Bill Flores

Mr. FLORES

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

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Hugh Hanlon, who is retiring after 30 years of service to our county in the United States Air Force. Colonel Hanlon graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1987, and earned a Masters of Business Administration from Wayland Baptist University in 1998. He served for 30 years as a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force, where he served as the Chief of CENTCOM strategy for the Air Force Checkmate Division and, among other assignments, as the Chief of Long Range Strategy during the Afghanistan War. During his 30 year career, Colonel Hanlon also served as an instructor pilot, flight examiner, operations officer, squadron commander, and Vice Wing Commander. During those years, he served in Hawaii, Japan, and Korea, prior to his current position as the Commander of Corps of Cadets Detachment 805 at Texas A&M University. Over his three decade military career, Colonel Hanlon was awarded 12 awards and badges, including the National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, and Joint Meritorious Unit Award. He further distinguished his service by earning the Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, a Medal given to those who display acts of heroism or meritorious service. In addition, Colonel Hanlon earned the Legion of Merit Award, given to those who display exceptionally meritorious conduct, and the Defense Superior Service Medal, awarded to those in the Department of Defense who display superior meritorious service in positions of significant responsibility. Colonel Hanlon has demonstrated his gifted skills as a pilot through over 3,500 flight hours, with 325 of those hours being in combat. He reached the rank of Command Pilot, and flew four different military aircraft during his service, including the T-37, T-38, A-10 and F-16. I also would like to honor Colonel Hanlon for his service to the Texas A&M University. For nearly four years, he has served as the Commander of Detachment 805 of the Corps of Cadets, as well as teaching at the University as a Professor of Aerospace Studies. He has embodied the core values at Texas A&M, especially the core values of excellence and selfless-service. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's history is grounded in the efforts of our men and women who have served in uniform. Those who protected and defended the United States of America deserve our highest praise and thanks. We also wish them Godspeed as they transition to the next chapter in their lives. Today, I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the United States Capitol to honor the many contributions of Colonel Hugh Hanlon. As I close, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country during these difficult times, for our military men and women who protect us from external threats, and for our first responders who protect us here at home.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I thank the gentlewoman for yielding the balance of her time to me. Mr. Speaker, as an original cosponsor of the House companion to S.J. Res. 34, I rise to strongly urge my colleagues to support the resolution before us today. Like all of my colleagues in the House, I care deeply about protecting the privacy of our constituents, but I cannot support the Federal Communications Commission's counterproductive rules that will actually harm consumers and stifle innovation. For 20 years, the Federal Trade Commission--or the FTC, as we call it, frequently--oversaw consumer privacy for the entire internet ecosystem: content providers, advertisers, and internet service providers, or ISPs. The FTC's privacy program focused on preserving sensitive consumer data and took the context of a consumer's relationship with businesses into consideration. The FTC's experience in implementing a wide range of rules and regulations has resulted in over 500 cases protecting consumer information, ensuring their privacy online. In a flawed political move, absent any finding, complaints, or investigations to determine whether broadband providers have violated consumers' privacy or that the FTC had failed at doing its job, the FCC proceeded with a partisan vote to target ISPs and to expand its regulatory footprint. After stripping the FTC of its authority over the privacy practices of internet service providers, the FCC subsequently adopted rules that would harm consumers and split the internet, creating an uneven playing field between service providers and content providers. Congress must fix this overreach so the new administration can create a comprehensive, consistent set of privacy protections. Consumers expect their privacy to be protected the same way no matter what type of entity holds their data. Having two sets of requirements creates confusion for consumers and may jeopardize their confidence in the internet. Our internet economy has thrived under the privacy regime created by the FTC. Yet the FCC, under its previous Chairman, Tom Wheeler, wanted to undermine that success by bifurcating privacy protections to serve outside political interests, not the American consumer. By contrast, the FCC's approach did not base its requirements on consumers' preferences about sensitive information and to set opt-in and opt-out defaults. Accordingly, its overall approach was top-down, heavyhanded regulation in stark contrast to the FTC's greater reliance on markets and consumer preferences. The FCC's rule has a number of problematic issues: The first is that the opt-in/opt-out regime reduces consumer choice and would be detrimental to the survival of many businesses in this country. The second is that the FCC would have prohibited unforeseeable future uses of collected data regardless of what consumers actually preferred and businesses may need. Third, the FCC would also have unjustly applied its heavyhanded approach to broadband providers, treating them more harshly than other players in the internet ecosystem. In sum, the FCC's broadband privacy protection approach would have rejected free markets and ignored sound economics. Alternatively, the FTC private enforcement is market oriented and flexible and adaptable to changes in consumer preferences and markets. It also treats companies and players neutrally, fostering an environment of competition and innovation. This resolution rescinds the FCC's rule, but it does provide the FCC the opportunity to provide oversight more in line with the FTC, which has been successfully regulating online privacy for nearly two decades. This joint resolution does not lessen or impede privacy and data security standards that have already been established. We are simply restoring a more stable regulatory playing field to ensure that consistent, uniform privacy security standards are maintained to protect consumers and future innovation. Once Congress rejects these rules, the FCC can turn back to cooperating with the FTC to ensure that both consumer privacy across all aspects of the internet is provided through vigorous enforcement and also that innovation is allowed to flourish. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Johnson).

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 15 seconds to the gentleman.

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Latta).

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Lance).

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Scalise), the GOP whip.

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Olson).

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, we are thinking that the gentleman's comments do not pertain to this resolution, that this resolution in no way is going to allow any of the activities that were described, whether it is cuddling or anything that is going to get in the way of any of that or allowed to be sold. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Collins).

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. We have heard a lot of interesting claims today in the discussion about this fairly simple resolution to roll back overreaching regulation from the FCC that were passed late in the Obama administration's time. I would remind everybody, Mr. Speaker, that this CRA has nothing to do with the President's tax return, it has nothing to do with Russian hacking, and there have been some gross mischaracterizations of what this resolution does. Why do we need this resolution? The three reasons are, as Chairwoman Blackburn opened up at the beginning: First of all, the FCC swiped jurisdiction from the FTC. Second, two cops on the beat create confusion among consumers and among the ISP providers. Third, the FTC already has jurisdiction over this space. Let me close with this: this resolution of disapproval only rescinds the FCC's rule, but it still provides the FCC the opportunity to provide more oversight more in line with the Federal Trade Commission, which has successfully been regulating online privacy for nearly 2 decades. This resolution does not lessen or impede the privacy and data security standards that we already have established. We are simply restoring a more stable regulatory playing field to ensure that consistent uniform privacy standards are maintained to protect consumers and future innovation. Once Congress rejects these rules, the FCC can turn back to cooperating with the FTC to ensure both the consumer privacy across all aspects of the internet is protected through vigorous enforcement and that innovation is allowed to flourish. I urge all of my colleagues to support this commonsense resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, we have heard numerous comments from the left extolling the virtues of ObamaCare, and I think it is instructive to hear the words of a former Democratic President that is beloved by the left. Here is what he said less than 6 months ago: ``So you've got this crazy system where all of a sudden 25 million more people have health care and then the people who are out there busting it, sometimes 60 hours a week, wind up with their premiums doubled and their coverage cut in half. It's the craziest thing in the world.'' Mr. Speaker, hardworking American families in my district, they don't want crazy. They want the American Health Care Act, a sane plan that gives them their freedom back. In a few minutes, Mr. Speaker, you are going to hear somebody from the other side say that a bunch of my constituents are going to lose coverage. That is absolutely false. Those constituents are getting their freedom back to choose whether or not they want healthcare coverage and what kind of healthcare coverage they want. I say vote ``yes.''

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Milford ``Buddy'' Bostick of Waco, Texas, who passed away on January 4, 2017. Buddy Bostick selflessly served our nation and Central Texas in so many ways, and he will be missed greatly. Buddy was born on May 18, 1918 in McLennan County, Texas. He graduated from Moody High School and later attended Baylor University, where he started his journalism career as a radio announcer for WACO Radio. Here Buddy planted the seeds of what would become a successful career in media broadcasting. Upon graduating, Buddy worked as a radio announcer in Tennessee and Arkansas before eventually returning to Texas. He served his country during World War II as part of the Army Air Corps and upon returning home he continued to pursue his goal of owning his own radio station. He would ultimately do so much more. In 1955, Buddy obtained a license to launch KWTX-TV in Waco and two years later he launched KBTX-TV in Bryan. Since their founding, these two CBS affiliates have provided news and entertainment to hundreds of *thousands of families throughout Central Texas. In fact, KBTX was one of the first stations capable of color transmission, and was the first in the Brazos Valley to use color news film. Buddy would go on to establish other television and radio stations across Texas and even into Louisiana. Then, in the 1970s he and a business partner purchased a controlling interest in the local Beilmead State Bank, changed the name to American Bank, and expanded it to a second location. Buddy took a risk at the time when he chose to establish a television station in a town with a population of just 20,000. The media landscape in the 1950's was dominated by radio and newspapers. Yet Buddy had a vision and the desire to invest in a new form media to serve the public. In this endeavor, he was the epitome of a businessman and entrepreneur. Above all, he was a family man. He met his wife, Virginia, while attending Baylor University, and they were married for 74 years before she passed away in 2014. They are survived by their two daughters, Ellen and Martha, and ten grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Buddy was often quoted saying, ``nothing lasts forever.'' Though I am confident that one thing will--Buddy Bostick's legacy will have an impact for generations to come. My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the entire Bostick family. We also lift up the family and friends of Buddy in our prayers. As I close, I ask that all Americans continue to pray for our country, for our military men and women, who protect us abroad, and for our first responders, who protect us here at home.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Bentley Nettles, who is retiring after more than 30 years of service to our country in the United States Army. Colonel Nettles served for 31 years as a commissioned officer in the United States Army, where he served peacekeeping tours of duty in Bosnia, and combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. In this capacity, Colonel Nettles served as Infantry Officer, Judge Advocate Officer, Information Operations Officer and Red Team Leader. He also served for 28 years in the Texas Army National Guard, where he was activated for support operations in response to hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and border security. Over his military career, Colonel Nettles has been awarded 24 awards and badges. Such recognition includes: three Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, and the Combat Action Badge. In keeping with the spirit of the Warrior Ethos, he was awarded the Combat Action Badge, which provides special recognition to Soldiers who personally engage the enemy, or are engaged by the enemy during combat operations. Colonel Nettles has also been awarded the Legion of Merit, one of the United States Military's most prestigious awards. The medal is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's history is grounded in the efforts of our men and women who have served in uniform. We must continue to honor them after they have left the armed services by making sure that they have the access they need to educational, health, and career services. Colonel Nettles truly believes this; and so in 2014 I awarded Colonel Nettles the TX-17 Congressional Veterans Commendation. He received this recognition because beyond the medals and the stars, the pins and the ribbons, Colonel Nettles understands the meaning of giving back. He is a founding member and active supporter of the local Wounded Warriors chapter, which has raised tens of thousands of dollars to support our heroes wounded in the line of duty. He is also the Vice Chairman of Brazos Valley Cares, which works to provide financial support for veterans and their families. I am also proud to call Colonel Nettles a fellow Former Student of Texas A&M University. He earned his bachelor's degree in business management and has embraced what it means to be an Aggie, especially the core values of excellence and selfless-service. In addition to his significant military service, Colonel Nettles has kept his ties to the university and given back to the Aggie community. Through a large financial gift, he has helped ensure that Texas A&M maintains its global footprint and continues to influence students around the world. Today, I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the United States Capitol to honor the many contributions of Colonel Bentley Nettles. As I close, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country during these difficult times, for our military men and women who protect us from external threats, and for our first responders who protect us here at home.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Wilton A. Lanning of Waco, Texas, who upon his retirement from the Waco Business League, received the Waco Business League Lifetime Achievement Award. This award was established in 2009 to honor individuals in the Waco community that embody the exemplary ideals and values of society, and have had a substantial impact on the community. As Executive Director of the Waco Business League, Wilton Lanning utilized his wealth of experience and his love for the city of Waco to support local businesses, grow the economy, and foster opportunity. He also serves as a member of the Board of the Brazos Higher Education Service Corporation, where he furthers their goal of providing students and families with resources they need to make informed decisions about financing their higher education and building a better life. Some of Wilton's notable past contributions to the Waco business community include serving on the boards of Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center, the Waco Industrial Foundation, and the Waco Mammoth Foundation. Wilton is a past Chairman of the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, member of the Board of the Vanguard College Preparatory School, and past Chairman of the Board of the YMCA. Though transcending his influence in the business community, Wilton has built his life on a foundation of serving and giving back to others--a value he learned as an Eagle Scout and certainly reinforced by his father who served as a captain in the U.S. Army. Wilton has been a life-long supporter of Baylor University and an active member of the Baylor Alumni Association. In fact, his family has received the Baylor Alumni Association's First Family of Baylor Award. He has received the National Philanthropy ``Lifetime Achievement Award'' and the Waco Junior Chamber of Commerce has recognized him with their ``Distinguished Service Award.'' Mr. Speaker, Wilton A. Lanning worked tirelessly to better the Waco community. From his 40 years at Waco's then-oldest business, Padgitt's, to his time with the Business League, Wilton has certainly left an enduring impression on Central Texas. He will always be known as a great philanthropist and businessman; but I am confident that above all else he would want to be known first as a husband to LaNell, father to Bill and Robert, and servant of Christ through his leadership at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church. Today, I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the United States Capitol to honor the many contributions of Wilton A. Lanning. As I close, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country during these difficult times, for our military men and women who protect us from external threats, and for our first responders who protect us here at home.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. ``No capitation, or other direct, tax shall be laid, unless in proportion to the census or enumeration herein before directed to be taken. ``No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any State.''

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor my fellow Texas colleague and friend Randy Neugebauer. Randy has been serving the constituents of the 19th Congressional District of Texas since 2003. Prior to coming to Congress, he served on the Lubbock City Council and as Mayor Pro Tempore. He also worked in the private sector as a banker and a homebuilder. In Congress, Randy has worked hard to eliminate wasteful federal spending, curb federal overreach and create better agriculture policies. He has served on the Financial Services Committee, the Agriculture Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. He has also served as a Chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit, and as Vice-Chairman of the Agriculture Committee. Randy and I are similar in many ways. Growing up in Texas, we were both instilled with strong values of family, faith, hard work, and public service. We both went on to marry our high school sweethearts. We each have two sons and have been blessed with multiple grandchildren. And we both take pride in representing our respective universities where we are alumnus in Congress. Even though Texas Tech and Texas A&M have a strong rivalry, we have worked together for the good of all Texans. Randy will be missed in the halls of Congress. He took pride in serving the constituents of all 29 counties in West Texas that make up the 19th Congressional District. I commend him for his many years of public service to Texas and for our nation. It truly has been an honor to serve and work alongside Randy. I wish him the best of luck on his retirement and want to thank him for friendship and guidance. As I close, I ask everyone to continue praying for our country and for our military and first responder g who selflessly serve and sacrifice to protect us.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to state that I was not able to be on the House floor for roll call vote 600--Adoption of the Conference Report to Accompany S. 2943--National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 taken on December 2, 2016. Had I been present for this vote, I would have voted aye. Congress has a duty to ensure our military has every resource necessary to fight and defeat the threats that exist in the world today. The National Defense Authorization Act provides America's uniformed men and women with the tools and support they need and deserve. It gives our troops a much needed pay raise and ensures that promises made to them are kept. This strong defense bill will strengthen our national security and help bring our military into the 21st century. As I close, I ask everyone to continue praying for our country, and for our military and first responders who selflessly serve and sacrifice to protect us.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mars, Incorporated and the 40th Anniversary of its Waco, Texas production facility. As a family-owned business since its founding in 1911, Mars has been a leading example of corporate responsibility practices that benefit the communities in which it operates. Guided by five core principles-- Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom--Mars has had a positive social and economic impact on many communities within the Seventeenth Congressional District of Texas. Since 1976, when Mars opened the doors of its facility in Waco the company has provided sustainable economic growth for our community. As such, the Waco facility currently employs over 550 full time associates, providing reliable jobs for many citizens in the District. The facility is responsible for producing both Mars Chocolate and Wrigley products, including Snickers, Skittles Candies, and Starburst Fruit Chews. In October, Mars announced its intent to combine its Chocolate and Wrigley segments to create Mars Wrigley Confectionery, which will help the company continue to deliver value to customers around the world. In addition to its commitment to producing high quality products for its consumers, the Waco facility has sought to create an environment that is mutually beneficial to the local community. For example, the Waco facility promotes sustainability and environmental efficiency through the use of a Wetlands Wastewater Treatment Facility, saving three to five million gallons of water each year. The facility also uses locally sourced peanuts in its Snickers bars, and it sponsors the annual Waco Wild West Century Bike Tour to raise money for the American Red Cross. In recognition of its outstanding commitment to diversity and unity in the workplace, the Waco facility recently received the Model of Unity Award from the Community Race Relations Coalition. On behalf of the Seventeenth Congressional District and the State of Texas, I am pleased to celebrate this important milestone with Mars' Waco facility, and I thank Mars for its continued dedication to our community. As I close, I ask everyone to continue praying for our country, and for our military and first responders who selflessly serve and sacrifice to protect us.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 80th anniversary of the founding of CHI St. Joseph Health of Bryan, Texas, and the 100th anniversary of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio. CHI St. Joseph Health is a healthcare leader in the Brazos Valley, drawing upon the rich legacy of the Sisters of St. Francis. In 1936, the Sisters purchased Bryan Hospital and immediately began investing in improvements, making CHI St. Joseph part of its growing nation-wide healthcare ministry. The Sisters grew the small Bryan hospital into a major regional health system with five hospitals, two long-term care facilities, more than 30 clinics, and an exceptional physician network that is 250 physicians strong. The Sisters' investment has given CHI St. Joseph the privilege of caring for more patients, delivering more babies, and introducing more advancements in healthcare that any other provider in the region. In 2014, through Supreme guidance and ministry, the Sisters pursued sponsorship with Catholic Health Initiatives, one of the largest healthcare systems in the nation. The Sisters believed this move would help CHI St. Joseph continue to thrive in a complex and ever-changing healthcare environment. The 80th anniversary of CHI St. Joseph and the 100th anniversary of the Sisters of St. Francis are being celebrated by current and former CHI St. Joseph leaders, Sisters of St. Francis leadership, the Board of Directors, physicians, administration, team members with more than 25 years of tenure, the entire St. Joseph's team, and all of the Brazos Valley. Their hard work and dedication to improve their communities should be both appreciated and celebrated. I, along with the residents of the 17th Congressional District, commend CHI St. Joseph's and the Sisters of Sylvania for their 80 years of unwavering commitment, dedication, and contributions to the Brazos Valley. All of us also wish them great success in the future. As I close, I ask everyone to continue praying for our country, and for our military and first responders who selflessly serve and sacrifice to protect us. God bless important institutions like CHI St. Joseph's and God Bless America.