Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, the facts of the case tend to find themselves to the surface at some point or another, and, in fact, there was a vigorous debate at the Rules Committee last night, yesterday. There was a vigorous debate, and I do recognize that my Democratic colleagues simply lost the vote. It did not stop the debate, however, because an amendment was brought forward that each member of the Democratic Party voted for it at the Rules Committee.

And under testimony that was given last night, it would be a counter play for the Democratic Party. When Republicans said we should not have a carbon tax, my Democratic colleagues came to the Rules Committee and argued they would be for a bill that would raise hundreds of billions of dollars in taxes that would be placed on energy in this country, hundreds of billions of dollars, at minimum. That is what they stood for.

So the policy behind what we are talking about here is, we said we believe that America should have a robust energy policy that is not taxed, that harms the American people. We should have a system of not just economics, but of energy policy that would also include green energy; would also include nuclear energy, which I consider pretty clean since it is a non-emitting source; that we would also allow the marketplace to have natural gas and something which they vigorously want to defend, and that is, home heating fuel, which is diesel fuel to be dumped by the billions of gallons in the Northeast.

Mr. Speaker, what we talked about yesterday also included the discussion about the Election Commission. In fiscal year 2018, funding provided $380 million across the country for the Election Assistance Commission, which was a final payment that was made in 2002, of $3.65 billion, because, you see, way back in 2002, just before that, there was an election that many people thought the outcome was wrong; so Republicans agreed we would put $3.65 billion available for States to buy what they would choose for brand new voting machines to ensure the assistance was given from the Federal Government to States for the security of the voting public.

Of the 2018 funds this year, only weeks before the election, 39 percent of those dollars are still available. Thirty-nine percent has not even been asked for this year, and 19 States have yet to even ask for any application to be able to go in and update or change their system.

The House Administration and the Homeland Security Committees are working diligently with law enforcement to find out what, if any, difficulty there was in the balloting process.

I have no doubt--none, no doubt--that there was interference in this last campaign election by outside forces, maybe even Russians. And it might not have just been Russians. It might have been a number of people.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller said we were duped; the American people were duped. We did not recognize the interference.

But I don't know whether it was at the ballot box or getting people to the ballot box, their will or desire to vote, or how they would vote. I am not sure we know that yet. But the special counsel is going to let us know that.

So, as we were talking about funding for 2018, 2019, Mr. Speaker, at this time there is no request for even 40 percent of the funds that we have. It is at the end of $3.65 billion. The States have had this fund available.

So we think that the facts of the case, as we give them today, should be enough evidence, not only to you, Mr. Speaker, but for the American people that there is not at this time a request necessary for more money.

I will cease my discussion now, Mr. Speaker, but will tell you that the resolution that is directly in front of us says we should not tax the middle class of this country, we should not tax further disabled people or the community of elderly people who have enjoyed the price of fuel going down because of what the Republican policy initiatives have enabled us to achieve.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, the Rules Committee report (H. Rept. 115- 815) to accompany House Resolution 989 should have included the following summary of amendments:

Summary of the Amendments Made in Order

1. Keating (MA): Adds Russian to the list of the languages

in Sec. 1501. (10 minutes)

2. Schneider (IL): Amends Sec. 1503 to include a list of

foreign state or foreign nonstate actors involved in the

threats to election campaigns for Federal offices. (10

minutes)

3. Jackson Lee (TX): Amends the Sense of Congress already

in the bill on the importance of re-review of security

clearances held by individuals by adding consideration of

whether the security clearance holder's association or

sympathy with persons or organizations that advocate,

threaten, or use force or violence, or any other illegal or

unconstitutional means, in an effort to prevent others from

exercising their rights under the Constitution or laws of the

United States or of any state, including but not limited to

race, religion, national origin, or disability. (10 minutes)

4. Vargas (CA): Adds ``the use of virtual currencies'' to

``section 1505'' to ensure it is included in the assessment

of threat finance. (10 minutes)

5. Torres (CA), Wagner (MO): Directs Director of National

Intelligence, in coordination with the Assistant Secretary of

State for Intelligence and Research and the Assistant

Secretary of the Treasury for Intelligence and Analysis, to

produce a national intelligence estimate of the revenue

sources of the North Korean regime. (10 minutes)

6. Hastings, Alcee (FL): Directs the Director of National

Intelligence to create and implement a plan that expands the

recruitment efforts of all intelligence agencies geographic

parameters used in recruitment efforts so that rural and

other underserved regions across the nation are more fully

represented in such efforts. (10 minutes)

7. Schneider (IL), Meadows (NC), Torres (CA), Sinema (AZ):

Directs the DNI to report on Iran's support for proxy forces

in Syria and Lebanon, including Hizballah, and an assessment

of the threat posed to Israel and other U.S. regional allies.

(10 minutes)

8. Bera (CA), Connolly (VA), Garamendi (CA), Larsen, Rick

(WA): Requires a briefing to relevant Congressional

committees on the anticipated geopolitical effects of

emerging infectious disease and pandemics, and their

implications on the national security of the United States.

(10 minutes)

9. Kennedy (MA): Requires the Director of National

Intelligence to submit a report on the potential

establishment of the ``Foreign Malign Influence Response

Center,'' comprised of analysts from all elements of the

intelligence community, to provide comprehensive assessment

of foreign efforts to influence United States political

processes and elections. (10 minutes)

10. Rice, Kathleen (NY), King, Peter (NY): Requires the

Director of National Intelligence to report on the possible

exploitation of virtual currencies by terrorist actors. (10

minutes)

11. Lipinski (IL): Requires an annual report from the

Director of National Intelligence describing Iranian

expenditures on military and terrorist activities outside the

country, such as on Hezbollah, Houthi rebels in Yemen, Hamas,

and proxy forces in Iraq and Syria. (10 minutes)

12. Davidson (OH): Enhances oversight by augmenting

existing semiannual reporting requirements regarding

disciplinary actions. (10 minutes)

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an American Icon and National Treasure. An American Hero, and a man for all seasons, former Senate Leader Robert J. Dole on his upcoming 95th birthday. I include in the Record this poem penned in his honor by Albert Carey Caswell.

Bob Dole! Bob Dole!

(By Albert Carey Caswell)

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of America's 242nd birthday this Fourth of July, with a poetic tribute penned by Albert Carey Caswell to be included in the Record.

Born on the Fourth of July

(By Albert Carey Caswell)

Born on The Fourth of July

As out towards Freedom and Independence a future Nation would

cry

With its Founding Fathers casting their dye

With a Decoration of Independence, they all signed

Knowing full well it could mean death they would find

Declaring a Decoration of Independence was but their battle

cry

As Thomas Jefferson created a work of art which now stands

the test of time

And a Constitution so sublime

Sent out into a future for a world to remind

Of what hearts of courage full in search for Independence and

Freedom can find

As a template,

to build the very bedrock upon which will stand the sands of

time

And on this day with all of our families celebrating we must

find

The cost of Freedom for all of us to remind

As we should stand with tear in eye

In our Nation's Pride

For all of our brave men and women,

who throughout the generations have fought and died,

Of such selfless sacrifice so fine

With hearts of courage full in our Lord's eyes so divine

Who one day a place in heaven would find

As now comes to mind

Are all of those families who are no longer together in time

Who together no longer can celebrate this Fourth of July

As its for them and their lost loved ones we cry

Who we should be worshiped on high,

So as we watch the rockets' red glare,

And all those fireworks exploding in air,

Holding our families close there,

Remember all of those who throughout the generations who've

cared.

Those brave women and men like our Founding Forefathers

who've dared

To stand tall and fight for our Freedoms and Independence we

declared

And how the cost of Freedoms leaves these families hearts of

the lost loved ones so bare

Who live with the kind of pain only Heaven can repair.

So, on this day give thanks and give prayer

For all the magnificent and their families who took up the

battle who dared

And fight for our Freedom and Independence declare

As it all started 242 years ago

When the blossoms of Freedom were planted to bloom and grow

All planted by our Founding Fathers there so

Declaring a Declare ration of Independence for all the world

to know

And nourished throughout the years,

by all of our braves sons and daughters here

Who have shed their blood and tears

And died here

In this Home of The Brave and Land of The Free that we endear

So, as you gaze into Old Glory,

that Red, White, and Blue

Let's remember our Forefathers Declaration of Independence

and all those Patriots,

who are America's real Who's Who

And what was Born on The Fourth of July so true.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory and in sorrow of the passing of a great Patriot and American Journalist Dr. Charles Krauthammer, with a poetic tribute by Albert Carey Caswell. Charles' inspirational life is a lesson to us all about CHARACTER, FAITH, COURAGE, HOPE, and GOING FOR IT. He was a genius armed with a brilliant mind, wit, and intellect. Composing works of art on paper and on the screen. Our prayers go out to him and his beloved wife Robin and son Daniel. I include in the Record this poem penned in his honor by Albert Carey Caswell.

A Beautiful Mind in Memory of Dr. Charles Krauthammer A Great American

Patriot and Journalist and A Life Well Led

[By: Albert Carey Caswell]

A beautiful mind

So brilliant and fine

A life of mind over matter you will find,

With no mountain to high to climb

Of a life well led in his time

And when our life is over and done.

What have we left behind to all among

To so teach our young

Have we shined like the Sun?

Or left this world in regret at what we should have done

With only a few verses in our lives to be sung

As we curse the brevity of life wishing for more to come.

Will we seize the moment in what we have done?

And live with no regrets when all is said and done

And give the world a nudge

Yea, Charles was The Samson in Journalism who gave our world

a budge

If only they could remember what they've forgotten what

blessings would come

Yea, Charles you went deep in your life leaving nothing on

the field my son

Like a Mozart or Picasso,

an artist composing Master pieces with thoughts and words of

such a sum

With a beautiful mind and life which reads like nobility in

all he has done

Turning tragedy into triumph as from where he had come

Turning opportunity into success as to it he'd run

Working for a President had this one

Not afraid to question himself America's son

An American Patriot through and through who loved his country

to it heart he'd run

Who coined The Reagan Doctrine this one

As he believed in his self with each new journey he begun

As why Sir Charles stands as American Royalty in Journalism

this one

Armed with his fine soul and integrity a cut above all the

other ones

Who masquerade and lose their way in their sacred charge for

truth begun

Who are the fourth pillar in this great Republic which relies

and depends upon

For your lessons Charles are of Gold to all among

About taking life's hardest falls to rise up against all odds

like the morning sun

And not to wallow in self-pity,

but with your light to shine and overcome

To laugh and love all in your short time to come

And not let the darkness of the world make you succumb

When, courage comes to crest

It's there you'll we find throughout history came America's

best

As you Charles who our Nation has blessed

As Father, a Husband, a Journalist, and a citizen of the

world who would not rest

Excelling at each and every one of those to bring your best,

Someone to look up to as we were your guest.

As a man of character and class the likes of Edward R Murrow,

for the truth you too would not rest

Giving no one a pass

So articulate and witty,

and armed with such a beautiful mind all others surpassed

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to an issue that could threaten the close relationship our country shares with the Republic of Georgia.

Last year marked the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Georgia. Since that time, Georgia has evolved into a strong ally of the United States with Georgians and Americans serving side-by-side in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Georgia has provided more troops in support of combat operations in Afghanistan on a per-capita basis than any other country in the world. The country also plays a key role in the Northern Distribution Network lines of communication that support NATO efforts in Afghanistan.

While Georgia and the United States have been great allies these past 25 years, that relationship is now under threat. Recently, the Government of Georgia began to take a series of aggressive and discouraging actions towards American companies operating in Georgia. Over the past year, I have received reports of increased mistreatment and harassment of American and European companies. In this time, we have also seen reports of favorable outreach to companies from Russia, Iran, and China. Simply put, this is a warning signal that should be taken very seriously.

Furthermore, in February of this year, our Director of National Intelligence, Daniel Coats, issued his office's ``Worldwide Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community''. Specifically, he highlighted issues with Georgia's recent ruling party as a top concern given their propensity for stifling political opposition, consolidating power, and causing internal issues as Georgia continues to face external threats from Russia.

Moving forward, it is my hope that the Government of Georgia will adhere to and respect the rule of law with regards to international obligations and the protection of intellectual property rights. In respecting and honoring freely negotiated conditions of both existing and future business investments from the United States, the Government of Georgia would serve to reaffirm and demonstrate their commitment to the shared principles of a fair and democratic market economy and our critically important transatlantic strategic partnership.

Mr. Speaker, the Rules Committee report (H. Rept. 115- 766) to accompany House Resolution 949 should have included in its waiver of all points of order against consideration of H.R. 6 a disclosure of the following violation:

Clause 12(a)(1) of rule XXI, requiring a comparative print

to be made publicly available prior to consideration of a

bill amending or repealing statutes to show, by typographical

device, parts of statute affected. While the waiver is

necessary because the document was not available prior to

consideration of the bill, it is important to note that it

was available before the vote on final passage.

Mr. Speaker, the Rules Committee report (H. Rept. 115- 772) to accompany House Resolution 954 should have included in its waiver of all points of order against consideration of H.R. 4760 a disclosure of the following violation:

Clause 12(a)(1) of rule XXI, requiring a comparative print to be made publicly available prior to consideration of a bill amending or repealing statutes to show, by typographical device, parts of statute affected.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the distinguished gentleman from Washington, a member of the Rules Committee, for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I really came down here to take part in this debate because, yesterday, for 7 hours, we were at the Rules Committee laying out what are known as Goodlatte 1 and Goodlatte 2, these two bills.

This is the rule on what might be called Goodlatte 2. This is a rule and a piece of legislation that represents several years' worth of work that was done by Members of the Republican majority to approach an issue that is known as DACA. It is to take some 700,000 young people, and slightly older, who came to America not because they did it on their own fruition as even a young adult, but as a child, where they could not make a decision. They came with their parents to this country.

We have been struggling for years to find the right answer on how to answer the question of how to deal with these Dreamers.

It is the Republican Party that was challenged by our President who said: I would like for Congress to tackle this issue. It was the President of the United States that began debate and discussion on a bipartisan basis with Republicans and Democrats, Senators and House Members, down at the White House.

It found itself at a point where, then, Members came back here and began working together. It did fall apart, but it did not end. It did not end because the Republican Party in our majority have groups of people who are from all across this country, as we have a Congressman Curbelo from Miami, Florida, as we have a Dan Newhouse from the State of Washington. Each of these Members have care and concern about people who live in their district and who have come and petitioned them: Please, Congressman Newhouse, do something.

What did they ask for? They asked for two things, very simply. They asked: Please allow us to come out of the shadows and recognize us. And, secondly: Give us legal status.

Mr. Speaker, we are out of time.

Mr. Speaker, that is exactly what these bills do. They address the issue in a compassionate, fair way.

They address the issues of coming out of the shadows, and they are given permanent legal status that gives them options for the rest of their life.

I think that what we have done, Mr. Speaker, is more than what we were asked, and to not be a part of taking a vote on this today and voting ``yes'' is another opportunity that we are given here today.

I hope the Members understand the importance.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Republican of Azerbaijan for the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which was celebrated on May 28, 2018.

In the Republic of Azerbaijan, May 28th is known as the ``Republic Day''. This past Republic Day celebrated the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the first secular parliamentary republic in the Muslim VVorld.

In 1991, the United States recognized Azerbaijan as an independent state following the collapse of the Soviet Union, and established diplomatic relations the following year. I would like to highlight that, over the last 26 years, Azerbaijan has established itself as a reliable friend of the United States. Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, Azerbaijan has been a critical ally of the United States in combating international terrorism through several joint U.S.- Azerbaijani operations in Afghanistan, the Balkans, and Iraq.

On a more international level, Azerbaijan has strong economic, military, and strategic ties to Israel, representing one of Israel's greatest allies in the region. Azerbaijan's energy sector is also key to combating Russian influences across the region. Altogether, the country plays a critical role in the diversification of energy routes, and helps support allies of the United States' allies by doing so.

I would like to formally congratulate the Republican of Azerbaijan for the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, and I look forward to continued strong relations between the United States and Azerbaijan for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, on June 15, 2018, I was absent. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 267 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 268.

Mr. Speaker, the Rules Committee report (H. Rept. 115- 751) to accompany House Resolution 934 included an incorrect amendment header for the text of amendments made in order to Part A. The correct amendment header should have read:

Part A--Text of Amendments to H.R. 2851 Made in Order.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of The Fathers of the Armed Forces, on this coming Fathers Day and their families. Who throughout the generations have selflessly sacrificed for us in the name of freedom. Take time to pause and reflect and give thanks. I ask this poem penned in their honor by Albert Carey Caswell be included in the Record.

The Faith of Our Fathers

The Faith of our Fathers,

The Fathers of Freedom,

The Fathers of War,

The men who go off to battle and leave all they adore.

Who throughout the generations, for all of us, fought and

died

For our freedom, giving up their arms and legs and so much

more

And come home and live with PTS, The Scars of War,

All so we can live in this Nation we adore,

And then there are the ones who aren't coming home anymore.

Who lie in cold quiet graves lost in distant shores,

Who gave That Last Full Measure.

This Father's Day remember all of those who represent

America's greatest of treasures,

Our selfless Fathers of Freedom, The Angels adore,

Who with The Faith of Our Fathers fought and died for.

So this Fathers Day, as you sit down to break bread,

With your beloved Father and all that will be said,

Remember there are Fathers all around the world who for us

have led,

And died and bled.

Who have wives and precious boys and girls in harms way in

sleepless beds,

Who won't be together this day,

As it's The Faith of Our Fathers who lead the way,

On this Fathers Day.

So give thanks and give praise,

And say a prayer for all of those families in anguish who

live day to day,

And remember over decades what The Faith of Our Fathers have

made

In this Land of The of Free,

in this Home of The Brave,

And what they give and what they gave,

And The Magnificent Faith of Our Fathers on this Fathers Day,

Who pray for peace everyday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my outgoing Chief of Staff, Kyle Matous. Kyle grew up in Temple, Texas, and graduated in 2007 from the University of Virginia, where he studied American Politics and completed his undergraduate degree in three years. Following UVA, he attended law school at Pepperdine University. During law school, Kyle clerked for the Ugandan Commercial Court in Kampala, Uganda.

After law school, Kyle started working on the Hill as a Staff Assistant for the House Rules Committee for Chairman David Dreier in 2012. Then when I became Chairman of the House Rules Committee in 2013, Kyle served as my Policy Assistant for nine months with the committee before moving to work for my personal office as a Legislative Assistant. Shortly thereafter, he rejoined the House Rules Committee as my Policy Director in 2014 and then he became my Chief of Staff on January 1, 2016.

Kyle has been an exceptional staff member of both my personal office and the House Rules Committee. He has shown his dedication to promoting excellence and making the

workplace a fun place to be. I Thank him for all the support and goodwill he has shown each and every one of us over the years.

We wish Kyle boundless success as he leaves the Hill to join the government relations team for the ONE Campaign. Congratulations, and best of luck.

Mr. Speaker, the Rules Committee report (H. Rept. 115- 711) to accompany House Resolution 918 included an incorrect amendment description of amendment No. 14 offered by Representative Nolan of Minnesota.

The correct amendment description should read:

Expresses the sense of Congress that the construction of a new lock at the Soo Locks at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, is vital to our national economy, national security, and national need for new critical infrastructure.

Mr. Speaker, the Rules Committee report (H. Rept. 115- 711) to accompany House Resolution 918 should have included in its waiver of all points of order against amendments to H.R. 8 a disclosure of following violation:

Clause 9 of rule XXI, which requires a list of all earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits contained in an amendment to a bill or joint resolution to be offered at the outset of its consideration for amendment by a member of a committee of initial referral as designated in a report of the Committee on Rules to accompany a resolution, or a certification that the amendment does not contain any of those items. While a statement has not yet been printed in the Congressional Record for amendment No. 1 offered by Rep. Shuster, it is important to note that Rep. Shuster filed the required earmark statement on June 6, 2018, prior to floor consideration of the bill and amendment.