Scott DesJarlais

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the accomplishments of Navy Midshipman Third Class Duke Anthony Carillo, who died suddenly and unexpectedly, training to serve his country in the United States military. Duke was just 21 years old but had already distinguished himself as a hardworking, patriotic American. Duke was a gifted student and athlete from Flower Mound, Texas, where he was captain of his high school football and wrestling teams and earned the highest rank of Eagle Scout. Kind, generous, and fun-loving, Duke enriched the lives of his friends and family as well as the lives of his classmates at the Naval Academy. I knew Duke personally. He was my son Ryan's roommate and best friend at Annapolis. We mourn his loss. Our country lost a dedicated public servant, one of those special people whose entire purpose was the defense of our great country so the rest of us can live in peace. Duke never expected acclaim or accolades. He was doing his duty, just like his twin brother, Dylan, and younger brother, Jake, also midshipmen at the Naval Academy, a strong testament to the faith and devotion of their parents. Though he left us at a young age, we can all learn from Duke's example. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Mrs. Susan Ritter, who is retiring from her position as Executive Vice President of the Home Builders Association of Tennessee (HBAT) after 37 years of service to the home building industry. Susan has been a tireless advocate for the home building industry-- one of the key primary drivers of the American economy. Home ownership has long been one of the linchpins of the American dream, and the home building industry in Tennessee has long been in tune with the housing needs of local communities. I can personally speak of Susan's effectiveness in working on behalf of these goals. Susan has served as the executive vice president of the Home Builders Association of Tennessee since August 2000, serving as the point person for navigating the complex policy and regulatory world that members of the industry deal with as part of their day to day operations. It is not coincidental that a good number of these business leaders happen to be cornerstones of the communities they serve. All of these individuals that I have had the privilege of meeting and ask difficult questions say the same thing: ``Susan Ritter is the person to who you need to talk.'' There have been many accolades for Susan's service over the years, and her service was appropriately honored by the National Association of Home Builders when they named her the State Executive Officer of the Year. She was also a recipient of HBAT Past Presidents' Special Award for her ``dedication and loyalty to the home building industry'' in 2005. As the chief officer in charge of Tennessee's association, she ran the daily operations of an association that includes 2,500 members while also monitoring the political and regulatory environments for the industry both in Nashville and Washington. In addition to being an effective voice for the industry--whether through communicating with Members of Congress or state legislators or with members of the media, Susan also guided their charitable endeavors. She also served as chairman of the Executive Officers Council in 2009, co-chair of the NAHB National Membership Committee in 2000, and was a member of the NAHB Executive Committee in 2000 and in 2009, also serving as a founding member of the EO 20 Club. Susan has been a successful and professional leader for many years, and while I know the industry will continue to be successful for many years to come, I also know that the home builders of Tennessee will miss her guidance. I would ask all of the Members of Congress to join me in congratulating Susan Ritter for her excellent work and sending best wishes to her and her family in their future endeavors.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement that will replace the outdated North American Free Trade Agreement. USMCA opens new markets for American agriculture in Canada, returns manufacturing jobs outsourced to Mexico to our own country, and is the first U.S. trade deal to focus on cross-border commerce for small businesses, easing rules and regulations to level the playing field for startups and entrepreneurs. Our economy is already strong. Jobs and income are growing, especially for working and middle-class Americans. My home State of Tennessee is a manufacturing and transportation hub, and small business jobs and wage growth there lead the Nation. The USMCA will further strengthen our economy. However, the President's opposition, who just yesterday voted to impeach him, have for years obstructed the agenda my constituents, as well as Democrats and Republicans around the country, supported in 2016. We have succeeded, despite unrelenting resistance. Donald Trump has shown courage and determination that has resulted in a pending trade deal with China. Combined with tax cuts, reduced regulations, and American energy independence, these trade deals and others the President has produced will continue our remarkable economic progress, as well as strengthen national security. I am proud to support the USMCA for Tennessee farmers, manufacturers, and small businesses.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Madam Speaker, today I rise in protest of the secrecy with which the House majority is conducting its impeachment inquiry. It is unlike anything we have seen in Congress. That is probably because, lacking any evidence for their claims, the so-called resistance has already determined the outcome. The same people who perpetrated the Russia hoax are rushing forward with plan Z to remove the President from office. Partisan congressional staff helped to craft the specious complaint at the heart of this impeachment inquiry. The inquiry itself will take place in secret to avoid public scrutiny. Some Democrats have admitted that the only way a far left socialist candidate could replace Donald Trump is to remove him from office. The American people want jobs, affordable healthcare, and security, not far left socialist agendas. But with nothing else to offer, a radical group in Congress has become obsessed with removing this President from office. It is an attack on our democracy and our Constitution. Madam Speaker, my constituents care about real issues. I appeal to more sensible Members to stop this abuse of power and concentrate on what we can accomplish together.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove myself as a cosponsor from H.R. 838.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in opposition to H.R. 693, the PAST Act. The only thing good about the PAST Act is the name, because it is reflective of just that, the past. I have been listening to my colleagues, and I don't think they have been spending time where I have, in the inspection barns over the last six-plus years, where I see people who love their animals, take care of them, and treat them like family. What I have seen is inspectors that were abusing the process, not self-policers, people sent by the USDA. And these people are being disqualified, not being able to perform, and then not subsequently being cited or penalized after the fact. Now, the last couple of years there has been an improvement. And today, the Tennessee Walking Horse has over 96 percent compliance rate, according to the USDA's own numbers. The only problem with the Tennessee Walking Horse today is that the current inspection methods are subjective. The PAST Act does nothing to change this. What is even more concerning is the PAST Act would increase fines and penalties, including up to 3 years in prison, while still utilizing subjective inspection methods. I have a bill, H.R. 1157, that numerous groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, believe is a better course of action, as it would require all inspections be objective and science-based. As a medical professional, I realize the importance of utilizing science to identify medical conditions. USDA realizes this problem and has sought to address it by partnering with the National Academy of Sciences to determine the best objective, science-based methods to inspect the Tennessee Walking Horse. I strongly believe that all legislation should be held off until this study reaches its conclusion next May. This legislation is a product of animal welfare groups spreading misinformation on the status of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry, again, living in the past. I fear that, to this point, some Members have been fed one side of the story from powerful interest groups like the Humane Society or PETA who, in advocating for their position, neglect the fact that numerous veterinarians, equine experts, and agricultural groups, including the Tennessee and Kentucky Farm Bureaus, have come out in strong opposition to the PAST Act. An example of the biased presentation of this bill is the misguided scrutiny of action devices that are highlighted in the PAST Act. The claims put forth by special interests behind this bill that action devices are cruel or inhumane rest on very little academic evidence. In fact, to the contrary, a 2018 study by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the scientific authority on animal welfare issues, found that the application of stacked wedges and action devices to the forefeet of horses evoke no acute or subacute stress to the horse. I heard my colleague and good friend Dr. Yoho talk about his wristwatch. Most of you in here are wearing wristwatches, or some of you may just use your smartphones now, but you wear those all day, and that doesn't hurt you. If there is a soring agent applied, then, yes, that is going to cause problems. Action devices are pieces of equipment no different than a saddle or a bridle or a bit. This is a slippery slope, folks. What will these groups seek to ban next? Saddles, maybe riding horses at all. Like my colleagues, I feel strong that animal abusers should be identified and punished; however, the PAST Act will not accomplish this goal. These horses are already incredibly regulated, more so than any other horse, including those in rodeo, those that race, and those that do jumping and dressage.

Mr. DesJARLAIS. No other horses are subjected to taxpayer-funded inspections, and these owners are already incredibly compliant. Furthermore, it is not true when groups suggest there is no additional cost to taxpayers. The CBO has scored this legislation at $2 million per year. The PAST Act purports itself to be an innocent bill that would provide stricter enforcement of standards in protecting horses. The fact of the matter is that it is a Federal overreach into an issue in which compliance is higher than any other USDA-regulated industry, including the food industry. I strongly urge my colleagues to carefully consider the consequences of this bill before casting their votes. It should go back to committee and be transparent.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Chairman, I thank the ranking member for yielding. Mr. Chair, I rise to express my concern and frustration with this bill in its current form. While I appreciate the work done on this NDAA, the legislation simply doesn't provide our military men and women with the resources needed to adequately protect the homeland and could negatively impact facilities in and around the Fourth District of Tennessee, including Arnold Air Force Base, Redstone Arsenal, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the Y-12 National Security Complex. Whether it be refusing to deploy the W76-2 tactical nuclear weapon to deter Russian aggression or underprioritizing funding for research and development of next-generation capabilities, such as hypersonic weapons and directed energy, this NDAA does not adequately meet the requirements for addressing challenges posed from our adversaries. Finally, this NDAA highlights my colleagues' continuing disregard for the national emergency occurring at our southern border. This bill prevents the DOD from playing a role in addressing the crisis. Our military's number one responsibility is to protect the homeland. If my Democratic colleagues refuse to provide funding for DHS to secure the border, then the military must have a role. Mr. Chairman, this bill, from its funding top line to its policy, does not support our military or our security appropriately. For that reason, I cannot support this bill, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to deliver a simple message: It is time to bring the United States-Mexico-Canada trade deal to the House floor for a vote. The USMCA is a big improvement over NAFTA, the old North American Free Trade Agreement. This deal is fairer to American workers and companies in a variety of industries. Farmers and ranchers get wider access to foreign markets, and new rules make U.S. manufacturing more competitive. The USMCA is the first trade deal to help small businesses cut through international red tape. The President has negotiated a deal that benefits not only large employers, but also small businesses and middle-class families in Republican and Democratic districts across the country. The USMCA is important to successful negotiations with our other trading partners. This and future trade deals will continue the strong economic and job growth that tax reforms, smart regulations, and more domestic energy production have already helped to create. I urge Congress to pass the USMCA quickly.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding patriot and advocate for Tennessee veterans, James Patterson of Columbia, Tennessee, who recently passed away. James was a Vietnam veteran who earned medals for his service. He had a 35-year career at Union Carbide, but locals know him best for his many volunteer affiliations in life. He was the true embodiment of what makes America great. James was an American Legion commander and Legionnaire of the Year, also a member of the Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was Maury County's veterans services director, and every week, as sergeant at arms, he led the Pledge of Allegiance at Columbia's Rotary Club. James loved his country and loved, most of all, the men and women who fight for it. My staff and I have worked with him often to help Tennessee veterans receive the benefits and honors they deserve. We were saddened to learn of his passing. The entire community lost a friend. My condolences to the Patterson family. Here in the Capitol and in my home State of Tennessee, I will do my best to carry on James' work on behalf of the brave men and women who risk their lives to defend the United States of America. He set an example for all of us. Thank you for your service, James.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support President Trump's declaration of a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border. Sophisticated cartels--some of the most dangerous criminals and terrorist organizations in the world--are partnering with foreign adversaries, including Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, and China smuggling drugs, as well as human beings, into our country. Mexican cartels produce or distribute the most heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine here, killing tens of thousands of Americans annually. My constituents are suffering from the opioid epidemic. MS-13 and other violent gangs have infiltrated recent migrant caravans; however, the equivalent of a migrant caravan crosses the border almost weekly. These forces are destabilizing and deadly to people on both sides, particularly for the less fortunate among us. Under legal authority Congress has granted the executive branch-- which Barack Obama also used to combat cartels and illegal immigration--the President, the power to declare a national emergency to fund construction of the new border barriers at dangerous weak points. As a fiscal conservative, constitutionalist, and strong advocate for the military, I believe the need is clear and pressing, the law supports immediate action, and ample funding exists to address this crisis.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Madam Speaker, today I would like to take a moment to honor the well-served career in public service of Gwen Shelton. Gwen is stepping away from her role as Fayetteville city alderman after a 20- year career of holding public office and serving in several roles for the city of Fayetteville. Since 1998, she has served as an elected official on the city school board, twice as city alderman (First from 2004 to 2006, then again from 2012 to 2018), and as Mayor from 2006 to 2010. Along with these duties, Gwen has also served as the Industrial Development Board director for Fayetteville-Lincoln County, in which she led many efforts to increase investment and job growth within the community. Perhaps the best thing you can say of Gwen's time as a public official in Fayetteville is that whether you agreed with her positions and policies or you didn't, you always knew where she stood on an issue and you always knew she was working to do what she felt was in the best interest of the city of Fayetteville and its people. That trust in her as a leader provides understanding as to the secret of her success and gives all elected officials a standard to strive for. Gwen Shelton has served her family and her community well, and while she will be deeply missed in Fayetteville, her success will not stop here. She and her husband, Scott, have both been presented with promising new opportunities in Huntsville, Alabama and I am confident that the next chapter for these two will be just as good if not better than the last. We wish her and her family the absolute best, and again, I would like to personally thank her for her outstanding service to the city of Fayetteville, Lincoln County and the state of Tennessee.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Veterans' Affairs be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 2634) to designate the Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Facility Expansion of the Department of Veterans Affairs Alvin C. York Medical Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, as the ``Sergeant John Toombs Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Facility'', and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize the recent retirement of director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, a native of Tennessee's Fourth District, Mark Gwyn. Throughout Mark's 30-year career, he served as the standard for Tennessee law enforcement. Beginning as a patrol officer for the McMinnville Police Department in 1985, Gwyn quickly joined the TBI as a special agent, where he showed superb investigative ability, leadership skills, and work ethic. Eight years later, he was promoted to executive officer, then to assistant director, overseeing the forensic services division, and, finally, to director of the TBI in 2004. Serving longer than any of his predecessors, Gwyn implemented many policies and programs that helped the bureau evolve over the past several years. He steered the bureau's fight to combat illegal methamphetamine production in the State and took great steps in combating human trafficking. He oversaw the development of Tennessee's nationally recognized fusion center, which provides numerous services that help link local, State, and Federal resources together to improve the safety of all Tennesseeans. As we look ahead, there will almost certainly be new challenges that TBI will face and difficulties that its future leaders will have to overcome. But with the foundation built during his tenure, I am certain that TBI will face these challenges with the same professionalism, efficiency, and grace that Director Gwyn has exhibited. I thank Mark Gwyn for his service and wish him well in his retirement.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Chair, I join the gentleman in expressing my opposition to this amendment. The NNSA's mission is, arguably, one of the most critical national security roles across the U.S. Government. As my colleague from Alabama pointed out, after years of insufficient funding, our Nuclear Security Enterprise is now facing a myriad of infrastructure problems and potential failures. To quote Los Alamos lab director Dr. Charlie McMillan: ``One of the things that keeps me up at night is the realization that essential capabilities are held at risk by the possibility of such failures.'' The amendment offered by the gentleman from Colorado would only exacerbate these problems. Most of the cuts made by this amendment would come from high-priority deferred maintenance and infrastructure repairs. With a $3.7 billion infrastructure and maintenance backlog, these cuts are unacceptable and pose a serious threat not only to the NNSA mission, but to the occupational well-being of its employees as well. Under the leadership of Chairman Thornberry and Chairman Rogers, the committee has worked hard over the past 2 years to mitigate these infrastructure issues and prevent the occurrence of a single-point failure within the Nuclear Security Enterprise. It is critical that we continue to push forward with these efforts and resolve these outstanding issues. As such, I strongly urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, due to a family emergency, I was unable to be present for votes on May 21, 2018. Had I been present, I would have voted yes on H.R. 4830 (Roll no. 207); H.R. 4451 (Roll no. 208) and H.R. 3832 (Roll no. 209).

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Due to a family emergency, I was unable to be present for votes on roll No. 210, roll No. 211 and roll No. 212 on May 22, 2018. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on all three.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the amendment of Mr. Hollingsworth of Indiana on this issue. In short, the amendment would allow the Secretary of the Interior to issue depredation permits to livestock farmers authorizing the taking of black vultures. This is an issue that has been brought to my attention by farmers across the entire Southeast, as well, who have all witnessed black vultures prey on and kill their livestock. Unfortunately, because black vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, farmers are left with little or no recourse of action. After years of frustration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began issuing depredation permits as part of a pilot program to try to address this shortage. While this has worked well in my State, it is clear that our farmers and ranchers need a more permanent fix to this ongoing problem. Black vulture attacks on various livestock have already led to significant economic losses for many, and I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this commonsense amendment.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, in honor of National Police Week, I rise today to recognize the Dunlap, Tennessee, Police Department on its selection as a finalist for the 2018 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. This award, given each year by the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard, recognizes employers who go above and beyond to support their employees serving in the National Guard and military reserves. Out of 2,300 nominations nationwide, the Dunlap Police Department was chosen as one of just 30 finalists for the award, whose recipients will be announced next month. Under the leadership of Police Chief Clint Huth, who is himself a Navy Reserve Master Chief, the Dunlap Police Department has been active in their support for their guard and their reserve employees. Like many employers across the country, Chief Huth and the Dunlap PD play an important role in our Nation's military readiness through their unwavering support of our reserve components. On behalf of Tennessee's Fourth District, I would like to congratulate them on their recognition and offer my sincere gratitude for the commitment they have made to our citizen soldiers.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H. Res. 774.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements and hard work of the Middle Tennessee State University debate team. The team has achieved great success, the likes few have rivaled in the MTSU debate team's long history. While recently in Spokane, Washington, the team placed first in the varsity division, and earned the top season-long award in the team International Public Debate Association format. This year's team has earned five top national awards, a regional title, two state titles, and a total of 148 awards in this season alone. Today I applaud the 25 dedicated students who make up the Blue Raider Debate Team. These young men and women of all backgrounds coming together to work as a team to accomplish a common goal, serves as an excellent example for all of us. Congratulations to Middle Tennessee State University and the Blue Raiders Debate Team for representing not only their school, but the 4th district of Tennessee in a first-class manner.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, as mentioned, the James K. Polk Presidential Home Study Act would require the Department of the Interior to study adding our 11th President's only surviving residence to the National Park Service. The aim of my bill is to help the charity that currently maintains the property in Columbia, Tennessee, to preserve it for future generations. Two hundred years ago, Columbia was a frontier town in a new State. Nobody knew the United States would eventually stretch from sea to shining sea, but James Polk had confidence and vision. He was a country lawyer who rose from the Tennessee State house to the Governor's office, then to the House of Representatives here in Congress. James Polk was the only Speaker of the House to ever be elected President. Polk oversaw the establishment of the U.S. Naval Academy, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Department of the Interior. Most importantly, he fulfilled his promise to Western settlers to expand the country's boundaries to the Pacific. Without James Polk's contributions, the United States might not look like it does today, a strong, prosperous Nation spanning a continent. The outcome was not always certain; however, today, we enjoy the fruits of President Polk's often overlooked legacy. Many historians consider him to be the most successful pre-Civil War President. People in Columbia consider him a local hero. He is a national hero and deserves a place of honor in our National Park System. I appreciate Representative Marsha Blackburn's support for my legislation to accomplish this goal. I also thank Senator Lamar Alexander, who has offered companion legislation in the Senate, and we all anticipate progress. I want to thank the Columbia city leaders and the many volunteers who have tirelessly worked on this project and helped bring this issue to my attention. We all look forward to its continued prosperity and recognition.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Thompson. We really do appreciate his leadership on this issue and his passion. He spent so much time and effort to get this right, and it is really rare in this country where you can get so many people to come together--especially in these times--and agree on one thing. But when it comes to work-capable people between age 18 and 59 contributing to the workforce, about 80 percent of Americans agree on this. This is across the aisle. This is Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. It is hard to get people to agree on anything, but this is just such a commonsense, humane thing to do. I don't fully understand who the 2 in 10 are who would disagree with this. Maybe they are people who are not working who are able-bodied. But at any rate, this is something that is designed to help lift people from poverty, break the cycle of debt, and get people to work and feel good about themselves. I would urge everyone listening to call their Representatives and their Senators and urge them to support this farm bill because it is well thought out. The time is right. The jobless claims are down in this country, yet there are people all over our districts who are clamoring to us about the lack of skilled workers. All throughout Tennessee's Fourth District, there are people asking me: How do we get people to come and work? And here is a solution that we have people who can go out and get good-paying jobs, break the cycle. They are able to work. They are capable of working, but for some reason just haven't reentered the workforce. And, frankly, our government has made it too easy for people not to work. They have made it too comfortable. We have been bad parents. It is time to do the right thing. We all need to contribute to this country. We have record debts, and getting people back to work is the answer. But when you hear folks who are opposed to work requirements for people who are able-bodied, I just would ask you to ask them why. It does not help their self-esteem. It does not help their country. It does not help their families. And what we are offering here is an opportunity to work 20 hours a week. If you are still in need of assistance, you will get it. If you don't have the proper training, this will allow you to get training. We are making this mandatory. So either you are going to become a part of the workforce, you are going to be trained to become part of the workforce, or you are simply going to choose not to work; and, in that case, you might lose your food stamps benefits. But that is the whole point of this, is to help people make the right decision, make good choices; and, again, 80 percent of the country agrees with this across the aisle. So there should be no real controversy on this. There should be no reason that people don't want to support this bill. It is the right thing to do. It is the right time. There are jobs available. It is just simply a matter of people breaking that cycle, getting out, contributing, and feeling good about themselves again. I really can't understand why we have opposition to this great piece of work that was put together. It is great that it is coming in the form of the farm bill. I stand in strong support of this and am grateful for the gentleman's work and the work of so many on the committee, and the Members, and the staff to help get people in the right place, back to work, and still protecting and preserving the safety-net program that is vital for so many people.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained due to a medical appointment. Had I been present, I would have voted Yea on Roll Call No. 607, and Yea on Roll Call No. 608.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 106th National Day of the Republic of China, which falls on October 10th, and to extend my best wishes to the people of Taiwan. The U.S. and Taiwan have maintained a close and mutually-beneficial relationship based on our shared values of freedom, democracy and free enterprise. The passage of the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979 has contributed to the peace and stability of the Asia Pacific region, and enabled the people of Taiwan to build a prosperous and democratic society. Since then, Congress has continued to play a strong role in bolstering our bilateral security, economic and cultural ties. This close relationship was exemplified recently in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, when the government of Taiwan not only offered their support but also donated $800,000 to the disaster relief efforts. I would like to join my colleagues in recognizing this generous donation and offer my sincere thanks. I extend my best wishes to the people of Taiwan as they celebrate their National Day and I look forward to continuing our strong relationship for many decades to come.