Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rice Elementary School for being authorized to teach the Primary Years Program as an International Baccalaureate World School.

The International Baccalaureate program takes an interdisciplinary approach, allowing children to learn and collaborate in the classroom. This program provides a unique learning experience to students, expanding their horizons and teaching them about our larger world beyond our own borders.

I congratulate the teachers and administrators at Rice Elementary. I thank them for always going above and beyond for their students and their families.

I am proud to recognize Rice Elementary School as a leader in education in our great State of Minnesota, the Education State, and in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District.

Congratulations again to the teachers, administrators, and most importantly, the students and their families.

Tribute to Retired Chief Petty Officer Alan Dix

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired Chief Petty Officer Alan Dix from Elk River, Minnesota, for his service to our country.

After serving 24 years in the Navy and being stationed in Iraq, he continues to serve in our community. Chief Petty Officer Dix is responsible for creating the Spirit of Minnesota Tribute Bell.

In partnership with Wells Fargo, Alan and the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans led the effort to create the Tribute Bell to thank and honor our servicemembers and veterans for their sacrifices to our great Nation.

Alan currently serves as the chair of the Minnesota Veterans Team Members Network, which is part of the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans. The council helps veterans and their families access employment, housing, and legal assistance.

Through this organization, Alan made the Spirit of Minnesota Tribute Bell a reality. The bell embodies the symbolism of respect that our community has toward our military. Because of their courage and valor, we are safer and stronger as a country.

We are thankful for Alan. He reminds us of how important it is to remember and honor those who gave so much to our Nation.

His service and all of his work on behalf of our veterans and their families is greatly appreciated.

Recognizing Mitch Eickhoff, 2019 Sauk Rapids Citizen of the Year

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mitch Eickhoff for being named the 2019 Sauk Rapids Citizen of the Year. Mitch is a lifelong resident of Sauk Rapids and the Sauk Rapids community. He is also a lifelong public servant.

Through his foundation, FGHC Active, Mitch raises money by organizing 5K runs and other community events for organizations like the Sauk Rapids Fire Department, Tanner's Team Foundation, and Anna Marie's Alliance.

Mitch's charitable efforts also extend well beyond the borders of Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District and the State of Minnesota. Mitch has raised money to support the Burn Violence Survivors--Nepal, which helps with the recovery process for burn victims in South Asia. He has also supported communities in Malawi, Africa, raising money for healthcare, education, and the environment.

Mitch's work to serve people in our community and beyond deserves recognition. Our district and our constituents all benefit from his passion to serve others.

I thank Mitch for making an exceptional impact on our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Mucaad Hussein Abdalla, known by his friends and family as Siraaj.

Last month, a tragic incident took the lives of 157 individuals when an airplane crashed in Ethiopia. This unfortunate event took the lives of eight Americans, and one of those individuals was Mucaad Hussein Abdalla.

Mucaad was a member of our community. Growing up in St. Cloud, Minnesota, he graduated from St. Cloud Apollo High School and began a career as a truck driver.

To his friends and family, Mucaad was simply known by his nickname, Siraaj, meaning a light or a lamp. He brought laughter, joy, and light to those around him.

We extend our most sincere condolences to his family and loved ones for their loss.

Thanking KoriAnn Carter and the United Way of Central Minnesota

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize community resource navigator KoriAnn Carter and the United Way of Central Minnesota for working together on a pilot program to assist students and families at Lincoln Elementary School with food, housing assistance, mentoring, and after-school programs.

In addition, I want to recognize the work KoriAnn does through a program called Girls On Arise To Succeed in partnership with the Roosevelt Boys & Girls Club, McKinley Area Learning Center, and CentraCare Health, which brings young girls together to discuss important life topics and provide guidance.

For young women encountering family issues, experiencing homelessness, or struggling with mental health issues, this group gives them a space to talk to adults who care. Girls between 12 and 18 can participate in one of the girls groups where they learn lessons in healthy habits, the importance of education, how your current actions impact your future choices, leadership skills, goal setting, and gratitude.

These groups have transformed students throughout the St. Cloud area, giving them an avenue to succeed as well as find community and fellowship.

I thank KoriAnn and all the partners who make this possible. Their work to foster the next generation of leaders makes our corner of the world a better place.

Congratulating St. Cloud VA

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the St. Cloud VA for being one of only 18 hospitals nationwide to be selected to participate in the Department of Veterans Affairs' efforts to establish the highest level of care for our military veterans.

Our veterans and our community rely on the St. Cloud VA to provide the highest level of care possible already. So to those of us in the community, it comes as no surprise that our VA will now help lead the Nation and the VA system to help establish these standards.

The selection is a great honor and testament to everyone who makes the St. Cloud VA the success it is today. The opportunity to lead our VA system to the highest standard of care for our Nation's heroes is indeed a high calling.

Congratulations to the St. Cloud VA, and good luck in your mission.

Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Madam Chair, as we consider the Violence Against Women Act, or VAWA, reauthorization, I offer an amendment to allow for a demonstration program that will issue grants to promote trauma-informed training for law enforcement and other personnel.

The amendment is substantially similar to the Abby Honold Act, which has been led by bipartisan Minnesota Members of Congress. The amendment does not authorize new appropriations, but merely enables existing funds to be used for training that ultimately could save lives and help find the perpetrators of an assault.

The amendment aims to help victims of sexual crimes, in addition to those who have experienced other forms of trauma, by improving the care and treatment they receive after the event.

Specifically, the amendment will create a voluntary grant program to train law enforcement agencies in evidence-based, trauma-informed interview techniques to prevent retraumatization of victims, improve communication between victims and law enforcement, and ensure accurate and complete information is submitted to law enforcement.

The amendment and bill is in honor of Abby Honold, who attended the University of Minnesota. Abby was the victim of rape, but I know her as one of the bravest people I have ever met for being able to publicly share her story and fight for changes to the law that will help countless Americans.

During traumatic events, parts of the brain shut down and block shocking experiences, shielding the victim, but affecting recollection. When searching for evidence of criminal behavior, many interview techniques are not developed to comfort the victim and effectively access these memories. Information collected in the normal manner may inhibit memory recall and accuracy of events and details. This often leads to suspicion of the victim.

Thankfully, Abby was treated by a nurse who had been trained to provide trauma-informed techniques that allowed the nurse to ask sensitive questions in a respectful way that enabled an accurate recount of events. Nurse Walther, who interviewed Abby, made her feel comfortable, and by using the trauma-informed techniques, avoided retraumatization.

The difference that we can make for victims by providing training for these techniques will ensure that recovery and healing can occur for victims of these traumatic instances.

Abby also encountered Officer Kevin Randolph, who went above and beyond to help her win her case against her perpetrator because he understood how these techniques lead to more accurate information and ensured prosecution.

In Minnesota alone, 2,000 women report being raped or sexually assaulted every year. Abby's Act will help law enforcement investigate sexual assault cases and improve care and treatment for victims.

The amendment establishes a pilot program to train law enforcement, first responders, university officials, or any

other personnel who interface with victims of sexual violence in trauma-informed techniques focused on preventing retraumatization of the victim, improving communication and rapport between victims and law enforcement, as well as collaboration between the different entities that assist a victim of sexual violence.

Sexual assault is a crime, and it is vital for law enforcement to have accurate and complete information to prosecute it. For Abby and for the thousands of victims who experience trauma, this is a key part of their recovery process, as is a compassionate response in the immediate aftermath of an event.

This pilot program would be an important step forward to provide better treatment to sexual assault victims in crisis and to make certain it is treated like the serious crime that it is.

I am disappointed that the bill before us today will be a partisan vote and Republicans on the Judiciary Committee were excluded from the process, but I offer this bipartisan amendment as a demonstration that we can still work together.

I also hope the Senate considers this body's overwhelming support for the Abby Honold Act as it contemplates VAWA reauthorization.

Abby has been a strong advocate for the use of trauma-informed care by law enforcement, and I have been fortunate to work with her and our law enforcement community on this important legislation.

A good first step to holding those accountable is ensuring law enforcement has the tools and resources needed to investigate these crimes.

This bill is just one step towards solving a clear problem across our country.

Victims of sexual assault deserve the best possible care and the most compassionate response following their trauma, and we can provide it now. We must all work together to ensure these crimes are treated as the heinous acts they are, with the hope that one day they cease altogether.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart as another individual has lost her life on U.S. Highway 12 in my home State of Minnesota, in fact, right in my neighborhood.

U.S. Highway 12 is the road we drive to get to and from our hometown of Delano, Minnesota. This is one of the most dangerous stretches of road in our State. The highway has actually been called the ``Corridor of Death.''

On March 2, 2019, Marleena Anna Dieterich, an 18-year-old from Delano, Minnesota, lost her life in another crash on this highway.

Marleena was a student at Delano High School, a member of our hometown, and a young life with so much promise. We lost her far too soon.

Today I rise to remember the life of Marleena, to remember that she was an honor student, a black belt in Taekwondo, and was planning to major in biomedical sciences and minor in premed. Her life held endless promise.

This accident, like so many on U.S. Highway 12, was tragic and senseless.

Over the years, some improvements have been made to portions of U.S. Highway 12, but until massive improvements are made to the most dangerous stretch of this highway, tragic accidents will continue to occur.

Since the beginning of 2019, just 2 months, 14 crashes have already occurred on that stretch of the highway leading into Delano in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District. More must be done, and quickly.

While we are committed to working with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Highway 12 Safety Coalition to ensure that Minnesotans can travel safely and securely on this road, I am inviting our Transportation Secretary Chao to visit us and see firsthand some of our most desperate transportation needs in Minnesota.

At the Federal level, Congress must start to exercise its obligation under Article I of the Constitution to dedicate and direct Federal funds to build,

maintain, and improve our Federal highways, especially lifesaving safety improvements.

Together, we can find a solution to the safety hazard that U.S. Highway 12 poses, and together, we will.

Congratulations to the Minnesota Whitecaps

Mr. Speaker, this March, during the National Hockey League's Gender Equality Month, I want to congratulate the Minnesota Whitecaps for making it to the National Women's Hockey League playoffs.

Not everyone can play professional sports, but everyone can participate at some level. Sports are a great training ground for life. Lessons in sportsmanship, teamwork, how to handle adversity are all important to the development of productive, contributing citizens in a civil society.

Professional women athletes play a large role in the development of girls hockey in communities across the country, but especially the Minnesota hockey community.

We are lucky to have inspiring players turn coaches that mentor the next generation of female hockey players and great Americans.

I know the entire Minnesota hockey world is proud of the Whitecaps.

Congratulations on your success, and good luck in the playoffs.

HealthPartners Recognized for Serving the Underserved

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize HealthPartners for receiving the 2019 CMS Health Equity Award from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

This award recognizes organizations that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to serving the most underserved individuals among us.

HealthPartners has locations throughout Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District, which I am honored to represent in this Congress.

HealthPartners is committed to eliminating healthcare disparities for those with language, cultural, and other barriers.

I am pleased to congratulate this outstanding company for receiving this well-deserved award.

I hope other healthcare providers will take note of the small changes that can make a big difference in eliminating bias in the distribution of healthcare services.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the legacy of Mathew Hall Lumber, which has been operating in downtown St. Cloud, Minnesota, for 130 years.

Mathew Hall Lumber has been a fixture in the community and a backbone of the local economy.

Maintaining a business is not an easy task. It involves blood, sweat, and tears to sustain the test of time. However, with that comes joy and fulfillment, something that generation after generation of the Hall family knows all about.

One of the reasons why St. Cloud and the great State of Minnesota are so incredible is because of hardworking people like the Hall family. By maintaining their business in St. Cloud, they brought commerce, jobs, and a great product to our community.

As Simonson Lumber purchases this historic company and the Hall family transitions into a new chapter, I speak for all of central Minnesota when I say thank you to the Hall family for your great contribution to our State and our community.

Honoring Steve Taylor, A Great Minnesota Public Servant

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sherburne County Administrator Steve Taylor.

As Steve prepares to retire from his 30-year career, he leaves with the reputation for providing the highest level of customer service.

During his time with Sherburne County and Carver County before that, Steve has served Minnesota's Sixth District with distinction.

As a fellow public servant, I commend Steve for committing his life's work to serving others. His dedication and leadership will be hard to replace.

The employees who had the pleasure of working with and learning from Steve will keep the good work going, but, certainly, his dependable presence will be missed.

His efforts toward expanding Sherburne County's government center by adding extra courtrooms, more security, and much-needed space will be enjoyed by generations to come.

Thank you, Steve, and congratulations on an amazing career in public service. I wish you a long and happy retirement.

Honoring the Legacy of Steve Gilmer

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Steve Gilmer, who has retired after serving 45 years as the CEO of the State Bank of Delano, Minnesota.

Steve retired leaving an incredible legacy. He cultivated a family out of his employees and built an environment based on humor, trust, and excellence, inspiring all those around him to be the best they could possibly be.

As a resident of Delano, I can say from experience that Steve led by example and took the time to know and care for the customers who walked through the door of his bank.

Most in the community knew Steve through his role as a volunteer, the volunteer treasurer of the Fourth of July Celebration Committee for over 40 years.

Delano is home to Minnesota's largest Fourth of July parade, and Steve's service to that committee displayed his dedication to our community.

Thank you for all you have done for the Delano community, Steve. Enjoy your retirement with your family and friends. You deserve it.

Celebrating the Minnesota Central Region Small Business Development

Center

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Minnesota Central Region Small Business Development Center for being named the Minnesota Small Business Development Center of Excellence.

Located at St. Cloud State University, the Central Small Business Development Center provides free consulting services and assistance to those starting a small business.

The center services the majority of my district, counties such as Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright. My constituents have benefited greatly from the services provided and the numerous business workshops focusing on educating local businesses and entrepreneurs on how to improve their new business.

Special recognition goes to the current director, Barry Kirchoff, who came to the center in 2006 with an extensive background in business and economic development.

Today, their success continues because of Barry's commitment to helping address the needs of the local small business community. His hard work is evident.

Congratulations and thank you to Barry and the staff of the Minnesota Central Region Small Business Development Center. Central Minnesota is lucky to have you.

Recognizing the Achievements of the Waconia HERO Coalition

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of the Waconia HERO Coalition. ``HERO'' stands for their mission, which is to ``Help, Empower, and Respect Others.''

This community task force based in my district undertook the mission in 2010 to reduce and prevent the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs by youth through education, engagement, and policy change.

What started as a group of parents, educators, and community leaders joining forces to address bullying in

schools quickly became a task force tackling substance abuse.

In 2014, the Waconia HERO Coalition was awarded the Drug Free Community Support Grant, providing $625,000 of funding over 5 years. Today I want to congratulate them for receiving a continuation to that grant, which reaffirms the incredible work this task force has already done and will be doing and serves as encouragement to keep working towards solutions to youth substance abuse.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of a dear friend, Tommy Rukavina, who passed away after his battle with cancer. Tommy's life ended the way he lived, with a fight. He wouldn't have had it any other way.

It is hard not to think of Tommy when I travel northern Minnesota and see all the great communities that rely on the mining industry and when I am with the amazing men and women who sustain Minnesota's Iron Range today. These are the people Tommy cared about. These are the people he represented and the people he helped.

Tommy Rukavina was outspoken. He never shied away from a fight, and yet, win or lose, he preserved civil discourse in every interaction. After difficult battles, you would still want to hang out with Tommy.

The Croatian Sensation, as I once called him, was passionate about life. He was passionate about people, and he was passionate about the causes he believed in and fought for every day. I have no doubt that he has a special place in Heaven, and I know Heaven will never be the same now that he is there.

Our State has suffered a great loss. Tommy will be deeply missed.

Our condolences to his family and loved ones, and a special thanks to all of you for sharing Tommy Rukavina with the rest of us.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Dick Ames, a great friend who recently passed. Dick's contributions to the great State of Minnesota are countless. His impact on our progress and the future of our great State is unending. I was lucky to know Dick and the generous heart he had for others, for everyone in our community.

Over the course of his life, he helped shape everything he touched. Through his business, Ames Construction, or his farm, or even his contributions to the athletic department at his beloved University of Minnesota, Dick made a difference for our great State.

His hard work, honesty, and integrity were an example for us all, to strive for greatness and serve those around you

as you achieve greatness. His selfless service was amazing. Again, I was lucky to call him my friend, and I can only hope to follow in his incredible example.

Our community has suffered a great loss. My deepest condolences go to Lollie, his wife, and the rest of his family and all of his loved ones.

God bless you, Dick Ames.

``When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.

``The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment.''

Section 3:

``The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof, for six Years; and each Senator shall have one vote.

``Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the expiration of the second Year, of the second Class at the expiration of the fourth Year, and of the third Class at the expiration of the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; and if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor CentraCare Health's Director of Community and Government Relations, David Borgert. His approaching retirement will mark the end of his 21-year career with CentraCare Health.

As a testament to David's hard work, CentraCare has thrived under his leadership. Whether it was securing grants and donations; educating his community on the intricacies of State, Federal, and community issues; or finding new ways to provide quality care, David has set the standard in the State of Minnesota.

This is why the Minnesota Hospital Association took notice and awarded David with the Spirit of Advocacy Award for his tireless efforts to inform the central Minnesota community about healthcare reform.

Under David's strong leadership, CentraCare Health has consistently been recognized for its outstanding work. David Borgert is a beloved and cherished member of our community because of his dedication to providing quality healthcare.

His service to our community will be missed and we thank him for his years of commitment. We look forward to seeing him in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I was unexpectedly detained and unable to cast my vote in support of this legislation. If present in the chamber, I would have voted Aye on H.R. 6901.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring awareness to the 2018 World Wide Pressure Injury Prevention Day and to express my support for H. Res. 1133 which I recently introduced to raise awareness to an epidemic affecting our country and the entire world.

Pressure injuries and their associated complications lead to over 60,000 deaths in patients per year, affect over 2 million Americans, and cost the United States health care system nearly $11 billion annually.

Between 2016 and 2017, hospital-acquired pressure injury incidence rates increased by 58.4 percent. Clearly we need additional research to advance treatments for pressure injury patients. This will also relieve the financial burden on government and health care providers around the country.

World Wide Pressure Injury Prevention Day, observed annually on the third Thursday in November, and the National Pressure Ulcer/Injury Prevention Day proposed in H. Res. 1133, serve as reminders for all that we must do more if we hope to overcome this challenging health care dilemma.

I look forward to working with the House Energy and Commerce Committee in considering H. Res. 1133 for the benefit of all Americans to reduce the prevalence and impact of this overlooked, yet devastating health care condition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 107th National Day of Taiwan. The United States and Taiwan have enjoyed a fruitful partnership for decades, and I would like to wish the people of Taiwan a very Happy National Day.

Taiwan is a critical partner of the United States and my state of Minnesota. Over the last decade, Taiwan has shown and continues to be a prosperous nation characterized by strong economic growth, a commitment to democracy and respect for basic human rights and freedoms.

Where trade and economic prosperity are concerned, our two countries have made great strides. In 2017, Taiwan was ranked as the 11th largest trading partner of the United States, the 11th largest U.S. export market overall and the 7th largest market for U.S. agricultural products. Taiwan imported $3.57 billion of food and agricultural products from the U.S., representing more than 28 percent of total imports of those products.

Taiwan regularly sponsors trade missions to the United States in pursuit of agricultural products. Last year, those missions culminated in the signing of letters of intent to purchase approximately $2.8 billion in U.S.-produced grains between 2018 and 2019. Just in late September, another trade mission from Taiwan visited the United States with the intent to purchase $300 million in soybeans and other agriculture products. The mission also traveled to Minnesota, one of the biggest agriculture and soybean producing states in the U.S. In fact, Taiwan is Minnesota's 5th largest export market in Asia, with over $450 million in goods exported in 2016. Our two countries will continue to seek avenues where we can work together, and I hope my colleagues will join me in promoting this cooperation wherever possible.

Minnesota and the rest of the country benefit from our relationship with Taiwan and continuing this important partnership. It is my privilege to congratulate the celebrants of the ``Double Tenth Day,'' and I look forward to celebrating this important event for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor five incredible members of Minnesota's law enforcement, each of whom is deservedly receiving the FBI Director's Award for Excellence: Stearns County Deputy/ Investigator Dennis Kern, former Captain Pam Jensen, retired Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Agent Ken McDonald, and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agents Shane Ball and Chris Boeckers.

Twenty-nine years ago, on October 22, 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling disappeared. Minnesota was left in shock and horror. Our State hoped and prayed for decades that Jacob would return home.

Though unable to change the tragic outcome of Jacob's life, Deputy Kern, Captain Jensen, Agent McDonald, Agent Ball, and Agent Boeckers were able to offer some peace and comfort by apprehending Jacob's murderer.

Mr. Speaker, words can't adequately express the gratitude that the Wetterling family and all Minnesotans have for the law enforcement who never stopped searching for Jacob, who never gave up.

To Deputy Kern, Captain Jensen, Agent McDonald, Agent Ball, and Agent Boeckers, on behalf of all Minnesotans, thank you and God bless you.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer an amendment, which I am pleased to say that I intend to withdraw, because after months of hard work in this Chamber and with the administration, it is no longer necessary.

Minnesota is the proud home to the Iron Range, which boasts an abundance of natural resources and critical minerals. When it comes to protecting the environment while developing our economic assets, nobody does it better than Minnesota.

Despite this history, on its very last day in office, the Obama administration proposed to withdraw more than 240,000 acres of land in our State from mineral exploration and development. This last-minute action was an assault on our way of life, threatening thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in State revenue and school trust funding. It handicaps our national security by increasing our reliance on foreign sources of minerals.

That is why I offered this amendment to stop this foolish action.

This amendment is identical to one that was unanimously adopted by this Chamber last year and echoes the good news delivered by the President to thousands of Minnesotans on June 20 when he announced his intent to rescind this arbitrary withdrawal, which is now in process.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Nolan), who is my colleague from Minnesota and coauthor of this amendment.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert), who is the chairman of the Appropriations Committee's Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.

Mr. Chairman, may I inquire how much time is remaining.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman for his work and continued support on this issue.

To make a few closing points, nothing about this amendment would allow for mining in the Boundary Waters, period.

In fact, to demonstrate the disconnect and level of misinformation on this issue, my colleagues who stand in opposition to this amendment worked to have report language accompany this bill which incorrectly calls attention to a ``proposal'' to withdraw lands within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, despite the fact there is no such proposal and it remains unlawful to mine within the Boundary Waters.

Nothing about this amendment eliminates any existing environmental protections. This amendment reinforces the commonsense reality that economic growth and environmental protection do not have to be mutually exclusive.

I am pleased to have the support of the House on this very important issue during this 115th Congress. I am pleased to have the pledged support and continued commitment from the administration to end this withdrawal. I am pleased that we will soon be able to get Washington out of the lives of thousands of hardworking Minnesotans.

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

Mr. Chair, I withdraw the amendment.

Mr. Speaker, with access to millions of Americans' personal information, the IRS is one of the most powerful agencies in Washington. Unsurprisingly, the agency has failed to secure that information from abuse. That is why I was pleased to see the Treasury Department announce it will no longer require certain tax-exempt organizations to file personally identifiable information about their donors as part of their annual returns.

While the House has taken steps to limit schedule B disclosures of the tax-exempt organizations, the latest announcement from the IRS will exempt some 45,000 nonprofits from the reporting rule, including conservative organizations, but also unions and social welfare groups.

Today, one's political views can spark passion, hatred, even refusal of service at a restaurant. In an extreme case, your life may be threatened at baseball practice.

Regardless of political affiliation, Americans should feel comfortable donating to a cause or candidate of their choice without living in fear of reprisal. I applaud the administration's recent action and encourage this Congress to join their effort and defend the First Amendment rights of every American.