Transcripts For CSPAN House Session 20140326

Congress deliberate today, grant them even greater wisdom so that their actions will honor you in what they do to serve the people they represent. Help all of us to continue to look beyond ourselves and our personal interests and to seek ways to make life better for those around us, both near and far. I pray that even with and through our differences that you will unite us as a people so that our nation will continue to prosper and honor you, amen. The speaker the chair has examined the journal of the last days proceedings and announces to the house his approval thereof. Pursuant to clause 1 of rule 1 the journal stands approved. For what purpose does the gentleman from South Carolina rise . Mr. Wilson mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule 1, i demand a vote on agreeing to the speakers approval of the journal. The speaker the question on agreeing to the speakers approval of the journal. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, ates have it, the journal stands the ayes have it, the journal stands approved. The gentleman from South Carolina. Mr. Wilson mr. Speaker, i object to the vote on the grounds that a quorum is not present and i make a point of order that a quorum is not present. The speaker pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this question are postponed. The pledge of allegiance today will be led by the gentlelady from california, ms. Hahn. Ms. Hahn please join me. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of america and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The speaker without objection, the gentleman from maryland, mr. Hoyer, is recognized for one minute. Mr. Hoyer thank you, mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor this morning to express the gratitude in the house for this mornings opening prayer by one of marylands most dynamic and inspirational faith leaders, my dear friend, pastor Jonathan Leslie weaver. Pastor weaver likes to share with visitors to his church this verse from salms 68. Blessed be the lord who daily loads us with benefits. For the past 25 years, mr. Speaker, reverend weaver has been sharing the benefits of his care and his wisdom with his flock at the greater african Memphis Church in maryland. Pastor weaver has overseen its growth from 100 members in 1988 to more than 1,600 today. And it now has more than 50 minute strers serving the Church Ministries serving the church. Under the pastors leadership, the church has engaged in numerous charitable works, including reentry programs, communitybased violence prevention and antihunger projects. In addition, mr. Speaker, pastor weaver has been at the center of an economic has rment effort which advantaged literally tens of thousands of people in our area and is now got five chapters throughout our country. I thank pastor weaver along with his wife, pamela, for their many years of service. They are a blessing to our community. And i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The chair will entertain up to 15 further requests for oneminute speeches on each side. For what purpose does the gentleman from ohio seek recognition . The speaker i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection. The speaker , mr. Speaker the speaker mr. Speaker, my colleagues, i know the house shares my deep concern over the backlog of benefit claims at the department of Veterans Affairs. Its nothing short of a black eye for our government. This countrys made promises that its our duty to keep and the house has acted to tackle this problem. Even so, reform wont get very far when carried out by managers who have proven theyre not up to the job. So weve recently introduced h. R. 4031, the v. A. Management accountable ability, and this measure accountability act, and this gives the v. A. Secretary the authority to fire and demote officials who arent performing. The principle here is simple. When youre not getting the job done, youve got to go. At the v. A. Its been quite the opposite. For all the incompetence weve seen and all the lives that have been lost, the evidence shows theres been no accountability. Only half measures and slaps on the wrist. An agency which has fallen down the job at any agency that has fallen down on the job, this would be unacceptable. But to have it happen in the Health Care System for americas veterans . I think its shameful. The v. A. Is failing our veterans and their families and its time we hold these people accountable and get people in there who can fix this backlog once and for all. I want to applaud chairman miller and the Veterans Affairs committee for their leadership and im pleased this legislation was already has already picked up the support of several veterans organizations and i would urge all of my colleagues to back this critical measure. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from ohio yields back. For what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek recognition . Without objection, the gentleman from new york is recognized for one minute. Mr. Higgins mr. Speaker, i rise today to mourning the passing of ralph wilson. Hes best known in my western new York Community as a founder and owner of the Buffalo Bills for a remarkable 55year tenure. He was a savvy businessman and a true lover of the game of football. I remember mr. Wilson calling me to his office to discuss his concerns about the new nfl collective bargaining agreement. He believed that agreement was stacked against smaller market teams like buffalo and i found him to have a better command of the details than anyone on the subject. He was passionate not only about his beloved Buffalo Bills but about its place in our community as well. And mr. Wilsons interest in our community didnt stop at football. His foundation donated over 11 million in the past two decades, including to a cancer institute, the Community Food banks and the Hospice Foundation of western new york. Mr. Speaker, we are forever grateful for mr. Wilsons dedication to western new york and to our nation as a world war ii veteran. My thoughts and prayers with his family and friends during this difficult time. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new york yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentleman from nebraska seek recognition . Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize natural agriculture week. Its a time to celebrate the extraordinary diversity, abundance and evolution of american agriculture. In 1960 the average u. S. Farmer fed 26 people. Mr. Smith today, mr. Speaker, the average u. S. Farmer feeds 155 people but using less land, less water, less energy and less fertilizer. Thanks to Agriculture Research which has given rise to new technologies and techniques, americas producers are adopting practices which allow them to meet food, fiber, feed and fuel demands and preserve our Natural Resources for generations to come from hightech irrigation tools to biotechnology, growers are producing a more stable, safe, quality and affordable food supply. As we recognize National Agriculture week, we have much to celebrate but many challenges ahead. Knowing the forward thinking nature of producers combined with these exciting advances in agriculture, im confident we will meet all the demands of our growing world. As cochair of the modern agriculture caucus, and the rural caucus, im committed to ensuring federal policy reflects sound science and strives to compliment not undermine this innovation. Thank you, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from connecticut seek recognition . Without objection, the gentleman from connecticut is recognized for one minute. Mr. Speaker, i rise today because today the democrats will present a discharge petition to force a vote in this house on something that so Many Americans know to be absolutely essential. Mr. Himes which is comprehensive Immigration Reform. Now the senates weighed in with 78 yes votes. This is a senate where you dont get 78 votes for just about anything. But the reason i rise today, mr. Speaker, is because yes in financial services, we had a very interesting hearing on why debt matters. And we talked a lot about what we need to do to continue to put our country on a sustainable path and to help this recovery be stronger. Had the c. E. O. Of honeywell and others. They agreed on one thing. Enthusiastically. That one of the most important steps we could take to spur growth in our economy and to help our fiscal situation and would be to dget pass comprehensive Immigration Reform. The senate has done so. Its time for this house to do the same and stand up for the economy and american families. Mr. Speaker, i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from connecticuts time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from ohio seek recognition . Without objection, the gentleman from ohio is recognized for one minute. Mr. Speaker, as a proud alumnus of the university of dayton, im here today to wish good luck to the dayton fliers. The university of dayton Mens Basketball Team has advanced to the ncaa tournaments sweet 16 for the first time in 30 years. The dayton fliers are the only team this season to have upset two top 25 teams in the second and third rounds of the ncaa tournament. Mr. Turner but the city of dayton has a history of being underestimated. The Wright Brothers started working on their socalled flying machine in a dayton garage. These pioneers of aviation went on to complete the first man flight, transforming the way we travel and engage in commerce. Its fitting that the university of dayton bears the flier name in honor of the dayton tradition of succeeding despite all odds. Congratulations to the dayton fliers and to coach archie miller. You have a vast fan base of students, faculty and alumni throughout the country who will be cheering you on tomorrow night. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from california eek recognition . Without objection, the gentlewoman from california is recognized for one minute. Thank you, mr. Speaker. Far too many women face financial pressure simply due to outdated policies that hamper their opportunities for success. Ms. Hahn i recently hosted an event in los angeles with congresswoman roybalallard and congresswoman napolitano to discuss womens economic agenda. Over 200 women showed up to talk about this. And we heard from women like sonia and karen. Sonias been a hotel worker for nine years. Barely making it on minimum wage. While balancing her work with the needs of her three young sons. Without paid medical and family leave through her employer, whenever one of her boys was sick, she had to stay home without pay. Mothers like sonia, we must increase the minimum wage and ensure employers provide paid family and medical leave for all of our families. Karens life was turned around after she was finally able to access affordable child care. After struggling to balance taking care of her daughter as a single mom and building a future. Because of that shes already earned an Associates Degree and is now studying for her bachelors degree. The success of our nation relies upon the Economic Security of these women. Because when america succeeds, i mean, when women succeed, america succeeds. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewomans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from South Carolina seek recognition . Mr. Wilson to address the house for one minute, revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman from South Carolina is recognized for one minute. Mr. Wilson mr. Speaker, according to an institute of the university of new hampshire, the number of longterm unemployed americans has more than doubled since 2007 to a gruesome 39. 3 . The president has had more than enough time to get our weak economy back on track. Instead of working with congress on progrowth reforms to our tax system, encouraging businesses to hire more workers, he has focused his attention on implementing his disastrous health care takeover, destroying jobs. American families have felt the due policity of the unAffordable Care act. They have lost health care plans, theyve been forced to pay higher insurance premiums and receiver smaller paychecks due to reduction in work hours. A key to economic recovery starts with repealing and replacing the takeover with a commonsense, patientcentered solution. Our work force should not lose 2. 5 million more jobs because their government mandates because of government mandates. We should Work Together to promote jobs. In conclusion, god bless our troops and we will never forget september 11 and the global war on terrorism. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman rom michigan seek recognition . Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Madam speaker, i rise today to talk about a critical federal program that helps seniors and lowincome families in michigan and across the country with their utility bills. Mr. Kildee the low Income Home Energy assistance program, liheap, provides shortterm assistance to help households with their heating costs in the winter and cooling costs in the summer. In michigan more than 600,000 households receive liheap assistance last year. Nationally liheap serves 6. 7 million people. These mostly onetime payments provide a financial bridge to ensure that vulnerable populations do not have to choose between paying their energy bills and affording the other necessities of life like food and medicine. Today is national liheap action day and constituents, businesses, nonprofit organizations are all in town to ask congress to provide Adequate Funding so that residents across the country are able to continue accessing this vital program. Please welcome them into your offices and please support the critical liheap program. With this year being one of the coldest winters in decades, many local agencies are already struggling with record numbers of people seeking assistance. Liheap benefits have already been cut. Its not time to cut them again. Thank you, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from illinois seek recognition . I rise today to recognize a caring and innovative educational leader from illinois 14th Congressional District. For her hard work, cheryl gray was named illinois assistant principal of the year by the illinois principals association. Since she began at prairie trail school in wadsworth, she has created an implemented fresh ideas that bring together students and their families in education. Mr. Hultgren her brin child, partnership and agreement, lead to success, has been extremely successful in educating and empowering atrisk children. Shes devoted her time to improving the special education program, and increasing School Attendance by supporting families who are in need. A servant of the lake county community, shes an inspiration to her students and the next generation of educators. With more leaders like cheryl in school, all of our children will be able to reach their true potential. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from kentucky seek recognition . Mr. Yarmuth request unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman from kentucky is recognized for one minute. Mr. Yarmuth madam speaker, during the past 40 years we have made tremendous progress in america. Technologically, medically, socially, and for many of our citizens economically. But not if youre a family trying to get by on the minimum wage. In real value todays federal minimum wage is about 0 below the days when president s ford and richard nixon, as american productivity has surged, the economic status of the American Worker has weakened, and along with it the capacity of American Consumers to continue driving our economy. Even walmart executives have admitted an obvious cause an effect. When their employees cant afford to shop in their stores, profits will suffer. Madam speaker, a fair minimum wage has the power to make work pay a little better, give families a shot at a stronger future, and grow our economy substantially. It is whereby american taxpayers must support lowwage workers when their employers dont. And it reaffirms the basic american idea if you put in 40 hours a week you should be able to put food on your familys table every day. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Without objection, the gentleman from california is recognized for one minute. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to honor evan strong, in celebration of his continued achievement in the 2014 sochi paraolympic winter games. Mr. Lamalfa nevada citys home to 3,000 people, including evan and his wife. Today i join the members of that community in recognizes his generosity, and strength. Evan strong grew up with a strong passion for sports whether it was surfing the waves in maui or skateboarding around the neighborhood. You couldnt find him without a board. Unfortunately shortly before his he has a winter x games gold medal, worldship title. Two overall titles, and 11 world cup titles. Perhaps most extraordinary is historic performance in the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games led the United States in a sweep of the snowboard event and eernt himself the first gold medal in the game. I congratulate event on his remarkable achievement. You make california and our nation extremely proud. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from ohio seek recognition . Without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized for ne minute. Mrs. Beatty mr. Speaker, today the National Association of letter carers, arrived in washington for its national conference. I rise to honor these dedicated postal workers and thank them for the Great Service that they provide. Bringing news during tragedy and triumph. Americas letter carriers have a long history of delivering the mail for well over 200 years. Their tireless commitment helps ensure the Timely Delivery of prescriptions, paychecks, Social Security checks, and other communications to countless americans and keep the stream of commerce flowing. In light of the fiscal challenges faced by the United States postal services, a number of postal workers have been presented that they could potentially be downgraded, thus we would downgrade postal services, hurt postal workers, and shutter post offices. As we continue these debates on this house floor, i wish to reassure the National Association of letter carriers, buckeye grant 78, that they have an ally in me. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from North Carolina seek recognition . Ms. Foxx unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentlewoman from North Carolina is recognized for one minute. Thank you, mr. Speaker. Yesterday the Supreme Court heard arguments in the hobby lobby case. Is simply asking that owners rights under the religious freedom restoration act are respected. In an ironic bit of timing, the Administration Just effectively waived the march 31 deadline for signing up for an obamacare plan. Despite president obamas continuous extra legal rewriting is simply asking that owners Rights Health care remains unwilling to accommodate religious Business Owners who are providing Health Care Coverage for employees. Yesterday also brought a news report from North Carolina of 200 substitute teachers having their hours cut in order to obamacare mandates. Teachers plight is not unique. As republicans noted during the original debate over this law, putting the government in charge of 1 7 of the economy is a recipe for disaster. We need to repeal obamacare and enact Health Reform that empowers patients not bureaucrats. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from new jersey seek recognition . Without objection, the gentleman s recognized for one minute. Mr. Payne mr. Speaker, the deadline to sign up for the Affordable Care act approaching, i want to encourage everyone, especially young people, and people in my district, to sign up for health insurance. For those who think the process is too cumbersome or you wont get an affordable rate, listen to the story from a 29yearold woman from new jersey. She said, my employer agreed to provide 300 a month towards any health plan i could find. Unfortunately trying to find an affordable Insurance Plan on her own in new jersey where she lives she said was insane. One quote was over 700. Others provided flimsy coverage. Full of frustration, her mother told her about the Health Care Insurance marketplace. She says that when she logged on to healthcare. Gov, she was surprised to find out how easy it was to enroll. With her employers contribution, she has a comprehensive plan that costs just 63 a month. Thats less than a cell phone bill or cable bill. We are talking about something much more important, our nations health. So dont wait. And find a care. Gov plan that works four. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . Without objection, the gentleman from texas is recognized for one minute. Mr. Speaker, the napoleon of sigh piera has launched cold war 2. Mr. Poe he seems to be on a mission to restore the soviet empire, he invaded georgia, then ukraine, he seized crimea. The next target . No one knows. However, quietly behind the scenes putin seems to be resurrecting a Cold War Nuclear program in violation of the 1987 i. N. F. Treaty with the United States. Mr. Speaker, what good is a Nuclear Treaty if not all sides abide by it . Will russias cheating start a 21st century arms race . Representative mike rogers, joe heck and i have introduce add esolution stating the russians have violated the treaty. We basically watch and talk and say that isnt nice. The president said of treaties in 2009, rules must be binding. Violations must be punished. Words must mean something. Like my grandfather used to say, when all is said and done, more is said than done. What are the consequences for russian violation of the i. N. F. Treaty . We shall see. Thats just the way it is. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from illinois seek recognition . Without objection, the gentlewoman from illinois is recognized for one minute. Thank you, mr. Speaker. 42 years ago, Congress Passed the equal rights amendment to guarantee equal rights for american women. Although we have made progress leveling the playing field, we still have a ways to go. Ms. Kelly women earn more advanced degrees and make up half of our National Work force, but the return on their educational investment doesnt come close to their male counterparts. Women still earn 77 cents to the dollar men earn and are working lowerwage jobs at a time when their families are becoming more dependent on their salaries. M working to balance any inequities that disadvantage american women and consequently their families. I cosponsored house joint resolution 56, the constitutional proposal for an equal rights amendment, and i supported the paycheck fairness and fair minimum wage act. These bills are good for working women and good for their families. Today i urge my colleagues to stand up for the many unemployed women and impacted families in their district. By passing an Unemployment Insurance extension immediately. Lets honor womens History Month by supporting fair wages for all, promoting equal treatment under our laws, and by supporting Vulnerable Women by extending safety net benefits like Unemployment Insurance. The speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from pennsylvania rise. Without objection, recognized or one minute. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to congratulate Slippery Rock university, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. In 1887 veraget the citizens of Slippery Rock pennsylvania, saw the need for affordable, accessible Higher Education in their community, and in less than 18 months, land was purchased from my good friend and colleague, jim gerlachs family, to whom it had belonged for three generations. Mr. Kelly on that land was soon established Slippery Rock state normal school. It opened on march 26, 18 with its ultimate object to make the student an educator. It was purchased by the commonwealth in 1926, and was in Ed University status 1983. After 125 years, Slippery Rock university has nearly 80,000 proud graduates. It offers a broad away of other graduate and graduate programs to more than 8,000 students, and is consistently recognized as a great place to learn and work. For as long as this impressive institution remains standing, Slippery Rocks after 125 years, Slippery Rock university has nearly 80,000 proud graduates. Commitment to intellectual development, and c responsibility will endure. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from nevada rise . Without objection. Is recognized for one minute. Ms. Titus in the year 2000, the people of nevada overwhelmingly voted to legalize medical marijuana, 6535 percent. 13 years later the state Legislature Passed an acting statute, and last week the Las Vegas City Council in Clark County Commission both approved the establishment of dispenseries. Similar action has taken place in 18 states, creating a patchwork of conflicting state, leadership, local, and federal laws and regulations. As a result, theres a great deal of uncertainty and confusion for nevadans and doctors, patients, and businesses, and other states where marijuana is legal. As more states move towards legalizing marijuana use, its important that congress address the issue to ensure consumers and businesses are protected and are able to operate without fear of federal prosecution. Thats why im cosponsoring the respect state marijuana laws, the truth in trials act in the marijuana Business Access and banking act. I have also joined a Bipartisan Group of my colleagues to call on the Appropriations Committee to ensure the department of justice is not wasting taxpayer dollars. These are commonsense proposals that preserve states rights and ensure patients and businesses are protected. The speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from montana rise . Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Daines mr. Speaker, foregenerations montanans have been dedicated to stewardship of our lands. Montanans know how to best preserve and protect these lands so that future generations can enjoy them. And thats why so many montanans were upset by interior secretary sally jewels recent comments inferring that the president would take action and unilaterally designate new lands as National Monuments under the Antiquities Act. Comments like these concern montanans who recall recent efforts by the department of interior to designate millions of acres along the high line of the National Monument without local involvement. This unilateral action is unacceptable to the people of my state. Thats why im proud to support the ensuring public involvement and the creation of National Monuments act, which requires Public Participation and local support before the president can make any new monument designation. The American People deserve a voice in the monument designation process and i strongly encourage my colleagues to support this commonsense bill. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from maryland rise . Ms. Edwards mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized for one minute. Ms. Edwards thank you, streak. I rise today to recognize women s History Month. Its just a fact that the success of our nation relies on the Economic Security of women. Unfortunately outdated policies are constraining the ability of women to participate fully in our economy. Many face a lack of good paying jobs and child care. In fact, 2 3 of minimum wage workers are women and the poverty rate for women is 14. 5 , the highest in two decades. Women earn just 77 cents on the dollar for, for africanamerican women dollar, for africanamerican its only 64 credibilities on the dollar. Thats why House Democrats have launched an economic agenda for women. When women succeed, america succeeds. Weve got at that raise the minimum wage to 10. 10 an hour, increase tip wages that havent been raised in 23 years, equal pay for equal work, paid sick days and access to quality, affordable child care. Women are playing an expanded role in our economy and in our country. Its time we recognize their contribution because when women succeed, america succeeds. The speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from ohio rise . Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, march is colon Cancer Awareness month. Sadly, colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancerrelated deaths among both men and women in this country. Including over 2,000 ohioans. Mr. Chabot but it doesnt have to be. As the American College of gas row college of gastro shows, colonoscopies could prevent over 50 of detects in the u. S. When colon cancer is detected early, the survival rate climbs to 90 . The American Cancer Society reveals that screenings have reduced the rate of colon cancer instances by 30 over the last 10 years. Still, more needs to be done. Mr. Speaker, as we observe colon Cancer Awareness month, i urge all americans, particularly those over 50, to talk to their doctor and ask if a screening is right for them. Cancer is a killer and colon cancer can be more deadly than most. But we can fight back by taking proactive steps to diagnose and combat the disease at its outset. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from arizona rise . Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Barber thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of the economic womens agenda and to acknowledge womens History Month. Womens History Month is a time when we pause to recognize the extraordinary contributions that women have made throughout our nations history. As a husband to my wife nancy, a leader in health care for women, a proud father of two accomplished daughters, and the grandfather of three girls with so much promise, i am absolutely committed to making our country a full range of opportunity available and reality for all of americas daughters. Thats why i introduced earlier this month the womens economic bill of rights. Because all women have a right to equal pay. All women have a right to fair treatment in the workplace. And to economic and retirement security. The womens economic bill of rights is about standing up in congress to make sure that we strengthen our commitment to advancing womens Economic Security for current and future generations. I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring this resolution because we know that when women succeed, america succeeds. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from maryland rise . Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Harris mr. Speaker, our economy continues to struggle and that means hard working americans are struggling. Far too Many Americans are having trouble making ends meet and government overreach is only making things worse. And the worst example of this overreach is the president s deeply flawed health care law. We just had obamacares fourth anniversary this past weekend and what do we have to show for it . Americans cant keep their plans, even if they like them. Families are being forced to pay more for their Health Care Insurance. Women are unable to stay with their doctors despite the president s promise. Seniors are facing cuts to their hardearned medicare benefits. Businesses are afraid to hire more workers. House republicans have a plan to get washington out of the way, to create an america that works and addressing these problems is a great place to start. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentleman from texas rise . Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. A couple of weeks ago i was proud to host a womens economic agenda event at the Young Womens Leadership Academy in san antonio, texas. It was a great way to celebrate womens History Month by having a conversation about what we can all do to ensure that women in our nation are empowered. There were three specific issues that we spoke of that concern our nation greatly. The first one was fair pay, making sure that when women put in a full days work, they make the same amount of money as men do. The second was family leave. The ability to be able to take time off to be with sick parents or when you have a child. Thats extremely important for working women. Also child care. Mr. Castro many women are unable to take and keep jobs because they simply dont have the child care resources that they need to make sure that they can make sure their children are safe and also go on to work. Its imperative that the United States Congress Take up these issues and continue to make sure that theres parity in our society and that women are able to enjoy the same benefits as men. Thank you, mr. Speaker, and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the entleman from virginia rise . Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Moran mr. Speaker, we rise today to demand action on comprehensive Immigration Reform. For over a year, weve experienced nothing but broken promises from our republican leadership. The senate did its job, passing a bipartisan bill by a vote of 6832. Speaker boehner, House Republicans have refused to consider this responsible proposal, even though it has the votes to pass right now. The reason for this is clear. Republicans would rather protect themselves from a primary challenge than address the challenges that face our nation. Thats why House Democrats have resorted to introducing a discharge petition this week to demand a vote on Immigration Reform. This is supposed to be a democracy. Comprehensive reform is backed by a majority of the american public, including the business community, labor unions and religious organizations. Comprehensive reform would grow our economy, strengthen families and open doors of opportunity for millions of americans who want to embrace the american dream. Americas always been a nation of immigrants. Continuously revitalized by those who come to our shores to make a better life for themselves and their families. Now is the time to pass exrencive Immigration Reform. Thank you comprehensive Immigration Reform. Thank you. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from florida rise . Without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Walz thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise ms. Wasserman schultz thank you, mr. Speaker. March is a time to honor our foremothers. Democrats know that the biggest challenge to attaining complete equality is economic justice. My daughters are growing up in ago an america where women still make just 77 cents to every mans dollar. This wage discrimination is compounded even further when you consider that women also represent nearly 2 3 of minimum wage workers and often have jobs with no sick leave. If women have to choose between their jobs and their families, clearly we still have a lot of work to do. First we must extend unemployment benefits. Women struggling to find work need that bridge to help pay the bills while they look for work. We must also increase the minimum wage. Fight wage discrimination by passing the paycheck fairness act. And extend paid family and medical leave to all women by passing the family act. This agenda is a perfect way to celebrate womens History Month and honor all americans who have fought for equality and fairness. As president obama said, when women succeed, america succeeds. Thank you, i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back the balance of her time. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from new mexico ise . Without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized for one minute. Ms. Lujan grisham mr. Speaker, march is womens History Month and i rise in memory of a trail blazer, georgia lee luck, the first woman to ever represent new mexico in the house of representative the. Georgia was electriced in 1946 and served Congressional District one, my district. Georgias in our history books as a woman who wasnt afraid of a fight. She grew up on a farm in carlsabad, went to Highlands University in las vegas, new mexico. She came to washington to fight for better education and better care for veterans. As a school administrator, she had seen the effects of book shortages and overcrowded classrooms on young students. As a mother of three boys who all fought in the second world war, she knew all too well the challenges faced by those returning from war. Georgia served on the Veterans Affairs committee and worked across the aisle to make sure that veterans received the benefits provided to them in the g. I. Bill of rights. She fought for federal aid to education, hot meals for students and helped establish what we now know as the of education and she did so much more. Mr. Speaker, the only third congresswoman in new mexicos history, i am determined to carry on georgias fight. A fight for better care for veterans and a better education for our students. When women succeed, america succeeds. The speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time has expired. Ms. Lujan grisham i yield ack. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from utah rise . Mr. Bishop by direction of the committee on rules, i call up House Resolution 524 and ask for its immediate consideration. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the resolution. The clerk house calendar number 92, House Resolution 524, resolved, that at any time after adoption of this resolution the speaker may, pursuant to clause 2b of rule 18, declare the house resolved into the committee of the whole house on the state of the union for consideration of the bill, h. R. 1459, to ensure that the National Environmental policy act of 1969 applies to the declaration of National Monuments and for other purposes. The First Reading of the bill shall be dispensed with. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. General debate shall be confined to the bill and shall not exceed one hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the committee on Natural Resources. After general debate, the bill shall be considered for amendment under the fiveminute rule. The bill shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions in the bill are waived. No amendment to the bill shall be in order except those printed in the report of the committee on rules accompanying this resolution. Each such amendment may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report, equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the house or in the committee of the whole. All points of order against such amendments are waived. At the conclusion of consideration of the bill for amendment, the Committee Shall rise and report the bill to the house with such amendments as may have been adopted. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Section 2, it shall be in order at any time on the legislative day of march 27, 2014, for the speaker to entertain motions that the house suspend the rules as though under clause 1 of rule 15 relating to the following. A, a measure addressing the medicare Payment System for a physician for physicians. And, b, a measure addressing ukraine. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from utah is recognized for one hour. Mr. Bishop thank you, mr. Speaker. For purposes of debate only, i yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from colorado, mr. Polis, pending which i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for the time he may consume. Mr. Bishop during the consideration of this resolution, all time is yielded for the purpose of debate only and i ask that all members have five legislative days with which they may revise and extend their remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Bishop this resolution provides for a structured rule for consideration of h. R. 1459, ensuring public involvement in the creation of National Monuments act. It provides for an hour of general debate, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the committee on Natural Resources. The rule makes in order three amendments, two of which are democrat amendments, in addition to a managers amendment. The rule also wisely provides for sameday authority for the legislative day of thursday to consider the socalled docks fix bipartisan proposal which may come forward for our consideration, as well as for consideration of measures aimed as spo aimed at supporting the people of ukraine against russian aggression and expansionism. So this is an important rule and therefore it deserves our strong support. Mr. Speaker, i am pleased to stand before the house today in support of the rule as well as the underlying legislation, primarily because its my bill. And i appreciate the hard work and support of the chairman of the Natural Resources committee, the gentleman from washington, mr. Hastings, in forwarding this important bill to the floor of the house for our consideration. I have to admit, mr. Speaker, perhaps because the underlying ill is my bill, ive had closer consideration of the discussion, the comments that have been made about it and have taken some of them rather personally. To be honest, i am quite frankly amazed at some of the inaccuracy and the misrepresentation or misinformation, i should say, that has taken place by some outside groups in blogs, on the internet descriptions, by special interest groups, actually even some members of the board. When i originally saw some of the reports that said this bill would stop any more creation of any more national parks, nothing could be further from the truth. President cant create national parks. Only congress can. It has nothing to do with national parks. Eventually they changed to say, well this will stop the creation of National Monuments. Again, that charge is simply reare is simplyry ding louis. The he is ry dick simply ridiculous. The essence of this bill is simple. It says the President Shall be treated like everyone else. Congress, if theyre going to make any kind of land decisions, must have an open process where they have an open process. Any agency of the federal government, if theyre going to make some kind of land designation, they have to go through nepa, National Environmental protection act, policy act, im sorry, go through the process which provides for input, public discussion and public advise about it. The overwhelm one who cant do that, and he cannot, is the president. When the administration testified about this bill in the committee i was amazed because they said the president should not have to go through the open process of obtaining public input on his decisions because even though the entire federal branch has to, hes only the head of the federal branch, hes not the federal branch. Im sorry, that just does not make sense to me. The idea is, everyone including the president , should ask for public input. One of the groups, the National Resource defense council, brought on their blog that the nepa was the magna carta of environmental laws. They wrote much like the magna carta protkted people from dangers, nepa protects people by providing transparency in federal projects. Both the magna carta and nepa expose the ideals of Public Participation in democracy by giving citizens a voice in government decision. In a different bill yesterday, in a different committee, the administration testified against the bill saying it would stop Public Comment about this particular issue. And thats, im sorry, is why i get so confused about the rhetoric about this particular bill. What we are asking is for a president before he uses his authority to go through nepa. To provide for Public Comment and concept. If nepa is the magna carta and it provides for Citizen Voice and democratic decision, how can you then say that this bill which provide for nepa for that kind of Public Policy would eviscerate one of americas bedrock conservation laws . This is simply intellectual gymnastics of the highest level. Either getting public input is good, in which case we should pass this bill, or getting public input is bad, in which case theres a lot of things we should change around here. I happen to think getting public input is good because it does one thing. It solves the problem before they develop. In our state we have had a National Monument that was designated by president ial proclamation for almost 20 years now. We are still dealing with issue of what kind of grazing rights were or were not included in that proclamation. What kind of roads were or were not opened. Even though we tried to solve the problem because the president had no concept of what trust lands were in that area. Not all of those changes have exchanges have yet to be consummated. Another of the monument the president proposed, the president recently proposed, they have already come to us and say there are problems within the boundaries of that monument. We have found private property we didnt know existed. We dont know whether theres provisions in there to allow that to go on, but we are not sure how you accomplish that. We are not quite sure which Land Management agency is responsible for the administration. Those issues are all the issues that could be settled before you make the designation and if indeed the nepa process was required, those would be the issues that would be brought up, they would be understood, they would be dealt before you make the initiative. So, i have had people tell me that this is actually the no more National Monuments bill. It would stop National Monuments. Patenly false. False premise. Its a scare tarktic, not an argument. It is incredibly wrong. With that, mr. Speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from utah reserves. The gentleman from colorado is recognized. Mr. Polis thank you, mr. Speaker. I am a here with my good friend from the rules committee, mr. Bishop, discussing, he made a passionate case and he cares deeply, as do many of us about issues affecting our public lands under the Antiquities Act. The real antique here is our outdated immigration system. Thats the antique. When i have my town Hall Meetings in my District Across colorado and join my friends across the country, what i hear from my constituents is not lets alter the process whereby a president might designate something as a National Monument. Thats not the number one issue. Thats not the number five issue. What my constituents demand, what colorado demands, what our nation demands is we relace our antiquated, out of date, illconceived, completely dysfunctional immigration system with one that works for our country. With the principal of securing our borders, with the principal of creating jobs for americans, reducing our deficit. Ensuring people who work here pay taxes. Ensuring that companies have a responsibility to authenticate and verify that their employees are here legally. That is what the country needs. Its what more than 75 of the American People support. I am he proud to say, mr. Speaker, that we have a im proud to say, mr. Speaker, that we have a bipartisan Immigration Reform bill. H. R. 15. If we were to advance that bill to the floor of the house, it would pass tomorrow. It would pass the next day. But instead of that bill being even presented in rules committee for a vote and despite my repeated desires to the chair of that committee, to the chair of the committee of jurisdiction, mr. Goodlatte, mr. Bishop has witnessed over a period of months, saying when will you bring forward this bill, when will you bring forward this bill . When will you fix our broken immigration system . Despite that we have not advanced one single immigration related bill that addresses any one of the flaws in the immigration system to the floor of the house this entire legislative session. So our pasheens is wearing thin, mr. Speaker. And i have Great Respect for you, mr. Speaker, for the majority leader, mr. Cantor. Great respect. And i understand its the prerogative of the Majority Party to control the bills that are being debated on the floor. But in the absentence of leadership, mr. Speaker, in the absence of you bringing a bill forward that allows us to fix our broken immigration system, we the members of this body, democratic and republican, have no choice but to take it upon ourselves to bring this issue forward to the floor of the house. Im going to tell you a little bit about, mr. Speaker, the way we can do that. These are the rules of the house. I strongly recommend them as bedtime reading, mr. Speaker. Fortunately they have a provision called the discharge petition that he provides a way that the members of this body that provides a way that the members of this body, 21 out of the 435, meaning the majority of the members of this body, can sign a discharge petition for the bill, and that means despite a speaker or majority leader that he refused to schedule that bill for debate, if it gets a majority of members to sign the discharge he petition, it goes right to the floor for a straight discharge petition, it goes right to the floor for a straight up or down vote. Thats all we are asking for. Im confident h. R. 15 would pass tomorrow if we had that opportunity. I call upon my colleagues, democratic and republican, to sign the discharge petition. Mr. Speaker, i call upon my friends across the country to inform their members of congress that they want to see action on this important issue. In no way, shape, or form should this detract from the passion mr. Bishop has for obscure provision of the Antiquities Act and the nepa process and establishment of public monuments, but this simply isnt the issue that galvanizes our country. This isnt the issue that reduces our deficit by 200 billion, or 900 billion over two decades. Whatever we do to the Antiquities Act, does not create 150,000 jobs for american citizens, does not boost g. D. P. , is not backed by an Unprecedented Coalition of labor and business, farm workers, and agricultural companies, of the faithbased community, police and law enforcement, and the business sector. We have the opportunity to do something great for our country, mr. Speaker. The opportunity to show real leadership by, of course, encouraging you, mr. Speaker, to bring forward Immigration Reform. And if you prefer to bring forward several components, we will work with you to ensure that we can address some if not all the issues within our broken immigration system. The but failing your leadership, mr. Speaker, failing your leadership, the membership of this body under the rules of the house is asserted itself under a discharge petition to bring comprehensive Immigration Reform, h. R. 15, immediately to the floor of this house for an up or down vote. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from colorado reserves. The gentleman from utah is recognized. Mr. Bishop i reserve for a moment. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from utah reserves. The gentleman from colorado. Mr. Polis parliamentary inquiry. Is the discharge petition the process provided in the house rules to allow a majority of the house without the support of the speaker or the rules committee to bring a measure to the floor that has not been reported by committee . The speaker pro tempore the discharge process is addressing clause 2 of rule 15. Mr. Polis mr. Speaker, is it correct that any house member can file a discharge petition if the committee has failed to act on a bill after 30 legislative days . The speaker pro tempore the chair advises the member is free to consult the standing rules of the house at any time. The purpose of the floor debate at this time is the current rule, 524. Mr. Polis mr. Speaker, are there any provisions in the current rule that would allow an up or down vote on Immigration Reform . The speaker pro tempore the chair will not construe the concurrent resolution. Mr. Polis mr. Speaker, is it true that h. R. 15, the bipartisan Immigration Reform bill, has been pending before several committees and has not even faced a vote in committee since its been introduced in october . The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is not asking a relevant parliamentary inquiry. Mr. Polis mr. Speaker, the American People will determine whats relevant and whats not. And, mr. Speaker, i think whats relevant here is the fact that this body, which wasnt even in session last week, which is working 9 1 2 hours this week, is simply not addressing the issues that the American People are demanding that we address. Mr. Speaker, one wonders why perhaps only eight or 12 of the American People approve of the institution of congress, is precisely because the issues that people care about that want us to solve, and its not a partisan thing, these are the issues that my democratic and republican and independent constituents all want us to solve. They want to make sure we reduce the deficit, secure our borders, implement mandatory workplace authentication of workers. Theres not been a Committee Vote on h. R. 15. Theres not been a floor vote on any legislative proposal to address any dimension of our broken immigration system. And that is why i join my colleagues in signing the discharge petition under the rules of the house to bring forward this bill for immediate consideration of the floor so this body can work its will to finally replace our broken immigration system with one that works. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from colorado reserves. The gentleman from utah. Mr. Bishop thank you. I am pleased to see the passion and fervor of the gentleman from colorado on this issue. I wish that that passion and fervor had been a couple years ago when i had an immigration bill on the floor. Unfortunately today we have an issue that is extremely important to those of us who live in the west. And i think my county commissioners, all of whom see this as a very, very critical issue, will take some kind of umbrage saying this is not a significant thing. If you were one of the county commissioners that lives in the west that has control of your land, the entire county, by the federal government, wayne county, for example, has exactly 3 of its county is private property. Thats not a small county. The rest is controlled by the federal government. There is the constant fear by these people that the president by a stroke of a pen or picking up a telephone can make a ruling or a proclamation that will change their lives significantly. That will make their economy turn upsidedown. And there is not a thing they can do about it, which is the reason we have asked for this bill. To at least give these county commissioners the chance of having public input before the decision is made. Thats why this becomes so significant. These county commissioners want to be treated fairly. As all people want to be treated fairly. And one of the problems they have in being treated fairly is simply this particular archaic act. The Antiquities Act, the original Antiquities Act was passed in 1906. Now, think about that for a minute. What kind of environmental laws were there in 1906 . And also consider the state of the nation in 1906. 190 , the states of alaska and hawaii and arizona and new mexico and oklahoma were not part of the nation. Even my state of utah was less than a decade old as a state in this particular nation. A lot is made often about how the grand canyon was created by using the Antiquities Act. Actually, it was. Unfortunately it was a monument using the Antiquities Act, but the grand canyon had actually been a National Forest before it was create add monument. When it was created as grand Canyon National park, that was done by congress because only congress has the ability to create national parks. One of the situations we have is the situation is extremely different from 1906 until today. And one of the things also is different is that the Antiquities Act has been used in the past but it has basically been abused in the future. There are three criteria for which the Antiquities Act is supposed to be used to create a National Monument. Its supposed to have a particular element that needs to be protected. Secondly, it has to be in imminent danger of being destroyed. And, third, it has to be in the smallest print possible which meant when they were debating it in 1906 on the floor the debates have clear they were talking about two to 200 to 300 acres. President bush