Rick Allen

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank President Trump for shining a big, beautiful spotlight on rural America. My district has 17 rural counties, and for far too long, our hardworking farmers in these communities have felt forgotten by past Presidents. But thanks to the Trump administration's new policies and renewed support, that is no longer the case. This week, President Trump highlighted rural America when he addressed the American Farm Bureau Federation's national convention, making him the first President to do so since George H.W. Bush in 1992. In his address, President Trump pledged to work with Congress to pass the farm bill on time, critical legislation that supports our farmers. I am a proud member of the House Agriculture Committee, and we have already been hard at work crafting this year's legislation. The President also signed an executive order expanding access to rural broadband. In today's world, broadband is not a luxury; it is critical and a necessity. My constituents need accessible, affordable rural broadband in their homes, schools, and businesses. It is critical for economic development. President Trump is implementing concrete solutions to make a difference for my constituents in rural Georgia as well as Americans across this Nation. Together with the Trump administration and my colleagues in Congress, I will continue my hard work to ensure that rural America is never forgotten.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. Since I was elected to Congress in 2014, I have been devoted to preserving the constitutional rights of Americans, including the inalienable right to bear arms. Despite our Second Amendment protections, many States have laws restricting the ability of citizens to carry concealed weapons, principally out-of-State residents. This is particularly confusing and burdensome for law-abiding citizens who choose to conceal carry and live near a State line. For example, the district I represent borders South Carolina along the Savannah River. For many of my constituents, the closest grocery store, bank, and even their work may be in South Carolina. Thankfully for my constituents, Georgia and South Carolina already have firearm permit reciprocity. But this is not the case everywhere. As the law currently stands, Americans in other States are losing their right to bear arms on a daily basis simply because they live near a State line. Just as your First Amendment right to free speech does not change from one State to another, neither should your right to protect yourself and your family. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will see this and will join me in voting for this commonsense legislation to solve this problem.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the importance of comprehensive tax reform for our families and businesses. It has been nearly 30 years since hardworking Americans have seen any significant changes made to our confusing Tax Code. Our current system is broken. I think we all agree on that. Taxes are too high, and our families and businesses are the ones paying the price, not to mention that nobody understands it. Two weeks ago, I was proud to cast my vote to cut, simplify, and reform taxes, and now the ball is in the Senate's court. Thankfully, as of yesterday, legislation has passed both the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Budget Committee, and now we expect a vote in the full Senate as early as this week. Under the Trump administration, we are growing the economy, but nothing can compare to the effect that tax reform will have on jump- starting the economy, expanding small businesses, and creating jobs. America, it is time to go back to work. We are now closer than ever to making tax reform a reality, a new reality for families and businesses across America who deserve to keep more of their paychecks and have the opportunity to grow their businesses. Mr. Speaker, I believe that we will uphold our important promise to deliver tax reform legislation to President Trump's desk soon.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the conference report on the National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the House of Representatives today. In a great bipartisan moment, the NDAA received overwhelming support to authorize almost $700 billion in defense spending and set priorities for our military, including the largest pay raise for our troops in 8 years. The conference report kept funding important to Georgia's 12th District, included in the earlier versions of the FY18 NDAA, such as $8 billion in funding for cyber operations and over $85 million in new military construction to prepare for our cyber warriors at Fort Gordon, like new family housing and a new gate. Ensuring that our soldiers, sailors, and airmen are equipped with the facilities and resources they need to fight the battles of today and tomorrow is crucial to our Nation's safety and security. Days after celebrating one of the most important days of the year honoring our veterans, I am happy to say that, with the passage of H.R. 2810, we have provided for the common defense, supported our servicemembers, and worked to close the critical readiness gap.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise with great privilege to celebrate National Bible Week. As stated, it has been 76 years since President Franklin Roosevelt declared this National Bible Week. I thank Congressman Lamborn for recognizing the importance of honoring God's Word here tonight. Just 16 short years ago, I learned the most valuable lesson of my life. I realized I had to change my priorities. Part of that change was to put God first. A big part of that commitment was the reading and studying of His Word through prayer and meditation. It is easy to say, but difficult to do. I had come to a point in my life where I made a covenant with God on my knees, which reminds me of God's instruction to Joshua 1:8, ``This book of laws shall not depart from your lips, but you shall meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then, you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have true success.'' I learned to gradually believe all the wonderful promises God made through His Word, and he credited to me His righteousness, just as He did our spiritual father Abraham in Genesis 15:6, ``I learned it was not my will be done, but His will be done.'' I learned what Jesus Christ had done for me and the entire world and how he leads me in all my endeavors and has called me to places I never imagined I would go. One of those is right here. Years ago, I could never have imagined myself here tonight, speaking on this floor in the United States House of Representatives, representing the great people of Georgia's 12th District. But here I am, by the grace of God. In this endeavor, I meditate often, and as said in Philippians 2: ``Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others more important than yourself. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but look to the interests of others.'' At a time when many Americans are increasingly divided, I often remind myself and those around me to have faith in Him and to remember the Judeo-Christian values our Nation was founded on. The Bible's influence on or founding documents can still be seen here today and was mentioned tonight. Again, when the Constitutional Convention reached an impasse, Ben Franklin asked clergymen to come in and pray and read the Scriptures. They united around the greatest constitutional document created in the history of mankind. Americans are looking to Congress to come together to find solutions for rising healthcare costs, a simpler, fairer Tax Code, and let's get our good folks back to work again. It is time to put the American people's interests above political will. The division in this Nation is real. They are evident right here in this body. How could our behavior ever show the world to believe that God sent His Son to save the world? This is when we should look to God's provision. The truth can always be found through faith in him. Jesus summed it up when he prayed for us in John 17:21: ``That all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in me and I am in You. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that You sent me.'' My inspiration is found in Psalms 51:10-12, David's Prayer: ``Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.'' As we enter the Christmas season, one of the most important seasons of the year, we all must remember to keep His Word close and let it lead us in all that we do. I am grateful that we have a President who actually wishes a merry Christmas as we all celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world. God bless.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support Congressman Byrne's important legislation, the Save Local Business Act. As a small-business owner myself for over 40 years, I know how difficult it can be to wade through Federal, State, and local red tape. Sometimes it feels like the government is against growing your business. The Obama administration expanded the joint employer standard under the Fair Labor Standards Act, blurring the lines of responsibility for decisions affecting the daily operations of many local businesses. According to the American Action Forum, the joint employer scheme could have resulted in 1.7 million fewer jobs. Luckily, President Trump is a job creator, so he knows a job-killing regulation when he sees one. Earlier this summer, his administration rescinded this terrible rule. However, we have to make sure no bureaucrat is empowered to redefine a joint employer standard again. Small-business owners are already facing an uphill battle. We should not be threatening the freedoms of independent businesses, owners, and entrepreneurs, making it even harder for them to achieve the American Dream. That is why I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act. This important legislation continues much-needed funding for programs like the Children's Health Insurance Program, community health centers, and our rural hospitals. Community health centers are a critical access point to care, and I have seen firsthand how they bless each person they serve. In addition to community health centers, my district includes many rural hospitals, which are truly a lifeline for my constituents. That is why I join my colleagues in letters urging to delay the cuts for the proposed disproportionate share of hospital and community health centers for at least 2 years. And I am happy to see this legislation doing just that. I won't let Washington forget about the rural communities at the heart of my district. They deserve better. And guess what? This bill is fully paid for. While delaying these cuts is a step in the right direction, I will continue to fight for a permanent solution. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Energy and Commerce Committee for their work, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support the Protecting Seniors' Access to Medicare Act. How many of you know what the Independent Payment Advisory Board is-- also known as the IPAB? How many of you know who serves on the board? I would venture to say that not many people know the 15 unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats who have unilateral authority to cut Medicare spending. When the Democrats passed ObamaCare, they created the Independent Payment Advisory Board, providing them with unprecedented power to alter Medicare policy, ultimately, having the chance to reduce seniors' access to healthcare and put the government at the center of our healthcare system with zero accountability or transparency. My constituents deserve better and Americans across this Nation deserve better. A vote for this legislation is a vote to give seniors more control over their healthcare decisions. I urge my colleagues to support Dr. Roe's bill.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Chairman Black on the markup of this important piece of legislation out of the Budget Committee. As we all know, tax season is the worst. It evokes images of stress, accountants, lawyers, and American families sending hard-earned money to the Federal Government. I, for one, have never been excited when it is tax season, and as a businessowner, it took on a whole new meaning. Taxes affect all Americans, but tax season shouldn't include months and months of preparation, often required to hire tax professionals. Our Tax Code is broken, and millions of Americans are looking to us to fix it. That is why Republicans have released the Unified Tax Reform Framework to provide relief for hardworking Americans and jump-start our economy. First, it lowers taxes at every income level, allowing Americans to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks. It delivers the lowest tax rates in modern history for job creators, allowing them to invest in growing their business. I will remind you that the small business community is responsible for 70 percent of all new jobs created. The vast majority of taxpayers will no longer have to deal with the complexity of itemizing due to the increased standard deduction. Small businesses will no longer be taxed under the individual side of the code. Families will no longer be penalized for inheriting family property or businesses, when the death tax is removed. Finally, we will cut tax rates on personal savings and investment in half. Americans should invest in their local economies and build towards a more financially secure future without exorbitant taxes. Now is the time for tax reform, and today we take a big step towards action. We must pass this budget. Hardworking Americans across the Nation will have the same April 15 they always have if we don't, and that is unacceptable. We cannot miss this opportunity. President Trump is with us on tax reform, and we must act for the American people. I urge all my colleagues to support this budget. It is critical to the American people.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support my fellow Georgian's, Congressman Doug Collins, bill, H.R. 469. One of the biggest complaints I hear about the Federal Government is the lack of accountability or these backroom deals. One glaring example of this is what is referred to as sue and settlement litigation. Under previous administrations, left-leaning groups would sue a Federal agency to try and enact regulatory changes without going through the normal rulemaking process. Both parties, the Federal Government and special interest groups, settle in court with an already-agreed-upon deal. Regulatory rules are then made quickly without any public notice or the input of any other relevant parties but carry the rule of law. These new rules are often the most burdensome and cost our businesses billions of dollars each year. This doesn't sound like draining the swamp to me. H.R. 469 stops these unfair arrangements by requiring agencies to publicly post and report to Congress on sue and settlement complaints, consent decrees, and settlement arrangements. It also prohibits the same-day filing of complaints and settlement agreements in cases seeking to compel agency action. Congressman Collins' legislation, the Sunshine for Regulations and Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act, will provide greater accountability and transparency to the American public, while stopping special interests from improperly influencing our Nation's regulatory regime. We must uphold a fair and transparent regulatory process. The American people demand this from us. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the rule on this commonsense legislation.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a Toombs County native. Twenty-nine-year-old Staff Sergeant Dustin Michael Wright was one of the three U.S. Army Green Beret soldiers killed in the line of duty last week. The U.S. Africa Command says Dustin was part of a team assisting in advising local forces in southwest Niger at the time of the ambush. A 2007 graduate from Toombs County High School, Dustin joined the Army soon after graduation, following in the footsteps of his parents and his brother. His family remembers him as a beloved jokester and was always making people laugh. He took great pride in serving the country, and I am so proud to see the Toombs County community coming together to paint the town red, white, and blue in honor of Dustin's life. Dustin was truly a hometown hero, and Toombs County will remember him often. As Jesus said: ``Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one's life for his friends.'' Dustin sacrificed his life for his brothers and sisters in service to this great country. I will never forget our freedom fighter from Toombs County.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairwoman for her work on this incredible budget that we are talking about here today. I rise today in support of the FY18 budget entitled ``Building a Better America.'' Never has a budget had a more fitting title. The budget set forth by the House Budget Committee will balance the budget within 10 years, provide our military with the resources they need for national defense, and cut more than $200 billion in mandatory spending. Picture this: $6.5 trillion in total deficit reduction over 10 years. On that fact alone, I would hope my colleagues would support this legislation. This budget also paves the way for the recently released Unified Framework for Fixing Our Broken Tax Code. On a telephone townhall with thousands of constituents on the phone from my district, 53 percent of participants reported that their most important priority for tax reform is a simpler, fairer Tax Code. The framework does just that and more. I urge all of my colleagues to support the budget, to reduce the deficit, and take a huge step toward progrowth tax reform that will increase paychecks, spur economic growth, and make our Tax Code simple, affordable, and competitive.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Georgia for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. We have a responsibility to defend the most vulnerable in our Nation, and that is exactly what this legislation does: it protects unborn children from abortion at 5 months. It is truly disheartening that I have to beg many of my colleagues to support a bill like this when it is scientifically proven that unborn babies feel pain after 5 months. Premature infants in the NICU are protected from pain. Children in the womb should be protected from pain also. I will always fight for the right to life, and I believe we have a responsibility to defend all innocent lives. In fact, this is close to home. I have four children: one son and three daughters. I have had to see both my wife and each one of my daughters experience difficult pregnancies and make difficult choices. I can't imagine life without my four children and my 12 beautiful grandchildren. Every child should be given a chance at life. New life is created by God, and we must give a voice to these precious babies who cannot speak for themselves. Our Nation can and must protect the most vulnerable among us.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my friend, the beloved Augusta radio host Harley Drew, on his recent retirement. He is one of the most successful and longest tenured radio personalities in the history of Georgia broadcasting. Harley was born at Fort Gordon, Georgia, and has always called Waynesboro, Georgia, home. He became interested in radio and electronics at the age of nine, and got a part-time job at WBRO in Waynesboro at the age of 14, where he worked full time after graduating from high school. Harley moved to Augusta in 1962 to help put WFNL on the air. I can remember in my high school days listening to ``Handsome Harley Drew'' on WBBQ, as he was known for playing the all-time best oldies. He is also a past recipient of Augusta's Best Radio Personality award from Augusta Magazine, was given the Louis Harris Award by the West Augusta Rotary, and has received numerous State and national awards for programming excellence. Harley was a founding board member of the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame and also served as its vice president. In honor of his career achievements, he was inducted into the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame in 2011. Harley anchored Augusta's morning news on WGAC until his retirement last Friday, September 29, 2017. Harley, congratulations on a remarkable career.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 1866, the Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria Education Relief Act of 2017. Mr. Speaker, September has been a difficult month for many students and families in areas such as Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Puerto Rico, and even my State of Georgia, just to name a few. We have all seen the truly saddening images of families who have been impacted by the likes of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and now we must come together as a nation to help our fellow Americans recover from these life-changing storms. These storms have left many Americans with questions on how to continue living their daily lives as they try to return to a sense of normalcy, and students are no exception. Hundreds of thousands of students have been impacted by these storms, and the Federal Government must be ready to address the needs of students, as well as their institutions of learning, so that their education may continue. The Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria Education Relief Act of 2017 allows the Department of Education, as well as other Federal entities, to use the emergency tools at their disposal to immediately assist students impacted by the storms of this past month without the need of additional appropriations from Congress. First, the bill equips the Department of Education with temporary authority to waive certain rules governing campus-based aid programs for those institutions impacted by recent hurricanes. Second, the legislation ensures students and teachers at private schools receive services under the Project SERV grant program. This program helps school districts and institutions of higher education reestablish a safe learning environment after a violent or traumatic crisis. The program has issued grants to school districts, State educational agencies, and institutions of higher education after natural disasters, including Superstorm Sandy. These funds have helped reopen schools or, in some cases, provided resources to operate a school at an alternative site while the original site is being repaired. Mr. Speaker, Congress has the power to use its resources to help students and families return to a sense of normalcy after these terrible storms, and we should do everything within our authority to help students remain on a pathway to success even in the aftermath of these storms. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support S. 1866, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 1866) to provide the Secretary of Education with waiver authority for the reallocation rules and authority to extend the deadline by which funds have to be reallocated in the campus-based aid programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 due to Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, and Hurricane Maria, to provide equitable services to children and teachers in private schools, and for other purposes.

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to add that this legislation does not call for additional appropriations on the part of Congress and provides the Department of Education with limited authority to act until it has sufficiently assisted the students and families of these impacted regions. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation for the people impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of S. 1866, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 1866.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 2 p.m. on Monday next and that the order of the House of January 3, 2017, regarding morning-hour debate not apply on that day.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, this week, Hurricane Irma brought devastation to south Florida and many parts of the Southeastern United States, including the 12th District of Georgia. In times of disaster, Americans come together and show their love and support for one another, and I thank all of our first responders, law enforcement, our military, and Good Samaritans for their extraordinary service in this time of need. Your selflessness saved countless lives in this unprecedented storm. I thank Governor Deal, President Trump, and FEMA, and all 19 counties in the 12th District of Georgia that were included in the Federal emergency declaration authorizing FEMA to provide direct Federal resources to our district. Visit disasterassistance.gov to learn about the options available to you. It is the greatest honor of my life to represent the people of Georgia's 12th Congressional District, and my office is here to help in any way we can. If you need any help in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, please do not hesitate to reach out. America is resilient. The American people are resilient when we come together as one, and now we must assess the damage and help each other rebuild our communities.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, Congressman Arrington, for this Special Order and for this opportunity to talk about what makes America great. Mr. Speaker, I am a product of rural America. I did learn a lot about work ethic and about values. I can't think of any other way to grow up, to be honest with you. Sure it was difficult, and sure I probably had some times where I thought I would like to be somewhere else. But I will tell you, there was nothing like it, and I take and cherish those memories. I have tried to instill those in my children as well. It is the greatest honor of my life to represent the people of Georgia's 12th Congressional District, which is largely rural. We have 18 counties. About 15 of those counties would be considered rural. My district is home to the Masters Tournament and the growing cyber industry in Augusta, but it is our rural farms that are the true heart of my district. Georgia's 12th District is rural, and I am proud to say it is truly God's country. You won't find more steadfast, faithful Americans than in rural Georgia. Agriculture is the number one industry in my home State of Georgia. It is also the number one industry in my district. Our farmers have been forgotten by out-of-touch politicians and unelected bureaucrats here in Washington, particularly over the last 8 years. Farm income, for example, is down more than 55 percent, largely due to what our President has talked about, which is our trade policies. However, as of last November, we are approaching a new day. This is President Trump's day and President Trump's America. That is why I am proud to have a President that knows that rural Americans deserve more. In April, President Trump created the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to be led by Secretary of Agriculture and fellow Georgian, Sonny Perdue. This task force was created with one goal in mind: to promote economic growth and innovation in rural America. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I look forward to working with Secretary Perdue on this mission, as well as the next farm bill, which is critical to the lifeblood of our farmers. From looking at cotton to peanuts, to specialty crops and the programs they are using, I have participated in numerous hearings on how to make the next farm bill successful for all of our farmers. I am working hard to make sure the commodities most important to Georgia's 12th District are protected. We also have a crisis in our community banking system. Community banks are the lifeblood of the creation of small business. We continually lose our community banks. That is why I am so proud of Chairman Jeb Hensarling and his work to pass the CHOICE Act. The CHOICE Act reduces the regulatory burden on our community banks. It allows them to thrive and to provide the capital to grow the small business community in our rural areas. Small business in our rural communities accounts for about 75 percent of all new job growth. We also have to fix healthcare. We are losing a number of our community hospitals. I know in Congressman Arrington's district, in small towns, the community hospital is the largest employer in that community, and it is critical that we repurpose those hospitals, that we fix healthcare and we provide healthcare for our rural areas. We also need to look at technology. There is a tremendous need for broadband and expanding our broadband capabilities. I know the President is talking about a major infrastructure package. Broadband needs to be a part of that infrastructure package because the 12th District of Georgia, through technology, could be the new Silicon Valley of the East Coast. We would like to see that trickle down into our rural areas, and it can, but we have to have the capability of the broadband. As far as the future of rural America, we are seeing tremendous strides made as far as technology, as far as farming. Last year, I planted peanuts. I was operating a tractor, which I remember operating as a child and a teenager and having to pay attention to all the moving parts. I tell you, I sat on this tractor and I planted 17 inches over from the year before, and I never touched the steering wheel. The technology is amazing. I was with a group of farmers the other day and we were talking about God is blessing us with a lot of rain and if it continues, we are going to have a bountiful crop, a great yield. They said: Yeah, we are good 8 inches down, but the other 8 inches we are a little concerned about. They have these probes that are measuring how much water we are receiving. So we have a got a lot going on in our rural areas. We just, as a body here, need to provide our farmers, our small business people, with the tools they need to get the job done, and they will get the job done. Again, I want to thank my distinguished colleague from Texas, Congressman Arrington, for shining the spotlight on rural America tonight. It is the lifeblood of this country. I want to see rural America become everything it needs to be. We are seeing improvement in the economy through many pieces of this legislation that we are passing. I hear it from the business community and some of our city centers. It is time for that to trickle down into rural America. Again, I thank the gentleman for shining this spotlight.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, recently, the Appling County community mourned the loss of lifelong resident Roy Herrington. He was a loving husband to his wife of 59 years, Georgia, and a dedicated father to his three children: Tami, Jeff, and Julie. Roy was an active member of the community. He was a member and a deacon at the Baxley First Baptist Church; a past director of Appling County Chamber of Commerce; and a recipient of the Chamber Award of Excellence in Agriculture. Roy was awarded the Appling County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year award in 1981. During my time traveling the 12th District of Georgia, Roy was one of those people who I would always make sure to visit to gain insight on serving the great folks of the 12th District. Mr. Speaker, we are losing our greatest generation, but as Members of Congress and as Americans, we must not forget the lessons they have taught us. Every village, every community, has a man of peace and influence. In Appling County, that man was Roy Herrington. Baxley, Georgia, is a better place because of Roy Herrington. He will be remembered often.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the fiscal year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act. With the hard work of the Armed Services Committee, this year's NDAA will begin to rebuild our military after years of spending cuts. Our troops have been facing a readiness crisis due to consistent underfunding. This important legislation will begin to address the crisis with key investments in military readiness, and it fully funds a 2.4 percent, well-deserved pay raise for our troops. In the 12th District of Georgia, we are at the forefront of cyber innovation, with the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence located at Fort Gordon. I am happy to say that the NDAA will fully fund cyber operations with an increase of $1.7 billion from fiscal year `17 and provides over $85 billion in military construction and Army Family Housing funds. It is our constitutional obligation as Members of Congress to provide for the common defense of the Nation. I believe that, with the passage of the fiscal year `18 NDAA, we are meeting our obligation to keep America safe, close the critical readiness gap, and rebuild the 21st century military.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H.R. 3003, the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act. Many cities across America have adopted sanctuary policies over the past few years. This is an obvious disregard of Federal law and puts American lives at risk. In my home State of Georgia, sanctuary cities have been outlawed since 2009. Last year, Georgia's law was amended to require local governments to certify they are cooperating with Federal immigration officials in order to get State funding. The way I see it, the law is the law. Sanctuary cities' policies are dangerous to all American communities as they can shield unlawful and criminal immigrants from Federal immigration enforcement. President Trump promised to end sanctuary cities, and this is the first step toward keeping that promise. How many more innocent American lives need to be stolen because our immigration laws are not being enforced? No person or city is above the law, and that is why my colleagues and I passed this very important bill today.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2353, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. Last week, President Trump laid out a plan to expand educational opportunities for American workers. President Trump's dedication to workforce development is admirable, and I am glad we have a President who has made this a priority. As someone who has worked in the construction industry for my entire career, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to find skilled workers. In fact, I spoke at the Associated Builders and Contractors breakfast this morning, and they reported that there will be over 1 million job openings in the construction industry in the next few years. I have met with many industries in my district. The workforce is aging. There aren't enough people who currently have the skills to take over, and it can take nearly 2 years for people to be fully trained for these positions. First and foremost, it is our responsibility to make sure that young people today are equipped for the job market of tomorrow. Getting an education is essential, but it is equally important that our education efforts are aligned with the in-demand jobs in our communities.