Andy Biggs

Mr. BIGGS

Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the time, and I am grateful to be here with the gentleman. I want to speak to both of these bills rather than speaking to a different bill that was considered in this body. With regard to H.R. 1761, this bill became necessary because of the court-imposed misinterpretation of a congressional statute with regard to the visual depiction, or live transmission, of a victim of child abuse, or sexually explicit conduct. This is important because it closes a loophole that otherwise would allow a perpetrator to walk free because of a lack of specific intent when recording images of the victim that they are victimizing. This bill is important because it closes the loophole and gets back to what the intent of Congress was when they passed legislation intended to protect children and criminalized the production of images of child sexual abuse. This bill does all we can at this point to protect our children from sexual predators. It is a moral necessity that we close this shameful loophole, created by a judicial opinion, to provide the appropriate punishment to those who look to harm minors. It won't protect all of our children, but it will provide a significant deterrent to protect more of our children, and that makes this bill important, crucial, and necessary. With regard to H.R. 1973, Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse Act of 2017, this broadens the coverage of current laws that require reporting of child abuse, specifically with regard to those children who are participating in organizations that are organized for the purpose of helping--ostensibly helping--young athletes train for international competition. When you are a parent of an athlete, just like your child, you trust these coaches who are mentoring and working and interacting with your children not just for training these children and preparing them to be the best athlete they possibly can be, but you also entrust, many times, your children's keeping to them. Gone are the days where kids were playing in Little League and saw their coaches for brief periods of time. In many instances, the children that will be protected by this bill are those elite young athletes who spend quite a bit of time actually away from their parents and in the care and custody of coaches, trainers, and other people associated with the program. As a father of athletes, it is important that I be able to trust that, if someone has been convicted or has had to report that, that information is available. And due to this particular legislation, the government will now be able to pursue cases that it would not otherwise be able to prosecute. This legislation specifies that national governing bodies are authorized to develop training oversight practices, policies, and procedures to prevent sexual abuse of amateur athletes. And then what is critical, it requires that it is necessary to assure child abuse is being reported by those who work with amateur athletes. Those reporting requirements are essential protective deterrences and provide assurances to all surrounding that young child and that athlete that they have the opportunity for safekeeping. Organizations must be taking action against coaches or other members when allegations are made against them to assure young athletes are kept safe. The safety of these young athletes must trump, in many cases, perhaps, their ability to develop their unique gifts and talents. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that these bills are brought forward, and I support them.

Mr. BIGGS

Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, last week I again visited the Arizona-Mexico border. I examined border fencing in the city of Nogales, on the Tohono O'odham Indian Reservation, and a working cattle ranch. As an Arizona native, I have visited the border many times, and each time I am disheartened by what I see. Much of the fencing I saw last week would do little to keep illegal aliens from crossing the border. In failing to construct a wall, we are allowing anyone to enter the United States. Border Patrol agents are outnumbered by illegal aliens, drug cartel scouts, and human smugglers. The technology in place is woefully inadequate. There is no question that our citizens along the border are in danger and our national security is in peril due to the unknown identities of those crossing our border. Mr. Speaker, President Trump won by promising to build a border wall. I unequivocally stand with him, but building the wall is only the first step to securing our border. We must also increase the number of Border Patrol agents, invest in cutting-edge technology, and fully enforce our immigration laws. These expenditures and efforts are necessary and worth the cost. It is time to do what we said we would do.

Mr. BIGGS

Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, last week a Federal court temporarily overturned the termination of the fired Phoenix VA hospital director, Sharon Helman. Helman was relieved of her duties in 2015 after a whistleblower disclosed a string of scandals, including manipulation of wait times to collect performance bonuses. Even worse, in a separate court case, she pled guilty and was convicted of accepting over $50,000 in illegal gifts. For this, she is currently on probation. Mr. Speaker, Congress must take swift action to ensure former and current VA employees like Ms. Helman are held accountable. Those who disregard their duty to our Nation's veterans should never be allowed to keep their jobs, salaries, or benefits after proven dereliction of duty. Our veterans do not deserve--and they cannot afford--VA leaders who put profit and expediency over the health of those who have worn our Nation's uniform. Congress has taken steps to reform the Veterans Administration, but we must finish our job. That is why I was proud to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 1259, the VA Accountability First Act. American veterans are counting on us to keep our promises and protect them from self-serving bureaucrats. I intend to do just that.

Mr. BIGGS

Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, this week is National Charter Schools Week, and I rise to recognize Arizona's leadership amongst the charter school community. Over this past school year, a record number of students attended 547 charter schools in Arizona; and last week, a new survey found that five of the country's top seven high schools were Arizona charter schools, including one from my own district, Arizona's Fifth Congressional District. I am extremely proud of our charter schools. Arizona charter schools are thriving because of two decades of tireless work from advocates to give thousands of students more educational choices and opportunities to succeed. These leaders have fostered a culture that balances autonomy and accountability to prepare their students for higher education and the workforce. As the rankings prove, Arizona's policies are drastically improving student achievement and should be emulated by the rest of the Nation.

Mr. BIGGS

Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the first 100 days of President Donald Trump's administration. In his first 100 days, President Trump has enacted more pieces of legislation than any other President since Truman, facilitated the earliest Supreme Court confirmation since 1881, eliminated many onerous regulations to restore economic optimism and opportunity, protected the sanctity of life, and driven illegal border crossings to a 17-year low. His accomplishments are truly remarkable. I have appreciated President Trump's willingness to listen and work with Congress on major pieces of legislation. His effort to work with Congress is a breath of fresh air. President Trump made several promises to the American people, and I am encouraged by his efforts to fulfill them. Mr. Speaker, the American people are watching--they are watching both the President and those of us in Congress. They will not accept broken promises or half-hearted measures. They want results. I look forward to working alongside President Trump to keep our promises.

Mr. BIGGS

Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Sharon Giese. Sharon passed away unexpectedly in Arizona last week, a few short days after the death of her husband, Burt. Sharon was a respected, admired, and cherished member of our community. She had a long history of promoting conservative principles, and everyone she touched will miss her steady voice. Sharon Giese was a steadfast icon of the conservative movement in Arizona and a former Republican National Committeewoman. Mr. Speaker, I pray that the family of Burt and Sharon will receive peace in remembering their lives of purpose and distinction. These two individuals made a difference for Arizona and for the causes they dedicated themselves to. Burt and Sharon left behind a wonderful legacy for their family, community, church, and State. Like Sharon, we do not have knowledge of the moment of our life's final breath, but we are exhorted to run with endurance the race that is set before us. Sharon Giese ran her race with an abundance of endurance and inspired countless individuals around her. Her example will be celebrated and her loss mourned.

Mr. BIGGS

Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to my constituents and report on promises I made to them. I promised to introduce legislation to prevent Members of Congress from being paid until a balanced budget is passed. I promised to rein in bureaucratic rulemaking and restore Article I authority to Congress. I promised to end the ObamaCare loophole that is designed to benefit Members of Congress. I promised to pass Grant's Law to protect innocent U.S. citizens from violent illegal immigrants. I promised to ensure that Common Core never becomes a Federal mandate, and that States and local officials have authority over the teaching of our Nation's youth. I promised to remove Arizona from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and place it into a newly established 12th circuit that can provide more equal access to justice. I am pleased to inform and report to my constituents that I have cosponsored legislation to address all six of my promises. I am working every day to pass these bills through the United States Congress. My constituents expect me to keep every promise I made. I intend to do that just as long as I am in this body.

Mr. BIGGS

Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas, Chairman Smith, for yielding me time to speak on this important legislation. It has become increasingly apparent with every major weather event that our forecasting services are desperately in need of a major overhaul. I am happy to support legislation that will do just that. H.R. 353, the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act, will put our country's weather forecasting back on track to provide citizens with lifesaving predictions and warnings. I specifically point to this bill's innovative language on weather technology planning. H.R. 353 calls on NOAA to evaluate the combination of observing systems it needs to meet weather forecasting requirements. It also requires the agency to conduct experiments on different observing systems to evaluate their costs and benefits. Such reforms will grant NOAA more flexibility to develop new technologies while scrapping older approaches that do not bring enough value to our forecasts. We need to better assess our observing system resources instead of continuing to rely on outdated methods. This bill will help push NOAA to consider new approaches, including those from the private sector. For its part, the growing private sector has signaled it is ready and willing to work with NOAA to bring better weather forecasting to our citizens, and we should welcome this development. I am confident that H.R. 353 will create the kind of meaningful change that we want to see at NOAA. This bill will better protect American lives and property with more accurate weather forecasting. I applaud the sponsors. I encourage all Members to support this bill.

Mr. BIGGS

Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas, the chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, and especially for sponsoring this legislation, the HONEST Act. As the chairman of the Environment Subcommittee on the Science Committee, I fully support this bill that will require EPA regulations be based on science that is publicly available. The HONEST Act pushes forward the basic principles of the scientific method, which is critically important in instances in which science and Federal Government policy intersect. Regulations put forward by the EPA impact all Americans, including my constituents in the East Valley of the Greater Phoenix area, the four cities of Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, and Mesa. So it is imperative that the citizens of this country be able to see the data that underpin these rules. What is even more important is that the scientific community be able to scrutinize EPA data to ensure that the Agency is using the best available science, regardless of the administration. Critics of the HONEST Act claim that scientific data underpinning EPA's regulations are already subject to the standards of peer review. While this may be true, peer review of scientific studies is not adequate because this process seldom involves a close scrutiny of the data used in these studies. Peer review rarely double-checks the analysis, and very rarely does it attempt to actually replicate the results of a study. Right now, we can only hope that the individuals conducting the science can be trusted with their results. The EPA should promote the use of rigorous science, not questionable science. Those who say that peer review is adequate are misguided. The American people deserve better than that, and the HONEST Act ensures that their expectations are met. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues who are interested in an open and honest EPA to pass this legislation. Again, I thank Chairman Smith for bringing this legislation forward and giving me the opportunity to speak.

Mr. BIGGS

Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, we know the Tax Code is excessively complicated and takes too much money from Americans, thus we overhauled the United States Tax Code. Over 30 years ago, President Ronald Reagan signed the last major tax reform package. To put this in perspective, this was before the world wide web went live to the public, more than 10 years ago before ``google'' was a verb, and visiting a Blockbuster was the best way to rent a movie. America is vastly different than it was then, yet our Tax Code has largely stayed the same. As we bring our Tax Code into the 21st century, we must simplify the code. The U.S. Tax Code is over 3 million words long, and Americans spend billions of hours and hundreds of billions of dollars complying with Federal tax requirements each year. Imagine if that time and money were spent on innovation and job creation instead. As we work to shrink taxes and erase the excessive compliance rules, we must also make sure that the taxes we collect are spent according to constitutional constraints. We must propose a plan that will better serve individuals, families, and businesses across the country. We must introduce legislation that lowers taxes, reduces the corporate tax rate, minimizes government interference in the free market, and eases the overall cost to taxpayers to fully comply with the system.

Mr. BIGGS

Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our veterans who have served in our country's Armed Forces. For over 240 years, millions of brave souls have fought, bled, and some have died, to defend our American freedom. The Bible says: ``Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.'' Mr. Speaker, the American veteran truly has great love for his fellow man. Because of the great sacrifices of our veterans, we must see to their care and well-being. We have often failed in this obligation. We have left our veterans helpless, suffering through bureaucratic nightmares to get care they desperately need. The Phoenix Veterans Administration has worked hard to improve its care for veterans, and the newly-opened Southeast Veterans Affairs Health Care Clinic in Gilbert is intent on providing the best possible care for our Nation's finest. While conditions have been improving in Phoenix and around the Nation, there is still much work to be done. I have made it a priority to provide excellent service to the veterans in my district. They deserve nothing less. Our veterans did not leave us behind. Mr. Speaker, we cannot leave them behind.

Mr. BIGGS

Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, many Americans, including my constituents, fight a terminal illness. Many of them cannot access potentially lifesaving drugs because of the lengthy and bureaucratic Food and Drug Administration's approval process. Last month Congressman Fitzpatrick and I introduced the Right to Try Act, which is a bill that would provide the option for terminally ill patients to receive drugs that have passed the FDA's basic safety testing but are still working their way through the lengthy government process to receive final approval. In 2014, my home State of Arizona passed a similar right-to-try law with nearly 80 percent of the vote, thanks to the heroic efforts of my friend, the late Laura Knaperek. She successfully fought to pass right- to-try at the State level even as she was battling a cancer that would ultimately claim her life. I sponsored this bill in memory of Laura and many others who have championed this legislation around the country. Right-to-try has passed in 33 States, and it needs to be enacted at the Federal level. Our bill gives Americans that right to try. I am grateful for Congressman Fitzpatrick's partnership on this vital issue. I call upon my colleagues to pass this legislation in the House.

Mr. BIGGS

Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, on February 14, my home State of Arizona celebrated its 105th year as a member of the United States. The Grand Canyon State is an incredible State to raise a family in, to live in, and to play in. There is so much to love about Arizona. We have over 300 days of sunshine. We enjoy the cool pines of Flagstaff; the rustic and historic towns of Prescott, Show Low, and Tombstone, which give perspective into Arizona's first days as a State; and we greatly benefit from the agricultural city and county of Yuma. Arizona's lakes, mountains, forests, and skies provide countless activities throughout the year for natives and visitors alike. Arizona also enthusiastically hosts spring training, Super Bowls, college football playoff games, and the Waste Management Open, which many call ``The Greatest Show on Grass.'' Most of all, I love the people of Arizona. Arizonans are diverse, patriotic, and fiercely independent people. They bring so much talent and potential to our communities. I am deeply honored to serve my constituents in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Sun Lakes, and Queen Creek. After a long week in Washington, I cannot wait to step off the plane into the fresh, free Arizona air. It is the greatest State in the Union, and I will always be proud to call Arizona my home. Happy birthday, State 48.

Mr. BIGGS

Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, this week, my home state of Arizona turned 105 years old. The Grand Canyon State is an incredible state in which to raise a family and earn a living. There is so much to love about Arizona. We have over 300 days of sunshine; we enjoy the cool pines of Flagstaff and the rustic and historic towns of Prescott, Show Low, and Tombstone, which give perspective into Arizona's first days as a state; and we greatly benefit from the agriculture city Yuma. Arizona's lakes, mountains, and skies provide countless activities throughout the year for natives and visitors alike. Arizona also enthusiastically hosts 15 Major League Baseball teams for Spring Training, Super Bowls, College Football playoff games, and the Waste Management Open, which many call the Greatest Show on Grass. Most of all, I love the people of Arizona. Arizonans are diverse, patriotic, and fiercely independent. They bring so much talent and potential to our communities. I am deeply honored to serve my constituents in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Sun Lakes, and Queen Creek. After a long week in Washington, I cannot wait to step off the plane into the fresh, free air of Arizona. It is the greatest state in the union, and I will always be proud to called Arizona my home. Happy Birthday, State 48.

Mr. BIGGS

Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of a young man who would have been my constituent. Two years ago last week, 21-year-old Grant Ronnebeck was manning the counter at a Mesa, Arizona convenience store. An illegal alien walked into the store and shot Grant in the head, killing him, over a pack of cigarettes that the man did not want to pay for. The illegal immigrant, Apolinar Altamirano, had been out on bond awaiting deportation due to a violent criminal history. Grant had his whole life ahead of him, but lost it because of the failure of his government to protect him from criminally violent, illegal immigrants. I have introduced H.R. 486, otherwise known as Grant's Law. This bill would end the practice of releasing illegal aliens guilty of deportable crimes so they are no longer a danger to innocent American citizens. I was emboldened last week when President Donald Trump invited Grant's father, Steve, to the White House to witness the signing of an executive order administratively ending this dangerous policy. I am thankful for a President that protects Americans and seeks the rule of law. However, if Congress fails to pass H.R. 486, this policy remains a temporary Presidential order and does not carry the permanent force of law. We must make sure that Grant's fate never again happens to any young man or woman. We must pass Grant's Law.

Mr. BIGGS

Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I have a deep sense of gratitude that I expressed to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) for his effort in promulgating the bill that we passed today, H.R. 7, and allowing me to speak tonight. On Sunday, we recognized the 44th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Sadly, almost 60 million American babies have lost their lives because of this ignominious Supreme Court decision. The tide is turning, though. On Friday, I will have the pleasure of participating in the March for Life rally to stand with the millions of people who are defending life across this country. I am immensely proud to live in Arizona, a State that prioritizes the protection of the unborn. Since 2009, Arizona has passed 34 provisions to restrict or regulate abortions, and Arizona's abortion rate has concomitantly decreased 12 percent in those same 4 years. I appreciate the efforts of pro-life advocates across my district who have worked tirelessly to help countless women choose life for their unborn babies. I look forward to working with President Trump and his administration on advancing pro-life legislation like H.R. 7, which we passed out of the House today, and ensuring pro-life candidates for all Supreme Court vacancies and ultimately reversing that ignominious ruling, Roe v. Wade.

Mr. BIGGS

Mr. BIGGS. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate National School Choice Week. Allowing parents to choose the best educational outcomes for their children gives every child a better chance to succeed and prepares students for their futures. School choice has greatly benefited Arizona--from charter schools to vocational schools, to private school scholarships, to education savings accounts. I am grateful that my State is a national leader in diverse school choice programs. Arizona's scholarship tax credit program gives taxpayers a dollar- for-dollar tax credit to enable low-income and disabled children to attend private schools. In Arizona, more children per capita attend exemplary charter schools, and, indeed, they are some of the best charter schools in the country. We have significantly expanded the education savings account model so students can receive the best education possible that meets their unique needs, including those of tribal families who live in reservation communities. Arizona recognizes that all children are unique, that they learn differently, and that each child should have the opportunity to attend the school that will help him learn to love learning and succeed. I hope other States will look at Arizona's example as they expand school choice. I am pleased President Trump has made school choice a priority by nominating Betsy DeVos to lead the Department of Education.

Mr. BIGGS

Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia for yielding, and I am grateful for this opportunity to introduce myself to this Chamber. My name is Andy Biggs. I represent Arizona's Fifth Congressional District. I hope to pick up where my good friend and predecessor, former Congressman Matt Salmon, left off. He left me big shoes to fill, but I am blessed to be able to counsel with him, and I am honored to follow his example. My district covers parts of the southeast metropolitan area of Phoenix, the cities of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, and communities like Sun Lakes. Many families have lived there for generations. They are hardworking, patriotic, and faith-driven people. I am a native Arizonan, one of the few. I live in Gilbert with my wife of 35 years, Cindy. We have six children and four grandchildren. I received my bachelor's degree in Asian Studies from Brigham Young University, my master's degree from Arizona State University, and my law degree from the University of Arizona, and I have pursued additional graduate work. For the past 14 years, I have had the opportunity to serve in the Arizona State legislature where I served as the senate president for the last 4 years. During that time, we balanced the budget, going from the worst budget situation in the Nation on a per capita basis, and we reduced taxes. We cut government regulations. We asserted Arizona's 10th Amendment rights, and protected life at all stages. When Congressman Salmon decided to retire last year, he asked me to run for his seat to ensure that his constituents would continue to receive the adherence to conservative principles that Congressman Salmon stood for. After a four-way primary, I won my primary election by 27 votes. On the campaign trail last year, I promised my constituents that I would fight to achieve six major goals and introduce bills to reflect those goals in this Congress: Preventing Members of Congress from being paid until a balanced budget is passed. Yahoo. Reining in bureaucratic rulemaking and restoring Article I authority to Congress. Ending the ObamaCare loophole that is designed to benefit Members of Congress. Passing Grant's law to protect innocent U.S. citizens from violent illegal immigrants. Ensuring that Common Core never becomes a Federal mandate and that States and local officials have authority over the teaching of our Nation's youth. And my sixth initiative is to remove Arizona from the out-of-control, overburdened, and out-of-whack 9th Federal Circuit Court district and placing it into a newly established district that more accurately reflects Arizona's values and promotes and protects due process rights. I have worked hard to achieve these goals already, and will continue to pursue those goals. Last week, Members of this body were filled with great optimism and enthusiasm for the future. I am hopeful that we will continue in that spirit as we await a new administration and strive to do the bidding of our constituents. I will never forget the people who elected me to this high office and the principles that are important to them and my home, Arizona.

Mr. BIGGS

Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, ObamaCare has been a disaster for Arizonans. My home State of Arizona has been hit the hardest. Premiums in Arizona for many have increased over 100 percent, and providers have fled the State, leaving some counties with one provider and little options for healthcare insurance. ObamaCare must be repealed. In fact, there is no constitutional authority given to the Federal Government to take over our healthcare system. These issues are, in fact, best left to the States to manage. I am advocating for a complete repeal of ObamaCare as soon as possible, with a transition period of no longer than 24 months. The approach I am suggesting will remove government from between patients and their doctors. Our alternative will encourage competition, which will in turn lead to lower costs to all Americans, but in particular, Arizonans. I remain committed to seeing this happen.

Mr. BIGGS

Mr. BIGGS. Amendment V: ``No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; . . .''