Rick Crawford

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the USA FREEDOM Reauthorization Act of 2020. I would also like to associate myself with the comments of my friend and colleague from Utah (Mr. Stewart). I also acknowledge and applaud the efforts of the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Nunes), whose tenacity brought this to bear. I appreciate his leadership on this issue. This is a bipartisan piece of legislation that makes urgent and necessary reforms to the FISA process, which, as Inspector General Horowitz found 3 months ago, was misused to conduct illegal surveillance on Carter Page, a U.S. person. This bill enhances requirements on the FBI and DOJ to ensure all applications are accurate and complete. This bill creates a compliance officer at the FBI who is directly responsible for making sure FBI agents are following the law. This bill heightens criminal penalties to deter bad actors and other layers of review to root them out. Finally, the bill reauthorizes three counterterrorism tools that are significantly important to our national security. Madam Speaker, I rise to support this bill, and I urge a ``yes'' vote from my colleagues.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the heroism of two police officers in Forrest City, Arkansas, Lieutenant Eric Varner and Detective Eugene Watlington, who stopped a potential mass shooting in progress on February 10. On that fateful morning, a gunman entered a Wal-Mart in Forrest City and began threatening customers. Officers Varner and Watlington responded within minutes, despite not wearing body armor, as plainclothes officers. When they confronted the suspect and tried to peacefully deescalate the situation, the gunman opened fire. Both officers were struck, but they were able to return fire and kill the shooter. Both officers were seriously injured, and I ask that my colleagues join me in praying for a speedy and full recovery. Lieutenant Varner and Detective Watlington saved many lives that day without regard for their own safety, and I invite Congress to join me in honoring them.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of my close friend Billie Sue Hoggard, who passed away on Sunday evening. Billie Sue was a lifelong public servant, a political pioneer, and a devout follower of the Lord. She brightened every room she entered, had a wonderful sense of humor, and a truly unmistakable laugh. Billie Sue was a nationally board-certified teacher. Generations of students in Jonesboro, across five decades and four schools, were blessed to find themselves in her classroom. She was selected for three international teaching exchanges by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, teaching in China, Japan, and Mexico. Her passion for teaching could not be extinguished--she came out of a well-deserved retirement just a few years ago to go back to the classroom. Billie Sue's service to her community extended to public office. She was appointed by Governor Mike Huckabee as Justice of the Peace on the Craighead County Quorum Court and as the Commissioner for the Arkansas Educational Television Network. She was later elected by the people of the county to continue her service on the Quorum Court. She was an active member of many civil service organizations, including the American Legion Auxiliary, Lion's Club, and countless education advocacy groups. Billie Sue was a groundbreaking pioneer of conservatism in Arkansas. In the era of the ``yellow dog democrat,'' Billie Sue was unabashedly Republican. She ran for State Representative in Northeast Arkansas as a Republican at a time in which it was unheard of to do so. While she did not win her election to state office, I believe it is safe to say that without her, Eastern Arkansas would not be the conservative bastion it is today. Under her leadership of the Craighead County Republican Party from 2010 to 2018, the county flipped all legislative seats and well over half of county wide offices. She was awarded the ``Hi, I'm Frank White'' Award in 2017, the highest distinction given by the Arkansas GOP. Billie Sue was a living proof that with passion, tenacity, and a tireless work ethic, an individual can accomplish anything. She put it best when she said, ``I am personally convinced that one person can be a change catalyst, a transformer in any situation, any organization. Such an individual is yeast that can leaven an entire loaf. It requires vision, initiative, patience, respect, persistence, courage, and faith to be a transforming leader.'' I know today that Billie Sue Hoggard left this Earth proud of her litany of accomplishments and the positive transformations she made in Arkansas. Billie Sue is survived by her children, Tammy, Kayla, Jess, and Tim, and grandchildren Meagan, Dane, Maxwell, Emma, Bella, Kate, and Jesslyn. I ask Congress to join me in offering condolences to Billie Sue's family, and commemorating the life and achievements of an incredible leader and servant.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of my close friend Billie Sue Hoggard, who passed away on Sunday evening. Billie Sue was a lifelong public servant, a political pioneer, and a devout follower of Jesus. She was a nationally board-certified teacher. Countless students in my hometown of Jonesboro, Arkansas, across five decades and four schools, were blessed to find themselves in her classroom. She was selected for three international teaching exchanges in China, Japan, and Mexico. Her passion for teaching could not be extinguished, coming out of a well-deserved retirement just a few years ago to go back into the classroom. Her service to the community extended to public office as well. She was appointed by Governor Mike Huckabee as justice of the peace on the Craighead County Quorum Court and as the commissioner for the Arkansas Educational Television Network. Under her leadership of the Craighead County GOP, the county flipped all legislative seats and well over half of countywide offices. In 2017, she was awarded the ``Hi, I'm Frank White'' Award, the highest distinction given by the Arkansas GOP. Billie Sue is survived by her four children and seven grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I ask Congress to join me in offering condolences to her family and commemorating the life and achievements of an incredible leader and servant. God bless Billie Sue Hoggard's memory.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Deloris Berry Brewer, a lifelong resident of Stone County, Arkansas, who has announced her intention to retire her position at Stone Bank after 10 years of cheerful and active service. Mrs. Brewer was the founder and coordinator of a monthly ceremony recognizing the service of Stone County military veterans which has to date honored more than 100 veterans. Mrs. Brewer's dedication to area veterans has grown into the largest annual Veterans Day ceremony in the region, and she has faithfully and enthusiastically promoted the efforts of Stone Bank since its creation as Ozark Heritage Bank in 2009 to the extent that her co-workers have named her position ``Eternal Sunshine.'' I thank Mrs. Brewer for her incredible service to Stone County veterans and to the state of Arkansas.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance of Limb Loss Awareness Month. Over 2.1 million Americans live with limb loss or difference, and over 500 Americans lose a limb every day. The number of Americans living with limb loss or difference is projected to rise to over 3.6 million by 2050. April is an appropriate month to designate as Limb Loss Awareness Month as spring is a time of renewal and inspiration. I encourage everyone to learn about the issues affecting people with limb loss and express gratitude to families and caregivers who are a source of support and motivation. Finally, I salute our veterans who have lost their limbs in service to this country or in retirement.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record my remarks in opposition to this sham impeachment. Madam Speaker, the talking points that we have heard all day are the same that have been repeated for months--and they all point to the same conclusions: the President did not abuse his power and he has been subjected to the most partisan, lopsided impeachment attempt in history. President Trump said there was no quid pro quo. President Zelensky said there was no quid pro quo. The two people with any direct knowledge both said that there was no crime. Despite that, one of my colleagues--the same one who publicly claimed for over a year that he had seen clear evidence that the President was a Russian spy--secretly met with a whistleblower who had heard that the President had withheld aid for a quid pro quo. Now, we don't know if that knowledge came to the whistleblower second, third, or even fourth hand because we weren't allowed to question them--we just know it was hearsay. What is readily apparent after years of this garbage is that the Democrat party simply cannot accept the will of the American people. Robert Mueller investigated the Russian collusion hoax for over a year and cleared that cluster of lies with his report. Rather than indemnify President Trump for promoting and campaigning on that sham, my colleagues across the aisle cooked up another scandal to deliver on their impeachment promises. In 2024 there will be no Soviet-bloc countries left to accuse the President of colluding with and then what will you do?

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate John Ferriola on his retirement from Nucor Corporation after more than 28 years with the company. He has been CEO since 2013 and has served as chairman of the board since 2014. In his time with Nucor, he has worked at facilities in Texas, Nebraska, and Indiana, and at the corporate headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. Nucor takes scrap metal and recycles it into new steel products in its electric arc furnaces. When Mr. Ferriola joined the company in 1991, Nucor was a small steel company that made less than $1.5 billion in sales and had just opened two state-of-the-art steel mills in Mississippi County, Arkansas. Last year, Nucor generated $25 billion in revenue, making it the largest steel producer in the United States. I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Ferriola on the issues affecting the domestic steel industry, particularly the need for strong trade enforcement to ensure a level playing field for American steelworkers. He frequently appeared before the Congressional Steel Caucus to testify on the state of the American steel industry and has served as chairman of the board for both the American Iron and Steel Institute and the World Steel Association. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring John Ferriola for his outstanding career in the steel industry. I wish him all the best in his retirement.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, I was absent on December 9, 2019, due to a family matter. Had I been present, I would have voted YES on Roll Call H.R. 655, H.R. 4761--the DHS Opioid Detection Resilience Act, and YES on Roll Call No. 656, H.R. 4739--the Synthetic Opioid Exposure Prevention and Training Act.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of Bryan K. Exum. Bryan began his career with Farmers Home Administration (aka Rural Development) as a Student Trainee Agriculture Management Specialist on May 18, 1980, in the Pine Bluff, Jefferson County Office. He worked in that office for three months and then was transferred as a Student Trainee to the Paragould, Greene County Office. While working Bryan was attending Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and received a degree in Agriculture Business. In December 1982, he was hired as the Assistant County Supervisor in the Greene County Office. In 1989, Bryan was transferred to the Marianna, Lee County Office and in 1992 he was selected as the County Supervisor. In 1995 Bryan was selected as the Rural development Manager for Greene, Craighead and Poinsett Counties and was an Area Specialist from August 16, 2007 until January 2011, in the Jonesboro Area Office. On January 16, 20l l, Bryan was selected as the Area Director for the Jonesboro Area Office. In addition to his duties as Area Director in Jonesboro, he was Acting Area Director for the Forrest City Area Office on two different occasions for an extended amount of time. Bryan K. Exum, throughout his lifetime of service, has played a significant impact on eastern rural Arkansas. Bryan is a loyal and dedicated Arkansan, and we are a better State because of his service to the agriculture business.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Gertrude Newsome-Jackson of Philips County, who fought for civil rights throughout her entire life. A mother of 11 children, Mrs. Jackson was known throughout the Delta area as a leader in the civil-rights movement. Jackson has received recognition and honor from president's and her community members alike. Her work and legacy will forever continue to impact the great people of Arkansas. In the 1960's, Gertrude Jackson and her husband Earlis Jackson hosted the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), which was quintessential in the work of desegregation throughout Arkansas and the country. With some ideas from the SNCC and inspiration from her children, she led a boycott and law suit for the desegregation and sewage fixing of Turner Elementary schools and all the surrounding local schools. Mrs. Jackson's efforts led the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit to mandate the school district ``to fully and effectively desegregate not only all facilities but the faculty and classes effective at the beginning of the 1970-71 school year.'' Gertrude Jackson's spirit to serve her community also led her to establish the Boys, Girls, Adults Community development center that continues to facilitate the community today in Marvell, Arkansas. I am eternally grateful for Gertrude Jackson service in our district and state.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I can tell you it won't take 2 minutes to say what I have to say. I certainly want to thank each side of the aisle for supporting H.R. 1123, the Divisional Realignment for Eastern District of Arkansas Act of 2019. I want to thank Chairman Nadler and Ranking Member Collins for marking up this important legislation. Following the Federal Judiciary's efforts to reduce space, the Federal courthouses in Batesville and Pine Bluff, Arkansas, were closed. However, the Eastern District of Arkansas has been required to maintain the organizational divisions mandated by the statute. This bill simply corrects that disparity and reduces divisions in the Eastern District from five to three, aligning divisions with remaining courthouses. The new districts have been carefully designed to maximize access to justice, considering highway access, geography, and case load history. I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Floyd Lofton's service to our country during World War II and in celebration of his upcoming 100th Birthday. Mr. Lofton was born in West Point, Mississippi on February 22, 1920. He joined the Army on December 5th, 1942 in Little Rock, AR. He was trained as a truck driver and qualified as a sharpshooter in riflery training. During the war he was deployed to the Pacific Theater of operations and served in New Guinea. He spent 2 years, 2 months, and 13 days in theater on foreign soil. As a result of his service, Mr. Lofton was awarded the WWII Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and the Asiatic- Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star. Floyd Lofton is a true American Hero from the greatest generation. I invite Congress to join me in thanking Mr. Lofton for his service to this nation and the free world and in wishing him a happy 100th birthday.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, I was absent September 18 through 20, 2019 due to a knee injury that inhibited travel to Washington, D.C. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``yes'' for H.R. 4378, Making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2020, and for other purposes, and ``no'' for H.R. 1423, Forced Arbitration Injustice. I was absent September 24 through 27, 2019 due to a knee injury that inhibited travel to Washington, D.C. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``no'' on H.R. 2203, Homeland Security Improvement Act; ``no'' on Democrat Motion to Table the Question of the Privileges of the House, stating: That the House of Representatives disapproves of the actions of the Speaker of the House, Mrs. Pelosi of California, to initiate an impeachment inquiry against the duly elected President of the United States, Donald J. Trump; ``yes'' on H. Res. 576, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to the whistleblower complaint of August 12, 2019, made to the Inspector General of the Intelligence Community; ``no'' on H.R. 3525, U.S. Border Patrol Medical Screening Standards Act; ``no'' on S.J. Res. 54, Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on February 15, 2019; and ``no'' on Democrat Motion to Table the Question of the Privileges of the House, stating: That the House of Representatives disapproves of the actions of the Speaker of the House, Mrs. Pelosi of California, to initiate an impeachment inquiry against the duly elected President of the United States, Donald J. Trump.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Vermalene Smith of Jonesboro, Arkansas, who faithfully served as the Craighead County Veterans Service Officer the past 12 years. Without a doubt, our country's 18-plus million veterans would be much better served if every VSO had Ms. Smith's knowledge, determination, and passion. When I first took office in 2011, Ms. Smith literally opened her office doors to my veteran's caseworker, allowing her to observe and learn the VA processes so we could best serve veterans in the first congressional district of Arkansas. Since then, Ms. Smith readily made herself available to my office, offering us advice and direction when veterans experienced complex issues or bureaucratic red tape. If a veteran had a need, Ms. Smith pinpointed a resource to fill it. She often located suits or clean clothes for veterans facing job interviews. She found places for veterans to live while in transition, even contacting local hotels to provide lodging. She made sure no veteran was buried without a proper funeral. And in situations where Ms. Smith did not have an available resource, she organized efforts to create one. Yes, finding Ms. Smith's replacement will prove daunting. She, however, leaves behind the most treasured legacy of all--that of investing in people, including the veterans for whom she cares so deeply and the individuals seeking to help them. Consequently, I have no doubt Craighead County is left in good hands based on the leadership example Ms. Smith set. My office formally congratulates Ms. Vermalene Smith on her retirement, and we wish her many happy years ahead reflective of the stellar service she provided veterans in Northeast Arkansas.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of our Nation's fallen first responders, Sergeant Mike Stephen, who was killed in the line of duty on July 18. Sergeant Stephen was a true public servant, having served Arkansas and our Nation as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, and soldier. Sergeant Stephen began his career as a first responder when he was just 16 years old, following in his father's footsteps by joining the Calico Rock Fire Department. As a soldier, Mike Stephen rose to the rank of sergeant first class. As a firefighter, Mike Stephen led the Pineville Volunteer Fire Department while he served as a sheriff's deputy. He instilled his values and dedication to public service and his family, all of whom served as volunteer firefighters. Whenever a call came to the Stephen home, the entire family responded. As a career law enforcement officer, Sergeant Stephen served in the Mountain View Police Department, Arkansas Department of Corrections, and, ultimately, the Stone County Sheriff's Office. Beloved by his colleagues, Sergeant Stephen viewed public service as more than a job. He was always on call 24/7, ready to assist his community in any way. He advocated for first responders by testifying before the Arkansas General Assembly. On Thursday, July 18, Sergeant Stephen responded to his final call. Early that morning, Sergeant Stephen responded to a domestic welfare call in Leslie, Arkansas. As Stephen performed his duties, shots were fired, and Stephen was struck fatally, as was the suspected shooter. As Arkansas mourns the loss of Sergeant Mike Stephen, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending my condolences to the Stephen family and honoring the life of a true public servant who gave his life protecting the community he loved.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, today I rise to mourn the passing of Staff Sergeant Paul Eugene Calkin, a World War Two Army Air Corps veteran who passed away on June 12 at the age of 95. Staff Sergeant Calkin flew with the 349th Bomb Squadron, 100th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force, and the 15th Air Force during the war, based at airfields in Italy and the United Kingdom. He fought in bombardments at Po Valley, the Rhineland, Apennines, and the Battle of the Bulge. He was never hesitant to share the lessons he learned fighting for freedom with younger generations, even sharing how he was shot down during a visit with students from Valley View Junior High. After his plane ditched in the English Channel in February, Calkin waited in the freezing water for 40 minutes before he was rescued. In his time in the Army, Calkin was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Good Conduct Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four bronze battle stars, the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the American Defense Medal, and the RAF Gold Fish Medal. In 2000, the Department of Defense awarded Calkin the Purple Heart for injuries he sustained in combat half a century earlier, and in 2013 the French Republic awarded him the French Legion of Honor for his role in liberating France from tyranny. I invite Congress to join me in extending condolences to Paul Eugene Calkin's family and recognizing his service to the United States and the world

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment. As a veteran, and as a member of the House Intelligence Committee, I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand how intelligence supports U.S. foreign policy abroad and just how important our allies are when fighting our adversaries. Intelligence sharing relationships act as a force multiplier, ensuring the security of the United States and our allies. As we have seen time and time again, restricting such critical information sharing results in disastrous repercussions. Even as we debate this amendment, our strategic partners, such as Saudi Arabia, have civilian targets that are being attacked by Iran- backed Houthi rebels. These same Iran-supported rebels pose a threat to U.S. military personnel in the region. Yesterday, this body debated an amendment tasking the ODNI to provide an annual report on civilian casualties. You know what helps minimize civilian casualties? Intelligence. Intelligence helps ensure that the correct targets are hit, while minimizing collateral damage. I am gravely concerned with the dangerous long-term implications of this ill-advised amendment. For this reason, I urge my colleagues to oppose the amendment.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, on Thursday, May 2, 2019 I was inadvertently detained on Roll Call Votes 175 through 184. Had I been present to vote, I would have voted in the following manner: No on roll Call No. 175; Yes on Roll Call Vote 176; Yes on Roll Call Vote 177; No on Roll Call Vote 178; Yes on Roll Call Vote 179; No on Roll Call Vote 180; No on Roll Call Vote 181; No on Roll Call Vote 182; Yes on Roll Call Vote 183; and No on Roll Call Vote 184.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, I rise this morning to mourn the loss of an explosive ordnance disposal warrior. On Friday, March 22, EOD Sergeant Joey Collette was killed in action in Afghanistan. At the time, Collette was participating in a joint U.S.-Afghan special operation. Sergeant Collette deeply wanted to deploy overseas. He did all he could and gave his all to serve his country in Afghanistan. He was loved and respected by his brothers in arms. He is survived by his wife, Caela, whom he had married only 2 weeks prior to deploying, and by his beautiful young daughter. I offer my most sincere condolences to Joey's family and friends. I ask the rest of Congress to join me in ensuring that Sergeant Joey Collette and his sacrifice will not be forgotten. Rest in peace, Sergeant Collette.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Missouri for his leadership on this issue. Madam Speaker, today the House will vote on whether or not to override the President's veto preserving the emergency declaration regarding the ongoing crisis at the southern border, and I am glad we finally acknowledged on a bipartisan basis that there is, in fact, a crisis on the southern border. My friend from Oregon mentioned that this humanitarian crisis exists, and I couldn't agree more. There is also another crisis at the border. There has been a 295 percent increase in apprehensions of illegal immigrants crossing our southwest border from beyond Mexico--particularly Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador--over the last 10 years, roughly. There have been 266 arrests of criminal aliens in the last 2 fiscal years alone, and these include criminal aliens charged or convicted of assaults, sex crimes, and killings, and those are hardly victimless crimes. In 2017, more than 70,000 Americans died of drug overdoses as methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl are flooding across the border, and I would say that probably the families of those 70,000 would argue that we certainly do have a crisis attributed to the problems at our southern border. Since fiscal year 2012, CBP has seized more than 11 million pounds of drugs between ports of entry, that is compared with only 4 million pounds at ports of entry. Make no mistake, there is a crisis at our southern border. Since October of last year, illegal crossings have spiked. In February alone, the month President Trump declared the emergency, 76,000 people illegally crossed the border. Just yesterday, the Border Patrol took the highly unusual step of closing inland border checkpoints in response to abnormally high apprehensions. All of this goes to show that we need a border wall. The Customs and Border Protection Commissioner put it best when he said that this is clearly both a border security and a humanitarian crisis. The President attempted to remedy this crisis by declaring the emergency, an action well within his statutory authority and constitutional obligation to protect our country. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this veto override.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, on Friday, I had a family commitment that caused me to miss votes. Had I been able to vote, I would have opposed H.R. 1.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend my alma mater, Arkansas State University, for hosting the 25th Annual College of Agriculture Agribusiness Conference. This conference focuses on farm management, commodity and credit markets, and the economics and politics of trade and farm policy. During this conference, Chancellor Damphousse announced a $1 million gift for the College of Agriculture from the Judd Hill Foundation. Farmers and those involved in the agriculture industry throughout Arkansas attend this meeting each year to learn about important deadlines and challenges that producers will encounter this growing season from a diverse group of speakers. This year, speakers included Tyne Morgan, host of U.S. Farm Report, as well as two of my past interns, Hunter Biram and Grant Wilson. Instrumental to this conference's continued success has been Dr. Greenwalt, conference director and cofounder. Dr. Greenwalt, professor of agricultural economics at Arkansas State, also serves as a director of the Arkansas Agricultural Council. I had the pleasure of being one of Dr. Greenwalt's students while pursuing my degree in agricultural business at Arkansas State University. Many others come to support this annual event. As the event grows, so does the attendance. I would like to extend my congratulations and gratitude to Dr. Greenwalt, Dean Burcham, and everyone who contributed to the success of the ASU Agribusiness Conference for the last 25 years.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this resolution. When President Trump declared a national emergency, he did so in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis at our border and with full statutory authority vested in laws passed in this very Chamber. The majority claims that this resolution of disapproval is in response to a power grab by a President acting out of line. Yet, by merely disapproving of the emergency declaration, they are preserving his statutory powers they claim are inappropriate. If my colleagues across the aisle are so concerned about separation of powers, why don't they simply reform the laws in title 10 and title 50 that the President is using to respond to this crisis? The answer is because this resolution is not about the division of powers; it is not even about border security. The only reason this legislation is being considered on the floor today is to obstruct the President's agenda. The President has made it clear that he will use all statutory tools at his disposal to secure the border, and that is exactly what he is doing in declaring this emergency. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for the opportunity to speak here. I will just speak off-the-cuff. My staff wrote me a speech, but I have only 30 seconds to get this done. Mr. Speaker, let me tell you what farmers across my district say. They say that if you can get the Federal Government to relieve the regulatory burden and open up markets, we can farm in this country. We can succeed. Mother Nature is a treacherous business partner, and so the Federal Government needs to do all that it can to make sure that we are mitigating those uncertainties inflicted by Mother Nature that we have seen across the country this year, certainly in my district and other parts of the country. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to lend my support to this effort. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Conaway for his exemplary leadership. To all those who supported this effort on the House and Senate side, I thank them so much. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of the underlying bill.