Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Shuster and Graves, Ranking Member DeFazio, and also my other good friend, the ranking member on the subcommittee, Mrs. Napolitano. I am proud to join them to support this bill and to say that WRDA works.

In 2014, during my first term in Congress, we passed the first Water Resource Development Act in 7 years. This bill made critical reforms to add efficiencies to the Corps' process of studying and recommending projects for authorization, and, importantly, it set us up to get WRDA back on a 2-year cycle of authorizations. This bill represents the continuation of that process.

Our bill authorizes a total of eight Army Corps of Engineers Chief's Reports received since the last WRDA passed by us in 2016. All of these Chief's Reports have been fully vetted by the committee at hearings during this Congress and in an open and transparent process.

Now, I haven't shied away from my criticism of the Corps in the past. I think that the Corps is good at building things, but actually getting to construction is typically the most difficult part of the process.

One particular provision in this bill directs the National Academy of Sciences to analyze the Corps' civil works functions and the potential impacts of transferring those functions to another Federal agency. They will be required to provide recommendations to us in Congress.

Mr. Chairman, it is truly clear that WRDA works. The authorizing committee has diligently worked over the past three Congresses to get us back on this 2-year cycle to ensure that we continue to improve processes.

I would also be remiss, Mr. Chairman, if I didn't mention those projects of national significance that have been authorized for many years and yet have seen very little progress, including the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program, or NESP. Authorized by Congress in 2007, this critical project would expand seven locks on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to meet the demand for barges to transport agricultural and other commodities to the global marketplace.

Unfortunately, because of incongruent priorities at the Corps in the past and a reluctance from the Appropriations Committee, we have yet to see this move forward.

Mr. Chairman, we can and must do better to align our priorities with the Corps to ensure critical projects of national significance don't languish after an initial authorization, which is why, related to my earlier comments, I believe it is important for Congress to understand the implications and potential efficiencies of moving the Corps' mission to another Federal agency.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 2 minutes.

Mr. Chairman, addressing the issue of aquatic invasive species has not always been one where all of the Great Lakes States have seen eye- to-eye on. However, this amendment reflects an agreement between myself and my good friend, Mr. Mitchell, as well as our two States and our two Governors.

First, this amendment clarifies that the operation and maintenance of any project authorized subsequent to the Chief's Report for the Brandon Road Study is done at an 80-20 Federal/nonFederal cost share. For reference, O&M on the existing electrical barriers in place on the Illinois River is at 100 percent Federal expense, as was authorized by Congress. So with this language, we are making it clear that Illinois wants to have some skin in the game on this project.

In addition my amendment requires the Corps, following the construction of any project authorized subsequent to the Chief's Report for the Brandon Road Study, to consult with the Governor of the State where the project is located and seek congressional approval before constructing any additional technologies at the project in the future.

Finally, as part of the compromise worked out with my colleagues from Michigan and other Great Lakes States, my amendment directs the Corps to expedite the completion of the Brandon Road Study, which we expect to be completed by next February.

Now, let me be clear. It is no secret that the State of Illinois has had concerns with this project and its potential impact on our economy. The Illinois waterway is a critical artery for the movement of agricultural goods and other products that support our region's economy, and disruptions to commercial navigation could have negative repercussions to our ability to get those goods to market.

In addition, my home State of Illinois has taken significant steps to reduce the Asian carp population by using existing measures. In fact, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources recently reported in 2012 the State has reduced the Asian carp population by 93 percent. Much of this is due to the critical Great Lakes restoration initiative funding, which I continue to proudly support.

Yet, in an offer of good faith, our Governor has submitted a letter of intent for the State of Illinois to serve as the non-Federal sponsor, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and urging the support of this amendment.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Mitchell), my good friend and partner on this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, again, I thank my good friend, Mr. Mitchell. I would be remiss not to recognize my colleague from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski), who was very supportive. His efforts were very meaningful to this agreement.

Mr. Chairman, again, I hope that we can get this amendment accepted, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on August 21, 2017, the USS John McCain collided with a merchant ship off the coast of Singapore, in an accident that ultimately killed 10 sailors, including a constituent of mine, Petty Officer Logan S. Palmer of Harristown, Illinois.

This was an absolutely terrible tragedy that became a huge story due to many mistakes that were made leading up to it. After the accident, I spent a lot of time talking with Logan Palmer's family, helping them navigate the unchartered waters of dealing with such a tragedy and consoling them.

Palmer survived the initial collision of the USS McCain, but kept himself in harm's way in order to help his fellow shipmates. At age 23, he went far too early. His flag-draped casket was carried into the church on the day of his funeral by a Naval honor guard in dress uniform. Navy officers and sailors saluted the casket, which was surrounded by flowers of red, white and blue. The sailors were followed by troops of Boy Scouts who also saluted Palmer's casket, marking the loss of one of their own; Petty Officer Palmer had achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

After the experience, we decided it would be appropriate to introduce legislation in Petty Officer Palmer's honor, naming the Post Office in his hometown after him. The bill would designate the post office located at 1355 North Meridian Road in Harristown, Illinois as the ``Logan S. Palmer Post Office.'' I have built a special bond with the Palmer family and feel that it's only appropriate that we honor the Petty Officer in this unique way that will allow those of us in Illinois to always remember Logan as the hero he was.

Mr. Chairman, last August, 10 U.S. Navy sailors were killed when the USS John S. McCain collided with a commercial tanker off the coast of Singapore. One of those sailors was Petty Officer Logan Palmer of Harristown, Illinois.

Logan's death was the first casualty from my district since I became a Member of Congress, and let me tell you, it is an experience no one prepares you for, and I pray no other family will have to go through it.

While there is little we can do to lesson the grief of these families, we can ensure they don't have to navigate a complicated bureaucracy. I was a little miffed to learn that, if the body of a servicemember who dies during noncombat operations is flown to Dover Air Force Base, we do not automatically arrange and cover the travel costs for their family like we would if that servicemember died in combat.

This amendment requires the DOD to automatically arrange and cover travel for family of noncombat service deaths just as they do for combat operations, instead of making them get a waiver.

An outside organization covered the cost for the Palmer family, but I think we can make this process easier and ensure these families are taken care of by including this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the gentleman's amendment.

Much to the chagrin of many who just oppose any changes to actually help us get children out of poverty and out of the cycle of poverty that perpetual SNAP benefits bring to families, I would argue that it is language like this that reasserts the fact that we need to, as this goes through the legislative process--we are in the second step of the legislative process. As this goes through the process, this clearly shows all of us here in the House and in the Senate and on a conference committee the opportunity that we want to make sure that we protect those who need that protection.

That is exactly why I am glad Mr. MacArthur participated in this process. The gentleman wanted to make this bill better. The gentleman wanted to strengthen it to ensure that our children in the most vulnerable households had the opportunity to get the food that they need.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for doing that. I think this is a great addition to the farm bill, and I appreciate the gentleman yielding me this opportunity to say so.

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

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Arizona for his amendment; however, I believe it is a little bit misguided.

The programs that the amendment would eliminate are not energy subsidies. What these programs do is to create infrastructure and market opportunities for America's farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. Furthermore, these programs often leverage private capital that actually works toward revitalizing our communities.

Additionally, while I strongly support the RFS and biofuels production, these programs do not incentivize the production of corn ethanol, do not fund ethanol blender pumps, and are not part of the renewable fuels mandate.

The Biggs amendment strikes infrastructure-focused initiatives that help farmers and ranchers improve energy efficiency in their operations and increase commercial opportunities for agricultural products.

Mr. Chairman, I therefore urge my colleagues to join me in opposing this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from South Dakota (Mrs. Noem), who is my good friend and colleague.

Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague, Mr. Biggs. It is great to have this opportunity to talk about what we believe the impact of this amendment will be to many of the constituents that I serve in rural America. I appreciate the opportunity to debate. That is what this House is about, and that is what this process is about.

I would like to thank my colleague for offering this amendment, although I do disagree and urge my colleagues to vote against.

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

Mr. Chairman, I have a district that relies on a strong farm bill. Illinois is a leading producer of soybeans, corn, and swine. Our economy relies on a farm bill that supports agriculture. Although we all eat, I realize there are many districts whose Members may not be as enthusiastic as I am about the farm bill. That is why there is something in this bill for every district.

For those concerned about the deficit, I have good news. The last farm bill was the single largest cut in mandatory spending that we made in the entire 113th Congress. We built on these sound policy reforms in this bill.

If you are a Member who wants to address the cycle of poverty that too many of our constituents are trapped in, this bill is for you. H.R. 2 reforms the system and invests historic amounts in workforce training.

Despite our growing economy, we have 9 million more people on SNAP today than we did at the height of the recession when jobs were scarce and unemployment was in the double digits. This isn't progress. This isn't helping to end the cycle of poverty.

In my home State of Illinois, 67 percent of work-capable adults on SNAP are without work. A long recession left Americans disheartened, people dropping out of the labor force because they lost their job and, after months and months of searching, couldn't find another one. H.R. 2 makes investments to give many of those same people hope in finding a job again.

Four years ago I was a freshman, and the farm bill was my first opportunity to be part of a conference committee and see firsthand our democracy at work, Democrats and Republicans sparring over policy differences. But at least there was a debate. I am incredibly disappointed by my friends on the other side of the aisle who didn't offer any amendments in committee.

Work requirements are not new. They were done in 1996 by a Republican-led Congress and Democratic President during a similar time of economic growth.

When do the politics end and the serious policy discussions begin?

Let's put politics aside, pass this important bill for our farmers, for our taxpayers, and for too many Americans trapped in poverty. Let's show the American people we can govern together.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Private First Class Robert Burke from the United States Marine Corps, who gave the ultimate sacrifice 50 years ago during Operation Allen Brook in Le Nam, Vietnam. For his bravery, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. At the age of 18, he is the youngest Medal of Honor recipient from the Vietnam war.

Private Burke enlisted in the U.S. Marines in 1967, while he was still a student at Monticello High School in Piatt County, Illinois. He was sent to the Republic of Vietnam with India Company of the 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines, where he was assigned as a machine gunner. During Operation Allen Brook on May 17, 1968, Private Burke and his company came under intense fire from the well-concealed North Vietnamese. With several of his fellow marines wounded, Private Burke spared no time. He immediately used his machine gun to launch several one-man assaults against the enemy, allowing upwards of three dozen casualties to be evacuated.

He relentlessly delivered fire to the enemy, even obtaining a casualty's rifle when his own malfunctioned. He continued to advance in defense of his brothers in arms until he was mortally wounded.

No words of gratitude can properly express how thankful the American people and the Congress are for Private Burke's selfless actions that saved the lives of so many. Private Burke gave his life for his friends and for his country. He is the truest example of bravery, and I am proud to honor him today.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 168.

personal explanation

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Clerk be authorized to make technical corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 4, to include corrections in spelling, punctuation, section numbering and cross-referencing, and the insertion of appropriate headings.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the value and importance of international students in the United States. I am fortunate enough to represent numerous colleges and universities in my district. I have a deep appreciation for the important role these institutions play in providing opportunities for students around the globe.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the largest university in my district, enrolls over 10,000 international students from 122 different countries. Illinois State University boasts students from 67 countries and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has 325 international students from 50 countries.

I am proud to represent institutions like these that welcome the world's brightest learners. I believe that today's students become tomorrow's leaders. The former presidents of both Ecuador and the Philippines earned doctorate degrees from universities in my district, and I know that presidents and prime ministers all over the world have earned their college degrees right here in the United States.

Welcoming international students and scholars strengthens our diplomatic ties with countries across the globe and contributes significantly to national security and to our economy. International students are vital to our nation's fabric. Through the exchange of ideals, languages, and cultures, diplomacy is strengthened and ourworld is made a better place.

Mr. Chair, I am proud to speak in support of this en bloc amendment, and then also in support of H.R. 4.

It is finally a long-term reauthorization of the FAA. Two programs of vital importance to my district are the Essential Air Service program and the Contract Tower Program. Both programs are critical to rural areas and are protected in this bill.

The bill also includes a provision I authorized and authored to ensure small low-risk microdrones can be operated safely, but also under different operational requirements than larger drones. Safely and more appropriately integrating microdrones into the airspace will foster innovation at companies like Horizon Hobby in my district and incentivize better operator compliance.

H.R. 4 also includes important customer service provisions. It prohibits involuntary bumping of passengers once they have already boarded an aircraft. It makes fees and taxes more transparent, and when consumers have complaints about their flying experience, this bill will allow them to call a hotline or use an app on their smartphone.

I also want to mention the disaster title of this bill. It is actually a shame that I have to speak about this again today because this House already passed this legislation last December. Unfortunately, our colleagues in the Senate stripped these provisions out of the disaster supplemental package we passed earlier this year, but now we have an opportunity to finally get this crucial legislation signed into law.

Included in this package is my bill, the Disaster Declaration Improvement Act, which requires FEMA to place a greater weight and consideration on severe, localized impact of damage following a disaster. Passing this bill will have real impact in States like Illinois where a large portion of our population is concentrated in a small geographical area in the northeast portion of our State.

Enacting this language into law will help level the playing field, and help ensure rural areas like my district are given a fair shake when disasters happen and help is needed.

I want to thank Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member DeFazio for working to include this disaster package in this bill, and for all of the hard work on the underlying bill, and I urge adoption of the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a historical moment for the great State of Illinois. Two hundred years ago today, in this very building, legislation was passed by the 15th Congress and later signed by President James Monroe which allowed the people of the Illinois territory to proceed with statehood.

This legislation paved the way for representatives in the territory to form a convention from which a State government would later emerge. At the time, in 1818, only 11 counties existed in the territory that could send representatives to the convention to draft governing documents.

Three of these 11 counties are within my congressional district. I have often said how humble I am to represent a part of Illinois that President Lincoln represented when he served in this Chamber, but I am also immensely proud to represent the area that pioneered Illinois' statehood.

In December of this year, Illinois will celebrate its bicentennial as a State in our Union. I have called Illinois home for over 40 years, and I am honored to stand here today and recognize the history that was made in this building 200 years ago today.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) and all of the colleagues that I see on this floor who are part of the Agriculture Committee team--and we are a team.

We are a team that I got to watch work 4 years ago together to pass a bill that the Congressional Budget Office said was only going to save taxpayers $23 billion in mandatory spending. As a matter of fact, that was the largest, single spending cut that was projected in my entire freshman term.

Well, they came back over the recent weeks and told us that they were wrong. Those savings have actually been $111 billion in mandatory spending. This is why good policies matter. The bill that we introduced today is an example of good policies that save taxpayer dollars, but, just as importantly, it helps American families who are trapped in a cycle of poverty.

They have suffered from food insecurity and depend on SNAP to feed themselves and their families; and some of these men and women are capable of working, but they lack the access to adequate skills training to obtain a job that provides meaningful income and a chance to improve their family's future.

We want to change that. Just like we wrote good policy 4 years ago, we have written good policy again because we are going to change that by shifting the antipoverty conversation from one purely focused on benefits to one focused on helping someone climb the economic ladder and developing a strong workforce.

We have created a streamlined, simplified work requirement, paired with meaningful investments in workforce training. This farm bill requires and funds sufficient education and training slots, guaranteeing access to all SNAP participants subject to being able to work.

We have modernized the components of SNAP employment, education, and training to include assessment and case management, include additional options like supervised job search apprenticeships, time-limited volunteer work, subsidized employment, and financial history.

Last week, Caterpillar, in Decatur, Illinois, hosted an event to recruit more welders and machinists. They have jobs available, but not enough people are trained to fill these skilled jobs.

I visited the Bridgestone tire plant in Bloomington, Illinois, last week, and I heard the same thing. Jobs are available, but there is no one to take them.

Our economy is growing; jobs are growing. We must do more to get people the education and training that they need to take these available, skilled jobs and help themselves and help their families.

Mr. Speaker, I again thank my colleague from Pennsylvania.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. John Wasem, a veteran and distinguished physician in my district who passed away last month.

John Richard Wasem graduated from Decatur High School in 1941 and then went on to serve in the United States Army in Germany during World War II. Upon his return, John earned his degree from the National College of Chiropractic in 1952 and worked as a chiropractor in the Decatur area for decades.

Ask anyone in the Decatur community, and they would say that Dr. Wasem is most remembered for his years of attending the Decatur Annual Community Thanksgiving Luncheon. For 65 years, Dr. Wasem was a familiar face at the event, which honors those who enrich the community and who have given generously of themselves to make Decatur a better place to live. He was a living example of what makes Decatur special.

The annual luncheon is an opportunity to give thanks for blessings. Dr. Wasem was certainly one of those blessings. Without his attendance, I am positive that this year's event won't be the same. I am grateful for his many years of dedication he has shown the community.

He was an inspiration to those that knew him. His legacy at the Decatur Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon will be remembered by many. I know he will be deeply missed. My prayers are with his wife, Alice, their children and many grandchildren during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend Paul Schmitz and congratulate him on his retirement from the Christian County Board after twenty-two years of service.

For more than two decades, Paul has worked to improve the lives of citizens in Christian County, overseeing numerous projects within the county. He served as Chairman for four years and later served as Vice Chairman for more than 10 years.

Paul began serving on the board in 1996, and dove right in on tackling the big issues. Shortly after his election to the board, controversy arose surrounding a proposed livestock facility in Stonington. Paul took it upon himself to listen to the public's concerns and learn what he could about the issue.

However, if you ask him, Paul's proudest achievement during his time with the county board was bringing public transportation to Christian County. The Central Illinois Public Transit service was implemented in 2015 and offers door-to-door transportation, something he says is necessary for the aging population. Paul and the county board played an active role in introducing this service to the people of Christian County, which provides residents with reliable transportation to doctors' appointments, the grocery store, and community events.

I am proud to recognize Paul's work as a leader on the Christian County Board. He is a true public servant who has dedicated twenty-two years to the people of Christian County and I wish him all the best in his retirement.