Ken Calvert

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the gentleman's amendment.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Lance).

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, can I inquire how much time I have left?

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, one thing I want to make a point of, and because obviously this deficit is a problem. Everybody recognizes that. Seventy percent of all our spending today is nondiscretionary spending, 70 percent. When I came to Congress 26 years ago it was 30 percent. Today those numbers have totally flipped. Now it is 30 percent discretionary, 70 percent nondiscretionary. Of the discretionary account, half of that goes to defense. The other half goes to nondefense discretionary. No way are we ever going to balance the budget on nondefense discretionary spending. At some point, we all need to come together, Republicans, Democrats, the President, and come to a budget agreement. It has been tried before and needs to be tried again. And the 70 percent of nondiscretionary spending has to be on the table and we have to bend those cost curves. We are not going to--and I dispute the fact that we are at an all- time high on NEH and the National Endowment for the Arts. In past years, those numbers were quite higher. Those numbers have been cut down over the years, and we are trying to do the best we can on these discretionary accounts; but being what it will, this is not, I think, a wise cut. Money is going to every congressional district in the United States. Mr. Chair, I oppose this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for bringing this issue to our attention. Invasive species, pests, and diseases have wreaked havoc across the Nation and continue to do so. I know that the emerald ash borer has been a tremendous pest throughout a good part of our country, certainly in State and private forests also. We need to improve management in our forests, and we need those conditions to improve. So I am happy to accept the gentleman's amendment, and I hope we can reduce the emerald ash borer. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. I certainly agree with the gentleman that we have a budget problem. I served on the Budget Committee for a number of years and recognize the fact that we are spending too much money. However, if we take a look at the entire budget picture, nondefense discretionary accounts represent 16 percent of total Federal outlays. And if you take a look at the nondefense discretionary accounts, over the last number of years, we are pretty flat. We are pretty flat spending right now. I mean, even with this increase, even with this increase. However, this NEA-NEH program is something I can't support. While I understand, again, why the gentleman wants to save money, this amendment would have unintended consequence affecting the men and women who serve in the country in uniform, military veterans, their families, as well as Native Americans, Alaska natives. We are putting a lot of this money in to help people get through their post-traumatic stress syndrome. This amendment would have devastating consequence on critical work for the National Endowment for the Arts at Walter Reed Medical Center, 11 other clinical sites across the country that are supporting therapy service. We have reformed the National Endowment for the Humanities to make sure that we have low overhead, and that this money is getting out into the country. This money doesn't go to New York or L.A. This goes out to the rural areas around the country that don't have the benefit of large interest in arts. So I certainly urge Members to support the innovative work the NEA and the NEH are providing our men and women in uniform, our veterans, and families. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Maine (Ms. Pingree).

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman because this is somewhat personal to me. I appreciate the gentleman's interest in this illegal marijuana cultivation in our national forests. One of the largest national forests in the State of California, Cleveland National Forest, is literally in my congressional district and right close to my house. We are always having problems with people setting up illegal grow operations in the Cleveland National Forest. So this increase to remediate these sites is needed. I agree with the gentlewoman that these offsets are difficult, but I am pleased to offer my support for the gentleman's amendment. Hopefully, we can get rid of some of this illegal marijuana that is grown in these national forests.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I am happy to accept the gentleman's amendment and work with him and the rest of my colleagues to address the public safety and justice construction needs in Indian Country. The ranking member and I have worked very closely together in Indian Country to recognize the shortcomings throughout Indian Country in Indian education, Indian healthcare, and certainly within the Indian public safety and justice problems that we are having throughout the United States. Mr. Chair, I certainly support an ``aye'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I just want to note that this bill provides $10 million above the President's request for Superfund Enforcement and $12 million above the fiscal 2018 enacted level for the entire Superfund program. We attempted to find middle ground on enforcement while also prioritizing on-the-ground cleanup efforts that returns land to productive uses. I certainly appreciate the gentlewoman's support for the interest in the Superfund program, and while the amendment does not do as she intends, this amendment is something we are unable to support at this time. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Chair, I have no objections and urge adoption of the amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Chair, we can accept the gentleman's amendment. The committee takes invasive species threats seriously. We spent a lot of time on Asian carp in our committee in prevention efforts throughout the bill. It is a bipartisan effort. Everyone is very concerned about this. We are talking about a bounty program, possibly, to go after these things. Let's go do it. I accept the gentleman's amendment, but I will be working with him and the rest of my colleagues to ensure that Asian carp and grass carp control and prevention efforts are effectively coordinated across the agencies within our jurisdiction. Madam Chair, I urge adoption of the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment, which would add $1 billion in advanced procurement for two additional Virginia-class submarines in FY 2022/23. The Navy has a substantial plan for submarines. It achieves the mission of a 355-ship Navy by 2050 and does it in a way that is fiscally responsible and provides for stability of the industrial base. In a letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Chairman Frelinghuysen, the Secretary states: ``The FY 2019 President's budget provides sufficient funding to procure the ships included in the FY19-FY23 Future Years Defense Program.'' An advanced procurement amendment of $1 billion in FY19 and, by the way, an additional $6 billion tail, would take from much-needed programs that have already been considered by the committee. Additionally, it would jeopardize the future programs and assume risk in other areas. Mr. Chair, I certainly urge a ``no'' vote on this, and I will remind my Members, as my friend from Indiana mentioned, we have a cliff coming in 2020. Making a commitment to spend an additional $7 billion, which we don't have, is not a good idea. We ought to be working on trying to resolve that cliff issue.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule to complete consideration of the FY 2019 Defense Appropriations bill. I thank the Rules Committee and all the Members who submitted amendments to the Defense Appropriations bill. I commend the chairman, Chairman Frelinghuysen, Ranking Member Lowey, Subcommittee Chairwoman Granger, and Ranking Member Visclosky for their leadership on the FY 2019 Defense Appropriations bill. I would also like to thank our dedicated professional staff who have tirelessly worked on this bill. I have served on the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee for many years, and providing for our men and women in uniform is a privilege and an honor. This bill provides vital funding for our armed services, including a 2.6 percent pay raise. This bill is an investment in our future superiority on land, air, and at sea. Earlier this year, Secretary Mattis released the National Defense Strategy. As we know, our Secretary of Defense is focused on readiness and lethality. This bill meets the demands of the Department to restore readiness levels, invest in lethality, buy the equipment that will maintain superiority, and provide for the health and welfare of our men and women in uniform. We are at a unique time in history that demands U.S. leadership throughout the world. As we know too well, a power vacuum breeds instability and extremism. A strong U.S. military with our allies creates stability. After too many years of a budget-driven strategy, this bill reflects the investment needed to maintain and secure U.S. interests around the world. The investment we make here today, about 16 percent of our entire Federal budget, has dividends down the road for many years. The security of our Nation, and the peace of the world, depends on a strong U.S. military. The last time the House passed a stand-alone Defense Appropriations conference report that was signed into law before the end of the fiscal year was September 2009. Let's turn the page on CRs that cripple the Department and return to regular order. I again thank my colleagues who crafted this bill, our military leadership, and the men and women of the United States military. I urge passage of the rule and the underlying bill.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of the FY2019 Defense Appropriations bill. I commend Chairman Frelinghuysen, Ranking Member Lowey, Subcommittee Chairwoman Granger and Ranking Member Visclosky for their leadership on this bill. I would also like to thank our dedicated professional staff who have tirelessly worked on this bill. I have served on the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee for many years and providing for our men and women in uniform is a privilege and an honor. This bill provides vital funding for our Armed Services, including a 2.6 percent pay raise. This bill is an investment in our future superiority on land, air and at sea. Whether it is the procurement of next-gen platforms or systems, the recruitment and retention of our best and brightest, or investment in cutting-edge technology--this bill is a down payment on our future force. Earlier this year, Secretary Mattis released the National Defense Strategy. As we all know, our Secretary of Defense is focused on readiness and lethality. This bill meets the demands of the Department to restore our readiness levels, invest in lethality, buy the equipment that will maintain our military superiority, and provide for the health and welfare of our men and women in uniform. We are at a unique time in history that demands U.S. leadership throughout the world. As we know all too well, a power vacuum breeds instability and extremism. A strong U.S. military, with our allies, creates stability. After too many years of a budget driven strategy, this bill reflects the investment needed to maintain and secure U.S. interests around the world. The investment we make here today--about 16 percent of our entire federal budget--has dividends down the road for many years. The security of our nation, and the peace of the world, depends on a strong U.S. military. The power of the purse lies with Congress and today I urge all Members to vote in support of the FY2019 Defense Appropriations bill. The Senate is doing their work and expects to mark up their defense bill in the full committee later this week. The last time the House passed a stand-alone Defense Appropriations Conference Report that was signed into law before the end of the fiscal year was September 2009. Let's turn the page on CRs that cripple the Department and return to regular order. Thank you again to my colleagues who crafted this bill, to our military leadership and to the men and women of the United States military. I urge passage of this bill.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Mylo ``Mike'' Johnsen, who passed away in California on Thursday, April 26, 2018. Mike, a devoted family man, served his nation in World War II, and volunteered with senior and youth organizations in his community. He will be deeply missed. According to his family, Mike was the last known living soldier of his World War II Army Battalion. He spent four years in the Army and was part of the 535th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion. The unit was based and trained at Camp Hahn, California, which is now the location of the Riverside National Cemetery. The 535th landed on the beach during the invasion at Normandy on D-Day, June 6,1944, fought throughout France and Belgium, including at the Battle of the Bulge and were eventually part of the Victory in Europe on May 8, 1945. We are forever indebted to Mike, who helped liberate Europe from tyranny. Survived by his wife of 69 years, Mike cherished spending time with his family, which included five children, 12 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 13 great-great grandchildren. Mike worked 32 years for Rockwell/Boeing as a Quality Assurance Inspector and Engineer, contributing to many projects including Apollo Missions 3 through 17, B1 Bomber, MX missiles, three space shuttles and Navstar, the first satellite navigation system. Mike was a member of the Free Masons for over 50 years and an active adult leader with his children's various organizations, sports and activities. When Mike retired in Las Vegas, he taught western line-dancing at senior centers for 25 years and supported community events for children with intellectual disabilities at the Professional Bull Riders Finals until he was 91 years old. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Johnsen family, his friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know Mike. Although Mike may be gone, the many contributions he made to his country, community and family will have a lasting impact.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 4 of rule XVI, I move that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow for morning-hour debate and 10 a.m. for legislative business.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with the entire California Republican Delegation to honor and pay tribute to former California Governor George Deukmejian, who passed away in Long Beach, California on Tuesday, May 8, 2018. Deukmejian served the people of California in many ways throughout his life and he will be deeply missed. Deukmejian's parents, George Sr. and Alice Gairden, were Armenians who emigrated from the Ottoman Empire in the early 1900s to escape the Armenian Genocide. George Jr. was born on June 6, 1928, in Menands, New York. Deukmejian graduated with a B.A. in Sociology from Siena College in 1949 and then earned a Juris Doctor from St. John's University in 1952. Shortly thereafter he served for two years in the U.S. Army, assigned to the Judge Advocate General's Corps. In 955, Deukmejian moved to California and later met his future wife Gloria Saatjian. They married on February 16, 1957, and had three children. Following a brief time in private law practice in Long Beach, Deukmejian entered politics and, in 1962, was elected to the California State Assembly. A few years later, Deukmejian was elected to the State Senate, where he would serve for twelve years and rise to become the Majority Leader. With a legacy of advocating for law and order, Deukmejian successfully ran for Attorney General in 1978. In 1982, Deukmejian was elected to his first term as Governor of California. He would later be re-elected to a second term in 1986. Throughout his time as Governor, Deukmejian was known as a fiscal conservative who was tough on crime and helped make the state economically competitive. Along with the entire California Republican Delegation, I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Deukmejian family, his friends, and everyone who had the pleasure of serving with him. Although Governor Deukmejian may be gone, the many life-changing contributions he made in California will have a lasting impact.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of these appropriations bills on the floor. I thank the full committee chairman, Rodney Frelinghuysen, for his dedication to regular order. We are committed to fulfilling our constitutional responsibility and pass these bills before the end of the fiscal year, and I commend the relevant chairmen and ranking members for their hard work on these bills. One of the most important duties of Members of Congress is to provide for the United States Armed Forces. The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill does just that. In particular, the bill provides $50 million in force protection funding for each of the services. This money could be used for access control points, air traffic control towers, and fire stations. This funding is particularly important for bases near my congressional district: March Air Reserve Base and Camp Pendleton. March Air Reserve Base is busier than ever, including managing the deployment of over 4,000 troops every month. In order to ensure the safety of these brave men and women, a new main gate complex is needed. At Camp Pendleton, the fire stations are in dire need of replacement. Of the top six fire stations identified for replacement by the Navy, five are at Camp Pendleton. Of the full-time stations, all but three are spartan wood- frame structures built in the 1940s. The funding in this bill would start the process of replacing old, outdated fire stations with contemporary structures able to respond to the needs of our United States Marine Corps. I also support the Energy and Water portion of the bill put forward by my friend Mike Simpson. The robust funding for the Bureau of Reclamation will go to critical infrastructure, including $134 million for water storage projects. The bill includes language directing FERC to continue working with the industry on cost-effective ways to increase the resilience of our electric transmission system. This is especially important following one of the worst fire seasons in California's modern history. The bill also provides strong funding for the Army Corps of Engineers, allowing them to update and improve water projects throughout the country. The report contains much-needed language for the Murrieta Creek project in my own district. The report highlights that the project is critical to the health, safety, and protection of the communities of Murrieta and Temecula. Finally, the bill also repeals the disastrous Waters of the United States rule that would significantly restrict the ability of private landowners to make decisions about their own property. Deciding how water should be used is a State and local issue, not the Federal Government. Mr. Chair, I thank the full committee chairman and ranking member, the relevant subcommittee chairmen and ranking members, and staff for their diligent work. Mr. Chair, I urge passage of the bill.