In the house today work on two veterans bills and recommendations for modernizing congress. You are watching live coverage on cspan. The speaker pro tempore the house will be in order. The prayer will be offered by our guest chaplain, reverend erin keys, capitol hill presbyterian, washington dis. The chaplain let us pray, god, we ask you blessing upon all those gathered here today and upon our nation as we along with countries all over the world face the anxiety and fear currently surrounding the coronavirus. Though much about how the situation will continue to unfold is unknown to us. We trust that it is known to you. From the beginning of time, your spirit has hovered over the chaos of our world bringing order and life so we pray that your spirit continues to do so now. We pray for the safety of all people and we pray for the wisdom of our leaders as they guide us through this time. Amen. The speaker pro tempore the chair has examined the journal of the last days proceedings and announces to the house his pproval thereof. Pursuant to clause 1 of rule 1, forjournal stands approved. What purpose does the gentlewoman from new mexico seek recognition . Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1 of rule 1 i demand a vote on the speakers approval of the journal. The speaker pro tempore the question is on agreeing to the approval of the journal. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. The yeas have it. The journal stands approved. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from new mexico seek recognition . I request the yeas and nays. Ism the yeas and nays are requested. Those favoring a vote by the yeas and nays will rise. A sufficient number having arisen, yeas and nays are ordered. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this uestion are postponed. The pledge allegiance will be led by the gentleman from illinois, mr. Quigley. Mr. Quigley 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 iberty and justice for all. The speaker pro tempore the chair will entertain up to 15 requests for oneminute speeches on each side of the aisle. For what purpose does the gentleman from illinois for what purpose does the gentleman from is recognized for one minute. Mr. Quigley the c. D. C. Has given the American Public simple suggestions for protecting themselves in their communities during the coronavirus outbreak. Wash your hands, cover your ugh, stay home if you feel sick. For millions of sick. For millions of hardworking americans staying home from work when they are ill is something they cant afford. The difference from staying home for two weeks and selfisolate and going to work for two weeks no matter how you feel is difference between putting food on the stable table and watching your children go hungry. Its the difference between buying live saving medications and going without. Here in Congress Members are fortunate enough to be able to write their own doctors notes, they can stay home and still collect their paychecks. Americans have that same option . I yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from arkansas seek recognition . To address the house for one minute. Americans have that revise and extend. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor the heroism of two Police Officers in forest city, arkansas. Lieutenant eric varner and detective eugene who stopped a potential mass shooting in progress on february 10. On that fateful morning a gunman entered a walmart in orest city and began threatening threatening customers. Mr. Crawford they responded within minutes. When they confronted the suspect and tried to peacefully dee escalate the situation, the gunman opened fire. Both officers were struck, but they were able to return fire and kill the shooter. Both officers were seriously injured and i ask my colleagues join me in praying for a speedy and full recovery. The lieutenant and detective saved many lives that day without regard for their own safety. I invite congress to join me in honoring them. For eaker pro tempore what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek recognition . Mr. Higgins unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman for what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek is recognize minute. Mr. Higgins the coronavirus a Public Health crisis in need of a clear and consist tept response from washington. The only way to stopt economic damage is to stop the spread of the virus and to keep people from getting sick and dying. Paid sick leave should be extended to 32 million americans who currently do not have it. A onetime federal tax credit could offset the cost of universal paid leave to help stop the spread of the virus. Public health costs or testing and treatment at the local and state level should be assumed by the federal government for spending on the crisis response. The Cancer Institute and Erie County Health department in my community are doing that today at enormous expense and dwindling resources. Every dollar spent on Public Health provides an economic boost. The time for to stimulate the economy is after the virus has been controlled. Once that is done, or occurs, we need to go big on infrastructure to inject both growth and confidence in the American Economy again. Yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from louisiana seek recognition . Ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to commemorate the 100th birthday of mr. John barfield from my home state of louisiana. Mr. Barfield served in world war ii under george s. Patton as part of the hell on wheels second armored division. He was deployed to many different posts throughout europe and northern africa. And fought in nine major battles, including dday and the battle of the bulk. Mr. Abraham during his time in service he was wounded twice and awarded two purple hearts for his bravery and sacrifice. Please join me in wishing a happy birthday to a true american hero. Mr. John barfield, whose currently and dedication to this country are second to none. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from georgia seek recognition . Thank you, 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 gentlewoman is recognized for one minute. Mrs. Mcbath this past sunday we celebrated International Womens day, the unique stories women share, women share and their power to shape our world. Like many women in america, my story includes a struggle to get pregnan. My son jordan was a miracle for me and my family, but for too many mothers in america the miracle of pregnancy ends in tradgedy. United states has the worst rate of Maternal Death in the developed world. This is unacceptable. There is no reason that the richest nation on earth we cannot keep our mothers and families healthy and whole. My bill the social determine nance tore moms act will invest in our mothers and fund access to services and Critical Research we need to help save the lives of our american women. We can solve this crisis together. If we work together. Republicans and democrats. Fighting for a safer, more compassionate and more Community Focused future. Thank you. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . Mr. Speaker, 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 for one inute. Mr. Olson mr. Speaker, the First Amendment to our constitution says, quote, Congress Shall make no law abridging the freedom of the press. End quote. The strength of our First Amendment, our local independent newspapers, these papers fan the flame of american rebellion. There is no america without a free local press. Last week we lost a local press newspaper in texas, covering k. D. News, they ceased operations. The owner and founder left radio eight years ago to get in the field and report on stories that mattered to people back ome. Online primarily. The family put their heart and soul into this paper, covering katy, he would stay awake from 4 00 a. M. To 6 00 p. M. Without a day off in five years. This his last article was quote, entitled, time to say goodbye. My dear friend, thats the wrong headline. The headline should be, time to say good luck. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from pennsylvania seek recognition . Mr. Speaker, request unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. Revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Thompson thank you, mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to recognize chris, principal of bener Elementary School. Chris was recently named pennsylvania 2019 National Distinguished principal by the National Association of Elementary School principals for his, quote, collaborative leadership style, empowering his staff to create an environment where students can excel and his dedication to student, staff, and community. Leaders like chris are important to the success and wellbeing of our nations schools. Chris gives all the credit to his staff, students, and their parents. Chris has served as principal of bener elementary for approximately seven years and well aware of the impact that teachers and administrators have on the daily lives of our nations young people. He said, quote, you dont know the kind of day they are having when they walk in, but you know you can positively affect them for the next six hours that they are here, end quotes. Id like to thank chris for his commitment to students in pennsylvanias 15th congressional district. And i congratulate him on this achievement. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from indiana rise . Mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent to address the house and revise and extend. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. T it mr. Speaker, today i rise to honor the memory of Council President brian mets gar, he originally from milltown, indiana, he lived a life of love and service to his community. He first gained the appreciation for Public Service when he joined 4h at 10. Always an energetic member, ryan knew he wanted to continue his work with 4h and after graduating from purdue university, he accomplished just that. Serving for decades with the 4h Extension Service in white and or rang counties. Mr. Baird his selflessness extended to other youth organizations in his community. Having worked for the Court Appointed special advocate association, the carry home for children in tippy canoe county and countless other organizations my friend and former colleague cared immensely about the growth and development of our young people. Any number of lives are better for his time and generous spirit. Brian was also a devoted member of the greater lafayette rotary club. And he continued to work for his community through the county Council Following his retirement from the Extension Service in 2012 and after 33 years of successful service. Inexhaustible as ever, pryian most recently served as president of the council. Those who were fortunate enough to have known and worked with brian, admired and respected his endless civic engagement. Described by his peers as dedicated and focused, brian embodied the 4h pledge of head, heart, hands, and health in service to others. And he will be missed dearly by his community. Thank you for your service, brian. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, the chair will post opponent further proceedings today on motions to suspend the rules on which a recorded vote or the yeas and nays are ordered. Offer votes objected to under clause 6 of rule 20. The house will resume proceedings on postponed questions at a later time. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from new york seek recognition . Mrs. Maloney i move the house suspend the rules and agree to the bill h. R. 60230 6020 as amended. The clerk a bill to require an evaluation by the Government Accountability office of the social economic and historic contributions that Minor League Baseball has made to American Life and culture. The chair recognizes the gentleman from new york. Mrs. Maloney i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days in which to revise and stepped their remarks and include extraneous material. Minor League Baseball has been part of the social fabric of america for over 100 years. Today, there are 160 Minor League Teams across the country including the Staten Island ankees and the 2019 brooklyn cyclones. This bill requires the Government Accountability office to conduct a study on the social, economic and historical contributions that these teams have made to american society. Minor League Baseball provides Family Friendly entertainment to millions of americans. It is also an important economic influence in many communities, employing thousands of individuals and often serves as an important source of charitable giving. I would like to thank representative trahan and David Mckinley for their leadership on this bipartisan effort. I would like to recognize the members of the Oversight Reform Committee who have cosponsored this measures, representatives, comer, hall and, keller and welch. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill. And i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves. The gentlewoman from west irginia. Ms. Miller i rise in support of the bill requiring the Government Accountability office of the social and historic contributions that Minor League Baseball has made to American Life and culture. This past year, major League Baseball proposed eliminating at least 40 Minor League Teams. M. L. B. Says their goal is to modernize the system but affected communities say the plan is misguided. Minor league teams are often found in smaller cities. I have two in my district and i know they have a vested interest in our community and have a positive Economic Impact and contribute to our diversification. I have spoken with the fans and they tell me how the teams provide a sense of community, pride and togetherness and improve live built in the region. There are other benefits they provide. For example, the average cost of a major league ticket is over 30, compared to the under 10 for the minors. And that cost rises when you factor in parking, concessions and souvenirs. Minor League Baseball also offers an affordable alternative to those families that wish to teach their kids about americas pasttime. In addition to these individual benefits, Minor League Baseball teams donated over 40 million to local charities in 2018 alone. The Minor Leagues have also established initiatives providing opportunities to athletes around the world. These initiatives grow the game of baseball. Some of these initiatives include providing training and equipment to latin american players and expanding the sport by encouraging young girls to play. Minor League Baseball also creates programs and hosts summer camps for kids in their local communities. Promoteograms and camps a Healthy Lifestyle and Teach Team Work and leadership. For these reasons, i support this bill and i urge my colleagues to do the same. I resevere the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves. The gentlewoman from new york. Mrs. Maloney i yield the gentlelady from massachusetts, two minutes. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from massachusetts is recognized for two minutes. Mr. Chairman, this bill would direct the g. A. O. To evaluate the social, economic and historic contributions that Minor League Baseball has made to American Life and culture. George will wrote last october, in baseball, as in the remainder of life, the most valuable rules are unwritten. To my mind, one of the cardinal rules is dont forget where you come from. My grandmother, an immigrant from brazil worked in local, where i now have my Congressional Office. Each day, we help people just like her. Its a constant reminder of the ommunity local is, welcoming loyal. The spinners came to low well, massachusetts. They are an affiliate of our beloved red sox and play 30 miles away. Fans from across the valley have rallied to them each summer. They are a part of our city as the low well and the Merrimack River and the city that the park where the spinners play is among the best ball parks in our country. Baseball has deep roots in Community Just like lowell, fans of the spinners and other teams nationwide had a rude awakening last fall when a contract proposal put their affiliations at risk and they were offered a pipe dream alternative that would spell the end of professional baseball in these communities. The bill before us that preservation of Minor League Baseball is in the Public Interest as it will continue to ovide affordable, Family Friendly enter kainement. They deserve than to be considered in the context of a balance sheet. These communities have supported their teams through thick and thin and produce the fall ent that we see on the baseball diamond at the major league. I urge m. L. B. Dont forget where you come from. Baseball has been rooted in communities like mine. And i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves. Ms. Miller i yield three minutes to the the gentleman from West Virginia. I rise in support of h. R. 6020 and i thank the committee for advancing this piece of legislation to us. My colleague and i from massachusetts have been leading this fight around the country to preserve Minor League Baseball in the 42 communities. Mr. Mckinley baseball in these communities by this proposal by major League Baseball to virtually eliminate Minor League Teams in small towns from massachusetts to montana and communities like charleston, bluefield, and princeton West Virginia. Why is congress involved . You have to understand, for the most part, major League Baseball controls the destiny of Minor Leagues and should not be allowed to bully these small communities into submission. Our goal is to level the Playing Field for these small towns and ensure that they have a voice in this matter. Minor League Baseball is a point of pride and brings jobs and Economic Development and provides affordable Family Friendly entertainment and brings people together for an afternoon at the ball park. And hopefully creating the next generation of baseball fans. This bill is intended to show that Congress Commitment to preserving americas pasttime in small parts of rural america. Far removed from the bright lights of major league. By passing this piece of legislation we will be sending a message that eliminating grassroots baseball in these 4 communities is an unnecessary burden on these small towns jerking the rug from under baseball fans in rural america. Look, look, there are many things in our American Culture that should matter. This particular legislation demonstrates that there are some on things in our american society, in our culture that should mean more than dollars and cents. Baseball needs to think about this, major League Baseball needs to think about this. Thank you, mr. Speaker. And i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves. The gentlewoman from new york is recognized. Mrs. Maloney i yield three nutes to representative hall and from new mexico. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized for three minutes. Ms. Haaland as the granddaughter of the founder of the first native American Baseball Team in arizona i rise to speak in favor of h. R. 6020 and Minor League Baseball. Maloney , chairwoman and the staff. In the late 1940s, my grandfather recognized the talent in his community and started up a Baseball Team to help give everyone a shot and strengthen our connections to each other. My entire family got involved. I remember collecting foul balls because my grandfather gave us five cents for each one we retrieved. As the team started winning state championships, more and more people wanted to join. My grandfather welcomed everyone making sure this would reflect americas diversity. Communities across the country enjoy celebrating with their community Minor League Baseball teams just like my community with my grandfathers team. Isotopes filled the stands and sold more than half a million tickets. Albuquerque would be devastated to lose our teams and concessions would suffer. These games equate to jobs in my district. Major League Baseball may not be targeting the team with this change but dozens of communities arent so lucky. In an unreasonable negotiation, major League Baseball is trying to force regulations on Minor League Baseball that will shutter teams and also the dreams of kids from all walks of life who are inspired by the games they watch. Minor League Baseball provides affordable entertainment and joy for families that cant afford major League Baseball games or living in rural parts of our country. I support g. A. O. Report that will show pay junior League Baseball just how critical Minor League Baseball has been to the social, economic and Historical Development of our communities. Im excited to go back home in may and throw the first pitch for the game and hope that members of congress across the country can continue to have that honor. Go topes. And i yield. Mrs. Maloney i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from West Virginia is recognized. Ms. Miller i would like to make the gentlewoman from new york that i have no further speakers and am prepared to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves. The gentlewoman from new york. Mrs. Maloney i recognize congressman ryan from ohio for two minutes. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from ohio is recognized for two minutes. Ryan ryan one of the great nights in washington, d. C. Throughout the whole congressional year is the night we do the congressional baseball game where democrats play republicans at the Washington Nationals field and 5,000 to 10,000 people there and it brings everybody together in washington, d. C. , which as many people know is a unique night. And many of the players at that game wear their local Minor League Baseball uniform to represent their local community in washington, d. C. At the baseball game. Mahonningave worn the valley strappers unifrom. And they are outside of youngstown, ohio, right by our mall at Eastwood Field for 20 years. And young people and families can go watch professional baseball. They can afford it. They can hang out, the five or 10minute dive. Its an important component of our community. All the ups and downs in our communities in northeast ohio, we have had baseball. And now major League Baseball is saying we want to cut over 40 teams. And what were saying here in the United States congress as congressman bill johnson, republican who also represents part of the area, myself and others are coming together to try to stop this from happening, because young people in our area have been able to go to this francisco atch lindor, names Everybody Knows in major League Baseball and when ey started, they played in niles, ohio. We want to prevent this from happening all over the United States. The speaker pro tempore you now realize the gentleman from connecticut. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from account account vebling for how much time . Mrs. Maloney two minutes. The speaker pro tempore for two minutes. Mr. Courtney i rise in strong support of this bipartisan measure. To draw attention to a really horrible development that could occur if, again, congress and the public is not watching, which is a proposal by major League Baseball to eliminate 25 of the Minor League Teams all across america. Again, i am here next to the logo of the nor witch sea unecorns, a class a norwich sea unicorns. As many of the other members have said provides an affordable family venue for people to actually go to a professional baseball game and see the stars of the future. Again something in a would price tickets of major League Baseball, whether its fenway park or Yankee Stadium or citi field in new york city are far beyond what a working family can afford to do. The logic of this in temples economics makes no sense. Over the last four years major League Baseball has averaged consistently 40 million fans. The cost to major League Baseball per franchise is about 400,000 for the entire team for a season. When you look at the average value of a major League Baseball team, its about 1. 78 billion. Again there is obviously the real high rent teams like the yankees, my friend carolyn maloneys neighborhood, but even the smallest is worth over 1 billion. The notion that major League Baseball is in desperate financial straits just does not add up. Thats why having g. A. O. Called upon, which this bill does. This isnt just a feel good bill, it calls on the gold standard, the neutral analysts in our country to drill down and look at what the Economic Impact would be. We know who represent these communities the impact would be devastating. On february 3, we had a rally in norwich. Hundreds of people showed up. Vendors. Folks who actually benefit from the economic Ripple Effect of a Minor League Baseball team, but the families and kids, high school Baseball Teams that use the field. We need to rise up and stop this development which really goes to the heart of our country in terms of its national pastime. I strongly urge all of us to come together and pass this resolution. With that i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. Mrs. Maloney i have no more speakers. I urge passage of h. R. 6020. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from West Virginia. Mrs. Miller thank you, mr. Speaker. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 6020 as amended. So many as are in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed, and without objection the motion to reconsider is laid upon the table. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Mr. Speaker, i move to suspend the rules and agree to House Resolution 756, as amended soiment the clerk will report the title of the resolution. The clerk House Resolution 756, resolution implementing the recommendations adopted by the select committee on the modernization of congress. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from california, ms. Lofgren, and the gentleman from washington, mr. Newhouse, will each control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentlewoman from california. Ms. Lofgren mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and and their remarks include extraneous material on h. Res. 756. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Ms. Lofgren i yield myself such time as i may consume. Soipt gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Lofgren the select committee on the modernization of congress was created by Speaker Nancy Pelosi on january 4, 2019, when the house adopted title 2 of House Resolution 6, the house rules package. The house voted overwhelming 41812 to create the committee. The speaker was insistant that the committees membership contain a diverse set of views, which is why its membership is evenly divided between republicans and democrats, and is required to have two first term members among its ranks. Im proud to serve on the select committee on the modernization of congress, a committee whose guiding principle in the words of chairman derek kilmer is to, quote, make Congress Work better so that the institution and its members can better serve the American People. During its first year of work, the committee has heard from former members, discussed making legislative information more transparent, and focused on cultivating diversity and improving retention among congressional staff. The committee has also worked to promote civility and collaboration and listen carefully to members about the congressional schedule. The committee is already having an effect. Shortly after hearing on congressional mailing standards, the francing commission moved quickly to modernize their rules so members could communicate with their constituents more directly. The committees success is the very reason that the speaker decided to extend the life of the committee. Originally scheduled to conclude its work after the first session, the house agreed to extend its work for the balance of the 116th congress. I was pleased to work with the Ranking Member of the House Administration committee to make sure that the select committee has the resources it needs to do its work. H. Res. 756 incorporates the first two sets of recommendations made by the select committee. These recommendations focus on increasing transparency, improving Human Resources practices on the hill, improving the onboarding process for new members, addressing needed i. T. Improvements, and making the proceedings and functions of the house more accessible to all americans. Its been a pleasure to work with chairman kilmer and vice chairman graves, the both the chairman and Ranking Member on the committee on House Administration as we have worked to translate recommendations into legislation. Successful Reform Efforts in congress are rare. For the most part these efforts fade away and are forgotten. Im glad that this reform effort spearheaded by the bipartisan work of the select committee is moving forward and we will all see a tangible result in how the congress operates as a result of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves. Without objection, the gentleman from illinois, mr. Davis, controls the time and is recognized. Mr. Davis thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of House Resolution 756, the moving our democracy and congressional operations toward modernization resolution. Mr. Speaker, this bipartisan resolution is an important one that i believe will improve the daytoday operations of the house. I first want to thank chairman kilmer and vice chair graves for their impressive leadership of the select committee on modernization. Also want to say a special want to give a special quick moment of silence in honor of mr. Graves, vice chair graves son, who was in a bad accident on a bicycle. If you could bear with me for two seconds to honor mr. Graves and have a moment of silence to pray for his sons recovery. Thank you, mr. Speaker. The tone that has been set at the Modernization Committee has een a refreshing reminder that there is still a way to there is still a way to work in a truly bipartisan manner. Respecting different opinions across the aisle. Six members of congress from each party came together to work toward a common goal to make this institution better. Americans deserve an efficient and effective legislature. A modernize congress will increase our ability to respond to the needs of communities, save taxpayer dollars, erase layers of bureaucracy, further professionalize the institution, and revitalize a transparent, understandable, and efficient legislative process. H. R. 756 is a package of 29 bipartisan recommendations from the select committees findings on ways to improve congress. These recommendations will increase public accessibility, modernize the Information Technology offices used, streamline Human Resources, improving training official, enhance the ways we can communicate with our constituents, create more transparency and access to public documents, among other necessary advancements. Mr. Speaker, im a proud member of the select committee on modernization. And as the Ranking Member the committee on House Administration i look forward to working towards implementing these vital recommendations. While the palling passage h. Res. 756 is crucial for improving house the house operates i know the work is not done. I look forward to being part of moving additional pieces of legislation the select Committee Puts forward. With that, mr. Speaker, i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentlewoman from california is recognized. Ms. Lofgren mr. Speaker, im happy to yield five minutes to mr. Kilmer of new york who chairs the select committee. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from washington is recognized for five minutes. Mr. Kilmer thank you, mr. Speaker. I thank chair lofgren and Ranking Member davis for their support in bringing this resolution to the floor. H. Res. 756 the mod com resolution is the product of a bipartisan desire to make Congress Work better for the American People. Over the past year the select committee on modernization of congress has taken a hard look at the many challenges this institution faces. Committee members have listened closely to what their colleagues and staff have had to say about how to improve congress and listen to the American People. Clue a collaborative bipartisan process the select committee has passed 45 recommendations to make Congress Work better so that members can better serve their constituents. Making recommendations to improve congress is one thing. Making sure those recommendations are carried out is quite another. The select committee on modernization of congress is the first Reform Committee in recent history to turn its recommendations into legislation, the modcom resolution ensures that the select committees initial recommendations are implemented by the house of representatives. These recommendations cover a broad range of issues but share a common goal, making Congress Work better for the American People. Article 1 of the constitution established congress as the first among coequal branches of government. Our Founding Fathers envisioned a strong legislative branch, but congress capacity to uphold its constitutional powers has been weakened. This resolution is a First Step Towards restoring capacity and strengthening congress. The resolution improves transparency so that the American People can easily access basic information about congress, including following a bill through the process, seeing how members vote in committee, and on the floor, and tracking what bills members sponsor. The modcom resolution also contains recommendations focused on attracts and retaining a diverse and highly qualified work force. Again working on behalf of the American People. The resolution creates a one stop h. R. Shop. To help members and staff with questions about recruitment and retention and diversity, legal counsel, training, and benefits. The select committees heard a lot about how new member orientation should do more to encourage civil it and bipartisan collaboration. This resolution will overhaul the onboarding process for new members and provide continuing Education Opportunities for all members. Select Committee Members also agree that trying to solve 21st century problems with 20th Century Technologies is a disservice to the American People who rightfully expect timely action from their representatives. This resolution will modernize house technologies and ultimately save taxpayers dollars. Modernizing Congress Also means making the proceedings and functions of the house accessible to all americans. The modcom resolution addresses the equal access challenges that persons with disabilities face when working for, visiting, on interacting with congress. The bottom line is this, all members Want Congress to work better for the American People and the mod dcom resolution serves that goal. Im proud to lead this effort but want to emphasize this is an entirely collaborative effort. Congressman tom graves, the select committees vice chair, has been a great partner and i want to thank him for his leadership, partnership, and commitment to the committees success. I thank the gentleman from illinois for wishing tom and his family well and wishing his son a speedy recovery. I thank the chairwoman and the Ranking Member. I want to thank them and the committee on House Administration and their staff for their help and guidance and their work in bringing this resolution to the floor stood and i thank my colleagues on the select committee. We serve with such thoughtful and dedicated members and i look forward to our continued collaboration. The House Clerks Office has been instrumental and i want to thank the many people in offices giving their time and expertise in working through these issues with the select committee. This is the first step on trying to make congress function better. The committee has additional recommendations that we hope to move forward, but in the meantime, i urge my colleagues h. H ress passage of 756. The avis i yield to gentleman from washington, mr. Newhouse. Mr. Newhouse i thank the gentleman for yielding and your hard work. I want to thank you for being here in person yourself to help us argue the good points of this resolution and bipartisan nature. Mr. Speaker, for over a year, the Bipartisan Select Committee on modernization has worked together to discuss how congress as an institution conducts business on behalf of the American People. From broad subjects like Government Transparency and Congressional Office payroll to narrower topics like form ating legislative documents. Our goal is to Bring Congress into the same century as the constituents that we serve. This resolution is a great first step in accomplishing that goal. It requires our Technology Offices to streamline the approval processes for new and Innovative Technologies and housewide bulk products and services and save members money. The resolution examines eliminating the cap on a number of employees. Many members particularly in rural areas like my district in Central Washington have multiple district offices and members should be able to staff their offices as they see fit. Empowering members to adequately staff both district and d. C. Offices can improve retention but more importantly, it can improve communications with our constituents. In closing, i thank chairman kilmer and Ranking Member graves for their leadership and their work in bringing this resolution to the floor. And i encourage all my colleagues, all members to support the adoption of this resolution. Thank you, mr. Speaker. And i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from illinois reserves. The gentlewoman from california. Ms. Lofgren i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from illinois is recognized. Mr. Davis at this time, i would like to yield two minutes to another member of the great state of indiana, ms. Brooks. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Mrs. Brooks i rise today to join my fellow colleagues in support of h. R. 756. Over these past many months under the incredible leadership of representative kilmer and representative graves, the members of the select committee on modernization of congress have worked diligently to address many issues that we believe in a way that have negatively impacted congress to work efficiently for all americans. I have hished time after time many concerns that congress has become too mired in gridlock and our political process has gone into a system that rewards partisan divide rather than a for the people governance. My constituents would be so pleased to see how this committee has worked. And how we have plotted together through many difficult subjects. In the process of cre ating recommendations included in this resolution, a couple of the most important the committee focused on is how to foster that more civil discourse beginning with new member orientation. I want to applaud the chair and Ranking Member of House Administration for being so openminded about any ideas that our committee put forward willing to make changes to many programs beginning with new member orientation. Also, efforts to create a congressional work force more representative of our countrys diverse population like making permanent the office of Diversity Inclusion and streamlining Human Resource services for the house of representatives. We operate as 435 different offices. But we can learn so much from each other. We can find with collaboration and with a stronger h. R. Office better expertise policy and constituent services. Its my belief that the recommendations are terrific and this will move the Congress Forward in a direction that not only produces a more Productive Work force and workplace but a more productive legislative branch. I urgeage and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from illinois. Mr. Davis i would like to recognize a freshman member on our side of the aisle, a member of the select committee on modernization, from the great state of south carolina, mr. Timmons, for two minutes. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for two minutes. Mr. Timmons i rise in strong support of House Resolution 756, legislation implementing recommendations from the select committee on the modernization of congress. The select committee, the only truly Bipartisan Committee in congress has worked since it was created to produce recommendations that will make congress more efficient, accountable and transparent to the American People. This resolution includes 30 of the recommendations passed out of the committee. Reforms in five areas which are streamlining and reorganizing Human Resources, improving orientation for freshmen members, revitalizing technology, making the house accessible to everyone and producing documents for the American People. When i first arrived in washington, i remember having to get on a bus with only republicans. I was shocked that new members would not be briefed together. That this kind of partisanship was encounselinged from the very start. Now i understand a majority of the time members will be meeting with respective parties but to encourage this divide from the beginning was not something i was expecting and i was disappointed. This critz to the brokenness and lack of civility in congress. And this is a concern i heard from several members from both sides of the aisle including fellow colleagues on the committee. We are working to come to solutions that encourages more bipartisanship in this divided time. I am truly thankful for the chairman and Ranking Members leadership and look forward to working with them on other ways to make congress more efficient such as addressing the house calendar schedule and the budget process. I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 756 and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from illinois reserves. The gentlewoman from california california. Ms. Lofgren i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from illinois. Mr. Davis at this point, i would like to say this is our last speaker. But another valued member of the select committee on modernization, somebody that not only the committee is going to miss when he leaves this institution after this term, but this institution is going to miss the gentleman from great state of georgia, mr. Woodal and i yield to him as much time as he would like to consume. Mr. Woodall i have so many things i want to say now in light of that. The truth is, mr. Speaker, i had to walk out on some constituents to be here. One is advocating on behalf of. Venile arthritis i said hunter, this is our bill today and i see you back at home. He said i will tell you one thing, whatever is going on in politics, just forget. What i want you to do the next nine months is go and do the right thing for the right reasons and we will be with you. That is a pretty common message that we get but our committee doesnt always allow that to happen. And i want to thank the chairman for leading the process that has allowed that to happen. I dont know if it has been mentioned but looking at the chairman of the modernization ommittee sitting next to the chairwoman of the House Administration committee. Recommendations have to do with house jurisdiction. Im standing right beside the Ranking Member. Do you know how extraordinary it is in this chairwoman and her Ranking Member to allow another committee to have any sort of input on what goes on, much less delegate some of that conversation and thinking that the amount of lack of selfinterests that has gone into this committee can is something i havent seen much in the 10 years i have been here. You wont see in these recommendations, mr. Speaker, a recommendation to turn the committees into the exact same bipartisan 5050 committee that we have had the pleasure of working on. I dont think you will see it in the next round either. But i will tell you that one of the favorite stories i get to tell back home to folks who feel like politics has taken over this town, knocks who feel like msnbc and fox news and twitter is the end all of be all of political thought. I have gotten a chance to work with members who time after time after time put the institution first. How can we serve our constituency better. Every single conversation, how can we serve our constituency better. How is the institution broken not so that it is not serving members but members not serving their constituents. This isnt the most glamorous of topics, modernization of congress, but i would say to all my colleagues, if you are feeling down or beaten by a political season or if you think this is the time of the electoral cycle where folks are fussing with each other and tear each other down than build each other up. Tune into the next select committee on modernization because what you are going to see is exactly what every single one of us wants to see, and that is serious men and women sitting down in a collaborative way putting American People first. It couldnt happen without the chairwoman and her willingness to be such a productive partner. Couldnt happen without the Ranking Member, mr. Davis and his willingness to be so involved and sokol brative. It should be recommendation number 31, mr. Speaker and thats lets do this again. With that, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore mr. Davis. Ms. Lofgren im prepared to close if there are no additional speakers. Mr. Davis i cant add anything my good friend said, so im going to yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The gentlewoman from california. Ms. Lofgren mr. Speaker, i want to acknowledge the bipartisan work of the select committee. As a body, we have been focused on the need of internal reforms to improve our work for the American People and the select committee has enabled us to focus on reforms and improvement that are necessary to better serve our constituents. It may be true. Some if you read the report, some of it is boring. That is good. To get these things done in a collaborative way so the system works better so we can serve our constituents better, has been a pleasure to work with as a member of the select committee and chair of the House Administration committee charged with implementing many of these recommendations. So with that, mr. Speaker, i would urge that all of us hort House Resolution 756 and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the question is, will the house suspend the rules and agree to House Resolution 756 as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 the in the affirmative gentlewoman from california. Ms. Lofgren i request the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays are requested. All those in favor of taking this vote by the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing until counted. A sufficient number having arisen, the the yeas and nays are ordered. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. Snoot the speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from nevada rise . Mr. Speaker, i move that the rules and passhe the bill senate 760. The speaker pro tempore the of k will report the title the bill. The clerk senate 760, an act to registered apprenticeship programs to better serve veterans, and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore rule, the o the gentlewoman from nevada, mrs. Lee, and mr. Watkins, will each 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentlewoman from nevada. Mrs. Lee thank you, mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and and insert remarks extraneous material on s. 760, support for veterans in apprenticeships act of 2019. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mrs. Lee mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. In strong rise support of s. 760, the support in effective apprenticeships act. This is a commonsense approach o help those who have laid their lives on the line for our freedom. So many of our veterans life and to civilian need to develop a skill to get a goodpaying job. Not suited for traditional education pathways. Registered e apprenticeship programs are so important. Nd this legislation takes important steps to increasing access to complete Financial Assistance they can registered ct to a apprenticeship program. Egistered apprenticeships are he most successful workforce development. 90 of workers who complete an has an average salary of 70,000. Ofcan require the department labor, d. O. L. , to ensure employers are working with their state Veterans Affairs agencies to obtain education benefits for veterans. Two, improving the coordination and the v. A. ,o. L. Requiring the d. O. L. To provide v. A. On newly the registered apprenticeship enable the v. A. To be more proactive in outreach to apprenticeship programs, not yet approved for g. I. Benefits. That employers grant advanced standing credit commensurate ges to such standing or credit to veterans or other eligible who can demonstrate competencies or experience, raining, or skills through their military service. I urge my colleagues in joining this important legislation, which will take real steps to improve veterans their families access to ighquality registered apprenticeship programs. Mr. Speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the reserves. N the gentleman from kansas is recognized. Mr. Watkins thank you, mr. Speaker. Support of s. In, the support for veterans effective apprenticeships act. Provide more d opportunities for service embers within apprenticeship programs that align with their skills and their background. Hardesteran, one of the things i did was transitioning civilian world. Spent somewhere around 8 1 2 years in conflict environments over the course of maybe 12 or it was easier to stay in it was afghanistan than to come back to the United States. Outstanding military. Bright. Ilient and many fought in two wars. Hey have excellent leadership and technical skills, skills that can be used to close the skills gap. Likely to be ore underemployed than their counterparts. This is not because they lack the appropriate skills. Rather, they lack the clear path helps them transition from the military service to goodpaying jobs. 760 ensures that veterans standings in e registered apprenticeship prior s for their experience. This bill acknowledges unique of veterans and simplifies the process for veterans transitioning from careers in the military to civilian life. E have a wealth of experience right here in our country with our veterans. Ets tap into that pool of intelligent and hardworking heroes. Reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentlewoman from nevada is recognized. Mrs. Lee mr. Speaker, i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves. The gentleman from kansas. Mr. Watkins mr. Speaker, i minutes to the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. Thompson. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for two minutes. Mr. Thompson thank you, mr. Speaker. Thank the gentlelady from nevada and the gentleman from kansas for their support with his very important piece of legislation. I rise in support of s. 760, the in ort for veterans effective apprenticeship act of 2019. I was proud to introduce the bill, h. R. 5314, with my colleague, clark. Ntative katherine our nations veterans deserve our support while deployed, and when they return home. Ways to do that is to prepare them for the the orce outside of military. Our Service Members have obtained incredible skills during their service. Many times, quite frankly, under fire. Adly, when they return to civilian life, finding a goodpaying, familysustaining difficult. Many states have a significant inconsistency between the number apprenticeships offered and the number of approved for d as veterans benefits. These discrepancies exist expedited simple v. A. Approval process for apprenticesh whove ceship sponsors gone through the steps to register their programs through the department of labor at the federal or state level. The v. A. Approval process still that es additional steps not all sponsors follow through completion. This makes it difficult in many states for veterans to have the full list of apprenticeship where they can use their earned benefits. Their earned skills and knowledge. 5314 helps streamline the process of obtaining an pprenticeship and reduces roadblocks for our veterans. The bill ensures programs are equipped to complete the process for. Registered apprenticeships and expands coordination between the and the t of Labor Department of Veterans Affairs. Now, additionally, the bill larifies that veterans are eligible for advanced placement increases. Iate wage it instructs the apprenticeship participant ccount competencies and prior experiences, including those ained during their military service. Im proud to support this bill, and i urge my colleagues to do the same. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from nevada. Mrs. Lee mr. Speaker, i reserve. If the ared to close gentleman from kansas is. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves. The gentleman from kansas. Watkins mr. Speaker, were ready to close. The speaker pro tempore the recognized. S mr. Watkins mr. Speaker, 760 will help veterans transition to civilian workforce and address our growing skills gap led to seven million unfilled jobs. This bill is a clear win for our id urge my colleagues to vote yes on this bill. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The gentlewoman from nevada. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. For lee the support veterans in effective apprenticeship act, s. 760, will assist our veterans and their families in accessing the waist that th pathways that registered apprenticeshi apprenticeships provide. Before, we need to set them up with selfsufficiency and dignity. Creategislation does not another bureaucratic layer that virps must navigate veterans navigate. Instead, it requires coordination. Coordination between the d. O. L. Will reduce that barriers for employers and accessing Financial Assistance they can use in registered ith the apprenticeship program. We have all heard stories of eterans having to navigate complex requirements to access benefits that quite honestly deserve. Arned and this legislation proves that this congress has heard our and we are taking concrete steps to reduce tape. Rs by cutting red i dont know why anyone would be opposed to that. Speaker, i , mr. Urge my colleagues to support the legislation and i yield back time. Lance of my the speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman yields. The question is will the house rules and pass senate 760. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 having responded in the ffirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed, and without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. Mrs. Lee mr. Speaker, i demand yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore the requested. Ys are all those in favor of taking nays ote by the yeas and will rise will rise and remain. Tanding until counted a sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays are ordered. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, proceedings on this question will be postponed. For what purpose does the entlewoman from nevada seek recognition . Mrs. Lee mr. Speaker, i move that the house suspend the rules bill h. R. 3598, as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of bill. The clerk h. R. 3598, a bill to amend the Higher Education act 1965 to automatically discharge the loans of certain borrowers, and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the nevada, mrs. Om lee, and the gentleman from ansas, mr. Cat wince mr. Watkins, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentlewoman from nevada. You, mr. Thank speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and and insert remarks extraneous material on h. R. The freed vets act. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mrs. Lee mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Mrs. Lee and i rise in strong 3598, the h. R. Federally requiring earned debt discharges for vets act, or freed vets act. To thank my colleagues, connor lamb and brian other rick and all the coleads for their work to ensure that those whove served and are now totally nd permanently disabled do not face additional burden to get relief from their Student Loan Debt. Improve slation will the lives of nearly 40,000 the service ve who have a servicerelated disability by requiring the of education to automatically discharge their federal Student Loan Debt. Of 1965er education act requires the secretary of to discharge the federal Student Loans of individuals who are totally and disabled but does process. Lish a for too long, veterans with a serviceconnected disability cracks, en through the and because of that, theyve been forced to navigate a confusing system while being straddled with debt. A owe our disabled veterans better option. O in 2018, the department of education launched a datasharing initiative with the epartment of Veterans Affairs to identify borrowers eligible for relief from their student debt. In 2019, the department of started to auto mize itemize loan discharges but has been stalled. This bill will have the continue matching borrowers with data from Veterans Affairs to identify and discharge the debt of matched individuals, liminating burden on our veterans. These brave individuals who served our country and are now permanently disabled should not have to carry the burden of their debt, especially when we have the information and the ability to eliminate all bureaucratic and, quite frankly, unnecessary red tape. Support this legislation, which creates a clear process for disabled to receive the relief they are entitled to under the law. Mr. Speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from kansas. Mr. Watkins i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Watkins i rise in support of h. R. 3598 federally requiring earned education debt discharges for vets act or the freed vets act. This bill would cancel Student Loan Debt for some eligible veterans. H. R. 3598 would remove obstacles preventing veterans from receiving student loan discharges and modernized the administration of federal Student Loans and it is a wonderful way to honor veterans. Most debate about Student Loans is highly contentious and very partisan, but this bill here and now is an example when democrats and republicans come together for the benefit of american heroes. Last year, President Trump signed an executive order eliminating a process for disabled veterans to become eligible for loan forgiveness. Today we are here to ensure that this effort becomes permanent. Im a veteran and i have countless veteran friends, many of them disabled. I know this bill will matter. Selfeterans could use this service who fought in not one but two wars. The freed act was just one example of this bodys commitment and americas commitment to our nations bravest. I resevere the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentlewoman from nevada. Ms. Lee mr. Speaker, i yield two minutes to the gentleman from connecticut, mr. Courtney. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from connecticut is recognized. Mr. Courtney i rise in strong support of the freed vets act, a bipartisan measure led by my and connor lamb and representative fitzpatrick that will discharge Student Loan Debt for personal in any evently and disabled veterans. There is Student Loan Debt hanging over the u. S. Economy and we worked to pass the College Affordability act to open a pathway for people who serve in Public Service to get that debt discharged after 10 years. But this bill is in my opinion a great example of bipartisan agreement that there is one population that should get immediate relief, the men and women who wore the uniform of this country and suffered injury, whether its visible or invisible and 100 disabled. The Education Department got off to a start in terps of trying to implement this type of approach. This bill will strengthen and strengthen that approach to ensure that the v. A. Has identified an individual who is permanently disailed and served our nation that will go to the department of education. No matching process. Again, it will just happen by operation of law. And again, the statistics show that this is a real problem. 42,000 veterans with Student Loan Debt who are permanently disabled and 25,000 of those are in default. Getting this passed and in operation as possible this is the powerful way way to eliminate additional burdens on people who have shown their commitment and patriotism to our country. I congratulate the bipartisan sponsors, mr. Lamb and mr. Fitzpatrick and urge all of us to come together and get this bill passed today as quickly as possible. And i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from nevada resevers. The gentleman from kansas. Mr. Watkins we continue to reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentlewoman from nevada. Ms. Lee i yield five minutes to the the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. Lamb, who is the sponsor of this bill. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from pennsylvania is recognized for five minutes. Mr. Lamb thank you to my colleague from nevada. Thank you to my colleague from kansas for his excellent support and work on this bill as well. You know, people often ask me when i go home to western pennsylvania whether we knock off the fighting down here and do some actual work and work across the aisle in between congress and the white house to get things done. What you are seeing in this chamber today is an example of the fact there are many of us that are serious making it happen and making it happen more often as we go forward. The freed act responded to a specific set of circumstances which it has long been true if you are 100 disabled, you get given and t loan for seeing huge numbers not take advantage of this program either because they didnt know about it or the process of applying for it was too burdensome or too much paperwork. If you have a 100 disbuilt rating there is a lot in your life that you have to worry about besides doing paperwork. Myself and congressman whatatrick and congressman the since kins looking at the same set of facts. These people have a 100 disbuilt rating and make it automatic. That was the beginning of this bill. The administration and President Trump did the right thing here. They noticed the same problem last year and they began to automatically forgive these loans by executive order. The problem was that there were legal uncertainties about who had the authority to forgive the loans and some dispute developed between o. M. B. And the department of education and slowing down the ability of veterans to take advantage of this thing they are entitled to by how much they have given to this country. Our bill was necessary to make sure that everybody knew they have the Legal Authority to forgive these loans. By this Time Next Year assuming we get it through the senate and to the president s desk, you heard that number of 25,000 veterans whose loans are in default and even higher number of tens of thousands more who havent taken advantage of it, that should be zero. We are making a Statement Today that if you have given so much to this country that you have 100 disbuilt rating, you do not need to worry about your federal Student Loans any longer. T is our job to remove obstacles to the people of this country. There is much to be done on the subject of stupid loans but we need to make these brave americans are first in line. Its very common in america these days to hear people spot a veteran and say thank you for your service. The important thing about this bill is that it is republicans and democrats, congress and the president all working together to say thank you for your service not only in words, but in actions. Thats what this this bill neens. Im grateful to have had the support of so many members who look forward to seeing this bill pass today. I urge my colleagues to support it. And i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from nevada reserves . Ms. Lee i have no further requests for time and would inquire if my colleague is prepared to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves. The gentleman from kansas is recognized. Mr. Watkins i yield two minutes to the gentleman from pennsylvania. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for two minutes. Mr. Fitzpatrick mr. Speaker, the freed vets act mandates that the department of education automatically discharge federal Student Loan Debt for eligible pearl in the evently disabled veterans. The Student Loan Debt crisis harms the Financial Security including men and women who have served our nation. Our nations veterans have sacrificed for our freedom and way of life and it is unacceptable that many disabled veterans continue to be saddled with high levels of student debt. E least we can do is forgive their Student Loans. The v. A. Established a program to forgive student debt but the barrier of going through the process means that 20 of those veterans receive the assistance. This bill makes stupid loan forgiveness for these vets automatic. I thank congressman lamb for leading this bill and i urge all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand with our veterans and vote for h. R. 3598. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from kansas reserves. Ms. Lee i have no other speakers. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves. Mr. Watkins we are prepared to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Watkins i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Watkins i thank the president for all he has done for our veterans and i thank the gentleman from pennsylvania, my friend, mr. Lamb, as well as the gentlelady from nevada, my friend, ms. Lee, for all of your hard work of making this piece of legislation a reality. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on h. R. 3598. And i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from nevada is recognized. Ms. Lee i yield myself such time as i may consume. As my colleagues heard today this legislation would requy the department to continue ensuring that veterans that are permanently disabled can have their Student Loan Debt discharged. Think about it, without unnecessary complexity. All this legislation does is streamline a process so those who have been totally and permanently disabled can have the peace of mind and economic freedom. We it to make this process as simple as possible and i europe my colleagues to support this legislation and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman yields back. The question is, will the house uspend the rules and pass h. R. 3598. Those in favor say aye. As amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended and the bill is passed. And without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. Pursuant to clause and the house gaveling out. When they return theyll vote on one of those veterans bills and a recommendation for modernizing congress. Also on the agenda this week, an war powers resolution. You can follow house coverage cspan. Re on members if it comes out to be a which we have one candidate whos standing up for the working class and the middle class, were going to win that election. Those that have been knocked down, counted out, eft behind, this is your campaign the president ial primaries and caucuses tonight tonight for states including idaho, michigan, mississippi, missouri, dakota, and washington. Watch our campaign 2020 coverage and e candidates speeches results tonight live on cspan, from. Org, or listen wherever you are with the free cspan radio app. Follow the federal response to the coronavirus at cspan. Org coronavirus. Find white house briefings, hearings with key Public Health officials, and Public Health specialists. Review the latest events anytime cspan. Org coronavirus. House members spoke on the floor about the governments and nse to the coronavirus talked about best practices for preventing the spread of the virus. Mr. Cicilline thank you, madam speaker. As the number of coronavirus cases rises, its important our constituents have the information they need to protect themselves. So im going to use my five minutes today to walkthrough what the doctors and Health Experts know and what congress has done in response. First, there is no vaccine to prevent coronavirus. So taking steps to protect yourself is paramount. As much as possible avoid contact with individuals who are already sick. If you, yourself,
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