Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 454, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2825) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to make certain improvements in the laws administered by the Secretary of Homeland Security, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous materials on the bill under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act of 2017.

Mr. Speaker, the American people are reminded about the threats facing our country on a daily basis. When they turn on the TV or pick up the newspaper, they learn about the latest terror attack or plot, foreign governments engaged in cyber warfare, and drug smugglers and human traffickers relentlessly trying to creep across our border and infect our neighborhoods.

Our adversaries are determined and agile. They wish to strike our homeland and disrupt our way of life. They are constantly calling for new attacks to be carried out against Americans with any weapons they have available.

To stay ahead of our enemies, we need a national security apparatus that is best set up for success and can adapt to new challenges as they arise.

After the 9/11 attacks, the creation of the Department of Homeland Security was necessary to help confront the threats at that time. Unfortunately, Congress has never reauthorized DHS since it was created. This is just simply unacceptable, and that is why eight committee chairmen signed a memorandum of understanding at the beginning of the year stating: ``The Department of Homeland Security and its components should be authorized on a regular basis to ensure robust oversight and improve its operation.''

If we are going to keep America safe, we must reform and improve DHS

through a first-ever comprehensive reauthorization. The legislation before us today accomplishes several goals.

First, it reasserts Congress' Article I authority granted by the Constitution to write laws and give discretion to the Department. Congress has abdicated its role and responsibility in providing comprehensive legislative direction since 2002, and has ceded power to the executive branch. This legislation will fix that.

Second, it creates efficiencies by eliminating, consolidating, and streamlining programs and offices. With dangers gathering and the terrorist threat evolving, we need the most nimble DHS possible for the Secretary to lead and carry out the Department's vital mission.

Third, this bill protects American taxpayers by making DHS more accountable. Through new cost-efficiency efforts, we will be able to provide the funds necessary to keep our country safe while identifying and eliminating government waste.

Fourth, our legislation will support our frontline defenders and first responders. This bill will provide the tools and training needed to defeat emerging threats through important grant programs while also allowing DHS to better focus on recruiting and training a qualified workforce.

Finally, it improves America's security. Specifically, this reauthorization will: strengthen the Department's ability to deny terrorists entry into the United States; ensure that Federal agencies meet readiness standards to respond to terror attacks and natural disasters; expand TSA's use of explosive detection technology and bolster security at last points of departure; it will also modernize and replace outdated Coast Guard vessels; it will prioritize investigations of cross-border crimes, including human trafficking, cybercrimes, and drug smuggling.

These are necessary measures that we, as Congress, must take to fight back against the array of ever-changing threats. This legislation is a commonsense and bipartisan bill that is long overdue. It also enjoys strong backing from the administration.

In testimony given to my committee, Secretary Kelly stated: ``This is an important endeavor which will provide the Department with the authorities it needs to carry out its mission.''

And just recently today in an op-ed that ran this morning in support of this bill, Secretary Kelly wrote: ``There is no more important mission--no duty more sacred--than protecting the people of the United States, and I strongly encourage Members in both parties to support this legislation.''

Protecting our homeland and keeping American families safe are shared goals that should bring both parties together, not push us apart, and a comprehensive reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Security will be a major bipartisan accomplishment and an example of what we can achieve when we put the safety and security of our country ahead of partisan politics.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the majority leader for all his efforts to help bring this to the floor. I would also like to thank each of the chairmen of jurisdiction for signing the MOU, as well as members of the Committee on Homeland Security from both sides of the aisle, and the staff members who made this possible.

Let's show our enemies that we stand united in protecting our country, our values, and our people. So I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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

House of Representatives,

Committee on Ways and Means,

Washington, DC, June 27, 2017.

Hon. Michael McCaul,

Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security,

Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman McCaul: I am writing with respect to H.R.

2825, the ``Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act

of 2017.'' This bill contains provisions within the Rule X

jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means.

The Committee on Ways and Means will not seek a sequential

referral on H.R. 2825 so that it may proceed expeditiously to

the House floor for consideration. This is done with the

understanding that the jurisdictional interests of the

Committee on Ways and Means over this and similar legislation

are in no way diminished or altered. In addition, the

Committee reserves the right to seek conferees on H.R. 2825

and requests your support when such a request is made.

I would appreciate your response confirming this

understanding with respect to H.R. 2825 and ask that a copy

of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the

Congressional Record during consideration of the bill on the

House floor.

Sincerely,

Kevin Brady,

Chairman.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster), the chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and I want to thank him for working with me in getting to this day.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte), chairman of the Judiciary Committee, and I want to thank him for his close coordination in getting to this day.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Donovan), chairman of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications of the Homeland Security Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter), chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Gallagher), chairman of the Task Force on Denying Terrorist Entry into the United States of the Homeland Security Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Katko), chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Protective Security of the Homeland Security Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Higgins), a member of the Homeland Security Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Estes).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Garrett), a member of the Homeland Security Committee.

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

Mr. Speaker, let me give my heartfelt thanks to the ranking member for his work on this important legislation, first ever. It was a real team effort on both sides of the aisle. I want to thank all of the staff on both sides of the aisle, Rosaline Cohen and Jennifer Gorski, who worked tirelessly.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a January 11, 2017, memorandum of understanding, signed by myself and seven other committee chairmen.

Memorandum Regarding Authorization of the Department of Homeland

Security

We, the chairs of the committees with jurisdiction over the

Department of Homeland Security or its components, are hereby

recording our agreement on the following principles for the

115th Congress:

1. The Department of Homeland Security (``the Department'')

and its components should be authorized on a regular basis to

ensure robust oversight and improve its operation.

2. Committees with jurisdiction over the Department and its

components will prioritize the authorization of the

Department and any unauthorized or expiring component in that

committee's authorization and oversight plan.

3. To the maximum extent practicable, the committees with

jurisdiction over unauthorized or expiring components of the

Department shall coordinate with the Committee on Homeland

Security to produce a comprehensive authorization bill for

the Department.

4. The Committee on Homeland Security shall coordinate with

the committees with jurisdiction over unauthorized or

expiring components of the Department in the development of

any comprehensive authorization bill for the Department.

5. The Committee on Homeland Security and the committees

with jurisdiction over components of the Department shall

jointly develop a process for the vetting and pre-clearing of

base text and amendments offered at subcommittee and full

committee

markups of a DHS authorization bill in the Committee on

Homeland Security that fall within the jurisdiction of a

committee other than or in addition to the Committee on

Homeland Security.

6. The committees will expedite consideration of any

comprehensive authorization bill for the Department,

including timely resolution of any matters subject to a

sequential or additional referral.

7. To the extent that there are policy differences between

the committees regarding a provision of the comprehensive

authorization bill for the Department, the committees will

make best efforts to resolve any such dispute.

8. The Committee on Homeland Security shall not include any

provision in a comprehensive authorization bill that the

chair of the Committee on Ways and Means has determined to be

a revenue provision or a provision affecting revenue. If the

chair of the Committee on Ways and Means makes such a

determination, nothing in this agreement shall be construed

to preclude that chair from exercising an additional or

sequential referral over the measure, or a point of order

under clause 5(a) of Rule XXI of the Rules of the House of

Representatives.

9. Nothing in this agreement shall be construed as altering

any committee's jurisdiction under rule X of the Rules of the

House of Representatives or the referral of any measure

thereunder.

10. Further, nothing in this memorandum precludes a further

agreement between the committees with regard to the

implementation of a process to ensure regular comprehensive

authorizations of the Department.

Signed,

Gregg Walden, Chair, Committee on Energy and Commerce;

Michael T. McCaul, Chair, Committee on Homeland

Security; Devin Nunes, Chair, Permanent Select

Committee on Intelligence; Bob Goodlatte, Chair,

Committee on the Judiciary; Jason Chaffetz, Chair,

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform; Lamar

Smith, Chair, Committee on Science, Space and

Technology; Bill Shuster, Chair, Committee on

Transportation and Infrastructure; Kevin Brady, Chair,

Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. Speaker, in conclusion of this debate, it is very important to remember that a comprehensive reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Security has never been done before. While various reauthorization efforts have been tried in the past, we finally have a chance to get it across the finish line and have it signed into law. So let's stand together as Republicans and Democrats and show the people we represent both parties and that both parties can work with one another by putting our national security above politics.

This legislation is not just about good governance or bureaucratic reforms. It is absolutely essential to making sure we are able to defeat the grave and growing threats facing the United States.

Once again, I want to thank the ranking member and all of his staff; leadership, as well, and their staff; and, also, all of the members of the Office of the Legislative Counsel, who got us to this point here today.

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

House of Representatives,

Committee on Homeland Security,

Washington, DC, July 18, 2017.

Hon. Devin Nunes,

Chairman, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence,

Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Nunes: Thank you for your follow up letter

regarding H.R. 2825 dated June 27, 2017. I appreciate your

continued willingness to work with me to bring H.R. 2825 to

the House Floor.

As I stated in my June 22, 2017 letter, the Committee on

Homeland Security concurs with the mutual understanding that

by foregoing seeking a sequential referral at this time, the

House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence does not

waive any jurisdictional interest it may have over provisions

in the bill.

Regarding the provisions referenced in your recent letter,

each of the sections listed were introduced as stand alone

bills, as well as included in H.R. 2825, and the Committee on

Homeland Security was granted the primary referral on such

provisions. As discussed between our staff and in the

exchange of letters, I recognize that your Committee could

request a sequential referral on those provisions. I

reiterate my continued appreciation for the cooperation of

you and your staff in moving H.R. 2825 through the

legislative process.

Per your request, I will include your letters, my response

letters, the ``Memorandum Regarding Authorization of the

Department of Homeland Security'' and accompanying January

11, 2017 exchange of letters in the Congressional Record when

H.R. 2825 is considered on the Floor.

Sincerely,

Michael T. McCaul,

Chairman.

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Walden for including my bill, the Research to Accelerate Cures and Equity, or RACE, for Children Act, in this FDA reauthorization. I introduced the bill with my colleague, Mr. Butterfield, to strengthen the FDA's ability to require pediatric studies of cancer drugs during development.

Despite current programs in place to require similar studies, they have never been undertaken for cancer drugs. This bill will require a study into any cancer drug that uses ``molecular targeting,'' which attacks specific cancer cells rather than the part of the body where the cancer resides. By requiring these studies, doctors can determine whether a drug is safe and effective in children and, ultimately, provide accurate labeling for pediatric use.

I founded the Childhood Cancer Caucus when I first entered Congress to give a voice to the 15,000 children diagnosed with cancer every year and the hundreds of thousands of survivors who face a lifetime of medical challenges. Passing this bill will provide these children access to the treatments they deserve.

I thank all those involved for their tireless work in bringing this bill to the House floor. As my good friend, little Sadie Keller, who is battling leukemia as I speak, once said: ``Together, we can make a difference.''

To Sadie and all the children who are in the fight of their lives, I want you to know that today we are making a difference.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Colorado as well.

I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2581, the Verify First Act. I helped introduce this legislation with my good friend and colleague, Mr. Barletta from Pennsylvania, to ensure illegal immigrants are not able to use healthcare tax credits to purchase health insurance.

Under ObamaCare, the Federal Government paid these tax credits up front on a temporary basis to people before verifying their immigration status. This created a pay-and-chase system where the Federal Government would seek repayment only after it found it had paid out benefits to an illegal immigrant.

This bill puts an end to this taxpayer abuse by requiring the Social Security Administration, or the Department of Homeland Security, to verify the immigration status of every tax credit applicant before the Treasury Department issues a credit.

Texans and hardworking taxpayers around the country already struggle to pay for their healthcare. Their hard-earned dollars should not be used to foot the bill for those who broke the law to come here. My constituents in Texas and American taxpayers deserve better.

I want to thank Congressman Barletta for his dedication and continued leadership on this issue, and, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 374, I call up the bill (H.R. 2213) to amend the Anti-Border Corruption Act of 2010 to authorize certain polygraph waiver authority, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the bill, H.R. 2213.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the question of adopting amendment No. 1 to H.R. 2213 may be subject to postponement as though under clause 8 of rule XX.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and in support of the Anti-Border Corruption Reauthorization Act of 2017.

Mr. Speaker, the failed immigration policies of the previous administration have kept our borders open, weakened our national security, and put millions of American lives at risk from an increasing number of grave and growing threats. These threats come from drug cartels, gang members, human traffickers, and international terrorists who seek to do our country harm.

Fortunately, we now have a partner in the White House who understands that we cannot rely on the oceans or other natural boundaries alone to separate us from those looking to infiltrate our homeland.

This morning, I was once again pleased to welcome Secretary Kelly before the Committee on Homeland Security and listen to him articulate the importance of border security to the Trump administration.

We know we need a 21st century border to meet 21st century threats. Sadly, every few days, we hear a story on the news that reminds us of the dangerous consequences of Washington's inability to achieve that goal.

As a former Federal prosecutor and the chief of counterterrorism and national security in the U.S. Attorney's Office in Texas, I have seen how people take advantage of our Nation's open borders. Over time, those who are determined to come here illegally become agile. They adapt to the measures that we take to stop them. It is obvious that we need a new approach.

When it comes to strengthening our borders, additional funds and new technology will be necessary. However, our strongest assets are the courageous men and women who serve as Border Patrol agents and Customs and Border Protection officers. These patriots put their lives on the line every single day to protect us while also safeguarding our economic relationships that boost American jobs and grow American businesses.

However, we are almost 1,800 Border Patrol agents and 1,000 CBP officers short of having the force that we need to keep our borders secure. Our forces are stretched thin and our efforts to recruit additional officers and agents have slowed due to strict requirements for new applicants. Currently, it takes an average of 113 applicants to hire just one new officer or agent. This is a major problem that must be addressed.

This legislation offers a solution by providing the CBP Commissioner with the flexibility to hire State and local law enforcement officers who have already served for 3 years without a break in service, are not under investigation or have been found guilty of misconduct, and have previously passed a law enforcement polygraph exam.

It also provides the CBP Commissioner with the authority to hire members and veterans of the armed services who have held security clearances and who have already completed a robust background check.

To put it simply, this bill will make it easier for some of America's finest law enforcement officers and soldiers to help protect our borders.

As drugs continue to creep into our neighborhoods and wreak havoc on our communities and terrorists advance their plans to attack our country and disrupt our way of life, we must make sure we have an adequate force to protect our borders.

This needs to be a priority. This should not be a partisan issue. In fact, Mr. Speaker, this bill passed unanimously out of my committee. Members from both parties should come together, as they did at the committee level, as Mr. Vela did, and support this effort.

American families deserve to know that we are doing everything we can to keep our homeland safe. This legislation gives us a chance to do just that.

I would like to thank my colleague and chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, Congresswoman McSally from Arizona, for all of her hard work on this bill. As a Representative from a district along our Southern border, she fully understands more than any Member the seriousness of this issue.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Arizona (Ms. McSally), the sponsor of the bill and the chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Higgins).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Arrington).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Carter), the chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time to close.

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

Mr. Speaker, in concluding this debate, it is important to note this bill is a bipartisan effort, passing unanimously out of my committee. It is supported by Ranking Member Thompson, Congressman Vela, and we thank you for that, and others. Again, it passed out unanimously.

I was pleased to see also a Dear Colleague letter sent by my Democratic counterparts on the Homeland Security Committee urging the passage of this bill. This only further underscores the bipartisan nature of this effort.

It is also supported, Mr. Speaker, by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Border Trade Alliance, the CBP officers' union, and the Fraternal Order of Police, among others.

The issue is very clear. Not passing this bill will continue to keep American families at risk from dangers of human traffickers, drug smugglers, and international terrorists. Right now, we simply don't have an adequate number of Border Patrol agents and CBP officers to safeguard our Nation's border. We need to fix that. That is what this legislation does. It will allow us to bolster our forces with talented law enforcement officials and military personnel who have been previously vetted and have already demonstrated their commitment and patriotism to their fellow Americans.

As I have stated before, while new infrastructure and technology will be important in protecting this Nation, the brave men and women who confront threats to our homeland are our greatest assets.

Once again, I thank Congresswoman McSally, Ranking Members Vela and

Thompson, and all those who supported this bill. It will help strengthen our borders.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Lujan Grisham amendment.

Let me say, first, that the Secretary of Homeland Security testified before my committee this morning, a decorated four-star general serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is the head of SOUTHCOM. This man knows the border. Secretary Kelly supports this legislation.

I find it a bit offensive that decorated veterans who have already received clearances somehow would present a threat to the security of the United States, so I reject that argument.

This amendment strikes me as an unnecessary and harmful delay tactic that would prevent CBP from implementing the much-needed flexibility provided for in the underlying bill.

If the delays called for in this amendment were put in place, CBP would have to sit and wait until certain unnecessary obstacles were overcome, some of which are completely out of their control. All the while, they would continue to hemorrhage officers and agents, threatening the Nation's border security and the flow of commerce in and out of the country. This could put our national security at risk and would be, further, detrimental to the flow of legitimate trade and travel.

CBP has missed hiring targets for Border Patrol agents for 4 years and CBP officers for almost 18 months. We need additional officers and agents now, simply to meet the congressionally mandated CBP staffing levels that have been put in place for a year. We cannot wait for more reports and evaluations.

Sadly, this amendment looks to me like an attempt by opponents of the bill to prevent the important provisions of this bill from going into effect in a timely manner, thus preventing the hiring of already trusted and vetted individuals who have served their Nation and the military with honor and distinction.

It is also important to underscore two points here: one, that all applicants will continue to be fully vetted, including a rigorous tier 5 background investigation, which is equivalent to the investigation performed for all servicemembers who hold a top secret clearance; and second, the authority granted under this bill is discretionary. If the CBP Commissioner wishes to require a polygraph examination for any applicant for any reason, he can and should still do so.

Mr. Speaker, we cannot afford to wait any longer. As the Speaker knows, who is briefed on the threats, as do I, in a classified setting, the threats are real. This Nation is at risk, and we cannot afford to wait.

So, for these reasons, I oppose the amendment, and I urge my colleagues to reject it.

Let me just close, again, by saying I oppose the amendment. The men and women wearing the uniform on the front lines of our ports and borders need relief now, and any delay tactics should be rejected. Therefore, I urge opposition, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have a motion at the desk.

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 366) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Under Secretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security to make certain improvements in managing the Department's vehicle fleet, and for other purposes, with the Senate amendments thereto, and concur in the Senate amendments.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1370) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue Department of Homeland Security-wide guidance and develop training programs as part of the Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of my bill, H.R. 1370, to combat human trafficking. According to the FBI, human trafficking, which includes forced labor, domestic servitude, and commercial sex trafficking, is the third largest criminal activity in the world. It is a multibillion-dollar industry that enslaves 20 million innocent victims around the world.

We need a collaborative multiagency approach to combat this criminal activity. My bill recognizes and supports the work of the Department of Homeland Security to join these partners to combat this scourge on our society. This bill authorizes a vital lifesaving campaign at the Department to prevent human trafficking.

This campaign is called the Blue Campaign. It is a Department-wide effort to conduct outreach and raise awareness of trafficking. It provides training and materials to those in the best position to identify trafficking victims. This campaign works in collaboration with law enforcement, governmental and private organizations to identify and save those victims.

The Blue Campaign has entered into agreements to provide training, raise awareness, and combat human trafficking. Currently, it enlists the help of numerous organizations who have witnessed trafficking such as airlines, hotels, truck stops, convenient stores, and package delivery services.

The Department uses the resources and expertise of the CBP, ICE, USCIS, and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers to help with this effort. Of note, my bill adds the Transportation Security Administration to this fight by training its personnel to recognize the victims of trafficking and pull these victims out of its viscous cycle.

My bill also requires the Department to share information on patterns of trafficking and possible connections with terrorist activity, both internally and with the National Network of Fusion Centers.

In 2014, I held a field hearing in Houston, Texas, to address the issue of human trafficking in our major cities, and we heard personally from the victims their stories of sexual abuse and human trafficking. That hearing highlighted the importance of collaboration and community involvement in combating this terrible crime. This DHS campaign furthers these collaboration efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this legislation and the efforts of the Department to address human trafficking.

I thank Chairman Goodlatte of the Judiciary Committee for his cooperation in bringing this bill to the floor.

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

House of Representatives,

Committee on the Judiciary,

Washington, DC, May 5, 2017.

Hon. Michael T. McCaul,

Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of

Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman McCaul: I write with respect to H.R. 1370,

the ``Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign

Authorization Act.'' As a result of your having consulted

with us on provisions within H.R. 1370 that fall within the

Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on the Judiciary, I

forego any further consideration of this bill so that it may

proceed expeditiously to the House floor for consideration.

The Judiciary Committee takes this action with our mutual

understanding that by foregoing consideration of H.R. 1370 at

this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over subject

matter contained in this or similar legislation and that our

committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as

this bill or similar legislation moves forward so that we may

address any remaining issues in our jurisdiction. Our

committee also reserves the right to seek appointment of an

appropriate number of conferees to any House-Senate

conference involving this or similar legislation and asks

that you support any such request.

I would appreciate a response to this letter confirming

this understanding with respect to H.R. 1370 and would ask

that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be

included your committee report and in the Congressional

Record during floor consideration of H.R. 1370.

Sincerely,

Bob Goodlatte,

Chairman.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from South Dakota (Mrs. Noem).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe).

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

Let me also thank my colleague, Mr. Vela, for his steadfast support of this legislation, as well as the entire Homeland Security Committee, which has worked in a very bipartisan fashion on this very important issue.

This is not a matter of politics. It is a matter of saving our children from trafficking and sex abuse. We have all heard the stories. We have heard some of those here today, but I think there is nothing more criminal, other than perhaps what ISIS did yesterday, than the exploitation of children. Of course, that is what ISIS did yesterday in killing innocent children and teenagers outside a concert hall.

The issue of human trafficking brings it to full bear: bringing children into

this country and exploiting them, selling them on the black market, and sexually abusing them for a very long time.

This bill is important and necessary. It really supports, codifies, and gives congressional backing and support to a very important program within the Department, and that is the Blue Campaign.

I also want to thank Secretary Kelly of Homeland Security for showing the leadership to come forward with this campaign to address this horrible crime against our children and those moving into adulthood.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bus accident that took the lives of four people in Biloxi, Mississippi, on March 7, 2017.

Tragically, a tour bus from Austin, Texas found itself lodged on train tracks in Biloxi, and was subsequently struck by an oncoming train. Although passengers started to disembark from the bus, several could not make it off in time.

Today, Mr. Speaker, I stand to honor the lives of two of those individuals who were taken from us in the accident: Mr. Clinton Havran of Sealy, Texas, and Mrs. Deborah Orr of Bastrop, Texas. Clinton and Deborah were both pillars in our community.

Clinton served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1963, and subsequently had a long and distinguished career as a professional truck driver with Central Freight Lines and Steinhauser's of Texas. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Annie Mae Havran, his children, and his grandchildren.

Deborah, or Debbie as her friends knew her, was known for her spirit and kindness. Debbie was a Jill-of-all-trades, and held jobs as a nursing assistant and assembly worker, among others. She actively volunteered in her community--with several organizations that work with needy children and as the Activities Director at the Bastrop Senior Center. Debbie is survived by her loving husband of 36 years, Tim Orr, as well as her children, grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

I join their family, their friends, and the people of Bastrop and Sealy in rejoicing the lasting impression Clinton and Debbie left on us all. As our community grieves and continues to come together in this time of sorrow, I ask that we honor their memory by working together to ensure accidents like this do not happen in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House offer their love and support for Clinton, Deborah, and their loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, this week we honor the brave men and women who make it their life's duty to protect and defend our citizens, our Nation, and our way of life. Police officers across the country wake up every morning unaware of the challenges they may face, the threats they must overcome, and the lives they will affect and protect in the process.

The badge officers don is a symbol of their altruism and their devotion to the common good. I believe in ``Backing the Blue'' and visit first responders throughout my district in Texas to express my unyielding support.

America's police officers represent the best in all of us and are the finest our country has to offer. For their service, their sacrifice, and their selflessness, we are eternally thankful.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jessica Nalepa, an outstanding member of my staff who is transitioning out of my office after seven years to share her talents with the administration.

A Virginia native, Jessi interned in my office while she was in school at George Mason University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Government & International Politics and Communications, graduating cum Laude. Despite her East Coast upbringing, Jessi soon became an honorary Texan through and through.

Her outstanding work as an intern swiftly led her to become a permanent part of my team as the Director of Scheduling. Continuing to demonstrate her talents and work ethic, she moved through the ranks of my office fast: first from Scheduler to Deputy Chief of Staff and then ending her service to me as my Chief of Staff

Jessi has been an integral part of my team and has served dutifully as a public servant to Texas-10 and the entire state. She also played an instrumental role in my personal growth here in Congress when she helped me in my campaign to become Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee during the 113th Congress.

Possibly the toughest part of Jessi's job was balancing my duties to serve Texans through my personal office and simultaneously ensure the safety of all Americans through my work on the committee. Despite the challenges this posed on a daily basis, Jessi always went above and beyond. She managed these dynamics with professionalism, integrity, and a high degree of respect for the people who we serve. And, I'll add she accomplished all of this while earning a Master's Degree in Public Policy Analysis from George Mason University.

Jessi's dedication to Texas' 10th Congressional District and the U.S. House of Representatives is an extraordinary example of her strong commitment to her country and fellow citizens. Even though she is departing my office, Jessi will always be part of Team McCaul and I will be forever grateful for her work.

Jessi is possibly the hardest worker I have had the honor to know, and she will be sorely missed by all.

Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking Jessi for her service to the great state of Texas and our nation, and wish her the very best of luck as she sets forth on the next chapter of her life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the professional achievements and dedication of Cindy Simms who recently began the newest chapter of her esteemed career of public service in the Executive Office of the President. Cindy was most recently my Director of Member Services and a Senior Advisor for the House Homeland Security Committee. Her insight was an invaluable asset to my Committee and Cindy's vision and determination allowed her to grow in her role as a vital part of the Committee's daily operation and strategy.

Cindy has been involved in politics at all levels of government which has contributed to her breadth of knowledge and keen political mind. A native Californian, Cindy began her career working for a state senator before joining the Schwarzenegger gubernatorial campaign and later working in the governor's office as a legislative analyst. Cindy then answered her professional calling and moved to the East Coast where she served in the George W. Bush White House at the Office of National Drug Control Policy. She later worked for both the Department of Homeland Security and Coast Guard, focusing her efforts on issues of national defense.

We relied heavily on Cindy's leadership and outreach as the Director of Member Services for the Homeland Security Committee. Cindy is a true professional and a trusted advisor. Her influence, however, extended across the Committee as she assisted the offices of all Republican Members. Cindy worked tirelessly to keep Members and staff engaged in Committee activities and went out of her way to facilitate opportunities for every single one of the 18 Republicans on the Committee. Her legacy lives on in the tremendous growth in outreach we have experienced during her tenure here. I will always be grateful for the personal relationships she built with the Members of this Committee, myself included, as well as the professional relationships she grew with outside coalitions and stakeholder groups to enhance the Committee's involvement and influence.

The White House is lucky to have Cindy on their team. Her political insight, professional demeanor, and strong relationships built during her time on Capitol Hill will be a great asset to President Trump. Her work ethic, determination to grow, and innovative vision make Cindy an excellent fit to work in the highest office in the land.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today out of gratitude for the service and friendship of Joan O'Hara--formerly my General Counsel for the House Homeland Security Committee--who now holds the post of Deputy National Security Advisor to Vice President Mike Pence.

Joan would tell you she owes her professional success not to the Halls of Congress but to the sculls and shells of crew. In fact, the first 15 years of Joan's adult life were dedicated to competitive rowing--not law or politics. She approached rowing as she has since approached any obstacle or opportunity in her life: with genuine curiosity and an undeterrable will for success.

Joan took up rowing in her senior year at Loyola College in Maryland. Shortly thereafter, she won a national championship in the single scull competition and was part of a winning team in a quad scull. The former is a testament to Joan's individual determination and perseverance, the latter--her leadership and teamwork. Both of these qualities have since expressed themselves explicitly in Joan's political career.

After her own competitive career was over Joan coached rowing at the collegiate level. As a mentor to young women, she shared her personal experiences and insight to help others better themselves. Joan taught that it is not just the strength of one's back that contributes to rowing success but a cognizant awareness of the route to the finish line and humble understanding of what it takes to get there; and that when there are multiple people in the scull, it is not about how well any one person rows but how well they row as one.

This same mentality has guided her political career. In 2007, Joan noticed a political fervor at the grassroots level that she had never seen before. With her interest sparked, she decided to pursue a law degree and career in public service. Similarly to rowing, Joan excelled at an impressive rate. She joined the Homeland Security Committee as a legal intern and was hired on as a counsel--quickly ascending to General Counsel.

In her tenure as my General Counsel, she was a trusted advisor and close confidant. She positioned herself at the forefront of the encryption debate by drafting legislation to create a national commission to provide recommendations balancing privacy and security. She also played an integral part in facilitating the first congressional agreement to reauthorize the Department of Homeland Security.

Joan's insight, professionalism, and leadership are missed as she departs this Committee. She will be an outstanding advisor to the Vice President, and I am excited to see what she makes of this new opportunity. It will be a pleasure to watch Joan as she once again embarks on a new adventure and accepts nothing less than excellence along her journey.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the cost estimate from the Congressional Budget Office regarding H.R. 876. The cost estimate was not available at the time of the filing of the Committee report.

Congressional Budget Office,

U.S. Congress,

Washington, DC, April 26, 2017.

Hon. Michael McCaul,

Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security,

House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has

prepared the enclosed cost

estimate for H.R. 876, the Aviation Employee Screening and

Security Enhancement Act of 2017.

If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be

pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Megan

Carroll.

Sincerely,

Keith Hall, Director.

Enclosure.

H.R. 876--Aviation Employee Screening and Security Enhancement Act of

2017

As ordered reported by the House Committee on Homeland Security on

March 8, 2017

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the cost estimate from the Congressional Budget Office regarding H.R. 1353. The cost estimate was not available at the time of the filing of the Committee report or consideration by the Full House.

U.S. Congress,

Congressional Budget Office,

Washington, DC, April 12, 2017.

Hon. Michael McCaul,

Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of

Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has

prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 1353, the

Transparency in Technological Acquisitions Act of 2017.

If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be

pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Megan

Carroll.

Sincerely,

Keith Hall.

Enclosure.

H.R. 1353--Transparency in Technological Acquisitions Act of

2017

H.R. 1353 would expand requirements for the Transportation

Security Administration (TSA) to report to the Congress on

the status of the agency's planned investments in

technologies related to transportation security. CBO

estimates that implementing H.R. 1353 would have no

significant effect on the federal budget. According to TSA,

the agency already collects data necessary to meet the

legislation's requirements to provide additional information

about acquisition programs on a more frequent basis. As a

result, CBO estimates that any change in the agency's costs,

which would be subject to appropriation, would not exceed

$500,000 in any year.

Enacting H.R. 1353 would not affect direct spending or

revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply.

CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 1353 would not increase net

direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four

consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2028.

H.R. 1353 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector

mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and

would not affect the budgets of state, local, tribal

governments.

The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Megan Carroll.

The estimate was approved by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy

Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.