Limited to five minutes. The chair recognizes the gentlewoman from North Carolina, ms. Foxx, for five minutes. Ms. Foxx thank you, mr. Speaker. We all have been privileged to know people in our communities whove led remarkable lives but are unsung heroes. Today, i want to highlight one such couple ive come to know and admire. I rise to recognize ralph and christine brown, a remarkable couple and role models for all the rest of us. They grew up in families of very modest means, and while working full time, ralph began a oneman security business in 1963. What started as lake norman security patrol, incorporated, has expanded into two of the most successful businesses in North Carolina and the country. Security central and alarm south. Ralph learned the importance of security while serving as a u. S. Army policeman and turned his knowledge into security and Patrol Services for homes and commercial entities. At his side was christine, his brilliant help mate. They have a wonderful and philanthropic family thats carrying on the Family Tradition and business into the third generation. Ralph and christines success has not only become a family legacy but has benefited numerous good causes in the community, including the american heart association, united way, grandfather home for children. Children through their generosity. Having determination combined with hard work was their recipe for remarkable success. The browns are proof that the American Dream is alive and ell. Mr. Speaker, i rise to congratulate region nine of the North Carolina state organization of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society on their achievements at the state convention in hickory, North Carolina. Region nine makes up eight chapters across North Carolinas Fifth District and took home five achievement awards. Three Community Communications excellence awards, two websites awards. This speaks to the chapters success, in its mission to promote the professional growth of women jacketors and excellence in educators and excellence in education. As an educator myself, i know what it means to have opportunities for mentorship, professional development, and scholarships. The society invites members who are dedicated to education in different fields, both active and retired, to build up future leaders at the local level. And as we all know, the local level is where the best practices and policies in education come from. Knowing that young educators in the Fifth District have such talented and locally engaged women behind them makes me very proud. These women are shining examples of the powerful impact that organizing within our communities has on future generations. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from texas, mr. Green, for five minutes. Thank you, mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, and still i rise proud to be an american and today, i would also say, proud to be a member of the nations oldest organization, naacp. I am proud to be a member of the naacp today because yesterday, the naacp became the first of the civil rights, human rights organizations to ake a stand against bigotry, xenophobia, islam phobiaaphobia, racism, by passing a resolution at its National Convention calling for the impeachment of the president. And still i rise proud, mr. Speaker, to be associated with this organization. This is not its first time taking a stand on behalf of the American People. It was the naacp that followed hellly versus shelley vs. Kramer. It was the naacp that filed and won brown vs. Board of education, which literally took , an eviscerated, segregated unlawful segregation. Under the leadership of associate Justice Thurgood marshall, he was the lawyer who took brown vs. Board of education before the supreme court. He was the lawyer that was the chief Legal Counsel for the naacp. He sat on the supreme court. He guided the supreme court. The naacp, again, makes history, and im proud to be part of this great association. Mr. Speaker, id also add we are now some 98 days since the Mueller Report was called to the attention of the public. 98 days this was made public. 98 days since the chief executive has been above the law. And mr. Mueller is testifying today. Morrow, i will start another acid test win i will show the number whereini will show wherein i of days will show the number of days since he testified in front of congress. Dr. King said the truest measure of a person in times like this, the truest measure is not where you stand in those times of comfort and convenience but where you stand in these times of challenge and controversy. Im proud to know that the naacp stands for liberty and justice for all, stands for the people of the United States of america, as it has historically, and i will continue to stand and be a member of the naacp. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore members are reminded to refrain from engaging in personalities toward the president. The chair recognizes the gentleman from kansas, mr. Marshall, for five minutes. Mr. Marshall mr. Speaker, the circus is back in town. I can hear the music all the way over here in the capitol, the music is that merrygoround going on in the Judiciary Committee right now as we speak. Yes, mr. Mueller is here now, for the fifth congressional hearing on this same issue on this witchhunt. This is a cheap madefortv Television Movie thats now going back and reviewing everything, allowing mr. Mueller to sit there and read the report, which he submitted days and weeks ago. Mr. Speaker, the frustration is back home. Weve now done over 63 town halls. I can count on my one hand the number of times somebody asked about the Mueller Report or this russianmania. They want us to stand up and solve the problems in front of us. The usmca agreement, the nafta 2. 0 agreement is sitting on the speaker of the houses desk. Nothing can do more for kansas right now, both kansas agriculture, kansas manufacturing, than to get that agreement passed. It would mean thousands of jobs for kansans. It would mean hundreds of millions of dollars in income for kansans as well. We are tired of this witchhunt. We want to move on and fix problems. The problem is the democrats dont want to challenge us on issues and on policy. Instead, they want to attack the president because their policies wont stand the test of the American Public or the est of time. Mr. Speaker, we dont want war in iran. We dont want war in the middle east. We dont want war anywhere. Mr. Speaker, i try to talk to my parents every week, every sunday, typically, and my parents seldom offer me advice. But the last thing my dad said to me was, roger, dont send our troops into battle. Mr. Speaker, we must, however, make every effort to ensure tehran doesnt have access to nuclear weapons. We must stop them from fueling global terror and endangering americans and our allies around the world. Like many other kansans, i served our country in uniform. None of us want war in iran. That is not my goal, and its not the president s goal. We must, however, guarantee iran never has access to nuclear weapons, that they stop funding and arming terror around the world. They are very evil actors. They are not a normal country. They seek the destruction in the United States and our closest ally in the middle east, israel. I support any effort to bring iran to the table for a deal that actually addresses both these important goals. And the best way to do this is to continue to apply maximum pressure on iran. Mr. Speaker, iran has been responsible for the death of hundreds, perhaps thousands of american soldiers during the iraq war through their supply of i. E. D. s. They chant death to america, and as i said, they threaten our allies. This is issue of great importance to the security of this nation. Mr. Speaker, if i havent said it before, we dont want war. We just want iran to act like a normal country. Normal countries dont take other countryships hostage. Normal countries dont shoot down drones. Normal countries dont fund terrorism. We cannot sit idly by on our hands as we watch iran seize ships and continues to hold the nation hostage. Instead, i believe, like president reagan, and before him, president eisenhower, that we best have peace through strength. We need to keep the maximum pressure, keep the faith, work with our allies, and get iran to the table. My fellow americans, please join me in prayer as our nations officials make this effort to ensure peace and increase stability in the region. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore 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 revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Costa mr. Speaker, i rise today to call attention to the administrations proposal, its recent attack on some of the most vulnerable americans, the 38 Million People that rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, otherwise known as snap. The usda, the United States department of agriculture, announced yesterday a rule change to the eligibility for the program. This change would kick millions of americans, seniors, children, and their families off a program that provides critical assistance. Its a safety net. This change would weaken our ability to provide support for working people that are struggling to get by month to month. It would have a huge impact in my district. Unfortunately, 25 of my constituents depend upon the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program monthly to provide nutrition for themselves and their families. As a member of the Conference Committee that negotiated the 2018 farm bill, these suggestions were part of the discussion. We opposed them. We fought successfully to include an expanded snap eligibility requirements and congress agreed. Thats why i fought to expand the employment and Training Programs that we do in the supplemental Assistance Program in fresno, the bridge academy, to equip recipients with the necessary tools to get back on help eet, to make to them. And guess what, the president supported it, when he signed the farm bill into law last december. He needs to remain consistent. I will fight for families, for seniors, and for children. The bottom line is this, snap is a helpful program to support people in their time of need with achieving selfsufficiency. Its part of americas safety net. We must block this egregious attempt to administratively do what congress did not do last december. I urge my colleagues to stand with me and oppose this attack on some of our nations most vulnerable population. Mr. Speaker, i also want to call attention to the house of representatives what we achieved in the last six months. Many of these pieces of legislation on a bipartisan basis. We passed 10 bills to reduce the price of health care and which rescription drugs, our communities want us to do. Strengthen protection for people with preexisting conditions. Reducing cost of drugs and preexisting conditions to protect those individuals. We passed the equality act to ensure every american enjoys the same rights and is protected equally under the law. The equality act is so important. And i fought to improve our water infrastructure, to address the strain on Precious Resource brought by drought and Climate Change and ensure we have clean, Safe Drinking Water for all of our communities. In the san joaquin valuey sadly, we have many communities that dont enjoy clean, Safe Drinking Water standards. I worked hard to implement the farm bill, to lead education and Outreach Program for farm programs, to help farmers improve, not only their water sustainability, but their ability to market their crops. In immigration we passed funding bills to alleviate the crisis at our border and advanced legislation to secure a pathway for zintship for millions of undocumented immigrants currently living in the United States. Our dreamers, over 800,000, who came here through no choice of their own. For them americas the only country they have ever known. They need an deserve legal status. Im proud that in the last six months of work this week well consider h. R. 3239, the human tarian standards for individuals at customs and Border Protection custody act. Many of us have been to the borders, and we do have a humanitarian crisis there. We need to do whats right. We need to ensure those individuals receive good stans of water, beds, and access to health care and they are treated humanely, thats the american way. These are basic living standards. Timely, the budget deal that was agreed on a bipartisan basis over the weekend is important. Not only as it relates to zregsary and nondiscretionary spending for the next two years, lifting the budget cap, but in addition to that, to ensuring that we produce a budget on time. That we avoid government shutdown. That we ensure that our men and women serving in American Armed forces have the Adequate Funding that they need. That our veterans get the support and our v. A. Hospitals that we have promised them. These are the things that are part of an overall budget deal. It avoids the kind of circus that we had over the last years where we had government shutdown. Government shutdown we should never have. We should never have that impact on our economy, our federal workers to be expected, whether they be an air Traffic Controller or food safety to go to work and not receive a check. That is irresponsible. So, the budget deal is good. Its a bipartisan effort. It, frankly, gives the sort of discretion that Congress Needs to make budget decisions to prioritize our needs in america. For that i thank the congress and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. Thompson, for five minutes. Thank you, mr. Speaker, mr. Speaker, i rise today to congratulate st. Francis university on a well deserved grant from a. R. C. They recently announced st. Francis university is recipient of a 150,000 grant to support advance patient Simulation Training equipment for the universitys new Health Science learning commons that will open this october. This commons will include much needed space for classroom, laboratory, and clinical education, including five stateoftheart simulation suites where students can practice real life clinical scenarios on computer. On computer controlled mannequins with the assistance of their instructors through two way audiovideoconferencing. The grant will be used to invest in this cuttingedge technology to provide students with the technology needed to close the skills gap and better prepare them for situations they will likely encounter in their professional careers. St. Francis university has committed it self to career and Technical Education in the Health Science field. This grant will help provide hundreds of students with the training necessary to prepare for rewarding careers, quite frankly service to their community. Investments like these are playing a Critical Role in developing 21st century American Work force. In developing a work force full of talented individuals who can help meet todays evergrowing demand for health care professionals. Pennsylvanias 15th Congressional District in particular is in need of health care professionals. And st. Fran tiss students are rising to the occasion. The grant will not only support current st. Francis students, a. R. C. Rightfully quoted, quote, local employers will have access to a pipeline of highly Skilled Health care professionals to meet labor demands, help create jobs, and expand the local economy. And provide Quality Health care to the citizens in appalachian pennsylvania. End quote. The president of the st. Francis university noted the value that this grant adds for the students who are seeking an education in Health Science. He said, quote, this equipment will allow our students to practice handson patient care procedures. In a simulated environment and to learn how to work in an interprofessional teambased setting. Beyond the benefits our students will also enable us to provide advanced training opportunities to area, Emergency Medical Services personnel, and First Responders. End quote. Mr. Speaker, this grant is not just an invest nst. Fran tiss, its an investment in pennsylvanias 15th Congressional District. Investment in the lifeblood of our local communities. When we empower learners and provide them with the necessary resources for a conducive, innovative learning environment, our students will thrive personally and professionally and will provide the best possible care to pennsylvanians in need. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from california, mr. Harder, for five minutes. Mr. Harder mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. Revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Harder thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today to commemorate august 7, a syrian genocide memorial day. Many americans are already familiar with the horrors of the armenian genocide, but not nearly as many know about the genocide of innocent assyrian civilians by the Ottoman Empire. Thats why im leading a resolution to finally recognize the genocide of the syrians in the middle east. Many of my assyrian friends and neighbors in californias Central Valley still carry the weight of this havent. In 1914 the Ottoman Empire is estimated to have slaughtered 300,000 innocent assyrians. Some experts believe the true death toll is much higher. On august 7, we remember those who were lost and we say, never again. My resolution would take simple steps to do both. It would assert that turkey, the inheriter of the ottoman tradition, must recognize the genocide. And it would condemn any efforts to associate the u. S. With genocide denial. My resolution would recognize the resilience of these Syrian People who endured the genocide, the massacre, and are now threatened once again by holdouts in isis. And they survived all of this without a homeland to call their own. Today we remember the martyrs. We think of their families. We recommit ourselves to upholding the rights of all people to live freely and in safety. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from michigan, mr. Mitchell, for five minutes. Mr. Mitchell i ask unanimous consent to address the house. Revise and extend. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized. Mitchell mr. Speaker, america is an amazing place and we too often as americans take that for granted. Opportunities exist in this country that simply arent available in much of the world. Any life is an example of the extraordinary possibilities in the United States of america. I ask you, where else can a kid, born in poverty, beginning life in a subsidized housing project, became a National Legislator . Here i stand as a member of congress. How many countries can the oldest of seven children, with parents that are an outo work worker and Office Worker become the first in their extended family to graduate from college, build a career, become c. E. O. Of a major Work Force Development company, and after retiring, be elected to congress . America is truly a unique and special place that we must love and respect with all our heart and soul. My mother raised me to believe that those with talents and resources were expected by god to make a difference in the world. I tried to do that in my career throughout my life. My mission for 35 years was to assist people in identifying securing career opportunities. My professional career allowed me to support my family while assisting assaults of all ages and backgrounds to develop the skills to support their families and build careers. I assisted individuals range interesting laid off Steel Workers and auto workers, to longterm Public Assistance Recipients develop skills they needed to build a career and support their families. I worked for division requiring literacy education, english as a second language, and work for their same job their entire lives and suddenly found their jobs and industries had evaporated and their lives turned upsidedown. I worked with tens of thousands of people searching for assistance in securing a job and career path. I believe then and i continue to believe that most americans find value and opportunity working. Sometimes you just need a hand and assistance to oversome adversity. I brought that passion and commitment to washington. My mission was to make a difference in the world, i literally approach being a member of Congress Like my career, full tilt, leaving no sturn unturned, to have a meaningful impact no stone unturned, to have a meaningful and to make a difference. On this honor to stand floor, debate issues to represent the people of michigans 10th district. Im proud to be among the 12,500 or so that have had the privilege to serve in congress. I have also begun to ask myself about making a difference with my family. My children of all ages, the youngest just 9, have accepted their dad traveling the country, working a demanding schedule, frequently interrupted by text messages, emails, and phone calls. My spouse has been so supportive and more patient than probably warranted. A career in washington was never my objective. My mission has always been to simply address significant challenges this nation faces. Trade, health care, immigration, and infrastructure to name just a few. However it appears to me that rhetoric overwhelms policy and politics consumes much of the oxygen in this city. The time has come to make a difference for my family. To focus my time and energy upon , their needs, their goals. George washington is quoted as saying, i would rather be on my farm than emperor of the world. As a result i have decided i will not seek to continue to represent michigans 10th Congressional District next term. After serving out the remainder of the 116th congress, ill return to my family and to our small farm. Thank you. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from california, mr. Ruiz, for five minutes. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to honor larry n. Olinger, vice chairman of the band of the indians, a dedicated, inspiring leader who passed away july 15, 2019, at the age of 80. Vice chairman grew up in palm springs and later Orange County where he spent many years breeding and racing horses. There a young age, vice chairman was drawn to enacting positive change in his community through Public Service. Vice chairman olinger was first elected to Tribal Council in 1961 where he began his 60year career. He went on to serve in every position on Tribal Council, including secretary, treasurer, chairman, and eventually vice chairman in 2012. As the first chairman of the caliente ll agua authority, he stimulated Economic Growth and strengthening tribal sovereignty. His leadership also spanned from the native American Rights Fund the state of california and where he advocated for prote text of our communities, natural and cultural resources. Our communities have lost a great man and generational leader in vice chairman ollingers passing. Hits passion, class, and concern for the wellbeing of others, including his tribe and our surrounding communities was admirable. I have always admired his strong character and lifelong commitment to learning, and will i deeply miss his Caring Nature and dry sense of humor. Vice chairman ollinger often called his quoteunquote, proudest achievement, his marriage to his wife, susan. Susan, my heart goes out to you and the entire family. I also send my heartfelt condolences to the agua calen at this band. We will miss him deeply but we can honor his legacy by loving our neighbors, caring for the earth, and protecting and respecting the rich culture and sovereignty of tribal communities. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to onor jesus ozuna, a soft spoken, true family man, who passed away june 28, 2019, at the age of 74. Mr. Ozuna is the father of my childhood best friend, oscar ozuna. I spent so much time at the ozuna home that they became my second family, and mr. Ozuna always made me feel welcome and part of the family. I remember his patience, humility, and loving and calming nature. He was also a kind, stable, and secure male role model in our rough and tumble impoverished community. Mr. Ozuna was a hardworking man and ran his own business for 50 years, toiling in the hot desert sun to repair air conditioning units in the cochella valley. He was a great guitar player. He would play Classical Guitar in his home. He was so humble. He would stop playing if he noticed anybody nearby so i would quietly listen from oscars room in awe of his talent. Mr. Ozuna married his high school sweetheart, mary lou, at 24 years old. They raised elliott, sergio, oscar, lila, three nephews, and mr. Supported his mother. Their family grown to include four grandchildren. In his final days, mr. Ozuna refused to be a burden to his family as he battled the illness that ultimately took his life. To the ozuna family, i love you, and your dads story is engraved in my heart and now recorded in our nations history. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from arkansas, mr. Crawford, for five minutes. Mr. Crawford i ask unanimous consent to revise and extend. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized, the gentleman from arkansas. Mr. Crawford i rise to honor one of our nations fallen First Responders, Sergeant Mike stevens, who was killed on july 18. He was a true Public Servant, having served arkansas and our nation as a Law Enforcement officer, firefighter, and soldier. He began his career as a First Responder when he was just 16 years old. Following in his fathers footsteps by joining the calico rock fire department. Mike stephen rose to the rank of sergeant first class. As a firefighter, mike stephen led the pineville volunteer fire department. He instilled his values and dedication to Public Service and his family, all of whom served as volunteer firefighter. When a call came, the entire family responded. As a career Law Enforcement officer, Sergeant Stephen served in the Mountain View police department, Arkansas Department of corrections and ultimately the stone county sheriffs office. Beloved by his colleagues, he viewed Public Service as more than a job. E was always on call 24 7. He advocated for First Responders. On thursday, july 18, Sergeant Stephen responded to his final call. Early that morning, Sergeant Stephen responded to a domestic welfare call in leslie, arkansas. As stephen performed his duties, shots were fired, and stephen was struck fatally, as was the suspected shooter. As arkansas mourns the loss of Sergeant Mike stephen, i ask my colleagues to join me in extending my condolences to the stephen family and honoring the life of a true Public Servant who gave his life protecting the community he loved. Thank you and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from massachusetts, mr. Kennedy, for five minutes. Thank you, mr. Speaker. Today, much of our countrys attention is focused on the hearing happening across the street from where we stand. For weeks, pundits have been speculating. What else would the special counsel reveal . Where is that smoking gun or the vital moment . These questions are understandable, but they also obscure a powerful tool already at this bodys disposal. As we consider whether or not to hold the president accountable. What we already know. And for that, we turn to the special counsels report. Volume 1 details a, quote, sweeping and systematic, unquote, attack by the russian government on our democracy, an attack that our president still refuses to acknowledge. Olume 2 describes 11 different occasions, 11, the actions of the president may have obstructed justice. Legal framework is pretty straightforward. In criminal cases, an individual must meet the socalled elements of an offense. Essentially, a checklist of actions which, if each is proven, means that a crime was committed. What follows in the special counsels report is an exhaustive detailing of facts uncovered and a thorough analysis as to whether the elements of obstruction of justice were met in those 11 instances. The special counsel instructs on page 9, volume 2, quote, three basic elements are common to the most relevant to the obstruction statutes. One, an obstructive act. Two, a nexus between the obstructive act and an official proceeding. Three, corrupt intent. End quote. In a few of the occasions investigated, the special counsel indicated that the evidence is not sufficient to reach that standard. Several others, however, analysis is crystal clear. Page 84, the report begins to detail how the president directed white House Counsel don mcgann to remove special mcgahn to remove special counsel, mueller has to go, call me back when you do it, end quote. The special counsel then applies the law. One, an obstructive act. Page 88, substantial evidence supports conclusion that the president directed mcgahn to call rosenstein and have the special counsel removed. Two, nexus, page 89. Quote, substantial evidence indicates the president knew his conduct was under investigation by a federal prosecutor, end quote. In fact, the president had tweeted about it. Three, corrupt intent. Page 89. Quote, substantial evidence indicates that the president attempts to remove the special counsel were linked. Most immediately to the reports the president was being investigated for potential obstruction of justice, end quote. Substantial evidence to show that all three elements of the offense are met. Substantial evidence that the president obstructed justice. Substantial evidence that the president of the United States committed a crime. There are countless other troubling facts, which the special counsel indicates may meet obstruction threshold. Page 91, just days after pressuring mcgann, he directs his former campaign to deliver a message to attorney general Jeff Sessions to limit the Mueller Investigation to future election interference alone. Page 92, he follows up with the same request a month later. Page 96, the president writes hief of staff priebus, did you get it . Are you working on it, end quote, which leads mr. Mueller to conclude on page 97, quote, taken together, the president s directives indicate that sessions was being instructed to tell the special counsel to end the existing investigation into his campaign, end quote. And the same page that, quote, substantial evidence indicates that the president s efforts to have sessions limit the scope of the special counsels investigation was intended to prevent further investigative scrutiny of the president and his campaigns conduct, end quote. These are the findings of the report. The facts, as they were uncovered and applied to the relevant statutes of our criminal law. The information already in our hands today. Summed up by mr. Muellers devastating conclusion, quote, our investigation found multiple acts by the president that were capable of exerting undue influence over Law Enforcement investigations including russian interference and obstruction of justice investigations, end quote. The special counsel has done his job. We must do ours. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore members are reminded to refrain from engaging in personalities oward the president. The chair recognizes the gentleman from minnesota, mr. Emmer, for five minutes. Mr. Emmer mr. Speaker, i rise to congratulate Boyd Sorenson for receiving frances highest distinction, the legion of honor, for his service during world war ii. As a Fighter Pilot in the u. S. Army air corps, he flew 89 missions in the european theater during world war ii, assisting in the liberation of france. His service didnt end after world war ii. In fact, boyd went on to fly 72 missions during the korean war. Mr. Boyd is no stranger to recognition for his bravery. Hes already been awarded the medal, the rican dwrish flying cross with two oak leaf clusters, and maple leaf cluster. Boyd is a hero and his actions helped further the cause of freedom we enjoy today. Thank you for your service, mr. Boyd, and congratulations on another welldeserved award. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to congratulate violet halverson. At 94 years old, violet has just earned herself the silver medal in shuffleboard at the National Senior games. The National Senior games were created to promote Healthy Lifestyles for aging adults through education, fitness, and sport. Violet began playing shuffleboard in the 1980s. Over the years since, she has participated in recreational leagues and competitions. When she heard about the National Senior games, she knew she had to compete. She won gold her first year, and this year she takes home silver. Congratulations, violet. We cant wait to see how you perform next year. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to congratulate forrest Lake Area High School for being named a Green Ribbon School by the United States department of education. This award is given to schools who recognized the Environmental Impact of their facility. They promote health and ensure highquality Environmental Education programming that prepares students with sustainability skills. Forrest Lake Area High School is among only 35 schools, 14 districts, and four postsecondary institutions across the country to receive this award. I look forward to welcoming the honorees to washington, d. C. , in september for a ceremony to recognize their wonderful achievement. Congratulations to the forrest Lake Area High School for the Green Ribbon School award. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from illinois, mr. Rush, for five minutes. Mr. Rush mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent to address the house for five minutes. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for five minutes, mr. Rush. Rush mr. Speaker, i rise today to address the crisis that is the growing racial wealth gap in the United States. A recent report from the stitute for policy studies noted the meetian wealth for black families adjusted for 7,323 declined from between the years 1983 and 2013. Mr. Speaker, if these Alarming Trends continue, the average black household is on track to own zero dollars in wealth by the year 2053. This is a sharp contrast to the average growth of white households, which increased by arly 14,000 during the same eriod to an average of 2053. 00 by the year zero dollars for the black families. 137,000 for the white families by the year 2053. The wealth disparity between black and white families persists across nearly all levels of income and education. White middleclass households have almost eight times more wealth than the black household n the same income bracket. Mr. Speaker, even a fouryear degree cannot remedy these disparities. A 2014 Census Survey found that of ck family whose head household has obtained a bachelors degree owns an of wealth ,600 compared to an average of 181 ,220 in a comparable white household, a difference of nearly 150,000. Mr. Speaker, the racial gap in andnation must be addressed is of critical concern for all of our nation. The barriers between black families and white families must be addressed. The barriers preventing black families from accumulating wealth drive up poverty rates and stifle americas economy. This is not just a black issue. This is an american issue. The inability to secure your future no matter how hard you our basic ontrary to american principles. We must do more in this house of presentatives to alleviate this critical issue, this crises, and we must continue to make our nation, these United States of america, the land of opportunity for all of its citizens. Mr. Speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from missouri, mrs. Hartzler, for five minutes. Mrs. Hartzler thank you. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to recognize the boys and girls club 2019 Missouri State youth of the year, ms. Jasmine jones. Jasmine is a member of the boys and girls clubs of west Central Missouris cool campsite where she serves as a junior staff member. In her position, she helps run programs and mentors the younger club kids. Earlier this year jasmine was named the Missouri State youth of the year at a two day event in jefferson city, missouri. Marking the first time a student from the boys and girls club of west Central Missouri was awarded this title. Last week on july 18, jasmine represented missouri at the boys and girls clubs of america midwest Regional Youth of the year competition. She made missouri proud with her speech highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle, education, and the impact of ones actions. Im so thankful to have such a talented young individual in missouris fourth Congressional District working hard to be the best person that she can be and sharing her knowledge with younger kids as a mentor. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending jasmine for her hard work and dedication in using her actions to inspire others. I also want to wish her well in her future endeavors as she begins her freshman year at the university of missouri. Go, tigers. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to recognize thele club of fayette missouri. This club founded on december 13, 1968, except brates its 50th anniversary this year. For half a century, they have helped to support youth and cultivate an overall Stronger Community in fayette. The Optimist Club relies on their dedicated volunteers to raise funds and complete projects that impact the lives of kids in their opportunity. The optimists produce youth involvement in fayette by hosting a recreation program, and a fishing derby every year, as well as numerous other activity that is promote local programming for young people throughout the community. It is organizations like the Optimist Club that create the backbone of our small towns and help preserve their treasured cull tumpleteploys join me in commending them for their hard work and dedication to the youth in the community over the last 50 years. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to congratulate columbia, missouri, fire chief randy white on his retirement. Since joining the department in 1998 as a firefighter, chief white has dedicated his life to the safety of mid missouri families. He has saved countless lives and led his department to new heights. During his time as fire chief, randys department became one of only 258 in the world to achieve accreditation through the commission on fire accreditation international. His hard work and leadership have been a blessing to the Columbia Fire Department and a true role model for other departments to follow. I join with many missourians, families, and friends to wish chief white a fulfilling retirement. Randy, i hope you ebb joy the days you worked enjoy the days you worked so hard to earn and wish you health and happiness in this few phase of life. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from california cardenas, for five minutes. Mr. Cardenas thank you, mr. Speaker. Thank you, mr. Speaker. Let me set the record straight. The way President Trump talks about women, minorities, immigrants, and pretty much every american who does not look like him is fueling hate in our great country. Last week in a series of tweets, President Trump attacked four congresswomen, all of whom are american citizens and women of color. The president doubled down on his attacks and singled out one of my colleagues from minnesota in a rally during which the crowd chanted, send her back. Which he seemed to relish. Mr. Speaker, watching that clip made me sick to my stomach and im concerned about the direction President Trump is leading our country. Mr. Speaker, President Trump appears to be encouraging americans to assume patriotism by the color of ones skin and not the content of ones character. This is, in fact, the opposite of what american heroes like congressman john lewis, cesar chavez, and dr. King fought and bled for. Mr. Speaker, make no mistake, our president is stoking the flames of hate and division in our great country. President trump, his america is an america where congress does not include native americans, latinos, africanamericans, asian americans, or lgbtq americans. His vision for america is one where people like my parents and grandparents are not welcome. What i find ironic about Donald Trumps antiimmigrant vision for this country is it contradicts his own familys history. Donald trumps grandfather moved to the United States in 1885 for many reasons, including to escape poverty. Today President Trump is hurting our reputation by denying entry to asylum seekers, or fleeing many of the hardships his very own grandfather was escaping. In 1905 after making his fortune in the United States running a brothel, grandfather trump attempted to go back to germany only to be denied entry for failing to complete military service in his home country of germany. Something that apparently runs in the family. After attempting to appeal the denial in a flattering letter to the prince of germany, addressing him as, the much loved, noble, wise, and righteous foreign sovereign and sublime ruler, his request to return to germany was denied for a second time. My father and mother moved to the United States in 1946, seeking a better life for their family because they heard of the promise of the United States of america. That if you work hard and play by the rules, you can succeed and your children can have a better life. I stand before you today an americanborn citizen, and a member of the United States congress because my parents worked hard and played by the rules. I wasnt handed a fortune like President Trump. I was taught the values of keeping my word, being kind to others, and to work for what i earn. Mr. Speaker, this president would like us to believe that he is more patriotic than the congresswomen he has repeatedry attacked. Not because repeatedly attacked. Not because of anything he did for this country but he believes this countrys rights and protections only apply to the privileged like himself. Honor and patriotism exists in some more than others. My brotherinlaw, hector, who was born in mexico, and is now a citizen of the United States of america, answered the call to serve our great country when donald trump avoided service time and time again. While donald trump was dodging the draft, five times, my brotherinlaw, hector, was serving the United States of america in vietnam. While donald trump was ripping off Small Businesses right here at home, hector was shot while serving his country in vietnam. My mexicanborn brotherinlaw has served this country honorably. And if donald trump had his way, hector would never have had the chance to serve. Serve our great nation. Mr. Speaker, does the word patriot come to mind when you think of a man who dodged a draft time and time again . Or does the word patriot come to mind when you think of the man who answered the call of duty and bled for our great country . Mr. Speaker, i tell these truths to remind us all why the United States of america is great. We are a country of brave and beautiful american citizens and brave and beautiful immigrants from all over the world who contribute to the greatness of our great nation every single day. May god bless the diverse and Beautiful People of the United States of america. And god bless the United States of america. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore members are reminded from engaging in personalities toward the president. The chair now recognizes the gentleman from yth, mr. Curtis, for five utah, mr. Curtis, for five minutes. Mr. Curtis thank you. Mr. Speaker, rise today to speak against the medical device tax. Utah has earned a reputation as a thriving hub for innovation and life sciences. Leading the nation in Technology Breakthroughs each year medical Device Manufacturers in utah pioneer new, exciting medical technologies that help patients live longer and more productive lives. Infortunately, the culture unfortunately, the culture of collaboration and innovation has been threatened by the medical device tax. A tax on Device Manufacturers that has stalled medical Technology Investment across the country. Although congress has come together on a bipartisan basis time and time again to delay its implementation, the continuous threat of heavy, onerous taxation has stifled job growth among medical Technology Innovators and has delayed cuttingedge research that could potentially lead to throughs breakthroughs in patient care and treatment. As it stands today this tax will come into effect january 1, 2020. The impact would be devastating in utah where the med Tech Industry employs thousands of utahans and contributes approximately 5 billion to the local economy. One local Company Estimated the tax would cost them over 7 million. Money that would otherwise be reinvested in work force technology development. As we approach this january deadline, i call upon my colleagues to come together and timely repeal the tax on innovation once and for all. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to highlight our crit relationship with israel. An alliance not only important to our two countries, but to the tech tonic text tonic plates of global geopolitics. I was pleased to both cosponsor and vote in favor of United Statesisrael cooperation enhancement and Regional Security act, and the resolution opposes the efforts to delegitimatize the state of israel and the global boycott disinvestment and sanctions Management Movement targeting israel. Two important legislative priorities because i believe israels safety and security is critical to our own safety and security. More important, its the right thing to do. I have shared with my colleagues on the House Foreign AffairsCommittee Israel holds a special place in my heart. As a College Student 40 years ago, i had the opportunity to spend a semester in jerusalem and get to know the people and cultures. I developed a unique appreciation and understanding for the struggles they face on a daily basis. As many of us know, the b. D. S. Movement exists solely to delegitimatize israels very existence. And im proud of the house of representatives coming together on a bipartisan basis with a unified voice that we will not stand idly by while one of our closest allies is targeted and vilified. The path to peace between israel and palestine will not be hintered by hindered by that kind of blind hatred. Although this b. D. S. Sends a critical message, it falls short of what is ultimately needed to address the longterm challenges. Im hopeful the house will consider stronger legislation with actual binding policy provisions to help the United States stand with israel against b. D. S. Im prepared to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address these issues and those facing our allies. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from georgia, mr. Carter, for five minutes. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to recognize mrs. Marion johnson for her contribution to landing a man on the moon 50 years ago this month. A product of the first Congressional District of georgia, ms. Johnson used her love of math to break barriers throughout her life. Not only in math and science, but also for women and people of color. With a math degree from talladega college, mrs. Johnson took a risk and applied to come the first female and or minority engineers at boeing. She was accepted. By chance it happened to be around the same time that president kennedy announced a National Mission of sending a man on the moon. At boeing, she worked on a team of engineers with a specific mission of putting a man on the moon. She said we worked hard, we worked saturdays, afternoons, evenings until we got it right. The rest is history, and now mrs. On is at the johnsons name is now at the smithsonian. She helped contribute to this engineering marvel that changed world history. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to recognize mr. And mrs. Robert and Sheryl Williams who are retiring after nearly 50 years of running the black sheer times in the first blackshear times in the first Congressional District in georgia. The newspaper is 150 years old this year. Under mr. And mrs. Williams leadership, the blackshear times is one of the top papers in georgia, receiving over 400 awards. Nearly everyone in Pierce County gets their news from the paper, exemplified in their tagline, liked by many, cussed by some, read by them all. Mr. Williams, edited and published his dream job since he was a young child. Mrs. Williams continually kept the papers financials in check. To be a good paper, first, you have to be a good business, mr. Williams said, in praise of his wifes work. Im proud to have the blackshear times in my district and thankful that mr. And mrs. Williams dedicated 50 years to the paper and keeping the blackshear community informed. Congratulations on your retirement. You both will be missed. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to recognize mr. Sam winerich, who is celebrated not only his 100th birthday in august, but 73rd wedding anniversary with his wife, frida. Referred to as zaidi from yiddish, mr. Winerich is a olocaust survivor who was in the auschwitz concentration camp. He is the only survivor from his family, which included nine siblings. His home, poland, once contained over 200,000 jews and the second Largest Jewish Community in europe. But after the nazi occupation ended, mr. Winerich was one of only 6,000 to survive. Mr. Winerich survived in part because he was a jewish doctor and received more privileges than other prisoners, but he also had a beautiful voice and would sing songs in front of the guards for food. Now living in memphis, tennessee, mr. Winerich has dedicated his life to sharing his story and ensuring that a tragedy of this magnitude will never happen again. Happy birthday and anniversary, zaidi. Thank you, mr. Speaker, i yield the remainder of my time. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from alabama, mr. Brooks, for five minutes. Mr. Speaker, president Herbert Hoover once stated, blessed are the young for they will inherit the national debt. Four young interns in my office, nathan olson, jill oxley, austin snell, and tyler wiley, recently shared their concerns about the debt burden they will inherit from debtaddicted washington politicians. These remarks reflect their concerns. Ironically, their concerns coincide with a massive 2 trillion deficit bill congress will soon vote on that be queethed at least 24 trillion in debt to americas future generations. It is the greatest disservice ever done by one american generation to another. My interns itemized three ways which debt endangers america. First, excessive debt and borrowing compete with and crowd out private borrower Investment Opportunities by decreasing available credit, thereby, costing american jobs and better incomes. According to the Congressional Budget Office, when the government borrows, it borrows from people in and businesses which limits people and businesses which limits opportunity which in turn drives them to be less productive, cuts their compensation, and makes them less inclined to work. In sum, excessive Government Debt stunts future growth and hurts the American Economy and eople. Excessive debt hurts the American Economy to respond to american challenges and emergencies. Foundation says concerning future emergencies, unanticipated challenges, wars, or recessions is hurt by debt. The Peterson Foundation adds that, one reason the United States was able to recover from the Great Recession more quickly than other countries was because our debt was fairly low at 35 of gross domestic product. As recent history proves, america can better sbond to a financial crisis if we are not drowning in excessive debt. Unfortunately, by years end, americas debt will explode to roughly 78 of g. D. P. , more than double that of a mere decade ago. That trend is dangerous. Third, as americas debt becomes more unmanageable, our creditors become increasingly concerned about government default and a National Bankruptcy and insolvency. The Congressional Budget Office warns that, with the debt to g. D. P. Ratio projected to grow to unprecedented levels, its increasingly likely that investors will be concerned about the risk for default. America has clearly entered dangerous, unchartered financial waters. The greater the debt, the greater the risk. How do we safely navigate these dangerous waters . Washington must learn from history and heed the advice of president john f. Kennedy who said, we do not choose to cut spending because it is easy but because it is hard. Unfortunately, todays washington politicians reject president kennedys wisdom because they are as hopelessly addicted to debt as a junky is to heroin. Junkie is to heroin. As a result, america faces a mountainous 22 trillion debt, and a bipartisan debt agreement that adds yet another 2 trillion in debt in just two years. If america is to soar to new heights rather than crash and burn on a mountain of debt, washington politicians must act like adults. Our choice is clear. Washington can rack up obscene deficits, accumulated debt, and pay hundreds of billions of dollars each year in Debt Service Costs with the ultimate catastrophe being a debilitating National Insolvency and bankruptcy, or washington can protect americas future, stop unnecessary spending, and bequeath future generations, Economic Freedom and prosperity. Mr. Speaker, i choose the path of Economic Freedom and prosperity for future american generations. That is why i vote against so many unnecessary and excessive spending bills that we dont have the money to pay for. And that is why i will vote against the proposed spending deal that creates a shortterm debt junkie high while badly risking americas future and health. Mr. Speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from south carolina, mr. Norman, for five minutes. Mr. Norman thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today to celebrate a man whos part of the greatest neration, tom pinkie fundaberg. Hes been awarded the french legion of war. He flew the flying for tress with the mighty 8th air force during world war ii. The legion of honor was established by napoleon in 1802 as the highest french order of merit. The first Dangerous Mission for pinkie was awarded the legion of war took place on the 14th, 15th, 16th of april, 1945, over france. His crews mission was to bomb troops 00 camp german on the coast of france. One day, they approached their target from an altitude of 25,000 feet and noticed an absence of antiaircraft activity in the skies. So they dropped down to 17,000 feet. The formation circled three times to drop their bombs more accurately when a small flair used to follow bombs to their targets ignited in their bombay, filling the aircraft with thick, sooty smoke that covered all the windows. Fearing they were hit by ground fire, the crew grabbed their parachutes and prepared to abandon their plane over Enemy Territory. The crew made one last check to see if the pilots were able to make it out safely, so they yelled through the intercome to see if they were coming but received no reply. Just as they were ready to bail out, copilot fundaberg yelled out, wait. The smoke was so thick the pilots were worried about crashing into the other planes in the formation and were too busy flying the plane and clearing the smoke to worry about bailing out. The pilots were able to clear the smoke and fly the airplane and crew safely back to their home base. The final mission took pinkie into to Enemy Territory austria where french prisoners of war had been liberated from a p. O. W. Camp. They recon figured their bomber to carry 37 prisoners of war back to paris and their homeland. For these heroic duties and selfless service, pinkie honors all south carolinians and im proud to recognize him today for receiving the prestigious french legion of honor. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from illinois, mr. Bost, for five minutes. Thank you, mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Southern Illinois was the home to one of americas historys greatest civilizations. Many years before this was the United States of america. Ts center was at cahokia and was one the largest civilization in todays United States. The neighborhood had 10,000 to 20,000 strong. What remains today are the cahokia mounds, a 2,200acre site with more than 70 earth mounds upon which many their buildings once stood. This treasure is visited by schools, families, history buffs, everyone that wants to see this wonderful part of history. It is a critical part of history. Thats why i introduced a bill to make cahokia mounds a national park. My bill would help preserve this amazing piece of history for generations to come. Thanks to congressman clay, shimkus, and davis for cosponsoring this bill, this legislation preserves the mounds in their districts as well. I want to also say thank you to the state and local leaders who support our efforts in illinois and thank you to heartland conservancy for your hard work and for being guardians of our history. I want to say a special thank you to our staff for working so hard with other issues that are going on, but understand how important this issue is to future generations. For the opportunity for our children and grandchildren to understand the history of this area in the world. Im proud to be part of these efforts, to preserve our past well into the future. With that, mr. Speaker, i yield ack. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to clause ressed conce about the final report requirement. And ill quote a. G. Reno. She said, on one hand the American People have an interest in knowing the outcome of an investigation of their highest officials. On the other hand, the report requirement cuts against many of the most basic traditions and practices of american Law Enforcement. Under our system, we presume innocence and we value privacy. We believe that information should in most cases be made public if theres an indictment or prosecution, not any lengthy and detailed report filed after a decision has been made not to prosecute. The final report provides a forum for unfairly airing a targets dirty laundry. It also creates another incentive for an independent counsel to overinvestigate in order to justify his or her tenure and to avoid criticism that the independent counsel may have left a stone unturned. Those are a. G. Renos words. Didnt you do exactly what she feared . Didnt you publish a lengthy report unfairly airs the dirty laundry without recommending charges . I disagree with that. Did any of your witnesses have the chance to be cross examined . Can i just finish my answer on that . Quickly. I operate under the current schoout. Not the original statute. So i am most familiar with the current statute. Did any of the witnesses have a chance to be cross examined . Did any of the witnesses in our investigation . Yes. Im not going to answer that. D