Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his work on this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3053, the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act. Spent nuclear fuel currently sits in 121 communities across 39 States, simply because we lack a permanent geological repository to dispose of the waste. That is why I am proud to join my colleagues as a cosponsor of H.R. 3053, which would enact critical reforms to our nuclear waste management strategy.

Back home, in Georgia's 12th, we are leading the way in the expansion of our Nation's nuclear energy resources. My district is the proud home of every nuclear reactor in the State, with an additional two reactors under construction at Plant Vogtle. Nuclear energy is Georgia's most reliable power source and provides over 6,000 high-skilled jobs, many of which are filled by my constituents in Georgia's 12th. But without a permanent solution, nuclear waste remains on those sites.

Now is the time for Congress to act on fulfilling our obligation to dispose of the spent nuclear fuel sitting in our States. I thank the Energy and Commerce Committee for passing this important legislation, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this important bill.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege today to rise to honor the life of America's pastor. Last week we mourned the loss of Reverend Billy Graham, who passed away at the age of 99 in his beloved home of North Carolina.

As one of the most influential pastors of the 20th century, Reverend Graham traveled the world to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to millions of people. In fact, he preached to more people than anyone who has ever lived.

As a young man, I have very fond memories of my family all coming together to sit in front of the television to watch Reverend Graham's crusades. His message of God's love, mercy, forgiveness, and justice deeply influenced not only me but also many in our Nation's history. In today's day and age, we desperately need another Billy Graham to give hope to a deceived, confused, and hopeless populace.

Reverend Graham preached the truth. He lived it. And we know that the truth will set us free. But more importantly, Billy Graham has heard the words from the Savior of the world: Well done, my good and faithful servant.

Billy Graham will be sorely missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts and minds of those millions of people he helped. And as Billy Graham would say, all glory be to God.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 86.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a legend who represented the great people of Augusta, Georgia, for 16 years, in, yes, the United States House of Representatives.

Last week, former Congressman Doug Barnard, Jr., passed away at the age of 95 in his beloved hometown.

Although Congressman Barnard served at a very different time in our Nation's history, many of the issues discussed then are the same that we are talking about today, like tax reform, immigration reform, and financial regulatory reform.

A World War II veteran, a lawyer, and a banker, Congressman Barnard made his mark as a well-respected leader of the House Banking Committee. He was willing to work across the aisle to do what was best for the people of Augusta and all Americans.

I was very pleased that Doug introduced and offered his support to me when I made my announcement to run for Congress. Over the years, I have sought his advice, and I have always cherished his mentorship.

Doug Barnard was a great man of faith, a friend, and a statesman. He will always be remembered and will be sorely missed--not only by me, but the entire Augusta community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4712, the Born-Alive Survivors Protection Act. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this important pro-life legislation.

The Born-Alive Survivors Protection Act is a simple but critical bill to strengthen the protections for babies who survive abortion. It ensures that these precious babies are provided with the same degree of medical care that any other child would receive in order to save their life.

We all expect doctors and nurses to follow their oath to help and heal. This bill simply codifies that expectation into law for babies who survive abortion and deserve a chance at life.

Just think about this. Right now we are debating whether a living, breathing baby should be given a chance to live. I know that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle agree that these babies deserve our compassion, and most importantly, our protection, and I hope they will join in me in supporting this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank President Trump for shining a big, beautiful spotlight on rural America.

My district has 17 rural counties, and for far too long, our hardworking farmers in these communities have felt forgotten by past Presidents. But thanks to the Trump administration's new policies and renewed support, that is no longer the case.

This week, President Trump highlighted rural America when he addressed the American Farm Bureau Federation's national convention, making him the first President to do so since George H.W. Bush in 1992.

In his address, President Trump pledged to work with Congress to pass the farm bill on time, critical legislation that supports our farmers. I am a proud member of the House Agriculture Committee, and we have already been hard at work crafting this year's legislation.

The President also signed an executive order expanding access to rural broadband. In today's world, broadband is not a luxury; it is critical and a necessity. My constituents need accessible, affordable rural broadband in their homes, schools, and businesses. It is critical for economic development.

President Trump is implementing concrete solutions to make a difference for my constituents in rural Georgia as well as Americans across this Nation. Together with the Trump administration and my colleagues in Congress, I will continue my hard work to ensure that rural America is never forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding time to me.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act.

Since I was elected to Congress in 2014, I have been devoted to preserving the constitutional rights of Americans, including the inalienable right to bear arms.

Despite our Second Amendment protections, many States have laws restricting the ability of citizens to carry concealed weapons, principally out-of-State residents. This is particularly confusing and burdensome for law-abiding citizens who choose to conceal carry and live near a State line.

For example, the district I represent borders South Carolina along the Savannah River. For many of my constituents, the closest grocery store, bank, and even their work may be in South Carolina. Thankfully for my constituents, Georgia and South Carolina already have firearm permit reciprocity.

But this is not the case everywhere. As the law currently stands, Americans in other States are losing their right to bear arms on a daily basis simply because they live near a State line. Just as your First Amendment right to free speech does not change from one State to another, neither should your right to protect yourself and your family.

Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will see this and will join me in voting for this commonsense legislation to solve this problem.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the importance of comprehensive tax reform for our families and businesses.

It has been nearly 30 years since hardworking Americans have seen any significant changes made to our confusing Tax Code. Our current system is broken. I think we all agree on that. Taxes are too high, and our families and businesses are the ones paying the price, not to mention that nobody understands it.

Two weeks ago, I was proud to cast my vote to cut, simplify, and reform taxes, and now the ball is in the Senate's court. Thankfully, as of yesterday, legislation has passed both the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Budget Committee, and now we expect a vote in the full Senate as early as this week.

Under the Trump administration, we are growing the economy, but nothing can compare to the effect that tax reform will have on jump- starting the economy, expanding small businesses, and creating jobs.

America, it is time to go back to work. We are now closer than ever to making tax reform a reality, a new reality for families and businesses across America who deserve to keep more of their paychecks and have the opportunity to grow their businesses.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that we will uphold our important promise to deliver tax reform legislation to President Trump's desk soon.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the conference report on the National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the House of Representatives today.

In a great bipartisan moment, the NDAA received overwhelming support to authorize almost $700 billion in defense spending and set priorities for our military, including the largest pay raise for our troops in 8 years. The conference report kept funding important to Georgia's 12th District, included in the earlier versions of the FY18 NDAA, such as $8 billion in funding for cyber operations and over $85 million in new military construction to prepare for our cyber warriors at Fort Gordon, like new family housing and a new gate.

Ensuring that our soldiers, sailors, and airmen are equipped with the facilities and resources they need to fight the battles of today and tomorrow is crucial to our Nation's safety and security.

Days after celebrating one of the most important days of the year honoring our veterans, I am happy to say that, with the passage of H.R. 2810, we have provided for the common defense, supported our servicemembers, and worked to close the critical readiness gap.

Mr. Speaker, I rise with great privilege to celebrate National Bible Week.

As stated, it has been 76 years since President Franklin Roosevelt declared this National Bible Week. I thank Congressman Lamborn for recognizing the importance of honoring God's Word here tonight.

Just 16 short years ago, I learned the most valuable lesson of my life. I realized I had to change my priorities. Part of that change was to put God first. A big part of that commitment was the reading and studying of His Word through prayer and meditation. It is easy to say, but difficult to do.

I had come to a point in my life where I made a covenant with God on my knees, which reminds me of God's instruction to Joshua 1:8, ``This book of laws shall not depart from your lips, but you shall meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then, you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have true success.''

I learned to gradually believe all the wonderful promises God made through His Word, and he credited to me His righteousness, just as He did our spiritual father Abraham in Genesis 15:6, ``I learned it was not my will be done, but His will be done.''

I learned what Jesus Christ had done for me and the entire world and how he leads me in all my endeavors and has called me to places I never imagined I would go. One of those is right here.

Years ago, I could never have imagined myself here tonight, speaking on

this floor in the United States House of Representatives, representing the great people of Georgia's 12th District. But here I am, by the grace of God.

In this endeavor, I meditate often, and as said in Philippians 2: ``Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others more important than yourself. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but look to the interests of others.''

At a time when many Americans are increasingly divided, I often remind myself and those around me to have faith in Him and to remember the Judeo-Christian values our Nation was founded on.

The Bible's influence on or founding documents can still be seen here today and was mentioned tonight. Again, when the Constitutional Convention reached an impasse, Ben Franklin asked clergymen to come in and pray and read the Scriptures. They united around the greatest constitutional document created in the history of mankind.

Americans are looking to Congress to come together to find solutions for rising healthcare costs, a simpler, fairer Tax Code, and let's get our good folks back to work again. It is time to put the American people's interests above political will.

The division in this Nation is real. They are evident right here in this body. How could our behavior ever show the world to believe that God sent His Son to save the world?

This is when we should look to God's provision. The truth can always be found through faith in him. Jesus summed it up when he prayed for us in John 17:21: ``That all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in me and I am in You. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that You sent me.''

My inspiration is found in Psalms 51:10-12, David's Prayer: ``Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.''

As we enter the Christmas season, one of the most important seasons of the year, we all must remember to keep His Word close and let it lead us in all that we do.

I am grateful that we have a President who actually wishes a merry Christmas as we all celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world.

God bless.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support Congressman Byrne's important legislation, the Save Local Business Act.

As a small-business owner myself for over 40 years, I know how difficult it can be to wade through Federal, State, and local red tape. Sometimes it feels like the government is against growing your business. The Obama administration expanded the joint employer standard under the Fair Labor Standards Act, blurring the lines of responsibility for decisions affecting the daily operations of many local businesses.

According to the American Action Forum, the joint employer scheme could have resulted in 1.7 million fewer jobs. Luckily, President Trump is a job creator, so he knows a job-killing regulation when he sees one. Earlier this summer, his administration rescinded this terrible rule.

However, we have to make sure no bureaucrat is empowered to redefine a joint employer standard again. Small-business owners are already facing an uphill battle. We should not be threatening the freedoms of independent businesses, owners, and entrepreneurs, making it even harder for them to achieve the American Dream. That is why I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act.

This important legislation continues much-needed funding for programs like the Children's Health Insurance Program, community health centers, and our rural hospitals.

Community health centers are a critical access point to care, and I have seen firsthand how they bless each person they serve.

In addition to community health centers, my district includes many rural hospitals, which are truly a lifeline for my constituents.

That is why I join my colleagues in letters urging to delay the cuts for the proposed disproportionate share of hospital and community health centers for at least 2 years. And I am happy to see this legislation doing just that.

I won't let Washington forget about the rural communities at the heart of my district. They deserve better.

And guess what? This bill is fully paid for.

While delaying these cuts is a step in the right direction, I will continue to fight for a permanent solution.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the Energy and Commerce Committee for their work,

and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support the Protecting Seniors' Access to Medicare Act.

How many of you know what the Independent Payment Advisory Board is-- also known as the IPAB?

How many of you know who serves on the board?

I would venture to say that not many people know the 15 unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats who have unilateral authority to cut Medicare spending.

When the Democrats passed ObamaCare, they created the Independent Payment Advisory Board, providing them with unprecedented power to alter Medicare policy, ultimately, having the chance to reduce seniors' access to healthcare and put the government at the center of our healthcare system with zero accountability or transparency.

My constituents deserve better and Americans across this Nation deserve better.

A vote for this legislation is a vote to give seniors more control over their healthcare decisions. I urge my colleagues to support Dr. Roe's bill.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Chairman Black on the markup of this important piece of legislation out of the Budget Committee.

As we all know, tax season is the worst. It evokes images of stress, accountants, lawyers, and American families sending hard-earned money to the Federal Government.

I, for one, have never been excited when it is tax season, and as a businessowner, it took on a whole new meaning.

Taxes affect all Americans, but tax season shouldn't include months and months of preparation, often required to hire tax professionals.

Our Tax Code is broken, and millions of Americans are looking to us to fix it. That is why Republicans have released the Unified Tax Reform Framework to provide relief for hardworking Americans and jump-start our economy.

First, it lowers taxes at every income level, allowing Americans to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks. It delivers the lowest tax rates in modern history for job creators, allowing them to invest in growing their business. I will remind you that the small business community is responsible for 70 percent of all new jobs created.

The vast majority of taxpayers will no longer have to deal with the complexity of itemizing due to the increased standard deduction. Small businesses will no longer be taxed under the individual side of the code. Families will no longer be penalized for inheriting family property or businesses, when the death tax is removed. Finally, we will cut tax rates on personal savings and investment in half.

Americans should invest in their local economies and build towards a more financially secure future without exorbitant taxes.

Now is the time for tax reform, and today we take a big step towards action. We must pass this budget. Hardworking Americans across the Nation will have the same April 15 they always have if we don't, and that is unacceptable.

We cannot miss this opportunity. President Trump is with us on tax reform, and we must act for the American people. I urge all my colleagues to support this budget. It is critical to the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support my fellow Georgian's, Congressman Doug Collins, bill, H.R. 469.

One of the biggest complaints I hear about the Federal Government is the lack of accountability or these backroom deals. One glaring example of this is what is referred to as sue and settlement litigation.

Under previous administrations, left-leaning groups would sue a Federal agency to try and enact regulatory changes without going through the normal rulemaking process. Both parties, the Federal Government and special interest groups, settle in court with an already-agreed-upon deal.

Regulatory rules are then made quickly without any public notice or the input of any other relevant parties but carry the rule of law.

These new rules are often the most burdensome and cost our businesses billions of dollars each year. This doesn't sound like draining the swamp to me.

H.R. 469 stops these unfair arrangements by requiring agencies to publicly post and report to Congress on sue and settlement complaints, consent decrees, and settlement arrangements. It also prohibits the same-day filing of complaints and settlement agreements in cases seeking to compel agency action.

Congressman Collins' legislation, the Sunshine for Regulations and Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act, will provide greater accountability and transparency to the American public, while stopping special interests from improperly influencing our Nation's regulatory regime. We must uphold a fair and transparent regulatory process. The American people demand this from us.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the rule on this commonsense legislation.