James Comer

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend, Cumberland County Judge Executive John Phelps, for his recent selection to serve as president of the Kentucky County Judge/Executive Association. This prestigious organization serves as the unified voice for county judge executives in all of Kentucky's 120 unique counties. Judge Phelps will do good work in this role to promote the improvements of county governments all across Kentucky. In Kentucky, we are fortunate to have strong leaders in our courthouses and city halls, many of whom serve cities and counties in the First Congressional District. These include leaders like Judge Phelps, whose exceptional service and commitment to addressing the needs of local government stand out. I am excited to see him get started in this important job and know that he will be a strong advocate for the many needs of county governments. His service will benefit not only Cumberland County and south central Kentucky, but also the Commonwealth of Kentucky as a whole. I am honored to recognize Judge John Phelps, whose distinguished record of service in Cumberland County and his many private-sector accomplishments in the real estate business will serve him well in this new role.

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend President Trump for the recent bipartisan deal with Congress to replace NAFTA with a new and significantly improved free trade agreement, the USMCA. This deal will create jobs, boost our agriculture exports, and grow the economy in Kentucky. It is good for our farmers and manufacturers, and it will benefit all Americans. The USMCA also encourages innovation, opens new markets for our farmers, and strengthens enforcement and accountability with our trading partners in the global economy. Unfortunately, it took far too long for Speaker Pelosi and the House Democrats to come to the table and move toward action on an important priority to the American people. Their excessive, unfounded focus on impeaching the President has created months of needless delay on a vote on the USMCA, a vote we continue to await. However, it is good news that a deal has finally been reached. It is one that will provide our economy with increased stability and confidence. But now that we finally have an agreement on a deal negotiated by the President over a year ago, Democratic leadership must act quickly and bring the USMCA to the floor for a vote. My constituents and all Americans deserve no less than a government that works for them rather than one that plays political games with our economy. The need for a modern agreement with our major trading partners has been neglected for long enough. We must now do our duty and take a vote on the USMCA, which will help us remain competitive in the 21st century economy. Recognizing Cumberland County Judge Executive John Phelps

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in special recognition of my lifelong friends, Drs. Lynn and Sam Cofield of Trigg County, Kentucky, for their remarkable careers and outstanding contributions to their local community and beyond. This year marks their retirement, and I want to congratulate Lynn and Sam for many decades of success. Lynn and Sam met while attending veterinary school at Auburn University. They married in 1984 and bought the Trigg County Veterinary Clinic located in Cadiz, Kentucky. While practicing veterinary medicine, they also managed a 160-acre farm they called Riverview West. They raised a herd of purebred Charolais cattle and quickly rose to prominence among the cattle industry. Producing and exhibiting Charolais cattle became passions for Lynn and Sam, who continued to expand their influence in the agriculture community. From 1986 to 1991 Lynn served as Kentucky Junior Charolais Association adviser where I was one of her many students who traveled the livestock show circuit with the Cofield family. Lynn was also active in many organizations over the years ranging from 4-H and FFA to the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association. Sam served on the Farm Bureau Board of Directors and the Trigg County Health Department Board. Both Lynn and Sam supplied the Trigg County community with high-quality, honest veterinary medicine until 2019. Their clinic sold in February, and in October they began a hard-earned and much-deserved retirement. In the words of those who know them best, the Cofields are staples in Trigg County and the surrounding communities. Countless families can tell stories of how the Cofields cared for their pets and livestock from beginning to end. The Cofields let no obstacle prevent them from providing top-notch medical care. Whether in the wee hours of the morning or in the pouring rain, the Cofields were there ready to lend a hand. Once again, I want to congratulate Drs. Lynn and Sam Cofield on their notable careers and recent retirement. I thank them both for being exceptional leaders in the First Congressional District of Kentucky. Honoring the Work of the Kentucky Magistrates and Commissioners Association

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the work of the Kentucky Magistrates and Commissioners Association headquartered in Frankfort, Kentucky. On October 30, 2019, the Association provided over 500 new pairs of shoes to Monroe County schools. The shoes were delivered to my hometown and my former school Tompkinsville Elementary. I am deeply grateful to the elected magistrates and commissioners who made this donation on behalf of the KMCA. Their actions represent the best of the Commonwealth and make me proud to represent one of its six congressional districts. I want to particularly thank several members of the KMCA from the Monroe County Fiscal Court: Magistrates Jamie Veach, Roger Deckard, Ricky Bartley, Ricky Graves, and Mark Williams, in addition to county judge, Mitchell Page. I also want to thank my good friend, J.C. Young, executive director of the Kentucky Magistrates and Commissioners Association for spearheading the effort. No child should worry that they might leave the house without adequate footwear, and because of the actions of the Kentucky Magistrates and Commissioners Association, Monroe County's most vulnerable are better off today than they were only a few short weeks ago. Mr. Speaker, once again, I thank the KMCA for choosing Monroe County and for the time and energy they sacrificed to improve the everyday lives of dozens of schoolchildren. Their efforts are applauded in Kentucky's First Congressional District.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate Mr. Steve Kelley of Carlisle County, Kentucky, for being named the 2019 Kentucky Farm Bureau Farmer of the Year. It is with great pride that I can say this is the fourth year in a row that a farmer in Kentucky's First Congressional District has been recognized as Kentucky Farmer of the Year. After receiving his bachelors and masters degrees in agriculture from Murray State University, Steve embarked on a decades-long career farming over 2,500 acres in Carlisle County. His solar farm, as well as his grain, livestock, and timber operations, sets Steve apart and highlights the ambitious future he sees for agriculture in the Commonwealth. He believes that it is his purpose to ``leave his farmland in better condition than when he received it.'' I am honored to congratulate the 2019 Kentucky Farmer of the Year, Mr. Steve Kelley, and his family on his unwavering work ethic, dedication to the Carlisle County Farm Bureau, and outstanding role in the agriculture community.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the city of Murray, Kentucky, home of Murray State University, for its recent distinction as one of the top 50 safest college towns in America. Murray is a beacon of educational excellence and is an invaluable asset to the First Congressional District of Kentucky. Through analysis of violent crime rates across the Nation, SafeWise, a safety-focused consumer research firm, found that Murray exhibited exceptionally low crime rates. This finding further highlights an already notable community in my district. I applaud the work Murray has done to achieve this recognition and commend Murray State University on the collegial environment it has developed for its more than 8,000 students. When students come to Murray State, they not only join the academic community, but they also become citizens of the entire Murray family. Once again, I congratulate the residents and leaders of Murray on this award and urge them to continue their tradition of excellence.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week. I am proud the Trump administration has, once again, placed an emphasis on these crucial skills development and employee advancement programs. The Department of Labor has continually recognized the importance of apprenticeships to the future of work in our Nation and, for the fifth year in a row, dedicated a week to highlighting the need for expanded access to these educational and career opportunities. It is essential we increase awareness of the benefits of these crucial programs which link our education system with our workforce development initiatives. As I travel throughout Kentucky's First Congressional District, I hear from employers of all sizes and industries that say they are unsatisfied with recent graduates' credentials and they are lacking workers with the skills necessary to perform the duties of their job. As a new member to the Committee on Education and Labor this Congress, I am proud of the bipartisan pieces of legislation we have advanced and look forward to future opportunities to support employers, provide skills development for those already employed, and enhance the jobs and generations of the future.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Necco Foster Care of Kentucky, an organization with offices across Kentucky's First Congressional District and the Commonwealth. Necco works tirelessly to place thousands of children with supportive and caring families. With foster parents from all walks of life and a variety of backgrounds, the organization ensures that each child is matched with a loving, stable, and comfortable home. The organization was recently recognized as a 2019 Angels in Adoption honoree. Necco offers supportive community living for young adults and intensive home-based treatment for families. Through programs like these, Necco shows itself to be a diligent, compassionate guiding hand to society's most vulnerable. The staff at Necco helps children in both rural and urban settings as well as those in the juvenile justice population. By providing these services, Necco is improving the lives of those most in need while also setting the foundation for a brighter future for coming generations of Kentuckians. On behalf of my constituents, I congratulate Necco and its staff in their efforts to make the dream of a family a reality for many children in need. Congratulating Dean Owen for Being Awarded the HIRE Vets Medallion Award

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to applaud my friend, Mr. Dean Owen, for being awarded and recognized last week by the Department of Labor's HIRE Vets Medallion Awards Program. This program focuses on bringing our Nation's veterans back to the workforce and equipping them with the skills they need to excel at home after serving our country across the world. As a resident and business owner in the First Congressional District of Kentucky, Dean Owen has gone above and beyond to invest in recruiting, employing, and retaining our Nation's finest through his professional accountant services firm in Paducah, my district's largest city. The rigorous criteria by which a HIRE Vets Medallion is earned speaks to the remarkable dedication Dean regularly displays in his mission to advance veteran careers. I want to thank Dean once again for being a valuable, caring, and ambitious figure in my district. With constituents like Dean, there is no question as to why I am proud to stand here today and represent the First Congressional District of Kentucky. Conduct the Business of the People

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, this must be a proud day for many Washington Democrats: the beginning of their quest to impeach our duly-elected President of the United States, with wall-to-wall coverage from all the major media networks of this circus of an event. But I, again, rise today to implore the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, to conduct the business of the people. The people of America elected all 435 of us to do the things that they expect Congress to do--real business, not theater. And the business that the people expect us to do, of the utmost importance today, would be to ratify the USMCA and to take up the demand to try to have some type of prescription drug reform legislation passed before the end of the year. But, instead of doing these two most essential acts that Congress should be taking up to represent the people of America, we have, instead, the majority party conducting baseless impeachment hearings. I conclude again by calling on Nancy Pelosi and the majority party to do the things the American people actually want Congress to do.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to reiterate my support for the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement, a commonsense deal that supports farmers and workers. However, USMCA sits unratified even as President Trump, Mexico, and Canada signed the agreement over a year ago. Each day that the USMCA is not ratified, we are losing out on valuable jobs and opportunities. Speaker Pelosi must get serious about bringing this legislation to a vote in Congress. My Republican colleagues and I are ready to vote on the deal, but House Democrats setting their sights on the baseless impeachment of the President choose to neglect important opportunities like this. I just voted against an impeachment resolution against the President when I should be voting on issues like USMCA. I implore Speaker Pelosi to bring USMCA for a vote so we can finally deliver for American farmers and manufacturers. Let's get back to what we promised the American people we would do. I hope that my colleagues across the aisle can agree that expanding access to markets, remaining competitive, and growing our economy is what is best for Americans instead of engaging in political shams that do nothing to move this country forward.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, today's life expectancy rate in our Nation is at a historic high, and that is great news. It also means we need to be doing all we can to ensure that Americans have access to quality, timely services which allow them to live independently in their homes as long as possible. Since 1965, the Older Americans Act, or OAA, has governed the organization and delivery of services for senior citizens throughout the country. With more than 41 million Americans aged 65 and older, the social and nutritional programs offered by OAA are critical to helping them maintain independence. The reach of this law is substantial and covers many aspects of elder care. In addition to well-known programs like Meals on Wheels, OAA supports services provided by more than 300 State organizations and approximately 20,000 local providers. Some of these services include: Nutrition programs providing meals at senior centers, schools and churches; care to prevent the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of seniors; family caregiver support systems; and community service employment opportunities for older Americans. These types of programs offer valuable assistance for America's seniors, and we must ensure the law is aging as well as the people it serves. I am proud that our committee has worked together to produce bipartisan, effective legislation to support our Nation's seniors. Specifically, the Dignity in Aging Act we are considering today eliminates the arbitrary cap on the percentage of funding Area Agencies on Aging can use to provide services to older caregivers raising younger relatives. These provisions will be especially beneficial for my constituents in Kentucky where, in the midst of the opioid crisis, many older relatives have taken on the responsibilities of raising children whose parents are not present or unable to take care of them. As an original cosponsor of this legislation, and the ranking member of the subcommittee of jurisdiction, I appreciate the work of Chairwoman Bonamici, and my colleagues on the Committee on Education and Labor to advance the Dignity in Aging Act of 2019. I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation to build upon the flexible policies found in the Older Americans Act to promote consumer-driven, independent living for our Nation's elderly population.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to strongly condemn the unfair, closed-door, hyperpartisan, impeachment inquiry process being conducted by House Democrats. Nothing, not even the cold, hard facts, will stop the partisan politics of my colleagues on the left from nullifying the 2016 election. One of Speaker Pelosi's committee chairs who she chose to lead this process promised years ago that she would find a way to impeach the President. This has been the plan from the beginning. Certain minority rights have been denied to Republicans during this process, like equal subpoena power, a right that Republicans provided Democrats during the Clinton impeachment. Chairman Schiff started this trend of dishonesty by promoting false allegations related to the President and Russia. Now, he has publicly mischaracterized his committee's handling of the whistleblower inquiry and deceived the American people about his relationship with the whistleblower. Democrats still refuse to hold a full House vote on their impeachment inquiry, yet they continue this baseless impeachment inquiry of President Trump instead of tackling the issues most important to our citizens. I urge the American people to take a hard look at the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding this unfounded impeachment inquiry.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, this week is National School Lunch Week. I rise today to recognize the importance of school lunch programs in our Nation, which provide low-cost or free lunches to more than 29 million children in nearly 100,000 public and residential child care institutions across the country. I have great appreciation for all the hard work the school nutrition service industry provides to ensure our children are fed nutritious meals. As the former commissioner of agriculture in Kentucky, I understand the importance of child nutrition programs. Quality food service at school should be the least of a child's worries as they are navigating the school environment and engaging in new learning opportunities. The health and well-being of our Nation's children is something all congressional Members can adamantly support. This is a main priority of mine as the representative of several rural, underserved communities in Kentucky's First Congressional District. As a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor, finding solutions to better serve our Nation's children is a goal we are constantly striving to build upon. I look forward to continuing to support important programs proven to serve and aid our Nation's children.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the remarkable life led by my friend and former pastor, Dr. Wyman Copass. Wyman passed away on Friday, October 4, having lived an extraordinary life of 80 years. Wyman will live on in the memories of all who have had the privilege to know him. For me, his influence lives on in the memory of his role in my salvation. As a graduate of Campbellsville University and Luther Rice Seminary, Dr. Copass oversaw a ministry spanning not only the Commonwealth of Kentucky, but also the breadth of the Nation. While he enjoyed golfing, cooking, and gardening, his greatest passion was his family, whose love and devotion he cherished and returned in kind. His wife of 62 years, Glenda; his daughter, Susan; and his son, Chris; as well as his five grandchildren undoubtedly consider themselves lucky to have had such an emblematic figure in their lives, just as I do. Dr. Wyman Copass was a force for good in the First Congressional District of Kentucky, and his example and vision will be missed.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Simpson County Historical Society and its long-reaching influence on Simpson County and the surrounding communities. Since its founding in 1959, Simpson County Historical Society has been a valuable asset to the First District of Kentucky. Through the collection and preservation of historical property and genealogical records, the society has been able to maintain an extensive archive for the benefit of future generations. I applaud the work the society has done over the last 60 years, and I am pleased to say that, as of Thursday, September 12, they will have expanded to a newer, larger facility enabling them to increase their research capabilities and broaden their effect on local education and cultural development. I join with the residents of Simpson County and the local community, as well as those who have benefited from the work of the Simpson County Historical Society, in honoring their incredible dedication to the preservation and promotion of history. I wish the historical society the best as they begin a new phase of their own history and express my gratitude for their service to the First District of Kentucky.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize the life and legacy of Mrs. Marlyn Shreve of Taylor County. For many years Mrs. Shreve was an integral part of her community and showcased her dedication to serving others. On behalf of the First District of Kentucky, it is my privilege to honor her memory and service to her community today. Mrs. Shreve's extensive community involvement was demonstrated through her exemplary work on notable boards and clubs in Campbellsville, KY. She was an active member of the Taylor County Republican Women's Club since 1971, serving as President twice. The second time she served as President began in 1999, making her the club's longest serving club president. She also held the offices of Treasurer, Vice President and Vice Chair throughout her 49-year club tenure. A true pioneer, Mrs. Shreve was the first woman elected to her local Board of Education which she served on for a total of eight years. In addition to her community involvement, Mrs. Shreve had an extensive career from adulthood to retirement working as a machine operator at the Fruit of the Loom. Her life in the church also served as an inspiration to others. As an active member at Green River Memorial Baptist Church, Mrs. Shreve emphasized the important work of women's mission groups within the Church. Mrs. Shreve's 52-year marriage to Kenneth Shreve is a the testament to their steadfast love, and her outstanding legacy will undoubtedly live on with her husband Kenneth, their two children, six grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Again, I am very grateful to have the opportunity to recognize Mrs. Shreve's tireless service to her community, church, and family and to honor her many outstanding lifelong accomplishment.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Meadows).

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. Armstrong).

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gohmert).

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, I think that just about everyone who spoke on our side of the aisle made the factual points that this is not necessary. This resolution is an ongoing attempt by the majority party to try to do anything they can to disrupt the Presidency of our President of the United States. Every country, just about, in the world asks the citizenship question. Mexico and Canada ask the citizenship question. In fact, the United Nations recommends that countries ask the citizenship question. I don't for the life of me know why we would resort to this type of action in this body, especially after what happened yesterday. I wonder, Madam Speaker, is this an attempt to try to move the direction of the American people from their frustration at the lack of achievement by the majority party from a legislative standpoint to try to somehow enrage their anger at the President? This is unnecessary. This is more political theater, and I urge the Members of this fine body to oppose this resolution. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I rise in opposition. Madam Speaker, we are here today debating a premature and ill-advised resolution to hold Attorney General William Barr and Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross in contempt of Congress. In the eyes of the Democratic majority, their crime is not cooperating enough with the Democrats' investigation into the reinstatement of the citizenship question on the 2020 Census. First, this contempt citation is a misuse of one of the most powerful tools available to this body. Second, the idea that the Trump administration is stonewalling this investigation or even, in Chairman Cummings' words, engaged in a coverup from the top, is simply wrong. The bottom line is, the Department of Justice and the Department of Commerce are cooperating with the committee's investigation into the reinstitution of the citizenship question on the 2020 Census. The administration has produced a total of 31,000 pages of documents to the committee, 14,000 pages from the Commerce Department and 17,000 pages from the Justice Department. The committee had heard testimony from six witnesses, with more interviews expected this month. Secretary Ross himself testified for over 6 hours about his decision to reinstate the citizenship question on the Census. The real issue we should be debating is why the Democrats are afraid to ask how many citizens are in the United States of America. Let's remember, just 1 month ago, the Supreme Court ruled that asking a citizenship question on the Census is constitutional. Since the Supreme Court ruling, the President has said a citizenship question will not appear on the 2020 Census. To put away all doubt about asking a citizenship question on the Census and all future Censuses, I introduced a bill last night to add a citizenship question to the 2020 Census. My bill is intended to put away all doubt about asking a citizenship question on this and future Censuses. If the Democrats can't impeach President Trump, they will, instead, hold his Cabinet in contempt of Congress. This is just another episode in political theater. This exercise is not a responsible use of the contempt authority. This is just another attempt for the Democrats to delegitimize the efforts to accurately count the number of United States citizens in the United States, something that should not be controversial. This is all part of the same game plan to manufacture controversy around anything associated with the Trump administration. These are the sort of abusive tactics that we should reject. These are the sort of tactics that give Congress a bad reputation. We should be better than this. Madam Speaker, I urge all Members of the House to vote against moving this partisan contempt legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Keller).

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Murray-Calloway Chamber of Commerce for their designation as the 2019 National Chamber of the Year. This national honor was awarded at the ACCE National Convention in Long Beach, California, on July 15. This is the second win for the Murray-Calloway County Chamber, the first being in 2012. The National Chamber of the Year Award recognizes the area's business leaders whose community contributions are unparalleled. ACCE only invites a limited number of the chambers to apply, and the application process considers the chambers' structure, finances, member engagement, services, and programs upon honoring a chamber. The chamber's efforts have benefited not only the Murray-Calloway County area, but positively impacted communities throughout western Kentucky. I would like to thank President Michelle Bundren and Board Chair LaCosta Beane-Hays, as well as the directors, staff, and chamber members for their unwavering dedication to the betterment of local industry. I look forward to future accomplishments of the chamber and am proud to represent the thriving business leaders in Murray and Calloway County, Kentucky.