Rodney Davis

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 356.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Rich and Judy Buchanan of Bloomington, Illinois who were among the honorees named as 2019 History Makers by the McLean County Museum of History. Rich's career in public service started shortly after his marriage to Judy and spanned nearly fifty years. He was first appointed to the Regional Planning Commission in 1971 and shortly after was elected to the Bloomington City Council at the age of 31. He then served as Bloomington's mayor from 1977 to 1985. His final elected position was as a member of the McLean County Board from 2012 to 2017. Judy was also active in politics at nearly every level: her own husband's campaign for mayor, state legislative races, congressional campaigns, and the campaign of former President George H.W. Bush, introducing him on his campaign stop in McLean County. Although, she is perhaps most well-known for her fierce advocacy on behalf of the Alzheimer's Association. Having lost her own mother to the disease at a young age, she spent countless hours at the Illinois State Capitol bringing awareness to mental health issues and funding for Alzheimer's centers across the state. I am proud to call the Buchanans friends. They deserve to be recognized and thanked for their decades of leadership and service to their community. Congratulations to Rich and Judy, on this wonderful accomplishment.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember John D. Miller of Monticello, Illinois. He was a beloved public servant and active community member who suddenly passed away last week. After graduating from Monticello High School in 1971, John served in the United States Army and later in the National Guard and the Army Reserves. It was there that he began his career in law enforcement, serving as a military police officer and an instructor. His civilian service started with the Decatur Police Department before he was named Argenta's chief of police. In 1995, he was appointed to the same role with the Monticello Police Department, where he went on to serve for 17 years until his retirement in 2012. Throughout his tenure, he was known for his sense of justice, but also his sense of compassion. In total, he dedicated 34 years of his life to law enforcement. In 2013, he once again answered the call to better his community, and he was elected as an alderman on the Monticello City Council. In 2017, he was reelected to a second 4-year term. John lived his life in humble service to his friends and neighbors. For so many, he was a role model and a mentor, and he will be truly missed. My prayers are with his wife, Karen, his children, and his grandchildren. Congratulating Coach Jim Ott

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Coach Jim Ott and the men's golf team at Illinois Wesleyan University on their NCAA Division III national championship win last month for the 13th straight year. Illinois Wesleyan University has made it to the national championship, but this year, they took home the trophy. When asked about the win, Coach Ott said: ``The nice thing is it was such a team effort.'' During the 3-day tournament, the Titans had led the scoreboard until the final nine holes, when the second-place team caught their lead and tied them. Thanks to a 12-foot par putt on number 18 by junior Skylar LeVine and a 15-foot par putt on the final hole by senior Drew Pershing, the team secured their first-place ranking, earning them the title of national champions. Illinois Wesleyan's win also earned Coach Ott the Dave Williams National Coach of the Year Award, presented by Golf Pride Grips. He has been the men's golf coach for the Titans since 2000 and led Illinois Wesleyan to eight wins in 11 tournaments this season. After coaching the Titans for 19 years, he can finally boast a national championship win. Coach Ott has a lot to be proud of. I congratulate him and the entire Titan golf team. Remembering the Life of Terry Todt

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Terry Todt. Terry was a friend and a beloved community member who passed away on May 23. Many of us in central Illinois grew up listening to Terry on the radio. For the past 41 years, he was the man behind the microphone announcing some of the most memorable moments in high school sports in central Illinois. Terry got his first transistor radio at the age of 7. In 1978, his dream of becoming a broadcaster came true when he was hired by WSMI in Litchfield, the radio station he had listened to on that transistor radio while growing up. Because of his excellence in sports announcing, he was inducted into the media division of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, as well as many other distinctions. But Terry's love for youth sports went far beyond his broadcasts: For many years, he officiated basketball, baseball, and soccer with the local sports association; He was instrumental in expanding the Raymond Park District to add two athletic fields, including a soccer field that was named in his honor; Last year, he began the T. Todt Shootout, a basketball benefit that raises money for the Montgomery County Cancer Association. Terry left a lasting legacy that will long be remembered. I remember meeting Terry in 1995, and he is just one of the most genuine people anyone could have ever met. He was an iconic member of the Raymond community, and he will be missed by many. My prayers are with his wife, Brenda, their children, their grandchildren, and everyone who knew my friend Terry Todt.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Valerie Hortenstine Sheldon, a beloved community police officer who tragically passed away at the age of 39 in a traffic accident last week. Valerie was the chief of police in Raymond, Illinois, a small, tight- knit community just a few miles from my hometown of Taylorville. She served as a law enforcement officer in three neighboring communities before coming to Raymond in 2007. She was named police chief 9\1/2\ years ago by Raymond's mayor, who said she ``fit the bill as the perfect small-town officer.'' Those who worked with her said she was always willing to do what she could to help out the village. She oversaw the Neighborhood Watch Program in Raymond, and she was a Montgomery County emergency management volunteer as well as a member of the Montgomery County search and rescue team. There was nothing more important to Valerie than the safety of her community. Like most law enforcement officers, Valerie loved every day of her job, and she loved serving the people of Raymond. She made a profound impact on so many, and I know she will be greatly missed. My prayers are with her two sons, Jake and Isaac, her family, and the entire town of Raymond during this difficult time.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jennifer Baumann, a high school senior from my district who was named the recipient of the Good Citizen Award by the Illinois Daughters of the American Revolution. This year, over 400 high school seniors submitted essays for the DAR Good Citizenship scholarship application. Among these, district DAR chapters identified one student as the person who best exemplifies dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their area. Jennifer was selected from Mt. Zion High School as the representative for the Stephen Decatur Chapter and attended the Illinois State DAR Conference, where she was named the statewide winner of the Good Citizen Award. By all accounts, Jennifer demonstrates well the attributes of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. She is active in nearly every aspect of student life in her high school, where she is the captain of all three of her varsity teams: cross-country, basketball, and track and field. She also serves as the President of the National Honor Society and treasurer of the Student Council, and even finds time to dedicate to volunteering with both the Key Club and her church. She plans to study speech, language, and hearing sciences at the University of Arizona in the fall. I am proud to recognize outstanding students in my district, including Jennifer. I congratulate her on this prestigious honor.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Daniel Swaim for his exceptional service to the House CAO Office of Finance's Budget, Planning and Analysis (BPA) division. Lt. Swaim was detailed to BPA during a vital period to coordinate the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 budget formulation process and assist with execution of the House's FY 2019 resources. His superior knowledge of the federal budgeting process, keen analytical skills, and work ethic enabled BPA to mitigate its temporary personnel gaps. Lt. Swaim's efforts facilitated better insight on available resources, led to optimal decision making on allocation of funds, and ultimately enabled timely delivery of a well justified FY 2020 House Budget. Lt. Swaim's stellar professionalism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard. I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Lt. Swaim for his dedication and service and wish him fair winds and following seas as he embarks on his next assignment as the Commanding Officer of USCG Cutter Sturgeon Bay.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, on Friday, May 10th I was absent from the House to attend my daughter's college graduation. Due to my absence, I did not record any votes for the day. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 197; ``yea'' on rollcall No. 198; ``nay'' on rollcall No. 199; ``yea'' on rollcall No. 200; ``yea'' on rollcall No. 201; and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 202

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Audrey Ephraim Women's Center in Carlinville, Illinois, and Pastor Don and his wife, Deneane, who run this great facility. As the southern Illinois site for Adult & Teen Challenge Illinois, this center is a critical resource in providing effective care to women who struggle with life-controlling problems. Audrey Ephraim Women's Center is a residential program with a one-of- a-kind approach to caring for women in need of treatment. For some, this program is a last chance before serving time in jail. For others, they come at their own will for help in seeking a road to recovery. When I visited the center, I spoke with three women who told me that, upon their arrival, they had found a path to bettering their lives and finding purpose. For so many women, this center is a safe haven. It is a place for hope and a promise of a brighter tomorrow. I am proud to represent facilities like the Audrey Ephraim Women's Center that provide this life-changing care to women who are in their most desperate times. To all those at the center, I thank them for all they do. I am going to continue to pray for each and every one of them. I really want to thank my new friends--Katrina, Alicia, and Rhonda-- who were not just an inspiration to me and my team but are an inspiration to this entire institution and our great country. I look forward to seeing them again.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Susan Converse, who was recently named the 2019 Illinois Teacher of the Year by the Illinois State Board of Education. Mrs. Converse teaches functional life skills at Edwardsville High School in my district. She takes a personal interest in her students, ensuring they have all the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond. If you ask her, she will tell you that the work she does every day is a dream come true. As a functional life skills teacher, Mrs. Converse manages the Tiger Den at Edwardsville High School. It is a coffee shop staffed and run by students with disabilities. Her students take the orders and work the register, teaching them consumer service skills and equipping them with vocational training to prepare them for life after they exit the school system. As a father, I know the difference a teacher can make in the lives of our kids, and Mrs. Converse certainly has made a profound impact on each and every one of her students. I am proud to recognize her today as one of the best educators in not just the State of Illinois but the entire country. I congratulate Susan. It was great to see her out here in Washington last week, and I look forward to seeing her back home very soon. Recognizing Audrey Ephraim Women's Center

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend Ralph Vanni, the senior House audio technician who retired earlier this month. For 34 years, Ralph has been the man behind this microphone and every microphone in this Chamber. When he took his job as the House technician in 1985, Ralph was no stranger to Capitol Hill. At the age of 16, he landed an internship with the then-Senate majority leader. After two more internships and graduating college, Ralph had a hand in nearly every corner of the Capitol building, from doorkeeper for the Sergeant at Arms to working in the Senate Cloakroom. In his most recent role, Ralph saw six Presidents give their State of the Union speeches, but the day he has said he will never forget is running audio from that perch right up there for Pope Francis' address to this Chamber in 2015. I remember meeting Ralph on my first day as a newly elected Member of Congress during orientation in 2013. With the Speaker's permission, we could take photos on the House floor that day, and I took a minute to take one with Ralph and some of his team and the many folks who do a wonderful job guarding this Chamber every day. Ralph became my friend that day and has been my friend for the last 6\1/2\ years I have had the chance to serve in this great institution. I wish him the best in his retirement. And I want to thank him personally, on behalf of every Member of Congress who stands behind any microphone in this institution. Ralph made us sound better, and we appreciate him for doing that. I wish him good luck in his retirement and thank him for all his years of service. I am going to miss Ralph, looking up in that perch, but I am going to get to know the folks who have replaced him so well. He has led a great generation into that seat to replace him now. I thank Ralph Vanni.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight the value and importance of international students in the United States. I am fortunate enough to represent numerous colleges and universities in my district. I have a deep appreciation for the important role these institutions play in providing opportunities for students around the globe. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the largest university in my district, enrolls over 10,577 international students from 116 different countries. Illinois State University boasts 502 students from 73 countries and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has 368 international students from 24 countries--all of these numbers represent an increase in last year's numbers for each university. I am proud to represent institutions like these that welcome the world's brightest learners. I believe that today's students become tomorrow's leaders. The former presidents of both Ecuador and the Philippines earned doctorate degrees from universities in my district, and I know that presidents and prime ministers all over the world have earned their college degrees right here in the United States. Welcoming international students and scholars strengthens our diplomatic ties with countries across the globe and contributes significantly to national security and to our economy. International students are vital to our nation's fabric. Through the exchange of ideals, languages, and cultures, diplomacy is strengthened and our world is made a better place.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Michael ``Mike'' Pratt, who passed away on March 30th of this year. Mike Pratt worked as a Logistics and Support Specialist under the Chief Administrative Officer since November 2006. During those years, he worked diligently throughout the U.S. Capitol in his support role providing special event and furniture moving services to the Capitol and the Capitol Visitor Center. Mike was a well-known face throughout the Capitol for his superior work supporting major events, such as multiple State of the Union Addresses, Presidential Inaugurations, Congressional Gold Medal Ceremonies, Congressional Transitions, and various other events that took place here in our nation's capital. However, what ingratiated Mike to the many offices and employees in the Capitol was his commitment to his day-to-day tasks. It is the dedicated service of Mike and his colleagues that allow the U.S. House of Representatives to function seamlessly on a daily basis. Mike is survived by his long-time girlfriend, Renika Bridges and son, Caliea ``Spunky'' Hill. We remember him as a true professional and remain grateful for his many years of service to Congress. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and co-workers. He will be missed.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize one of the most well-known landmarks along Route 66 in Illinois, the Ariston Cafe, on its 95th year of operation. After opening in 1924 along Route 4 in Carlinville, the Ariston actually predates Route 66. In 1935, it moved to its current location along the Mother Road in Litchfield, Illinois. The Ariston Cafe is a member of the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame and Museum and is in the National Register of Historic Places in Illinois and the National Park Service. The Ariston is one of the oldest restaurants along Route 66 and is the fifth-longest running restaurant in the entire State of Illinois. Later this spring, the Ariston will be holding a relighting ceremony to celebrate the replacement of its classic neon sign, thanks to a grant from the National Park Service. The Ariston Cafe is a treasure within central Illinois and along Route 66, and I look forward to many more years of success for this great restaurant.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight a dangerous, disturbing, and unacceptable trend in Illinois and across the country. It is the rising number of first responders being struck by drivers. We are not even 3 months into this year, and 14 members of the Illinois State Police have been struck by drivers while on the road or responding to incidents. These accidents have resulted in one fatality and more than a dozen injuries. Our first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect us, and it is inexcusable to have this number of them injured by errant and distracted drivers. These numbers average out to more than one trooper struck per week and is nearly double the number of incidents in all of 2018. Even though every State has laws requiring drivers to change lanes or slow down when vehicles or emergency personnel are on the side of the road, these tragedies keep occurring. For the safety of our first responders, construction workers, and tow truck drivers, please slow down, avoid distractions, and be alert on the road to help save lives and buck this tragic trend.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember Gary Jones, a good friend and dedicated police officer who passed away earlier this month after a long battle with cancer. Gary and I both grew up in Taylorville, Illinois. After graduation, he went on to serve in the Army and in the Army National Guard. He eventually became a police officer in our hometown. He was proud of his job and always loved going to schools to teach students about the police station and his job protecting our community. Outside of work, Gary's greatest hobby was firearms. He was a gunsmith, a proud member of the NRA, a master firearms instructor, and my and my wife's concealed carry instructor. Gary loved teaching people about the responsibility of owning firearms and teaching people the importance of gun safety. I will remember Gary as a true example of patriotism and service to our community that we share as a hometown. He made a tremendous impact on the lives of many in Taylorville, and he will truly be missed. My prayers are with his wife, Gina; their four children, Logan, Kaylee, Tanner, and Dylan; and all those like me who were blessed to know Gary Jones. Slow Down to Protect First Responders

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Colonel Craig Osborne, a soldier in my district who will be retiring this week after 30 years of service in the United States Army. Colonel Osborne graduated from Illinois State University in 1989 as a distinguished military graduate, and during his time with the Army, he has participated in a total of five combat deployments: Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Joint Guard, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Time and time again, Colonel Osborne has answered the call to serve his country. He has served at the headquarters of Allied Land Forces Southeastern Europe in Turkey, as well as the chief of staff for a combined, joint, and interagency task force in Kabul, Afghanistan. In his current position with the National Defense University, he contributes to the education of future generations of our servicemembers. Among his many distinctions, Colonel Osborne has earned three Defense Superior Service Medals, the Legion of Merit, five Bronze Star Medals, three Defense Meritorious Service Medals, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, and numerous other awards. Words cannot express how thankful I am for Colonel Osborne's service. He is a great example of someone who has dedicated his life to serving his country, and I am proud to honor him today. Congratulations on your retirement, Colonel. Remembering Gary Jones

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Captain Jake Ringering, a beloved member of the Godfrey Fire Protection District who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on March 5. While responding to a fire in Bethalto, members of the Godfrey Fire Protection District were attempting to suppress the fire from outside when the building partially collapsed. Captain Ringering and Firefighter Luke Warner both sustained injuries from the collapse. Captain Ringering served as a firefighter for more than 18 years, beginning with the East Alton Fire Department before joining the Godfrey Fire Department in 2010. He was promoted to captain in May 2014. The Godfrey fire chief described him as ``gold'' and leaving a legacy that will be remembered for a long time. Godfrey's mayor, and my friend, Mike McCormick, said his passing leaves ``hard boots to fill.'' Captain Ringering is survived by his wife and three young children. Please join me in keeping his family, as well as the Godfrey community, in your thoughts and prayers.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Chair, as my home State President Ronald Reagan once said: The most terrifying words in the English language are: ``I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'' I am for the American voter. I support every eligible voter having easier ways to register to vote and easier access to the polls. What I am not for is Washington, D.C. taking over our elections. I have said it before: I agree with my colleagues across the aisle that there is a role for the Federal Government to play in election infrastructure, campaign finance disclosure, ballot access, transparency, and, most importantly, election security. However, H.R. 1, misuses taxpayer dollars, takes power away from the States to administer their own elections, and threatens to limit Americans' constitutional rights. I cannot support this legislation. This bill, a 700-page mammoth bill, takes power away from States given to them by the U.S. Constitution to designate the time, place, and the manner of their elections. I know the author of this legislation said yesterday that H.R. 1 is simply implementing the best practices of States, but that is federalizing our election system, no matter how nicely you phrase it. Congress should partner with the States who understand the unique needs of their own residents and provide support to increase voter registration and improve election security instead of federally mandating, what this bill does, which is a one-size-fits-all approach. There is a limited role for the Federal Government to play in elections when patterns of discrimination have occurred, and when we will continue to address those patterns, we can do it in a bipartisan way through the Voting Rights Act. I cannot stress enough that Congress should absolutely be in favor of increasing access to the polls, but we cannot do that without adding the necessary checks and balances to ensure that these accesses are protected. We should allow States to maintain their own voter rolls to help them process voters in a timely manner, avoid unfunded mandates, and manage voter lists to avoid registration and voting irregularities. A few voting irregularities can change the outcome of a single election. Just look at what happened recently in North Carolina. A political operative working for a Republican candidate illegally harvested ballots which led to the North Carolina State Board of Elections calling for a new special election. Ballot harvesting is the practice when a political operative or volunteer can come to your home, pick up your ballot, and deliver it to the polling precinct. This process, while illegal in most States like North Carolina, is a perfectly legal practice in places like California. Republicans, both at the House Administration Committee markup and at Rules Committee, offered amendments to prohibit ballot harvesting, and both attempts were rejected by Democrats. We can no longer be naive to think that this is a practice that will simply help your elderly neighbor who can no longer get to the polls. Just ask my former colleagues from California. Ballot harvesting is an unguarded instrument that is occurring on a large scale as a practice used by political operatives to manipulate the outcome of elections. If we want to improve election security, we must eliminate ballot harvesting and its risks to taking away the choice of the American people. Every American deserves their vote to be counted and protected. H.R. 1 limits free speech and imposes vague standards that disadvantage American citizens who want to advocate on behalf of what they believe in. Organizations like the National Right to Life, the Chamber of Commerce, and even the ACLU have spoken out against this bill for that very reason. Every American should be able to speak on an issue that they are passionate about. We also recently received the revised CBO score of H.R. 1 which egregiously underestimated H.R. 1's cost to the taxpayers because the Congressional Budget Office said they needed more time to develop a comprehensive score. Instead of giving them more time, we are preparing right now to vote on this 700-page bill. My colleagues across the aisle are all about transparency--at least that is what I keep hearing. But I have yet to see it in action, especially when it comes to funding their own campaigns. H.R. 1 is creating public subsidies through the new government match program. For every $200, $1,200 will be going to a politician's campaign. The majority has changed this provision so many times throughout the last couple weeks. This money will come from the U.S. Treasury through corporate fines and go into this nebulous Freedom From Influence Fund, but the bottom line is it is going into Members of Congress' own campaigns. Why are we allocating money to go to politicians when there are so many other causes like transportation, infrastructure, and cancer research that our tax dollars, your tax dollars, and the Americans' tax dollars should be funding? The Democratic majority claims they want to take money out of politics but have created a scheme that will, for the first time ever, make it legal for Members of Congress to take corporate money into their own campaigns. This is exactly why we need to vote ``no'' on H.R. 1. It is a travesty. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Chair, before I get started, I ask for a point of personal privilege to have the Members of this institution and the gallery recognize the Chair as the first Native American woman to ever chair the House proceedings.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Chair, I thank Mr. Golden for his service to our country. Our country thanks the gentleman, and everyone in this institution thanks him for that service. This bill, however, is a very bad idea. Public funding of elections is a very bad idea. At the last second before we vote on H.R. 1, Democrats have decided they are afraid of the CBO score for their massively expensive bill. We haven't even debated it and want to hide it from consideration in this Chamber. So they created this gimmick called the freedom from influence fund, which is proposed to add an additional 2.75 percent penalty against law-breaking or malfeasant corporations and officials at corporations. They claimed it would generate enough funds to pay the massive cost of funding political campaigns for Members of Congress. Late last night, we got that CBO report, and the score for H.R. 1 that projects the impact of this new shell game called the freedom from influence fund and its proposed funding source, corporate fines--again, voting for this bill will allow corporate money to, for the first time, lawfully flow into the campaigns of each and every one of us in this institution. The CBO score tells a very different story from what Democrats want you to believe. According to the CBO, this new fund will result in a reduction of income and payroll taxes, meaning corporations will have less money to spend on their payrolls, which equates to less jobs. To quote the CBO report: The assessment on civil monetary penalties and settlements would reduce the base for income and payroll taxes. Consequently, the revenues from the assessments will be partially offset by lower income and payroll taxes. Put another way, H.R. 1 takes American jobs away in order to fund the campaign coffers of Members of Congress. Furthermore, the CBO notes that, as a result of this funding source, less money will be available for other government programs that we want to prioritize in this institution. I quote again from the CBO report: CBO and JCT expect the increased assessment of criminal and civil penalties would reduce the amount of penalties and settlements collected under current law. The CBO report confirms what Republicans have been saying all along: H.R. 1 is a shell game that will, in the end, hurt taxpayers because this proposal to publicly fund campaigns will be funded by the taxpayers. However, you are going to likely hear Democrats say, instead, that this fund will run at a surplus over the first few years of its existence, which is true because they designed the bill to not make any expenditures for the first 6 years of this program. But pay very close attention. What the Democrats won't tell you is that, once the fund starts making its expenditures, the fund will be nearly broke in 5 years, and that is assuming that the cost of running campaigns will stay static today and not exponentially increase like it has. Again, this Democratic funding gimmick was concocted just to result in a more desirable CBO score. I don't see that as a result. The new fund will collect money for 6 years with no expenditures, resulting in the accumulation of a large balance. Then, once the money starts flowing to every Member of Congress in this institution, it is going to run out in 5 years. Democrats should be ashamed for making this bill H.R. 1. When Republicans took over this institution, after 50 years in the minority, our H.R. 1 was the Congressional Accountability Act, to make Congress work better. H.R. 1 in the last Congress, put more money in the pockets of middle- class taxpayers, families back home. This H.R. 1 will do nothing but put taxpayer dollars in the campaign funds of every Member of Congress, and that is not acceptable to me, and that is why we should have a ``no'' vote on H.R. 1. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Chair, I don't have the best Nickelback lyrics to introduce my next speaker, but I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. McCarthy), our Republican leader.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Chair, I welcome back my colleague, Mrs. Kirkpatrick. It is great to have her back in this institution. The gentlewoman's amendment is an amendment that I support. However, the underlying bill, H.R. 1, is the furthest thing that can be considered ``for the people.'' This bill is nothing but a bill that is for loading billions upon billions of dollars into the coffers of Members of Congress. I don't think anybody in my district who stops me in the street is saying, ``Hey, we want you to take taxpayer dollars away from investing in infrastructure, take taxpayer dollars away from investing in pediatric cancer research, and you know what, load up your campaign coffers with that so you can go enrich some political operatives and maybe buy some more TV commercials and radio ads, send some more mail pieces that get thrown away immediately when they come into your house.'' This has to be one of the worst examples of self-preservation that I have ever witnessed in my 22 years working for the U.S. House of Representatives and serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. I can't think of one person in my district who has come up and said, ``I want you to take tax dollars away from building bridges and roads, finding cures for deadly diseases, and put it in your campaign fund.'' That is why this bill is terrible. This bill has not been open; it has not been a bipartisan process; it has not been regular order, all the things that the Democratic majority promised us that they would do when they took over. This bill was introduced on January 3. I certainly hope every Democratic Member actually read the bill before they signed on as a cosponsor, but I think they are reading it now. And there are a lot of problems, which is why we have so many amendments. Let me go through some of the process. We requested a CBO score--it was delivered last Friday; it was updated yesterday--which actually agrees with me that taxpayer dollars are going to be taken away from other priorities that we can spend here in Congress, like roads and bridges, cancer research, Alzheimer's research, and others, and go toward Members of Congress' campaigns. Hours before the only committee markup that we saw with the majority, an amendment in the nature of a substitute with new text, including a magical, new freedom from influence fund that would supposedly support the enrichment of Members of Congress' campaigns, it had no details on how that fund would be filled. We went through the markup. Only one committee, the smallest committee in Congress, House Administration, it was the only committee that marked this up. That is not regular order. Forty percent of the bill has never gone through regular order. Yet we see now 72 amendments over the last few days. Twenty-eight of them that we offered to try to make the bill better in committee were all turned down on a partisan roll call. Then we went to Rules. I actually had a good time in Rules. I have to thank my colleague, Chairperson Lofgren, for that debate during the Rules Committee. We again received new text of the bill 10 minutes before I walked in, 10 minutes before, including 51 new pages. Where was this in the markup process? After the Rules hearing and before consideration on the floor, we learned through leaks to the press that the new freedom from influence fund would be filled with some magical surcharges of corporate fines, but we had no details. I had no idea that the Democrats' solution to campaign finance reform and their goal to take corporate money out of politics was to use corporate money to now fund our campaigns, which we now legally cannot accept. That is the height of hypocrisy. No one is asking for more corporate dollars to line the campaign coffers of Members of Congress. This bill and the process are just a sham. Look, a joint committee report with revenue stream projections for this new magical freedom from influence fund was not shown to us. It was just submitted for the Record. We found it. We saw it. The new CBO report clearly says this fund will be out of money in just a few years after it becomes activated, because the costs are going to exponentially rise, and clearly, taxpayer dollars will have to bail it out. The corporate fund, even the CBO and The Washington Post realize that that corporate tax fund, the tax rate of corporate dollars now being funneled into our campaigns that we can't take right now, those corporate dollars and fines will take away from being able to be spent on the priorities of my constituents who stop me in the streets. They say, ``We want to build new bridges. We want new roadways. We want to make sure that this bill goes down, because it is a travesty on the American people and the American taxpayer.'' Madam Chair, vote ``no'' on H.R. 1. I yield back the balance of my time.