Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 60th Annual Tucson Gem and Mineral Show--the largest gem and mineral exhibition in the United States and an event that has set the standard for such shows around the world.

The show, which will be held this year from Feb. 13-16, has been hosted for the past six decades by the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society Inc. The show began as a club show and today is dedicated to presenting extraordinary mineral, gem, fossil, lapidary and jewelry exhibits that provide a rare window into private and museum collections from around the world.

The theme of this year's show is ``60 years of Diamonds, Gems, Silver and Gold'' and will feature a display of diamonds from the Smithsonian Institution.

As a result of interest generated by this long-running show, dozens of satellite shows have proliferated throughout the Tucson area-- bringing with them gems, minerals, fossils, meteorites and other items from around the world. This weeks-long collection of events has become known as the Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase and attracts thousands of participants, enthusiasts and buyers from across the globe.

During the showcase, Tucsonans and visitors find everything from rare diamonds to boxes made of petrified wood. There are dinosaur skeletons, loose stones, jewelry, African art, beads, polished stones, minerals and gifts of every description.

None of this would have happened without the vision and the hard work by members and volunteers of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society Inc., which remains dedicated to promoting the study of earth sciences. I am proud to recognize the organization and its members including President Diane Braswell and Vice President John Callahan. Its other officers are Marilyn Reynolds, Ellen Alexander, Alrene Hibben, Madison Barkley, Mark Marikos, Bob O'Donnell, Mark Ascher and Robert and Elaine Royer. The chairman of this year's show is Paul Harter.

I am proud to recognize the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society Inc. on the occasion of its 60th Annual Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, which next week will host the 60th annual Tucson Gem and Minerals Show.

This show began as a small club gathering, and over the past six decades, it has grown to set the standard for other such events around the world. This year's show will be held from February 13 through 16 with the theme ``60 Years of Diamonds, Gems, Silver, and Gold.''

As a result of the interest generated by this long-running event, dozens of satellite events very much like it have proliferated throughout the Tucson area. These feature gems, minerals, fossils, meteorites, and other items from around the world and are known as the Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase. These events bring an estimated $100 million to southern Arizona.

None of this would have been possible without the work of the volunteers of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society. I am proud to recognize this long-time Tucson tradition and this great organization and the economic benefits it brings to my district.

Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mr. Speaker, I am opposed to the bill in its current form.

Mr. Speaker, this is the final amendment to the bill, which will not kill the bill, or send it back to committee. If adopted, the bill will immediately proceed to final passage, as amended.

As my colleagues in this Chamber know well, the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program, or PILT, is a source of revenue for counties across our country, especially in rural areas of the United States like Cochise County in southern Arizona, that have large areas of Federal land within their boundaries.

Without the PILT program, many counties would be forced to cut services, delay infrastructure maintenance and improvement, and local jobs would be lost.

While I joined many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support reauthorizing PILT for 1 year in the farm bill, this is but a short-term solution. My amendment would reauthorize the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program for 5 years.

By committing to reauthorize the program for 5 years today, we can give our communities who depend on these funds the long-term certainty they need. In fact, we should really be thinking about acting to authorize this fund as a mandatory fund.

In 2013, PILT meant $5 million in funds for my southern Arizona district, in both Pima and Cochise Counties.

The Sierra Vista Herald in Cochise County reported on the critical need for PILT in my home district, calling the potential loss of $1.98 million in PILT that the county received in 2013 ``a significant blow to the county.''

This is an important issue to all of us, particularly those in rural parts of our country, and I appreciate your attention to the matter.

``A lack of PILT funding,'' the County Board of Supervisors in Cochise County said, ``places the large and unsustainable burden of providing services on Federal lands squarely on the backs of Cochise County taxpayers, while the presence of that land creates a barrier to economic opportunities.''

``Failure,'' the Board said, ``to provide PILT funding to Arizona counties in a timely manner will critically impact on the budget process and structural solvency of Cochise County, and substantially compromise the County's ability to provide these essential services.''

Cochise County and counties like it all across this country are required to provide law enforcement, search-and-rescue missions, emergency services, road building and maintenance, and other community services on or associated with tax-exempt Federal land.

I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this amendment so we can say to Cochise County, in my district, and the people I represent in southern Arizona, and so that you can say to the people of your State, particularly those in rural counties, that we won't make them wait and worry about whether or not they will have the resources to provide these critical services in the future.

Mr. Speaker, my amendment also goes on to provide much-needed funding to fight wildfires across this Nation. Arizonans know all too well the terrific and horrific effects wildfires have on our communities.

Last summer, our State was devastated by the Yarnell Hill Fire. My colleagues, our State experienced a great loss when last year, a fire swept across 8,400 acres of land in 15 days, killing 19 brave firefighters from the Granite Mountain Hotshots, all of whom died in the line of duty.

These tragic fires are not unique to our beautiful State of Arizona. Every year, communities across our Nation face wildfires that destroy their land, their homes, and their livelihoods. And given the worst drought in California history just 1 month into this year, I know that this is an issue on the minds

of all of my colleagues in the California delegation as well.

Two summers ago, my district in southeastern Arizona endured the Horseshoe Two Fire. On May 8, 2011, the Horseshoe Two Fire started on the east side of Chiricahua Mountains near the community of Portal. The fire continued to burn steadily, heading to the northwest, and on June 8, the fire reached Chiricahua National Monument, burning into the southeast corner of the park. In late June, the fire was finally extinguished and contained. By then, 223,000 acres were burned. We were lucky that summer in southeastern Arizona that there was no loss of life.

This amendment would authorize $50 million to the Federal Land Assistance, Management, and Enhancement Act for wildfire suppression on our public lands and $50 million for hazardous fuels reduction. This funding is key to fighting catastrophic fires, wildland fires, and for successful fire management strategies across our Nation.

I ask my colleagues again, on both sides of the aisle, to join with me in supporting both PILT and these critical wildfire programs for our local communities and the people we represent by passing this motion to recommit.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Arizona Trail Association and honor its celebration of the Arizona National Scenic Trail's 20th Anniversary.

In a short time, the Arizona National Scenic Trail has become one of the premier long distance trails in the country. The people that have worked to make this happen over the last 20 years are as diverse as the trail itself The Arizona Trail demonstrates what trail users and land managers can accomplish when they share a common vision.

School teacher Dale Shewalter developed the concept of a cross-state trail in the 1970s and began traveling around Arizona giving presentations on his vision of a trail connecting communities, mountains, canyons, deserts, forests, public lands, historic sites, various trail systems, wilderness areas and other points of interest. The idea was embraced by all types of trail users throughout Arizona, Arizona State Parks, National Forests, the Bureau of Land Management and National Parks Service.

In 1994, the Arizona Trail Association incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and became an organized voice for the trail, bringing together passionate hikers, backpackers, equestrians, mountain bicyclists, runners, trail builders, nature enthusiasts, cross-country skiers and others from throughout the state. These committed individuals provided the necessary route identification, volunteers for building and maintaining the trail, logistical support, fundraising and awareness for the trail and ensured that it received National Scenic Trail status.

I am proud to have segments of the Arizona National Scenic Trail in my district, and congratulate the diverse supporters who made it a reality, including Matt Nelson, Arizona Trail Association's Executive Director, and Gary Hohner, the Association's Board President. And special thanks to all those in Southern Arizona who enjoy the trail now and work to preserve it for future generations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Army Sergeant First Class William K. Lacey, or Kelly, as his family wants him to be remembered, who was killed in action on January 4, 2014 after a rocket propelled grenade attack by insurgents hit his unit in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. He leaves behind his mother, father, stepmother, two daughters, three step daughters and many friends.

Born at Eglin Air Force Base where his father, Master Sergeant John H. Lacey, was stationed, Kelly spent most of his childhood in Florida. He attended Niceville High School before joining the Army in 2003. While in the Army, he attended Meridian Community College and received an Associate Degree. Sergeant First Class Lacey was assigned to the F Company, 201st Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, based in Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Kelly was on his second deployment to Afghanistan, and he had already completed three previous deployments to Iraq: the first a 5 month deployment, the second a 14 month deployment and the other a year-long deployment. From April 2011 until March 2012, Kelly served in Afghanistan.

From his earliest time in the Army, Sergeant First Class Lacey was considered a great soldier. Over his career he earned more than a dozen honors including three Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, three Army Good Conduct Medals, two Afghanistan Campaign Medals with Bronze Service Star and two Iraq Campaign Medals with Bronze Service Stars. For his bravery in action, Sergeant First Class Lacey was awarded a Bronze Star with combat distinguishing device ``V'', two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart posthumously.

We remember Kelly and offer our deepest condolences and prayers to his family. Everyone in our great nation owes Sergeant First Class Lacey and his family a debt of gratitude for his selfless sacrifice and courage. It is vital that we keep our men and women in uniform who are in harm's way in our thoughts and prayers. I call on my colleagues and all Americans to remember Kelly and the many others who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defending our freedoms and all that we value as a nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Debbie Rich, chief executive officer of the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona, who has been named winner of the 2014 Phyllis Ehlinger Women of Excellence Award by the Tucson Chapter of the American Advertising Federation.

This prestigious award recognizes a local woman who is a business owner or executive and who has demonstrated success within her industry, along with a dedication to philanthropy and mentoring.

Debbie is a former Girl Scout herself who today leads an organization that serves more than 15,000 girls and has more than 2,500 adult volunteers in Pima, Cochise, Greenlee, Yuma and Santa Cruz counties as well as southern parts of Graham, Maricopa and Pinal counties.

To meet the demand for services in Southern Arizona's underserved communities, Debbie created an innovative program using women students at the University of Arizona and Pima Community College as troop leaders. This has become a program beneficial both for the young scouts and also for the students who serve as their mentors and role models. To date, it is the only Girl Scout organization in the Nation to use this model.

Also under Debbie's leadership, Girl Scouts in Southern Arizona are addressing serious contemporary issues such as poverty, illiteracy, hunger, homelessness and violence.

Debbie's programs have become so successful and popular that the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona now requires more space to fulfill its mission. There soon will be an enlarged campus with meeting rooms, science labs, a demonstration kitchen, a digital media lab and a gym.

Debbie has said that her goal is to motivate every girl in our community to be the best that she can be. Debbie herself has set a sterling example for the Girl Scouts who will come after her.

I am proud to recognize Debbie Rich on the occasion of her selection as recipient of the 2014 Phyllis Ehlinger Women of Excellence Award.

Madam Speaker, as the husband of an incredible woman who has guided and advised me for 46 years and the father of two strong and accomplished young women and the grandfather of three granddaughters, I stand with all women today.

I stand in support of every woman's right to be able to choose what is best for her and her family. And I stand ready to protect and preserve the ability of every woman to make her own health care decisions with her doctor and without the interference of politicians in Washington. And I stand in opposition to H.R. 7, which would restrict the rights of women and their access to care.

I urge my colleagues, every one, to stand with me.

Mr. Speaker, on December 28, 1.3 million Americans lost their unemployment insurance because Congress failed to act. These families are struggling to put food on the table, to pay their bills, to heat their homes; and we have a responsibility to assist them in their time of need and as they continue to look for work.

But instead, Congress will go home today without taking action, and this is just outrageous. Every week that Congress ignores its responsibilities to our citizens, 72,000 more Americans lose their unemployment insurance, crucial assistance which not only supports them, but also our economy.

That is why I call on leadership to keep the House in session and to extend unemployment insurance now. We should stay here and do our job, for we are representing the people of America and those who we have a duty to serve. Let us stay here and make sure that Americans know that we have their back, that we are going to take care of them in their desperate time of need. I urge the House to stay in session and pass an extension to the unemployment insurance program.

Mr. Speaker, due to flight delays beyond my control, I missed one recorded vote on January 7. I would like to indicate at this point how I would have voted had I been present for that vote.

On rollcall No. 1, establishing a quorum in the House of Representatives for the Second Session of the 113th Congress, I would have voted ``present.''

Mr. Speaker, I believe we have a solemn duty to protect the privacy of all Americans. I think all of us here believe that, too.

I am committed to helping southern Arizonans have access to the Affordable Care Act through the healthcare.gov Web site, and we must ensure that their personal and medical information is protected.

That is why I will be introducing the CARE Act, which will require that the Department of Homeland Security develop the highest cybersecurity standards for healthcare.gov, and for Department of Health and Human Services to implement these standards within 90 days.

In a recent hearing in the Committee on Homeland Security, we learned that too little has been done to protect the privacy of Americans accessing the Web site. My constituents and the people across this country deserve to know that when they interact with this Web site, their personal information will be safe and secure. That is what my bill ensures.

I urge my colleagues, both Democrats and Republicans alike, to join me in support of this critical legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bob Strain on the high honor of being named Veteran of the Year by the Greater Sierra Vista United Veterans Council.

A retired colonel, Bob served our country with distinction for thirty years in the United States Air Force. After retiring from the military, Bob served his community of Sierra Vista, Arizona for over twenty years with the same level of integrity and dedication through civic engagement and elected office.

The city of Sierra Vista and Fort Huachuca grew stronger under Bob's leadership both as a member of the City Council and as mayor. By increasing and reinforcing water conservation in the city and surrounding region, Bob helped ensure the future growth and sustainability of the city and the Army Garrison.

As an active member of numerous community associations and organizations, Bob has been a strong and articulate advocate for the many veterans who call Southern Arizona home. In 2012, he was inducted into the Arizona Veteran's Hall of Fame. This well-deserved recognition by the Greater Sierra Vista United Veterans Council is another testament to his hard work and dedication on behalf of veterans.

I am proud to call Bob Strain a friend and join with a grateful community in congratulating him on this well-deserved honor.

Mr. Speaker, I stand here with my colleagues from the Arizona delegation, both Senate and House, and with very close friends of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords to remember a tragic event that took place 3 years ago today.

On January 8, 2011, 10:10 a.m., in just 19.6 seconds, 19 people, including Congresswoman Giffords and myself, were shot during a Congress on Your Corner in Tucson, Arizona. This event was democracy in action; a Member of this body, the people's House, was meeting one-on- one with her constituents. Six wonderful people died that day, including my friend, Gabe Zimmerman, my go-to guy on the Congresswoman's staff.

Tucson and southern Arizona have definitely not been defined by that terrible act. Instead, we are defined by how our community responded. The compassion, love, prayers, and goodwill that poured out has helped all of us heal our broken hearts and bring some good out of that horrific day. Organizations have been established to address the educational needs of children, to prevent bullying, and to reduce the stigma of mental illness and improve those services.

Congresswoman Giffords continues her remarkable recovery. Her perseverance and determination give hope to others. She is a true inspiration to the country and the world. You might have noted that, earlier today, she jumped out of an airplane and took a tandem dive-- her second skydive. This woman's resilience has no bounds.

Sadly, in the last 3 years, other communities have been struck by similar senseless acts of violence. The most fitting memorial would be to take action to prevent another such tragedy. As a shooting survivor, a grandfather, and a Member of Congress, I am determined to do so. I know that many others in this body and in the Senate have the same aspiration.

Let us never forget the 6 people that died that fateful day: 9-year- old Christina-Taylor Green; Dorothy Morris; U.S. District Court Judge John Roll; Phyllis Schneck; Dorwan Stoddard; and my friend and colleague, Gabe Zimmerman.

Mr. Speaker, I would now ask that the House observe a moment of silence in remembrance of these good people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act, and I call attention to a provision in the act that will preserve the A-10, a core component of our Nation's combat power and military readiness. This is a national security asset that I have been fighting for even before I became a Member of Congress when I was Congresswoman Giffords' district military affairs lead.

This National Defense Authorization Act states that the Air Force will not be allowed to retire, prepare to retire, or place in storage any additional A-10 aircraft during 2014. A-10 pilots are trained at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, to fly a plane that is unsurpassed in its ability to provide support for our troops on the ground. In today's military environment, the A-10 is best suited to continue this very important mission for decades to come. We simply cannot adequately support the warfighter to continue on the ground if we get rid of this proven aircraft.

I am proud to support the NDAA.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 91.3 FM KXCI, a community radio station serving Tucson, Arizona and the surrounding areas, on the occasion of its 30th anniversary. The anniversary, which occurs on December 6th, 2013, will be marked by a special concert event at the El Con Club and Grill in Tucson, featuring an eclectic mix of local bands.

KXCI makes invaluable contributions to the communities of southern Arizona. Its unique blend of music expands the cultural horizons of its listeners and its relationships with local arts and public service organizations bring local citizens together. By providing over $200,000 worth of free airtime for public service announcements each year, KXCI helps Tucson area non-profits to raise awareness of their causes and foster community engagement.

KXCI's staff, supporters and listeners understand that radio can be a powerful force for social good. Together, they have built a radio station that facilitates a healthy exchange of ideas and expressions, strengthens local communities, promotes the arts and provides stimulating entertainment.

Over 30 years, tuning into KXCI has been synonymous with placing a finger on the pulse of the city of Tucson. The station has long been one of the region's most trusted and respected sources of news, music and current events. Those who live within its reaches find comfort in its unique programming in the car, at home and at work.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate KXCI on reaching this great milestone. Its long history of enriching the communities in and around Tucson deserves our highest admiration and respect. Happy birthday, KXCI--and many more!

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Airmen of the 48th Rescue Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.

On Oct. 29, 2013, eight Airmen of the 48th Rescue Squadron were on their way back from training in Eloy, Arizona when they came upon a 19- vehicle collision on Interstate 10 near Picacho Peak. Showing little regard for their own safety, the Airmen immediately went into action providing first aid to the wounded and assistance to law enforcement officers on the scene. Despite the danger from leaking fuel, the Airmen remained at the site of the accident extricating passengers and providing care for more than 20 injured motorists before emergency medical services arrived.

These brave Airmen embody the qualities that make our military great--selfless service, initiative and personal courage. Without hesitation, they put their own lives at risk to rescue strangers in need of assistance. They were not asked to put themselves in harm's way, but they saw an immediate need and stepped up to action.

As a nation, we should all feel a little prouder knowing of the heroic actions on October 29th and that these actions were not isolated events. Rather, the Airmen of the 48th Rescue Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base commit themselves daily to going into harm's way to come to the aid of downed pilots--sometimes at great personal risk. Since their inception, Air Force combat search and rescue squadrons have performed a core function of emergency rescue, easing the minds of pilots flying into harm's way. These pilots know that should something happen to them or their aircraft, there is a dedicated cadre of Airmen to find them and lend aid regardless of the danger.

I am thankful for these eight courageous Americans and am proud that they represent the Air Force, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Southern Arizona.