Transcripts For CSPAN US House Of Representatives Special Orders 20160906

The speaker pro tempore on this vote the yeas are 395, the nays are three. 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. For what purpose does the gentleman from georgia seek recognition . Madam speaker, i send to the desk two privileged reports from the committee on rules and ask for filing under the rule. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the titles. Carlos report to accompany House Resolution 843, resolution providing for consideration of the bill, h. R. 5063, to limit donations made for Settlement Agreements to which the United States is a party and for other purposes. Report to accompany House Resolution 844, resolution providing for consideration of the bill, h. R. 2357, to direct the securities and exchange as to add listing and registration of a class of comment Equity Securities on a National Security exchange, as an additional basis for satisfying requirements of janine instruction, one being one of such form, and to remove such listing and registration as a requirement of janine instruction of such form and providing for consideration of the bill, h. R. 6424, to amend the Investment Advisors act of 1940 and to direct the securities and Exchange Commission to amend its rules to modernize certain requirements relating to Investment Advisors and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore referred to the house calendar and ordered printed. The house will be in order. He house will be in order. He house will be in order. Take your conversations off the floor, please. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, the chair will postpone further proceedings today on the additional motion to suspend the rules on which a recorded vote or the yeas and nays are ordered. Or on which a vote incurs objection under the clause 6 of rule 20. Any record vote on the proposed uestion will be taken later. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from south dakota eek recognition . For what purpose does the gentleman from utah seek recognition . Mr. Bishop i move to suspend the rules and pass hrment r. 3839 as amended h. R. 3839 as amended. The speaker pro tempore weck. Carlos h. R. 3839, a bill for the secretary of the interior to the secretary of Veterans Affairs for inclusion in the Black Hills National Cemetery nd for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from utah, mr. Bishop, and the gentleman from colorado, mr. Polis, will each control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from utah. Mr. Bishop mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on bills under consideration. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Bishop and with that i yield myself such time as i may consume. T is amazing, mr. Speaker, that there are perhaps more people on the floor to hear this particular bill than are usually on the floor to hear bills and discussion. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman will suspend the. The house is not in order suspend. The house is not in order. People will remove their onversations from the floor. The gentleman is recognized. Mr. Bishop its close enough for government work. But the amazing that this is all by serendipity. This is a unique bill and i rise in strong support of the Black Hills National Cemetery boundary expansion act thats offered by the gentlewoman from south dakota, mrs. Noem. This bill is one of those things that actually helps people. Instead of being bureaucratically stuck in the predicament that we are, this will transfer from b. L. M. 200 acres roughly to the Veterans Authority so they can actually have an expanded cemetery there for native americans that deal in this particular issue. This is one of those things where were actually doing something good to help people. And it takes a piece of legislation to allow that to happen when it should have been done administratively. But i do wish at this point to insert in the record an exchange of letters with chairman jeff miller of the Veterans Affairs committee Veterans Affairs committee, and to thank him and his staff for skeding this particular bill scheduling this particular bill. Thank you. With that i would yield for as much time as she may consume to the gentlelady from south dakota who is a sponsor of this bill, mrs. Noem. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Mrs. Noem thank you, mr. Speaker. And thank you to mr. Chairman. I rise in support of h. R. 3839, the Black Hills National Cemetery boundary expansion act. And want to thank the chairman of the committee and his staff for helping to move this bill through the house and the agencies involved in their constructive input. Your support means so much to me, to our veterans and to all of their families as well. Those who have served in the family who served and the families who sacrificed beside them deserve our nations eternal gratitude. The Black Hills National Cemetery has been but one way in this appreciation is shown. The cemetery currently covers around 100 acres of land and is home to the korean veterans war memorial. Most importantly, its peaceful landscape serves as the final resting place of hundreds of Service Members and their family. Chief david beautiful bald eagle is among one of those buried there. Born in a tipi in 1919, he served our country in world war ii. Ed a ass a paratrooper in one of the as a paratrooper and one of the legendary lakoda code talkers. His life continues to be an inspiration to those who knew him. Brigadier general richard e. Ellsworth is also laid to rest there. This is a man who flew 400 combat missions during world war ii and earned numerous medals. He returned to the u. S. Where he eventually became Wing Commander of the Rapid City Air force base. In 1953, that base was renamed Ellsworth Air force base in his honor. We honor the legacy of those veterans and many others at the Black Hills National Cemetery, but the facility will not have the room it needs to continue serving future veterans without expansion. This bill will allow that expansion by transferring around 200 acres of adjacent land in south dakota from the bureau of land managements jurisdiction to the department of Veterans Affairs department of Veterans Affairs. My office has worked with these agencies and stakeholders in crafting the legislation. And all agree that this Land Transfer is necessary. The transfer of land will provide the Black Hills National Cemetery with the additional burial space that it needs and assure that todays veterans and Service Members, as well as their families, that we will be able to uphold our commitment and offer this nations eternal gratitude for all that they have done. Again, i want to thank the committee and the chairman, my colleagues, for supporting this bill and i urge a yes vote. Thank you, mr. Speaker. With that ill yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back the balance of her time. The gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from colorado is recognized. Mr. Polis mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Polis as a fellow representative of the west, i join my colleagues from utah and south dakota in support of this bill. Whenever we need to make an alteration to federal land, whether its u. S. Forest service or b. L. M. , it frequently requires an actual bill to go through this entire process the house has process, the house, the president s signature, ive had to do that a number of times and worked with our chairman on a number of bills important to my district. Now we have one thats not only of importance to south dakotans, but important to veterans nationally. This bill provides the Veterans Administration with 200 acres of federal land thats managed by the b. L. M. To expand the Black Hills National Cemetery. As we know, National Cemeteries are reserved for brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the military. And its important that we have space to meet those internment requests. Our veterans have served their country and they deserve to permanently rest in the cemetery that honors their sacrifice and commitment to the ideals that hold us together as a nation. And it so happens that the b. L. M. Land that this bill would transfer abut thes the current cemetery. The abutts the current cemetery. Only congress can provide the transfer necessary for this expansion. Thats not uncommon to actually bring bills before congress for land exchanges or border extensions. Thats why were discussing this bipartisan, commonsense bill. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it. Expanding the Black Hills National Cemetery is a noble and worthy cause that deserves our support. I want to thank representative noem of South Carolina south dakota for bringing this issue foort and forward and for all all of her hard work in guiding this bill through committee and hopefully shortly through the United States congress. I join my i urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from utah is recognized. Mr. Bishop i have no more speakers, if were ready to close. Mr. Polis i urge my colleagues to support the bill and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. Mr. Bishop once again, this is a great ran out of space. With this bill we continue to actually help people which is one of the reasons why congress exists. To do good things for people. I yield back the balance of my time and urge my colleagues to wait. Before i yield back, i urge my colleagues to adopt this measure 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. 3839 as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. 2 3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended and the bill is passed and without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid upon the table. The chair will entertain requests for oneminute speeches. For what purpose does gentlelady from florida seek recognition . Ms. Roslehtinen permission to address the house and revise and extend. Ms. Roslehtinen today marks the 39th day since local transmissions of the zika virus via moths was confirmed in my area of south florida on july 29. 39 days since it was obvious that much more needed to be done to confront the threat that zika poses to citizens here at home. We are here with 56 cases of zika in miamidade county, seven of them having been confirmed today, today, mr. Speaker. Ere are 2,686 travelrelated cases across the u. S. Federal funding is needed now to lp those with those zika infections. Ery day, ma mikeala have trying to learn about zika. Mr. Speaker, how many more days will south florida families have to wait for a comprehensive response package from the federal government. We have waited too long. Send in the cavalry. Thank you, mr. Speaker. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from tennessee seek recognition . Permission to address the house for one minute. Mr. Cohen thank you, mr. Speaker. Im dressed in a searsucker suit. And traditionally people from the country and the south and the fashion industry would say you dont wait it after labor day. But this year, its going to be the hottest year on record. Since the 1880s we started keeping records. The First Six Months of the year have been the hottest months. Global warming is real. And we are going to be wearing these suits into october. And we be starting to wear them in april. Probably around the first of april. Those people who dont think this Global Warming, go out in the weather before memorial day or after labor day and theyll realize that Global Warming is real. Climate change is with us. The oceans will rise, land will disappear. Miami beach is too nice. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from pennsylvania seek recognition . Mr. Thompson permission to address the house for one minute and revise and extend. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Thompson mr. Speaker, in august, i was proud to recognize someone from my district who made a big contribution to the commonwealths largest industry, agriculture. James davis was the recipient of the Community Service award. Mr. Davis has been a strong advocate for agriculture over the past 50 years. As a child he attended a oneroom school house before graduating and earning a degree in Agricultural Sciences and master of arts degree. He dedicated his life teaching in butler, lebanon and fulton counties and taught agriculture, science, math, social studies in Valley School districts becoming an elementary principal. He operated farms which has been in the family since 1882. He continues to serve as a volunteer and has been a mentor for countless youth. Congratulations, jim. You earned it. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek recognition . Ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Tonko thank you, mr. Speaker. During this summers long 53day recess i heard from many about congress failure to pass commonsense gun prevention measures. The period between memorial day and labor day, where we witnessed horrors like the worst mass shooting in miami, Law Enforcement deadliest day since 9 11 and dallas and this is way beyond unacceptable. Each new report of a shooting regardless of its scale begs the question, what will it take for the house leadership to bring legislation to the floor that addresses the root cause of these tragedies. With more than 90 of americans demanding congressional action, im certain my colleagues on the other side heard similar requests from their constituents imploring us to take a stand against the National Gun Lobby and make our places Safer Communities in which to live. Debate and pass legislation that will prevent dangerous individuals from purchasing firearms. And i yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from indiana seek recognition . Permission to address the house for one minute and resize and extend my remarks. By centennial the torch relay. 2016 marks two centuries of statehood and this relay will see the torch designed by the 4th districts own Purdue University engineering students. Along with others, i will have the honor to carry the torch and excited to be involved in this unique and privileged event. This relay will last for over a month with a route ending on october 15 just in time for the dedication of the plaza, a brand new public space. I want to thank the by Centennial Commission for all they have done to make our year more memorable for generations to come. Mr. Speaker, its good to see you in the chair and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentleman from massachusetts seek recognition . Permission to address the house. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Kennedy mr. Speaker, before heading to the airport earlier today, i met with a group of mothers from the Massachusetts Organization of moms demand action. Headlines of lives lost are altered by gun violence. Boston shooting grateful ininjures men, two dead and two injured. 11yearold boy shot in the face. All of these in the last two weeks alone. In the time since we last voted in this chamber, guns have taken the lives of thousands of americans in every corner of this country. In the weeks to come, it will take thousands more. You cannot tell me we are powerless as men, women and children carry the wounds of our inaction. You cannot tell me the answer to this bloodshed that guns are damage. F more they are in our thoughts and prayers and their memories are just not Strong Enough for action to prevent another gun violence. Mothers and fathers, sons and daughters are crying out to this body to address this epidemic. Listen and act. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from kansas seek recognition . I ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and revise and extend. The speaker pro tempore without objection. I rise today with a heavy heart. I would like to honor the memory whwab. Eb s 10 years old was the amazing son of my good friends who i have known for years and we served together in the kansas legislature. Words cannot express how heart broken i am for them and their boys. There may be no greater loss in life than a parent losing a child. Children are supposed to bury their parents and no parent is supposed to bury their own child. Caleb will be remembered. His parents and brothers will remember the same question that came out of his mouth every day, can i go out and play . Caleb, we will live love to the fullest in your memory and you are playing in heaven. Bless scott, michelle and their family and keep them in their thoughts and prayers. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from texas seek recognition . Ms. Jackson lee permission to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Ms. Jackson lee mr. Speaker, all of the over the august work recess, i met with many constituents and i met with my Regional Zika Task force that included Health Professionals who recognize the devastation of he zika virus and in the continental United States there are over 600 pregnant mothers have been impacted by the zika virus, yet unborn children and there are about 30plus cases of transmission right here in the United States. And yet tonight, the other body failed to pass the zika funding. Now is the time. My committee is very constructive. A doctor from the city of houston talked about surveillance coming into their clinics to determine if they have been impacted by a fever and a rash and talked about a zika vaccine and an app to give information to those in need. But yet the funding is not here. Why . We cannot pass a clean emergency funding without riders. Lets stop playing politics. Pass the zika funding. People are dying. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from maine seek recognition . Permission to address the house for one minute and revise and extend. The speaker pro tempore without objection. There are mill wrons i dont know, sir of americans who are frustrated that we are not working together to get things done. I can tell you that is not the case, mr. Speaker, in the great state of maine. During the past six months i worked very hard with congressman chellie pingree, a democrat who represents the 1st district in maine. And together, we have ushered a very important bill, that removes redundant and harmful red tape from being imposed upon 0 hard working mainers who seaess sea cue couplers and urchins. They are collected on the bottom of the sea floor by those who dive in the cold dark waters. It is a very dangerous job and the product is a delicacy in the far east but very perishable. These fficials inspect cue couplers and urchins. U. S. Fish and wildlife folks are imposing additional red tape before they can get on cargo planes. Mr. Speaker, i would like to say im proud of the maine commonsense bipartisan bill that removed this red tape from 650 people who work as hard ard as anyone you can find. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . Permission to address the house for one minute. Mr. Gohmert while most of us have been working around in our districts trying to assist others in their lives, one of our number, one of the most dedicated Public Servants in the world has been fighting leukemia, thats our friend, judge poe. He sends this message. This summer while congress has been out of session, i have undergone treatment here in houston for leukemia. Eight weeks into treatment im feeling like myself again and im confident i will beat cancer. Incredible progress has been made thanks to the good lord and the world class physicians. Tomorrow, i will return to washington for votes and then be present for as much of the fall session as my treatment schedule will allow. The support i received during this difficult time has been overwhelming. He goes on to say, thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers during september leukemia awareness month. I intend to keep fighting the disease while fighting for the people of the state of texas just as i have and thats just the way it is. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Without objection. Mr. Rohrabacher mr. Speaker, as we stand here today, let us remember that today the slaughter of christians in the middle east continues. The slaughter by radical islamic terrorists continues as we do our business as usual. We have a president who is even unable to use the words radical islamic terrorist, which could have something to do with the fact that we have had policies that have failed to stop this slaughter, this historic slaughter of christians in the middle east. This group has declared jihad on the west and has begun the grew some bloodletting by targetting christians in the middle east for genocide. Again, this administration has failed to do anything to stop the slaughter and those people who have been permitted into our country from that part of the world overwhelmingly have been muslims and not christians. Its time for congress to act. We have not done our job. We have failed as well. We need to pass legislation. I have submitted such legislation that says that from now on in that part of the world where christians have been targeted for genocide, they will be given preference for any Refugee Status or immigration status into the United States. At the very least, we could do this. To stop the slaughter of christians in the middle east. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. Is there any further one oneminute requests . The chair lays before the house the following personal requests. The clerk leave of absence requested for mr. Desjarlais of tennessee for today and the balance of the week, mr. Poe of texas for today, mr. Ross of florida for today and the balance of the week, and mr. Ruppersberger of maryland for today. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the request s granted. Under the speakers announced policy of january 6, 2015, the gentleman from california, mr. Garamendi, is recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the minority leader. Mr. Garamendi thank you, mr. Speaker. As i was flying to washington from california today, i recalled coverses conversations i had over the weekend with a group of students that are headed back to school. At the universities in california and other parts of he nation. To an individual, i asked them, how are you financing it . What are you going to do . Are your parents taking care of you, your grandparents . In some cases they say, well, theyre helping a little bit. But im going to do this with a student loan. All across this nation young men and women and maybe some that are not so young are going back to school to continue their education, to begin it and in some cases to learn new skills. Theyre taking out Student Loans. This is an incredible, incredible way in which weve now begun the financing of our Higher Education system. What does it amount to . Well, let me show you. What it amounts to. It amounts to a whopping amount of debt. Among americans, no other loan Program Exceeds the amount of student debt except for home mortgages. Well over 1 trillion. 1 trillion in 2014 and probably approaching 1 trillion 1. 25 trillion. A burden on jth not just current on not just current students but students from yesterday and from the decades before. Still carrying that burden of debt. Unable to begin the normal, what used to be the normal a cess of a family, a car, house, participating in the Economic Activities of america, but rather, burdened by an extraordinary debt. And here we are in congress, really not even paying attention to this fundamental american issue. Its an economic issue, for the large economy, macroeconomic. Its also very, very much a personal issue. Theres not one of you out there in america that doesnt have a son, a daughter, or maybe even yourself, that is burdened by this student debt. Youre paying Interest Rates that are in the 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 and youre wondering why, if youre able to refinance your home, why youre not able to refinance your student debt. A reasonable question. One that i asked, my staff and others, why cant we refinance this student debt . After all, the federal governments able to borrow money for 10 years at less than 2 . Why dont we refinance those loans, that 1 trillion, and bring it down from 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , down to, lets say, 2 plus 1 for the processing costs. We could do it. Its feasible. Its possible. Oh, but the going to cost the government. Well, yes. Right now the government is earning a profit on the backs of those students. Some over 200 billion of profit will flow into the federal government because we, the American Public, through the enaction inaction of congress are burdening the students of America Today and past with this incredible amount of debt. So lets refinance it. Heres some astonishing facts that you may not know. 1. 2 trillion, actually more, second only to the mortgage debt. The number of borrowers on the average balance increased by 70 between 2004 and 2012. In other words, most every students taking out loans. And the average student loan ebt for graduates of 2015, 35,000,051. A burden that they will car 35,051, a burden that they will carry for many, many years. There are solutions. One of which several of us in congress and the senate have proposed, some with different version. But they all amount to refinance your student debt and current students who are borrowing, as well as those in the past that have taken out loans. We can refinance. Take a look here. My particular legislation would set all student loan Interest Rates at 3. 23 . Actually, that was based on the 10year federal loan cost of about the federal bond, about a year ago, so its a little less today. Save lowincome borrowers thousands by delaying the interest while they are actually in school. Right now that Interest Rate will continue to accrue. I was talking to a person on the airplane today and they said, well, im going to go back to school, but i cant continue to pay off my loan. Im just because i get a hiatus. I said, whoa, yes, while youre in school you dont have to pay, but that interest clock continues to tick along the way. And so this legislation would say, if youre continuing your education, the interest clock stops. Also, we want to make sure that the average student can save a lot of money and it amounts to over 2,000 through the life of the loan. By the way, why does the federal government currently ll cause a cost here called the origination fee . If you borrow money on your house or refinance your loan, your mortgage, there is a fee. Why would the federal government charge a fee for the origination of a loan . Students go down to the Student Loan Office at the university and they take out the loan. The cost to the federal government, this is part of that over 200 billion profit that the federal government has. So anyway, we have an opportunity here to address this issue, now that everybodys focused on this, lets see what we can do. Changes to the student loan Interest Rates, we talked about this, if youre a graduate student, its over 6 and so forth. We can bring it down to less than 3 based upon todays rates. There are other people that are involved in this effort to try to deal with the cost of education here in the United States and i want to introduce you to a friend of mine who is often on the floor as we do our eastwest show, paul tonko from the state of new york. I know that youre faced with this issue in your district, as i am in mine. I represent the university of californiadavis. Three different four Different Community college campuses, all of which this is a problem. Paul, share with us your situation in new york and what youve faced in your district. Mr. Tonko to focus on what is a very strong concern that some in the house have for the cost of Higher Education. We have prided ourselves as a society on our intellect. Our intellectual capacity that has driven all sorts of entrepreneurship, it has driven new product lines, prototypes that are developed, and really provides for a comeback as an economy based on the intellect that we can drive into the equation. For us as an american society. The very important to be able to make certain the very important to be able to make its very important to be able to make certain that whatever those talents, those passions are of students out there, that they pursue their intellectual development in a way that is not stifled or diminished by the cost of Student Loans. As you heard from representative garamendi, that loan activity, Student Loan Debt, rivals that of automobile loans and house loans. Something of that caliber, 1. 2 trillion in debt for Student Loans, is not a driving factor that will build our economy. It is one that will have people paying for years and decades for the experience of a Higher Education. People are adjusting their dreams, theyre adjusting their goals, simply by looking at what debt they can assume or what the sound restructure may be. Thats telling us were not fitting our skill set or our intellectual ability to the most appropriate journey that we can travel as students because of the debt situation. There are many things that we can do. And that was outlined, you know, representative garamendi, i look at the student population in new york. I look at the wonderful institutions we have. Higher ed institutions. Public and private sector. A Community College environment that is tremendously strong and many will suggest that is the campus of choice these days for economic reasons and for very practical reasons. So, we shouldnt limit that choice because were not open to change in this arena. We have got to side, i believe, with consumers out there. That being students and their families. Making certain that items like loan forgiveness, revisiting our loans, refinancing those loans so theyre more affordable, forgiveness that comes for those who may start a business or a social enterprise. Assistance that might be given them. I know secretary clinton has made mention of that in her campaign for president. Making certain that in distressed communities there would be loan forgiveness, i believe, as much as 17,500. Making sure that were utilizing the strength of our intellectual capacity, driven by desires of students out there, that can then champion the cause of the growth of our economy. But we have to be mindful of the debt by which with which theyre saddled, that we may diminish those dreams, we may suffocate those dreams simply by the lack of affordability of investing into ones future. So, you know, i stand with our colleagues in the house, i stand with representative garamendi on the issue of refinancing college loans, making certain that if you can revisit the situation for your mortgage, why not be able to go forward and revisit that Student Loan Debt that you assume . You know, again, in secretary clintons package she speaks of the opportunity for, i believe, some 25 million borrowers in this country to be able to save upward of 2,000 on their college loan simply by refinancing at todays rate. There is an opportunity for us to be constructive and creative in responding to the needs of our students. We have got to do that, that has to be the utmost priority in this house and in this congress so that we can go forward and alleviate however possible the burden of that Student Loan Debt. No society can continue to function adequately and effectively without addressing the cost of that Higher Education. These are tools, the Higher Education opportunities are the tools in the kit that enable people to truly aspire to their dreams, to their goals and to be able to utilize fully their given ability that have been fostered and nurtured and brought into the forefront, that discovery is made through 12. And its denying that selfdiscovery, of what your strengths are, simply by the cost of a college loan, that is diminishing that opportunity. So, lets go forward, we know what to champion here in terms of forgiveness of repayment of direction that can be fostered by the department of education, where there can be, again, a revisiting of loans, refinancing those loans in a powerful way that enables us to do the economically strong thing for this nation and for individual students as their families. These are loans that go into the higher ed experience where people are hampered when it comes to other choices of growing a family, having a family, raising that family, maintaining a household. These are situations that we need to address so the freedom of choice for these individual students is fully freedom, fully allowed to be addressed by them as individuals who want to make choices for their future. With that, i yield back to the gentleman from california. And again, thank you for leading us in this special order. Mr. Garamendi i thank the gentleman from new york where we talk about many issues about making it in america and building a strong economy. And if americans are saddled with stupid debt, they arent able to explore and carry out their potential. So what we want to do is address this issue. You mentioned the president ial campaign and secretary clinton, she actually has a very strong and robust and fullsome program dealing with the cost of education. She does have an additional item beyond the debt issue which she wants to pursue and has a program in place where all families who earn less than 185,000 a year would be able to go to a state university, Public University in their state at no cost. Nd that would then grow to 125,000 in the next four years. Thats extraordinary. Thats like it was when i went to school a few decades ago and the university of california was literally free. We had a couple of i dont know, 125 for the Student Union and some athletic programs, but it was televisionfree. Those are bygone days and secretary clinton believes that it is possible for the federal government to Institute Programs in a would make Higher Education ee for those familiar families he earn less than 185,000. What an enormous boom that would be to the u. S. Economy. Im excited here about the potential in the United States house of representatives and representative welch has introduced a bill and they have a refinancing bill similar to my bill. My bill goes further because we not only lower the cost of current students loans, but we go to those loans that are on the books. We can deal with this. We have the ability and the economic strength in this nation to deal with it. I know you may have some additional comments on that, but my mind, as we were talking here and thinking about this special order hour went to the young and not so young who have Student Loans but those who are not in their more senior years. And the issues that they face in their senior years. So perhaps we can shift to that, unless you have some additional points. Mr. Tonko let me mention, associating those comments with those you made about the opportunities for working families to have that television tuition addressed, that would cover 80 of American Families which to me mr. Garamendi 80 of American Families would be able to send their kids to School Without twuse . Mr. Tonko participate in that program. When we start to address those numbers, you can imagine the impact that would have on revitalizing our economy and producing the talent that we need. Im impressed with the startup businesses that students at various campuses that i represent are being offered. These wonderful startup opportunities that are tremendously creative and innovative. And that was all triggered by the inspiration came through work in the classroom and in labs that they may have, in pursuing their degree. This is the sort of climate that you want to grow, not shrink. And thats why these opportunities for these many, many families in this nation to have that benefit, thats how we prosper. And also, when we talk about secretary clintons plan, i believe it is theres the proposal to make certain that Community Colleges be free for all families, for all working families, making certain that we are in compliance with what the president has suggested many times over during his administration, the soughtfor degree, that working knowledge of an Associates Degree where there is handson experience through that. It is so important for us to recognize that Community Colleges oftentimes speak to the needs in a typical fashion, where there may be individuals working and going to school, raising a family and going to school, keeping it close to home so there is affordability in that regard and making certain that again, we have that need for the business community, for the Commerce Community to be met, so that this handson training, educating is made possible through the Community College which oftentimes is the campus of choice. So i think its putting the dynamics of whats changing in our society into working order. And i have to compliment secretary clinton for having that commitment, making that commitment to students, their families, our nation, our economic resurgence, our recovery and certainly to the innovation economy that finds us working within an intermarketplace where we cant afford to go backward or stand still. We need to go forward and a plan like this will enable us to empower the engine of Higher Education that takes us to newer levels. We talked about this. There is a pioneer spirit. Im a Host Community to the original pioneer spirit i believe in terms of the erie Canal Movement that sparked the westward movement that sparked the industrial revolution. These are the dynamics of which we speak so often on this floor that need to be heeded, need to be a priority in our agenda of getting work done so this nation can stretch its opportunities to all the folks we can so we will provide those opportunities which create that sflule capacity. Mr. Garamendi im pleased you brought up this issue of entrepreneurs. You talk about this personally and the work you have done before you came to congress in new york state with the entrepreneurial activities of that state. But i also note that secretary clinton, who was a senator from new york, perhaps has listened to you during those years and is carrying in her proposal a very special program for entrepreneurs. Im thinking about a group that i met with in davis, california, this last year, a group that actually nourishes students that are wanting to start a business. And as you said, coming out of the science or out of the technology or other areas, they come upon an idea where they want to grow a business. Secretary clinton has a loan for giveness as part of her ucation package that would forgive their Student Loans when they begin that business, when they become entrepreneurs and it begins to operate. There is a loan forgiveness and go into a program that they have 17,000 500 less on their Balance Sheet. Enormous piece of an advantage. Is that student loan prevents people from buying a home because it shows up on the Balance Sheet and not able to get on with it. I like what secretary clinton is proposing here. It goes along with what you and i and many of our colleagues see as an impediment to Economic Growth and individual growth in our nation. Mr. Tonko i think that certainly there is no denying that the training of the work force of the future requires all sorts of insertion of technology, handson, cuttingedge, perhaps ahead of the curve mentality applied in the classroom and that can happen when we invest appropriately. You talk about the secretarys plan. I believe she extends that beyond business. It can be a social enterprise and everybody wins. Its an across the board win situation and the kind of focus we need for that front end of life and that early in professional development stages of our economy on the age spectrum scale. And to your point, there needs to be compassion nature and concern expressed for the more senior in our society. And you and i have seen what investments are required there including those for caregivers who provide respite what is a growing phenomenon there with alzheimers. Mr. Garamendi we have been talking about students and others carrying Student Loans. But if you look at the totality of society and if we care about each other and what is happening in our communities, we come to the more senior years and immediately, we find that seniors are faced with a host of issues. And one of the issues and im glad you brought this up, its alzheimers. Let me show you something that we developed. This is a a graph of the cost of alzheimers in our society. Its growing very, very rapidly. You can see right now we are spending 236 billion a year on it. And as the population ages, which is part of the baby boom and the fact that we are all going to get older, we figure by 2050, that we will be spending deal withon a year to alings imers. This is an extraordinary burden and probably one that will bust the medicare and medicaid bank. We know that these costs are shared largely by the federal government and families. Ofmother in law was a victim alzheimers and spent the last three years in our home and we were able to care for her, but thats unusual. For most families its a burden that cannot be afforded so that cost goes to the medicare and medicaid program. The single biggest expense in medicaid is alzheimers. This is one where we are faced with an enormous challenge but its a challenge that may have a solution. Let me put up another chart here before we get to that issue with how to deal with this. This is one that deals with the cost of caring for seniors with alzheimers will increase fivefold by 2050 and we have broken down the cost. 1. 1 trillion in 2050 and extraordinary rise. But the burden for the federal government becomes awesome. And frankly probably unaffordable. Can we do something about it . I think so. And this is what takes us back to universities and research. Let me put this up very quickly. What happens when we invest in research . Well, lets look at what we do invest in research. We know, for example, federal government dollars now, 5. 5 billion a year for cancer. Billion. Ids, almost 3 cardiovascular problems, little over 2 billion a year. For alzheimers, it is now about 900 million a year. We were able this last year in year, we 016 budget increased from 560 million to under a billion dollars and we thank president obama for putting that in his budget and for all of our colleagues, democrat and republican, for approving that additional funding for research. What does Research Mean . What does it mean when we actually research these illnesses . Its incredible. One very quick chart here will show you what happens when we invest in research. And i know, mr. Tonko, this is a big issue in your district. Its a big issue not just for illness but research. New york is one of the Great Research centers. Eaths from major diseases. 20002013. What has happened with breast cancer. A small decline. Rostate cancer, 11 decline in Prostate Cancer deaths. Heart disease, 14 percent decline. Strokes, 23 decline. Hivaids, 52 decline. Whats the decline the result of . Obviously better medical care, but also research. What has happened with alzheimers . Remember, we were investing basically at 1 10 of what we invest in cancer and 1 4 of what e invest in heart disease. For alzheimers disease, 71 increase, not a decrease in the number of deaths but an increase in the number of deaths. As we wrap up the research, will we be able to see this kind of reduction in deaths . Well, we would hope so. What we do know is if we are able to delay the onset of this terrible illness, quality of life will be better and the cost to the public and to families will decline. In w, mr. Mr. Tonko, i know your area, i know that youre seriously interested in this because you see it in your community rges as i do in mine as i do in mine. Mr. Tonko absolutely. Its the walk taken by many, many families that i represent. I have to share with you that it has touched my family also. It behoove all of us to be there in this universal format to speak to what is a growing, growing problem. You know, i was struck by the dollar figures you shared. You know, the bankrupting of our situation with alzheimers and Student Loans, were driving such heavy burden onto all of us as a society that it challenges us to come forward with some order of prevention, some order of hope that will be driven into the efforts that we currently share to speak more wisely, speak more compassionately to these situations. Im reminded that the brain is the least researched organ of the body. That alone should speak to us forcefully. Think of not only alzheimers, t the many neurological base situation that affect numbers of people out there. From the very young to the more senior, the most senior. The brain as be a to as an organ needs to be researched. So we need to make certain that we share that message here in the halls of government. Lets bring the hope to the door step of individuals who are reynoldsered hopeless at times rendered hopeless at times, who see their loved ones crumble and become someone they different. And we know that we can invest in that research. And that we do have the mind that can lead us in those research attempts and efforts. When we look at the budget for lzheimers, less than one cent seeking 1 invested in and speaking to and treating alzheimers disease is spent on research. We had put together legislation a couple of sessions ago now that required that we have these alzheimers town halls and put together a plan as a nation to speak to conquering the effects of alzheimers. You know, it meant that we had to have certain orders of budgeting done to speak to alzheimers. And then we further improved upon that with legislation that said, its not going to be put together this budgets not going to be put together with its guidelines in an ordinary process. It was going to bring in the clinician, the professionals, who speak to the alzheimers issues as a disease. And they will put together this professional budgeting that will tell us from now to 2025 what that budget will be, what the demands on the system should be. That again renders a budget that is speak to the soundness of numbers for the investment made to con inquiry alzheimers. I think conquer alzheimers. I think thats the professional approach to be taken, its the compassionate approach to be taken. And now were working on issues, on legislation, that will allow for coverage, medicare coverage, for planning. When you as an individual and, better said, as a family are impacted by alzheimers, lets do the planning. What should we expect . How do we walk through this with the greatest amount of dignity and effectiveness . And that planning will be covered if this legislation were to be improved. Approved. So there are things we can do too do here. And it really is a challenge, i believe, in these times to make certain that Research Dollars are available, Research Dollars available that will, again, study the organ of the body that is least researched. And i know that by pushing our colleagues who share our beliefs on this issue, we can get it done. Mr. Garamendi thank you so very much for bringing up the alzheimers accountability act. The new money that goes into it, this additional 300 millionplus, bringing it from 700 million a year, is accountable. Specific plans are needed, theres a mechanism to prioritize the expenditures, all of those things. So its not just money thats going to be thrown out there. Im also reminded that this issue is one that is a brain issue, obviously. But thats an issue that ffects our soldiers who have ptsd, traumatic brain injury, posttraumatic stress syndrome, all of those things for our veteran which have come back, which is, again, an issue of the brain. If were studying alzheimers, we will also be studying those issues and about three years ago now, in the National Defense authorization act, we enacted a provision that required the department of defense, as it goes about dealing with these terrible problems that the veterans have with posttraumatic stress or the other brain injuries, that they coordinate their work with other brain researchers. We really need to understand that we have one mind, one human brain, and the research will go at it from different symptoms and different diseases, but its still dealing with the brain, so the sharing of knowledge is part what have this accountability act will bring forward to us. We have challenges. We have many, many challenges. This issue of alzheimers, it was in the omnibus bill last year, and our republican colleagues, our democratic colleagues, all of all alike, faced with this issue and their families and their communities, voted in support of this legislation. So this is not a partisan issue, this is a human issue. And an american issue. Its one that we can deal with. We really do have the money to do it. Mr. Tonko i think too it speaks to the priorities, again, that we need to carve into the budget work that we do. We make a statement with the budget, we identify with the great public the great many of us as to what we believe are those champion issues. And what we need to take into concern, first and foremost, and while we may have cast this into opposite ends of the age spectrum, what really strikes is when the alzheimers Advocacy Community comes to washington on their given flyin day, every year you hear of numbers going lower and lower in the population so that you begin to wonder, is this genetics, its geriatrics, or is it environmental . Whats driving it, what lower and lower creeps the age, some of the early onset occurs . So, again, it affects all of us in a way that effects all of us in a way that, while you may research alzheimers or dementia in a broader sense, it locks the door to untold possibilities of discovery, genetic discovery, whatever it might be, gene, you know, gene therapy, gene awareness that might come about that speaks to a plethora of issues that effect the brain. So, many, many are graced with the opportunities of research. , as a nation can partner private sector, academia, with the government. The message that i hear as a contrast. Government isnt an enemy force. Our domestic investment has shrunk in many ways. We need to ramp up the opportunities for hope, for discovery, for intellectual capacity, for achieving our dreams. We can do that by this concerted effort to do it with our eyes wide open and with a ense of morality driven by the heartful, soulful teamingts to really adjust attempts to really adjust our framework to go to those issues that require the partnership of our government. Mr. Garamendi as you talk about partnerships, im thinking about many of the partnerships that do exist already and those that could exist. This brain research, alzheimers and other brain issues, are researched around the world. Theres an organization that m familiar with in california , one of our friends from the napa valley started a program called the one mind institute, our former colleague here, mr. Kennedy, is part of that organization. And we have one human brain and if we could pull together the research from all around the United States and all around the world so that theres a sharing of information, perhaps well get to perhaps well get to some knowledge much, much faster. Im really heartened by the effort that the congress has made thus far to almost double the research for alzheimers. I look forward in this month of september, as we put together our appropriations, which hopefully we will or even a continuing resolution, that we would keep in mind that this is an area where money could be well spent. We make choices here in congress and i just want to lay out, as i prepare to close, and then if you would also, mr. Tonko, among the choices we make is one that i deal with on my committee assignments, im on the House Armed Services committee and the street sthroo strategic arms committee. Strategic arms means nuclear weapons. I am troubled, deeply, deeply troubled by what we are in the process of doing here in the United States, as well as russia and china, and perhaps other places around the world, in rebuilding our entire nuclear arsenal. You take all of the various things that are involved in that nuclear arsenal, the rockets, the bombs, submarines, airplanes, all the command and control systems, and in the next 20 years, 25 years, we will spend 1 trillion, 1 trillion on that whole system. I just often think, what if we were to spend to spend just a small portion of that, maybe 1 billion a year, or 2 billion a year of the 1 trillion on brain research. What would it mean to American Families . What would it mean to families around the world . Theres not going to be a family in this world that doesnt suffer from this alzheimers thing if they live long enough. We make choices here. I wrestle with those choices. But in this particular case, the choice is clear. Id prefer to spend some portion of that money on this alzheimers issue and on the students and therefore on the very important future of this nation. That would be my choice. Hopefully our colleagues and the American Public would see the wisdom of that. Mr. Tonko, would you like to close . Mr. Tonko yes. I again thank the gentleman from california for bringing us together this evening for a discussion on what i believe re very high priority items. That face us in this congress. And i think its important for us to speak with that anecdotal evidence, to put a human face on all of these discussions. You know, we talk about illnesses like alzheimers, dementia, neurologicalbased issues, theres also an issue, an illness of addiction. That can be benefited, it can be responded to by research. My pledge always to my district and certainly their request of me is to provide for that human empathy. Provide for those stories, the countless stories of individuals who walk the journey that is so very difficult and how they could be assisted simply by the burning sense of hope that we can address, that we can bring to their lives, this focus and this commodity of hope that provides them the extra energy and the ability to walk their journey. We are a great nation and could be made even better by our intellect, investing in student loan reform, investing in aled imers, these are wise choices. Driven by human compassion and responded to, i hope, the compassion that you hear from the gentleman from california that all of us need to embrace as we walk this journey together and make certain our government is effective government responding wholeheartedly to a given cause. With that, i yield back. Mr. Garamendi i thank my friend and colleague from new york with the passion and commitment that you have to the American People. With that, mr. Speaker, we yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . You want to adjourn. Mr. Garamendi move to adjourn. The question is on the motion to adjourn. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The motion is aagreed to. The house stands adjourned until 10 00 a. M. Tomorrow for morning hour debate as a further mark the Justice Department from directing Settlement Agreement funds to thirdparty groups. Follow live on cspan. Journal,s washington live every day with news and policy issues that impact you. Coming up wednesday morning, Veterans Affairs secretary on issues facing veterans, including v. A. Reforms, and access to health care. Congressman we will talk about the committee hearing. The commission on care report, documents from the v. A. Nationwide. Also joining us, and use other for government intervening editor of the national review. They discussed the impact of automation in america. What cspans washington journal live at 7 00 eastern wednesday morning. Join the discussion. For campaign 2016, cspan continues on the road to the white house. Mrs. Clinton i will be a president for democrats, republicans, and independents. Mr. Trump we will win education, and the second amendment. Live coverage of the president ial and Vice President ial debate on cspan. Monday, september 26 is the first president ial debate, live in new york. Tuesday, october 4, Vice President ial candidates, governor mike pence, and senator tim kaine talk in farmville, virginia. Debateecond president ial , leading up to the third and final debate between Hillary Clinton and donald trump, taking place at the university of nevada, las vegas on october 19. Live coverage of the president ial and Vice President ial debates on cspan. Listen live on the free cspan reading radio app. Joining us on the phone in this back to work week with congress is bob qs that, editor in chief of the hill newspaper. Thank you for being with us. Capitol hill resembled a ghost town for the last two months. That all changed today. Definitely. Members are coming back into town, and a lot of the people who closely tracked washington are no longer on vacation. Are no longer on vacation. August usually is a ghost town in washington, this was no exception. Of course, you had the conventions and summer, that was the highlight in july. But now there is legislating to theone, and it is coming on backdrop of a very heated electionyear both in the house and senate and white house. Host including getting a spending plan in place three weeks before the deadline, walk us through what we can expect. Do not think there will be a lot of dealmaking, but there has to be some dealmaking before they get out of town. One of the big issues now is issue. With the zika republicans and democrats have been unable to agree. Hillary clinton called on congress to reconvene to get deal,ime some type of some type of bipartisan compromise. And of course, congress did not do that. I think you will see as part of a government funding bill, that has to be reached by the end of the fiscal year, which is september. Some type of zika language compromise getting in there. That is the biggest issue. Other priorities, such as president obamas big trade rightthat is on the ropes now. But that will not be addressed before the election. It is a question of whether they address it after the election obama has made a big push recently. That is more a lameduck issue. The big issues right now, definitely government funding, legislatively, and the zika. A lot of attention on the canal. Host and we will get back to tpp, the trade deal in a moment. We heard from Senate Democratic leaders last week, saying they may extended beyond the election. It goo not want to see into early next year. What is the reasoning behind the . That is the big question, there is no doubt there will be a cr, the chances of a Government Shutdown are really unlikely. Nobody wants that. That is the big certainly, democrats have benefited from that politically the question is, how long do you do the cr . Do you kick it into the lameduck, do you kick it into early next year . If it is early next year, do you give the new president of course they think that will be mrs. Clinton other priorities, such as putting Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court to replace scalia. Does garland get a vote in the lameduck . People want to push it to the lameduck, then they have to deal with funding and other issues. Or, you get the new president some time to get their priorities in the first 100 days agenda, and i may be in the spring of next year. These are all competing strategies. Honestly, it is hard to say what they will agree on now. In it is one of the games washington, how long will government funding last. There is a lot of fatigue, both on the voters aside, and you have a constant deadline where you possibly have a shutdown again and again and again. People get tired of that. Host some interesting dynamics going back to the trade debate, tpp. You have a president who wants this part of his legacy. Bernie sanders keeping a close eye on it. Hillary clinton now saying she opposes the trade deal. And of course, unions looking at affectedell, and the it have on the strength of union support. Not just on a president ial level, but the key senate races. Mr. Cusack it is a big issue, one the president really, really wants. One of our white house correspondents asked the president before he went on vacation to marthas vineyard, pointing out the fact that the next resident will oppose tpp. For thethat be done next president , how will they get the votes to pass this . Thepresident said, i am president now, and this is the top priority, making a policy case four. But there are multiple problems for tpp. The president is at odds for a lot within his own party, including bernie sanders, Hillary Clinton, and many others. Much of the Democratic Party is against it. Most republicans do support this type of trade deal, but they do not think it is perfect. The lyrically, it is not an incentive for speaker ryan or Mitch Mcconnell who has downplayed the chances that will it will be active in obamas last couple of months, to move it. It will attract a lot of oftroversy, regardless whether it is the republican or democratic side. There are detractors on both side. Are slim,s i think under 50 . That does not mean the president will be pushing for, but that is the big push, come november 9, the day after the election. And use today that next week, a former Republican House colleague and donald trump running mate, governor mike pence, addressing them next week. Why . Mr. Cusack mike pence is done a fairly good job, he has been meeting with supporters and detractors. He has made the case that you may not love donald trump, but think about the Supreme Court, think about Hillary Clinton, and trying to get them on board. Mike pence, obviously a former house member. And lost, leadership and then he was asked to share in the leadership team. He is respected by many republicans. I think it will be an interesting meeting with a lot of questions about strategy and fundraising. But mike pence certainly wants to unite the party. He wont get there completely, but he wants to get more republicans on board, and this fall, not only campaigning for themselves, before the top of the ticket. As you know, a lot of republicans balk the fact. To workngress back today, bob q second is editorinchief of the hill newspaper. You can see his work online. Thank you for being with us. Congress back from the summer recess, con kind of a slow start. But they got right down to business with the closure both, whether to advance to measures, zika funding, and defense appropriations for 2017. Both fell short, they needed 60 votes to advance. Here is our capitol hill producer tweeting. A funding billhe for moving forward for the third time on a near partyline vote. Reaction to the vote in the senate by kevin brady who tweets about that. His reaction, leaving pregnant women and their babies at risk, democrats strike up for a third time on zika funding. Like kids returning from summer session or summer vacation, back on capitol hill a number of members getting together and posting this selfie, Martin Heinrich with chris murphy and cory booker. Meanwhile, president obama continues in just about wraps up his asia trip following the weekend at g20 summit in china. He traveled to the country of laos. Their headline, cleaning up the bombs from the secret u. S. Were in laos. War he has pledged Million Dollars to remove unexploded bombs. He flew there as part of the association of the summit and his trip marks the first time a sitting u. S. President had visited the country. The u. S. Are he spends millions to help clean up the unexploded announcementis new another issue dealt with the philippine president. Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte sawtek to mend fences after his expletiveladen tirade against president obama, causing him to cancel a oneonone meeting in laos. There is reaction from ben rhodes on that issue. The nature of our alliance with the philippines has been, and remains rocksolid. We have incredibly goes working relationships with the ,overnment of the philippines related to maritime response, security, diplomatic issues related to the south china sea. Think people should expect our very close working relationship with the philippines will be enduring. And in fact, we continue to consult closely a variety of levels. And i think chairman done for it , fore philippines recently a chief defense meeting. With respect to the bilateral meeting, i think it was our focus ongiven the president dutertes comments leading into the meeting here, we felt that that did not create a constructive environment for a bilateral meeting. It is not on the substantive agenda we have with the philippines. We felthe focus we felt it was not the right time to have the bilateral meeting between the two president s. That is something we discussed with officials last night. Again, Going Forward, i would expect close cooperation to continue. Where we also have differences, we will continue to speak to those. As president obama said, for any country in the world, not just the philippines, we will certainly support a very robust counsel counter narcotics efforts. But consistent with the rule of law and due process. We will bring you president obamas remarks next on cspan. Then, Hillary Clintons Vice President ial running mate senator tim kaine talks about National Security. After that, donald trump campaigning in north carolina. Writing about the accelerating campaign, clinton, trump, battle at simultaneous events. They hammeredt each other at simultaneous rallies across the state on tuesday, sending the president ial race into overdrive for the final 62 day stretch to election day. They face off in less than three weeks in what is expected to be the most watched president ial debate of all time. The to the stage at competing events today. You can have more of our political coverage coming up tonight on cspan. Up next summer remarks from president obama in laos. Ladies and gentlemen, the president of the United States. [applause] pres. Obama to the government and people of laos, imou for the kind very honored to be the first visit laosesident to. [applause] pres. Obama thank you. I am told that this is where you come together, and i know you celebrate your musical but i am not going to sing today. You should not worry. Leaders from Southeast Asia and beyond, i do want to thank laos for your leadership. Today, the eyes of the world are on laos. And i know that maybe a little unusual because laos is a small nation next to larger neighbors. As a result, too often, the richness of your culture has not been fully appreciated. That is why as part of my visit, im grateful for my opportunity to know laos better. And share your story with the world. Here, i know you appreciate the beauty of the land, the mountains and sunsets, the achievements of ancient civilizations, that echo in the ruins. Palm leaf manuscripts preserved at your temples. Tomorrow, i will experience some of this heritage myself when i visit a province. Isnly regret, i know this called the land of one million elephants, but secret service will not let me ride an elephant. But maybe i will come back when i am no longer president. In your daily lives, we see the strength that draws so many of faith, ayour buddhist faith that tells you that you have a moral duty to each other, to live in kindness and honest the, and that we can help and suffering if we embrace the right mindset and actions. We see the values that define the people of laos, like modesty and compassion and resilience and hope. At our luncheon today, i was treated to the best of a laos i will try cuisine, some more this evening. For all of you here today, and especially the young people of laos, we see the diversity that is the strength of this nation. You have a tapestry of proud ethnic groups and indigenous peoples. You are truly a people of the heart, and i thank you for welcoming me with such generosity. I realize that having a u. S. President in laos would once have been unimaginable. Six decades ago, this country fell into civil war. In the anon,hting neighbors and foreign powers, including the United States, intervened here. Conflict andf the its aftermath, many people fled or were driven from their homes. Government, the u. S. Did not a knowledge americas role. It was a secret war. And for years, the American People did not know. Americans are not fully aware of this chapter in our history, and it is important that we remember today. 1964 toe years, from 1973, the United States dropped more than 2 million tons of bombs here in laos. More than we dropped on germany and japan combined during all of world war ii. Per person the most heavily bombed country in u. S. History in history. Some said the bombs fell like rain. Entire valleys were obliterated. Countless civilians were killed. That conflict was another reminder that, whatever the cause, whatever our intentions, war inflicts a terrible toll, especially on innocent, innocent men, women, and children. I knowledge the suffering and sacrifices on both sides of that conflict. From the english of war, there came an unlikely bond between our two peoples. Today, the United States is home to many proud laosian americans read many have made a hard journey, building the new country. Even as they become americans, they have held onto their heritage, worshiping in temples, honoring their elders, dancing. Now, they remember a beloved song, we will always have you as our true friend, as long as we live. As a new generation has come of age, more laotian have come here to their ancestral homeland. D one of them who was born our hearts and homes have always been in laos. The spirit of reconciliation brings me here today. Governments will continue to have differences, that is true with many nations. Around the world, the United States will continue to speak out on behalf of of what we consider universal human rights, including the rights of the people of laos to express yourself freely and decide your own future. Our governments deal candidly with our differences, i believe as we have shown from cuba to burma to vietnam, the best way to deliver progress is by closer cooperation between our countries. This is why today, the United States and laos have agreed to a new, comprehensive partnership to guide and deepen our relationship years to come. Recognizes that it is an independent, sovereign nation. The United States does not seek to impose our will on laos. Rather, we seek a relationship built on mutual respect. With respect for your sovereignty. Our new partnership will deal with the painful legacy of war. The American People, especially our veterans and military families, i think the government and the people of laos for your humanitarian cooperation as we Work Together to account for americans missing in action. That as a result of this visit, we will increase our efforts and bring more of our home to their families in america. I also know that the remnants of war continue to shatter lives here in laos. Many of the bombs that were dropped were never exploded. Ofr the years, thousands laotians have been killed or injured. Farmers tending to field, children playing. The wounds, a missing leg or arm, last a lifetime. That is why i have genetically increase our funding to help move these unexploded bombs. As a result, laos is clearing are bonds, fewer laotians being killed, but there is still more work today. Iday i am proud to announce have increased these efforts. The United States will double our annual funding to 90 million over the next three years to help laos expand its work. [applause] this will help laos expand its work to remove more to formllow laotians more land, and offer more support to victims. I bear witness to this work tomorrow when i meet with survivors. Our history here, i believe the United States is a moral obligation to help laos heal. Even as we continue to deal with the past, our new partnership is focused on the future. Our history here, i believe the United States is a moralwe want to be your partnert you invest in your people and children. En. Your when any child goes hungry and their growth is stunted, that is a deep injustice. Meals promoting bringing to children in school so they can grow strong, focus in class, and realize their full potential. We want to be your partner in improving education. I am told there is a saying here, a tray full of silver is not worth aim mind full of knowledge. Children, and allow children to strengthen their english. I am proud to announce an initiative that is very important to me and my wife michelle, an initiative called let girls learn, coming here to laos. [applause] pres. Obama we believe that the daughters of laos have just as much power and potential as your sons, and none of our countries [applause] none of our countries anywhere in the world can truly succeed unless our girls and women have every opportunity to succeed. The same opportunities as boys and men do. [applause] we want to be your partner with the young people of laos as you strengthen your communities and start businesses and use facebook to raise awareness for the rights and dignity of all people. That is why, as part of our young southeast leaders initiative, we are helping young men and women across laos develop the skills you need to succeed. Companies,top microsoft and general electric, or helping to increase training in engineering and technology. And people in allows should not have to move it somewhere else in order to prosper. You should be able to work and build a better life here in laos. Partnersnt to be your for trade and commerce. When other countries invest here, they should create jobs here. As laos pursues economic and labor reforms, we will work to more trade between our countries and this region. As a result of my visit, i hope more americans come here as well. To experience your country and the beautiful culture and forge new friendships between our peoples. Grows, we want to be your partner in protecting the National Security National Beauty of your country. As laos grows to meet its growing need for energy, i want to work with you to pursue clean, Renewable Energies like solar, and help farmers protect their crops and villages and adapt to a changing climate. We should Work Together so that development is sustainable, especially upon the river where people rely. It has to be protected for future generations and we want to be a partner in the process. This is the future our two countries can build together. And im optimistic that we can do it. Im confident because my visit is part of a broader agenda. As some of you know as president , a key priority of my Foreign Policy has been to deepen our engagement with the peoples of the asiapacific. Here on the final leg of my visit to asia, i want to discuss why the commitment of the United States to this region will indoor for the longterm. Interest in asiapacific is not new. It is not a passing fad. Fundamental national interest. In the United States across the political spectrum, there is widespread recognition that the asiapacific will become even more important in the century ahead, both to america, and the world. In this region we see hundreds of millions of young people with High Expectations for their lives. Many of our Major Trading growth here means more jobs and opportunity for both countries. Is home to five of our treaty allies, which means asia will shape global security. In this region is hauled to more than half of humanity. Countries will be essential in the fight against challenges like climate change. For all these reasons, i have worked to rebalance our foreign policies so the United States is playing a longer role in the asiapacific region. Ourtrengthen our alliances, new defense guidelines, japan and the United States will do even more together to uphold regional security. We have expanded our collaboration with the republic of korea, including on Missile Defense to counter north korean threats. Today ill meet with president to insist that the International Community remain united so that north korea understands its provocation also overwhelm continue to deepen its isolation. With our u. S. Marines now rotating through australia, we can respond even faster to regional challenges. With our new access agreement with the philippines, our militaries are closer than they have been in decades. To keep the peace and deter aggression, we have employed more of our most advanced capabilities to the region including ships to singapore. And our allies and partners of collaborating more with each other as well. So our alliances and defense capabilities in the asia pacific are as strong as they have ever been. We have also forged deeper ties with emerging economies and emerging powers. With indonesia and malaysia, we are promoting entrepreneurship, were opposing violent extremism and addressing environmental degradation. With my recent visit to hanoi and ho chi minh city, we have shown a commitment to normalizing our relationship with vietnam. We welcome indias growing role in the asia pacific. We have deepened our cooperation with regional institutions, especially here in Southeast Asia. As part of our new strategic partnership, we have agreed to key principals including theyll remain central to peace, prosperity in the asia pacific. The United States is now part of the east asia summit and together we have made it the leading forum in the region for addressing political and security challenges, including maritime security. We have increased the trade and investment that create jobs and opportunity on both sides of the pacific. Since i took office, we boosted u. S. Exports to the asia pacific by 50 . Our Young Leaders initiative is helping for than 100,000 young men and women across this region start new companies and ventures so were connecting entrepreneurs and investors and businesses in america and in asian with each other. And thanks to our sustained leadership, 12 of our nations have come together in the Transpacific Partnership to establish the rules of trade for nearly 40 of the global economy. We have also stood with citizens about democracy and human rights. We have expanded our support for Civil Society groups and open government. We saw another democratic election and transition in indonesia. And as the first u. S. President to visit myanmar, im proud the United States is now supporting a historic transition toward democracy. And i look forward to welcoming the state counselor to the white house next week as we stand with the people of myanmar and their Journey Towards pluralism and peace. Alongside all these efforts, we have worked to build a constructive relationship with china. Our two governments continue to have serious differences in important areas. The United States will remain unwavering in our support for universal human rights, but at the same time we have shown that we can Work Together to advance mutual interests. The United States and china are engaged across more areas than ever before. From preventing iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, to our shared commitment to denuclearizing the korean peninsula, to our historic leadership together on climate change. So will i say it again, the United States welcomes the rise of a china that is peaceful and stable and prosperous and irresponsible player in Global Affairs because we believe that , that will benefit all of us. Words, the United States is more deeply engaged across the asiapacific than we have been a decade. Our position is stronger, and we send a clear nation that we are here to stay. In good times and bad, you can count of the United States of america. And the question Going Forward is, what will the future hold for this region. With these agreements be resolved peacefully, or lead to conflict . Will economies continue to integrate or succumb to protectionism . Will Human Dignity be upheld or denied . Will the International Rules and norms that have enabled progress in this region be maintained or will they erode . With the time i have left allow me to share our vision and the values that guide us in this region be maintained ore future we are working toward. Our basic principles for peace and progress here in this region, including laos and across the asia pacific. First, we believe that all peoples billet deserve to live in security and peace. We believe that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every nation must be upheld, and we believe every nation matters. No matter their size. We believe the bigger nations should not dictate to smaller nations and that all nations should play by the same rules. Americas treaty allies must know our commitment to your defense is a solemn obligation that will never waiver and across the region, including in the east and south china seas, the United States will continue to fly and sail and operate wherever International Law allows and support the right of , all countries to do the same. We will stand with our allies and partners in upholding fundamental interests, among them freedom of navigation and overflight. Lawful commerce thats not impeded. And peaceful resolution of disputes. Thats the security that we seek. We also believe that just as nations have rights, nations also have responsibilities. Including the responsibility to Work Together to address problems no nation can solve alone. So many of todays threats transcend borders and every country has a role to play. We will have to cooperate Better Together to stop terrorist attacks and to prevent the spread of the worlds most dangerous weapons. We will have to Work Together to avoid the worst effects of climate change. We have to Work Together to stop the horror of Human Trafficking and end the outrage of modern day slavery. These are areas where we seek deeper cooperation. We believe in prosperity that is shared and reduces poverty and inequality by lifting up the many and not just a few wealthy people at the top. Rather than simply extracting another countrys natural resources, we believe development has to invest in people, in their education, and in their skills. We believe trade should be free and truly fair. And that workers and the environment should be protected. We believe the government should not conduct or knowingly support cyberenabled threats of intellectual property for commercial gain. We believe that there needs to be Good Governance because people should not have to pay a bribe to start a business or sell their goods. Thats the kind of development and trade we seek. That is why the Transpacific Partnership is so important, not countriesse tpp including the United States will be able to sell more goods to each other, but it also has important strategic benefits. Tpp is a core pillar of americas rebalance to the asia pacific. And the trade and growth it supports will reinforce americas security alliances and partnerships. It will build greater integration and trust across this region. I have said before and i will say again, failure to move ahead with tpp will not just have economic consequences but call into question americas leadership in this vital region. So as difficult as the politics are back home, i will continue to push hard on the u. S. Congress to approve tpp before i leave office because i think it is important for this entire region and important for the united aids. For the United States. I believe that nations are stronger and more successful when they uphold human rights. We speak out for these rights not because we think our own country is perfect, no nation is, but not because we think every country should do as we do, because each nation has to follow its own path, but we will speak up on behalf of human rights because we believe they are the birthright of every human being. And we know that democracy can flourish in asia because we have seen it thrive from japan and south korea to taiwan. Across this region we see citizens reaching to shape their own futures, and freedom of speech and assembly and right to organize peacefully in Civil Society without harassment or fear of arrest or disappearing, we think makes the country stronger. A free press that can expose abuse and injustice, makes a country stronger. And access to information and open internet where people can learn and share ideas. Makes a country stronger. An independent judiciary that uphold the rule of law. And free and Fair Elections so that citizens can choose their own leaders. These are all the rights that we seek for all people. We believe that societies are more stable and just when they recognize the inherent dignity of every human being. The dignity of being able to live and pray as you choose so that muslims know they are a part of myanmars future and christians and buddhists have the right to worship freely in china. The dignity of being treated equally under the law for that matter where you come from, we love, or what you look like, you are respected area and the dignity of a healthy life because no child should ever die from hunger or mosquito bite or the poison of dirty water. This is the justice that we seek in the world. Finally, we believe that the ties between our nations must be rooted in friendship and trust between our peoples. I think of several laotian americans whose families came to the United States as refugees. Our nations are connected not just by policies but also by policies, but also people like john da whose family settled in our state of nebraska and after high school joined our military, served with our elite special forces, and ultimately gave his life for our nation. His mother said he is the son of the lao people and he sacrificed for us and we honor him. Were connected by a girl who came to america when she was seven years old, and was back here today. She urged the United States to to remove unexploded bombs here in last. There are many problems that might not be able to be solved in a lifetime, she said. But this is one we can fix. For years she urged the United States to do more to help remove unexploded bombs here in laos. There are many problems in this world that might not be able to be solved in a lifetime, she said, but this is one we can fix. So we thank you for working to fix this problem. And were connected by stacey who is here as well and who i met earlier. Her parents came to america and stressed the importance of education. Today this proud laotian american serves in our embassy here in laos. I feel a sense of home, she says, as if i have known this country before through my parents. It feels like we have come full circle. So, stacey, on behalf of all of us, thank you for helping to bring our countries closer together. [applause] so these are the values that guide us, and this is the partnership that america offers here in laos and across the asia pacific. Respect for your sovereignty, security and peace through cooperation, investment in the health of children, education for students, support for entrepreneurs, development and trade that creates jobs for all of us and protects our environment, a commitment to rights and dignity that is born out of our common humanity. This is our vision, this is the future we can realize together. And based on my visit to laos and the proud work of the past eight years, i believe that americans and the peoples of the asia pacific will be able to say to each other, as the song goes, we will always have you as our true friend as long as we live. Thank you very much. [applause] [captions Copyright National cable satellite corp. 2016] [captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy. Visit ncicap. Org] announcer cspans washington journal live every day with news and policy issues that impact you. And coming up wednesday morning, Veterans Affair secretary Robert Mcdonald only Current Issues facing veterans including the commission on healthcare report and access