Michael Burgess

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Both bills were before the Committee on Rules yesterday, and you were present.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Well, thank you, chairman, and thank you for calling this hour together. Of course, the ranks of those who are able to capably deliver a narrative in this House suddenly have gotten a little thinner, but I did have the opportunity to sit down and visit with Mr. Hall just a few days before Thanksgiving, and I know how intense was his desire to be here and be able to talk on the floor today on his own behalf. Ralph, sadly, that didn't come to pass. I hope you are able to watch today. I hope you are able to hear the accolades of all of your colleagues. We miss you, Ralph. We wish you nothing but the best going forward. Again, the ranks of the capable narrative deliverer here in the House of Representatives has gotten a little thinner at the end of this term.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 30 seconds. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to join the gentlewoman from New York in congratulating Don Sisson for his new position at the White House Office of Legislative Affairs and certainly look forward to working with him. I actually am somewhat comforted to know that there is an Office of Legislative Affairs in the White House and look forward to his occupying that position. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 756 provides for the consideration of three important pieces of legislation to create a more transparent and accountable Environmental Protection Agency, one that works in an open manner for all of America. The rule provides for 1 hour of debate for each of the three bills contained within the rule. Further, amendments were made in order for each of the three bills for a total of five amendments from Members of both parties. Mr. Speaker, the first bill contained in this rule, H.R. 1422, the EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2013, brings greater accountability and greater oversight to the board of appointed advisors which the EPA uses to review the scientific bases for its official actions. Created in the late 1970s, the Science Advisory Board was intended to be a check on the EPA in order to ensure that the Agency's math and the Agency's statistics were all in order before it promulgated rules or regulations. In fact, the original authorization for the board made clear that the Science Advisory Board was to report both to the EPA and to Congress on its findings. However, over the course of the past several decades since its inception, the Science Advisory Board has become little more than a rubberstamp for whatever the EPA Administrator wishes to accomplish, with the board members being handpicked by the Administrator, likely being chosen primarily on the basis that they hold the same environmental worldview as whoever the head of the EPA happens to be at any given point in time. The bill before us would provide for a more balanced representation on the Science Advisory Board, setting out parameters regarding whom the Administrator can choose and ensuring that State and local governments have representation on the board so that they are not simply relegated to environmental activists, which, unfortunately, has been the case for some time now. Indeed, current regulations exclude industry experts from serving on the Science Advisory Board, but not officials from environmental advocacy groups. The new regulations are necessary to ensure against any appearance of impropriety on the board. This legislation becomes even more critical when one considers the numerous regulations that the Environmental Protection Agency is currently contemplating, which could have significant impacts upon the Nation's economy. From proposed carbon regulations to ratcheting down ozone regulations, the Science Advisory Board has been tasked with reviewing the science that will back up some of the most expensive rules in the Environmental Protection Agency's history. It is critical the American people have confidence in what their Federal Government is doing and confidence that it is justified. I fear that, absent any significant reform to the EPA's process, that is currently not the case. The second bill contained in this rule, H.R. 4012, the Secret Science Reform Act, is also intended to make the Environmental Protection Agency's rulemaking process more transparent, a goal that at one time was supposedly shared by the President. The legislation states that the Environmental Protection Agency may take official action on an environmental regulation only if it has identified all scientific and technical information upon which the Agency has relied for that particular action, and further, it must use only publicly available studies and can thus be independently peer reviewed. This would bring the EPA's process in line with how many scientific journals operate when they publish peer-reviewed studies. Further, the bill is prospective and will not interfere with any previously-enacted rules or regulations by the EPA. To address concerns expressed during the Science Committee's consideration of the bill, the legislation spells out that nothing in these requirements would jeopardize any privacy concerns with scientific studies. The CDC has successfully made its studies available without exposing any of its test subjects' personal information, and the EPA should have no problem similarly complying with these requirements. Finally, H.R. 4795, the Promoting New Manufacturing Act, the third bill included in the rule before us today, provides for greater transparency and would cut much of the red tape surrounding the permitting process for manufacturers attempting to comply with the Clean Air Act's requirements. It would require the EPA to publish guidance on how companies may more efficiently obtain construction permits and navigate what is often a lengthy and arduous process. Mr. Speaker, Americans are waking up to how much of the United States economy is subject to the EPA and its regulations, from carbon dioxide to ozone, and people are rightly anxious over how these new and, in some cases, unprecedented rules will affect consumers' wallets. It is reasonable and expeditious to ensure that the science upon which the EPA is relying to craft its regulations will be transparent and available to all and not just a select few who the EPA deems worthy to see its work products. Even the congressional committees who are charged with legitimate oversight over EPA's actions have had difficulty in obtaining basic scientific justifications for its actions over the past few years. The bills before us today will begin the process of making the EPA accountable to the very constituency the Agency claims to be protecting, the American people. I encourage all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the rule and ``yes'' on the underlying bills, and I will reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, today's rule provides for the consideration of three important bills to provide for open and transparent rulemaking at the Environmental Protection Agency. I certainly want to thank the authors for their thoughtful legislation. I want to urge my colleagues to support both the rule and the underlying bills.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, at this time I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 756 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work of Richard Fisher, who will be retiring as the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas this coming spring. President Fisher's work at the institution for the past 10 years has served our area well. Richard has been a fearless advocate for the low regulation of the Texas economy. Because of his stance, north Texas has experienced tremendous economic growth and vitality during the time of his presidency. I feel privileged to have known and worked closely with President Fisher during the time he and I worked together on economic development summits in southeast Fort Worth. Those were a huge success and were helpful to the small businesses that were in an economically challenged area. He was always available and helpful to me personally. His stances on preventing banks that are too big to fail from coming to the taxpayer for bailouts was inspiring. On behalf of the 26th District of Texas, I commend President Richard Fisher on a job well done. I congratulate him on his retirement and wish him every success in the future.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ralph Leslie Buddy Cole, Jr. for a noteworthy life dedicated to public service. Mr. Cole passed away at the age of 80, having lived a selfless life as a veteran of the Texas Air National Guard, public servant, and civic leader. Buddy was born on August 19th, 1934 and grew up picking cotton in Krum, Texas. His commitment to public service and civic leadership started at a young age, notably when he founded the Krum Young Citizens Club and subsequently served as its first president. Buddy's public service career included serving on Pilot Point's City Council, first by election in 1981 and again by appointment in 1986. Additionally, he served as Denton County Judge for 4 years after being elected in 1982 and then served as Denton County Commissioner for Precinct 1 after winning election in 1986. Buddy is deserving of recognition not only for his continuous dedication to civic leadership and public service, but also for the example he demonstrated in his personal life and character. Buddy was regarded throughout the community as a pragmatic problem solver, something that no doubt contributed to his success in public office. Buddy is survived by his wife, Norma, his sons Alan and Leslie, eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. I join his family and the community of lives he touched in celebrating the accomplishments of Buddy Cole. It is my privilege to represent the 26th District of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, in 2009, President-elect Obama wrote a memo that his Presidency will usher in an unprecedented level of openness. But this week, it was revealed that the lead architect for the Affordable Care Act, Jonathan Gruber, capitalized on--his words now-- the stupidity of the American people in passing the health care law. He further went on to say the lack of transparency is a huge political advantage and was critical to passing the law. This insult to the American people is shocking, but it is hardly surprising. In 2011, the Energy and Commerce Committee uncovered evidence of secret meetings at the White House where they were setting the stage for the takeover of America's healthcare. At the time, their work was discounted. Old news, they said. But was it really? The American people sent a message last week, and the message was they are not stupid. This administration, which finds value in opacity while talking transparency, needs to conduct its business in the light of day, exactly as they promised in 2009.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate another stellar achievement by the Marcus High School Marching Band. This is the fifth time the Marcus High School Band has won first place in the University Interscholastic League (UIL) State Marching competition and been crowned state champions! The Marcus High School Marching Band has furthered their already impressive record of four consecutive state marching finals victories, cementing their UIL record. The Marcus High School Marching Band has a talented and dedicated leadership team, headed by Amanda Drinkwater, Director of Bands, and Associate Directors: Kennan Wylie, Chase Howard, and David Simon as well as Color Guard Director, John Leonard. The student members of the Marauder Band have worked long hours over many months to bring their winning performance ``Imperial Treasures'' to fruition. They have been capably led by Drum Majors Amanda Elmendorf, Hannah Hadden, and Nicholas Kohn. Edward S. Marcus High School is located in Flower Mound, Texas within the Lewisville Independent School District. The school's administrators, teachers and students as well as its committed booster organization have whole-heartedly supported the band's endeavors and should also be recognized and commended for their contributions to its great success. I am pleased to join the community in congratulating the Marcus High School Band, winner of the 2014 Class 6A Texas UIL State Marching Band Contest. They have been excellent ambassadors for Flower Mound and the 26th District of Texas. It is my privilege to serve them in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Argyle High School Band from Argyle, Texas for their recent outstanding achievement in winning the 2014 Class 4A UIL Texas State Marching Band Championship. Argyle High School's Band decisively won the Class 4A crown for the fourth consecutive time. The band's stellar performance of ''Alleluia'' earned the top award and allowed them to retain the state title they have held since 2008. The accomplished members of the Argyle High School Band deserve praise for their hard work and commitment. I commend the staff and students of Argyle High School for their tremendous support of the Eagle Band under the dedicated leadership of Band Director Kathy Johnson, Associate Band Director Michael Lemish, Superintendent Telena Wright, and Principal Jeff Butts. It is my privilege to represent the administrators, teachers, staff and students that comprise the Argyle Independent School District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS. With that, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. In 2006, the Democrat manifesto, ``A New Direction for America,'' states: Bills should come to the floor under a procedure that allows open, full and fair debate, consisting of a full amendment process that grants the minority the right to offer its alternatives, including a substitute. The fact remains that, when the Democrats took control of the House, they did precisely the opposite. Throughout the 111th Congress, which was the final 2 years of Representative Pelosi's time as Speaker and which was the first 2 years of the Obama administration, the House never considered a single bill under an open rule. That is the definition of a closed process. Under Republican control, the House has returned to the consideration of appropriations bills under an open process with 22 open rules. This year, the House has considered 404 amendments, 189 of which were offered by the Democrats. When you compare the record of the Republican majority and the most recent Democratic majority, any fair analysis will show that the Republicans are running a more open, transparent House of Representatives. One word on the previous question: defeat of the previous question would not allow any of these proposals that we have heard about today to be considered because they would not be germane to the rule, so I do urge my colleagues to support the previous question. Today's rule provides for the consideration of a critical bill to protect millions of Americans who are facing the loss of their employer-sponsored health insurance and that they were promised--a promise is a promise--they were promised they could keep. I certainly thank my colleague from Louisiana, Dr. Cassidy, for his thoughtful piece of legislation and his work in this effort.

Mr. BURGESS. No, I have no additional speakers. I am prepared to close.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 2 minutes. I just want to address the issue of the insurance companies. They have never enjoyed the type of unprecedented power that they have today until the passage of the Affordable Care Act. The insurance companies--executives from the insurance companies--meet regularly down at the White House with the Secretary of Health and Human Services. We are not privy to those discussions. We have no earthly idea what goes on in those meetings, but we do know that insurance companies are enjoying unprecedented profits right now since the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Their profits have increased. Their stock prices have increased. Why is that? It is because of the individual mandate that was included in the Affordable Care Act. No longer do insurance companies need to be interested in the longitudinal relationships with their insureds. You have got to buy what they are selling. Don't even get me started on their own narrow networks, which can restrict patients' abilities to see a doctor or to go to a hospital, to see who they want, to buy the medications that they need or to be reimbursed for the medications that they need. A lot of that has gone out the window. Talk about people with preexisting conditions. Most of us buy on price. Since we buy the lowest-cost price on the Bronze plan, we find ourselves now confined by narrow networks. Who is really now prejudiced against a person with a preexisting condition under the current arrangement? This bill today does not undo the Affordable Care Act, but it provides one more little measure of sanity for patients who wanted to keep their insurance policies before this regime took over. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.