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REPRESENTATIVES. SPEAKER'S ROOMS, WASHINGTON, D.C. FEBRUARY 1, 2017, I…

REPRESENTATIVES. SPEAKER'S ROOMS, WASHINGTON, D.C. FEBRUARY 1, 2017, I HEREBY APPOINT THE HONORABLE DAVID G. VALADAO TO ACT AS SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE ON THIS DAY. SIGNED, PAUL D. RYAN, SEEKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

TEMPORE PURSUANT

PURSUANT TO THE ORDER OF THE HOUSE OF JANUARY 3, 2017, THE CHAIR WILL NOW…

PURSUANT TO THE ORDER OF THE HOUSE OF JANUARY 3, 2017, THE CHAIR WILL NOW RECOGNIZE MEMBERS FROM LISTS SUBMITTED BY THE MAJORITY AND MINORITY LEADERS FOR MORNING HOUR DEBATE. THE CHAIR WILL ALTERNATE RECOGNITION BETWEEN THE PARTIES . ALL THE TIME SHALL BE EQUALLY ALLOCATED BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND IN NO EVENT SHALL DEBATE CONTINUE BEYOND 11:50 A.M. EACH MEMBER OTHER THAN THE MAJORITY AND MINORITY LEADERS AND MINORITY WHIP SHALL BE LIMITED TO FIVE MINUTES. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM ILLINOIS, MR. GUTIERREZ, FOR FIVE MINUTES.

MR. GUTIERREZ

FOR THE LAST TWO WEEKS WE LURCHED FROM ONE KNEEAS COULD HE TO ANOTHER.…

FOR THE LAST TWO WEEKS WE LURCHED FROM ONE KNEEAS COULD HE TO ANOTHER. THERE WERE PRESS BRIEFINGS AND PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENTS FILLED WITH OFFICIAL LIES. WE WITNESSED TRAGEDIES. LATE NIGH FIRINGS. POLICY CHANGES, AND CLARIFICATION. ALSO KNOWN AS BACKTRACKING. THEN WE HAVE COMPANY BACK FOR ANOTHER ROUND OF FIASCO. WE'RE TOLD WE WILL NOT HAVE A NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL AS WE ALWAYS HAVE HAD. ONE WITH THE TOP MINDS OF THE INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY AND THE HEADS OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF. NOPE. INSTEAD WE'LL HAVE A NATIONALIST SECURITY COUNCIL WITH BRIGHT BART STEVE BANNON AND HIS PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AS A FORMER NAVY OFFICER IN THE SITUATION ROOM. I'M NOT FEELING SAFER ALREADY. THE PRESIDENT HAS ACTED TO CRIMINALIZE IMMIGRANTS AND MAKE EVERY IMMIGRANT AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR DEPORTATION. TRUMP ACTUALLY BURIED A REQUIREMENT IN HIS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO COUNT EVERY WEEK THE NUMBER OF CRIMES COMMITTED BY IMMIGRANTS AND TO HAVE THE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALLY TALLY EVERY SINGLE WEEK THE NUMBER OF MEXICAN RAPISTS, CRIMINALS, AND DRUG DEALERS. THE ONE DONALD TRUMP HAS BEEN TALKING ABOUT SINCE HE LAUNCHED HIS CAMPAIGN. BUT INTERESTING BY LAW THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION CANNOT CONDUCT RESEARCH INTO HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE KILLED BY GUNS. THAT'S OUTLAWED. AND HOW WE CAN PREVENT GUN VIOLENCE. THAT'S OUTLAWED. NOPE, THE N.R.A. AND ITS WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY, THE REPUBLICAN PARTY, HAS OUTLAWED THAT. BUT THE NEW IMMIGRANT RAPE REPORT IS RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES OF BRIGHT BART AND OTHER RIGHT WING WEBSITES, EXCEPT NOW IT IS THE BASIS OF GOVERNMENT POLICY. WE'RE REALLY GETTING A LESSON IN WHO IS AND WHO IS NOT A CRIMINAL IN THIS POST-1984 WORLD OF NEW SPEAK. WE ALL KNOW THERE ARE MILLIONS OF UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD, BUT THIS ADMINISTRATION KEEPS WHIPPING OUT THAT MEXICAN THING. LET'S FACE IT. THE PEOPLE THINKING UP THESE POLICIES THINK ALL LATINOS ARE EXCANS AND ALL MEXICANS ARE IMMIGRANTS. IF YOU ARE AN IMMIGRANT FROM MEXICO EXCEPT FOR A FEW GOOD ONES, YOU ARE A CRIMINAL, RAPIST, OR MURDERER. MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WHO THE PRESIDENT WANTS TO DEPORT ARE PEOPLE WITH TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS. THEY DROVE WITHOUT A LICENSE IN MANY STATES BECAUSE THE STATE IN WHICH THEY LIVE AND PAY TAXES DOES NOT ISSUE DRIVER'S LICENSES TO THEM. THEY ARE MOMS AND DADS WHO CAME BACK AFTER THEY WERE DEPORTED BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT MOMS AND DADS TEND TO WANT TO DO. TO BE WITH THEIR CHILDREN, WATCH THEM GROW UP, NURTURE AND LOVE THEFMENT AND TRUMP'S TARGETS INCLUDE YOUNG PEOPLE AND TEENAGERS LISTED ON A QUOTE-UNQUOTE, GANG REGISTRY, BECAUSE A LOCAL COP THOUGHT THEY DRESSED OR ACTED LIKE THEY MIGHT BE IN A GANG. BUT IF YOU HIRE MAIDS OR NANNIES AND DO NOT PAY THE PROPER AMOUNT OF SOCIAL SECURITY AND FICA TAXES, OR IF THEY ARE UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS AND YOU DON'T PAY THE TAXES, YOU'RE NOT CALLED A CRIMINAL. NO, YOU'RE CALLED A CABINET SECRETARY. IN FACT, WE'LL PUT YOU IN CHARGE OF THE BUDGET. INCLUDING SOCIAL SECURITY, THE ONE YOU FAILED TO PAY. OR YOU CAN RUN THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, YES. IF YOUR BUSINESS ENGAGES IN THE SHADY BUSINESS OF FORECLOSING ON GRANDMAS AND WIDOWS, YOU GET TONIGHT SECRETARY OF TREASURY. IF YOU CLOSE DOWN THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, THAT'S WHAT YOU WANT TO DO, CLOSE DOWN THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, GUESS WHAT YOU GET TO DO? YOU GET TO RUN IT. IF YOU OPPOSE PUBLIC SCHOOLS, YOU GET TO BE SECRETARY OF EDUCATION. AND IF YOU HAVE OPPOSED EVERY INCH OF PROGRESS FOR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN THIS COUNTRY WITH EVERY FIBER OF YOUR BEING, IMMIGRANTS RIGHTS, GAY RIGHTS, BASIC CIVIL RIGHTS FOR PEOPLE OF COLOR, BASIC PROTECTIONS TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYONE'S VOTE COUNTS, ESPECIALLY, WELL -- EQUALLY. IN THAT CASE, GUESS WHAT YOU GET TO DO? YOU GET TO RUN THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. THE AGENCY ULTIMATELY CHARGED WITH MAKING SURE EVERYONE GETS EQUAL PROTECTION UNDER THE LAW. UP IS DOWN, DOWN IS UP. AND IT'S ONLY HIS FIRST WEEK. I FEEL OUR NEW PRESIDENT HAS SOME LEARNING TO DO AND A LOT OF THAT LEARNING HAS TO DO WITH THE THREE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT. LIKE WHAT THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH SHOULD DO WHEN A FEDERAL JUDGE TELLS HIM TO STOP DOING SOMETHING, THEY SHOULDN'T BE DOING IN THE FIRST PLACE. I THINK THE NEW PRESIDENT HAS A LOT TO LEARN ABOUT THE FREEDOM OF RELIGION, THE SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE, AND HOW OUR REFUGEE POLICIES WORK. I THINK THE PEOPLE OF CHICAGO COULD TEACH THEM A LOT ABOUT THE FOURTH AMENDMENT AND ITS BAN ON UNREASONABLE SEARCH AND SEIZURE. AND THE ILLEGALITY OF HOLDING IMMIGRANTS IN JAIL WITHOUT A WARRANT. SO I'M OFFERING TO GIVE THE PRESIDENT MY COPY OF THE CONSTITUTION, AUTOGRAPHED BY KHAN, THE FATHER OF A U.S. ARMY CAPTAIN KILLED IN IRAQ IN 2004. WHO ASKED A QUESTION I DON'T THINK ANY ONE OF US KNOWS THE ANSWER TO. AND THAT QUESTION IS -- HAS THE PRESIDENT EVER READ THE CONSTITUTION? I'M PROUD I'LL BE STANDING WITH MR. CAAN AND OTHER LEADERS OF DIFFERENT FAITHS LATER TODAY AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY OUR NEW DEAR LEADER. WE STANDING CAN ALL SEE THROUGH THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES AND HIS CHINESE MADE TIE AND THE VIEW ISN'T PRETTY, MR. SPEAKER.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM ILLINOIS, MR. QUIGLEY, FOR FIVE…

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM ILLINOIS, MR. QUIGLEY, FOR FIVE MINUTES.

MR. QUIGLEY

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. MR. SPEAKER, JUST HOURS AFTER THE PRESIDENT'S…

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. MR. SPEAKER, JUST HOURS AFTER THE PRESIDENT'S MISGUIDED CAN ALL SEE THROUGH COUNTERPRODUCTIVE AND OBJECTIVELY ANTI-AMERICAN MUSLIM BAN WAS SIGNED, WE SAW THE EFFECTS. CHAOS ERUPTED AT AIRPORTS AROUND THE COUNTRY. INCLUDING MY OWN DISTRICT AT CHICAGO O'HARE. GREEN CARD HOLDERS WERE HELD IN LEGAL LIMBO. REFUGEES FLEEING VIOLENCE AND HE PERSECUTION WERE SENT AWAY BEFORE BOARDING U.S.-BOUND FLIGHTS EVEN AFTER ENDURING YEARS OF THOROUGH SCREENING AND VETTING. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME WE HAVE TURNED AWAY INNOCENT PEOPLE SEEKING SAFETY IN OUR COUNTRY. IN 1939, THE GERMAN OCEAN LINER, ST. LOUIS, AND IT'S 937 PASSENGERS, ALMOST ALL JEWISH REFUGEES, WERE TURNED AWAY FROM THE PORT OF MIAMI AND SENT BACK TO EUROPE. THESE PASSENGERS, 254 WERE MURDERED IN THE HOLOCAUST. WE ALL BEAR A RESPONSIBILITY TO LEARN FROM THE EVILS OF HISTORY SO THAT WE'LL NEVER MAKE THE SAME MISTAKES AGAIN. IT IS OUR TURN TO STEP UP AND FIGHT TO PROTECT THE VALUES OF OUR NATION. AND ENSURE THAT WE'RE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY. BECAUSE WHO CAN POSSIBLY FORGET THE PHOTO OF ALAN CURDY, THE 3-YEAR-OLD SYRIAN BOY WASHED UP ON A TURKISH BEACH. OR OMAN, THE 5-YEAR-OLD SYRIAN BOY COVERED IN BLOOD AS HE WAITED FOR EMERGENCY CARE AFTER BEING RESCUED FROM A BUILDING IN ALPEPPO HIT BY AN AIR STRIKE. THESE DEVASTATING IMAGES HAVE BECOME SYMBOLS OF THE REFUGEE CRISIS. WE CANNOT LET THEM SYMBOLIZE OUR INACTION, TOO. THE PRESIDENT'S EXECUTIVE ORDER CREATING THIS MUSLIM BAN UNDERMINES THE FOUNDATIONAL IDEAS OF THIS COUNTRY. A NATION FOUNDED BY IMMIGRANTS WITH THE INTENTION OF PROVIDING FREEDOM, OPPORTUNITY, AND A BETTER LIFE FOR ALL WHO SEEK IT. MAKING GOOD ON ONE OF HIS MOST EXTREME CAMPAIGN PROMISES, THE PRESIDENT SIGNED THIS ORDER WITH LITTLE OR NO INPUT FROM HIS OWN NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISORS, SPECIALISTS AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT, HOMELAND SECURITY, OR JUSTICE DEPARTMENT. ONCE AGAIN SIGNALING HIS STRONG AND CONTINUING DISMISSAL OF FACTS, EVIDENCE, AND ADVICE FROM SEASONED EXPERTS. CONTRARY TO THE PRESIDENT'S MISGUIDED BELIEF. ISLAM IS NOT THE ISSUE AND THE DECISION TO GO AFTER MUSLIMS INSTEAD OF TERRORISTS ONLY FUELS OUR ENEMIES' PROPAGANDA. THE PRESIDENT'S MUSLIM BAN UNDERMINES OUR NATIONAL SECURITY GOALS AND IS COUNTERPRODUCTIVE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM. THE BAN JEOPARDIZES OUR STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS WITH ALLIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST WHO ARE ON THE VERY FRONTLINES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST ISIS. THEY HAVE PROVIDED INVALUABLE ASSISTANCE TO OUR MILITARY AND DIPLOMATS IN A VARIETY OF ROLES OVERSEAS. I AGREE WITH SENATORS MCCAIN AND GRAHAM WHO SAID THIS BAN WILL BECOME A SELF-INFLICTED WOUND IN THE FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM. ULTIMATELY THIS ORDER IS MORE LIKELY TOWN CREASE TERRORIST RECRUITMENT THAN TO DETER IT. OUTRAGE OVER THIS BAN EXTENDS FAR BEYOND NATIONAL SECURITY AND COUNTERTERRORISM EXPERTS. FOR EXAMPLE, WE'RE SEEING SHARP CRITICISM FROM BUSINESS LEADERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY, INCLUDING C.E.O.'S OF COMPANIES LIKE GOOGLE, APPLE, FACEBOOK, AND AIRBNB. THEY RECOGNIZE THAME GRANTS PLAY A HUGE ROLE IN FOSSTERG OUR NATION'S ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT. ADVANCING NEW TECHNOLOGY, CREATING START-UPS. ALL OF WHICH SPUR INNOVATION AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITY ACROSS THE CONTRY. UNIVERSITIES AND ACADEMICS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE ALSO GRAPPLING WITH WHAT THE PRESIDENT'S RESTRICTIONS MEAN FOR THEIR STUDENTS AND FOR SCHOLARSHIP AND ACADEMIA MORE BROADLY. STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM THE INCLUSION OF ALL WORLD VIEWS WHICH PROVIDE US WITH A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE, THE ARTS, ECONOMIC POLICY, NATIONAL SECURITY, AND ALL ASPECTS OF OUR SOCIETY. LET'S BE CLEAR, MY OWN CITY OF CHICAGO HAS BEEN AN WILL CONTINUE TO BE HOME TO AN IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE COMMUNITY FROM ALL AROUND THE WORLD. AND WE'RE FOREVER ENRICHED AND GRATEFUL FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION. THEY MAKE THIS COUNTRY GREAT. I ALONG WITH THE MAJORITY OF AMERICAN PEOPLE WHO TOOK TO THE STREETS TO MAKE THEIR OPPOSITION HEARD LOUD AND CLEAR DEMAND THAT THE ADMINISTRATION RESCIND THIS SHAMEFUL ORDER BEFORE EVEN MORE GRAVE AND LASTING DAMAGE IS DONE. LET'S CALL A SPADE A SPADE. DESPITE THE WHITE HOUSE INSISTENCE THIS IS NOT A MUSLIM BAN, THE POLICY LAID OUT BY THE PRESIDENT WILL ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY IMPACT MUSLIMS. IN FACT, THE PRESIDENT WENT SO FAR TO POINT OUT THIS ADMINISTRATION WILL PRIORITIZE THE ADMITTANCE FOR CHRISTIAN REFUGEES. IF THIS IS NOT A RELIGIOUS TEST, THEN WHAT IS? REFUGEES OF ALL FAITHS, CREEDS, AND NATIONAL ORIGINS HAVE LOOKED TO AMERICA AS A BEACON OF FREEDOM. SO LONG AS THIS BAN IS IN EFFECT, THAT LIGHT SHINES LESS BRIGHTLY. WE WILL NOT ETCH A NEW INSCRIPTION AT THE BASE OF THE STATUE OF LIBERTY. INSTEADS, HER GOLDEN LAMP WILL CONTINUE TO WELCOME THOSE WHO ARE TIRED, POOR, AND YEARNING TO BE FREE JUST AS IT ALWAYS HAS. THANK YOU. I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS, MR. BABIN, FOR FIVE MINUTES.

MR. BABIN

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. MR. SPEAKER, I RISE TO EXPRESS MY FERVENT SUPPORT…

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. MR. SPEAKER, I RISE TO EXPRESS MY FERVENT SUPPORT FOR TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S EXECUTIVE ORDER PROTECTING THE NATION FROM FOREIGN TERRORIST ENTRY. I ALONG WITH MANY OTHER MEMBERS OF CONGRESS HAVE BEEN SPEAKING OUT FOR MORE THAN A YEAR AND A HALF ABOUT THE DANGERS POSED BY OUR U.N.-RUN REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROGRAM. I APPLAUD PRESIDENT TRUMP FOR FOLLOWING THROUGH ON HIS PROMISE BY IMPOSING STRICT VETTING FOR SEVEN COUNTRIES THAT PRESIDENT OBAMA LABELED IN 2016 AS COUNTRIES OF PARTICULAR CONCERN FOR TERRORISM. LIBERAL ACTIVISTS AND POLITICIANS ARE LEVELING BASELESS ASSERTIONS ABOUT THE TRUMP POLICY ONLY TO SEE A LAZY AND COMPLICIT MEDIA PARROT THEIR CLAIMS WITHOUT EXERCISING DUE DILIGENCE TO VALIDATE IT. TO ME THIS IS FAKE NEWS. AND IN THIS INCIDENT, IT IS THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA THAT IS PUSHING THIS INFORMATION. THIS MISINFORMATION. LET'S SEPARATE MYTH FROM FACT AND INJECT A LITTLE COOL HEADED COMMON SENSE INTO THE NATIONAL DIALOGUE. FRIDAY'S EXECUTIVE ORDER DOES A FEW THINGS. IT PAUSES THE ENTRY OF ALL REFUGEES FOR THE NEXT 120 DAYS. IT CAPS REFUGEE ADMISSIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2017 AT 50,000. IT STALLS FOR 90 DAYS THE ADMISSION OF FOREIGN NATIONALS FROM SEVEN COUNTRIES THAT ARE WELL ESTABLISHED AS TERRORIST HOT SPOT COUNTRIES. AND IT PUTS PRIORITY ON HIGHLY PERSECUTED RELIGIOUS MINORITIES WHEN THE REFUGEE PROGRAM RESUMES. THE MEDIA HAS ECHOED THE PROTESTORS ASSERTION THAT THIS IS SOMEHOW A MUSLIM BAN. THEY ARE FLAT OUT WRONG. REMEMBER, IT WAS PRESIDENT OBAMA THAT CREATED THIS SEVEN COUNTRY LIST, NOT PRESIDENT TRUMP. IF IT WERE A MUSLIM BAN, WHY DOESN'T IT INCLUDE RESTRICTIONS ON THE OTHER 40 MAJORITY MUSLIM NATIONS? THAT MAKES NO SENSE. THAT'S BECAUSE THIS IS A TARGETED APPROACH TO DEAL WITH THE THREAT POSED BY TERRORISTS WHO OPERATE FREELY IN THESE FAILED STATES AND POSE A DIRECT THREAT TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING IN THIS EXECUTIVE ORDER THAT SAYS ANYTHING ABOUT BANNING ANY PARTICULAR GROUP OF PEOPLE. ANOTHER SHORTSIGHTED FALLACY BEING PROPAGATED IS PRESIDENT TRUMP IS THE OVERWHELM PRESIDENT TO EVER IMPLEMENT RESTRICTIONS ON REFUGEE ADMISSIONS. CONVENIENTLY FORGOTTEN IS THE FACT THAT IN 2011 PRESIDENT OBAMA STOPPED PROCESSING REFUGEES FROM IRAQ FOR SIX MONTHS AFTER A TERRORIST PLOT WAS UNCOVERED INVOLVING TWO IRAQI REFUGEES WHO HAD COME INTO THE UNITED STATES. PREVIOUS OF BOTH PARTIES HAVE RESPONDED TO GLOBAL THREATS RESPONDED TO GLOBAL THREATS WITH REFUGEE ADMISSION LIMITATIONS. SO CHARACTERIZING TRUMP'S ACTIONS IS UNPRECEDENTED IS SIMPLY A FICTION AND GROSS DEVASTATION OF PARTISANSHIP. AS ISIS HAS INFILTRATED THE RANKS OF REFUGEES IN EUROPE, THE PRESIDENT IS SIMILARLY RESPONDING TO GLOBAL THREATS WITH THE APPROPRIATE SAFEGUARDS AS HE SEES FIT. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT HE SHOULD BE PRAISED FOR NOT CONDEMNED. THE NOTION THAT THE EXECUTIVE ORDERS INHERENTLY UN-AMERICAN MUST BE ADDRESSED AS WELL. AFTER ALL, AMERICA IS THE LAND MADE UP OF IMMIGRANTS THAT HAS BEEN A SAFE HARBOR TO MILLIONS FLEEING PERSECUTION AROUND THE WORLD SINCE HER INCEPTION, BUT IN ORDER FOR US -- THIS TO CONTINUE, WE MUST BE VIGILANT TO PROTECT OUR HOMELAND. AMERICA IS THE GREATEST NATION IN THE WORLD, AND IF WE LET UP ON OUR PURSUIT OF THE HIGHEST NATIONAL SECURITY STANDARDS, WE WILL SEE THIS GREATNESS SLIP AWAY. TO THE DETRIMENT NOT ONLY OF ALL AMERICAN CITIZENS BUT TO THE ENTIRE WORLD. . FINALLY, I MUST ADDRESS THE NOTHINGS THAT WE ACCEPT ALL REFUGEES WITH OPEN ARMS. WELL, IF THAT'S THE CASE, THEN WHY AREN'T WE OPENING THE DOORS WIDE TO THE 60 MILLION REFUGEES WORLDWIDE RATHER THAN ONLY A FRACTION OF 1%? AS A FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST, I DO BELIEVE WE SHOULD HELP THOSE IN NEED AROUND US AND THAT AMERICA SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN HELPING THE DISPLACED AND PERSECUTED WHENEVER WE CAN. PERHAPS A MORE COMPASSIONATE APPROACH IS TAKE THE MONEY WE SPEND SETTLING ONE REFUGEE IN THE UNITED STATES AND INSTEAD FOR THE SAME PRICE PROVIDE FOR 12, FOR A DOZEN REFUGEES IN A SAFE HAVEN NEAR THEIR OWN HOMES, THEIR OWN HOME COUNTRIES. JUST AS A FATHER'S PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY IS TO CARE FOR THEIR OWN CHILDREN, THE CHIEF ROLE OF THE PRESIDENT AND OTHER NATIONAL LEADERS IS TO ENSURE THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CITIZENS UNDER THEIR CHARGE. IF PRESIDENT TRUMP WERE TO OVERLOOK THE SAFETY OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, IT WOULD SIMPLY BE AN ABDICATION OF HIS OWN RESPONSIBILITY THAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ELECTED HIM TO DO. IT SEEMS THE PRESIDENT'S OPPONENTS HAVE CHERRY-PICKED PARTICULAR BIBLE VERSES TO SUIT THEIR OWN POLITICAL AGENDA WHILE IGNORING OTHER BASIC PUBLIC LICKAL CONCEPTS OF STEWARDSHIP AND -- BIBLICAL CONCEPTS OF STEWARDSHIP. TO CONCLUDE, THE HYSTERIA SURROUNDING THIS NATIONAL SECURITY EXECUTIVE ORDER MUST COME TO AN END. AFTER ALL, THE MAIN PROVISIONS OF THIS EXECUTIVE ORDER ARE TEMPORARY IN NATURE AND ARE IN LINE OF WHAT MANY PRESIDENTS IN THE PAST HAVE DONE. ISIS PRESENTS ONE OF THE MOST EXTENSIVE AND COMPLEX THREATS TO OUR NATION AND WE WOULDN'T WANT OUR PRESIDENT -- AND WE DO WANT OUR PRESIDENT TO TAKE EVERY PRECAUTION TO MAKE SURE THAT AMERICANS ARE SAFE. THIS, NOT THE FALSE NARRATIVES OF TRUMP'S OPPONENTS, MUST BE THE FOCUS OF THE --

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED.

MR. BABIN

AND WE MUST SHARE IN WHAT HE'S DOING. I YIELD BACK MY TIME, MR. SPEAKER.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM FLORIDA, MRS. MURPHY, FOR FIVE…

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM FLORIDA, MRS. MURPHY, FOR FIVE MINUTES.

MRS. MURPHY

MR. SPEAKER, TODAY I WILL INTRODUCE THE PROTECT THE NATIONAL SECURITY…

MR. SPEAKER, TODAY I WILL INTRODUCE THE PROTECT THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL FROM POLITICAL INTERFERENCE ACT. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK MY HOUSE COLLEAGUES WHO HAVE SIGNED ON AS ORIGINAL CO-SPONSORS OF THIS LEGISLATION. I WORKED AT THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND AM A MEMBER OF THE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE. I BELIEVE THE MOST SOLEMN RESPONSIBILITY OF FEDERAL POLICYMAKERS IS TO KEEP THE AMERICAN PEOPLE SAFE AND TO DO SO IN A WAY THAT IS FAITHFUL TO THE MORAL AND ETHICAL PRINCIPLES THAT HAVE MADE THIS COUNTRY EXCEPTIONAL AND A FORCE FOR GOOD IN A DANGEROUS AND UNPREDICTABLE WORLD. WITHIN THE COMPLEX FEDERAL BUREAUCRACY, THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL IS ARGUABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT INSTITUTION WHEN IT COMES TO DEBATING AND DECIDING ISSUES RELATED TO HOMELAND SECURITY, FOREIGN POLICY, INTELLIGENCE COLLECTION AND THE NATIONAL DEFENSE. CHOICES ABOUT WHETHER TO DEPLOY MEN AND WOMEN INTO COMBAT ARE MADE DURING THE MEETINGS OF THE N.S.C. OR ITS MAIN SUBGROUP, THE PRINCIPLES COMMITTEE. SO, TOO, ABOUT HOW TO DEFEND THE HOMELAND AGAINST TERRORISM AND HOW TO SUPPORT OUR ALLIES AND COUNTER OUR ADVERSARIES ACROSS THE GLOIB. THEIR DELIBERATIONS ARE SO SERIOUS BECAUSE THE STAKES ARE SO HIGH. SINCE THE CREATION OF THIS BODY BY THIS CONGRESS IN 1947, PRESIDENTS FROM TRUMAN TO OBAMA, PROVIDED THE STRUCTURE ACCORDING TO THEIR PERSONAL PREFERENCES WITHIN THE BROAD PARAMETERS SET BY CONGRESS. THE N.S.C. IS A POLICYMAKING INSTRUMENT AND THE PRESIDENT IS ENTITLED TO UTILIZE THIS INSTRUMENT IN THE MANNER THE PRESIDENT SEES FIT. HOWEVER, HISTORICALLY THERE'S BEEN A BIPARTISAN CONSENSUS THAT THE N.S.C. DEBATE SHOULD BE DIVORCED FROM THE WORLD OF ELECTORAL POLITICS. PRESIDENTS OF BOTH PARTIES SOUGHT TO ESTABLISH AN N.S.C. POLICYMAKING PROCESS THAT'S NOT CONTAMINATED OR PERCEIVED TO BE CONTAMINATED BY POLITICAL CONSIDERATION. JOSH BOLTEN, CHIEF OF STAFF TO PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH, MAY HAVE PUT IT BEST. EXPLAINING WHY PRESIDENT BUSH EXCLUDED POLITICAL COUNSELOR KARL ROVE FROM ALL N.S.C. MEETINGS. QUOTE, THE PRESIDENT KNEW THAT THE SIGNAL HE WANTED TO SEND TO THE REST OF THE ADMINISTRATION, THE SIGNAL HE WANTED TO SEND TO THE PUBLIC AND THE SIGNAL HE ESPECIALLY WANTED TO SEND TO THE MILITARY IS THAT THE DECISIONS I'M MAKING THAT INVOLVE LIFE AND DEATH FOR THE PEOPLE IN UNIFORM WILL NOT BE TAINTED BY ANY POLITICAL DECISION. I'M FILING THIS BILL BECAUSE I BELIEVE THAT PRESIDENT TRUMP'S DIRECTIVE, ORGANIZING THE N.S.C., BREAKS FROM THIS LONG-STANDING, BIPARTISAN TRADITION OF CONSTRUCTING A WALL TO SEPARATE NATIONAL SECURITY POLICYMAKING FROM DOMESTIC POLITICS TO THE GREATEST EXTENT POSSIBLE. SPECIFICALLY, THE PRESIDENT'S DIRECTIVE AUTHORIZES THE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF STRATEGIST, STEVE BANNON, TO BE A PERMANENT MEMBER OF THE N.S.C. AND TO ATTEND ALL N.S.C. PRINCIPLES MEETINGS. HIS ROLE IN THE ADMINISTRATION HAS A STRONG POLITICAL COMPONENT. INDEED, IT APPEARS UNPRECEDENTED FOR A POLITICAL COUNSELOR SO DEEPLY IN PLIT PARTICULARS TO BE PART OF IT -- POLITICS TO BE PART OF IT. JOHN MCCAIN SAID IT'S A RADICAL DEPARTURE FROM ANY SECURITY COUNCIL IN HISTORY. THEREFORE, MY BILL WILL AMEND FEDERAL LAW TO ENSURE THAT NO INDIVIDUAL WHOSE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY IS POLITICAL IN NATURE SHALL BE DESIGNATED AS A MEMBER OF THE N.S.C. OR BE AUTHORIZED TO REGULARLY ATTEND MEETINGS OF THE N.C.S. OR THE PRINCIPLES COMMITTEE. THIS LANGUAGE WOULD APPLY TO DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTS AND REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTS ALIKE. OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM, OUR INTELLIGENCE AND HOMELAND SECURITY PROFESSIONALS, AND OUR CITIZENS SHOULD FEEL SECURE IN THEIR KNOWLEDGE THAT THE CRITICAL DECISIONS MADE BY THE N.S.C. ARE FREE FROM POLITICAL CONSIDERATION. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DESERVE A NATIONAL SECURITY POLICYMAKING PROCESS THAT INSPIRES CONFIDENCE, NOT CYNICISM. MY BILL ALSO CONTAINS A SECOND PROVISION. THE PRESIDENT'S DIRECTIVE DESCRIBES -- PRESCRIBES A DIMINISHED ROLE ON THE PRINCIPLES COMMITTEE FOR THE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF. THE DIRECTIVE LIMITS THEIR ATTENDANCE TO ONLY THOSE MEETINGS WHERE ISSUES PERTAINING TO THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPERTISE ARE TO BE DISCUSSED. WHILE THIS LANGUAGE IS NOT UNPRECEDENTED, IT HAS CAUSED CONCERNS AMONG MANY EXPERTS OF ALL POLITICAL STRIPES, PARTICULARLY WHEN IT'S JUXTAPOSE TO GIVE MR. BANNON UNFETTERED ACCESS TO THE N.S.C. MEETINGS. THE D.N.I. AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS GIVE -- GIVEN THEIR IMPORTANCE TO NATIONAL SECURITY SHOULD HAVE A STANDING INVITATION TO ATTEND ALL P.C. MEETINGS. I INVITE MY COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT THIS LEGISLATION, WHICH SEEKS TO PROTECT THE N.S.C. FROM POLITICAL INTERFERENCE AND TO ENSURE THE PRESIDENT RECEIVES THE BEST POSSIBLE ADVICE FROM HIS NATIONAL SECURITY EXPERTS, EXPERTS WHO WILL RECOMMEND ACTIONS BECAUSE THEY ARE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AND NOT BECAUSER IN' -- BECAUSE THEY'RE POLITICALLY EXPEDIENT. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM PENNSYLVANIA, MR. THOMPSON, FOR…

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM PENNSYLVANIA, MR. THOMPSON, FOR FIVE MINUTES.

MR. THOMPSON

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. MR. SPEAKER, I JUST CAME BACK FROM THE ORGANIZING…

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. MR. SPEAKER, I JUST CAME BACK FROM THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE MEETING WITH MY GOOD FRIEND FROM CALIFORNIA FOR THE HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE. I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH THIS GENTLEMAN AND ALL THE FOLKS THAT SERVE ON THAT COMMITTEE THAT REALLY PROVIDES POLICY TO OUR NATION'S AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY. IT'S ABOUT MAKING SURE THAT AMERICANS HAVE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE, HIGH-QUALITY AND SAFE FOOD. I ACTUALLY LOOK AT THE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE AS WELL AS HAVING A DUO MISSION OF MAKING SURE THAT THE RULE ECONOMIES OF OUR NATION ARE ROBUST OR SUCCESSFUL. TODAY, I, MR. SPEAKER, RISE FIRST OF ALL TO SAY THANK YOU AND FAREWELL TO SCOTT GRAVES, STAFF DIRECTOR OF THE HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE, AN INDIVIDUAL THAT HAS SERVED WELL FOR MANY YEARS. MR. SPEAKER, AS YOU KNOW, THERE'S A RIGHT WAY TO DO BUSINESS HERE IN THE HOUSE AND SCOTT GRAVES HAS UNDERSTOOD WHAT IT TAKES TO MANAGE THE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE. THE CHAIRMAN'S PERSONAL AFFAIRS AND AGENDA. BUT HE'S ALSO FOUND TIME TO HELP OUT MEMBERS OF THIS COMMITTEE FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE. KNOWING IS ONE THING, EXECUTION IS EVERYTHING. I'VE ALWAYS BEEN IMPRESSED WITH THE WAY WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO WORK ON THE COMMITTEE IN A BIPARTISAN MANNER FOR THE GOOD OF AGRICULTURE, AND THE 320 MILLION AMERICANS THAT BENEFIT FROM SAFETY, INNOVATION AND FORWARD THINKING OF THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY. UNDER SCOTT'S LEADERSHIP, HE MADE THIS LOOK EASY. NOW AS HE EMBARKS UPON THE NEXT STEP IN HIS CAREER, I WISH SCOTT GRAVES ALL THE BEST. HIS WIFE, HIS LITTLE BOY AND LITTLE ONE TO BE BORN LATER THIS YEAR. THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA HAS A SLOGAN ON EVERY ROAD SIGN ENTERING IN THE STATE AND IT SAYS, YOU GOT A FRIEND IN PENNSYLVANIA. WELL, SCOTT, YOU DON'T HAVE TO DRIVE FAR BUT REALIZE THIS HOLDS TRUE FOR ME AND ALL OF MY STAFF. YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND IN PENNSYLVANIA. MR. SPEAKER, AS CHAIRMAN OF THE AGRICULTURE SUBCOMMITTEE ON NUTRITION FOR THE 115TH CONGRESS, I AM CONFIDENT THAT WE MUST WORK TO ENSURE THAT THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, KNOWN AS SNAP, IS MEETING THE NEEDS OF THOSE IT IS INTENDED TO SERVE. THE HOUSE AGRICULTURE HEARINGS HAVE HIGHLIGHTED HOW NUTRITION MATTERS AND SPECIFIC WAYS THAT VULNERABLE POPULATIONS ARE WELL SERVED BY STRONG, SOUND AND RELIABLE FOOD PROGRAMS. SNAP SERVES A DIVERSE POPULATION THAT SHARE A COMMON NEED FOR NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT BEYOND WHAT IS AVAILABLE BASED ON PERSONAL MEANS, FAMILY SUPPORT AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES. NOW, ACCORDING TO A 2015 USDA REPORT, 42.7% OF SNAP RECIPIENTS ARE CHILDREN. WHILE SINGLE PARENT HOUSEHOLDS ARE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FOOD INSECURITY, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE SINGLE MOTHERS, TWO-PARENT FAMILIES ALSO STRUGGLE AT TIMES TO PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE. CHILDREN WHOSE HOUSEHOLDS FACE FOOD INSECURITY FACE BOTH NEGATIVE DEVELOPMENTAL AND HEALTH CONSEQUENCES. A CHILD'S FUTURE SUCCESS GOES BEYOND WHAT ANY SINGLE GOVERNMENT PROGRAM CAN OR SHOULD ACHIEVE. SNAP IS NOT THE ONLY MEANS OF BREAKING THE CYCLE OF POVERTY. IT CERTAINLY PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN INCREASING THE FOOD SECURITY FOR CHILDREN. MR. SPEAKER, FOR ME, SNAP IS NOT MERELY A FOOD PROGRAM BUT A PATHWAY THAT WORKS TO LIFT PEOPLE OUT OF POVERTY. IT IS A TOOL FOR THE BETTER HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF OUR CHILDREN WHO DESERVE NO LESS. THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER, AND I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA, MR. COSTA, FOR FIVE…

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA, MR. COSTA, FOR FIVE MINUTES.

MR. COSTA

I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO ADDRESS THE HOUSE FOR FIVE MINUTES AND TO…

I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO ADDRESS THE HOUSE FOR FIVE MINUTES AND TO REVISE AND EXTEND MY REMARKS.

TEMPORE WITHOUT

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

MR. COSTA

MR. SPEAKER, I RISE TODAY TO CALL ATTENTION TO A 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL, IMAN…

MR. SPEAKER, I RISE TODAY TO CALL ATTENTION TO A 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL, IMAN ALI, WHO IS STUCK. IMAN AND HER FATHER, WHO IS AN AMERICAN CITIZEN, ARE IN DJIBOUTI BECAUSE OF PRESIDENT TRUMP'S BAN TO TRAVEL TO THE UNITED STATES. MY FAMILY CAME TO THE UNITED STATES IN HOPES OF ACHIEVING THE AMERICAN DREAM. AS AMERICANS, WE KNOW THIS STATUE OF LIBERTY IS A SYMBOL OF FREEDOM FOR IMMIGRANTS PAST AND PRESENT AND IT'S A SYMBOL AROUND THE WORLD FOR THE VALUES THAT AMERICA HOLDS. SINCE THE FOUNDING OF OUR COUNTRY, IMMIGRANTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD HAVE BEEN COMING TO THE UNITED STATES TO MAKE A BETTER LIFE FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES OR TO ESCAPE PERSECUTION. MR. ALI AND HIS WIFE EMIGRATED TO THE UNITED STATES AND EARNED THEIR U.S. CITIZENSHIPS IN HOPES OF ACHIEVING THAT AMERICAN DREAM. THEY HAVE BEEN MAKING A LIVING IN MY DISTRICT AND ARE SUPPORTING THEIR TWO DAUGHTERS, BUT THEY'VE ALSO BEEN LIVING WITH SADNESS AND HEARTBREAK BECAUSE THEIR 12-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER, IMAN, WAS BORN IN YEMEN BEFORE THE CIVIL WAR. AND FOR SIX YEARS THE ALI FAMILY HAS BEEN WORKING THROUGH THE APPROPRIATE CHANNELS TO GET THEIR DAUGHTER A VISA SO SHE CAN GAIN U.S. CITIZENSHIP, BE REUNITED WITH HER FAMILY LEGALLY. ON JANUARY 26, AFTER YEARS OF GOING THROUGH A THOROUGH VETTING PROCESS, IMAN FINALLY RECEIVED HER IMMIGRANT VISA. AFTER SIX YEARS. YOU COULD CALL THAT EXTREME VETTING. ONE DAY LATER ON THE 27TH, PRESIDENT TRUMP TURNED THE ALI FAMILY'S AND OTHER FAMILIES UPSIDE DOWN IMPLEMENTING A TRAVEL BAN TO PROHIBIT REFUGEES AND OTHERS FROM COMING TO THE UNITED STATES. THAT IS NOT THE AMERICAN WAY. HOURS AFTER THIS EXECUTIVE ORDER WAS SIGNED, IMAN AND HER FATHER WENT TO THE AIRPORT IN DJIBOUTI, PASSED THROUGH SECURITY AND WHEN BOARDING THE PLANE, IMAN WAS TOLD BY THE AIRLINE SHE COULD NOT BOARD BECAUSE OF THE RECENTLY SIGNED EXECUTIVE ORDER. THE IMMIGRANT VISA ISSUED TO IMAN WOULD HAVE GIVEN HER STATUS AS A LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENT UPON ENTERING THE U.S., AND SINCE SHE'S 12 YEARS OLD AND BOTH HER PARENTS ARE U.S. CITIZENS, IMAN WOULD HAVE IMMEDIATELY BEEN ELIGIBLE TO FILE FOR U.S. CITIZENSHIP. PRESIDENT TRUMP'S EXECUTIVE ORDER IS PREVENTING THIS LEGAL PROCESS FROM TAKING PLACE AND IS PUTTING IMAN AND HER FATHER IN HARM'S WAY WHILE THEY WAIT IN DJIBOUTI. IN THE PAST 48 HOURS, THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HAS BEEN DEFENDING THIS EXECUTIVE ORDER SAYING IT'S NOT A TRAVEL BAN OR BAN ON REFUGEES. SO I'D LIKE TO ASK THE PRESIDENT, HOW IS THIS EXECUTIVE ORDER NOT A BAN ON REFUGEES OR INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE BEEN LEGALLY APPROVED TO ENTER THE UNITED STATES? IT'S CERTAINLY A BAN FOR IMAN. AND HOW IS KEEPING THIS 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL OUT OF THE UNITED STATES FROM JOINING HER FAMILY MAKING AMERICA SAFER? IT'S NOT MAKING AMERICA SAFER. EXTREME VETTING WAS IN PLACE DURING BOTH THE BUSH AND OBAMA ADMINISTRATIONS. WE JUST DIDN'T CALL IT THAT BY NAME. THIS TRAVEL BAN IS FLAWED, BOTH IN ITS LACK OF ADHERENCE TO AMERICAN VALUES AND TECHNICAL EXECUTION WHICH IS BANNING HER FROM COMING HERE AND IT COULD POSSIBLY BE RULED UNCONSTITUTIONAL. A BIPARTISAN GROUP OF NATIONAL SECURITY EXPERTS AGREE THAT THE EXECUTIVE ORDER DOES NOT MAKE AMERICANS SAFER AND COULD POTENTIALLY PUT OUR COUNTRY AT GREATER RISK FOR TERRORIST ATTACKS. . I AGREE MUCH SINCE SEPTEMBER 11, 2001, WE HAVE TRIED TO IMPROVE AMERICAN SECURITY BOTH HOME AND ABROAD AND IT'S BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL. IT IS OUR FIRST CONSTITUTIONAL DUTY TO ENSURE THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AND SAFETY OF AMERICANS. I THINK PRESIDENT TRUMP'S EXECUTIVE ORDER IS DOING THE OPPOSITE. THE EXECUTIVE ORDER WILL CREATE A RALLYING CRY FOR ISLAMIC EXTREMISTS AROUND THE WORLD TO SAY THAT AMERICA'S NOW ENGAGED IN A WAR AGAINST THE RELIGION OF ISLAM. NO GOOD CAN COME FROM THAT. IT IS CLEAR THAT THIS EXECUTIVE ORDER'S PUTTING IMAN AND HER FATHER IN HARM'S WAY IN DJIBOUTI. MR. PRESIDENT, SECRETARY KELLY, I APPEAL TO YOUR COMPASSION AND COMMON SENSE. THIS 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL,ISMMAN, HAS BEEN EXTREMELY VETTED FOR SIX YEARS OR WHATEVER YOU'D LIKE TO CALL IT. SHE IS NOT A THREAT TO OUR COUNTRY. LET HER JOIN HER AMERICAN FAMILY. MY STAFF AND I ARE WORKING DILIGENTLY THROUGH THE APPROPRIATE CHANNELS THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND DEPARTMENT OF STATE TO BRING MR. ALI AND HIS DAUGHTER HOME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

TEMPORE MEMBERS

MEMBERS ARE ADVISED TO DIRECT THEIR COMMENTS TO THE CHAIR AND NOT TO THE…

MEMBERS ARE ADVISED TO DIRECT THEIR COMMENTS TO THE CHAIR AND NOT TO THE PRESIDENT. THE CHAIR NOW RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS, MR. GREEN, FOR FIVE MINUTES.

MR. GREEN

THANK YOU. MR. SPEAKER, IN APRIL OF 1963 LITERARY HISTORY WAS MADE WHEN…

THANK YOU. MR. SPEAKER, IN APRIL OF 1963 LITERARY HISTORY WAS MADE WHEN DR. KING PUBLISHED HIS LETTER FROM THE BIRMINGHAM JAIL N THAT LETTER, MR. SPEAKER, DR. KING PROCLAIMED, INJUSTICE ANYWHERE IS A THREAT TO JUSTICE EVERYWHERE. MR. SPEAKER, THESE WORDS WERE TRUE THEN AND THEY ARE TRUE TODAY. JUST AS ANYWHERE IS STILL A THREAT TO JUSTICE EVERYWHERE. AND, MR. SPEAKER, WHEN THE REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP DECIDED TO HOLD UP MERRITT GARLAND, THEY DID MORE THAN HOLD UP A NOMINEE. THEY DID MORE THAN PREVENT HIM FROM BEING HEARD. THEY DID MORE THAN APPROVE HIM SUCH THAT HE COULD BECOME A JUSTICE ON THE SUPREME COURT. THEY DID MORE THAN PREVENT PRESIDENT OBAMA FROM HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPOINT A NOMINEE TO THE SUPREME COURT, MR. SPEAKER. WHEN THEY HELD UP MERRITT GARLAND, THEY HYDROGENED -- HIJACKED JUSTICE. THEY HIJACKED JUSTICE AND PREVENTED THE AMERICAN PEOPLE FROM HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR OF THE CREDENTIALS OF HIM SO THAT HE COULD RECEIVE JUST CONSIDERATION. THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO APPROVE HIM, BUT THEY SHOULD HAVE IN THE SENSE OF JUSTICE, THEY SHOULD HAVE GIVEN HIM THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD. THEY HIJACKED JUSTICE. WHEN YOU HIJACK JUSTICE, THIS TYPE OF INJUSTICE CANNOT GO UNCHECKED. WE CANNOT ALLOW THE LEGITIMATE IZATION -- LEGITIMATIZATION OF THAT HIJACKING TO TAKE PLACE TODAY. IF WE MOVE FORWARD WITH THE NOMINEE BEING PROPOSED BY THE REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, THIS WOULD BE AN EFFORT NOT ONLY TO LEGITIMATIZE, IT WOULD LEGITIMATIZE THE PROCESS THAT THEY EMPLOYED TO HIJACK JUSTICE. I REFUSE TO STAND WITH THOSE WHO WOULD HIJACK JUSTICE. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE REFUSE TO STAND WITH THOSE WHO WOULD HIJACK JUSTICE. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE DEMANDING THAT A JUST SYSTEM BE IN PLACE. THE ONLY WAY A JUST SYSTEM CAN BE IN PLACE IS FOR WHAT HAPPENED TO MERRITT GARLAND TO BE RECTIFIED. THIS IS NOT RETALIATION THAT I'M SPEAKING OF. THIS IS NOT RETALIATION. THIS IS WRECK AT THISFICATION. THERE HAS TO BE RECTIFICATION FOR WHAT HAPPENED TO MERRITT GARLAND. AND IT REQUIRES THAT THE SENATE TAKE UP MERRITT GARLAND. I BELIEVE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WANT THE SENATE TO TAKE UP MERRITT GARLAND SO THAT HE, TOO, CAN RECEIVE JUSTICE. SO THAT THIS COUNTRY CAN RECEIVE JUSTICE. SO THAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE CAN RECEIVE JUSTICE. SO THAT THEY CAN HEAR ABOUT MERRITT GARLAND'S CREDENTIALS. YES, THE CURRENT NOMINEE HAS GREAT CREDENTIALS, SO DOES MERRITT GARLAND. THERE ARE MANY ADJECTIVES THAT CAN BE UTILIZED TO DESCRIBE THE CURRENT NOMINEE, BUT THERE ARE MANY GREAT ADJECTIVES THAT CAN BE UTILIZED TO DESCRIBE MERRITT GARLAND. MERRITT GARLAND DESERVES HIS DAY. WITHOUT HIS DAY, WE CANNOT GO FORWARD IN A JUST WAY. SO I ENCOURAGE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE TO DO THAT WHICH IS JUST. CONTACT THOSE WHO HAVE A VOICE IN THIS AND SAY TO THEM DO NOT APPROVE ANY NOMINEE UNTIL THERE IS JUSTICE FOR MERRITT GARLAND AND JUSTICE FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. JUSTICE FOR WHAT OCCURRED WHEN THEY HIJACKED A NOMINEE TO THE SUPREME COURT. HIJACKED A NOMINATION. HIJACKED AN OPPORTUNITY. HIJACKING CANNOT BE TOLERATED. YES, DR. KING WAS RIGHT AND JUSTICE ANYWHERE IS STILL A THREAT TO JUSTICE EVERYWHERE, BUT HE ALSO WENT ON TO SAY IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER, LIFE IS AN INESCAPABLE NETWORK OF MUTEUALITY TIED TO SINGLE GARMENT OF DESTINY. WHAT IMPACTS ONE DIRECTLY IMPACTS ALL INDIRECTLY. THIS HIJACKING THAT TOOK PLACE LAST YEAR IS GOING TO IMPACT ALL IN THIS COUNTRY INDIRECTLY. BECAUSE EVERY PERSON IN THIS COUNTRY WILL BE SUBJECTED TO THE RULINGS OF THE SUPREME COURT WITH A NOMINEE THAT WILL HAVE AN ASTERISK BY HIS NAME BECAUSE HIS OPPORTUNITY EXISTS AS A RESULT OF A HIJACK THAT TOOK PLACE. JUSTICE ANYWHERE IS A THREAT TO JUSTICE EVERYWHERE. WE OUGHT TO REALIZE THAT THIS INJUSTICE CANNOT BE TOLERATED AND MUST BE RECTIFIED. IT'S NOT RETALIATION. IT IS RECTIFICATION. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

TEMPORE MEMBERS

MEMBERS ARE REMINDED TO REFRAIN FROM ENGAGING IN PERSONALITIES TOWARD THE…

MEMBERS ARE REMINDED TO REFRAIN FROM ENGAGING IN PERSONALITIES TOWARD THE SENATE. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM CONNECTICUT, MS. DELAURO, FOR FIVE MINUTES.

MS. DELAURO

I RISE TO SHARE A STORY THAT HAS WEIGHED HEAVY ON MY HEART. THE PRESIDENT…

I RISE TO SHARE A STORY THAT HAS WEIGHED HEAVY ON MY HEART. THE PRESIDENT SPEAKS ABOUT KEEPING AMERICA SAFE. HE SPEAKS ABOUT BUILDING A WALL. HE SPEAKS ABOUT DEPORTING UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS. HIS RHETORIC OF HATE AND FEAR IS CAUSING MILLIONS OF FAMILIES UNSPEAKABLE PAIN. AND THIS IS HAPPENING IN EVERY COMMUNITY ACROSS OUR CONTRY. AND IT IS HAPPENING IN MY COMMUNITY. I WANT TO SHARE A LETTER I RECEIVED FROM ONE OF MY OFFICES -- OFFICE'S MOST DEDICATE THE INTERNS ONE WEEK AFTER THE ELECTION. THIS YOUNG MAN WAS SUCH A POSITIVE FORCE IN MY OFFICE. HE TOOK ON TASKS WITH A SMILE. HE HAD AN INSATIABLE APPETITE FOR LEARNING ABOUT OUR GOVERNMENT. HE WAS ONE OF THE FINEST INTERNS OUR OFFICE HAS EVER SEEN. I WAS PROUD TO HAVE HIM TO BE ONE OF THE FIRST PEOPLE THAT OUR CONSTITUENTS INTERACTED WITH WHEN THEY CONTACTED OUR OFFICE. BUT A WEEK AFTER THE ELECTION, THIS YOUNG MAN, SERGIO, WENT HOME AND HE LEFT ME THIS LETTER. WHICH I WILL READ TO YOU IN ITS ENTIRETY BECAUSE SERGIO TELLS HIS OWN STORY BETTER THAN I EVER COULD. DEAR REPRESENTATIVE DELAURO, I WAS HONORED TO INTERN IN YOUR WASHINGTON OFFICE AND LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND MORE SPECIFICALLY RESPONDING TO CONSTITUENTS' CONCERN. WALKING THROUGH THE LONG TUNNELS THAT CONNECT THE CONGRESSIONAL BUILDINGS TO THE CAPITOL, I BEGAN TO ENVISION MYSELF WORKING IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA UPON GRADUATION. BUT, LIKE FOR MANY PEOPLE, THE ELECTION RESULTS HAVE FORCED ME TO TAKE A DIFFERENT PATH. AFTER THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, ALL THE STABILITY THAT HAD ALLOWED MY FAMILY AND ME TO BECOME PART OF THE AMERICAN LIFE WAS TURNED INTO FEAR AND DOUBT ABOUT OUR FUTURE. NOT ONLY HAS THE PRESIDENT-ELECT VOWED TO DEPORT MILLIONS OF UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS, BUT HE ALSO PROMISED TO REMOVE THE DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVAL, THE DACA PROGRAM. FOR THIS REASON I HAD TO RETURN TO NEW HAVEN AND ASSIST MY FAMILY AS WE FIGURE OUT WHICH DECISIONS ARE THE BEST TO MAKE MOVING FORWARD. THUS, I AM SORRY TO INFORM YOU THAT I WILL NO LONGER BE ABLE TO CONTINUE MY INTERNSHIP IN YOUR WASHINGTON, D.C., OFFICE. I WANT TO EXPRESS THAT WHILE I AM IN CONSTANT FEAR QUESTIONING WHETHER I WILL BE ABLE TO COMPLETE MY UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE OR IF MY U.S. CITIZEN SISTER WILL BE SEPARATED FROM US, I AM NOT GIVING IN. MY BEST MEMORY WORKING IN YOUR OFFICE WAS RUNNING INTO AN OLD EMPLOYER WHO CAME TO THE OFFICE FOR A CAPITOL TOUR. REFLECTING ON THE ASPIRATIONS I HAD WORKING AS A BUSER TO GET MYSELF THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL, I REMEMBER YOUR PERSONA ALWAYS PROVIDING ME WITH HOPE. THAT HOPE HAS GROWN EXPONENTIALLY AS I REMINISCE ON THE TIMES YOU WALKED INTO THE OFFICE AND GREETED ALL YOUR INTERNS WITH SUCH GRATITUDE AND ENTHUSIASM. WITH INFINITE GRATITUDE. SERGIO. HOW DOES THIS PROMISING YOUNG MAN'S FEAR MAKE US SAFER? HOW CAN WE STAND IDLY BY WHILE HIS FAMILY NAVIGATES UNSPEAKABLE ANXIETY AND PAIN? HOW CAN WE LIVE WITH OURSELVES IF WE LET THESE HATEFUL POLICIES STAND? SERGIO IS A BRIGHT YOUNG MAN, DEDICATED TO PUBLIC SERVICE, AND NOW HE IS A YOUNG MAN QUESTIONING HIS FUTURE. AND THE FUTURE OF HIS FAMILY. THIS STORY BREAKS MY HEART. IT SHOULD BREAK YOURS. PRESIDENT TRUMP'S EXECUTIVE ORDERS ARE NOT JUST ANTI-IMPRANT. THEY ARE INTERAMERICAN. -- ANTI-IMMIGRANT, THEY ARE ANTI-AMERICAN. MOST OF MY TIME, INCLUDING MY OWN, CAME TO THIS COUNTRY AS IMMIGRANTS. MY FATHER CAME TOLLIS ISLAND IN 1913 -- TO ELLIS ISLAND IN 1913 AS AN IMMIGRANT FROM ITALY. HE WAS IN SCHOOL, HAD HE TO LEAVE SCHOOL IN THE SEVENTH GRADE AS HE WAS 11 YEARS OLD BECAUSE HIS TEACHERS AND HIS CLASSMATES LAUGHED AT HIM. BUT HE WENT ON TO SERVE HIS COUNTRY, GOT HIMSELF AN EDUCATION, SERVED HIS COUNTRY IN THE UNITED STATES MILITARY FOR EIGHT YEARS, SERVED ON THE CITY COUNCIL IN NEW HAVEN, WORKED AS HARD AS HE COULD ALONG WITH MY MOTHER, WHOSE MOTHER AND FATHER CAME FROM ITALY BEFORE HER. THEY SCRIMPED AND THEY SAVED TO GIVE ME THE FINEST EDUCATION, AND AS AN IMMIGRANT FAMILY, THEY COULD ONLY DARE DREAM THAT I WOULD SIT IN THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND BE HERE TODAY. IT IS THE AMERICAN DREAM. IT IS WHAT THIS NATION IS ALL ABOUT AS WE STAND UNDER THIS DOME IN THIS BUILDING, THE SEAT OF OUR DEMOCRACY. DO NOT LET AS WE STAND ANY INDIVIDUAL, ANY POLITICAL PARTY DESTROY THAT AMERICAN DREAM. OUR COUNTRY IS MADE RICHER BY IMMIGRANTS. WE HAVE ALWAYS WELCOMED MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN TO OUR SHORES SO THAT THEY CAN BUILD A BETTER LIFE AND BUILD A STRONGER NATION. THE PRESIDENT'S EXECUTIVE ORDERS ARE AND UNSULT TO OUR COUNTRY'S ROOTS AND VALUES. INSTEAD OF UNITING US, HE THREATENS TO FURTHER DIVIDE US. I STAND WITH SERGIO, THE MILLIONS OF PEOPLE LIKE HIM WITH FUTURES ARE IN FLUX BECAUSE THIS ADMINISTRATION'S MISGUIDED POLICIES. DO NOT DESTROY THE AMERICAN DREAM. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM ILLINOIS, MR. LIPINSKI, FOR FIVE…

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM ILLINOIS, MR. LIPINSKI, FOR FIVE MINUTES.

MR. LIPINSKI

MR. SPEAKER, TODAY I RISE IN SUPPORT OF NATIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK AND…

MR. SPEAKER, TODAY I RISE IN SUPPORT OF NATIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK AND TO RECOGNIZE THE OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION THAT CATHOLIC SCHOOLS HAVE MADE AND CONTINUE TO MAKE TO OUR NATION. AS A PROUD GRADUATE OF A CATHOLIC GRAMMAR SCHOOL AND COLLEGE PREP, AND A STRONG SUPPORTER OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION, I HAVE INTRODUCED H.RES. 57, HONORING JANUARY 29 THROUGH FEBRUARY 4, AS NATIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK. I'D LIKE TO THANK THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW JERSEY, MR. SMITH, FOR WORKING WITH ME ON THIS RESOLUTION AND ON OTHER ISSUES. FOLLOWING HIS CATHOLIC FAITH, MR. SMITH IS ONE OF OUR GREATEST DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM AND HUMAN RIGHTS AROUND THE WORLD. THIS YEAR MARKS THE 43RD ANNIVERSARY OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK. SINCE 1974 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK HAS CELEBRATED THE IMPORTANT ROLE THAT THESE INSTITUTIONS PLAY IN AMERICA AND THEIR EXCELLENT REPUTATION FOR PROVIDING A STRONG ACADEMIC AND MORAL EDUCATION AS WELL AS TEACHING COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY AND OUTREACH. IT THIS YEAR'S THEME, CATHOLIC SCHOOLS COMMUNITIES OF FAITH, KNOWLEDGE, AND SERVICE, PIE HI LIGHTS THE VALUES THAT ARE THE CENTERPIECE OF A CATHOLIC EDUCATION. TODAY OVER TWO MILLION ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE UNROLLED IN OVER 6,600 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS. THESE STUDENTS TYPICALLY SURPASS THEIR PIERS -- PEERS IN MATH, SCIENCE, READING, HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY. THE SAME IS TRUE FOR S.A.T. SCORES. . THE GRAD RATION RATE IS 99% -- GRADUATION RATE IS 99%. AS WE CONTINUALLY HEAR DISTURBING REPORTS ABOUT OUR NATIONAL TEST SCORES, THESE STATISTICS ARE TRULY REMARKABLE AND SHOULD BE COMMENDED. NOTABLY, THE SUCCESS OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS DOES NOT DEPEND ON SELECT TIFT. THIS IS TRUE FOR CHILDREN IN ALL WALKS OF LIFE. THEY ACCEPT NINE OUT OF 10 STUDENTS WHO APPLY AND ARE HIGHLY EFFECTIVE IN PROVIDING AN EDUCATION FROM EVERY SOCIOECONOMIC CATEGORY, ESPECIALLY DISADVANTAGED. THE PERCENTAGE OF MINORITY STUDENTS ENROLLED IN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS HAS MORE THAN DOUBLED AND TODAY THEY CONSTITUTE ABOUT 1/3 OF ALL CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS. IN TIMES OF HARDSHIP, IT CAN BE AN AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVE TO OTHER FORMS OF PRIVATE EDUCATION. IN ADDITION TO LEARNING, READING, WRITING AND ARITHMETIC, STUDENTS ALSO LEARN RESPONSIBILITY IN HOW TO BECOME PERSONS OF CHARACTER AND INTEGRITY. AMERICA'S CATHOLIC SCHOOLS PRODUCE GRADUATES WITH THE SCHOOLS AND INTEGRITY NEEDED BY OUR BUSINESSES, GOVERNMENTS AND COMMUNITIES. EMPHASIZING A WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND INSTILLING THE VALUES OF GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY AND HELPING OTHERS. THAT IS WHY SERVICE IS IN THIS YEAR'S CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK THEME. MY OWN DECISION TO PURSUE A CAREER IN PUBLIC SERVICE WAS IN PART BY DEDICATED TEACHERS THROUGHOUT MIDE FORMATIVE YEARS AT CATHOLIC SCHOOLS. -- THROUGHOUT MY FORMATIVE YEARS AT CATHOLIC SCHOOLS. I CELEBRATED AT A NUMBER OF SCHOOLS. I VISITED ST. BARBARA GRAMMAR SCHOOL WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE BRIDGEPORT NEIGHBORHOOD OF CHICAGO. I MET WITH THE PRINCIPAL AND SCHOOL COUNCIL AND SPOKE TO AN ALL-SCHOOL ASSEMBLY. I VISITED ONE WHERE THE PRINCIPAL AND FATHER JASON GAVE ME A TOUR OF THE QUICKLY GROWING SCHOOL. AND I ANSWERED QUESTIONS FROM STUDENTS BEFORE THE WHOLE SCHOOL MEET WITH AN IMPRESSIVE VERSION OF THE SONG "AMERICA." FINALLY, I VISITED MY ALMA MATER IN THE CLEARING NEIGHBORHOOD OF CHICAGO. I MET WITH PRINCIPAL BERRY AND FATHER IDZY AND SPOKE TO STUDENTS WITH -- ABOUT MY EXPERIENCES AND HOW THAT EDUCATION MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO SERVE IN THE U.S. CONGRESS. THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE WONDERFUL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN MY DISTRICT THAT ARE PART OF THE CHICAGO ARCHDIOCESE AND THE JOLIET DIOCESE. MR. SPEAKER, I HOPE MY COLLEAGUES WILL JOIN ME IN CONGRATULATING CATHOLIC SCHOOLS ACROSS THE COUNTRY WHICH PROVIDE FIRST-CLASS, WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION AND CONTRIBUTES SO MUCH TO OUR NATION. WITH THAT I YIELD BACK.

TEMPORE PURSUANT

THE SPEAKER

THE HOUSE WILL BE IN ORDER. THE PRAYER WILL BE OFFERED BY OUR CHAPLAIN,…

THE HOUSE WILL BE IN ORDER. THE PRAYER WILL BE OFFERED BY OUR CHAPLAIN, FATHER CONROY.

CHAPLAIN CONROY

LET US PRAY. ETERNAL GOD, WE GIVE YOU THANKS FOR GIVING US ANOTHER DAY. WE…

LET US PRAY. ETERNAL GOD, WE GIVE YOU THANKS FOR GIVING US ANOTHER DAY. WE THANK YOU THAT WE ARE A NATION FASHIONED OUT OF DIVERSE PEOPLES AND CULTURES, BROUGHT FORTH ON THIS CONTINENT IN A WAY NOT UNLIKE THE ANCIENT PEOPLE OF ISRAEL. AS OUT OF A DESERT YOU LED OUR AMERICAN ANCESTORS TO THIS PROMISED LAND WHERE THEY DECLARED THEIR INDEPENDENCE AND CONSTITUTED A NEW NATION FOUNDED UPON INALIENABLE RIGHTS GIVEN TO US BY YOU, OUR CREATOR. BLESS OUR NATION WITH WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE, AND UNDERSTANDING, AND BLESS THE MEMBERS OF THIS PEOPLE'S HOUSE. THE YOU IN US, THE ADOPTION BY YOUR SPIRIT, THAT WE MAY AFFIRM OUR FREEDOMS, NOT ONLY WITH THE CONVICTION IN THE WAY WE UNDERSTAND OTHERS BUT IN OURSELVES BY ACTIONS PROVEN BEYOND WORDS. BLESS US THIS DAY AND EVERY DAY. MAY ALL THAT IS DONE HERE THIS DAY BE FOR YOUR GREATER HONOR AND GLORY, AMEN. SPICK THE CHAIR AND ANNOUNCES TO THE HOUSE HIS APPROVAL THEREOF. PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 1 OF RULE 1, THE JOURNAL STANDS APPROVED. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM FLORIDA SEEK RECOGNITION?

>>

MR. SPEAKER, PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 1, RULE 1, I DEMAND A VOTE ON AGREEING TO…

MR. SPEAKER, PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 1, RULE 1, I DEMAND A VOTE ON AGREEING TO THE SPEAKER'S APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL.

THE SPEAKER

THE QUESTION SON AGREEING TO THE SPEAKER'S APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL. SO…

THE QUESTION SON AGREEING TO THE SPEAKER'S APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL. SO MANY AS ARE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. THE AYES HAVE IT OF THE JOURNAL STANDS APPROVED.

MISS ROS-LEHTINEN

FREAK.

THE SPEAKER

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLELADY FROM FLORIDA SEEK RECOGNITION?

MS. ROS-LEHTINEN

I OBJECT TO THE VOTE ON THE GROUNDS THAT A QUORUM IS NOT PRESENT AND MAKE…

I OBJECT TO THE VOTE ON THE GROUNDS THAT A QUORUM IS NOT PRESENT AND MAKE A POINT OF ORDER A QUORUM IS NOT PRESENT.

THE SPEAKER

PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 8 OF RULE 20, FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON THIS QUESTION ARE…

PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 8 OF RULE 20, FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON THIS QUESTION ARE POSTPONED. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE WILL BE LED BY THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM MICHIGAN, MRS. DINGLE.

MRS. DINGELL

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE…

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

THE SPEAKER

THE CHAIR WILL ENTERTAIN UP TO 15 REQUESTS FOR ONE-MINUTE SPEECHES ON EACH…

THE CHAIR WILL ENTERTAIN UP TO 15 REQUESTS FOR ONE-MINUTE SPEECHES ON EACH SIDE OF THE AISLE. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW MEXICO SEEK RECOGNITION? WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED. AMERICA ONLINE MR. SPEAKER, MANY TIMES PEOPLE ASK ME, JUST WHAT IS IT ABOUT REGULATION THAT IS KILL JOBS?

MR. PEARCE

WHAT WE'RE INVOLVED IN THIS WEEK IS UNDOING SOME OF THOSE REGULATIONS.…

WHAT WE'RE INVOLVED IN THIS WEEK IS UNDOING SOME OF THOSE REGULATIONS. I'LL BE INTRODUCING ONE TODAY TO UNWIND THE REGULATION THAT THE B.L.M. RECENTLY PUT INTO PLACE. WHAT HAPPENED IS OVER A YEAR AGO WE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 40 YEARS ALLOWED AMERICANS TO EXPORT OIL. WE WERE DEMINNISHING THE TRADE DEFICITS, WE'RE MAKING OUR ECONOMY STRONGER, BY SHIPPING TO SOUTH AMERICAN CONTRY, COUNTRIES ALL OVER THE WORLD. IT'S GOOD FOR AMERICAN JOBS. AND THE B.L.M. COMES IN AND PUTS IN ITS ON-SHORE ORDER THREE RULE WHICH WILL MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT FOR US TO PRODUCE OIL OFF OF PUBLIC LANDS. IT SIMPLY SHOULDN'T BE THERE. WE'RE INTERDUTIESING THE LEGISLATION -- INTRODUCING THE LEGISLATION TODAY THAT WILL REJECT THAT AS A BUREAUCRATIC ENTANGLEMENT OF JOB CREATION IN THE CONTRY. THAT'S AS SIMPLE AS WE COULD GET. WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE SUPPORT OF MEMBERS OF HOUSE TODAY. YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW…

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW YORK SEEK RECOGNITION. WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

MR. HIGGINS

MR. SPEAKER, THIS WEEK IN 1940, THE FIRST SOCIAL SECURITY CHECK WAS…

MR. SPEAKER, THIS WEEK IN 1940, THE FIRST SOCIAL SECURITY CHECK WAS ISSUED. SINCE IT WAS IT'S BEEN ONE OF OUR NATION'S MOST IMPACTFUL AND SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMS. SOCIAL SECURITY IS BASED ON A SIMPLE PREMISE, IF YOU WORK HARD YOU SHOULD LIVE A DIGNIFIED RETIREMENT. IT HAS BEEN A CRITICAL LIFE LINE FOR AMERICAN SENIORS, TENS OF MILLIONS OF WHOM WERE PULLED OUT OF POVERTY BECAUSE OF THIS PROGRAM. IN ORDER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY TO CONTINUE TO FULFILL ITS PROMISE, CONGRESS AND THE ADMINISTRATION NEED TO WORK TOGETHER. I'M CONCERNED THE NEW ADMINISTRATION MAY WISH TO DISMANTLE SOCIAL SECURITY AS WE KNOW T THE PRESIDENT'S CHOICE FOR BUDGET DIRECTOR HAS A LONG TRACK RECORD OF CALLING FOR RAISES IN THE RETIREMENT ALLOWING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT PAYOUTS. IN 2011, WHEN MY REPUBLICAN COLLEAGUES PROPOSED CUTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY, THE NOMINEE ARGUED THAT THE CUTS WERE NOT RAPID ENOUGH. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. WE CANNOT AFFORD TO WEAKEN SOCIAL SECURITY. WE SHOULD EXPAND AND STRENGTHEN THIS PROGRAM. WE NEED TO MAKE SOCIAL SECURITY MORE GENEROUS AND INCREASE THE BENEFITS SO THAT TODAY AND TOMORROW'S RETIREES GET THE DIGNIFIED RETIREMENT THAT THEY HAVE EARNED. THIS IS ALSO GOOD FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH. HIGHER WAGES, HIGHER DEMAND, HIGHER ECONOMIC GROWTH, AND OPPORTUNITY. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES…

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM NORTH CAROLINA SEEK RECOGNITION.

>>

UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO ADDRESS THE HOUSE FOR ONE MINUTE. REVISE AND EXTEND.

TEMPORE WITHOUT

WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED.

>>

MR. SPEAKER, I RISE TODAY AND HONOR THE ROBINSON NEWSPAPER IN LUMBERTON,…

MR. SPEAKER, I RISE TODAY AND HONOR THE ROBINSON NEWSPAPER IN LUMBERTON, NORTH CAROLINA, AND THEIR SERVICE DURING THE MASSIVE FLOODS CAUSED BY HURRICANE MATTHEW. LAST OCTOBER LUMBERTON WAS INUNDATED WITH RAIN. THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT WAS UNDER FOUR FEET OF WATER. INTERSTATE 95 WAS SHUT DOWN. HUNDREDS OF HOMES AND BUSINESSES WERE DESTROYED. THE DEVASTATION WHICH I WITNESSED FIRST HAND WAS UNBELIEVABLE. ROBINSONIANS OWN OFFICES WERE DESTROY. MUCH OF THE STAFF SUFFERED PERSONAL LOSS, SLEPT IN OFFICE, WENT WITHOUT SHOWERS, YET THE NEWSPAPER CONTINUED TO SHARE VITAL INFORMATION ON LINE AND VIA SOCIAL MEDIA.

MR. PITTENGER

DURING THIS MESSAGECY, THE WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA WERE THE ONLY WAY MANY…

DURING THIS MESSAGECY, THE WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA WERE THE ONLY WAY MANY RESIDENTS COULD ACCESS UPDATED INFORMATION ON SHELTERS AND WATER DISTRIBUTION. THANK YOU TO THE DEDICATED STAFF, THE ROBINSONIAN FOR COMMUTING COMMUNITY FIRST AND SERVING WITH DISTINCTION DURING THE HURRICANE MATHEWS -- MATTHEW FLOODS. I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM…

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM MICHIGAN SEEK RECOGNITION?

MRS. DINGELL

UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO ADDRESS THE HOUSE FOR ONE MINUTE.

TEMPORE WITHOUT

WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE GENTLEWOMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

MRS. DINGELL

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. MR. SPEAKER, I RISE TODAY TO GIVE VOICE TO MY…

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. MR. SPEAKER, I RISE TODAY TO GIVE VOICE TO MY CONSTITUENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES WHOSE WORLD HAS BEEN TURNED UPSIDE-DOWN FOLLOWING PRESIDENT TRUMP'S EXECUTIVE ORDER LAST FRIDAY WHICH THEY FEEL IS DIRECTED AT MUSLIMS. SINCE THE ORDER WAS SIGNED, WE HAVE BEEN FLOODED WITH CALLS, WITH MESSAGES, AND NO MATTER WHERE I AM IN THE DISTRICT, PEOPLE WHO ARE SCARED AND TERRIFIED. I CANNOT CONVEY TO THIS HOUSE ENOUGH THE FEELINGS OF INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE GONE THROUGH A STRINGENT VETTING PROCESS, HOLD GREEN CARDS, ARE OFFICIAL LEGAL RESIDENTS, IN SOME CASES EVEN CITIZENS, AFRAID THAT SOMEONE'S GOING TO KNOCK ON THEIR DOOR AT 3:00 A.M. AND TAKE AND DEPORT THEM FROM THIS COUNTRY. THE REAL PEOPLE, THE DETROIT HEADLINES ARE FULL TODAY OF STORIES. AN IRAQI WHOSE MOTHER DIED WHO SERVED WITH THE MILITARY IN IRAQ AND WAS TRYING TO BRING HIS MOTHER BACK, HE'S AN AMERICAN CITIZEN. ANOTHER DOCTOR WHOSE WIFE IS CUTTER AND TAKEN HER BABY HOME. -- QATAR, TAKEN HER BABY HOME. BOTH HERE LEGALLY. I ASK MY COLLEAGUES TO PLEASE -- WE ALL CARE ABOUT KEEPING THIS NATION SAFE. WE ALSO HAVE TO PROTECT THE FUNDAMENTAL PILLARS OF OUR CONSTITUTION. THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEWOMAN YIELDS BACK. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM…

THE GENTLEWOMAN YIELDS BACK. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM FLORIDA SEEK RECOGNITION?

MS. ROS-LEHTINEN

UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO ADDRESS THE HOUSE FOR ONE MINUTE.

TEMPORE WITHOUT

WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE GENTLEWOMAN IS RECOGNIZED.

MS. ROS-LEHTINEN

MR. SPEAKER, I RISE TODAY TO COMMEND THE MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND…

MR. SPEAKER, I RISE TODAY TO COMMEND THE MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED, AN AMAZING NONPROFIT SERVICE ORGANIZATION LOCATED IN MY CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT ON ITS RECENT DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF 85 YEARS OF SERVICE. THE MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE HAS SERVED SOUTH FLORIDA SINCE 1931, OFFERING ESSENTIAL PROGRAMS AND EXPERIENCES FOR ALL OF THOSE WHO HAVE VISUAL IMPAIRMENT. AS A CO-CHAIR OF THE CONGRESSIONAL VISION CAUCUS, I UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MISSION OF THE MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE. TO PROVIDE VISION REHABILITATION, EYE HEALTH SERVICE THAT IS PROMOTE INDEPENDENCE, TO COLLABORATE WITH AND TRAIN PROFESSIONALS, AND TO CONDUCT RESEARCH IN RELATED FIELDS. MR. SPEAKER, ORGANIZATIONS LIKE THE MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE ARE THE BACKBONE OF OUR CIVIL SOCIETY. CONGRATULATIONS TO MY DEAR FRIEND, VIRGINIA, AND ALL OF THE STAFF AND MANY VOLUNTEERS OF THE MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE AS THEY CONTINUE THEIR LIFE CHANGING WORK INTO THEIR 86TH YEAR. CONGRATULATIONS. THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEWOMAN YIELDS BACK. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM…

THE GENTLEWOMAN YIELDS BACK. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM ILLINOIS SEEK RECOGNITION? WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE GENTLEWOMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

MS. KELLY

MR. SPEAKER, I RISE TODAY TO GIVE VOICE TO MILLIONS OF ILLINOISANS WHO ARE…

MR. SPEAKER, I RISE TODAY TO GIVE VOICE TO MILLIONS OF ILLINOISANS WHO ARE OUTRAGED BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AND HIS DISASTROUS FIRST WEEK IN OFFICE. HE'S ALREADY MANAGED TO ACHIEVE A 50% DISAPPROVAL RATING. HERE'S A RECAP OF THE FIRST WEEK. HE CLOSED THE WHITE HOUSE TELEPHONE LINE. ATTACKED THE HEALTH OF MILLIONS OF FAMILIES AND STARTED THE PROCESS TO REPEAL THE A.C.A. SOMETHING THAT EXPERTS ESTIMATE WILL KILL 43,000 AMERICANS A YEAR. I ASK FOR UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO INSERT THIS REPORT FROM HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL PROFESSORS INTO THE RECORD. HE'S PUT POLITICIANS AND POLITICS BETWEEN WOMEN AND THEIR ABILITY TO MAKE THEIR OWN HEALTH CARE CHOICES. HIS CABINET IS STAFFED WITH FORECLOSURE KING, BILLIONAIRE LOBBYISTS, AND SOMEONE JEEKTED FROM THE FEDERAL BENCH FOR RACIALLY CHARGED RHETORIC. HE CAPPED OFF LAST WEEK WITH THE UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND UN-AMERICAN MUSLIM BAN THAT MAKES US LESS SAFE. IT WAS SO AWFUL THAT IT ACHIEVED BIPARTISAN CONDEMNATION. EVEN OUR ALLIES ARE STARTING TO RETREAT FROM US. MORE THAN A MILLION U.K. CITIZENS SIGNED A PETITION TO KEEP PRESIDENT TRUMP FROM VISITING. AS WE FACE NEW AND EMERGING THREATS, CAN WE AFFORD TO ALLOW THIS ADMINISTRATION TO ALIENATE US FROM OUR LONG HELD ALLIES? IT'S TIME TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT THE TRUMP WHITE HOUSE POLICIES. I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEWOMAN YIELDS BACK. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM…

THE GENTLEWOMAN YIELDS BACK. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM ILLINOIS SEEK RECOGNITION?

>>

I ASK TO SPEAK FOR ONE MINUTE. REVISE AND EXTEND.

TEMPORE WITHOUT

WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

>>

MR. SPEAKER, I RISE TODAY WITH A HEAVY HEART. TO HONOR RYAN OWENS, A NAVY…

MR. SPEAKER, I RISE TODAY WITH A HEAVY HEART. TO HONOR RYAN OWENS, A NAVY SEAL FROM PEORIA, ILLINOIS, MY HOMETOWN. WHO PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR HIS COUNTRY OFERTE WEEKEND IN YEMEN. RYAN OWENS WAS FATALLY WOUNDED DURING A NIGHT RAID AGAINST AL QAEDA IN YEMEN.

MR. LAHOOD

HIS ELITE COUNTERTERRORISM UNIT, SEAL TEAM SIX. THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE…

HIS ELITE COUNTERTERRORISM UNIT, SEAL TEAM SIX. THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE REPORTED THE RAID WAS A SUCCESS, BUT THE PRICE WAS STEEP. THE CONSTITUTION OF OUR GREAT NATION WAS WRITTEN IN INK, BUT THOSE PRINCIPLES ARE DEFENDED IN BLOOD. THIS REMARKABLE MAN'S SACRIFICE IS A PAINFUL REPINDER OF THE -- REMINDER OF THE IMMEASURABLE COST OF OUR FREEDOM AND NATIONAL SECURITY. AND THE DARK EVIL WE FACE AS WE WAGE THE WAR AGAINST TERRORISM. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH RYAN'S GRIEVING GRIEVING FAMILY THIS WEEK, HIS FATHER, HIS WIFE, AND HIS CHILDREN. I PRAY THAT WE WOULD TAKE COMFORT -- I WOULD PRAY THAT THEY WOULD TAKE COMFORT IN KNOWING HIS DEATH WAS NOT IN VAIN. AND THAT NEIGHBORS, COMMUNITY, AND THE NATION ARE JOINING THEM IN MOURNING HIS DEATH AND REMEMBERING HIS LIFE. RYAN OWENS WILL BE POSTHUMOUSLY AWARD THE WITH THE PURPLE HEART. MR. SPEAKER, AT THIS TIME I WOULD ASK THAT THE HOUSE RISE AND TAKE A MOMENT OF SILENCE TO PAY TRIBUTE TO NAVY SEAL RYAN OWENS FOR HIS EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM MAINE SEEK RECOGNITION?

MS. PINGREE

TO ADDRESS THE HOUSE FOR ONE MINUTE. REVISE AND EXTEND.

TEMPORE WITHOUT

WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE GENTLEWOMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

MS. PINGREE

THANK YOU. MR. SPEAKER, JUST HOURS BEFORE PRESIDENT TRUMP'S INAUGURATION,…

THANK YOU. MR. SPEAKER, JUST HOURS BEFORE PRESIDENT TRUMP'S INAUGURATION, A YOUNG WOMAN IN MY DISTRICT FROM GENTLEMAN BEAUTYA, SHE WORKED WITH OUR MILITARY AS ININTERPRETER. SHE CAME TO THE UNITED STATES FOR THE FREEDOM AND SAFETY SHE COULD NOT FIND IN HER HOME COUNTRY. BUT AS A MUSLIM AND IMMIGRANT, THE RHETORIC SHE HEARD DURING THE ELECTION HAD MADE HER QUESTION WHETHER SHE WAS WELCOMED HERE. SINCE PRESIDENT TRUMP ISSUED HIS BACKDOOR BAN ON MUSLIM IMMIGRANTS AND HALT ON ALL REFUGEES, I THOUGHT OF HER OFTEN. AS WELL AS THOUSANDS OF OTHER REFUGEES WHO UNDERWENT ARDUOUS JOURNEYS AND THOROUGH VETTING TO MAKE MAINE THEIR HOME. THESE GOOD PEOPLE HAVE ENRICHED OUR STATE IN MANY WAYS. RAISING WAYS. RAISING FAMILIES AND FEELING A -- FILLING A VITAL NEED IN OUR AGING WORK FORCE. THEY LIVE IN NEW ENGLAND CITIES, WITH FRENCH NAMES, THAT WERE BUILT BY IRISH LABORERS. REMINDERS OF THE MANY GENERATIONS OF IMMIGRANTS WHO CAME HERE FOR A BETTER LIFE AND HELPED MAKE OUR COUNTRY GREAT. PRESIDENT TRUMP'S ORDER IS LIKELY UNCONSTITUTIONAL. THIS CONGRESS IS GUILTY OF THE SAME SIN IF WE DON'T DO EVERYTHING IN OUR POWER TO STOP IT. I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM TENNESSEE SEEK RECOGNITION? THE…

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM TENNESSEE SEEK RECOGNITION? THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

>>

APPROXIMATELY 58% OF THE PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD GET BY ON $4 OR LESS A DAY.…

APPROXIMATELY 58% OF THE PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD GET BY ON $4 OR LESS A DAY. THIS MEANS ROUGHLY 60% ARE LIVING IN POVERTY. IF WE SIMPLY OPENED OUR BORDERS, MANY WOULD COME HERE. OUR ENTIRE INFRASTRUCTURE, OUR ENTIRE ECONOMY, COULD NOT HANDLE A MASSIVE, RAPID INFLUX LIKE THAT. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE THE KINDEST, MOST GENEROUS PEOPLE IN THE WORLD. WE HAVE ALLOWED FAR MORE IMMIGRATION THAN ANY OTHER COUNTRY OVER THE LAST 50 YEARS. MANY, MANY MILLIONS. NO OTHER COUNTRY HAS EVEN COME CLOSE. BUT WE MUST ENFORCE OUR IMMIGRATION LAWS. THE GREAT MAJORITY OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WANT BORDER SECURITY. PRESIDENT TRUMP'S IMMIGRATION ORDER WAS NOT A MUSLIM BAN. IT DID NOT EVEN APPLY TO NINE OF THE 10 LARGEST POPULATION MUSLIM COUNTRIES. THE PRESIDENT'S EFFORTS ARE BEING COMPLETELY DISTORTED. HE IS SIMPLY TRYING TO DO WHAT THE PEOPLE WANT. I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS…

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS SEEK RECOGNITION? WITHOUT OBJECTION THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

MR. SMITH

WITH STORIES ABOUT PRESIDENT TRUMP. THE PRESIDENT WANTS TO TEMPORARILY…

WITH STORIES ABOUT PRESIDENT TRUMP. THE PRESIDENT WANTS TO TEMPORARILY HALT REFUGEES FROM SEVEN COUNTRIES CONSIDERED SECURITY THREATS TO THE UNITED STATES. DESPITE THE MEDIA'S HEAVILY BIASED COVERAGE, THE AMERICAN PEOPLE STILL AGREE WITH THE PRESIDENT. A "USA TODAY" POLL FOUND THAT 5 % SUPPORT, QUOTE, REGISTERING IMMIGRANTS FROM MUSLIM MAJORITY COUNTRIES. ONLY 41% OPPOSE IT. EVEN THE POLL WAS WEIGHTED AGAINST THE PRESIDENT. THE QUESTION ASKED IMPLIED ALL MUSLIM COUNTRIES WERE AFFECTED WHICH IS NOT TRUE AND USED THE WORD REGISTERED WHICH HAS NEGATIVE CONNOTATIONS AND SVENT ACCURATE. A DIFFERENT QUESTION WOULD HAVE FWARNERED MORE SUPPORT FOR THE PRESIDENT'S ACTIONS. THE MEDIA DID EVERYTHING THEY COULD TO TURN THE PUBLIC AGAINST THE PRESIDENT BUT IT DIDN'T WORK. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE SMARTER THAN THE MEDIA THINKS.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM…

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM INDIANA SEEK RECOGNITION? WITHOUT OBJECTION THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

>>

I RISE TODAY TO URGE MY COLLEAGUES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE TO SUPPORT A…

I RISE TODAY TO URGE MY COLLEAGUES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE TO SUPPORT A PERMANENT REPEAL OF THE MEDICAL DEVICE TAX. THE MORE THAN 7,000 MEDICAL DEVICE COMPANIES IN THE UNITED STATES CONTRIBUTE HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO OUR ECONOMY EVERY YEAR. EMPLOYEES -- EMPLOYING EVERY 400,000 AMERICANS AND CREATING LIFE-SAVORING TECHNOLOGIES THAT BENEFIT PATIENTS AROUND THE WORLD. MANY OF THESE DEVICE MANUFACTURERS ARE BASED IN MY DISTRICT IN AND AROUND WARSAW, INDIANA. AND WE ARE PROUD THAT WARSAW IS OFTEN CALLED THE ORTHOPEDIC CAPITAL OF THE WORLD. THE VAST MAJORITY OF MEDICAL DEVICE MANUFACTURERS EMPLOY FEWER THAN 50 PEOPLE WORK MANY GENERATING LITTLE TO NO SALES REVENUE. THIS IS WHAT MAKES THE POTENTIAL REINSTATEMENT OF THE.3% EXCISE TAX ON MEDICAL DEVICE SALES SO HARMFUL. THIS MISGUIDED TAX WAS -- WOULD SUBJECT THE MEDICAL DEVICE INDUSTRY TO ONE OF THE HIGHEST CORPORATE TAX RATES IN THE WORLD AND ELIMINATE THOUSANDS OF JOBS. REPEALING THIS TAX HAS BROAD, BIPARTISAN SUPPORT IN BOTH CHAMBERS OF CONGRESS AND I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO MAKE ELIMINATING THIS TAX A TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY IN 2017. MR. SPEAKER, THANK YOU AND I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM…

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM TENNESSEE SEEK RECOGNITION? WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

>>

MR. SPEAKER, I RISE TODAY TO RECOGNIZE CHANCELLOR HEATH CARVER AND…

MR. SPEAKER, I RISE TODAY TO RECOGNIZE CHANCELLOR HEATH CARVER AND RECOGNIZE HIS APPOINTMENT AS CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE AT TENNESSEE. I'VE KNOWN KEERT CARVER FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS AND I CANNOT THINK OF ANYONE MORE DESERVING OF THIS PRESTIGIOUS ROLE. WE MET IN COLLEGE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS, AND DURING THAT TIME I WAS ALWAYS IMPRESSED BY HIS ENERGY, HIS CREATIVITY, AND HIS FOCUS. MOST IMPORTANTLY, HE WAS AND CERTAINLY STILL IS AN INCREDIBLY STRONG LEADER. AND THAT'S THE MIDWEST IMPORTANT PART. I BELIEVE THAT DR. CARVER IS THE RIGHT PERSON AT THE RIGHT TIME, A TIME WHEN THIS UNIVERSITY NEEDS STRONG, RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP. I'M SO -- EXCITED FOR THE TOWN OF MARTIN, FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE SYSTEM, AND THE ENTIRE VOLUNTEER STATE IN HIS PROSPEROUS NEW ERA UNDER DR. CARVER'S STRONG LEADERSHIP. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT GREAT THINGS WE CAN ACCOMPLISH TOGETHER. THANK YOU AND I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM…

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO SEEK RECOGNITION?

>>

MR. SPEAKER, BY DIRECTION OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES, I CALL UP HOUSE…

MR. SPEAKER, BY DIRECTION OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES, I CALL UP HOUSE RESOLUTION 71 AND ASK FOR ITS IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE CLERK WILL REPORT THE RESOLUTION.

THE CLERK

HOUSE CALENDAR NUMBER 7, HOUSE RESOLUTION 71, RESOLVED THAT UPON ADOPTION…

HOUSE CALENDAR NUMBER 7, HOUSE RESOLUTION 71, RESOLVED THAT UPON ADOPTION OF THIS RESOLUTION, IT SHALL BE IN ORDER TO CONSIDER IN THE HOUSE THE JOINT RESOLUTION HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 41, PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION RELATING TO DISCLOSURE OF PAYMENTS BY RESOURCE EXTRACTION ISSUERS. ALL POINTS OF ORDER AGAINST CONSIDERATION OF THE JOINT RESOLUTION AREWAY. THE JOINT RESOLUTION SHALL BE CONSIDERED AS READ. ALL POINTS OF ORDER AGAINST PROVISIONS IN THE JOINT RESOLUTION ARE WAIVED. THE PREVIOUS QUESTION SHALL BE CONSIDERED AS ORDERED ON THE JOINT RESOLUTION AND ON ANY AMENDMENT THERETO TO FINAL PASSAGE WITHOUT INTERVENING MOTION EXCEPT ONE, ONE HOUR OF DEBATE EQUALLY DIVIDED AND CONTROL BY THE CHAIR AND RANKING MINORITY MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND TWO, ONE MOTION TO RECOMMIT. SECTION 2. UPON ADOPTION OF THIS RESOLUTION, IT SHALL BE IN ORDER TO CONSIDER IN THE HOUSE A JOINT RESOLUTION, HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 40, PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5 UNITED STATES CODE OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE SOCIAL SECURITY SOCIAL SECURITY -- BY THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION IMPROVEMENT AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2007. ALL POINTS OF ORDER AGAINST CONSIDERATION OF THE JOINT RESOLUTION ARE WAIVED. THE JOIPT RESOLUTION SHALL BE CONSIDERED AS READ. ALL POINTS OF ORDER AGAINST PROVISIONS IN THE JOINT RESOLUTION ARE WAIVED. THE PREVIOUS QUESTION SHALL BE CONSIDERED AS ORDERED ON THE JOINT RESOLUTION AND ON ANY AMENDMENT THERETO TO FINAL PASSAGE WITHOUT INTERVENING MOTION EXCEPT, ONE, ONE HOUR OF DEBATE EQUALLY DIVIDE AND CONTROLLED BY THE CHAIR AND RANKING MINORITY MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY OR THEIR RESPECTIVE DESIGNEES AND TWO, ONE MOTION TO RECOMMIT.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE HOUR.

>>

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I YIELD THE CUSTOMARY 30 MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN…

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I YIELD THE CUSTOMARY 30 MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM MASSACHUSETTS, MR. MCGOVERN, PENDING WHICH I YIELD MYSELF SUCH TIME AS I MAY CONSUME. DURING CONSIDERATION OF THISRES. LOUGS ALL TIME YIELDED IS FOR PURPOSE OF DEBATE ONLY. MR. SPEAKER, I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT ALL MEMBERS HAVE FIVE LEGISLATIVE DAYS TO REVISE AND EXTEND THEIR REMARKS.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

>>

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

MR. BUCK

MANY OF US KNOW SOMEONE WHO STRUGGLES WITH A DISABILITY. WE KNOW FRIENDS…

MANY OF US KNOW SOMEONE WHO STRUGGLES WITH A DISABILITY. WE KNOW FRIENDS OR FAMILY WHO HAVE MENTAL CHALLENGES. WE KNOW THESE PEOPLE AND KNOW THEY DESERVE THE SAME CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTIONS AS EVERYONE ELSE. THAT'S WHY THIS RESOLUTION IS SO IMPORTANT. IT ENDS DISCRIMINATION AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. IT RESTORES DUE PROCESS RIGHTS. IT KEEPS THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION FOCUSED ON ITS DUTY. MR. SPEAKER, THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION'S LAST-MINUTE REGULATION TO STRIP DISABILITY BENEFIT RESIP YEPTS OF THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS IS EQUALLY TROUBLING. THE REGULATION AT HAND DECLARES THAT JUST BECAUSE AN INDIVIDUAL NEEDS ASSISTANCE IN MANAGING THEIR DISABILITY BENEFITS, THEY'RE ALSO UNFIT TO OWN A FIREARM. BUT THIS KIND OF THINKING IS DISCRIMINATORY, FORCING THOSE WITH DISABILITIES TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS OR THEIR DISABILITY BENEFITS TURNS BACK THE CLOCK ON DISABILITY RIGHTS. THIS REGULATION SINGLES OUT A SINGLE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO STRIP AWAY FROM A GROUP OF AMERICANS. IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE. WHY TAKE AWAY ONE RIGHT AN NOT OTHERS. WHY NOT ALSO STRIP THOSE CITIZENS OF THE RIGHT TO VOTE OR THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OR THE RIGHT TO FREE SPEECH. IN THIS COUNTRY, YOUR RIGHTS CAN'T BE LIMITED WITHOUT DUE PROCESS, BUT THIS REGULATION LIMITS A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT AND ONLY OFFERS THE RECOURSE OF APPEAL AFTER THE DECISION HAS BEEN MADE. WHEN IT'S EASIER TO HAVE YOUR RIGHTS STRIPPED AWAY THAN TO HAVE THEM RESTORED, IT MEAN YOURS DUE PROCESS RIGHTS HAVE ALSO DIED IN THE PROCESS. MR. SPEAKER, THIS RESOLUTION RESTORES THE DUE PROCESS RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. THIS RESOLUTION ALSO REFOCUSES THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION. THE AGENCY'S JOBS IS TO ADMINISTER BENEFITINGS TO AMERICANS, NOT ADJUDICATE CASES CONCERNING CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS. I'M ALSO WORRIED THIS REGULATION WILL DIVERT SPESHES SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION RESOURCES FROM VITAL AGENCY TASKS. WE TRUST THE AGENCY TO FULFILL OUR COMMITMENTS TO SENIORS AN THOSE WITH DISABILITIES THIS REGULATION DISTRACTS FROM THOSE SACRED PROMISES. I THANK MR. JOHNSON AND MY COLLEAGUES FOR THEIR HARD WORK ON THIS RESOLUTION. WE NEED TO PASS IT. MR. SPEAKER, WE ALSO NEED TO PASS THE JOINT RESOLUTION OF DISAPPROVAL FOR THE DODD-FRANK SECTION 1504 REGULATION. THIS RESTORES COMPETITIVENESS TO AMERICAN ENERGY COMPANIES. IT ALLOWS AMERICAN COMPANIES TO COMPLY WITH FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC LAWS. AND IT PROTECTS AMERICAN WORKERS ABROAD. SECTION 1504 OF DODD-FRANK REQUIRES COMPANIES TO REPORT PAYMENTS TO OUR GOVERNMENT OR FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS RELATED TO OIL, NATURAL GAS, AND MINERAL EXTRACTION. AFTER REPORTING THIS TO THE S.E.C., THE AGENCY PUBLISHES THESE DISCLOSURES THIS PROCESS IS COSTLY AND UNFAIR TO AMERICAN BUSINESSES. BY FORCING DISCLOSURE OF PROJECT LEVEL SENSITIVE BUSINESS INFORMATION, AMERICAN ENERGY COMPANIES WILL FACE A DISADVANTAGE AGAINST GOVERNMENT-OWNED ENERGY COMPANIES. SINCE GOVERNMENT-OWNED COMPANIES CONTROL THREE QUARTERS OF THE WORLD'S OIL SUPPLY THIS REGULATION COULD DRASTICALLY IMPAIR THE COMPETITIVENESS OF AMERICAN COMPANIES AND THE ACTUAL COST OF COMPLIANCE, ESTIMATED BY THE AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE TO TAKE 217,000 EMPLOYEE HOURS OVER A THREE-YEAR PERIOD WOULD BE DEVASTATING. SECTION 1504 MUST ALSO BE ROLLED BACK BECAUSE IT MIGHT FORCE AMERICAN COMPANIES TO BREAK THE LAW OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES. SOME FOREIGN NATIONS PRIBT THE VERY DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS REQUIRED BY THIS S.E.C. REGULATION. OUR COMPANIES SHOULD NOT HAVE TO DECIDE BETWEEN FOLLOWING A RULE OF LAW HERE AND FOLLOWING IT ABROAD. FINALLY, BY FORCING SUCH DETAILED AND SPECIFIC DISCLOSURES TO THE PUBLIC, SECTION 1504 COULD MAKE ENERGY EXTRACTION SITES PRIME TARGETS FOR TERRORISTS. WHETHER IN THE U.S. OR ABROAD, WE NEED TO WISELY PROTECT AMERICAN WORKERS FROM TERRORISM AND OTHER THREATS. MR. SPEAKER, THIS RESOLUTION RESTORES COMPETITIVENESS TO AMERICAN COMPANIES, ALLOWING THEM TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE GLOBAL ENERGY ECONOMY IN A SAFE, SECURE, AND LEGAL MANNER. IT'S TIME FOR CONGRESS TO REASEVERT ITS AUTHORITY AND FIX THIS POORLY IMPLEMENTED LEGISLATION. I COMMEND THE WORK DONE BY REPRESENTATIVE HUIZENGA AND MY COLLEAGUES ON THIS IMPORTANT RESOLUTION AND URGE ITS PASSAGE. THANK YOU AND I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM…

THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM MASSACHUSETTS IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. MCGOVERN

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER, I WANT TO THANK THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO, MR.…

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER, I WANT TO THANK THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO, MR. BUCK, FOR EXTENDING ME THE CUSTOMARY 30 MINUTES. I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO REVISE AND EXTEND MY REMARKS AND YIELD MYSELF SUCH TIME AS I MAY CONSUME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

MR. MCGOVERN

WE ARE ONLY ONE MONTH INTO 2017 AND TODAY WE HAVE ANOTHER CLOSED RULE. OR…

WE ARE ONLY ONE MONTH INTO 2017 AND TODAY WE HAVE ANOTHER CLOSED RULE. OR AS I CALL THEM NOW, PUTIN RULES. THIS IS THE KIND OF PROCESS THEY HAVE IN RUSSIA. NO AMENDMENTS. NO DEBATE. NO NOTHING. COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. IT'S YOUR WAY OR THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS NOT THE WAY THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, THE GREATEST DELIBERATE I BODY IN THE WORLD, SHOULD BE RUN. THIS IS SHAMEFUL. I HAVE VERY SERIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT THE ROAD WE ARE TRAVELING DOWN, MR. SPEAKER. THE 115TH CONGRESS IS, YOU KNOW, ONLY A FEW WEEKS OLD AND WE HAVE ALREADY USHERED IN A PROCESS THAT IS ALARMINGLY RESTRICTIVE. SADLY, IT HAS BECOME ROUTINE IN THIS REPUBLICAN HOUSE FOR THE MAJORITY TO CLOSE DOWN THE PROCESS, RUSH BILLS TO THE HOUSE WITHOUT REGULAR ORDER, AND FORCE THE RULES FOR DEMOCRATS BUT -- ENFORCE THE RULES FOR DEMOCRATS BUT NOT REPUBLICAN REPUBLICANS AND INSIST ON SPENDING ALL OUR TIME ON PARTISAN LEGISLATION INSTEAD OF WORKINGING TO TO FIND BIPARTISAN COMPROMISE AND SOLUTIONS TO THE REAL PROBLEMS FACING AMERICAN FAMILIES AND WORKERS. MR. SPEAKER, TODAY'S LEGISLATION MAKES CLEAR THAT THE REPUBLICANS ARE EAGER TO REPEAL PROTECTIONS PUT IN PLACE TO HELP THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. WE SHOULD BE WORKING TO EXPAND OPPORTUNITY FOR HARDWORKING FAMILIES AND STRENGTHEN SAFEGUARDS TO PUT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE FIRST, NOT CORPORATIONS AND WEALTHY C.E.O.'S AND BIG DONORS AND SPECIAL INTERESTS. BUT THE PEOPLE OUGHT TO COME FIRST. TODAY IS ANOTHER SAD DAY. WE ARE ENGAGED IN WHAT I WOULD CALL MINDLESS LEGISLATING. WHILE MY REPUBLICAN FRIENDS SAY THEY WANT TO REPEAL NEEDLESS REGULATION, SOMETHING THAT WE ALL WANT TO DO. THE PROCESS MY REPUBLICAN FRIENDS HAVE EMBRACED TO PUT IT GENTLY, IS RECKLESS. NO MATTER WHAT YOU THINK OF A PARTICULAR REGULATION OR RULE OR IN MANY CASES THEY ARE PROTECTIONS, NO MATTER WHAT YOU MAY THINK OF A PARTICULAR REGULATION, THERE IS NO DENYING THAT THESE RULES THAT MY REPUBLICAN FRIENDS ARE BRINGING TO THE FLOOR TO REPEAL WENT THROUGH A VIGOROUS PROCESS THAT TOOK MONTHS AND MONTHS AND EVEN YEARS TO COMPLETE. THEY WENT THROUGH AGENCY REVIEW. THEY WENT THROUGH A LENGTHY COMMENT PERIOD OFTENTIMES THOUSAND, IF NOT TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WEIGHED IN ON THE PROS AND CONS OF A PARTICULAR IDEA. . THE IDEA WE WOULD JUST ERASE THEM WITH A BLINK OF AN EYE, NO HEARINGS, NO MARKUPS, NOTHING, IT'S A MINDLESS WAY TO LEGISLATE. AND DISTURBING WAY TO GOVERN. THE ACT FIRST AND THINK LATER APPROACH WAS ON FULL DISPLAY WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP'S MUSLIM BAN. IT WAS SO HASTILY ENACTED THAT HIS OWN SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THE PRESIDENT WAS SIGNING THE EXECUTIVE ORDER UNTIL HE SAW IT ON CABLE NEWS. THE TRUMP WHITE HOUSE DID SUCH A POOR JOB OF BRIEFING THE FEDERAL AGENCIES CHARGED WITH ENFORCING THE POLCY, AIRPORTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY WERE CAUGHT COMPLETELY OFF GUARD AND WIDESPREAD CONFUSION AND CHAOS ABOUT HOW TO CARRY IT OUT. THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON'T EMBRACE THE PROCESS THAT IS THOUGHTFUL. YOU GET CONFUSION AND YOU GET CHAOS AND YOU USUALLY GET BADPOLICY. THE MINDLESS APPROACH TO GOVERNING BY REPUBLICANS CONTINUED THIS WEEK. ON MONDAY, PRESIDENT TRUMP ANNOUNCED FOR EVERY NEW REGULATION PASSED, TWO REGULATIONS MUST BE REPEALED. THAT'S IT. NO DETAILS ON WHAT KIND OF REGULATIONS WOULD BE REPEALED OR WHY THEY WOULD BE REPEALED. THIS IS A BLIND SHOTGUN AND ARBITRARY APPROACH TO OUR NATION'S LAWS. WE SHOULDN'T BE DUMBING DOWN THE WAY WE GOVERN. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DESERVE BETTER FROM THEIR LEADERS IN CONGRESS, AND I THINK THEY DESERVE BETTER FROM THEIR LEADERS IN THE WHITE HOUSE. WHEN THIS LEGISLATION CAME BEFORE THE RULES COMMITTEE THE OTHER NIGHT, THERE WERE PLENTY OF QUESTIONS. LE THE HEARING WENT ON FOR A LONG TIME. LOTS OF QUESTIONS CAME FROM MY REPUBLICAN FRIENDS. AND I WILL TELL YOU, THE CHAIRMAN'S ANSWERS WERE NOT ALWAYS THAT ENLIGHTENING. I THINK, YOU KNOW, MAYBE SOME MORE HEARINGS WOULD HAVE HELPED. BUT IN RESPONSE TO SOME OF THESE OBJECTIONS, NAMELY DID THE BILL UNDERGO ANY REVIEW BY A COMMITTEE, ONE OF MY REPUBLICAN FRIENDS, IT MAY HAVE BEEN THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO SAID, WE DON'T HAVE TIME. WE DON'T HAVE TIME FOR HEARINGS. WE HAVE SO MANY REGULATION THAT IS WE WANT TO REPEAL. -- REGULATIONS THAT WE WANT TO REPEAL. DON'T HAVE THE TIME FOR A HEARING? DON'T HAVE THE TIME TO UNDERSTAND WHAT WE'RE DOING? I THOUGHT THAT WAS PART OF OUR JOB. THAT WE WERE SUPPOSED TO DELIBERATE. WE WERE SUPPOSED TO READ THE BILLS. WE WERE SUPPOSED TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPACTS OF THE ACTIONS THAT WE MAY OR MAY NOT TAKE IN THIS CONGRESS. THAT'S OUR JOB. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE GIVEN US THE RESPONSIBILITY TO TAKE THE TIME TO DO OUR JOB RIGHT. AND TO CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE LAWS WE PASS. TO SAY WE DON'T HAVE TIME FOR HEARINGS AND DELIBERATION, NEVER MIND WE DON'T HAVE TIME TO ALLOW AN OPEN PROCESS WHERE PEOPLE MIGHT WANT TO OFFER AMENDMENTS, IS RIDICULOUS. IT'S SHAMEFUL. AND I WILL TELL YOU, TO MY REPUBLICAN FRIENDS, STAND UP TO YOUR LEADERSHIP ON THIS. THIS IS NOT THE WAY THIS HOUSE SHOULD BE RUN. SO AS WE CONSIDER THE REPEAL OF THE NIX RULE, WE SHOULD REMEMBER THAT CONGRESS HAS FAILED TO TAKE ANY MEANINGFUL ACTION ON GUN VIOLENCE AT ALL. WE HAVE MASSACRES ON A REGULAR BASIS, ALL WE DO IS IS HAVE A MOMENT OF SILENCE. THAT'S OUR RESPONSE. WE HAVE A HIGH RATE OF SUESIDES IN THIS COUNTRY DUE TO GUN VIOLENCE. AND SOMETHING WE OUGHT TO TALK ABOUT. AND I THINK THAT THE NIX RULE IS A COMMONSENSE RESPONSIBLE GUN SAFETY MEASURE THAT COULD POTENTIALLY SAVE THE LIVES OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE IN THIS CONTRY. I THINK CONGRESS HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP OUR FAMILIES SAFE, NOT REMOVE SAFEGUARDS THAT HELP PREVENT GUN VIOLENCE. FAR TOO MANY HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES TO PREVENTABLE GUN VIOLENCE. THIS RULE IS INTENDED TO KEEP FIREARMS OUT OF THE HANDS OF THOSE SUFFERING FROM SEVERE MENTAL ILLNESS. THAT'S A COMMONSENSE IDEA I THINK WE ALL SHOULD AGREE ON. IN 2007, PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH SIGNED A BIPARTISAN BILL TO IDENTIFY INDIVIDUALS INELIGIBLE TO POSSESS FIREARMS BECAUSE OF SEVERE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES. THIS RULE ALLOWS FOR REPORTING METHOD TO ENSURE THE LAW IS IMPLEMENTED EFFECTIVELY. IT IS INTENDED TO SAVE LIVES EVERY YEAR IN THE UNITED STATES. MORE THAN 21,000 PEOPLE KILL THEMSELVES, AND MENTAL ILLNESS IS ALSO AN IMPORTANT FACTOR. A GUN IS USED IN THE MAJORITY OF THESE CASES. THE PEOPLE LISTED ON NICKS ARE THE 75,000 DEALING WITH THE MOST SEVERE MENTAL ILLNESSES. THESE ARE PEOPLE WHO NEED HELP, NOT ACCESS TO A DANGEROUS WEAPON LIKE A GUN. I THINK THIS RULE IS A CRITICAL STEP. WE MUST CLOSE THE ONLINE GUN SHOW LOOPHOLES, AND MUST ENSURE UNIVERSAL BACKGROUND CHECKS. I THINK WE OUGHT TO BRING TO THE FLOOR A BILL THAT SAYS THAT IF THE F.B.I. AND OUR SECURITY AGENCIES HAVE PUT YOU ON A TERRORIST WATCH LIST AND THINK THAT YOU ARE TOO BRUSS TO FLY ON AN AIRPLANE -- TOO DANGEROUS TO FLY ON AN AIRPLANE, YOU OUGHT NOT BE ABLE TO BUY A GUN. UNDER THE WAY THIS HOUSE IS RUN, WE CAN'T EVEN BRING THOSE THINGS TO THE FLOOR FOR A DEBATE. THE REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP ANTI-REPUBLICAN RULES COMMITTEE BOX -- AND THE REPUBLICAN RULES COMMITTEE BLOCKS IT SO THERE CAN'T BE REAL DELIBERATION ON THE HOUSE FLOOR. PEOPLE ASK ME ALL THE TIME, WHY CAN'T YOU HAVE A DEBATE ON THIS, OR WHY CAN'T YOU HAVE A VOTE ON IT, I HAVE TO EXPLAIN THAT HOUSE RULES COMMITTEE, RUN BY NINE REPUBLICANS, SAY NO TO EVERYTHING. SAY NO TO EVERY IDEA THAT THEY DON'T ABSOLUTELY EMBRACE. THAT'S NOT THE WAY CONGRESS SHOULD BE RUN. MR. SPEAKER, EVEN IF YOU DISAGREE WITH ME ON THE VALUE OF THIS RULE, I THINK IT'S AN IMPORTANT ENOUGH ISSUE THERE OUGHT TO HAVE BEEN A HEARING. THERE OUGHT TO HAVE BEEN THAT OPPORTUNITY TO DELIBERATE. AND TO TALK ABOUT IT AND WHAT THE IMPACTS ARE. BUT, NO, NOTHING. WE DON'T HAVE THE TIME. SO HERE WE'RE. MR. SPEAKER, THE OTHER BILL BEFORE US IS A NAKED ATTEMPT BY REPUBLICANS TO UNDO ANTI- CORRUPTION RULES. THE RULE THEY ARE SO UPSET ABOUT WOULD REQUIRE ENERGY COMPANIES ON THE U.S. STOCK EXCHANGE TO DISCLOSE PAYMENTS THEY MAKE TO FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS FOR ACCESS TO THEIR NATURAL RESOURCES. NOW, THERE'S REASONS FOR THIS. IT'S IMPORTANT THAT THERE BE TRANSPARENCY. WE HEARD ALL ABOUT THE PLANS TO DRAIN THE SWAMP, BUT PRESIDENT TRUMP AND THE REPUBLICANS ARE DOING ALL THEY CAN TO TURN THE SWAMP INTO A CESSPOOL. PUTTING ASIDE ALL OF HIS CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS THAT I THINK ARE ON A COLLISION COURSE WITH CORRUPTION, REPEALING THINGS LIKE THIS, JUST A BAD IDEA. REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS ARE TRYING TO ROLL BACK REGULATIONS LIKE THIS ONE THAT ARE AIMED AT INCREASING TRANSPARENCY AND FIGHTING CORRUPTION. EXXONMOBIL HEAVILY LOBBIED AGAINST THIS RULE. AND NOW WITH FORMER EXXONMOBIL C.E.O. REX TILLERSON ON THE CUSP OF BECOMING OUR COUNTRY'S NEW SECRETARY OF STATE, REPUBLICANS ARE PROPOSING TO KILL THIS ANTI-CORRUPTION RULE THAT BENEFITS BIG OIL. THAT'S RECKLESS AND IRRESPONSIBLE. WHEN THIS RULE WAS ENACTED AS PART OF THE DODD-FRANK BILL IN 2010, THE BIG OIL LOBBY STRONGLY FOUGHT AGAINST IT IN COMPLET CONGRESS FOUGHT BACK TO ASSERT AMERICA'S TRADITIONAL ROLE AS A GLOBAL LEADER IN FIGHTING CORRUPTION. AMERICAN LEADERSHIP DELIVERED RESULTS. THE EUROPEAN UNION PROMPTLY MOVED TO ENACT NEARLY IDENTICAL LEGISLATION, AS DID CANADA, WITH SUPPORT OF ITS GLOBAL MINING COMPANIES. BIG OIL IS BACK. SEEKING REPEAL OF THE RULE SO THEIR PAYMENTS CAN BE KEPT SECRET FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. THEY CLAIM THEY WILL BE AT A COMPETITIVE DISADVANTAGE TO FOREIGNERS OR THEY'LL HAVE TO REVEAL COMMERCIALLY SENSITIVE INFORMATION. BUT WITH EUROPE AND CANADA IN THE SAME DISCLOSURE SYSTEM, THE PLAYING FIELD IS NOW LEVEL. AND THE COMPANY'S ALREADY FILING HAVE SUFFERED NO COMMERCIAL HARM. NO REVEALED VITAL SECRETS. THE FACT IS THIS WON'T COST A SINGLE AMERICAN JOB, AND THE ONLY THING OIL COMPANIES WILL NEED TO DO DIFFERENTLY IS REPORT NUMBERS. ASIDE FROM BIG OIL, THOSE MOST EAGER TO REPEAL THIS RULE ARE AUTOCONTRACTS IN PLACES LIKE RUSSIA, IRAN, AND VENEZUELA. WITH OIL WELLSINGS GAS FIELDS, OR COPPER MINES WHO WANT TO KEPT MONEY SECRET FROM THEIR CITIZENS. WHY SHOULD WE DO THEIR BIDDING? WHY SHOULD WE BE IN LEAGUE WITH THEM? ON TOP OF THAT, THIS RULE IS OUR MOST AFFORDABLE AND EFFECTIVE WAY TO FIGHT CORRUPTION ABROAD. WE CANNOT AFFORD TO BETRAY OUR OWN PRINCIPLES AND REALLY UNDERCUT OUR ALLIES IN EUROPE AND CANADA IT WOULD COST COUNTLESS LIVES OVER THE LONG RUN AND ENDANGER OUR SECURITY. WE NEED TO PUT AMERICAN INTERESTS FIRST AHEAD OF THE SPECIAL INTERESTS. AHEAD OF THE CORPORATE INTERESTS. AND RETAIN THIS IMPORTANT RULE. SO I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO -- OBVIOUSLY I WOULD LIKE YOU TO VOTE NO ON THE -- ON THE REPEAL OF THESE TWO RULES, BUT, YOU KNOW, YOU GOT TO DO WHAT YOU GOT DO. BUT I URGE YOU TO VOTE NO ON THIS RULE. I ASK YOU TO VOTE NO, BECAUSE IT SHOULD BE A PRINCIPLED VOTE. THIS PLACE IS BECOMING SO CLOSED UP. SO RESTRICTIVE THAT THIS IS NOT A DELIBERATIVE BODY ANYMORE. WE'RE NOT TALKING ABOUT THINGS ANYMORE. IT'S BASICALLY WHATEVER THE LEADERSHIP WANTS, WHATEVER DONALD TRUMP WANTS YOU BRING TO THE FLOOR. RUBBER STAMP IT AND THAT'S IT. I DON'T CARE WHAT POLITICAL PARTY YOU'RE IN, NOBODY WHO GOT ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY SHOULD STAND FOR THAT KIND OF PROCESS. WITH THAT I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM MASSACHUSETTS RESERVES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO IS…

THE GENTLEMAN FROM MASSACHUSETTS RESERVES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. BUCK

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I APPRECIATE MY COLLEAGUE FROM MASSACHUSETTS…

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I APPRECIATE MY COLLEAGUE FROM MASSACHUSETTS RAISING THE ISSUE OF A THOUGHTFUL PROCESS. WHETHER THIS LEGISLATION WAS RUSHED TO THE FLOOR. I THINK IT'S WORTH NOTING THAT THE ORIGINAL LEGISLATION, WHICH THIS RULE SEEKS TO AMEND, BECAME LAW IN A TIME WHEN MY COLLEAGUE WAS IN THE HOUSE AND HIS PARTY WAS IN THE MAJORITY. THE NICS IMPROVEMENT AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2007 WAS INTRODUCED IN THE HOUSE ON JUNE 11, GEVEN. THE BILL WAS MOVED BY CONGRESSMAN CONYERS UNDER SUSPEND THE RULES AND PASSED BY THE HOUSE ON JUNE 13, 2007. THERE WAS NO MARK UP IN THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE. THERE WAS NO MEANINGFUL DEBATE ON THE FLOOR. THE BILL WAS RAMMED THROUGH THE HOUSE IN THREE DAYS WITHOUT ANY THOUGHT TO THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF ITS PASSAGE. IT PASSED THE SENATE BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT. I DID NOT SEE OTHERS STANDING UP TO LEADERSHIP AT THAT POINT IN TIME. IN ITS IMPLEMENTATION WE'RE SEEING THE CONSEQUENCES. THEY INVOLVE THE STRIPPING AWAY OF CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND DUE PROCESS RIGHTS. THEY INVOLVE THE ELIMINATION OF DUE PROCESS RIGHTS. THEY INVOLVE DISCRIMINATION AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. AS FOR THE POINT THAT THIS RULE THAT WE'RE NOW DEBATING SOMEHOW ENCOURAGES CORRUPTION, THE FACT IS THAT THIS REGULATION PUTS U.S. COMPANIES AT A COMPETITIVE DISADVANTAGE TO STATE OWNED ENTITIES ABROAD THAT ARE NOT SUBJECT TO S.E.C. REGULATION. ADDITIONALLY, IT COSTS HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN COMPLIANCE COSTS FOR U.S. BUSINESSES. THE FOREIGN CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT ALREADY PROHIBITS PRIBES TO FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS TO OBTAIN -- BRIBES TO FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS TO OBTAIN OR RETAIN BUSINESS. THESE ARE LEGITIMATE PAYMENTS BEING MADE TO FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS. WE SHOULD STILL PROSECUTE ANY CORRUPTION TO THE FULL EXTENT OF THE LAW. MR. SPEAKER, I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO RESERVES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM MASSACHUSETTS IS…

THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO RESERVES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM MASSACHUSETTS IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. MCGOVERN

WITH REGARD TO THE NICKS BILL, MR. SPEAKER, I HAVE A VERY DIFFERENT…

WITH REGARD TO THE NICKS BILL, MR. SPEAKER, I HAVE A VERY DIFFERENT VERSION OF HISTORY THAN THE GENTLEMAN DOES. INCLUDING ONE THAT REPRESENTS A BIPARTISAN COMPROMISE WITH THE BUSH WHITE HOUSE. AND SO I HAVE A VERY, VERY DIFFERENT HISTORY THAN HE DOES RECOLLECTION OF HISTORY THAN HE DOES ON THAT. ON THE OTHER BILL, IT IS ALL ABOUT CORRUPTION. AND IT IS ALL ABOUT GIVING BIG OIL WHAT THEY WANT. AND AT THE END OF THE DAY THE TWO INTERESTS THAT ARE MOST HAPPY WITH THE REPEAL OF THIS RULE ARE BIG OIL AND RUSSIA. AND IF THAT'S WHERE WE BELIEVE THAT WE OUGHT TO BE USING OUR ENERGY TO HELP, THEN GO AHEAD AND VOTE TO REPEAL IT. BUT AGAIN I THINK THAT THIS PROCESS SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. MR. SPEAKER, I'M GOING TO URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO DEFEAT THE PREVIOUS QUESTION, AND IF THEY DO, I WILL OFFER AN AMENDMENT TO THE RULE TO BRING UP REPRESENTATIVE LOFGREN'S BILL TO OVERTURN AND DEFUND PRESIDENT TRUMP'S IMMORAL AND UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND DISCRIMINATORY EXECUTIVE ORDER BANNING SYRIAN REFUGEES AND SUSPENDING IMMIGRATION FROM CERTAIN COUNTRIES. PRESIDENT TRUMP'S EXECUTIVE ORDER FLIES IN THE FACE OF OUR NATION'S VALUES. AND IT COMPROMISES OUR NATIONAL SECURITY BY PROVIDING TERRORIST GROUPS WITH A RECRUITING TOOL. THIS EXECUTIVE ORDER NEEDS TO BE OVERTURNED AND IF WE DEFEAT THE PREVIOUS QUESTION, WE WILL BRING UP LEGISLATION TO DO JUST THAT. MR. SPEAKER, I AM -- I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO INSERT THE TEXT OF MY AMENDMENT IN THE RECORD ALONG WITH EXTRANEOUS MATERIAL IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THE VOTE ON THE PREVIOUS QUESTION.

TEMPORE WITHOUT

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

MR. MCGOVERN

AND TO DISCUSS OUR PROPOSAL I YIELD FIVE MINUTES TO THE DISTINGUISHED…

AND TO DISCUSS OUR PROPOSAL I YIELD FIVE MINUTES TO THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEWOMAN FROM CALIFORNIA, MS. LOFGREN.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM CALIFORNIA VENGED.

MS. LOFGREN

I URGE MEMBERS TO VOTE AGAINST THIS MEMBERS TO VOTE AGAINST THIS PREVIOUS…

I URGE MEMBERS TO VOTE AGAINST THIS MEMBERS TO VOTE AGAINST THIS PREVIOUS QUESTION SO THE BILL TO OVERTURN PRESIDENT TRUMP'S ILL-ADVISED BAN ON TRAVEL CAN BE ADDRESSED. THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF DUST UP AND DISCUSSION ABOUT THIS, BUT REALLY IF YOU READ THE ORDER IT'S VERY CLEAR WHAT IT DOES. IT SUSPENDS ENTRY FOR 90 DAYS OF ALL IMMIGRANTS, THAT'S GREEN CARD HOLDERS AND NONIMMIGRANTS FROM SEVEN MUSLIM MAJORITY COUNTRIES. AND IT ALSO SUSPENDS ALL REFUGEE ADMISSION FOR 120 DAYS. . NOW, THERE'S BEEN DISCUSSION ABOUT MIDDLE EAST REFUGEES. IF YOU LOOK AT LAST YEAR, MOST OF THE REFUGEES WHO CAME IN WERE FROM CONGO AND BURMA. THOSE INDIVIDUAL WHO WAS SUFFERED, THEY'VE BEEN TORTURED, THEY ARE GOING TO STAY IN THE REFUGEE CAMPS AT LEAST FOR 120 DAYS AND OBVIOUSLY THIS DISRUPTS THE PROGRAM. THIS WILL BE A MUCH LONGER END TO THE REFUGEE PROGRAM. NOW THERE'S THE EXCEPTION, THE PRESIDENT HAS SAID HE WANTS TO LET CHRISTIAN REFUGEES IN AND THE ORDER ITSELF SAYS MINORITY RELIGIONS. THERE'S A PROBLEM NOT ONLY WITH VIOLATING THE LAW BECAUSE THE IMMIGRATION NATIONALITY ACT PROHIBITS DISCRIMINATION BASED ON NATIONALITY AND ON RELIGION, BUT ALSO THE PREMISE IS THAT CHRISTIANS WHO HAD BEEN PERSECUTED WERE NOT ADMITTED AS REFUGEES. THAT IS SIMPLY FALSE. THERE WERE LARGE NUMBERS OF REFUGEES WHO WERE PERSECUTED OF ALL RELIGIONS INCLUDING CHRISTIANS. THIS ORDER VIOLATES THE IMMIGRATION NATIONALITY ACT, IT ALSO VIOLATES THE CONSTITUTION. AND THAT'S WHY MY BILL SHOULD BE BROUGHT UP, AND I'M GOING TO GIVE YOU JUST TWO EXAMPLES. ONE IS GENERAL TALIB AL KANANI, AN IRAQI FOUR-STAR GENERAL, COMMANDING AN ELITE, AMERICAN-TRAINED COUNTERTERRORISM UNIT THAT'S LED THE FIGHT AGAINST ISIS FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS. HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN WERE MOVED TO THE UNITED STATES BECAUSE STAYING IN IRAQ WAS TOO UNSAFE FOR THEM. HE'S NOW UNABLE TO VISIT HIS FAMILY IN THE UNITED STATES. HE TOLD CBS NEWS, QUOTE, WE THOUGHT WE WERE PARTNERS WITH OUR AMERICAN FRIENDS AND NOW WE REALIZE WE'RE JUST CONSIDERED TERRORISTS. HOW DOES THIS HELP THE FIGHT AGAINST ISIS? LET ME GIVE YOU ANOTHER EXAMPLE. REMEMBER THE YAZIDIS? THEY WERE BEING PERSECUTED BY ISIS AND WE REMEMBER THAT THEY HAD BEEN ISOLATED AT THE TOP OF A MOUNTAIN IN SYRIA, WHEN PRESIDENT OBAMA WAS IN OFFICE HE ACTED. WE BOMBED ISIS, WE SAVED THE YAZIDIS. THIS IS WHAT PRESIDENT OBAMA SAID. WE HAVE THE UNIQUE CAPABILITIES TO AVERT A MASSACRE AND I BELIEVE THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA CANNOT TURN A BLIND EYE. WE CAN ACT CAREFULLY AND RESPONSIBLY TO PREVENT A POTENTIAL ACT OF GENOCIDE AND THAT'S WHAT WE'RE DOING ON THAT MOUNTAIN. I MENTION THIS BECAUSE THERE IS AN INDIVIDUAL, A YAZIDI WOMAN WHO HAD BEEN THE ONLY YAZIDI PERSON, WOMAN, IN THE IRAQI PARLIAMENT. SHE, ONE WEEK AFTER THE PRESIDENT'S ANNOUNCEMENT, WAS INJURED IN A HELICOPTER CRASH DURING A MISSION TO DELIVER HUMANITARIAN AID TO THE YAZIDIS WHO WERE TRAPPED IN THE SIEGE BY ISIS. SHE'S RECEIVED A I WARDS IN LONDON AND IN DUBAI AND IN VIENNA AND GENEVA FOR HER HUMAN RIGHTS WORKS. IRONICALLY, SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO COME TO WASHINGTON, D.C., NEXT WEEK. TO COME TO THE U.S. CAPITOL TO RECEIVE AN AWARD FROM THE LANTUSS HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP AND WE REMEMBER OUR LATE COLLEAGUE, COME LANTOS, THE ONLY MEMBER OF CONGRESS WHO SURVIVED THE NAZI CONCENTRATION CAMPS, WE HAVE ESTABLISHED THIS PRIZE THIS HUMANITARIAN PRIZE IN HIS MEMORY. THIS VALIANT WOMAN NOW CAN'T COME TO WASHINGTON TO THE U.S. CONGRESS TO RECEIVE THE TOM LANTOS AWARD BECAUSE OF PRESIDENT TRUMP'S BAN ON INDIVIDUALS COMING FROM SYRIA. THIS IS A RIDICULOUS SITUATION. IT'S ILLEGAL. IT'S UNCONSTITUTIONAL. IT'S CONTRARY TO AMERICAN VALUES. AND IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE. SO I WOULD HOPE THAT WE CAN DEFEAT THIS PREVIOUS QUESTION, THAT WE CAN DO SOMETHING RESPONSIBLE, STAND UP FOR THE RULE OF LAW, STAND UP FOR THE CONSTITUTION, STAND UP FOR COMMON SENSE AND OVERTURN THIS EXECUTIVE ORDER. WITH THAT, I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEWOMAN YIELDS. THE GENTLEMAN FROM MASSACHUSETTS RESERVES. THE…

THE GENTLEWOMAN YIELDS. THE GENTLEMAN FROM MASSACHUSETTS RESERVES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO.

MR. BUCK

I RESERVE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES.

MR. MCGOVERN

DOES THE GENTLEMAN HAVE ANY OTHER SPEAKERS?

MR. BUCK

I AM WAITING FOR ONE, I DO NOT HAVE A SPEAKER NOW, YOUR ELOQUENCE WOULD BE…

I AM WAITING FOR ONE, I DO NOT HAVE A SPEAKER NOW, YOUR ELOQUENCE WOULD BE WELCOME IN ANY WAY YOU'D LIKE TO INFORM US ON IMPORTANT ISSUES.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM MASSACHUSETTS IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. MCGOVERN

IF I STRETCH COULD I GET A COUPLE OF AMENDMENTS MADE IN ORDER?

MR. BUCK

NO.

MR. MCGOVERN

BECAUSE I'M A NICE GUY I'M NOT GOING TO SAY YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN. MR.…

BECAUSE I'M A NICE GUY I'M NOT GOING TO SAY YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN. MR. SPEAKER, AGAIN, AS MY DISTINGUISHED COLLEAGUE FROM CALIFORNIA, MS. LOFGREN, STATED, WE WANT TO DEFEAT THE PREVIOUS QUESTION BECAUSE WE ARE HORRIFIED QUITE FRANKLY, BY THE IMPACT THAT PRESIDENT TRUMP'S EXECUTIVE ORDERS ON IMMIGRATION HAVE HAD ON A LOT OF GOOD, DECENT PEOPLE, MANY OF WHOM HAVE ALREADY BEEN VETTED. WE HAVE STUDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN HELD UP, WHO HAVE STUDENT VISAS. WE HAVE DUAL CITIZEN WHO WAS BEEN CAUGHT UP IN THIS MESS. WE HAVE PEOPLE COMING TO GET HUMAN RIGHTS PRIZES, I CAN GO ON AND ON AND ON. BUT WE NEED TO CORRECT THIS. WE ARE BETTER THAN THIS. AND I WOULD SUGGEST TO MY REPUBLICAN FRIENDS, RATHER THAN CIRCLING THE WHAT GONES TO TRY TO DEFEND THE INDEFENSIBLE, THEY OUGHT TO JOURNEY -- THEY OUGHT TO JOIN WITH US AND DEFEAT THE PREVIOUS QUESTION SO WE CAN DO THE RIGHT THING AND OVERTURN THIS NARROW-MINDED, MISGUIDED, AND DISCRIM IN A TIR POLICY. WITH THAT, I WILL RESERVE MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. BUCK

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS SUCH TIME AS…

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS SUCH TIME AS HE MAY CONSUME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. POE

THANK YOU VERY --

MR. SESSIONS

I AM PLEASED TO JOIN MY COLLEAGUE. MR. BUCK IS HANDLING HIS FIRST RULE…

I AM PLEASED TO JOIN MY COLLEAGUE. MR. BUCK IS HANDLING HIS FIRST RULE TODAY, HE'S FROM WINDSOR, COLORADO A SECOND TERM MEMBER, DOING AN AWESOME JOB. NOT ONLY ON HIS HOMEWORK DUTIES OF RECOGNIZES HOW IMPORTANT IT IS AS MEMBERS POINT UP HOW IMPORTANT, YOU KNOW, MEMBERS UNDERSTANDING WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT, WHY WE'RE DOING THINGS, ENUNCIATION OF RULES, THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THAT WERE PROMULGATED BY AN ADMINISTRATION , BUT MR. SPEAKER, WHAT WE'RE REALLY HERE TODAY TO TALK ABOUT IS, WHERE THERE ARE SOME OF THOSE RULES AND REGULATIONS WHERE PERHAPS YOU DIDN'T GO THROUGH THE PROCESS THAT YOU SHOULD OR WHERE THERE WAS REALLY A DETERMINATION MADE BY THE AMERICAN PEOPLE THAT RULE MAKING GOES TO -- GOES TOO FAR, THAT'S WHY WE'RE HERE TODAY. WE'RE HERE TODAY BECAUSE THERE ARE A GROUP OF RULES THAT WERE PROMULGATED THAT DON'T WORK. THAT DID NOT REALLY SEE, IN OUR OPINION, THE BALANCE OF WHAT WAS GOING TO BE IN IT FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. AND SO IN PARTICULAR WE'RE HERE TO TALK ABOUT A SOCIAL SECURITY RULE THAT DISCRIMINATES AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES BY DENYING THEM THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS. THE GENTLEMAN, MR. MCGOVERN, SPOKE VERY CLEARLY ABOUT A MEETING THAT WE HAD AT THE RULES COMMITTEE. I THINK THAT THE WITNESSES THAT WE HAD WERE VERY SPECIFIC. AND THAT THEY QUESTIONED, INCLUDING MR. BUCK WHO WAS MOST ACTIVE IN HIS PARTICIPATION IN THE HEARING, TO WORK THROUGH THE RULE THAT IS PROMULGATED, BUT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE WHEN YOU EVALUATE IT. AND THAT IS THAT THE ADMINISTRATION CHOSE TO, WHAT I THINK IS TO, WITHOUT DUE PROCESS, TOOK AWAY FROM A PERSON, BASED UPON A DISABILITY, THAT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THEIR ABILITY TO EFFECTIVELY CONTROL A WEAPON, BUT BASED UPON OTHER CRITERIA AND TO TAKE AWAY A PERSON'S SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS. WHEN WE -- AND WE OPPOSE THAT. THAT IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY WE'RE HERE TODAY. THIS RULE THAT WE ARE GOING TO TAKE AWAY WRONGLY DISCRIMINATES AGAINST THOSE RECEIVING DISABILITY BENEFITS AND I BELIEVE FALSELY PROMULGATES A STEREOTYPE, A STEREOTYPE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS, CALLING THEM DANGEROUS. THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT DO HAVE MENTAL ILLNESSES, THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT STRUGGLE IN LIFE, THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO NEED HELP AND SEEK HELP. BUT THAT IS NOT A CRITERIA FOR TAKING AWAY A PERSON'S CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT. WE ARE JOINED IN WHAT WE BELIEVE BY THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY. AND THIS IS WHAT THEY SAID IN A LETTER THAT THEY SENT THAT WAS DATED JANUARY 24 OF THIS YEAR. AND I QUOTE. THERE IS SIMPLY PUT NO NEXUS BETWEEN THE INABILITY TO MANAGE MONEY AND THE ABILITY TO SAFELY AND RESPONSIBLY OWN OR POSSESS OR USE A FIREARM. THIS ARBITRARY LINKAGE NOT ONLY UNNECESSARILY AND UNREASONABLY DEPRIVES INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITY OF A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT, IT INCREASES THE STIGMA FOR THOSE WHO DUE TO THEIR DISABILITIES MAY NEED A REPRESENTATION PAYEE. SO WHAT HAPPENED IS THE RULE BY THE ADMINISTRATION LINKED TOGETHER THESE CHARACTERISTICS THAT THEY THINK IDENTIFY A PERSON AS BEING A RISK SO THEY TAKE AWAY THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT. WE COULDN'T REALLY RELATE TO ANYBODY THAT HAD DONE THIS BUT IT SIMPLY SOUNDED LIKE A GOOD IDEA I'M SURE TO PEOPLE SO THEY DID THIS. MR. SPEAKER, WE'RE NOT TRYING TO RIGHT ALL WRONGS AT THE RULES COMMITTEE, BUT WHEN YOU TAKE AWAY SOMEBODY'S CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A PERSON BECAUSE OF THEIR DISABILITY, I DON'T THINK THAT'S FAIR. I'M PROUD OF WHAT MR. BUCK IS DOING HERE. I'M PROUD THAT WE STOOD UP ON THIS ISSUE AND I'M PLEASED TO BE HERE ON THE FLOOR NOT ONLY TO SUPPORT MR. BUCK, BUT PEOPLE WHO ALSO LIVE IN THE CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT THAT I REPRESENT IN DALLAS, TEXAS. I HAVE RECEIVED SEVERAL CALLS FROM PEOPLE, WHILE I WILL NOT SAY THEIR NAME THEY LIVE IN DALLAS, TEXAS, AND GARRLAND, TEXAS, AND WYLIE, TEXAS, AND ROWLETT, TEXAS, AND THEY ARE WORRIED ABOUT THEIR ABILITY TO LOSE THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY HAVE SOME HELP IN MANAGING THEIR AFFAIRS. BUT NOT RELATED TO A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT OF OWNING A WEAPON. SO I'M PLEASED TO DO THIS. THERE'S NO GRANDSTANDING NECESSARY. THERE IS AN UNDERSTANDING OF SOME THINGS THAT CAN BE WRITTEN PROPERLY AND SOME THINGS THAT CAN'T AND I SIMPLY THINK THEY GOT IT WRONG AND THAT'S WHAT WE'RE GOING TO DO HERE TODAY. I THANK THE GENTLEMAN, MR. BUCK, FOR ALLOWING ME A CHANCE TO SPEAK ON THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE AND I WOULD YIELD BACK MY TIME TO THE GENTLEMAN, MR. BUCK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS YIELDS BACK. THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO…

THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS YIELDS BACK. THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO RESERVES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM MASSACHUSETTS IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. MCGOVERN

I ASK THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO WHETHER HE HAS ADDITIONAL SPEAKERS? WAS…

I ASK THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO WHETHER HE HAS ADDITIONAL SPEAKERS? WAS THAT THE SPEAKER WE WERE WAITING FOR?

MR. BUCK

I HAVE A FEW COMMENTS BEFORE I CLOSE AND THEN I WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE…

I HAVE A FEW COMMENTS BEFORE I CLOSE AND THEN I WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE THE CHAIRMAN FOR ADDITIONAL COMMENTS.

MR. MCGOVERN

I'LL RESERVE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. BUCK

I WANT TO THANK THE CHAIRMAN OF THE RULES COMMITTEE FOR BEING HERE TODAY…

I WANT TO THANK THE CHAIRMAN OF THE RULES COMMITTEE FOR BEING HERE TODAY AND JUST REINFORCE SOME OF WHAT THE CHAIRMAN HAD TO SAY. AS I TRAVEL COLORADO, I HEAR FROM INDIVIDUALS OF ALL WALKS OF LIFE ABOUT THE REGULATORY BURDENS THAT THEY FACE, THE BURDEN THAT HAS BEEN PLACED UPON THEM BY THEIR OWN GOVERNMENT. HOW THOSE BURDENS HAVE IMPEDED THEIR LIFE, LIBERTY, AND PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS. SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS WHO WOULD NOT OPEN THEIR BUSINESS TODAY BECAUSE OF THE CHANGE IN THE BUSINESS CLIMATE. THEIR TAX BURDEN, REGULATORY BURDEN, THE ATTITUDE OF FEDERAL REGULATORS IS SUCH THAT THEY WOULD CHOOSE A DIFFERENT PATH HAD THEY TO DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN. I TALKED TO SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS WHO ARE AGAIN FACING A PILE OF PAPERWORK TO COMPLY WITH SCHOOL AND NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN PROMULGATED BY THIS PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION. I TALK TO VETERAN WHO WAS TO WAIT ON LONG, LONG LINES AND FILL OUT RIDICULOUS PAPERWORK BECAUSE THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION IS UNABLE TO RECOGNIZE THE NECESSITY, THE IMPORTANCE OF WHAT THOSE VETERANS ARE TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH AT THE V.A. I AM DEEPLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE REGULATIONS AND I AM PROUD THAT MY COLLEAGUES HAVE DECIDED TO ADDRESS SOME OF THESE REGULATIONS IN THE WAY THAT THEY HAVE. I APPRECIATE THE CHAIRMAN, THE CHAIRMAN FOR STANDING UP AND STANDING UP ON THIS ISSUE. AND I WOULD AGAIN RECOGNIZE CHAIRMAN SESSIONS FOR, THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS, FOR AS MUCH TIME AS HE WISHES TO CONSUME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. SESSIONS

I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FROM MASSACHUSETTS, NOT ONLY ONCE AGAIN FOR BEING…

I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FROM MASSACHUSETTS, NOT ONLY ONCE AGAIN FOR BEING HERE BUT RESPONSIBLY FOR STANDING UP FOR HIS PARTY IN THE THINGS WHICH THEY NOT ONLY HAVE A RIGHT TO BRING TO THE FLOOR BUT AN OPPORTUNITY FOR HIM TO DISCUSS THOSE THINGS AS HE CHOOSES TO JUSTIFY THE RULES THAT WE ARE GOING TO NOT ONLY DISCUSS IN THEIR MERITS BUT TO REALLY UNDERSTAND, ENSURE THAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE UNDERSTAND WHY WE BELIEVE THAT THESE RULES THAT WERE PROMULGATED NEED TO BE OVERTURNED. . MR. SPEAKER, THE SECOND JOINT RESOLUTION THAT WAS INCLUDED IN MR. BUCK'S RULE IS A RESOLUTION THAT DISCUSSES THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION RELATED TO WHAT IS CALLED DISCLOSURE OF PAYMENTS AND RESOURCE EXTRACTION ISSUERS. MY GOSH, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? WELL, WHAT THIS RULE IS ABOUT IS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT -- WE UNDERSTOOD THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION IS ANTI WHAT THEY CALL BIG OIL. WHAT THEY'RE AFTER IS ANYBODY THAT'S IN THE OIL BUSINESS. AND YOU AND I BOTH UNDERSTAND OUR COUNTRY, OUR COUNTRY AND THE WORLD IS STRONGER BECAUSE WE DON'T FREEZE TO DEATH IN THE WINTER AND WE DON'T GET TOO HOT IN THE SUMMER BECAUSE WE HAVE ENERGY, AVAILABLE ENERGY AT A GREAT PRICE, BUT IT MEANS THAT PEOPLE THAT -- COMPANIES IN THE UNITED STATES ALSO GO AROUND THE WORLD TO FIND OTHER PLACES WHERE THEY MAY EXTRACT OIL OR RESOURCES RELATED TO ENERGY. AND THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER ON JULY 27, 2016, A RULE THAT WOULD PLACE AMERICAN COMPANIES AND ONLY AMERICAN COMPANIES THAT EXTRACT VALUABLE RESOURCES, MEANING ENERGY, FROM OTHER PLACES IN THE WORLD, THEY WOULD HAVE TO PUBLICLY DISCLOSE ARRANGEMENTS AND DEALS THAT THEY MAKE RELATED TO THEN BUYING OF THESE RESOURCES. -- THEM BUYING OF THESE RESOURCES. AND THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION UNDERSTANDS ALREADY THAT THE RULES THAT ARE ON AMERICAN COMPANIES, INCLUDING RULES THAT WE KNOW ARE AS THE FOREIGN CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT, MEANS THAT AN AMERICAN COMPANY CANNOT GO OVERSEAS AND INDUCE THROUGH BRIBING SOMEONE TO DO SOMETHING. BUT NOW IN ORDER TO STOP THESE COMPANIES, MANY OF THEM LARGE COMPANIES, MANY OF THEM MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES, BUT THEIR NEXUS IS THAT THEY'RE ENERGY COMPANIES, IN ORDER TO STOP THEM THEY ARE GOING TO REQUIRE IN THIS RULE THAT THAT COMPANY TELL EVERYBODY, INCLUDING COMPETITORS, WHAT THE DEAL MIGHT BE THAT THEY GOT. SO A PRIVATE CONTRACT THAT MIGHT BE BETWEEN A COUNTRY, A COMPANY AND AN AMERICAN COMPANY IS NOW GOING TO SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY. MR. SPEAKER, I THINK THAT'S WRONG. FORTUNATELY SO DOES MY PARTY. WE THINK THAT IS WRONG BECAUSE IT UNNECESSARILY PUTS U.S. COMPANIES AT A COMPETITIVE DISADVANTAGE TO MANY STATE-OWNED COMPETITORS AROUND THE WORLD WHO ARE COMPETING MANY TIMES FOR THE SAME RESOURCES. IN OTHER WORDS, WE JUST TOLD THEM WHAT THE DEAL IS. HOW MUCH MONEY, WHAT THE ARRANGEMENT IS, HOW IT MIGHT BE CONCLUDED, AND THAT IS A VIOLATION, IN MY OPINION, OF NOT ONLY THE POWER THAT THE S.E.C. HAS, I THINK IT'S UNWISE. I THINK IT IS BLATANTLY UNWISE THAT WE WOULD UNEARTH CONTRACTS FROM THE FREE ENTERPRISE SYSTEM WHILE AT THE SAME TIME KNOWING THEY HAVE TO FOLLOW THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT, MEANING THE RULES UNDER THE FOREIGN CORRUPTION ACT, AT THE SAME TIME. SO MR. SPEAKER, WHAT WE ARE HERE TO SAY IS IS THAT WE BELIEVE THAT THESE AGENCIES ARE TRYING TO HARM AMERICA'S OPPORTUNITY TO GO AND SEEK OUT GOOD DEALS, BETTER DEALS AND DEFINE LONG-TERM CONTRACTS AROUND THE GLOBE, WHEREVER THEY MIGHT BE, AND THAT THEY HAVE SINGLED OUT ENERGY COMPANIES THAT THEY HAVE GONE OUT OF THEIR WAY IN THE WHAT WAS KNOWN AS THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION TO SINGLE OUT ENERGY COMPANIES BECAUSE THEY DON'T LIKE ENERGY DEALS. MR. SPEAKER, WHAT HAS HAPPENED AS A RESULT OF NOT ONLY THIS BUT LEGISLATION THAT THE CONGRESS HAS DONE ON DECEMBER 18, 2015, IS WE CHANGED THE FEDERAL LAW RELATED TO THE EXPORT OF U.S. ENERGY. BEFORE, THERE WAS A PROVISION, SOME 40-YEAR-OLD PROVISION, THAT DID NOT ALLOW ENERGY FROM THE UNITED STATES TO BE SOLD OVERSEAS. ONCE WE DID THAT, IT COMPLETELY TURNED THE MARKET UPSIDE DOWN, AND SO WHAT MIGHT BE DEALS THEN AND DEALS NOW ARE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF CONSUMERS INSTEAD OF WHAT MIGHT BE OPEC OR A FEW OTHER ENERGY-RICH STATES, COUNTRIES. SO WE THINK THAT WHAT THIS WAS DONE WAS TO PUNISH THOSE COMPANIES THAT CAN GO FIND BETTER DEALS, TO TELL EVERYBODY WHAT HAPPENED, BUT IT WAS MOSTLY DONE TO PUNISH THEM AND PUT US AT A DISADVANTAGE. SO MR. SPEAKER, WE'RE HERE AS THE SECOND PART OF IT THIS RULE, THIS JOINT RESOLUTION, TO SAY THAT THE RULE THAT WAS PROMULGATED ON JULY 27, 2016, IS BAD FOR AMERICA, IT'S BAD FOR CONSUMERS, MOST OF ALL, IT'S BAD FOR AMERICA TO HAVE RULES AND REGULATIONS THAT TAKE AWAY THE POWER OF A PRIVATE CONTRACT. SO WE STAND UP AND SAY, WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO ABOUT IT? WE'RE GOING TO GO THROUGH THE DELIBERATIVE ACTION THAT WAS TAKEN, NOT ONLY AT THE WHITE HOUSE BUT WAS TAKEN ON THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SO THAT WE HAVE OUR SAY IN THE MATTER ON RULES AND REGULATIONS. IF I COULD, I'D LIKE TO ADVISE MY COLLEAGUE, MR. BUCK, THAT THERE IS A PERSON WHO HEARD THIS DEBATE GOING ON AND HAS COME TO THE FLOOR, AND I DON'T KNOW IF HE WOULD CHOOSE TO SPEND TIME FOR THE GENTLEMAN FROM KENTUCKY, MR. MASSIE, BUT I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT MR. MASSIE WOULD LIKE TO HELP ME ALONG ON SOME OF MY COMMENTS BECAUSE OF HIS EXCITEMENT ABOUT WHAT THIS RULE DOES. SO, MR. BUCK, I WILL YIELD MY TIME BACK TO YOU AND LET YOU MAKE A DETERMINATION IF YOU WOULD LIKE MR. MASSIE TO SPEAK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO.

MR. BUCK

HOW MUCH TIME DO WE HAVE LEFT?

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO HAS 7 1/2 MINUTES REMAINING. THE GENTLEMAN…

THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO HAS 7 1/2 MINUTES REMAINING. THE GENTLEMAN FROM MASSACHUSETTS HAS 9 3/4 MINUTES REMAINING.

MR. BUCK

I YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM KENTUCKY.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

HOW MUCH TIME?

MR. BUCK

AS MUCH TIME AS HE CHOOSES UP TO SEVEN MINUTES.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM KENTUCKY IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. MASSIE

WELL, I'D LIKE TO THANK MY COLLEAGUE FROM COLORADO, AND I'D LIKE TO THANK…

WELL, I'D LIKE TO THANK MY COLLEAGUE FROM COLORADO, AND I'D LIKE TO THANK SAM JOHNSON AND RALPH ABRAHAM FOR JOINING IN THIS JOINT RESOLUTION. I'D LIKE TO POINT OUT MY CLIGE FROM COLORADO IS PART OF THE SECOND MEMBER CAUCUS AND HE'S BEEN WORKING HARD ON THIS ISSUE. H.J.RES. 40 WOULD STRIKE DOWN THE RULE JUST DAYS BEFORE THE CLOSE OF THE 114TH CONGRESS. THIS RULE IS YET ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION'S LAST-DITCH EFFORTS TO ATTACK OUR SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS. ANY ATTEMPT TO CURTAIL THE RIGHT OF AMERICANS TO DEFEND THEMSELVES AND THEIR LIBERTY IS UNTENABLE. THIS SCHEME IS PARTICULARLY APPALLING BECAUSE OF WHO IT TARGETS AND HOW THE ADMINISTRATION SOUGHT TO IMPLEMENT THE RULE. THE RULE TARGETS OUR GRANDPARENTS, OUR ELDERLY MOTHERS AND FATHERS WHO HAVE BEEN AWARDED DISABILITY BENEFITS AND HAVE HAD A FAMILY MEMBER OR A GUARDIAN APPOINTED TO HANDLE THEIR FINANCES. THEY HAVEN'T COMMITTED A CRIME OR DEMONSTRATED THERE IS A DANGER TO SOCIETY, THERE IS NO TRIAL, NO PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE, THEIR NAMES ARE SENT TO THE NICS DATA. HARDENED CRIMINALS DON'T HAVE THEIR RIGHTS VIOLATED TO THAT EXTENT WITHOUT DUE PROCESS, SO WHY WOULD IT BE ACCEPTABLE FOR OUR SENIORS? THESE MEN AND WOMEN HAVE WORKED HARD TO RAISE FAMILIES, WORKED A JOB AND PAID THEIR FAIR SHARE OF TAXES. NOW, THEY ARE BEING TOLD IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THEIR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS THEY MUST FIRST SURRENDER THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO DEFEND THEMSELVES. IS THIS LEVEL OF PETTINESS TO WHICH WE HAVE SUNK? THE HOUSE AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE SOUNDLY REJECTED GUN CONTROL IN AWFUL ITS FORMS YEAR AFTER YEAR. YET, THIS LAST ADMINISTRATION BYPASSED THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS, IMPOSED A RULE AND COMPLETELY DISREGARDED DUE PROCESS IN ORDER TO STRIP SENIORS OF THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS. OUR SENIORS DESERVE BETTER THAN THAT. THIS RULE IS NOT ABOUT PROTECTING ANYONE. THIS RULE SHOULD BE SEEN FOR WHAT IT TRULY IS, AWFUL, POLITICALLY MOTIVATED, AND A DANGEROUS INFRINGEMENT ON OUR SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS. AND I YIELD BACK TO MY COLLEAGUE FROM COLORADO.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM KENTUCKY YIELDS BACK. THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO…

THE GENTLEMAN FROM KENTUCKY YIELDS BACK. THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO RESERVES.

MR. BUCK

RESERVES.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM MASSACHUSETTS IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. MCGOVERN

COULD I INQUIRE OF THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO IF HE HAS ANY ADDITIONAL…

COULD I INQUIRE OF THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO IF HE HAS ANY ADDITIONAL SPEAKERS? OK. THEN I WILL CLOSE FOR OUR SIDE, MR. SPEAKER.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM MASSACHUSETTS IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. MCGOVERN

SO IN CLOSING, I'M NOT QUITE SURE WHERE TO BEGIN BECAUSE I'VE HEARD SO…

SO IN CLOSING, I'M NOT QUITE SURE WHERE TO BEGIN BECAUSE I'VE HEARD SO MANY FASCINATING THINGS HERE TODAY. THE DISTINGUISHED CHAIRMAN OF THE RULES COMMITTEE SAID THAT WE'RE HERE TODAY TO ENUCIATE THE RULES. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THERE IS TO ENUCIATE. THE ONLY WAY TO ENUCIATE IT'S A CLOSED RULE, YET ANOTHER CLOSED RULE. THERE IS NO REAL DISCUSSION. ON TOP OF THAT, THERE WERE NO HEARINGS ON ANY OF THIS STUFF, WHICH NO MATTER WHAT YOUR POSITION IS, I HAVE TO BE HONEST WITH YOU, LISTENING TO THE GENTLEMAN, MR. MASSIE, JUST SPEAK, I THINK IT WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE IF THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE COULD HAVE ACTUALLY HAD A HEARING ON THIS AND MAYBE DELVED INTO SOME OF THE ISSUES THAT THE GENTLEMAN RAISED. WHEN PEOPLE SAY THERE IS NO DUE PROCESS, I WOULD SAY IMPACTED BENEFICIARIES ARE NOTIFIED THIS DETERMINATION IS BEING CONSIDERED AND THEY ARE PROVIDED A PROCESS TO CHALLENGE THAT DETERMINATION SHOULD THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION DETERMINE THAT THAT RECIPIENT IS ABLE TO SAFELY USE OR POSSESS GUNS. RIGHTS ARE RESTORED AND THE PERSON'S NAME IS REMOVED FROM NICS. THAT'S WHAT IT SAYS. IS THERE A WAY TO IMPROVE THIS, I'M ALL FOR IMPROVING IT. BUT BY PASSING THIS MEASURE HERE TODAY, YOU PREVENT THE AGENCIES THAT ARE IMPACTED HERE FROM EVER BEING ABLE TO REVISIT THE ISSUE UNLESS CONGRESS DEEMED IT APPROPRIATE. SO WE'RE NOT TRYING TO FIX ANYTHING HERE. BASICALLY WHAT WE'RE DOING IS THE BIDDING OF THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION TO ELIMINATE ANYTHING AIMED AT PROTECTING PEOPLE FROM GUN VIOLENCE IN THIS COUNTRY. YOU KNOW, THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO TALKED ABOUT THE FACT THAT HIS CONSTITUENTS, YOU KNOW, WANT THE RIGHT TO PURSUE LIFE, LIBERTY -- WANT TO PROTECT THEIR ABILITY -- THEIR RIGHTS FOR LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS. WELL, MY CONSTITUENTS WANT THAT TOO, BUT THEY HAVE A RIGHT TO NOT BE VICTIMS OF GUN VIOLENCE. THEY HAVE A RIGHT TO PROTECT THEIR LOVED ONES WHO MAY USE A WEAPON AGAINST THEMSELVES OR THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS. SO, YOU KNOW -- BUT, AGAIN, WE CAN HAVE THIS ARGUMENT ON WHETHER OR NOT WE SHOULD DO MORE, AND I BELIEVE WE SHOULD, TO PROTECT PEOPLE IN THIS SCUN FROM GUN VIOLENCE -- IN THIS COUNTRY FROM GUN VIOLENCE. BUT THAT DISCUSSION SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED FIRST IN THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE AT A MINIMUM, NOT IN THE RULES COMMITTEE. I'M ON THE RULES COMMITTEE. I ADMIRE THE INTELLECT OF EVERYBODY ON THE RULES COMMITTEE, BUT OUR EXPERTISE IS NOT ON JUDICIARY MATTERS. AND SIMILARLY, ON THE OTHER EXECUTIVE -- OTHER RULE THAT IS BEING REPEALED, THE FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE SHOULD HAVE DELIBERATED ON THAT BECAUSE I THINK THERE ARE SOME SERIOUS ISSUES RAISED BY REPEALING THAT RULE, ISSUES I THINK GO TO THE HEART OF CORRUPTION, NOT ONLY HERE IN THE UNITED STATES, BUT AROUND THE WORLD. AND YOU KNOW, WHEN THE CHAIRMAN OF THE RULES COMMITTEE GETS UP AND HE GAVE HIS DESCRIPTION THAT SOMEHOW THE U.S. OIL COMPANIES ARE ONLY BEING SINGLED OUT, IT MAKES MY CASE WHY WE SHOULD HAVE HAD A HEARING, BECAUSE WHAT HE JUST SAID, IN MY OPINION, DOES NOT REFLECT THE REALITY. I MEAN, THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS -- AND I LOOK AT SECTION 1504 OF DODD-FRANK, IT DOESN'T JUST REQUIRE ALL EXTRACTED COMPANIES IN THE U.S., IT SAYS ALL EXTRACTED COMPANIES, U.S. AND FOREIGN, LISTED ON THE U.S. EXCHANGES TO PUBLICLY DISCLOSE THE PAYMENTS THEY MAKE TO GOVERNMENTS FOR OIL, GAS AND MINING RESOURCES. AND THEN ON TOP OF THAT -- AND I SAID THIS EARLIER -- IS THAT, YOU KNOW, THAT OTHER COUNTRIES HAVE FOLLOWED SUIT. CANADA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION AND NORWAY HAVE ALL PASSED SIMILAR LAWS. IT'S NOT JUST THE UNITED STATES BEING SINGLED OUT. IT'S JUST WRONG. MAYBE IF WE HAD A HEARING IN THE COMMITTEE OF JURISDICTION THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN CLEAR. THIS WOULDN'T BE A POINT OF CONTENTION. YOU KNOW, AND THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS, IT IS A SIMPLE REPORTING REQUIREMENT. IT PLACES NO LIMITS OR RESTRICTIONS ON WHO -- ON WHO COMPANIES CAN PAY MONEY TO OR HOW MUCH OR FOR WHAT. IT HAS ABSOLUTELY NO REGULATORY AFFECT ON ANY ASPECT OF THEIR BUSINESS OPERATIONS. . THERE IS NO BENEFIT TO NULLIFYING THIS LAW UNLESS YOUR OBJECTIVE IS TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR CORRUPT ELITES TO STEAL MONEY. THE RULE HAS NO REGULATORY IMPACT ON BUSINESS OPERATION AND DOES NOT DEFINE ILLEGAL OR IMPROPER PAYMENTS. IT IS A SIMPLE REPORTING REQUIREMENT. THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH CORRUPTION, ESPECIALLY IN PLACES LIKE RUSSIA. I KNOW WITH THE NEW ADMINISTRATION, YOU KNOW, RUSSIA IS NOW IN. WE'RE ALL SUPPOSED TO SAY NICE THINGS ABOUT RUSSIA. BUT RUSSIA HAS A TERRIBLE RECORD ON HUMAN RIGHTS, RUSSIA HAS A TERRIBLE RECORD WHEN IT COMES TO CORRUPTION. AND WE KNOW THAT. AND WE OUGHT TO NOT JUST CAVE TO EVERYTHING THAT RUSSIA WANTS. AND RUSSIA AND BIG OIL WANT THIS REPEALED. AND SO I WOULD SAY TO MY COLLEAGUES THAT, YOU KNOW, WE CAN ARGUE ABOUT THE MERITS OF ALL OF THIS. AND THAT'S FINE. BUT I GO BACK TO MY ORIGINAL POINT. S THE RULE. AND YOU KNOW, THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE TALKED ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR ORDER. I'VE HEARD MY COLLEAGUES TALK ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR ORDER. WE DON'T HAVE REGULAR ORDER. WE'RE ALL OUT OF ORDER. WE END UP COMING TO THE FLOOR WITH LEGISLATION THAT IS ALWAYS UNDER RESTRICTIVE PROCESSES. AND MOST OF THE TIME NOW IN THIS NEW CONGRESS COMPLETELY CLOSED RULES. AND THAT DOESN'T JUST DISADVANTAGE DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKERS WHO MAY HAVE IDEAS OR WANT TO RAISE ISSUES, IT DISADVANTAGES REPUBLICANS WHO MAY WANT TO COME TO THE FLOOR WITH THOUGHTFUL IDEAS. SO I WOULD URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO ABSOLUTELY VOTE NO ON THIS RULE BECAUSE AGAIN WE'RE GETTING INTO THIS HABIT WHERE IT'S CLOSED, CLOSED, CLOSED, CLOSED. AND IT UNDERMINES THE INTEGRITY OF THIS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. IT REALLY IS SHAMEFUL. FINALLY, I'LL URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO VOTE NO ON THE PREVIOUS QUESTION SO THAT WE CAN HAVE A DEBATE AND A VOTE ON OVERTURNING PRESIDENT TRUMP'S AWFUL, DISCRIMINATORY, EXECUTIVE ORDERS ON IMMIGRATION. IT JEOPARDIZES OUR NATIONAL SECURITY. IT WAS CARELESSLY IMPLEMENTED. CARELESSLY PUT TOGETHER. IT IS SHAMEFUL, IT'S UNCONSCIONABLE THAT WE ARE CONFRONTED WITH THE MESS WE ARE CONFRONTED WITH NOW. I KNOW IT'S UNCOMFORTABLE TO TALK ABOUT ISSUES THAT IMPACT THE NEW PRESIDENT WHO IS OF YOUR PARTY BUT THIS IS ABSOLUTELY THE RIGHT THING TO DO. AND IF YOU WANT TO VOTE NO ON THESE THINGS, YOU CAN VOTE NO ON THEM BUT ALLOW US TO HAVE THE DEBATE AND ALLOW US TO HAVE THE VOTE. I URGE NO ON THE PREVIOUS

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO IS RECOGNIZED TO…

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO IS RECOGNIZED TO CLOSE.

MR. BUCK

I WANT TO THANK THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS AND THE GENTLEMAN FROM KENTUCKY…

I WANT TO THANK THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS AND THE GENTLEMAN FROM KENTUCKY FOR THEIR REMARKS. I APPRECIATE THE INSIGHTFUL REMARKS FROM THE GENTLEMAN FROM MASSACHUSETTS. I AM DRUGGLING TO REMEMBER AS THE GENTLEMAN DESCRIBES RUSSIA WITH ITS TERRIBLE RECORD ON HUMAN RIGHTS, TRYING TO REMEMBER EXACTLY WHO IT WAS WHO HAD THE RESET BUTTON WITH VLADIMIR PUTIN. I DON'T THINK IT WAS THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION, I COULD BE WRONG. MR. SPEAKER, AMERICA HAS COME SO FAR IN ADVANCING THE RIGHTS OF THOSE WITH DISABILITIES. WE'VE ALSO FOUGHT LONG AND HARD TO PROTECT OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS. THE RULE BEFORE US ACHIEVES BOTH OF THOSE ENDS. THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION'S LAST DITCH EFFORTS TO STRIP CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS FROM PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES MUST NOT STAND. WE ALSO CANNOT STAND FOR REGULATIONS THAT PLACE AMERICAN COMPANIES AT DISADVANTAGE AND PLACE WORKERS AT RISK. THE RULE BEFORE US WILL UNDO THE COSTLY AND DANGEROUS REPORTING REQUIREMENTS PLACED ON AMERICA'S ENERGY COMPANIES OPERATING ABROAD. WHEN REPEALED, THIS UNWISE REGULATION ON AMERICAN ENERGY COMPANIES THEY CAN AGAIN FULLY CONTRIBUTE TO THE WORLD'S ENERGY ECONOMY. MR. SPEAKER, I URGE SUPPORT FOR THIS RULE AND THE UNDERLYING MEASURES AND I THANK THE SPEAKER AND I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME AND MOVE THE PREVIOUS QUESTION ON THE RESOLUTION.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. THE QUESTION IS ON ORDERING THE PREVIOUS…

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. THE QUESTION IS ON ORDERING THE PREVIOUS QUESTION ON THE RESOLUTION. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR, THE AYES HAVE IT.

MR. MCGOVERN

I ASK FOR THE YEAS AND NAYS.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THOSE FAVORING A VOTE BY THE YEAS AND NAYS WILL RISE. A SUFFICIENT NUMBER…

THOSE FAVORING A VOTE BY THE YEAS AND NAYS WILL RISE. A SUFFICIENT NUMBER HAVING RISEN, THE YEAS AND NAYS ARE ORDERED. MEMBERS WILL RECORD THEIR VOTES BY ELECTRONIC DEVICE. PUSUANT TO CLAUSE 9 OF RULE 20, THE CHAIR WILL REDUCE TO FIVE MINUTES THE MINIMUM TIME OF ANY ELECTRONIC VOTE ON THE ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION. THIS IS A 15-MINUTE VOTE. [CAPTIONING MADE POSSIBLE BY THE NATIONAL CAPTIONING INSTITUTE, INC., IN COOPERATION WITH THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. ANY USE OF THE CLOSED-CAPTIONED COVERAGE OF THE HOUSE PROCEEDINGS FOR POLITICAL OR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED BY THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.]

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

ON THIS VOTE, THE YEAS ARE 231, THE NAYS ARE 191. THE PREVIOUS QUESTION IS…

ON THIS VOTE, THE YEAS ARE 231, THE NAYS ARE 191. THE PREVIOUS QUESTION IS ORDER. THE QUESTION IS ON ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR THE AYES HAVE IT. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM MASSACHUSETTS RISE?

MR. MCGOVERN

I ASK FOR A RECORDED VOTE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

A RECORDED VOTE IS REQUESTED. THOSE FAVORING A RECORDED VOTE WILL RISE. A…

A RECORDED VOTE IS REQUESTED. THOSE FAVORING A RECORDED VOTE WILL RISE. A SUFFICIENT NUMBER HAVING RISEN, A RECORDED VOTE IS ORDERED. MEMBERS WILL RECORD THEIR VOTES BY ELECTRONIC DEVICE. THIS IS A FIVE-MINUTE VOTE. [CAPTIONING MADE POSSIBLE BY THE NATIONAL CAPTIONING INSTITUTE, INC., IN COOPERATION WITH THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. ANY USE OF THE CLOSED-CAPTIONED COVERAGE OF THE HOUSE PROCEEDINGS FOR POLITICAL OR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED BY THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.]

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

ON THIS VOTE, THE YEAS ARE 231, THE NAYS ARE 191. THERES. RUTION IS -- THE…

ON THIS VOTE, THE YEAS ARE 231, THE NAYS ARE 191. THERES. RUTION IS -- THE RESOLUTION IS ADOPTED. WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE MOTION TO RECONSIDER IS LAID ON THE TABLE. THE HOUSE WILL BE IN ORDER. THE HOUSE WILL BE IN ORDER. THE HOUSE WILL BE IN ORDER. MEMBERS WILL PLEASE REMOVE CONVERSATIONS FROM THE HOUSE FLOOR. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH SEEK RECOGNITION?

>>

MR. SPEAKER, PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 70, I CALL UP HOUSE JOINT…

MR. SPEAKER, PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 70, I CALL UP HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 38, DISAPPROVING THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR KNOWN AS THE STREAM PROTECTION RULE, AND ASK FOR ITS IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE CLERK WILL REPORT THE TITLE OF THE JOINT RESOLUTION.

THE CLERK

38, RESOLUTION DISAPPROVING THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF THE…

38, RESOLUTION DISAPPROVING THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR KNOWN AS THE STREAM PROTECTION RULE.

TEMPORE PURSUANT

PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 70, THE JOINT RESOLUTION IS CONSIDERED READ.…

PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 70, THE JOINT RESOLUTION IS CONSIDERED READ. THE GENT FROM UTAH, MR. BISHOP, AND THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW MEXICO, MR. GRIJALVA, EACH WILL CONTROL 30 MINUTES. MEMBERS WILL REMOVE CONVERSATIONS FROM THE HOUSE FLOOR. THE HOUSE WILL BE IN ORDER. THE HOUSE WILL BE IN ORDER. THE HOUSE WILL BE IN ORDER. THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH, MR. BISHOP.

MR. BISHOP

GOOD, THEY'LL WANT TO HEAR THIS STUFF. I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT ALL…

GOOD, THEY'LL WANT TO HEAR THIS STUFF. I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT ALL MEMBERS HAVE FIVE LEGISLATIVE DAYS TO REVISE AND EXTEND THEIR REMARKS AN HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 38.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

WITHOUT OBJECTION, SO ORDERED.

MR. BISHOP

WITH THAT, MR. SPEAKER, I YIELD MYSELF FOUR MINUTES.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN WILL SUSPEND. THE HOUSE WILL BE IN ORDER. MEMBERS PLEASE…

THE GENTLEMAN WILL SUSPEND. THE HOUSE WILL BE IN ORDER. MEMBERS PLEASE REMOVE YOUR CONVERSATION FROM THE HOUSE FLOOR. THE HOUSE WILL BE IN ORDER. THE HOUSE WILL BE IN ORDER. THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH IS RECOGNIZED FOR FOUR MINUTES.

MR. BISHOP

THANK YOU. THIS IS RIVETING STUFF, I KNOW THEY WANT TO HEAR. WE ARE…

THANK YOU. THIS IS RIVETING STUFF, I KNOW THEY WANT TO HEAR. WE ARE STARTING A HISTORIC WEEK HERE IN THE HOUSE. SOMETHING THAT WAS REPLICATED ALMOST TWO DECADES AGO, BUT WE ARE DOING IT AGAIN AND USING THE CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW ACT TO LOOK AT ACTUAL RULES AND REGULATIONS.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN IS CORRECT. THE HOUSE IS NOT IN ORDER. THE GENTLEMAN WILL…

THE GENTLEMAN IS CORRECT. THE HOUSE IS NOT IN ORDER. THE GENTLEMAN WILL SUSPEND. THE HOUSE WILL BE IN ORDER. MEMBERS, PLEASE REMOVE YOUR CONVERSATIONS FROM THE HOUSE FLOOR. MEMBERS WILL TAKE THEIR SEATS. THE HOUSE WILL BE IN ORDER. THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. BISHOP

WHAT WE'RE DOING IS THE RIGHT THING. IN 1996, WHEN THIS ACT WAS FIRST…

WHAT WE'RE DOING IS THE RIGHT THING. IN 1996, WHEN THIS ACT WAS FIRST PASSED, PRESIDENT CLINTON SAID THIS ACT WOULD GIVE CONGRESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY FOR REGULATIONS. EVEN HARRY REID SAID THAT THIS ACT WOULD BE RECLAIMING FOR CONGRESS SOME OF ITS POLICYMAKING AUTHORITY. AND SENATOR LEVIN OF MICHIGAN AT THE TIME ALSO SAID NOW WE'RE IN A POSITION TO DO SOMETHING OURSELVES. IF A RULE GOES TOO FAR AFIELD FROM THE INTENT OF CONGRESS PASSING THE STATCHUTE IN THE FIRST PLACE, WE CAN STOP IT. -- THE STATUTE IN THE FIRST PLACE, WE CAN STOP IT. THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT WE INTEND TO DO. THE CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW ACT HAS THREE PURPOSES. IT SAYS IF A RULE HAS EXCESSIVE COSTS, IF THE RULE GOES BEYOND THE PARTICULAR AGENCY'S STATUTORY AUTHORITY, AND IF THE RULE IS DUPLICATIVE OR UNNECESSARY, IT SHOULD BE REVIEWED BY CONGRESS AND RESCINDED. AND THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT WE'RE GOING TO DO BECAUSE THIS RULE, COMMONLY CALLED THE STREAM PROTECTION RULE, DOES ALL THREE OF THOSE CRITERIA. SO WHAT I WANT TO DO IS TALK ABOUT THIS RULE THAT WAS PASSED AT THE LAST MINUTE BY THE FORMER ADMINISTRATION, ACTUALLY WENT INTO EFFECT ON THE VERY LAST DAY OF THEIR ADMINISTRATION, AND SAY THAT IT VIOLATES ALL THOSE THREE ELEMENTS. THE ACT ITSELF, THE RULE ITSELF, WAS DONE IN SECRET. THEY HAD THEIR OWN OPAQUE STUDY THEY DID WITHOUT LETTING ANYONE KNOW WHAT THE DATA WAS. WE ASKED FOR IT REPEATEDLY, THE AGENCY REFUSED TO TELL US. 9/11 2015, CONGRESS PASSED A LAW IN THE APPROPRIATIONS ACT THAT MANDATED THEY TELL US THE DATA, THE INFORMATION, THEY WERE SIMP -- THEY SIMPLY IGNORED THAT LAW. THEY REFUSED TO WORK WITH CONGRESS IN ANY PARTICULAR WAY. ACTUALLY, IT VIOLATES LAW. IF THIS RULE GOES FORWARD, IT VIOLATES THE NEPA LAW. IF GONE INTO IMPLEMENTATION, IT WOULD VIOLATE THINK ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT. IT VIOLATES A MEMO OF UNDERSTANDING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAD WITH 10 STATES AT THE TIME. IN FACT, THERE ARE 14 STATES SUING OVER THIS RULE AND REGULATION. WE HAVE THE LETTERS OF SUPPORT FROM 14 STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL IN SUPPORT OF WHAT WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO DO HERE. IF FEW PUT INTO EFFECT IT VIOLATES THE CLEAN WATER ACT BY ITS EFFORT TO REDEFINE HYDRAULIC BALANCE, WHICH THIS AGENCY DOES NOT HAVE AUTHORITY TO DO. IT ALSO PUTS US AT RISK OF LITIGATION ON A TAKINGS ISSUE. THERE IS PRECEDENT FOR THAT, IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN, ALL BECAUSE OF THIS ILL DEFINED AND UNNECESSARY RULE AN REGULATION. AND IF WE ROLL IT BACK, THERE'S STILL PROTECTION. THERE WILL ALWAYS STILL BE PROTECTION. A DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR STUDY CLEARLY SAID THAT 93% OF ALL THE IMPACTS HAS ALREADY BEEN TAKEN CARE OF AND DOES NOT ACTUALLY EXIST. IT WOULD BE EASY FOR US TO DO AND WOULD PUT US BACK TO A RULE ESTABLISHED IN 1983 THAT IS EFFECTIVE IN PROTECTED THESE AREAS. 93% OF THESE STREAMS HAVE NO IMPACT BY THIS WHATSOEVER. IT ALSO CLEARLY SAYS UNDER THE REPORT THAT WHEN THIS WAS DONE, THIS RULE WAS BEING DONE, THE STATES WHO ARE LEGALLY SUPPOSED TO BE COORDINATED AND BE A PART OF THE PROCESS WERE SHOUT OUT OF THE PROCESS. ONE OF THE REASONS THEY ARE STILL SUING. WHICH MEANS THE MEMO OF UNDERSTANDING SIGN BY THOSE STATES WAS IGNORED BY THE AGENCY IN COMING UP WITH THIS RULE. AND THAT STATES WHO REGULATE 97% OF THE NATION'S COAL PRODUCTION, STATES AND TRIBES WHO HAVE IT IN LINE, THEY ARE READY TO MOVE FORWARD WITH IT, THEY WERE SIMPLY SHUT OUT OF THE PROCESS. IT'S A POOR PROCESS. THERE WAS A FORMER ICOB OF THIS BODY, A GREAT -- ICON OF THIS BODY, A GREAT MEMBER, WHO ALLEGEDLY SAID, IF YOU PLET LET'S ME MAKE THE PROCEDURE, I'LL SCREW YOU OTHER EVERY TIME. THIS IS POOR PROCEDURE THAT HAS PR DEUCED A POOR RULE WHICH WILL RESULT IN POOR POLICY. . AT BEST IT THIS RULE IS REDUNDANT. IT'S CLEARLY UNNECESSARY, AND IT DOES HAVE THE POTENTIAL OF HAVING HURTING PEOPLE NEFARIOUSLY WHEN IT DOES NOT NEED TO. I THANK YOU WITH MY TIME EXPIRED SO I WON'T YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA SEEK RECOGNITION?

MR. GRIJALVA

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I RISE IN STRONG OPPOSITION TO THIS RESOLUTION. I…

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I RISE IN STRONG OPPOSITION TO THIS RESOLUTION. I YIELD MYSELF SUCH TIME AS I MAY CONSUME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. GRIJALVA

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I RISE IN STRONG OPPOSITION ON THIS RESOLUTION…

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I RISE IN STRONG OPPOSITION ON THIS RESOLUTION WHICH WOULD PUT COAL COMPANY PROFITS AHEAD OF CLEAN WATER AND PUBLIC HEALTH. THE STREAM PROTECTION RULE HAS BEEN IN DEVELOPMENT FOR SEVEN YEARS AND PUTS IN PLACE MODEST, COMMONSENSE PROTECTIONS FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVE NEAR COAL MINES. THIS ISN'T JUST A RULE TO PROTECT STREAMS. THIS IS A RULE TO PROTECT PEOPLE'S HEALTH, TO PROTECT PEOPLE'S HOME AND TO PROTECT THE CLEAN WATER THAT THEY RELY ON. THESE FOLKS FELT STRONGLY ENOUGH ABOUT THIS RULE TO SUBMIT PUBLIC COMMENTS. THE RULE IS DESIGNED TO PROTECT PEOPLE LIKE DANETTA FROM WEST VIRGINIA WHO NEARLY LOST HER LIFE WHEN CHEMICALS FROM COAL FIELDS FOUND THEIR WAY INTO HER WATER SUPPLY AND INTERACTED WITH HER MEDICATION IN SUCH A WAY THAT IT NEARLY DESTROYED HER LIVER. THE RULE IS DESIGNED TO PROTECT LIKE JOHN FROM ALABAMA WHO REPORTS LAKES THAT HAVE TURNED GRAY AND STREAMS THAT HAVE TURNED ORANGE. THIS RULE IS DESIGNED TO PROTECT PEOPLE LIKE DAVID FROM TENNESSEE WHO WATCHED A CREEK NEAR HIS GRANDMOTHER'S HOME BECOME A LIFELESS -- BECOME LIFELESS DUE TO STRIP MINING NEARBY. THIS RULE IS DESIGNED TO PROTECT PEOPLE LIKE JOSH FROM NORTH CAROLINA WHO COULD NO LONGER FISH IN THE STREAMS NEAR A FAMILY HOME AND WANTS COAL COMPANIES TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE DAMAGE THAT THEY DID. THIS RULE IS DESIGNED TO PROTECT PEOPLE LIKE JUANITA FROM KENTUCKY, A COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER WHOSE WATER SUPPLY IS TAINTED WITH HEAVY METALS AND OTHER TOXINS FROM THE COAL SLUDGE. SHE WROTE, COAL PUT THE FOOD ON MY TABLE. IT ALSO PUT THE POISON IN MY WATER. REASONABLE TRADEOFF? I DON'T BELIEVE THAT JUANITA OR ANYONE ELSE SHOULD HAVE TO MAKE THAT TRADEOFF? NO ONE'S WATER SUPPLY SHOULD BE SACRIFICED IN THE NAME OF HIGHER BONUSES FOR COAL COMPANY C.E.O.'S. BUT THEY MADE IT THEIR OVERRIDING GOAL TO KILL THIS LEGISLATION AND AFTER SPENDING NEARLY $50 MILLION ON POLITICAL CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS OVER THE PAST SIX YEARS, THEY NOW HAVE A CONGRESS AND A PRESIDENT TO DO IT. FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 16 YEARS AND JUST THE SECOND TIME EVER, REPUBLICANS ARE GOING BACK TO NEWT GINGRICH'S PLAYBOOK AND TRYING TO SUCCESSFULLY USE THE CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW ACT SIMPLY BECAUSE THE COAL INDUSTRY FEELS LIKE IT SHOULDN'T BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. BUT AS WE KNOW THIS IS ONLY THE FIRST OF FIVE REGULATIONS THAT WE'LL BE REPEALING JUST THIS WEEK. LATER TODAY, THEY'RE GOING TO GET RID OF THE RULES REQUIRED TO INCREASE TRANSPARENCY ON THE PART OF OIL, GAS AND THE MINING INDUSTRY. AND LATER THIS WEEK, WE WILL BE FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHT OF OIL AND GAS COMPANIES TO POLLUTE THE AIR WITH METHANE. THIS IS THE REPUBLICAN AGENDA IN THE AGE OF TRUMP, AN ATTACK ON CLEAN WATER, AN ATTACK ON CLEAN AIR, AN ATTACK ON TRANSPARENCY, AND AN ATTACK ON HUMAN HEALTH. IF YOU'RE A C.E.O. OR A WEALTHY REPUBLICAN DONOR, THIS IS GREAT NEWS, AND YOU'LL LOVE THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS. BUT IF YOU'RE AN ORDINARY AMERICAN THAT DEPENDS ON THEIR GOVERNMENT TO HOLD COMPANIES ACCOUNTABLE THROUGH TOUGH BUT FAIR ENFORCEMENT OF REGULATIONS, YOU SHOULD BE EXTREMELY WORRIED. WITH THAT, MR. SPEAKER, I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH.

MR. BISHOP

I'M PLEASED TO YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM OHIO THREE MINUTES TO EXPLAIN…

I'M PLEASED TO YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM OHIO THREE MINUTES TO EXPLAIN HIS MOTION.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM OHIO IS RECOGNIZED FOR THREE MINUTES.

>>

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT, THE STREAM PROTECTION…

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT, THE STREAM PROTECTION RULE IS NOT ABOUT PROTECTING STREAMS, IT WAS DESIGNED FOR ONE PURPOSE, TO REGULATE THE COAL MINING INDUSTRY OUT OF BUSINESS.

MR. JOHNSON

IT'S THE CENTERPIECE OF THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION'S WAR ON COAL. THE SIMPLE…

IT'S THE CENTERPIECE OF THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION'S WAR ON COAL. THE SIMPLE TRUTH IS REVEALED WHEN YOU BEGIN TO FOLLOW THE OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING'S SEVEN-YEAR APPROACH TO THIS JOB-KILLING RULE, AFTER THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION DISCARDED THE RULE'S PREDECESSOR. A 2008 REGULATION THAT UNDERWENT FIVE YEARS OF EXTENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND PUBLIC COMMENT. THAT WAS JUST THE BEGINNING. SINCE THEN, MILLIONS OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS HAVE BEEN NEEDLESSLY SPENT DEVELOPING THIS RULE. CONTRACTORS WERE HIRED TO HELP REWRITE THE RULE, BUT THEN SUBSEQUENTLY FIRED WHEN IT WAS LEAKED THAT THE INITIAL REVISIONS OF THE RULE WOULD COST THOUSANDS OF JOBS. AND THAT WAS WITHIN THE FIRST FEW MONTHS OF THIS ATTEMPTED REWRITE. UNFORTUNATELY, ESTIMATED JOB LOSSES HAVE ONLY SKYROCKETED SINCE THE FINAL RULE WAS RELEASED. WHAT'S TROUBLING IS THAT THROUGHOUT THE RULE'S REWRITE, THE ADMINISTRATION REFUSED TO VISIT MINES OR TO ACTUALLY ASSESS THE IMPACT OF THE RULE ON OPERATING MINES. THERE WERE ATTEMPTS TO COVER UP DATA THAT CONCEALED THE RULE'S TRUE ECONOMIC IMPACT. THE OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING ALSO REPEATEDLY REFUSED TO PROVIDE CONGRESS WITH IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS IT USED TO DEVELOP THE RULE WHILE KEEP STATE-REGULATING AGENCIES CHARGED WITH IMPLEMENTING THIS ONEROUS RULE IN THE DARK AND AT ARM'S LENGTH THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE REWRITE. NOW, AFTER SEVEN YEARS OF THIS POLITICALLY MOTIVATED REWRITE, THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION ISSUED THE FINAL RULE AS THEY WERE LEAVING TOWN WELL AFTER THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY THOSE MEN AND WOMEN IN COAL COUNTRY, HAD SENT A CLEAR MESSAGE TO WASHINGTON, POLITICALLY MOTIVATED ATTACKS ON THE LIVELIHOOD OF THOSE WHO KEEP THE LIGHTS ON WILL NOT STAND. THE ISSUANCE OF THIS RULE, AFTER ALL THESE FACTS ARE CONSIDERED, PROVES WHAT I SAID EARLIER. THIS RULE IS ABOUT ONE THING, REGULATING THE COAL INDUSTRY AND PUTTING THOUSANDS OF HARDWORKING AMERICANS THAT DEPEND ON THE COAL INDUSTRY FOR THEIR LIVELIHOODS IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT LINE. NO ONE CARES MORE ABOUT OUR STREAMS THAT RUN THROUGH COAL COUNTRY THAN THOSE WHO LIVE THERE, AND NO PUBLIC OFFICIAL KNOWS BETTER HOW TO CREATE A BALANCE OF PROTECTING BOTH JOBS AND THE ENVIRONMENT THAN THOSE SERVING IN LOCAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS THAT REPRESENT COAL-PRODUCING COMMUNITIES. CERTAINLY, NOT BELTWAY BUREAUCRATS IN WASHINGTON. I LOOK FORWARD TO WHAT I HOPE TO BE AND SHOULD BE A BIPARTISAN VOTE SUPPORTING TODAY'S IMPORTANT RESOLUTION. THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER, AND WITH THAT I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA.

MR. GRIJALVA

THANK YOU. I'D LIKE TO YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA, MR.…

THANK YOU. I'D LIKE TO YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA, MR. LOWENTHAL, THE RANKING MEMBER OF THE ENERGY AND MINERALS SUBCOMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, TWO MINUTES.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES.

MR. LOWENTHAL

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. I RISE TO -- TODAY TO OPPOSE HOUSE JOINT…

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. I RISE TO -- TODAY TO OPPOSE HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NUMBER 38. THE SCIENCE IS CLEAR, CLEAR. MOUNTAIN TOP REMOVAL MINING IS HARMFUL TO THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE WHO LIVE NEAR THESE MINES. ANYONE WITH A COMPUTER CAN GO TO GOOGLE EARTH AND SEE THE TREMENDOUS SCARS ON THE LANDSCAPE FROM MINING COMPANIES THAT BLASTS THE TOPS OFF MOUNTAINS AND THEN DUMPED THE WASTE INTO THE VALLEYS BELOW. BUT LARGELY INVISIBLE TO THE NAKED EYE IS THE SUFFERING OF PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN THE NEARBY COMMUNITIES BECAUSE OF THESE HARMFUL PRACTICES. THE STREAM PROTECTION RULE WILL PROTECT HUNDREDS OF VULNERABLE FAMILIES AND CHILDREN WHO LIVE NEAR THESE SITES FROM LUNG CANCER, HEART DISEASE, KIDNEY DISEASE, BIRTH DEFECTS, HYPERTENSION AND OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS. IF THE MAJORITY HAS A PROBLEM WITH THIS FINAL RULE, AS THEY SAY THEY DO, THEY SHOULD HOLD A HEARING IN THE NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ITS MERITS. THERE WE WOULD HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO TALK TO THE ADMINISTRATION AND HEAR FROM THOSE THAT ARE MOST AFFECTED BY MOUNTAIN TOP REMOVAL MINING. BUT NO. INSTEAD THEY DECIDED TO BYPASS REGULAR ORDER, GO STRAIGHT TO THE CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW ACT WHICH WILL TAKE A CHAINSAW TO THIS COMMONSENSE POLLUTION RULE. THIS IS A RECKLESS APPROACH. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO TAKE TIME TO LISTEN TO THE VOICES OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. PLEASE PUT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF AMERICAN FAMILIES FIRST AND VOTE NO ON THIS RECKLESS RESOLUTION. THANK YOU AND I YIELD BACK THE REMAINDER OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH.

MR. BISHOP

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I'M PLEASED TO YIELD TO MR. JENKINS OF WEST…

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I'M PLEASED TO YIELD TO MR. JENKINS OF WEST VIRGINIA, SOMEONE WHO HAS FORGOTTEN MORE ABOUT COAL THAN I WILL EVER KNOW, THREE MINUTES.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA IS RECOGNIZED FOR THREE MINUTES.

MR. JENKINS

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. MR. SPEAKER, I RISE IN SUPPORT OF THIS…

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. MR. SPEAKER, I RISE IN SUPPORT OF THIS RESOLUTION. LIKE SO MANY FOLKS, I'VE BEEN FIGHTING THIS MISGUIDED RULE FOR YEARS. MINERS HAVE BEEN FIGHTING THIS RULE FOR YEARS, AND STATES, BIPARTISAN, DEMOCRAT AND REPUBLICAN, HAVE BEEN FIGHTING THIS RULE FOR YEARS. STOPPING THIS RULE MATTERS TO WEST VIRGINIANS, TO OUR MINERS, TO OUR FAMILIES, TO OUR CONSUMERS. WE PRODUCE 95% OF OUR ELECTRICITY FROM COAL. IT'S RELIABLE AND IT'S AFFORDABLE. COAL EMPLOYS 20,000 WEST VIRGINIANS AND TENS OF THOUSANDS MORE MAKE THEIR LIVING RELATED TO COAL. THE LOSS OF A COAL JOB AND THE CLOSING OF A COAL MINE AFFECTS US ALL. ITS TAX REVENUES PAYS FOR OUR SCHOOLS, POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS AND PUTS MONEY IN THE COFFERS OF OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS. THIS RULE WOULD COST CITIES AND COUNTIES $6.4 BILLION IN TAX REVENUE OVER A YEAR. WITH THE DECLINE IN THE COAL MINING. THAT MEANS EVEN MORE CUTS. WHEN WE LOSE COAL JOBS WE LOSE OTHER JOBS AS WELL. WHEN COAL FAMILIES LOSE A PAYCHECK, THEY AREN'T ABLE TO BUY GOODS AND SERVICES LIKE THEY USED TO. THAT HURTS SMALL BUSINESSES, OUR SHOPS AND OUR RESTAURANTS. IT'S ESTIMATED THAT THIS RULE WOULD KILL 281,000 COAL JOBS AND JOBS RELATED IN OTHER FIELDS. MY STATE CAN'T AFFORD TO LOSE ANY MORE JOBS, AND I KNOW THAT GOES FOR OTHER COAL STATES. HOWEVER, DESPITE THESE FACTS AND THE OBJECTIONS OF A DOZEN STATES, MORE THAN A DOZEN STATES, THE OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING ADOPTED A GO-IT-ALONE APPROACH. THEY IGNORED INPUT THAT CONTRADICTS THEIR AGENDA. THEY WITHHELD INFORMATION ON THE RULE AND RESTRICTED STATES FROM REVIEWING IT. WELL, THAT ENDS TODAY. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO CHAIRMAN BISHOP, THANK YOU TO THE HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE AND THE LEADERSHIP OF THE HOUSE FOR THEIR SUPPORT ON THIS RESOLUTION. THANK YOU, SENATOR CAPITO AND LEADER MCCONNELL, FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP IN THE SENATE. WE ALSO HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THE WHITE HOUSE ON THIS RESOLUTION. WITH A SIMPLE MAJORITY VOTE IN THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE, WE WILL END THIS RULE AND STOP THIS JOB-KILLING, ANTI-COAL AGENDA. I URGE SUPPORT ON THIS JOINT RESOLUTION AND I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA.

MR. GRIJALVA

IT SHOULD BE NOTED FOR THE RECORD THE REPUBLICAN MAJORITY CONDUCTED A…

IT SHOULD BE NOTED FOR THE RECORD THE REPUBLICAN MAJORITY CONDUCTED A FOUR-YEAR INVESTIGATION INTO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS RULE AND HOLDING 12 HEARINGS, ISSUING TWO SUBPOENAS, COLLECTING 2,500 HOURS OF AUDIO RECORDINGS AND 13,000 PAGES OF DOCUMENTS BUT WERE UNABLE TO UNCOVER ANY POLITICAL INTERFERENCE OR MISCONDUCT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS RULE. I'D LIKE TO YIELD A MINUTE AND A HALF TO THE GENTLELADY FROM MICHIGAN, MS. BROWN.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLELADY FROM MICHIGAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR 90 SECONDS.

MS. BROWN

MR. CHAIRMAN, I RISE TODAY IN STRONG OPPOSITION TO H.J. RESOLUTION 38.…

MR. CHAIRMAN, I RISE TODAY IN STRONG OPPOSITION TO H.J. RESOLUTION 38. THIS RULE IS MUCH-NEEDED UPDATE TO EXISTING MINING REGULATIONS. IT ENSURES THAT COMMUNITIES WHO RESIDE BY MINING OPERATIONS MONITOR WATER POLLUTION LEVELS. I'M STANDING HERE TODAY TO CONTINUE TO SPEAK UP AND FIGHT FOR CLEAN WATER IN AMERICA. I PROMISE THAT I WILL STAND UP AND MAKE SURE NEVER GET COMMUNITY WILL BE POISONED BY THE WATER. I SAY TO YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN, THAT MINERS DESERVE CLEAN WATER AS WELL. IT MONITORS -- THIS RESOLUTION MONITORS DRINKING WATER SOURCES FOR POLLUTION SUCH AS LEAD AND OTHER TOXIC SUBSTANCE AND PROVIDES THAT INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC. HAVE WE LEARNED SOMETHING FROM FLINT, MR. CHAIRMAN? THIS RULE WILL ALSO PROTECT LAND AND FORESTS BY ENSURING THAT COMPANIES RESTORE THE LAND AND WATER SOURCES THAT WERE IMPACTED BY OWE PRECIOUS OCCUPATION IN OUR COUNTRY AND THAT'S MINING OPERATIONS. LET'S DEFEAT THIS RESOLUTION THAT PROVIDES COMMONSENSE RULEMAKING, PROTECTS THE ENVIRONMENT AND PROTECTS THE RIGHTS OF AMERICANS TO HAVE ACCESS TO CLEAN, SAFE DRINKING WATER WHILE ALSO CREATING JOBS. I THANK YOU AND YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLELADY YIELDS BACK. THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH.

MR. BISHOP

I DON'T WANT TO QUIBBLE OVER DETAILS BUT WE HELD 13 HEARINGS AND PASSED…

I DON'T WANT TO QUIBBLE OVER DETAILS BUT WE HELD 13 HEARINGS AND PASSED FOUR BILLS OVER THE PAST THREE CONGRESSES ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR AND FOUND COUNTLESS PROBLEMS WITH IT. THAT'S WHY WE'RE HERE TODAY. AND TO ILLUSTRATE THAT I YIELD THREE MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA, MR. MCKINLEY, WHO KNOWS THE REAL IMPACT ON HIS CONSTITUENTS THAT THIS RULE WILL HAVE. .

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA VEBLE FOR THREE MINUTES.

MR. MCKIN LN

THANK YOU. --

MR. MCKINLEY

AS CHAIRMAN OF THE CONGRESSIONAL COAL CAUCUS I RISE TODAY IN STRONG…

AS CHAIRMAN OF THE CONGRESSIONAL COAL CAUCUS I RISE TODAY IN STRONG SUPPORT OF THIS ACTION. AFTER EIGHT LONG TORTUROUS YEARS, OUR COAL COMMUNITIES HAVE ENDURED A WITHERING ATTACK FROM WASHINGTON, BUREAUCRATS, FOCUS ON THIS AGENDA OF ANTI-COAL. WHAT'S BEEN THE RESULT? ACROSS THIS COUNTRY IN THE COAL FIELDS OF THIS COUNTRY, 400 MINES HAVE CLOSED DOWN. 83,000 COAL MINERS HAVE LOST THEIR JOBS. 246 POWER PLANTS HAVE CLOSED DOWN. AND OUR UTILITY BILLS, ELECTRIC UE BUILT BILLS HAVE GONE UP 45%. THEN RIGHT BEFORE THE PRESIDENT -- PRESIDENT OBAMA LEFT TOWN, HIS ADMINISTRATION PUNCTUATED ITS WAR ON COAL WITH THIS DAMAGING FURTHER RULE. THIS RULE WAS NOTHING MORE THAN AN ORGANIC MANIFESTATION OF A WASHINGTON BUREAUCRACY DRUNK WITH POWER. IF IT'S LEFT UNADDRESSED, THIS RULE WOULD SHUT DOWN AN ADDITIONAL NUMBER OF COAL MINES AND 78,000 MEN AND WOMEN WOULD LOSE THEIR JOB BECAUSE OF THIS RULE. FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS, OUR COAL CAUCUS, BIPARTISAN MEMBERS, HAS MADE STOPPING THIS RULE OR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY. BECAUSE IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE HEALTH OF AMERICA. THE SAFETY OF AMERICA, AND THE LIFE OF AMERICANS. SIMPLY PUT IT WAS PRESIDENT OBAMA'S ATTEMPT TO DRIVE A FINAL NAIL INTO THE COFFIN OF AN INDUSTRY THAT MADE AMERICA GREAT. LOOK, ENOUGH'S ENOUGH. THIS WAR ON COAL HAS TO COME TO A STOP. AND I THINK THIS ELECH TREKS -- THIS ELECTION SET THE TONE FOR THAT. NOW THAT WE FINALLY HAVE A PRESIDENT WHO UNDERSTANDS THE PAINFUL IMPACT OF EXCESSIVE AND UNNECESSARY REGULATIONS, WE SHOULD PASS THIS C.R.A. AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE SO HE CAN SIGN IT. IT'S TIME TO GIVE THE FAMILIES OF THE COAL FIELDS ALL ACROSS AMERICA A CHANCE TO GET RELIEF FROM THE UN-ELECTED BUREAUCRATS IN WASHINGTON. MR. CHAIRMAN, I THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK IN GETTING THIS. I THANK YOU FOR THE CO-SPONSORSHIP THAT WE HAVE HAD WITH BOTH JOHNSON AND JENKINS TO HELP US OUT ON THIS TO GET THIS BEFORE US. BUT WE HAVE TO DO THIS FOR THE PEOPLE OF WEST VIRGINIA AND AROUND THE COUNTRY. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM…

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA.

MR. GRIJALVA

IF THERE IS A WAR ON COAL, IT IS BEING LED BY THE NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY WHO…

IF THERE IS A WAR ON COAL, IT IS BEING LED BY THE NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY WHO PRODUCES A CHEAPER PRODUCT AT A LOWER COST. AND IF THERE IS ANY TROUBLE THAT COAL IS IN, IT'S DIRECTLY ATTRIBUTED TO THE FREE MARKET AND THAT COMPETITION. LET ME YIELD THREE MINUTES TO THE RANKING MEMBER, WATER POWER AND OCEANS, NATURAL RESOURCES, THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA, MR. HUFFMAN.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA IS RECOGNIZED FOR THREE MINUTES.

MR. HUFFMAN

I THANK THE GENTLEMAN. I RISE IN OPPOSITION FOR THIS ATTEMPT TO…

I THANK THE GENTLEMAN. I RISE IN OPPOSITION FOR THIS ATTEMPT TO POLITICALLY OVERRIDE THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT'S STREAM PROTECTION RULE. MUCH LIKE THE DESTRUCTIVE MOUNTAINTOP REMOVAL PRACTICE THAT THIS RULE IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT, THIS REPUBLICAN ASSAULT ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE HEALTH OF COAL MINING COMMUNITIES IS A CRUDE AND DIRTY PROCESS. USING THE CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW ACT, A SINGLE HOUR IN CONGRESS IS GOING TO BE ENOUGH TO REMOVE A RULE THAT REFLECTS SEVEN YEARS OF NATIONAL PUBLIC DEBATE, INCLUDING AT LEAST 30 STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS, OVER 100,000 PUBLIC COMMENTS. THIS BLOWS UP THE REGULAR LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY PROCESS. IT IGNORES SCIENCE AND IT MARGINALIZES PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUTS COMMUNITIES AT RISK. LET ME BE CLEAR. WHEN THE COAL DUST SETTLES ON THIS DEVASTATING RESOLUTION, IT CERTAINLY WON'T BE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS WHO ARE LEFT DRINKING POLLUTED DRINKING WATER, OR BATTLING LUNG CANCER, HEART DISEASE, AND BIRTH DEFECTS. MUCH LIKE THE COAL EXECUTIVES WHO PROFIT FROM EXHAUSTING AND POLLUTING THE NATURAL RESOURCES OF THESE COMMUNITIES, THE G.O.P. WILL MOVE ON TO THE NEXT TARGET AND LOOK FOR THE NEXT WAY TO LET BUSINESS OFF THE HOOK. TO LET THEM EXTERNALIZE THEIR COSTS TO THE ENVIRONMENT, TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES, AND ULTIMATELY TO THE U.S. TAXPAYERS WHO HAVE TO LEAN UP THE MESS. BUT COMMUNITIES IN THE APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS, VITAL SALMON STREAMS IN ALASKA, MUCH NEEDED WATER SUPPLIES ACROSS THIS COUNTRY WILL BE LEFT WITH DEALING WITH THE AFTERMATH WHILE OUR REPUBLICAN COLLEAGUES BOAST ABOUT HAVING PROVIDED SO-CALLED REGULATORY RELIEF. FOR ALL THE TALK ABOUT COAL JOBS FROM REPUBLICANS AND OUR NEW PRESIDENT, YOU WOULD THINK THEY WOULD CARE JUST A LITTLE ABOUT PROTECTING THE HEALTH OF THESE COAL MINERS AND THEIR FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES. AND YET WHEN GIVEN A CHANCE TO PROTECT THE WATER QUALITY OF 6,000 MILES OF STREAMS IN COAL COUNTRY, THIS HOUSE IS CHOOSING TO DECIDE WITH THE POLLUTING INDUSTRY INSTEAD. THAT'S SHAMEFUL AND WE SHOULD OPPOSE THIS WRONG-HEADED RESOLUTION. I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH.

MR. BISHOP

THANK YOU. I'M NOW PLEASED TO RECOGNIZE THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO WHO…

THANK YOU. I'M NOW PLEASED TO RECOGNIZE THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO WHO CHAIRED MOST OF OUR 13 HEARINGS ON THIS ISSUE AND REPRESENTS A STATE THAT IS SUING BECAUSE THEY WERE IGNORED IN THIS RULE, WHERE THEY SHOULD HAVE HAD THE RIGHTS UNDER THE CLEAN WATER ACT, WHICH IS THE PROBLEM WE HAVE HERE, GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO, MR. LAMBORN.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES.

MR. LAMBORN

I THANK THE CHAIRMAN. MR. SPEAKER, ON DECEMBER 20, 2016, THE STREAM RULE…

I THANK THE CHAIRMAN. MR. SPEAKER, ON DECEMBER 20, 2016, THE STREAM RULE WAS FINALIZED IN THE LAST DAYS OF THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION BY THE OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION AND ENFORCEMENT, O.S.M. OSTENSIBLY THE RULE IS ABOUT KEEPING AMERICAN WATERWAYS CLEAN. IN REALITY IT'S A POWER GRAB AIMED AT GIVING FEDERAL REGULATORS MORE AUTHORITY TO MAKE COAL TOO EXPENSIVE FOR ANYONE TO MINE OR USE. BUT NO ONE SHOULD BE SURPRISED. IN 2008, THEN CANDIDATE BARACK OBAMA TOLD THE "SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE" THAT WHILE PEOPLE WOULD STILL BE FREE TO BUILD A COAL POWERED ELECTRICITY PLANT UNDER UNDERHIS ENERGY POLICIES, IT WOULD BANKRUPT THEM BECAUSE OF THE HIGH COST HIS REGULATIONS WOULD IMPOSE. AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT PRESIDENT OBAMA HAS TRIED TO DO. UNDER THE STREAM PROTECTION RULE, FEDERAL REGULATORS WILL HAVE EXPANDED POWER TO DROP NEW STANDARDS THAT MAKE IT HARDER TO GET A COAL MINING PERMIT. O.S.M.'S FEDERAL WATER STANDARDS WOULD SUDDENLY TAKE PRECEDENTS OVER THE STATE STANDARDS THAT HAVE LONG GOVERNED THE INDUSTRY UNTHE CLEAN WATER ACT. THE FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE WOULD ALSO GAIN THE POWER TO VETO COAL PERMITS. THE AIM IS TO TAKE PERMITTING POWER FROM STATES AND IMPOSE A ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL STANDARD. WHEN THIS PROCESS STARTED, 10 STATES SIGNED ON TO INTERIOR'S RULE MAKING PROCESS AS STATE COOPERATING AGENCIES, BUT EIGHT OF THE 10 LATER WITHDREW BECAUSE INTERIOR WASN'T INTERESTED IN WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY. THE SUBCOMMITTEE I CHAIRED HELD 13 HEARINGS TO EXPOSE THE FLAWS BEHIND THIS RULE. THE RULE PROVIDES NO DISCERNABLE ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS WHILE DUPLICATING EXTENSIVE EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS AT BOTH THE FEDERAL AND STATE LEVELS. IN FACT, THE RULE'S ONLY PURPOSE APPEARS TO BE TO SUPPORT THE ENVIRONMENTAL LOBBIES, KEEP IT IN THE GROUND PLATFORM, LOCKING AWAY UP TO 64% OF OUR DOMESTIC COAL RESERVES PUTTING TENS OF THOUSANDS OF AMERICANS OUT OF WORK AND RAISING ENERGY COSTS FOR MILLIONS OF AMERICANS. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO JOIN ME IN SUPPORTING THE JOINT RESOLUTION OF DISAPPROVAL UNDER THE CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW ACT. THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA.

MR. GRIJALVA

I YIELD THREE MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM MARYLAND AND MEMBER OF THE…

I YIELD THREE MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM MARYLAND AND MEMBER OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE,.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM MARYLAND IS RECOGNIZED FOR THREE MINUTES.

>>

I RISE IN OPPOSITION TO H.J. RESOLUTION 38. TODAY I SPEAK AGAINST…

I RISE IN OPPOSITION TO H.J. RESOLUTION 38. TODAY I SPEAK AGAINST ELIMINATING THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR STREAM PROTECTION RULE. THE PROPOSED RULE'S ABOUT BALANCING THE NEED TO SUPPORT OUR AMERICAN COAL INDUSTRY WITH OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO SAFEGUARD AND PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT.

MR. BROWN

WHAT IS MOST CONCERNING AND SIMPLY OUTRECLAIMING MY TIMEOUS IS THAT THIS…

WHAT IS MOST CONCERNING AND SIMPLY OUTRECLAIMING MY TIMEOUS IS THAT THIS BILL PROPOSES TO NOT ONLY OVERTURN THE STREAM PROTECTION RULE, BUT WOULD PROHIBIT THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT FROM EVER ISSUING A SIMILAR RULE IN THE FUTURE EVEN AS TECHNOLOGY ADVANCES AND BEST PRACTICES TO SAFEGUARD THE ENVIRONMENT IMPROVE. THE RULE, WHICH WAS DRAFTED OVER SEVEN YEARS, AFTER 30 PUBLIC MEETINGS, AND OVER 100,000 PUBLIC COMMENTS, IS THE FIRST MAJOR UPDATE TO TO SURFACE MINING REGULATIONS IN MORE THAN 30 YEARS, BUT IS BEING ROLLED BACK WITHOUT EVEN A SINGLE HEARING IN THIS CONGRESS WHICH DOESN'T FOLLOW REGULAR ORDER. MR. SPEAKER, MARYLAND HAS A RICH HISTORY OF COAL MINES. A HISTORY THAT PREDATES OUR NATION'S FOUNDING, YET FOR DECADE WE HAVE WITNESSED A SLOW DECLINE IN COAL PRODUCTION AND A SHIFT TOWARDS CHEAPER AND CLEANER SOURCES OF ENERGY. NEVERTHELESS, THE INDUSTRY IN MARYLAND CONTINUES TO EMPLOY HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE, PRODUCE NEARLY TWO MILLION TONS ANNUALLY, AND COAL IS THE LEADING EXPORT COMMODITY LEAVING THE PORT OF BALTIMORE. I SUPPORT THE COAL INDUSTRY IN MARYLAND. BUT IN MARYLAND WHERE THE STREAMS FOR OUR MOUNTAIN PANHANDLE, COAL COUNTRY FALL INTO THE POTOMAC AND EVENTUALLY CHESAPEAKE BAY, WE HAVE TAKEN PROACTIVE STEPS TO MITIGATE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSOCIATED WITH MINING, REQUIRING COMPANIES TO DEVELOP AND FOLLOW WRECK CLAMEAGS PLANS, DIVERT STREAMS, TREAT ACIDIC DRAINAGE WITH CHEMICALS AND CONTROL EROSION AND RUNOFF. HOWEVER OUR EFFORTS AND REQUIREMENTS HAVEN'T KEPT UP WITH MODERN TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATIVE BEST PRACTICES AND THE PROPOSED RULES NEIGHBORS US -- ENABLES US TO ACHIEVE OUR ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS. THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR ESTIMATES THE COMPLIANCE COST WILL ALMOST TO A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF COAL INDUSTRY REVENUES. THERE WILL BE A MINIMAL IMPACT ON MINING JOBS, AND IT WILL CREATE GOOD-PAYING GREEN JOBS. WE'LL PROTECT 6,000 MILES OF STREAMS, 52,000 ACRES OF FORESTS, AND REDUCE 2.6 MILLION MORE TONS OF CARBON EMISSIONS. MR. SPEAKER, REPRESENTING FAMILIES IN THE CHESAPEAKE BAY WATER SHED, I UNDERSTAND FIRSTHAND THAT ONCE THE ECOLOGIES OF STREAMS, RIVERS, AND PAYS ARE DEGRADED, THEY CANNOT BE EASILY RECLAIMED. NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO TURN BACK OR TURN OUR BACK ON TECHNOLOGY THAT'S AVAILABLE AND THAT'S OFFERED UP IN THIS RULE. THANK YOU. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH.

MR. BISHOP

PLEASED TO RECOGNIZE THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA, PART OF OUR COMMITTEE WHO…

PLEASED TO RECOGNIZE THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA, PART OF OUR COMMITTEE WHO HAS HEARD THE 13 HEARINGS, UNDERSTANDS THIS ISSUE, PART OF THE HOUSE WE VOTED FOUR DIFFERENT TIMES TO BE OPPOSED TO THIS PARTICULAR RULE, THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA, MR. GOSAR, FOR ONE MINUTE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

MR. GOSAR

MR. SPEAKER, THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT PRESIDENT OBAMA PUT HIS OWN…

MR. SPEAKER, THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT PRESIDENT OBAMA PUT HIS OWN ENVIRONMENTAL LEGACY AHEAD OF THE WELL-BEING OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION SQUANDERED TAXPAYER MONEY FOR EIGHT YEARS, ATTEMPTING TO FORCE THE STREAM PROTECTION RULE DOWN OUR THROATS. THE DECEPTION AND LACK OF TRANSPARENCY UTILIZED TO IMPLEMENT THIS RULE WERE UNPRECEDENTED. ALONG WITH MANIPULATING JOB LOSS NUMBERS, THE ADMINISTRATION EVEN CHANGED THE RULES RUHLE'S NAME THINKING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE MIGHT FORGET ABOUT IT. BUT THE FACT IS YOU CAN'T PUT LIPSTICK ON THIS PIG. WHETHER YOU CALL IT THE STREAM BUFFER ZONE RULE OR STREAM PROTECTION RULE, IT STILL STINKS. AMERICAN PEOPLE WHO WANT GOOD-PAYING CAREERS HAVE MISSED OUT ON LUNS OF THOUSANDS OF JOBS AROUND THE COUNTRY AS RAULT OF PRESIDENT OBAMA'S IDEOLOGICALLY DRIVEN WAR ON COAL. TODAY IS A NEW DAWN IN AMERICA. AND THIS JOB-KILLING MIDNIGHT REGULATION IS NOW DIRECTLY IN THE CROSSHAIRS OF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION AND OF THIS CONGRESS. ON BEHALF OF ALL THE HARDWORKING AMERICANS, I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO VOTE TO SUPPORT THIS COMMONSENSE LEGISLATION. WITH THAT I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM…

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA.

MR. GRIJALVA

I YIELD TWO MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA, MR. BEYER, A MEMBER OF…

I YIELD TWO MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA, MR. BEYER, A MEMBER OF THE RESOURCES COMMITTEE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES.

MR. BEYER

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. WITH RESPECT I QUOTE MR. MCKINLEY, WE HAVE TO DO…

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. WITH RESPECT I QUOTE MR. MCKINLEY, WE HAVE TO DO THIS TO THE PEOPLE OF WEST VIRGINIA AND THOSE AROUND THE COUNTRY. AND I AGREE. AND THIS IS WHY WE NEED THE STREAM PROTECTION RULE. IT'S A COMMONSENSE APPROACH TO MINIMIZE THE IMPACTS OF SURFACE WATER AND GROUND WATER FROM COAL MINING. MOUNTAINTOP REMOVAL HAS BEEN THE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF 2,000 MILES OF STREAMS. PEER REVIEWED STUDIES HAVE LINKED THIS TO CANCER, BIRTH DEFECTS, AND SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS FOR RESIDENTS LIVING NEAR THESE MINING SITES. JUST LOOK AT MY VIRGINIA MAP, THE HIGHEST DEATH RATES IN THE STATE, THE MOST CHRONIC DISEASES ARE IN THE COAL FIELDS. I HAVE SEEN THIS FIRSTHAND WHILE I WAS LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA FOR EIGHT YEARS WHEN MOUNTAINTOP REMOVAL MINING WAS HIGH. THAT'S WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT. COMMUNITIES IN HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW WHAT'S IN THEIR WATER BECAUSE IT AFFECTS THEIR LIVELIHOOD AND LIFE SPAN. IT INCLUDES MONITORING OF STREAMS. MONITORING RESTORESES FOR PLUEYAUNTS SUCH AS LEAD AND OTHERS. THIS IS ESSENTIAL GIVEN THEIR POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON HUMAN HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT. THE RULE ALSO REQUIRES THE STREAMS TO BE RESTORED AND THIS WILL RESULT IN THE PROTECTION AND RESTORATION OF APPROXIMATELY 6,000 MILES OF STREAMS AND 52,000 ACRES OF FORESTS OVER THE NEXT TWO DECADES. THIS IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE WE KNOW THAT CONTAMINATION OF STREAMS BY COAL MINING POLLUTION THREATENS EVERYTHING FROM FISHING AND OUTDOOR RECREATION TO SMALL BUSINESSES LIKE RESTAURANTS AND FARMS THAT RELY ON CLEAN, SAFE WATER. THIS RULE IS AN APPROPRIATE BALANCING ACT BETWEEN OUR ENERGY NEEDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS. IT'S ALSO APPROPRIATELY FLEXIBLE FOR COAL MINING COMPANIES. MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW ACT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE HERE, YOU WANT TO TRIM A TREE, YOU DON'T CHOP IT DOWN AND BURY IT UNDER CEMENT SO IT WILL NEVER GROW AGAIN. THE CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW ACT IS AN EXTREME MEASURE THAT WILL PERMANENTLY DAMAGE THE SURFACE MINING LAW. WE HEARD THAT IT WAS A PRODUCT OF MORE THAN SEVEN YEARS OF WORK, AND THE CHAIRMAN TALKS ABOUT THE 13 HEARINGS, BUT NOT ONE HAS BEEN HELD IN THE 18 MONTHS SINCE THE RULE WAS PROCLAIMED. THE CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW ACT DISCARDS THE VAST AMOUNT OF WORK OF THE OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING DID IN ORDER TO CREATE THIS RULE. .

MR. GRIJALVA

I YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN ONE MINUTE.

MR. BEYER

THE LACK OF CLARITY ON SIMILAR RULE MAKINGS, THE AGENCY MAY NEVER TAKE…

THE LACK OF CLARITY ON SIMILAR RULE MAKINGS, THE AGENCY MAY NEVER TAKE FUTURE EFFORTS TO UPDATE AND IMPROVE SURFACE MINING REGULATIONS. EVEN IF YOU DON'T LIKE THIS SURFACE PROTECTION RULE, DISALLOWING FOR THE PROTECTIONS NEAR COAL OPERATIONS MAKES NO SENSE AT ALL. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO VOTE AGAINST THIS BILL. I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH.

MR. BISHOP

NOW IT'S A PLEASURE TO RECOGNIZE A PERSON THAT'S NOT ON THE COMMITTEE BUT…

NOW IT'S A PLEASURE TO RECOGNIZE A PERSON THAT'S NOT ON THE COMMITTEE BUT KNOWS HOW SILLY THIS RULE IS, THE GENTLEMAN FROM ILLINOIS, MR. BOST, IS RECOGNIZE FOR A MINUTE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM ILLINOIS IS RECOGNIZED FOR A MINUTE.

MR. BOST

MR. SPEAKER, THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION ANTI-COAL REGULATION WAS A SOLUTION…

MR. SPEAKER, THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION ANTI-COAL REGULATION WAS A SOLUTION TO -- SOLUTION IN SEARCH OF A PROBLEM. IT WASN'T INTENDED TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT. IT WAS INTENDED TO PUT COAL MINERS OUT OF WORK AND SADLY IT'S BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN ACHIEVING THAT GOAL. A STUDY OF THE RULE ESTIMATE IT IS WOULD DESTROY MORE THAN ONE THIRD OF OUR COAL JOBS, AND THAT NEARLY HALF OF ALL COAL RESOURCES WOULD EFFECTIVELY BE OFF-LIMITS TO MINING. IN ADDITION, THE O.S.M. RULE HAS IGNORED CLEAR CONGRESSIONAL DIRECTIVES TO SHARE INFORMATION WITH THE STATES. IF EVER THERE HAS BEEN A TIME FOR CONGRESS TO ACT, THIS IS IT. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT THIS RESOLUTION, AND I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA.

MR. GRIJALVA

THANK YOU. I'D LIKE TO YIELD AS MUCH TIME AS HE MAY CONSUME TO THE…

THANK YOU. I'D LIKE TO YIELD AS MUCH TIME AS HE MAY CONSUME TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM VIRGINIA, A RANKING MEMBER ON THE RESOURCES COMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATION, MR. MCEACHIN.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

MCEACHIN.

MCEACHIN

CONSUME. MCEACHIN: THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. --

MCEACHIN:

: THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I RISE IN OPPOSITION OF THIS RESOLUTION. JUST AS…

: THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I RISE IN OPPOSITION OF THIS RESOLUTION. JUST AS I WOULD OPPOSE ANY MEASURE THAT THREATEN THE QUALITY OF OUR DRINKING WATER. CLEAN DRINKING WATER IS A FUNDAMENTAL HEALTH NEED AND MEETING THAT NEED IS ONE OF OUR MOST BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES IN THIS CONGRESS. WE MUST NOT PUT SPECIAL INTERESTS AHEAD OF THE HEALTH OF OUR CONSTITUENTS. THE STREAM PROTECTION RULE IS VERY SIMPLE. IT STRENGTHENS AND CLARIFIES EXISTING WATER QUALITY PROTECTIONS WITH RESPECT TO MINING. IT REQUIRES THAT AFFECTED STREAMS BE RESTORED WHEN MINING IS FINISHED. IT GIVES COMMUNITIES ACCURATE INFORMATION ABOUT WATER QUALITY SO THEY CAN BEST PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM POLLUTION. MR. SPEAKER, THESE PROTECTIONS ARE NOT ONEROUS, BUT THEIR BENEFITS ARE VAST. WE'VE SEEN IN FLINT, MICHIGAN, AND ELSEWHERE THE PAINFUL CONSEQUENCES WHEN PEOPLE LACK ACCESS TO SAFE DRINKING WATER. WE MUST DO MORE TO PREVENT THAT KIND OF SUFFERING AND DAMAGE. MIXING THIS RULE WOULD INSTEAD MEAN WE ARE DOING LESS. THE STREAM PROTECTION RULE IS A PRODUCT OF CAREFUL YEARS' LONG PROCESS, COUNTLESS STAKEHOLDERS PARTICIPATED, TWO DOZEN MEETINGS AND REGULATORS RECEIVED TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PUBLIC COMMENTS. MR. SPEAKER, THIS RULE WAS CRAFTED IN THE SUNSHINE, BUT WE'RE ABOUT TO OVERRULE IT IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT. AFTER ALL THAT WORK, THIS RESOLUTION OF DISAPPROVAL DID NOT EVEN RECEIVE A COMMITTEE HEARING. MR. SPEAKER, IF THIS BODY IS SERIOUSLY GOING TO WEAKEN VITAL DRINKING WATER PROTECTIONS, THEN OUR AMERICAN PEOPLE DESERVE AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES TO INFORM THEMSELVES AND TO MAKE THEIR VOICES HEARD. THIS RUSH-THROUGH PROPOSAL DENIES THEM THAT OPPORTUNITY. I FIND THIS MEASURE TO BE VERY DISTURBING, AND I FIND THE PROCESS CONCERNING AND I URGE ALL OF MY COLLEAGUES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE NOT TO GO DOWN THIS PATH. MR. SPEAKER, I THANK YOU, AND I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH.

MR. BISHOP

IT'S NICE TO KNOW THAT 2:30 IS IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT. I YIELD ONE MINUTE TO…

IT'S NICE TO KNOW THAT 2:30 IS IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT. I YIELD ONE MINUTE TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM PENNSYLVANIA,

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

MR. ROTHFUS

FOOT HIGH COAL MINE IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA. I WAS REMINDED ABOUT THE…

FOOT HIGH COAL MINE IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA. I WAS REMINDED ABOUT THE INCREDIBLE WORK ETHIC OF THOSE IN PENNSYLVANIA, THE SAME WORK WORK ETHIC THAT BUILT THIS COUNTRY IN THE 19TH AND 20TH CENTURIES. THIS REGULATION HAS A SINGLE PURPOSE, THE DEMISE OF THE COAL INDUSTRY AND THE THOUSANDS OF MIDDLE-CLASS JOBS THAT DEPEND ON IT. THIS REGULATION IS THE CULMINATION IS OF FORMER PRESIDENT OBAMA'S WAR ON COAL WHICH PROVIDES TREMENDOUS QUO COST. I CARE ABOUT THE MINERS WHOSE MIDDLE CLASS JOBS ARE AT RISK. I CARE ABOUT UTILITY CUSTOMERS WHOSE ELECTRICITY BILLS WILL GO UP BECAUSE THIS WILL TAKE VALUABLE AMERICAN ENERGY OFF-LINE. I CARE ABOUT THE COMMUNITIES THAT ARE HURT WHEN THESE COAL MINES CLOSE. THIS COUNTRY CONTINUES TO MAKE TREMENDOUS PROGRESS ON CLEANING UP THE ENVIRONMENT, PROGRESS THAT WILL CONTINUE WITHOUT THIS JOB-KILLING REGULATION. IF YOU CARE ABOUT THE WORKERS, IF YOU CARE ABOUT THESE COMMUNITIES, YOU WILL VOTE YES ON THIS C.R.A. AND BLOCK THIS JOB KILLER. I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA.

MR. GRIJALVA

THANK YOU. I YIELD AS MUCH TIME AS HE MAY CONSUME TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM…

THANK YOU. I YIELD AS MUCH TIME AS HE MAY CONSUME TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM KENTUCKY,

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM KENTUCKY IS RECOGNIZED FOR SUCH TIME AS HE MAY CONSUME.

MR. YARMUTH

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER, AND I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FOR YIELDING. I RISE IN…

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER, AND I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FOR YIELDING. I RISE IN OPPOSITION TO THIS DANGEROUS EFFORT TO BLOCK THE STREAM PROTECTION RULE, A COMMONSENSE PROPOSAL THAT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO SAVE LIVES AND WILL IMPROVE THE HEALTH OUTCOMES AND WELL-BEING OF FAMILIES OVER TIME THROUGHOUT COAL COUNTRY. THIS BOTTLE OF, I GUESS YOU COULD CALL IT A LIQUID, WASN'T TAKEN FROM AN INDUSTRIAL WASTE SITE OR FROM THE RUNOFF OF A LANDFILL. THIS CAME FROM THE DRINKING WELL OF THE URIAS FAMILY'S HOME IN PIKE COUNTY, KENTUCKY. DESPITE WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE, THERE IS WATER IN THERE, ALONG WITH CHEMICALS, TOXIC MINERALS AND KNOWN CARCINOGENS, ALL PRESENT IN THIS FAMILY'S DRINKING WATER BECAUSE OF MOUNTAIN TOP REMOVAL. THE MOUNTAIN TOP REMOVAL PROCESS BEGINS WITH BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAINS THAT LOOK JUST LIKE THAT. THESE ARE APPALACHIA MOUNTAINS NEAR THE WEST VIRGINIA-KENTUCKY BORDER. FIRST, THEY RAISE AN ENTIRE SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN, TEARING TREES FROM THE GROUND AND BURNING DOWN ANY PLANT GROWTH. FROM THERE THEY USE EXPLOSIVES TO BLAST THE TOPS OFF THE MOUNTAINS AND PUSH ROCK AND DIRT OUT, ULTIMATELY FILLING THE SURROUNDING STREAMS AND WATERWAYS WITH DEBRIS, BLAST MATERIALS AND OTHER DANGEROUS ELEMENTS AND MINERALS THAT END UP IN THE DRINKING WATER OF THE URIAS FAMILY AND COUNTLESS OTHERS THROUGHOUT THE COAL COUNTRY AND THIS IS WHAT IS LEFT. AS WE'VE NOTED DURING OUR FIGHT FOR FUNDING TO HELP THE FAMILIES OF FLINT, MICHIGAN, DEALING WITH WATER CONTAMINATION, THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN HERE IN AMERICA IN THE 21ST CENTURY. YET, FAMILIES IN COAL COUNTRY HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS FOR 40 YEARS, SO YOU CAN IMAGINE HOW MANY PEOPLE'S HEALTH HAS BEEN JEOPARDIZED BY THIS PRACTICE. THE STREAM PROTECTION RULE THAT THE HOUSE IS ABOUT TO BLOCK WOULD SERVE AS ONE OF THE ONLY SAFETY MEASURES THAT WOULD PROTECT THESE FAMILIES FROM POISON DRINKING WATER, HIGHER RATES OF CANCER, LUNG DISEASE, RESPIRATORY ILLNESS, CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, BIRTH DEFECTS AND THE COUNTLESS NEGATIVE HEALTH EFFECTS THAT PLAGUE THIS REGION. IF MY COLLEAGUES ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE WANT TO BLOCK THE STREAM PROTECTION RULE, THEY SHOULD SUPPORT MY LEGISLATION, THE APPALACHIAN COMMUNITIES HEALTH EMERGENCY ACT, OUR ACHE ACT. THIS WILL SUSPEND MOUNTAIN TOP PERMITS UNTIL THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CAN CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE FEDERAL STUDY ABOUT THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF THIS RECKLESS MINING METHOD USED IN MY STATE OF KENTUCKY AND THROUGHOUT COAL COUNTRY. I BELIEVE MOUNTAIN TOP REMOVAL SHOULD BE BANNED, BUT AT A MINIMUM, WE SHOULD HALT ALL NEW PERMITS UNTIL THE SAFETY OF THE RESIDENTS AND THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES IS ASSURED. THEREFORE, I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO OPPOSE TODAY'S EFFORT TO BLOCK THIS POTENTIALLY LIFE-SAVING RULE AND SUPPORT THE ACHE ACT. WE HAVE FAILED TO PROTECT THE FAMILIES IN THESE COMMUNITIES, AND PASSAGE OF THIS BILL WILL INFLICT ANOTHER BLOW TO THEIR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING. THEY DESERVE FAR BETTER, AND I'LL MAKE A FINAL OFFER TO MY COLLEAGUES ON THE OTHER SIDE. IF ANYBODY WANTS TO COME AND TAKE A DRINK OUT OF THIS, I'LL WITHDRAW FOR THE ACHE ACT AND VOTE FOR THEIR LEGISLATION. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH.

MR. BISHOP

I AM PLEASED TO RECOGNIZE FOR ONE MINUTE THE GENTLEMAN FROM OHIO, MR.…

I AM PLEASED TO RECOGNIZE FOR ONE MINUTE THE GENTLEMAN FROM OHIO, MR. RENACCI.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM OHIO IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

MR. RENACCI

I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH. MR. SPEAKER, IN THE WANING DAYS OF HIS…

I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH. MR. SPEAKER, IN THE WANING DAYS OF HIS PRESIDENCY, THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION FINALIZED THE STREAM BUFFER RULE, A FINAL PARTING SHOT AT THE COAL INDUSTRY ON HIS WAY OUT THE DOOR. NOT ONCE DID THE OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING VISIT AND ASSESS THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THIS RULE ON OPERATING MINES. IN FACT, IN THEIR ANALYSIS, THEY RELIED ON HYPOTHETICAL MINES. THESE AREN'T HYPOTHETICAL MINES, AND THEY AREN'T HYPOTHETICAL JOBS THAT WILL BE AFFECTED. IN THE REAL WORLD, THIS RULE COULD MEAN THE END OF COAL PRODUCTION IN OHIO AND THE END OF THOUSANDS OF GOOD-PAYING JOBS IN COUNTLESS COMMUNITIES LIKE THE ONE I GREW UP IN. OHIO WILL BE DIRECTLY IMPACTED BY THIS RULE. 59% OF OUR ELECTRICITY COMES FROM COAL-FIRED POWER PLANTS, AND OHIO'S COAL INDUSTRY EMPLOYS THOUSANDS OF HARDWORKING AMERICANS. MR. SPEAKER, I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO VOTE TO STOP THIS RULE, TO STOP THE WAR ON COAL AND TO STOP THIS RULE WHICH COULD CAUSE HARDWORKING AMERICANS TO LOSE THEIR JOBS. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT THIS JOINT RESOLUTION OF DISAPPROVAL ON THE CONGRESSIONAL RULE ACT AND YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA.

MR. GRIJALVA

I RESERVE THE BALANCE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA RESERVES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH.

MR. BISHOP

I YIELD ONE MINUTE TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO, ANOTHER STATE THAT WAS…

I YIELD ONE MINUTE TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO, ANOTHER STATE THAT WAS PROMISED IN THE CLEAN WATER ACT TO HAVE AUTHORITY AND WAS TAKEN AWAY BY THIS SIMPLE RULE. THE GENTLEMAN GETS ONE MINUTE,

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

MR. TIPTON

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. THE UNITED STATES IS BLESSED WITH A WEALTH OF…

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. THE UNITED STATES IS BLESSED WITH A WEALTH OF DOMESTIC ENERGY RESOURCES, ALLOWING US TO DEVELOP SAFE, ABUNDANT, AFFORDABLE ENERGY TO MEET OUR NEEDS. THE THIRD DISTRICT OF COLORADO HAS BLUE SKIES, CLEAN WATER WHILE MAINTAINING A HEALTHY AMOUNT OF RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT OF OIL, NATURAL GAS AND COAL PRODUCTION IN ITS MANY COMMUNITIES. ACCORDING TO THE ENERGY INFORMATION AGENCY, COAL ACCOUNTED FOR APPROXIMATELY 60% OF THE ELECTRICITY GENERATED IN COLORADO IN 2015. YET, THIS VITALLY IMPORTANT RESOURCE THAT PROVIDES ENERGY AND JOBS TO MANY HOMES HAVE COME UNDER ATTACK. BACKED BY RADICAL INTERESTS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ISSUED NEW RULES UNDER THE GUISE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS BUT WHOSE TRUE INTENT IS TO BANKRUPT THE COAL INDUSTRY WITH REGULATORY COMPLIANCE. THE STREAM PROTECTION RULE IS A SOLUTION IN SEARCH OF A PROBLEM. MODERN MINING OPERATIONS ARE ALREADY ADAPTIVE TO AVOIDING IMPACTS TO WATERSHEDS AS THE OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING SHOWS. THE INDUSTRY IS SUBJECT TO A WIDE ARRAY OF ENVIRONMENTAL STATUTES AND REGULATIONS ENFORCED BY VARIOUS FEDERAL AND STATE COOPERATING AGENCIES. I URGE THE PASSAGE OF THIS RESOLUTION AND ENCOURAGE MY COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT IT.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA.

MR. GRIJALVA

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I'D LIKE TO READ A FEW MINUTES FROM LETTERS OF…

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I'D LIKE TO READ A FEW MINUTES FROM LETTERS OF OPPOSITION TO THIS RESOLUTION. THE FIRST COMES FROM A COALITION OF 75 NATIONAL AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS WHO ARE STRONGLY OPPOSED TO THIS BILL. THEY WRITE, THE LONG-AWAITED RULE PROVIDES LOCAL COMMUNITIES WITH INFORMATION THEY DESPERATELY NEED ABOUT WATER POLLUTION CAUSED BY NEARBY COAL MINING OPERATIONS AND INCLUDES SEVERAL IMPORTANT PROTECTIONS FOR CLEAN WATER AND THE HEALTH OF COMMUNITIES SURROUNDING COAL MINING OPERATIONS. AN ATTACK ON THE RULE IS AN ATTACK ON CLEAN WATER AND SHOULD BE OPPOSED. WILDLIFE AND SPORTSMEN GROUP ARE ALSO OPPOSED. THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION WRITES, THE STREAM PROTECTION RULE IS AN IMPORTANT WATER QUALITY RULE FOR OUR NATION. IT SEEKS TO EMPOWER STATE REGULATORY AUTHORITIES TO ENSURE COAL MINING AND RECLAMATION BEST PRACTICES, TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THEIR UNIQUE REGIONAL DISTINCTIONS AND IMPACTS LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND WILDLIFE. ANY EFFORT TO UNDERMINE THE SAFEGUARDS AFFORDED BY THE FINALIZED STREAM PROTECTION RULE, A RULE WITH YEARS OF STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT, WILL BE AN ATTACK ON CLEAN WATER AND SHOULD BE OPPOSED. ONE SAID, THE RULE IS WORTHY, SENSIBLE EFFORT TO REDUCE THE HUGE IMPACTS OF MOUNTAIN TOP REMOVAL ON COAL MINING ON OUR APPALACHIAN STREAMS AND RIVERS. AND IT GOES ON AND ON. THEY ALL GO ON TO POINT OUT THE SPECIFIC IMPACT OF MOUNTAIN TOP REMOVAL MINING ON FISHING AND WILDLIFE AND SPORTSMEN. MOUNTAIN TOP REMOVAL MINING PRACTICES CREATE A SURVIVAL RISK FOR TROUT AND OTHER WILD TROUT POPULATIONS AND IMPEDE EFFORTS TO RESTORE BROOK TROUT IN ALREADY DEGRADED WATERSHEDS. WITH THAT -- WITH THAT, MR. SPEAKER, I RESERVE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH.

MR. BISHOP

PLEASED TO RECOGNIZE ONE OF THE NEW MEMBERS OF OUR CONGRESS FROM THE STATE…

PLEASED TO RECOGNIZE ONE OF THE NEW MEMBERS OF OUR CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF KENTUCKY WHO REALIZES THIS RULE IS WRONG ON REGULATIONS AND SHORT ON NEW PROTECTIONS FOR PEOPLE, THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

MR. COMB

I REPRESENT A COAL PRODUCING DISTRICT WHOSE ECONOMY HAS BEEN DEVASTATED BY…

I REPRESENT A COAL PRODUCING DISTRICT WHOSE ECONOMY HAS BEEN DEVASTATED BY THE FORMER PRESIDENT AND HIS RENEGADE OF UNELECTED BUREAUCRATS' WAR ON COAL. THEY BOASTED -- ONE BOASTED SHE WOULD PUT A BUNCH OF COAL MINERS OUT OF WORK. SHE WENT ON TO SAY THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD THEN ESSENTIALLY COME IN AND PUT THOSE HARDWORKING OUT-OF-WORK COAL MINERS ON WELFARE. WELL, MR. SPEAKER, MYCOLE MINERS DON'T WANT TO BE ON GOVERNMENT WELFARE. THEY WANT THE GOVERNMENT TO GET OUT OF THEIR WAY AND LET THEM WORK. BECAUSE OF SENSELESS, ONEROUS REGULATIONS LIKE THE STREAM PROTECTION ACT, THE LIBERALS IN WASHINGTON HAVE SUCCEEDED IN PUTTING MOST COAL MINERS OUT OF WORK. I BELIEVE THAT WITH THE PASSAGE OF HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 38 AND A SENSIBLE ENERGY POLICY CREATED AND IMPLEMENTED BY BUSINESS PEOPLE INSTEAD OF BUREAUCRATS, WE CAN BEGIN TO PUT COAL JOBS BACK TO KENTUCKY AND HELP REVIVE THE STRUGGLING ECONOMIES IN KENTUCKY'S COAL COUNTRY. THANK YOU AND I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. . THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. BISHOP

PLEASED TO RECOGNIZE ONE OF THE OTHER MEMBERS OF OUR COMMITTEE WHO SERVED…

PLEASED TO RECOGNIZE ONE OF THE OTHER MEMBERS OF OUR COMMITTEE WHO SERVED ON FOR A LONG TIME AND HEARD MUCH OF THESE ARGUMENTS BEFORE, MR. LAMALFA FROM CALIFORNIA FOR ONE MINUTE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

MR. LAMALFA

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER AND MR. CHAIRMAN. I RISE TODAY IN SUPPORT OF THE…

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER AND MR. CHAIRMAN. I RISE TODAY IN SUPPORT OF THE PRESSURE FOR -- MEASURE FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF THE RULE. CREATED UNDER THE GUISE OF PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT, INSTEAD HAS BEEN HARMFUL TO AMERICAN JOBS. IT ATTEMPTED TO CRIPPLE AND INDUSTRY, ENERGY, THAT PROVIDED VAST AMOUNTS OF ENERGY TO STATES ACROSS THIS COUNTRY FOR DECADES. MY HOME STATE OF CALIFORNIA HAS A LONG HISTORY OF MINING THAT HAS LED TO INCREDIBLE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR MANY OF MY LOCAL COMMUNITIES. BUT ONE SIZE FITS ALL APPROACH FAILS TO PROVIDE ANY REGULATORY CERTAINTY TO AN INDUSTRY AND DENIES IMPORTANT TAX REVENUE FROM ENERGY EXTRACTION TO THE AMERICAN TAXPAYER. APPRECIATE MY COLLEAGUES BRINGING TO THIS FLOOR AND HOPE WE CAN SORT THROUGH THE RHETORIC ON THIS THAT WOULD BE AGAINST ENERGY JOBS OF A VERY IMPORTANT SEGMENT ACROSS THIS COUNTRY THAT SUPPLIES SO MUCH OF OUR ENERGY CURRENTLY AND CAN DO IT WITH SAFETY AND IT A MINE FOR REDEVELOPING OUR ECONOMY. I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA VIRGINIA TECH.

MR. GRIJALVA

CONTINUE TO RESERVE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH VIRGINIA TECH.

MR. BISHOP

-- FROM UTAH IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. BISHOP

THE OPPOSITION TO THIS BILL GOES COAST TO COAST. NOW BACK TO THE EAST…

THE OPPOSITION TO THIS BILL GOES COAST TO COAST. NOW BACK TO THE EAST COAST AND RECOGNIZE MR. YOHO FROM THE STATE OF FLORIDA FOR A MINUTE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. YOHO

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. I STAND HERE TODAY IN…

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. I STAND HERE TODAY IN SUPPORT OF THE LIVELIHOOD OF ANER TIRE REGION OF OUR COUNTRY, AN INDUSTRY THAT WAS UNFAIRLY TARGETED BY THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION IN PURSUIT OF AN IDEOLOGICAL AGENDA TO DO AWAY WITH OUR NATION'S ABUNDANT COAL RESOURCES. THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION TARGETED THE COAL INDUSTRY AND BY EXTENSION THE HARDWORKING AMERICANS EMPLOYED BY THE INDUSTRY UNDER THE GUISE OF PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT. WE ALL WANT CLEAN AIR AND WATER FOR OUR NATION'S POSTERITY. -- PROSPERITY, BUT THIS RULE IS SO STRICT THAT IT MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR COMPANIES TO CONTINUE TO OPERATE. IT RESULTS IN LAYOFFS, CLOSED BUSINESSES, AND ULTIMATELY AN ENTIRE REGION UNEMPLOYED. OUR NATION IS BLESSED WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND WE SHOULD UTILIZE THEM ALL. OIL, HYDROPOWER, WIND, SOLAR, AND YES, CLEAN COAL, TOO. WE MUST BE PRUDENT ABOUT HOW WE REGULATE OUR ENERGY INDUSTRIES BECAUSE WHEN ONE SECTOR IS PUSHED OUT IT'S THE MOMS ANTI-DADS AT THE END OF THE MONTH PAYING THEIR ELECTRIC BILL THAT FEELS THE IMPACT THE MOST. ALL AMERICANS WILL BE AFFECTED, BUT IT WILL BE FELT MORE BY THE ONCE WHO CAN LEAST AFFORD T THAT IS WHY I'M OPPOSED TO THE RULE AND URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT THIS C.R.A. I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA VIRGINIA TECH.

MR. GRIJALVA

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. THE USE OF THE CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW ACT HAS BEEN…

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. THE USE OF THE CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW ACT HAS BEEN CATEGORIZED ACCURATELY AS RECKLESS AND EXTREME. THE C.R.A. WAS GOING TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT AND LASTING HARM. IF SUCCESSFUL TWO THINGS ARE GOING TO A ONE, THE REGULATION IS VOID. AND THE AGENCY IS PROHIBITED FROM ISSUING ANOTHER SIMILAR RULE EVER AGAIN. AND I MENTION THAT BECAUSE THIS IS ABOUT HEALTH. IT IS ABOUT THE HEALTH OF THE PEOPLE LIVING AROUND THOSE MINING OPERATIONS. IT IS ABOUT MOUNTAINTOP REMOVAL AND THE DOCUMENTED ANALYSIS THAT PROVES THAT IT IS A DANGER TO HEALTH, CONTAMINATES WATER, AND DESTRUCTIVE TO THE ENVIRONMENT. THIS RULE -- IT'S CURIOUS WE HAD ALL THOSE 13 HEARINGS. I STAND CORRECTED. AN INVESTIGATION THAT WENT ON IN PERPETUITY, IT SEEMED LIKE, AND YET ONCE THE RULE WAS FINALIZED AND PUBLISHED IN 2015, WE NEVER HAD ANOTHER HEARING ON THE ITEM AGAIN. WHICH BEGS THE QUESTION, IF THE WHOLE POINT WAS TO DELAY AND PREVENT THIS RULE FROM EVER TAKING EFFECT, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY MAKE IT SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW ACT, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED ON THE PART OF THE MAJORITY. BUT THE LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES OF USING THE C.R.A. AND RULE DESIGNED TO PROTECT PEOPLE'S HEALTH, ON A RULE THAT'S DESIGNED TO MAKE COAL COMPANIES BE TRANSPARENT AND DISCLOSE TO THE PUBLIC, AND A RULE THAT EVERY SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS AND THE SCIENCE IS CLEAR THAT THIS RULE WAS, INDEED THERE TO PROTECT BOTH PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES. I THINK THAT IS THE PERMANENT HARM BEING DONE BY THIS ACTION TODAY TO DENY THE PEOPLE IN THOSE COMMUNITIES, TO RETURN TO PAST PRACTICE THAT IS CREATED THE PROBLEM THAT WE'RE DEALING WITH, AND THAT THIS RULE ATTEMPTED TO ADDRESS. THAT CREATED THAT PROBLEM. AND NOW WE RETURN TO THOSE TIMES WHERE UNREGULATED MOUNTAINTOP REMOVAL CAUSED THE DESTRUCTION TO BOTH HUMAN BEINGS AN ENVIRONMENT AS WE SEE AS THE LEGACY. IT IS NOT ONLY DISRESPECTFUL TO THE PEOPLE OF THOSE REGIONS, BUT IT, AGAIN, PUTS THEIR HEALTH, THEIR WELL-BEING, OF BOTH THE ENVIRONMENT AND HUMANITY IN THAT AREA AT MAJOR RISK. IT IS NOT ONLY RECKLESS AND EXTREME TO USE THE C.R.A., IT IS ALSO DANGEROUS. WITH THAT I RESERVE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. BISHOP

INQUIRE OF MY COUNTERPART OVER THERE IF THE RESERVATIONS MADE -- ARE YOU…

INQUIRE OF MY COUNTERPART OVER THERE IF THE RESERVATIONS MADE -- ARE YOU OUT OF SPEAKERS? WITH THAT I HAVE A COUPLE ALSO THAT CLAIM THEY ARE ON THEIR WAY DOWN HERE. WE'RE BOTH TAP DANCING FOR A MINUTE. MAY I ALSO RECOGNIZE FOR ONE MINUTE THE GENTLEMAN FROM KENTUCKY, MR. BARR, WHO CLEARLY UNDERSTANDS THE SITUATION THIS RULE IS PRESENTING.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

MR. BARR

I THANK THE GENTLEMAN. I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK IN FAVOR OF…

I THANK THE GENTLEMAN. I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK IN FAVOR OF THIS CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW ACT RESOLUTION. ON BEHALF OF THE THOUSANDS OF FELLOW KENTUCKIANS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR JOBS IN THE COAL INDUSTRY. IN EASTERN KENTUCKY, NOT FAR FROM WHERE I LIVE, IT'S NOT JUST A RECESSION THAT THEY ARE EXPERIENCING, IT'S A LITERAL DEPRESSION OF WHAT'S HAPPENING IN EASTERN KENTUCKY OVER THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS. AND THIS RULE, THIS STREAM PROTECTION RULE, WOULD BE THE FINAL DEATH KNELL OF A PROUD INDUSTRY THAT HAS LITERALLY POWERED AMERICA FOR OVER A CENTURY. AND WHEN I TALK TO THE MEN AND WOMEN OF EASTERN KENTUCKY ABOUT THE PROSPECTS OF LOSING EVEN MORE JOBS IN AN ECONOMICALLY DEPRESSED PLACE, IT'S JUST ABSOLUTELY DEVASTATING. SO I APPLAUD THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE. I APPLAUD THE WORK OF THIS HOUSE TO TAKE THIS MATTER SERIOUSLY. TO END THIS REGULATION THAT WOULD PUT EVEN MORE OF MY FELLOW KENTUCKIANS IN ECONOMIC DISTRESS. INSTEAD OF LOOKING AT ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONS AS A MATTER OF -- NEED TO HAVE MORE GOVERNMENT CENTRAL PLANNING, LET'S SOLVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN A DIFFERENT WAY THROUGH INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY. WITH THAT, MR. SPEAKER, I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. GRIJALVA

I RESERVE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. BISHOP

PLEASED TO YIELD ONE MINUTE TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM ILLINOIS, MR. DAVIS.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

MR. DAVIS

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. I RISE IN SUPPORT OF THIS…

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. I RISE IN SUPPORT OF THIS RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR A CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF THE STREAM BUFFER RULE. IN MY HOME STATE OF ILLINOIS, COAL PRODUCTION EMPLOYS ROUGHLY 5,000 WORKERS AND THE INDUSTRY CONTRIBUTES $2 BILLION A YEAR TO OUR STATE'S ECONOMY. IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS THESE ARE SOME OF THE REGION'S BEST PAYING JOBS. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS RULE WAS ONE OF THE FINAL SHOTS THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION FIRED IN THEIR WAR ON COAL. UNLESS REVERSED, THIS RULE IS DIRECTLY GOING TO HURT OUR ILLINOIS COAL MINERS AND THOSE WORKING AT COAL POWER PLANTS AND IN THE END CONSUMERS. THOSE WHO PATE UTILITY BILLS IN THIS CONTRY. THE LAST ADMINISTRATION REFUSED TO WORK IN GOOD FAITH WITH THE STATES WHEN FINALIZING THE RULE, EVEN AFTER CONGRESS TOLD THEM TO DO SO IN THE 2015 OMNIBUS BILL. I HAVE A LETTER HERE FROM THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES IN OPPOSITION TO THE RULE, AND I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT IT BE ENTERED INTO THE RECORD.

TEMPORE WITHOUT

IN THIS LETTER THEY NOTE THAT THE OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING, AND I QUOTE,…

IN THIS LETTER THEY NOTE THAT THE OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING, AND I QUOTE, FAILED TO PROPERLY CONSULT WITH THE STATE OF ILLINOIS ANTI-OTHER STATES RESULTING IN BURDENSOME AND UNLAWFUL -- A BURDENSOME AND UNLAWFUL RULE THAT USURP STATE'S AUTHORITIES AS INTENDED BY CONGRESS AND DEMANDS CONGRESSIONAL ACTION. MR. SPEAKER, RULES LIKE THIS ARE WHAT THE C.R.A. IS ALL ABOUT AND I ASK FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. GRIJALVA

CONTINUE TO RESERVE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. BISHOP

MR. SPEAKER, ALLOW ME TO TAKE A MINUTE OF MY OWN TIME HERE IF I COULD. THE…

MR. SPEAKER, ALLOW ME TO TAKE A MINUTE OF MY OWN TIME HERE IF I COULD. THE STREAM -- STREAM PROTECTION RULE HAS TO BE THE POSTER CHILD FOR THE CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW ACT'S ACTION. 400 CHANGES TO THE BILLER. 400 CHANGES IN OVER 1,600 PAGES OF REGULATIONS AND THERE IS NO REAL NEW PROTECTION ABOVE WHAT WE WERE USING SINCE THE REAGAN ADMINISTRATION. BUT IT DOES, IT DOES OUTLINE BENEFITS. IT DOES OUTLINE PROBLEMS AND POTENTIAL PROBLEMS FOR 70,000 PEOPLE DIRECTLY WITH THEIR JOBS. FOR 300,000 PEOPLE WHOSE JOBS ARE THREATENED IN A RIPPLE EFFECT, AND, UNFORTUNATELY, FOR EVERYONE ELSE, EVERY TIME YOU TURN A LIGHT ON, YOU YOUR COSTS WILL BE EXACERBATED BECAUSE OF THIS PARTICULAR RULE. THIS RULE AFFECTS THE MOST VULNERABLE OF OUR POPULATIONS AND IT HURTS THEM. IT'S TIME FOR US TO REALIZE IT IS TIME TO STOP MAKING RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR AN IDEOLOGICAL APPROACH AND INSTEAD NEW RULES AND REGULATIONS THAT HELP PEOPLE, NOT HURT PEOPLE, AS THIS PARTICULAR ONE DOES. THAT'S WHY THIS HOUSE ON FOUR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS OVER THE LAST THREE CONGRESSES HAS VOTED AGAINST THIS PARTICULAR PROPOSAL. WITH THAT I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. GRIJALVA

CONTINUE TO RESERVE, MR. SPEAKER.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. BISHOP

I'M READY TO CLOSE WHEN THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA IS READY TO CLOSE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. GRIJALVA

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. IN CLOSING OUR OPPOSITION TO THIS ACTION BEING…

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. IN CLOSING OUR OPPOSITION TO THIS ACTION BEING PROPOSED BY THE REPUBLICANS TO ELIMINATE THE STREAM PROTECTION RULE, IS INDEED AN ACTION THAT GOES AGAINST FUNDAMENTAL SCIENCE, GOES AGAINST THE PUBLIC HEALTH OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, AND IN THOSE COMMUNITIES, AND OVERALL TAKES THE CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW ACT AND USES IT AS A BLUDGEON TO KEEP GENERATIONS AND GENERATIONS IN THOSE AREAS AT RISK IN THE HEALTH, THE WATER, AND GENERAL ENVIRONMENT IN THE AREA. THE ISSUE OF COST IS AN ISSUE THAT COMES UP. THE LOSS OF JOBS HAS BEEN THE CREATION OF COMPETITION. NOT BECAUSE OF ANY PROPOSED RULE. AND SECOND OF ALL, WHEN WE WERE DEALING WITH THE HORRORS OF BLACK LUNG, DEALING WITH ISSUES OF MINE SAFETY FOR COAL MINERS, AND THE STRUGGLES THAT THEIR UNIONS HAD TO GO THROUGH TO GET MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH CARE PROTECTION FOR THEIR WORKERS, THOSE AT THE TIME I'M SURE WERE CONSIDERED COST FACTORS ON WHY NOT TO DO T THE COST FACTOR HERE IS ABOUT HUMAN LIFE. IT IS ABOUT PROTECTION OF WATER. AND I WOULD SUGGEST THAT THAT SHOULD BE THE PRIORITY OF THIS CONGRESS AND NOT EMBOLDING OR ENRICHING THE MINE OPERATORS AND THEIR PROFIT LINE. WITH THAT, MR. SPEAKER, I NEED TO RESERVE. WE HAVE ADDITIONAL SPEAKER THAT SHOWED UP AND THAT WOULD BE THE CLOSE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH RESERVES. THE GENTLEMAN…

THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH RESERVES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. GRIJALVA

LET ME YIELD TO MY FRIEND, MR. DEFAZIO, YIELD TWO MINUTES. TO CLOSE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM OREGON IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES.

MR. DEFAZIO

I THANK MY FRIEND, THE RANKING MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE FROM ARIZONA,…

I THANK MY FRIEND, THE RANKING MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE FROM ARIZONA, REPRESENTATIVE GRIJALVA. I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED FOR 28 YEARS ON THE RESOURCES COMMITTEE ON THESE ISSUES. NOW, IT'S SIMPLE WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT HERE TODAY. YEAH, IT'S CHEAPER. IF YOU BLOW THE TOP OFF A MOUNTAIN AND DUMP IT IN THE VALLEY AND YOU BURY A STREAM, IT'S CHEAPER. OK. IS THAT WHAT WE'RE ALL ABOUT HERE? THE MOST DESTRUCT YUFF -- DESTRUCTIVE, LEAST ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE, BUT CHEAPEST WAY OF DOING THINGS? IF WE'RE GOING TO SET THE PRESIDENT HERE -- PRECEDENT HERE, CAN I THINK OF A WHOLE LOT OF OTHER AREAS THAT RELATE TO CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, AND THINGS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AND THE SUSTAINABILITY OF OUR ENVIRONMENT THAT WILL GO AWAY. BECAUSE IT WOULD BE CHEAPER IF WE CAN JUST DUMP THE WASTE OUT THE BACKDOOR OF THE FACTORY, THAT'S CHEAPER. IF WE CAN JUST PUT WHATEVER WE WANT UP THE STACK AND PEOPLE WEAR GAS MASKS, THAT'S CHEAPER. THAT'S THE MAJOR ARGUMENT WE'RE HEARING TODAY. THIS RULE, 100-FOOT BUFFER, 100-FOOT BUFFER FOR TOXIC MATERIALS AROUND STREAMS IS TOO EXPENSIVE. IT IS CHEAPER, IT IS CHEAPER TO BLOW THE TOP OFF THE MOUNTAIN, GET THE COAL OUT, AND TAKE ALL THE OVERBURDEN AND OTHER ASSORTED STUFF AND DUMP IT IN THE VALLEY AND BURY THE STREAM. THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THEN IT RAINS, AND WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IT RAINS? WELL, YOU CAN EITHER CAP THAT WHOLE THING AND MAKE IT IMPERMEABLE AND THEN HAVE BIG RUNOFF DOWN STREAM, OR AS GENERAL HAPPENS, THE WATER PERCOLATES DOWN THROUGH ALL THE WASTE AND BECOMES A TOXIC FLOW. . THEY SAY THESE ARE SEASONAL STREAM BUS SEASONAL STREAMS RUN INTO OTHER STREAMS. WHEN YOU GET THESE TOXIC FLOWS, THEY GO INTO OTHER STREAMS. I SEE THIS IN MY DISTRICT, NOT FROM COAL MINES BUT FROM A COMPANY THAT IMPROPERLY MINED AND LEFT US WITH THE WASTE. I'VE SEEN THE MILES OF SPRINGS KILLED FROM THE OVERBURDEN OF THE MINING THAT'S DONE. THIS IS AN ABSURD PLACE TO SAY WE'RE OVERREGULATING.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH IS -- IS…

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH IS -- IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. BISHOP

THAT WAS FORTUITOUS, WE HAD TWO OTHER PEOPLE SHOW UP HERE. I YIELD ONE…

THAT WAS FORTUITOUS, WE HAD TWO OTHER PEOPLE SHOW UP HERE. I YIELD ONE MINUTE TO THE GENTLEMAN, MR. GIBBS, FROM THE STATE OF OHIO.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

MR. GIBBS

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. MR. SPEAKER, IN THE LAST MONTH IN OFFICE,…

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. MR. SPEAKER, IN THE LAST MONTH IN OFFICE, PRESIDENT OBAMA FIRED ONE LAST SHOT AT COAL. HE MADE IT DIFFICULT FOR AN ALREADY-DISTRESSED INDUSTRY TO PROVIDE A RELIABLE ENERGY SOURCE FOR OUR ECONOMY. IN REALITY THE ONLY THING HE TRIED TO PROTECT WAS THE JOVES BUREAUCRATS AT THE EXPENSE OF HARDWORKING AMERICANS. THIS RULE ADDS NO NEW PROTECTIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THIS RULE COULD COME CLOSE OFF -- COULD CLOSE OFF AS MUCH AS HALF THE U.S. RESERVES FOR MINING THE BUREAUCRATS WRITING THIS RULE DON'T UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT OF THIS BECAUSE IN THE SEVEN YEARS IT TOOK TO WRITE IT, NO ONE BOTHERED TO VISIT A MINE. WE CANNOT ALLOW TO SIMPLY TO SAVE THE RADICAL LIBERAL AGENDA. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO JOIN ME IN SUPPORTING THIS RESOLUTION OF DISAPPROVAL OF YET ANOTHER REGULATORY OVERREACH BY THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION. I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. GRIJALVA

I RESERVE, I'M READY TO CLOSE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. BISHOP

I'M READY TO CLOSE.

MR. GRIJALVA

I URGE A NO VET. THES PREDEN BEING SET TONIGHT BY THIS HOUSE IS -- BY THIS…

I URGE A NO VET. THES PREDEN BEING SET TONIGHT BY THIS HOUSE IS -- BY THIS HOUSE IS A DANGEROUS AND EXTREME PRECEDENT THAT WE WILL ALL COME TO REGRET AND I URGE A NO VOTE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES THIS EGENTLEMAN FROM UTAH IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. BISHOP

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

MR. ROGERS

I THANK THE CHAIRMAN FOR YIELDING ME THIS TIME. MR. SPEAKER, PRESIDENT…

I THANK THE CHAIRMAN FOR YIELDING ME THIS TIME. MR. SPEAKER, PRESIDENT OBAMA MADE IT HIS MISSION TO BANKRUPT THE COAL INDUSTRY WHEN HE TOOK OFFICE. AND THROUGH A SLEW OF JOB-KILLING REGULATIONS, HE'S NEARLY MADE GOOD ON THAT PROMISE. HIS ADMINISTRATION SPENT SEVEN YEARS AND OVER $10 MILLION IN TAXPAYER DOLLARS WRITING THE STREAM PROTECTION RULE. EVEN THOUGH THE BIPARTISAN 2016 OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS BILL DIRECTED THE ENTIREOR DEPARTMENT TO ENGAGE WITH THE STATES BEFORE FINALIZING THIS RULE. THE AGENCY REFUSED TO COMPLY, LEAVING CRUCIAL VOICES OUT OF THE RULE MAKING PROCESS. UNDER THIS MIDNIGHT REGULATION, AT LEAST HALF OF THE NATION'S COAL RESERVES WOULD BE RESTRICTED FROM MINING AND ONE THIRD OF CURRENT COAL-RELATED JOBS WOULD BE AT RISK. THIS WOULD MEAN MORE DEVASTATING JOB LOSSES IN COAL COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY. ESPECIALLY IN KENTUCKY. WHERE WE'VE ALREADY GOT NEARLY 13,000 MINERS OUT OF WORK. IT'S TIME TO END THE MADNESS. GIVE OUR COMMUNITIES IN THE COAL AREAS A CHANCE TO REBUILD. I URGE SUPPORT OF THIS RESOLUTION. I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRE. THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARIZONA IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. GRIJALVA

MR. SPEAKER, THERE'S NO OTHER SPEAKERS, I YIELD BACK MY TIME AND --

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. THE GENTLEMAN FROM UTAH IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. BISHOP

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. WE'VE HEARD A LOT OF FOLK SCIENCE WHICH IS…

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. WE'VE HEARD A LOT OF FOLK SCIENCE WHICH IS APPROPRIATE SINCE THE GROUP THAT MADE THE RULE REFUSED TO GIVE US THIS EDATA THINK THEY USED TO MAKE THE RULE. 93% OF THE SITES ARE NOT HAVING ANY IMPACT ON THE STREAMS AND THE OTHER 7% WE ALREADY HAVE RULES THAT COVER THEM THAT DO THIS PROTECTION. THERE'S NO REAL NEW PROTECTION IN THIS PARTICULAR ACT. THE STATES THAT REGULATE 97% OF THE COAL MINES IN THE UNITED STATES WERE SHUT OUT OF THE PROCESS WHICH IS WHY THEY ARE SUING ABOUT IT THIS UNDERCUTS THE STATE PRIMACY PROVIDE IN THE SURFACE MINING CONTROL AND RECLAMATION ACT. WHAT WE ARE DOING HERE TODAY WITH THIS EFFORT IS TO RE-ESTABLISH THE ARTICLE 1 AUTHORITY THAT WE HAVE IN THE CONSTITUTION BY SAYING WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE POLICY. NOT SOME AGENCY OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH. ADOPTING THE RISK RESOLUTION PROTECTS THE RIGHTS OF STATES TASKED WITH REGULATING THE COAL INDUSTRY WITHIN THEIR BORDERS AND HELPS PEOPLE. PEOPLE ARE GOING TO BE HARMED IF THIS ACT IS NOT REPEALED AND ACTUALLY GO INTO EFFECT. AND THE MOST VULNERABLE POPULATIONS ARE THE ONES WHO WILL SUFFER THE MOST BECAUSE OF IT. BECAUSE OF THAT REASON, IT IS RIGHT FOR CONGRESS TO DO OUR RESPONSIBILITY HERE AND NOW AND REPEAL THIS BAD ACT THAT WAS DONE IN SECRET THAT WAS NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE THE OPENNESS WE'VE REQUESTED IN THE PAST AND THAT IS SIMPLY REDUNDANT AT BEST, TOTALLY UNNECESSARY, AND DOES HAVE HARM THAT IT DOES TO REAL PEOPLE. 70,000 DIRECT JOBS. OVER 300,000 INDIRECT JOBS, AS WELL AS A HIGHER COST TO EVERYONE WHO USES ENERGY IN THIS NATION AND WITH THAT, I ASK MY COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT THE RESOLUTION OF DISAPPROVAL, VOTE FOR ITS FINAL PASSAGE AND WITH THAT, I FINALLY YIELD BACK MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. ALL TIME FOR DEBATE HAS EXPIRED. PURSUANT TO…

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. ALL TIME FOR DEBATE HAS EXPIRED. PURSUANT TO THE RULE, THE PREVIOUS QUESTION IS ORDERED ON THE JOINT RESOLUTION. THE QUESTION IS ON THE ENGROSSMENT AND THIRD READING OF THE JOINT RESOLUTION. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. THE AYES HAVE IT. THIRD READING.

THE CLERK

JOINT RESOLUTION DISAPPROVING THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF…

JOINT RESOLUTION DISAPPROVING THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR KNOWN AS THE STREAM PROTECTION RULE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE QUESTION IS ON PASSAGE OF THE JOINT RESOLUTION. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY…

THE QUESTION IS ON PASSAGE OF THE JOINT RESOLUTION. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. THE AYES HAVE IT. JOINT RESOLUTION IS PASSED.

MR. GRIJALVA

MR. SPEAKER, ON THAT I ASK FOR A RECORDED VOTE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

DOES THE GENTLEMAN REQUEST THE YEAS AND NAYS?

MR. GRIJALVA

YES.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE YEAS AND NAYS ARE REQUESTED. THOSE FAVORING A VOTE BY THE YEAS AND…

THE YEAS AND NAYS ARE REQUESTED. THOSE FAVORING A VOTE BY THE YEAS AND NAYS WILL RISE. A SUFFICIENT NUMBER HAVING RISEN, THE YEAS AND NAYS ARE ORDERED. PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 8 OF RULE 20, FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON THIS QUESTION WILL BE POSTPONED. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS SEEK RECOGNITION?

>>

41, PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5,…

41, PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION RELATING TO DISCLOSURE OF PAYMENTS BY RESOURCE EXTRACTION ISSUERS, AND ASK FOR ITS IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION IN THE HOUSE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE CLERK WILL REPORT THE TITLE OF THE BILL, THE JOINT RESOLUTION.

THE CLERK

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 41. JOINT RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL…

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 41. JOINT RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5 OF THE UNITED STATES CODE OF A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION RELATING TO DISCLOSURE PAYMENTS BY RESOURCE EXTRACTION ISSUERS.

TEMPORE PURSUANT

PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 71, THE JOINT RESOLUTION IS CONSIDERED READ.…

PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 71, THE JOINT RESOLUTION IS CONSIDERED READ. JOINT RESOLUTION SHALL BE DEBATABLE FOR ONE HOUR EQUALLY DIVIDED AND CONTROLLED BY THIS ECHAIR AND RANKING MINORITY MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL SERVICES THIS EGENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS, MR. HENSARLING AND THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM CALIFORNIA, MS. WATERS, EACH WILL CONTROL 30 MINUTES THIS ECHAIR RECOGNIZES THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS.

MR. HENSARLING

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

MR. HENSARLING

I YIELD MYSELF SUCH TIME AS I MAY CONSUME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. HENSARLING

I RISE TODAY IN STRONG SUPPORT OF HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 41, INTRODUCED BY…

I RISE TODAY IN STRONG SUPPORT OF HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 41, INTRODUCED BY THE GENTLEMAN FROM MICHIGANMARK HUIZENGA, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES SUBCOMMITTEE ON CAPITAL MARKET SECURITIES AND INVESTMENT THIS RESOLUTION DISPROVES A BURDENSOME AND CONTROVERSIAL SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION RULE THAT PLACES AN UNFAIR BURDEN ON AMERICAN PUBLIC COMPANIES THAT IS NOT APPLIED TO MANY OF THEIR FOREIGN COMPETITORS. VIRTUALLY EVERY DAY WE HEAR FROM MANY AMERICANS ABOUT HOW THIS ECONOMY IS JUST NOT WORKING FOR THEM. IT'S JUST NOT WORKING FOR WORKING AMERICANS. AMERICANS LIKE KEITH FROM DALLAS IN MY DISTRICT WHO WROTE ME, I'M 53. I HAVE A GROWN SON WHO LIVES WITH ME. IT SEEMS LIKE THE COST OF EVERYTHING KEEPS GOING UP, YET WAGES DO NOT KEEP PACE, HE WROTE ME, MR. SPEAKER. THE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES OF KEITH AND MILLIONS OF AMERICANS LIKE HIM ARE NOT HELPED BY TOP-DOWN, POLITICALLY DRIVEN REGULATIONS THAT GIVE MANY FOREIGN COMPANIES AN ADVANTAGE OVER AMERICAN PUBLIC COMPANIES. AND THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT THIS SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION REGULATION THAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT TODAY DOES. IT FORCES AMERICAN PUBLIC COMPANIES TO DISCLOSE AN EXPENSIVE PROPRIETARY INFORMATION THAT CAN BE OBTAINED BY THEIR FOREIGN COMPETITOR YOSS, INCLUDING STATE-OWNED -- COMPETITORS INCLUDING STATE-OWNED COMPANIES IN CHINA AND RUSSIA. THIS IS JUST ONE REGULATION OUT OF THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS THAT ARE BURDENING OUR COMPANIES, OUR JOB CREATOR, AND ARE COSTING OUR HOUSEHOLDS BY ONE ESTIMATE OVER $14,000 A YEAR, MR. SPEAKER. EVEN THOUGH THIS IS AN S.E.C. RULE, SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION RULE, SECTION 1504 OF DODD-FRANK HAS NOTHING, NOTHING TO DO WITH INVESTOR PROTECTION NOR ANYTHING ELSE WE WERE TOLD THE DODD-FRANK ACT WAS SUPPOSED TO DO. AS THE ACTING CHAIRMAN OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS SAID THIS RULE, QUOTE, NEITHER REFORMS WALL STREET, MORE PROVIDES CONSUMER PROTECTION, AND IT IS WHOLLY UNRELATED AND LARGELY CONTRARY TO THE S.E.C.'S CORE MISSION. IN ADDITION, MR. SPEAKER, THE S.E.C. ESTIMATES THAT ONGOING COMPLIANCE COSTS FOR THIS RULE COULD REACH AS HIGH AS $591 MILLION PER YEAR. IT'S AN OUTRAGE, MR. SPEAKER. THAT'S $59 1 MILLION EVERY YEAR. -- THAT'S $591 MILLION EVERY YEAR THAT COULD BETTER BE USED TO HIRE THOUSANDS MORE AMERICANS IN AN INDUSTRY WHERE THE AVERAGE PAY IS 50% HIGHER THAN THE U.S. AVERAGE. LITERALLY, LITERALLY, WE COULD BE TALKING ABOUT 10,000 JOBS ON THE LINE FOR THIS ILL-ADVISED RULE. NOW THIS IS SIGNIFICANT. GIVEN THAT MILLIONS OF AMERICANS LIKE KEITH FROM MY DISTRICT HAVE NOT SEEN THEIR WAGES INCREASE WHILE OUR ECONOMY HAS BEEN SIGHMIED UNDER THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION. NOW, FOR THOSE WHO CLAIM THAT SOMEHOW, BY ROLLING BACK THIS RULE, THAT THIS UNDERMINES ANTI-CORRUPTION EFFORTS, LET ME REMIND EVERYONE THAT MR. HUIZENGA'S RESOLUTION THAT THE FOREIGN CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT WHICH THE S.E.C. AND DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ADMINISTER, ALREADY MAKES IT ILLEGAL TO PAY FORMER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WHEN IT COMES TO WINNING OR MAINTAINING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES. AND TO FURTHER PROVE THE POINT, MR. SPEAKER, JUST THIS YEAR, JUST THIS YEAR, THE S.E.C. HAS BROUGHT ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS OR SETTLED FOUR SEPARATE CASES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS ANTI-CORRUPTION LAW. SO EVEN WITHOUT, EVEN WITHOUT THIS S.E.C. RULE, FRAUD WILL STILL BE FRAUD. CORRUPTION WILL STILL BE CORRUPTION. AND BOTH WILL STILL BE ILLEGAL. AND THE S.E.C. AND THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE WILL STILL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO VIGOROUSLY PURSUE THOSE WHO BREAK THE LAW AND HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE, AS THEY WELL SHOULD, SO NO ONE, MR. SPEAKER, SHOULD FALL FOR THIS FALSE ARGUMENT OF OUR OPPONENTS. LET'S ALSO REMEMBER THAT THIS JOINT RESOLUTION DOES NOT REPEAL SECTION 1504 OF DODD-FRANK. I WISH IT DID. BUT IT DOESN'T. RATHER, IT VACATES A FLAWED S.E.C. RULE THAT MIMICS A PREVIOUS RULE THAT WAS ALREADY STRUCK DOWN BY A U.S. DISTRICT COURT. IT IS A RULE THAT BY THE S.E.C.'S OWN ESTIMATES HAS TAKEN 51 EMPLOYEES OVER 20,000 HOURS TO PROMULGATE, DEFEND, AND REPROMULGATE. 51 EMPLOYEES, 20,000 HOURS, THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DIRECTED AT ROOTING OUT PONZI SCHEMES THAT COULD HAVE BEEN USED TO PROMOTE CAPITAL FORMATION OR MAKE OUR CAPITAL MARKETS MORE EFFICIENT. FURTHERMORE, THIS RULE STILL GOES FAR BEYOND THE STATUTE PASSED BY CONGRESS AND MANDATES PUBLIC SPECIALIZED DISCLOSURES THAT COST MORE AND MORE AND IS BURDENSOME, MORE BURDENSOME THAN THE LAW REQUIRES. SO MR. SPEAKER, FOR THOSE WHO RELIGIOUSLY DEFEND THE DODD-FRANK LAW, THEY SHOULD BE IN VIGOROUS SUPPORT OF WHAT MR. HUIZENGA BRINGS TO THE FLOOR TODAY BECAUSE THE RULE FLIES IN THE FACE OF THE DODD-FRANK ACT. . SO WHEN AN AGENCY EXCEEDS ITS STATUTORY AUTHORITY, IT IS NO LONGER REGULATING, MR. SPEAKER, IT'S LEGISLATING. AND ALL OF US, REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS ALIKE, SHOULD BE ABLE TO AGREE THAT WHEN THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH ACTS IN SUCH A MANNER, CONGRESS HAS A DUTY, A DUTY UNDER ARTICLE 1 OF THE CONSTITUTION, TO CHECK THIS EXECUTIVE OVERREACH. AS SUCH, THIS HOUSE SHOULD WHOLEHEARTEDLY SUPPORT MR. HUIZENGA'S RESOLUTION. IT SIMPLY TELLS THE S.E.C. TO GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD. COMPLY WITH THE DODD-FRANK ACT. AND COME UP WITH A BETTER ROLE THAT WILL NOT PUT AMERICAN PUBLIC COMPANIES AT AN UNFAIR DISADVANTAGE AND COST US JOBS. I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLELADY FROM…

THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLELADY FROM CALIFORNIA IS RECOGNIZED.

MS. WATERS

MR. CHAIR, I YIELD MYSELF SUCH TIME AS I MAY CONSUME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLELADY IS RECOGNIZED.

MS. WATERS

H.J.RES. 41 WOULD ROLLBACK THE S.E.C.'S RULE THAT IMPLEMENTED AN IMPORTANT…

H.J.RES. 41 WOULD ROLLBACK THE S.E.C.'S RULE THAT IMPLEMENTED AN IMPORTANT CONGRESSIONAL MANDATE IN DODD-FRANK, REQUIRING OIL, GAS AND MINING COMPANIES TO PUBLICLY DISCLOSE PAYMENTS MADE TO FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS FOR ACCESS TO THEIR NATURAL RESOURCES. THAT RULE HELPS FIGHT CORRUPTION IN THE EX TRAFFICIVE INDUSTRY -- EXTRACTING INDUSTRY SECTOR, PROVIDES VEST DRBLE INVESTORS WITH CRUCIAL INFORMATION ON THE INVESTORS AND GIVES CITIZENS GREATER ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THEIR GOVERNMENTS FOR SPENDING THAT SERVES THE PUBLIC INTEREST. IT ALSO HELPS TO DIMINISH THE POLITICAL INSTABILITY IN RESOURCE-RICH COUNTRIES, WHICH IS NOT ONLY A THREAT TO INVESTMENT, BUT ALSO TO OUR OWN NATIONAL SECURITY. SPECIFICALLY THE DISCLOSURE RULE ENABLES SHAREHOLDERS TO MAKE BETTER INFORMED ASSESSMENTS OF OPPORTUNITY COST, THREATS TO CORPORATE REPUTATION, AND THE LONG-TERM PROSPECTS OF THE COMPANIES IN WHICH THEY INVEST. IN ADDITION, OPENING THE EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES TO GREATER PUBLIC SCRUTINY IS KEY TO INCREASING CIVIL SOCIETY PARTICIPATION IN RESOURCE-RICH COUNTRIES, WHICH ARE OFTEN UNDERDEVELOPED COUNTRIES THAT ARE POLITICALLY UNSTABLE, REIFF WITH CORRUPTION, AND -- RIFE WITH CORRUPTION AND WITH A HISTORY OF CORRUPTION FUELED IN PART BY NATURAL RESOURCES. MOREOVER, THE S.E.C.'S RULE IS A REASONABLE DISCLOSURE AND PLACES NO LIMITS OR RESTRICTIONS ON WHOSE COMPANIES CAN PAY MONEY TO. HOW MUCH OR WHAT FOR. AFTER FIVE YEARS OF ROBUST DEBATE AND INPUT, THE FINAL RULE ACCOMMODATED A NUMBER OF INDUSTRY CONCERNS, PROVIDING COMPANIES WITH THE GENEROUS FOUR-YEAR PHASE-IN PERIOD AND A CASE-BY-CASE EXEMPTION PROCESS FOR COMPANIES THAT FACED IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES. THE S.E.C. ALSO ALLOWED COMPANIES TO COMPLY WITH THE DISCLOSURE BY USING A REPORT PREPARED FOR OTHER SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR DISCLOSURE REGIMES. WHICH INCLUDE REGIMES IN THE EUROPEAN UNION AND CANADA. FURTHERMORE, AND NEVERTHELESS, RATHER, REPUBLICANS CONTINUE TO CLAIM THAT THE S.E.C.'S RULE IS HARMFUL AND LET THEM TELL IT. IT PUTS AMERICANS COMPANIES AT A -- AMERICAN COMPANIES AT A COMPETITIVE DISADVANTAGE TO THEIR FOREIGN COMPETITORS. WELL, MR. CHAIRMAN, THEY'RE ENTITLED TO THEIR OWN SET OF OPINIONS, BUT THEY'RE NOT ENTITLED TO THEIR OWN SET OF FACTS. I SUPPOSE THESE ARE ALTERNATIVE FACTS. THE TRUTH IS THAT THE U.S. COMPANIES ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES REQUIRED TO MAKE THESE DISCLOSURES. MANY FOREIGN COMPANIES MUST REPORT UNDER THE U.S. RULES, INCLUDING A NUMBER OF STATE-OWNED OIL COMPANIES SUCH AS CHINA'S PETROCHINA, THAT IS BRAZIL'S PETROBRAZ. ALSO AFTER THE S.E.C. ISSUED ITS INITIAL RULE IN 2012, THE REST OF THE WORLD FOLLOWED OUR LEAD. ESTABLISHING A GLOBAL STANDARD FOR THE PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF EXTRACTIVE PAMENTES COMPANIES -- PAYMENTS COMPANIES MAKE TO GOVERNMENTS. A WAVE OF TRANSPARENCY LAWS HAVE BEEN ADOPTED IN FOREIGN MARKETS THAT MIRROR THE U.S. LAW. THIS INCLUDES LEGISLATION IN THE EUROPEAN UNION, NORWAY, AND CANADA. WHICH ARE ALL NOW IN FORCE. THESE LAWS COVER THE VAST MAJORITY OF OIL, GAS AND MINING COMPANIES THAT COMPETE WITH U.S. FIRMS. NOW, LEADING GLOBAL OIL COMPANIES LIKE B.P., SHELL AND RUSSIA'S STATE-OWNED COMPANIES ARE ENTERING THEIR SECOND YEAR OF REPORTING UNDER E. RUMPLET RULES WITHOUT ANY NEGATIVE -- E.U. RULES WITHOUT ANY NEGATIVE IMPACT. SO CONTRARY TO REPUBLICAN CLAIMS, U.S. AND FOREIGN COMPANIES ALREADY COMPETE ON A MORE LEVEL PLAYING FIELD HERE AND ABROAD. THEREFORE ROLLING BACK THE S.E.C.'S DISCLOSURE RULE WOULD DIRECTLY UNDERMINE THE INTERESTS OF EXTRACTIVE COMPANIES IN HAVING A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD. WORSE, ONCE THE RULE IS NULLIFIED BY THIS RESOLUTION, THE S.E.C. WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PUT ANOTHER RULE IN PLACE THAT IS SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR. THIS WOULD CREATE DIFFERENT REPORTING REGIMES, DIRECTLY CONTRAVENING WHAT COMPANIES HAVE REQUESTED FROM THE S.E.C. AND THE S.E.C. FINAL RULE ACCOMMODATED INDUSTRY CONCERNS BY INCLUDING A GENEROUS PHASE-IN PERIOD, U.S. LISTED COMPANIES ARE NOT REQUIRED TO REPORT UNTIL 2019. THE RULE ALSO PROVIDES FOR CASE BY CASE EXEMPTIONS IF COVERED COMPANIES FACE ANY IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES. THEREFORE THE RULE DOES NOT PUT U.S. COMPANIES AT A COMPETITIVE DISADVANTAGE, NOR DOES IT IMPOSE AN UNREASONABLE COMPLIANCE BURDEN. I WOULD ALSO POINT OUT TO MY REPUBLICAN COLLEAGUES THE IMPORTANCE OF THE S.E.C.'S DISCLOSURE RULE IN PROTECTING U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY AND ENERGY SECURITY INTERESTS. SPECIFICALLY IT HELPS PROTECT U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY INTERESTS BY HELPING PREVENT THE CORRUPTION, SECRECY AND GOVERNMENT ABUSE THAT HAS CATALYZED CONFLICT, INSTABILITY AND VIOLENT EXTREMIST MOVEMENTS IN AFRICA, THE MIDDLE EAST AND BEYOND. AS ISIS DEMONSTRATED, NON-STATE ACTORS CAN BENEFIT FROM TRADING NATURAL RESOURCES IN ORDER TO FINANCE THEIR OPERATIONS. PROJECT LEVEL DISCLOSURES IN THE RULE WILL MAKE HIDING IMPORTS FROM NON-STATE ACTORS MORE DIFFICULT, THEREBY LIMITING THEIR ABILITY TO FINANCE THEMSELVES WITH NATURAL RESOURCE REVENUES. CORRUPTION AND MISMANAGEMENT OF OIL REVENUES DESTABILIZES REGIONS AND LEADS TO CONFLICT. AND RESOURCE-RICH COUNTRIES LIKE VENEZUELA, IRAQ AND ANGOLA, ARE CONSIDERED TO BE AMONG THE TOP 10 COUNTRIES PERCEIVED TO BE THE MOST CORRUPT ACCORDING TO TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL. IN ADDITION, TRANSPARENCY OF RUSSIAN COMPANIES AND ITS EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY IS CRITICAL. THE S.E.C.'S RULE WOULD CREATE TRANSPARENCY OF EXXON AND OTHER COMPANY PAYMENTS TO THE RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT. COMPANIES ARE ALREADY DISCLOSING UNDER THE U.K. RULES AND B.P. HAS ALREADY REPORTED PAYMENTS TO THE RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT. THE S.E.C.'S DISCLOSURE RULE WILL MAKE A CRUCIAL CONTRIBUTION AS RUSSIAN CITIZENS SEEK TO FOLLOW THE MONEY RECEIVED BY THEIR GOVERNMENT. A VOTE TO ROLL BACK THE S.E.C.'S RESOURCE EXTRACTION DISCLOSURES WOULD BE A VOTE -- TO ABANDON U.S. LEADERSHIP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST GLOBAL CORRUPTION. I STRONGLY URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO OPPOSE H.J.RES. 41 AND I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLELADY RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HER TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS…

THE GENTLELADY RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HER TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. HENSARLING

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I AM PLEASED NOW TO YIELD THREE MINUTES TO THE…

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I AM PLEASED NOW TO YIELD THREE MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM MICHIGAN, MR. HUIZENGA, THE CHAIRMAN OF OUR CAPITAL MARKETS SUBCOMMITTEE, AND THE AUTHOR OF HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 41.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM MICHIGAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR THREE MINUTES.

MR. HUIZENGA

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. SECTION 1504 OF THE DODD-FRANK ACT WAS LIKE MANY…

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. SECTION 1504 OF THE DODD-FRANK ACT WAS LIKE MANY OTHER PROVISIONS THAT WERE ULTIMATELY INCLUDED IN THE SPRAWLING LAW. THEY HAD ABSOLUTELY NO RELATIONSHIP TO THE UNDERLYING CAUSE OF THE FINANCIAL HOUSING CRISIS. HOWEVER, SOME HAVE USED THIS FINANCIAL CRISIS TO HIJACK FEDERAL SECURITIES LAW IN ORDER TO PUSH A SOCIALLY MOTIVATED AGENDA, SPECIFICALLY SECTION 1504 OF THE DODD-FRANK ACT, WHICH REQUIRES COMPANIES REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION TO ANNUALLY REPORT PAYMENTS SUCH AS TAXES, ROYALTIES, FEES, PRODUCTION INDICTMENTS AND THOSE TYPES OF THINGS, MADE TO FOREIGN AND U.S. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RELATING TO THE COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF MINERALS, OILS AND NATURAL GAS. COMPANIES SUBJECT TO SECTION 1504 MUST REPORT THE TYPE AND TOTAL AMOUNTS OF THESE PAYMENTS MADE FOR EACH PROJECT AS WELL AS THE TYPE AND TOTAL AMOUNTS OF PAYMENTS MADE TO EACH GOVERNMENT. THESE PAYMENTS COVER, AS I SAID, TAXES AND OTHER THINGS THAT ARE REALLY BUSINESS EXPENSES. WHILE THIS MAY BE A LAUDABLE GOAL, USING FEDERAL SECURITIES LAW IN THE S.E.C. TO ENFORCE SOCIAL ISSUES IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE S.E.C.'S CORE MISSION AND COMPLETELY INAPPROPRIATE. JUST TO REMIND EVERYONE, THE S.E.C.'S MISSION BY LAW IS TO, ONE, PROTECT INVESTORS. TWO, MAINTAIN FAIR, ORDERLY AND EFFICIENT MARKETS. THREE, FACILITATE CAPITAL FORMATION. I WOULD LIKEN WHAT THEY'RE DOING BY HAVING THE S.E.C. PUT THIS RULE IN PLACE, IT'S SORT OF LIKE REQUIRING YOUR POLICE DEPARTMENT TO BE IN CHARGE OF ROAD REPAIR TOO. IT'S JUST NOT THEIR EXPERT TEELS. THE S.E.C. RECOGNIZES THIS FACT AND STATED THAT SECTION 1504, QUOTE, APPEARS TO BE DESIGNED PRIMARILY TO ADVANCE U.S. FOREIGN POLICY OBJECTIVES. NOT INVESTOR PROTECTION OR CAPITAL FORMATION. NOTWITHSTANDING THE MERITS OF THE UNDERLYING POLICY GOALS, IN CONDUCTING MORE AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY IS NOT WHAT CONGRESS CREATED THE S.E.C. TO DO. IN FACT, JUST MOMENTS AGO THE U.S. SENATE CONFIRMED REX TILLERSON AS THE SECRETARY OF STATE. AND I WOULD SUGGEST THAT WE LET HIM DIRECT OUR FOREIGN POLICY. WITH ALL DUE RESPECT TO THE COMMISSIONERS AND THE S.E.C. STAFF, NONE OF THEM ARE REALLY FOREIGN POLICY EXPERTS. AS WE DEBATE THIS RESOLUTION, LET'S BE CLEAR ON WHAT THIS ISN'T ABOUT. SOME HAVE TRIED TO ARGUE THAT A VOTE TO VACATE THIS PROVISION IS A VOTE FOR CORRUPTION SOMEHOW. THIS COULDN'T BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. I UNDERSTAND AND SYMPATHIZE WITH THE SENSE AND THE FEELING OF THIS, THAT THIS RULE MAKES SUPPORTERS FEEL BETTER ABOUT THEMSELVES. BUT IT DOES NOT SOLVE THE REAL WORLD ISSUES. THE FOREIGN RULES THAT HAVE BEEN BROUGHT IS UP COMPARING APPLES AND ORANGES WITH THE FOREIGN RULES. IF WE ALLOW THEM TO REWRITE THIS PARTICULAR RULE, WE MIGHT ACTUALLY MIRROR WHAT THE E.U. AND WHAT OTHER FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS ARE DOING. SO, DESPITE THE CLAIMS TO THE CONTRARY, H.J.RES. 41 DOES NOTHING TO UNDERMINE THE ABILITY OF THE S.E.C. AND THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT TO POLICE AGAINST FOREIGN CORRUPTION. IN FACT, BOTH OF THESE AGENCIES STILL HAVE AT THEIR DISPOSAL FEDERAL LAWS, INCLUDING THE FOREIGN CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT, WHICH PROHIBITS BRIBING FOREIGN OFFICIALS.

MR. HENSARLING

I YIELD THE GENTLEMAN ADDITIONAL TIME.

MR. HUIZENGA

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. EVEN WITHOUT THIS S.E.C. EXTRACTION RULE IN…

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. EVEN WITHOUT THIS S.E.C. EXTRACTION RULE IN EFFECT, FRAUD WILL STILL BE FRAUD AND CORRUPTION WILL STILL BE CORRUPTION. BOTH WILL STILL BE ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES THAT SHOULD BE PUNISHED TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW. VOTING FOR THIS RESOLUTION IS A VOTE TO RIGHT THE SHIP. IT'S A VOTE TO RESET THE REGULATORY PROCESS. CONGRESS NEEDS TO SEND THIS FLAWED REGULATION BACK TO THE S.E.C. DRAWING BOARD AND INSTRUCT THE S.E.C. TO GET THE PROVISION RIGHT BY PROMULGATING AN APPROPRIATE RULE. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT THIS RESOLUTION AND WITH THAT I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLELADY FROM…

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HIS TIME. THE GENTLELADY FROM CALIFORNIA IS RECOGNIZED.

MS. WATERS

I NOW YIELD THREE MINUTES TO THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK, THE RANKING…

I NOW YIELD THREE MINUTES TO THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW YORK, THE RANKING MEMBER OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON CAPITAL MARKETS, ON THE FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, MRS. MALONEY.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLELADY IS RECOGNIZED FOR THREE MINUTES.

MRS. MALONEY

I WANT TO THANK THE GENTLELADY FOR HER LEADERSHIP AND FOR YIELDING TO ME…

I WANT TO THANK THE GENTLELADY FOR HER LEADERSHIP AND FOR YIELDING TO ME AND FOR HER LEADERSHIP IN SO MANY AREAS, INCLUDING HER LEADERSHIP ON THIS BILL. I RISE TODAY IN STRONG OPPOSITION TO THE RESOLUTION WHICH WOULD REPEAL AN S.E.C. ANTI-CORRUPTION RULE. I FAIL TO UNDERSTAND WHY ANYONE IN THIS BODY WOULD WANT TO REPEAL SOMETHING THAT HELPS US FIGHT CORRUPTION. THE S.E.C. RULE WOULD REQUIRE COMPANIES REGISTERED IN THE UNITED STATES TO DISCLOSE THE PAYMENTS THAT THEY MAKE TO FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF OIL, NATURAL GAS OR OTHER MINERALS. UNFORTUNATELY THERE IS A LONG AND VERY SAD HISTORY OF CORRUPTION WHERE BIG OIL OR MINING COMPANIES STRIKE DEALS WITH FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS TO EXTRACT THEIR NATURAL RESOURCES. AND TOO OFTEN THE MONEY FROM THE OIL OR MINING COMPANY ENDED UP GOING TO PAY BRIBES TO CORRUPT POLITICIANS. AND NOT TO BENEFIT THE ORDINARY CITIZENS OF THE COUNTRY. THE S.E.C. RULE IS INTENDED TO BRING SOME BASIC TRANSPARENCY TO THESE DEALS. THAT'S ALL WE'RE TALKING ABOUT. TRANSPARENCY. BY REQUIRING U.S. COMPANIES TO DISCLOSE THE PAYMENTS THEY MAKE TO FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS, WHO THE PAYMENTS WENT TO, HOW MUCH THEY PAID, WHO IN THE GOVERNMENT GOT THE MONEY THAT SHOULD BE GOING TO THE PEOPLE. IT TELLS THE PEOPLE AND THE COUNTRY WHERE THEIR NATURAL RESOURCES MONEY IS GOING. THIS IS JUST COMMON SENSE. AND IT IS OUTRAGEOUS AND UNBELIEVABLE TO ME THAT ANYONE WOULD OPPOSE SIMPLE TRANSPARENCY RULES THAT COMBAT CORRUPTION. I'VE BEEN A LONG-TIME SUPPORTER OF THIS RULE. I SPOKE IN FAVOR OF IT DURING THE DODD-FRANK DEBATE, AND I SENT A LETTER TO THE S.E.C. URGING THEM TO FINALIZE THIS RULE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, WHICH I'D LIKE TO SUBMIT TO THE RECORD, AND I WAS JOINED WITH ROUGHLY 58 OF MY COLLEAGUES IN THIS LETTER. MAY I SUBMIT IT TO THE RECORD?

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

WITHOUT OBJECTION. .

MRS. MALONEY

LET'S ALSO BE CLEAR WHAT THE SECTION'S RULES DO NOT DO. IT DOES NOT --…

LET'S ALSO BE CLEAR WHAT THE SECTION'S RULES DO NOT DO. IT DOES NOT -- WHAT THE S.E.C.'S RULES DO NOT DO. IT DOESN'T RESTRICT WHO MONEY IS PAID TO. IT DOESN'T RESTRICT HOW MUCH MONEY THEY CAN PAY OR WHAT THEY CAN PAY FOR. IT DOESN'T STOP CORRUPTION, IT SIMPLY SAYS YOU HAVE TO REPORT IT SO THAT THE PEOPLE IN THE COUNTRY AND EVERYONE KNOWS WHAT'S GOING ON. IN FACT, THERE WAS BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FOR THIS RULE. THE AMENDMENT TO DODD-FRANK THAT REQUIRED THIS RULE WAS KNOWN AS THE CARDIN-LUGER AMENDMENT BECAUSE IT WAS CO-SPONSORED BY REPUBLICAN SENATOR DICK LUGAR. HE WAS A LONGTIME CHAIRMAN OF THE SENATE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE SO HE UNDERSTOOD THE NEGATIVE IMPACTS THAT THESE CORRUPT DEALS COULD HAVE ON DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. THE ONLY REASON, AND I REPEAT, THE ONLY REASON, TO VOTE FOR THIS RESOLUTION IS TO HELP CORRUPTION GOVERNMENTS STEAL MONEY FROM THEIR PEOPLE. I'M GOING TO REPEAT THIS PHRASE BECAUSE PEOPLE WERE KNOCKING ME OUT OF ORDER. THE ABSOLUTE ONLY REASON, AND I WANT TO WARN MY FRIENDS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE, THE ONLY REASON YOU SHOULD VOTE FOR THIS IS TO HELP CORRUPT GOVERNMENTS STEAL MONEY FROM THEIR PEOPLE. SO I STRANGLY URGE A NO VOTE. NOW, SEVERAL OF MY GOOD FRIENDS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE HAVE POINTED OUT THAT THE FOREIGN AND CORRUPT RULE WILL TAKE CARE OF THIS. BUT THE FOREIGN AND CORRUPT RULE ONLY COVERS BRIBERY. IT DOESN'T COVER UNJUST ENRICHMENT. IT DOESN'T COVER GOVERNMENTS STEALING FROM THEMSELVES.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLELADY'S TIME HAS EXPIRED.

MRS. MALONEY

I AURGE STRONG NO VOTE AND I'D LIKE TO PLACE IN THE RECORD OTHER REASONS…

I AURGE STRONG NO VOTE AND I'D LIKE TO PLACE IN THE RECORD OTHER REASONS WHY THIS IS VERY BAD FOR THE ABILITY TO HAVE PEOPLE TO ACT.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

WITHOUT OBJECTION THE GENTLELADY'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEMAN FROM…

WITHOUT OBJECTION THE GENTLELADY'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. HENSARLING

I'M PLEASED TO YIELD TWO MINUTES TO THE GENTLELADY FROM MISSOURI, MS.…

I'M PLEASED TO YIELD TWO MINUTES TO THE GENTLELADY FROM MISSOURI, MS. WAGNER, THE SUBCHAIRMAN OF OUR OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLELADY FROM MISSOURI IS RECOGNIZED.

MS. WAGNER

I THANK MR. HENSARLING FOR THE TIME AND I THANK CHAIRMAN HUIZENGA FOR HIS…

I THANK MR. HENSARLING FOR THE TIME AND I THANK CHAIRMAN HUIZENGA FOR HIS LEADERSHIP ON THIS ISSUE. I'M PROUD TO CO-SPONSOR THE S.E.C. DISCLOSURE RULE FOR RESOURCE DISTRACTION, AN IMPORTANT TOOL FOR CONGRESS TO USE IN DISAPPROVING EXCESSIVE RED TAPE BROUGHT BY WASHINGTON BUREAUCRATS. THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION PLACED CRUSHING REGULATORY BURDENS ON THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AND IN 2015 ALONE, FEDERAL REGULATIONS COST ALMOST $1.9 TRILLION. NEARLY $15,000 PER AMERICAN FAMILY. THIS PARTICULAR REGULATION, ISSUED BY THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION, REGARDING RESOURCE EXTRACTION DISCLOSURES, WILL MAKE IT MORE EXPENSIVE FOR OUR PUBLIC COMPANIES INVOLVED WITH ENERGY PRODUCTION TO BE COMPETITIVE OVERSEAS WITH FOREIGN, STATE-OWNED COMPANIES. MR. SPEAKER, I'M PLEASED TO SUPPORT THIS RESOLUTION OF DISAPPROVAL. THE S.E.C. HAS ESTIMATED THAT ON FWOING COMPLIANCE COSTS FOR THIS RULE COULD REACH AS HIGH AS $591 MILLION ANNUALLY. AND FULLY ADMIT THAT IT HAS POTENTIAL TO DIVERT CAPITAL AWAY FROM OTHER PRODUCTIVE OPPORTUNITIES LIKE GROWING BUSINESS AND CREATING JOBS. SECURITIES LAW SHOULD NOT BE USED TO ADVANCE FOREIGN POLICY OBJECTIVES, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE COMPLIANCE COSTS OF IMPLEMENTING THOSE OBJECTIVES IS SO EXPENSIVE WORK NO ADD BENEFIT OF INVESTOR PROTECTION. WHILE THIS RULE HAS ALREADY BEEN VACATED BY THE U.S. DISTRICT COURT OF D.C., IN 2013, I AM HAPPY THAT THROUGH THIS RESOLUTION OF DISAPPROVAL, CONGRESS, WE THE PEOPLE, CAN NOW WEIGH IN AS WELL ON THIS HARMFUL RULE. I URGE PASSAGE OF THIS RESOLUTION AND I YIELD BACK THE REMAINDER OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLELADY YIELDS BACK. THE GENTLELADY FROM CALIFORNIA IS RECOGNIZED.

MS. WATERS

I YIELD FIVE MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM ILLINOIS, A MEMBER OF THE…

I YIELD FIVE MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM ILLINOIS, A MEMBER OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, AND THE SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR FIVE MINUTES. MR. FOSTER SPRK THANK YOU,…

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR FIVE MINUTES. MR. FOSTER SPRK THANK YOU, RANKING MEMBER WATERS, FOR YIELDING. I RISE IN OPPOSITION TO H.J.RES. 41 AND IN SUPPORT OF THE S.E.C. RULE REQUIRING RESOURCE EXTRACTION COMPANIES TO DISCLOSE PAYMENTS TO GOVERNMENTS. HISTORICALLY PAYMENT FOR RESOURCES IS A HUGE SOURCE OF CORRUPTION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES WHICH FOR MOST OF US IS MORALLY ABHORRENT. BUT WHAT I WANT TO TALK ABOUT IS THE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE THAT WE GAIN WHEN WE EMBRACE THE PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRATIC RULE OF LAW, TRANSPARENCY, AND MORALITY THAT OUR FINANCIAL SYSTEM DEPENDS UPON. WE PASSED DODD-FRANK TO STRENGTHEN OUR FINANCIAL SYSTEM IN A TIME OF CRISIS BUT ALSO TO MAKE IT MORE TRANSPARENT AND EFFECTIVE FOR AMERICAN CONSUMERS AND INVESTORS. SECTION 1504 OF DODD-FRANK DIRECTED THE S.E.C. TO PUBLISH A RULE REQUIRING ISSUERS TO DISCLOSE THE TYPES AND AMOUNTS OF PAYMENTS FOR EACH TYPE OF PROJECT AND TO EACH GOVERNMENT ANNUALLY. THE PROVISION IMPROVED DISCLOSURES MADE TO FINANCIAL REGULATORS AND TO INVESTORS. PRIVATE AND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS REPRESENTING TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS INVESTED ON BEHALF OF AMERICAN FAMILIES VOICED SUPPORT TO THE S.E.C. IN FAVOR OF THE RULE. THERE ARE TWO MAIN REASONS FOR THIS SUPPORT FROM INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS. FIRST, ALL INVESTORS WANT TO BE ABLE TO REVIEW PAYMENTS TO ALL GOVERNMENTS, TO ASSESS THE EXPOSURE THE ISSUER MAY HAVE TO CORRUPTION RISK. THE S.E.C. HAS JURISDICTION OVER COMPLIANCE WITH A FOREIGN CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT AND INVESTORS -- INVESTORS NEED TO KNOW WHETHER FINES FOR POTENTIALLY CORRUPT PAYMENTS COULD BE LEVIED AGAINST FIRMS WHERE THEY ARE CONSIDERING INVESTING. INVESTORS SHOULD ALWAYS HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW MATERIAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FIRMS AND SYSTEMIC NONCOMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW IS ALWAYS MATERIAL. IT SHOULD NOT TAKE AN EVENT OF NONCOMPLIANCE UNCOVERED BY THE REGULATORS TO INFORM INVESTORS WHEN SIMPLE TRANSPARENCY REQUIREMENTS LIKE ANNUAL REPORTING OF PAYMENTS CAN ALERT THEM TO THE RISK. SECONDLY, SOME INVESTORS MAY SIMPLY WANT TO STAY AWAY FROM INVESTMENTS IN FIRMS THAT MAKE PAYMENTS TO CERTAIN GOVERNMENTS. MANY RESOURCE-RICH NATIONS IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD LACK A DEMOCRATIC RULE OF LAW AND ARE OFTEN GOVERNED BY OPPRESSIVE REGIMES THAT EXPLOIT THEIR LAND AND ENVIRONMENT, EXTRACTING RESOURCES FOR THEIR RULERS' FINANCIAL GAIN AT THE EXPENSE OF THEIR CITIZENS. INVESTORS HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW THIS INFORMATION BECAUSE THEY OWN THE COMPANY, AND MAY FEEL A MORAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS ACTION. FOR THESE TWO REASONS, EXTRACTIVE PAYMENTS ARE INFORMATION CRUCIAL TO AN INVESTOR'S ANALYSIS OF AN ISSUE WITH SECURITIES. THE UNITED STATES EQUITY MARKETS ARE THE MOST EFFICIENT IN THE WORLD. BECAUSE WE HAVE STRONG DISCLOSURE LAWS AND STRONG ENFORCEMENT BY THE S.E.C. DISCLOSURE OF PAYMENTS MADE TO FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS IS A RELEVANT FACTOR IN VALUING SECURITIES AND IS CRUCIAL TO AVOIDING A -- AVOIDING INFORMATION WHICH CAN AND WILL BE EXPLOITED. THESE DISCLOSURES ENABLE A MARKET TO POLICE AN ISSUER BY PUNISHING QUESTIONABLE PAYMENTS TO GOVERNMENTS WITH A DEVALUATION OF ITS EQUITIES. IN SHORT, THERE ARE THREE MARKET-BASED REASONS TO DISCLOSE PAYMENTS TO FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS. FIRST, THESE DISCLOSURES PROMOTE MARKET INTEGRITY. SECOND, THEY PROVIDE INVESTORS WITH CRUCIAL INFORMATION FOR VALUING SECURITIES. AND THIRD, THEY ENABLE INVESTORS TO MAKE ETHICAL, VALUES-BASED DECISIONS ON WHERE THEY ALLOCATE THEIR RESOURCES, A RIGHT WE SHOULD BE ENHANCING, RATHER THAN ERODING. SO I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO VOTE NO ON H.J. REST 41. THANK YOU AND I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN JEELEDS BACK -- THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. THE GENTLEMAN…

THE GENTLEMAN JEELEDS BACK -- THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS.

MR. HENSARLING

I'M PLEASED TO YIELD THREE MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM KENTUCKY, MR.…

I'M PLEASED TO YIELD THREE MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM KENTUCKY, MR. BARR.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR THREE MINUTES.

MR. BARR

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. SECTION 1504 OF THE DODD-FRANK ACT REQUIRES THE…

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. SECTION 1504 OF THE DODD-FRANK ACT REQUIRES THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AN AGENCY NOT CHARGED WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF CARRYING OUT AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY, TO PROMULGATE A RESOURCE EXTRACTION ISSUER DISCLOSURE RULE THAT REGULATION WHICH IS THE SUBJECT OF TODAY'S RESOLUTION, REQUIRES PUBLICLY TRADED U.S. FIRMS TO DISCLOSE PAYMENTS THEY MAKE TO GOVERNMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF OIL, NATURAL GAS, AND MINERAL RESOURCES. THE INTENT OF THE RULE, AS MY FRIENDS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE POINT OUT IS TO ALLOW LOCAL POPULATIONS TO SEE HOW MUCH REVENUE IS GENERATED BY THEIR NATURAL RESOURCES. BUT IN PRACTICE, IT FULL -- IF FULLY IMPLEMENTED, THIS RULE WILL HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON AMERICANS AND THE PEOPLE IT IS PURPORTED TO HELP. FIRST, THE RULE PUTS AMERICAN FIRMS AT A SEVERE COMPETITIVE DISADVANTAGE. WE TALKED ABOUT THIS BEFORE. BECAUSE SECTION 1504 APPLIES ONLY TO COMPANIES LISTED ON U.S. EXCHANGES, IT FORCES THEM TO DISCLOSE PAYMENTS IN DETAIL IN A WAY THAT WOULD PUT THEM AT A COMPETITIVE DISADVANTAGE TO NON-U.S. COMPANIES. COMPANIES LIKE THOSE LOCATED IN CHINA. AND THE S.E.C. ESTIMATES THAT INITIAL COST OF COMPLIANCE FOR U.S. FIRMS COULD BE AS HIGH AS $700 MILLION AND THE ON FWOING COSTS COULD BE AS LARGE AS -- AND THE ONGOING COSTS COULD BE AS LARGE AS $591 MILLION ANNUALLY. THAT'S $591 MILLION THAT AMERICAN BUSINESSES COULD BE PUTTING TO BETTER AND MORE PRODUCTIVE USES LIKE CREATING JOBS AND INVESTING IN WORKERS. THE S.E.C. ITSELF ADMITTED THE COMPLIANCE COSTS WOULD RESULT IN DIVERTING CAPITAL AWAY FROM OTHER PRODUCTIVE OPPORTUNITIES. IN ADDITION, THESE DISCLOSURES WILL INCLUDE SENSITIVE COMMERCIAL PROPRIETARY INFORMATION AND TRADE SECRETS THAT FOREIGN STATE-OWNED COMPETITORS CAN USE AGAINST AMERICAN FIRMS. AND 50% OF THE FIRMS LIKELY TO BE OBLIGATED TO COMPLY WITH THIS RULE ARE SMALLER REPORTING COMPANIES. WHILE LARGER FIRMS CAN MORE EASILY CHANGE THEIR REPORTING SYSTEMS TO COLLECT DATA OR MAKE THE RULE LESS BURDENSOME, THE SMALLER FIRMS THAT WILL BE FORCED TO COMPLY WITH THIS RULE WILL HAVE A VERY DIFFICULT TIME. THIS WILL LEAD TO CONSOLIDATION IN THE INDUSTRY, REDUCTION IN COMPETITION, AND HIGHER PRICES FOR AMERICAN CONSUMERS. THESE PROJECTS ARE OFTEN CARRIED OUT IN COUNTRIES WITH UNDERDEVELOPED ECONOMIES. AS A RESULT THEY PROVIDE MUCH DESIRED WORK FOR LOCAL POPULATIONS AND HELP IMPROVE THE STANDARD OF LIVING IN THE AREA. LIFTING MANY PEOPLE OUT OF POVERTY THIS RULE WILL STIFLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN AREAS THAT NEED IT MOST, POTENTIALLY LIMITING THESE REGIONS' ABILITY TO THRIVE. IN CONCLUSION, THIS IS NOT ABOUT INVESTOR PROTECTION. INSTEAD, IT'S GOING TO UNDERMINE CAPITAL FORMATION AND HURT SMALLER FIRMS AND HURT JOBS IN THIS COUNTRY. THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS, AS IT ADMITS ITSELF, IS NOT IN A POSITION TO CONDUCT AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY. LET'S LEAVE THIS TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT AND FOCUS ON S.E.C. RULES THAT ARE CORE TO ITS MISSION. INVESTOR PROTECTION AND CAPITAL FORMATION. WITH THAT, I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRE THE GENTLELADY FROM CALIFORNIA IS…

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRE THE GENTLELADY FROM CALIFORNIA IS RECOGNIZED.

MS. WATERS

I YIELD THREE MINUTES TO THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM WISCONSIN, THE RANKING…

I YIELD THREE MINUTES TO THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM WISCONSIN, THE RANKING MEMBER OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON MONETARY POLICY AND TRADE, ON THE FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, MS. MOORE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLELADY IS RECOGNIZED.

MS. MOORE

THANK YOU SO MUCH, MADAM RANKING MEMBER AND I WANT TO THANK THE SPEAKER. I…

THANK YOU SO MUCH, MADAM RANKING MEMBER AND I WANT TO THANK THE SPEAKER. I RISE IN STRONG, STRONG OPPOSITION TO THIS LEGISLATION. THAT SEEKS TO OVERTURN CAREFULLY CRAFTED S.E.C. ANTI-CORRUPTION RULES FOR INDUSTRY. SECTION 1504 REQUIRES GAS AND OIL COMPANIES HIED ON U.S. EXCHANGES DISCLOSE PAYMENTS MADE TO FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS. NOW, CONGRESS MANDATED THESE RULES IN DODD-FRANK AND IT WAS A BICAMERAL DECISION, IT WAS THOUGHTFUL, BIPARTISAN, THERE WERE MULTIPLE HEARINGS IN BOTH CHAMBERS AND A CONFERENCE REPORT. THESE DODD-FRANK RULES WERE THE FIRST OF THEIR KIND AND THEY HAVE BECOME THE MODEL FOR 30 OTHER INDUSTRIALIZED COUNTRIES' OWN RULES. THESE RULES HAVE BEEN SO NECESSARY BECAUSE OF THE SO-CALLED RESOURCE CURSE, WHERE WE HAVE SEEN COUNTRIES, PARTICULARLY IN AFRICA, WHERE THEY HAVE LOTS OF RESOURCES BUT THERE'S WIDESPREAD POVERTY BECAUSE OF THE CORRUPTION OF EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES. AND SURPRISINGLY, THESE COMPANIES HAVE IMPLEMENTED THEM AND THEY'RE CURRENTLY COMPLYING WITH THEM GLOBALLY. WE HAVE HEARD A WHOLE LOT OF WHINING AND FRANKLY LYING ABOUT HOW THESE REGULATIONS OF COST -- HAVE COST US JOBS BUT CERTAINLY THE OBAMA ECONOMY HAS CREATED A LOT OF PROSPERITY. AND IN FACT, MR. SPEAKER, INVESTORS, INVESTOR ADVOCATES AND ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANIES AND CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS FIGHTING CORRUPTION AND INSTABILITY SUPPORT THESE RULES. WE SHOULD BE SUPPORTING THEM. IN FACT, COMPANIES THAT HAVE $10 TRILLION OF DOLLARS UNDER MANAGEMENT SAY THAT THESE DISCLOSURES HELP THEM WITH ASSET MANAGEMENT. MANAGE RISK. NOW I'M NOT GOING TO GO IN A LONG WINDED EXPLANATION RELATED TO ILL LIST PAYMENTS RELATED TO EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES TO FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS. WE KNOW ABOUT THEM. BUT I -- I GUESS THAT WE'RE APPALLED BY THIS VOTE, I GUESS IT'S THE BEGINNING OF JUST GOING TO -- WE'RE GOING TO BE APPALLED FOR THE NEXT 1,500 DAYS. IT'S NOT SURPRISE, SHOULDN'T BE SURPRISING, MR. SPEAKER, THAT THE FRIEND AND ALLY OF RUSSIAN LEADER VLADIMIR PUTIN NOW PRESIDENT TRUMP'S NOMINEE FOR SECRETARY OF STATE, REX TILLERSON, LOB BEED AGAINST THIS VERY RULE -- LOBBIED AGAINST THIS VERY RULE WHEN HE WAS AT EXXON, SPECIFICALLY , HE SAID IT WOULD HURT THEIR RUSSIAN OPERATIONS. TRANSPARENCY WILL HURT EXXONMOBIL'S RUSSIAN OPERATIONS. AND SO THE QUESTION THAT'S GOT TO BE ASKED, MR. SPEAKER, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? JUST THE IMPLICATION THAT TRANSPARENCY WILL HURT THEM. JUST THE IMPLICATION THAT TRANSPARENCY IS GOING TO HURT PUTIN'S RUSSIA IS PROOF THAT WE NEED THESE RULES. WHAT PAYMENTS TO PUTIN DOES REX TILLERSON NOT WANT SHAREHOLDERS AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE TO SEE? TODAY WE HAVE -- WE SHOULD BE DEMANDING MORE TRANSPARENCY AND NOT LESS FROM THE MOST CONFLICTED PRESIDENT AND ADMINISTRATION IN HISTORY. WE ARE NOW TRYING TO MAKE TRANSACTIONS LESS APPARENT. ALL MY COLLEAGUES SHOULD REJECT THIS BILL. NOT ONLY ON SUBSTANCE, BUT AS AN ABUSE OF THE CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW ACT. AND I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLELADY YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HER TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM…

THE GENTLELADY YIELDS BACK THE BALANCE OF HER TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. HENSARLING

MR. SPEAKER, I NOW YIELD TWO MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM PENNSYLVANIA,…

MR. SPEAKER, I NOW YIELD TWO MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM PENNSYLVANIA, MR. ROTHFUS.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES.

MR. ROTHFUS

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. YOU KNOW, WE ARE ALL PAINFULLY AWARE THAT…

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. YOU KNOW, WE ARE ALL PAINFULLY AWARE THAT WASHINGTON'S FINANCIAL CONTROL LAW, DODD-FRANK, IS FULL OF PROVISIONS THAT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH PROTECTING CONSUMERS OR PREVENTING ANOTHER FINANCIAL CRISIS. THE S.E.C. RULE IN QUESTION TODAY IS NO EXCEPTION. THIS POLITICALLY MOTIVATED RULE, TUCKED INTO A PROVISION UNDER THE MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS OF DODD-FRANK, FAILS TO ADVANCE THE CORE MISSION OF THE S.E.C. WHICH IS TO PROTECT INVESTORS, MAINTAIN FAIR, ORDERLY AND EFFICIENT MARKETS, AND FACILITATE CAPITAL FORMATION. ENSURING THAT PAYMENTS BY OIL AND GAS AND OTHER MINERAL COMPANIES ARE TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE IS A WORTHWHILE PUBLIC POLICY GOAL, BUT IT'S OUTSIDE THE SECURITIES LAWS -- SECURITIES' LAWS CORE MISSION OF PROTECTION. NOT ONLY SHOULD THIS FALL OUTSIDE THE PURVIEW OF THE S.E.C., BUT THE RULE ITSELF IS FUNDAMENTALLY FLAWED. LIKE SO MANY RULES AND REGULATIONS EMANATING FROM DODD-FRANK, THAT HARM OUR ECONOMY, IT IS MORE COMPLEX AND COSTLY THAN IS REQUIRED BY STATUTE, WHICH CALLS INTO QUESTION THE EXTENT TO WHICH IT MEETS THE S.E.C.'S ECONOMIC ANALYSIS REQUIREMENTS. THE S.E.C. ITSELF ESTIMATES THE COST FOR COMPLIANCE OF BETWEEN $239 MILLION TODAY 700 MILLION INITIALLY AND FROM $96 MILLION TO $590 MILLION ANNUALLY AFTER THAT. I AM ALSO CONCERNED THAT THIS RULE COULD FORCE COMPANIES TO WITHDRAW FROM CERTAIN COUNTRIES. AMONG OTHER THINGS, SOME FOREIGN COUNTRIES HAVE LAWS TO PROHIBIT THE SORT OF DISCLOSURES CALLED FOR IN THIS RULE, SINCE THE RULE PROVIDES NO EXEMPTIONS, AMERICAN FIRMS MAY BE FORCED TO ABEEN DONE BUSINESS VENTURES THAT PROVIDE JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR AMERICANS. I UNDERSTAND THAT SOME OPPONENTS OF HAVE TRIED TO LABEL THE S.E.C.'S POLICY AS AN ANTI-CORRUPTION RULE. IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP IN MIND THAT NOTHING IN TODAY'S RESOLUTION TO REPEAL THE RULE UNDERMINES THE ABILITY OF THE S.E.C. OR THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE TO FIGHT CORRUPTION. EVEN WITHOUT THIS RULE, THE FOREIGN CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT REMAINS IN FORCE AND ANY CORRUPT ACTIVITIES BY AMERICANS WILL BE PROSECUTED TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW. THE RULE UNDER CONSIDERATION TODAY, HOWEVER, IS UNNECESSARY, POORLY WRITTEN, OUTSIDE THE CORE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE AGENCY AND IT WOULD IMPOSE SIGNIFICANT COSTS ON PUBLICLY LISTED COMPANIES WITH NO DISCERNABLE BENEFITS. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT THIS RESOLUTION.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLELADY FROM CALIFORNIA IS RECOGNIZED.

MS. WATERS

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I NOW YIELD THREE MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM…

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I NOW YIELD THREE MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM MASSACHUSETTS, A SENIOR MEMBER OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, AND THE TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE, MR. CAPUANO.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM MASSACHUSETTS IS RECOGNIZED FOR THREE MINUTES.

MR. CAPUANO

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. LET'S BE HONEST, GUYS. LEVELING THE PLAYING…

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. LET'S BE HONEST, GUYS. LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD, CAPITAL FORMATION, COME ON. ALL THIS RULE WAS WRITTEN FOR IS TO EXPOSE BRIBERY. THERE IS NO LINE IN ANY CORPORATE REPORT THAT SAYS PAID FOR BRIBERY. IT COMES UP AS ROYALTY FEES. IT COMES UP AS GIFTS. IT'S BRIBERY. PURE AND SIMPLE. EVERY COMPANY IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY IS SUBJECT TO IT. ESPECIALLY A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO NATURAL RESOURCES, AND WE ALL KNOW IT. IF YOU THINK THIS RULE IS OVERBROAD, YET YOU ARE STILL TRULY APPALLED BY BRIBERY, AND THE RESULTS OF IT, SUBMIT SOME OTHER OPTION FOR US TO DO IT. THAT'S ALL THIS RULE WAS EVER MEANT TO DO. GIVE US AN ALTERNATIVE. AS OPPOSED TO SIMPLY REPEAL THIS. IT'S JUST LIKE HEALTH CARE. YOU COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN, BUT NO ALTERNATIVE. GIVE US -- I'M NOT -- LOOK, HONESTLY, IF YOU PUT FORTH A PROPOSAL THAT SAYS THE CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT IS NOW LEGAL, IT'S OK TO HAVE BRIBERY, BUT YOU HAVE TO REPORT IT, PEOPLE LIKE ME MIGHT BE OPEN TO IT. I UNDERSTAND, SURE.

>>

OUT, WHAT MY RESOLUTION DOES IS IT DIRECTS THE S.E.C. TO GO BACK TO THE…

OUT, WHAT MY RESOLUTION DOES IS IT DIRECTS THE S.E.C. TO GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD. IT'S NOT OUR JOB TO WRITE THE RULE. YOU'RE ASKING FOR THAT PROPOSAL. THE S.E.C. WROTE A RULE, IT GOT STRUCK DOWN BY THE COURTS --

MR. CAPUANO

RECLAIMING MY TIME. I RESPECTFULLY DISAGREE. THIS PROHIBITS THEM FROM…

RECLAIMING MY TIME. I RESPECTFULLY DISAGREE. THIS PROHIBITS THEM FROM DOING IT. NUMBER ONE. NUMBER TWO, YOU HAVE AN OBLIGATION. YOU HAVE AN OBLIGATION. IF YOU DON'T LIKE WHAT EXISTS, PROPOSE AN ALTERNATIVE. THAT'S THE WAY THIS -- THE WORLD SHOULD WORK. EVERY TIME WE DON'T LIKE SOMETHING, WE OFFER AN ALTERNATIVE. YOU DON'T HAVE TO LIKE THE ALTERNATIVE. BUT THERE'S AN ALTERNATIVE OFFERED.

>>

IF THE GENTLEMAN WILL YIELD.

MR. CAPUANO

YES, I WILL.

>>

I APPRECIATE AGAIN YOU YIELDING ON THIS. I'D BE HAPPY TO WRITE A RULE. I'M…

I APPRECIATE AGAIN YOU YIELDING ON THIS. I'D BE HAPPY TO WRITE A RULE. I'M NOT SURE YOU WOULD BE HAPPY WITH. IT I'M NOT SURE THE S.E.C. WOULD BE HAPPY WITH IT. BUT AGAIN, HAVING THAT DEBATE HERE IN THE WELL OF THE HOUSE, I WAS NOT HERE FOR WRITING OF DODD-FRANK. I'M DEALING WITH THE ECHO EFFECTS OF IT. AND THAT'S WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO DO RIGHT NOW.

MR. CAPUANO

RECLAIMING MY TIME, I RESPECT -- LOOK, I RESPECT YOUR INTENTIONS ON THIS.…

RECLAIMING MY TIME, I RESPECT -- LOOK, I RESPECT YOUR INTENTIONS ON THIS. I UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPT OF A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD. IF THE CHINESE WERE BRIBING A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY, WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO COMPETE WITH THEM. IF THAT'S THE CASE, MAKE OUR COMPANIES ALLOWED TO BRIBE THEM. AS LONG AS WE KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON. I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU'RE GOING TO WRITE THAT LAW. BUT I'M HAPPY TO WORK WITH YOU ANY TIME YOU WANT. HERE'S THE PROBLEM. BRIBERY IS INSIDIOUS. IT IS SECRETIVE. IT CAN'T BE FOUND. THE U.S. CONFERENCE OF BISHOPS, NOW, I'M A CATHOLIC, I PROBABLY AM NOT THE BEST CATHOLIC IN THE COUNTRY, I THINK WE CAN PROBABLY ALL AGREE TO THAT. BUT THE BASIC TENANTS OF THE CATHOLIC FAITH --

MS. WATERS

I YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN ANOTHER MINUTE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR AN ADDITIONAL MINUTE.

MR. CAPUANO

THE BASIC TENANTS ARE PRETTY CLEAR. HERE'S WHAT THEY WRITE. ONE LINE FROM…

THE BASIC TENANTS ARE PRETTY CLEAR. HERE'S WHAT THEY WRITE. ONE LINE FROM THE U.S. CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS. WHERE GOVERNANCE IS WEAK AND CORRUPTION IS RAMPANT, EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY REVENUE THAT IS NOT TRANSPARENT BECOMES A CURSE THAT DEEPENS POVERTY, DESTROYS DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS, DEFRAUDS ELECTIONS, AND ALLOWS AUTOCRATIC LEADERS TO REMAIN IN POWER AGAINST THE WILL OF THEIR PEOPLE. IF YOU REALLY BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE AROUND THIS WORLD SHOULD BENEFIT BY TRUE AND OPEN DEMOCRACY, YOU HAVE TO PROVIDE THEM THE OPPORTUNITIES TO DO THAT. I HAPPEN TO AGREE WITH THE BISHOPS. IF YOU WANT TO ALLOW OUR COMPANIES TO BRIBE FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS, SAY IT. I MIGHT ACTUALLY -- I DON'T LIKE IT. BUT IT'S A REALITY OF THE WORLD. THEY'VE BEEN DOING IT FOR GENERATIONS. THAT'S ALL THIS ATTEMPT WAS. AND TO SIMPLY REPEAL IT SAYS IT'S OPEN BUSINESS DAY, GUYS. GO IN, PASS THE CASH AROUND, STICK IT TO THE REGULAR PEOPLE AND DON'T TELL ANYBODY.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. MEMBERS -- THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS…

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. MEMBERS -- THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. MEMBERS ARE REMINDED TO DIRECT THEIR COMMENTS TO THE CHAIR. THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. HENSARLING

I NOW YIELD TWO MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO, MR. TIPTON.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM COLORADO -- THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO IS RECOGNIZED…

THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM COLORADO -- THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES.

MR. TIPTON

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I'D LIKE TO THANK MY COLLEAGUE FROM MICHIGAN FOR…

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I'D LIKE TO THANK MY COLLEAGUE FROM MICHIGAN FOR OFFERING THE RESOLUTION UNDER CONSIDERATION TODAY. THIS RESOLUTION OF DISAPPROVAL WILL REPEAL THE S.E.C.'S RESOURCE EXTRACTION RULE, WHICH IMPOSES BURDENSOME DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS ON PUBLIC COMPANIES ENGAGED IN THE COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF NATURAL GAS, MINERALS AND OIL. THE S.E.C.'S MISSION IS TO PROTECT INVESTORS, MAINTAIN EFFICIENT MARKETS AND FACILITATE CAPITAL FORMATION. UNFORTUNATELY THE RESOURCE EXTRACTION RULE IS WELL OUTSIDE THE BOUNDS OF THESE MANDATES. WHICH ACTING S.E.C. CHAIR MICHAEL NOTED IN HIS DISSENT OF THE RULE, SAYING THAT IT NEITHER REFORMS WALL STREET, NOR PROVIDES CONSUMER PROTECTION, AND IS WHOLLY UNRELATED AND LARGELY CONTRARY TO THE COMMISSION'S CORE MISSION. WHEN OUR BUSINESSES ARE BEING OVERWHELMED BY COMPLIANCE OBLIGATIONS, IT IS CRUCIAL THAT OUR REGULATORS DO EVERYTHING IN THEIR POWER TO ENSURE REGULATIONS DO NOT ACTIVELY DISRUPT GROWTH BY ENFORCING NONMATERIAL, SOCIALLY MOTIVATED DISCLOSURES LIKE THOSE INCLUDED IN THE RESOURCE EXTRACTION RULE. THE S.E.C. ITSELF HAS ADMITTED THAT THIS RULE WILL BE COSTLY. THE S.E.C. ESTIMATES THAT THE ONGOING COMPLIANCE COSTS FOR THE RESOURCE EXTRACTION RULE COULD REACH AS HIGH AS $592 MILLION ANNUALLY. AND NOTED THAT THE DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS COULD RESULT IN CAPITAL BEING DIVERTED FWREA PRODUCTIVE OPPORTUNITY. AN AGENCY TASKED WITH MAINTAINING EFFICIENT MARKETS, FACILITATING CAPITAL FORMATION SHOULD NOT BE PROMULGATING UNNECESSARY AND BURDENSOME RULES LIKE THIS. DODD-FRANK IS FULL OF EXAMPLES LIKE THE RESOURCE EXTRACTION RULE THAT REQUIRE FEDERAL AGENCIES TO ENGAGE IN RULEMAKING ON TOPICS OUTSIDE OF THEIR EXPERIENCE AND JURISDICTION. IN THE FUTURE, I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO CRAFT LEGISLATION IN A BIPARTISAN MANNER THAT ONLY REQUIRES ACTIONS CONSISTENT WITH THE MISSION OF THE APPLICABLE AGENCY. UNTIL THEN, HOWEVER, IT IS NECESSARY FOR CONGRESS TO EXERCISE ITS OVERSIGHT POWER TO UNWIND THESE MISGUIDED REGULATIONS THAT HAVE HAMPERED ECONOMIC GROWTH. I'M HAPPY TO LEND MY SUPPORT TO THIS RESOLUTION AND ENCOURAGE MY COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT THIS COMMONSENSE MEASURE AND WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE GENTLEMAN FROM MICHIGAN FOR ALL OF HIS EFFORTS ON THIS ENDEAVOR. I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLELADY FROM CALIFORNIA IS…

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLELADY FROM CALIFORNIA IS RECOGNIZED.

MS. WATERS

MR. CHAIRMAN, MAY I INQUIRE AS TO HOW MUCH TIME I HAVE LEFT?

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLELADY HAS SEVEN MINUTES REMAINING. THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS HAS…

THE GENTLELADY HAS SEVEN MINUTES REMAINING. THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS HAS 11 1/2 MINUTES REMAINING.

MS. WATERS

I RESERVE THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLELADY RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HER TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS…

THE GENTLELADY RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HER TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. HENSARLING

MEERKS I NOW YIELD TWO MINUTES -- MR. SPEAKER, I NOW YIELD TWO MINUTES TO…

MEERKS I NOW YIELD TWO MINUTES -- MR. SPEAKER, I NOW YIELD TWO MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS, MR. WILLIAMS.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES.

MR. WILLIAMS

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. MR. CHAIRMAN, I RISE TODAY IN STRONG SUPPORT OF…

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. MR. CHAIRMAN, I RISE TODAY IN STRONG SUPPORT OF THIS RESOLUTION, PROVIDING CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE S.E.C. RECEIPTING TO DISCLOSURE OF PAYMENT BY RESOURCE DISTRACTION ISSUERS. THIS REQUIRES A PUBLIC COMPANY ENGAGED IN THE COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF NATURAL GAS, MINERALS OR OIL TO REPORT PAYMENTS MADE TO FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS FOR THESE NATURAL RESOURCES. AT A TIME WHEN OUR PRESIDENT AND MY REPUBLICAN COLLEAGUES ARE LOOKING TO CUT REGULATIONS ON BUSINESSES, THE S.E.C. ESTIMATES THAT ONGOING COMPLIANCE COSTS FOR THIS RULE TO BE AS HIGH AS $591 BILLION. LET ME SAY THAT AGAIN. ONE AGENCY, ONE RULE, $591 BILLION. LET ME GO BACK TO SOMETHING MANY OF MY COLLEAGUES HAVE ALREADY MENTIONED TODAY, THE S.E.C. MISSION. I'LL QUOTE FROM THEIR OWN WEBSITE. THE MISSION OF THE S.E.C. IS TO PROTECT INVESTORS, MAINTAIN FAIR, ORDERLY AND EFFICIENT MARKETS, AND FACILITATE CAPITAL FORMATION. IF INVESTOR PROTECTION IS TRULY THE MISSION OF THE S.E.C., THEN WHY WAS THIS PROVISION OF THE DODD-FRANK LISTED IN THE SECTION TITLED MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS? MR. CHAIRMAN, AMERICAN COMPANIES SHOULD BE PROTECTED AND NO ONE DENIES THAT. BUT TO PUT THEM AT A COMPETITIVE DISADVANTAGE AGAINST THEIR FOREIGN COUNTERPARTS BY IMPLEMENTING THIS RULE IS JUST PLAIN WRONG. MY FRIENDS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE WILL ARGUE THAT REPUBLICANS ARE GUTTING AN IMPORTANT TRANSPARENCY POLICY MEANT TO COMBAT CORRUPTION. WELL, MR. CHAIRMAN, MY RESPONSE TO THOSE CLAIMS ARE THIS, REPUBLICANS ARE THE PARTY OF TRANSPARENCY. WE VALUE ACCOUNTABILITY. BUT IN THIS INSTANCE, THE DODD-FRANK ACT INSTRUCTED A FEDERAL AGENCY WITHOUT ANY SUBSTANTIAL EXPERIENCE IN RESOURCE EXTRACTION OR FOREIGN POLICY TO CRAFT THIS MANDATORY DISCLOSURE FOR CERTAIN PUBLIC COMPANIES. AS MANY OF MY COLLEAGUES HAVE SAID TODAY, INDUSTRY IS ALREADY PUBLICLY DISCLOSING THE WORK THEY DO IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO. THE DIFFERENCE IS SIMPLE. THEY DO IT AT A LEVEL THAT DOES NOT CAUSE COMPETITIVE HARM. MR. SPEAKER, I AGAIN URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT PASSAGE OF THIS RESOLUTION AND ERASE A TOP-DOWN, WASHINGTON-KNOWS-BEST PROVISION THAT IS HARMFUL TO AMERICAN COMPANIES AND AMERICAN INVESTORS. WE SHOULD AND CAN DO IT BETTER. IN GOD WE TRUST. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLELADY FROM CALIFORNIA IS…

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLELADY FROM CALIFORNIA IS RECOGNIZED.

MS. WATERS

I CONTINUE TO RESERVE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLELADY RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HER TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS…

THE GENTLELADY RESERVES THE BALANCE OF HER TIME. THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. HENSARLING

MR. SPEAKER, I'M HAPPY TO YIELD TWO MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM…

MR. SPEAKER, I'M HAPPY TO YIELD TWO MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARKANSAS, MR. HILL.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM ARKANSAS IS RECOGNIZED FOR TWO MINUTES.

MR. HILL

I THANK THE SPEAKER, I THANK THE CHAIRMAN FOR YIELDING THE TIME TODAY. I…

I THANK THE SPEAKER, I THANK THE CHAIRMAN FOR YIELDING THE TIME TODAY. I RISE IN SUPPORT OF H.J.RES. 41. AS YOU'VE HEARD TODAY, IT HAS AN IMMENSE COST TO OUR ECONOMY. THE S.E.C. ESTIMATES UP TO $590 MILLION PER YEAR, MR. SPEAKER. NOW THINK ABOUT THAT. THAT'S $5 BILLION OVER 10 YEARS. IF WE PUT A MULTIPLIER ON THAT, THAT'S 50DS BILLION OF INVESTABLE CAPITAL THAT COULD BE PUT OUT FOR PRODUCTIVE USE, HELPING THE WORLD HAVE MORE MINERAL RESOURCES. BUT INSTEAD IT GOES TO THIS ILL-ADVISED RULE. IN THE PAST TWO DECADES, THE UNITED STATES HAS LOST MORE THAN 50%, MR. SPEAKER, OF ITS PUBLIC COMPANIES AND IN LARGE PART DUE TO THE COSTS AND REGULATORY BURDENS OF BEING ASSOCIATED WITH BEING A PUBLIC COMPANY. DODD-FRANK'S RESOURCE EXTRACTION RULE PILES ON EVEN MORE HARMFUL RED TAPE FOR THOSE PUBLICLY TRADED COMPANIES IN THE UNITED STATES THAT ARE GLOBAL ENERGY PROVIDERS. AS THIS RULE ONLY APPLIES TO PUBLICLY TRADED COMPANIES, THIS INCREASED BURDEN PUTS U.S. COMPANIES AT A DISADVANTAGE. OVER 75% OF THE EXTRACTED MINERALS ARE OWNED BY STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES, MR. SPEAKER, THAT ARE NOT COVERED BY THIS RULE. THAT PUTS OUR COMPANIES AT A COMPETITIVE DISADVANTAGE. . IT REQUIRES COMPANIES TO REVEAL CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION PUTTING COMPANIES AT A COMPETITIVE DISADVANTAGE. IF PEOPLE WANT TRANSPARENCY, THE BEST WAY TO HANDLE THAT IS THROUGH SELF-DISCLOSURE THROUGH GLOBAL TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY. THERE ARE IMPORTANT PUBLIC POLICY GOALS AND 51 COUNTRIES ENTERED INTO THE TRANSPARENCY INSTITUTE, WHICH IS SELF-REPORTING AND PUBLISHING BY COUNTRY, BY COMPANY, BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE. THESE IMPORTANT ISSUES ABOUT MINERAL EXTRACTION. FINALLY, MR. SPEAKER, IF IT'S ABOUT CORRUPTION, OUR FRIEND, SENATOR PROCKS MEYER FROM WISCONSIN, LONG AGO PASSED THE FOREIGN CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT. THERE IS NO MORE ACT FEARED BY GLOBAL CORPORATE AMERICA THAN COMPLYING WITH THE FOREIGN ACT AND ENSURING THAT OUR SHARE HOLDERS ARE NOT PRONE TO BRIBERY. I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLELADY FROM CALIFORNIA.

MS. WATERS

I CONTINUE TO RESERVE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLELADY RESERVES.

MR. HENSARLING

I YIELD ONE MINUTE TO THE THE GENTLEMAN FROM MICHIGAN, MR. TROTT.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. TROTT

I RISE IN SUPPORT OF THIS RESOLUTION. IT REPEALS A RULE THAT PUTS AMERICAN…

I RISE IN SUPPORT OF THIS RESOLUTION. IT REPEALS A RULE THAT PUTS AMERICAN MANUFACTURING AND ENERGY COMPANIES AT A GLOBAL DISADVANTAGE. BOTH FOREIGN AND AMERICAN COMPANIES SELL PRODUCTS AND ENERGY INTO OUR ECONOMY BUT ONLY AMERICAN ECONOMIES ARE REQUIRED TO GO THROUGH ADDITIONAL HOOPS AND REGULAR LAYINGS THAT COST BILLIONS OF DOLLARS. THE PEOPLE OF MICHIGAN KNOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE GOVERNMENT TIPS THE SCALE IN FAVOR OF FOREIGN COMPANIES. JOBS ARE LOST OVERSEAS AND THE INVESTMENT IS DELAYED OR CANCELED. MY FRIENDS ACROSS THE AISLE HAVE SUGGESTED THAT THIS RESOLUTION IS ABOUT BRIBERY. IT IS NOT. THIS RESOLUTION, IN FACT, THE ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 8, IS ABOUT JOBS, THE LOSS OF AMERICAN JOBS. MANUFACTURERS IN MICHIGAN DON'T NEED SPECIAL TREATMENT. THE UNPARALLELED PRODUCT OF HARDWORKING MEN AND WOMEN IN MICHIGAN SPEAKS FOR ITSELF, BUT THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE THEIR ALLY. REPEALING THIS RULE DOES JUST THAT. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLELADY FROM CALIFORNIA IS…

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLELADY FROM CALIFORNIA IS RECOGNIZED.

MS. WATERS

I CONTINUE TO RESERVE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLELADY RESERVES.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. HENSARLING

I'M HAPPY TO YIELD ONE MINUTE TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM NORTH CAROLINA, MR.…

I'M HAPPY TO YIELD ONE MINUTE TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM NORTH CAROLINA, MR. BUDD.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. BUDD

A SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION'S RULE THAT ACCORDING TO THE AGENCY…

A SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION'S RULE THAT ACCORDING TO THE AGENCY IS SUPPOSED TO HELP COMBAT GLOBAL CORRUPTION AND EMPOWER CITIZENS OF RESOURCE-RICH COUNTRIES TO HOLD GOVERNMENTS ACCOUNTABLE. THAT IS A GRAND IDEA BUT WE HAVE A FINANCIAL REGULATOR TO PROTECT THE AMERICAN INVESTOR AND NOT EMPOWER CITIZENS IN OTHER COUNTRIES. WE COULD SEND THE S.E.C. TO FIGHT INTERNATIONAL PROBLEMS, AUTHORITARIAN REGIMES, MALARIA. IF THE FINANCIAL REGULATOR MANDATED TO COMBAT THESE THINGS CAN FULFILL ITS CORE MISSION TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY AND PREVENT FRAUD. GIVEN THAT WE HAD A FINANCIAL CRISIS THAT THE S.E.C. DIDN'T FORESEE AND DID NOTHING TO PREVENT, THAT WOULD SUGGEST IT WOULD NEED LESS ON ITS PLATE, NOT MORE. WHAT THIS BILL DOES IS PUT THE AMERICAN INVESTOR FIRST AND HELP SENDING THE S.E.C. OFF ON GLOBAL RABBIT TRAILS. I URGE A YES VOTE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN'S TIME HAS EXPIRED.

MS. WATERS

I CONTINUE TO RESERVE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLELADY RESERVES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS.

MR. HENSARLING

I'M HAPPY TO YIELD TWO MINUTES TO THE GENTLELADY FROM NEW YORK.

MS. TENNEY

ALL THE WAY BACK TO TITLE 15, WAY BACK IN THE BACK OF YOU WOULD FIND…

ALL THE WAY BACK TO TITLE 15, WAY BACK IN THE BACK OF YOU WOULD FIND CORRUPTION. IN THESE PROVISIONS LIES SECTION 1504 QUESTION DIRECTS THE S.E.C. TO ADOPT A RULE REQUIRING RESOURCE EXTRACTION ISSUERS TO REPORT PAYMENTS TO THE YOU AS PHONE FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND MAKE THEM AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC. WHILE WE SUPPORT TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY, I BELIEVE SECTION 1504 FAILS TO PROTECT INVESTORS WHILE AT THE SAME TIME DECREASES THE CAPITAL OF CAPITAL MARKETS AND COMPETITION IN THE MARKETPLACE. THIS RULE HAS STIFLED JOB GROWTH AND SPARNINGS. THE S.E.C. ESTIMATED THAT THE COST TO THE NEW RULE WOULD BE BETWEEN $239 MILLION AND $700 MILLION IN INITIAL STARTUP COMPLIANCE COSTS ALONE. AFTER THE FIRST YEAR, THE S.E.C. PROJECTS IT WOULD BE AN ANNUAL COST ARRANGING FROM $100 MILLION TO $591 MILLION. RATHER THAN THIS RULE, COMPANIES COULD RE-INVEST THESE DOLLARS INTO CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES WHICH WILL RESULT IN THE CREATION OF MORE WELL-PAYING JOBS FOR AMERICANS. MY DISTRICT IN CENTRAL NEW YORK AND THE SOUTHERN TIER HAVE THE HIGHEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATES IN THE NATION AND A LOWER MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE. SECTION 1504 IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF HOW BUREAUCRATIC GOVERNMENT HAS OVERREACHED. AND AFFECTS ALL HARDWORKING AMERICAN WORKERS. HOWEVER, INSTEAD OF TAKING THIS OPPORTUNITY TO EMPOWER OUR CITIZENS WHO ARE EAGER TO GET BACK TO WORK, WE ARE FUELING ADDITIONALLY COSTLY GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS. LET ME EMPHASIZE --

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLELADY'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLELADY IS RECOGNIZED FOR AN…

THE GENTLELADY'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. THE GENTLELADY IS RECOGNIZED FOR AN ADDITIONAL MINUTE.

MS. TENNEY

WE ARE ASKING THEM TO REVISIT THIS RULE. BOTH OF THESE SESSION WILL ENSURE…

WE ARE ASKING THEM TO REVISIT THIS RULE. BOTH OF THESE SESSION WILL ENSURE A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD. IT'S IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE VACATING THIS RULE IS PART OF THE JOINT RESOLUTION. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO VOTE IN FAVOR OF THIS RESOLUTION. AND I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLELADY YIELDS BACK. THE GENTLELADY FROM CALIFORNIA.

MS. WATERS

I CONTINUE TO RESERVE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLELADY RESERVES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. HENSARLING

I'M PREPARED TO CLOSE. I BELIEVE I HAVE THE RIGHT TO CLOSE. I RESERVE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN RESERVES.

MS. WATERS

THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MR. CHAIRMAN. UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO ENTER INTO THE…

THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MR. CHAIRMAN. UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO ENTER INTO THE RECORD A NUMBER OF ARTICLES. ONE ARTICLE THAT I WOULD LIKE TO ENTER INTO THE RECORD IS A BLOOMBERG ARTICLE ENTITLED EXXON SET FOR EARLY VICTORY AS CONGRESS MOVES TO RESCIND PAYMENTS RULE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

MS. WATERS

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

MS. WATERS

THE OTHER ARTICLE IS A "WASHINGTON POST" ARTICLE, ONE OF THE HOUSE…

THE OTHER ARTICLE IS A "WASHINGTON POST" ARTICLE, ONE OF THE HOUSE G.O.P.'S FIRST TARGETS, THE REGULATORY ROLLBACK IS TOP ON WISH LIST.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

MS. WATERS

AND SO, MR. CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS, I AM ABSOLUTELY SURPRISED AT HOW BRAZEN…

AND SO, MR. CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS, I AM ABSOLUTELY SURPRISED AT HOW BRAZEN OUR FRIENDS ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE AISLE ARE. THEY COME HERE ON THIS FLOOR TODAY WITH THIS RULE THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO OVERTURN. THEY HAVE NOT BEEN IN COMMITTEE. WE HAVE NOT HAD ANY HEARINGS. THEY MOVED VERY, VERY QUICKLY TO DO EXACTLY WHAT ALL OF THESE ARTICLES ARE DISCUSSING. THEY ARE CONCENTRATING ON HOW TO ROLL BACK DISCLOSURE THAT THE S.E.C. HAD DEVELOPED A RULE FOR FOR THIS OIL INDUSTRY. AND WHY ARE THEY TRYING TO DO THIS? IT IS SO INTERESTING THAT THIS IS HAPPENING ON THE SAME DAY THAT MR. TILLERSON HAS JUST BEEN VOTED ON TO BE THE SECRETARY OF STATE. -- FOR THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT, THE FORMER C.E.O. OF EXXON. AND I'M GOING TO TALK ABOUT THAT CONNECTION, WHICH SHOULD CAUSE A LOT OF PEOPLE TO BE CONCERNED. THIS IS NOT -- THIS GOVERNMENT IS NOT ABOUT DISCLOSURE. FIRST OF ALL, THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES REFUSES TO DISCLOSE HIS INCOME TAX RETURNS. I DIDN'T EXPECT THEM TO SUPPORT THIS -- DISCLOSURE OF THE OIL INDUSTRY TO AVOID CORRUPTION. AS A MATTER OF FACT, THEY HAVE THE AUDACITY TO COME HERE TODAY AND SAY IT'S TOO EXPENSIVE TO BE HONEST. IT COSTS TOO MUCH TO THESE HUGE BILLIONAIRE OIL COMPANIES TO DISCLOSE. AND SOMEHOW, THAT'S GOING TO PREVENT THEM FROM CREATING JOBS. THAT'S NONSENSE. I'D LIKE TO SHOW SOME CONNECTIONS HERE. BOTH DURING HIS CAMPAIGN AND SINCE HIS ELECTION, DONALD TRUMP HAS SURROUNDED HIMSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXTENSIVE TIES TO PUTIN AND THE RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT AND WE ARE GOING TO SEE THE CONNECTION BETWEEN TILLERSON AND THE RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT. FIRST OF ALL, LET'S LOOK AT THIS CIRCLE OF PEOPLE AROUND HIM AND THEIR CONNECTION TO RUSSIA. PAUL MANAFORT WAS A PAID LOBBYIST AND THE PRO-RUSSIAN POLITICIAN IN AND WAS SUBJECTED TO U.S. SANCTIONS RELATED TO RUSSIAN AGGRESSION IN UKRAINE. MANA FORT HAS BEEN INVOLVED WITH DEALS WITH RUSSIAN AND UKRANIANS, WHICH WERE THE SUBJECT OF AN F.B.I. INQUIRY. THE OTHER PERSON, ROGER STONE, TRUMP'S LONG TIME FRIEND IS REPORTEDLY UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR POSSIBLE LINKS WITH RUSSIA. HE HAS DENIED EVER VISITING RUSSIA, BUT ADMITTED HE WORKED IN UKRAINE. STONE ANNOUNCED IN A SPEECH LAST SUMMER THAT HE HAD SPOKEN TO WIKILEAKS FOUNDER ASSANGE AND STONE PRESENT PRECTED THERE WOULD BE LEAKED DOCUMENTS, A PREDICTION THAT CAME TRUE WITHIN WEEKS. GO TO ANOTHER PERSON, MICHAEL FLYNN, TRUMP'S NATIONAL SECURITY DID A PAID SERIES OF EVENTS IN MOSCOW, INCLUDING A SPEECH, AN APPEARANCE AND A PARTY AT R.T., A TELEVISION STATION, WHERE HE WAS PHOTOGRAPHED SITTING NEXT TO PUTIN. TRUMP'S NOMINEE FOR SECRETARY OF COMMERCE WAS A BUSINESS PARTNER OF VIKTOR, AR RUSSIAN OLIGARCH AND PUTIN ALLY INVOLVING THE BANK OF CYPRUS. FINALLY, FORMER EXXON MOBILE TILLERSON'S, TRUMP'S NOMINEE AND THE SECRETARY OF STATE, SIGNED A MULTIBILLION AGREEMENT WITH RUSSIA IN 2011 ON BEHALF OF EXXONMOBIL FOR AN OIL-DRILLING PROJECT IN THE ARCTIC. THE PROJECT WAS BROUGHT TO A HALT IN 2014 AS A RESULT OF THE SANCTIONS THAT WERE IMPOSED ON RUSSIA IN RESPONSE TO RUSSIA'S AGGRESSION IN UKRAINE. PUTIN PERSONALLY AWARDED TILLERSON THE ORDER OF FRIENDSHIP IN 2013. DON'T FORGET, THIS PRESIDENT TALKED ABOUT LIFTING SANCTIONS. OH, YOU CAN SEE THE CONNECTION HERE. IN ADDITION TO THAT, I JUST WANT TO POINT OUT THAT IT COMES AS A LITTLE SURPRISE THAT EXXONMOBIL IS ONE OF THE LEADING COMPANIES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THE GLOBAL INITIATIVE TO ENHANCE THE TRANSPARENCY OF EXTRACTED INDUSTRY PAYMENTS MADE TO FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS, GIVEN ITS LONG HISTORY OF ENGAGING IN QUESTIONABLE TRANSACTIONS WITH GOVERNMENTS OF OIL-RICH COUNTRIES, SUCH AS NIGERIA, PAKISTAN, ANGOLA AND CHAD. THE MOVE TO AADVICE RATE THE RULE UNDER SECTION 1504 THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT TODAY MAKES CLEAR THAT REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS AND THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION BELIEVE THAT PROFITS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN PEOPLE AND THAT FIGHTING CORRUPTION IS LESS IMPORTANT THAN ENRICHING OIL, GAS AND MINING COMPANIES. WITHOUT THE S.E.C.'S EXTRACTED INDUSTRY, TRANSPARENCY RULES, CITIZENS AROUND THE RULE WILL LOSE A CRITICAL TOOL FOR HOLDING THEIR GOVERNMENT AND CORPORATIONS ACCOUNTABLE FOR HOW NATURAL RESOURCE PROCEEDS ARE USED. LET'S TALK ABOUT NIGERIA. JUST BEFORE THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ISSUED ITS FINAL RULE PURSUANT TO SECTION 1504 OF THE DODD-FRANK ACT, GLOBAL WITNESS, A HIGHLY RESPECTED AND GOOD GOVERNANCE N.G.O. ISSUED A REPORT DETAILING HOW A MAJOR OIL DEAL AS I REFERRED TO EARLIER, STRUCK BY EXXONMOBIL WITH THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT WAS BEING INVESTIGATED BY NIGERIA'S ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION AN AGENCY CHARGED WITH UNCOVERING HIGH-LEVEL CORRUPTION. THE INVESTIGATION RELATES TO A WIDELY REPORTED DEAL AND WITH THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT IN 2009 AGREED TO RENEW A 40% SHARE OF THREE OIL LICENSES OF MOBILE-PRODUCING NIGERIA, A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY. JUST FOLLOW THE DOLLARS AND YOU CAN SEE WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT. LITTLE TOWN AMERICA NEEDS TO KNOW THIS IS NOT ABOUT THEM BUT ABOUT THE BILLIONAIRES AND THEY WILL GO TO ANY LENGTH TO CONTINUE --

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLELADY'S TIME HAS EXPIRED. .

MR. HENSARLING

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I YIELD MYSELF THE BALANCE OF THE TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. HENSARLING

MR. SPEAKER, I CERTAINLY HOPE THAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE WATCHING THIS…

MR. SPEAKER, I CERTAINLY HOPE THAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE WATCHING THIS DEBATE BECAUSE IT WILL CERTAINLY CONFIRM THEIR DECISION TO DENY DEMOCRATS CONTROL OF THE HOUSE, TO DENY THEM CONTROL OF THE SENATE AND TO DENY THEM CONTROL OF THE WHITE HOUSE. NOW, MR. SPEAKER, THEIR WORDS MAY CLAIM THEY CARE ABOUT JOBS, BUT THEIR POLICIES DON'T. THAT'S WHAT WE'RE HERE TO TALK ABOUT, MR. SPEAKER, IS JOBS, AND WE'RE TALKING ABOUT A RULE PROMULGATED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION THAT CAN COST $591 MILLION A YEAR, CAN COST US 10,000 JOBS. MY FRIENDS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE HAVE BEEN CLEARLY TONE DEAF TO THE PLEAS OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. THEY WANT TO GO BACK TO WORK. THEY'RE TIRED OF PART-TIME JOBS. THEY'RE TIRED OF STAGNANT PAYCHECKS. THEY'RE TIRED OF DECIMATED SAVINGS, AND THAT'S WHY THEY HAVE TURNED TO THE REPUBLICAN PARTY AND THAT'S WHY WE ARE GOING TO HELP GIVE THEM A HEALTHY ECONOMY WITH POLICIES INCLUDING ROLLING BACK THIS FOOLISH RULE FROM THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, A RULE THAT IN A PREVIOUS ITERATION HAS ALREADY BEEN STRUCK DOWN BY COURTS. NOW, YOU LISTEN TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE, MR. SPEAKER, AND YOU HEAR ALL THIS TALK ABOUT CORRUPTION. IT APPEARS THAT SOME OF MY FRIENDS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE ARE IGNORANT THAT THE FOREIGN CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT IS ALREADY IN THE FEDERAL CODE, AND FOR THOSE THAT DO NOT KNOW, I'VE DONE THE HOME WORK FOR YOU. 15 U.S.C. 78-DD-1, LOOK IT UP YOURSELF. SO MR. SPEAKER, THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH CORRUPTION. RARELY HAS A REDDER HERRING COME ACROSS THE HOUSE FLOOR. LET ME TELL YOU WHAT THIS IS ABOUT, MR. SPEAKER. IT IS ABOUT A RADICAL, LEFTIST, ELITIST AGENDA THAT PROMOTES NARROW SPECIAL INTERESTS AND HAS DECLARED WAR ON CARBON-BASED INDUSTRY AND ENERGY AND THE INDUSTRY AND JOBS THAT ARE REPRESENTED BY IT. THAT'S WHAT THIS IS REALLY ABOUT. AND BY THE WAY, WHY IS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION INVOLVED IN THIS? WHY ISN'T THIS LISTENING TO THEM PART OF THE HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT? MAYBE PART OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE. WHAT WILL THEY HAVE THE S.E.C. DO NEXT, DELIVER THE MAIL? WILL THEY BECOME OUR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS? MEANWHILE, THERE ARE PONZI SCHEMES TAKING PLACE IN AMERICA. MEANWHILE, WE HAVE MARKETS THAT ARE NOT EFFICIENT CREATING THE JOBS THAT AMERICAN PEOPLE DEMAND -- THAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DEMAND. LET'S VOTE FOR JOBS. LET'S VOTE TO GET AMERICA BACK TO WORK. LET'S VOTE DOWN THIS LEFTIST, ELITIST AGENDA DECLARING WAR ON CARBON-BASED JOBS. LET'S VOTE FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 41, AND I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. ALL TIME FOR DEBATE HAS EXPIRED. PURSUANT TO…

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. ALL TIME FOR DEBATE HAS EXPIRED. PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 71, THE PREVIOUS QUESTION IS ORDERED. THE QUESTION IS ON ENGROSSMENT AND THIRD READING OF THE JOINT RESOLUTION. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. THE AYES HAVE IT. THIRD READING.

THE CLERK

JOINT RESOLUTION 71, CHAPTER 8, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULES SUBMITTED…

JOINT RESOLUTION 71, CHAPTER 8, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULES SUBMITTED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION RELATING TO DISCLOSURE OF PAYMENTS BY RESOURCE EXTRACTION ISSUERS.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE QUESTION IS ON PASSAGE OF THE JOINT RESOLUTION. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY…

THE QUESTION IS ON PASSAGE OF THE JOINT RESOLUTION. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. THE AYES HAVE IT.

MS. WATERS

I REQUEST A RECORDED VOTE,

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE YEAS AND NAYS ARE REQUESTED. THOSE FAVORING A VOTE BY THE YEAS AND…

THE YEAS AND NAYS ARE REQUESTED. THOSE FAVORING A VOTE BY THE YEAS AND NAYS WILL RISE. A SUFFICIENT NUMBER HAVING ARISEN, THE YEAS AND NAYS ARE ORDERED. MEMBERS WILL RECORD THEIR VOTES BY ELECTRONIC DEVICE. PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 8 OF RULE 20, THIS 15-MINUTE VOTE ON PASSAGE OF THE HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 41 WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A FIVE-MINUTE VOTE ON PASSAGE OF HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 38 AND AGREEING TO THE SPEAKER'S APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL, IF ORDERED. THIS IS A 15-MINUTE VOTE. [CAPTIONING MADE POSSIBLE BY THE NATIONAL CAPTIONING INSTITUTE, INC., IN COOPERATION WITH THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. ANY USE OF THE CLOSED-CAPTIONED COVERAGE OF THE HOUSE PROCEEDINGS FOR POLITICAL OR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED BY THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.]

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

YEAS ARE 235 AND THE NAYS ARE 187. THE JOINT RESOLUTION IS PASSED AND…

YEAS ARE 235 AND THE NAYS ARE 187. THE JOINT RESOLUTION IS PASSED AND WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE MOTION TO RECONSIDER IS LAID ON THE TABLE. THE UNFINISHED BUSINESS IS THE VOTE ON PASSAGE OF HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 38 ON WHICH THE YEAS AND NAYS ARE ORDERED. THE CLERK WILL REPORT THE TITLE OF THE BILL OF THE JOINT RESOLUTION.

THE CLERK

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 38 DISAPPROVING THE RULES SUBMITTED BY THE…

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 38 DISAPPROVING THE RULES SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR KNOWN AS THE SUPREME PROTECTION RULE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE QUESTION IS ON PASSAGE OF THE JOINT RESOLUTION. MEMBERS WILL RECORD…

THE QUESTION IS ON PASSAGE OF THE JOINT RESOLUTION. MEMBERS WILL RECORD THEIR VOTES BY ELECTRONIC DEVICE. THIS IS A FIVE-MINUTE VOTE. [CAPTIONING MADE POSSIBLE BY THE NATIONAL CAPTIONING INSTITUTE, INC., IN COOPERATION WITH THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. ANY USE OF THE CLOSED-CAPTIONED COVERAGE OF THE HOUSE PROCEEDINGS FOR POLITICAL OR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED BY THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.]

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

ON THIS VOTE THE YEAS ARE 228. THE NAYS ARE 194. THE JOINT RESOLUTION IS…

ON THIS VOTE THE YEAS ARE 228. THE NAYS ARE 194. THE JOINT RESOLUTION IS PASSED. WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE MOTION TO RECONSIDER IS LAID ON THE TABLE. PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 8 OF RULE 20, THE UNFINISHED BUSINESS IS THE QUESTION ON AGREEING TO THE SPEAKER'S APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL, WHICH THE CHAIR WILL PUT DE NOVO. THE QUESTION IS ON AGREEING TO THE SPEAKER'S APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED, NO. IN THE OPINION OF THE CHAIR, THE AYES HAVE IT AND THE JOURNAL STANDS APPROVED.

TEMPORE MEMBERS,

MEMBERS, MOVE YOUR CONVERSATIONS FROM THE HOUSE FLOOR.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

WILL ALL MEMBERS REMOVE YOUR CONVERSATIONS FROM THE HOUSE FLOOR? THE HOUSE…

WILL ALL MEMBERS REMOVE YOUR CONVERSATIONS FROM THE HOUSE FLOOR? THE HOUSE WILL BE IN ORDER. WILL ALL MEMBERS PLEASE REMOVE YOUR CONVERSATIONS FROM THE HOUSE FLOOR? THE HOUSE WILL BE IN ORDER. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW JERSEY SEEK RECOGNITION? MS.

MRS. WATSON COLEMAN

I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO ADDRESS THE HOUSE FOR ONE MINUTE.

TEMPORE WITHOUT

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

MRS. WATSON COLEMAN

I STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH OUR NEIGHBORS IN CANADA AND HONOR THE VICTIMS…

I STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH OUR NEIGHBORS IN CANADA AND HONOR THE VICTIMS OF THE JANUARY 29 TERRORIST ATTACK AT THE QUEBEC ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTER. A HOUSE OF WORSHIP FOR MANY IS A PLACE OF REFUGE, PEACE AND REFLECTION, BUT FOR THE SIX PEOPLE KILLED, THE 19 WOUNDED AND THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY, THAT HALLOWED GROUND IS NOW TAINTED. IT SHALL ALWAYS REMAIN COVERED IN LOVE. LET OUR PRESENCE HERE SERVE AS A REMIND WE WILL STAND UP AGAINST BIGOTRY AND HATRED WHEREVER IT TAKES PLACE. I ASK MY COLLEAGUES TO BOW THEIR HEADS AND JOIN ME IN A MOMENT OF SILENCE.

MRS. WATSON COLEMAN

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM COLORADO SEEK RECOGNITION?

>>

MR. SPEAKER, I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT REPRESENTATIVE HIMES BE REMOVED…

MR. SPEAKER, I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT REPRESENTATIVE HIMES BE REMOVED AS A CO-SPONSOR OF H.R. 611.

TEMPORE WITHOUT

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE HOUSE WILL BE IN ORDER. THE HOUSE WILL BE IN ORDER. MEMBERS, PLEASE…

THE HOUSE WILL BE IN ORDER. THE HOUSE WILL BE IN ORDER. MEMBERS, PLEASE TAKE YOUR CONVERSATIONS OFF THE FLOOR. THE CHAIR WILL NOW ENTERTAIN REQUESTS FOR ONE-MINUTE SPEECHES. FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM NORTH DAKOTA SEEK RECOGNITION? WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

MR. CRAMER

MADAM SPEAKER, THE HOUSE IS NOT IN ORDER.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN IS CORRECT. THE HOUSE WILL BE IN ORDER. THE HOUSE WILL BE IN…

THE GENTLEMAN IS CORRECT. THE HOUSE WILL BE IN ORDER. THE HOUSE WILL BE IN ORDER. MEMBERS, PLEASE TAKE YOUR CONVERSATIONS OFF THE FLOOR. THE GENTLEMAN FROM NORTH DAKOTA IS RECOGNIZED.

MR. CRAMER

THANK YOU, MADAM SPEAKER. MADAM SPEAKER, NORTH DAKOTA DOES NOT NEED THE…

THANK YOU, MADAM SPEAKER. MADAM SPEAKER, NORTH DAKOTA DOES NOT NEED THE STREAM PROTECTION RULE, AND NEITHER DOES THE NATION. BY PASSING THIS RESOLUTION TODAY DISAPPROVING THE OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING EDICT, WE ARE RESPONDING TO THE CRIES OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WHO ARE TIRED OF NATIONWIDE JOB-KILLING REGULATIONS FROM WASHINGTON. MADAM SPEAKER, THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION TOOK NEARLY AN ENTIRE TERM AND OVER 10 MILLION TAXPAYER DOLLARS DEVELOPING THIS JOB KILLER DESIGNED TO PREVENT BILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF COAL PRESERVES FROM EVER BEING DEVELOPED WITH ABSOLUTELY NO ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFIT. TODAY'S ACTION PREVENTS FURTHER DISTRACTION OF JOBS AND LOW-COST ENERGY FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, AND I URGE THE SENATE TO SWIFTLY SEND THIS RESOLUTION TO THE PRESIDENT'S DESK. WITH THAT I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM TEXAS SEEK RECOGNITION? WITHOUT…

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM TEXAS SEEK RECOGNITION? WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE GENTLEWOMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE. THE HOUSE WILL BE IN ORDER.

MS. JACKSON LEE

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS SEEK RECOGNITION?

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS SEEK RECOGNITION?

>>

MADAM SPEAKER, I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO ADDRESS THE HOUSE FOR ONE MINUTE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

WITHOUT OBJECTION THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

MR. POE

AS THE UNITED STATES IS GEARING UP FOR THE SUPER BOWL IN HOUSTON,…

AS THE UNITED STATES IS GEARING UP FOR THE SUPER BOWL IN HOUSTON, UNFORTUNATELY, SO ARE MANY HUMAN SEX TRAFFICKERS. JUST A FEW DAYS AGO A 21-YEAR-OLD TRAFFICKING VICTIM WITH MENTAL SPECIAL NEEDS WAS RESCUED IN HOUSTON. THE YOUNG GIRL WAS KIDNAPPED OFF THE STREETS OF OHIO BY A DASTARDLY TRAFFICER. HE PUT HER IN HIS CAR AND TOLD HER, NOW YOU WORK FOR ME. SHE WAS BROUGHT TO HOUSTON SPECIFICALLY TO BE TRAFFICKED AT THE HOUSTON SUPER BOWL. HOWEVER, THE WOMAN'S MENTAL DISABILITIES AND SEIZURES BECAME TOO MUCH FOR THE MORALLESS TRAFFICKER SO HE DROPPED THE VICTIM OFF DOWNTOWN IN HOUSTON WHERE SHE LATER WAS SEXUALLY ASSAULTED BY A LOCAL CRIMINAL. A GOOD SAMARITAN RESCUED THE GIRL AND BROUGHT HER TO THE HOSPITAL. AS BUYERS ROAM THE STREETS THEY SHOULD KNOW THAT LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ARE PREPARED TO JAIL TRAFFICKERS AND RESCUE VICTIMS. WE'LL PROSECUTE THE SLAVE TRAFFIC DIVEANTS AND BUYERS. I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM OREGON SEEK RECOGNITION? WITHOUT…

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM OREGON SEEK RECOGNITION? WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

>>

IS TICKING, NOT THAT CLOCK BUT THE NEW CLOCK THAT I PUT UP ON THE…

IS TICKING, NOT THAT CLOCK BUT THE NEW CLOCK THAT I PUT UP ON THE DEMOCRATIC SIDE OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE WHICH IS THE COST OF CONGESTON CLOCK.

MR. DEFAZIO

THE PRESIDENT PROPOSED A TRILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT INFRASTRUCTURE HE WENT…

THE PRESIDENT PROPOSED A TRILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT INFRASTRUCTURE HE WENT TO THE REPUBLICAN CONFERENCE LAST WEEK AND SAID FIX IT FIRST, WE WANT IT IN THE FIRST 100 DAYS. I'M WITH HIM ON THAT. WE SHOULD DO THAT. I HAVE PROPOSALS TO ACTUALLY FIND A WAY TO GET THERE, NOT TO A TRILLION, BUT A GD PART OF THE WAY. SO THIS CLOCK INDICATES FROM THE DAY HE WAS SWORN IN, NOON, A WEEK AGO FRIDAY, TO TODAY, THE COST OF CONGESTION FOR AMERICAN COMMERCE, MOVEMENT OF GOODS AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. IT'S $438 BILLION PER DAY. SO THE CLOCK IS TICKING. LET'S GET AMERICA MOVING AGAIN. AND LET'S INVEST IN OUR INFRASTRUCTURE. WITH THAT, I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA SEEK RECOGNITION? WITHOUT…

FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA SEEK RECOGNITION? WITHOUT OBJECTION THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

>>

MADAM SPEAKER, FOR THE LAST EIGHT YEARS, AMERICANS HAVE FELT THE BURDEN OF…

MADAM SPEAKER, FOR THE LAST EIGHT YEARS, AMERICANS HAVE FELT THE BURDEN OF EXCESSIVE AND INTENSE REGULATORY OVERREACH HAVING TO COMPLY WITH TIME-CONSUMING RULES AND REGULATIONS. BUT THAT ENDS NOW. FOR THE FIRST TIME IN EIGHT YEARS, THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH AND EXECUTIVE BRANCH ARE ON THE SAME PAGE. WE MUST GET THE GOVERNMENT OUT OF THE WAY.

MR. ALLEN

LAST WEEK, I JOIN MURDER COLLEAGUES ON THE ONE IN, WITH -- I JOINED MY…

LAST WEEK, I JOIN MURDER COLLEAGUES ON THE ONE IN, WITH -- I JOINED MY COLLEAGUES ON THE ONE IN, ONE OUT, WHICH REQUIRES THEM TO REPEAL OR REVISE A RULE BEFORE THEY CAN MAKE A NEW ONE. THE PRESIDENT ANNOUNCED HIS ENVERSION, THE ONE IN, TWO OUT EXECUTIVE ORDER. THESE MEASURES ARE COMMONSENSE AT THEIR CORE. TO BEGIN GROWING OUR ECONOMY AND CREATING JOBS, WE HAVE GOT TO REDUCE THE SIZE AND SCOPE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND TACKLE THE MOUNTAIN OF RED TAPE SURROUNDING OUR NATION'S JOB CREATORS. AMERICANS ARE READY FOR GROWTH AND INNOVATION AND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME, THE PRESIDENT IS ON OUR SIDE.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

SEEK RECOGNITION? WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE…

SEEK RECOGNITION? WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE GENTLEMAN IS RECOGNIZED FOR ONE MINUTE.

>>

THANK YOU, MADAM SPEAKER. THIS WEEK, HOUSE REPUBLICANS HAVE UNDERTAKEN THE…

THANK YOU, MADAM SPEAKER. THIS WEEK, HOUSE REPUBLICANS HAVE UNDERTAKEN THE EFFORT TO SCALE BACK SOME OF THE BURDENSOME REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTED BY THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION. THE USE OF SO-CALLED MIDNIGHT RULES TO SLIP IN REGULATIONS AT THE LAST MINUTE WITHOUT CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL WAS A FAVORITE TOOL OF THE LAST PRESIDENT.

MR. LAMALFA

MANY OF THESE WOULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT, AND HAVE, THE AMERICAN PEOPLE BY…

MANY OF THESE WOULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT, AND HAVE, THE AMERICAN PEOPLE BY DESTROYING JOBS, HAMSTRINGING OUR ECONOMY, OFTEN FOR NO GOOD REASON. THAT'S WHY AT THE VERY START OF THE 115TH CONGRESS WE PASSED THE MIDNIGHT RULES RELIEF ACT TO ALLOW CONGRESS TO REVIEW MULTIPLE MIDNIGHT RULES EN BLOC. ADDITIONALLY, WE NEW HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO USE THE C.R.A., CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW ACT, AND EXPRESS DISAPPROVAL FOR SMOR THESE HARMFUL, BURDENSOME REGULATIONS THAT HURT JOBS AND STUNT THE ECONOMY, IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE FROM THESE HARMFUL EFFECTS. THE REGULATORY STATE HAS BEEN EXPANDING IN RECENT YEARS FOR TOO LONG AN I'M HAPPY TO SEE THAT CONGRESS IS TAKING ACTION TO REVERSE THIS BEHAVIOR. I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

ARE THERE FURTHER ONE-MINUTE REQUESTS? THE CHAIR LAYS BEFORE THE HOUSE US…

ARE THERE FURTHER ONE-MINUTE REQUESTS? THE CHAIR LAYS BEFORE THE HOUSE US THE FOLLOWING PERSONAL REQUESTS.

THE CLERK

LEAVE OF

THE CLERK

LEAVE OF ABSENCE REQUESTED FOR MS. CLARKE OF MAST FOR TODAY AND THE…

LEAVE OF ABSENCE REQUESTED FOR MS. CLARKE OF MAST FOR TODAY AND THE BALANCE OF ME -- OF MASSACHUSETTS FOR TODAY AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

WEEK.

MR. O'ROURKE

LEADER. MR. O'ROURKE: I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT ALL MEMBERS HAVE FIVE…

LEADER. MR. O'ROURKE: I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT ALL MEMBERS HAVE FIVE LEGISLATIVE DAYS TO REVISE AND EXTEND THEIR REMARKS AND INCLUDE EXTRANEOUS MATERIAL ON THE SUBJECT OF MY SPECIAL ORDER.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

ORDER.

MR. O'ROURKE

MR. O'ROURKE: WITH THE PRESIDENT'S RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT THAT THROUGH AN…

MR. O'ROURKE: WITH THE PRESIDENT'S RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT THAT THROUGH AN EXECUTIVE ACTION, HE WOULD COMMIT RESOURCES AND NATIONAL ATTENTION AND FOCUS ON BUILDING A WALL WITH OUR NEIGHBOR TO THE SOUTH, MEXICO, GIVEN SOME OF THE RHETORIC THAT WE HAVE HEARD OVER THE LAST YEAR IN THE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN, ABOUT RAPISTS AND CRIMINALS COMING FROM THE COUNTRY OF MEXICO, ONE MIGHT BE CONFUSED, AT BEST, OR AT WORST, BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE SOME KIND OF CRISIS ON OUR BORDER WITH MEXICO. SOME KIND OF CRISIS IN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR CLOSEST NEIGHBOR, A COUNTRY THAT HAS DONE MORE TO BENEFIT THE UNITED STATES THAN ANY OTHER COUNTRY I CAN IMAGINE. A COUNTRY WHO IS THE NUMBER ONE TRADING PARTNER OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, THE THIRD LARGEST TRADING PARTIER OF -- PARTNER OF THE UNITED STATES, OUR THIRD LARGEST PARTNER ON SECURITY AND GROWTH AND HEMISPHERIC ISSUES. IT'S IMPORTANT TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO ENSURE THAT OUR COLLEAGUES IN THE HOUSE HAVE THE FACTS AND IT IS WITH THOSE FACTS THAT WE CAN MAKE BETTER DECISIONS, INFORMED JUDGMENTS, AND THE POLICY THAT'S TRULY GOING TO BENEFIT NOT JUST THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER, NOT JUST BORDER STATES LIKE TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, ARIZONA, AND CALIFORNIA, BUT THE ENTIRE UNITED STATES. HERE'S SOME FACTS THAT I'D LIKE TO START WITH, THEN I WANT TO ENSURE THAT SOME OF MY COLLEAGUES WHO CAN BRING THEIR WISDOM AND EXPERIENCE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THIS ARE ABLE TO DO SO. THE FIRST FACT WE SHOULD KNOW IS THAT WE HAVE RECORD LOW LEVELS OF NORTH-BUND MIGRATION FROM MEXICO. IN FACT, MORE MEXICAN NATIONALS TODAY ARE GOING SOUTH INTO MEXICO THAN ARE COMING NORTH INTO THE UNITED STATES. WE HAVE LESS THAN ZERO MIGRATION FROM MEXICO. TOTAL NORTHBOUND APPREHENSIONS OF ANY PEOPLE FROM ANY COUNTRY COMING ACROSS OUR SOUTHERN BORDER ARE ALSO AT HISTORIC LOWS. AND IF THERE ARE ANY SURGES IN PEOPLE OR POPULATIONS COMING ACROSS THAT BORDER, IT HAPPENS TO BE YOUNG CHILDREN AND FAMILIES FLEEING HORRIFIC, HISTORIC VIOLENCE IN THE NORTHERN TRIANGLE OF CENTRAL AMERICA AND THOSE LITTLE KIDS, THEY'RE NOT TRYING TO EVADE DETECTION, THEY'RE NOT TRYING TO CLIMB FENCES, THEY'RE NOT TRYING TO ESCAPE THE BORDER PATROL. THEY ARE IN FACT TURNING THEMSELVES IN, PRESENTING THEMSELVES TO BOARER PATROL AGENTS AND CUSTOM AND BORDER PROTECTIONS OFFICERS AT OUR PORTS OF ENTRY. WE SHOULD ALSO KNOW THAT WE ARE EXPENDING RECORD AMS OF U.S. TAXPAYER RESOURCES TO SECURE THE BORDER. $19 BILLION A YEAR THIS YEAR, LAST YEAR, AND THE YEARS GOING FORWARD, ONLY TO INCREASE WITH THESE EXECUTIVE ORDERS. WE'VE MORE THAN DOUBLED THE SIZE OF THE BORDER PATROL IN THESE LAST 15 YEARS FROM JUST A LITTLE UNDER 10,000 AGENTS, TO OVER 20,000 AGENTS ON THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER AND SOME ON THE U.S.-CANADIAN BORDER. THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A TERRORIST, A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION, A TERRORIST PLOT A TERRORIST ACT, CONNECTED TO OUR BORDER WITH MEXICO. THERE HAS BEEN WITH OUR NORTHERN ABORTER WITH CANADA. THERE HAS BEEN CONNECTED TO OUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS. THERE HAVE BEEN HOMEGROWN RADICAL TERRORISTS. THERE'S NEVER BEEN A CASE OF TERRORISM CONNECTED WITH OUR BORDER WITH MEXICO. BUT JUST IN CASE, AND WE SHOULD REMAIN VIGILANT, JUST IN CASE, WE'VE GOT THOSE 20,000 BORDER PATROL AGENTS. WE'VE GOT THOUSANDS OF CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTIONS OFFICERS. WE'VE GOT 600 MILES OF FENCING AND PHYSICAL OBSTRUCTIONS ON OUR BORDER WITH MEXICO. WE HAVE BLIMPS, DRONES FLYING OVERHEAD, WE HAVE A CONCENTRATION OF FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT, DEFORM E.A., F.B.I., AMONG OTHERS, INCLUDING ONE OF THE LARGEST MILITARY INSTALLATIONS ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, FORT BLISS IN EL PASO, TEXAS, WITH 32,000 ACT I DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS. WE HAVE THE SECURITY RESOURCES ALREADY THAT WE NEED. I ALSO THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO MENTION THAT EL PASO, TEXAS, WHICH IS CON VOIN -- CONJOINED WITH CIUDAD JUAREZ IN MEXICO AND FORM WHAT IS I THINK IS THE LARGEST TRUE BINATIONAL COMMUNITY IN THE WORLD, CERTAINLY THE LARGEST ON THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER EL PASO IS NOT JUST THE SAFE EDUCATION CITY ON THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER, NOT JUST THEST CITY IN THE STATE OF TEXAS, IT'S THE SAFEST CITY IN THE UNITED STATES. LOOK AT OTHER BORDER CITIES LIKE SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, AND YOU'LL FIND THEY'RE AMOK THE SAFEST IN THE UNITED STATES. THERE'S A POSITIVE CORRELATION WITH THE NUMBER OF MIGRANT IMMIGRANTS, DOCUMENTED AND OTHERWISE, IN A COMMUNITY AND THAT COMMUNITY'S RELATIVE SAFETY. THE U.S. SIDE OF THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER IS FAR SAFER THAN THE AVERAGE AMERICAN CITY DEEPER INTO THE INTERIOR. THESE ARE SOME OF THE FACTS THAT WE NEED TO HAVE AT OUR COMMAND AS WE ARE DEVELOPING POLICY, AS WE ARE JUDGING THE PRESIDENT'S RECENT EXECUTIVE ACTION, AS WE'RE THINKING ABOUT HOW BEST TO SECURE THIS COUNTRY. HERE'S ANOTHER FACT THAT WE NEED TO KEEP IN MIND. IF WE ARE COMMITTING RESOURCES WHERE THEY ARE NOT NEEDED, WHERE, FOR EXAMPLE, WE DON'T HAVE TERRORISM, WHERE WE DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IMMIGRATION, WHERE WE DENT HAVE AN ISSUE WITH SECURITY, THEN BY DEFINITION, WE'RE TAKING THOSE RESOURCES FROM WHERE THEY COULD BE BEST USED, WHERE WE HAVE KNOWN RISKS AND THREATS, WHERE WE HAVE REAL PROBLEMS AGAINST WHICH WE MUST CONTEND. WHERE WE ARE NOT KEEPING AMERICANS AS SAFE AS THEY COULD BE BECAUSE WE'RE DIRECTING RESOURCES WHERE THEY DON'T NEED TO BE. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WE NEED TO KNOW, I THINK, AS WE MAKE POLICY FOR THIS COUNTRY, AS WE FULFILL OUR MOST IMPORTANT, SOLEMN OBLIGATION, WHICH IS THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF THIS COUNTRY AND EVERY AMERICAN WITHIN IT. MADAM SPEAKER, I AM VERY FORTUNATE TODAY TO BE JOINED BY SOME OUTSTANDING COLLEAGUES, ONE WHOM I'D LIKE TO INTRODUCE FROM THE GREAT STATE OF NEW YORK, IS A NEW COLLEAGUE, HE HIMSELF AN IMMIGRANT TO THIS COUNTRY, HE REPRESENTS TENS OF THOUSANDS OF IMMIGRANTS IN HIS CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, HAS ALREADY, FROM TAI ONE, BECOME A LEADER ON THIS ISSUE, INTRODUCING LEGISLATION THAT PROVIDES A MORE RATIONAL, HUMANE, SMARTER APPROACH TO SOME OF THESE ISSUES THAT HAVE BEEN BLOWN OUT OF PROPORTION, POLITICIZED, MYTHOLOGIZED AND FROM THAT, STEERING THE COUNTRY IN THE WRONG DIRECTION. HERE'S SOMEBODY WHO WANTS TO GET US BACK ON TRACK. MADAM SPEAKER, I WOULD NOW LIKE TO YIELD TO REPRESENTATIVE ESPAILLAT OF NEW YORK.

MR. ESPAILLAT

MR. O'ROURKE

CONGRESSMAN O'ROURKE. MR. O'ROURKE: I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW YORK…

CONGRESSMAN O'ROURKE. MR. O'ROURKE: I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FROM NEW YORK FOR HIS COMMENTS. AGAIN, BRINGING HIS EXPERIENCE TO BEAR AND RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING INTRODUCING LEGISLATION, NOT JUST CRITICIZING OR COMPLAINING, BUT OFFERING AN ALTERNATIVE AND REMINDING US IF WE ARE TO SPEND $20 BILLION, WHICH IS THE UPWARD COST OF WHAT PRESIDENT TRUMP'S PROPOSAL WOULD TAKE FROM THE AMERICAN TAXPAYER, IF WE REALLY WANT TO SPEND THAT ON BUILDING SOMETHING IN THIS COUNTRY, THERE ARE ROADS, THERE ARE BRIDGES, THERE ARE TUNNELS, THERE ARE LEGITIMATE INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS THAT WOULD PUT PEOPLE TO WORK AND WOULD BE MONEY MUCH BETTER SPENT. MADAM SPEAKER, I WOULD NOW LIKE TO RECOGNIZE MY COLLEAGUE FROM CALIFORNIA, SOMEONE WHO REPRESENTS A PART OF THE BORDER THAT REALLY DEMONSTRATES WHAT'S BEAUTIFUL ABOUT THE UNITED STATES-MEXICO RELATIONSHIP IN SAN DIEGO AND TIJUANA, A FIERCE ADVOCATE FOR OUR SHARED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH, THE JOBS THAT ARE CONNECTED TO THAT AND EVERYTHING THAT'S BEAUTIFUL ABOUT THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER, I YIELD TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA, MR. PETERS.

MR. PETERS

MR. O'ROURKE

MR. O'ROURKE: I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA FOR HIS SHARING…

MR. O'ROURKE: I THANK THE GENTLEMAN FROM CALIFORNIA FOR HIS SHARING COMMUNITY'S PERSPECTIVE AND REMINDING US THAT WHEN IT COMES TO MEXICO AND OUR SHARED CONNECTION WITH MEXICO, THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER, WE HAVE MUCH MORE TO LOOK FORWARD TO THAN WE DO TO FEAR. IN FACT, IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF JOBS THAT DEPEND ON U.S.-MEXICO TRADE. IN THE STATE OF TEXAS, IT'S JUST UNDER HALF A MILLION. IN FACT, EVERY SINGLE STATE IN THE UNION, INCLUDING ALASKA, HAS TENS IF NOT HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF JOBS THAT DEPEND ON THE FLOW OF U.S.-MEXICO TRADE THAT HAPPENS AT OUR PORTS OF ENTRY AND COMES THROUGH AT OUR BORDER. SIX MILLION JOBS IN THIS COUNTRY REPRESENTING HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN SALARIES AND ECONOMIC GROWTH AND ADD-ON EFFECTS ARE DEPENDENT ON U.S.-MEXICO TRADE. WHEN WE BEGIN TO PRIORITIZE OUR SEPARATION, SEALING MEXICO OFF FROM THE UNITED STATES, LITERALLY, PHYSICALLY, WE DEPRIORITIZE THOSE CONNECTIONS THAT GROW OUR ECONOMY, CREATE NOR JOBS IN THE UNITED STATES. ONE THING WE SHOULD KNOW AS LONG AS WE'RE TALKING ABOUT SHARING FACTS AND CONFRONTING SOME OF THESE UNFORTUNATE, UNTRUE MYTHS ABOUT THE BORDER IS THAT WHEN WE EXPORT TO MEXICO, OF COURSE WE WIN. WE'RE BUILDING THINGS IN OUR FACTORIES. WE'RE SENDING THEM TO MEXICO. THE MEXICAN CONSUMER BUYS THEM. THOSE DOLLARS ARE FLOWING BACK TO THE U.S. WORKER, BUT IT ALSO HAPPENS THAT WHEN WE IMPORT FROM MEXICO WE WIN. 40 CENTS OF EVERY DOLLAR OF VALUE THAT WE IMPORT FROM MEXICO ORIGINATE IN THE UNITED STATES. SO LITERALLY FACTORY FLOOR JOBS IN OHIO, IN IOWA, IN MICHIGAN ARE PRODUCING THINGS THAT GO TO MEXICO THAT ARE PART OF FINAL ASSEMBLY THAT'S REIMPORTED TO THE U.S. WE MAKE A LOT OF THINGS IN UNITED STATES AND MEXICO CONCURRENTLY. OUR PRODUCTION PLATFORM, OUR FUTURE IS INEXTRICABLY CONNECTED AND TO TRY TO BREAK THAT APART IS NOT SIMPLY GOING TO HURT MEXICO. IT'S GOING TO THE UNITED STATES. IT'S GOING TO HURT THE U.S. WORKER. IT'S GOING TO HURT OUR ECONOMY. IT'S GOING TO HURT OUR OPPORTUNITY AT GROWTH. SO IF WE CONTINUE TO CAST MEXICO AS THE ENEMY, IF WE THREATEN TRADE WARS OR PULLING OUT OF FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS, IF WE CONSTRUCT A WALL TO TRY TO HUMILIATE THAT COUNTRY AT A TIME IT OPPOSES NO SECURITY THREAT TO THE UNITED STATES, THE CONSEQUENCES ARE NOT GOING TO BE GOOD. YOU MAY REMEMBER THAT I REMINDED YOU THAT MIGRATION FROM MEXICO OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS IS LESS THAN ZERO. MORE MEXICANS GOING SOUTH THAN ARE COMING NORTH TO THE UNITED STATES. IF YOU BUILD A WALL, WITHDRAW FROM OUR TRADE AGREEMENTS, TRY TO DELINK OUR ECONOMIES, WHERE YOU DO NOT HAVE A SECURITY OR ECONOMIC PROBLEM TODAY, YOU WILL IN THE FUTURE HAVE ONE. YOU WILL GIVE PEOPLE IN MEXICO A REASON TO FLEE THAT COUNTRY AND SEEK OPPORTUNITY AND JOBS AND CONNECTIONS AND SAFETY AND SHELTER SOMEWHERE ELSE. AND THAT SOMEWHERE ELSE IN MANY CASES IS IN FACT GOING TO BE THE UNITED STATES. SO IF WE WANT TO MAKE THIS COUNTRY SAFER, IF WE WANT TO MAKE THIS COUNTRY MORE PROSPEROUS, IF WE WANT TO PROTECT THE AMERICAN WORKER, THEN THE POLICIES THAT THIS PRESIDENT HAS ADOPTED IN THE FIRST 10 DAYS IN OFFICE ARE PRECISELY THE WRONG WAY TO GO ABOUT DOING IT. IT WILL MAKE US LESS SECURE. IT WILL SLOW DOWN THIS COUNTRY'S ECONOMY. IT WILL JEOPARDIZE THE SIX MILLION JOBS THAT DEPEND ON U.S.-MEXICO TRADE. SO IF THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER IS AS SECURE AS IT HAS EVER BEEN -- AND LOOK AT ANY METRIC AND YOU'LL SEE THAT I'M RIGHT -- IF WE'RE HAVING LEVELS OF APPREHENSIONS, IF WE'RE SPENDING RECORD AMOUNTS, IF WE'RE USING NEW TECHNOLOGIES LIKE DRONES TO PATROL THE BORDER IF WE HAVE 20,000 BORDER PATROL AGENTS WHICH IS ALSO A RECORD HIGH, WHY IS THERE SO MUCH CONCERN, WHY IS THERE SO MUCH INTEREST, WHY IS THERE SO MUCH ANXIETY, WHY IS THERE SO MUCH FEAR BUILT UP AROUND THE BORDER? I'LL TELL YOU, THIS IS A LONGTIME IN COMING, AND WHEN WE SAY THAT THERE ARE -- LONG TIME IN COMING. AND WHEN WE SAY THERE ARE REAL ISSUES WHERE THESE BORDER MEASURES ARE COMING FROM, LET ME GIVE YOU AN EXAMPLE OF SOME OF THOSE. ONE OF OUR COLLEAGUES, WHEN DESCRIBING YOUNG MEXICAN IMMIGRANTS COMING TO THIS COUNTRY SAID, LOOK AT THEM. THEY HAVE CALVES THE SIZE OF CANTALOUPES. THEY'RE BRINGING DRUGS INTO THIS COUNTRY. WHEN YOU HAVE A PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE DISMISS MEXICAN IMMIGRANTS AS RAPISTS AND CRIMINALS, DESPITE THE FACT THAT IMMIGRANTS COMMIT CRIMES IN THIS COUNTRY AT A MUCH LOWER LEVEL THAN NATIVE-BORN U.S. CITIZENS, WHEN YOU HAVE THIS KIND OF RHETORIC, WHEN YOU HAVE THIS KIND OF MISCHARACTERIZATION, WHEN YOU HAVE THIS KIND OF VILLIFICATION OF AN ENTIRE PEOPLE AND THEIR CONNECTION TO US AT THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER, THEN YOU BE THE JUDGE OF WHERE THESE PRIORITIES ARE COMING FROM AND WHAT THEY ARE ABOUT AND WHY THEY ARE IN NO WAY REFLECT THE REAL CONCERNS AND THREATS AND ISSUES THAT WE HAVE IN THIS COUNTRY TODAY. . MY COLLEAGUES, THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS, MEXICO PRESENTS OPPORTUNITY FOR THE UNITED STATES AND IT ALWAYS HAS. WHETHER IT'S THE $90 BILLION IN U.S.-MEXICO TRADE THAT PASSED THROUGH JUST THE PORTS OF ENTRY IN EL PASO, THE CITY I HAVE THE HONOR OF SERVING IN CONGRESS, IN CIUDAD JUAREZ, THE CITY WITH WHICH IT IS CONNECTED, WHETHER IT'S THE SIX MILLION JOBS WE ALREADY HAVE IN THE UNITED STATES ECONOMY, WHETHER IT'S OUR SECURITY COOPERATION TO ENSURE WE'RE DISRUPTING TRANSNATIONAL CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE TRYING TO MOVE DRUGS AND HUMAN CHATTEL INTO THIS COUNTRY, WHETHER IT IS OUR WORK TO ADDRESS THE REAL SECURITY ISSUES IN THE NORTHERN TRIANGLE COUNTRIES OF CENTRAL AMERICA THAT BORDER MEXICO, WE WILL LOSE A VERY VALUABLE PARTNER. WE WILL LOSE THOSE THINGS THAT WE WANT MOST, JOB GROWTH, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, SECURITY FOR THE PEOPLE THAT WE REPRESENT. WHEN WE BEGIN TO HUMILIATE THAT COUNTRY AND ITS LEADERSHIP AND THE PRESIDENT HAS ALREADY CANCELED A TRIP TO VISIT THE UNITED STATES IN JUST ONE WEEK OF THIS ADMINISTRATION, NOTHING GOOD WILL FOLLOW THAT. WE CANNOT WALL MEXICO OFF FROM THE UNITED STATES. WE CANNOT WISH THEM TO DISAPPEAR. THEY WILL ALWAYS BE THERE AND THEY SHOULD ALWAYS BE THERE AND WE SHOULD BE GRATEFUL THAT THEY WILL ALWAYS BE THERE BECAUSE THEY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A PART OF OUR HISTORY, OUR SUCCESS, THOSE THINGS THAT ARE BEST ABOUT THE UNITED STATES, AND GOD WILLING, THEY WILL ALWAYS BE PART OF OUR FUTURE. BUT I THINK IT'S GOING TO TAKE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US, EVERY REPUBLICAN, EVERY DEMOCRAT, EVERY PERSON WHO DOESN'T FEEL AFFILIATION TO A PARTY, TO STAND TOGETHER BEHIND AND WITH THE FACTS WORK THE TRUTH, WITH THIS COUNTRY'S BEST INTERESTS IN MIND. I AM CONFIDENT THAT IF WE DO THAT, IT WILL SIMPLY -- IF WE'LL SIMPLY LOOK AT WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY, WHAT'S HAPPENED HISTORICALLY WITH THAT COUNTRY, WHERE OUR INTERESTS LIE, WE WILL MAKE BETTER POLICY. WE WILL NOT BE CONSTRUCTING WALLS BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES. WE WILL AT SOME POINT, HOPEFULLY SOONER RATHER THAN LATER, TEAR DOWN THE 600 MILES OF FENCING THAT ALREADY SEPARATES US. WE WILL BUILD MORE BRIDGES THAT CONNECT US NOT JUST FOR TRADE, NOT JUST FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, BUT FOR THE REASONS THAT THE PEOPLE I REPRESENT ARE SO GRATEFUL FOR AND PROUD OF, THE PLACE THAT THEY CALL HOME. A CITY THAT, WITH CIUDAD JUAREZ FORMS THE LARGEST BINATIONAL COMMUNITY IN THE WORLD, WHERE PEOPLE THOUSANDS OF TIMES CROSSED INTO EACH OTHER'S CITIES, OUR FAMILIES ARE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BORDER, OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS ARE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BORDERS, STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO WHO LIVE IN CIUDAD JUAREZ WHO ARE MEXICAN NATIONALS ARE GRANTED IN STATE TUITION BECAUSE WE WANT TO ATTRACT THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST, THE VERY BEST AND VERY BRIGHTEST. WE'RE GOING TO FIND THEM ALL EVERY THE WORLD, THE UNITED STATES CERTAINLY BUT ALSO IN MEXICO. I WANT TO READ TO YOU A COMMENT THAT A CONSTITUENT OF MINE POSTED ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE THIS EVENING WHEN I LET MY CONSTITUENTS KNOW I'D BE ON THE FLOOR TALKING ABOUT THE BORDER ASKING THEM TO SHARE THE TRUTH AND THE REALITY, THEIR PERSPECTIVE, VERSUS THE SMITH THAT WE -- THE MYTH THAT WE HEAR SO OFTEN HERE IN CONGRESS, ON NATIONAL TV, AND FROM THOSE WHO DON'T LIVE ON OR UNDERSTAND THE BORDER. LISA ESPAR ZHA SAYS, THE BORDER -- LISA ESPARZA SAYS, THE BORDER HAS BEEN GREAT. I GREW UP IN CIUDAD JUAREZ, ILL I WENT TO SCHOOL, I LOVE THAT I'M BINATIONAL AND CAN THINK AND SPEAK IN TWO LANGUAGES. LISA AND MILLIONS OF BORDER RESIDENTS EXEMPLIFY THE BEST OF THIS COUNTRY. LITERALLY OF WHAT MAKES AMERICA GREAT. AND EL PASSEY, FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DO NOT KNOW -- AND EL PASO, FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DO NOT KNOW, SERVED AS THE ELLIS ISLAND OF THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE. IF YOU CAME UP FROM MEXICO, OREL SALVADOR OR GAUTGAUTH MA LA, THERE'S A GOOD CHANCE YOU CAME THROUGH THE PORTS OF ENTRY IN EL PASO, TEXAS THAT YOUR FAMILY MAY HAVE, BEFORE THEY WENT ON TO A DECEMBER NATION FARTHER INTO THE UNITED STATES, THEY MAY HAVE SETTLED IN TO A COMMUNITY THERE WHERE THEY LEARN OUR LAW, OUR VALUES, WHERE THEY LEARNED TO SPEAK ENGLISH, WENT TO OUR SCHOOLS WHERE THEY NOT JUST PARTICIPATED AND BELIEVED IN THE AMERICAN DREAM BUT CONTRIBUTED TO IT. IT'S ONE OF THE REASONS EL PASO, TEXAS, IS THE SAFEST CITY IN THE UNITED STATES. IT'S THE SAFEST CITY NOT IN SPITE OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF IMMIGRANTS WHO LIVE IN MY COMMUNITY, AND BY OFFICIAL COUNT, 24% OF THE PEOPLE I REPRESENT WERE BORN IN ANOTHER COUNTRY. IT'S NOT IN SPITE OF THOSE PEOPLE BORN IN ANOTHER COUNTRY, IT'S IN LARGE PART BECAUSE OF THEIR PRESENCE. FAMILIES WHO MADE EXTRAORDINARILY DIFFICULT DECISION TO LEAVE THEIR HOME COUNTRY THEY HOME CITY, THE FAMILY, THE LANGUAGE THEY KNEW, THE CUSTOMS THEY LOVED, TO COME TO A NEW COUNTRY AND THEY MAKE SURE THEY FOLLOW OUR LAWS. THEY MAKE SURE THEIR KIDS FOLLOW OUR LAWS. THEY MAKE SURE THEIR KIDS ARE DOING THE RIGHT THING BY THIS COUNTRY SO THEY CAN GET AHEAD AND HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY AND A CRACK AT THE AMERICAN DREAM. NOT ONLY IS THERE NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT, THERE'S SOMETHING PROFOUNDLY GREAT ABOUT THAT. IT'S WHAT HAS HELPED MAKE EL PASO THE SAFEST CITY, A WONDERFUL CITY IN AMERICA, A GREAT COUNTRY. SOMEONE ELSE WHO UNDERSTANDS THE VALUE OF OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH MEXICO, SPECIAL CHARACTER OF BORDER PEOPLE AND THE VALUE OF IMMIGRATION AND IMMIGRANTS IS MY COLLEAGUE, MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM, OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO. I YIELD TO THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM NEW MEXICO.

MS. LUJAN GRISHAM

MEXICO.

MR. O'ROURKE

MR. O'ROURKE: I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE GENTLELADY FROM NEW MEXICO FOR…

MR. O'ROURKE: I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE GENTLELADY FROM NEW MEXICO FOR BRINGING HER STATE'S EXPERIENCE AND PERSPECTIVE ON THIS ISSUE AND FOR BEING A CHAMPION FOR THE BEST IN OUR TRADITIONS AND OUR VALUES. I'D LIKE TO BUILD ON THE GENTLELADY'S REMARKS AND TALK ABOUT ONE OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF BUILDING WALLS. I'VE ALREADY MADE THE CASE THAT THE BORDER IS AS SECURE AS IT'S EVER BEEN. THOSE WHO STUDY AND UNDERSTAND SECURITY ISSUES HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT EXTRA MILES OF WALL DON'T DETER MIGRANTS. THE LOWER LEVELS OF MIGRATION THAT WE SEE IN THIS COUNTRY HAVE A LOT MORE TO DO WITH THE U.S. ECONOMY AND ITS STRUGGLING PERFORMANCE IN THE IMMEDIATE AFTERMATH IN THE -- OF THE GREAT RECESSION AND THROUGHOUT THAT ROAD OTO RECOVERY AND RELATIVELY SPEAK EGG, THE PERFORMANCE IN OTHER COUNTRY, INCLUDING MEXICO, THAT'S AFFORDED MEXICAN NATIONALS MORE OPPORTUNITY TO STAY THERE. SO THE BORDER IS AS SECURE AS IT'S EVER BEEN, WE RECENTLY DOUBLED THE SIZE OF THE BORDER PATROL, WE'RE USING THE LATEST, GREATEST TECHNOLOGY TO REMAIN AS VIGILANT AS POSSIBLE, WHICH WE SHOULD. AND IT'S ALSO IMPORTANT TO KNOW THE CHARACTER AND QUALITY OF THE BORDER PATROL AGENTS AND CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION OFFICERS WHO MAN THE LINE, WHO ARE AT OUR PORTS, AND WHO HAVE ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT, DANGEROUS JOBS THAT ANYONE HAS IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. THE CONDITIONS IN WHICH THEY WORK, THE SITUATIONS WHICH THEY MUST ANTICIPATE, THE CONSTANT VIGILANCE THEY MUST MAINTAIN, AND THE KIND OF THREATS THAT THEY HAVE TO BE AWARE OF. WHICH INCLUDE DRUG SMUGGLING. WHICH IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT TO STOP. WHICH INCLUDE HUMAN SMUGGLING. WHICH WE MUST DETER AND STOP AND WHICH INCLUDES, EVEN THOUGH THERE'S NEVER BEEN A TERRORIST OR TERRORIST ACT ON THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER INCLUDES THE POSSIBILITY THAT SOMETIME THAT MIGHT HAPPEN AND THOSE MEN AND WOMEN ARE LITERALLY ON THE FRONT LINE, PROTECTING THIS COMMUNITY. I'D LIKE TO SEE SOME OF THOSE $14 BILLION TO $20 BILLION PROPOSED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A WALL PUT BEHIND OUR BORDER PATROL AGENTS TO IMPROVE THEIR SALARIES, THEIR WORKING CONDITIONS. THE ABILITY FOR THEM TO DO THEIR JOB AND TO KEEP US SAFE. I'D LIKE TO HIRE MORE CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION OFFICERS, THE MEN AND WOMEN IN BLUE AT OUR PORTS OF ENTRY WHO FACILITATE LEGITIMATE TRADE AND TRAVEL AT OUR PORTS OF ENTRY. THEY'RE THE ONES WHO HELP KEEP THIS ECONOMY HUMMING WHILE KEEPING US SAFE. MADAM SPEAKER, ONE OF THE CONSEQUENCES, THOUGH, OF BUILDING WALLS, WHILE IT DOESN'T MAKE US SAFER, WHILE IT USES A LOT OF RESOURCES TO -- THAT COULD BE BETTER PUT TOWARD OTHER, MORE LEGITIMATE SECURITY CHALLENGES, IT DOES DO ONE THING I WANT ALL OF US TO KNOW ABOUT. IT DOES ENSURE THAT MY GRANTS COMING TO THIS COUNTRY WILL UNNECESSARILY SUFFER AND MANY WILL DIE IN THE SAME TIME WHERE WE HAVE GONE FROM 1.6 MILLION APPREHENSIONS A YEAR, THAT WAS THE YEAR 2000, 1.6 MILLION APPREHENSIONS ON OUR SOUTHERN BORDER, TO LAST YEAR, WHEN THERE WERE JUST A LITTLE OVER 400,000. A QUARTER OF THE LEVEL THAT WE HAD 15, 16 YEARS AGO. IN THAT SAME TIME THAT WE'VE HAD RECORD LOW LEVELS OF MIGRATION, WE HAVE MAINTAINED RECORD HIGH LEVELS OF MIGRANT DEATH, THOSE FEW MIGRANT WHO DO TRY TO CROSS BETWEEN OUR PORTS OF ENTRY ARE GOING TO MORE REMOTE SESSIONS -- SECTIONS OF THE BORDER, THEY'RE DYING OF THIRST, OF EXPOSURE. THESE ARE OTHERWISE PREVENTABLE DEATHS. SO I ASK YOU TO THINK ABOUT IT THIS WAY. WHETHER YOU'RE LOOKING AT THE MORAL DIMENSION OF THIS, THE OTHERWISE PREVENTABLE DEATH THE EFFORT TO HUMILIATE OUR CLOSEST PARTNER IN THE COUNTRY OF MEXICO, WHETHER YOU LOOK AT THE ECONOMIC DIMENSION OF THIS, IF YOU WANT TO PROTECT THOSE SIX MILLION JOBS THAT DEPEND ON A STRONG U.S.-MEXICO CONNECTION, WHETHER YOU LOOK AT THE SECURITY DIMENSION AND TAKING OUR EYE OFF THE BALL WHEN IT COMES TO REAL THREATS, PROVEN THREATS THAT WE HAVE IN THIS COUNTRY, AT OUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS, AT OUR NORTHERN BOARD WE ARE CANADA, OR INCREASINGLY HOMEGROWN RADICALS IN THE UNITED STATES, RADICALIZED OVER THE INTERNET, IF YOU WANT TO REMOVE RESOURCES FROM THOSE REAL THREATS, THEN GO AHEAD AND BUILD A WALL IF IT MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD BUT IT'S GOING TO MAKE US LESS SAFE. IT'S GOING TO MAKE US LESS ECONOMICALLY SECURE. AND IT'S GOING TO BE TO OUR LASTING SHAME. IT WILL HAUNT US AND IT WILL HAUNT US FOR GENERATIONS FOR ANYONE WHO SUPPORT THIS IS OR DOES NOT STAND UP AND SPEAK AGAINST IT. I WOULD LIKE TO LEAVE YOU WITH TWO ANECDOTES. THAT I THINK EXEMPLIFY THE BEAUTY, THE STRENGTH, AND THE SAFETY OF THE BORDER. THE FIRST IS A STORY THAT -- OF AN EVENT THAT TOOK PLACE THIS WEEKEND IN EL PASO, IN CIUDAD JUAREZ, WHERE WE ARE JOINED BY THE RIO GRANDE RIVER CHANNEL. RIGHT NOW, ALL THAT WATER IS STORED UP AT THE ELEPHANT BUTTE RESERVOIR IN NEW MEXICO, REALLY THERE'S JUST A LITTLE TRICKLE IN THE RIVER CHANNEL, NOT MORE THAN A COUPLE OF INCHES DEEP. THANKS TO THE BORDER NETWORK FOR HUMAN RIGHTS, AN THANKS TO THE BORDER PATROL, WHO ALLOWED THIS, THEY WERE ABLE TO ORGANIZE 300 FAMILIES FROM MEXICO AND EL PASO WHO WERE ALLOWED TO MEET ONE FAMILY AT A TIME IN THE MIDDLE OF THAT RIVER CHANNEL, BOTH SIDES CLEARLY IDENTIFIED SO THERE WOULD NOT BE ANY SECURITY OR IMMIGRATION ISSUES, AND THOSE FAMILIES GOT TO SPEND A TOTAL OF THREE MINUTES TOGETHER, FAMILIES WHO IN SOME CASES HAD NOT SEEN EACH OTHER FOR DECADES, A YOUNG WOMAN POSTED ON FACEBOOK THAT SHE DROVE DOWN FROM OKLAHOMA CITY TO SEE HER TAD WHO SHE HAD NOT SEEN IN 10 YEARS. YOU HAD FOLKS MEETING GRANDCHILDREN THEY HAD NEVER SEEN BEFORE, SONS OR DOURNLS IN -- DAUGHTERS-IN-LAW THEY HAD NEVER SEEN BEFORE, WEEP, HUGGING, KISSING FOR THREE MINUTES. THAT TO ME IS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL THAT TO ME IS FAMILY VALUES. THAT TO ME SHOWS YOU THE EXTENT TO WHICH PEOPLE WILL TRY TO BE TOGETHER, TO BE WITH EACH OTHER, TO DO THINGS THAT PERHAPS YOU AND I AS U.S. CITIZENS TAKE FOR GRANTED. THAT HAPPENED IN EL PASO, TEXAS, THANKS TO THE BORDER NETWORK, HUMAN RIGHTS, THANKS TO THE MEN AND WOMEN IN THE BORDER PATROL, DIDN'T COMPROMISE OUR SECURITY, DIDN'T ADD ANY NEW IMMIGRANTS TO THIS COUNTRY. IT WAS JUST DOING OUR BEST UNDER THE CURRENT CONDITIONS. THE OTHER ANECDOTE I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU, WHICH I WILL CLOSE ON, INVOLVES ANOTHER OUTSTANDING ORGANIZATION IN THE COMMUNITY I HAVE THE HONOR TO SERVE, ANNOUNCEUATION HOUSE, LED BY REUBEN GARCIA, WHO WHEN WE FACED UNPRECEDENTED NUMBERS OF YOUNG CHILDREN, YOUNG TEENS, YOUNG MOMS IN THEIR TEENS AND 20'S, COMING FROM HONDURAS AND EL SALVADOR, WHICH HAD BECOME THE DEADLIEST COUNTRIES NOT JUST IN CENTRAL AMERICA OR THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE BUT IN THE WORLD, KIDS BEING MURDERED AND RAPED AND SOLD INTO SLAVERY, THOSE KIDS FLEING THAT HORRIFIC BRUTALITY AND VIOLENCE, COMING UP THE LENGTH OF MEXICO, SOMETIMES RIDING ON TOP OF A TRAIN, KNOWN AS THE BEAST, TO COME AND PRESENT THEMSELVES AT OUR BORDER. NOT EVADE DETECTION. NOT TRY TO ESCAPE. NOT TRY TO DO ANYTHING AGAINST THE LAW, LITERALLY AS THE LAW PRESCRIBES PRESENTING THEMSELVES AT OUR PORTS OF ENTRY TO A BORDER PATROL AGENT OR CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION OFFICER AND ASKING FOR HELP AND FOR SHELTER DEPENDING ON THE BEST TRADITIONS INSCRIBED ON THE STATUE OF LIBERTY, COUNTING ON THE UNITED STATES IN THEIR MOMENT OF NEED. WELL, THE BORDER PATROL WERE OUTSTANDING. THE AGENTS THEMSELVES OUT OF THEIR OWN POCKETS OFTEN WERE BUYING TOYS AND GIFTS FOR THESE YOUNG CHILDREN, TAKING CARE OF THEM, HAVING THEIR HEARTS BROKEN, DOING THEIR BEST TO SERVE THEM. AGENTS WHO WORKED FOR I.C.E. AND IMMIGRATION WERE DOING THEIR BEST AS WELL. . AND AS THAT FLOW OF PEOPLE BECAME TOO MANY TEMPORARILY FOR US TO HOLD AND PROCESS, THEY COT IN TOUCH WITH RUBEN GARCIA AT ENUNESATION HOUSE WHICH IS A CHARITY IN EL PASO, TEXAS, AND RUBEN TOOK THOSE ASYLUM-SEEKERS, THOSE REFUGEES AND HOUSED THEM, CLOTHED THEM, FED THEM, ENSURED THEY HAD SHOWERS AND MEDICATION AND A VISIT WITH THE DOCTOR, THE ABILITY TO TALK TO THEIR FAMILIES DEEPER IN THE INTERIOR OF THE UNITED STATES AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, ESPECIALLY FOR MY COLLEAGUES ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE, HAD A FULL AND COMPLETE UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR LEGAL OBLIGATIONS UNDER U.S. LAW, WHAT THEY WERE ALLOWED AND NOT ALLOWED TO DO, WHAT THEIR COURT EXPECTATIONS WERE AND THAT THEY MUST APPEAR IN COURT AND THAT THEIR ISSUE MUST BE ADJUDICATED AND THAT THEY MAY OR MAY NOT BE ABLE TO STAY IN THIS COUNTRY. AND ENUNCIATION HOUSE, RUBEN GARCIA, AND THE VOLUNTEERS THAT WORK FOR THEM AND HUNDREDS OF OTHER EL PASOANS THAT CONTRIBUTED DID THIS AT NOT A PENNY'S COST TO THE FEDERAL TAXPAYER OR TO OUR GOVERNMENT. SO $20 BILLION TO BUILD A WALL OR ENUNCIATION HOUSE, TAKING CARE OF REFUGEES, ASYLUM-SEEKERS, LITTLE KIDS WHO NEED OUR HELP FOR FREE, THAT'S THE BORDER. THAT'S THE BEST OF US. THAT'S THE BEST OF THIS COUNTRY. THAT'S WHAT WE NEED TO THINK ABOUT. THOSE ARE THE FOLKS WE NEED TO LISTEN TO. THOSE ARE THE FACTS WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND BEFORE WE EVEN CONTEMPLATE BUILDING A WALL, SEPARATING OURSELVES FROM MEXICO, GIVING IN TO THE NATIVE SENTIMENT AND INSTINCT THAT WAS SO PROUDLY ON DISPLAY DURING THIS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION. I THINK IF WE LOOK AT THE FACTS, IF WE TAKE THE BEST FROM THE BORDER, WE'RE GOING TO GET THE BEST POLICY AND THE BEST OUTCOME FROM THE UNITED STATES. AND AFTER ALL, ISN'T THAT WHY WE WERE SENT HERE, ISN'T THAT WHAT WE ARE SUPPOSED TO DO WHEN THE VOTERS SENT US TO DO THE WORK OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE? WITH THAT, MADAM SPEAKER, I YIELD BACK.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. UNDER THE SPEAKER'S ANNOUNCED POLICY OF JANUARY…

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. UNDER THE SPEAKER'S ANNOUNCED POLICY OF JANUARY 3, 2017, THE GENTLEMAN FROM IOWA, MR. KING, IS RECOGNIZED FOR 60 MINUTES AS THE DESIGNEE OF THE MAJORITY LEADER.

MR. KING

THANK YOU, MADAM SPEAKER. MADAM SPEAKER, IT'S MY HONOR TO ADDRESS YOU HERE…

THANK YOU, MADAM SPEAKER. MADAM SPEAKER, IT'S MY HONOR TO ADDRESS YOU HERE ON THE FLOOR OF THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AND I CAME HERE TO THE FLOOR WITH A BIT DIFFERENT TOPIC IN MIND. BUT AS I LISTENED TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS, I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA WHILE THERE STILL WAS A CAPTIVE AUDIENCE ON THE TOPIC TO REFRESH SOME THINGS WITH PERHAPS A BIT DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE. AND THAT WOULD BE THAT FROM MY TIME AND EXPERIENCE, I'VE TRAVELED MOST EVERY MILE OF THE SOUTHERN BORDER, THAT WOULD BE 2,000 ALTOGETHER. I THINK IT WOULD BE TRUE I TRAVELED EVERY MILE OF CALIFORNIA AND ARIZONA AND NEW MEXICO AND MOST ALL THE MILES IN TEXAS. I'VE FLOWN A LOT OF IT. I'VE DRIVEN A LOT OF IT. I'VE BEEN ON THE WATER ON SOME OF IT, AND I SPENT SOME NIGHTS DOWN ON THE BORDER, A NUMBER OF THEM, IN SOME OF THE DANGEROUS CROSSING LIKE SAN MIGUEL'S CROSSING ON THE RESERVATION. IT'S ONE OF THOSE WITHOUT ANY NIGHT VISION AND WITHOUT WHAT WE WOULD CALL OFFICIAL SECURITY . SO WHEN I HEAR THAT THE BORDER IS AS SECURE AS IT'S EVER BEEN AND THAT THERE'S NO SECURITY THREAT TO THE U.S., WHICH IS WHAT WE JUST HEARD HERE IN THIS PREVIOUS HOUR, MADAM SPEAKER, I ABSOLUTELY DON'T AGREE WITH THAT. AND IF THERE'S NO TERRORISM THAT'S ANY FACTOR AT ALL, THAT THERE'S NEVER BEEN A TERRORISM ATTACK ON THE SOUTHERN BORDER, I'D POINT TO THE GENTLEMAN, TO THE FIVE HEADS THAT WERE LINED UP ON THE MEXICAN SIDE OF THE FENCE ACROSS FROM THE PEOPLE THAT WERE DRIVING TO CHURCH IN NEW MEXICO A FEW YEARS AGO. I THINK THOSE CHILDREN THAT LOOKED OUT THE WINDOWS OF THEIR CARS AS THEY WERE GETTING A RIDE TO CHURCH WERE VICTIMS OF THE TERROR THAT WAS CREATED BY HEADS STACKED ALONG THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY WITHIN FEET OF OUR U.S. BORDER. AS I SPENT TIME WITH THE BORDER PATROL AGENTS THAT HAVE MADE A CAREER OUT OF PROTECTING OUR BORDER DOWN THERE, THEY TELL ME THERE ARE MURDERS ON THE MEXICAN SIDE OF THE BORDER THAT THEY THROW THE BODY OVER THE FENCE ONTO THE U.S. SIDE. AND WHERE THEY IDENTIFY BODIES ON THE MEXICAN SIDE OF THE BORDER, THEY'LL TALK TO THE MEXICAN SECURITY PEOPLE, WITH WHOM THEY HAVE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP, AND THEY'LL SEE THE EQUIVALENT OF AN S-10 PICKUP AND DRIVE AWAY WITH ZERO FORENSICS AND NOT IDENTIFY WHO THE PERPETRATORS MIGHT BE WHO COMMITTED THESE MURDERS THAT ARE SO CLOSE TO THE BORDER. I MADE SURPRISED VISITS DOWN TO THE BORDER ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS AND I MAKE IT A POINT TO DROP IN AND SEE WHAT'S GOING ON AND TALK TO THE PEOPLE THAT ARE THERE PROTECTING AND GUARDING OUR BORDER. AND I RECALL ONE OF THOSE VISITS DOWN TO SASABEE, ARIZONA, AT A CROSSING THERE, A RELATIVELY RURAL CROSSING, AND I DROVE INTO THAT PORT OF ENTRY, PORT OF EXIT FOR US, AND I GOT OUT AND DECIDED ON THE SPOT, WELL, I SHOULD LET THEM KNOW WHO I AM FOR REASONS OF COURTESY. AND SO I INTRODUCED MYSELF. I SAID, MADAM SPEAKER, I SAID I'M CONGRESSMAN STEVE KING FROM IOWA. AND THAT AGENT IMMEDIATELY SAID, I CAN'T TALK TO YOU. AND HE TURNED AND WALKED AWAY. AND SO I WENT TO THE NEXT AGENT AND I SAID -- INTRODUCED MYSELF. I'M STEVE KING FROM IOWA AND HE SAID, I CAN'T TALK TO YOU BUT TALK TO MIKE. MIKE IS THE SUPERVISOR HERE TONIGHT, AND HE'S READY TO RETIRE AND HE HAS TERMINAL CANCER. HE WILL TALK TO YOU. AND I WENT AND I SPOKE TO MIKE. THE GENTLEMAN'S NAME IS MIKE KRING. HE DID HAVE TERMINAL CANCER AND THAT WAS VERIFIED AND HE HAS SINCE PASSED AWAY. AS WE SPOKE ABOUT THE DIFFICULTIES -- THE ILLEGAL CROSSINGS BOTH ONE EAST AND ONE WEST AT THE CROSSING HE GOT A PHONE CALL. HE SAID, EXCUSE ME, AND STEPPED AWAY. HE WAS GONE FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES OUTSIDE THE CIRCLE AND HE CAME BACK IN AND SAID THERE HAS BEEN A KNIFING ON THE MEXICAN SIDE OF THE BORDER AND SO THERE WILL BE AN AMBULANCE COMING THROUGH THIS BORDER AND THIS CROSSING IN A FEW MINUTES AND I'VE CALLED IN U.S. AMBULANCES WITH OXYGEN ON THEM AND I CALLED IN A HELICOPTER TO FLY THIS VICTIM OUT TO THE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL. AND SO WE WAITED THERE FOR A FEW MINUTES. THE MEXICAN AMBULANCE CAME ACROSS THE CROSSING. I DID HAVE AN E.M.T. WITH ME AND I ASKED HIM TO DO WHAT HE COULD TO LEND A HAND TO HELP SAVE THIS VICTIM'S LIFE. SO HE WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THAT PROCESS IN THE MEXICAN AMBULANCE. THERE WAS ONE GLOVE. JUST ONE GLOVE AND A ROLL OF GAUZE AND NOTHING ELSE. NO EXJEN, NO MEDICAL EQUIPMENT. IT WAS AN AMBULANCE AS FAR AS THE SHELL WAS CONCERNED AND THE PAINTING ON THE OUTSIDE THAT SAID AMBULANCE BUT INSIDE IT WAS JUST THE SAME THING AS AN OLD HOME BREAD TRUCK. SO THEY TOOK HIM OUT OF THAT MEXICAN AMBULANCE AND THE U.S. AMBULANCES HAD ARRIVED FAIRLY CLOSE TO THAT PERIOD OF TIME AND THEY PUT HIM ON OXYGEN AND STABILIZED HIM AND WE LOADED HIM OFF ONTO THE HELICOPTER AND FLEW HIM ON UP TO TUCSON UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL. I WENT TO TUCSON THAT NIGHT AND THE NEXT MORNING I WENT TO TUCSON UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL AND ESSENTIALLY TALKED MY WAY IN TO VISIT THIS VICTIM THAT HAD BEEN STABBED IN THE LIVER WITH A KNIFE OR A SHIV. I REQUIRE IT WAS THREE INCHES WIDE OF THE HILT. THAT WAS THE WOUND IN HIM. I WENT TO THE ROOM HE WAS IN AND THEY SAID, OK, HERE HE IS BEHIND THIS CURTAIN. IT WAS A TWO-PATIENT ROOM. WHEN I WALKED BEHIND THE CURTAIN THE INDIVIDUAL THERE WHO HAD BEEN KNIFED THE NIGHT BEFORE WAS NOT THE ONE I HAD SEEN AND BEEN PART OF TAKING CARE OF AT SASABEE. IT WAS A DIFFERENT VICTIM THAT HAD BEEN WOUNDED UNDER THE SAME CIRCUMSTANCES. PROBABLY A DIFFERENT LOCATION IN A DIFFERENT FIGHT AND BROUGHT IN TO TUCSON UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL TO BE STABILIZED. AND AS I WAS I'LL SAY LOOKING AT THE SITUATION, THE PATIENT WHOM I KNEW HAD BEEN WOUNDED THE NIGHT BEFORE WAS ROLLED DOWN THE HALLWAY IN A WHEELCHAIR. HE HAD BEEN STABILIZED. HE LOOKED A LOT BETTER. WE DIDN'T KNOW IF HE WAS GOING TO LIVE. SO THEN I ASSESSED THE SITUATION AND, MADAM SPEAKER, I THEN MET WITH THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF THE TUCSON UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL AND OTHER LEADERS THERE IN THE HOSPITAL AND COLLECTED A WHOLE SERIES OF NARRATIVES ABOUT THE COST OF THE MEDICAL CARE THAT HAS BEEN ASSUMED BY THE UNITED STATES EVEN FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE INJURIES IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY AND THIS COST ON THIS PARTICULAR INCIDENT WAS $30,000 TO BRING THE WOUNDED MEXICAN INTO THE UNITED STATES, ROLL HIM IN THE UNITED STATES, AND THEN SEND HIM BACK TO MEXICO ONCE HE WAS STABILIZED AND THEY HAD TO POST AN AGENT WITH HIM TO GUARD HIM DURING THAT PERIOD OF TIME. NOW, I'M NOT HERE ON THE FLOOR TONIGHT TAKING A POSITION WHETHER THAT'S RIGHT OR WRONG. FROM A MORAL STANDPOINT, IT'S RIGHT, BUT WE SHOULD BE AWARE OF WHAT IS GOING ON. THIS IS NOT A STABLE BORDER. IT'S NOT A SAFE BORDER. I SAT ON THE BORDER AT THE OTHER CROSSING IN TAHONO ONO CROSSING. I HEARD VEHICLES COME THROUGH THE MESQUITE BRUSH AND YOU COULD HEAR THE DOORS OPEN. THEY'LL THROW THEIR PACKS ON THE GROUND. YOU HEAR THEM TALKING AND WHISPERING TO EACH OTHER, PICK THEIR PACKS OFF AND WALK OFF THROUGH THE BRUSH. I SAT THERE AND TRIED TO COUNT THE SHADOWS. I WON'T GIVE YOU THOSE NUMBERS BECAUSE NONE OF US ARE SURE WHAT WE SEE WHEN IT'S PITCH BLACK OUT. BUT I KNOW WHAT I HEARD. WE COUNTED A GOOD NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT WERE DELIVERED DOWN THERE TO THAT CROSSING WHO CAME THROUGH THE FENCE WHICH WOULD BE RARE FOR THAT TO HOLD AN OLD COW WITH THE BARBS PUSHED DOWN. THE PATH DOWN THERE YOU CAN EASILY SEE. WHEN THE GENTLEMAN FROM EL PASO TELLS US WE ARE DOWN TO THE LOW CROSSING LEVEL, KIND OF THE MODERN HISTORY CROSSING, 400,000 PEOPLE LAST YEAR COMPARED TO NOT 1.6 MILLION IN THE YEAR 2000, I WOULD POINT OUT WE COUNT THOSE THAT WE CAN COUNT, THOSE THAT WE SEE AND THOSE THAT WE WILLINGLY SEE. AND IF WE'RE NOT LOOKING FOR THEM, IF WE'RE NOT GUARDING THE PORTION OF THE BORDER THAT THEY'RE POURING THROUGH, THEN WE SAY WE'VE COUNTED 400,000 ATTEMPTS COMING INTO THE UNITED STATES, THAT DOESN'T MEAN THAT THERE ARE ONLY 400,000 ATTEMPTS. IT ONLY MEANS WE COUNTED 400,000. SAME GOES WITH THE INTERDICTION OF ROUGHLY 1.6 MILLION. THEY WERE MORE AGGRESSIVE THEN. I WILL SAY BILL CLINTON WAS MORE SUCCESSFUL INTERDICTING BORDER CROSSING ATTEMPTS THAN ANY OTHER PRESIDENT. I DON'T KNOW IF THAT WAS HIS GOAL OR OBJECTIVE, BUT I BELIEVE THAT WAS THE STATISTICAL EXTENT. TO THAT, MADAM SPEAKER, I DON'T DISAGREE WITH THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS. BUT -- AND I AGREE THAT THE BORDER CROSSINGS HAVE SLOWED DOWN. 10 YEARS AGO THEY WERE GREATER THAN THEY ARE TODAY, BUT IT IS NOT LGCAL, IN FACT, IT IS NOT -- LOGICAL, IN FACT, IT IS NOT RATIONAL TO SAY THE BORDER IS AS SAFE AS IT'S EVER BEEN AND IT'S NOT LOGICAL TO SAY IT'S NO SECURITY THREAT. THE TIMES I HAVE BEEN ON THE BORDER I'VE ENCOUNTERED THE INCIDENTS OF SEVEN DIFFERENT PERSONS OF INTERESTS FROM NATIONS OF INTEREST. THAT'S OUR VERNACULAR WE USE WHEN WE SEE PEOPLE COMING FROM -- I'LL CALL THEM TERRORIST SPAWNING STATES. IF AN IRANNY OR IRAQI THAT ARE INTERDICTED BY THE BORDER PATROL THEY ARE THEN PLACED IN THE HANDS OF THE F.B.I. THE MOMENT THAT HAPPENS IT BECOMES A CLASSIFIED INCIDENT. I DOUBT THE GENTLEMAN FROM EL PASO ENCOUNTERS THIS. I COME DOWN THERE FOR HEARING THOSE THINGS, ONE OF THE PURPOSES, AND I HAVE SEVEN OF THEM I LOGGED IN MY TIME THAT I'VE BEEN DOWN THERE AND IF THERE HAVE BEEN SEVEN INCIDENTS OF PERSONS OF INTERESTS FROM NATIONS OF INTERESTS AND I'M ONLY GOING TO LEARN ABOUT THAT IN THAT WINDOW BETWEEN THE TIME THEY'RE INTERDICTED AND THE TIME THEY ARE TAKEN IN THE CUSTODY OF THE F.B.I., SO HOW MANY HUNDREDS ARE THERE AND PERHAPS MORE THAT ARE TERRORISTS THAT ARE CROSSING INTO THE UNITED STATES? AND WE THE EASIEST WAY TO GET INTO THE UNITED STATES EASILY IS TO CROSS OUR SOUTH EARN BORDER. TO SAY -- SOUTHERN BORDER. TO SAY WE DON'T HAVE A SECURITY THREAT IS FALSE. THE IDEA THAT WE SHOULD JUST SIMPLY LEAVE THE BORDER OPEN, I HEARD HIRE MORE AGENTS, NOT TO SECURE THE BORDER BUT TO FACILITATE CROSSINGS THROUGH LEGAL CROSSINGS, I THINK THERE ARE THINGS WE SHOULD BE DOING TO FACILITATE LEGAL CROSSINGS TO AND FROM THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. I DON'T DISAGREE WITH THE FULL BRED OF THAT STATEMENT, -- BREATH OF THAT STATEMENT, MADAM SPEAKER, BUT THE FACTS ARE 80% TO 90% OF THE ILLEGAL DRUGS CONSUMED IN THE UNITED STATES COME FROM OR THROUGH MEXICO. 80% TO 90%. IT'S MORE THAN A $60 BILLION ANNUAL BUSINESS POURING INTO THE UNITED STATES, AND OUT OF THAT $60 BILLION WORTH OF DRUGS, A LOT OF THAT IS LAUNDERED IN THE UNITED STATES AND BROUGHT BACK INTO MEXICO AND POINTS SOUTH, DOWN -- COCAINE, FOR EXAMPLE, TO COLOMBIA. WE SAW A BIG BUST OF COLOMBIAN COCAINE THAT WAS SMUGGLED INTO THE NOSE OF AN AIRPLANE THAT WAS FOUND BY THE MAINTENANCE CREW WHEN THEY DIVERTED THE PLANE FOR MAINTENANCE. BUT 80% TO 90% OF THE DRUGS COME FROM OR THROUGH MEXICO. IT IS A DEMAND THAT WE HAVE IN THE STREETS OF AMERICA FOR MORE THAN $60 BILLION WORTH OF ILLEGAL DRUGS THAT KILLS THOUSANDS OF OUR CITIZENS. WE'VE SEEN THE ADDICTION AND WE'VE SEEN THE HEROIN ADDICTIONS THAT HAVE EMERGED IN THE UNITED STATES AND BECOME PART OF THE NEWS IN THE LAST FEW YEARS BUT THE PEOPLE THAT DIED FROM THE OVERDOSES OF DRUGS HAVE ACCELERATED TO MORE -- MORE THAN DIE BECAUSE OF CAR ACCIDENTS IN THE UNITED STATES. . MOST ALL OF US TRAVEL IN CARS IN THIS COUNTRY. NOT A VERY BIG PERCENTAGE OF US ARE ADDICTED TO DRUGS, BUT IT'S A VERY HIGH PERCENTAGE OF THOSE DRUG ADDICTED THAT ARE DYING BECAUSE OF THE DRUGS THAT THEY ARE GETTING AND THE OVERDOSES AND THE BAD DRUGS THAT THEY'RE GETTING. AND WE NEED TO SHUT THAT DOWN AND SHUT THAT OFF. AND IT ISN'T A FINAL SOLUTION. I WOULD AGREE. BECAUSE, BECAUSE, MADAM SPEAKER, THERE'S TWO SIDES TO THIS EQUATION. ONE OF THEM IS THAT WE NEED TO ADDRESS THE SUPPLY OF DRUGS, THE TRANSPORT OF ILLEGAL DRUGS INTO THE UNITED STATES, THE DELIVERY OF THEM IN THE UNITED STATES TO THEIR RETAIL DESTINATION, BUT THE OTHER SIDE IS WE NEED TO SHUT DOWN THE DEMAND ON THOSE ILLEGAL DRUGS. THAT'S A TOPIC THAT THIS CONGRESS HAS NOT TAKEN UP IN THE TIME THAT I'VE BEEN HERE. I'VE STOOD HERE ON THIS FLOOR A NUMBER OF TIMES AND DISCUSSED THE NEED FOR US TO SHUT DOWN THE DEMAND FOR ILLEGAL DRUGS. BUT, MADAM SPEAKER, I'LL SET THAT COMPONENT ASIDE FOR A MOMENT AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT PART OF THIS PROBLEM IS THE UNITED STATES DEMAND FOR ILLEGAL DRUG AND THE DEATH IN THE UNITED STATES ISN'T SOLELY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE DRUG DEALERS. IT ALSO IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF OUR SOCIETY TO RE-STIGMATIZE ILLEGAL DRUG USE AND ABUSE AND TO CLEAN UP OUR SOCIETY USING A NUMBER OF TOOLS THAT WE HAVEN'T YET DEVELOPED THE WILL IN OUR SOCIETY TO ADDRESS THE DRUG CONSUMPTION PROBLEM IN AMERICA. NONETHELESS, WE HAVE DEVELOPED THE WILL, I BELIEVE, ESPECIALLY WITH THE ELECTION OF DONALD TRUMP, TO ADDRESS THE ILLEGAL DRUG SUPPLY COMING INTO AMERICA AND TO SHUT OFF THE SMUGGLING OF DRUGS INTO THE UNITED STATES. SO, WHEN I HEAR FROM THE GENTLEMAN FROM EL PASO, THAT HE WANTS OPEN BORDERS, AND HE THINKS WALLS AND FENCES INSULT PEOPLE AND THEY DAMAGE THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN US AND MEXICO, WHAT ABOUT 100,000 DEAD MEXICANS THAT DIED IN THE DRUG WARS, DOESN'T THAT DAMAGE OUR RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICO FAR MORE THAN THE SIGHT OF A WALL THAT WOULD SAVE PROBABLY TENS OF THOUSANDS OF MEXICAN LIVES BY DRAWING A LINE AND CREATING A BARRIER AND KEEPING THE ILLEGAL DRUGS ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THAT BORDER AWAY FROM THIS $60 BILLION-PLUS DEMAND IN THE UNITED STATES? I THINK THAT DAMAGES OUR RELATIONSHIPS A LOT MORE, IF WE CONTINUE THAT TO -- CONTINUE TO ALLOW THAT TO HAPPEN. AND THIS FLOW OF -- THE FLOW OF ILLEGAL DRUGS FLOWS THIS WAY INTO THE UNITED STATES. THIS IS FROM DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY. AND I ASK THEM, I SAY, I WANT KNOW ABOUT THE DRUG DISTRIBUTION IN AMERICA, WHO CONTROLS IT. I KNOW THE ANSWER. BUT I ASKED THE QUESTION SO I'VE GOT THEIR RESPONSE. AND THAT IS, MEXICAN DRUG CARTELS CONTROL ALMOST ALL OF THE ILLEGAL DRUG DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. THEY ARE THE CARTELS THAT OPERATE IN EVERY MAJOR CITY, THAT CONTROL THE ILLEGAL DRUG SUPPLY IN NEARLY EVERY MAJOR CITY, AND IF THERE'S A SIGNIFICANT EXCEPTION, IT'S THE SOUTHERN TIP OF FLORIDA, MIAMI, WHERE MORE OF THOSE DRUGS COME OUT OF SOUTH AMERICA, ACROSS THROUGH HAITI, AND ARE SMUGGLING IN -- SMUGGLED INTO THE UNITED STATES, A LOT BY BOAT, COMING THROUGH THE CARIBBEAN AND INTO MIAMI AND POINTS ALONG KEY WEST. THAT'S MORE A HAITIAN CONNECTION, SOUTH AMERICAN CONNECTION, AND TO SOME DEGREE, NOT -- TO SOME DEGREE A CUBAN CONNECTION. BUT, THE BALANCE OF THE ILLEGAL DRUGS DISTRIBUTED -- DISTRIBUTED IN AMERICA ARE DONE SO BY THE MEXICAN DRUG CARTELS. AND WHEN I ASK DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY, I SAY TO THEM, WHAT WOULD BE THE RESULT OF THE ILLEGAL DRUG DISTRIBUTION CHAINS IN AMERICA IF MAGICALLY EVERYONE WHO IS ILLEGALLY IN AMERICA WOKE UP IN THEIR HOME COUNTRY TOMORROW MORNING, WHAT WOULD THAT DO TO THE ILLEGAL DRUG DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IN THE COUNTRY? AND THEIR ANSWER IS, IT WOULD SECRETARY OFER AT LEAST ONE LINK IN EVERY DISTRIBUTION CHAIN OF ILLEGAL DRUGS IN AMERICA. AT LEAST ONE. AND IN MANY CASES EVERY LINK OF THAT CHAIN OF DISTRIBUTION OF ILLEGAL DRUGS. IN OTHER WORDS, FOR A BRIEF TIME, IF THAT MAGICAL MIRACLE THING HAPPENED THAT EVERYBODY WOKE UP IN THEIR HOME COUNTRY, SAY, TOMORROW MORNING, THAT WOULD BE AN INSTANTANEOUS SUSPENSION OF THE TRANSFER OF ILLEGAL DRUGS THROUGH THAT CHAIN INTO AMERICA AND INTO THE HANDS OF THE USERS, WHERE TENS OF THOUSANDS ARE DYING BY -- BECAUSE OF THE DRUG ABUSE THAT THEY ARE COMMITTING. THAT'S HOW BAD THIS DRUG STREAM IS IN AMERICA. I CANNOT BE CONVINCE -- CONVINCED THAT IT'S NOT A NATIONAL SECURITY PROBLEM. I CAN'T BE CONVINCED THAT IT'S NOT A SOCIAL PROBLEM. A LAW ENFORCEMENT PROBLEM. A CRIMINAL PROBLEM. AN ECONOMIC PROBLEM. AND IT'S A CRIME AGAINST -- WE'RE ALLOWING THESE CRIMES AGAINST THE HUMANITY OF THE UNITED STATES AND TURNING A DEAF EAR. A DEAF EAR, BECAUSE WE DON'T WANT TO SPEAK ABOUT HOW BAD THIS IS, BECAUSE SOMEBODY OVER THAT SIDE WILL START CALLING NAMES AGAIN. WELL, I DON'T THINK I EVER GOT UP IN THE MORNING WITHOUT A BUNCH OF THEM CALLING ME NAMES BEFORE I GOT UP, NO MATTER HOW EARLY, AND I'M IMMUNE TO THAT. BUT WE NEED TO SPEAK THE TRUTH. AND WITH REGARD TO THE OFFENSIVENESS OF FENCES AND WALLS, AND HAVING TRAVELED ALMOST ALL OF THIS BORDER AND EXAMINED IT WITH THE PROSPECTS OF THE NEED TO BUILD A FENCE, A WALL AND A FENCE ON OUR SOUTHERN BORDER, I WOULD RECOUNT, MADAM SPEAKER, TO YOU WHAT I SAW FROM A HELICOPTER OVER EL PASO. THE GENTLEMAN SPOKE AND SAID THAT EL PASO'S THE SAFEST CITY IN AMERICA. I'VE CHECK THE DATA ON THAT. BUT I DO RECALL THAT EL PASO IS UNUSUALLY SAFE IN COMPARISON TO THE OTHER BORDER CITIES. BETWEEN TEXAS AND MEXICO, OR EVEN BETWEEN NEW MEXICO AND ARIZONA AND CALIFORNIA AND MEXICO. WHY WOULD EL PASO BE AN UNUSUALLY SAFE CITY IF IT SITS ONED BORDER, IF IT SITS ON THE BORDER IN THE FASHION THAT IT DOES, AND IT DOES. THE GENTLEMAN FROM EL PASO RECOUNTED THAT IT'S BECAUSE THEY GET ALONG WITH EACH OTHER AND BECAUSE THEY HAVE 25% IMMIGRANTS IN HIS CONSTITUENT POPULATION AND SOMEHOW THEY'VE REACHED THIS BALANCE THAT THEY GET ALONG, SO THEY DON'T COMMIT CRIMES AGAINST EACH OTHER. I DIDN'T HEAR HIM ADDRESS THE DRUG PROBLEM AT ALL. HE MAY HAVE AND I MISSED IT. BUT I WILL SUBMIT, THAT'S NOT THE REASON THAT THE CRIME RATE'S LOW IN EL PASO. ANYBODY THAT WOULD LIKE TO FLY OVER THE BORDER AND TAKE A LOOK AT THAT IN EL PASO CAN SEE WHY THE CRIME RATE IS LOW. AND I RECALL PRESIDENT OBAMA GOING DOWN THERE AND STANDING WITHIN ABOUT A MILE OF THE BORDER, A FEW YEARS AGO, AND MAKING REMARKS THAT HE SAID, SOME PEOPLE WANT TO BUILD A WALL ON THE BORDER. SOME WANT TO BUILD A FENCE. SOME WANT TO BUILD A MOTE. SOME MAY WANT TO PUT ALLIGATORS IN IT. THAT WAS PRESIDENT OBAMA'S STATEMENT. HE WAS STANDING THERE, BY THE WAY, FACING NORTH, WITH HIS BACK TO THE BORDER. AND NOT VERY FAR AWAY IS A FENCE , A CANAL, ANOTHER FENCE, A SECURITY ROAD, THE RIO GRANDE RIVER, ANOTHER FENCE AND A -- AND ANOTHER SECURITY ROAD AND ANOTHER FENCE. SO IF YOU HAVE TO GET THROUGH ALL THOSE FENCES AND TWO BODIES OF WATER THAT ARE FLOWING -- AND I LOOKED AT IT, A PRETTY BRISK PACE, I KNOW IT SLOWS DOWN DURING THE LOW SEASON, THAT WOULD BE THE REASON THEY DON'T HAVE A LOT OF ILLEGAL ACTIVITY IN EL PASO. BECAUSE THEY HAVE PROBABLY THE BEST SECURITY STRUCTURES THAT WE HAVE BETWEEN US AND MEXICO. AND IT'S A TESTIMONY TO WHY WE NEED TO BUILD A FENCE, A WALL AND A FENCE, NOT A TESTIMONY AS TO WHY WE DON'T. BUT A TESTIMONY AS TO WHY WE DO. IF ANYBODY WANTED TO LOOK AND LOOK AT THIS OBJECTIVELY, PERHAPS THE GENTLEMAN FROM EL PASO WOULD SHOW US THE CRIME DATA ON WHAT THE CRIME WAS IN EL PASO BEFORE THEY BUILT THE FENCE, CAT NAL, THE ROAD, THE FENCE -- THE CANAL, THE ROAD, THE FENCE, THE RIVER, THE ROAD AND THE FENCE. IT'S PRETTY HARD TO GET THROUGH THAT. YOU'VE GOT TO BE ABLE TO CLIMB AND SWIM AND MAYBE BURROW UNDERNEATH ONE OR TWO, THEN YOU HAVE TRAFFIC ALONG THERE, SECURITY TRAFFIC, THAT TRAVELS INSIDE OF THAT, THE BORDER PATROL'S GOT THAT TRAVEL THERE. THIS IS A SECURE BARRIER BETWEEN EL PASO AND MEXICO. IT HAS KEPT EL PASO SAFER THAN OTHER BORDER CITIES AND I BELIEVE YOU'LL FIND FURKS LOOK AT IT, -- FIND, IF YOU LOOK AT IT, THE YEARS BEFORE THE SECURITY BORDER WAS BUILT, THAT CRIME HAS HIGHER. WE WANT TO DO THIS, PERHAPS WE CAN EXTRAPOLATE SOME OF THOSE NUMBERS AND PROJECT THAT KIND OF SECURITY TO, OH, LORETTO, FOR EXAMPLE, MCALLEN, BROWNSVILLE, MAYBE SAN DIEGO, WHICH HAS ALREADY GOT BETTER CRIME RATES NOW AFTER THEY BUILT THEIR BARRIERS ACROSS THE SMUGGLERS' GULCH. EVERYBODY THAT'S GOT A FENCE ADMITS THEY'RE SAFER THAN BEFORE THEY HAD ONE. AND THERE'S ANOTHER TRAGEDY, MADAM SPEAKER, THAT -- I RECALL THE GENTLEMAN SPEAKING TO. HE SAID, WE SHOULD TEAR DOWN THE 600 MILES OF BARRIER THAT WE HAVE. THE OPPOSITE. WE NEED TO BUILD THEM UP -- IT'S THE OPPOSITE. WE NEED TO BUILD THEM UP. IN ANY CASE, WE'RE LOOKING AT -- HE SAID, THOSE WHO STUDY WALLS SAY THEY DON'T DETER, THEY DON'T DETER ILLEGAL TRAFFIC COMING ACROSS THEM. INDEED. I WONDER IF THE GENTLEMAN STUDIED WHAT'S GOING ON IN ISRAEL. THE FENCING THAT THEY BUILT IN ISRAEL. HAPPENED TO EVEN NOTICE THE TWEET THAT CAME OUT FROM PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU JUST A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO. HE SAID THAT THEY BUILT A BARRIER ALONG -- TO PROTECT THEM AND ISRAEL AND IT'S NEARLY 100% EFFECTIVE. THEIR LIVES DEPEND UPON IT. SO THEY BUILT AN EFFECTIVE BARRIER, MADAM SPEAKER. ANYONE WHO IS WATCHING HISTORY KNOWS THIS, AND I HEAR THE OTHER SIDE REFER TO A WALL THAT WE WILL BUILD ON THE MEXICAN BORDER , THEY COMPARE IT TO THE BERLIN WALL. SO I WONDER, IF THEY KNOW ENOUGH ABOUT HISTORY TO RELATE THE BERLIN WALL, I WONLEDS FATHER THEY KNOW ABOUT -- WONDER IF THEY KNOW ENOUGH ABOUT HISTORY TO RELATE TO OTHER WALLS IN HISTORY. NOT QUITE A YEAR AGO WE HAD VICTOR DAVID HANSON, ONE OF MY TWO FAVORITE AUTHORS IN THE COUNTRY, AND ONE OF THE DEEPEST, MOST THOUGHTFUL, WELL-READ AND PROLIFIC WRITERS OF HISTORY, TO GO TO THE GREEK AREA AND BEYOND, A TERRIFIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE HISTORY OF THE GLOBE AND HOW IT UNFOLDED, ESPECIALLY TO WESTERN CIVILIZATION AND CAME TO US. I SAID, MR. HANSON, I'D LIKE TO KNOW, I CAN THINK OF THE BERLIN WALL AS A WALL THAT WAS BUILT TO KEEP PEOPLE IN, BUILT BY COMMUNISTS TO KEEP PEOPLE IN. CAN YOU THINK OF ANOTHER WALL IN HISTORY THAT WAS BUILT TO KEEP PEOPLE IN, AND I LOOK ACROSS THE HISTORY THAT I KNOW, THE REST OF THE WALLS WERE BUILT TO KEEP PEOPLE OUT. VICTOR DAVIS HANSON THOUGHT FOR A WHILE AND HE SAID, WELL, ONE COULD NOTE THE WALL, THE FENCE, THE BARRIER BETWEEN NORTH AND SOUTH KOREA IS AT LEAST IN PART BUILT TO KEEP PEOPLE IN NORTH KOREA. I DON'T DISAGREE WITH THAT. JUST ANOTHER CASE WHERE COMMUNISTS HAD TO LOCK THEIR PEOPLE UP TO KEEP THEM FROM FREEDOM. I'D CHALLENGE ANYONE WHO IS LISTENING, MADAM SPEAKER, DIG THROUGH YOUR HISTORY BOOKS, GOOGLE THIS TO THE END OF THE EARTH, IF YOU LOOK. I'D LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE'S ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF A FENCE OR A WALL THAT'S BEEN BUILT BY A NATION STATE OINTS BORDERS, THAT'S BUILT FOR -- ON ITS BORDERS, THAT'S BUILT FOR THE PURPOSE OF KEEPING PEOPLE IN. OTHER THAN BERLIN AND THE BARRIER BETWEEN NORTH AND SOUTH KOREA. AND IN BOTH CASES IT WAS KEEPING COMMUNISTS LOCKED IN A COMMUNIST NATION AND KEEPING THEM FROM ACCESSING THE GOD-GIVEN LIBERTY AND FREEDOM THAT WE ENJOY HERE IN THIS COUNTRY. THE REST OF THE WALLS THROUGHOUT HISTORY, INCLUDING THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA, WERE BUILT TO KEEP PEOPLE OUT. AND THE EXAMPLES OF THAT, AND THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA, WOULD BE THAT THE SEGMENTS OF THE WALL, THE GREAT WALL IN CHINA, WERE BUILT BY DIFFERENT EVERYONERS AND IN FACT -- EMPERORS AND IN FACT THEY WERE NOT A UNIFIED CHINA DURING THOSE YEARS, I'M GOING BACK SEVERAL HUNDRED YEARS BEFORE CHRIST, DIFFERENT EMPERORERS BUILT DIFFERENT SEGMENTS OF THE WALL. THEY BUILT THEM BECAUSE THEY CONCLUDED THE MONGOLS WERE COMING DOWN FROM THE NORTH AND WERE RAIDING THE CHINESE. THE CHINESE DECIDED THEY DIDN'T WANT TO BE THE SUBJECT OF THOSE RAIDS ANY LONGER AND WHEN YOU'RE NOT DEFENDED LIKE THAT, YOU HAVE A COUPLE OF CHOICES. ONE OF THEM, OF COURSE, IS TO SUBMIT AND BE KILLED. AND THAT'S NOT AN OPTION. FOR THE SURVIVORS AT LEAST. OTHERS, YOU CAN RUN RAIDS UP INTO THE MONDAY AGAIN TO GOALIIAN AREA AND -- MONGOLIAN AREA AND PROVIDE THEM A PUNISHING DETERRENT TO EVER COMING BACK INTO CHINA AGAIN. OR A THIRD ALTERNATIVE WAS TO BUILD THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA. THEY BUILT IT IN SEGMENTS. IT HAD GAPS IN BETWEEN IT. BY ABOUT 245 B.C., THE FIRST EMPEROR OF CHINA, THE UNIFIER OF CHINA, DECIDED, I'M GOING TO CONNECT ALL OF THESE SEGMENTS OF THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA SO WE HAVE ONE CONTINUOUS WALL. THAT CONTINUOUS WALL THAT YOU COULD PULL A CHARIOT ON TOP OF IT WAS SO BIG AND WELL BUILT, THAT WALL, WE BELIEVED, UP IN THE THE LAST FEW YEARS, WAS 5,500 MILES LONG. AT LEAST 2 1/2 TIMES AS LONG AS WE NEED TO BUILD ON THE MEXICAN BORDER. HE CONNECTED THAT TOGETHER. I'M SURE HE HAD CHEAP LABOR. I DON'T HAVE ANY DOUBT ABOUT THAT. THEY MIGHT HAVE WORKED FOR FREE AND BOARD AND ROOM. BUT THEY CONNECTED THE GREAT WALLS OF CHINA. THEIR EMPEROR ESTABLISHED THE CONTINUITY OF THAT WALL THAT NOW BY SATELLITE, CHINESE SCIENTISTS HAVE IDENTIFIED, AND AS IT REALLY WAS 13,000 MILES LONG. 13,000 MILES. WE NEED TO BUILD A DINKY LITTLE 2,000-MILE WALL HERE. A FENCE, A WALL AND A FENCE. AND PEOPLE SAY IT'S TOO EXPENSIVE. IT DOESN'T CASH FLOW. WE CAN'T POSSIBLY DO THAT. IT'S TOO HARD. THERE ARE MOUNTAINS ON THE BORDER. THERE ARE COMPLICATIONS. THERE ARE LITTLE TOADS THAT NEED TO JUMP ACROSS THE BORDER. THERE ARE LONG-NOSED BATS THAT GET CONFUSED IF THEY HAVE TO FLY OVER THE TOP OF IT. THERE ARE THESE LITTLE SPECIES OUT HERE THAT WE SHOULD WORRY ABOUT. AND WE'VE GOT OUR INDIAN RESERVATION THAT SPANS BOTH SIDES OF THAT BORDER, THAT'S -- BORDER. . WOE IS ME PEOPLE COME OUT. AND THEY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURING THESE EXCUSES NOT TO BUILD A SOUTHERN BORDER AND CREATING EVERY DIFFICULTY YOU CAN IMAGINE. AND I'M GOING TO CHECK AND SEE -- MR. SPEAKER NOW -- AND I WOULD JUST TELL YOU, IN MY LIFETIME, I STARTED A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY IN 1975. WE ARE IN THE BUSINESS OF EARTH MOVING. STRUCTURAL CONCRETE WORK AND UNDERGROUND UTILITIES. WE KNOW WHAT IT TAKES TO DO A JOB. WE BID JOBS NEARLY EVERY WEEK AND WE ARE OUT THERE WITH LET'S SAY 200 UTILITY CREWS AND EARTH-MOVING CREW. THE LAST 10 YEARS, I HAVE DRAWN UP A DESIGN THAT I THINK IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO BUILD A WALL ON THE SOUTHERN BORDER, ONE THAT IS CHEAP AND EFFECTIVE AND STAND AND LAST A LONG TIME WITH VERY LOW AND VERY LITTLE MAINTAINANCE. AND I'LL BRIEFLY DESCRIBE THAT FOR THE RECORD, MR. SPEAKER. WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO SLIP CONCRETE. THERE AREN'T FORMS SET UP AND POURED WITH A CONCRETE WORKER PULLING IT ON THE 2 BY 12. IT IS SLIP FORM WHERE YOU DRIVE THE MACHINE ALONG AND YOU POUR IT WITH A LOW ENOUGH SLUMP AND WILL STAND IN THE MOLD THAT YOU LIVE IT IN. I PROPOSED WE GO IN AND TRENCH THAT FIVE OR SIX FEET DEEP. WE PULL THE SLIP FORM ALONG WITH THAT. WITH THE TRENCH FULL OF CONCRETE, FIVE, SIX FEET DEEP AND HARD TO DIG UNDER IT AND A TOE WALL AND LEAVE A SLOT IN THERE SO WE CAN DROP IN PRE-CAST PANELS. YOU HAVE A FOOTING THAT IS THREE, FOUR FEET WIDE. AND A FOOTER AND SIX OR SEVEN-INCH GAP. THE PANELS ARE POURED ON SITE WHERE THEY DON'T HAVE TO BE MOVED. AND AS YOU DO THAT, YOU MOVE ALONG. AND TAKE A CRANE OR EX CAFLTOR AND DROP THEM INTO THE SLOT. THEY ARE TONGUE AND GROOVE AND LAY THAT AND YOU HAVE TO TIE IT IN SO IT DOESN'T TIP ON YOU VERTICALLY. THE STRONGEST FORCE ON THAT WALL ISN'T PEOPLE TRYING TO GET THROUGH IT, BUT THE WIND FORCE THE ON THAT FULL FACE OF THE WALL. WE CAN DO ALL OF THAT AND IT'S SIMPLE. AND WHAT IF THAT KIND OF A PACE, EVEN THE CREWS WE HAVE TODAY IN OUR LITTLE OLD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY AND I WILL SAY I'M NOT PROPOSING THAT KING CONSTRUCTION BUILD THIS, BUT IT IS NOT EXPENSIVE AND NOT COMPLICATED AND MANY COMPANIES IN AMERICA HAVE THE FULL CAPABILITY OF BUILDING A GOOD WALL. IN ANY CASE, WE SLIP-FORM THAT FOOTING FOUNDATION WITH THE OPEN SLOT IN IT AND DROP THE PRE-CAST PANELS IN AND BE WHATEVER HEIGHT THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES LIKES. IF HE WANTS A 12-FOOT WALL, WE CAN PRICE THAT OUT AND PUT AN ESTIMATE IN PLACE. AS I MENTIONED TO THE SECRETARY THE OTHER DAY, WE ARE NOT PROPOSING IT FOR THE PRICE I PUT INTO HIS HAND, IF YOU CALL MY BLUFF, WE WILL. AND HIS ANSWER WAS, WILL YOU BUILD 10 MILES? I SAID 1,000 MILES. WE'LL FIND CHEAPER BIDS OUT THERE IF WE PUT THIS TOGETHER RIGHT. WE CAN PUT IT TOGETHER FROM SUBSTANTIALLY LESS. MINE ARE REAL. WE CRAMPINGED THEM OUT IN THE SOPHISTICATED THAT KING CONSTRUCTION USES FOR MULTIPLE. AND PUT FOUNDATION IN IT. AND PRECAST PANELS, A 12-FOOT HEIGHT, 6 INCH CONCRETE WITH WIRE ON TOP AND DO IT FOR 1.3 MILLION. THAT IS THE FOUNDATION. NOT FOR RIGHT AWAY ACQUISITION OR MAINTENANCE ROADS OR THE BELLS AND WHISTLES OR THE FENCE THAT I BELIEVE WE NEED. BUT THAT'S WHAT THE WALL WOULD COST OF $1.3 MILLION A MILE. IF THAT DOESN'T SOUND PLAUSIBLE, MR. SPEAKER, PUT THAT IN PERSPECTIVE FOR EVERYONE WHO IS LISTENING HERE. WE ARE JUST FINISHING UP BY A YEAR FROM THIS FALL, ALMOST 300 MILES OF HIGHWAY ACROSS THE MIDDLE OF IOWA THROUGH EXPENSIVE CORN FIELDS. AND IT IS AN INTERFATE FOUR LANE. AND WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE HIGHWAY, IT'S A FENCE. FIRST YOU HAVE TO BUY THE RIGHT-AWAY AND DO THE ARCHEOLOGICAL TESTS AND ENGINEERING AND THEN LET THE CONTRACTS AND CLEARING AND GRUBBING AND STRIP THE TOPSOIL, DO THE EARTH MOVE, AND WHEN THAT'S DONE, YOU GO IN IN AND PUT IN ANY SUBGRADE AND PAVE AND SHOULDER IT AND THEN YOU SEED IT AND WHILE ALL THIS IS GOING ON, YOU PAINT THE STRIPES ON IT, PUT THE SIGNS ON IT AND PUT A FENCE ON IT AND CUT THE RIBBON AND IT'S OPEN TO TRAFFIC. YOU HEAR PEOPLE TALK ABOUT A $20 BILLION TRAFFIC TO BUILD A WALL ON THE SOUTHERN BORDER. I'LL SUBMIT. WE BUILT THAT HIGHWAY THROUGH THE CENTER OF IOWA FOR AN AVERAGE COST OF SLIGHTLY LESS THAN $4 MILLION A MILE. THAT IS GOING THROUGH CORN FIELDS, NOT THE DESERT, AND THAT IS ALL THE ENGINEERING, THE EARTH MOVING, THE PAVING FOR HIGHWAY STRENGTH STRUCTURE. AND CAN ANYBODY THINK THAT $4 MILLION A MILE TO BUILD AN INTERSTATE, YOU CAN'T BUILD A FENCE FOR ABOUT $1.3. IN THE CATEGORY, WE WILL HAVE A WALL AND A FENCE AND THERE WILL BE 20% OF THAT AND PROBABLY NOT MORE THAN 20% OF THAT THAT'S TOUGHER THAN THAT AND THAT'S ROCK AND MOUNTAIN AND SOMEWHAT VERTICAL. WHAT I HAVE SAID IS LET'S BUILD THAT FENCE. BUILD THE WALL AND THE FENCE UNTIL THEY STOP GOING AROUND THE END. THEY AREN'T GOING TO COMMIT TO A BARRIER RIGHT AWAY AND BUILD IT INTO THE RIO GRANDE AND RUN IT OUT TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN IN SAN DIEGO. THOSE ARE GOOD PLACES TO HAVE IT. YOU BUILD IT UNTIL THEY STOP GOING AROUND THE END. IF YOU BUILD IT INTO THE MOUNTAIN AND STONE AND DECIDE IT IS TOO HARD TO TRAVEL ALL THAT WAY, YOU DON'T NEED TO BUILD IT ANY FURTHER. AND WE CAN BUILD IT RIGHT OVER THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAINS IF WE NEED TO. AND PUT THAT FOUNDATION IN THERE AND DROP THE PANELS IN AND VERTICAL FACE IF WE NEED TO. LOT MORE DESIGN AND EXPENSIVE OR BUILD A WALL AROUND THE MOUNTAINS WHERE IT MAKES SENSE TO DO THAT. IN SOME PLACES WE WON'T HAVE TO BUILD ONE FOR A LONG TIME FOREVER. LET'S BUILD IT WHERE IT'S CHEAP AND FAST AND SHUT IT ALL OFF, MR. SPEAKER, AND LET'S DO IT FOR A CHEAPER AND ECONOMIC PRICE. A GOOD CONCRETE WALL THAT WILL WILL STAND FOR A CENTURY MORE. WE SHOULD HAVE VIBRATION CENSORS AND WE OUGHT TO HAVE CAMERAS WHERE IT MAKES SENSE AND PEOPLE TO PATROL THAT. THAT ALL GOES WITH THE PACKAGE. AND I'LL SAY THAT THE WALL, AS I SAID TO PRESIDENT TRUMP MORE THAN A MONTH AGO, THAT WE BUILD THE WALL, BUILD THE WALL UNTIL THEY STOP GOING AROUND THE END, THAT IS THE CENTERPIECE OF OUR BORDER SECURITY AND ALL THE THINGS WE DO WITH CRENSORS AND LIGHTS AND THINGS WE DO ON TOP OF THE WALL, ALL OF THAT ARE ACCESSORIES TO THE CONCRETE WALL. DONALD TRUMP NEVER SAID I'M GOING TO BUILD YOU A FENCE, HE SAID WALL. SOME OF HIS PEOPLE AND USUALLY THE ONES THAT COME FROM THE LEFT OF THE ARE REPUBLICAN CENTER, THEY WILL SAY HE MEANT VIRT TALL. IT MIGHT BE A FENCE AND PLACES WHERE WE MIGHT NOT HAVE TO DO ANYTHING. THEY ARE SAYING BECAUSE THEY NEVER BELIEVED IN BORDER SECURITY. IF YOU REMEMBER, MR. SPEAKER, THERE WAS A DOCUMENT THAT WAS PUT OUT SHORTLY AFTER THE ELECTION IN 2012, NOVEMBER OF 2012, CALLED THE AUTOPSY REPORT. AND THAT AUTOPSY REPORT GAVE AN ASSIGNMENT TO REPUBLICANS SAYING YOU HAVE TO DO OUTREACH AND PLAY IDENTITY POLITICS. DON'T BE CAUGHT PANDERING AND PLAY POLITICS AND THAT OFFENDS PEOPLE. AND THAT WAS THE MESSAGE THAT WAS DRIVEN OUT OF THERE. IT WASN'T BASED ON POLLING AND DATA AND STATISTICS, AT LEAST NOT THE DATA THAT I WATCHED. INSTEAD, IT WAS THE PRODUCT OF THE PARTY ITSELF AND I BRING THIS UP, NOT TO TURN THE HEAT UP ON ANYONE BUT TO I WILL US STRIT THAT PRESIDENT TRUMP REFUTES THAT AUTOPSY REPORT HE RECEIVED IN 2012 AND SAYS THIS THAT ALL PEOPLE WANT TO LIVE IN A LAWFUL SOCIETY EXCEPT FOR THE PEOPLE THAT ARE BREAKING THE LAW. WE WANT TO LIVE IN A LAWFUL SOCIETY. WE WANT A PEACEFUL SOCIETY, WE DON'T WANT DRUGS. WE DON'T WANT TO HAVE THE KIND OF SLAUGHTER OVER DRUG WARS IN THE UNITED STATES THAT HAS BEEN TAKING PLACE IN MEXICO WHEN THEY REPORT 100,000 PEOPLE KILLED IN THE LAST DECADE OR SO IN THE DRUG WARS IN MEXICO AND 60-PLUS BILLION DOLLARS THAT COME BOO AMERICA. THE FRUIT -- THAT'S EITHER LAUNDERED DRUG MONEY OR THE FRUIT OF MONEY. THAT IS NOT AN ECONOMIC BOON FOR US WHEN YOU SEE $60 BILLION WORTH OF DRUGS RUINING THE LIVES OF DRUG ADDICTS AND $60 BILLION OF DRUG MONEY GOING TO FUEL THE ECONOMY OF MEXICO. THAT IS STUPID FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO ACCEPT THAT KIND OF TRANSFER OF A MASSIVE TRANSFER OF WEALTH AND THAT DESTRUCTION OF OUR OWN PEOPLE. AS BAD AT AS IT IS, 100,000 MEXICANS KILLED IN THE DRUG WAR, MANY MORE AMERICANS HAVE DIED BECAUSE OF DRUG OVERDOSE IN THAT PERIOD OF TIME. DO WE SHED A TEAR FOR THEM? WE SHOULD. AND OTHERS WE SHED A TEAR, KATE STEINLE, BEAUTIFUL BROWN-HAIRED, BLUE-EYED, 3 -YEAR-OLD LADY, OUT WITH HER FATHER ALONG THE WHARF IN SAN FRANCISCO. AND FRANCISCO LOPEZ SANCHEZ. JUAN LOPEZZ FRANCISCO SANCHEZ AND HE WAS FIVE TIMES DEPORTED. AND WHAT DID HE DO, HE CAME BACK INTO THE UNITED STATES AND TO THE SANCTUARY CITY AND SAID WE WILL NOT LET IMMIGRATION FIRST DISTURB YOUR LIFE HERE. WE HAVE HEARTS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE KLS, WHO ARE FELONS THAT ARE VIOLATING AMERICAN LAWS AND WITH IMPUNITY BEING DEPORTED AND COMING BACK INTO AMERICA. HE IS LIVING IN SAN FRANCISCO AND KATE STEINLE, SHOT HER IN THE BACK AND FELL AND DIED IN HER FATHER'S ARMS, THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG LADY. WHEN I SAW THAT STORY AND CAME UP ON MY TWITTER ACCOUNT THAT DAY. I LOOKED AT THAT, AND I RETWEETED THE STORY WITH A QUOTE THAT SAID, THIS WILL MAKE YOU CRY, TOO. JUST SITTING ALONE READING MY STORY MADE ME CRY, MR. SPEAKER. BECAUSE I KNOW THAT KATE STEINLE IS ONE, SHE'S ONE, NOT ONE OF THE 124 THAT HER FATHER, JIM STEINLE SPOKE OF WHEN HE SO COURAGEOUSLY TESTIFIED BEFORE THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE AND I GIVE HIM GREAT CREDIT TO DO SO AND COMMEMORATE HIS DAUGHTER'S LIFE. NOT ONE OUT OF 124 ESSENTIALLY DOCUMENTED -- UNDOCUMENTED THAT WERE DOCUMENTED TO BE RELEASED WHO COMMITTED HOMICIDE AFTER THEY HAD BEEN RELEASED BY OUR PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION. THAT NUMBER IS NOW 124. MR. SPEAKER, THAT NUMBER IS IN THE THOUSANDS. THAT'S IN THE THOUSANDS. THE AMERICANS THAT DIED AT THE HANDS OF CRIMINAL ALIENS WHO ARE IN THE UNITED STATES -- AND I CALL THEM AMERICANS. SOMETIMES THEY ARE GREEN CARD HOLDERS, LAWFUL IF ILY PERMANENT AND SOMETIMES THEY ARE ILLEGAL ABLINS THAT CREPT INTO AMERICA THAT DIED AT THE HANDS OF THOSE WHO SHOULD NOT BE HERE. . EVERY LIFE THAT HAS BEEN SACRIFICED, THAT'S BEEN TAKEN BY SOMEONE UNLAWFULLY IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, EVERY LIFE COULD HAVE BEEN SAVED, EVERY CRIME IS A PREVENTABLE CRIME. AND I HAVE LIVED THAT AND BELIEVED THAT FOR A LONG TIME, MR. SPEAKER. AS I CAME TO THIS CONGRESS SOME 14 YEARS AGO, AND I LISTENED TO THE WITNESSES AND BEFORE THE IMMIGRATION SUBCOMMITTEE, AND THE WITNESSES WOULD CONTINUALLY TESTIFY ABOUT HOW MANY LIVES WERE LOST IN THE ARIZONA DESERT, AS PEOPLE WERE TRYING TO SNEAK INTO AMERICA, HAVING NUCK A-- SNUCK ACROSS THE BORDER AND THEY'RE TRYING TO CREEP THROUGH THE DESERT, AND OFTEN THE HEAT WILL AFFECT THEM AND THEY WILL BE WITHOUT WATER AND THEY WILL DIE OF EXPOSURE, EXHAUSTION. THE NUMBERS WENT FROM ROUGHLY 200 A YEAR IN THE ARIZONA DESERT, I RECALL THEM GOING UP TO AS HIGH AS 450. THAT TESTIMONY WOULD COME ALMOST EVERY HEARING, SOMEONE WOULD COME IN AND TESTIFY TO THE NUMBER OF LIVES LOST ON AN ANNUAL BASIS IN THE ARIZONA DESERT. I BEGAN TO WONDER, AS I WOULD HEAR THE NEWS STORIES IN THE UNITED STATES OF THE KATE STEINWAYS, AND THE JAMIL SHAWS. JAMIL SHAW'S SON, FOOTBALL STAR THAT WAS KILLED ON THE STREETS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AT THE HAND OF A MEXICAN DRUG MEMBER, DRUG GANG MEMBER, WHO HAD BEEN GIVEN THE ASSIGNMENT TO GO OUT AND KILL A BLACK PERSON. HE HAD JUST SPOKEN TO HIS FATHER ON THE CELL PHONE AND SAID, I'LL BE HOME IN A FEW MINUTES, DAD. BUT HE NEVER CAME HOME. BECAUSE HE WAS SHOT IN THE HEAD AND KILLED UP THE STREET, A BLOCK OR TWO FROM HIS HOME. BECAUSE HE WAS BLACK. BECAUSE THE ASSIGNMENT WAS TO -- HIS MURDERER, TO GO KILL A BLACK PERSON. JAML SHAW WILL NEVER FORGET THOSE -- JAMIL SHAW WILL NEVER FORGET THOSE DAYS. NEITHER WILL JAZZ'S MOTHER WHO WAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY, DEPLOYED AT THE TIME. BOTH OF THEM HAVE TESTIFIED HERE IN THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS. THERE ARE OTHERS. SARA RU FROM IOWA, A PERFECT 4.0 GRADE POINT AVERAGE, STUDYING CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION AT BELLEVIEW UNIVERSITY IN OMAHA. GRADUATED, I BELIEVE, THE DATE DAYTONA WOULD HAVE BEEN -- THE DATE WOULD HAVE BEEN JANUARY 30 OF 2016. THE NEXT DAY SHE IS RUN OVER AND BRUTALLY KILLED BY A DRAG RACING, ILLEGAL ALIEN, MAJI -- MAH JIMBINGS, A -- MAJIHA. HE WAS DRAG RACING. AND HE RAN OVER THIS YOUNG WOMAN, THE ONLY DAUGHTER OF HER FATHER, SCOTT, AND HER MOTHER, MICHELLE. SHE HAS A BROTHER, SCOTTIE. SARA'S PARENTS HAVE BOTH TESTIFIED ALSO BEFORE THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE. THIS IS PERSONAL, MR. SPEAKER. IT'S PERSONAL TO THESE FAMILIES THAT HAVE LOST A LOVED ONE, THAT THEY KNOW WOULD BE ALIVE TODAY IF THE ADMINISTRATIONS ENFORCED EXISTING IMMIGRATION LAW. AND WHEN I READ THE VERY, VERY SAD STORY IN COTTONWOOD, MINNESOTA, SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA, NOT VERY FAR FROM MY DISTRICT, SEVERAL YEARS AGO, WHERE A SCHOOL BUS FULL OF KIDS WAS TAKING KIDS HOME FROM SCHOOL, FROM AFTER SCHOOL, AND AN ILLEGAL ALIEN WHO HAD TWICE BEEN -- WHO TWICE HAD ENCOUNTERED LAW ENFORCEMENT AND TWICE AID AYE LOUD BACK ON THE STREET -- TWICE ALLOWED BACK ON THE STREETS, RAN THE BUS OFF THE ROAD AND THE BUS ROLLED OVER AND FOUR GRADE SCHOOLCHILDREN WERE KILLED BY COTTONWOOD, MINNESOTA. A BROTHER AND A SISTER AND THEN SEPARATE CHILDREN FROM TWO OTHER FAMILIES. THREE FAMILIES GRIEVING AT THE TRAGIC, HORRIBLE DEATH OF THEIR GRADE SCHOOLCHILDREN. AND WHEN I SAY, IF WE HAD ENFORCED OUR IMMIGRATION LAWS THOSE CHILDREN WOULD BE ALIVE TODAY, THEY WOULD BE LIVING, LAUGHING, LOVING, STUDYING, MAYBE TEACHING, THEY WOULD BE FALLING IN LOVE AND DOING ALL OF THE THINGS THAT WE WANT THEM TO DO AS AMERICANS. BUT THEIR LIVES ARE SNUFFED OUT. BECAUSE WE HAD AN ADMINISTRATION THAT REFUSES TO ENFORCE THE LAW. AND WHEN OTHERS WOULD SAY, WELL, CONGRESSMAN KING, YOU CANNOT ASSERT THAT IT'S THE CAUSE OF ILLEGAL ACTIVITY AND ILLEGAL ALIENS IN AMERICA THAT BROUGHT ABOUT THE DEATH OF THOSE FOUR CHILDREN IN COTTONWOOD, MINNESOTA, OR THE DEATH OF SARA RU FROM IOWA, OR THE DEATH OF KATE STEINLE IN SAN FRANCISCO, OR JAZZ SHAW OR BRANDON MENDOZA, OR DOMINIC DURTEN, ALL OF THEIR LIVES, AND THOUSANDS MORE HAVE BEEN LOST BECAUSE WE REFUSED TO ENFORCE IMMIGRATION LAW. AND WHEN THEY TELL ME NO CRIMES WILL BE COMMITTED, BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN, IT'S NOT NOTHING TO DO WITH NOT ENFORCING IMMIGRATION LAW, MY ANSWER TO THEM IS, MR. SPEAKER, THEN YOU GO TELL THOSE PARENTS IN COTTONWOOD, MINNESOTA, THAT THEIR CHILDREN WOULD STILL BE DEAD IF WE HAD DEPORTED THE PERPETRATOR THAT KILLED THEM. YOU GO TELL THE PARENTS OF KATE STEINWAY THAT SHE WOULD STILL BE DEAD IF HAHN SANCHEZ -- FRANCISCO SANCHEZ HAD BEEN EFFECTIVELY DEPORTED OR LOCKED UP FOR A MANDATORY FIVE-YEAR SENTENCE AS WE HAVE WRIT INTO KATE'S LAW, THAT KATE WOULD BE DEAD IF WE HADN'T ENFORCED SUCH A LAW ON SANCHEZ. OR GO TELL THE MOTHER OF BRANDON MENDOZA THAT HER FINE AND PROUD LAW ENFORCEMENT SON WOULD STILL BE DEAD IF WE HAD DEPORTED THE ILLEGAL THAT RAN HIM DOWN THAT DAY. OR TELL JAZZ SHAW, EXCUSE ME, JAMIL SHAW, THAT HIS SON, JAZZ, WOULD STILL BE DEAD IF WE HAD DEPORTED THE ILLEGAL ALIEN THAT MURDERED HIS SON ON THE STREET IN HIS NEIGHBORHOOD. WE KNOW BETTER. THIS IS PERSONAL. IT'S PERSONAL IN THE LIVES OF THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES IN AMERICA THAT ARE SUFFERING THOUSANDS OF INCIDENTS OF THEIR GRIEF THAT WILL BE PART OF THEIR LIVES FOR GENERATIONS THEY WILL LOOK BACK AND THEY'LL GRIEVE FOR THOSE LOST FAMILY MEMBERS THAT WILL NOT BE THERE ON EASTER OR ON CHRISTMAS OR ON THANKSGIVING. THEY WILL GRIEVE FOR THE GRANDCHILDREN THAT ARE NEVER BORN AND THEY WILL CALL UPON THEIR SURVIVING BROTHERS AND SISTERS. NOW YOU'RE RESPONSIBLE TO BE THE PARENTS OF THE GRANDCHILDREN -- FOR THE PARENTS WHO LOST THEIR DAUGHTER OR LOST THEIR SON. THAT'S WHAT'S AT STAKE HERE, MR. SPEAKER. WE ARE A NATION OF LAWS. WE'RE TODAY A NATION OF NOT YET FULLY ENFORCED LAWS. AND WE'VE HAD A PRESIDENT IN THE PAST THAT SEEMED TO WANT TO BRING IN THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF ILLEGAL ALIENS AND LEAVE THEM HERE AND KEEP THEM HERE. NEVER DEMONSTRATED A DESIRE TO ENFORCE THE LAW. AND AS HE OPENS UP THE BORDERS OF AMERICA TO PEOPLE THAT ARE COMING FROM TERRORIST-SPAWNING COUNTRIES, AND NOW THANKFULLY WE HAVE DONALD TRUMP THAT'S STEPPED UP TO CLOSE THOSE BORDERS BACK DOWN AGAIN AND GET A HANDLE ON THIS MIGRATION SO THAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE CAN BE SAFER. BUT WE'LL BE A LOT SAFER WITH A FENCE, A WALL AND A FENCE ON OUR SOUTHERN BORDER. BY THE WAY, AT THIS POINT NOW, THE UNITED STATES IS SPENDING ANNUALLY 13DS.4 BILLION A YEAR -- $13.4 BILLION A YEAR, THAT'S BILLION WITH A B, TO SECURE OUR SOUTHERN BORDER. AND WE'RE GETTING PERHAPS 25% ENFORCEMENT EFFICIENCY IN THAT SOUTHERN BORDER. 25%. THAT BY THE WAY IS A TESTIMONY OF THE BORDER PATROL. BEFORE THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE, IT'S NOT A NUMBER THAT'S BROUGHT UP FROM SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BE CRITICAL OF THEM, I SALUTE THE BOARD PAR PETROLEUM. THEY'VE GOT A TOUGH -- BORDER PATROL. THEY'VE GOT A TOUGH JOB. BUT THEIR OPERATION HAS NOT BEEN MANAGED FOR THE PURPOSES OF SECURING OUR BORDER AND ACHIEVING BORDER SECURITY. AND THEY'VE TRIED TO REDEFINE IT AS TO SOMETHING ELSE. I BELIEVE -- 13DS.4 BILLION A YEAR SPENT ON OUR -- $13.4 BILLION A YEAR SPENT ON -- ON OUR SOUTHERN MILE BORDER. SOMEONE HAS DONE THE MATH AND DIVIDED THE MILES TO THE DOLLARS. THAT COMES TO $6.7 MILLION A MILE TO SECURE OUR SOUTHERN BORDER. $6.7 MILLION A MILE. FOR EVERY MILE, EVERY YEAR, DAY AND NIGHT, $6.7 MILLION. I WOULD JUST ASK PEOPLE, CONTEMPLATE THAT COST. THAT HEAVY COST. $6.7 MILLION A MILE. WHAT CAN YOU BUY FOR THAT? WELL, YOU CAN BUY AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AND HAVE $2.7 MILLION LEFT OVER IN CHANGE PER MILE. WE CAN TAKE ONE ANNUAL BUDGET OF OUR SOUTHERN BORDER, IF WE DO WHAT MR. O'ROURKE WANTS TO DO AND OPEN THE BORDER, LAY THE BORDER PATROL OFF FOR A YEAR, TAKE THAT 13DS.4 BILLION, AND WE CAN BUILD AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY THE FULL LENGTH OF THAT AND HAVE $2.7 MILLION A MILE LEFT OVER. THAT'S HOW MUCH MONEY IS BEING SPENT ON THE SOUTHERN BORDER TO GET 25% EFFICIENCY. YOU CANNOT CONVINCE ME THAT IF WE SPEND $1.3 MILLION A MILE FOR THE FENCE, IF WE DIAL -- FOR THE WALL, EXCUSE ME, IF WE DIAL THAT UP TO $2 MILLION OR A LITTLE MORE THAN $2 MILLION A MILE, SO WE CAN COVER A FENCE ON EITHER SIDE OF THAT WALL, AND ACCESS ROADS THAT WOULD BE BUILT OUT OF NECESSITY TO BUILD IT AND MAINTAIN IT AND PATROL IT, THAT A COUPLE MILLION DOLLARS A MILE ON THAT WOULDN'T GIVE US SOMETHING PRETTY CLOSE TO HIS -- TO ISRAELI-LEVEL BORDER SECURITY. THAT'S NEARLY 100%. THAT'S UP INTO THE 99 PERCENT AISLE. BEYOND THAT, INTO THE EFFICIENCY OF THE SECURITY OF OUR BORDER. OF COURSE WE CAN GET THAT KIND OF SECURITY ON OUR BORDER. AND IT DOESN'T MEAN WE JUST BUILD IT AND WALK AWAY. PEOPLE ON THAT SIDE LIKE TO HAVE YOU THINK THAT. THAT SOMEHOW WE WOULD BUILD A WALL AND WALK AWAY AND WE LEAVE THE LADDERS PUT UP ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE BORDER. NO, WE WOULD MAINTAIN THAT. WE WOULD PATROL IT. WE WOULD FLY IT. WE WOULD PATROL IT WITH VEHICLES. WE'D HAVE VIBRATION SENSORS AND THAT WIRE ON TOP WOULD SIGNAL TO US IF ANYBODY GROUNDED THAT WIRE, TRIED TO BREACH THAT WIRE, TOUCH THAT WIRE AND BROUGHT IT TO THE GROUND. IT WOULD TELL US IN THE CONTROL CENTERS EXACTLY WHERE THAT BREACH WAS ATTEMPTED TO TAKE PLACE, AND WE WOULD ZERO OUR ENFORCEMENT IN ON THEM AND WE WOULD ENFORCE IT. AND WE WOULD MAINTAIN IT SO IT FUNCTIONS 100% ALL THE TIME. I SEE THE FENCE WE HAVE ON THE BORDER NOW AND SOMETIMES THEY'LL COME ON THE OTHER SIDE, TAKE A SET OF WIRE CUTTERS, CUT THEMSELVES A GATE THROUGH A CHAIN LINK FENCE, I CAN THINK OF THIS, I BELIEVE I SAW THIS IN LUKEVILLE, ARIZONA. AND THERE THEY TAKE A CHAIN AND THREAD IT THROUGH THE CHAIN LINK FENCE, PUT A PADLOCK ON, IT IT'S THEIR PERSONAL GATE TO COME AND GO INTO AMERICA WHENEVER THEY SEE FIT. WITH A GREAT BIG HUGE BROWN MASTIFF ON A BIGGER CHAIN YET. LAYING THERE BY THAT GATE WITH A GROUND BALL UNDER HIS THROAT, WAITING FOR ANYBODY THAT MIGHT DECIDE THEY WANT TO WALK THROUGH THAT GATE IN THE FENCE. WE CAN DO A LOT BETTER. WE WILL DO A LOT BETTER. $6.7 MILLION A MILE. LET ME POSE THIS ANOTHER WAY. FOR PEOPLE THAT HAVE, MR. SPEAKER, A DIFFERENT WAY OF PUTTING IMAGES IN THEIR HEAD. FOR ME I LIVE OUT IN THE COUNTRY IN IOWA. WE HAVE GRAVEL ROADS EVERY MILE. IN THE FLAT COUNTRY AT LEAST. SO FROM WHERE I LIVE, MY WEST ROAD RUNS A MILE OUT THERE TO THE INTERSECTION WHERE IT GOES ON AND FOUR DIRECTIONS, GRAVEL ROAD. AND SO LET'S JUST SAY THAT GENERAL KELLY, SECRETARY KELLY, CAME TO ME AND HE SAID, STEVE, I WANT YOU TO GUARD YOUR WEST MILE AND I WANT TO YOU SECURE THAT BORDER SO THAT 25% OF THE PEOPLE THAT ARE TRYING TO GET ACROSS THERE WILL BE INTERDICTED AND WON'T BE ABLE TO GET ACROSS THAT BORDER. SO WHAT WOULD YOU TAKE TO GIVE ME THAT LEVEL OF SECURITY FOR A MILE OF ROAD, SAY A MILE -- THE WEST GRAVEL ROAD FOR FROM MY HOUSE? I HAVE A BID. I'LL GIVE YOU $6.7 MILLION. THAT'S THE AVERAGE RATE FOR A MILE. WE DO THEY'RE YEAR. WE DO OUR BUDGETS ON A 10-YEAR AVERAGE. ON A 10-YEAR CONTRACT. SO I'LL GIVE YOU $67 PLL TO SECURE ONE MILE -- MILLION TO SECURE ONE MILE OF IOWA GRAVEL ROAD. DO YOU THINK I CAN SECURE THAT BORDER FOR $67 MILLION FOR 10 YEARS? AND DO YOU THINK THAT I WOULD HIRE A LOT OF PEOPLE TO SIT THERE IN THEIR HUMVEES AND TALK BACK AND FORTH ON THE RADIO AND LET PEOPLE WALK AROUND THEM? COMING ACROSS THAT BORDER, IF MY JOB WAS TO SECURE IT? NO. I WOULD BUILD A FENCE, A WALL AND A FENCE ON THAT MILE. I'D SPEND LESS THAN $2 MILLION FOR THAT MILE. YES, I WOULD HIRE BORDER PATROL AND I WOULD PUT THE BELLS AND WHISTLES, THE ACCESSORIES ON THAT WALL, SO THAT WE HAD THE WARNING SIGNALS THAT ARE THERE. I'D MINIMIZE THE LABOR, MAXIMIZE THE TECHNOLOGY, BUT I WOULD PUT THE RESOURCES THERE TO GET THE JOB DONE 100%. NOT 25%. AND I CAN DO IT FOR, YOU KNOW, A LOT LESS THAN $6.7 MILLION PER MILE PER YEAR. IT WOULDN'T TAKE A $67 MILLION CONTRACT FOR A 10-YEAR CONTRACT TO SECURE THAT BORDER. INFRASTRUCTURE DOES ITS JOB. YOU BUILD A WALL, REMEMBER PRESIDENT OBAMA, HE SAID HE HAD PROSECUTORIAL DISCRETION. SO HE CREATED THESE GREAT CLASSES OF PEOPLE AND VIOLATED THE CONSTITUTION AND GRANTED A WAIVER FOR THE APPLICATION OF OUR CRIMINAL LAWS AGAINST PEOPLE THAT HAD COME INTO THE UNITED STATES ILLEGALLY. AND HE SAID, WELL, WE'RE DOING THIS ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS. JANET NAPOLITANO WROTE THE MEMO. WE HAVE THE I.C.E. MEMO OR THE NAPOLITANO MEMO, THAT LAYS OUT THE EXEMPTIONS TO THE LAW. SEVEN TIMES IN THERE SHE WROTE, ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS ONLY. THAT'S IN THERE BECAUSE SHE KNOWS THAT THE COURT CASE TURNS ON PROSECUTORIAL DISCRETION. WHICH CAN ONLY BE APPLIED IF YOU'RE NOT GOING TO ENFORCE THE LAW, THE PROSECUTORS DO HAVE DISCRETION, IF IT'S NOT PRACTICAL -- TO DO SO, IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE RESOURCES, THEY SHOULD USE THE RESOURCES TO THE BEST ADVANTAGE. SO YOU CAN DO THAT ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS AND BE WITHIN THE LAW AND BE CONSTITUTIONAL. BUT ONCE YOU HAVE A PRESIDENT OBAMA CREATING HUGE CLASSES OF PEOPLE, THAT NUMBER IN THE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS, IN FACT, IN THE MILLIONS, THEN WHAT YOU HAVE, MR. SPEAKER, IS A VIOLATION OF THE LAW AND THE CONSTITUTION AND IT'S THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH, THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES MAKING UP LAW AS HE GOES ALONG. AND VIOLATING THE SEPARATION OF POWERS. WELL, THROUGH THAT, WHEN THE PRESIDENT SAYS, I HAVE PROSECUTORIAL DISCRETION, AND ANYBODY THAT WALKS ACROSS THE BORDER IS NOT GOING TO BE TROUBLED, WE'LL MEET THEM WITH A WELCOME WAGON AND FLY THEM TO ANY STATE IN THE UNION THEY CHOOSE, THAT HAPPENS, MR. SPEAKER, IT'S REAL, THAT'S NOT A FABRICATION OR AN EMBELLISHMENT, IT'S EVEN WORSE THAN THAT. BUT WHAT BENEFIT DOES A WALL HAVE A HAVE, IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING SECURITY FOR THE UNITED STATES, A WALL DOESN'T HAVE PROSECUTORIAL DISCRETION. . IF THEY CAN'T GET ACROSS THERE AND MAINTAIN AND PROTECT IT, WE GET THE EFFECTIVENESS OF IT REGARDLESS OF WHO THE PRESIDENT IS AND IF WE DON'T HAVE A PRESIDENT WHO DOESN'T SECURE, MAINTAIN AND ENFORCE THE WALL, THEN WE HAVE A SERIOUS CLAUSE THAT WE CAN POINT TO RATHER THAN A VAGUE LEGAL ARGUMENT RATHER THAN A PROFESSOR WHO TAUGHT CONSTITUTIONAL LAW AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO. BUILDING A FENCE AND WALL AND FENCE ON OUR SOUTHERN BORDER IS A WISE AND PRUDENT THING TO DO. IT WILL PAY FOR ITSELF BEFORE WE GET IT BUILT. IT WILL DRAMATICALLY SLOW DOWN THE ILLEGAL DRUGS THAT ARE COMING INTO AMERICA. 80% TO 90%. THE ILLEGAL TRAFFIC THAT'S COMING IN. IT WILL SHUT OFF ALL OF THAT. I AGREE WITH THE THE GENTLEMAN FROM EL PASO WE SHOULD BEEF UP OUR PORTS OF HE TRY AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE NEED TO DECIDE WHO IS COMING INTO AMERICA, WHO IS LEAVING AMERICA. WE SHOULDN'T HAVE AN IMMIGRATION POLICY OR THE PEOPLE ANYTHING BUT CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES. THE CITIZENS OF AMERICA SHOULD MAKE THEIR DECISIONS BY EXERCISING THE ENUMERATED POWER IN THE CONSTITUTION THAT CONGRESS HAS TO ESTABLISH IMMIGRATION LAWS AND INTERNALLY OUR DOMESTIC LAWS HAVE TO BE ENFORCED AND EXPANDING THE 270 E PROGRAM AND NEED TO INCORPORATE THE CITY POLICE, THE COUNTY, SHERIFF AND DEPARTMENT IF I FORCE AND HIGHWAY PATROL OR DIVISION OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION, DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS THAT TEXAS HAS, ALL TO WORK WITH OUR FEDERAL OFFICERS, SO IT IS A SEAMLESS NETWORK TO PROVIDE SECURE COMMUNITIES IN AMERICA AND RESTORE THE RESPECT AND SHUT DOWN THE DRUGS, AND SHUT OFF THE TERRORISTS THAT ARE SNEAKING INTO AMERICA, BECAUSE THE EASIEST AND MOST RELIABLE WAY FOR THEM TO GET HERE IS ACROSS OUR SOUTHERN BORDER. THERE WILL BE RESPECT FOR BOTH COUNTRIES. AND I WOULD SAY THIS TO PRESIDENT TRUMP, HE IS A BUILDER, I'M A BUILDER. I DON'T HAVE ANY DOUBT HOW TO BUILD THAT WALL OR BUILD THE FENCES SO WE HAVE TWO NO MAN-'S LANDS. HE SAID HE WILL BIG BUILD A BEAUTIFUL WALL. I'M LOOKING FOR THE ARCHITECT'S BUT THE FUNCTIONALITY AND THE I ENCOURAGE THAT WE DRAW UP THE PLANS AND DESIGNS FOR THIS AND LET CONTRACT TO THOSE CONTRACTORS THAT CAN EFFECTIVELY AND DO THIS IN A COMPETITIVE LOW-BID FASHION AND WE WILL BUILD THAT BARRIER THAT CAN STAND FOR A LONG TIME AND DESIGNED TO KEEP PEOPLE AND CONTRABAND OUT AS EVERY OTHER WALL IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD, INCLUDING THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA AND THE WALLS THAT WERE BUILT IN NORTHERN ENGLAND AND THOSE ACROSS NORTHERN GERMANY AND THE ROMANS BUILT THOSE TO PROTECT THEMSELVES. EACH WALL TO KEEP THEIR SUBJECTS IN HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO KEEP PEOPLE OUT. THERE IS A HUGE MORAL DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A WALL TO KEEP PEOPLE IN AND A WALL TO KEEP CRIMINALS, TERRORISTS, AND ALSO DECENT PEOPLE AND CONTRABAND OUT. IT'S A SIMPLE EQUATION AND MR. SPEAKER, I APPRECIATE YOUR ATTENTION HERE THIS EVENING ON THIS TOPIC. I LOOK FORWARD TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE WALL AND FENCE ON OUR SOUTHERN BORDER WITH WITH RESPECT TO THE RULE OF LAW AND I YIELD BACK.

MR. KING

MR. SPEAKER, I MOVE THE HOUSE DO NOW ADJOURN.

THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

QUESTION IS ON THE MOTION TO ADJOURN. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. . THOSE…

QUESTION IS ON THE MOTION TO ADJOURN. THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. . THOSE OPPOSED, NO. THE AYES HAVE IT. THE MOTION IS ADOPTED. ACCORDINGLY THE HOUSE