds of SNAP recipients are children, seniors, and people with disabilities. People don't realize that. And there are 6 million unfilled jobs. So, for me, the problem with this bill, the biggest problem is that it was a missed opportunity.

If we are truly serious about employing people who are returning from prison, people who maybe have a disability--

Mr. Speaker, if we are truly serious, then we will come to the table. But when the table is set in stone, then we don't get an opportunity to really work on those things that will support the American people.

The other piece that was disappointing to me is, I came to this as a person who wanted to be on this committee because of its bipartisan nature and that the American people are waiting and watching to see us come together for them. This is a loss of confidence, and it is also a missed opportunity.

I am excited and hopeful that we will come together because the people are watching.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter that I wrote to Secretary Perdue, because there were a lot of questions and assumptions that were never answered even in our markup.

Congress of the United States,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC, May 11, 2018.

Hon. Sonny Perdue,

Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture,

Washington, DC.

Dear Secretary Perdue: I am writing to request that the

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) respond to my inquiries

regarding H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018,

which is also known as the Farm Bill. As a member of the

House Committee on Agriculture, I am one of 46 Members

sitting on the committee of jurisdiction for this

legislation. Given the breadth of the proposed changes in the

Farm Bill, I want to take this opportunity to reach out to

the agency that will be responsible for implementing the

provisions in the bill.

During the markup of the Farm Bill on April 18, 2018, my

colleagues on both sides of the aisle were only able to

direct questions to Chairman Conaway. However, I believe it

is essential that we hear from the experts involved in

running these programs to ensure we are advocating for

policies that are evidence-based. As a result, I respectfully

ask that you address the following questions and provide a

timely response.

Workforce Programs

My understanding is that we would need anywhere between

three to five million more slots in workforce training

programs across the country if all eligible SNAP participants

would like to enroll in SNAP Employment and Training (E&T)

programs. The bill would provide a new federal E&T grant of

$1 billion per year to finance the newly mandated work

program, which comes out to less than $30 per person per

month. Upon what evidence and or best practices has this

number been arrived at? Does the USDA believe this is

sufficient? If not, what does the USDA think is sufficient to

implement a meaningful workforce development program and move

people into work?

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) analysis says it

would take a decade to set up a program for everyone to get a

work slot. If state E&T costs are greater than their annual

federal grant, will states bear the additional costs

associated with operating the work programs? What breakdown

does USDA expect in administration expenses between job

training, IT, administrative costs, and other programs? What

are the ramifications for states of not fully implementing

their work programs?

What additional capacity would USDA require to oversee this

new work program? Would states experience increased

administrative costs under this proposal?

When specifically will we hear the results from the 2014

Farm Bill SNAP E&T Pilot Projects? Under current law, what

are your expectations for sharing these findings and building

them into USDA oversight of state E&T? If H.R. 2 were to be

enacted as proposed, when will you be able to incorporate the

findings from the pilot projects into the SNAP program, based

on how this bill is written?

I appreciate your timely consideration and the work you do

for farmers, families, and communities across the country.

Sincerely,

Lisa Blunt Rochester,

Committee Member,

House Committee on Agriculture.

Mr. Chairman, it is with deep disappointment that I stand in opposition to the partisan farm bill. I joined the House Committee on Agriculture because of its reputation of being bipartisan. I represent an entire State--urban, rural, and suburban. The farm bill is vital. That is why I was so disappointed to see this breakdown.

The goal of creating a thriving economy and moving people out of poverty is a goal we all share, and throughout my career I have worked to connect people with jobs. As Delaware's former secretary of labor and deputy secretary of health and social services, I have overseen both workforce development and economic safety net programs.

I believe in work. We believe in work. However, the majority's proposal would essentially force individuals off SNAP to pay for an unproven, untested, severely underfunded program.

What happens if your child gets sick or your car breaks down? Should that mean you and your child go hungry for up to a year if you are sanctioned?

What makes this even more troubling is that the 10 pilot programs designed to give us best practices in providing employment and training services to SNAP recipients, one of which is in my home State of Delaware, have not been completed or evaluated and won't be until at least 2019.

Why are we putting the cart before the horse? If the majority is really concerned with getting the policy right, why not wait until we have the evidence and the data to make good use of taxpayer dollars?

To understand the impact on Delaware, I traveled across my State and met with farmers, emergency food providers, supermarket owners, and State agencies. But the conversation that surprised me the most was one I had recently with a father. He shared how, years ago, SNAP and public housing allowed him and his wife to raise three healthy daughters. Because of support, he was the first in his family to graduate from high school and college and, ultimately, to move out of poverty.

He paid that debt back in multiple ways through service. He went on to become a social worker, a school administrator, and, subsequently, was elected city council president.

The value of service was then passed down. One daughter went to work in the White House and is now a professor of social work at Rutgers University. The second daughter became an engineer and worked for the U.S. Army, protecting our troops. And his oldest daughter grew up to be a Congresswoman. That dad is my dad.

Colleagues, we still have a chance to go back to the drawing board. The hopes, the dreams, the aspirations of 42 million people are in our hands. Let's not let them down.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of my colleagues Senator Tom Carper and Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, to honor and congratulate Steve Austin, a Delaware Fire Service veteran and recipient of the Congressional Fire Services Institute's (CFSI) 2018 Mason Lankford Fire Leadership Award.

A selfless citizen, Steve served the people of Newark in one of the state's largest volunteer fire companies after joining the fire service in 1963. His willingness to help others has been a source of comfort to Delawareans experiencing times of overwhelming loss and tragedy. Steve's sacrifice and volunteer spirit is a testament to his character.

Steve's work was essential to the formation of the CSFI in 1989 and since then, he has dedicated his life to advancing the health and safety of firefighters across the nation for more than three decades. His life-long passion is evident in his founding of the Emergency Responder Safety Institute and Delaware Chapter of International Arson Investigators. Steve has been a powerful advocate at the local, state and federal level on issues that affect the ability of first responders to safely resolve dangerous situations and continue living a long, healthy life.

Steve is an extraordinary ambassador for all emergency personnel and is much deserving of the CFSI's 2018 Fire Leadership Award. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude and sincerest congratulations to Steve for receiving the CFSI Leadership Award and for his devotion to the people of Delaware. The First State is lucky to have members of the community who volunteer their time and sacrifice their lives for the greater good. Steve, like many other emergency workers will tell you, ``I'm just doing my job.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of my colleagues Senator Tom Carper and Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, to honor and congratulate Steve Austin, a Delaware Fire Service veteran and recipient of the Congressional Fire Services Institute's (CFSI) 2018 Mason Lankford Fire Leadership Award.

A selfless citizen, Steve served the people of Newark in one of the state's largest volunteer fire companies after joining the fire service in 1963. His willingness to help others has been a source of comfort to Delawareans experiencing times of overwhelming loss and tragedy. Steve's sacrifice and volunteer spirit is a testament to his character.

Steve's work was essential to the formation of the CSFI in 1989 and since then, he has dedicated his life to advancing the health and safety of firefighters across the nation for more than three decades. His life-long passion is evident in his founding of the Emergency Responder Safety Institute and Delaware Chapter of International Arson Investigators. Steve has been a powerful advocate at the local, state and federal level on issues that affect the ability of first responders to safely resolve dangerous situations and continue living a long, healthy life.

Steve is an extraordinary ambassador for all emergency personnel and is much deserving of the CFSI's 2018 Fire Leadership Award. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude and sincerest congratulations to Steve for receiving the CFSI Leadership Award and for his devotion to the people of Delaware. The First State is lucky to have members of the community who volunteer their time and sacrifice their lives for the greater good. Steve, like many other emergency workers will tell you, ``I'm just doing my job.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate William ``Mike'' McMichael, a dedicated public servant, upstanding Delawarean, and recipient of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians' (NAEMT) 2018 Emergency Medical Services Advocate of the Year Award.

For more than 30 years, Mike's experience as a skilled ER Patient Care Technician for the Delaware City Fire Company has saved countless lives and provided comfort to those experiencing unimaginable tragedy and trauma. He is a man who genuinely cares about his community and the well-being of those who live in it. Through Mike's three decades of hard work, he has day-in and day-out made a difference for Delaware City and touched the lives of countless First Staters in need.

As the Delaware State Advisor for NAEMT and member of the Delaware State Emergency Medical Services Association, he has been a powerful voice on behalf of the broader EMS (emergency medical services) community in our state. His leadership and commitment to our EMTs is evident through his tireless advocacy work at the local, state and federal levels of government. Mike's passion and selflessness is a testament to his service and character.

Mike is an extraordinary ambassador for the EMS community and a dedicated civic leader. The First State is lucky to have Fire and EMS professionals like him who put their lives on the line every day. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude and sincerest congratulations to Mike for receiving the 2018 EMS Advocate of the Year Award and for his years of service to the people of Delaware.