Ken Buck

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the opportunity to speak about this important amendment to the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. This amendment protects private property in southeast Colorado by prohibiting the use of funds for the creation or expansion of environmental or cultural protection areas. These zones, often known as national heritage areas, are just another backdoor method for the government to impose Federal zoning on private property. The heritage areas amount to a forced conservation agreement for private landowners. An appointed management entity imposes its views and ideas on the property holders, changing the way they can use their property without compensating them. Private property is an essential element of a free democracy. The citizens of Southeast Colorado have fought this government overreach for years now, desperate to save their farms and ranches that have been passed down for generations. This amendment will ensure that private property rights are restored in southeast Colorado. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Colorado Delegation of the U.S. House of Representatives, I am highlighting an issue of importance to Colorado and its community of senior citizens. Earlier this year, Congress passed the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2016 and sent it to the President for his signature. This reauthorization ensures that a wide range of social and nutritional services, directed to assist senior citizens, is not disrupted. While the reauthorization improves the status quo for the state of Colorado, I still have concerns about the continuing inequity in funding going to our state in comparison to the rest of the country. In an attempt to protect certain states with shrinking senior populations, Congress in 2006 changed the Older Americans Act funding formula to ensure states received a guaranteed funding level. This is known as the ``Hold Harmless Funding Formula.'' Due to Colorado's growing senior population and this provision from 2006, Colorado (among other states) saw massive cuts during sequestration when other states did not. Instead of allowing the funding to go to states with growing senior populations, the hold harmless funding formula in the current reauthorization continues the disproportionate trend. It prevents funding in states with lower senior populations from going to states with growing levels of senior citizens. While I am supportive of the services provided by the Older Americans Act, Congress' priority should be ensuring the stability of the programs upon which millions of seniors around the country depend. I believe that moving forward, it is imperative that steps are taken in future reauthorizations to safeguard services for all seniors regardless of their state of residence. It is my hope that as Congress continues to address issues that are important to all senior citizens, we find a path forward to address the issue I've raised today.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chairman, despite what my colleague from Ohio contends, this amendment comports the ruling of the United States v. Lovett, a 1946 Supreme Court case dealing with a bill of attainder. The guidelines in Lovett, this amendment singles out no individuals, but, rather, attempts to restructure the managerial level of a government agency, a task well within Congress' power of the purse. This task is necessary because the position has proven especially wasteful over the past few years, failing to rein in abuse within the agency that led to congressional investigations. Mr. Chairman, I ask my colleagues to support this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from South Carolina. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is necessary because of the serious mistakes by the IRS. The IRS targeted political groups just because they disagreed with the groups' political beliefs, a practice that is patently un-American. But the problems with the IRS didn't just stop with the discrimination. The IRS destroyed evidence that Congress requested, by subpoena, for a congressional investigation into the discrimination issue. This action was, at the very least, incompetent and unethical. The IRS is out of control, a problem that ultimately rests with President Obama; but the President has been unwilling to work with Congress on this issue. Because of his unwillingness to address these serious ethical violations at the Nation's tax collection service, Congress must take immediate action to eliminate the position of IRS Commissioner. The Commissioner is appointed by the President and serves at the pleasure of the President. Unfortunately, we simply cannot trust anyone that President Obama appoints in that position. Under this amendment, the salary for the IRS Commissioner will not be restored until January 20, 2017, when the next President can appoint a commissioner the American people can trust. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. BUCK. May I inquire how much time do I have remaining, Mr. Chairman?

Mr. BUCK. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Sanford).

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. I thank the gentleman for the opportunity to speak on this important legislation. Mr. Chair, our Federal Government relies on the contributions of civil servants to run Federal agencies and to faithfully execute our laws. We place significant responsibility into the hands of these executive branch employees. Others still are placed in senior management roles where the impacts of their performance and competency are felt throughout the agencies and by those citizens who interact with them. We expect Federal employees to run the government efficiently and fairly; so we should treat them the same way. That is what this bill does. When a typical employee is hired for the civil service, he begins in a probationary period, during which time the employee can be relieved of his duties if he fails to perform well. After the probationary period, the employee receives greater protection from being fired, even if he is underperforming. This bill extends the probationary period of employees in both the competitive civil service and the Senior Executive Service from 1 year to 2 years. If the employee requires training or licensing, the probationary period begins when training and licensing are complete. This extended probationary period gives us time to assess the skills of government employees. If an employee isn't up to the task he or she has been assigned, it is unfair to everyone else who is working hard or competently in that agency to retain the underperforming individual. Moreover, the morale of Federal agencies depends on their having strong teams with strong employees. Anyone who has run an office knows that one bad apple can drag the whole team down. That is why this bill is so important. We need strong teams working in the Federal Government, and our current Federal employees deserve competent team members. Only then will our bureaucracy be more efficient and better able to serve the American taxpayer, because, ultimately, taxpayers pay the salaries of our Federal employees. For the sake of the taxpayer, we must create a culture of accountability and fairness in our Federal hiring practices. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize David Christopher Meyer of Boy Scouts of America Troop 261. On July 2nd of this year, David will be awarded the rank of Eagle Scout for his outstanding accomplishments. Throughout his time in scouting, David has grown to be a leader of other young men and is dedicated to the service of others. He graduated Big Horn National Youth Leadership training, served as a crew leader on an 85 mile backpacking trek at Philmont Scout Ranch, has been elected to the Order of the Arrow, and is currently serving as his troop's Senior Patrol Leader. For his Eagle project David worked with Drifter's Hearts of Hope, a nonprofit institute that rescues horses selected for slaughter and uses them for therapy with disabled children. After rescuing a mare named Cabo, David and his team designed and built a shelter for her. Cabo was then designed to David's childhood friend, who has been battling a life threatening illness. David received the Eagle Project of the Year Award for the Pioneer Trails District for his project, being one of 8 young men recognized by the Optimist Club out of nearly 500 Eagle Scouts. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize David Christopher Meyer for his many accomplishments.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chair, this amendment to the Department of Defense Appropriations Act prohibits funds from being used to limit private property rights in southeast Colorado. The Department of Defense can designate land, buildings, and archaeological sites as heritage assets to extend Federal control over private property, claiming that they need to protect areas of heritage in our country. But part of the heritage of the land in southeast Colorado is the farming and ranching that has gone on for generations. The people who work on the land there take good care of it. They are true stewards who know that overuse and mistreatment will hurt next year's harvest or the next generation of livestock. After all, that land is their heritage. These property owners now face an attempt by the Federal Government to impose a forced conservation agreement on their property without compensating them. This scheme is simply a backdoor method for the government to impose Federal control over private property. Our democracy depends on private property rights because these rights are a key part of a free and prosperous society. We must protect the freedom, prosperity, and heritage of southeast Colorado from overreaching government. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chair, this amendment to the Department of Defense Appropriations Act prohibits funds from being used to implement the President's climate change agenda at the cost of our national defense. Directive 4715.21 on Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience would force our military to incorporate climate change in everything they do--from combat operations to preparedness to training. Climate change would become one of our Nation's greatest enemies. When our Nation is under attack, generals in the war room and officers in the field need to be focused on winning the battle, not on limiting their carbon footprint. Our national security has already been impacted by the thinking behind this directive. Former Acting Director of the CIA, Michael Morell, admitted recently that the U.S. declined attacking ISIS' oil wells in part for fear of the environmental impact, yet these oil wells provide funding for ISIS and allow the terrorist organization to recruit individuals in the United States for its evil mission. With ISIS and its ideology attacking our homeland, now is the time to focus on our imminent defense requirements because climate change is not an enemy of the United States. ISIS, with its anti-American ideology, is our enemy. China and Russia are our enemies. North Korea and Iran are our enemies. The lives of American citizens, the lives of our soldiers, and the lives of innocent people around the world depend on the strength and resolve of the U.S. military. When we distract our military with a climate change agenda, we detract from its ultimate purpose. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

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

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize five high school students from the fourth district of Colorado, who were selected to represent the state of Colorado as delegates at the Congress for Future Medical Leaders. The students are Carter Goodard of Frederick Senior High School, Alexandrea Rivera of Sky View Academy, Victoria Rubio of Silver Creek High School, Anna Schulhoff of Legend High School, and Megan Weigand of Erie High School. The Congress of Future Medical Leaders is an honors program that recognizes exceptional high school students who are pursuing careers as a physician or in medical research. These students are the future leaders of the medical field and our country. Through their studies, they have embodied the meaning of hard work and perseverance to achieve their goals, and will better the health of future generations Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to recognize these five students for their hard work and service to their community. I wish them luck in their future endeavors.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize six high school students from the fourth district of Colorado, who have been chosen to represent the state of Colorado as delegates at the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders. The students are Jamison Cavanagh of Ponderosa High School, Tanner Cavanagh of Ponderosa High School, Victoria Messmore of Legend High School, Dominic Plaia of Chaparral High School, Amber Storch of Fort Morgan High School, and Caleb Vannest of Greeley West High School. The Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders is an honors program that recognizes exceptional high school students who are pursuing careers as engineers, scientists, or technologists. These students are the future leaders of the STEM fields and our country. Through their studies, they have embodied the meaning of hard work and perseverance to achieve their goals, and will advance science and technology for future generations Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to recognize these six students for their hard work and service to their community. I wish them luck in their future endeavors.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sydney Eismeier, a Military Appointee from Colorado's Fourth Congressional District. I believe our greatest assets are America's brave men and women in uniform. Sydney is making an incredible sacrifice for our country and deserves our utmost support for her service. It is with great pleasure that I give her my endorsement to attend this prestigious institution. Our nation owes no greater debt of gratitude than to those who fight to protect our freedom and liberty. I commend Sydney and her family for their commitment. On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I extend my best wishes to Sydney. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Sydney as a Military Appointee for her commitment to protect and serve our nation.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Adam Kratt, a Military Appointee from Colorado's Fourth Congressional district. I believe our greatest assets are America's brave men and women in uniform. Adam is making an incredible sacrifice for our country and deserves our utmost support for his service. It is with great pleasure that I give him my endorsement to attend this prestigious institution. Our nation owes no greater debt of gratitude than to those who fight to protect our freedom and liberty. I commend Adam and his family for their commitment. On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I extend my best wishes to Adam. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Adam as a Military Appointee for his commitment to protect and serve our nation.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chairman, this amendment returns choice to consumers and keeps the price of products affordable. The Department of Energy's energy conservation program issues efficiency regulations for everyday appliances like dishwashers and vending machines. The rules are based on a cost-benefit analysis, but the analysis is vague and skewed to the desired outcome. Rather than improving the lives of consumers, these mandates drive up the cost of appliances. To address the rising costs and the crackdown on consumer choice, this amendment prohibits energy mandates on residential dishwashers, ceiling fan light kits, and vending machines. Individuals should have a choice of whether or not to buy these appliances. As consumer demand for efficiency increases, the market will find a way to produce appliances that save more energy. This amendment stops the administration from implementing their radical green energy agenda on the backs of American families. I urge a ``yes'' vote. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Simpson).

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

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize this year's Military Appointees from Colorado's Fourth Congressional district. America's brave men and women in uniform have always been our nation's greatest asset. These individuals make an incredible sacrifice for our country and they deserve our utmost support for their service. It is with great pleasure that I endorse the following individuals to attend some of our nation's most prestigious institutions. To the United States Air Force Academy, I nominate Jack Beebe, Kelly Grier, Rebecca Kholos, and Andrew Voydat. To the United States Merchant Marine Academy, I nominate Micah Grissom and Kyleigh Kappas. To the United States Military Academy, I nominate Angus Pfister- Paradice and Levi Walters. To the United States Naval Academy, I nominate Andriann Oakley. Our nation owes no greater debt of gratitude than to those who fight to protect our freedom and liberty. They, and their families, should be commended. On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I extend my best wishes to these individuals. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize these appointees for their commitment to protect and serve our nation.

Mr. BUCK

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