Mike Bost

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. I yield to the gentleman from Indiana.

Mr. BOST. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. I thank the chairman for yielding and this opportunity to offer my amendment. Mr. Chair, when the Small Business Administration sets a size standard for a small business, it is determining whether that company can qualify for loans, Federal contracts, and other development assistance. Unfortunately, there are times that the SBA sets an inappropriate size standard, wrongly classifying a small business as a large business, which can deny them critical access and assistance and contract opportunities. My bipartisan amendment, offered with the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Connolly), builds upon previous efforts to improve the SBA size standards process. This will empower America's job creators to appeal directly to the SBA when they believe they have received an inappropriate designation. This change will spare small businesses from having to engage in expensive and time-consuming lawsuits to make their voice heard. Our amendment is supported by the National Small Business Association, the National Defense Industrial Association, and other small business organizations.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, sometimes, a tragedy has to happen for us to recognize unsung heroes. On Monday, I received word that Lowell Ensel had passed away. Lowell was an intern here in our D.C. office for the past 3 months. His passing was sudden; it was unexpected, and it was painful to our entire office family. He was just 20 years old; but, while Lowell's years have been short, his reach was very long. That was reflected when over 200 students attended a vigil earlier this week at the University of Maryland. Lowell's love of life had a big impact on our office as well. He handled every project we gave him with a positive attitude and a smile on his face. I offer my thoughts and prayers to Lowell's parents, Ellen and Fendwick, as well as his extended family and countless friends during this time of suffering, as difficult as it is. To my colleagues, I know that each one of you have special people like Lowell in your office. These are young people who work long hours for little or no pay because they want to make a difference in this country. In honor of Lowell, please take a moment and thank these unsung heroes that work in our offices every day.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), which was passed by the United States Congress and signed into law on April 10, 1979. The TRA provides a basis for relations between the United States and Taiwan. 36 years later, the TRA remains the foundation of the continuous bilateral relationship between our two countries and represents the United States' commitment to the people on Taiwan. Since the enactment of the TRA, Washington and Taipei have enjoyed a robust partnership based on the shared values of democracy, economic freedom, and rule of law. Since passage of the TRA, Taiwan has flourished into a democracy and is well positioned to play an important role economically in the Asia-Pacific, and globally. In 2014, Taiwan became our 10th largest trading partner, surpassing India and Saudi Arabia. The TRA provides the confidence that has allowed Taiwan to govern itself, expand trade with the global marketplace, and engage in productive relations. The United States and Taiwan share a common commitment to freedom, democracy, and a government elected by the people, for the people. As we commemorate the 36th anniversary of the TRA, I look forward to Taiwan's continued growth as a trade and security partner and celebrate its relationship with the United States.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. I thank my friend from Illinois for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment, and I urge its adoption. The amendment simply states that nothing in the bill shall interfere with State and local collective bargaining laws. This amendment is about Federal respect of State and local laws. When it comes to education, I am a firm believer in local control, and everybody who has known me over the years from my State knows that to be a fact. For too long, the Federal Government has attempted to determine for parents, teachers, and school administrators what is best for our schools and for our children in southern Illinois. The underlying bill may not be perfect, but we can't let it fall for the good that it does do. The legislation takes an important step forward in restoring local control in education. That is good for my kids, and it is good for your kids. Once again, I thank my friend for the opportunity to support the amendment.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on February 24, 2015 and missed roll call votes on H.R. 212 and H.R. 734. Had I been present, I would have voted Yea on Roll Call 84, and Yea on Roll Call number 85.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3 and the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. Part of the existing pipeline system actually supplies the Wood River Refinery in the 12th Congressional District in Illinois. In anticipation of the construction of this pipeline, the owners have spent $4 billion upgrading the facility and created about 2,400 jobs over a 4-year period. Construction of the Keystone XL extension would deliver similar benefits to other regions of the country, creating over 42,000 jobs in construction, manufacturing, transportation, and services industries. It is for these reasons that a diverse coalition of businesses and labor unions in the construction and building trades industries have come out in support of H.R. 3, and I encourage all of my colleagues to do the same.