Dave Brat

Mr. BRAT

Mr. BRAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a smart and ambitious young lady from my district, Catherine Liptak. Catherine came into my office yesterday to discuss with me her participation in the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals (CBYX). On Tuesday, Catherine left for a year to live with a host family as she studies and interns in Germany. She told me, ``Part of the mission of the CBYX program is cultural diplomacy, and I am eager for the opportunity to serve as a representative for the United States abroad, as well as learn about the German lifestyle, and discussing similarities and differences between the two nations. I hope that through my professional work, as well as through volunteering and other activities, I will foster connections with German peers and other members of the community where I will live, and gain a deeper appreciation for these cross-cultural connections.'' Catherine is the very best of what Virginia and this country has to offer. As a recent graduate from the University of Virginia where she achieved a Bachelor of Arts in History and Russian and East European Studies, Catherine is taking with her a great education and firm foundation. She will do a great job as she lives and works in Germany. I'm looking forward to her updates and look forward to her safe return to America.

Mr. BRAT

Mr. BRAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize four constituents who received prestigious Fulbright awards during the 2016-2017 academic year. They are, Ms. Tyra Beaman of Glen Allen, Virginia, Ms. Ellen Korcovelos of Henrico, Virginia, Mr. Colfax Phillips of Richmond, Virginia, and Ms. Eileen Wang of Glen Allen, Virginia. These scholars will be joining alumni of the Fulbright program who have and will continue to be extraordinarily successful in their lives. Fulbright scholars go on to excel in nearly every seclor of our economy, as well as serving in the highest levels of government and Congress. According to the United States Department of State, more than 370,000 individuals from the United States and over 180 countries have participated in the Fulbright program since 1946. The Fulbright Student Program boasts that ``The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the largest U.S. exchange program offering opportunities for students and young professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and primary and secondary school teaching worldwide.'' This program is a terrific way for students to gain worldwide perspectives and learn valuable lessons from other countries. They are also taking with them the values that made America what it is today. They will build lifelong relationships and be ambassadors for America for years to come. Congratulations.

Mr. BRAT

Mr. BRAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. The economy is not growing as it should be--about 0.7 percent last quarter--and according to many of the employers in my district, our workforce is not prepared to meet the needs of today, let alone the future. This legislation is important because it recognizes that we need an education system that best prepares our kids for the future--a future in business--as soon as they hit K-12, and they should be ready to enter the job market or move on to additional training. Traditional 4- year colleges and universities cannot be the only pathway for the next generation of students. In Virginia, there were nearly 110,000 postsecondary students enrolled in CTE courses in the 2014 year. Programs I am privileged to represent in Virginia's Seventh Congressional District include Amelia Nottoway Technical Center, the Chesterfield Governor's Career and Technical Academy, and Chesterfield County Public Schools Governor's Health Sciences Academy. While these innovative programs in my district have excelled, technical skills and on-the-job training must be ingrained in the thinking of our entire K-12 educational system, across the curriculum, in every class. I believe this bill is a positive step in that direction.

Mr. BRAT

Mr. BRAT. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 33) designating the George C. Marshall Museum and George C. Marshall Research Library in Lexington, Virginia, as the National George C. Marshall Museum and Library.

Mr. BRAT. 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 H. Con. Res. 33.

Mr. BRAT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 33, a resolution that designates the George C. Marshall Museum and George C. Marshall Research Library in Lexington, Virginia, as the National George C. Marshall Museum and Library. George C. Marshall was one of America's most distinguished soldiers, a dedicated statesman, and a genuine peacemaker. General Marshall served as Army Chief of Staff during World War II, Special Ambassador to China, and Secretaries of both the Departments of State and Defense. He was promoted to General of the Army in 1944--one of only nine individuals in our Nation's history to rise to the rank of a five-star officer--and was also awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1946. In addition, General Marshall was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953 for developing the European economic recovery strategy known as the Marshall Plan, which was essential to bringing peace to the postwar European continent. To honor the legacy of such an accomplished man, the George C. Marshall Foundation was created in 1953, to pay tribute to General Marshall's contributions to our Nation and the world during some of the most perilous and tumultuous times of the 20th century. The Marshall Foundation preserves this legacy through educational facilities and scholarship programs. The George C. Marshall Foundation opened the George C. Marshall Museum and George C. Marshall Research Library in 1964, in Lexington, Virginia, on the post of the Virginia Military Institute, the alma mater of General Marshall. The library provides scholars with a documented record of the life of General Marshall and his public service, and the museum shares his inspiring story with visitors through exhibitions, artifacts, and educational programs. General Marshall's contributions to our Nation and our world cannot be overstated, and I hope to see this resolution adopted to designate the George C. Marshall Museum and George C. Marshall Research Library as the National George C. Marshall Museum and Library. Both institutions work tirelessly to highlight and share General Marshall's work and service, and this is a fitting tribute to a man who spent a lifetime faithfully and courageously serving his country at home and abroad. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRAT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte).

Mr. BRAT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased we are advancing a bipartisan proposal today, one that means a great deal to the people in my home State of Virginia, to designate the George C. Marshall Museum and Library as the National George C. Marshall Museum and Library. We do this to honor a great American hero and his enduring legacy. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRAT

Mr. BRAT. Mr. Speaker, first I would like to thank my very good friend from Arizona (Mr. Biggs), first of all, for his moving testimony on behalf of the greatest folks who ever served our Nation and for arranging this Special Order to honor the valiant men and women that serve our country every day. While most of America views Memorial Day, rightly, as the official start of summer vacations and cookouts, which we all enjoy, I hope we also do not forget to pause and remember the men and women who give the full, last measure of devotion serving our country. It is a day to remember those who died defending the freedoms we hold dear and acknowledge the debt of gratitude we owe to our servicemembers and their loved ones. This weekend, we stop to mourn so many of our heroes who served: brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers, aunts and uncles who never came home. National cemeteries often serve as the final resting place for those who served our country. Founded by President Lincoln and enacted by Congress in 1862, today you can find these cemeteries tucked away in communities across America. Too often the history and stories they hold remain untold or forgotten. In 1867, Culpeper National Cemetery was established and is located in my congressional district. Earlier this month, a 23-year-old young man was laid to rest there. U.S. Army Sergeant Cameron Thomas grew up in Ohio, but his family later made Culpeper, Virginia, home. I was proud to see so many members of the Culpeper community lining the streets holding American flags to honor Sergeant Thomas. At the age of 19, Sergeant Thomas became one of the youngest soldiers to ever earn the Ranger designation. On his fifth deployment, he was killed in action on April 27 in Afghanistan during a night raid on a remote ISIS stronghold that resulted in killing the head of ISIS in Afghanistan. Family members and friends described him as a man who lived with intention and determination. He believed anything worth doing was worth overdoing and that moderation is for cowards. He was a man who knew his mission and served our country with distinction. Sergeant Cameron Thomas represented the best of our armed services. He loved his family, passionately served his country, and will be a soldier we honor and cherish for the rest of our Nation's history. Mr. Speaker, I want to again thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Biggs) for doing this service for our country.

Mr. BRAT

Mr. BRAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate an outstanding conservative leader with whom I had the privilege of working with and learning from over my political career: Phyllis Schlafly. Her efforts advocating for America's inventors and the patent system that protects their inventions will be highlighted at an upcoming event of the Eagle Forum Education & Legal Defense Fund entitled ``Phyllis Schlafly: Celebrating an Untiring Advocate of Inventors and the Economic Freedom to Invent.'' Therefore, I wish to add a word commemorating the contribution of this bold patriot who was an indispensable force to our great nation's success. America has long been a haven for innovations in the marketplace. Through the years, American inventors have looked to Article I, Section 8 of our U.S. Constitution and its power vested in Congress to protect creators' ``exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries.'' As a result, America has held the distinction of being a global leader in cutting-edge innovations and novel inventions. Phyllis Schlafly recognized this vital part of our free enterprise system and was a strong voice on behalf of American inventors. She was quick to praise the American patent system, which was unique when the Founding Fathers put it into the U.S. Constitution and is still unique today. She decried other nations that advance themselves by stealing American designs while clutching to inferior patent systems that punish inventors and stymie progress. Phyllis Schlafly understood that the superiority of American ingenuity is not a matter of happenstance, but the product of a bold and inspired precedent set by our Founding Fathers and enshrined in our Constitution. Only through patent protection, the right to private property, and the free market can America motivate inventors to stretch the boundaries of what is possible and create the products that increase productivity, save time, and save lives every day. From the traffic light and GPS navigation, to the microwave oven and the Internet, every American has benefitted from our unique patent system. For more than seventy years, Phyllis Schlafly was a tireless advocate for our patent system. I am proud to honor her and the many inventors she fought to protect.

Mr. BRAT

Mr. BRAT. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 235 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 236. personal explanation

Mr. BRAT

Mr. BRAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to National Beer Day. On April 7, 1933, the Cullen-Harrison Act, named after the legislation's sponsors, went into effect and for the first time since 1920 the purchase, sale, and consumption of beer and wine with an alcohol content of 3.2 percent, was legal. Fast forward 76 years to 2009 when one of my constituents, Justin Smith, sparked the idea of celebrating National Beer Day on April 7th. In March of this year, Justin's efforts eventually lead to our Governor Terry McAuliffe recognizing National Beer Day in Virginia. National Beer Day has grown to such prominence that it was recently featured as a clue on Jeopardy. The impact that craft brewers have on the Virginia economy is substantial. According to the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild, the Commonwealth of Virginia had 142 breweries and nearly $1 billion in economic impact in 2016. The craft brewing industry is growing rapidly in Virginia and given current trends, will continue to do so. In 2016, Virginia craft brewers took home 13 medals from the Great American Beer Festival proving that Virginia's craft brewers are plenty in number, but also in quality. Craft breweries such as 1781 Brewing Co, Battlefield Brewing Co., Beer Hound Brewery, Extra Billy's Smokehouse and Brewery, Far Gohn Brewing Co., Final Gravity Brewing Co, Kindred Spirit Brewing, Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery, Midnight Brewery LLC, Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, Steam Bell Beer Works, Strangeways Brewing, The Answer Brewpub Co., and Willow Spring Brewery are located in my district. I'm delighted to have so many craft brewers supporting the local economy, providing jobs, and promoting the safe consumption of beer in my district.

Mr. BRAT

Mr. BRAT. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 615.

Mr. BRAT

Mr. BRAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) this upcoming October 10th, 2016. This day commemorates the beginning of the end of China's Qing Dynasty and the subsequent establishment of the Republic of China. In 1979, the U.S. Congress passed the Taiwan Relations Act, which was signed into law one month after being introduced. Today the TRA is the cornerstone of the robust relationship between the people of the United States and the people of Taiwan. Taiwan is a good friend to the United States. Our shared values include respect for market institutions, democracy, free elections, and human rights. Taiwan is also an important strategic partner, promoting peace and stability in the region. Our economic relationship continues to grow, with benefits for both countries. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. trade in goods with Taiwan reached $66 billion last year. Impressive for a population of only 23 million people, Taiwan has become America's ninth largest trading partner. Taiwan is also the ninth largest export market for the Commonwealth of Virginia, and its fourth largest export market in Asia. In addition, the 39th Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will take place soon in Montreal, Canada, beginning on September 27, 2016. Congress passed a law in 2013 calling for Taiwan's participation in the triennial ICAO assembly as an observer. With wide international support, Taiwan was invited to attend the 38th ICAO Assembly in 2013. Considering the Taipei Flight Information Region (FIR), which is administered by Taiwan and provides over 1.53 million instances of air traffic control services, handles 58 million incoming and outgoing passengers in 2015, and serves as an indispensable part of the global air transport network, I hope to see that Taiwan will be invited to observe again this year. I wish the people of Taiwan a Happy Double Ten Day. I look forward to further strengthening this important relationship in the years to come.

Mr. BRAT

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

Mr. BRAT. Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer an amendment to H.R. 5538, Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Mr. Speaker, the Land and Water Conservation Fund requires property acquired and developed with the LWCF assistance to be retained and used for public outdoor recreation. Any property so acquired and/or developed may not be converted to other uses without approval of the National Park Service, NPS, indefinitely. Federal funding through the LWCF grant shouldn't let the NPS enforce conditions on the use of State and local lands forever. A quid pro quo condition in exchange for funds for some period might be reasonable, but eventually federalism needs to kick in again. This amendment would prevent the NPS from enforcing the conditions on an LWCF grant for a 20-year period. This allows the State or locality to use its property as it sees fit, without needing permission from the NPF. After a generation or more, it is only reasonable for State and local governments to reassess land use on behalf of their citizens. I urge my colleagues to support my amendment to put our constituents back in control of local matters. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRAT

Mr. BRAT. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 138) designating the George C. Marshall Museum and George C. Marshall Research Library in Lexington, Virginia, as the National George C. Marshall Museum and Library.

Mr. BRAT. 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 H. Con. Res. 138.

Mr. BRAT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 138, a resolution that designates the George C. Marshall Museum and the George C. Marshall Research Library in Lexington, Virginia, as the National George C. Marshall Museum and Library. General George C. Marshall was a soldier, a statesman, and a peacemaker. General Marshall served as Army Chief of Staff during World War II, Special Ambassador to China, Secretary of State, and Secretary of Defense. He was promoted to General of the Army in 1944. He was one of only five individuals in our Nation's history to rise to the rank of a five-star general in the United States Army. He was also awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1946 for his military strategy and vital role during World War II. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953 for developing the European economic recovery strategy, known as the Marshall Plan, which was absolutely essential to bringing peace to the European continent. The George C. Marshall Foundation was created in 1953 to honor the legacy of George C. Marshall and his contributions to our Nation and the world during many of the key events of the 20th century. The Foundation preserves this legacy through educational scholarship programs and facilities. The George C. Marshall Foundation opened the George C. Marshall Museum and George C. Marshall Research Library in 1964, in Lexington, Virginia, on the post of the Virginia Military Institute, which is the alma mater of General Marshall. The library provides scholars with a documented record of the life of General Marshall and his public service, and the museum shares his inspiring story with visitors through exhibitions, artifacts, and educational programming. General Marshall's contributions to our Nation cannot be overstated, and I hope to see this resolution adopted to designate the George C. Marshall Museum and George C. Marshall Research Library, which works so hard to highlight and share these contributions, as the National George C. Marshall Museum and Library. It is a small, yet fitting, tribute to a man who spent a lifetime faithfully and courageously serving his country. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRAT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte).

Mr. BRAT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I am pleased we are advancing a bipartisan proposal today, one that means a great deal to the people in my home State of Virginia and to my fellow Members from Virginia here with us today, to designate the George C. Marshall Museum and the George C. Marshall Library as the National George C. Marshall Museum and Library. We do this to honor a great American hero and his enduring legacy. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time

Mr. BRAT

Mr. BRAT. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 399, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. BRAT

Mr. BRAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce to my colleagues our guest chaplain for the U.S. House of Representatives today, Reverend James R. Shaw. Pastor Shaw serves the Agnus Dei Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg, Virginia. After working for a Fortune 500 company in the IT management division, Reverend Shaw graduated summa cum laude from Concordia University in Wisconsin and proceeded to obtain his Master of Divinity from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Reverend Shaw accepted a call to Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Decatur, Illinois, in February 2008. He is now serving as missionary at large on behalf of the United Lutheran Mission Association at Agnus Dei in the Spotsylvania/Fredericksburg area of Virginia. He has gone on to serve congregations as a pastor, currently serving a small startup, Agnus Dei Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg, Virginia. He also serves as VP of administration, CIO/CTO, and professor of church history and ethics at Walther Theological Seminary, Decatur, Illinois. Mr. Speaker, Agnus Dei Lutheran Church is a church that is indeed alive. Reverend Shaw and the entire church family minister each day through worship services, daily prayer, and by serving those in need through ministries that support families by providing grief and crisis counseling. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues today to welcome Reverend Shaw, his wife, Peggy, and the rest of his family who have joined him today. May God bless his family and may God bless the church family at Clearwater's Calvary Baptist Church as well as our country today.

Mr. BRAT

Mr. BRAT. Mr. Speaker, regretfully I am absent from the floor today. My son is graduating from high school tonight. Had I been present, however, I would have voted: On the Ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 783 (rollcall 304), I would have voted ``yea.'' On the Adoption of H. Res. 783 (rollcall 305), I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. BRAT

Mr. BRAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 39 Henrico County, Virginia area high school seniors who plan to enlist in the United States Armed Forces after graduation. These students have excelled in their academic and extracurricular activities, and I offer my sincere congratulations for their selflessness and courageous decision to serve their country upon their high school graduation. I commend these student leaders for their selflessness and courageous decision to serve their country as members of the United States Armed Forces. Anderson, Darius; Burch, Jayvon; Byron, Charles; Carter, Samuel; Castro, Juan; Christiani, Josiah; Clune, Thomas; Collins, Michael; Dickerson, Caralos; Englehart, Austin; Feggins, Roman; Ferguson, Kobe; Goodwin, Deberry; Gootee, Nabeel; Grammer, Cameron; Hairiston, Bronzel; Hall, Charles; Hopper, Cameron; James, Donavan; Johnson, Dustin; Kelly, Terrell; Kern, Joshua; Lane, Desmond; Lopez, Arnulfo; Lumpkin, Eric; Marks, Preston; Martin, Kolton; Mayer, Ryan; Miller, Dion; Morin, Kobe; Peatross, Jahmal; Porter, John; Scheerer, Grayson; Stanley, Markus; Testroet, David; Tyler, Gavin; Warren, Nyquan; Whiteside, Henry; and Williams, Michael. These students will be honored by the Henrico Chapter of Our Community Salutes at their Annual Military Enlisted Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday, May 10 at Hermitage High School in Henrico, VA. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking these young men and women and their families for their dedication to serving this great Nation. We owe them and the many Americans who have served and will serve a debt of gratitude.