On hercan watch this website. We will now take you to the floor of the u. S. House. The speaker pro tempore the house will be in order o. The chair lays before the house a communication from the speaker. The clerk the speakers rooms, washington, d. C. February 26, 2018. I hereby appoint the honorable dan new house to act as speaker pro tempore dan new houses to act as speaker pro tempore on this day. Signed, sprine, speaker of the house of representatives. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the order of the 2018, the nuary 8, 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 time shall be equally allocated between the parties and in no event shall debate p. M. Ue beyond 1 50 each member other than the majority and minority leaders and minority whip shall be limited to five minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from louisiana, mr. Abraham, for five minutes. P. M. Mr. Abraham thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor one of the hardest working men on capitol hill. Joe. Joes 84th birthday was saturday, february 10. Hes been cutting hair in the house for 47 years. Joe embodies the principles of hard work, dedication, and humility. Hes cut the hair of the most powerful people in washington, including president gerald ford, president george bush senior, Vice President al gore, and almost every single speaker of the house. Hes cut hair in hospital rooms, before inaugurations, and even for foreign president s and ambassadors. Joe grew up in italy and came to the United States in 1952. He served as an italian translator with the American Air Force during the korean war. Along with an honorable discharge, joe received his american citizenship upon leaving the army. Came to d. C. And held a number of jobs before cutting hair in the house. Even worked construction on the Rayburn Office building. Immigrating from italy, joe is so proud of his american citizenship. Growing number italy joe was first introduced to america when american troops flew over his town during world war ii. He they would get so close to the town he even made eye contact with the pilots flying those planes. When american troops came through his city, joe remembers waving a small American Flag along with his family welcoming them to his hometown. After serving with the air force in 1955, he joined the metropolitan d. C. Police force where he was active for 25 years. When you speak to joe, you see the pride and joy he takes in his job and his country reflected in his attitude. It is because of joe and the hardworking staff and the capital buildings of the congress that congress is able to perform its duties every day. Today i honor joe and the lifetime of service hes given to the capitol and to the United States of america. Thank you. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from texas, mr. Poe, for five minutes. Mr. Poe thank you, mr. Speaker. In the early days of 1984 congress came up with a unique idea. With congress support, president Ronald Reagan signed into law the victims of crime act. Otherwise known as voca. This law established the Crime Victims Fund with the sole purpose of supporting crime victims throughout the United States. But instead this law established the Crime Victims Fund of using taxpayer money for the fund, congress came up with a novel idea. Why not force the criminals, the traffickers, the abusers, the scourges on society to pay for the restitution to their victims . They inflicted pain and suffering on innocent people so they should be the ones literally to pay for their crime. Because of the new law, convicted felons in federal court, who are assessed fines and fees, pay in to the Crime Victims Fund. The money in the fund is used for a wide range of victims services. It pays for Domestic Violence shelters. Where spouse can recover from their abusers. It funds Rape Crisis Coalition centers, children Assessment Centers like the one in my hometown of houston t sends money to victim advocates throughout the United States who go to court with victims of crime. It gives victims rest 2i constitution restitution and pays for critical medical and Mental Health programs. Its a really good idea, mr. Speaker. Over the years because our federal judges have continued to fine and assess greater and penalties to the criminals, the voca fund currently holds, get this, mr. Speaker, 12 billion. And let me make it clear, this is not taxpayer money. Its money that criminals have paid in a the system. Criminals are paying the rent on the courthouse. Paying for the system that they have created. So whats the problem . Heres the problem, mr. Speaker. That the fund every year is robbed by the bureaucrats to offset other federal projects that are completely unrelated to crime victims. For example, about 800,000 is spent out of the fund which has 12 billion in money. And over the years it continues to have more and more money because less of it is being spent. In my opinion, these bureaucrats are literally stealing money from the victims fund and throwing it into the abyss of the federal treshry. That money does not belong to the federal government t. Belongs to crime victims. Victims do not have, mr. Speaker, high dollar lobbyists here in washington, d. C. , advocating on their behalf. They expect us, members of congress, to be their lobbyist, to be their voice. As a former prosecutor and former judge in texas, i take that duty very seriously. Its the first responsibility of government to actually protect the people. We must have thought the rob of bureaucrats to steal the money out of the Crime Victims Fund and make sure they have access to the resources they need to become survivors. To achieve this goal my friend, representative jim costa from california, my cochair in the victims rights caucus, and i have introduced the Crime Victims Fund preservation act. The bill is very simple. Box to make lock sure that the money in the fund cannot be used for anything other than victims programs under the victims of crime act. The crime box to make victims f an especially attractive target for offsets at this time when r Government Faces a in a deficit. Thats why Congress Must safeguard the fund to make sure the money is protected. , paid l uses the money by criminals, to help rescue and restore victims and that is saved from the sticky pillering if hands of bureaucrats and does so forever. Let the victims of crime keep the money and not send it to other programs in the federal departments throughout the nation. Thats just the way it is. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The chair recognizes the gentleman from arkansas, mr. Hill, for five minutes. The speaker. Hank i rise today to recognize and applaud the work of nba all star and arkansas native, joe johnson of the sacramento kings, with a local youth basket program, the arkansas hawks. The arkansas hawks, meaning hard at work kids s. A member of the amateur Athletic Union organization dedicated to the development of athletic ability in american youth. Under the leadership of coach bill ingram, the teams goal extends beyond the courts and into the communities of Central Arkansas. Building a dynasty of basketball players who seek to make a Lasting Impact on o their neighborhoods, city, state, and country. Before he was a seventime nba all star, joe johnson was a student at the historic little rock central high school. An historic player on the arkansas hawks roster. In this partnership the teams and players connected with the hawks will be given unique opportunities, including player development, and academic assistance. Id like to extend a hearty debt of gratitude and congratulations to joe johnson and the arkansas Hawks Program for their selfless and worthwhile investment in entral arkansas youth. Player , mr. Speaker, i rise today to honor the life and lellingacy of one of Arkansas Legacy of one of arkansas innovative leaders, my friend albert, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 94. Al wert worked for over 75 years albert worked over 75 years with his family to make one of the most successful regional Ice Cream Companies in the United States. It created many unique flavors such as the razorbacks ice cream, and my personal favorite, pepperment. He was an icon of Arkansas Business and ackor of the Business Community for decades. Hes a past president of the chamber of commerce and served as mayor. He was inducted into the Arkansas Business hall of fame in 2007, and is a member of the arkansas Dairy Products hall of fame. He was a role model and friend to many across our station. I extend my respect, affection, and prayers to his many dear friends, family, and loved ones. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to recognize North Little Rock middle School Teacher dawn mclean. Dawn a sixth grade science and math teacher was named a 20172018 recipient of the National Milken educator award. One of only 44 across our country. This honor is given to teachers with Exceptional Education talent who impact students both in and out of the classroom. Dawn has not only incracied her students test scores, shes engaged her students through robotics, design modeling, and rocketry. Shes a strong proponent of project based learning, technology integration, and data deployment. Dawn is also focused on helping her students build life skills that will help them succeed into adulthood and works to build strong relationships with both parents and her students. Teachers like dawn prove that education is one of the best america can make. Im proud to represent her and all the teachers of Central Arkansas who are making a difference in the lives of our ids. Mr. Speaker, i rise to recognize one of arkansas finest, chief warrant arkansas two, john, who passed away late last months at the age of 7. His leadership and dedication to our o state and nation as a soldier, veteran, and volunteer is an example to all arkansans and all americans. He enlisted in the army in 1962 and after more than 27 years of military service, john retired from the Arkansas Army national guard. For the next 23 years john provided his services at Camp Robinson in the Little Rock Air force base. He was one of many of the strongest advocates in Central Arkansas for all matters related to our military veterans and their families. For the better part of a half century john as a selfless servant to others giving for more of himself than he had to give. He had a passion for volunteering rivaled only by his passion for service to his country. I extend my affection yacht prayers to his family and loved ones. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The chair recognizes the gentleman from florida, mr. Desantis, for five minutes. Mr. Desantis mr. Speaker, the shooting in parkland, florida, on 14 february represented a catastrophic failure of local authorities as well as the f. B. I. The students needed a hero that day and while the Sheriffs Department failed the students, i think its important to recognize and commemorate the fact that a 15yearold j rotc cadet named peter hwang answered the call. In the face of deranged gunman descending on his school, he helped his fellow students flea to flee to safety, exposing himself to fire in the process. He could have simply saved himself, but like a true hero, peter chose to protect the lives of others. Going above and beyond the call of duty. He sacrificed his life on that fateful day. Scripture teaches that there is no greater love than that a man should lay down his life for his friends. And his fellow students will be indebted to peter hwang for his actions on that day. Peter had a desire to attend west point and his actions on 14 february more than lived up to the u. S. Military academys motto of duty, honor, and country. His post hellous admittance to west point represented a rare but well deserved honor. In peter the country lost someone who no doubt would have enriched the armys officer corps and provided Honorable Service in uniform. Yet it is also true that with the lives he saved that day he accomplished more on his final day on this earth than most of us who serve in the military accomplish over the course of an entire career. You can train for moments like those faced by peter, but you dont know if you can pass the test until you are actually put to the test. Peter passed his test with flying colors. His steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States army. Rest in peace, soldier. Job well done. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from washington, mr. Newhouse, for five minutes. Mr. Newhouse mr. Speaker, i rise today to honor the life and service of Grant County Fire District battalion chief dan deshawn. Dan passed away on january 8, 2018. Dan was a husband, a father, a friend, and a highly respected fire service member. His love of firefighting and his dedication to his community was evident in his 15 years of volunteer service at both the Grant County Fire District 13 as well as district five where he eventually secured his dream job of shift captain. Local firefighters, members of his team, and the community will remember him for his leadership, humility and commitment to keeping the citizens of grant county safe. My prayers and sincere condolences go out to his family and his friends and all those affected by his passing during this difficult time. I urge all my colleagues to join me in thanking dan deshawn for his inspirational life of service to Washington State and the fourth district. Thank you and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The chair recognizes the gentleman from kansas, mr. Marshall, for five minutes. Mr. Marshall thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today to address the issue of Global Hunger. Tonight, this very evening 800 Million People across the world will go to bed hungry. Throughout 2017, this very past year, this number has only grown, making this the first year in a decade that Global Hunger has increased. This increased arises from violent conflicts and natural disasters that have worsened the situation for many living in extreme poverty. These crisis demonstrates the need for life savings United States humanitarian relief around the world. For 63 years our nations signature food donation program, food for peace, has fed more than three billion inc. Hungry people. This billion hungry people. This has helped avert famine and provided medical care for those who need it the most. Today usaid remains committed to providing for people in dire situations with emergency health. In countries like yemen and nigeria where more than 70 of the population is facing severe starvation, usaid continues to step in to prevent famine and fight disease. The Usaid Mission is to provide emergency food assistance, is vital to many countries around the world and is a key pillar of president Trumps National security strategy. Its purpose is to end the need for its own existence by responding to disasters and helping our partners and chief selfreliance. A World Without hunger is in americas best interest. Hunger breeds instability and conflict. These programs represent a small investment to prevent future conflicts. I am proud that wheat, wheat is the most used commodity in u. S. Hunger programs. Kansas is known as the breadbasket of the world and is the nations leading wheat producer. But today while our growers have full Grain Elevators in my state, we have four undeclared famines around the world. There is no reason why we cannot connect the starving with our ample food. Look forward to work with the Agriculture Committee so usaid and the United States department of agriculture can continue help, provide for the hunger and strengthening our National Security around the world. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to emphasize the need for Broadband Development in rural communities. More and more we see a transition from brick and mortar to click and mortar establishments. With the world quickly moving from paper to digital. In rural america, the Digital Divide is becoming increasingly present. From limited connection speeds to locations entirely without service, these communities are lacking the same basic abilities as their urban counterparts. Im encouraged to see so many conversations happening in and around the hill related to removing the barriers to connecting americans, but theres still a lot of work to be done. I applaud the efforts of president trump, chairman pai, and executive secretary perdue deployment adband and hope that we have Comparable Service no matter in the country where they live. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. Pursuant to clause 12a of rule 1, the chair declares the house untiless well bring you back for the house later today. On the agunneda seven bills including one allows Indian Tribes to set up amber alerts. Another on Sickle Cell Disease prevention and treatment programs. Tomorrow the house takes up a bill on prosecuting online sex traffickers. And starting wednesday the reverend billy graham will lie honor in the rotunda of the u. S. Capitol. When the house is back in session, watch live coverage right here from the floor on cspan. Cspan, where history unfolds daily. In 1979, cspan was created as a Public Service by americas Cable Television companies. Bring you tinue to unfiltered coverage of congress. The white house, the Supreme Court, and Public Policy events in washington, d. C. , and around the country. Bring you cspan is brought to you by your cable or satellite provider. Deputy attorney general rod rosen stein will speak today in washington, d. C. , about Cyber Security and the priorities of the justice department. You can join us for that live right here on cspan at 4 00 p. M. Eastern. Tonight, on cspans landmark cases, well look at the Supreme Court case mccullough v. Maryland, a case that solidified the federal governments ability to take actions not explicitly stated in the constitution and the legitimate use of this power. Explore this case in the high courts ruling with university of virginia associate law professor and mark, university of arkansas law professor, and author of mccullough v. Maryland securing a nation. Watch landmark cases live tonight at 9 00 eastern on cspan. Cspan. Org, or listen with the free cspan radio app. For background, order a cop of the landmark cases companion book. Available for 8. 95 plus shipping and handling at cspan. Org landmark cases. For an additional resource, a link on our website to the National Constitution centers interactive constitution