Mike Bost

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to a matter of national security. Over the last several months, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, or NGA, has been considering locations for its new Western headquarters. The agency, which collects and analyzes satellite maps in support of warfighters, has outgrown its current location in St. Louis. With construction of the new NGA-West facility scheduled to begin next year, the question is: Where? There are two sites under consideration. One is in north St. Louis. The other is in St. Clair County, Illinois, next to Scott Air Force Base. This site, which I have a chart of, is shovel ready. It is 182 acres of undeveloped land with room to expand. It is free of cost to the American taxpayers, with the county ready to hand over the deed to the NGA. To help make their decision, the NGA enlisted the help of the Army Corps of Engineers to study the environmental impact. Unfortunately, we have found that the Army Corps of Engineers' Environmental Impact Statement is deeply flawed. The report is filled with errors, omissions, and underestimated risks. It is clear that the Army Corps did not provide an accurate accounting of the facts. The result is that the NGA announced plans last month to relocate to north St. Louis. Before that decision becomes final on June 2, I am here to set the record straight. To the right of this chart, you will see St. Clair County, Illinois. This is the site under consideration by the NGA. However, the Army Corps of Engineers' report included data related to St. Clair County, Missouri, and St. Clair County, Michigan. One is 263 miles away from the actual site, and the other is 580 miles away from the actual site. The report also highlighted a river that isn't even in southern Illinois. When alerted to these embarrassing errors, the Army Corps of Engineers failed to correct them. Considering that the NGA is a mapping agency, maybe they could teach the Army Corps of Engineers how to read one. Now, let's look at the impact on mission security and public safety. Clearly, a DOD mapping agency would be a prime target for those who wish to do harm against this agency. This chart shows evacuation zones if either location were attacked by a car bomb. You can see that St. Clair County has ample setback to protect local residents and the site itself. The north St. Louis site, obviously, does not. We now know that security was a top criteria for placement of the new NGA. We know that force protection standards have traditionally led to colocating with existing military installations. So why are the standards being ignored for this facility? Let's look at the facts. We have already talked about the NGA belongs in St. Clair County. We have already talked about mission security. We talked about public safety, and we saw the difference in the blast zones. St. Clair County is the right choice for taxpayers. The Army Corps claims the St. Clair County site would be 20 percent more expensive, but they haven't even completed studies of the north St. Louis site. St. Clair County is shovel-ready now. North St. Louis is not. Every year that we delay this, it adds $40 million to the cost to this budget. St. Clair County has been proactive and transparent with the environmental studies. North St. Louis hasn't even conducted its full analysis. The north St. Louis site has significant unknowns, including reports of hazardous waste and potential contamination from cold war era testing. How can this decision be made without answers to these very serious and health-related questions? In terms of recruiting the next generation, Scott Air Force Base attracts the best of the best. Thousands of millennials work at Scott Air Force Base, and many already have their security clearance. Finally, St. Clair County has the roadways, railways, and infrastructure to make NGA a success. North St. Louis will need to seize land through eminent domain and then create a network we already have in place. Mr. Speaker, I believe the NGA is making a terrible mistake that could have serious consequences. They didn't have the correct data. Before this decision is made final, the people deserve the truth. Not just the people of St. Clair County, not just the people of north St. Louis, but we, the United States citizens. That is why I have called for a full investigation by the Inspector General's Office.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his support of this legislation to update and modernize the agricultural producers' small business size standards. President Eisenhower once said: Farming looks mighty easy if your plow is a pencil and the closest cornfield is a thousand miles away. Unfortunately, this quote is accurate when describing the statutorily established size standards for agriculture producers. Agricultural production is an important contributor to the American economy. According to the USDA, the total value of farm production exceeds $390 billion, and the agricultural industry supports 16 million domestic jobs. Farmers and ranchers provide the food, fiber, and fuel that are critical to our daily lives. Family-owned farms still account for the majority of farms and ranches in the United States. However, the advance of new technology has created increased productivity, leading to lower prices for many commodities. This downward pressure on prices is expected to increase, and newer technology will be adopted. As margins continue to thin, more and more single-owned family operations will consolidate into somewhat larger, multifamily-owned operations, but these are still small businesses. Unfortunately, the current small business size standard for agriculture has been set in statute and is outdated. The standard is too low for a vast majority of farms and ranches to participate in potential government contracts and subcontracting opportunities. Also, the SBA size standards are often used for Federal agencies to determine their obligations under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. This law helps ensure that the Federal agency establishes the potential impacts of proposed regulations on small businesses. It also informs the consideration of less burdensome regulatory alternatives. Unfortunately, the statutory standard has no rational basis. It appears that the number was just grabbed out of the air by a previous Congress. As a result, small business agriculture producers do not enjoy the potential benefit of small business classifications. In the 30 years since the enactment of the statutory size standard, the Small Business Administration has specifically improved its process for determining small business size standards. This should address whatever issue previous Congresses had when it established these size standards. Now, I believe it is important that the Congress and the Federal agencies promote consistency in policymaking. My legislation will help ensure that consistency. I do want to thank the ranking member and the chairman for their support of this bill, and I appreciate the help and support that they have given.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. I thank the chairman. Mr. Speaker, World War II was a time when Americans came together to defend this Nation against evil. Entire families enlisted in this effort, which included many brave and dedicated women of the Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASPs. The WASPs flew military aircraft in noncombat roles, and they served as instructors for male pilots. When the WASP program was created, it was intended that these women would receive full military status. Sadly, this goal has not been achieved. That is why H.R. 4336 is so important. It overturns a previous Army directive and restores the burial rights in Arlington National Cemetery for WASP veterans. I ask that all of my colleagues join me in supporting these women's rights of putting them in the place they need to be and in receiving those full military benefits.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, today is World Down Syndrome Day. This is a day that creates a global voice for the rights and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. According to the National Down Syndrome Society, there are more than 400,000 Americans living with Down syndrome. This is an issue that hits very close to home for me and my family. On June 21, 2008, my grandson, Stanley, was born with Down syndrome. I have 10 grandchildren and one on the way. Each one is unique and special, but let me tell you about Stanley. Stanley loves more than you can ever imagine. There is nothing more fun than coming in and looking up and seeing Stanley say: Hey, Grandpa Mike, I need a hug. I can tell you that when families find out that one of their children or grandchildren will have Down syndrome, you are worried and you are concerned, but it is not something to be afraid of. It is something that, yes, they will have special needs, but children and adults with Down syndrome can be trained and educated to a level where they can become self-supportive, active members of society, and be a great part of not only this Nation, but this world. As I said earlier, there is no one that loves more, stronger, and so unconditionally. Maybe we should take a lesson from them, Mr. Speaker. Our family and all families that have members with Down syndrome are blessed beyond measure.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. I thank the chairman for the time. Mr. Speaker, whenever we take these offices--and understand, I have raised my hand and took an oath of office many times in my life, whether it was in the United States Marine Corps., local government, or here in Congress. When I take that oath and mention the fact that I am swearing allegiance to the Constitution to do my duty and do it correctly, I make that promise, and I make that promise to the American people. This document that we take an oath to, the President himself has to take that same oath. When the President steps away from that oath, this House has no other thing that they can do but to act. Any grade school civics student knows that Congress makes the law and the President executes them. It is called the separation of powers, checks and balances. But the President's executive amnesty proves once again that he wants to do both--both. That is not in the Constitution. It doesn't work that way. Immigration law clearly state that individuals who are here illegally must be removed. The President does not have the power to pick and choose. That is not what the law says. He doesn't get to ignore the laws. The outcome of this case will be determined in the Court. But I want my constituents--and I want to be on the record--to know that I will uphold the Constitution; I will stand for the Constitution; and I take my oath of office very, very seriously. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the rule and the underlying resolution so we can stop this unconstitutional move.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week the President took aim at our Second Amendment rights. We know his purpose was to restrict the constitutional right of law- abiding citizens. It will undermine our personal privacy rights. It will make it to where due process is taken away from many of our citizens, but it won't stop criminals from carrying firearms. As a father and as a grandfather, my heart is broken over the many tragedies and attacks that have occurred around this Nation, but this won't cure the problem. In this Congress, we must fight for the rights of our Constitution. We must also use the courts to fight for those rights. We must do more. Mr. Speaker, not only I, but you and every Member of this Congress, took an oath of office when we took these positions. We took that oath, and it was to uphold and to defend the Constitution, all of the Constitution, not just the First Amendment, but the Second Amendment as well and every part thereof. When I took that oath, I took it very, very seriously. I am doing my part. I am upholding the oath that I took. I believe the President should uphold his.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I join my Illinois colleagues in wishing Ted Beattie the best as he retires following a 21-year tenure as President and Chief Executive Officer of Shedd Aquarium. Under Mr. Beattie's leadership, Shedd Aquarium has prospered, growing into one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world. I thank him for his contributions to the State of Illinois.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Kentucky and my neighbor across the river. Mr. Speaker, the Obama administration's Clean Power Plan rule is a dagger aimed at the heart of the coal industry and affordable, American-made energy. According to recent studies, the regulation will increase electric costs in my home State of Illinois by 27 percent. That is an unbearable burden on working families, seniors, and those people who are on set incomes. On top of that, Mr. Speaker, the mining industry employs thousands of workers in southern Illinois and supports thousands more in union retirees. I have heard here today on this floor that it doesn't affect jobs. Well, tell that to the people of my district who have watched the coal mines close and who have watched the suffering. These people don't have the opportunity to keep their children working near their own homes. They have to move away. Mr. Speaker, if this regulation takes effect, the local coal mines that are left and coal generation plants will close down. Our priority must be affordable energy and American jobs. For this reason, I ask, I beg, and I plead: Vote for S.J. Res. 24.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Abbie Lou Hampton Martin for her exemplary service to the East St. Louis, Illinois community. Mrs. Martin served on the St. Clair County Mental Health Board for over 20 years. She was the chairman and leading fundraiser of the Mental Health Fundraiser Initiative. Additionally, she was the first African American woman to serve as the Physical Education Supervisor for the East St. Louis School District Number 189. Mrs. Martin is also the only surviving charter member of the East St. Louis Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She was initiated into the Alpha Nu Chapter in 1937 at the University of Illinois Urban and served as its president from 1946 to 1947. She has always been active with the sorority since its founding 79 years ago. She has served on numerous committees throughout her long and service-filled career as a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. In 2011, Mrs. Martin was honored for her service with the Wise Owl Award, an award given to those who have displayed outstanding service and commitment to their community. On February 12, 2016, Abbie Lou Hampton Martin will celebrate her 100th birthday. I ask you to join me in both wishing her a happy birthday and thanking her for her many decades of dedicated service to the East St. Louis community.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, the most important obligation we have is to keep Americans safe. As Paris has reminded us, there truly is evil in the world. We know that our seas and our borders alone will not protect us. We must act swiftly and smartly in the face of this evil. While my heart hurts for innocent people suffering in Syria, our priority must be in keeping Americans safe. That is why I oppose the President's effort to bring refugees to our shores without a real plan to vet them. That is not leadership. That is sticking your head in the sand. And in matters of life and death, we must do better.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 20th Anniversary of the completion of the Gateway Geyser. It is a proud and distinct achievement that the tallest fountain in the United States, and the second tallest in the world, is located in the Metro East region of Southern Illinois. The vision and drive of Malcom Martin made it possible to undertake this incredible project. In addition to its famous geyser, the park's facilities offer visitors impressive and memorable views of the Arch and City of St. Louis. It is very much a part of the overall Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. As I toured the park recently, I developed an understanding for the desires that the Metro East Park and Recreation District and the Gateway Center have to make this amazing park a part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. Doing so would be a fitting tribute to Malcom Martin and all of the City of East St. Louis officials who have helped make this anniversary possible.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the dedicated community service of Mr. Kenneth R. Joseph as he marks his 20th anniversary as a Trustee for Southwestern Illinois College. Mr. Joseph was elected to then Belleville Area College's Board of Trustees in 1995 and has been continuously re-elected since that time. His fellow Board members chose him to serve as the Board's Chair in 1999 and subsequently chose him to serve as the Board's Vice Chair for 15 years. In addition to his many duties as Board Vice Chair, Mr. Joseph works enthusiastically with the administration, faculty, and staff on the Planning and Policy Committee. He has also served on the Board's Facilities and Finance, and Personnel, Programs and Services committees during his time on the Board. Also, he has served as a member of the Illinois Community College Trustee Association Board of Representatives. Mr. Joseph is a retired Sheriff's Deputy, having served 22 years with the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department. He was a member of the first graduating class of the Southwestern Illinois Police Academy at the former BAC and earned his Associate in Applied Science Degree in Administration of Justice from the college as well. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from McKendree University in Lebanon. As a Belleville, Illinois resident, retired peace officer, taxpayer, husband, father of three, and grandfather, Mr. Joseph chose to pursue a seat on the Southwestern Illinois College Board because he believed he could help ensure access to quality education for area residents, contribute to the success of the community college, and contribute to the success and growth of the Southwestern Illinois region. Mr. Joseph has consistently and actively helped SWIC maintain its longstanding accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission, and achieve model-institution recognition from the HLC for its Academic Quality Improvement Program initiatives and achievements by insisting on the highest academic standards and state-of-the-art classroom technology. During his longstanding service to the Board of Trustees, Mr. Joseph has been a proponent of capital development projects, including the construction of the Information Sciences Building, Liberal Arts Complex, and Schmidt Art Center at the Belleville Campus, and extensive expansions and renovations at the Red Bud and Sam Wolf Granite City campuses. Mr. Joseph is a member of the Turkey Hill Grange, St. Paul United Church of Christ in Freeburg, Freeburg Masonic Lodge, and the Fraternal Order of Police--St. Clair County Lodge 148. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in an expression of appreciation to Mr. Kenneth R. Joseph for his 20 years of service as a Trustee of Southwestern Illinois College and to wish him the very best in the future.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, Friday, October 9, 2015, to ask my fellow colleagues of the 114th United States Congress to join me in celebrating the 85th birthday of Mrs. Leah Sims. I rise not only to celebrate her 85 years, but to also ask that we honor Mrs. Sims for the good work that she has done throughout her life. Mrs. Sims was a distinguished and beloved educator in my hometown of Murphysboro, IL for nearly 20 years. She taught chorus to elementary, middle, and high school students throughout her career and volunteered as the choir director of the First Baptist Church. She deeply loved her job and students. That love and admiration was returned in kind as some of her former students even joined her church choir to continue on under her direction and tutelage. Mrs. Sims has been a fixture in her community as both an educator and leader. As a former student of Mrs. Sims, I can say with confidence that there is not a person that has met her who hasn't been positively affected by her compassion, thoughtfulness, and humility. Her life-long impact on the students lucky enough to call her their teacher is something worth honoring. Once again, I ask that you join me in celebrating the birthday of Mrs. Leah Sims and the long-lasting, positive influence that she has left on Southern Illinois.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a great American from my home state of Illinois, Captain Joseph Ogle. Joseph Ogle was born in 1737, raised in Frederick County, Maryland and lived near what is now Wheeling, West Virginia by 1770. Later, he was one of the first to take up the standard and volunteer in the fight for our nation's freedom and independence in the Revolutionary War. Captain Ogle's military career was long and proud. From the earliest days of the Revolution, he served, fighting in the Upper Ohio Valley. Most notably, Captain Ogle served as a Commander of Fort Henry, defending that Fort during two brutal attacks--one in 1777 and a second in 1782. But the pioneer spirit burned strongly in Captain Ogle. After the Revolutionary War, he set out for the West, buoyed by the promise of independence and the opportunity for self-determination. Captain Ogle arrived in Illinois in April, 1785, settling in what is now Monroe County. In 1802, he moved to Ridge Prairie near what is now O'Fallon, in St. Clair County, where he remained until his death in 1821--at 84 years of age. From the First Methodist Church in Shiloh, which he founded in 1807 and which is still in use today--to the Palmier Cemetery, established on property donated by Captain Ogle as a cemetery for early pioneers-- to Ogle County, Illinois, which bears his name, the mark Captain Ogle left on the region cannot be exaggerated. But perhaps Captain Ogle's greatest legacy is that of his family. A father of nine children, Captain Ogle's descendants, many of whom still live in St. Clair and Monroe Counties, Illinois, number in the thousands and have carried on the patriotism and pioneer spirit as their birthright. It is for these reasons, and more, that a new monument will be dedicated to Captain Ogle in Shiloh, Illinois. The dedication of this new monument is due to the ongoing efforts of his descendants in the Ogle & Ogles Family Association, along with the support of the Belleville Illinois Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Louis and the Clark Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. We are all indebted to the service, the spirit, and the resilience of pioneers like Captain Ogle and his fellow New Americans. These men and women helped lay the foundation on which America was built. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in recognition of this great American and Illinoisan.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the deal with Iran. Iran is one of the world's largest state sponsors of terrorism. It provides military and financial support to groups responsible for the deaths of Americans and our allies. In addition, the regime is working to undermine governments across the Middle East, including Iran, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon. As Iranians rally behind ``death to America,'' I am left to wonder what other options we have but stopping them from obtaining the most dangerous weapons on Earth. Unfortunately, I believe this deal falls way short of that goal. I pledge and will be working with my colleagues to make sure that we oppose this deal and that we find other alternatives.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 490 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted yea.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize an everyday hero from southern Illinois today--U.S. mail carrier Don Fix, who has worked his route in Belleville, Illinois, for over 20 years. In May, Don felt something was wrong when he noticed mail piled high at a home in Swansea. Don knew both residents were elderly and had difficulty getting around, so he checked around to the back door and called out their names. He heard Mr. David Nelson yell back that he and his wife had fallen. Don immediately called the paramedics, who arrived on the scene and took the couple to the hospital. I honor Don Fix's quick and caring action as he is more than just a neighborhood mailman. Don delivers more than just the mail to the residents he cares about--he also delivers compassion.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 364 and 365. I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted yea on roll call 364 and yea on roll call 365.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin for yielding. Mr. Speaker, American workers can compete when everyone is on the same playing field and has the same rules. While opening new markets in the U.S., products are important. We must have effective laws that protect companies and their workers from foreign companies who cheat. This includes nations that illegally dump into our markets. Under our current trade laws, American companies like U.S. Steel in southern Illinois must suffer long-term harm before remedies take effect. You know, that is like waiting until the house burns to the ground before you call the fire department. It doesn't make sense. That is why I am pleased that we are voting on the Enforcement bill today, which includes language that my friend from Illinois, Congressman Rodney Davis, and I introduced to combat these illegal trade practices. This legislation speeds up the process and helps companies like U.S. Steel respond to illegal dumping before it causes serious harm to the company and its workers. I encourage my colleagues to support today's bill, and we can protect our businesses and our workers from unfair trade.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call number 326 I am recorded as a Nay. I would like to reflect my intention was to vote Yea.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that the proceedings on the vote on amendment No. 2 be vacated to the end that the Chair put the question de novo.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, congratulations to Cobden High School for capturing the Illinois Class 1A state baseball title. The Appleknockers defeated Okawville Rockets 9 to 3 in Peoria. Cobden made its third state tournament appearance and first since 1987, when it lost 12-1 in five innings to Columbia in the state title game.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I rise today in support of H.R. 2393, the Country of Origin Labeling Amendments Act. In my home State of Illinois, we are a rich agricultural State, and we have a rich agricultural heritage. Illinois is a national leader in corn and soybean, but also beef and pork production. If Congress does not act to address this issue of labeling, products in my State could face higher tariffs from Canada and Mexico to the tune of $880 million worth of goods. I urge my colleagues to stand with American agriculture and support the underlying legislation in order to avoid this harmful measure.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the gentleman's amendment.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Chairman, as you may know, the reason I stand in opposition is the Small Business Administration sets these standards. As of 2012, this standard was set in place. Though I am more than willing to work with the gentleman in the future on what might come forward actually through the Small Business Committee, the concern I have is that those that do qualify under small business inadvertently, through his language, would be removed from that. The concern I have also is that is located in my district, with a company that has already received a contract under that. It is a process that we have in place. We know that there may be flaws in the process, and in the Small Business Committee, we are going to be working on those. I believe that the gentleman has sincere hopes to try to straighten this problem out for his district. I understand that. I believe that this is not the way to do this. I stand in opposition. I hope that others will join me in voting ``no'' on this, but I do give the commitment that, if a ``no'' vote does occur, I will be working with him.