Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Robert Holden, a member of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Tribes, who joined the staff of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) in 1984 and retired last December after 33 years of dedicated service to NCAI and to the millions of Native people that were foremost in his mind every day of his life.

Many of you know that NCAI was begun in 1944 at the peak of the Federal government's ``Termination Policy,'' which sought to dissolve Indian tribal governments and to assimilate Indian people into the mainstream of America. Today, NCAI is the oldest, largest and most representative tribal organization in the country, with more than 300 member tribes.

When people in Congress or in public want to gauge the views of Indian Country on matters of health care, housing, cultural issues, economic development or sovereignty, they turn to NCAI.

For more than three decades, these people have often talked to Robert who spent most of his career at NCAI when salaries were low, there was no proper retirement program or health care, and with few staff. This meant long days, evenings and weekends, travel away from home and family, and often-frustrating times getting the attention of decision- makers in Congress and Federal agencies.

Working under the leadership of at least 6 Executive Directors, Robert became, over time, the institutional and collective memory of the NCAI organization as well as the source of continuity that is so important to a membership organization like NCAI.

None of these challenges could prevent Robert from persisting in his life's work and his absolute dedication to the cause of tribal sovereignty and improving the lives of Indian people.

Robert's leadership and commitment to the mission of NCAI stabilized the organization through many internal changes and external challenges.

Robert's work for NCAI over the years has been varied and compelling.

In the 1990's he managed the Nuclear Waste Policy Committee for NCAI on a contract with the U.S. Department of Energy, which anchored the organization's finances during a very difficult period. By identifying other contract and grant opportunities, Robert generated millions of dollars to NCAI, making possible the good work of the organization over the years.

Robert had great success on policy issues--particularly emergency response and tribal-friendly amendments to the Stafford Act, which he labored on for more than two decades. His efforts bore fruit when a window of opportunity opened after Hurricane Sandy and, as was typical of his work ethic, Robert jumped in with both feet. This is a prime example of Robert's patient but steady vision and how his long-term commitment has benefitted not just NCAI but tribal communities across the United States.

Robert is also leaving a legacy from his work with Native Veterans: his accomplishments include the recent decision by the Veterans Administration to expand the Tribal Veterans Service Officers Program; Native Code Talker legislation; and the establishment and funding of the National Indian Veterans Memorial, which will be housed on the grounds of the National Museum of the American Indian.

As a strong supporter and advocate for Native political participation, Robert pressed for increased voter awareness and action in Native communities even before the ``Native Vote'' phenomenon took shape.

In all of Robert's work, his fundamental belief in the wisdom of Indian people and the capacity of tribal governments to take on challenges of increasing technical complexity before long was one of the anchors of the Tribal Self-Governance movement, particularly in law enforcement and public safety.

Robert Holden may have retired, but he is not going away. He plans to serve as an Ambassador at Large for NCAI, continuing to participate in NCAI gatherings, and continuing to serve the Indian people and our country as he has done his whole adult life.

In 2017, the NCAI's member tribes unanimously passed Resolution MKE- 17-027 titled ``Appreciation for Robert Holden.'' Therefore, I include this Resolution in the Record.

I am grateful to Robert for his life's dedication to these important matters and for his indomitable spirit in making sure Indian tribes were always part of the discussion here in the halls of power in Washington, D.C.

I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in wishing Robert all the best in whatever the Creator has in store for him in the years to come.

Appreciation for Robert Holden

The National Congress of American Indians

Whereas, We, the members of the National Congress of

American Indians of the United States, invoking the divine

blessing of the Creator upon our efforts and purposes, in

order to preserve for ourselves and our descendants the

inherent sovereign rights of our Indian nations, rights

secured under Indian treaties and agreements with the United

States, and all other rights and benefits to which we are

entitled under the laws and Constitution of the United States

and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of

Indigenous Peoples, to enlighten the public toward a better

understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian

cultural values, and otherwise promote the health, safety and

welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit

the following resolution; and

Whereas, The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)

was established in 1944 and is the oldest and largest

national organization of American Indian and Alaska Native

tribal governments; and

Whereas, Robert Holden, the Deputy Director of NCAI, is

preparing for a well-deserved retirement; and

Whereas, Robert started at NCAI in 1984 and for 33 years

has graciously shared his tenacity, resilience, intelligence

and compassion to make lasting change for tribal nations; and

Whereas, Robert's leadership and commitment to the mission

of NCAI has stabilized the organization through many internal

and external changes; and

Whereas, For more than a decade Robert managed the

important National Indian Nuclear Waste Policy Committee,

with Russell Jim of the Yakama Nation serving as Chairman, at

a time when Congress was considering the creation of a

geologic repository at Yucca Mountain and the movement of

significant amounts of high-level nuclear waste across many

reservations; and

Whereas, Robert Holden has been a leader in promoting

emergency and radiological preparedness and transportation

safety and urged proactive steps to address impacts on Indian

tribes and provide emergency response capabilities; and

Whereas, Robert Holden's work led directly to the Stafford

Act amendments authorizing Indian tribes, as sovereigns, to

make disaster declarations directly to the President of the

United States; and

Whereas, Robert has been consistently committed to working

with Native Veterans, and the expansion of tribal veterans

services and Robert has kept forth issues such as the Native

Code Talker Bill and a National Indian Veterans Memorial, and

fought to keep the Veterans Committee going for every veteran

to attend at no cost; and

Whereas, Robert has maintained exemplary commitment to

voting participation in Indian Country; and

Whereas, In all of Robert's work, his support for the

capacity of tribal government to take on challenges of

increasing technical complexity has been one of the anchors

of the SelfGovernance movement, particularly in law

enforcement and public safety; and

Whereas, Robert has developed and maintained hundreds of

relationships with tribal leaders from around Indian country,

building trust with NCAI; and

Whereas, Robert plans to continue as an ambassador for

NCAI, participating in the NCAI gatherings, continuing his

lifelong commitment to advancing tribal sovereignty, treaty

rights, and the federal trust responsibility; and

Whereas, words cannot capture the immeasurable spirit and

incomparable contributions of Robert Holden to NCAI and to

the whole of Indian Country; Now therefore be it

Resolved, That the National Congress of American Indians

(NCAI) expresses deep appreciation, love, gratitude,

friendship, and respect for Robert Holden.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Tenth Annual NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill. This is a special day where we will have the chance to recognize pharmacy's many contributions to the American health care system.

Organized by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) for the past decade, this event will take place March 7-8, 2018. This year alone, more than 400 individuals from the pharmacy community-- including practicing pharmacists, pharmacy school faculty and students, state pharmacy association representatives and pharmacy company leaders--will visit us here on Capitol Hill. Advocates from all 50 states will share their views with us about the importance of supporting their access agenda--legislative priorities that will ensure that our constituents will continue to have access to more than 40,000 community and neighborhood pharmacies across the country and be better able to utilize pharmacists to improve health care quality while reducing the cost of care.

Patients have always relied on their local pharmacist to meet their health care needs and we as policymakers know our local pharmacists to be important community leaders. They are trusted, highly accessible health care providers deeply committed to providing high quality, convenient, and efficient health care services.

As demand for health care services continues to grow, pharmacists have expanded their role in health care delivery, partnering with physicians, nurses and other health care providers to meet their patients' needs. Innovative services provided by pharmacists do even more to improve overall patient health and wellness.

Pharmacists are highly valued by those that rely on them most--those in rural and underserved areas, as well as older Americans, and those struggling to manage chronic diseases. Pharmacy services improve patients' quality of life as well as health care affordability. By helping patients take their medications effectively and providing preventive services, pharmacists help avoid more costly forms of care. Pharmacists also help patients identify strategies to save money, such as through better understanding of their pharmacy benefits, using generic medications, and obtaining 90-day supplies of prescription drugs from local pharmacies.

Pharmacists are the nation's most accessible health care providers. In many communities, especially in rural areas, the local pharmacist is a patient's most direct link to health care. Utilizing their specialized education, pharmacists play a major role in medication therapy management, disease-state management, immunizations, health care screenings,

and other health care services designed to improve patient health and reduce overall health care costs. Pharmacists are also expanding their role into new models of care based on quality of services and outcomes, such as accountable care organizations (ACOs) and medical homes.

The pharmacy advocates of NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill will be promoting an access agenda. They know that we face difficult debates about the future of health care and the pharmacy community wishes to work with us to help in the effort to develop comprehensive and consistent approaches to public policy that put pharmacy's value to work for patients and payers. They understand well that the issues we are debating today are highly connected and vital to pharmacy, to all of health care, and to society as a whole.

I believe Congress should look at every opportunity to make sure that pharmacists are allowed to utilize their training to the fullest to provide the services that can improve care, increase access and lower costs. In recognition of the Tenth Annual NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill, I would like to congratulate pharmacy leaders, pharmacists, students, and the entire pharmacy community represented by NACDS, for their contributions to the health and wellness of the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Roe for allowing this to come to the floor and Leader McCarthy for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I also want to thank my fellow Senators from Oklahoma, Mr. Inhofe and Mr. Lankford, for their great work in getting this passed in the Senate.

As the sponsor of H.R. 42, the House companion bill to S. 1266, I urge my colleagues to support and vote in favor of today's bill.

Nearly a year ago, we debated this bill on the floor and saw it passed by voice vote. I look forward to another strong response from the House in sending this bill to the President's desk and it becoming law.

This bill simply authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to contract with nonprofit organizations that accredit healthcare organizations in order to investigate VA medical centers.

This bill would allow the VA to get a second opinion from outside of the agency in order to get the best information and provide the best care for our veterans. Just like how patients sometimes need to get a second opinion on their diagnosis, the VA should not be above bringing in a second opinion.

Our veterans deserve care equal to the finest civilian hospitals, so let's bring more transparency to the VA by allowing them to invite the people who evaluate those private hospitals to take a look at the VA and make recommendations when problems arise.

This is a commonsense bill that will help improve the care for our veterans, and I hope all will support it.

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H.R. 3545, a bill originally introduced by Representative Murphy of Pennsylvania, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th anniversary of the Stilwell Oklahoma food production facility. The food production facility in Stilwell, originally called the Stilwell Canning Company, first opened on March 16, 1942 when World War II drove up the demand for canned items. An expansion project completed in 1999 made the Stilwell plant the largest frozen dessert production plant in the country.

Schwan's Company acquired the plant in 2003 when it purchased the Mrs. Smith's pie brand from Flowers Foods. A recent $40 million investment by the Schwan's Company gave the Stilwell dessert manufacturing facility a state-of-the-art pie line and put the facility on the leading edge of pie production in the industry. Schwan's Company is one of the largest employers in Adair County, with over 300 employees.

The Mrs. Smith's, Edwards, and Schwan's pies and okra produced each day at this facility are enjoyed by families across our great country. I am honored to recognize this facility today before the United States House of Representatives and I wish them a very happy 75th anniversary.

Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Madam Chair, this amendment would prohibit funds from enforcing the Obama administration's EPA methane rule.

This rule is currently facing litigation and uncertainty, and Congress must act to block this job-killing regulation estimated to cost the U.S. economy $530 million annually.

Methane emissions from oil and natural gas have significantly declined in recent decades without multiple, overlapping Federal regulations, and this is no exception.

I urge my colleagues to support the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar), my colleague.

Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Perry).

Madam Chair, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert), my chairman.

Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Madam Chair, my amendment would prohibit the implementation of the Obama administration's social cost of carbon, SCC, rule.

Congress and the American people have repeatedly rejected cap-and- trade proposals. The Obama administration continuously used social cost of carbon models, which can easily be manipulated, in order to attempt to justify new job-killing regulations.

The House has made a clear, strong record of opposition to the social cost of carbon, voting at least 11 times to block, defund, or oppose the proposal.

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

Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar).

Madam Chair, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert), my chairman.

Madam Chair, I would urge a ``yes'' vote on this amendment.

Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, the House today will vote on an important piece of Federal legislation regarding self-driving vehicles that many on this body on both sides of the aisle have worked on.

This legislation promises to make roads safer by reducing traffic- related fatalities and unlock new economic opportunities and jobs in the U.S. It is also vital in our efforts to promote innovation.

Industry is driving the development of self-driving vehicles, but in certain situations, companies building and testing the car of the future may need some flexibility or certainty.

With this legislation, I hope the research, development, and testing that is unleashed will stimulate additional knowledge and innovation for passenger motor safety.

We, as the government, need to make sure that safety is first and foremost in our consideration. Passing this legislation will help get lifesaving technology to the public, perhaps preventing deaths in the not-so-near future.

I strongly support this bipartisan legislation, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

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

Mr. Chairman, we are here talking about how to take politics out of our infrastructure. As we just heard the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gene Green), this is a bipartisan bill. We hear a lot of stuff about it damaging the environment; it doesn't. We are talking about crossing a border and taking a situation that was held up for 8 years with the Keystone pipeline and making sure it has the transparent and consistent approach on how we regulate these permits.

The United States is a powerhouse around the world. We want to keep it that way. We want our country to compete freely in the global market and continue to positively benefit our economy. My bill, H.R. 2883, the Promoting Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure Act, supports the construction of energy infrastructure across our North America borders.

Simply put, this bill takes the politics out of energy infrastructure projects. The construction of these border-crossing facilities should be done effectively and efficiently without getting caught up in our Nation's politics. These facilities are used for importing and exporting oil, natural gas, and electricity that enhance the trade of our energy products that benefit our economy.

This bipartisan piece of legislation allows a transparent and efficient process to be followed the same way every time and for every project. Most importantly, it provides regulatory certainty to those charged with carrying out these projects. I want to thank this House for allowing such bills to come forth and the opportunity to allow this bill to be heard.

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

Mr. Chairman, as you have heard, two of my colleagues from Texas have just come out, obviously, in support of this bill. There is not a lot that Texas and Oklahoma agree on, especially this time of the year when we enter football season. Other than that, we agree that Oklahoma is better at football than Texas.

I yield to the gentleman.

Mr. Chairman, I include in the Record a letter from the International Union of Operating Engineers, a letter from Edison Electric Institute, a letter from the IOSA, and a letter from the Plains All American Pipeline all in support of this bill.

International Union of Operating Engineers, Affiliated

with the American Federation of Labor and Congress of

Industrial Organizations,

July 18, 2017.

Hon. Paul Ryan,

Speaker of the House, Washington, DC.

Hon. Nancy Pelosi,

Minority Leader, Washington, DC.

Dear Speaker Ryan and Leader Pelosi: The International

Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) supports H.R. 2883, the

Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure Act, legislation that

provides clear congressional authority to the process of

evaluating transnational pipeline projects. Further, the IUOE

endorses H.R. 2910, a bill Promoting Inter-Agency

Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Pipelines Act.

We respectfully request that you support both of these

pieces of legislation when they come to the floor of the

House of Representatives this week.

The International Union of Operating Engineers represents

400,000 working men and women in the United States and

Canada, thousands of whom build and maintain the nation's

energy infrastructure. We are one of four unions that are

signatory to the National Pipeline Agreement. Operating

Engineers perform millions of hours of work on pipeline

projects around the United States every year; millions of

additional hours were performed on pipeline work by IUOE

members in Canada.

North America's energy network is inextricably linked.

Eliminating legal and regulatory uncertainty regarding the

permitting of cross-border energy facilities will promote

investment and job creation in North America, and that is why

the IUOE supports H.R. 2883. Removing these regulatory

barriers will ultimately increase the interconnection of the

North American energy network and at the same time improve

reliability, security, and affordability.

Today, the process for permitting this energy

infrastructure lives only through Executive Order. North

America's energy future is simply too important to leave to

the ambiguity and imprecision of administrative fiat.

Granting clear legislative authority and delegating

responsibility to an agency experienced with the National

Environmental Policy Act and permitting processes, the

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), rather than the

Department of State, will increase the competency and

capacity of the review of cross-border energy projects. It is

a clear improvement in the administration of major project

permitting.

Updating the American domestic permitting and regulatory

framework for natural-gas pipelines is also essential.

Several steps are necessary in this regard, and H.R. 2910 is

one of them. Domestic energy production provides good-paying

jobs for members of the IUOE and other construction

craftworkers and continues to employ thousands of our

members. Uncertainty and delay during environmental reviews,

however, hinder the growth of jobs related to the nation's

energy infrastructure. Congress should give FERC additional

tools to keep federal agencies accountable and maximize

coordination in the permitting process.

H.R. 2910 requires reporting and transparency in the review

of major projects. These requirements raise the bar for

regulators and provides the public with a better

understanding of the environmental impacts that are receiving

particular rigor and examination--or perhaps needlessly

delaying the overall project-review timeline. Democrats and

Republicans supported similar reporting and transparency in

the FAST Act. Enactment of H.R. 2910 is a necessary step to

help place the booming energy sector on a sound footing for

the future.

The International Union of Operating Engineers supports

both H.R. 2883 and H.R. 2910 and respectfully requests that

you support the legislation this week when it comes before

you.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

James T. Callahan,

General President.

Once again, I understand that there is opposition to the bill because of a fear. But the true fear is: Are we willing to hold up the infrastructure needs of this country for political gain? For the years that we had from the previous administration, that is exactly what happened. It was political.

What we are trying to do when we take it out of the State Department's hands and put it with FERC is put it with a bipartisan oversight agency that takes an approach to looking at the infrastructure needs that this country has and saying: Is this in the country's best interest?

They have been doing it, and they do it well.

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

Mr. Chairman, I actually have a couple of more speakers.

Mr. Chair, I was under the impression the other side had yielded back the balance of her time.

Mr. Chair, I ask unanimous consent to allow the minority to reclaim the balance of her time.

Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Marshall).

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gene Green), my good friend.

Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar).

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

Mr. Chair, this bill has absolutely no effect on any environmental law. The bill expressly provides that approval of a project under this act does not affect the application of any other Federal laws that are applicable to the construction, operation, or maintenance of a project. The Congressional Research Service has reviewed the legislation and has confirmed that fact.

My point is, other than the fact that they just want to oppose this because, maybe, people oppose fossil fuels as a whole, this makes sense. This is a bill that moves forward. As we stated earlier, it takes politics out of our permitting process. It brings structure and certainty to those that are providing our infrastructure needs.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. Chair, H.R. 2883 was designated the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the lead agency of the permitting cross-border oil pipelines.

FERC is an independent agency made up of a bipartisan commission that regulates interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil. FERC also reviews proposals to build liquefied natural gas terminals, interstate natural gas pipelines, and cross-border natural gas facilities.

FERC has a proven track record of working with a wide array of stakeholders on complex pipeline projects to balance the public interest. It is clearly the best suited agency for the job of permitting cross-border oil pipelines.

As we learned from the Keystone XL experience during the Obama administration, the State Department lacks the ability to pull out politics from our Nation's infrastructure. There is nothing in this bill that would prevent the State Department from being consulted about an application, but FERC should take the lead on cross-border oil pipelines.

H.R. 2883 would provide the permitting process with much-needed consistency and transparency. The gentleman's amendment would double down on the failures of the past and reinject bipartisan politics into the process.

Mr. Chairman, I urge a ``no'' on this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition.

Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time for closing.

Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to my colleague from Texas (Mr. Gene Green).

Mr. Chair, H.R. 2883 strikes a right balance for wise management of our multiuse public lands and natural resources. The amendment would upset this careful balance.

Mr. Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition, although I do not oppose the amendment.

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the gentleman's amendment, which would clarify the intent of the legislation not to affect the application of any or other Federal laws that are applicable to the construction, operation, or maintenance of the project.

Despite the talking points used by some of my friends, nothing in this bill would exempt a project from complying with applicable environmental laws or restrict the scope of environmental review.

The gentleman from Texas' amendment makes this abundantly clear. H.R. 2883 would lead to a more objective and timely decision, create jobs, strengthen our Nation's energy security, and support affordable and reliable energy for all Americans.

Mr. Chair, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I claim the time in opposition to the motion.

Mr. Speaker, this is just a procedural motion to deny the important benefits of this legislation to the American workers, businesses, and our collective energy security. It fits a pattern of delay and obstruction that we simply cannot support. I urge my colleagues to oppose this motion to recommit and vote ``yes'' on final passage.

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

Mr. Speaker, this spring in my district in Oklahoma, the McAlpin family of Tahlequah lost their 2-year-old son, Kai, to pediatric cancer. Kai's parents refer to Kai as Warrior Kai because he fought cancer every day with courage and dedication like a true warrior. Included in H.R. 2430 today is the RACE for Children Act, which aims to create new and better pediatric treatment options for warriors like Kai.

Currently, there are over 900 drugs in development to treat cancer in adults, while only a handful of drugs are being developed to fight cancer in children. Clearly, those statistics show that the law has not kept up with scientific innovation.

RACE can help deliver lifesaving treatments for pediatric cancer patients by updating the Pediatric Research Act. This bill requires all drug manufacturers to test a new drug in a pediatric population before applying it to children during cancer treatment. RACE for Children puts safety first and ensures that researchers use scientific evidence when declaring effectiveness of a drug before providing it to patients.

I am glad to see the RACE for Children Act included today, and I thank Chairman McCaul and Congressman Butterfield for their work on the bill. The fight of Warrior Kai continues with us.

Mr. Speaker, I was at the White House for a signing ceremony. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 236.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today because I believe every life is a gift. Our Nation was built on the right to life. Our Founding Fathers wrote that all men are created equal and that we are endowed by the Creator with certain undeniable rights: the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Our government was instituted to secure these rights, not take them away.

Mr. Speaker, I stand with hundreds of thousands of people from across the country who have traveled to our Nation's Capital to tell lawmakers that we must protect the innocent and that we must fight for those who cannot defend themselves. I am proud of the many young people who are in Washington, D.C., this week to defend life. You are a voice for the voiceless, and you are the future.

I am proud to join so many of my colleagues in this Chamber today to defend life and spread this message that every life is a gift.

Mr. Speaker, this Saturday is National Adoption Day, a day in which people and organizations from across the Nation come together to bring awareness to a truly admirable cause, and one that has become very close to my heart.

Last year, our family was blessed to adopt twin girls, Ivy and Lynnette. These girls have become one of life's greatest blessings to my family, and Christie and I truly cannot imagine life without them.

People come to us all the time and say, You are going to be such a blessing to these girls; and I can tell you, these girls are a bigger blessing to Christie and me than I can ever even say.

Right now, our country is needing adoptive families. There are nearly 400,000 children in the United States without permanent homes, and the 30,000 a year that will age out of foster care programs will face unlimited hurdles that will limit their success.

So this Adoption Day, I challenge Members of this body to do their part, promoting awareness of adoption throughout their districts. If we want to create a brighter future for our Nation, ensuring that every child has a safe home and a loving family is a great place to start. I believe this is a cause we can all agree is worth the effort.

Mr. Speaker, it is baffling to me that after 6 years, the Keystone pipeline debate is still going on.

We have an opportunity to provide jobs, reduce our dependency on overseas oil, and spur real economic development, yet many would rather play political gamesmanship.

I am especially frustrated because I see the benefits the southern leg has already had on my district, and I know this approval will enhance those effects. This pipeline would provide high-paying jobs that are well above minimum wage--exactly the types of jobs this body likes to talk about. Yet despite the economic benefits this pipeline would provide, there has been zero action by this President and his administration.

So today I stand in support of H.R. 5682 as a call to this President and the Senate that it is time to approve the Keystone pipeline. If they truly want to help the American people, they will join us in moving this legislation forward.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 5078.

As you have heard from many Members today, the EPA's proposed rule is a clear overstep of authority. Back in my home State of Oklahoma, ranchers and farmers have been very clear that this rule would significantly limit their operations.

As a rancher myself, I understand and agree with their concerns. The definition of ``navigable waters,'' as stated and written by the EPA, would put all farmers and ranchers on notice that they are no longer in charge of their own land. From now on, they will have to ask permission to get a permit or to operate their own land the same way they have for many years.

In summary, this would be an unprecedented land grab by our government through the EPA and the bureaucrats of Washington, D.C. The EPA is simply out of touch with rural America.

I stand with our farmers and our ranchers when I say it is time to stop the EPA's overreach and their redefinition of navigable waters.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I stand in front of you today in support of H.R. 5021, the Highway Transportation and Funding Act.

We, as a body, stand here all the time and we talk about creating jobs. What

we need to do is create an atmosphere where jobs can thrive.

If this bill for some reason doesn't pass, we are talking about putting over 700,000 jobs at risk. In Oklahoma alone, that is 200 construction jobs at risk.

We need time. Yes, this Congress, this body, every now and then we push things down the road, but we are truly trying to find a real solution. The Senate bill just didn't give us enough time. This will push it through May and allow us to look at a long-term funding solution.

Now, either we are going to stand up as a whole and say, yes, this is our responsibility, yes, we are going to provide the industry confidence that this body is going to stay with them, or what we say when we are talking about creating jobs really doesn't mean anything.

Look, we have an opportunity here to build confidence in construction workers and contractors that we depend on every day. We rely on them to get to and from work. When we go to our local stores, we depend on them to make sure the goods are delivered there. And are we going to continue bickering about it a little bit or are we going to stand up and say, let's make sure you are funded? Let's stand up and say, we support you, we are going to make sure that industry and the 700,000 jobs that are there, we are going to make sure that you go to work tomorrow.

Let's make sure that we stand together as a body and invest in our infrastructure.