Rodney Frelinghuysen

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Simpson) who is the chair of the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Subcommittee on Appropriations.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Yoder), the chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee on Appropriations.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert), the chairman of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee on Appropriations.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Palazzo), a valuable member of the committee.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Lance), a strong supporter of national defense.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Simpson) for the purpose of a colloquy.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Weber).

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, before I close, I just want to take this opportunity to thank Mrs. Lowey for her work, and all of the staff here for the remarkable things they have been doing over the last 3 or 4 weeks. While we may disagree strongly on some issues, our committee, as Mr. Cuellar said a few minutes ago, works in a bipartisan way to get our bills across the finish line. To all the members of the committee and our staff and to the ranking member, I thank them for the amicable way that all of us conduct business. It is part of the history and tradition of our committee. Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentlewoman from New York.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith), the distinguished chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield the gentleman an additional 1 minute.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for her comments. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, in closing, I would remind the House that just yesterday we voted overwhelmingly in a bipartisan way to impose tough new sanctions on three aggressor nations: Russia, Iran and North Korea. Each pose their unique threats to our vital interests, their neighbors, and to global stability. But little in history would predict that sanction alone will change the maligned behavior of these three regimes. That is why we need to get this bill across the finish line, to guarantee that our military is always prepared to meet any threat from anyone anywhere, whether it be China in the Pacific; international terrorist groups like ISIS, al-Qaida, Al-Nusra, al Shabaab, Hezbollah, Hamas; and transnational drug smugglers and criminal gangs. Mr. Chairman, I repeat: Congress' most important constitutional duty is to provide for the common defense. This appropriations package before us allows us to meet that solid responsibility. I urge support of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Morristown Medical Center, located in Morris County, New Jersey, on the occasion of its 125th Anniversary. From humble beginnings, the medical center has grown from a household hospital to a nationally renowned medical center with 6,565 employees, 1,704 physicians, and 526,946 outpatient visits in 2016. Morristown Medical Center's history began in the late 1800s, when Myra M. B. Brookfield bequeathed her home property for the purpose of establishing a hospital, located on Morris Street in Morristown, New Jersey. Augusta Stone, a fellow colleague, joined her efforts and raised $15,000 from the community, to equip and furnish the new hospital. The medical center was operated by professionals along with local volunteers, and no role was too small for townspeople. They sewed linens for the hospital bedding and picked vegetables to feed hungry patients. When hospital employees were sent overseas to serve in World War II, volunteers cooked and served meals, answered telephones, and drove the ambulances. In 1952, the hospital was relocated to Madison Avenue in Morristown, which marked its turning point from a community hospital to a regional medical center. The medical center expanded throughout the next several decades with volunteers finding new methods of raising money. By 1991, the milestone was reached with more than 1,000 volunteers giving 100,000 hours annually. Today, Morristown Medical Center is a leader in providing medical care and promoting innovation. Their Goryeb Children's Hospital, Carol G. Simon Cancer Center, and Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute, which has performed more heart surgeries than any other hospital in New Jersey, are all nationally recognized institutions. Further, the Morristown Medical Center has built a strong relationship with its community. Along with aiding patients' medical needs, they also have forged partnerships with local schools and many local organizations to educate the residents of all ages about healthy eating and exercise. The Morristown Medical Center truly dedicates itself to serving the various needs of a diverse community. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in congratulating the Trustees, administrators and staff, and Women's Auxiliary of Morristown Medical Center on the occasion of its 125th Anniversary.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Hildale Park Presbyterian Church, located in the Township of Hanover, New Jersey, on the occasion of its 100th Anniversary. From humble beginnings, this church's birth from a hillside bungalow has grown to be a thriving religious center and school for the greater Morris County community, a bible-centered congregation. Hildale Park Presbyterian Church's history began in 1916 when Cedar Knolls transitioned from a summer destination to a town of permanent residency. At that time, residents needed to travel long distances for their religious services. This was an impetus for Mr. and Mrs. Horace Greenway and Mrs. Mathilda Pfeiffer to establish a Sunday school within the community. As a result, on April 17, 1917, the very first service was held in the Greenway bungalow. Soon after, on July 19, 1917, a meeting was held to elect the first Board of Trustees who renamed the chapel the Hildale Park Union Chapel. On August 11, 1918, Reverend Greenway officiated the first session and dedication was held in the newly erected chapel. As time passed, there was an apparent need for a sturdier structure that could withstand the frequent storms. With the advent of the 1955 Christmas Eve service, the dedication of a new sanctuary was held. The Church's aspiration to select a full-time minister was also met on July 13, 1959, as Reverend Alan Loy McGinnis was moved into the newly built manse. With Reverend McGinnis at the helm, the church not only delivered religious services, but also held a Sunday school constituting 200 students. In fact, the church's altruism was demonstrated by its postponement of additions to the school building to instead pledge $10,000 to add a wing on to a hospital in Brazil. The Church continued to expand, as newly selected Reverend MacNaughton made it his ambition to build a Christian Education Building, and for the church to become more active in the local community. Reverend MacNaughton secured a Cable TV spot, in order to broadcast each Sunday service. This still continues to service the community profoundly. Reverend MacNaughton retired in 2012 after serving forty-one years, and was succeeded by Reverend Ross H. Lang, who is dedicated to continuing the traditions and promises of Hildale Park Presbyterian Church. To remain a thriving faith based organization, 100 years later, is a testament to the extraordinary efforts of Hildale Park Presbyterian Church, its members and Trustees. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in congratulating Hildale Park Presbyterian Church on the occasion of its Centennial Anniversary.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, once again, I come to the floor to recognize the great success of strong local schools working with dedicated parents and teachers. I rise today to congratulate and honor a number of outstanding high school artists from the 11th Congressional District of New Jersey. Each of these talented young men and women participated in the 2017 Congressional Arts Competition, ``An Artistic Discovery.'' Their works of art are exceptional. Fifty-five participated. That is a wonderful response, and I would very much like to build on that participation for future competitions. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the winners of our art competition. First place was awarded to Barbara Benda from Nutley High School for her digital tablet painting entitled, ``Don't Look.'' Second place was awarded to Emma Jang from West Morris Mendham High School for her acrylic entitled, ``Wide Awake.'' Third place was awarded to Emily Wang from Wayne Valley High School for her pen and ink entitled, ``Black Rain.'' Honorable Mentions were awarded to: Michelle Tolochko from Boonton High School for her acrylic entitled, ``Self Portrait,'' Ashley O'Brien from Montville Township High School for her watercolor entitled, ``Aphrodite,'' Jaclyn Larsen from Hanover Park High School for her digital photo entitled, ``Messi,'' and Christopher Cortez from the Passaic County Technical Institute for his acrylic entitled, ``Shades of Beauty.'' Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize each artist for their participation by indicating their high school, their name and the title of their contest entries for the official Record. boonton high school Kristen Dalrymple, ``Ghost of you'' Amanda Roberts, ``Bitter Cold'' Michelle Tolochko, ``Self Portrait'' Giancarlo Venturini, ``My Friend Liz'' Delbarton School Tim Adami, ``Victory'' Sean Taylor, ``The Alpine Adventurer'' Eastern Christian High School Steve Blanco, ``Epitaph'' Juliana Struyk, ``Perception Of Fruit'' Hanover Park High School Valentina Mattfeld, ``Dallas'' Megan Canzonieri, ``Ophelia'' Jac1yn Larsen, ``Messi'' Sarah Court, ``Dash'' Livingston High School Rachel Kogut, ``Imagination'' MeWe Art Julia Hou, ``Fire and Water'' Montville Township High School Madeleine Morris, ``Wildflowers'' Ashley O'Brien, ``Aphrodite'' Darrel Tsinadze, ``Red Pearls'' Alexander Tullo, ``Samantha's Columns'' Morristown High School Deanna C. Swanson, ``Vanitas'' Morris Knolls High School Alyssa DeFilippis, ``Melodic Vibes'' Megan Ramos, ``Angel'' Divya Patel, ``Lola'' Claire Weber, ``Livid'' Morris Catholic High School Tina Yi, ``Sadness'' Yang Jason Yang, ``Geometrics'' Morris County School of Technology Caroline Yorke, ``Crime Scene'' Brenna Corsi, ``Grow'' Alexa Metro, ``True Colors'' Mountain Lakes High School Joy Xie, ``We Grew Up Here'' Nutley High School Barbara Benda, ``Don't Look'' Raven Cardone-Imor, ``Tragic'' Devin Lemongello, ``Self Portrait'' Joanne Salise, ``Green Abstract'' Parsippany Christian School Nohemy Zabala, ``The Beautiful District of Columbia'' Daniel Jordan McMillen, ``The Other Side'' Camille Dieppa, ``The Lincoln Memorial'' Parsippany Hills High School Rachel Jacovsky, ``American Pride'' Passaic County Technical Institute Christopher Cortez, ``Shades of Beauty'' Jamie Loverdi, ``Retro Dine & Drive'' Passaic Valley High School Maya Adham, ``Game-Boy'' Danielle Burden, ``OZ'' Erika Duarte, ``Red in Snow'' Angelika Dulak, ``Roze'' Pequannock Township High School Julia Blahut, ``Carbon Footprints'' Thomas Carruthers, ``Quiet Summer'' Wayne Valley High School Madeline Corb, ``Focus'' Brooke Demore, ``Look'' Liz Rozenblat, ``Great dangers await'' Emily Wang, ``Black Rain'' West Morris Mendham High School Matthew Fabrizio, ``Jack in a Hat'' Emma Jang, ``I Donut Understand Puns'' Maximilian Scheidl, ``Life Goes On'' Kayla O'Neill, ``Where I'm Supposed to Be'' Whippany Park High School Eric Kahn, ``Waves of Rock'' Alex Maietta, ``What Once Was'' Each year the winner of the competition has their artwork displayed with other winners from across the country in a special corridor here at the U.S. Capitol. Thousands of our fellow Americans walk through the exhibition and are reminded of the vast talents of our young men and women. Indeed, all of these young artists are winners, and we should be proud of their achievements so early in life. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating these talented young people from New Jersey's 11th Congressional District.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion at the desk.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 305, I call up the bill (H.R. 244) to encourage effective, voluntary investments to recruit, employ, and retain men and women who have served in the United States military with annual Federal awards to employers recognizing such efforts, and for other purposes, with the Senate amendments thereto, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers), my predecessor.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on further consideration of H.R. 244 and that I may include tabular material on the same.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 6 minutes. I rise today to present the House amendment to H.R. 244, a bill that will provide funding for the Federal Government for the rest of the year 2017. This bill reflects shared values, which will help make our Nation stronger, safer, and more prosperous. It fulfills our constitutional duty to fund important services the American people rely on every day, and it does this in a responsible way, making the best use of every single taxpayer dollar, ensuring more reliability and predictability than a government operating under a continuing resolution. In short, it moves our Nation forward in the right direction. The bill includes full-year funding for the remaining 11 annual appropriations bills for defense, infrastructure, health, and safety programs through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, as well as critical emergency and defense and border security funding requested by the President. In total, it provides $1.63 trillion in base and overseas contingency operations funding. These levels meet the caps provided by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015. This bill makes the smart decisions investing funding where it is needed most: rebuilding our military, securing our borders, and bolstering economic growth, getting people back to work. First and foremost and most importantly, this bill prioritizes funding for national defense, restoring the strength and capacity of our Armed Forces. Overall defense funding is increased by $25 billion above fiscal year 2016 levels. This funding will help ensure our military has proper training, the best weapons and equipment needed to defeat ISIS, battle radical extremism around the world, and support our allies in the critical regions around the world against threats from Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, and other sources. To rebuild our end strength, this bill includes $1.6 billion for an additional 36,000 troops above the previous administration's request. Most importantly, this bill supports our men and women in uniform-- all volunteers--and provides them with a 2.1 percent pay raise, the largest in 6 years, and it takes care of their families. To help secure our borders and protect our homeland, the bill provides Customs and Border Protection with a total of $12.2 billion, nearly a billion increase over fiscal year 2016. In fact, this is the largest increase to border security technologies and infrastructure in a decade, a downpayment on stronger, more effective systems and barriers. Funding is also prioritized to tackle gang and drug crime, combat terrorism, and support law enforcement. Vital agencies like the FBI, the U.S. Marshals, the DEA, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement all receive funding boosts. Other domestic funding is directed to proven, effective programs that improve the health and safety of all Americans. This includes increases for the National Institutes of Health and the CDC. Significantly, we have increased funding to battle the opioid abuse epidemic by $781 million from last year. This funding will provide treatment, education and enforcement, and help the unacceptably high numbers of communities that have been devastated by this crisis. Lastly, this legislation funds important national priorities like critical infrastructure and essential disaster relief, and supports our local communities, including renewing the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program and giving choice in the District to parents. This bill should also be noted for what it doesn't do. Our legislation cuts, freezes, and eliminates funding for dozens of programs that have been wasteful, ineffective, or just plain unnecessary. For example, we cut funding at the EPA by $81 million and reined in its regulatory program to prevent overreach. We froze IRS's funding at current levels and directed funds to improve services to taxpayers. And to ensure that each and every tax dollar is well spent, the bill implements strong oversight and accountability at every level of government. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support this bill, as it reflects the needs of the American people and our common values. We are investing in the security and success of our Nation, and, for that, this bill deserves solid bipartisan support. Mr. Speaker, there are many people to thank for their help in bringing this bill to the floor today. First and foremost, I want to thank my colleagues in the House. Each and every Member contributed to this effort, and, as a result, it is a better bill. I especially want to thank my committee chairmen. They are stewards of these bills, and I appreciate all the hard work they have done to get us here today with their committee members. I would also like to thank my counterpart, ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, Mrs. Lowey, for her dedication to bringing this bill to the floor today, as well as our colleagues in the Senate for their partnership. Lastly, I must thank the hardworking staff of the House Appropriations Committee. They have put in months of nonstop work to bring this bill before the House today. We wouldn't be here without the leadership of the full committee staff, led by Nancy Fox and Jim Kulikowski on the majority side, and Shalanda Young and Chris Bigelow on the minority side. In the front office, we have, also working hard, Stephen Sepp, Shannon O'Keefe, Carol Murphy, Jennifer Hing, Marta Hernandez, Tammy Hughes, Rachel Kahler, David Roth, and Brad Allen. I thank all of you. I also want to thank our hardworking clerks and their Democratic counterparts. All deserve our gratitude. The clerks: Tom O'Brien, John Martens, Jennifer Miller, Donna Shahbaz, Dena Baron, Valerie Baldwin, Dave LesStrang, Susan Ross, Liz Dawson, Maureen Holohan, Craig Higgins, and Doug Disrud. Lastly, I want to thank Katie Hazlett, my chief of staff, and my personal staff.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I yield myself an additional 1 minute. Our subcommittees, as well as the minority staff, have worked night and day to get these fiscal year 2017 bills behind us and to get ahead and move ahead to the 2018 process. I appreciate all of them and their hard work. Before I close, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge one special member of the committee staff, Dale Oak, who retires this week. Dale has dedicated over 20 years to the committee and even more to the government. He tacked one extra week on to that total, sticking around to help us complete this bill. This commitment is true to form for him, and we are immensely grateful for it. Dale, we thank you for your years of service, and we wish you the best of luck in the future. Mr. Speaker, it is now 7 months into the 2017 fiscal year. We must complete our work today. It is time to look ahead and begin work on the 2018 priorities. I urge my colleagues to support the bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger), who is the distinguished chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Aderholt), chairman of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Carter), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security of the Committee on Appropriations.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Ryan), the Speaker of the House. (Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)