Doug Collins

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on House Resolution 22, currently under consideration.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to bring forward this rule on behalf of the Rules Committee. The rule provides for consideration of H. Res. 11, a resolution regarding United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334. It provides for 1 hour of debate on H. Res. 11, equally divided between the chairman and ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Additionally, this rule provides for consideration of legislation that I introduced, H.R. 26, the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny, or REINS, Act. It makes in order 12 amendments from Members on both sides of the aisle, and provides for 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the majority leader and the minority leader. Yesterday, the Rules Committee received testimony from the Judiciary and Foreign Affairs Committees. Mr. Speaker, the beginning of this new Congress is a time of hope and a time to establish clear priorities and goals. This is a time to show the American people that we, as their elected representatives, will have the courage to stand on principles that made us worthy of their trust. This rule provides for two pieces of legislation that represent our commitment to the integrity and transparency of this institution. H. Res. 11, introduced by Chairman Royce and cosponsored by Ranking Member Engel, objects to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334 as an obstacle to Israeli-Palestinian peace. It calls for the resolution's repeal and makes clear that the current administration's failure to veto the U.N. resolution violated longstanding U.S. policy to protect Israel from such counterproductive U.N. resolutions. Importantly, it also provides a foundation for the next administration to take action to counteract the damaging effects of the U.N. Security Council resolution. Mr. Speaker, I support H. Res. 11, yet it shouldn't be necessary. President Obama's refusal to veto the U.N. Security Council's resolution was a radical and dangerous departure from U.S. precedent. Prior to this most recent Security Council resolution, President Obama has exercised the veto power of the United States on every resolution relating to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His failure to do so this time jeopardizes and undermines our relationship with our strongest ally in the Middle East, and it has the potential to undercut the peace process. I stood in this Chamber numerous times before and demanded support for Israel, and I am going to do so here again today. I refuse to sit idly by and watch misguided anti-Israel policies take root. We have to take a stand. The administration's failure to act, to even participate in the vote, was an act of cowardice. It can't be erased, and we must take steps to address it. This resolution is a step in the right direction. As a new President is sworn in this month, I am hopeful that we, as the House of Representatives, and the United States will reaffirm our support of Israel and return to policies that strengthen the relationships between our two nations. Mr. Speaker, as the new Congress starts, we also must look at domestic policies and how to grow our economy. We are going to do that right here in the House by taking the lead on regulatory reform to help lift the burden of an intrusive government by jump-starting the economy. As part of this effort, I introduced H.R. 26, the REINS Act. This bill was originally authored and introduced by former Congressman Geoff Davis in 2009. Last Congress, now-Senator Todd Young introduced the bill in the House. This Congress, I am proud to carry the torch for this commonsense legislation. I also thank Chairman Goodlatte and his staff for all of their hard work on this bill. Article I, section 1 of the United States Constitution grants legislative powers to Congress--we read about that right here on the floor this morning--but, for too long, Congress has ceded that power to the executive branch, which has resulted in an onslaught of regulation. This is a problem that we have seen under the administrations of both parties, and Members on both sides of the aisle should be concerned. In recent years, this problem has exploded. In 2015 alone, the executive branch issued over 3,000 rules and regulations, and 76 of these regulations were major regulations. Let me explain that. Unelected bureaucrats, without input from the American people or their Representatives in Congress, issued 76 major regulations that would impact our economy by more than $100 million each in 1 year alone. The consequences of these rules are massive. Even worse, we have seen this administration promote regulations with burdens that far outweigh their benefits. The REINS Act would require Federal agencies to submit major rules to Congress for approval. Under this bill, major rules would have to be accepted by both Chambers and signed by the President to become effective. This bill restores accountability to the legislative process and ensures that lawmakers, not nameless bureaucrats, are the ones making the laws, just like our Constitution outlines. We have seen the harm that can come from an out-of-control regulatory regime. Right now, hardworking Americans across the country are paying the price. In fact, on average, each U.S. household is bearing an annual economic weight of $15,000 in regulatory burdens. The oppressive costs of regulation, coupled with the impact on jobs, demand action. One regulation, put forth by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2015, would have cost my home State of Georgia over 11,000 jobs; and we are all familiar with the waters of the United States rule, which, essentially, asserted authority over all groundwater in the country. If you have been to northeast Georgia, you know that water collects in pools and puddles and streams at certain times of the year. If all of that were to be regulated under this rule, it would be a disaster for not only my district but for all of the country, but that is what this administration has tried to do. That rule has been halted by a court, but were it to go into effect, it would cut farmers, ranchers, Realtors, and small businesses off at the knees. With the number of major rules this administration has propagated, I could far exceed my time in just illustrating the problems these regulations can create; but, with the REINS Act, we have a chance to carve out a better way in going forward. The American people elected us, in this body, to represent them. The REINS Act allows their voices to be heard more clearly. Again, Mr. Speaker, it doesn't matter what party is in the executive branch because the legislative branch is the one that makes and accepts the bills, not the unelected bureaucrats. This bill creates a sensible way to move forward with legislative business while better protecting our economy from suffocating regulations that Americans never voted to enact. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I do appreciate my colleague's concerns. I think it is interesting to note, though, that, if he were concerned about a closed rule, there were many of us who were very concerned about a closed voice from America at the U.N. Security Council in not defending Israel. Also, on the other subject here, when we look at this going forward, there was a substitute that was actually offered in support of a resolution that does take a stand against what happened. It was not even mentioned in the substitute resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Byrne), a fellow member of the Rules Committee.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Barr).

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. McClintock).

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I am so glad that the gentlewoman just got a chance to debate herself on the floor and to use that freedom of speech. That is what this floor is for. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Ross).

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. It is amazing to me some of the stuff that I have just heard, Mr. Speaker, just in the last few minutes. And I appreciate my friend across the aisle, but the debate that we have been having here is amazing. So that is something I want to talk about, but also something that came up, just to take a few steps down the road. It had been mentioned many times here on the floor today that a unanimous vote by the Security Council in some way implies that it was right or that it was proper. I am sorry, the groupthink of the United Nations Security Council on this issue was wrong. The one that was left silent was the beacon of freedom to the world, the United States, and instead of engaging, instead of working as we have in the past abstained or voted against, there have been times when we actually, as my friend said a moment ago, Mr. Speaker, worked together. When that did happen in the past, there were times in which Israel and the U.S. worked together to soften or change, and we had, at that point in time, something that--not liked, but something that could be lived with. In this case, it was nothing Israel said. This is bad. America turned its back. Where was the voice? It was silent. Where was the voice? We voted absent. That is not what the leader of the free world should do. That is not what the leader of the free world should do to his closest ally in the Middle East. That is why we are talking about this. There are other things we can discuss today. There are other discussions on two-state solutions on another case on the settlement, but the bottom line here is that it goes deeper than the other issues. The deeper part here is that we simply sat silent while the world mocked and criticized our strongest ally, Mr. Speaker. So don't talk to me about working together. I get it. But where was the working together on this? It was absent. A unanimous vote, especially of the United Nations Security Council, using that as your justification, I think we need to talk. But also, Mr. Speaker, when we come to the end, regulatory environment, the REINS Act is simply saying: Congress, do what Congress is supposed to do. Congress, work as the voice of the American people. Work for the voice of helping companies start and create jobs. Work with the American people to relegate them forward instead of moving backward. The REINS Act simply says: let's do our job here. Not the ones who are closed off from input but the folks who are elected to come to this place, to come to these hallowed halls and debate what we are talking about today: debate the regulatory environment, debate the environment. When we do that, then that is what we need to do. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this rule and the underlying bill.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mast), who is a great new Member.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hollingsworth), who is another freshman that we welcome to the floor.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Gaetz), who is another new face that is looking forward to making a difference here.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. King).

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), who is the distinguished chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions), the distinguished chairman of the Rules Committee.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about a great loss that my home state of Georgia experienced on Friday, November 18th. On that day, United States Deputy Marshal Patrick Carothers was killed in the line of duty while attempting to serve a warrant on a dangerous fugitive in Long County, Georgia. At Marshal Carothers' memorial service, his son Paul remembered him, saying, ``The day he went to heaven, he showed great heroism. But I believe he is a hero because of his character--because of who he chose to be every day.'' I had the honor of meeting this man who, as a U.S. Marshal, protected our families and friends for 26 years. His legacy encourages us to reflect each day on who we choose to be. I remain grateful for individuals like Deputy Marshal Patrick Carothers who selflessly serve, and, Mr. Speaker, I ask that we keep his wife and five children in our prayers in the coming days.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the Rough Ridge and Rock Mountain forest fires that have recently impacted Northeast Georgia. Over the past few months, my district has experienced a severe drought that at one point led to a rainfall deficit of more than a foot and especially affected thousands of farmers in Northeast Georgia. This October, I had the opportunity to learn more about the drought's repercussions from the Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture, Gary Black, and about 40 local farmers who have struggled with the historic drought. Unfortunately, the effects of the drought went beyond affecting our farmers, and, as wildfires continued to burn in Rough Ridge and Rock Mountain, I was deeply concerned. In fact, the Rough Ridge and Rock Mountain forest fires have each affected over 20,000 acres of land in Northeast Georgia. Today, I am grateful to report that the Rough Ridge and Rock Mountain forest fires have been 95 percent contained. I would like to thank the firefighters, police, emergency management and medical teams, and many others who have worked long hours at demanding jobs to ensure the security and safety of the public during this uncertain time. Mr. Speaker, I look forward, in the near future, to sharing the good news that the Rough Ridge and Rock Mountain forest fires have been completely contained.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commend the House on passage of H. Con. Res. 165, which reaffirms Congress' approach to Israel and Palestine. This bipartisan resolution supports the longstanding approach of the United States as a facilitator of bilateral negotiations between Israel and Palestine. It properly recognizes that a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will only come about through direct, mutual negotiations between the two parties. Attempts by Congress or other outside bodies to interfere with bilateral negotiations by establishing parameters or imposing solutions on Israel and Palestine will inevitably complicate the situation and delay its peaceful resolution. Since 1972, the United States has opposed and vetoed 42 United Nations Security Council resolutions dictating binding parameters on the peace process. The current Administration has time and again refused to aid Israel by tolerating Palestinian threats, harming the U.S.-Israeli relationship, and undermining Israel's peacemaking efforts. Israel is our strongest ally in the Middle East, and I believe the country deserves our full support. I have consistently demanded this Administration recognize the importance of Israel, and today's resolution provided another opportunity to affirm my commitment to our relationship with that nation. I strongly urge continued opposition to efforts by the UN Security Council to force agreements that are one- sided or anti-Israel. Israel has continuously demonstrated its willingness to coexist with its neighbors, and the United States must promote direct talks between Israelis and Palestinians, not the international intervention of the United Nations or other bodies. Through passage of this resolution, the House of Representatives publicly reaffirmed our support for bilateral negotiations between Israel and Palestine, demonstrated the strength of our relationship with Israel, and rebuked faulty attempts to impose the terms of peace. I was proud to join my colleagues in support of this important resolution.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor as a veteran who is currently still serving in the United States Air Force Reserve. I served in Iraq. What Mr. Yoho and Mr. Davis have done here is come together to bring common sense to something that really is amazing: we have veterans today who have to call their Congressman to get help, and we are actually hamstrung in trying to help them. That is not the way it should be. Our veterans deserve the best service that they can have. They deserve it on time, they deserve it in a prompt fashion, and they should not have to call their Congressman. But when they do, we need to give our congressional offices all the tools that they need to help with that. I just want to compliment these Congressmen for bringing this bill forward and encourage the House to support this. This is a great bill, and it is really the reason why we are here.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th birthday of an extraordinary man and fellow Northeast Georgian, First Lieutenant Marion Holman Haley. First Lieutenant Haley grew up on a farm in Elberton, Georgia and graduated from Rabun Gap Junior College. He shares his birthday with his beloved wife, Sara Vincent Haley. In 1942, First Lieutenant Haley entered World War II as a bombardier and flew 50 combat missions over Italy, Northern Africa, and France in a B-17 bomber using one of the first Norden bombsights. As a member of the Army Air Corps, First Lieutenant Haley was recognized for his exceptional ability as a bombardier by receiving 10 Air Medals for his combat missions in World War II. Our nation owes a tremendous amount of gratitude to First Lieutenant Haley for his service and courage. He is a true American hero. I am proud to represent First Lieutenant Haley in Congress, and I am grateful for his bravery in protecting our freedom. As a member of the Air Force Reserves, the lives of our service members and veterans is very near to my heart. We have Mr. Marion Holman Haley to thank for his service to the greatest nation in the world. First Lieutenant Haley represents a legacy that deserves our gratitude and respect, and I honor him on his 100th birthday. Happy Birthday Lieutenant Haley.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 921 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on House Resolution 921, currently under consideration.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.