Kay Granger

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Aderholt).

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Carter).

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Fortenberry).

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4378, a continuing resolution that will fund the government through November 21. It is unfortunate that we are here in this situation and have to pass this CR to keep the government open, but we can't afford an unnecessary and costly shutdown. Because the budget agreement did not get enacted until August, the Senate began working on the fiscal year 2020 appropriations bills only last week. As a result, there is simply not enough time to complete the appropriations process by the September 30 deadline. Passing a short-term CR will allow us the time to complete the fiscal year 2020 appropriations bills, while ensuring that our military and law enforcement personnel get paid. In addition to preventing another shutdown, H.R. 4378 promotes economic growth, strengthens national security, protects life and religious liberty, allows us to respond to disasters, and supports public health programs. It ensures farmers and ranchers will continue to receive temporary relief from retaliatory tariffs at a critical time of the year for our Nation's agricultural industry. It extends programs that are essential to countering China's influence over our economic and national security. It continues all existing pro-life protections from fiscal year 2019 appropriations measures. It provides a short-term extension of the National Flood Insurance Program and allows FEMA flexibility to respond to disasters. I would much rather be here today in support of full appropriations bills, but I have confidence that, with more time, we will be able to come together to pass full-year appropriations bills that the President can sign into law. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting in favor of this continuing resolution so that we can get to work. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Joyce).

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Simpson).

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert).

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3877. I am proud to support this 2-year budget agreement, because the alternative, not having an agreement, is simply not an option. I want all Members to understand the importance of this bill in front of us. This deal keeps our economy on solid ground because the United States will avoid defaulting on our financial obligations. Think of that. With this agreement, we continue to invest in rebuilding our Nation's defense and protecting our strategic interests around the world. The threat of terrorism continues, and Russian, Chinese, and Iranian aggression is on the rise. It is critical that our military is ready to meet and defeat all threats. Unfortunately, unless we pass this bill, our military and our veterans would face arbitrary cuts that would be harmful to our security and that of our partners, like Israel and Jordan. When I was the chairwoman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I worked with the Secretary of Defense to put together a plan to rebuild our military. He said it would take 5 years. We have only appropriated the funds that were needed for two of those years. We should continue that. If this bill does not pass, the impending cuts will have a devastating impact on our national security. Our Constitution explicitly states that the Congress provides for the common defense. If we don't pass this bill, we have failed to live up to our Constitutional responsibilities, and I am not willing to do that. Not only does this budget agreement stabilize funding for our Nation's military over the next 2 years, it also sets up a framework to prevent harmful ``poison pill'' riders from being included in must-pass funding bills. Finally, this agreement sets us on a path to complete an orderly appropriations process and avoid a costly government shutdown. Our President should be commended for negotiating with Congressional leaders to protect key conservative priorities, from maintaining our position as the most powerful military in the world, to protecting the life of the unborn. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for this bill and sending it to the President's desk quickly for a signature.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, if this unanimous consent request cannot be entertained, I urge the Speaker and the majority leader to immediately schedule the born-alive bill so that we can stand up and protect the sanctity of human life.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I was unable to attend votes due to circumstances beyond my control. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call No. 475; ``yea'' on Roll Call No. 476; ``yea'' on Roll Call No. 477; ``nay'' on Roll Call No. 478; ``nay'' on Roll Call No. 479; ``yea'' on Roll Call No. 480; ``nay'' on Roll Call No. 481; and ``nay'' on Roll Call No. 482.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a Texas legend, an American original, and a historic icon, H. Ross Perot. There is not enough time in the day and not enough words in the world to describe the remarkable life of this remarkable man. Born and raised in Texarkana, Texas, Perot, as a boy, delivered newspapers on horseback before dawn. And that same entrepreneurial spirit led him in the 1960s to start Electronic Data Systems, a company that would revolutionize the business world and make him a household name. It would be enough if Perot's life had been devoted to his business. But as a believer, he knew from scripture that to whom much is given, much is expected. So, his life became about much more than making money, it became about making a difference, and what a difference he made. He spent his life, and much of his fortune, on other people. He gave to philanthropic causes, supported countless people in need, and even purchased the Magna Carta, which, in true Perot fashion, he gave to the National Archives so all Americans could see it. He also worked tirelessly to help, support, and honor American prisoners of war in Vietnam. And when some of his own EDS employees got caught in the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979, he organized and supervised a rescue mission to get them out. What made Perot so unique, so successful, so enduring? Having known him, I can answer that question. It was his relentless devotion to transforming a dream into reality. Whether it is freeing prisoners in Iran or building one of the greatest companies in history, Ross Perot would not be denied. This relentlessness was the lighthouse that guided him through the stiff winds and stormy seas of 89 years. When his long-time friend and lawyer, Tom Luce, was working for him, Perot once asked him to call a competitor about a business deal. The next day, Perot asked Luce if he had talked to the man. ``I left him a message,'' was Luce's unfortunate response. ``You are going to go broke leaving messages,'' Perot responded in rebuke. It was a message Luce never forgot and it is an example of the relentless drive that made Perot so successful for so long. For me, I am grateful to have known Mr. Perot. As a friend, he could be loyal and loving. He gave advice when he was asked for it, and sometimes when he wasn't asked for it, but it always came from his experience and his heart. If you were his friend, he was on your side and wanted you to succeed. Of course, Perot's greatest accomplishment was his family. He was married for more than 60 years to his wife, Margo, and he was the proud father of 5 and proud grandfather of 16. Each of them will continue in their own ways to carry on the great legacy of a great man. America has lost an amazing hero, and those who knew him lost an amazing friend. Ross Perot will be missed, but he will never be forgotten. I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Carter).

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gohmert).

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank Major Timothy W. Trimailo for his outstanding service as Executive Officer, Secretary of the Air Force, Office of Legislative Liaison. Major Trimailo has been a diligent, valued member of the Office of Legislative Liaison. He has been integral in ensuring Congress receives the information it needs from the U.S. Air Force. During his tenure, Major Trimailo was able to significantly increase the U.S. Air Force responsiveness to Congress. His insight, intellect and ability to clearly communicate complex issues were invaluable assets during his tenure. Major Trimailo also assisted with the development of the Space Force engagement strategy. His role is very important as Space Force is vital to the future security of the United States. Major Trimailo has served the Air Force with distinction and honor since receiving his commission in 2005 from the United States Air Force Academy. He completed basic space operations training and Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) III qualification training at Vandenberg AFB, California, in May 2006. I also want to recognize his wife Lori and his children Kellen and Bailey for their service, support and sacrifices. Major Trimailo's presence in the Office of Legislative Affairs will be missed by his Leadership and his coworkers. Please join me in thanking Major Trimailo for his service, and in wishing him well in his new endeavor.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in very strong support of H.R. 3401, as amended by the Senate. Hundreds of thousands of people have arrived at our border this year. More than 100,000 have crossed each of the last 3 months, with 144,000 in May alone. Some of these people are coming through points of entry, but the overwhelming majority are walking through the desert or swimming the Rio Grande. Men and women across agencies and departments have been working together night and day trying to respond to the overwhelming surge, and they desperately need resources to cover the growing costs. This is a real crisis, and this bill provides funds for all those who are representing us and working without adequate pay. As I said just yesterday, we are out of time. Some of our agencies are spending money they don't have because they have must-pay bills for contracts for food, for shelter, for transportation, and for medical care. People are waiting in terrible conditions in the desert, and summer in Texas is here. Children are sleeping on the ground and need to be moved to shelters or homes. We need doctors and pediatricians and caregivers. This bill gives the agencies the funds to care for these children, to reduce the overcrowding at border facilities, to repay the States, and to add immigration judge teams. The Senate has already passed this bill on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis. Now we should do the same and send this bill to the President for his signature. Mr. Speaker, I urge a strong ``yes'' vote on this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. 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.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 15 seconds to the gentleman from Georgia.

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy).

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. We must reject this bill today and develop a bipartisan solution to address the crisis at our border. Workers, and children, and caretakers, and Border Patrol have been waiting almost 2 months for the resources they need to do their jobs and receive our care. This bill turns our backs on these people and ties the President's hands. I implore Members to stop this and vote ``no'' on this measure. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Georgia.

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Rogers).