Rodney Davis

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, November 30, 2015, I was absent from the House because I was unavoidably detained. Due to my absence, I did not record my vote on the first vote of the day. I would like to reflect how I would have voted had I been present for legislative business.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend, Jonny Wade, an 8-year-old from Jerseyville, Illinois, who is battling a rare form of brain and spinal cancer. After being diagnosed with cancer on Christmas Day of 2014, Jonny has undergone several surgeries as well as multiple rounds of radiation and chemotherapy. Despite the diagnosis, Jonny continues to think of others, and his rallying cry remains, ``I don't want any other kid to have cancer.'' While he was unable to travel to Washington, as I invited him to do just a few short months ago, to come here to advocate for cancer research, I want to take this time, Mr. Speaker, to speak out on his behalf. Cancer is the second leading cause of death for children, yet only 4 percent of cancer research funds go to children. Jonny and his twin brother Jacky have a special place in my heart because I am the parent of twin boys, too. While Jonny and Jacky may not be here with me today, they brought their cause to the Capitol. Pediatric cancer is a relentless disease, and we cannot waver in our efforts to eradicate it. For Jonny and the thousands of children who are diagnosed with cancer each year, we must all work together to fully fund pediatric cancer research. The favorite sport of Jonny and Jacky is baseball. These two guys right here like to go to baseball games and football games. Unfortunately for both of them, they are St. Louis Cardinals fans. Being an Atlanta Braves fan, I like to joke with them about their choice in teams. But I have got a baseball right here, Mr. Speaker, and I want to thank all the colleagues who signed this baseball for me. I wanted everybody to sign, but as you can see, there is no room left. This baseball is for you, Jonny. I want to thank you for being the fighter that you are.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sharon Conatser on being elected national president of the American Legion Auxiliary earlier this year. The American Legion Auxiliary is the nation's largest women's patriotic service organization, led by the national president who promotes the organization's mission advocating for veterans, educating citizens, mentoring youth, and promoting patriotism, good citizenship, peace, and security. Mrs. Conatser grew up in Central Illinois and has been a lifetime member of the American Legion family. She first became involved through her father, a WWII and Korean War veteran. Her husband also served as the national commander of the American Legion, making her the first national president who was also a First Lady of the American Legion. Mrs. Conatser is retired from the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, where she worked for 25 years. She has held numerous leadership positions with the American Legion Auxiliary, and remains active in her church and her community, serving as an inspiring example of a dedicated public servant. I am proud of Mrs. Conatser's accomplishments and it is an honor to represent her in the 13th District of Illinois. Mrs. Conatser will be a strong national leader for the American Legion Auxiliary and I wish her the best in serving our country's veterans, active duty military, their families, and their communities.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Farm to School Month. During the month of October, thousands of local food producers in schools across the country have been working together to promote food and agriculture education. Since Farm to School Month was established in 2010, the National Farm to School Network has worked to highlight the importance of teaching kids the benefits of healthy food choices and the advantages for our local economies when we buy them from local producers. The Farm to School Network provides kids with hands-on nutrition education through projects like community gardens and farm field trips. Earlier this year, members of my staff worked at a community garden in Springfield, Illinois, sponsored by genHkids, a nonprofit organization that strives to educate children about the importance of healthy eating. I am a cosponsor of H.R. 1061, the Farm to School Act, which expands USDA grant funding to schools, agricultural producers, and nonprofits to improve access to local foods for programs that serve our communities, such as the School Breakfast Program, the Summer Food Service Program, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Our local food producers play an integral role in feeding central and southern Illinois families. In celebration of National Farm to School Month, thank you to all our farmers and schools that bring healthy, local foods to the table for our kids.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Ryan for his leadership on this issue. I really appreciate the Committee on Ways and Means allowing me, a noncommittee member, to be able to take this important piece of legislation to the floor today. Today this Congress has an opportunity to work in a bipartisan way to promote religious liberty and, frankly, Mr. Speaker, fairness. H.R. 2061, the EACH Act, does this by modestly expanding the religious conscience exemption under the Affordable Care Act to include individuals like Christian Scientists, who rely solely on religious methods of healing. The existing religious conscience exemption under the Affordable Care Act exclusively applies, as Chairman Ryan said, to a few certain sects of faith. As a result, many Americans--as I mentioned before, the Christian Scientists--are required to purchase medical health insurance that does not cover the health care of their religious practice or choice. Alternatively, they are forced to pay tax penalties for not purchasing such insurance. A similar version of the EACH Act passed this House unanimously under the suspension of the rules during the last Congress. In order to improve the bill, as Mr. Levin, my colleague stated, modest changes to this bill's language were made, with input from the Department of Treasury, the Department of Health and Human Services, and other key stakeholders. Under this bill's new language, applicants must annually attest to the exchange that they are a member of a religious group, that they rely solely on a religious method of healing, and that they have not received medical health services during the preceding taxable year. Additionally, with the help of input from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the bill now makes it clear that the legislation does not preempt any State laws requiring the provision of medical treatment for children. Further, if a parent needs to provide necessary medical services to a child, doing so would not invalidate the individual's exemption. The EACH Act is truly an example of bipartisan legislation with input from stakeholders to make it better. As of today, it has more than 100 Republican and more than 60 Democratic cosponsors. I am particularly proud to have worked with my friend and colleague, Mr. Keating, on moving this legislation forward. He knows this issue well. His home State of Massachusetts established a similar religious conscience exemption in State law, and it is working just as planned. Mr. Speaker, I also represent Principia College in Elsah, Illinois. It is a college for Christian Scientists. I am proud to stand up and promote their religious liberty and that of many others in this great Nation. I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. I thank the many colleagues who stood here and stand with me now to rise in support of ensuring that hard- earned taxpayer dollars do not go to private entities that are trafficking in fetal baby parts. We have to put a stop to this heinous practice. We have to ensure that this problem is investigated. We have to ensure that the Federal Government is not condoning these actions. I believe that we need to ensure that Planned Parenthood understands that the money that they have access to from the Federal Treasury is not mandatory money that is given to that agency. We need to ensure that women's health is a priority, but let's put the tax dollars into the agencies and the community health centers that are providing access to women's health care every day throughout this great Nation. We can do that. Let's stand together. Let's ban this heinous practice. Let's make sure we move forward.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Excessive government regulations are a significant barrier to private sector job creation. This Congress has made job creation a priority and, therefore, we believe it is important to have a role in reviewing these regulations to ensure that their proposed benefits outweigh any potential economic harm. The Sessions-Davis-Wenstrup-Barr amendment would require an agency's report to Congress to include an assessment of estimated jobs gained or lost as a result of the implementation of a rule. These agencies would also be required to specify whether those jobs will come from the public or private sector. This assessment will be part of the cost- benefit analysis required to be submitted to the Comptroller General and made available to each House of Congress prior to consideration of a rule. Over the past 6 years, our Nation's cumulative regulatory burden has increased exponentially; and, unfortunately, this out-of-control administration has shown no signs of slowing down. The addition of 27 major new rules last year brought the administration's 6-year total to an astounding 184 new regulations. This has cost the country thousands of jobs and an estimated $80 billion annually. When regulations are considered for approval under the REINS Act, it is imperative that Congress have a clear picture of their effect on jobs. This amendment will help us guard against job-killing regulations and will give Congress important oversight over the executive branch's regulatory agenda. At this time, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I urge all of my colleagues to vote for this commonsense amendment. I think it is only right to require very costly and burdensome regulations being created by this administration's regulatory environment to actually show the taxpayers the cost benefit of what the executive branch's decision is going to be on the taxpayers of this country. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, at this point, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte), my friend, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire as to how much time I have remaining?

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, as the designee of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions), I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise in support of my bill, the Hire More Heroes Act. This commonsense legislation will help small businesses hire more of our veterans by exempting veterans who are already receiving health care through the DOD or the VA from being counted towards the 50- employee limit for the employer mandate under the Affordable Care Act. On opening day, the House passed H.R. 22, the Hire More Heroes Act, by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 412-0. I especially want to thank my colleague from Hawaii, Tulsi Gabbard, for working together on this issue. And I also want to take this time, Mr. Speaker, to thank Chairman Paul Ryan and his entire Ways and Means Committee for ensuring that this very important issue is addressed in this Congress. In order to maximize the chances for this important legislation to be implemented into law this session, we are again considering the Hire More Heroes Act, which I reintroduced last week as H.J. Res. 61. H.J. Res. 61 is an example of how Washington is supposed to work. I say this because this idea didn't come from Washington. It came from a member of my Veterans Advisory Board in Madison County, Illinois. After explaining ObamaCare to veterans throughout southwestern Illinois and how it impacts their VA benefits, this advisory board member, Brad Lavite, began wondering why they were subject to the employer mandate if they were not even in need of health insurance coverage. His concern was raised with me at one of my Veterans Advisory Board meetings, and shortly thereafter we began work on this Hire More Heroes Act. This bill will help small businesses, those with less than 50 employees, hire more of our Nation's veterans by making a commonsense change to ObamaCare. We continue to see this law's lingering impact on our economy, as many small businesses delay hiring, cut hours and, in some cases, reduce payroll. In fact, the National Small Business Association found that 91 percent of small businesses have seen increases in their healthcare costs, and two-thirds of their members listed the Affordable Care Act as a reason for holding off on investing in people. Mr. Speaker, when a small business invests in people, that is how America creates jobs. In my home State of Illinois, it is estimated this year that Affordable Care Act premium increases will rise as much as 30 percent. By making this commonsense change to the law, we will not only help provide small businesses much-needed relief, but also--the main goal-- help veterans, our heroes, find more work. Despite receiving some of the best training in the world, post-9/11 veterans are consistently faced with higher unemployment rates than that of other veterans. So as more and more of our veterans return home, the Hire More Heroes Act will give these veterans a boost in this very competitive job market. Again, Mr. Speaker, this bill passed earlier this year 412-0. I am asking all of my colleagues to support this commonsense, bipartisan policy that will help American businesses hire more of our heroes. Mr. Speaker, I again want to thank Chairman Ryan.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. I again thank the chairman. Thank you to Ranking Member Levin and all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for looking at this very important issue, this correction that needed to be made so that our veterans get the opportunities they deserve. I would like to thank my colleague from Kansas (Ms. Jenkins) for coming to the floor today to talk about how important this issue is. I urge all of my colleagues to listen to everybody on the floor today and the bipartisan consensus to, once again, pass this commonsense piece of legislation. I also want to thank the veterans that I have the honor to serve in Illinois. This idea came from one of them, a constituent who saw the flaw. Now we have the chance to, once again, correct it. I hope this bill can get to the President's desk.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, it is interesting; this whole entire debate we have talked about science. The science clearly shows that genetically modified seeds, genetically modified foods, are safe for every single American family. It is also interesting that my colleague brought a box of Honey Nut Cheerios to the floor. My colleague talked about claims made on that box. Well, it is interesting that my colleague didn't bring a box of regular Cheerios that sometimes contain a label of non-GMO. Well, it is a marketing ploy, and that is what we are trying to correct here, because there is no GMO oat. It is all to convince consumers that it is somehow safer, even though there is no distinction between that Cheerios that has that label and the other Cheerios box that doesn't. It is interesting to see those specific points brought to the floor to try and make this case. It is just clearly not resonating with the American people. There are no clear and consistent standards for the term ``natural,'' which is why we are trying to correct this in this bill. We need to make sure that consistent litigation that has come about because of the very definitions of what the term ``natural'' means can stop. Let's put a clear standard in place. H.R. 1599 also requires the FDA to file a notice and comment rulemaking process to define and set standards for the term ``natural.'' I thought this was exactly what the rulemaking process was supposed to be used for. This will allow for an open, transparent, public process so that the FDA can establish such standards based on the facts, the science, and the input received. This amendment would predetermine that outcome and not allow for a science-based, fact-driven process--that is open to the public--to continue to move forward. I urge my colleagues to reject this amendment. Let's get on the path of passing H.R. 1599 in this House. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague from Kansas (Mr. Pompeo). I know this hasn't been an easy path to get to where we are today, to allow for consumers in all 50 States to be able to know what is in their food. I congratulate my colleague from Kansas (Mr. Pompeo) on the hard work he and his staff and those on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and House Ag Committee have put forth to make this bill a reality today. I am proud, as a subcommittee chairman on the House Ag Committee for Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research, to put my name on an amendment to this bill. I am proud to stand here today to support this bill as a member of that committee and, also, as a dad who is responsible for shopping for many of the products that we are going to see this label put on in the grocery stores when I go home every weekend. Biotechnology is crucial to our ability to feed the world. It is a critical technology, so much so in my district in central Illinois that earlier this month I went on a biotech tour in my district. I visited plants and research facilities from Litchfield, Illinois, to Clinton, Illinois. I met with workers and scientists who are committed to developing better seed products that will help us feed a growing world. Mr. Chairman, it will help us feed a growing world. So many people that don't live in this great country, where we take for granted our ability to have access to the safest food supply on this globe, don't have access to food. Biotechnology allows us to grow that food in countries where people need food. They need to eat. They don't know where their next meal is coming from. Without biotechnology, we are not going to be able to feed the billions that are going to be required in the coming years. I want to tell you about Pioneer technology in Litchfield, Illinois, who is developing a soybean seed that won't have transfats. I thought that was good, Mr. Chairman. But this is the type of technology that we are talking about here. Science is on our side. Science shows that GMOs and biotechnology are safe. As a matter of fact, just earlier today I was at a panel discussion with Alexis Taylor, the Deputy Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services right here at our USDA. She even made a comment that GMOs are good for climate change. That should make many of my colleagues in this Chamber happy. But, unfortunately, I don't think that will get them to ``yes'' on this vote. We are hearing a lot about motives, Mr. Chairman. Our motives are to make sure that every single American in all 50 States has access, has the transparency, knows what is in their food. This is exactly what H.R. 1599 is going to do for every single one of them. Every mom and dad in this country is going to know what is in their food. That is exactly why we are doing this. That is exactly why I am here to support this bill. That is exactly why I am proud of my colleague from Kansas (Mr. Pompeo) for doing exactly what we are going to do today.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I am honored to follow my colleague from California. Less than a year ago I was in his fine district, and I saw the benefits of the agricultural industry in Monterey, California. I actually toured an organic food processing facility in and around my colleague's district, and I saw firsthand the impact of California agriculture. I want my colleagues to be assured that the organic labeling program is exactly what this bill is modeled after. The words that may have been developed in the California State Senate and in the California State Assembly are part of our national organic standards because they work. Organic is a voluntary program just like we are trying to put forth. This is exactly what we are trying to do, Mr. Chairman--address the concerns of many Americans who want a label and who have contacted our offices. Americans also want standards; so, when we hear words like ``contamination,'' unfortunately, it connotates negativity to consumers that somehow GMOs are bad for them. The science, though, clearly shows they are not. As a matter of fact, I just walked over to the Senate side and sat down with some of my colleagues who probably will not vote for this bill. We didn't know, because there was no label, whether or not that sandwich we ate contained genetically modified organisms--seeds--if it were produced with GMOs. We are trying to fix that. We would allow that sandwich shop to actually meet a set of standards, just like how our organic growers do today, to determine what a GMO product means. When we hear about trade, earlier today, I was with a member of the European Parliament, Julie Girling. We were talking about some of the impacts of the GMO rules and regulations in the EU on their ability to get cheap food into their supermarkets. I would urge my colleagues to talk to those who are experiencing the exact same thing right now in our European countries that are our allies. Talk with Ms. Girling. Talk to her about the problems that Europe is experiencing. We are trying to stop those problems from happening here in America. I want to make sure that we use science--that we use the facts--and that we use a model of a very successful organic labeling program to write this bill. Therefore, my colleagues should be in favor of this if they are so in favor of the existing program today.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I wish to rise in opposition.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mike Zahn, a friend, public servant, and leader in the Springfield, Illinois, community. For several years, Mike has been involved in the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 965 in Springfield. His father was an operating engineer and served as the branch's business manager. Following in his father's footsteps, Mike first joined in 1974 and spent nearly 30 years with Local 965, eventually becoming the business manager for the branch himself. In addition to his time with Local 965, Mike also immersed himself in public service. He served as the chairman of the Illinois State Council and was a member of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Diversity Development Council. Mike has been a strong voice for improving our infrastructure, as a frequent visitor to this great city. After over four decades with Local 965, Mike announced he is going to retire as an operating engineer. He and his wife, Jacki, have two children, Steve and Jessica. I am proud to honor my friend Mike Zahn for his work on behalf of the people of Springfield, Illinois, and this great country. I wish him the best in his retirement.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Andre Iguodala, an Illinois native who was named the Most Valuable Player while playing for the Golden State Warriors in the 2015 NBA Championship series. Mr. Iguodala's basketball career began in Illinois' 13th District. As a student at Lanphier High School in Springfield, Andre led his team to the State championship game in his senior year and went on to play for the University of Arizona. After graduation, Andre began his professional basketball career in the NBA. Before his appearance this year in the NBA Finals, Andre proudly represented America as a member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team in London. He contributed to the team's efforts that ultimately earned them a Gold Medal. This year, Andre proved to be an important contributor to the Warriors' 2015 NBA Finals success. He was a crucial part in helping to earn the team the NBA championship title, and he was awarded the MVP award with a resounding vote of 7-4. I am proud to recognize Andre Iguodala and his many accomplishments and his dedication to basketball from his time as a youth in Springfield, Illinois, until now. Congratulations, Andre. Congratulations to all the Warriors fans. And congratulations to those in Springfield who continue to look up to you every single day.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight with deep sadness at the loss of my friend, Mike McElroy, the mayor of Decatur, Illinois, just last week. Mike was not just my friend. He was a friend to so many, and he led the City of Decatur through some very difficult times to where Decatur, my former hometown, as a student at Millikin University, has been able to see the progress that many envisioned 26 years ago when Mike and his wife, Lynn, made Decatur their hometown. Mike is going to be remembered not only as a friend of mine, but a friend to the entire community, be it the YMCA that he served on the board of directors, St. Teresa school that he was so active in, or the many other community efforts that he was a part of. ``Tuna,'' as he was known, is going to be missed by all, but especially missed by me. Mike was an early supporter of mine and a friend when I didn't have as many friends in that town as I started my journey that ended right here on this House floor when I was sworn in a few short years ago. Tuna, you left this Earth way too early. My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Decatur community, who will miss you, and, most importantly, to your wife, Lynn, and your son, Matt. Rest in peace, my friend.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Taylorville Optimist Club on their 50th anniversary this year. The Optimists have shown inspiring dedication to their mission of fostering an optimistic way of life in my hometown. The Optimist Club was chartered in 1965, and there are currently over sixty active members. Since their charter, they have been a force of good in the community. They instigate a meaningful difference in the attitudes of our community's youth at events throughout the year; bringing out the best in kids by providing hope and a positive vision. Over the past five decades, the Optimist Club has been resilient in pursuit of their mission. The club makes various important contributions to the people of Taylorville throughout the year. Fitting for this time of year, they honor our freedom by providing the fireworks for the Independence Day celebration. In the spring, they host their annual Easter Egg Hunt for children in the community. During the school year, they assist local students who exemplify their mission with scholarships. The Taylorville Optimist Club has shown that a positive outlook is essential in facing everyday life. Their commitment to service has helped make my hometown community what it is today. As a past member of the Optimist Club, I am proud of this club's reputation. Its legacy can be seen in the lives of all those it has enriched over the past fifty years, and I look forward to another fifty.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bob Fallstrom, a friend, veteran, and newsman, who passed away on July 10, 2015 at the age of 88. Mr. Fallstrom served as an integral part of life in central Illinois by delivering the news to countless Central Illinoisans for 66 years. He left a lasting impact on many throughout the entire state of Illinois. As a young man, Mr. Fallstrom worked at a movie theatre with the dream of a career in the news. Despite never having earned a college degree, he eventually achieved his dream, landing a position with the Herald & Review, a local newspaper in Decatur, Illinois. Mr. Fallstrom put his professional dreams on hold to serve his country during World War II--a testament to his dedication to service and putting others first in all aspects of his life. After the war, Mr. Fallstrom returned to central Illinois and once again picked up his reporter's notebook. He worked for decades as a sports editor for the paper and kept regular attendance at sporting events throughout the region. Known as the ``good news editor,'' he was also described as a ``talking encyclopedia'' of central Illinois history. I am proud to honor Mr. Fallstrom for his service to his country and his community. He was a devoted husband, father, veteran, and newsman that left an indelible memory on the lives of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Fallstrom's family as central Illinois has lost a truly bright and impactful leader.