Doug Collins

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dawsonville's Chase Elliot for winning his first NASCAR Cup Series race on August 5. Growing up, Chase fostered his love for speed through go-kart racing. He always looked up to his father, Bill, who was a NASCAR driver himself. Chase carried on his father's legacy even as a teenager, kicking off his NASCAR career by signing a deal with Hendrick Motorsports. Only a year later, he won his first NASCAR race at the Iowa Speedway. Chase clenched another victory in the 2014 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the age of 18 years old, making him the youngest driver to win a NASCAR national series title. During the recent NASCAR Cup race, Chase advanced to victory with the support of his favorite spotter--his father. As Chase moves on to his next race, I join my fellow Northeast Georgians in congratulating him on winning his first Cup Series competition.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Justin Pressley, a Gainesville native who dedicated his career to advocating for the disabled. When he was 16 years old, Justin injured his spinal cord in a motorcycle accident, leaving him a quadriplegic. Instead of viewing his injury as a setback, he used this challenge to encourage men and women who were also experiencing disabilities. To work with organizations committed to advancing the disabled community, Justin volunteered his time to Adapt, the National Organization on Disability, and the National Participant Network. He also co-founded Gainesville's Disability Resource Center and established the North Georgia Screamin' Eagles soccer team, a local soccer team for quadriplegic athletes. Because of his tireless devotion to meeting the needs of the disabled, the Georgia Advisory Committee appointed Justin to the United States Civil Rights Commission, which focuses on addressing issues in civil rights policy. Additionally, he served as an officer for the Access Center for Independent Living and Access Hall County--two organizations that support disabled men and women by advocating for their independence in the community. Throughout his life, Justin worked to broaden equal opportunities for the disabled in the workplace, and his optimism lifted the spirits of others in the community. Mr. Speaker, the Gainesville community will miss Justin, and my prayers are with family during this time.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pastor Jim Gaines of the First Baptist Church of Dawsonville. After 20 years of ministry, Pastor Gaines retired this August, making him the church's longest-serving shepherd. Prior to working at First Baptist Dawsonville, Pastor Gaines served as the executive director of missions for the Georgia Baptist Convention. An avid student, Pastor Gaines holds two bachelor's degrees, a master's degree, and a Ph.D. from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. When Pastor Gaines arrived at First Baptist Dawsonville in 1998, the congregation welcomed 40 men and women through their doors each Sunday. Since then, the congregation has grown to include 500 dedicated members. Pastor Gaines coordinated several church-wide mission trips to Alaska and Africa, giving members of the community a chance to step out of our corner of Georgia to meet and serve others. Pastor Gaines has made a tremendous impact in the Dawsonville community. The congregation of First Baptist Dawsonville will miss his warm guidance, and I hope his next season is full of peace and joy.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career of Pastor Bill Coates of the First Baptist Church of Gainesville. After 20 years of service to the church, Pastor Coates delivered his final sermon on August 19, 2018. A native of South Carolina, Pastor Coates spent most of his childhood knowing that he would eventually join the ministry. In 1998, he and his family moved to Northeast Georgia so that he could become Senior Pastor at First Baptist Gainesville. Pastor Coates always referred to First Baptist Gainesville's congregation as the ``people of the church'' to remind them that they are the Lord's people first and foremost. During his tenure, First Baptist Gainesville expanded, adding a new banquet hall and the church's Jubilee Garden to accommodate a growing family of members. Pastor Coates also led groups of Georgians to serve in places like Ireland and Panama. As a leader, Pastor Coates looked beyond his own needs, focusing on the spiritual growth of others in the Gainesville community. His selflessness ultimately led him to retire, a decision that he hopes will pave the way for new leadership to make a positive impact on the many faces of the congregation. Pastor Coates' servant heart touched the lives of many. I want to thank him for the 20 years he dedicated to First Baptist Gainesville and hope his retirement is filled with both rest and new adventures.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Stephens County Chamber of Commerce's award recipients for 2018. On August 16, residents of Stephens County came together to honor the successes of the local business community at the 72nd Chamber Annual Awards Celebration. The L.P. ``Bub'' Greer Industry of the Year award went to NIFCO-KTW, a German manufacturing company that specializes in manufacturing automobile parts for BMW vehicles. Stephens County Farmers Market took home the Agriculture Business of the Year award, and the Chamber awarded CK Morgan and Company--a local gift shop--with the title of Retail Business of the Year. Bowen and Watson earned the Ben F. Cheek III Service and Profession Business of the Year award. This Toccoa-based construction firm's president, Drew Watson, was also named this year's Young Professional of the Year. The Chamber gave its Promotion and Tourism Award to Miles Through Time Automotive Museum and the Entrepreneur of the Year award to Alisa Adams of Cabe Crest Catering. Food 2 Kids received the Nonprofit of the Year award for making strides in addressing local food security, and Emily Hayes was recognized as the 2018 Volunteer of the Year. Alan Ramsey received the Senior of the Year award, John Dickerson earned this year's Lifetime Achievement award, and Jeremy Spradlin took home the Bob Evans Chairman's Award. Mr. Speaker, these individuals and organizations have made significant investments in Stephens County's business community, and I congratulate each of them on these honors.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jackson Electric Membership Corporation for the generosity that they show to Northeast Georgians. Jackson EMC provides electricity to ten of Northeast Georgia's counties. Throughout our corner of Georgia, the company strives to supply more than electricity, committing itself to supporting nonprofits that serve local communities. Through the company's philanthropic program, Operation Round Up, Jackson EMC raises money by encouraging individuals to round their monthly power bill payment up to the nearest dollar. The company then donates the additional money to Northeast Georgia charities as they work to address needs in the community, like homelessness. Jackson EMC has contributed $721,482 to local nonprofits since January of 2018, and, last year, the company surpassed $1 million in donations. The long list of organizations Jackson EMC has supported includes North Georgia Interfaith Ministries, Gainesville-Hall County Alliance for Literacy, and the Judy House Ministry. Jackson EMC illustrates how powerful generosity can become when it's multiplied by everyday people. I thank this company and the Northeast Georgians who take part in Operation Round Up for their dedication to community service, and I look forward to seeing their continued impact.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce in celebrating its 40th anniversary. In 1978, the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce was founded to improve Northeast Georgia's business climate. This group strives to bring local businesses together, offering networking opportunities to members of Gilmer industry. In addition to connecting local businesses, the Gilmer County Chamber also seeks out solutions to workplace problems like drug use. It implemented a program called ``Drugs Don't Work'' to offer resources that businesses can use to support the needs of their employees. Northeast Georgia's economy depends on organizations like the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce to provide entrepreneurs and employers opportunities to learn from each other and facilitate the growth of local businesses. I congratulate the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce on 40 rewarding years of service and success, and I look forward to seeing this organization continue to empower the people who drive Northeast Georgia's economy.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend, Master Sergeant Josefita Ojeda. Recently, this distinguished airman won the Air Force's Headquarters Individual Reservist Readiness and Integration Organization's (HQ RIO) award for Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the second quarter of this year. HQ RIO serves to prepare Individual Reserve forces so that they are wartime ready and meet Air Force and Combatant Commander requirements. Within HQ RIO, there are 2,700 enlisted members and 4,500 officers. The Senior Non-Commissioned Officer rank is bestowed upon airmen who demonstrate leadership while upholding the Air Force's mission of ``aiming high.'' Having worked with Master Sergeant Ojeda at Robins Air Force Base, I can attest to her determination and devotion to her country, two traits that have earned her this distinguished honor. Mr. Speaker, members of our military stand ready to answer the call of duty at any given moment. As service men and women like Master Sergeant Ojeda selflessly defend our freedom, we must ensure that we are supporting them each step of the way. I congratulate Master Sergeant Josefita Ojeda and thank her for her commitment to our country and the United States Air Force.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate North Hall Middle School on its new literacy garden. The school dedicated this garden to one of its former teachers, my friend and Georgia's First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Deal. As the husband of a Hall County teacher and father of three kids who attended North Hall Middle School, I join the community in welcoming this addition to the school. The Sandra Deal Secret Reading Garden will inspire students to dive into books outside the classroom and explore the garden's variety of plants. Since becoming First Lady, Mrs. Deal has advocated for literacy across our state. She currently serves as the co-chair of the Georgia Literacy Commission, where she partners with experts to improve low literacy rates and encourage students to read through campaigns like ``Read Across Georgia Month.'' In the last eight years, Mrs. Deal has visited schools in each of Georgia's 159 counties. During each visit, she takes the time to read to students and hear from educators about literacy in their classrooms. Mr. Speaker, Sandra Deal's tenure as First Lady will come to a close at the end of the year, but her legacy of promoting compassion for students and lifelong learning will endure across our state for years to come.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ryan and Abby Burle of Gainesville for creating a book drive for families with newborns who are receiving lifesaving medical treatment. The couple was inspired to establish the Mighty Three neonatal intensive care unit book drive after their triplets, Maggie, Max, and Miller, underwent medical treatment in Northeast Georgia Medical Center following their births. For months, Ryan and Abby could not hold their babies while they received crucial medical attention. As teachers, the young couple decided that they could leverage reading to communicate with the triplets using the sound of their voice to develop a bond with the three tiny patients. The Burles designed the Mighty Three NICU book drive to give families two books for each baby receiving treatment at Northeast Georgia Medical Center's Gainesville hospital. Initially, the couple set out to collect 850 books but quickly surpassed that goal. Through their tireless work, the Mighty Three NICU book drive has provided more than 2,000 books to the hospital on Spring Street. Mr. Speaker, I commend Ryan and Abby for their dedication to encouraging families during times of need, and I wish the two of them much joy as they raise their three healthy children. Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Ty Cobb Museum

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Kit Dunlap, president and CEO of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, who recently received the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives' Legacy Award. The Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives' Legacy Award is the association's highest honor, recognizing executives who have dedicated many years to successfully improving their local chambers of commerce. Kit has served as the Greater Hall Chamber's top official for more than 20 years. Her ambition and compassion for others has allowed her to excel as a leader. Throughout her involvement in the local chamber of commerce, she has transformed the Greater Hall Chamber by bringing together a well-connected economic development team. This team has helped increase capital investment, job availability, and job retention in the Hall County area. Additionally, Kit has managed multimillion dollar initiatives, including the HALLmark campaign and Vision 2030, which helped fund community-based education and economic development programs. I congratulate my friend Kit Dunlap on this award and thank her for her service to the Hall County business community. Mr. Speaker, as Kit's representative, I must end this speech by answering the question she asks at the end of each chamber meeting: What is the water level of Lake Lanier? Well, today, it is 1,071.89.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Caroline Lewallen of Jaemor Farms in Alto. As a member of the Hall County Farm Bureau and Georgia Farm Bureau's Young Farmers and Ranchers program, Caroline's commitment to our State's agricultural industry earned her the program's Excellence in Agriculture award. Caroline holds degrees in agricultural education and leadership from the University of Georgia and Texas A&M University, respectively. She began her career as a student teacher and later became an agricultural fellow in the office of one of my former colleagues, Congressman Jack Kingston. Today, Caroline serves as the agritourism and marketing coordinator for Jaemor Farms. At Jaemor Farms, Caroline manages all events, like the festival honoring my favorite peach, the annual Georgia Belle Peach Festival. She also runs Jaemor Farms' marketing and social media presence, regularly attracting attention from across the State and the country. Mr. Speaker, Caroline has played an important role in promoting the work of the northeast Georgia farmers by communicating the importance of locally grown produce for communities, and I want to congratulate her on this award and wish her well throughout her career. Honoring Kit Dunlap

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join northeast Georgia in celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Ty Cobb Museum. The museum opened its doors on July 17, 1998, to highlight the legacy of Ty Cobb, a Banks County native and Baseball Hall of Fame member. Cobb was a Major League Baseball outfielder who set 90 MLB records during his career, some of which stand today. He played for the Detroit Tigers for 22 years, and, later, for the Philadelphia Athletics for two seasons. Cobb's remarkable achievements include 4,065 runs scored and batted in, 897 total stolen bases, and a batting average of 366 at the close of his career. Additionally, Cobb was the first player ever inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. In the community of Royston, The Georgia Peach is remembered for his philanthropic kindness. He was responsible for the Cobb Memorial Hospital and the Cobb Educational Fund, which have left a lasting legacy of love for his hometown. Mr. Speaker, the Ty Cobb Museum captures significant moments throughout Cobb's life, from his roots in Royston to this success as part of American's pastime. I congratulate the staff of the museum for two decades of service to their Georgia community and wish them well in their endeavors. Congratulating Caroline Lewallen

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Carol Gregg for her 20 years of service to foster care children in Northeast Georgia. As a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer and employee of Prevent Child Abuse in Georgia, Mrs. Gregg discovered that foster care children and babies are in need of blankets. This inspired her to use crochet, a longtime hobby of hers, to connect with these children by creating blankets and afghans for them. Mrs. Gregg's crocheted pieces reflect the warmth of the local community and benefit not only children in foster care, but families that open their homes. Moreover, her advocacy through CASA has inspired more residents to volunteer and offer support to the children and families. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mrs. Carol Gregg for her generosity and dedication to the foster children of Northeast Georgia.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the eight individuals honored by the Rotary Club of Clayton this year. Members of the Rotary Club of Clayton dedicate their time to their neighbors by illustrating the club's motto of ``Service Above Self.'' The Rotary Club gave its annual Wheel Award and J.C. Dover Wheel Award to Dan McAfee of Rabun County Habitat for Humanity and Dr. Guy Glover, respectively. Jim Antosiak received the W. Lee Arrendale Award for demonstrating altruism, strong vocation, and ethical standards. Additionally, three first responders were recognized for their strength during times of crisis. Tony Lima received the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award, James Reed received the Firefighter of the Year award, and Mike Carnes received the Paramedic of the Year award. Mary Beth Brundage received the Jean Harris Professional Award, and the Rotary Club presented Tim Ranney with the Golden ``R'' Award--an honor given to a Rotarian who strives to improve the community and club as a whole. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate this year's award recipients and look forward to the continued impact that their service will have on the community.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Hall County Chief Assistant Public Defender Nicki Vaughan for her work in the field of juvenile law. Recently, the State Bar of Georgia honored the Georgia Bar's Child Protection and Advocacy Section-- chaired by Ms. Vaughan--with the 2017-2018 Section Award of Achievement. Under Ms. Vaughan's leadership, the Child Protection and Advocacy Section stood out among the state bar's 48 other Sections for its dedication and service to local families. As chair of the Child Protection and Advocacy Section, Nicki volunteers her time to mentoring young people. Moreover, she educates other legal professionals on current legal issues affecting children and government policies designed to assist children and families. As a fellow attorney, I am proud to honor Nicki Vaughan for her exceptional leadership and congratulate her section on earning this achievement award.

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, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, this is a time when we come to the floor and debate great things. Sometimes, Mr. Speaker, you actually find out things that you did not know, and I now found out that my friend from Florida's middle name is Lamar as we go forward. Mr. Speaker, this rule provides for legislation that does what we came here to do, and that is to protect our Nation and preserve our civil liberties. The underlying legislation goes a step further than simply reauthorizing critical programs. It takes a hard look, and a smart look, at how we can strengthen programs, better respond to new and existing threats, and conduct vigorous, effective oversight of the intelligence community, while ensuring it has the resources it needs to serve American citizens well. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to supporting this rule and the underlying bill to strengthen public safety, protect our Nation and the American people, and to guard our civil liberties.

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

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

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, the understanding was not--and my intention at that point in discussing this was not to stop the questioning, but it is in the concern for the integrity of the question. You and I have talked before in our committee, and when we have said--and you have asked the chairman for clarification, that was my intention in that and that was my entire intention in that, and from there, the chairman took action from there. I think the interesting thing in here is the chairman did, at the start of the meeting, say that Mr. Nunes would be leaving. That was stated up front and there was no objection at that point for him doing so.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, there are several issues here. And to clarify, in being one of the members there yesterday and one spoken of, I think there is an issue of when there is a concern by a member. This has been beyond Mrs. Torres coming to the committee, and has been before and when Mr. Hastings and I have been there, many times, when we have issues with the question, the procedure is to stop and to ask the chairman to suspend the question. This is what was happening yesterday, because there was a concern that the question was impugning the integrity of the chairman. There needed to be clarification. That was a simple--no matter what member may have asked it. That was the discussion that then continued from there. Also, though, in the past 4 months, there have been 16 times that the chairman has sent a designee from their committee to testify before the Rules Committee and 14 times that the ranking member has sent a designee. Sending a designee from the committee of jurisdiction is common practice, and the chairman stated at the top of the meeting that that was what was going to be taking place. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

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.R. 6237, the Matthew Young Pollard Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscals Years 2018 and 2019. The rule provides for 1 hour of debate, equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. The rule also provides for a motion to recommit. Additionally, the rule makes in order 12 amendments from Members on both sides of the aisle. Yesterday, the Rules Committee heard testimony from numerous Members, including Intelligence Committee Chairman Nunes and Ranking Member Schiff, as well as Mr. LoBiondo from New Jersey and Ms. Jackson Lee from Texas. In addition to the vigorous debate on this legislation before the Rules Committee, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence held a markup of this legislation on June 27, 2018, where the committee voted unanimously to report the bill to the House floor for consideration. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Nunes and Ranking Member Schiff for their important work on this legislation, and I commend them for the strong demonstration of bipartisanship in moving it forward. The Intelligence Reauthorization Act is among the most important pieces of legislation we consider in this Chamber. It provides the intelligence community, a community that spans 17 different agencies, with the resources it needs to protect our great country. Chairman Nunes and Ranking Member Schiff approached the task of writing this bill constructively and with a clear understanding of its importance, and their work is evident in the support for this bill we have already seen displayed at the Intelligence Committee markup. As a result of Mr. Nunes' and Mr. Schiff's work, and of the Intelligence Committee, the legislation provided for by this rule will not only reauthorize programs crucial to the intelligence community, but it will also make a number of critical improvements to the law in support of that community and our national security. The underlying bill represents an opportunity to pass an important piece of legislation that will enhance our national security in an age of increasingly sophisticated adversaries. Its provisions include critical functions like deterring nation-state adversaries like Russia and China, countering and defeating ISIS and other terrorist groups, and defending America against cyberattacks, to name a few. In addition to the critical missions I have listed above, the bill will improve our ability to recruit and retain top cybersecurity professionals, and will provide better benefits to CIA employees injured by acts of terrorism overseas. Further, the underlying bill will strengthen both internal and congressional oversight over the various components of the intelligence community. Our government's most fundamental responsibilities are to defend the American people from harm and to protect their liberty. To grasp the weight of these duties, one need only review the preamble of the Constitution. Mr. Speaker, the reality is that Americans continue to face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats from foreign states and nonstate actors alike. This legislation recognizes the need to ensure that the United States maintains a tactical advantage in the cyber dimension by giving the intelligence community the ability to recruit the very best talent in the field. This legislation gives the intelligence community the ability to provide increased pay for certain employees who have unique skills to lend to critical cyber missions. Cyber criminals and other foreign intelligence agencies have increasingly focused on two critical areas of U.S. national security: our energy infrastructure and our election systems. Thanks to the work of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, this legislation will bolster our defense of both areas. Specifically, this legislation will require the Director of National Intelligence to electronically publish an unclassified advisory report on foreign counterintelligence and cybersecurity threats to election campaigns for Federal office. It will also create an Infrastructure Security Center within the Department of Energy to coordinate intelligence on significant threats. We must have the tools to combat these threats, and that includes skilled personnel who know how to navigate these challenges. Whether bad actors hone in on our energy resources, election systems, or other strengths, this legislation takes steps to ensure we have the people we need fighting the forces menacing our Nation. With these improvements in place, those responsible for our Nation's critical infrastructure will have better intelligence with which to protect it. To provide for our common defense, the dedicated men and women of the intelligence community work tirelessly to thwart the efforts of our foreign adversaries, which range from terrorists to foreign states to nuclear proliferators. Many in the intelligence community have seen their work in furtherance of the global war on terror and other missions around the world land them in harm's way. This bill recognizes the commitment of these brave men and women, many whose names we will never know. Finally, the importance of the intelligence community's work and the inherently secretive nature of its mission necessitate vigilant oversight of these activities. This bill will increase the intelligence community's accountability to Congress by requiring reports on numerous issues, including investigations of leaks of classified information and security clearance processing timelines. Importantly, it will further bolster intelligence oversight by requiring the intelligence community and the Department of Defense to develop a framework for assessing the numerous roles, missions, and functions of the Defense Intelligence Agency. It will also require the FBI to provide quarterly counterintelligence briefings to the congressional intelligence committees. This legislation will ensure that America remains safe, and it will ensure that American liberties are protected in the process. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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 material on House Resolution 989, currently under consideration.