Russ Fulcher

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Chairman, as stated, this amendment allows the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture to manage for fire, insects, or disease the wilderness areas designated by this act. Again, I am not opposed to that, but I just want to point out in real life what really happens. Many wilderness areas are overgrown and suffer from insect infestations. We have already talked about that. That contributes significantly to uncontrollable wildfires that really don't respect manmade boundaries very well. In wilderness areas, the reality is that fires are allowed to continue, and they are only suppressed once they leave that wilderness boundary. That is a particular bummer for wildlife. We haven't talked about what happens in those situations, that wildlife is often decimated by this type of activity. The other thing I just want to point out is that mechanized fire mitigation tools are banned in wilderness areas for anybody, including the Department of the Interior, Department of Agriculture, or the Forest Service. That is another thing that is bothersome about all of this is that, when we make these designations, we throw out the commonsense ability to use appropriate tools when there are problems. Again, we are in support of this amendment, but it will do nothing to improve the conditions in these wilderness areas. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time in opposition to the amendment, although I am not opposed to it.

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment. It is a simple study. We don't know what the cost is, but I want to use that comment to correct myself previously. I said that the Federal Government is $2.3 trillion in debt. I was off by a decimal there. It is over $23 trillion. Wilderness areas are supposed to be ``untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.'' It is true that wildfires in wilderness areas definitely increase flood risk, and perhaps that points out an underlying flaw in the underlying bill, of course, and that is that there are wilderness areas too close to where residences are. But, again, the study is okay. The amendment is okay. I think it does identify one of the 992 flaws in this underlying bill, which is that wilderness is too close to residential areas. And that 992, Mr. Chairman, is an estimate. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the work of Lilian Smith of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. At a young age, Lilian found she had a love for mathematics and a passion to share her knowledge with her fellow students. As she entered high school, Lilian created a non- profit to organize competitive math teams and peer mentoring programs at over 12 local schools in the Coeur d'Alene area. When first starting, Lilian convinced a local elementary school to start an after- school math team, and it grew from there. Through her work, Lillian has recruited dozens of student coaches, mentors, and has even secured funding for the future growth of her organization, ``Growing the STEM.'' In just three short years, Lilian has helped over 400 students develop a meaningful skill set in mathematics and undoubtedly many future careers in major STEM fields. Her initiative is seen every day-- through her fellow students--and through the community of Coeur d'Alene. As the head math coach at her local high school, Lilian continues to help fellow students excel in mathematics. While it may be difficult to measure the impact she has made, it is clear that this is just the beginning of Lilian's impact on our community. I thank Lilian for her hard work and dedication to the future of so many Idaho students.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, 75 years ago today, Allied armies liberated the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz. Unfortunately, more than 6 million of God's children perished before that happened. This can never be forgotten. I agree with General Eisenhower's comments at the time: Educate people on the atrocities committed so they don't happen again. That is why I am proud to have cosponsored the Never Again Education Act. The bill authorizes Federal funds to be used to teach about the Holocaust. Ensuring that citizens know the uncensored truth of history will help punctuate the message that anti-Semitism is abhorrent and will not be tolerated. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Representative Carolyn Maloney from New York, who took the lead on initiating this bill. Finally, to the families of the victims so tragically lost: They will never be forgotten.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a fellow Idahoan who reassured, restored, and comforted the community of builders in Idaho during a difficult time. Sadly, today, I also honor the life and passing of Frankie Hickman, who ran the Idaho Builders Contractors Association for 27 years. Frankie was the Executive Officer of the Idaho Building Contractors Association and a lifeline for the community in Idaho. During her final months and after her passing, Steve Martinez, stepped in to fill the long-time role of Frankie. When all were grieving the loss of her presence at the IBCA, Steve helped to pick up the pieces, reassure staff, and maintain a continued legacy for IBCA. He also helped Frankie in the most difficult months of her life, because in the end, IBCA was her life. Frankie, unable to fulfill her role, entrusted Steve with the arduous task of continuing the hard work at the IBCA. Steve has a passion and heart for the building industry. It shows in his love for the people, customers, and partners at IBCA. He follows in his father's footsteps and serves as National Builders representative for Idaho, representing Idaho at the National Association of Home Builders. Steve displays the qualities we all strive to be, and I am honored to showcase his work for a brief but permanent moment in the House of Representatives.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Madam Speaker, in a day heavy in verbal debate, I choose to use my time to enumerate in detail every high crime and misdemeanor committed by the President of the United States. I will do so now.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the work of an esteemed engineer and inventor in Idaho, David Whitehead. Modern engineering has changed the way we live--not only in Idaho--but across the world and in no small part because of the team at Schweitzer Engineering and Mr. Whitehead. Schweitzer Engineering was started in 1982 and shipped the first digital protective relay and today provides products and services for electrical utilities, healthcare, government, and highly specialized facilities. In 1994, Dave joined Schweitzer Engineering, and worked his way up to the position of Chief Executive Officer, and has over 70 patents to his name. On December 14th, Mr. Whitehead will be awarded an honorary Doctorate of Engineering by the University of Idaho at the December Commencement Ceremony. I join the communities of Idaho in honoring his hard work, dedication, and passion in the world of technology. It's work like this, and people like Dave Whitehead, that has propelled the United States to be the most technologically advanced country in the world.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of National Apprenticeship Week. In my home state of Idaho, more than 1,500 students participate in registered apprenticeships. This is a jump of fifty percent in just the last two years. More than 280 Idaho companies participate in apprenticeship programs. They include companies like Micron Technology, that enroll about 350 people every year in their apprenticeship program. But success in apprenticeship programs is about more than numbers. Take the story of Bryan Brandel, who comes from my hometown of Meridian. Bryan grew up watching his father and grandfather work as linemen for the phone company. Bryan seemed to be following in their footsteps when he enrolled in a Vocational Technology program at Meridian High School. He learned practical skills, including how to weld. As Bryan was completing high school, his father and grandfather encouraged him to pursue a traditional four-year degree. He finished his degree; but wasn't sure what to do next. He went on to graduate school, still not sure what he was going to do. Months before completing his dissertation, Bryan realized that he did not want to pursue Ecology or Biology. He thought about his passion. That took him back to his high school Vocational Technology program. He made the bold step of becoming a lineman in the electric utility industry. After finishing school at Northwest Lineman College, he started working for Idaho Power, completing their lineman apprenticeship program. He obtained a journeyman position on a line crew, and today is a line crew foreman. Bryan's story is typical of the many young adults in our communities who follow traditional education paths that might not be right for them. Because of his experience, Bryan actively promotes apprenticeships for Idaho Power. He speaks to high school students about the wonderful opportunities they bring. His story is truly inspirational. Apprenticeship programs create good-paying jobs, allow students to complete programs debt-free, and provide a sense of accomplishment. They give Idahoans like Bryan, and all Americans, opportunity and purpose in our market economy.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Robert Schaefer of Nampa, Idaho. An astute thinker, Robert used his passion for liberty to advocate for the fundamental principles of our divinely inspired constitution and form of government we enjoy as Americans. For 28 years, Bob, as most called him, attentively represented his constituents in the Idaho Legislature as a man of honor, integrity, and resounding character. Colleagues described him as a deliberate lawmaker, a diligent friend, and an honest critic of bad policy. In his spare time, Bob was passionate about modifying and rebuilding several Ford Thunderbirds--an icon that will always remind us of him. This year, Bob and his wife, Betty, celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary. As a follower of Christ, his faith was ever-more present when he was diagnosed with a terminal illness that ultimately claimed his life. Despite being away from the Idaho Legislature in his later years, he would still write letters to the editor, engage with other local officials, and work to protect the Constitution. Bob kept every piece of correspondence he ever received in the Idaho Legislature, and fondly enjoyed the time he was given to make a difference as a defender of liberty. I honor the passion of this great Idahoan, a humble, caring individual, dear to so many in Idaho. Bob will be missed by many, and remembered by all as a friend of freedom.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a hometown business in Hayden, Idaho that is receiving the Department of Labor's Honoring Investment in Recruiting and Employing (HIRE) Vets Medallion Award today. Founded as the Los Angeles Aluminum Casting Company in 1947, LA Aluminum has been a staple of the local community in Hayden since 1972. LA Aluminum makes castings for critical components that support the aerospace, automotive, dental, and military industries. As a third- generation family-owned business in Idaho, Robert Oswald and his daughter Sarah continue the great tradition of making American products for American companies in Idaho. That's why I am proud to honor the Oswald family and the wonderful employees of LA Aluminum for their investments in recruiting, employing, and retaining military veterans in Idaho. Our veterans answer the call to serve, protect our way of life, our system of government, and the freedoms that we want to enjoy every day. The HIRE Vets Award is the only federal-level veterans' employment award that recognizes companies committed to hiring and retaining veterans. I thank the employees of LA Aluminum for prioritizing our veterans and those that answered the call to service. The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is a symbol of their culture, passion, and love for our country and our armed services.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor two wonderful teachers from Idaho: Mrs. Erin Tiderman-Gross of Meridian, Idaho, and Mrs. Deirdre Abrams of Donnelly, Idaho who have been awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. This award is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government for teachers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer studies. I am proud today to recognize the hard work of Mrs. Abrams and Mrs. Tiderman-Gross and their dedication, commitment, and passion for our students' success in the sciences. At Rocky Mountain High School in Meridian, Idaho--my hometown--Mrs. Tiderman-Gross teaches advanced placement biology and has acted as a mentor to hundreds of students in the National Honor Society. Mrs. Tiderman-Gross is an adviser in one of the largest, most-active National Honor Society Chapters in Idaho. She has impacted countless families, students, and community members through her work, and after 24 years, continues to share her passion for biology with her students. At Donnelly Elementary School, Mrs. Abrams has taken the world to her students through place-based learning. Mrs. Abrams has given her students hands-on educational trips to study rainbow trout populations, pollinator gardens, and cattle data to improve water quality. Her students even share their water quality data with local government agencies. Mrs. Abrams has been an educator for 23 years and continues to be a shining example of innovative teaching in the sciences. I thank Mrs. Erin Tiderman-Gross and Mrs. Deirdre Abrams for their passion and commitment to their students. This honor bestowed upon them is a testament to their dedication and I am so proud of their representation of the great State of Idaho.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Madam Speaker, you authorized holding an impeachment hearing, but I don't think that is what you are really doing. If so, you wouldn't have disregarded precedent from the Nixon and Clinton eras, or we would have all voted before this was to proceed. If so, you wouldn't have denied the minority the ability to call witnesses or me and other Members the ability to attend hearings or even view the transcripts. Madam Speaker, approximately 90 percent of your party members wanted to impeach before this so-called inquiry ever began. That is why I say you are really not trying to hold an impeachment inquiry. You simply want to remove a President. And we are within 1 year of an election. You want to deny Americans the right to decide for themselves. At the heart of the matter and the real reason you are doing this is because your party does not have a winning Presidential candidate and no significant accomplishments this session. Madam Speaker, can we please go back to work?

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor two wonderful teachers from Idaho: Mrs. Erin Tiderman-Gross of Meridian, Idaho, and Mrs. Deirdre Abrams of Donnelly, Idaho who have been awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. This award is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government for teachers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer studies. I am proud today to recognize the hard work of Mrs. Abrams and Mrs. Tiderman-Gross and their dedication, commitment, and passion for our students' success in the sciences. At Rocky Mountain High School in Meridian, Idaho--my hometown--Mrs. Tiderman-Gross teaches advanced placement biology and has acted as a mentor to hundreds of students in the National Honor Society. Mrs. Tiderman-Gross is an adviser in one of the largest, most-active National Honor Society Chapters in Idaho. She has impacted countless families, students, and community members through her work, and after 24 years, continues to share her passion for biology with her students. At Donnelly Elementary School, Mrs. Abrams has taken the world to her students through place-based learning. Mrs. Abrams has given her students hands-on educational trips to study rainbow trout populations, pollinator gardens, and cattle data to improve water quality. Her students even share their water quality data with local government agencies. Mrs. Abrams has been an educator for 23 years and continues to be a shining example of innovative teaching in the sciences. I thank Mrs. Erin Tiderman-Gross and Mrs. Deirdre Adams for their passion and commitment to their students. This honor bestowed upon them is a testament to their dedication and I am so proud of their representation of the great State of Idaho.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to honor Kevin Miller of Star, Idaho. Kevin is a dear friend, beloved colleague, humble inspiration, and profound joy to the multitudes of people that know him. Kevin is quiet about the work he has done to enhance our communities, improving the lives of countless Idahoans. You may not know it, but Kevin spends two weeks a year living in a trailer, broadcasting his radio show at Walmart to raise money for a local homeless shelter. He may not tell you, but Kevin has been visiting public and private schools for years to help draw attention to their events and fundraisers. Kevin might not mention it, but his faith in action to promote the life of the unborn has been felt in the hearts of those affected by abortion. Quietly, off the air, Kevin is the local hero that we celebrate today. Kevin fights for the average Joe and highlights the challenges and champions of our great state, our home, Idaho. Kevin, your work means so much to the people of Idaho. It is my pleasure to honor Kevin Miller for the dedication, commitment, and love he has for Idaho.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Madam Speaker, Mr. Roy Lunsford commits every day to making a positive impact to the lives of his wife, five children, 25 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and his town of Kuna, Idaho. That is something we can all learn from. Despite being diagnosed with lung cancer, Mr. Lunsford wakes up at 7:00 am to setup cheerful signs and wave to passersby on his street. Acts of kindness like Mr. Lunsford's, bring joy to others, and make our communities a better place to live. Mr. Lunsford's positive outlook on life deserves recognition and makes me proud to be an Idahoan.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, in the last few days, we spent a lot of time in session in the U.S. Congress reviewing and debating tweets and personal comments of individuals. In the meantime, policy debate and the urgent work of the people are excluded from the agenda. As I speak, among other things, we are apprehending some 3,000 immigrants per day on our southern border, we will lose around 130 people today due to the opioid crisis, and our national debt will increase another $3 billion or so in just the next 24 hours. It is clear that the majority leadership does not want to have policy initiatives that are desired by our current administration to even get a debate, but, Mr. Speaker, we have an election process to deal with those concerns. It is our job to do the people's work. Please, let's go to work.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table H.R. 3401, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment. This bipartisan bill passed the Senate with 84 votes and could be sent to the President's desk for his signature today.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment, although I do not oppose it.

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Chair, this amendment will invest $5 million into those much-needed beds at long-term care VA facilities. It is offset by a reduction for that same amount from the VA IT systems account budget. Most of Idaho's veterans served in Vietnam, and they are between 65 and 74 years old. While people are living longer today, they also need more care. And in this case, there are mental healthcare concerns. Passage of this amendment helps in that regard, giving more bed space to veterans in need of long-term healthcare. These funds will also provide options to help Idaho's heroes to remain closer to their communities. Many studies have found that people tend to respond better to treatment when they can be closer to their families. Please note that this does not add to our growing deficit. I thank my colleague from Maine, Congressman Jared Golden, for working with me on this bipartisan amendment and for his service to our country in the United States Marine Corps. Improving care for our veterans should always be an issue that we can agree on. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting this amendment. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 987, as well, for a number of reasons; but one in particular that has been raised already is the provision that it terminates the short-term limited duration insurance provision. Now, these are a good thing, and they have been good for Idaho. Idaho has been one of the States that has been leading on this front. Mr. Chairman, before the Affordable Care Act, the average premium in our State was $1,915. After the Affordable Care Act, that premium average went to $5,267. And that is, from what I understand, not unlike what has happened in other States, because the young and the healthy left the plans. That left the older, less healthy who were remaining in those plans, and it has driven those costs up. The younger and the more healthy have gone out of the plan altogether or they have joined a Medi-Share. But the point is that it has driven those numbers up significantly. In my State, the legislature passed a 3-year provision for short-term plans, and it is good for everyone. If you are in between those jobs or if you are in between coverage for some reason or you need to maintain continuity among the plans, it allows for that. Mr. Chairman, I have heard a couple of times these referred to as junk. If they were junk, there wouldn't be such demand for it. I would reframe that argument to say that junk would be better described to the system that has driven those prices up from $1,915 to $5,267. We want to draw that younger constituency into those plans. Everyone wins. We all win when that is the case. Mr. Chairman, again, H.R. 987 strikes that provision, and for that reason, I will oppose it, and I ask my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Madam Speaker, usually it is easy to identify the endgame for bad policy. Those who want open borders are looking for more votes. Those who support things like the Green New Deal want to eliminate fossil fuels and American energy strength along with it. But here is the endgame for the Equality Act, or H.R. 5. It would flip our moral, social, legal, and religious fabric of this Nation upside down. By erasing the recognition of gender from Federal law, the traditional family, laws, religious beliefs, morality and/or identity gets erased with it. Madam Speaker, every man and woman in this body are special, and they should vote ``no'' on H.R. 5.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join the members of the Western Caucus for this important Special Order. Let me start by saying that my home State of Idaho has been a good example of how to utilize renewable energy resources. According to the Energy Information Administration, in 2017, 82 percent of Idaho's net electricity generation came from renewable energy sources, and 60 percent was supplied by hydroelectric power. Idaho's use of renewable energy technology came about because we are blessed with bountiful natural resources in our State. But, Mr. Speaker, not every State is blessed with those renewable natural resources and many have to rely on nonrenewable sources of energy. However, because the Federal Government controls 63 percent of the land in Idaho, many of those resources are not accessible and, all too often, literally go up in smoke. Sole Federal control of resources inhibits economic growth, harms the environment, and has created numerous obstacles for our citizens due to inadequate management. H.R. 9 and the Paris Agreement represent a similar obstacle to every State and every district my colleagues represent. H.R. 9 would reinstate the one-size-fits-all mandates of the Paris Agreement and require the U.S. to drastically change the only ways that we generate electricity. What has enabled the United States to lead the world in reducing carbon emissions is locally-driven solutions that fit the need of our local citizens, whether it be clean, liquid natural gas in Texas, hydropower in Idaho, or solar facilities in Arizona. The Paris Agreement is an attack on our national sovereignty and received no congressional input when it was enacted in 2015. In fact, we are one of only 12 countries that signed the agreement that did not include their legislative branch in that adoption process. Mr. Speaker, even China's legislature was consulted in the adoption of the agreement. The flawed Paris Agreement has committed the United States to getting billions of dollars to the Green Climate Fund while many countries don't contribute at all. All too often, that money ends up in the hands of governments who have no intention of using it to reduce their carbon emissions. This agreement forces jobs to relocate to areas with the poorest environmental records, like China, which only makes matters worse. Instead of focusing on spending money paying for projects to reduce carbon emissions in other countries, the Democrat majority in this House should focus on the immediate pressures facing this country, like border security and healthcare reform. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to reject this terrible proposal.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, most Americans watching these proceedings right now are watching them on C-SPAN. C-SPAN is a public service funded by the cable industry which receives no taxpayer dollars. Every year C-SPAN holds a documentary contest for middle and high school students called StudentCam. This year students addressed the theme: What does it mean to be an American? Today I am proud to announce that some of my young constituents, Caitlin Lanterman and Madison Collins from Mountain View High School, were chosen as winners. The winning videos can be viewed at studentcam.org. On behalf of the people of Idaho, congratulations on winning this prize out of nearly 3,000 entries.

Mr. FULCHER

Mr. FULCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Wayne Lloyd Van Riper to this great country. Wayne Van Riper is a veteran of World War II and is celebrating his 95th birthday on April 16. During his service in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945, his efforts were instrumental in providing support to the 293rd Combat Engineer Battalion, A Company. Wayne was born in the State of Washington in 1924. After enlisting after high school, Wayne served in George S. Patton's Third Army. Entering Active Duty in 1943, Wayne served valiantly in England, France, Germany, and was on his way to Japan, but Japan surrendered before he arrived there in 1945. After the war, Wayne attended Oregon State University, and purchased a pear and apple orchard in Oregon. There he met the love of his life, Wanda Johnson, and married her in August of 1948. They have a daughter, Teresa Rae Lash, and a son, Kevin Wayne Van Riper. Later he retired and moved to McCall, Idaho. On behalf of the people of Idaho and America, I thank Wayne for his military service and wish him all the best on his 95th birthday.