Rodney Davis

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, July 12, 2017, I was absent from the House during the second vote series because I was unavoidably detained. Due to my absence, I did not record any votes for the second vote series. Had I been present, I would have voted: nay on Roll Call Votes 350 and 351, and aye on Roll Call Vote 352.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, July 13, 2017, I was absent from the House because I was unavoidably detained. Due to my absence, I did not record any votes on the Motion to Adjourn, first vote series, and second vote series. I would have voted ``aye'' on Roll Call 354, Roll Call 355, Roll Call 362, Roll Call 369, and Roll Call 371. I would have voted ``Nay'' on Roll Call 353, Roll Call 356, Roll Call 357, Roll Call 358, Roll Call 359, Roll Call 360, Roll Call 361, Roll Call 363, Roll Call 364, Roll Call 365, Roll Call 366, Roll Call 367, Roll Call 368, and Roll Call 370.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true American hero, Ray Heckler, who is being laid to rest in Arlington today with full military honors. Ray began his service to his country as a private in the Army, and retired after 40 years as a command sergeant major in the Illinois National Guard in Urbana. During his time in the Army, he served in Germany, Berlin, Japan, Paris, Africa, Morocco, Casablanca, and Marcel in France. He was awarded the Bronze Star in France for his heroic and praiseworthy service on the field of battle. Remembered by those closest to him as being a helping hand whenever needed, Ray spent time with his community by working to construct and rehabilitate homes through Habitat for Humanity. It is my honor to recognize Mr. Heckler and his devotion to our country. My thoughts and prayers are with his family as they mourn the loss of a truly courageous and selfless man. Rest in peace, Ray Heckler.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Officer Nathan Miller, of the Jerseyville Police Department, who was injured in the line of duty while responding to a burglary alarm during the early morning hours of June 13, 2017. After responding to the burglary call, Officer Miller pursued the suspect for several blocks before the suspect opened fire on him. Officer Miller was hit several times, and was immediately transported to St. Louis University Hospital. The willingness of Officer Miller to put his own life on the line to protect his community is truly an act of bravery and has not gone unnoticed. Officer Miller was greeted with a hero's welcome as he returned home to finish out the rest of his recovery; the Jerseyville community lined the streets to show their support for the officer with signs and other ``back the blue'' decorations. I ask that you join me in keeping Officer Miller in your thoughts as he makes a speedy recovery. May God Bless Officer Nathan Miller and all of the other first responders who work to keep us safe.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cinda Klickna, a friend, educator, public servant, and president of the Illinois Education Association. After a long and successful career, Cinda will be retiring later this year. Cinda's career began in Springfield, Illinois, where she taught high school English and Advanced Placement Literature. In 1997, she was awarded the Illinois State Genealogical Society Community Service Award for her classroom's research of an abandoned cemetery at Lake Sangchris. After leaving the classroom, Cinda started with the IEA as a legislative intern, working with the late State Senator Vince Demuzio, State Representative Richard Reilly, and State Senator Terry Bruce. Before becoming an IEA officer, Cinda served on the IEA Board of Directors, the National Education Association Board of Directors, and as president of the Springfield Education Association. Additionally. she has chaired committees on Partnerships for Educational Innovation and the Legislative Committee for the IEA, as well as the Membership Services and Affiliate Relationships for the NEA. Cinda has been recognized as the first teacher to serve as the chair of the Education Committee for the Greater Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, and her public service has extended to membership on United Way Board. I am honored to recognize Cinda's accomplishments and her dedication to education and the Illinois Education Association. Best wishes for a happy retirement.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Richard Underwood, a veteran, a member of our Nation's Greatest Generation, an educator, and this is his 90th birthday. Richard was born in Korea to his Presbyterian missionary parents and was a natural native speaker of the Korean language. After the attacks on Pearl Harbor, he was repatriated from Japanese-held Korea and attended high school in Brooklyn, New York, before enlisting in the U.S. Army and joining the Office of Strategic Services. In World War II, he served behind Soviet Russian lines in Korea and the liberation and division of Korea. After his service in World War II, he returned to the United States, only to reenlist in the Army following North Korea's invasion of South Korea. As an interpreter in the Korean war, Richard and as his brother helped interpret peace talks at the end of the war. After this military career, Richard returned to Korea in 1957 to head the America Korea Foundation; and in 1962, he joined the Korean mission of the Presbyterian Church and was assigned to the Seoul Foreign School as its principal and, later, headmaster. Richard currently lives in Urbana, Illinois, with his wife of 65 years, Carol. Richard, happy birthday, and thank you for your years of selfless service and sacrifice to this Nation.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an American hero, Air Force Captain Joe Smith, as he makes his final flight home. Though it has been nearly half a century since the 25-year-old fighter pilot was fatally shot down during the Vietnam war, he will finally be laid to rest in his hometown of Assumption, Illinois. Thanks to the efforts of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, a group which searches the world for missing American veterans, the remains of Joe Smith were identified, along with his plane, by using DNA analysis. The effort made to bring him home all these years later is a true testament to the military's motto of no soldier left behind. Those who knew Joe remember him as being a bright, polite young man, who was well educated, earning his master's degree in business at the University of Notre Dame and Washington University. Though he did not have to, Joe went willingly into the service, where he began as a first lieutenant and quickly worked his way up to the promotion of being a captain. With the help of the Assumption Historical Society, Joe's widow, Elaine Mills, a native of Decatur, has worked hard to keep his memory alive and honor his service to our Nation. I hope to do the same by recognizing him today on this House floor. Joe is a true hero. This country and this House will long remember his valor.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Colonel Anthony Mitchell for his efforts as Commander of the St. Louis District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Before his command ends in June of 2017, he will have overseen nearly $200 million in civil works water resource planning, design, construction, and regulatory functions in the states of Illinois and Missouri. Mitchell began his duties as the 51st Commander of the St. Louis District in 2014 and has since then worked to provide leadership and direction to more than 700 military and civilian personnel, functioning to provide water resource engineering solutions to the 300 miles of the Mississippi watershed above the Ohio River. Aside from his accomplishments in engineering, Mitchell's military decorations are praiseworthy as well. Featuring two Bronze Star Medals; the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, four Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, the Parachutist Badge and the Army Engineer Association's Bronze de Fleury Medal. Additionally, in 2012 Mitchell was recognized as the Black Engineer of the Year Award Recipient for Professional Achievement in Government. These awards are truly a testament to Mitchell and the level of dedication he puts in to his work. Colonel Mitchell's commitment to the St. Louis District has undoubtedly contributed to the Mississippi Valley Region's excellence and I congratulate him on his many achievements and thank him for his work.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of my friend Roy Hertel, who passed away Thursday, May 25, at the age of 68. Roy was a true public servant and community leader in Montgomery County, Illinois. Throughout his life and career, he held many roles in the region and had an immeasurable impact on countless lives, including mine. As a teacher, circuit clerk, county board chairman, and administrator for the county's Department of Health and Human Services in the State of Illinois, Roy's career was defined by his dedication to bettering the lives of those not only in Montgomery County, but also throughout central Illinois. His involvement in the region went far beyond his career. Roy was an active member of the Disciples of Christ in Hillsboro; a 45-year member of the Lions Club, where he had held all offices, the district lieutenant governor and district governor in 1991 and 1992; a member of the Mt. Moriah Masonic Lodge Number 51 A.F. & A.M. in Hillsboro; president of the Circuit Clerk's Association; a member of the Hillsboro Moose Lodge Number 1377; part of the Hillsboro Sports Association; and served as chairman, until his death, of the Montgomery County Board. Roy also served as a coach for both youth baseball and soccer leagues, and was a dedicated fan and supporter of every sports team that his son played on and every child played on in Hillsboro, Illinois. He was especially fond of the Hillsboro Junior High Dragons that his son started on, clear up until his son played for the Gateway Grizzlies. My thoughts and prayers are with Nanci and the rest of Roy's family and friends, as central Illinois has lost a leader whose presence will be tremendously missed.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend Gary Letterly for his dedication to the agricultural community and congratulate him on his retirement after 25 years with University of Illinois Extension. For nearly three decades, Gary has worked at the Extension office in Christian County, contributing to local economic development projects within the county. In this role, Gary was able to establish an Enterprise Zone along Route 29 and create ``Community Swaps'' which helped connect community leaders and elected officials to similarly- sized communities in the state as a way to help those officials learn and grow in their positions. As his career progressed, Gary's unique specializations and insight helped to broaden the focus and expand the impact of the University of Illinois Extension Office. His broad range of skills greatly impacted the production of local row-crops as well as homeowner lawn and pest issues. I am proud to recognize Mr. Letterly's work on behalf of the agricultural community and wish him all the best in his retirement.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, I rise today also in support of H.R. 953, the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2017. The House Committee on Agriculture, which I serve on, as does Chairman Gibbs, passed this bill out of committee every Congress since the 112th Congress. The bill language was likewise included in the 2012 farm bill, reported out of the committee, as well as in the 2013 farm bill the House sent to conference. It was also included in the committee-reported text of the FY 2012 Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. But it has never reached the President's desk. For more than 100 years, the Federal Government has administered its responsibilities under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, FIFRA, to review and register pesticides in a responsible way that protects human health and the environment. Under the Clean Water Act, the EPA or a State authority issues a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, NPDES permit, and that regulates the discharge of pollutants. NPDES permits specify limits on what pollutants may be discharged from point sources and in what amounts. Since the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972, the EPA has interpreted its responsibilities related to pesticide use such that compliance with FIFRA would mitigate the need for duplicative permitting under the Clean Water Act. As litigation in the early part of this decade began to challenge this interpretation, the EPA ultimately responded with the promulgation of a regulation on November 27, 2006, to clarify how these two laws operated. Under the EPA's final rule, the Agency codified its earlier interpretation that permits for pesticide application under the Clean Water Act were unnecessary where pesticides were used in accordance with their regulation under FIFRA. Following the finalization of this regulation, the rule was challenged in numerous jurisdictions. The case was ultimately heard in the Sixth Circuit wherein the government's interpretation of the interaction of these two laws was not given the deference we would normally expect. The final court order nullified the EPA's regulation and imposed what is viewed as a burdensome, costly, and duplicative permitting process under the Clean Water Act for literally millions of pesticide applications. This order has imposed a burden on the EPA, State regulatory agencies, and pesticide applicators, costing our economy in terms of jobs as well as severely threatening the already critical budgetary situation facing governments at all levels. It is particularly unfortunate that this court order imposed a new requirement that has imperiled our water resource boards, our mosquito control boards, and our forestry and agricultural sectors, yet has provided no additional environmental or public health protection. On the contrary, by imposing this costly burden on public health pesticide users, it has jeopardized public health as it relates to protection against insect-borne diseases such as the Zika virus, West Nile virus, various forms of encephalitis, and Lyme disease. I recently heard from the Macon County Mosquito Abatement District in my district based in and around Decatur, Illinois. They can attest that the price of complying with NPDES permitting is very high. Though they had in place a reliable system of tracking chemical usage and treatment areas for years, the added burden of the NPDES requirements have caused them to spend a large portion of the district's annual budget on software strictly just for compliance and reporting processes. The recurring yearly fees associated with the software are a never-ending burden needlessly placed on abatement districts. The fear of litigation dictates the detailed tracking of EPA-approved products and diverts those funds from their actual purpose of controlling mosquitoes. The EPA has provided technical assistance to draft this very narrow legislation. The goal of this legislation has been to address only those problems created by the decision of the Sixth Circuit and to be entirely consistent with the policy of the EPA, as stated in their November 27, 2006, final rule governing application of pesticides to waters of the United States in compliance with FIFRA. I urge all Members to vote for this legislation. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, we agree that no one thinks this bill is going to harm anyone. We are trying to look for commonsense provisions, and I am thankful to my colleague for making this a bipartisan solution. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Yoho).

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of one of Illinois' great journalists, Dave Shaul, who passed away this month at age 75. For decades, Dave provided countless central Illinois residents with their local news as an anchor, producer, and news director at WCIA in Champaign, Illinois. During his storied television and radio broadcast career, Dave covered the biggest local, State, and national news, including covering every Presidential election from 1964 through 2016. Dave was known for his honest and trustworthy coverage of local and national politics. Dave won a number of awards during his career as a journalist. In 1980, he won the UPI Best Television Sports Play-by-Play Award for his coverage of Illinois basketball. And in 1999, he was honored with the Associated Press Mark Twain Lifetime Achievement Award, was named to the Eastern Illinois University Hall of Fame, and was designated a lifetime member of the Illinois News Broadcasters Association. Dave also received an Emmy Award for his career accomplishments in 2011. Dave leaves a long legacy as a trusted figure on the news and in the Champaign-Urbana community. His family and friends continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Florida, and I thank my colleague from Virginia for supporting this piece of legislation put forth by our friend and colleague from California, Congressman David Valadao. The Social Security Number Fraud Prevention Act is a bill that should gain unanimous support in this institution. According to the Justice Department, identity theft affects nearly 18 million people, costing more than $15 billion in 2014 alone. This represents roughly 7 percent of all Americans age 16 or older. In my home State of Illinois alone, in 2014, it was recognized that the FTC saw a 65 percent increase in identity theft. More than 14 percent of the victims are elderly. We all know that Social Security numbers are the link to a key piece of information criminals use to steal people's identities. This commonsense piece of legislation takes a very important step to ensure that our Federal agencies, our government, funded by the hardworking taxpayers of this country, are not making this problem even worse. This bill, as you have heard today, would restrict the use of Social Security numbers on documents sent via mail by the Federal Government unless the head of a department or agency determines the inclusion of such number is necessary--which I can't think of a single instance where that would be necessary, but I guess we have to put that in there anyway. This seems like a no-brainer, but we in this institution have to pass a bill to make sure that it happens, which is why I am a proud cosponsor of this bill. I want to thank Congressman Valadao again. I also want to thank Congress' newest father, our colleague from California, Eric Swalwell, for being a cosponsor of this legislation, too. This bill will have a real impact on reducing identity theft in this country, and I want to commend, once again, everybody on the floor today for their support.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of a lifelong resident of my hometown of Taylorville, Illinois, my good friend, Michael Welge. Mike was a veteran, public servant, devoted husband to his wife, Judy, father, grandfather, and, again, my friend. Mike passed away on May 4, but he left a long legacy of dedication to his family, his country, and his community. As an Army veteran who served his country, Mike continued his service to military members as the commander of American Legion Post 73. Mike worked at Peabody Mine No. 10 for years before beginning a 22- year career at the Illinois Department of Corrections. Mike served as a member of the Taylorville Planning and Zoning Committee for 25 years and was a member of many groups like the Taylorville FFA Association, the American Farm Heritage Museum in Greenville, ABATE, and Moose Lodge 1516. Mike is survived by his wife, Judy, son, grandson, and brother. He will be truly missed by all who knew him, and I consider myself blessed to have known Mike Welge as a friend.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the teachers and staff of the Regional Alternative School (RAS) in Bloomington, Illinois for their service to the students at the request of senior Logan Smith who graduates this month. The Regional Alternative School serves students in four counties under the jurisdiction of the Regional Office of Education No. 17. That includes two counties that I serve, McLean and DeWitt, along with Livingston and Logan counties, RAS is dedicated to providing education programming for students considered to be at-risk of dropping out of school. In April I had the opportunity to visit the school where I received a tour from three Student Ambassadors--Sabrina Ridgeway, Corrie Gardner, and Logan Smith. I got to see first-hand the excellent work the school is doing to better student lives. For most, the school is their best hope at graduating high school, gaining vital life skills, and transitioning to college or the workforce. This quality education and caring mentorship would not be possible without the hard-working, dedicated staff at the Regional Alternative School. I am proud to help Logan honor and thank the teachers and staff of the Regional Alternative School. Thank you for dedicating your lives to supporting students and helping them realize their unlimited potential. And congratulations to Logan and his fellow graduates, I wish you all the very best of luck.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, again, I thank the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Peterson) for supporting this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. Cramer), the author of this bill.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 2154, to rename the Red River Valley Agricultural Research Center in Fargo, North Dakota, as the Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center. And this, Mr. Speaker, is in spite of the fact that it is located at North Dakota State University, which, in January of 2015, beat my Illinois State Red Birds for the FCS football championship and caused me to have to bring cupcakes from Normal, Illinois, to pay a bet with my colleague who is the author of this bill, Congressman Kevin Cramer. So I still support this bill in spite of those actions because it is a good bill, Mr. Speaker. Ed Schafer served as North Dakota's Governor from 1992 to 2000, and as our Nation's Secretary of Agriculture from 2008 to 2009. Renaming the Red River Valley Agricultural Research Center in Fargo, North Dakota, to honor Secretary Schafer is a fitting tribute to his distinguished career in public service. Located in Secretary Schafer's home State and at one of the Nation's premier land grant universities, this research center continues to advance its vital work on improving crops to strengthen our Nation's food security. I greatly appreciate the work--in spite of the cupcakes--that Congressman Kevin Cramer has put forth on this bill, his leadership, and I urge my colleagues to join me today in supporting this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2154) to rename the Red River Valley Agricultural Research Center in Fargo, North Dakota, as the Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center, as amended.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support passage of this commonsense legislation, H.R. 1177. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Peterson) for supporting this legislation. I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Poliquin), who actually was the one who brought this bill to the attention of the House Agriculture Committee and to the floor here today. It is his hard work, and there are not many in this institution who work harder than Representative Poliquin in addressing the needs of rural America.