Ken Buck

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chairman, I thank you for the opportunity to speak about this amendment to the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2017. This amendment zeroes out several Federal agency programs that have been in the business of picking winners and losers. Federal bureaucrats are not venture capitalists or R&D specialists. They have no business exposing billions of taxpayer dollars to potentially risky investments. We must continue to invest in renewable, nuclear, and fossil energy technologies; but the investments in these projects should be left to the private sector, where firms can decide whether or not to take on the risk. Additionally, the discoveries from these projects are owned by the companies themselves, rather than placed into the private domain to benefit our Nation more fully. Moreover, wherever the Federal Government doles out taxpayer dollars, high-paid lobbyists stand at the ready to collect their share. The success of companies pursuing new energy technologies should depend on those technologies' merits. This amendment eliminates those crony subsidies. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chair, the ranking member asked what the purpose is, and I would be glad to answer that. We have over $19 trillion of debt. We are running up huge annual deficits in this country. We do not have a major war going on right now, and we do not have a recession going on right now, but we continue to overspend. This is an area where I contend that the private sector has got to do a lot more than it is doing if we are going to try to balance our budget some day. That may seem like folly to some, but I think the impact of going off the fiscal cliff is far greater than the impact of cutting funds for research in this area. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service and sacrifice made by Marine Corporal Jason Hallett. On October 23rd, 2010, Corporal Hallet was serving as part of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine in Sangin, Afghanistan. While clearing a compound of IEDs, a device detonated, severely injuring Corporal Hallet. In the explosion he lost both legs above the knees, his right arm above the elbow, and suffered severe damage to his left hand. Under heavy fire from insurgents, Corporal Hallett was carried across an open field and transported back to the closest Forward Operating Base (FOB) where lifesaving measures were performed. During medical treatment and rehabilitation, Corporal Hallet never lost the motivation and dedication to succeed. Since returning to his home in Colorado, Corporal Hallet has begun studying finance at Colorado State University, a passion he developed during his recovery. It is inspiring to see the dedication Corporal Hallet shows to helping fellow veterans. Corporal Hallet embodies the values that make America exceptional. He has shown true leadership in his community, and the impact of his story has been profound. He is an inspiration to us all. I would like to extend my sincerest thanks for his service and continued efforts to improve the lives of veterans. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Marine Corporal Jason Hallett for his commitment to family, community, and the United States of America.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chairman, the fact that this amendment requires the military to choose the most cost-effective energy source allows the military to spend its money on those priorities, rather than on energy. I would ask my colleagues to support this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

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

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chair, I appreciate the gentleman's support of this amendment and not opposition to this amendment. This amendment simply says that the military must determine the most cost-effective method. It does not ban renewables at all. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chairman, I am grateful for the opportunity to speak about this amendment to the 2017 NDAA. Since taking office in 2009, President Obama's administration has forced its green energy agenda on the American people despite the devastating costs. For our military, this means a mandate to purchase renewable energy and to incorporate climate change into almost every aspect of training, regardless of cost or efficiency. As you might imagine, these mandates result in some absurd wastes of money. Every cent spent by the Department of Defense on the incorporation of the administration's climate change agenda is a cent lost for the defense of the American people. The U.S. military should be focused on defending American citizens, not serving as a playground for the green energy movement. Moreover, spending the American people's tax dollars on crony capitalism is despicable. Renewable energy should be free to compete in the energy marketplace. American families shouldn't be asked to subsidize costly, inefficient, and uncompetitive green energy with their hard-earned tax dollars. My amendment ends this wasteful and dangerous practice; 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. I ask for support on this amendment. Mr. Chair, 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 thank Sheriff Reichert and others who have so eloquently spoken and recognize the importance of this week. Police Week gives us the opportunity to honor and thank those law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to protect us. The men and women who work in law enforcement know the definition of sacrifice. They know the look on their spouse's face when they leave for the swing shift. They know the loneliness of a patrol car on a snowy night. They know how many times they have looked at that picture of their family on the dashboard, and they know what it is like to lose one of their own. In Colorado, we have already lost three officers this year: Deputy Sheriff Travis Russell, Corporal Nate Carrigan, and Deputy Sheriff Derek Geer. But speaking their names on the House floor won't bring them back for dinner tonight or put them in their patrol car or seat them in the bleachers of their son's baseball game on Saturday. We must honor those who have fallen, but our honor must engender resolve; otherwise, we are forgetting too quickly the sacrifices we meant to remember. This is why I have introduced the Blue Lives Matter Act. The despicable criminals who would assault or kill an officer simply because of that officer's status as a member of law enforcement deserve an enhanced sentence and a prosecution and investigation from every possible agency that we can bring resources from. This legislation ensures that these criminals see justice. Everywhere I go in Colorado, I run into officers who thank me for introducing this bill, and I appreciate that, but I don't deserve their thanks. Protecting police officers isn't something we do because we have some extra time or because we feel especially patriotic. Congress has a duty to protect those who protect us.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. I thank the gentleman from Florida. Mr. Speaker, the Obama administration somehow missed the class in civics about separation of powers, checks and balances, and so many other issues from our Constitution. Thankfully, the Supreme Court can offer some remedial education when it decides the case United States v. Texas. The facts of the case are simple. The President's executive action on immigration is downright illegal. He bypassed Congress, even though the Constitution explicitly states that the legislative branch has the power to establish a uniform rule of naturalization. This administration uses the excuse of prosecutorial discretion. As a prosecutor for 25 years, I can tell you this isn't true. When his executive order creates a new special class for millions of people in the United States, this isn't a case-by-case use of discretion. It is a blanket rulemaking, and it is rulemaking that directly contradicts the wishes of Congress. All three branches of government agree that these actions are illegal. Courts have already issued an injunction against the rule. Congress submitted a friend-of-the-court brief highlighting its proper role, and the President himself knows it would be unconstitutional to bypass Congress and create his own immigration laws. He said so many times. For some reason, he still went ahead and issued the executive order. Real people feel real consequences when we put the Constitution through the paper shredder. The President's actions will lead to devastating new costs for States. Our healthcare system, our judicial and law enforcement systems, and our education system will all be strained as they try to accommodate the President's unconstitutional orders. The judicial branch has a chance to stand up to executive overreach in this case and reassert congressional power. I hope the Court rules correctly because the fate of the Republic hangs in the balance.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize nine 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 Tolani Adeleye of Erie High School, Danae Beauprez of Yuma High School, Cody Benson of Chaparral High School, Paola Cabrales of Lamar High School, Kali Dodd of Douglas County High School, Katie Emberley of Silver Creek High School, Ashley Joplin of Legend High School, Andrea Russell of Laurel Springs High School, and Michelle Scoggins of Windsor 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 nine 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 Jake Westerberg for his hard work and dedication to the people of Colorado's Fourth District. He served as an intern in my Washington, DC office for the Spring 2016 session of Congress. This young man's work has been exemplary and I know he has a bright future ahead. 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 him this educational opportunity and look forward to seeing him build his career in public service. Jake plans to continue pursuing his degree at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs at the conclusion of his internship. As he returns to the great state of Colorado, I wish him the best in his future endeavors. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Jake Westerberg for his service this Spring.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, in honor of America's heroic veterans, the Honor Flight Network conducts a twice annual Honor Flight ceremony to Washington D.C. in order to give our nation's heroes a day to visit and reflect at their war memorials. I am pleased to recognize that an Honor Flight took place on September 13, 2015 to honor the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans of Northern Colorado. Honor Flight Northern Colorado was founded in 2008 by retired Army Colonel Stan Cass, and recently held its 15th Honor Flight. Honor Flight Northern Colorado shares the Honor Flight Network's philosophy that America felt it was important to honor our veterans with dedicated memorials, and it should be equally important that these courageous veterans experience their memorial in person. We honor the brave men and women who were willing to lay down their lives in service to America, and Honor Flight Northern Colorado is part of that ongoing effort. Mr. Speaker, those who participated in this flight are as follows: From World War II: Paul Bechthold, Floyd Cooper, Raymond Ernest, Charles Hoelscher, Joseph Isley, Carl Johnson, Frederick Kaehler, Rex McFadden, Allan Meenen, William Ramsey, Donald Stephens, John Ulvang, Ceylon Weller. From the Korean War: Robert Ault, Adolfo Benavides, Henry Bjorklund, Edwin Bowker, Albert Cain, Kenneth Creamer, Robert Crouch, Gerald Donnelly, Robert Eckhardt, Gary Eyre, William Ferguson, Elmer Fortin, Glen Geilenkirchen, James Gribben, Kent Grimsley, Walter Harris, Warren Hawkins, Carl Heufel, Eugene Hitchman, Neil Hoffman, Frank Hummel, Harold Jochum, Eldon Johnson, Roy Johnson, Michael Kennedy, Jimmie Kramer, Burman Lorenson, Robert McCauley, Gerald Meis, Robert Plick, Donald Reininger, Earl Reynolds, William Richardson, Royal Ryser, Merle Sapp, Raymond Schmitz, Ralph Sherman, Ned Steel, Vernon Sterkel, Richard Vandewalker, Richard Weinmeister, Donald Wiseman, Paul Zimmerman. From the Vietnam War: Walter Amack, Ernest Anderson, Bruce Avery, Allen Brink, Wayne Burris, Gary Cain, James Christopher, Richard Cobb, Harold Colaizzi, Harold Collins, William Deivert, Russell Emmons, Michael Ferrell, Osia Fox, Robert Goodwin, Jerald Gossel, Josef Gruenwald, David Hallahan, Charles Ham, Calvin Hamilton, Jr., Arnold Hart, Leland Haskell, Charles Hixon, Michael Jacomet, Dale Jenkins, Doyle Jenkins, Jimmie Johnston, Patrick Kistler, Edward Lobb, Danny Lynn, Thomas Marlo, Manuel Martinez, John McCarthy, Edward Meikel, Marilyn Miyaima, Royce Modisette, Stephen Mulvihill, Charles Munroe, Rueben Olivas, Jr., Edward Olson, Ralph Otte, Stephen Pangrac, Jerry Park, Linda Plick, Thomas Pusel, Phillip Rangel, William Rhodes, John Robley, Rodney Rodriguez, Christopher Romero, Rueben Sanchez, Kenneth Sheppard, Wayne Shortridge, Walter Silva, Dennis Sindelir, James Spears, Thomas Steinbach, Robert Stolz, David Stout, Raymond Stroot, Floyd Taladay, Dennis Teter, Larry Uhlenkott, Robert Wheeler, Everett Winkler, William Vick, Merle Wood. 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. Speaker, I rise today to recognize nine 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 Christine Evans of Lyons Middle-Senior High School, Benjamin Gryboski of Dayspring Christian Academy, Brandon Lelievre of Windsor High School, Alessandra Linero of Chaparral High School, Crystal Pike of Valley High School, Courtney Ross of Yuma High School, Hannah Spain of Douglas County High School, Sara Stavaski of Rock Canyon High School, and Hanna Storey of Douglas County 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 nine students for their hard work and service to their community. I wish them luck in their future endeavors.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, the Constitution lays out a very clear picture of how our government works. In Article I, section 8, the Founding Fathers gave Congress the duty to create laws. More importantly, Article I gave Congress the authority to ``establish a uniform rule of naturalization.'' Rather than enforcing the laws Congress created, the President has failed to execute them. Through his executive actions, he has even bypassed this building, rewriting the laws on immigration to his liking. Sadly, this is not the only time our President has bypassed Congress and, by extension, the will of the people. On energy regulations, health care, war powers, gun rights, and even judicial nominations, all have faced Presidential work-arounds. Through executive actions, failure to enforce laws, and administrative regulations, the executive branch is slowly becoming a monarchy. I founded the Article I Caucus last year to fight executive overreach and reassert the power of Congress. Today we have an incredible opportunity to speak to not just one, but two of the other branches of government. Speaker Ryan has a duty to stand up for Congress and the people of this Nation by filing a friend of the court brief in this case. I urge my colleagues to vote today to give him that prerogative.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. I thank the gentlewoman from Wyoming, my friend and law school classmate, for her great leadership on this issue. I am proud to come from a State that was not only the first to give women the right to vote, but the first to elect women to the State legislature. My wife Perry is continuing that great tradition as a member of the Colorado General Assembly. Many women have impacted our neighborhoods, our communities, and our Nation. But I want to speak briefly today about the many women who will impact our world. They have ideas and ambitions and callings. They have machines to invent, deals to negotiate, people to heal, diseases to cure, and legislation to pass. Republicans are advancing an agenda to help these women impact our future. We are focused on making the country more secure, on creating jobs, on replacing ObamaCare with a patient-centered alternative, on extending opportunity to all children, and on protecting the freedom at the heart of our prosperity. Women don't need government getting in their way. That is why the efforts of Congress to reassert its authority and roll back executive overreach are so vital. Congress has the responsibility to create an environment where women thrive. In 100 years, I hope we are celebrating the women who made this country great, not lamenting the government that stopped them.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to recognize the passing of Representative Diane Hoppe on February 27th, 2016. Rep. Hoppe was a beloved and distinguished community leader and longtime state lawmaker. Rep. Hoppe grew up in Sterling and devoted her life to improving Colorado. In 1999 she was elected to House District 65 of the Colorado House of Representatives, where she served through 2006. During her service she was Chair of the House Agriculture, Livestock & Natural Resources Committee; Chair of the Water Resources Review Committee; and House Minority Whip. In addition to her leadership in the Colorado legislature, Governor Hickenlooper appointed her to the Colorado Water Conservation Board in 2012. She was later elected as Chair in 2015. In addition, she was presented the Colorado Water Congress 2013 Wayne N. Aspinall Award for Outstanding Water Leader. Rep. Hoppe's limitless knowledge of agriculture and water has made a lasting impact on Colorado. It is the hard work Rep. Hoppe embodied throughout her life that makes Colorado an exceptional place to live. She has shown true service to her industry and community. I extend my deepest sympathies to Rep. Hoppe's family and friends. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Representative Diane Hoppe for her commitment to family, community, and the State of Colorado. She will be sorely missed.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to recognize the passing of Mr. Bennett Richard ``Ben'' Houston on February 26th, 2016. Mr. Houston was a beloved and nationally distinguished leader within the livestock industry. Mr. Houston received many distinct honors throughout his lifetime. He founded the Aristocrat Angus Ranch in 1966, with his wife Nita, where they raised their family. In 1992, Aristocrat Angus Ranch flew Angus seed stock and beef cattle genetics to the Ukraine, establishing them as a leader in the cattle industry. In addition, Mr. Houston participated in many notable committees and associations. He was elected to the Executive Committee of the Western Stock Show in 1976. He went on to be President in 1985, and ultimately Chairman of the Board in 1999. He was inducted into the Angus Heritage Foundation, served as a member of the American Angus Association for over 50 years, served as President of the Colorado Cattle Feeders, and was presented with the CSU Leadership in Agriculture Award. Mr. Houston was involved with a number of other organizations, where his limitless knowledge and service will always be remembered. It is the hard work Mr. Houston embodied throughout his life that makes America exceptional. He has shown true leadership in his industry and community. I extend my deepest sympathies to Mr. Houston's family and friends. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Mr. Bennett Richard ``Ben'' Houston for his commitment to family, community, and the livestock industry.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 85, Ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 618--The Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 3624--Fraudulent Joinder Prevention Act of 2015, had I been present, I would have voted YES.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 86, Adoption of H. Res. 618-- The Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 3624--Fraudulent Joinder Prevention Act of 2015, had I been present, I would have voted yes.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.