In the house today work on two veterans bills and recommendations for modernizing congress. You are watching live coverage on cspan. The speaker pro tempore the house will be in order. The prayer will be offered by our guest chaplain, reverend erin keys, capitol hill presbyterian, washington dis. The chaplain let us pray, god, we ask you blessing upon all those gathered here today and upon our nation as we along with countries all over the world face the anxiety and fear currently surrounding the coronavirus. Though much about how the situation will continue to unfold is unknown to us. We trust that it is known to you. From the beginning of time, your spirit has hovered over the chaos of our world bringing order and life so we pray that your spirit continues to do so now. We pray for the safety of all people and we pray for the wisdom of our leaders as they guide us through this time. Amen. The speaker pro tempore the chair has examined the journal of the last days proceedings and announces to the house his pproval thereof. Pursuant to clause 1 of rule 1, forjournal stands approved. What purpose does the gentlewoman from new mexico seek recognition . Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1 of rule 1 i demand a vote on the speakers approval of the journal. The speaker pro tempore the question is on agreeing to the approval of the journal. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. The yeas have it. The journal stands approved. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from new mexico seek recognition . I request the yeas and nays. Ism the yeas and nays are requested. Those favoring a vote by the yeas and nays will rise. A sufficient number having arisen, yeas and nays are ordered. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this uestion are postponed. The pledge allegiance will be led by the gentleman from illinois, mr. Quigley. Mr. Quigley i pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of america and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible with iberty and justice for all. The speaker pro tempore the chair will entertain up to 15 requests for oneminute speeches on each side of the aisle. For what purpose does the gentleman from illinois for what purpose does the gentleman from is recognized for one minute. Mr. Quigley the c. D. C. Has given the American Public simple suggestions for protecting themselves in their communities during the coronavirus outbreak. Wash your hands, cover your ugh, stay home if you feel sick. For millions of sick. For millions of hardworking americans staying home from work when they are ill is something they cant afford. The difference from staying home for two weeks and selfisolate and going to work for two weeks no matter how you feel is difference between putting food on the stable table and watching your children go hungry. Its the difference between buying live saving medications and going without. Here in Congress Members are fortunate enough to be able to write their own doctors notes, they can stay home and still collect their paychecks. Americans have that same option . I yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from arkansas seek recognition . To address the house for one minute. Americans have that revise and extend. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor the heroism of two Police Officers in forest city, arkansas. Lieutenant eric varner and detective eugene who stopped a potential mass shooting in progress on february 10. On that fateful morning a gunman entered a walmart in orest city and began threatening threatening customers. Mr. Crawford they responded within minutes. When they confronted the suspect and tried to peacefully dee escalate the situation, the gunman opened fire. Both officers were struck, but they were able to return fire and kill the shooter. Both officers were seriously injured and i ask my colleagues join me in praying for a speedy and full recovery. The lieutenant and detective saved many lives that day without regard for their own safety. I invite congress to join me in honoring them. For eaker pro tempore what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek recognition . Mr. Higgins unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman for what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek is recognize minute. Mr. Higgins the coronavirus a Public Health crisis in need of a clear and consist tept response from washington. The only way to stopt economic damage is to stop the spread of the virus and to keep people from getting sick and dying. Paid sick leave should be extended to 32 million americans who currently do not have it. A onetime federal tax credit could offset the cost of universal paid leave to help stop the spread of the virus. Public health costs or testing and treatment at the local and state level should be assumed by the federal government for spending on the crisis response. The Cancer Institute and Erie County Health department in my community are doing that today at enormous expense and dwindling resources. Every dollar spent on Public Health provides an economic boost. The time for to stimulate the economy is after the virus has been controlled. Once that is done, or occurs, we need to go big on infrastructure to inject both growth and confidence in the American Economy again. Yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from louisiana seek recognition . Ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to commemorate the 100th birthday of mr. John barfield from my home state of louisiana. Mr. Barfield served in world war ii under george s. Patton as part of the hell on wheels second armored division. He was deployed to many different posts throughout europe and northern africa. And fought in nine major battles, including dday and the battle of the bulk. Mr. Abraham during his time in service he was wounded twice and awarded two purple hearts for his bravery and sacrifice. Please join me in wishing a happy birthday to a true american hero. Mr. John barfield, whose currently and dedication to this country are second to none. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from georgia seek recognition . Thank you, mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. Revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized for one minute. Mrs. Mcbath this past sunday we celebrated International Womens day, the unique stories women share, women share and their power to shape our world. Like many women in america, my story includes a struggle to get pregnan. My son jordan was a miracle for me and my family, but for too many mothers in america the miracle of pregnancy ends in tradgedy. United states has the worst rate of Maternal Death in the developed world. This is unacceptable. There is no reason that the richest nation on earth we cannot keep our mothers and families healthy and whole. My bill the social determine nance tore moms act will invest in our mothers and fund access to services and Critical Research we need to help save the lives of our american women. We can solve this crisis together. If we work together. Republicans and democrats. Fighting for a safer, more compassionate and more Community Focused future. Thank you. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . Mr. Speaker, ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. Revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one inute. Mr. Olson mr. Speaker, the First Amendment to our constitution says, quote, Congress Shall make no law abridging the freedom of the press. End quote. The strength of our First Amendment, our local independent newspapers, these papers fan the flame of american rebellion. There is no america without a free local press. Last week we lost a local press newspaper in texas, covering k. D. News, they ceased operations. The owner and founder left radio eight years ago to get in the field and report on stories that mattered to people back ome. Online primarily. The family put their heart and soul into this paper, covering katy, he would stay awake from 4 00 a. M. To 6 00 p. M. Without a day off in five years. This his last article was quote, entitled, time to say goodbye. My dear friend, thats the wrong headline. The headline should be, time to say good luck. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from pennsylvania seek recognition . Mr. Speaker, request unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. Revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Thompson thank you, mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to recognize chris, principal of bener Elementary School. Chris was recently named pennsylvania 2019 National Distinguished principal by the National Association of Elementary School principals for his, quote, collaborative leadership style, empowering his staff to create an environment where students can excel and his dedication to student, staff, and community. Leaders like chris are important to the success and wellbeing of our nations schools. Chris gives all the credit to his staff, students, and their parents. Chris has served as principal of bener elementary for approximately seven years and well aware of the impact that teachers and administrators have on the daily lives of our nations young people. He said, quote, you dont know the kind of day they are having when they walk in, but you know you can positively affect them for the next six hours that they are here, end quotes. Id like to thank chris for his commitment to students in pennsylvanias 15th congressional district. And i congratulate him on this achievement. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from indiana rise . Mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent to address the house and revise and extend. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. T it mr. Speaker, today i rise to honor the memory of Council President brian mets gar, he originally from milltown, indiana, he lived a life of love and service to his community. He first gained the appreciation for Public Service when he joined 4h at 10. Always an energetic member, ryan knew he wanted to continue his work with 4h and after graduating from purdue university, he accomplished just that. Serving for decades with the 4h Extension Service in white and or rang counties. Mr. Baird his selflessness extended to other youth organizations in his community. Having worked for the Court Appointed special advocate association, the carry home for children in tippy canoe county and countless other organizations my friend and former colleague cared immensely about the growth and development of our young people. Any number of lives are better for his time and generous spirit. Brian was also a devoted member of the greater lafayette rotary club. And he continued to work for his community through the county Council Following his retirement from the Extension Service in 2012 and after 33 years of successful service. Inexhaustible as ever, pryian most recently served as president of the council. Those who were fortunate enough to have known and worked with brian, admired and respected his endless civic engagement. Described by his peers as dedicated and focused, brian embodied the 4h pledge of head, heart, hands, and health in service to others. And he will be missed dearly by his community. Thank you for your service, brian. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, the chair will post opponent further proceedings today on motions to suspend the rules on which a recorded vote or the yeas and nays are ordered. Offer votes objected to under clause 6 of rule 20. The house will resume proceedings on postponed questions at a later time. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from new york seek recognition . Mrs. Maloney i move the house suspend the rules and agree to the bill h. R. 60230 6020 as amended. The clerk a bill to require an evaluation by the Government Accountability office of the social economic and historic contributions that Minor League Baseball has made to American Life and culture. The chair recognizes the gentleman from new york. Mrs. Maloney i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days in which to revise and stepped their remarks and include extraneous material. Minor League Baseball has been part of the social fabric of america for over 100 years. Today, there are 160 Minor League Teams across the country including the Staten Island ankees and the 2019 brooklyn cyclones. This bill requires the Government Accountability office to conduct a study on the social, economic and historical contributions that these teams have made to american society. Minor League Baseball provides Family Friendly entertainment to millions of americans. It is also an important economic influence in many communities, employing thousands of individuals and often serves as an important source of charitable giving. I would like to thank representative trahan and David Mckinley for their leadership on this bipartisan effort. I would like to recognize the members of the Oversight Reform Committee who have cosponsored this measures, representatives, comer, hall and, keller and welch. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill. And i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves. The gentlewoman from west irginia. Ms. Miller i rise in support of the bill requiring the Government Accountability office of the social and historic contributions that Minor League Baseball has made to American Life and culture. This past year, major League Baseball proposed eliminating at least 40 Minor League Teams. M. L. B. Says their goal is to modernize the system but affected communities say the plan is misguided. Minor league teams are often found in smaller cities. I have two in my district and i know they have a vested interest in our community and have a positive Economic Impact and contribute to our diversification. I have spoken with the fans and they tell me how the teams provide a sense of community, pride and togetherness and improve live built in the region. There are other benefits they provide. For example, the average cost of a major league ticket is over 30, compared to the under 10 for the minors. And that cost rises when you factor in parking, concessions and souvenirs. Minor League Baseball also offers an affordable alternative to those families that wish to teach their kids about americas pasttime. In addition to these individual benefits, Minor League Baseball teams donated over 40 million to local charities in 2018 alone. The Minor Leagues have also established initiatives providing opportunities to athletes around the world. These initiatives grow the game of baseball. Some of these initiatives include providing training and equipment to latin american players and expanding the sport by encouraging young girls to play. Minor League Baseball also creates programs and hosts summer camps for kids in their local communities. Promoteograms and camps a Healthy Lifestyle and Teach Team Work and leadership. For these reasons, i support this bill and i urge my colleagues to do the same. I resevere the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves. The gentlewoman from new york. Mrs. Maloney i yield the gentlelady from massachusetts, two minutes. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from massachusetts is recognized for two minutes. Mr. Chairman, this bill would direct the g. A. O. To evaluate the social, economic and historic contributions that Minor League Baseball has made to American Life and culture. George will wrote last october, in baseball, as in the remainder of life, the most valuable rules are unwritten. To my mind, one of the cardinal rules is dont forget where you come from. My grandmother, an immigrant from brazil worked in local, where i now have my Congressional Office. Each day, we help people just like her. Its a constant reminder of the ommunity local is, welcoming loyal. The spinners came to low well, massachusetts. They are an affiliate of our beloved red sox and play 30 miles away. Fans from across the valley have rallied to them each summer. They are a