Andy Barr

Mr. BARR

Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, once again, in support of The American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act, I want to share a story from just yesterday in Nicholasville, Kentucky, where The American Legion was there, as they always are, supporting our veteran families. We were at Camp Nelson--which was originally a Union Army cemetery, but since the Civil War, has become a final resting place for many of our heroes--yesterday to honor many of the Kentucky Gold Star families who had lost loved ones, heroes, in the war on terror. The first one was a U.S. Naval officer killed on September 11, 2001, in the Pentagon. And most recently, Captain Matthew Roland, a captain in the United States Air Force, was killed in action in August of 2015 in Afghanistan. And the families of these fallen heroes were there. We were there to honor those fallen heroes and unveil a dedication, a memorial to those Gold Star families who had sacrificed so much. Not only did those heroes sacrifice everything for this country, but those families have sacrificed because they have lost their loved ones, and they are missing anniversaries, birthdays, and their children growing up and walking down the aisle. But who was there to honor those Gold Star families? The American Legion. And The American Legion was there holding those American flags high, and they were there to deliver the three-volley salute in honor of those fallen heroes. The American Legion is, first and foremost, a local organization. They pride themselves in that, and that is what they were in Jessamine County, Kentucky, honoring those Gold Star families. Yes, they represent a country of heroes and servicemembers and veterans, but they are local, and they showed that yesterday in the Sixth Congressional District of Kentucky, and they show that all over this country. I would just note also, Mr. Speaker, that when we think of how to honor our veterans, we have to remember what General George Washington--who, of course, was the Founder of our country, and who, of course, was that famous general during the American Revolution who arguably was the first veteran--said. And what General Washington-- President Washington famously said about our country and veterans was that the willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive veterans of earlier wars and how they were treated and appreciated by our Nation. The American Legion embodies that. They are a group of patriots, of veterans who know that it is critically important to instill in other Americans the importance of patriotism, love of our country, love of the American flag, so they help us and future generations respect our veterans and their service and their sacrifice. We appreciate the fact that we have a piece of legislation before this body today that honors that great organization--The American Legion--that provides that level of patriotism and support to our men and women in uniform and veterans who have served this country so heroically and patriotically. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Walz), the legislation's sponsor.

Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2519) to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint commemorative coins in recognition of the 100th anniversary of The American Legion, as amended.

Mr. BARR

Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, the gentleman from Texas and, as I said before, the gentleman from Massachusetts for their advocacy of this bipartisan piece of legislation, again, honoring a great American tradition: the great sport of basketball. Whether at the high school level, the collegiate level, or the professional level, it is true--the gentleman from Texas is absolutely right--this great sport unites our country. There is friendly competition--sometimes vigorous competition--in the rivalries that we see, whether it is Kentucky playing Louisville or North Carolina versus Duke, or if it is the Lakers and the Celtics from the 1980s or the Pistons and the Bulls in those great games in the 1990s. There are a lot of people behind this legislation that deserve thanks and appreciation. I want to thank, in particular, Jim Host, who is credited for coining the phrase the ``Final Four,'' and Coach Calipari of the University of Kentucky, who has been a tireless champion of this effort. Without his leadership, I don't think this would have happened. I want to also thank all of the members of the Hall of Fame who have come to Washington to talk to us. Jay Bilas came down here in the Ways and Means Committee and talked about the importance of this, and many of the other former players. I have to thank the players because the Hall of Fame recognizes their amazing skills and their talents, and if it weren't for their advocacy, this wouldn't have happened as well. Finally and probably most important of all, the Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act that we are enacting here today is in honor of the fans who make this great sport possible, the American people who have fallen in love with this great American sport. We have to thank the fans for creating such excitement. Whether it is the McDonald's All American Basketball Game at the high school level, or if it is the Final Four in the national title in the NCAA in both men's and women's basketball, or if it is Game 7 of the NBA Finals, there is nothing more electric than this sport at crunch time. Again, I urge my colleagues to come together and support the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 1235, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act. Basketball was invented in Springfield, Massachusetts, by Dr. James Naismith in 1891. I have the privilege of representing the Sixth Congressional District of Kentucky, home of the University of Kentucky Wildcats. We affectionately know the University of Kentucky Wildcats basketball team as the greatest tradition in the history of college basketball; the winningest program in college basketball; eight national championships; and, of course, the greatest fans in the history of college basketball. We call them the Big Blue Nation. While it may be to the surprise of many that a Kansas Jayhawk and not a Kentucky Wildcat invented the game, there is no doubt that this sport has helped many Americans learn the value of teamwork, sacrifice, and hard work. Today, by some estimates, basketball is considered the fastest- growing sport in the world. With current megastars like LeBron James, Steph Curry, Candace Parker, and Brittney Griner, we don't have to wonder why we are in the Golden Age of basketball again. And while the sport is wildly successful today with rising stars like former Kentucky players John Wall, Anthony Davis, Devin Booker, and Karl-Anthony Towns, the future is in good hands. I could talk all day about the upcoming NCAA basketball season, but instead I want to turn my attention to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Established in 1959, the Basketball Hall of Fame has honored players, coaches, referees, and other basketball icons for their contributions to this great American sport. From Larry Bird, Bob Cousy, Charles Barkley, Bill Russell, Jerry West, Patrick Ewing, Oscar Robertson, Pete Maravich, Bill Walton, Yao Ming, Shaq, TMac, A.I., the Millers, Swoopes, Coach Summitt, Coach Calipari, Magic Johnson, Dr. J., Wilt Chamberlain, Coach Adolph Rupp, Coach John Wooden, to Coach Dean Smith, the Basketball Hall of Fame allows fans, young and old, to reminisce or even discover the rich history of the game they love. To the basketball lore of Chamberlain scoring 100 points in a single game, to the athletic heroics of Michael Jordan, to Lisa Leslie's dunk, to the UConn Ladies' streak of 111 wins, to Curry and company revolutionizing the game with a constant barrage of 3-pointers, the Basketball Hall of Fame is helping fans relive the greatest moments in basketball history while teaching important life lessons to youngsters through educational programs. To honor 60 years of excellence in 2020 by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, it is with great pleasure that I am on the House floor today encouraging my colleagues to support the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act. This legislation requires the U.S. Mint to produce commemorative coins for fans to collect and enjoy in celebration of this momentous occasion, in denominations of $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins. Importantly, these coins would be produced at no cost to the taxpayer, and surcharges on the sale of these coins would go to support programs at the Hall of Fame after raising matching funds from the private sector. I especially want to thank Congressman Richard Neal from Massachusetts, home to the Springfield location of the Hall of Fame; and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy from California, for their hard work on this legislation. I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation honoring this great American sport. Go Cats, go Big Blue. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1235) to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in recognition of the 60th Anniversary of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, as amended.

Mr. BARR

Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor all Gold Star family members who have lost a loved one in the Global War on Terrorism. I want to pay special honor to the families of the 120 Kentuckians who have given their lives in protecting our nation. Petty Officer First Class Edward T. Earhart, USN, was the first Kentuckian killed when he lost his life during the attack on the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. The last Kentuckian killed was Captain Matthew D. Roland, USAF, who lost his life in Afghanistan on August 26, 2015. Six of these brave heroes' final resting place is in Camp Nelson National Cemetery in Nicholasville, Kentucky. Mark and Barbara Roland, parents of Captain Roland, were inspired to place a Gold Star Family Monument at Camp Nelson. They formed a grassroots committee, who then worked to raise the necessary funds and complete the project. This monument represents the sacrifice of the service members who were lost but also the sacrifice and loss felt by all their family members. The inscription on the monument reads, ``Dedicated to the families left to remember and honor the sacrifice of their loved ones in the service and cause of freedom to a grateful nation.'' Through this monument, may we forever be reminded of these brave heroes and their families. Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. It is my honor to recognize our brave Kentucky heroes and their families before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. BARR

Mr. BARR. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. BARR. Mr. Chairman, I thank Congressman Jenkins for his leadership on this important issue. Mr. Chairman, I join my colleague from West Virginia in introducing this amendment, which seeks to increase funding to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program by $6 million. Frankly, that is not enough, but it is an improvement over the status quo. This program is a proven program, established to help combat the sale and distribution of illegal narcotics. I am greatly concerned about the current and future well-being of this Nation and States like my home Commonwealth of Kentucky, which, according to the Centers for Disease Control, has the third highest rate of fatalities due to drug overdose in the Nation, falling close behind West Virginia and New Hampshire. Members of my Sixth Congressional District of Kentucky Drug Abuse Task Force, which is comprised of local, State, and Federal experts in the fields of law enforcement, drug treatment, recovery, education, and prevention efforts, recommended increased funding for HIDTA initiatives to help fight this crisis. We hear it from our constituents, the heartbreaking stories of loved ones who have succumbed to addiction and the heartbreaking stories of first responders who are called to the scene of overdose deaths. In 2016 alone, HIDTAs took $17.3 billion of illicit drugs off the streets and out of our communities, which equates to a return on investment of $75 for every $1 in HIDTA budgeted in 2016. We can prudently use this return on investment to continue to help take narcotic drugs out of our communities while helping to provide funding for treatment and prevention efforts for nonviolent drug abusers. Mr. Chairman, we all personally know someone who has fallen to addiction by drugs or even fallen victim to a drug overdose. I ask my fellow colleagues to support this important amendment, which would truly make a difference in helping our communities fight this alarming epidemic. It is a workforce development issue. Many of the employers in Kentucky--and I know, in West Virginia as well--talk about the labor supply difficulties as a result of the addiction crisis, but even worse is the human tragedy. We know that this works. In Madison County, Kentucky, it has worked. Many other counties are applying for this money, and with that, there is more demand for more funding. Please support this amendment.

Mr. BARR. Mr. Chairman, just to conclude, this is not about raising costs for people. This is about actually making it more affordable to own a home. There may be, in some cases, a higher interest rate for a manufactured home than a site-built home. But, remember, a manufactured home can be less than half the cost of a site-built home. So you are talking about overall affordability. Why would we deny people the opportunity to have overall affordability, as opposed to being forced into higher cost rent where they don't even own the American Dream, or being in a position where they can't afford at all? The only option available is a site-built home, a nonmanufactured home. Defeat this amendment, preserve access to rural affordable housing, be pro-consumer, and oppose this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BARR. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Graves).

Mr. BARR. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman's leadership on this, and, with all due respect to my friends on the other side of the aisle, this amendment is not about protecting consumers. This amendment is about protecting bureaucrats from accountability from the American people. You know, I don't know, for the life of me, why Members of Congress would not defend this institution, both Republicans and Democrats on both sides of the aisle defend this institution. Why on Earth would we give away the most complete and effectual power of Congress--as James Madison said, ``the power of the purse''--away to unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats in the executive branch? When I asked Chair Yellen whether she approves the budget of the Bureau, she didn't know the answer to that basic question. We know that the CFPB is not accountable to the American people through their elected Representatives in Congress. That is by statutory design. That is what Dodd-Frank says. But we would hope that they would at least be accountable to the source of their funding, and they are not even accountable to the Fed. Defeat this amendment, support accountability, support the Constitution and restoring the power of the purse to the elected Representatives of the Congress.

Mr. BARR. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the amendment of my friend from Illinois. The gentleman has shown great leadership on this issue prohibiting the Office of Foreign Assets Control from using funds to issue a license allowing U.S.-made aircraft to be sold to Iran, and also prohibiting OFAC from using funds to authorize U.S. financial institutions to finance the purchase of military fungible aircraft to Iran. As the chairman of the subcommittee with oversight over treasury implementation of sanctions, it is just unacceptable and unnecessary to expose the U.S. financial system to the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism in a jurisdiction of primary money laundering concern. At a hearing in April, the Committee on Financial Services heard testimony that Iran Air's role in the Syrian conflict continues. That same day, the public received reports of a chemical weapons attack killing dozens of Syrian civilians. What we know is that there is significant evidence suggesting that Iran Air flights are now being used to transport personnel and material supporting the IRGC and its efforts to assist the Assad regime and Hezbollah. Mr. Chairman, I applaud the gentleman's amendment and I support it. We should not be assisting the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism with commercial aircraft.

Mr. BARR. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, the examples raised by my friend, the gentleman from Minnesota, really have nothing to do with the provisions of the bill that the amendment seeks to strike. What the bill does do, the underlying bill, and I thank the gentleman from Georgia for including this in the Financial Services Appropriations bill--what the bill does is make targeted adjustments so that manufactured home loans are available in the market. Again, consumer protection is not denying people access to affordable housing, and that is what the gentleman's amendment would do. The Dodd-Frank Act does prevent predatory lending, but nothing in this language changes that at all. Instead of unrelated stories about consumer protections that the bill's provision will not change, let's get back to talking about how consumers are actually harmed by the rules we are seeking to change. Look, let's talk about real people who are affected negatively by overreach by the CFPB and Dodd-Frank, people in my district in Kentucky, in rural Kentucky where manufactured housing is one of the best affordable options and less expensive than renting. Let's talk about the hospital worker in Paducah, Kentucky, who was denied a loan of $38,500 to finance a manufactured home. He had an 8 percent down payment. His monthly income was $2,200 per month, plenty to cover the all-in housing costs of $670 per month. The payment for his own home would have been less than what he was spending on rent, but he was unable to get financing. Why? Because of the CFPB; because of Dodd-Frank; because of overregulation. He contacted his local banks and credit unions, but they no longer financed manufactured homes because of overregulation. Those harmed include those who currently live in and those who seek to purchase a manufactured home: retirees, veterans, working families, et cetera. And the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data is clear. Consumers have been shut out of the market for quality affordable housing because regulations have caused financing to be less available for manufactured homes. I want to reserve the balance of my time, and I want to give some other Members an opportunity to say something about this, but I do want to just conclude by saying, this amendment, again, is not about consumer protection. The amendment protects consumers right out of their homes. That is not consumer protection. Keeping access to affordable homeownership is the American Dream. We shouldn't be denying that to people, especially in rural America. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time, and may I ask how much time I have left.

Mr. BARR. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Luetkemeyer).

Mr. BARR

Mr. BARR. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentleman's arguments in opposition. However, I would argue that the best consumer protection is competition and choice, and what these misguided regulations do is take away access, take away competition, take away choices for consumers. That is not consumer protection. It is certainly not consumer protection to say to rural Americans looking for access to affordable housing: You can't have access to a manufactured home. That is not consumer protection. That is hurting consumers. And what I would say also is that this is a bipartisan amendment. There are Members of the party on the other side of the aisle who recognize that in rural America and other places, we need a bipartisan fix to bureaucratic overreach, and these are new requirements that are not thoughtfully conceived, as the gentleman would argue. In fact, these are new requirements imposed without warning, without any evidence of consumer harm, without any thoughtful process at the agency. So, again, I would urge my colleagues to join us in a bipartisan amendment to fix a bureaucratic overreach, which denies low-income Americans with access to affordable housing. Why in the world would we tolerate the agency that is supposed to be the advocates of poor and low-income Americans denying them access to affordable housing? Support this bipartisan amendment, support low-income Americans, support rural Americans, and support manufactured housing. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BARR. Mr. Chairman, as many of you know, manufactured homes are the only form of nonsubsidized housing that is directly regulated by HUD. Statute dictates that HUD is required to facilitate the availability of affordable manufactured homes to increase homeownership for all Americans. Recently, the Department has imposed excessive and contradictory regulations on manufactured housing. HUD is impeding on some State functions, reinterpreting regulations to the detriment of longstanding and accepted building practices, and implementing rules that unnecessarily limit consumer choice and increase costs. As the primary regulator of manufactured housing, HUD should work with the industry, not against it, to ensure regulations are streamlined, cost-effective, and applied fairly and transparently, while also working to keep manufactured housing as an affordable housing alternative for all American families. In central and eastern Kentucky and many other parts of rural America, manufactured housing offers a very affordable option and a good option for housing for many folks. For the life of me, I do not understand why the Federal agency charged with the responsibility of providing affordable housing would be limiting choices and access to this very affordable and very good option for housing for many rural Americans. My limitation amendment would fix three problems where HUD's regulation of manufactured housing exceeds and, at times, even contradicts statutes. These three problems are intrusive installation programs, burdensome and unnecessary onsite completion of construction rules, and shifting guidelines on alternative construction. Mr. Chairman, what I am offering here tonight is an important limitation amendment. Addressing these issues will help mitigate the ongoing negative impact that these regulations are having on access to affordable housing across America. I urge my colleagues to support this important work where Congress can work together to eliminate impediments to the manufactured housing market so that all Americans can have access to affordable housing. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BARR. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BARR

Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding individual, Mr. Charles E. ``Charlie'' Wilson, of Carlisle, Kentucky, for his distinguished military service during World War II. Mr. Wilson, a part of the greatest generation, served our nation in the United States Army. Mr. Wilson was just eighteen years old when he registered for the draft and became a member of the United States Army in 1943, where he served until the end of the war. He was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division just five days before the D-Day invasion of Normandy. After clearing Utah Beach, the 4th Infantry Division was sent to liberate Cherbourg. Mr. Wilson served as a forward observer, keeping the infantry safe. During his second rotation to the front, he was injured badly by German shells. The injury left him paralyzed for fifteen days. To this day, Mr. Wilson suffers from pain from this injury. Mr. Wilson returned to his unit and became a tank driver for the rest of the war. On August 25, 1944, Wilson's 19th birthday, he helped liberate the city of Paris. During the battle of Hurtgen Forest, Mr. Wilson was injured again. He was found half-buried, unconscious, and bleeding. He was treated and rejoined the effort. The Army went on to free all of France and kept pushing the Germans until the war was won. As the end of the war neared, in April 1945, Mr. Wilson helped to identify the Dachau Concentration Camp, saving the lives of many Jewish people. After the war, Mr. Wilson returned home and became an educator. He served as Principal of Nicholas County Elementary School. He has spoken to numerous school classes about his war experiences. Mr. Wilson was invited by the French Government to Normandy in 2014 for the 70th Anniversary of D-Day. He returned in 2015 for his third trip to France, where he was awarded the Legion of Honor. Mr. Wilson spoke at the event and his words are recorded in the French archives. The bravery of Mr. Wilson and his fellow men and women of the United States Army is heroic. Because of the courage of individuals from Nicholas County and from all across our great nation, our freedoms have been saved for our generation and for future generations. He is truly an outstanding American, a patriot, and a hero to us all,

Mr. BARR

Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, make no mistake: the anti-arbitration rule recently finalized by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is not consumer protection. It is a giveaway to special interest trial lawyers that will expose financial firms to ruinous liability; limit consumer access to affordable, high-quality financial services and products; and undermine consumers' ability to resolve disputes more quickly and more cost-effectively than class action lawsuits. The Bureau's own study found that, while trial lawyers earn millions of dollars in fees, in 90 percent of class action lawsuits, consumers were awarded absolutely nothing--nothing. Of the remaining 10 percent, the average payout to consumers was a mere $32. That same CFPB study found that the average arbitration payout was almost $5,400, or over 150 times more than the average class action recovery. Even more troubling, the Bureau's unilateral decision to ban alternative dispute resolution will result in increased litigation costs for financial services firms, undermining their safety and soundness, forcing consumers to pay higher prices and making it more difficult to obtain credit cards and other financial services and products. That is not pro-consumer. For these reasons, I am a proud cosponsor of Congressman Rothfus' bill that would disapprove this misguided resolution to the Congressional Review Act. Congress should be making the laws of the land, not unaccountable, unelected bureaucrats at the CFPB circumventing the democratic process. That is why, in addition to invalidating this bad anticonsumer, pro- trial lawyer, anti-arbitration rule, Congress must act swiftly to rein in the Bureau and subject this agency to the congressional appropriations process, reclaiming Congress' constitutional power of the purse over this out-of-control agency. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this resolution of disapproval to block this ill-advised, anticonsumer rule and reclaim its authority under Article I of the Constitution.

Mr. BARR

Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an American patriot and hero, Mr. Troy Bowling of Lexington, Kentucky, who completed his life's service on June 17, 2017, at the age of 90 years old. His military service during World War II and his commitment to supporting our veterans and the men and women in uniform throughout his life is an inspiration to us all. At the age of 19, Mr. Bowling began his service as a United States marine and was a proud member of the Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Division. During the United States campaign to end the war against Japan, Mr. Bowling's unit was among the first to arrive on the beachheads of Iwo Jima. While attempting to secure Mount Suribachi, his unit came under intense and concentrated fire, completely overwhelming his unit. Two projectiles struck Mr. Bowling in the chest and leg, leaving him critically wounded on the battlefield. At that moment, Mr. Bowling said he looked to the heavens and committed to serving mankind for the rest of his life if he survived. Miraculously, a combat photographer and medical team then carried Mr. Bowling to the safety of a landing craft, where he witnessed the planting of the American flag atop Mount Suribachi, an iconic image that persists as one of the most legendary and triumphant moments of the war. The U.S. Marines eventually took control of the island. However, this victory came at a heavy cost, as over 6,800 U.S. servicemembers gave their lives during the battle of Iwo Jima. In keeping faith with his commitment to God made during that battle, Mr. Bowling devoted over 78,000 hours of volunteer service to others at the Lexington VA Medical Center. For over 66 years, Mr. Bowling rose through the ranks within the Disabled American Veterans organization, holding nearly every position possible, including State commander. The Bible teaches in Proverbs 21:21 that ``He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor.'' Mr. Bowling has brought great honor upon himself through his dedication, determination, and love for serving the people of our community. Without a doubt, he has remained true to the commitment he made on the rocky terrain of Iwo Jima. Mr. Bowling embodies the best of American ideals, values, and commitment to serving others, never abandoning the Marine motto of semper fidelis, ``always faithful.'' On behalf of a grateful nation, I would like to thank Mr. Bowling, a model member of the greatest generation, for his many years of service to our country and our community. He is truly an outstanding American and an inspiration to us all. Troy Bowling, may you rest in peace.

Mr. BARR

Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a very special organization, the Garden Club of Lexington as they celebrate their 100th anniversary. The Garden Club of Lexington was formed in 1917, and in 1924, they were invited to join the Garden Club of America. For their first large civic project, members planted trees along Richmond Road. This provided an attractive and lasting entrance to the city of Lexington. One of the major undertakings of the Garden Club of Lexington was the establishment of public gardens at Ashland, the historic home of the renowned Henry Clay. Clay represented Kentucky in the United States Senate and in the House of Representatives, where he served three terms as Speaker. Club members over the years raised funds, designed, and established beautiful garden areas at Ashland, including the Saunder Peony Garden. The award winning gardens are enjoyed by countless citizens and visitors to Central Kentucky. The Garden Club of Lexington organizes many other civic projects designed to beautify Lexington and to provide the public with wonderful opportunities to enjoy nature. As this outstanding organization celebrates its first 100 years, I applaud them for past accomplishments and wish them a bright future. It is my honor to recognize the Garden Club of Lexington before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. BARR

Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record an amendment I introduced to Rules Committee Print 115-10 on H.R. 1215: Add, at the end of the bill, the following (and amend the table of contents accordingly):

Mr. BARR

Mr. BARR. Mr. Chairman, I first want to commend Chairman Goodlatte and Congressman King and others who worked on H.R. 1215, the Protecting Access to Care Act, which aims to address the real problem of junk lawsuits in the context of medical care. Seventy-five percent of the doctors will face a malpractice lawsuit over the course of their careers, and many of these claims are frivolous, which drives up the cost of healthcare, encourages defensive medicine, and contributes to the Nation's severe shortage of doctors and nurses, especially in high-risk areas such as obstetrics, neurosurgery, and emergency medicine. We need to enact sensible medical malpractice reform, and given the clear Federal interest in reducing taxpayer costs wherever Federal policy affects the distribution of healthcare, I support H.R. 1215. However, H.R. 1215 does not go far enough to discourage the practice of defensive medicine, the provision of health services, tests, and procedures designed to shield the provider from legal liability but which may not be medically necessary or in the best interests of the patient. Defensive medicine is a major driver of healthcare costs and also reduces the quality of patient care. In that spirit, I offer this amendment, which would expand upon the reforms in H.R. 1215, to protect physicians from frivolous lawsuits, while promoting the practice of evidence-based medicine to lower costs and improve healthcare quality. My amendment offers a legal safe harbor in the form of an affirmative defense for defendants who can show that they adhered to clinical practice guidelines in their area of medical practice. Rather than Washington-based care, the guidelines would be developed by the physician community-based on the best available scientific evidence. This allows doctors to focus on practicing medicine and improves healthcare quality by encouraging the practice of evidence-based, not defensive medicine. A New England Journal of Medicine study on clinical practice guidelines and tort reform stated that ``Safe harbor rules hold promise for realigning legal incentives with good medical practice and promoting fast uptake of proven modes of care.'' By promoting adherence to clinical practice guidelines that are already maintained by medical specialty groups, this amendment would encourage physicians to provide higher quality care, while reducing medical errors and waste. Several States have already adopted safe harbor legislation and have significantly lowered the length and costs associated with medical malpractice cases. My amendment would build on the success of State safe harbor laws by expanding it to a national level, while not infringing on States' ability to implement additional tort reform. Americans deserve healthcare reform that will help lower the cost of care and protect the sacred doctor-patient relationship. The current reforms within H.R. 1215 are an important first step to reducing the high costs of medical malpractice claims. My amendment will further strengthen this legislation to promote affordable evidence-based patient care, reduce defensive medicine, and allow health professionals to focus on patients' actual needs. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BARR. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for those comments. Mr. Chairman, the clinical practice guideline safe harbor policies have been supported by the American for Tax Reform, American College of Radiology, Healthcare Leadership Council, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, American Society of Anesthesiologists, American Academy of Neurology, American Urological Association, American College of Surgeons, American Health Care Association, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Alliance of Specialty Medicine, Third Way, American College of Physicians, American College of Emergency Physicians, American Osteopathic Association, American College of Cardiologists, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. As originally drafted, the amendment set forth the procedure in detail. Nevertheless, the process by which clinical practice guidelines are proved and published is well established and well known. The text of the amendment clearly references that existing and well-defined process that provides for guidelines to be proposed, submitted, approved, and published through the National Guideline Clearinghouse under the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. This is a process that ensures the integrity and quality of the applicable guidelines. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.