Ken Buck

Mr. BUCK

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

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chairman, I rise for the opportunity to speak about my amendment to the State and Foreign Operations division of H.R. 3354. Mr. Chairman, we are facing some tough choices. Our Nation is nearly $20 trillion in debt. We are going to debate lifting the debt ceiling in the coming days. Simply put, we cannot afford to continue recklessly spending on duplicative and wasteful programs. The United States Institute of Peace is a perfect example of a duplicative program that must be reexamined. The Institute's charter states that the organization was established to promote international peace and the resolution of conflict among the nations and peoples of the world without recourse to violence. These are laudable and worthy goals, but it sounds a lot like the mission statement of another taxpayer-backed diplomatic organization, the United States Department of State. The State Department's operational mission is to create a more secure, democratic, and prosperous world for the benefit of the American people and the international community. Why is Congress funding an independent think tank that supports the same mission as another Federal Government agency? The U.S. Institute of Peace is far from the only organization on the ground working to foster peace across the globe. Since its inception, the U.S. Institute of Peace has awarded thousands of grants to other peace organizations. There are also more than 150 colleges and universities offering peace studies programs across the United States. Why are we earmarking an additional $35.3 million in public funds to support a think tank that duplicates the State Department's mission, uses its public funds to support other peace-promoting organizations, and can raise millions of dollars in private funds to promote its own work? For this reason, Members on both sides of the aisle have supported ending this program. In fact, this same amendment was offered by a Democratic member from New York to an appropriations bill in 2011. The amendment passed with a strong bipartisan vote. The White House recently proposed eliminating Federal funding to the Institute noting that it duplicates not only other Federal programs but also nonprofit and private sector organizations. In addition to the duplicative nature of its work, the Institute's authorization has expired. The underlying funding contained in the bill is not even allowed under House rules. The authorization process is vital to ensuring that the American taxpayer is protected from waste. At the very least, we should withhold funding until the Institute is reauthorized. Our kids and grandkids are relying on us to find a solution to this problem rather than continuing to dig the hole deeper. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Perry).

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service and sacrifice of Sergeant Chris Redman, and to congratulate him for being inducted into the Honorary Rolls of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, the ``Blackhorse Regiment.'' I believe that our nation's men and women in uniform are America's greatest assets. They have made incredible sacrifices for our country and deserve our utmost support and respect for their service. Sergeant Redman has dedicated his life to protecting all Americans through his service as a sergeant in the United States Army and as a police officer. He received numerous recognitions while in the Army and has continued to serve the Blackhorse Regiment since his retirement. In addition to his selfless service to our country, Sergeant Redman has also been a great leader and supporter of the Blackhorse Regiment in his community, coordinating reunions and raising money for scholarship funds. Our nation owes no greater debt of gratitude than the one we owe our veterans. They and their families should be commended. On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I extend my best wishes and deepest gratitude to Sergeant Redman. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Sergeant Chris Redman for his commitment to family, community, and the United States of America.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Douglas Harbour for his service in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and for his work to create the Tri-State 9/11 Tribute Foundation. This organization was established to instill in our nation's youth a sense of national pride by honoring those who have dedicated their lives to protecting all Americans. I believe that our nation's men and women in uniform are America's greatest assets. They have made incredible sacrifices for our country and deserve our utmost support and aid for their service. Mr. Harbour created The Tri-State 9/11 Tribute Foundation in 2012 to honor our nation's First Responders and Military personnel both living and deceased. Since its founding, a memorial project has been initiated and the annual Tri-State 9/11 Tribute event is held each fall to recognize exemplary public servants. Mr. Harbour is the organization's sitting President and donates his time to ensure these men and women receive the utmost admiration and gratitude for their service. It is the heroic bravery and incredible sacrifices made by America's First Responders and men and women in uniform that have helped secure the freedoms we as Americans hold dear. Our nation owes no greater debt of gratitude than the one we owe our First Responders and military men and women. They and their families should be commended. On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I extend my best wishes and gratitude to Mr. Harbour for his creation of the Tri-State 9/11 Tribute Foundation to honor America's great service men and women. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Mr. Harbour for his accomplishments.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the rule and the underlying resolution. Congressional Review Act resolutions must follow a prescribed form according to law. This rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 111 in keeping with that form. Madam Speaker, we are here today to prevent Federal overreach by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, also known as the CFPB. According to the D.C. Circuit Court, this unaccountable government agency has more unilateral authority than any single commissioner or board member in any other independent agency in the United States Government. On July 10, 2017, the CFPB exercised that vast authority by issuing a 776-page final rule that restricts the ability of consumers to enter into arbitration agreements. The CFPB's misguided rule effectively eliminates arbitration clauses, instead forcing consumers into significantly more burdensome court proceedings. Eliminating this overbearing rule is a big win for consumers. Arbitration is an alternative to the judicial system, and it often results in a better outcome for consumers. According to the CFPB's own study, arbitration can be up to 12 times faster than litigation. This study also found that a class action lawsuit's average payout was just $32 per person, not even close to the $5,389 awarded on average from arbitration. Moreover, it costs less for consumers to file an arbitration complaint than it does to file a new complaint in Federal court, making the arbitration system more accessible to all Americans. Arbitration allows parties to use an independent mediator, instead of hiring expensive lawyers, to settle a dispute. While the rule promulgated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is a bad deal for consumers, it is a huge win for trial lawyers, who make an average of $1 million per case. The legislation being considered today would eliminate the CFPB's prohibition on an individual's right to enter into contracts that include arbitration agreements. The Congressional Review Act allows Congress to eliminate a rule from the executive branch, and prevents a substantially similar rule from being proposed in its place. Checks and balances between the three branches of government are the cornerstone of our Constitution. The Congressional Review Act allows Congress to exercise our Article I authority and stop executive overreach that was never intended by the original legislation. The Congressional Review Act is a powerful tool because it only requires 51 votes to pass in the Senate. To date, Congress has passed 14 CRAs that have been signed by the President. One by one, we have eliminated Obama administration rules that harm Americans and small businesses across this country. Despite the work we have ahead, these CRAs are important to bringing regulatory relief to millions of Americans. President Trump campaigned on a promise to end government overregulation that hurts Americans and small businesses. He turned those words into action by signing an executive order that requires two regulations be eliminated for every new regulation that is proposed. President Trump has exceeded those expectations in his first 6 months. For every new proposed rule, he has eliminated 16 regulations. Unfortunately, he has limited tools to rein in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, because it was designed to be unaccountable under Dodd-Frank. This is an agency that continues to be run by an unchecked Director. The structure of the bureau has even been ruled unconstitutional by the judicial branch. A few weeks ago, the House of Representatives passed legislation to restructure the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, restoring congressional oversight duties and moving the agency back under the regular legislative appropriations process. I hope the Senate will consider this bill and bring accountability to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and the underlying bill, and eliminate the bad antiarbitration rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has been a continuous example of Federal overreach. Once again, bureaucrats in Washington have created a rule that will hurt consumers and make their lives more difficult. The last 8 years of overregulation have crippled our economy. Today, we have a chance to end this antiarbitration rule and empower consumers with an alternative to spending years in a courtroom. We can't let concerns about the trial lawyer lobby impact the way we treat consumers. Trial lawyers love this rule enacted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau because they will be the biggest beneficiaries. They will walk home with the big winnings, while the individuals who have been harmed walk away with little. Arbitration allows harmed individuals to receive payouts on the merits of their case without enriching the pockets of trial lawyers at the same time. This legislation is for consumers. It is for the average American who relies on our financial system every day. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Sessions and Chairman Hensarling for bringing this bill to the floor. I urge my colleagues now to vote ``yes'' on the resolution, and then to vote ``yes'' on the underlying bill.

Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Luetkemeyer), the chairman of the Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittee.

Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Rothfus), the author of this resolution.

Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 468 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Polis), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jonathan Feld for his hard work and dedication to the people of Colorado's Fourth District as an intern in my Washington, D.C. office for the Summer of 2017. The work of this young man has been exemplary, and I know he has a bright future. He served as a tour guide, interacted with constituents, and learned a great deal about our nation's legislative process. I was glad to be able to offer this educational opportunity, and look forward to seeing him build his career in public service. Jonathan plans to continue pursuing his degree at the end of this internship. I wish him the best as he pursues his career path. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Jonathan Feld for his service the last several months to the people of Colorado's 4th district.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tyler Wesley for his hard work and dedication to the people of Colorado's Fourth District as an intern in my Washington, D.C. office for the Summer of 2017. The work of this young man has been exemplary, and I know he has a bright future. He served as a tour guide, interacted with constituents, and learned a great deal about our nation's legislative process. I was glad to be able to offer this educational opportunity, and look forward to seeing him build his career in public service. Tyler plans to continue working as a public servant at the end of this internship. I wish him the best as he pursues his career path. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Tyler Wesley for his service the last several months to the people of Colorado's 4th district.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ethan Bond for his hard work and dedication to the people of Colorado's Fourth District as an intern in my Washington, D.C. office for the Summer of 2017. The work of this young man has been exemplary, and I know he has a bright future. He served as a tour guide, interacted with constituents, and learned a great deal about our nation's legislative process. I was glad to be able to offer this educational opportunity, and look forward to seeing him build his career in public service. Ethan plans to continue pursuing his degree at the end of this internship. I wish him the best as he pursues his career path. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Ethan Bond for his service the last several months to the people of Colorado's 4th district.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I send to the desk a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, in honor of America's heroic veterans, the Honor Flight Network conducts two annual Honor Flight ceremonies to Washington, D.C. to give our nation's heroes a day to visit and reflect at their war memorials. On May 7, 2017, Honor Flight Northern Colorado held its 18th Honor Flight that gave many of our courageous veterans this extraordinary opportunity. I am pleased to recognize the Honor Flight on May 7, 2017, honoring World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans of Northern Colorado. Mr. Speaker, those who participated in this flight are as follows: World War II: Cecil Carlisle, Richard Crum, Edgar Darrow, Charles Davis, Eugene Doering, Muriel Elijah, Armand Hansen, Nathan Stiewig, William Thousand, Willard Williams, Richard Zisch. Korean War: Richard Anema, John Baker, Edwin Boggie, Robert Brethauer, George Browning, Ralph Crockett, Gary Crouch, Marvin Elwood, John Fickes, Harold Hogness, LaVern Hueske, Harry Kembel, Neville Kempkes, Harold Krug, Louis Lambdin, Robert Lebsack, Arthur Meyer, LeRoy Odell, Loren Postlewait, Frank Shipman, Wayne Sodman, Irvin Troudt, Wayne Wallis, Lois Wolfsong. Vietnam War: Jose Abeyta, Tony Abeyta, Timothy Ahern, Daniel Alires, Nelson Bachus, James Barnett, John Barslund, Stephen Bartels, Les Bates, Bernard Bay, David Beard, David Becker, Gary Becker, Mark Becker, Stephen Bernardo, Howard Bostrom, William Bradford, Darrell Brasier, Robert Brevig, Timothy Camps, Thomas Chagolla, Eric Christensen, Marvin Clark, Norris Clark, Richard Conley, David Cowan, Wesley Craig, Lorraine Davison, Gary Dorsey, Christopher Erickson, Stanley Fisher, Jerome Folse, Patricia Folse, Douglas Frost, Aurthur Gallegos, Theodore Gilbert, Leroy Gonzales, Raymond Gonzales, Albert Guse, Lowell Hill, Richard Istas, Timothy Jachowski, Joseph Kolicko Jr, Robert Krasznai, James Kuehl, Gary LaCrosse, Patrick Lennon, Gary Littlefield, Robert Loos, Malcom Macaulay, Robert Maciel, Ronald Martinez, Jonathan Mason, Douglas Mayeda, Joseph McKeon, Lee McCain, Donald McKinley, Michael McPheron, Lawrence Montoya, Tobias Morales, Marjorie Morningstar, Warren Morrow, John Niehoff, Everett Noble Jr., Jeffrey Nuce, Danny Oppie, Robert Ortega, William Pierson, William Post Jr., Anthony Quintana, Jimmy Rahm, Rudolph Ramirez, Constantino Ramos, Ronald Ray, Abel Razo, James Rose, Stephen Ryan, William Sheahan, Jimmie Shipp, William Springsteel, John Swens, Rolland Trauernicht, Vernon Turner, Daniel Valdez, Dwight Van Beber, William Weaver, Warren Wienke, Richard Wyatt. It is my distinct pleasure as the U.S. Representative of the 4th District of Colorado to recognize the honor, courage, and sacrifice of these heroes, along with all members of America's Armed Forces. I thank them for their dedication and service to this nation.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chairman, the United States military is the greatest fighting force in the world. Our troops need to be focused on the mission at hand and have every tool at their disposal to complete that mission. My amendment ensures that we practice fiscal discipline in the Department of Defense's energy acquisition process by ensuring that we are buying the most cost-effective source of energy. I thank the chairman. I urge my colleagues to support my amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK. I thank Chairman Thornberry for the opportunity to speak about my amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018. Our military is the greatest fighting force in the world. I applaud the Department of Defense's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. However, with our limited resources, we must ensure that these resources are being put to use in the best possible way. Every penny spent by the Department of Defense must be used to advance our military's mission and support our troops. Incorporating higher cost fuel sources into the Department's energy acquisition process is money lost to repair planes, buy ammunition, and defeat the enemy. Moreover, Congress must ensure that we are being good stewards of the American people's money. With our debt soaring towards $20 trillion, it is irresponsible to ask American families to subsidize with their tax dollars fuel sources that have not yet been proven cost-effective. Of course, the Department of Defense would still be allowed to research alternative sources of energy. My amendment ensures that the Department of Defense can conduct research on alternative fuels to ensure these energy sources can be cost-competitive in the future. My commonsense amendment is simple. It provides a framework for ensuring the Department of Defense is engaging in responsible energy acquisition practices. It prohibits renewable energy mandates placed on the Department of Defense and ensures that every unit of energy our military purchases is the most cost-effective option available while still maintaining the ability to research new sources of energy. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chairman, I don't believe that asking the Department of Defense to make a cost-effective decision in any purchase is an unnecessary burden. Mr. Chair, I disagree with my colleagues, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Grant May for his hard work and dedication to the people of Colorado's Fourth District as an intern in my Washington, D.C. office for the Summer of 2017. The work of this young man has been exemplary, and I know he has a bright future. He served as a tour guide, interacted with constituents, and learned a great deal about our nation's legislative process. I was glad to be able to offer this educational opportunity, and look forward to seeing him build his career in public service. Grant plans to continue pursuing his degree at the end of this internship. I wish him the best as he pursues his career path. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Grant May for his service the last several months to the people of Colorado's 4th district.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Trinidad Benham Corporation on their 100th Anniversary. This is truly a remarkable milestone which has been reached through the hard work and innovation of their founders and employees. Trinidad Benham is a thriving, nationwide corporation, originally founded in Colorado, with a bean and rice processing and packing facility in the 4th Congressional District. Over the last 100 years, this company has grown from a small family-owned bean and elevator business to the prosperous company it is today. They have created many jobs and made notable contributions to improve the communities near their operations as well as their employees' livelihoods. Trinidad Benham is an excellent example of what enterprising and forward thinking businesses can accomplish in America's great economy. They should be commended for their effort to offer consumers a great product, employee ownership model, commitment to sustainability, and innovative spirit. Their inspiring success over the last century confirms that the American Dream is alive and thriving in Colorado and the United States. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize the Trinidad Benham Corporation for celebrating their 100th Anniversary.