Rod Blum

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on March 15th, in honor of National Ag Day and the hardworking farmers in the First District of Iowa. Iowa continues to make enormous contributions to the U.S. Our farmers feed our nation, fuel our cars, and nourish our livestock. With ninety percent of the available land used for agriculture, Iowa is the number one producer of soy and corn in the country and continues to rank high in the production of many more commodities, including beef and pork, and trails behind only California in terms of total value for agricultural production. I commend and thank the hardworking farmers of Iowa who continue to produce record crops and embrace new technologies and practices. I encourage everyone to thank a farmer today for their contributions to our nation and look forward to the advancement of agriculture across the U.S.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Rare Disease Caucus, I rise today in recognition of Rare Disease Week and those in the First District of Iowa suffering from rare diseases. This week, activists from all across the country have come to Capitol Hill to educate Members of Congress on the struggles of all rare diseases and advocating for science-driven public policy to bring life-saving treatment, drugs, and procedures to the numerous individuals suffering from rare diseases. Last July, I voted in favor of H.R. 6, the 21st Century Cures Act and have been a strong advocate for the National Institutes of Health and their mission. On behalf of all Americans suffering from rare diseases, I will continue to advocate for the passage of legislation which drives innovation, research, and treatment for the community. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand with me in the fight to cure rare diseases.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the young future farmers in the First District of Iowa celebrating the 2016 National Future Farmers of America Organization Week. The National Future Farmers of America Organization, more commonly known as the FFA, formed in 1928 to provide an opportunity for young farmers to develop their leadership skills and embrace their profession in agriculture. Since that time, this organization has grown to be and mean so much more to the students that participate. Through the FFA, middle and high school students are engaged in a wide range of curriculum and activities, preparing them for hundreds of different career opportunities in agriculture. Across the country, the FFA provides a path to achievement for young men and women aspiring to be teachers, scientists, business owners, and other important professions within agriculture. The Future Farmers of America provides the skills necessary for the next generation of farmers to face challenges and develop their talents in an ever changing and dynamic field. The Iowa Future Farmers of America has 14,800 students within 226 chapters across the state. I am proud of the job the Iowa FFA is doing training our young people and setting them on a rewarding path for career success in agriculture. Without a doubt, the FFA is preparing these next generation of Iowans to be innovators and leaders, as farming continues to evolve to meet the requirements of production necessary to feed our country. I recognize them for their passion and achievements, and wish the organization and the students all continued success for many more years.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2017, the Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act. This commonsense, bipartisan legislation would change the FDA's burdensome and impractical labeling of prepared food items at grocery stores and at convenience stores into a more workable and efficient solution that keeps food costs down for consumers. In the First District of Iowa, many of my constituents stop by local businesses, like Casey's General Store or the Hy-Vee supermarket, to get a hot breakfast or to pick up a convenient meal over their lunch breaks. These stores often use local ingredients and offer specialty items, which means their recipes and nutritional information and content can vary. Under the FDA's regulation, Casey's, Hy-Vee, and any other business that is impacted by the rule could be penalized for failing to label accurately a sandwich that happens to get an extra squirt of mayo or a salad that a customer chooses to top off with bacon bits. H.R. 2017 would fix these issues by providing a menu board that lists nutritional information for prepared items instead of forcing these businesses to pass excessive labeling compliance costs on to their customers. Furthermore, as a career small-business man, I know how tough it is to compete with massive corporations, and excessive red tape like this makes it even harder. While large corporations can often afford the added costs, it is the smaller businesses that get squeezed out of the marketplace by the extra burden of ever-increasing red tape. Mr. Chairman, the FDA's regulation is just another example of Washington overreach that forces businesses to push costs, with no added benefit, onto customers. I am proud to cosponsor this bill, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting in favor of H.R. 2017.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National School Choice Week, celebrating choice in education across all fifty states. Every January, National School Choice Week shines a positive light on effective, personal education options for every child and consists of 157 scheduled events occurring in communities across Iowa. National School Choice Week celebrates the different K-12 options and learning styles available to parents and students, and the importance to find the right individual fit for each child. Every student's needs are unique--and a one-size-fits all education model is not beneficial to our children. A quality education is imperative for the success of future generations and our country, and National School Choice Week highlights the multitude of options available today: charter, magnet, public, and private schools, as well as homeschooling. I commend the charter and private schools operating in the First District and I believe school choice is an important policy which can lead to better student outcomes. Today's students cannot become tomorrow's leaders without a vibrant education. I will continue to advocate for the best options for parents, students, teachers, and administrators to ensure the success of our children.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Senate resolution S.J. Res. 22, introduced by my good friend and colleague from Iowa, Senator Ernst, to express my disapproval of the Environmental Protection Agency power grab through an expansive definition of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS). The WOTUS rule gives more control to federal agencies, like the EPA and the Army Corp of Engineers, while stripping authority from those who know our natural resources best such as farmers, ranchers, and state regulatory authorities. This is in direct contradiction of state laws, Supreme Court rulings, and existing compact agreements and has potentially devastasting consequences on our economy, our farmers, and the small businesses that create jobs in the First District of Iowa. I know the farmers and small businesses in my district do not want the heavy hand of Washington micromanaging their lands--especially without input from the state of Iowa. President Obama and the EPA must realize increasing regulatory burdens and compliance costs will fail to improve the water quality while only adding red tape for ordinary folks. Last year I voted for H.R. 1732, the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act and I intend to vote again for S.J. Res. 22 to protect Iowa's land, water and resources and to stop the executive overreach of the suffocating Obama Administration.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman. I rise today in support of H.R. 1155, the Searching for and Cutting Regulations that are Unnecessarily Burdensome Act. While the full title is a mouthful, I can assure you that the idea behind this bill is simple and clear: removing obsolete and burdensome regulations so our economy can grow. This legislation creates a commission to identify outdated rules, streamlines and updates our regulatory system, and enforces executive agencies to repeal unnecessary regulations to offset the cost of new ones. As a career small business person, I know firsthand what it is like to operate and grow a business under the burden of excessive regulation. I have met a payroll every week for the last 20 years. I would propose to you, Mr. Chairman, if more of my Democratic colleagues had signed the fronts of paychecks, this Federal Government would produce fewer regulations on businesses today. According to a report by the Competitive Enterprise Institute, the cost to the economy of regulations is a staggering $2 trillion a year. And we wonder, Mr. Chairman, why manufacturers choose to move their operations outside the United States. Instead of hiring more workers, raising wages and benefits, and investing in technology, many businesses are forced instead to divert investments toward complying with evermore government regulations. This has to change. As I travel in my district, I am often asked how do we reignite the economy. The answer, Mr. Chairman, is relatively simple. We have the finest entrepreneurs and the finest small-business people in the entire world here in the United States. Simply get out of our way, get off of our backs with excessive regulations, get out of our back pockets with excessive fees and taxes, and we will grow our businesses, will hire more employees, and we will create opportunities for our citizens to live their versions of the American Dream. I thank the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Smith) for putting this proposal forward. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense measure so our businesses can be free from outdated regulations that no longer make sense for America.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, who yesterday became the longest serving governor in the history of the United States, surpassing former Vice President George Clinton from New York. Governor Branstad has now served 7,642 days as governor. I salute and congratulate him on his dedication to the state of Iowa and his passion for public service. Born and raised on a farm in Northern Iowa, Governor Branstad's life has been dedicated to the advancement of the state of Iowa. After a tenure in the United States Army, he served three terms in the Iowa House of Representatives and was subsequently elected as the Lieutenant Governor. In 1982, at the age of 35, he was elected as the youngest governor in Iowa history. After his first four terms in office, Governor Branstad refocused his boundless energy on continuing to serve the state as the President of Des Moines University. He returned as governor in 2010 and is currently serving his sixth term. During his administration, Iowa has seen record low unemployment rates, as well as an admirable budget surplus. His endless energy and strong work ethic inspires all of us who serve in elected office to constantly strive to improve our performance on behalf of all Iowans. Thank you, Governor Branstad, for all that you have done for the great state of Iowa and your nearly twenty-one years of service.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 679, I was unavoidably detained and would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day. Today is a day celebrated by our Czech and Slovak friends to commemorate the difficult road to independence and democracy. On this day, seventy-six years ago, soldiers from Nazi Germany mercilessly murdered nine Czech students and professors celebrating the independence of the Czechoslovak Republic. Fifty years later, on November 17, 1989, a peaceful student demonstration honoring those that lost their lives to the Nazis was terminated by riot police, igniting the Velvet Revolution which ended the Communist control in Czechoslovakia and subsequently, the eventual establishment of independent, democratic Slovak and Czech Republics. Today, we honor and remember those who sacrificed to fight tirelessly against oppressive regimes. The journey to establishing republican governments is perilous and we, as a people, must continue to support democratic institutions in Central Europe and around the world. As a co-chair of the Slovak Caucus and a member of the Czech Caucus, I am proud to support continued political, economic, and cultural ties between the United States, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of small businesses in the United States and especially those in the First District of Iowa that I represent. As a career small businessman myself, I understand firsthand the difficulties our entrepreneurs face when starting and running a business. Small business is the backbone of our economy and a place where the American Dream happens every day. In fact, 2 million of the roughly 3 million private sector jobs generated in 2014 were created by small businesses. As I visit small businesses throughout the First District, I am amazed at their innovation, determination, and optimism, often in the face of government policies that make doing business most difficult. Mr. Speaker, local business deserves our support. I encourage my colleagues in Congress, as well as my constituents, to shop local on Small Business Saturday, November 28. I also urge my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring the Small Business Saturday Resolution to highlight the contribution small businesses make to our economy.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my support of the bipartisan H.R. 511, the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act. I wish to recognize the work of my colleague, Mr. Rokita, as well as the efforts of the Committee on Education and the Workforce on this legislation. If enacted, this important legislation would amend the National Labor Relations Act to ensure that any enterprise or institution owned and operated by an Indian tribe would be treated with parity by any state or local government. This legislation is necessary to reverse a 2004 National Labor Relations Board's ruling which increased the jurisdiction of the NLRA to cover tribal operations. H.R. 511 promotes tribal sovereignty and allows the tribal governments to regulate appropriate labor practices on lands without the further overreach and infringement of the federal government. Because of these reasons, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act to ensure that our Native American citizens can achieve parity with other exempted governments. Vote ``yes'' on H.R. 511.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a dear friend and a true innovator, Mr. Van G. Miller. I was saddened to learn of his death earlier this week. Van was a pillar of the community of Waterloo--founding VGM and Associates in 1986 as a provider of home medical equipment, believing that community-based providers produced the best results. Under his direction, the company quickly expanded to include more than 20 business units and employing 850 people. He was recognized as a Champion of Home Care by the American Association for Home Care and was named one of the HME Industry's Top Ten most Influential Individuals by HME News. Despite his success, he remained humble and quick to credit his success to his employees. He called each of his employees on their birthdays and work anniversaries and supported numerous local charities throughout the First District. In addition, he shared the success of VGM with them as he sold 100 percent of the company to its employees through an Employee Stock Option Plan. His family and friends, the state of Iowa and the City of Waterloo will greatly miss Van--a true visionary in his field. I express my condolences to his immediate family, as well as his extended family at VGM, and for all of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of pharmacies across the country, especially the independent community pharmacies who operate in a tough business climate to serve rural areas and provide patients with convenient, affordable, and personal care. In my home State of Iowa, 72 of our 99 counties are considered medically underserved; and of these, 27 are served by only one pharmacy. Many of these areas are rural, and a large number of citizens in these sparsely populated areas rely on their community pharmacy for access to lifesaving drugs and treatments. Unfortunately, the implementation of Federal policy to address the rising costs of drugs has left independent community pharmacists at a disadvantage. Often unable to cover the costs of maintaining and managing a storefront, community pharmacies are closing their doors at an alarming rate. This leaves many Americans without access to the timely, efficient, and personal patient services they provide. To that end, I am most happy to cosponsor H.R. 592, to ensure that pharmacists are recognized as providers under Medicare part B so that my constituents can have access to local healthcare services instead of traveling long distances to seek out care. Additionally, I am also proud to work with the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Collins) as well as my colleagues across the aisle, such as Congressman Dave Loebsack from the Second District of Iowa, to lower the cost of drugs and promote fair competition and choice, which will ultimately benefit patients. I will continue to work to pass legislation, such as H.R. 244, to increase the transparency of drug payment rates under Medicare part D and TRICARE, while ensuring a fair, competitive market for generic drugs. Finally, I wish to highlight the work of Hartig Drug Stores, the second-oldest family-owned independent drugstore company in America, which has locations throughout my district, including my hometown of Dubuque, Iowa. Hartig's pharmacies operate in three States, employing 437 people. I believe we should be enacting policies that allow these kinds of local pharmacies to thrive instead of shut down. My hope is that through the continued hard work of their dedicated employees and the implementation of better policies at the Federal level, these family businesses will continue to serve patients in and around my district for many years to come.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 545, the Amash Amendment to H.R. 702, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' Stated against:

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a young constituent of mine--Jaden Merrick from Cedar Falls, Iowa--on his world record setting race time for the half marathon in the 7-year-old age group. On September 12, 2015, Jaden raced in the Cedar Valley Park-to-Park Half Marathon in Waterloo, Iowa. Jaden, having already raced to a world record for his age group in last year's Park-to-Park 5K, rewrote the record books again--completing the half marathon in an astounding one hour, 43 minutes, and 34 seconds. In addition to his remarkable race times, the local running community recognizes Jaden by his signature smile. He simply beams through every step of the race and his enthusiasm is undiminished despite the distances. He is an exceptional young man who enjoys having fun while competing. I extend my sincerest congratulations to Jaden and wish him well as he prepares to compete in the Junior Olympics for cross country and track in the upcoming spring. I would also like to congratulate Jaden's parents Brent and Sabina, on their perpetual support of their son and their encouragement of his talents.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 490 my flight was unavoidably delayed due to severe weather. Had I been present, I would have voted yes.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the birthday of a true innovator and representative of American ingenuity: Arthur A. Collins. Fascinated and inspired by the invention of the radio, Collins tinkered with homemade antennas and transmitters from an early age at his home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. As a young adult, Arthur turned his hobby into a basement business where he sold the first complete radio transmitting equipment in the country. Since its humble beginnings in Iowa in the thirties, the Collins Radio Company evolved and adapted to design and manufacture flight control instruments, first commercially successful data modems, and the communications equipment for the Apollo, Gemini, and Mercury space programs. Today, Rockwell Collins, the largest employer in the First District of Iowa, continues to create innovative technology for both the defense and civilian sectors. The company, still based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, designs, engineers, and builds electronic communication systems, avionics, and in-flight entertainment systems worldwide. Arthur A. Collins pioneered one of the greatest technological revolutions in history and left an enduring legacy in the business world. Today, on what would have been his 106th birthday, I honor the genius of this great Iowan and celebrate his American success story. Mr. Collins is an amazing example of the American Dream and a testament to the power of hard work, foresight, and perseverance.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Allysen Lovstuen, a constituent from Waukon, Iowa and a 2015 recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. On July 1, 2015, President Obama honored Ms. Lovstuen, a mathematics teacher at Decorah High School in Decorah, Iowa, with the award for Excellence. Awarded annually on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), this Presidential honor recognizes outstanding teaching contributions in the fields of math and science in K-12 education. For her contributions to curriculum development and mathematics instruction, Allysen will receive a signed certificate from President Obama, along with a $10,000 award from the NSF. Additionally, she will travel to Washington, D.C. for an official awards ceremony hosted by the Administration where she will have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with the 107 other award recipients from across the country. I want to thank Allysen for her commitment to her students at Decorah High School and congratulate her on this honor.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 469, my flight was delayed due to inclement weather. Had I been present, I would have voted yes.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 468; my flight was delayed due to inclement weather. Had I been present, I would have voted yes.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 467; my flight was delayed due to inclement weather. Had I been present, I would have voted yes.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Chair, I rise today support of H.R. 427, the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2015. In the two terms of the Obama Administration thus far, the Executive Branch has issued increasingly costly regulations on a variety of issues, without much thought to the devastating effects on the economy. The REINS Act would give Congress, and therefore the people, the power to determine whether all major regulations that have an estimated economic impact of over $100 million, significant adverse effects on employment, or a major increase in costs for consumers take effect. This would return Congress to a proper role of oversight. As a small businessman, I know firsthand the crippling impact of an overzealous federal government. The REINS Act would finally empower members of Congress to engage in the rulemaking process and return our regulatory scheme to a common sense one that promotes economic growth, creates jobs, and increases wages for working families in the First District of Iowa while protecting our natural resources, environment, and health. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to enact this pro-growth legislation that assists job creators across my district and across America.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer my strong support of the bipartisan Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015. I want to recognize the hard work my colleague of Mr. Pompeo, as well as the efforts of both the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Agriculture into this legislation. As a representative from the great State of Iowa, I am extremely sensitive and aware of the issues facing agriculture--from farm to fork--and I am aware of the challenges my constituents face while producing the delicious and nutritious food the rest of us consume. On an annual basis, Iowa grows $12B worth of corn and $5.7B worth of soybeans, of which 95% and 97%, respectively, are Genetically Modified Organisms--or GMOs. Recently, states began to enact laws that required labeling of these GMO products, often with exemptions for local products, would increase compliance costs for producers and create confusion for consumers. This bill addresses the current patchwork of state biotechnology labeling requirements--compliance with which would be a daunting task for the producers in my district that distribute food throughout the United States--by providing a mechanism for uniform labeling requirements. No one benefits--not farmers, nor food manufacturers and processors, nor retailers, and most of all, not consumers--from a confusing collection of state laws--each different, with different requirements--creating great confusion among consumers in the marketplace. It does so by establishing a voluntary non-GMO labeling program at USDA modeled after the highly successful National Organic Program. Today, when consumers go into a grocery store, they may see a wide variety of products that may have a non-GMO label on it. However, there isn't a standard that defines what a non-GMO product is or is not. The language of the bill directs the USDA to establish standards and certification process for producers in order to put a non-GMO label on their products. Mr. Chair, a number of constituents along with some of my colleagues, are advocating for mandatory labeling for GMO products because consumers have a right to know what is in their food. I agree-- consumers have a right to know--and the standards set by the USDA under this legislation will provide consumers with all the information necessary to make informed decisions and choices on their grocery stores purchases. This bill protects and enhances consumer choice by establishing a voluntary non-GMO labeling program--without costing them an extra $500 a year per family that economists at Cornell University estimate mandatory labeling would. Mr. Chair, I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 1599--over 470 agricultural and food organizations that represent the entire food chain have already done so. The legislation enhances consumer choice, clears up confusion in the marketplace, and enhances consumer confidence in the food we eat. Vote ``Yes'' on H.R. 1599.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Zach Johnson, a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the First District I represent, on his win in yesterday's British Open, held at St. Andrews in Scotland, the birthplace of golf. Zach is well known in Iowa for his incredible work ethic and perseverance. Zach was not the best player on his Cedar Rapids Regis High School golf team, and he wasn't the number one golfer on the Drake University golf team. Few gave him a chance of someday being a professional golfer, but he refused to give up on his dream of making the PGA tour, and his hard work over the years has definitely paid off. Zach has 12 PGA wins, including the 2007 Masters and now the British Open, and has represented the United States in the Ryder Cup four times. Zach has lived the American Dream through hard work and perseverance. Yet, he describes himself as ``just a guy from Iowa who has been given some talent.'' Zach's humility, as well as his talent and work ethic, are examples to all of us. Today we tip our hat to Zach Johnson and his entire family. The entire First District of Iowa is incredibly proud of his success.