Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this legislation. I ask my colleagues on the other side of the aisle--as I stood in front of town halls and I listened to thousands of folks across my district say what we should be working on is fixing the Affordable Care Act to a T, I have heard my colleagues on the other side of the aisle say: It is not perfect; we need to repair it.

Yet, today we take the first step in this endeavor by the legislation that is before us, and all we hear is how bad this legislation is. All we hear today, Mr. Speaker, is how bad this first step in this journey for the American people we need to go on when it comes to American health care is.

I don't hear rhetoric saying let us talk about phase 2, let us talk about phase 3, where we can come together as Democrats and Republicans for the people we represent.

The American people are lost in this bickering that we have here in this Chamber today, but I don't forget their voice. I am not going to forget the voice of the constituents that came to me as small-business owners saying: You are putting me out of business with these insurance premiums. They are going through the roof.

I won't forget the faces of the people who are saying: My copays are going through the roof. My deductibles are higher. I don't have coverage that I had 7 years, 8 years ago before ObamaCare.

Mr. Speaker, I implore all of us in this Chamber to work together for the American people as a whole. The American people want freedom. They don't want mandates. They want to choose the insurance that works best for them. They want to access their doctors that they select. They want to have the promise that was made to them, that they could have their insurance and keep it going forward honored and respected by this institution. That is what our legislation starts today.

Not a soul on our side of the aisle says the issue of health care will go away because of the first step we take today, because we have to do better for the American people when it comes not only to health insurance, but for health care in America. I know we can, and I want to be a voice to say let us join together to get this done for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call No. 131.

Parliamentary Inquiry

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 100.

Mr. Speaker, on Friday February 3, 2017, I was unable to vote on roll call vote No. 78: Passage of H.J. Res. 36, Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the final rule of the Bureau of Land Management relating to Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation, Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Rose Blackwell on her retirement and to recognize her outstanding career as City Clerk of Corning, New York.

Mrs. Blackwell was appointed City Clerk by Corning Mayor Daniel Killigrew in 1984 and worked in that capacity for over 30 years. She served through numerous changes in city government and clerked under eight city mayors. It was during my own time as Mayor of Corning that I came to recognize Mrs. Blackwell for her dedication and caring service to the people of our community.

Mrs. Blackwell completed training at Syracuse University, Maxwell School in 1993 and received the designation of Certified Municipal Clerk from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks in 1994. In 1996, she was appointed Registrar of Vital Statistics for Corning, New York, a responsibility she maintained alongside her duties as City Clerk to the end of her career.

I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Rose Blackwell for the dedication with which she served the citizens of her community and wishing her all the best in her well-earned retirement.

I thank the chairman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the underlying bill, the America Gives More Act of 2015. In particular, Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about a bill that is near and dear to me, and that is the Fighting Hunger Incentive Act, which is a subpart of this underlying bill.

The ranking member and I had a conversation the last time this legislation was before the House for consideration. We got a large bipartisan vote in support of the fighting hunger provisions.

And I know the ranking member, the gentleman from Michigan, has worked extensively on this legislation for years and years and years. I know in our last debate and conversation here that the ranking member had some concerns that I questioned whether or not he cared about the people that were going to be helped by this act.

I want to make it clear here today, Mr. Speaker, I understand the ranking member cares about those individuals, just as I do--just as all of us, as Democrats and Republicans, should be focusing this debate not necessarily always about the arguments of D.C. but about the people that we came here to represent and help.

Fighting hunger is a bipartisan issue. We unite as Americans when our fellow citizens are suffering. When you look at the millions of Americans who are going hungry every day, Mr. Speaker, we shouldn't be divisive. We shouldn't be arguing about the details of what my opponents on the other side are putting forth today.

We should stand for those millions of Americans, where we say this tax policy is going to result in tons and tons of food not going into landfills, not going into the garbage, but going onto the tables of our fellow Americans that could use that food the most: the hungry, the poor.

And we can argue whether there are other ways to do it and there are other things that we can do to help them, but we can agree that this is one piece of a solution to this problem that we could pass today and move the needle and care for our fellow Americans.

That is why I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this legislation. We don't want food going into landfills. We want food to be put on the table of the people that need it most.

We have concerns about the debt on both sides. I get it. But here is an opportunity for us to come together. I am concerned about the debt. My colleagues are concerned about the debt. But here is an opportunity for us to show the American people that sent us here that we care about them, we are listening to the American people, and we are willing to do something about it in order to make sure that this policy results in that food going to our fellow citizens who need it most.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 90th Anniversary of the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC).

NYSAC was established by a group of committed local leaders in 1925 for the purposes of training county officials and advocating for the needs of local governments. Since that time, the organization has become the only statewide association representing the interests of New York's 62 counties, including the five boroughs of New York City.

NYSAC advocates for the interests of taxpayers and county officials at the state and federal levels of government. In addition, the association provides its members with training, educational resources, and information relating to public policy.

Despite the tremendous diversity found in New York, NYSAC has consistently and effectively promoted the best interests of all its members, from the urban areas downstate to the rural and suburban areas of my congressional district. I commend NYSAC on its ability to combine such different perspectives into a single unified mission that serves the interests of each county.

Mr. Speaker, it is my sincere pleasure to congratulate NYSAC on 90 years of excellent service to the counties, citizens, and officials of the State of New York. The professionalism and commitment displayed by the association's staff have ensured the effective management and delivery of county services. I salute NYSAC for a job well done, and extend my best wishes for continued success in the future.

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

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

Mr. Chairman, private property rights are fundamental to our liberties and freedom as American citizens. These rights are recognized in the Fifth Amendment to our United States Constitution.

The overreaching actions from government on all levels--in particular here, today, the Federal Government and its agencies--is infringing on these rights by limiting property use and impacting property values. This is not right, and we must address this issue.

My amendment is simple, and it is fair. The amendment will require agencies to assess the impact of their governmental actions on private property, including the use and value of that private property.

Mr. Chairman, this will ensure fairness and transparency. Agencies will have to recognize the effects their government action will have on private property once this amendment is approved.

Mr. Chairman, I have heard from constituents in my district and from across America that this government needs to be held in check and, in particular, when it comes to our fundamental freedoms such as private property rights.

At this point in time, Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Utah, Chairman Chaffetz, chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the ranking member and the chairman for their lack of opposition in support of this amendment.

In closing, Mr. Chairman, I would just say, as we care about American citizens across the country, we must stand with them, and we must support their fundamental freedoms that are represented in our Constitution, and that is what this amendment will do.

It is a simple, concise amendment that will just recognize that the government, once and for all, must recognize that it is impacting private property rights in America with its actions and quantify that impact when it comes to the use and value of their private property.

Mr. Chair, I ask my colleagues to support this amendment and the underlying bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation to authorize the building of the Keystone pipeline. It is time. Enough is enough. We agree, thousands of jobs would be created by this pipeline.

This will improve consumer prices. This will bring stability to oil markets around the world. This will contribute to protecting us here on American soil rather than relying on energy sources from hostile nations of the world. It doesn't cure all the problems, but it is a step in the right direction.

Our constituents sent us here, Mr. Speaker, to solve problems. This is part of the solution. I rise in support of the Keystone pipeline and ask all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to reaffirm the bipartisan message of the last Congress and approve this legislation today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Jamestown High School varsity football team on winning the 2014 New York State Public High School Athletic Association championship.

Led by head coach Tom Langworthy, Jamestown claimed the Class AA title by defeating Newburgh Free Academy 41-20 in front of a raucous crowd at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York. This marks the fourth time since 1994 that Jamestown High School has captured the state football championship.

The Red Raiders put on an impressive performance and excelled in all facets of the game. Quarterback Nikkolas Holland led the offense by accounting for four touchdowns. Running back Devan Jackson contributed on both sides of the ball, by rushing for a touchdown and returning a fumble for a touchdown. Senior captain Zack Panebianco was named Most Valuable Player after scoring a touchdown, kicking five extra-points, and making several outstanding defensive plays. Jamestown's defense continued its season-long run of dominance by forcing turnovers and containing Newburgh's high-powered offense.

Although football is a team game, I would like to recognize a few notable awards received by individual Jamestown players. Stephen Carlson was named the 2014 Connolly Cup winner, awarded to Western New York's top scholastic football player. Stephen was also named the Section 6 Class AA Defensive Player of the Year. Zack Panebianco was named Offensive Player of the year. Joe Mistretta was named winner of the Trench Trophy, awarded annually to the top lineman in Western New York. Tom Langworthy was named Buffalo Bills/NFL Coach of the Year after guiding his team to an outstanding regular season, winning 12 games and finishing undefeated in their division.

The hard work and dedication displayed by these young men is truly inspiring. The team is a source of pride within Chautauqua County and across New York's 23rd Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Randolph High School varsity football team on winning the 2014 New York State Public High School Athletic Association championship.

Led by head coach Brent Brown, Randolph claimed the Class D title by defeating Chester Academy 48-41 in front of a raucous crowd at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York. Randolph won the state championship for the third straight year, becoming the first school from Section 6 to ever win three consecutive state titles.

The Cardinals put on an impressive offensive performance on the strength of their ground game. Quarterback Bryce Morrison rushed for 175 yards and five touchdowns; running back Devyn Nelsen rushed for 289 yards and one touchdown. Before hoisting the championship trophy, Randolph had to overcome a large deficit. The team trailed 27-6 at halftime before scoring on all of their second-half possessions, including 28 consecutive points. In a game that featured two high- powered offenses and 89 total points, the defining moment was an outstanding defensive play. With less than 30 seconds remaining in the game, Bryce Morrison intercepted a pass to complete the comeback and secure Randolph's third straight state championship.

Although football is a team game, I would like to recognize a few notable accomplishments by individual Randolph players. Bryce Morrison was named Section 6 Class D Co-Offensive Player of the Year. In addition, Morrison, Devyn Nelsen, Mason Bosley, Michael Bowers, Jeff Andrews, and Tyler Stahley were named ``First Team All-Stars.''

The hard work and dedication displayed by these young men is truly inspiring. The team is a source of pride within Cattaraugus County and across New York's 23rd Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay my respects to a long time leader in higher education in my district. Dr. Robert Heineman has taught at Alfred University, my alma mater, since 1971, and was one of my professors of political science. He has shaped the thought of generations of Alfred University students and encouraged them to get involved in their communities and, specifically, to get involved in the political process.

Dr. Heineman holds a BA from Bradley University and both a MA and a Ph.D from American University. He has taught at Eastern Washington State College, Bradley University and Alfred University. He is a two time recipient of Alfred University's Excellence in Teaching Award and is the author of many book chapters and articles on the American Political System.

His activities extend beyond the classroom and into the Alfred community. Dr. Heineman served as an elected member of the Allegany County Legislature, Village of Alfred Board and as Village Justice in the Village of Alfred. He is the current chair of the advisory board of the Allegany County Youth Court. He has worked extensively to make the communities of Alfred and Allegany County better places to live.

Dr. Heineman has been married to his wife Alice for over 55 years and they have raised three children Phillip, Karen and Cheryl.

Our system of representative democracy cannot endure without each new generation of citizens being educated to appreciate its underlying philosophy and precepts. A community cannot flourish without engaged citizens of all ages participating in civic life. Dr. Robert Heineman has dedicated his life to the work of encouraging young people to love and respect the political process handed down to us by the founders and, more importantly encouraged them to not just watch from the sidelines but get in the game and be part of our democracy. It is a privilege as one of Dr. Heineman's former students to be able to praise him as a member of the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Brown's Cigar Store on its 125th anniversary. Located in the historic Gaffer District of Corning, New York, Brown's Cigar Store has proudly served the community since 1889.

Brown's Cigar Store is locally owned and operated by the Smith family. As experienced tobacconists, Sue, Terry, and Bejay Smith use their knowledge and expertise to carry on the strong, time honored tradition of tobacconist culture.

At the turn of the twentieth century, local patrons would visit Brown's to get a haircut, purchase a steamship ticket, and converse about the latest news. Although the products and services have changed over the years, the sense of camaraderie remains as strong today as when the store first opened its doors to the Corning community. Today, the store offers its guests the opportunity to step back in time, to an era when friends and neighbors would gather to discuss family, sports, politics, and national news. Patrons of Brown's experience a warm and friendly atmosphere, where the finest tobacco products and friendliest smiles are always in stock.

I once again congratulate Brown's Cigar Store on 125 years of success. As a small family-owned business in my home town, I am proud to recognize this impressive milestone.

Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to clarify a number of interpretive issues with regard to H.R. 3043 and the IRS guidance, Rev. Proc. 2014-35, that it generally codifies.

In passing this legislation, Congress expects IRS to apply its current guidance and any future guidance that it might issue to implement H.R. 3043 in a manner that does not impose significant administrative burdens on either a Nation or its members in administering the safe harbor programs. Thus, for example, we expect that a Nation may establish a program meeting the safe harbor program standards for the benefit of all of its members relying on certification and recoupment procedures.

Further, in applying the current guidance for prior periods, Congress expects that the IRS will not challenge arrangements that are consistent with the spirit of the guidance in terms of what payments are eligible and without regard to specific documentation and similar requirements imposed by the guidance.

Finally, with respect to the provision in H.R. 3043 suspending current audits and examinations, Congress intends that it apply to all payments and benefits from a tribal government to its members for their general welfare and further, that a tribal government may, at its option, waive suspension of its examination.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight in support of H.R. 3043, the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act of 2013.

First, I would like to thank Congressman Nunes for his hard work on this legislation. Without his leadership, this bill would not have made it as far as it has today.

I would also like to thank the Ways and Means chairman, Dave Camp, for his support throughout this process, and all my colleagues on the other side of the aisle that have joined in the effort to get this legislation passed and considered this evening.

This legislation codifies, Mr. Speaker, the proper tax treatment of certain services provided by the tribe for education, public safety, to promote its culture, and to provide for the general welfare of the tribe. This is an issue of fair treatment of taxpayers--in this case, Native American taxpayers, such as those who live in the sovereign Seneca Nation in western New York, in my

home district, the 23rd Congressional District of New York.

This legislation will ensure that the unique legal relationship and tax issues with regard to members of the Indian Nations and tribal governments are recognized and respected by the IRS going forward.

I urge my colleagues to join us and pass this legislation tonight. It is only fair that we do the right thing by these Native American taxpayers.