Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank the gentleman for yielding me the customary 30 minutes.

I am proud to be the newest member of the House Rules Committee. When I expressed my desire to join the committee to the minority leader, I shared my hope that I could do my part to ensure the committee would allow the House to work its will in an open way. Unfortunately, the rule that we are bringing to the floor does not meet that standard. For that reason, I rise in opposition.

The rule we consider this afternoon is a combined rule for H.R. 3144, legislation to delay and derail management practices at the Federal Columbia River Power System in the Pacific Northwest, and H.R. 4, the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act. There is no reason for the House to take up these items in a combined rule. We have plenty of time to give each bill a full, robust debate, and plenty of time to allow the House an opportunity to vote on some of the 138 amendments filed to these bills that were not made in order under this rule.

Mr. Speaker, the House appears to be in a rush to leave here every single week. Last week, we only had three voting days, and with this combined rule, who knows how long we will be here this week. Perhaps we could use some of this extra time to take up a number of issues which Americans have been asking for.

Instead of making this yet another short week, how about we give Americans a vote on addressing gun violence by giving us a vote on background checks, bump stocks, assault weapons, gun trafficking reform; or ensuring that we don't find ourselves in a constitutional crisis by protecting the special counsel, and making sure that we address Russian interference in our elections; or allowing the House to actually take a vote on so many outstanding immigration issues by protecting DACA and TPS recipients?

There are 244 cosponsors of Representative Denham's ``Queen of the Hill'' resolution, including over 40 members of the majority party.

Nearly 8 months since President Trump terminated the DACA program, Congress has continually failed to protect the thousands of American Dreamers who lose their protections every single day. Dreamers are the educators, doctors, and small-business owners who make our communities better and help make our country stronger and safer.

There are very real consequences for the lack of a permanent solution to this crisis. The American people want us to act. We can respect their will by taking up the ``Queen of the Hill'' resolution on one of the many days where we find ourselves with nothing to do. We could work together to at least provide the House with a path forward where the best idea wins.

Mr. Speaker, instead of doing what we did last week by canceling voting days, let's take this time to act on behalf of our constituents. Why don't we put a stop to the administration's attack on the Affordable Care Act and work on bipartisan improvements to control the cost of healthcare, prescription drugs, and increase access to services?

Finally, why don't we take some time to do what I have been calling for since my first day in Congress and pass a large-scale infrastructure package? There are roads and bridges crumbling around our country, transit systems in need of significant repair, and a power grid waiting to enter the 21st century. We need robust investments in our transportation and energy infrastructure.

In its 2017 report card, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave us our infrastructure a nearl failing grade of a D-plus. But based on my experiences driving around my hometown, that might be a bit too generous.

These are all the things that have bipartisan agreement. It is up to us to address the real problems before us with leadership, security, and stability that the Nation demands.

That said, as I mentioned before, we have two bills included in this rule. The first is the FAA Authorization

Act, the first long-term FAA reauthorization since 2012. This legislation was developed over 3 years of bipartisan and stakeholder negotiations. It will provide long-term stability for our Nation's aviation community, continue investments in research and innovation, and make necessary reforms to improve American competitiveness and safety in aviation.

I appreciate Chairman Shuster working with Ranking Member DeFazio to ensure that this bill is as bipartisan as possible. I would have preferred that we did more to assist our Nation's airports, but this bill reflects the committee's will.

Airline safety is on all of our minds, especially after the tragedy of Southwest Flight 1380. Moving this bill forward, without the poison bill language we had seen in previous versions, will go a long way in improving passenger safety, passenger comfort, and the entire experience on our Nation's airlines.

Following my work to return the Ontario International Airport to local control, we have seen my hometown airport go through a renaissance with new flights being added constantly. It is my hope that this bill continues that growth and allows for more improvements at the airport.

While I am pleased this rule does make in order an amendment I offered to assist Ontario International Airport and airports like it, there are many amendments which were not made in order.

One such amendment I want to mention is Representative Cartwright's amendment No. 152 on single-pilot operations. I am extremely concerned with section 744 of the underlying legislation, which establishes an FAA research and development program in support of single-pilot all- cargo operations utilizing remote piloting or computer piloting technology.

Unfortunately, I believe moving in this direction--single-piloted aircraft--will result in excessive workload for pilots and safety risks for everyone.

I think it would have been fair for the House to give the Cartwright amendment a floor debate and a simple up-or-down vote.

In addition, I am disappointed that Representative Grace Meng's amendment No. 28 was not made in order. This amendment would have standardized the treatment of animals aboard airlines.

I know we were all horrified when we read the reports last month of a pet who died after being forced into a luggage compartment, or being flushed down a toilet, or being forced to leave the plane.

According to a U.S. Department of Transportation report issued in February, 24 animals died in the care of U.S. carriers last year. I don't think it is too much to ask for a vote on the House floor to establish standards for the safety of our constituents' pets.

In addition to the FAA authorization bill, this rule will also bring H.R. 3144 to the floor. This bill is intended to provide for operations of the Federal Columbia River Power System and delay multiple court decisions which are intended to protect the local environment.

This legislation would derail the ongoing comprehensive efforts to improve dam management practices on the Columbia River basin, creating problematic conservation and management policies. The impact on salmon and steelhead trout, in particular, would harm not just the environment, but also tribes and businesses of the Pacific Northwest.

I joined the Rules Committee from my previous role as ranking member on the Indian, Insular, and Alaska Native Affairs Subcommittee. I was proud of the work I did to protect Tribal communities, and while serving in that role, I opposed this legislation due to the negative impact on local tribes.

The 2014 operation plan, which this bill attempts to re-implement, was developed by the Department of Commerce National Marine Fisheries Services. That plan was found to violate the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, and failed to live up to the agreement we made with local tribes.

Native peoples of the Pacific Northwest ceded most of their ancestral homeland to the U.S. in exchange for the right to catch salmon and steelhead at their accustomed places. This tradition carries great cultural and religious significance, but the current operation plan would further harm Tribal fisheries.

Mr. Speaker, I oppose this rule and the underlying legislation because it fails to include the appropriate input from local tribes. I urge my colleagues to reconsider bringing this bill forward, and go back to the drawing board where an agreement can be reached that brings all affected parties on board.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose the rule we have before us, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Doggett), the distinguished ranking member of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Tax Policy.

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

Mr. Speaker, President Trump campaigned on the promise of draining the swamp, but has instead allowed corruption to run rampant in the executive office. Several Cabinet officials are being investigated for ethics violations and the misuse of Federal funds.

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Carson spent over $31,000 on a new dining room set for his office. Interior Secretary Zinke spent $139,000 of taxpayer money to remodel three sets of office doors.

One of the most outrageous practices by President Trump's Cabinet is the hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on luxury air travel. Just a couple of examples: Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Pruitt spent over $14,000 on a private jet traveling just 300 miles within Oklahoma.

Interior Secretary Zinke cost the taxpayers $12,000 chartering a plane belonging to an oil and gas exploration firm.

President Trump recently said: ``Sometimes it may not look like it, but believe me, we are draining the swamp.''

Well, with a Cabinet like this, I have to agree with President Trump in part. It does not look like he is draining the swamp, but that is because he is not.

For this reason, if we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment to the rule to bring up Representative Lieu's H.R. 3876, the SWAMP FLYERS Act. This legislation will ensure that senior political appointees are not using Federal funds for official travel on private aircraft.

Unlike the restrictive rules we are considering today, this bill would be brought to the floor under an open rule so that all Members have the opportunity to amend the bill on the floor.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment in the Record, along with extraneous material, immediately prior to the vote on the previous question.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Ted Lieu) to discuss this proposal.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus), the distinguished ranking member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose the previous question and the rule, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5447, The Music Modernization Act. Mr. Speaker, there is broad, bipartisan agreement that current music licensing laws no longer meet the needs of creators and music providers in the digital age. Southern California has established itself as a leader in the entertainment industry, and supporting our artists and music industry is a job creator for my constituents.

This bill would address the inefficiencies in the music industry's licensing system by establishing uniformity in the licensing process. Licenses will now be managed by one entity which in turn would be paid for by the licensees. In addition to an increase in efficiency, the Music Modernization Act would foster a more transparent relationship between creators and music platforms. Information regarding music owed royalties would be easily accessible through the database created by the Music Modernization Act. This transparency will surely improve the working relationship between creators and music platforms and aid the music industry's innovation process.

Most importantly, this bill would establish a uniformed rate that would allow song writers and artists to receive fair market pay for their ideas and creations.

As a society, we value the work and products of artists, creators, and the music industry. For years now, creators, and music providers have spoken out about the outdated music licensing process and the issues they repeatedly face because of its flawed system. It is only fair that we address these inefficiencies and bring the music industries' processes in accordance with the digital age.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition of the so-called balanced budget amendment. Like so many Americans who have been following the budget process, I am too very disappointed with this Congress. The budget is the value statement by which we govern America.

The amendment before us and the recent massive cuts passed by Republicans are far from a reflection of those values. That tax bill added yet another $1 trillion of debt to our children's pocketbooks. And for what? So millionaires could get a tax cut 70 times larger than what the middle class received? The vote we take today will pay for that tax cut by cutting programs the middle class depends on.

As a mother and grandmother, I have to ask: What kind of future are we leaving for our families? You cannot hand millions of dollars to millionaires and corporations one day while pretending to be concerned about our budget deficit the next. That doesn't make you a fiscal hawk.

That is why the Congressional Hispanic Caucus has been working on a plan to get us back on track, and I am proud to help lead those efforts as the chair of the Budget Task Force. In this role, I am pushing for solutions that promote the well-being and strength of our local communities. Sure, we all want a balanced budget. This vote today is not a solution. It is an attack on the middle class families we represent.

As a former mayor and a State legislator, I know firsthand the difference between a true balanced budget and what that means for securing the resources and services our States and cities need. It has long been my priority to ensure healthcare remains accessible for everyone, especially the most vulnerable in our communities. We can't do that if we are making enormous cuts to Medicare, to Medicaid, to Social Security programs our very low-income families, individuals with disabilities, seniors, and veterans depend on for their livelihoods.

More than 50 million Americans depend on Medicare. Many of them make less than $24,000 a year. The Nation's seniors have worked their whole lives and contributed to the Social Security program. It is not a gift to them.

Mr. Speaker, on Friday March 9th, the brave men and women. of the Pomona Police Department responded to a short pursuit that resulted in a 15-hour long standoff in my hometown. Among those brave first responders was Officer Greggory Jonathan Casillas.

It is with more than a heavy heart that I stand here on the House floor to say that during that altercation, Officer Casillas was killed in the line of duty. I can't say much about the motives of the individual who committed this abhorrent crime, nor do I want to.

What I do want to do is focus on Officer Casillas and the incredible contributions he made to leave Pomona safer than it was before.

He made the ultimate sacrifice doing what he loved, and he will be missed dearly. He is survived not only by his parents, brothers, wife, five-month old and four-year old sons, but also by every single law enforcement officer of the Pomona Police Department and every member of our community.

Casillas knew his calling early on: to one day become a Pomona Police Officer. In March of 2015, he set out on this pursuit and joined the Pomona PD as a records specialist. Casillas would go on to work his way up through the department, prudently learning every detail at every step. On November 2015, he became a jailer before eventually becoming a Pomona police recruit, putting him one step closer to attending the police academy.

Officer Casillas intentionally took on these varying roles within the department because he was eager to learn and wanted to become the best version of himself to prepare him for the role of officer.

Colleagues recall Casillas diligently studying officer reports so he could learn how to write them--he was known for always carrying flashcards of penal codes and books to prepare for the police officer exam.

He was honest, dedicated, and determined. He never lost hope nor sight of his dreams.

And last September, that relentless determination led him to graduate from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Academy Class No. 207. He accomplished his goal of becoming a Pomona Police Officer.

Officer Casillas was in the final stages of finishing his field training, which would have allowed him to ride on his own without a training officer--a self-imposed final hurdle for achieving his ultimate goal of riding solo.

But in my opinion, he achieved his goal nearly four years ago when he decided to join the Pomona Police Department. It takes a special kind of unyielding dedication for someone to be willing to put their lives at risk every single day that they put on a uniform.

Casillas was this type of individual.

Officer Casillas accomplished his goal long ago and surpassed it.

The hundreds of people that gathered for multiple vigils in his memory is evidence.

The young generation of police recruits that he has inspired by leading by example is proof.

He selflessly left his family at home to protect our community. His memory and spirit will live on, and we are eternally grateful for his sacrifice. May he rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I report to you an incident that occurred the evening of March 9.

Officers of the Pomona Police Department were involved in a short pursuit that resulted in a 15-hour-long standoff. At the onset of that standoff, Officer Gregory Jonathan Casillas was killed in the line of duty.

Officer Casillas was at the beginning of his career in law enforcement. He was a dedicated public servant. He was young, energetic, and honest. He never lost hope or sight of his dreams.

Officer Casillas joined the Pomona Police Department in December of 2014, working his way up as a records specialist, jailer, recruit, to his graduation in 2017 from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Academy Class No. 207. He died doing what he loved: serving our community.

He is survived by his wife and his 5-month-old and 4-year-old sons.

Officer Casillas, your memory and spirit will live on. May you rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise tocommend the United States Congress for taking the right step forward in helping combat the high numbers of children abduction and crime rates in Indian Country.

As a former 911 operator, I know that the AMBER Alert program has led to the rescue of countless lives across the United States--but until now, access to this critical tool has been limited for our tribal communities.

Mr. Speaker, the passage of this bill will give tribes across the United States the ability to respond quickly to child abductions and help ensure the public safety of their citizens. These precious young lives are no less valuable than any others and they deserve to be protected.

Last November, I introduced Savanna's Act as a result of the disturbing increase in murdered and missing Native American women and girls. My bill is named in honor of Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, a 22- year-old pregnant member of the Spirit Lake Tribe who was tragically murdered.

While I am hopeful that the institution of an AMBER alert program will help bring some much needed relief to this issue, we must do more to address the gap of information sharing between tribal, local, and federal law enforcement agencies. My bill aims to do just that.

Let's keep the momentum going and finally bring full justice to our Native American neighbors.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and was thus unable to cast my vote on rollcall votes 83, 84, 85, 86, and 87. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 83, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 84, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 85, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 86, and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 87.

Mr. Speaker, we have waited too long to protect the DREAMers. This is unacceptable to me and to the vast majority of Americans.

My Republican colleagues say that we have until March to fix this issue, but that is simply not true. 16,287 DREAMers have lost their protection since September. For those DREAMers, the deadline has already passed.

This is not a partisan issue. I would like to remind my colleagues that the Dream Act is a bipartisan bill. Unfortunately, the Republican leadership and the White House have not acted in good faith. They have politicized this issue. They have backed themselves to the wall. They are holding the fate of DREAMers hostage.

They say that they want to help DREAMers, but then they say they will only help DREAMers in exchange for border security, demanding that we give up on our commitment to keeping families together, ending the Diversity Visa program, knowing that these are poison pills.

If Republicans truly want to help DREAMers, Democrats stand ready. If Republicans want to compromise on a comprehensive immigration reform bill, we are ready to do that, too.

We can talk about all of the changes to our immigration system that Republicans want at the same time that we talk about how we bring 11 million people, undocumented people, out of the shadows and on a pathway to citizenship. But the issue of DREAMers and comprehensive immigration reform should simply be kept separate.

Show some leadership. President Trump says he wants a ``bill of love.'' So do I and so do my colleagues.

Mr. Speaker, it has been 2 weeks since I last stood here to ask the House to bring the Dream Act to a vote. Thirty-four of my colleagues, my Republican colleagues, have sent a letter to Republican Speaker Ryan asking for action to protect DREAMers before the holidays because they understand the urgency.

What are we waiting for? Republicans continue to state that we have until March to resolve this issue, but that is simply not true. 122 DREAMers lose protection every single day.

That means that 122 intelligent, hardworking Americans, by every right except birth, are losing their ability to continue their education, to work and contribute to our economy.

Are we willing to stop the deportations of hundreds of thousands of young DREAMers or not?

This is not a partisan question. This is the question of who we are as Americans. Let's put an end to the fear and uncertainty that DREAMers have been living with these past few months.

We have been clear. This Congress must not finish this year without providing a permanent fix for DREAMers, their families, and the communities that depend on them. It is unconscionable. This is not who we are.

Mr. Speaker, many of my Republican colleagues support action on the Dream Act before the holidays. Many have said so publicly. The majority of Americans want us to act now.

Mr. Speaker, 1,708 DACA recipients have lost their status since I last stood here 2 weeks ago. This isn't hard. The fix is right in front of us. It has been here all along.

We all know that the votes are here today, if this body only had the courage to act. And I know that the Dream Act would pass today if we only allowed it.

I ask my colleagues to vote against the previous question so that we can immediately begin to bring the Dream Act and act on the floor today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 336, which reaffirms our strong commitment to the United States-Mexico partnership.

Mexico is our neighbor and one of our most important strategic allies. Under NAFTA and the Merida Initiative, our countries have expanded our economic and security cooperation in ways that involve almost every aspect of our lives. Our work with Mexico goes beyond the Federal Government. It is in our State and local governments. It is in our businesses and in our churches.

H. Res. 336 holds up the idea that working with Mexico has been good for our security and our economy. No one is saying that our relationship is perfect. We still have real security problems to address, especially the smuggling of guns, drugs, and money across our borders, and we need to do more--a lot more--to lift up those communities that have not benefited from NAFTA; but, on the whole, we are better off when we work together.

Working together is what makes it possible to have those tough conversations about those issues where we disagree, so we shouldn't even need to pass a resolution like this. It should be assumed. It should be common sense. But the rhetoric across this administration has made it necessary for Congress to speak out in defense of our neighbor and our ally, and we are here today speaking out.

I thank Representative Engel and Representative McCaul for their leadership, and I thank Chairman Royce for his ongoing work in bringing this resolution forward and ongoing work in the committee to ensure that we work on a bipartisan level.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Randy DeAnda of the City of Rialto in my district on the occasion of his retirement from a lifetime of exemplary public service to the communities of the Inland Empire.

Chief DeAnda has been a police officer for 31 years, 25 of which have been with the City of Rialto. My district has benefitted greatly over the years from his qualified background in community safety. He received his Bachelor's degree in Workforce Education and Development, he is a graduate of both the Peace

Officer Standards and Training Executive Leadership Command College and the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute, and is a member of the California Police Chief's Association and the San Bernardino County Police Chief's Association.

Chief DeAnda's 31 years of service led him from the rank of corporal to Police Captain to now the current head of the Rialto Police Department. His career and expertise have allowed him to serve in various capacities including as a Field Training Officer, Gang Detective, Narcotics Investigator, Street Crime Attack Team Officer, Department SWAT team member, and Department Press Information Officer. Throughout his tenure, he was involved in several undercover narcotic sting operations and gang sweeps--all of which has helped our communities become a little safer. As a member of both the California Gang Investigators' Association and the California Narcotics Officers' Association, he is considered an expert in gangs and narcotics where he has worked and testified on a number of high profile cases involving career criminals.

In service to the Inland Empire, Chief DeAnda has provided leadership and supervision over the Area Command Program and its projects. To name a few, these projects include the City of Rialto's first gang injunction, the beautification of Citrus Grove housing complex and other multi-housing developments as well as community based organizations like the Neighborhood Watch and National Night Out.

For his extraordinary accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize Chief Randy DeAnda on the House floor today. His 25 years of commitment and contributions to the City of Rialto and the greater community of the Inland Empire are worthy of commending and admiration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Jackie Zarate- Roberts on the occasion of her retirement from a lifetime of civic service to the Latino community of the City of Los Angeles.

Ms. Zarate-Roberts began her journey in Los Angeles at the University of Southern California, where she graduated with a Master's Degree in Public Administration in 1984. Her career in the City of Los Angeles started as a Junior Administrative Assistant in the Personnel Department's Examining Division. This was just the beginning, as she quickly rose through the ranks, eventually ending in the Selection Division. At one point, she was the Assistant Director of the Fire Commission's Equal Employment Opportunity Office, serving as a Sexual Harassment Counselor for employees of the LA Fire Department.

Concurrently, Ms. Zarate-Roberts actively engaged in efforts to assist the Latino community through her membership in the Los Angeles City Employees Chicano Association (LACECA), where her track record here is just as impressive. In her first year, she was quickly appointed to the Executive Board as Recording Secretary and over the years she has served as Executive Secretary, Treasurer, 1st and 2nd Vice President, and President several times--the first Latina to ever hold this position, I may add.

Her passion is portrayed through her active participation in voter registration drives, redistricting committees in support of Latino issues, scholarship fundraisers, among others. As a former 911 dispatcher, I saw firsthand the power of her commitment to the LACECA. She was instrumental in the return of bi-lingual pay to the City's 911 Operators along with improving training, working conditions, and increasing the number of bi-lingual operator positions serving the city. Much of this was accomplished by serving on Mayor Bradley's and Reardon's ``Presidents Roundtable on Affirmative Action'', where she met monthly to advocate for the underrepresentation of minorities and women in the work force.

For all of the aforementioned Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to recognize a true community icon on the House floor today: Ms. Jackie Zarate-Roberts. Her unmatched commitment to the City of Los Angeles since 1984 and the innumerable contributions she has made to the greater Latino community will reverberate for generations to come and our community is better of because of it.

Mr. Speaker, this Congress faces a moral decision that we have put off making for too long, a decision that we cannot put off any longer: Will we stop the deportation of hundreds of thousands of young DREAMers or not?

This is not a partisan question. This is a question of who we are as Americans.

Are we willing to put partisan games aside? Are we willing to put to an end the fear that DREAMers have, the fear that they have been living with these past few months?

We are quickly approaching the year-end deadline for many items this body needs to address. Many of us are looking forward to seeing our families through the holidays.

What about the 122 DREAMers that lose protection every day that we don't act? Can they say the same.

This is unconscionable. This is not who we are.

When I am home, I hear from businesses, school leaders, public officials, religious leaders, and friends, and they all want us to act now, today. Failure to do so will result in tearing families and communities apart.

The fix is right here in front of us. H.R. 3440, the Dream Act, is a bipartisan, bicameral bill that will put this issue at rest once and for all.

We all know that the votes are here today in this body. Plenty of my Republican colleagues support this legislation. Plenty of my Republican colleagues stand with their business, religious, and community leaders to bring this dream to a reality for the DREAMers.

We have been clear. This Congress must not finish this year without providing a fix in certainty for DREAMers. Their families and the communities that depend on them expect that.

I ask my colleagues to allow us to vote and provide a vote against the previous question so that we can immediately bring the Dream Act to the floor for a vote today.

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

H.R. 2768 names two peaks in the Uncompahgre National Forest in Colorado after Charlie Fowler and Christine Boskoff.

Fowler and Boskoff were world-class rock climbers whose accomplishments left enduring legacies on the sport. Sadly, in 2016, the two set out to climb a mountain in a remote part of China near the Tibetan border and never returned.

This bill and the renaming of the peaks is a fitting tribute and I support its adoption.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2615 is a simple bipartisan bill that authorizes the exchange of two small parcels of land to provide needed access for our veterans in Mississippi.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5699 is located adjacent to a portion of Gulf Islands National Seashore, and while having a national park in your backyard is a desirable condition, the post has found themselves landlocked and in need of direct access to their facility.

To solve this issue, the Gulf Islands National Seashore Land Exchange Act will exchange approximately 2 acres of land owned by the VFW with 1.5 acres owned by the Federal Government.

The acreage required by the VFW will be used to establish a short driveway directly to the post while the land given in exchange to the Federal Government will be managed as part of Gulf Islands National Seashore.

This exchange is supported by both the VFW post and the National Park Service and is a simple and logical solution to a local issue. I am pleased to see the National Park Service and the VFW working together to form a solution to this issue. This bill passed the House in the 114th Congress, and I urge all Members to support this commonsense, bipartisan bill.

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