Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Steve Stone, Superintendent of Schools in Caldwell County, North Carolina. I would like to congratulate Dr. Stone on his retirement after 38 years of service to the students and families of Caldwell County and North Carolina Public School Systems.

Dr. Stone's passion for education was sparked by his classroom experiences growing up with skilled teachers in Person County, North Carolina. Their unwavering commitment to their students propelled him forward to receive his Bachelor's Degree from University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, his Master's Degree from University of North Carolina Charlotte, and lastly his Doctorate from North Carolina State University. Over the course of his career, Dr. Stone served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, school level principal, and central office director. Shaped by our state's esteemed public school and university system, Superintendent Stone is a strong advocate for public education.

As Superintendent of Caldwell County Schools, Dr. Stone focused on sustainability and success. He is active and involved with numerous educational organizations that promote, invest, and protect our children's future. Dr. Stone started and supported initiatives which have led to 9 consecutive years of increasing high school graduation rates, 7 years of increasing college scholarship awards, and expanded access to Technology, Engineering, Science, and Mathematics for the students of Caldwell County.

Dr. Stone is highly regarded among his colleagues throughout the state and in Caldwell County and is the 2nd longest tenured superintendent in North Carolina. His service and conviction to provide a productive, forward-moving environment for all students to learn will leave a legacy for decades to come. Dr. Stone has impacted the lives of the people he serves and it is my distinct honor to recognize his outstanding work and express the best wishes of the people of Western North Carolina on the occasion of his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Azerbaijan, then known as the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. As the first Muslim- majority nation to embrace secular, elected government, Azerbaijan will always be a model for states who aim for progress, ongoing reform, and a step towards bettering the lives of their people. On behalf of the people of North Carolina, I also recognize the contributions of the Azerbaijani community in my home state.

After the landmark 1918 independence declaration, a Bolshevik invasion cut short Azerbaijani independence. Yet, this dream was never extinguished, and in 1991 Azerbaijanis again created their own independence movement, successfully declaring their own state. Each time Azerbaijan reasserted its independence, the United States has been quick to recognize Azerbaijan. We should be proud of the lasting and valuable relationship we have enjoyed ever since.

Azerbaijan is a crucial and irreplaceable ally in the global fight against terror and an exemplary partner with the United States. I look forward to deepened bilateral cooperation, including towards the fullest realization of our commitments to good, democratic governance, trade, and progress in the Caspian region and beyond. As a country bordering both Russia and Iran, Azerbaijan's membership in NATO's Partnership for Peace program is particularly important. Azerbaijan has emerged as a crucially important transportation route for supplying U.S. operations, and I want to recognize Azerbaijan for providing troops to the U.S.-led mission in Afghanistan and for allowing NATO planes to use Azerbaijani airspace.

Throughout my time in Congress, my colleagues and I on either side of the aisle have united in our staunch support of Israel. As a modern, secular Muslim country, Azerbaijan shares these values and stands out among its neighbors in the region for the strength and durability of this bond with Israel. As a nation with a Jewish community dating back many hundreds of years, and as a major provider of oil to Israel, the Azerbaijani-Israeli relationship, and indeed the Azerbaijani-American relationship, are on a path to greater cooperation and shared prosperity.

It is important that Congress recognizes the historic milestones of our allies, especially those in a region where close cooperation with America is valuable and scarce. This is why I would like to recognize and congratulate Azerbaijan for the 100th anniversary of independence.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sheriff Dudley Greene of McDowell County, North Carolina. I would like to express my gratitude to Sheriff Greene for 35 years of serving and protecting the citizens of Western North Carolina.

Sheriff Greene began his career with law enforcement in 1983 as a Patrol Officer at Newland Police Department in Avery County after completing law enforcement training at Mayland Community College. Sheriff Greene went on to become the Police Chief at Newland Police Department after only two years with the department. He then served as a Special Agent with North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement for two years before starting as a Detective and Chief Deputy in Avery County Sheriff's Office in 1990.

In 1994, Sheriff Greene began his career with McDowell County Sheriff's Office and has faithfully served in various positions over his tenure. Prior to becoming Sheriff, he held many important roles, including Criminal Investigation Detective, Jail Captain, and Detective Captain. As Detective Captain, he was recognized as McDowell County's Deputy of the Year by the county commissioners in 2002. Sheriff Greene has served as Sheriff of McDowell County since his election in 2008 and has successfully handled numerous cases for the people in his community.

Sheriff Greene and his wife Allyson have two children: Mary Beth who lives in New York and Julian who is serving in the United States Army. Sheriff Greene attends Grace Community Church in Marion, North Carolina.

Through his dedication to the citizens of McDowell County and wide- ranging involvement in his community, Sheriff Greene has enriched the lives of the people he has faithfully served. It is my distinct honor to recognize his outstanding work and express the best wishes of the people of Western North Carolina to Sheriff Greene on the occasion of his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Bryan Whitner of the Canton Police Department in Haywood County, North Carolina. On behalf of the citizens of Western North Carolina, I would like to thank Chief Whitner for over 30 years of outstanding service to the people of the Town of Canton and Haywood County.

Chief Whitner began his career with law enforcement as a Waynesville Police Department Patrol Officer in 1987. He then served as a Canton Police Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain until he was promoted to Chief of Police in 2010. Chief Whitner faithfully served as the lead criminal investigator for 17 years during his time in office. During his career, Chief Whitner obtained law enforcement accreditation for the Canton Police Department through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, a large accomplishment for the Canton Police Department.

As a Tuscola High School graduate, Haywood Community College graduate, and Western Carolina University graduate, Chief Whitner has been a long-time student of institutions in Western North Carolina. Chief Whitner received his associate of applied science degree in criminal justice technology from Haywood Community College in 1998 and later received his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Western Carolina University in 2006.

Over the course of his career, Chief Whitner has served on numerous committees, including Child Fatality Review, Kids Advocacy Resource, Law Enforcement Planning Committee, DWI Task Force and Haywood Community College Curriculum Advisory Committee. Chief Whitner's dedication to excellence has made him a wonderful Chief, and his commitment to the Canton community has made him beloved by many. The outreach programs he initiated in Canton schools will have an impact on the Town of Canton for many years to come.

Chief Whitner has earned the respect of his community through his commitment a the Canton Police Department and engagement in the community. For his abiding service to the people of Western North Carolina, I am privileged to express to Chief Whitner the gratitude and best wishes of the people of North Carolina on his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Joe G. Wright, Jr. of Raleigh, North Carolina. On behalf of the people of North Carolina, I would like to thank Mr. Wright for almost 30 years of service to our communities and congratulate him on his upcoming retirement.

Joe Wright began his career in emergency management as an Emergency Services Director for Caswell County in 1990. He began working with the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management as an Area Coordinator in 2004, became a Central Branch Manager in 2009, and rose to the position of Deputy Director in 2013. Over the course of his career, Mr. Wright has aided in twenty-two FEMA disaster declarations, including deploying to New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina and assisting the state during Hurricane Matthew. Mr. Wright was instrumental in the development of a Field Standard Operational Guide that received a national best practice during accreditation inspections. He also chairs the Urban Search and Rescue Task Force Leaders Advisory Group.

Mr. Wright is the 2010 recipient of the Colonel William A. Thompson Award for Outstanding Achievement in Emergency Management. Over the course of his career, Mr. Wright has successfully led local and state operational responses to disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, winter storms, wildfires,

public disturbances, and hazardous material events.

Joe Wright has earned the respect and friendship of the people of North Carolina through his hard work and wide-ranging involvement throughout the state. For his service to North Carolina, I am honored to express to Mr. Wright the gratitude and best wishes of the people of North Carolina on his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Kenneth Briscoe of Caldwell County, North Carolina. On behalf of the people of Lenoir, I congratulate Chief Briscoe on his retirement and thank him for 23 years of service to Caldwell County, and 45 years of service to North Carolina.

Chief Briscoe began his career in 1973 as a volunteer firefighter in Hudson, North Carolina. He joined the Lenoir Fire Department as a paid firefighter in 1975 and was promoted to Captain in 1983. Chief Briscoe joined the North Carolina Department of Insurance in 1984 and was made the Deputy Director of the North Carolina Department of Insurance and the Fire and Rescue Commission. Chief Briscoe left the North Carolina Department of Insurance in 2004 to become the Chief of the Lenoir Fire Department.

During his career, Chief Briscoe has received many awards and honors for his exceptional service. In 2007, Chief Briscoe was selected Fireman of the Year by the North Carolina State Fireman's Association and was also recognized by the North Carolina State Senate for his outstanding service to North Carolina and the City of Lenoir. Chief Briscoe has been recognized by this Congress on three separate occasions for his service to the people of Lenoir and the State of North Carolina. In 2011, Chief Briscoe was awarded the National Chief Fire Officer designation and was made a member of the Institution of Fire Engineers. Furthermore, Chief Briscoe has attained many certifications through the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress.

Chief Briscoe was the first member of the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs to serve as President and Past President for two terms. As President of the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs, he represented over 1,500 fire chiefs and 45,000 firefighters. Chief Briscoe has also served as the Vice-Chairman of the North Carolina Fire and Rescue Commission. In 2014, Chief Briscoe was aptly named Western North Carolina Fire Officer of the Year. Western North Carolina is proud to have such an accomplished and caring public servant. Chief Briscoe is married to his wife, Paula, and they have one son, Joe.

Chief Briscoe's long list of awards and accomplishments does not paint the full-picture of the meaningful impact he has made on Caldwell County and the State of North Carolina. For his service to Western North Carolina, I am honored to express the gratitude and best wishes of the people of North Carolina to Chief Briscoe on his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Robert Youngdeer of the Qualla Boundary in Swain County, North Carolina. On behalf of the people of Western North Carolina, I would like to thank Chief Youngdeer for his decades of service to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the United States of America.

Chief Youngdeer was born in Ravensford, NC near the town of Cherokee, NC in Western North Carolina. After graduating from High School, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served in the Marines for eight years. Chief Youngdeer served in World War II and had been in the service for two years when he was wounded during the battle of Guadalcanal and was awarded with a Purple Heart. After serving with the Marines for eight years, he then joined the Army Paratroopers and retired after twenty years of military service to our nation.

After leaving the military, Chief Youngdeer served in numerous law enforcement positions in the Bureau of Indian Affairs Agencies, working with tribes in Alaska, Arizona, North Dakota, Mississippi and South Dakota. Chief Youngdeer returned to Cherokee, North Carolina and served as the Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians from 1983 to 1987. Since his time as Chief of the Eastern Band, Chief Youngdeer has been bestowed the title of ``Honored Man'' by the Tribal Council of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and has been honored by the Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation. Chief Youngdeer married Geneva Alene Stafford Youngdeer on Nov. 6, 1943, and together they have two children, Merritt and Judy.

Chief Youngdeer is revered by many for his lifetime of service to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and to the United States of America. As a serviceman and as Chief, he has always put the needs of others ahead of himself. Western North Carolina has been blessed to have such an extraordinary leader in our community. For his faithful service to the people of Western North Carolina, I express to Chief Youngdeer the gratitude and best wishes of the people of North Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, I object.

Mr. Speaker, today is a day where tens of thousands of people come to Washington, D.C., to march for the sanctity of life for the real purpose of speaking up for those who can't speak for themselves.

Each year, we see an unbelievable number of people coming to not only proclaim what a pro-life position is, but to come out in unison to make sure that we once again return to our roots of protecting life and knowing that every life is precious.

Sadly, much of the Main Street media will not be covering this today; but in this House, on this day, let us know that, indeed, we are still one nation under God and willing to protect life.

Mr. Speaker, as many of you know, we have had a Russian narrative that has been going on because of an infamous dossier. While there has been much reported on it, I can tell you that the Intelligence Committee has been fast at work, and Chairman Nunes has been doing outstanding work to get to the truth for the American people.

Today, I had the opportunity to go into a confidential setting to make sure that what we can do is understand better what actually took place. I am here to tell all of America tonight that I am shocked to read exactly what has taken place. I would think that it would never happen in a country that loves freedom and democracy like this country.

It is time that we become transparent in all of this. I am calling on our leadership to make this available so that all Americans can judge for themselves.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Tracy Daryl Cornett of the City of Lenoir, North Carolina. On behalf of the people of Western North Carolina, I would like to thank Lt. Cornett for 20 years of exemplary service to our communities as a member of the police force and congratulate him on his recent retirement.

Daryl Cornett began his decorated career in the public safety field as an employee of the Emergency Management Services in 1988. He went on to work for the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office in 1990 and served on active duty with the United States Air Force in 1991 before joining the Lenoir Police Department in 1998. Throughout his tenure with the Lenoir Police Department, Lt. Cornett served in various capacities including as a Crime Prevention and Public Information Officer, Special Response Team Negotiator, Detective Sergeant, and Patrol Lieutenant as well as in the Honor Guard. Simultaneously, Lt. Cornett re-enlisted in 2003 and continued to serve honorably as a member of the Air Force Reserve. His military service included operations Desert Storm and Northern Watch. In 2011, he was called to assist with Operation Enduring Freedom. All told, Lt. Cornett has devoted his entire professional career to serving his country and his community with integrity and bravery.

Over the course of his career, Lt. Cornett has been honored with numerous meritorious service awards including the Air Force Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Additionally, he was awarded the Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and the Humanitarian Service Medal. He also received special recognition as First Sergeant of the Year, 440th Air Wing in 2012.

Daryl Cornett has earned the respect and friendship of the people of the City of Lenoir through his hard work and selflessness. For his service to Western North Carolina, I am honored to express to Lt. Cornett the gratitude and best wishes of the people of North Carolina on his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Mike Cook of Caldwell County, North Carolina. On behalf of the people of Western North Carolina, I would like to thank Mr. Cook for over 40 years of service to our communities and congratulate him on his recent retirement.

Mike Cook began his career in the fire service as a volunteer in 1977 and eventually became a paid firefighter with the City of Lenoir in 1980. He began working with the Caldwell County Fire Marshal's Emergency Management Office in 1985, as a hazmat planner with North Carolina Emergency Management in 1988, and as Area Coordinator and eventually Branch Manager in 2006. All told, Mr. Cook has aided in thirty-two FEMA disaster declarations, including deploying to Mississippi during Hurricane Katrina and to Lumberton, North Carolina during Hurricane Matthew. Mr. Cook was instrumental in the development of the North Carolina All Hazards Incident Management Teams, and maintains credentials as an Incident Commander with the Western Branch All Hazards Incident Management Team. He is an Eagle Scout and longtime volunteer in his community, serving on the Board of Directors of Patterson Fire Department since 1977 and currently serving as President of the Board.

Over the course of his career, Mike has been honored with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Gold Circle Award and the Colonel William A. Thompson Award and Employee of the Year by the North Carolina Emergency Management Association. He received special recognition for work throughout the Democratic National Convention in 2012 from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and for response during Hurricane Floyd in 1999 from the North Carolina National Guard 139th Rear Tactical Operation Center.

Mike Cook has earned the respect and friendship of the people of Caldwell County through his hard work and wide-ranging involvement in his community. For his service to Western North Carolina, I am honored to express to Mr. Cook the gratitude and best wishes of the people of North Carolina on his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arizona for his leadership; and, obviously, for the eloquent words of my colleagues from Florida and from Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in, really, addressing a serious matter of transparency that has left the American people with questions that deserve honest answers.

You know, for the past year, as our government has been mired in a fruitless, aimless, and sometimes laborious investigation on accusations of collusion between the Russian Government and the 2016 Presidential campaign, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have insisted that Congress follow where the evidence leads in this investigation.

Mr. Speaker, I am here to tell you today that I agree wholeheartedly. Congress should follow the facts where they lead. However, they are leading in a very different direction than many of the mainstream media narratives might suggest.

You see, in the process of this investigation, we have learned a fact pattern surrounding the Clinton campaign and potentially the Obama administration's involvement in a targeted campaign using information from foreign intelligence officials against then-candidate Donald Trump.

Now, as we know from the recent New York Times report, the Presidential campaign of Hillary Clinton and the Democratic National Committee paid for research that was included in the now infamous Russian dossier that was made public in January of this year by Buzzfeed and reported on by CNN.

Now we know that the Clinton campaign and the DNC paid an ex-British intelligence officer, Christopher Steele, to compile this dossier with the research provided from Russian intelligence officials.

Now, much of this dossier contains claims that have either not been verified or have been directly refuted. So, Mr. Speaker, it is suspicious enough that the Clinton campaign and the DNC paid intelligence officials in Russia for this type of material and false information on President Trump.

But we were also beginning to see evidence that raises questions about the very way that the Obama Justice Department may have inappropriately involved themselves into this project, both before and after the 2016 Presidential campaign.

Mr. Speaker, now, if you would, consider the timeline that we are working with here. In April of 2016, the Clinton campaign used the law firm of Perkins Coie to retain Fusion GPS, the firm behind the Russian dossier.

Now, that very same month, in April of 2016, President Obama's campaign began paying more than $900,000 to what law firm?

Perkins Coie, the very same firm used by the Clinton campaign in the creation of the dossier.

Now, we also know that in the weeks prior to the 2016 election, President Obama's FBI tried to reach an agreement with Christopher Steele to pay for the Russian dossier, and the FBI actually ended up reimbursing some of the dossier expenses.

Now, to be clear, the FBI attempted to pay, and then reimbursed, the costs of the Russian dossier that was being orchestrated by Hillary Clinton's Presidential campaign. Now, the FBI has refused to answer questions and resisted any transparency on this issue.

So going a step further, we now know that on January 6, President Obama's intelligence officials, led by then-Director of the FBI, James Comey, briefed President-elect Trump on the contents of the dossier.

Now, following that January 6 briefing, there are reports that the Obama administration's intelligence officials leaked to CNN the fact that the President-elect was briefed on the dossier. Four days later, on January 10, the dossier ended up being published by Buzzfeed.

Now, keep in mind, several media outlets had the dossier in hand prior to January 10, but none of them had printed it since the claims could not be verified.

Now, this timeline leaves us with a myriad of extremely concerning questions, Mr. Speaker, but they can be boiled down into a few specifics: Why did President Obama's campaign begin paying almost $1 million to the very same firm that the Clinton campaign used to fund the dossier in the very same month that the Clinton campaign began paying for the dossier?

The second question: Why did President Obama's FBI attempt to pay Christopher Steele for the Russian dossier? Why was President Obama's FBI involved in paying for a project that the Clinton campaign started and was orchestrating?

Again, the FBI has refused to answer these questions and has resisted transparency on this issue.

And why brief the President at all on the dossier if much of the dossier could not be verified?

Or, I would suggest, if President Obama's intelligence officials had reason to treat the dossier seriously, then why did they wait 2 months after the election to disclose the information on January 6? Why wait?

And why was the President's meeting with President-elect Trump leaked to CNN 4 days after the briefing, if, again, the dossier could not be verified?

Mr. Speaker, the intention of all of this is not to spread theories or to speculate as to what might have happened. The point is to recognize that there are legitimate, unanswered questions about whether the Obama Justice Department involved themselves in a political project targeting then-candidate Donald Trump, a suggestion that has far more evidence behind it than the directionless investigation into the Trump- Russian collusion.

The American people deserve an answer to those questions. They demand answers to those questions, and it is our government's responsibility to find them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Dennis Presley of Buncombe County, North Carolina. On behalf of the people of Western North Carolina, I would like to thank Mr. Presley for over 35 years of service to our communities and congratulate him on his recent retirement.

Dennis Presley began his career with Skyland Fire and Rescue in 1978. From here, Chief Presley worked his way up from Firefighter to Chief of Skyland Fire and Rescue. While working in Skyland, Chief Presley also served Asheville Fire and Rescue as both a Captain and District Commander. During his time in Asheville, Chief Presley's team was the first to save a life using an automatic defibrillator, and he received an award from the Asheville City Manager for his heroism during a swift water rescue. All told, Chief Presley has earned over 10 awards for his leadership, heroism, and devotion to his community.

Outside of the fire station, Chief Presley continues his dedication to the firefighters of Western North Carolina by serving as an insurance agent for over thirty fire departments and as the first Chairman of the Buncombe County Fire Chiefs Association. In addition to this work in Buncombe County, Chief Presley actively serves in the Western North Carolina Association of Firefighters, the Buncombe County Firefighters Association, and as a Statistician with the North Carolina State Firefighters Association. While he has gone above and beyond the call of duty for his fellow firemen, Chief Presley has also found time to lead his family, serve his church, and invest in many friendships.

Chief Presley has earned the respect and friendship of the people of Buncombe County through his hard work and wide-ranging involvement in his community. For his service to Western North Carolina. I am honored to express to Chief Presley the gratitude and best wishes of the people of North Carolina on his retirement.

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

Mr. Chairman, I want to start out this evening by recognizing the fine work of Chairman Cole. I can tell you that there are many times in this Chamber that they want to pit members of my conference against appropriators. This is not one of those times. I just want to rise and acknowledge the great work of Chairman Cole and Chairman Frelinghuysen, and, truly, of the entire Appropriations Committee.

Regardless of whether my amendment passes or not, I plan to vote for the underlying bill. Yet, with this commonsense amendment that we put forth, Mr. Chairman, we are really looking to try to make sure that we rightsize a group that has been under attack, and this is all about the coal industry.

What we have found is that under the previous administration, there was an unbelievable attack on all fossil fuels, but specifically the coal industry.

This actually goes about rightsizing MSHA, which is the mine safety and health group that will inspect the mines. What we found is we have fewer mines to actually inspect. My amendment is real straightforward. It is saying: let's rightsize that particular group. Let's cut the number of employees that we have there by 10 percent. They have less mines to inspect. I can tell you, coming from a State that has mining in every one of the counties that I have the privilege of serving, what we need to understand is that it is not about safety of mine workers, because I am for the safety of mine workers; we really need to look at being responsible with the hardworking American taxpayer dollars. That is what this amendment is about.

Mr. Chairman, the hour is late, so I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I rise to acknowledge my dear friend from New York and her impassioned plea, but we have made news here tonight. All of a sudden, the people on the aisle opposite are all about the coal miners. Where has that debate been for the last 8 years?

We start talking about kids and family. What about the coal miners' kids and families? We have got 35 percent less coal mines that are being actually operated right now, 35 percent. We have 43 percent less coal miners. We are talking about kids and all the things that we need to be doing, and we have cut back on the coal mining. Why don't we cut back on the inspectors who, according to our numbers, have 35 percent less mines to actually inspect?

It is time that we rightsize the government. I strongly encourage my colleagues to support it. I thank the work of the chairman.

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