Ron Barber

Mr. BARBER

Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, this is the final amendment to the bill, which will not kill the bill, or send it back to committee. If adopted, the bill will immediately proceed to final passage, as amended. As my colleagues in this Chamber know well, the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program, or PILT, is a source of revenue for counties across our country, especially in rural areas of the United States like Cochise County in southern Arizona, that have large areas of Federal land within their boundaries. Without the PILT program, many counties would be forced to cut services, delay infrastructure maintenance and improvement, and local jobs would be lost. While I joined many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support reauthorizing PILT for 1 year in the farm bill, this is but a short-term solution. My amendment would reauthorize the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program for 5 years. By committing to reauthorize the program for 5 years today, we can give our communities who depend on these funds the long-term certainty they need. In fact, we should really be thinking about acting to authorize this fund as a mandatory fund. In 2013, PILT meant $5 million in funds for my southern Arizona district, in both Pima and Cochise Counties. The Sierra Vista Herald in Cochise County reported on the critical need for PILT in my home district, calling the potential loss of $1.98 million in PILT that the county received in 2013 ``a significant blow to the county.'' This is an important issue to all of us, particularly those in rural parts of our country, and I appreciate your attention to the matter. ``A lack of PILT funding,'' the County Board of Supervisors in Cochise County said, ``places the large and unsustainable burden of providing services on Federal lands squarely on the backs of Cochise County taxpayers, while the presence of that land creates a barrier to economic opportunities.'' ``Failure,'' the Board said, ``to provide PILT funding to Arizona counties in a timely manner will critically impact on the budget process and structural solvency of Cochise County, and substantially compromise the County's ability to provide these essential services.'' Cochise County and counties like it all across this country are required to provide law enforcement, search-and-rescue missions, emergency services, road building and maintenance, and other community services on or associated with tax-exempt Federal land. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this amendment so we can say to Cochise County, in my district, and the people I represent in southern Arizona, and so that you can say to the people of your State, particularly those in rural counties, that we won't make them wait and worry about whether or not they will have the resources to provide these critical services in the future. Mr. Speaker, my amendment also goes on to provide much-needed funding to fight wildfires across this Nation. Arizonans know all too well the terrific and horrific effects wildfires have on our communities. Last summer, our State was devastated by the Yarnell Hill Fire. My colleagues, our State experienced a great loss when last year, a fire swept across 8,400 acres of land in 15 days, killing 19 brave firefighters from the Granite Mountain Hotshots, all of whom died in the line of duty. These tragic fires are not unique to our beautiful State of Arizona. Every year, communities across our Nation face wildfires that destroy their land, their homes, and their livelihoods. And given the worst drought in California history just 1 month into this year, I know that this is an issue on the minds of all of my colleagues in the California delegation as well. Two summers ago, my district in southeastern Arizona endured the Horseshoe Two Fire. On May 8, 2011, the Horseshoe Two Fire started on the east side of Chiricahua Mountains near the community of Portal. The fire continued to burn steadily, heading to the northwest, and on June 8, the fire reached Chiricahua National Monument, burning into the southeast corner of the park. In late June, the fire was finally extinguished and contained. By then, 223,000 acres were burned. We were lucky that summer in southeastern Arizona that there was no loss of life. This amendment would authorize $50 million to the Federal Land Assistance, Management, and Enhancement Act for wildfire suppression on our public lands and $50 million for hazardous fuels reduction. This funding is key to fighting catastrophic fires, wildland fires, and for successful fire management strategies across our Nation. I ask my colleagues again, on both sides of the aisle, to join with me in supporting both PILT and these critical wildfire programs for our local communities and the people we represent by passing this motion to recommit. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. BARBER

Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Arizona Trail Association and honor its celebration of the Arizona National Scenic Trail's 20th Anniversary. In a short time, the Arizona National Scenic Trail has become one of the premier long distance trails in the country. The people that have worked to make this happen over the last 20 years are as diverse as the trail itself The Arizona Trail demonstrates what trail users and land managers can accomplish when they share a common vision. School teacher Dale Shewalter developed the concept of a cross-state trail in the 1970s and began traveling around Arizona giving presentations on his vision of a trail connecting communities, mountains, canyons, deserts, forests, public lands, historic sites, various trail systems, wilderness areas and other points of interest. The idea was embraced by all types of trail users throughout Arizona, Arizona State Parks, National Forests, the Bureau of Land Management and National Parks Service. In 1994, the Arizona Trail Association incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and became an organized voice for the trail, bringing together passionate hikers, backpackers, equestrians, mountain bicyclists, runners, trail builders, nature enthusiasts, cross-country skiers and others from throughout the state. These committed individuals provided the necessary route identification, volunteers for building and maintaining the trail, logistical support, fundraising and awareness for the trail and ensured that it received National Scenic Trail status. I am proud to have segments of the Arizona National Scenic Trail in my district, and congratulate the diverse supporters who made it a reality, including Matt Nelson, Arizona Trail Association's Executive Director, and Gary Hohner, the Association's Board President. And special thanks to all those in Southern Arizona who enjoy the trail now and work to preserve it for future generations.

Mr. BARBER

Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Army Sergeant First Class William K. Lacey, or Kelly, as his family wants him to be remembered, who was killed in action on January 4, 2014 after a rocket propelled grenade attack by insurgents hit his unit in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. He leaves behind his mother, father, stepmother, two daughters, three step daughters and many friends. Born at Eglin Air Force Base where his father, Master Sergeant John H. Lacey, was stationed, Kelly spent most of his childhood in Florida. He attended Niceville High School before joining the Army in 2003. While in the Army, he attended Meridian Community College and received an Associate Degree. Sergeant First Class Lacey was assigned to the F Company, 201st Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, based in Fort Knox, Kentucky. Kelly was on his second deployment to Afghanistan, and he had already completed three previous deployments to Iraq: the first a 5 month deployment, the second a 14 month deployment and the other a year-long deployment. From April 2011 until March 2012, Kelly served in Afghanistan. From his earliest time in the Army, Sergeant First Class Lacey was considered a great soldier. Over his career he earned more than a dozen honors including three Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, three Army Good Conduct Medals, two Afghanistan Campaign Medals with Bronze Service Star and two Iraq Campaign Medals with Bronze Service Stars. For his bravery in action, Sergeant First Class Lacey was awarded a Bronze Star with combat distinguishing device ``V'', two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart posthumously. We remember Kelly and offer our deepest condolences and prayers to his family. Everyone in our great nation owes Sergeant First Class Lacey and his family a debt of gratitude for his selfless sacrifice and courage. It is vital that we keep our men and women in uniform who are in harm's way in our thoughts and prayers. I call on my colleagues and all Americans to remember Kelly and the many others who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defending our freedoms and all that we value as a nation.

Mr. BARBER

Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Debbie Rich, chief executive officer of the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona, who has been named winner of the 2014 Phyllis Ehlinger Women of Excellence Award by the Tucson Chapter of the American Advertising Federation. This prestigious award recognizes a local woman who is a business owner or executive and who has demonstrated success within her industry, along with a dedication to philanthropy and mentoring. Debbie is a former Girl Scout herself who today leads an organization that serves more than 15,000 girls and has more than 2,500 adult volunteers in Pima, Cochise, Greenlee, Yuma and Santa Cruz counties as well as southern parts of Graham, Maricopa and Pinal counties. To meet the demand for services in Southern Arizona's underserved communities, Debbie created an innovative program using women students at the University of Arizona and Pima Community College as troop leaders. This has become a program beneficial both for the young scouts and also for the students who serve as their mentors and role models. To date, it is the only Girl Scout organization in the Nation to use this model. Also under Debbie's leadership, Girl Scouts in Southern Arizona are addressing serious contemporary issues such as poverty, illiteracy, hunger, homelessness and violence. Debbie's programs have become so successful and popular that the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona now requires more space to fulfill its mission. There soon will be an enlarged campus with meeting rooms, science labs, a demonstration kitchen, a digital media lab and a gym. Debbie has said that her goal is to motivate every girl in our community to be the best that she can be. Debbie herself has set a sterling example for the Girl Scouts who will come after her. I am proud to recognize Debbie Rich on the occasion of her selection as recipient of the 2014 Phyllis Ehlinger Women of Excellence Award.

Mr. BARBER

Mr. BARBER. Madam Speaker, as the husband of an incredible woman who has guided and advised me for 46 years and the father of two strong and accomplished young women and the grandfather of three granddaughters, I stand with all women today. I stand in support of every woman's right to be able to choose what is best for her and her family. And I stand ready to protect and preserve the ability of every woman to make her own health care decisions with her doctor and without the interference of politicians in Washington. And I stand in opposition to H.R. 7, which would restrict the rights of women and their access to care. I urge my colleagues, every one, to stand with me.

Mr. BARBER

Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, on December 28, 1.3 million Americans lost their unemployment insurance because Congress failed to act. These families are struggling to put food on the table, to pay their bills, to heat their homes; and we have a responsibility to assist them in their time of need and as they continue to look for work. But instead, Congress will go home today without taking action, and this is just outrageous. Every week that Congress ignores its responsibilities to our citizens, 72,000 more Americans lose their unemployment insurance, crucial assistance which not only supports them, but also our economy. That is why I call on leadership to keep the House in session and to extend unemployment insurance now. We should stay here and do our job, for we are representing the people of America and those who we have a duty to serve. Let us stay here and make sure that Americans know that we have their back, that we are going to take care of them in their desperate time of need. I urge the House to stay in session and pass an extension to the unemployment insurance program.

Mr. BARBER

Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, due to flight delays beyond my control, I missed one recorded vote on January 7. I would like to indicate at this point how I would have voted had I been present for that vote. On rollcall No. 1, establishing a quorum in the House of Representatives for the Second Session of the 113th Congress, I would have voted ``present.''

Mr. BARBER

Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, I believe we have a solemn duty to protect the privacy of all Americans. I think all of us here believe that, too. I am committed to helping southern Arizonans have access to the Affordable Care Act through the healthcare.gov Web site, and we must ensure that their personal and medical information is protected. That is why I will be introducing the CARE Act, which will require that the Department of Homeland Security develop the highest cybersecurity standards for healthcare.gov, and for Department of Health and Human Services to implement these standards within 90 days. In a recent hearing in the Committee on Homeland Security, we learned that too little has been done to protect the privacy of Americans accessing the Web site. My constituents and the people across this country deserve to know that when they interact with this Web site, their personal information will be safe and secure. That is what my bill ensures. I urge my colleagues, both Democrats and Republicans alike, to join me in support of this critical legislation.

Mr. BARBER

Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bob Strain on the high honor of being named Veteran of the Year by the Greater Sierra Vista United Veterans Council. A retired colonel, Bob served our country with distinction for thirty years in the United States Air Force. After retiring from the military, Bob served his community of Sierra Vista, Arizona for over twenty years with the same level of integrity and dedication through civic engagement and elected office. The city of Sierra Vista and Fort Huachuca grew stronger under Bob's leadership both as a member of the City Council and as mayor. By increasing and reinforcing water conservation in the city and surrounding region, Bob helped ensure the future growth and sustainability of the city and the Army Garrison. As an active member of numerous community associations and organizations, Bob has been a strong and articulate advocate for the many veterans who call Southern Arizona home. In 2012, he was inducted into the Arizona Veteran's Hall of Fame. This well-deserved recognition by the Greater Sierra Vista United Veterans Council is another testament to his hard work and dedication on behalf of veterans. I am proud to call Bob Strain a friend and join with a grateful community in congratulating him on this well-deserved honor.

Mr. BARBER

Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, I stand here with my colleagues from the Arizona delegation, both Senate and House, and with very close friends of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords to remember a tragic event that took place 3 years ago today. On January 8, 2011, 10:10 a.m., in just 19.6 seconds, 19 people, including Congresswoman Giffords and myself, were shot during a Congress on Your Corner in Tucson, Arizona. This event was democracy in action; a Member of this body, the people's House, was meeting one-on- one with her constituents. Six wonderful people died that day, including my friend, Gabe Zimmerman, my go-to guy on the Congresswoman's staff. Tucson and southern Arizona have definitely not been defined by that terrible act. Instead, we are defined by how our community responded. The compassion, love, prayers, and goodwill that poured out has helped all of us heal our broken hearts and bring some good out of that horrific day. Organizations have been established to address the educational needs of children, to prevent bullying, and to reduce the stigma of mental illness and improve those services. Congresswoman Giffords continues her remarkable recovery. Her perseverance and determination give hope to others. She is a true inspiration to the country and the world. You might have noted that, earlier today, she jumped out of an airplane and took a tandem dive-- her second skydive. This woman's resilience has no bounds. Sadly, in the last 3 years, other communities have been struck by similar senseless acts of violence. The most fitting memorial would be to take action to prevent another such tragedy. As a shooting survivor, a grandfather, and a Member of Congress, I am determined to do so. I know that many others in this body and in the Senate have the same aspiration. Let us never forget the 6 people that died that fateful day: 9-year- old Christina-Taylor Green; Dorothy Morris; U.S. District Court Judge John Roll; Phyllis Schneck; Dorwan Stoddard; and my friend and colleague, Gabe Zimmerman. Mr. Speaker, I would now ask that the House observe a moment of silence in remembrance of these good people.

Mr. BARBER

Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act, and I call attention to a provision in the act that will preserve the A-10, a core component of our Nation's combat power and military readiness. This is a national security asset that I have been fighting for even before I became a Member of Congress when I was Congresswoman Giffords' district military affairs lead. This National Defense Authorization Act states that the Air Force will not be allowed to retire, prepare to retire, or place in storage any additional A-10 aircraft during 2014. A-10 pilots are trained at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, to fly a plane that is unsurpassed in its ability to provide support for our troops on the ground. In today's military environment, the A-10 is best suited to continue this very important mission for decades to come. We simply cannot adequately support the warfighter to continue on the ground if we get rid of this proven aircraft. I am proud to support the NDAA.

Mr. BARBER

Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 91.3 FM KXCI, a community radio station serving Tucson, Arizona and the surrounding areas, on the occasion of its 30th anniversary. The anniversary, which occurs on December 6th, 2013, will be marked by a special concert event at the El Con Club and Grill in Tucson, featuring an eclectic mix of local bands. KXCI makes invaluable contributions to the communities of southern Arizona. Its unique blend of music expands the cultural horizons of its listeners and its relationships with local arts and public service organizations bring local citizens together. By providing over $200,000 worth of free airtime for public service announcements each year, KXCI helps Tucson area non-profits to raise awareness of their causes and foster community engagement. KXCI's staff, supporters and listeners understand that radio can be a powerful force for social good. Together, they have built a radio station that facilitates a healthy exchange of ideas and expressions, strengthens local communities, promotes the arts and provides stimulating entertainment. Over 30 years, tuning into KXCI has been synonymous with placing a finger on the pulse of the city of Tucson. The station has long been one of the region's most trusted and respected sources of news, music and current events. Those who live within its reaches find comfort in its unique programming in the car, at home and at work. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate KXCI on reaching this great milestone. Its long history of enriching the communities in and around Tucson deserves our highest admiration and respect. Happy birthday, KXCI--and many more!

Mr. BARBER

Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Airmen of the 48th Rescue Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. On Oct. 29, 2013, eight Airmen of the 48th Rescue Squadron were on their way back from training in Eloy, Arizona when they came upon a 19- vehicle collision on Interstate 10 near Picacho Peak. Showing little regard for their own safety, the Airmen immediately went into action providing first aid to the wounded and assistance to law enforcement officers on the scene. Despite the danger from leaking fuel, the Airmen remained at the site of the accident extricating passengers and providing care for more than 20 injured motorists before emergency medical services arrived. These brave Airmen embody the qualities that make our military great--selfless service, initiative and personal courage. Without hesitation, they put their own lives at risk to rescue strangers in need of assistance. They were not asked to put themselves in harm's way, but they saw an immediate need and stepped up to action. As a nation, we should all feel a little prouder knowing of the heroic actions on October 29th and that these actions were not isolated events. Rather, the Airmen of the 48th Rescue Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base commit themselves daily to going into harm's way to come to the aid of downed pilots--sometimes at great personal risk. Since their inception, Air Force combat search and rescue squadrons have performed a core function of emergency rescue, easing the minds of pilots flying into harm's way. These pilots know that should something happen to them or their aircraft, there is a dedicated cadre of Airmen to find them and lend aid regardless of the danger. I am thankful for these eight courageous Americans and am proud that they represent the Air Force, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Southern Arizona.

Mr. BARBER

Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the AbilityOne program, which in the last several years has helped more than 48,000 Americans who are blind or who have significant disabilities gain skills and training that ultimately led to gainful employment. The AbilityOne Program harnesses the purchasing power of the federal government to buy products and services from participating community- based nonprofit agencies that are dedicated to training and employing individuals with disabilities. This program affords Americans with significant disabilities opportunities to acquire job skills and training, receive good wages and benefits, and gain greater independence and quality of life. This program provides essential assistance to a segment of the population that has one of the highest levels of unemployment in our country. I am proud to acknowledge the important work of Beacon Group in Tucson. Since 1952, Beacon has provided quality services by employing people with disabilities. Their services improve the quality of life, alleviate barriers to independence, and help Arizonans of all ages to reach their full potential. With the support of the AbilityOne Program, Beacon provides and serves over 2,100 people with disabilities each year, providing a variety of employment related programs. The direct impact of these services on the lives of Americans with disabilities cannot be overstated. For an individual with a significant disability who has never had the opportunity to work, be independent, participate in community life, or contribute to their society; the AbilityOne Program and agencies like Beacon are invaluable. Mr. Speaker, for these reasons I strongly support the AbilityOne Program and Beacon Group. I also want to commend the dedication and commitment of Steve King, the President of Beacon and his staff. Their work helps people live fuller lives and become more active members of the society. I also commend each AbilityOne employee who works every day to improve their lives and make our country a better place to live.

Mr. BARBER

Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to recognize the first Douglas Youth Leadership Development Forum that will be held this week in Southern Arizona. The theme of this forum is ``Speaking Truth to Power'' and it is being held in conjunction with national, state and local observations of Rural Health Day. This forum will engage junior high school and high school students living in the Douglas area who are eager to gain leadership experience through volunteer initiatives tied to the improvement of health care in rural areas. I hope that many young people in Cochise County and elsewhere in Southern Arizona will take this opportunity to participate in this very worthwhile endeavor. During the forum, attendees will hear from established youth leaders. Also speaking will be long-time Douglas leaders who support the advancement of youth into leadership roles. The Arizona Rural Health Association is sponsoring this important event. Other sponsors are the city of Douglas, Chiricahua Community Health Center, Cochise County Health Department, Cochise County Youth Health Coalition, Douglas Family Care, Douglas High School Health Occupation Students of American, Douglas High School Med Club, People's Choice Hospital, Southeast Arizona Area Health Education Center, Southeast Arizona Medical Center, Students Against Destructive Decisions, University of Arizona Center for Rural Health and the Voice of Douglas. I am proud to recognize the first Douglas Youth Leadership Development Forum and encourage residents of my district to fully support it.

Mr. BARBER

Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Art Almquist, theater teacher at Tucson High Magnet School, for being awarded one of People Magazine's 2013 Teachers of the Year awards, and the first of its Readers' Choice awards. As stated in People Magazine, ``For the past 17 years, Almquist has been Tucson Magnet's drama teacher. He has built a cutting-edge theater program rarely seen on the high school level. For Almquist, known for staging productions on topics such as AIDS, environmental activism and immigration, theater offers a way to teach his students a variety of skills that go beyond acting. `He's influenced thousands of students to find the challenge, the love, and the joy of whatever career they pursue,' says former student Julian Martinez.' '' I couldn't be prouder to have Mr. Almquist inspiring the students of Southern Arizona. It was the students who made this award possible, voting online thousands of times and encouraging others to join them to ensure Mr. Almquist would receive this honor. Teaching may be the most important skill a person can share. As parents, coaches, educators, neighbors, friends and community leaders, we all are responsible for helping children learn. And if we teach correctly, we give the lifelong gift of continual learning. There is no ``finish line'' to education. Regardless of the formal process of elementary and higher levels of school, a great teacher endows the love of improvement that continues throughout our lives. I am proud to recognize Art Almquist of Tucson High Magnet School and all the people who work each day to help strengthen the education system in Southern Arizona. It is our duty to thank our teachers for their significant contributions to our community and ensuring a bright future for our children.

Mr. BARBER

Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 584 I was unavoidably detained and missed this vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. BARBER

Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Army Corporal Wong Suey Lee, a veteran who resides in my district of Southern Arizona. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and esteem that I request this body recognize Corporal Lee for his courageous service and tremendous bravery. Corporal Lee is a veteran of the Korean War and saw firsthand the brutality of battle. He was one of more than 1 million heroic Americans who committed to support their nation in a time of war halfway around the world to face an unknown enemy in a strange land. Six months into his service with the U.S. Army, and nearly a year after the communist invasion of South Korea, Corporal Lee faced mortar and small arms fire to rally his platoon and continue the advance of his unit toward the Iron Triangle, a key communications and transportation hub in the Yonchon-Cheorwon area of the Korean peninsula. Through testimonials by his fellow soldiers, a stirring picture has been painted of what transpired on June 3rd, 1951 and of Corporal Lee's fierce determination and grit. As point man for the lead platoon of the lead company of his assault battalion, Corporal Lee encountered a number of enemy positions, drawing heavy fire and killing an enemy soldier. Having cleared enemy forces from two entrenched positions, taking fire from small arms and mortar rounds, Corporal Lee gallantly exposed himself to that fire and rallied his squad leaders to take on a third enemy position upon a nearby steep hill. Corporal Lee tended to the wounded around him, as the platoon took aim and neutralized the enemy on the small hill. He then scaled that hill, dodging grenades and coming face-to-face with enemy soldiers, killing three at point-blank range. From the portrait laid out in the testimony of his many colleagues, it is clear that Corporal Lee was instrumental in keeping together his platoon and showed immense leadership in the face of incredible hardship. Indeed, two days later, Corporal Lee was severely wounded in battle and returned to the United States. Everyone in this great nation owes Corporal Lee and his family a debt of gratitude for his selfless sacrifice. I call on my fellow colleagues and all Americans to rise today and thank Corporal Lee for helping to secure freedom for millions of people worldwide.

Mr. BARBER

Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you on this, the 16th day of the shutdown, with just hours remaining until our Nation defaults. The only way to end this crisis is for Members on both sides of the aisle to come together and take bipartisan action today. We need to do our job, and we must act responsibly. The Senate has a bipartisan plan, and we should take it up immediately. At home and across the Nation, the people we represent are facing harsh consequences: from the couple being denied a loan for their first home, to the Head Start kids whose school doors are shut, to the businesses with lost sales because national parks are closed, to the Border Patrol agent who can't pay his mortgage because his full paycheck hasn't come. Mr. Speaker, we must vote for commonsense solutions. We must end this shutdown. We must restore faith in the United States of America, and we must restore faith in this, the people's House.

Mr. BARBER

Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, it is time for us to come together. This reckless government shutdown must end. Southern Arizonans and Americans all across our country are hurting, and our economy has been seriously harmed. The Senate is working on a bipartisan solution to reopen the government and to avoid putting America into default. I am very hopeful that we can find a reasonable and responsible plan and immediately bring it to the House floor for a vote. Mr. Speaker, we must end this blame game. We must put the American people first. Let us come together and act responsibly now. Let this government shutdown end, and let us ensure that we pay our bills now. It is important, and the American people are calling on us to act, to act now.

Mr. BARBER

Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, the safety and security of Southern Arizonans is my first priority. I represent 83 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, and the people who live near it are very seriously affected by criminal activities along that border. Since the shutdown, our Border Patrol agents have faced uncertainty about their pay and the future of their mission. These brave men and women are our first line of defense in securing the homeland. They deserve our respect and support. Last week, an agent's wife called my office about a decision her husband was forced to make, the decision between missing a loved one's funeral or attending it on furlough, putting his paycheck and his family at risk. This reckless shutdown hurts the families of our agents who put their lives on the line every single day. This is wrong, Mr. Speaker, and we must end this irresponsible shutdown now and restore certainty to the Border Patrol for the safety and security of Southern Arizonans and our entire country.

Mr. BARBER

Mr. BARBER. I thank the gentleman. First of all, I want to thank Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Lowey, Mr. Young, and Mr. Visclosky for taking up this critical legislation and for moving it so quickly to the floor. Mr. Speaker, over the weekend, our Nation lost five patriots in Afghanistan. We need to remember who they were: First Lieutenant Jennifer Moreno, U.S. Army; Sergeant Joseph Peters, U.S. Army; Sergeant Patrick Hawkins, U.S. Army; Private First Class Cody Patterson, U.S. Army; Lance Corporal Jeremiah Collins, U.S. Marine Corps. Thirty-six hours after they were killed, their families were notified that our government would not pay death benefits because of the government shutdown. When I heard about this yesterday morning, I simply could not believe it was true. I asked my staff to look into the matter and find out if it could possibly be true. Unfortunately, they confirmed that indeed we had denied these benefits. We took immediate action, and along with a bipartisan group of Members representing the districts where these fallen heroes lived, we moved forward and introduced this legislation. As has been said, the bill will provide funding to pay survivor benefits and cover the funeral costs for these military families and all servicemembers who may give the ultimate sacrifice during this shutdown of our government services. God forbid that any other family should be put in this situation again. It is absolutely abhorrent that we would leave our military families without assistance when they are at their most vulnerable time of trying to deal with their loss and grief. General Leave

Mr. BARBER. I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, I just want to say the denial of this benefit is absolutely outrageous, and it is a disgrace. We've broken our fundamental promise to fallen heroes, and we must fix it. This bill will do just that. We must also ensure that it never happens again. That's why, later today, I will be introducing a bill that makes sure we never forsake our fallen servicemembers or any member of our uniformed services ever again under these circumstances. I am very pleased that we came together today in a bipartisan fashion. I thank my colleagues for coming together and for putting their differences aside in order to honor these commitments to those who have fallen and in order to take care of their families in this time of need. I hope we will see a unanimous vote in approving this bill.

Mr. BARBER

Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, this weekend, our Nation lost five brave servicemembers in Afghanistan. Shortly after they were killed, their families were notified that our government would not pay their survivor benefits due to the shutdown. This is disgraceful and an outrage. These servicemembers gave their lives in defense of our country. When they stepped up to defend our Nation, we promised that they and their families would be cared for. Now, due to the shutdown, we have broken and abandoned that sacred commitment. Today, I am introducing the Fallen Heroes and Families Assistance Act, which will ensure that the promises we made to our fallen servicemembers are fulfilled. I urge its immediate consideration by the House. We must honor our commitments to our fallen heroes and their families.