James Comer

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 4326) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1211 Towanda Avenue in Bloomington, Illinois, as the ``Sgt. Josh Rodgers Post Office'', and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Jim Paxton of the First District of Kentucky on his retirement from the Paducah Sun newspaper. Within the first year of his career, he quickly rose through the ranks to serve as the Paducah Sun's editor and publisher. As he and his brothers joined the generations of Paxton family members who have led and managed Paxton Media Group, they began to expand their operations into local television broadcasting with WPSD-TV and radio broadcasts, eventually owning and managing more than 35 daily and weekly newspapers throughout the Southeastern United States. The Paducah Sun's continued success is a testament to Jim's belief that local newspapers should focus on prominently featuring news from the community, while also striking the appropriate balance of State and national coverage. Throughout his career, Jim Paxton has established an outstanding legacy as a revered public servant and titan of western Kentucky media. He is widely respected for his pursuit of meaningful, insightful journalism, and I am thankful for his friendship and guidance throughout the years. As he begins the next phase of his life, I join with his family and friends, as well as those he has impacted during his career, to express our dedication and gratitude for his contributions to western Kentucky.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Committee on Financial Services, Committee on Agriculture, Committee on House Administration, and Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 6870) to rename the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act of 2012 in honor of Representative Louise McIntosh Slaughter, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 6591) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 501 South Kirkman Road in Orlando, Florida, as the ``Napoleon `Nap' Ford Post Office Building'', and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 6780) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7521 Paula Drive in Tampa, Florida, as the ``Major Andreas O'Keeffe Post Office Building'', and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 5792) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 90 North 4th Avenue in Brighton, Colorado, as the ``Deputy Sheriff Heath McDonald Gumm Post Office'', and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 5791) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 9609 South University Boulevard in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, as the ``Deputy Sheriff Zackari Spurlock Parrish, III, Post Office Building'', and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kristin Hill Taylor, who recently received recognition as a 2018 Angels in Adoption Honoree and whom I am honored to have with me in the gallery today. This is the second time I have had the privilege of nominating a deserving individual for their outstanding work in the adoption community. Kristin is a resident of Murray, Kentucky, along with her husband, Greg, and their three children they adopted as newborns--Cate in 2007, Ben in 2009, and Rachel in 2015. A compassionate adoptive mother, Kristin is an advocate for the adoption community and has created a great platform for sharing stories about adoption, family, and faith on her blog, kristinhilltaylor.com. She also self-published her family's story in a book entitled: ``Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family.'' Kristin's advocacy and platform for story sharing have helped grow and empower many members of the adoption community both near and far. We have an active adoption and foster community in the district of Kentucky which I represent, and I am proud to recognize adoptive families and individuals like Kristin who pave the way for countless folks in the adoption community. On behalf of the First District of Kentucky, I congratulate Kristin on all she does for children in need of loving homes and for families who want to grow through the adoption process.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mr. David Cameron Hopper of Russell County in the First District of Kentucky. Mr. Hopper recently celebrated his 90th birthday with a host of family and friends. Growing up in a household with nine other siblings, he learned the value of hard work and continued education. In 1948, Mr. Hopper enlisted in the Navy, serving four years during the Korean War aboard the U.S.S. Aggerholm. In 1955, he married Faye Smith and cared for her children, Pam Smith Adams and Gene Smith. He later graduated from the University of Kentucky's College of Engineering with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Together, he and Faye would attend yearly reunions with his shipmates, visiting a new destination during each trip. After graduating, he began working for McDonnell Aircraft in St. Louis, Missouri, where he helped complete a top-secret mission for the company. His family later learned he specialized in data analysis for the first manned space expedition, Project Mercury. During his tenure with the company, he also worked on the experimental F4H executive jet. In 1961, he served as an electrical engineer for the East Kentucky Power Cooperative, which supplied power to sixteen owner-member cooperatives throughout the Commonwealth. Shortly after he was hired, he assisted with purchasing the cooperative's first computer and wrote their payroll and consumer billing programs. His leadership in these areas compelled him to serve as a founding member of the East Kentucky Employees' Federal Credit Union and later served as the organization's President for thirteen years. Upon his retirement from East Kentucky Power in 1992, he had risen to the position of Transmission Division Director. Mr. David Cameron Hopper is a man of many interests, blessed with many talents. He could be described as a farmer, fixer of anything, electrician, entrepreneur, mechanic, fisherman, landlord, avid gardener and University of Kentucky fan, but his most treasured titles are those of a dedicated, generous, and proud father, grandfather, great- grandfather, brother, and uncle.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6316, the Small Business Advocacy Improvements Act of 2018. I am proud to be the sponsor of this bipartisan legislation. The Office of Advocacy at the United States Small Business Administration plays a vital role in ensuring Federal agencies take into account how their policies impact small businesses. While the Office of Advocacy has done excellent work on behalf of our Nation's small businesses, the current law is silent on whether it can research and advocate on behalf of small business on international matters. This is a problem that we can easily fix. Given the Office of Advocacy's knowledge and research on how regulations impact small businesses, it is appropriate for the office to advocate and research small business interests on international matters. This bill advances the Office of Advocacy's mission to advocate for America's small businesses and clarifies its authority on international small business issues. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important bipartisan bill.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Barren River Area Development District (BRADD) for their fifty years of service and dedication to the betterment of Western Kentucky communities. Since 1968, BRADD staff has assisted local economic leaders in securing federal funding for developing projects in each of the ten counties they serve, including five within the First Congressional District of Kentucky. I am grateful for every staff member who has committed themselves to promoting economic and community development. The combination of their entrepreneurial spirits and sustained dedication to public service has not only enhanced the lives of individuals in the region, but has spurred economic opportunities and growth throughout the Commonwealth. This significant milestone is a testament to their steadfast influence on the surrounding area and a recognition of their esteemed record of excellence. I join with those they have diligently served their fellow citizens throughout the last five decades and look forward to many more years of continued success from this outstanding organization.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mrs. June Lucille Dowell Rousey who is celebrating her 90th birthday today. A resident of Casey County in the First District of Kentucky, she grew up in a household where everyone was welcome around the table and where compassion and love of family were treasured values. Mrs. Rousey spent her childhood working in the family store where she learned the value of hard work and serving others. In March of 1947 she married Mr. Robert Rousey, a member of the U.S. Navy who would later become President of the Casey County Bank. Together they had three children--Barbara, Connie, and Barry--who brought them many joyous occasions and a lively extended family. She spent her time teaching Sunday School, serving as a 4-H leader, and a devoted homemaker and mother who viewed her home as a gathering place for all those who needed a loving presence. Mrs. Rousey also began to manage her parents' store--then Dowell's Furniture--which still operates in downtown Liberty under the supervision of her youngest son, Barry. Throughout her marriage to Robert she was a devoted and loving wife who steadfastly cared for her husband throughout his bouts of illnesses before his passing. Mrs. Rousey always enjoyed vacationing and being outdoors with her family, leading her and Robert to build a cabin at the old Rousey homeplace in Butchertown. Together they forged trails, collected and planted wildflowers, and created a family retreat which they shared with school groups, their church, and their fellow community members. This location continues to be a haven for gatherings and events where their loving legacy lives on. Mrs. Rousey stays active as a member of the Casey County Explorers Hiking Group and continues to travel internationally and domestically with tour groups. At the age of 80, she even rode in a hot air balloon. She is an active member of the First Christian Church, maintains her garden, continues to investigate health issues and keeps up with current events. She enjoys attending family events and stays busy with the many weddings, graduations, plays, and birthdays of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mrs. Rousey is a treasured member of the local community and I join with her family and friends to celebrate this milestone birthday. I hope the upcoming year is filled with family, friends, and many blessings for her.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Edmonton in the First Congressional District of Kentucky. The local community is holding a celebration the weekend of September 7th through 9th in the downtown area, which will highlight their shared heritage and reflect on the city's past. I appreciate the generations of local officials and citizens of Edmonton who have steadfastly devoted themselves to the betterment of others, as well as all those who have assisted with the planning of the event. This historic milestone is a culmination of their efforts and a testament to their collective pride for their beloved hometown. I look forward to continuing to work with local leaders and the residents of Edmonton to further the economic and industrial prosperity of Metcalfe County for generations to come, and I join with the city's current and former residents in honoring this tight-knit, culturally rich community.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Nick Ratliff, a native of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and a senior at Campbellsville University, who recently earned the title of individual champion at the 2018 Carhartt Bassmaster Classic College Series. The grueling competition at Milford Lake in Junction City, Kansas, tested Ratliff's endurance and fishing prowess, with only 4 ounces ultimately separating him from his competitor. After 3 days of challenges, and battling stormy conditions, Ratliff emerged the champion with a 13-pound, 8-ounce catch. Following this incredible victory, he has earned the right to compete at the 2019 Bassmaster Classic on the Tennessee River in March of 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. I join with his family and friends, as well as his coach, Pete Hedgepath, in congratulating him on this great accomplishment. I wish him the best of luck in his future competitions, and look forward to many more titles and championships as a result of his continued dedication to his sport.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Mr. John Call who passed away a year ago on September 3, 2017, at the age of 96. A resident of Cedar Creek, Mr. Call diligently managed his farming operation and retired from the Jim Beam Distillery. Throughout his career, he was not only a hard-working farmer, but a true patriot who rose beyond the call of duty. Serving in the United States Army during World War II in Alaska, he helped build the Alaska Highway, and served as a barber and member of the military police. Mr. Call's valiant service in the United States Army is evidence of his dedication to safeguarding our nation's freedoms and values and is worthy of our deepest respect and admiration. His patriotic spirit and dedication to his country were rivaled only by his fervent commitment to his family and his faith. A devoted member of the Cedar Creek Baptist Church, Mr. Call was an exemplary community servant who continually sought opportunities to better the lives of his fellow citizens. I join with his family and loved ones--including his wife, Iva Lee Call, his children, and his extended family--in celebrating his lifetime of accomplishments and recognizing his valiant service to our nation. His outstanding legacy of service and compassion lives on in each member of his family and in all those who knew him.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Virginia Staton DeRossett who will soon be celebrating her 95th birthday on November 1, 2018. A resident of Clinton County in the First District of Kentucky, Ms. DeRossett diligently served her country throughout her twenty-year tenure at the Pentagon. In addition to her civil service during World War II and the Korean war, her three brothers served in our nation's military, further solidifying her sense of duty. An exemplary community servant, Ms. DeRossett retired from the Pentagon in 1962 and is still an active, engaged member of the community who continually seeks opportunities to better the lives of her fellow citizens. Ms. DeRossett's patriotic spirit and dedication to her country are rivaled only by her fervent commitment to her family and her conservative ideology. I join with her family and loved ones--including her daughter and her extended family--in celebrating her lifetime of accomplishments and recognizing her valiant efforts to safeguard our nation's freedoms.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Magistrate Terry M. Hadley of Adair County in the First District of Kentucky upon his retirement from Duo County Telecom. Over the past 37 years, Terry has developed a well-deserved reputation as an expert technician and loyal employee throughout multiple changes in his company's ownership. He is known throughout his community of Columbia, Kentucky for having an excellent rapport with customers and colleagues alike, and his knowledge and experience made him the first choice for customers in need of assistance with their phone, cable, or internet service. After retirement, Terry Hadley plans to continue serving his community as a magistrate for Adair County, Kentucky. He also looks forward to spending time with his wife, Rita Hadley, and their children and grandchildren and pursuing his interest in collecting antiques, particularly antique cars. I join with Terry's family and friends, as well as all those he has helped during his career, to express our appreciation for his years of service to his community. I am honored to represent him and wish him well in his retirement.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, today the First District of Kentucky fondly reflects on the life of Mr. R.C. Riley of Benton, Kentucky. A community leader revered for his commitment to his industry, Mr. Riley served as an integral facet of business development and economic prosperity in Western Kentucky. Mr. Riley was instrumental in the founding, management and growth of Peel & Holland Financial Group, beginning his career in 1965 and serving the organization as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board. During his tenure, he was not only a distinguished industry leader known throughout the Commonwealth, but represented the region on national association boards and garnered the most prestigious nationwide accolades in the insurance industry. On behalf of all who knew him, I send my greatest sympathies to his family, including his two sons, Roy and Keith Riley through whom his legacy lives on. I join with his family and friends to celebrate his meaningful presence in the lives of everyone he touched and honor his outstanding legacy of selfless, compassionate service to others.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an inspiring group of middle school students from Heath Middle School and Calloway County Middle School. The First District of Kentucky was well represented at the Future Problem Solving Program International's 2018 conference at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Teams from these two schools competed against their peers from across the globe. Both teams placed in the top 10 internationally, with the team from Heath Middle School placing eighth and the all-girls team from Calloway County placing ninth. Throughout the conference, the students experienced new cultures, enjoyed trading keepsakes from around the world, and socialized with students from many countries and States. I am grateful for the efforts of all involved in helping these students achieve their goals and for encouraging them to pursue interactive, holistic learning to prepare themselves for the future. I join with their family, friends, and teachers to congratulate these exceptional students on their outstanding efforts and look forward to their continued contributions to the First District of Kentucky.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, today is a momentous occasion for the family of a beloved Clinton County, Kentucky native and American hero, First Lieutenant Garlin Murl Conner. First Lieutenant Conner enlisted in the Army on March 1, 1941 and was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. He served on the front lines of ten campaigns, was injured seven times, and received a battlefield commission. While recovering from a serious hip wound at a field hospital in France, First Lieutenant Conner voluntarily left the hospital to rejoin his unit as Germany launched the brutal Operation Northwind to challenge the advancing Allied forces in the final months of World War II. On January 24, 1945, First Lieutenant Conner ran ahead of the defending force--in the face of intense enemy fire--to attain a better position to call in artillery strikes on six hundred advancing enemy soldiers during a three-hour onslaught. At times, he even called in artillery on his own position. His bravery that day not only distinguished him as an intrepid, selfless patriot, but also saved the lives of his unit. In acknowledgment of First Lieutenant Conner's exceptional valor, President Donald J. Trump presented a posthumous Medal of Honor, our nation's highest military distinction, to his wife, Pauline Conner, in a ceremony at the White House today. The Medal of Honor commemorates the extraordinary sacrifice and bravery of American heroes like First Lieutenant Conner. Today, I join this Clinton County native's family and friends in celebrating his legacy and honoring his noble service to our nation.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, many Members have gathered in recent months to remind the American people about the great impact the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is having on individuals, families, and our economy. I join with them today to reiterate that reminder and reflect on the accomplishments of tax reform. We kept our promise to deliver on tax reform, and with new legislation in place, we are finally creating an environment that fosters growth in our job market, brings jobs back to the U.S., and supports companies that want to compete globally. Under the new tax law, the typical family of four in the First District of Kentucky will see an average tax cut of over $1,700. Some people look at these cuts as nothing more than crumbs, which is unfortunate. A resident of Scottsville, Kentucky, shared with me that she plans to use her crumbs, as some in Congress like to call it, to put toward remodeling her house, updating appliances, and even helping her daughter and son-in-law remodel their home. The new tax law lowers tax rates on American businesses to help grow jobs, increases wages, and promotes economic growth here at home. Until this legislation was passed, the United States had nearly the highest corporate tax rate in the world, making U.S. businesses uncompetitive, stunting economic growth, and sending jobs and profits overseas. Now many businesses across the U.S. are demonstrating how a lower tax rate helps boost business and the workforce. One story of success from my district comes from Casey Jones Distillery in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Miss Peg Jones, who works at the distillery, stated that they have already made plans to reinvest in the distillery for new space, employees, production, and barreling. This is all made possible by craft beverage modernization provisions in the tax bill which reduce taxes across the board, especially for small distilleries like Casey Jones. Computer Services, Inc., or CSI, out of Paducah, Kentucky, which provides financial technology solutions, has acknowledged the positive effects of a reduced corporate tax rate, which has allowed them to reinvest in their employees in the form of bonuses and contributions to retirement plans. The changes we have made to the Tax Code incentivize businesses to invest in new equipment and facilities. This is good news for businesses and communities throughout my district and across the Nation. An employer in my district shared with me how the new 100 percent expensing provision has helped their customers afford more of the products they sell, which has, in turn, boosted their business. Each time I return to my district, I hear about the different ways families and businesses are utilizing savings from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Delivering on these reforms was long overdue, but the tax reform is truly working for the American people. After more than 30 years, Americans are finally able to reap the benefits of a simplified Tax Code that cuts middle class taxes and supports expanding businesses. I am thrilled to see the continued success of tax reform and am eager to see more lasting changes that will strengthen our workforce and economy.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1709, the Small Business Development Centers Improvement Act of 2018, expands support for entrepreneurs by modernizing the statute governing the Small Business Administration's Small Business Development Centers program. Small Business Development Centers, or SBDCs, provide entrepreneurs and small-business owners with business counseling and training at roughly 1,000 locations throughout the country. These centers, spanning rural and urban areas alike, have had an immense impact on the American economy. As a result of SBDC training, a new job is created every 5\1/2\ minutes, a new business is created every 30 minutes, and $100,000 in sales is generated every 8.2 minutes. The SBDC program is providing small-business owners and entrepreneurs with the resources they need to be successful. H.R. 1702 further expands support for entrepreneurs by ensuring that the SBA focuses its resources and attention on congressionally authorized entrepreneurial development programs, such as SBDCs. This provision will promote operational efficiency within these programs, to the benefit of both small-business owners and taxpayers. Additionally, this legislation allows SBDCs to market or advertise their business counseling and training programs. This will increase the impact of SBDCs by ensuring that entrepreneurs and small-business owners are aware of the resources available to them. Finally, H.R. 1702 includes minor programmatic updates, including confidentiality requirements and data collection requirements that allow for the continued integrity of the SBDC program overall. Small business development centers serve an important purpose in furthering entrepreneurship and business creation throughout the United States. H.R. 1702 allows SBDCs to continue to fulfill this purpose. I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in celebration of a lifelong friend and neighbor, Mrs. Dora Duncan Gillenwater Bartley of my hometown of Tompkinsville, in the First District of Kentucky, who is celebrating her 100th birthday today. Dora Bartley's dedication to serving others rivals only her love for her husband, James Dale Bartley, and their seven children. Known throughout Monroe County for her abundant compassion and unwavering work ethic, she has not only cared for her family, but also welcomed abused and orphaned women and children into her home and treated them as her own. Throughout her life, she has been guided by her steadfast commitment to her faith and has worked tirelessly for the benefit of others, not only during her service as deputy jailer, but even after her retirement through her involvement in distributing commodities and serving her fellow senior citizens. I am deeply thankful for her friendship and guidance throughout my life, and I am honored to join with her friends and family, as well as all who have benefited from her generous spirit, in celebrating this milestone achievement. I wish Dora Bartley a happy 100th birthday and many more joyful years filled with blessings.