Floor Statements

Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Madam Chair, this amendment would eliminate the increase of $596,000 for the Office of Inspector General under the Department of Commerce and apply that amount to the spending reduction account. This amendment has the support of the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Oversight, Representative Maffei, as well.

As chairman of the House Science Oversight Subcommittee within the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I have had the unfortunate responsibility of discovering an incidence of whistleblower intimidation perpetrated by top-level agency employees at the Department of Commerce, Office of Inspector General.

Consequently, the Office of Special Counsel was brought in to investigate these allegations of whistleblower retaliation.

The investigation in this particular case found that the counsel to the inspector general and the principal assistant inspector general for investigations and whistleblower protection had threatened whistleblowers with an ultimatum: to either sign an agreement to not ``disparage the agency to Congress and their staff, the Office of Special Counsel, and the media'' or have failing performance reviews added to their permanent files.

Unfortunately, the Office of Inspector General ignored these findings and took minimal action against these individuals. That is not enough.

As a result, I, along with all of the members of the subcommittee, sent a letter on April 1, 2014, to the Commerce IG demanding he immediately fire the two officials in question.

The inspector general responded by saying, in part, that the office had ``moved on.''

It is beyond hypocritical that the inspector general's office has conducted itself in this manner.

According to its website, the Office of Inspector General ``endeavors to detect and determine waste, fraud, and abuse'' throughout the Commerce Department and ``keep Congress fully and currently informed about problems and deficiencies and the need for corrective action.''

As lawmakers, we depend on just and ethical inspectors general to protect taxpayers' interest and to hold Federal Government officials accountable to the law. Yet we can't depend on the Office of Inspector General at the Department of Commerce to even police its own, much less others who may seek to violate whistleblower protection laws. At the very least, we must refuse to increase the OIG's appropriation until corrective action is taken.

I urge my colleagues to adopt this nonpartisan amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Pastor Benny Tate, the Senior Pastor of Rock Springs Church in Milner, Georgia, for over 25 years.

When Dr. Benny Tate first arrived in Milner, Georgia, Rock Springs Church had just 60 members in its congregation. Today, that number has grown to more than 6,000.

Under the leadership of Pastor Tate, several ministries were formed at Rock Springs Church in order to meet the needs of the community, including:

The Rock Springs Medical Clinic to care for those who cannot afford medical insurance, the Potter's House, which ministers to women battling drug and alcohol abuse, Rock Springs Christian Academy, offering quality education to children K through 12, and the Impact Street Ministries, which helps the homeless by serving meals and providing clothing to those in need.

Psalm 68:5 says, ``A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.'' Or James 1:27 says, ``Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.''

Dr. Tate's work is a shining example of what scripture tells us the role of the church should be--to care for the poor, the fatherless, and widows.

Today, Pastor Tate and his wife of more than thirty years, Barbara, reside in Griffin Georgia, and are parents to their daughter, Savannah Abigail.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Pastor Benny Tate for his 25 years of outstanding leadership and service to his community at Rock Springs Church. I wish him many blessed years ahead as he continues to lead, serve, and further the gospel at his full service church.

Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Madam Chair, the bill under consideration today is probably the smallest appropriations bill that we see each year, at least in terms of the number of dollars involved.

It funds the operations of the legislative branch--both the operational expenses of the congressional offices and the expenses which occur in protecting and maintaining Capitol grounds.

This bill decreases in several places, and it holds the line on a number of accounts as well. In total, the bill provides funding which is in line with the amount provided just last year. I commend the Appropriations Committee for this. However, there are also a number of increases found within the bill.

Earlier this week, I submitted amendments to the Rules Committee, all of which were meant to target accounts which received seemingly inexplicable increases. I have been allowed one amendment today, only one, which would decrease funding for the Capitol Visitor Center by $243,000 and move the same amount to the spending reduction account.

This move would result in the Visitor Center funding being equal to the amount which was appropriated last year, just keeping it at the same level.

The Capitol Visitor Center opened to the public in December of 2008, and according to the Congressional Research Service, it cost more than $600 million to complete. While the Visitor Center received about $65 million in private donations, the rest of its cost was borne by taxpayers.

Madam Chairman, it has been less than 10 years since the Visitor Center has opened, at considerable public expense. I think, given our current fiscal state, we can certainly afford to level fund the Visitor Center, hold the line, and use this increase, while just a small one, to help reduce our Federal deficit. I urge my colleagues to support my amendment.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, I didn't realize with this amendment that we were going to get into debate about the unaffordable, uncaring act, so-called ObamaCare. Actually, I have the solution.

We have been promised that if you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor. We have been promised that if you like your insurance, you can keep your insurance. We know both of those are not factual.

We know both of those were known by the President when he made those claims to America, that he knew that they were not factual also. I am just waiting for the President to come out with this claim: if you like your gun, you can keep your gun.

Before getting back to the appropriations process, let me, to just finish up--and that is, I have the solution. It is called the Patient Option Act. It will actually make everybody's health insurance in this country less expense.

It will provide access to good quality health care for all Americans, and it will save Medicare from going broke. It has been endorsed by the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, as well as FreedomWorks, and it will solve the problems that we all face of an out-of-control health care cost system burden that has been placed on us by a government that has intruded into the health care system itself.

Madam Chairman, this country expects us to make cuts. We are spending money we don't have. We are borrowing 40 cents on every dollar that we spend, and we just have to stop spending money we don't have. We have to restore fiscal sanity to the government. That is what I will continue to do as a Member of Congress, as long as I am here.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Pastor Benny Tate, the Senior Pastor of Rock Springs Church in Milner, Georgia, for over 25 years.

When Dr. Benny Tate first arrived in Milner, Georgia, Rock Springs Church had just 60 members in its congregation. Today, that number has grown to more than 6,000.

Under the leadership of Pastor Tate, several ministries were formed at Rock Springs Church in order to meet the needs of the community, including:

The Rock Springs Medical Clinic to care for those who cannot afford medical insurance, the Potter's House, which ministers to women battling drug and alcohol abuse, Rock Springs Christian Academy, offering quality education to children K through 12, and the Impact Street Ministries, which helps the homeless by serving meals and providing clothing to those in need.

Psalm 68:5 says, ``A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.'' Or James 1:27 says, ``Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.''

Dr. Tate's work is a shining example of what scripture tells us the role of the church should be--to care for the poor, the fatherless, and widows.

Today, Pastor Tate and his wife of more than thirty years, Barbara, reside in Griffin Georgia, and are parents to their daughter, Savannah Abigail.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Pastor Benny Tate for his 25 years of outstanding leadership and service to his community at Rock Springs Church. I wish him many blessed years ahead as he continues to lead, serve, and further the gospel at his full service church.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pastor Benny Tate, the senior pastor of Rock Springs Church in Milner, Georgia. Under the leadership of Dr. Tate, Rock Springs Church grew from just 60 members to its current congregation of over 6,000.

Dr. Tate began numerous ministries at Rock Springs Church, including the Rock Springs medical clinic to care for those who cannot afford medical insurance; The Potter's House, which ministers to women battling drug and alcohol abuse; Rock Springs Christian Academy, offering quality education to kids K-12; and the Impact Street Ministries, which helps the homeless by serving meals and providing clothing and housing to those in need.

James 1:27 says:

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless

is this, to look after orphans and widows in their distress

and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Dr. Tate's work is a shining example of what Scripture tells us the role of the church should be: to care for the poor, the fatherless, and widows.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Benny Tate, pastor of Rock Springs Church, for his 25 years of outstanding leadership and service to his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 100th birthday of Mr. Clarence Rostad of Big Timber, Montana. Clarence Rostad was born on April 28th, 1914, in Big Timber, Montana, to George and Susanna Rostad. Clarence and his ten siblings grew up on the East Fork of the lower Sweet Grass Creek and on the family's ranch on the Boulder River near McLeod. It was here that his love for ranching and farming truly developed.

Clarence attended school at Big Timber Grade School. After a few years of working on the ranch, he attended college classes at Montana State College. He also served his country in the United States Army. In 1946 he married his beloved wife Ruth, whom he shared 57 years on their ranch on the Boulder River. The two raised six children and regularly hosted their 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Clarence loves his ranch on the river--but even more, he loves welcoming others to enjoy the beauty of the mountains and the blue- ribbon river surrounding his ranch. Clarence's desire to welcome strangers to the ranch resulted in having friends of multiple generations in the same family--all of whom have enjoyed the ranch and the company of Clarence's hospitality, as well as him serenading them with his harmonica.

One of Clarence's great loves in life, in addition to his family and ranching, is his love for God. As evidenced in his patience and love for his family and ranching, Clarence is a strong man of faith in his Lord Jesus Christ. As described by his family, his love of raising sheep and cattle has truly blessed him with the heart of the Good Shepherd.

Today, one of Clarence's greatest desires is to honor God through playing sacred music on his harmonica. Having learned to play his harmonica in the solitude of the foothills and mountains in the Boulder River valley, Clarence has the great ability to play complex tunes despite not having any formal music education. Clarence keeps his mind refreshed and his heart renewed by playing music of faith that expresses his love for God.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 100th birthday of Clarence, who has led an outstanding life dedicated to loving God, his family, and loving his neighbor as himself. I wish him many more joyful years of health and happiness.

Mr. Speaker, as the truth of ObamaCare continues to come out, we see that the promises of this administration are just not factual.

ObamaCare is crushing our economy. It is killing jobs, and it is hurting hardworking Americans and family businesses the most.

There is a solution. It is called the Patient OPTION Act. It is H.R. 2900. It repeals ObamaCare in full, and it replaces it with free market, patient-centered reforms.

The Patient OPTION Act is a set of reforms that will revitalize American health care, not through government interference but by giving doctors and patients full control over their dollars and their decisions. In fact, it is the only health care plan that completely removes bureaucrats from everyone's personal health care decisions.

The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons has endorsed the bill, and now FreedomWorks is standing behind the OPTION Act as well. In fact, FreedomWorks said: ``The OPTION Act stands as the best conservative health care reform package yet released, and it should be considered for a vote as the House votes on alternatives to ObamaCare.''

While ObamaCare continues down the path of destruction and failure, the OPTION Act stands ready to provide health care relief that the American people want and need.

The Patient OPTION Act will make health insurance cheaper for everyone, so that most Americans can buy health insurance that they need at a price that they can afford. It will provide access to good quality health care for all Americans, no matter what a person's financial status is or even if they have preexisting conditions, and it will save Medicare from going broke.

I urge the House to vote on the Patient OPTION Act so we may put the final nail into the coffin that is ObamaCare and move towards real patient-centered care.

I finally urge the American people to contact their Congressmen and their Senators to cosponsor the bill and demand from leadership a vote in the U.S. House and the Senate on the Patient OPTION Act.

Through the voice of We the People, the strongest political force in America, we can repeal ObamaCare and replace it with true health care reforms that will make health insurance more affordable and accessible for everyone.

I hope that the American people and my colleagues will look toward the OPTION Act as an example of what real patient-centered health care and insurance looks like and bring this bill before the House and the Senate for a vote immediately.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the accomplishments of Morgan Steward, a 5-year-old from Covington, GA. Steward was born with spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic condition that affects his muscle movement and confines him to a wheelchair. However, Morgan's physical limitations in no way have hindered his career goals, specifically, his dream of becoming a police officer.

When the Covington Police Department learned of Morgan's aspirations, they sprang into action, swearing him in as the newest member of the squad. As news of the new officer spread, the people of Covington formed a social media campaign to dedicate a special day to the young officer. Soon after, on December 17, 2013, a crowd gathered on the Covington Square to honor and cheer on the young officer as it was declared Officer Morgan Day.

However, Morgan's special day did not mean a break from maintaining public order. Typical daily responsibilities of a member of the force, like Morgan, include keeping the peace, law enforcement, protection of people and property, and the investigation of crimes. Officer Morgan Day was no exception, as December 17th proved to be a crime-filled day in Covington. Officer Morgan loyally executed the duties of the Covington Police Department, thwarting the efforts of a ``bank robber'' at BB&T and solving a theft of the ``Jewels of Covington'' at Southern Heartland Art Gallery. Morgan even teamed up with basketball star Shaquille O'Neal to rescue a cat from a tree.

It is my honor to acknowledge Morgan Steward for his brave service to his community as a Police Officer. I want to also commend this young man for setting the highest example of courageousness while facing such serious adversities. Those who know Morgan, recognize him for his constant smile and positive attitude. On behalf of the United States Congress, I commend young Officer Morgan for his service and thank him for the exceptional example he sets for all who face medical hardships.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the accomplishments of Morgan Steward, a 5-year-old boy from Covington, Georgia.

Morgan was born with a genetic condition that affects his muscle movement and confines him to a wheelchair. However, Morgan's physical limitations have in no way hindered his goal of becoming a police officer.

When the Covington Georgia Police Department heard of Morgan's dreams, they sprang into action, swearing him in as a police officer. And on December 17, 2013, the town of Covington celebrated Officer Morgan Day, and Morgan Steward was cheered on as he fought crime and captured the ``bad guys'' during Covington's annual Christmas parade. Morgan even teamed up with basketball star Shaquille O'Neal to rescue a cat from a tree.

On behalf of the United States Congress, I commend Officer Morgan for his service as a police officer, and thank him for the strong example that he sets for all those who face medical and physical hardships.

Mr. Speaker, nearly 4 years ago, the President signed into law his massive takeover of our health care system, and now Americans are seeing the lies and deceptions of ObamaCare. They deserve better. Now, more than ever, they are looking for a solution. Fortunately, there is a solution. It is H.R. 2900, my Patient OPTION Act.

The Patient OPTION Act is the only health care bill that completely removes the government from the doctor-patient relationship and puts patients back in charge of their health care decisions. It will make health insurance cheaper for everyone. It provides access to good, quality care for all Americans, and it will save Medicare from going broke.

This week, I am honored to announce that the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons has endorsed my Patient OPTION act. With the support of associations like AAPS and through the voice of ``we the people,'' we can work to put in place true conservative solutions like my Patient OPTION Act.

Mr. Speaker, this week I went to Augusta, Georgia, to participate in an oversight hearing with Chairman Jeff Miller of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. This visit was the result of multiple deaths and delays in care reported in the Augusta veterans hospital. We must find out what exactly went wrong.

As both a U.S. Marine and a current medical doctor in the Navy Reserves, I take reports of poor care for our veterans very seriously. I questioned hospital staff on how, when, and why these lapses in care occurred, and who is ultimately responsible.

While it appears that under new leadership the hospital is heading in a positive direction, this is just the beginning of a full investigation. We have made promises to our veterans. It is vital that we fulfill these promises.

I have pledged to work to hold those responsible and the VA accountable. I am fully committed to making sure that our veterans receive world-class health care in Augusta, as well as VA hospitals all across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an incredible man of faith, with a true calling and heart for serving the Lord, Bishop Wellington Boone.

Bishop Wellington Boone was ordained into ministry in 1973, and in this same year, he married his childhood sweetheart, Katheryn. Today, Bishop Boone not only celebrates 40 years of ministry, but 40 years of loving marriage with his wife.

In today's world, it is unique and certainly admirable to see a couple celebrate 40 years of marriage. Their long-lasting marriage is a testament not only to their commitment to each other, but to their dedication in serving the Lord.

Bishop Boone's 40 years of leadership and service in ministry is also a tremendous accomplishment, and one that deserves recognition. Through his work, Bishop Boone has faithfully led others in their quest to glorify and serve the Lord.

Mister Speaker, I ask that you join me in congratulating Bishop Boone as he celebrates 40 years of ministry, and 40 years of marriage with his lovely wife, Katheryn. I extend my personal congratulations to them both, and wish them many more joyful years ahead in both their ministry and marriage.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an incredible man of faith, with a true calling and a heart for serving the Lord, Bishop Wellington Boone.

Bishop Wellington Boone was ordained into ministry in 1973; and in that same year, he married his childhood sweetheart, Katheryn. Today, Bishop Boone not only celebrates 40 years of ministry, but 40 years of a loving marriage with his wife. In today's world, it is unique and certainly admirable to see a couple celebrate 40 years of marriage. Their long-lasting marriage is a testament to not only their commitment to each other, but their dedication to serving the Lord.

Bishop Boone's 40 years of leadership and service in ministry is also a tremendous accomplishment and one that deserves recognition. Through his work, Bishop Boone has faithfully led others in their quest to glorify and serve the Lord.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in congratulating Bishop Boone as he celebrates 40 years of ministry and 40 years of marriage with his lovely wife, Katheryn.

Mr. Speaker, now more than ever, Americans are feeling the pain from ObamaCare. This law is hurting Americans with higher premiums and cancelation notices. If it is left in place, our country will suffer under the new wave of spending that it will create.

This destroyer must be stopped.

Just last week, the House passed a symbolic bill that merely nibbled at the edges of the problems caused by ObamaCare, but you cannot fix a law that will cripple our economy, increase our Nation's debt, and limit health care options for millions of Americans. I was one of only four Republicans to oppose this bill, because we can't fix the President's broken promises in ObamaCare. Instead, we must repeal ObamaCare for good.

I have introduced legislation, the Patient OPTION Act, that would do just that. Congress must stop wasting time to pass bills that keep ObamaCare in place. We must repeal and replace this disaster immediately. The Patient OPTION Act is the solution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the rich heritage of Zion Missionary Baptist Church whose members are celebrating its 150th anniversary. In 1863, shortly after President Abraham Lincoln gave the Emancipation Proclamation, thirty-six freedmen founded a church at the Pepperton Community in Jackson, Georgia. Since then, Zion Missionary Baptist Church has become a thriving fellowship, dedicated to ministry and service in the African-American community.

It is worth noting that before there were African-American mayors, governors, or even a president, Black churches, like Zion, thrived with leadership from African-American Sunday school teachers, deacons, and pastors. As with many churches, over the years the members of Zion were seen as community leaders, who helped mentor, educate, and counsel many in the Black community. Today, Zion serves not only as a place of worship, but as a people with a mission to serve as a source of encouragement, inspiration, and pride for members of the community for more than a century.

The 150 year history of Zion Missionary Baptist Church includes many pastors, challenges, and changes, but its unwavering commitment to being a place where the community gathers to help and support one another is to be commended. No matter the cause, event, or activity, God has used Zion to influence its community. Therefore, I close by asking you to support and pray for what God is doing at Zion Missionary Baptist Church. May it continue as a pillar of strength for the residents of Butts County for generations to come.