James Comer

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to encourage the body to keep my dear friend, Bam Carney, of Campbellsville, Kentucky, in their thoughts and prayers as he continues to battle a serious illness. Bam has been hospitalized for over 2 months and has a long journey ahead. However, anyone who knows Bam knows that he is the ultimate fighter. As a father, educator, State representative, and Kentucky's house majority leader, he has always fought strongly for what he believes in. But, more importantly, he has always fought for his family and friends above all else. Bam's community has organized ``A Day of Prayer and Encouragement for Bam,'' where people across Kentucky are joining together to lift him up in prayer. I ask for this body to join me in keeping my friend and golf buddy in their thoughts and prayers. He means so much to so many people. I ask everyone for their prayers as Bam continues his fight.

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my firm opposition to the New Way Forward Act, a radical piece of legislation that would put American lives at risk in numerous ways. Under this bill, heinous crimes committed by illegal immigrants would no longer result in immediate deportation, but, even worse, it would allow those who have been deported to come back to the United States legally and on the taxpayer's dime--essentially allowing for the importation of violent and dangerous illegal immigrants into our country. I have yet to meet a single person who supports that idea. The bill would also decriminalize illegal entry into the country, including for criminals who have already been deported. This measure is a dream for those who seek to abolish ICE, throw open our national borders, and gut the rule of law in America. I have heard from constituents who are outraged about this proposal-- and rightfully so. While sponsored by nearly a fifth of the House Democratic Caucus, the legislation stands little chance of advancing past President Trump or a Republican Senate. But it is, nonetheless, important for the American people to know the priorities of some Members of this body. I will continue to stand strong against policies like the New Way Forward Act and any other legislation which would encourage illegal immigration and cripple the safety of American citizens. Honoring Bam Carney

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, few would deny that we are facing a dangerous epidemic of youth vaping. But the bill before us today is not about youth vaping. Instead, this legislation seeks to eliminate consumer choice of flavored tobacco products for law-abiding adults over the age of 21. With this bill Democrats are seeking to play politics with a crisis and ram through an extreme, partisan measure that is government overreach at its finest. We should be focused on reducing youth consumption and removing counterfeit products from the market. That is what this debate should focus on, not reducing the freedoms of law-abiding adults. Unfortunately, Democrats are making clear that they are uninterested in further action to reduce youth tobacco use. By banning flavored tobacco products and the sale of menthol cigarettes for adults, they are seeking to destroy consumer freedom in this country. Thankfully, if this bill were to pass today, this anti-consumer choice overreach will be stopped in its tracks in the Senate.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Union County Schools Superintendent Patricia Sheffer for winning the F.L. Dupree Outstanding Superintendent Award. This prestigious honor is awarded annually by the Kentucky School Boards Association to a leader who has demonstrated a high level of accomplishment within their school system. Serving as superintendent comes with a variety of steep challenges and responsibilities. Based on this award, Patricia has gone above and beyond to excel in this critically important role. She has committed her career to working with community leaders to improve opportunities for the next generation, including placing a heavy emphasis on improving career and technical education opportunities. Mr. Speaker, her impact on Union County and public education cannot be overstated. I have seen firsthand the great work Ms. Sheffer has done there in Morganfield, and I join with all of my constituents in the First Congressional District of Kentucky in congratulating her. Honoring National Future Farmers of America Week

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, last week, I had the opportunity to travel to Kentucky Lake, alongside Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other local leaders, to observe progress being made to remove Asian carp from our west Kentucky waterways. Senator McConnell and I took a boat out on the water to observe the new Modified Unified Method for removing this invasive species from our lakes. Thanks to Federal funding we have secured, efforts are in progress that will improve the fishing industry and our overall tourist economy in the First Congressional District of Kentucky. The Federal resources that have been steered toward this problem are instrumental in fighting the war on carp. It has truly been a team approach, with local leaders like Lyon County Judge-Executive Wade White doing a tremendous job of advocating for action. While there is certainly work left to do to eradicate Asian carp, we are moving in the right direction. I pledge to continue working with State and local officials and to be an effective Federal partner moving forward to rid our waters of this harmful species. Honoring Union County Superintendent Patricia Sheffer

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National FFA Week, an event that always brings back fond memories and is very special to me. Not only am I a proud farmer and former commissioner of agriculture, but I was also very active in FFA and had the high honor of serving as Kentucky FFA president. FFA had an extraordinary influence on my life, as I know it does for many young people today. I proudly display my blue and gold jacket here in my congressional office. While I will admit to being biased, there is no better way to learn, grow, and excel than being part of FFA. This quality organization uses agriculture education to empower students and put them on a lifelong path to success. The leadership skills that students gain through FFA are extremely valuable, and I know that it makes a positive difference in the lives of young people every day. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent so many high-quality FFA programs, leaders, and students here in Washington, and FFA will always hold a special place in my heart.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, this week is Public Schools Week, and I rise today to recognize our public schools in Kentucky for the critical work they do to educate Kentucky's students. Public schools are essential to the growth and development of future generations. They are the backbone of our communities and responsible for educating our young people and providing them with a stable and secure learning environment. The learning opportunities provided by our schools are also critical to preparing a workforce capable of taking on the challenges of the 21st century economy. I am very proud of the public schools which make up the First Congressional District. As a product of the public school system myself, I know how hard our teachers and staff work to prepare our students for success. Madam Speaker, we thank our educators for their service, and I look forward to advocating for the needs of our public schools moving forward.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, February is Career and Technical Education Month, and I rise today to bring attention to the importance of technical skills to our economy and our education system. Teaching our students the skills they need to thrive in the modern economy should be our top education priority. Our economy depends on a workforce that is capable of doing jobs in the fields of welding, automotive, and electrical work, among others. While the current state of our economy is strong, we must strive to remain competitive with the rest of the world. Developing a highly skilled workforce is a key part of that effort and a top priority of mine. That is why I was happy to see President Trump prioritize technical education in his budget with a proposed $900 million increased investment. I am very proud of our high schools and technology centers in Kentucky's First Congressional District that are working to equip our students with crucial vocational skills. I am hopeful that Congress can work to provide them with the support necessary to build on their success in creating a 21st century workforce.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, near the end of last week, I had the privilege of being back home in Kentucky and, as I try to do often, visit with constituents and see some of the exciting programs underway in the First Congressional District. While stopping in the city of Paducah, I had the opportunity to see some of the life-changing workforce development opportunities becoming available to our citizens. In a time when we have more available jobs than qualified workers to fill them, both the McCracken County Jail and Paducah's school system are stepping up to fill the void. At the local jail, I saw the great work they are doing to provide low-level inmates with a pathway to becoming productive members of society. The training programs they are providing for welding and HVAC training will help fill critical workforce gaps and reduce incarceration rates over the long term. Once operational, the Paducah Innovation Hub will house technical classes like carpentry, welding, and engineering. I was excited to see the construction of this new innovative facility, which will be a model for education moving forward. The old model of 4-year degrees and piles of student loan debt are not the answer for moving forward in education. Instead, we must emphasize certificates and skills training. I thoroughly enjoyed traveling my district and seeing firsthand the need for a more skills- based education system moving forward. I am proud to represent McCracken County in this distinguished body, and I look forward to seeing the great work being done by the McCracken County Jail--and, in the future, the Paducah Innovation Hub--become a model for both Kentucky and the entire Nation. Commending President Trump's Successful Week

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Trigg Countians Harold Knight and David Hale for their coming induction into the Grand National Turkey Callers Hall of Fame. Next week in Nashville, they will be formally recognized for this high honor within the hunting and turkey calling world. Kentuckians are notably passionate about hunting and outdoors, but maybe none as much as Harold and David. Their impact on this unique industry cannot be understated. Starting in the early 1970s, these two individuals started Knight & Hale Game Calling and have been promoting their passion for the outdoors ever since. What began as a small startup out of a basement has become a successful and recognized enterprise within the hunting industry. After 40 years of work and raising significant attention to the field of game calling, I am thrilled to see two of my constituents receive this very high honor. This distinguished accomplishment is certainly something to be proud of and is deserving of recognition by this entire body. Honoring the Paducah Workforce Efforts

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend President Trump for the overwhelmingly successful week he has had in Washington. In addition to delivering a strong and forward-looking vision to the country on Tuesday night, the President has finally been acquitted of the baseless smear charges leveled against him by Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiff. The historically partisan impeachment put forward by House Democrats was a stain on American history. But, thankfully, their desperate attempt to silence the will of the American people is finally behind us. Starting with President Trump's unifying State of the Union Address, the country is now ready to move forward. It is long past time for Congress to join the President in advancing a positive agenda that will improve the lives of every single American. That includes moving on from classless actions like tearing up Presidential speeches on national television. Whether it be the current economic boom, fairer trade deals, or steady leadership in keeping America safe, the President has a strong record of accomplishment. But, as always, we have more challenges to tackle. I sincerely hope to see the Democrats move beyond the politics of impeachment and resistance and get to work for the American people. It is time for action on lowering healthcare costs, securing the southern border, and continuing to advance our Nation's tremendous economic momentum. I hope to see my Democrat colleagues join me in supporting the President's efforts to improve opportunities for working families and keep Americans safe. The millions of Americans whom we represent expect and deserve nothing less.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I have heard from business owners throughout my district about the investments they are making in their businesses and hardworking employees thanks to the strong economy ushered in by President Trump. We have seen companies establish education programs, provide bonuses to their employees, and reinvest in their communities as a result of our booming economic climate. Unfortunately, the bill we are considering today would quickly erode this progress. As was made clear during the Committee on Education and Labor hearing and subsequent markup, the PRO Act would not serve the interests of individual workers. By overriding States' choices to enact right-to- work laws meant to curtail forced unionization, codifying harmful rulemakings from the previous administration regarding the definition and classification of employees, and increasing the prevalence of worker intimidation and privacy infringement, the PRO Act is a maze of misguided and costly antiworker policies. To correct one of the countless issues with this legislation, I submitted an amendment to strike the provisions that would legalize secondary boycotts. Unions should not be empowered to target and economically harm suppliers or business partners of a workplace they are seeking to organize. Unfortunately, this and many other commonsense amendments were rejected by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle during markup and again at the Rules Committee yesterday. Notably, the PRO Act federalizes California's ABC test limiting flexibility and opportunity for entrepreneurs in our modern economy and codifies the previous administration's joint employer standard that would disrupt and fatally damage the franchise model, harming thousands of small business owners across the Nation. I recognize a business's greatest asset is its workers. For this reason, I am solidly proworker and probusiness and want to continue our strong economic growth while also protecting the freedoms of hardworking Americans.

Mr. COMER. Thankfully, this Democratic dream will meet a rude awakening in the Senate, where it will not see the light of day, and President Trump has signaled he would veto.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the Trump administration's recent proposed rulemaking for school meals and the Summer Food Service Program. As a member of the Agriculture Committee, and ranking member on the Education and Labor Subcommittee with jurisdiction over the child nutrition programs, I have consistently heard from school food service administrators in my district about their frustrations with the heavyhanded Obama-era regulations. I am glad to see the administration is seeking input from those who administer these programs every day. This new rule will provide needed flexibility for food service supervisors to adapt their menus to teach students proper nutrition habits that they will adopt during crucial periods of growth and into adulthood. These food service professionals know the needs of their students best, and I look forward to seeing this rule finalized and our schools and communities become even stronger. Updates on Agriculture and the Trade War with China

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I think most people in this body know that I am a farmer by trade, and I represent a southern Kentucky district that is one of the biggest agricultural districts in America. I am very pleased today to give an update on the accomplishments that the Trump administration and Congress has made over the past 3 years with respect to agriculture. Anyone that keeps up with President Trump knows that he sincerely cares about the farmers in America; and he realizes that the farmers, through no fault of their own, have been on the front lines of this trade war with China. But if you talk to any farmer, as I do on a regular basis when I am home in Kentucky, the farmers still strongly support the President and they understand why we are in this trade war. They also understand the efforts that have been made and the accomplishments that have been achieved with respect to agriculture from this administration and from this Congress over the past 3 years. I want to touch on three areas where we focused in Congress, where I focused as a member of the Agriculture Committee, to improve our agriculture for our family farmers who are struggling, again, on the front lines of this trade war with China. First of all, regulations. As with many other industries in America, one of the first things that President Trump looked at, and then the Republicans and the majority of this body looked at 3 years ago, was the regulations. Many industries, especially in agriculture, felt like there were burdensome regulations that were holding farmers back, holding agriculture back. So, one by one, this administration, whether it was through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or the EPA, has looked at every regulation to deem whether that regulation was necessary, or whether that regulation was excessive and needed to be scaled back. I am very pleased to report that the biggest regulation that scared most people in agriculture was the WOTUS rule from the Obama administration. I am very pleased, last week, this administration completely eliminated the WOTUS rule with respect to navigable streams. Under the Obama regulation, every mud puddle in Kentucky would have been defined as a navigable stream, therefore, creating a situation where farmers would be breaking the law to farm the land that they farmed for many generations. Next is tax policy. We focused very heavily on passing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which helped cut taxes overall, but one thing that helped agriculture is the accelerated depreciation rule, which encouraged farmers to make a bigger investment. And, lastly, trade. We have had huge success on the trade front over the past couple of weeks here in Washington, and I applaud the Trump administration for their efforts to not only sign the USMCA, which is the new modern NAFTA deal that puts workers on a level playing field in America with workers in Mexico and Canada, but it also enhances agriculture opportunities. Also, the phase one trade deal that the President signed recently with China, this focuses on agriculture. It brings back those markets that we lost in agriculture because we were on the front lines of this trade war, and it also increases new markets for agriculture. I am very pleased with the achievements that have been made in agriculture, but I realize that our farmers are struggling and we have a lot more work to do. I pledge to continue to work with the Trump administration to see that our farmers are treated fairly and that we can continue to grow our Nation's most important industry: agriculture.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concern about the upturn of sanctuary cities across the United States and push for action to enhance public safety by further cracking down on illegal immigration. There should be consequences for not following the law. Local governments that choose not to enforce immigration laws recklessly put lives at risk. Senseless deaths occasionally result from crimes committed by criminal illegal aliens who take refuge in sanctuary cities. Action is needed to prevent more harm from cities refusing to cooperate with Federal immigration officials. Allowing cities to tie the hands of our brave law enforcement officers and ignore the law should not be tolerated. I am calling on Congress to strengthen the safety of our communities by passing legislation banning sanctuary cities. But while we continue to await action on this important issue, States are stepping up and making this a top priority. I want to commend the leaders in my home State of Kentucky who are taking proactive action to ban sanctuary cities and strengthen public safety. The leadership they are showing on this issue is an important step toward giving law enforcement more tools to go after major problems like drug trafficking and will benefit all Kentuckians. Delayed Transmission of Impeachment Articles

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my beloved Monroe County as we enter the 200th year of our county's rich and storied history. A small rural county in south central Kentucky, Monroe County is home to communities steeped in history and tradition. Whether you are from Tompkinsville, Gamaliel, or Fountain Run, you have a shared Monroe County identity. If you are a Monroe Countian, you more than likely enjoy our legendary barbecue and probably have countless stories to tell about our county's rich history, especially our political history. This Sunday, January 19, hundreds of us will gather to celebrate Monroe County's 200th birthday. As we meet at the Tompkinsville National Guard Armory for this proud occasion, I will be seeing many of the friendly faces that shaped my upbringing and remain good friends to this day. Monroe County holds a special place in my heart; and now, more than ever, I am proud to serve as a voice for our citizens right here in our Nation's Capitol. Taking a Stand Against Sanctuary Cities

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, as of today, it has been 4 weeks since House Democrats voted, in a historically partisan manner, to impeach President Donald Trump. In voting to silence the will of 63 million Americans, they made clear that they were not here to work for the American people but to carry out a personal vendetta. Even a few House Democrats realized that impeachment was not in the best interest of our country, joining Republicans to oppose this baseless crusade. But after their vote, Speaker Pelosi realized they had made a grave mistake. Their sham process and evidence-free case went against the wishes of the American people. Knowing their case was baseless, Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats sat on these articles for 1 month. After originally claiming that impeachment was an urgent crisis and insisting that President Trump was a threat to national security, Democrats sat on their hands and delayed a timely trial on their own shoddy work product. But the day has finally come where they are sending their weak case over to the Senate. I look forward to the day where Congress may finally move on from this partisan impeachment process that has wasted an amazing amount of time and resources and distracted from issues that matter most to the American people. While I am disappointed that we have reached this sad point in this congressional body, I look forward to seeing a more fair and responsible hearing in the Senate.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of the precious lives of Preston Cope and Bailey Holt, two victims of a tragic school shooting at Marshall County High School in Benton, Kentucky, 2 years ago. This tragic event devastated the Benton community and took two lives away from us far too soon. Preston and Bailey continue to be dearly missed by their families and the Marshall County community, which has shown incredible resilience in the face of trying circumstances. Preston Cope and Bailey Holt remain in our hearts and minds to this day.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the 2020 Census and to emphasize the importance of ensuring that rural America is accounted for. Our once-a-decade counting of all Americans is important for numerous reasons. Most importantly, census data provides us with a roadmap for allocating hundreds of billions of dollars annually in government services. These include investments in things like education, roads, and bridges, and other areas of importance to rural districts like mine. I appreciate the U.S. Census Bureau's efforts to streamline government duties by including an online response option this year. However, I am very concerned that rural areas like Kentucky's First Congressional District could get left behind. Unfortunately, nearly 30 percent of my district lacks internet access or lacks access to reliable connection. This high number is unacceptable and could have dire consequences, including ensuring that people I serve are accounted for. This startling lack of internet access in rural America is a call to action for Congress to step up to the plate. My office has worked tirelessly to address this issue, including funding critical programs in the 2018 farm bill. But we must do more to expand internet connectivity so that our voices will not be undercounted and left behind. Without action, small towns across Kentucky and our entire Nation risk being left behind in the upcoming census, an outcome that should be unacceptable to every member of this body.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reaffirm my strong support for the Second Amendment and stand up for the constitutional right for all Americans to keep and bear arms. At a time when efforts are underway across the country to restrict gun ownership, patriotic Americans are rising up in strong defense of the Second Amendment. This is especially true in my home State of Kentucky, where there is significant grassroots energy on the side of defending a right that our Founding Fathers considered to be of critical importance. Whether it be red flag laws or other proposals aimed at limiting access to firearms or ammunition, politicians across the country are seeking to roll back the basic rights of law-abiding Americans. As a member of the Congressional Second Amendment Caucus, I pledge to strongly oppose these proposals as well as any effort to infringe on the fundamental freedom of gun ownership.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, ever since President Trump struck a new, pro-American trade agreement with Canada and Mexico over a year ago, he has worked tirelessly with Members of both parties to get to the point of passing the USMCA through Congress. Make no mistake about it: The President's leadership on this issue has put us on the brink of this tremendous accomplishment. Today, we will pass a new trade deal that will create jobs, grow our economy, and help our farmers. Having strongly advocated for the passage of this deal, I am proud to express my strong support for USMCA and all the opportunities it will provide. Kentucky will strongly benefit from USMCA. Estimates show that our State, alone, will see over $260 million more in agriculture exports to Canada and Mexico. New trade markets, more stability for our farmers and manufacturers, and more accountability from our trading partners will help our people and grow our entire economy. As a farmer and Kentucky's former commissioner of agriculture, I know firsthand the need for our country to establish new markets for our farmers. I am proud to be a strong voice for the agriculture community and represent their interests in Washington. This is a great day for our farmers, for Kentucky, and for all of America.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, since the beginning of this impeachment inquiry, it has been extremely troubling to see the partisan, divisive way in which Democrats have carried out this entire process. I guess we shouldn't be surprised, though. They promised they would unseat this President since the day he took his oath of office. From the start, this has been a baseless attempt to undo the will of 63 million Americans who voted for President Trump. I can tell you the people I represent in Kentucky, the very people who voted for this President to enact change and fight for this country, are appalled at the charade they have seen in the House in recent months. They are appalled at the actions from House Democrats who have failed to even come close to proving their case. I hope all of my congressional colleagues carefully consider the precedent they are setting by voting in favor of this sham process and these illegitimate Articles of Impeachment. These articles were written and built on a report that was drafted with biased presumptions, cherry-picked witnesses, and vastly disputed facts. The President did not commit any impeachable offense, and it is clear for all of us to see through the now very well-known transcript. This rigged process sets a concerning precedent for impeachable offenses moving forward, and I wholeheartedly oppose these baseless Articles of Impeachment.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay special recognition to Tom Lund, of Marion County, Kentucky, for his remarkable career and outstanding contributions to the local community and beyond. This year marks his retirement and I want to congratulate him for many decades of success. After living and working in several areas across the country, Tom came to Marion County in 1992 to serve as Economic Development Director. His long-term vision for economic growth and his pragmatic approach to attracting industry led to a remarkable 27-year career in the Region. When Tom began his work in Marion County the area had only a few industries. Now, the community boasts over 34 industries and is considered the manufacturing center of Central Kentucky. His efforts have also led to greater ease of transportation and broader access to water resources and local industry. Once again, I want to congratulate Tom Lund on his notable career and recent retirement. I thank him for being an exceptional leader and advocate for economic opportunity in the 1st Congressional District of Kentucky.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special recognition to Ms. Iris Bartley from my hometown of Tompkinsville, Kentucky, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday. While many may begin slowing down when they reach this incredible milestone, that is not who Iris is. A mother of 4, grandmother of 14, great-grandmother of 30, and great-great-grandmother of 7, Iris can still be found weed-eating at her home and teaching Sunday school at my church, First Baptist in Tompkinsville, Kentucky. An accomplished musician, she is also known for her famous singing and guitar playing. After opening a beauty shop in her own home in the mid-1940s, Iris was a hairstylist in Tompkinsville until retiring at the young age of 92. Born and raised on a farm, she never forgot the values of hard work, faith, and family. She has always lived out those values while also instilling them in her children and their families. While I know she still has many good years left, I, nonetheless, wanted to take this time to honor Iris for reaching the century mark. I am honored to represent someone as respected as Iris, along with the rest of my constituents in the First Congressional District.