Joe Cunningham

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to bring attention to the Land and Water Conservation Fund, otherwise known as the LWCF. Families across the Lowcountry are turning to green spaces to cope during this pandemic, and it is clear that we need more parks and trails where folks can get outside with social distancing. That is what LWCF does for communities. Our region relies on tourism and outdoor recreation, sectors that are taking a major hit these days. That is why I am standing with the businesses that make up the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable in calling on Congress to pass the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act to fully fund LWCF and restore our parks. Whether it is our seafood, our beaches, the opportunities to hunt and fish, access to nature is one reason the Lowcountry is so special. Let's keep it that way by investing in conservation that supports our health and our economy.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Change of Command of Colonel Terrence A. Adams, whose presence will be greatly missed in the Lowcountry. Before joining the Air Force, Colonel Adams began his military career in the U.S. Army, where he served for seven years. He entered the Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program after graduating from Auburn University with a degree in Computer Information Systems. In addition to his degree from Auburn, he holds a Master of Business Administration from Troy State University, a Master of Arts in Military Operational Art and Science from the Air Command and Staff College, and a Master of Arts in National Security Strategy from the National War College. Since his first assignment in the Air Force as team for an ACC Computer System Squadron, he has built a remarkable record of leadership, holding squadron and group level command six times. His service includes deployments to Oman, Iraq, and Qatar in support of Operations Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn, as well as the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa. Throughout this service, Colonel Adams earned numerous distinguished awards, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. Though his tour as Commander of the 628th Air Wing and Joint Base Charleston has ended, Colonel Adams will long be remembered for his lasting contributions to our community. He established the Lowcountry Defense Community Partnership Council, a civilian-military program intended to strengthen the relationship between the Lowcountry civilian community and the base. He oversaw the base's response to Hurricane Dorian, Hurricane Florence, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. And he was also honored with the Military Service Award at the Black Engineer of the Year STEM Global Competitiveness Conference for his work to inspire students to work in cyber, STEM, or aviation and build pipelines for them to succeed. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Colonel Adams for his accomplishments as Commander of Joint Base Charleston. On behalf of my constituents in the Lowcountry, I thank him for his service to our community.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, today I will vote to extend a lifeline to small businesses, shore up our hospitals, and expand testing so we can reopen our economy, but it is unacceptable that it has taken this long. Supporting hospitals and small businesses is not partisan, but, again, politics is obstructing policy. This bill fails to ensure relief goes only to small businesses that need it most instead of large corporations, nor does it help States respond to this unprecedented crisis. We cannot wait until the next disaster forces both sides to the table. Our constituents deserve more from their Representatives. Let's come together and get our country back to work.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who has held many titles throughout his life; scholar athlete, Howard University graduate, U.S. Army officer, decorated Vietnam veteran, professor, attorney, pastor, and--for fifteen years--inmate. John C. Dortch was born in Beaufort, South Carolina, the son of a Baptist minister. He was a gifted musician at a young age, an impressive student athlete, and a distinguished Military Graduate from Howard University who volunteered to serve in Vietnam at the age of 22. After returning home from war, a series of bad decisions led John to participate in a bank robbery where a police officer was killed. John took full responsibility of his past, enrolling in law school after he was released from prison and leading programs for first-time juvenile offenders and anti-violence initiatives. John turned his biggest regret into a mission of servitude, founding the Circle of Hope Ministries for the homeless in the Lowcountry. Every day he asks himself, ``Did I help someone today?'' John's life of service is a testament to the truth that every person is more than the worst thing they have done. It is an honor to know him.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment, which would make crystal clear that our men and women in uniform can continue to use the areas affected by this bill to conduct the training that they need to keep us safe. The underlying bill would designate over a million acres of federally owned land as new or potential wilderness, safeguarding these important natural resources for Americans to enjoy for generations. But these lands not only provide us with our outdoor recreation opportunities; they also serve as an important training ground for our Armed Forces as they prepare to defend our country overseas. My bipartisan, commonsense amendment would ensure that our military aviators can continue to fly training missions and traverse the more than 1.3 million acres of wilderness designated by this act. Now, this is critical because some areas affected by this bill are currently used by servicemembers at the High-Altitude Army National Guard Aviation Training Site, which is represented by my colleague, Congressman Tipton, who joined me in offering this amendment. This facility is the only place military helicopter pilots can learn the advanced power management skills needed to safely operate thousands of feet above sea level. Given the mountainous regions our troops presently operate in overseas, both in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is critically important that these training operations continue uninterrupted. Our public lands management agencies have a long history of working with our military leaders. When it comes to protecting our public lands, this amendment shows that conservation and national security can go hand in hand. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting our amendment, ensuring that our servicemembers can continue to utilize America's diverse natural resources to prepare to fight and win in any environment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chair, in closing, I want to thank my friend from Colorado, Mr. Tipton, for joining me in offering this bipartisan amendment. Mr. Chair, I also want to thank Chairman Grijalva and my colleagues on the Natural Resources Committee for their work on this important legislation. I hope that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will join me in supporting this amendment, which will make clear that our military can continue to utilize the airspace above these newly designated wilderness areas. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Rachel Crane Mather, the founder of Beaufort's Mather School. Rachel Mather moved to the Lowcountry in 1867 after the Civil War. She was a woman of faith and an educator. Mather hit the ground running as soon as she got to Beaufort and within a year, she opened her own institution. Her hopes and dreams came to life by serving others. The book of Matthew, Chapter 11, verse 28 reads ``Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.'' Led by faith and perseverance, Mather taught the weary and gave them food, housing, and rest during the southern Reconstruction Era. The Mather School was a sanctuary for the young women in the Lowcountry and produced over a century of superior education in Rachel's name. As the matriarch of this institution, we honor the culture and legacy she has left today.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, for far too long, we have failed to serve veterans struggling with the invisible wounds of war, veterans who nearly gave everything to us. From veterans who served in Vietnam and Korea to those who have recently returned home from Afghanistan and Iraq, Congress has done too little to curb the often-devastating effect post-traumatic stress can have in the lives of the brave men and women who served our Nation in combat. That is why I am proud today to rise in support of my colleague Representative Steve Stivers' bipartisan bill, which will help veterans in the Lowcountry and across this Nation manage the symptoms of post-traumatic stress by pairing them with trained service dogs. With the help of a service dog, many veterans with severe post- traumatic stress are able to return to work, attend college, and spend more meaningful time with their families and their loved ones. The brave men and women who voluntarily raised their right hands and swore an oath to defend our Nation deserve nothing less than the opportunity to succeed when they return home. The PAWS Act is a critical step in the right direction. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this bipartisan legislation.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I am proud to rise today to congratulate Charleston's very own Ranky Tanky for winning a Grammy for Best Regional Roots Music Album. Ranky Tanky was formed in 2016, made their Lowcountry debut in April 2017, and have since issued two albums and toured the world. Despite touring the world and going around the U.S. and playing, they have never forgotten their hometown of Charleston and their Lowcountry roots. The Gullah culture is a vital part of the Lowcountry and our history. It is in the food we eat and the music we love. Ranky Tanky has shared Gullah tradition with the entire world, and for that, we owe them a debt of gratitude. Congrats to Quentin, Kevin, Quiana, Clay, and Charlton. I am sure that this journey feels like it has been a fairytale, but I assure them that they are just getting started.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, on January 13, 2020, I was absent from the House chamber. Accordingly, I was unable to vote on two legislative measures on the floor. Had I been present and voting, I would have voted as follows: Aye on Roll Call No. 14: H.R. 4335, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, 8-K Trading Gap Act of 2019, and Aye on Roll Call No. 15: H.R. 2398, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, Veteran HOUSE Act of 2020.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Ron Voegeli. He passed away on January 1. Ron was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and Christian. He touched countless lives during his 30 years as a member of the Disabled American Veterans, raising thousands of dollars to purchase vans to take vets to and from the VA, expanding the Beaufort National Cemetery, and spending hours each week helping veterans fill out disability paperwork. If a Lowcountry vet passed away without family to attend the funeral, Ron became their family. He often rallied hundreds of others to attend the burial or perform the ceremony himself. He believed that no veteran who sacrificed for their country should be laid to rest alone. When we die, we all hope to hear: ``Well done, good and faithful servant . . . Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.'' That is how Ron lived his life, and that is what he deserves.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, today, I am proud to rise in support of USMCA. As the Representative of South Carolina's Lowcountry, which is home to the Port of Charleston, Volvo, Bosch, JW Aluminum, Becton Dickinson, and countless other manufacturers, I know just how important market stability and trade certainty is to my constituents. I promised the people of the Lowcountry I would come to Washington to work with Democrats and Republicans in Congress, the White House, and anyone else necessary to find bipartisan, commonsense solutions to issues impacting our district. Passage of USMCA is a major step in that direction. Nearly 30,000 jobs in our district are supported by trade with Mexico and Canada. This agreement is absolutely critical to maintaining good- paying jobs and economic growth in the Lowcountry. I urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support passage of the USMCA to bolster America's economy, support workers, and protect the environment.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment to ensure that the VA and the veterans that it serves are able to take advantage of lower drug prices made possible by H.R. 3. I am proud to support the underlying bill, which will result in lower drug prices for millions of Americans, but we cannot forget those who have sacrificed so much for our country. Veterans have earned our support, and they should never have to compromise on healthcare. H.R. 3 will establish a fair price negotiation program which will enable the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate with drug companies and obtain a fair price for Medicare recipients as well as the privately insured. My amendment would simply allow the VA to purchase drugs at the same price if it is lower than what they would otherwise pay on their own. Put simply, everyone deserves to pay a fair price for their lifesaving medication. This is not just about fiscal responsibility. It is about moral responsibility. The hard-earned tax dollars Americans are willing to put toward caring for their veterans should be spent on veterans, not on lining the pockets of drug companies. The Lowcountry is home to over 80,000 veterans, and I want them to know that when they seek VA care, they are receiving the best care at the best price. I, for one, refuse to allow Big Pharma to profit off our veterans. I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in ensuring our veterans have access to the lowest possible drug prices. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleagues on the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and Education and Labor for their work on this historic piece of legislation, which will save lives. I also thank Chairman McGovern and my colleagues on the Rules Committee for ruling my amendment in order. I urge all of my colleagues to vote to lower the exorbitant cost of prescription drugs for every single American. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor one of the greatest musical acts to ever come out of Charleston, South Carolina, Jump, Little Children. Since their early days busking on the corner of Church and Market Streets twenty-five years ago, Jump has earned a substantial and loyal fan base that has followed them throughout the country, supporting their nine records and EPs, and literally thousands of energetic concerts that keep us showing up whenever they Come Around. No matter where you hear a Jump song, you can Close Your Eyes and picture yourself back in the old Charleston Cathedrals of the raucous Music Farm after Midnight or the Quiet Dock Street Theater during the Holidays. Those were special days for so many of us in Charleston. After The Dim and the Dark of a nearly ten year hiatus, Jump returned to the stage to remind us all how much we love their music, their personalities, and their shows. And how grateful we are they did. And before we all Say Goodnight to this band, whenever that may be, the United States Congress wishes many more years of Jump, Little Children, along with the music and memories they create. From Charleston, South Carolina, to Washington, D.C., to the Rains in Asia, and the Green Fields of Canada, all the way to Mexico, Jump, Little Children has left an indelible mark on this world, one that will never be forgotten. Because of them their music will forever be a part of the soundtrack for the city we all love. Congratulations on 25 years. Here's to 25 more.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Chair, Americans depend on their oceans. In Lowcountry, the ocean drives our tourism economy and is integral to who we are, which is why we need bold action to protect our coastal communities from the growing threats of sea level rise and storms, increasing both in frequency and severity. H.R. 729 is an important step in this direction and will empower coastal communities to better prepare for and respond to our rapidly changing coastlines. It will promote development of climate-resilient shorelines that protect our coasts from storms and improve fish and wildlife habitats. It will shore up working waterfronts, which face their own challenges caused by a changing environment. H.R. 729 will be a lifeline to our coastal communities at a time when they need it most, and I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting this critical legislation.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, on December 5, 2019, I was not recorded on Roll Call Vote No. 651 on H. Res. 741, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4) Voting Rights Advancement Act and providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 326) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding United States efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a negotiated two-state solution. I would have voted Aye.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, on December 3-4, 2019, I was absent from the House chamber. I remained in my district in South Carolina to attend to a family matter. Accordingly, I was unable to vote on five legislative measures on the floor. Had I been present and voting, I would have voted as follows: Aye on Roll Call No. 643: H. Res. 546, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, Disapproving the Russian Federations inclusion in future Group of Seven summits until it respects the territorial integrity of its neighbors and adheres to the standards of democratic societies. Aye on Roll Call No. 644 S. 178, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, Uighur Intervention and Global Humanitarian Unified Response Act. Aye on Roll Call No. 645: H. Res. 739, On Motion Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 2534, the Insider Trading Prohibition Act. Aye on Roll Call No. 646: H. Res. 739, On Agreeing to the Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 2534, the Insider Trading Prohibition Act. Aye on Roll Call No. 647: S. 151, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, Pallone-Thune Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of longtime Summerville High School football coach, Hall of Famer, John McKissick, who passed away on Thanksgiving Day. Coach McKissick was the greatest high school football coach our country has ever seen. In fact, he held the record for the most wins of any football coach anywhere at any single level. Over the course of his 62-year career, he led the Green Wave to 10 State championships and 621 wins. Coach McKissick was a mentor and a father figure to thousands of student athletes. In total, he coached over 5,000 young men throughout his career. I had the honor of attending his funeral earlier this week, and I got to meet several of his former players, many in their fifties, sixties, seventies, and even eighties, who all told me about the incredible impact he had on their lives. He famously told his players that it is not about the Xs and Os; it's about the Jims and the Joes. He called his players his boys. He treated them like family because they were, and that feeling was mutual. It is impossible to imagine high school football or Summerville without him, but his amazing legacy will live on forever. May God bless his family, his friends, former players, and the entire Summerville community. Thank you for everything, Coach.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, down in South Carolina's Lowcountry, we all understand the importance of a healthy ocean and healthy coastlines, and sharks are a part of that story. Unfortunately, many populations of sharks have severely declined due to the demand for their fins. In South Carolina, we have not imported or exported any shark fins in recent years, and a large number of constituents have contacted me in support of this legislation. Support for this ban is growing across the country. Twelve U.S. States already have shark fin bans. Private companies are also refusing to ship or sell shark fin products. Just earlier this year, Canada became the first G20 country to ban the shark fin trade. The United States has already banned the act of shark finning, but we continue to import fins from countries that don't have their own finning bans. Disturbingly, in the United States, our own government data shows that less than 20 percent of our U.S. shark stocks are sustainably managed. It is time for the United States to end its role in the shark fin trade and stop contributing to the decline of our shark populations. I am grateful to Delegate Sablan and Chairman Grijalva from the Natural Resources Committee for their leadership on this issue. Also, I thank Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member McCaul for his leadership. Ending the shark fin trade will require a death by a thousand cuts, and we have the opportunity to make a big cut right now. Let's pass the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, today I am proud to rise in support of my bill, the VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act, which will make it easier for our Nation's veterans to appeal their claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Currently, the Board of Veterans' Affairs only conducts tele-hearings from certain VA locations, meaning veterans have to travel to testify in support of their claims; and, in many cases, this forces Lowcountry veterans to drive all the way to Columbia. My bill offers a commonsense solution to this problem by allowing veterans to teleconference into these hearings from the comfort of their own homes using their personal computers. Further, this legislation will require these hearings to take place via a secure platform so that veterans do not have to sacrifice the security of their sensitive personal information to take advantage of this new process. This change will not only benefit those veterans who may be otherwise unable to travel for their hearing, but will also help to expedite the appeals process for veterans across the board. With veterans given the freedom to participate in their appeals hearing from a place of their own choosing, no-shows, which add to the appeals backlog and slow down the process for everyone, will be significantly reduced, all with no additional cost to taxpayers. The VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act is exemplary of the sorts of advances that we can make when both parties come together for the sake of our veterans. Madam Speaker, I thank Congressman Katko for signing on as an original cosponsor. I also want to thank Chairman Takano and Ranking Member Roe for their leadership on the committee and for expediting this legislation, as well as their staffs for all their hard work. Madam Speaker, I urge all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join in supporting this legislation for our veterans, who have sacrificed too much to need to jump through hoops for a fair hearing on their claims.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.