Brett Guthrie

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that I inadvertently voted incorrectly on the Gosar amendment to H.R. 4745, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015. This amendment prohibits the use of funds to implement, administer, or enforce the proposed rule entitled ``Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing'', published by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development on July 19, 2013, in the Federal Register. It was my intention to vote ``aye'' on Rollcall vote 285.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. I will just take a couple of minutes. Thank you for yielding. I thank Representative Tonko for cosponsoring and working on this legislation together. I will have to give also my sympathies to Ms. Slaughter. She took me in when I first got here. I know she is from upstate New York, but if you listen to her accent, it has got a little bit of Kentucky mountain in it.

Mr. GUTHRIE. She is from our beloved mountains. We had that connection. She has been special to me. So my prayers are with her. The one thing I want to share, because we are short of time, is we are doing research into this. The Alzheimer's Association said by 2050, Alzheimer's disease will cost the Federal treasury a trillion dollars. So I remember thinking, Well, by 2050 my great grandkids would have to take care of that. Then I did the math. I am going to be 86 in 2050. So the generation that will be in that category is me. It is not some long-off issue. So my children will be dealing with it, as well as me and people my age. I am the end of the Baby Boom. I was born in 1964. So by the time I am 86, the entire Baby Boom will be older than me. At least my age, or older. And that will be not just a stress on the Federal budget, but as I said, the dignity of the person with the disease and the stress on the family dealing with the disease and the emotion of it is why it is so important. I saw it with my great uncle, with the early onset of Alzheimer's when I was a young boy and didn't quite understand what was going on. And later on in life, we figured out what was happening. Our whole family didn't really understand what was going on in the 1970s. But we do now. And I think it is something we need to put the efforts of both parties together on--as you see, we are standing here together--the effort to move forward. It is when my generation is retired, our children aren't going to be able to sustain it financially or emotionally. Therefore, it is something we need to do today.

Mr. GUTHRIE. I want to thank my friend from California for yielding. I rise today, Mr. Speaker, to talk about this devastating disease that impacts nearly every family in America: Alzheimer's disease. According to the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's is the costliest disease in America, with a direct cost of roughly $200 billion--most of which is paid by Medicare and Medicaid, and accounts for 20 percent of Medicare spending. These numbers will only continue to increase, making the discovery of a cure, or a way to delay onset, critical to our health care economy. Across the United States, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's today. In addition, the Alzheimer's Association estimates that someone will develop this disease every 67 seconds. Eleven percent of Kentucky's seniors are currently living with Alzheimer's. It is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. But it is not the financial drain that is the most devastating. My family has been personally touched by Alzheimer's. My great uncle suffered from the disease. I will never forget as a little boy hearing my grandmother talk to my mother about my uncle getting lost and trying to find his way home from the grocery store. Nobody really understood it. I remember as a young boy being confused about how this uncle I knew could be so confused and lose his way. I also experienced it in my family with my wife's grandfather. I will never forget when my wife and I went to visit him the first time he didn't recognize her. The devastation on her face that someone she loved so much didn't know who she was has still stuck with me today. This disease is emotionally wrenching for families who are impacted. Beyond the direct emotional and physical impact, family members serving as primary caregivers are stretched to their limits. Many spouses and grown children work full time-jobs and then come home to care for their family member. Finding a cure or treatment for Alzheimer's is of the utmost importance. I was pleased to introduce H.R. 4351 with my colleague, Representative Paul Tonko of New York. H.R. 4351, the Alzheimer's Accountability Act, seeks to ensure that the research and resources needed to find a cure for Alzheimer's are properly conveyed to Congress. By receiving a professional judgment budget directly, Congress will be in a better position to see the needs and promise of researchers and use that information to make critical decisions, especially during difficult budgetary situations. Today, H.R. 4351 is bipartisan. My friend Paul Tonko and myself filed this legislation. We have 80 cosponsors. There is also a Senate companion bill, and it is gaining momentum. Again, I want to thank my colleague for organizing this evening and for allowing me to be part of this effort to shine a light on Alzheimer's disease. I would also like to encourage all of my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 4351, and help make fighting Alzheimer's a top priority.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of William (Bill) J. Rissel. After 23 years of serving as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Fort Knox Federal Credit Union, Bill will retire on July 1, 2014. During a recent interview with The News-Enterprise, Bill said he tried to build a family environment at the credit union during his tenure. He has absolutely accomplished that goal, while growing the credit union and all those who it serves. According to The News- Enterprise, those numbers add up to $1.2 billion in assets, serving more than 80,000 members. Bill's departure will be felt beyond the credit union's four branches of Hardin County that he expanded upon. It is because of his expertise and aspirations that the credit union serves all of central Kentucky. But it is because of that same leadership and knowledge that the credit union will be in good hands following his departure. I am grateful for Bill's hard work and vision, and would like to wish him well in his retirement.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Janice Byrge. On Thursday, May 15, Janice will celebrate 50 years with Corning Inc. Corning, known for its glass products, has grown in Harrodsburg. Some of the most cutting-edge projects are being worked on in Harrodsburg, including Corning Gorilla Glass. This growth and the great successes of Corning, is due in large part to the employees. One of those employees is Janice. A Harrodsburg native, Janice has spent half a century exemplifying the hard and quality work being done at Corning Inc. From her early days in ophthalmic, to sheet glass operations, to today's role of being a store room attendant, Janice has been a fixture of the Harrodsburg plant. Janice still resides in Harrodsburg with her husband David. She is the proud mother of Tammy, the beaming grandmother of Jeremy and a loving great-grandmother. I applaud Janice on this milestone anniversary, and for her dedication to the job. Please accept my best wishes for today and the years to come.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Troops to the Track's fifth anniversary. A partnership between the Armed Forces Foundation and NASCAR, Troops to the Track is a recreational group therapy program for servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Now in its fifth year, Troops to the Track has reached more than 2,000 individuals since its inception. I am humbled to be part of this initiative. Last year, I was honored to join participating soldiers and their families from the 19th Engineer Battalion at Fort Knox for last year's Quaker State 400 at the Kentucky Speedway. I would like to commend the Armed Forces Foundation and NASCAR for joining together in the creation of this important partnership and in giving our troops the recognition they so richly deserve.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Kingsolver Elementary School. Located in Fort Knox, KY, Kingsolver Elementary was presented with the National Blue Ribbon Award earlier this year. I would like to commend Kingsolver Elementary School's educators and administrators on their many hours of hard work and service to Kentucky's students. Your commitment and devotion to the education of future leaders is commendable and I hope you are very proud of this achievement. I join with all of Kentucky's Second District in congratulating everyone at Kingsolver Elementary School on this honor.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Franklin D. Cheatham. After 40\1/2\ years of educating Campbellsville University math and computer science students, Dr. Cheatham will retire on December 31, 2014. Dr. Cheatham, senior vice president for academic affairs, attended Campbellsville College (before it became Campbellsville University) and graduated in 1965. He joined the university as a faculty member in 1973. Named a Distinguished Alumnus in 2002, Dr. Cheatham received several awards for his dedication to academic excellence and the students at Campbellsville University. Among the awards are: Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award (1989) and the Campbellsville/Taylor County Chamber of Commerce ``Educator of the Year Award'' (1992 & 2000). IN addition to teaching, Dr. Cheatham has also served as a faculty advisor for Sigma Zeta and the science and math honor societies. He also served as president of and on the board of directors of the Consortium for Computing in Small Colleges. Dr. Cheatham has gone above and beyond his duties as professor and Campbellsville University and his many students have seen the benefits of those actions. Today I thank Dr. Cheatham for his four decades in education and wish him well in his retirement.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Al Rider. Born and raised in Hardin County, Al strived to better the community by promoting a quality education. On Friday, January 31st, Al will retire from his role as President and CEO of the Central Kentucky Community Foundation (CKCF). Since 1992, Al has worked to develop and implement initiatives to promote a good education and ensure that students follow through on those efforts. Al has, at one time or another had a hand in virtually every component of education in central Kentucky. According to CKCF, Al has most recently served as the Educational Liaison for the transformation at Fort Knox, facilitator of the K-12 education roundtables, and as the chairperson of the Education Subcommittee of the Hardin County United Project. An editorial in his hometown paper, The News-Enterprise, said it best. ``From that time to today, Rider has been an influential and instrumental player in improving educational opportunities and, thereby, quality of life in Hardin County.'' I could not agree more. Al has received several awards relating to his leadership in the field of education, including: the Joseph W. Kelly Award from the Kentucky Department of Education and the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Lincoln Heritage Council Boy Scouts of America. I am grateful for Al's dedication to bettering the education of Kentuckians and wish him well in his retirement.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I was absent from votes in the House January 7-10, 2014, due to the death of my mother. Had I been present, I would have voted: rollcall No. 1 (Quorum call): Present; rollcall No. 2 (H.R. 724): ``yea''; rollcall No. 3 (H.R. 3527): ``yea''; rollcall No. 4 (H.R. 3628): ``yea''; rollcall No. 5 (Previous Question): ``yea''; rollcall No. 6 (Rule for H.R. 2279 and H.R. 3811): ``yea''; rollcall No. 7 (Sinema Amendment to H.R. 2279): ``nay''; rollcall No. 8 (Tonko Amendment to H.R. 2279): ``nay''; rollcall No. 9 (Motion to Recommit H.R. 2279): ``nay''; rollcall No. 10 (Passage of H.R. 2279): ``yea''; rollcall No. 11 (Passage of H.R. 3811): ``yea.''

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I was absent yesterday due to several flight cancellations and delays due to severe weather. As a result, I missed two votes on Tuesday, December 10, 2013. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall votes 630 and 631.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this legislation allowing individuals to keep their plans into 2014. Yesterday, my colleagues and I shared powerful stories of many of our constituents who have experienced cancelations and mass rate increases due to ObamaCare. In addition to these individuals, I have many more stories of Kentuckians seeing their plans canceled due to ObamaCare. More recently, Sylvia Martin from Owensboro wrote to me that her coverage was canceled, and she so far has been unable to get insurance. H.R. 3350 would allow insurance companies to continue offering 2013 plans, which would benefit the millions of Americans who have seen their current plans canceled. The American people were told repeatedly that if they liked their plan, they can keep it. House Republicans today are trying to honor that promise.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share some powerful stories that Kentuckians have shared with me regarding their experiences with ObamaCare. Jim Holloway of Glasgow was notified that his small business insurance plan will be canceled. Here is the letter: Dear James Holloway, II, you will be moving to a health care reform, also called the Affordable Care Act compliant plan. Mr. Holloway told me, ``The plan I had was not a junk plan. I liked my plan.'' Unfortunately, he will not be able to keep that plan. Tanya Veitschegger of Bowling Green also received a cancelation notice of her plan. After calling her insurance agent, she learned that a similar plan to what she and her husband had was available at a cost of $490 more a month. Vince Berta, also of Bowling Green, said that by being forced to go onto the exchange, his family's insurance rate will jump from $375 a month to $849 a month. He asks a fair question: ``An over 100 percent increase--what part of this is affordable?'' The fact is that President Obama repeatedly promised Americans that if they liked their plan they could keep it. I heard over and over from Kentuckians that is not the case.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding time to speak on an important issue that the Retail Investor Protection Act addresses. Employee Stock Ownership Plans provide good jobs and secure retirements in my home State, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and across the Nation. In fact, ESOPs had fewer layoffs during the recession than other businesses. I have been joined by two dozen colleagues, from both sides of the aisle, on a bill to prevent the Department of Labor from imposing the fiduciary standard on appraisers of ESOP stock. IRS law today requires that ESOPs get an independent appraisal in order to determine the value of the stock. On the other hand, fiduciaries are, by definition, not independent. Any rule that would define ESOP appraisers as fiduciaries would create a conflict with the IRS regulations; and by creating conflicting duties for appraisers, any Department of Labor rules in this area would substantially increase the cost of ESOPs and, in fact, could regulate them out of existence. DOL's proposal would add costs to all parties and encourage needless litigation time and again. DOL has failed to sufficiently document the problems with ESOPs that they claim they are trying to remedy. This is simply another example of this administration overreaching and creating unnecessary burdens on business leaders for providing a great service to their employees. I am pleased to stand in support of the rule and the underlying bill today because, if enacted, this bill will help protect ESOPs in the near term. By barring DOL from finalizing a rule on fiduciaries until after the SEC has acted, this bill will provide some temporary protection for ESOPs and their appraisers. We must continue to defend business leaders and their employees from professional regulators whose ill-considered and counterproductive proposals are making it more difficult for hardworking Americans to achieve the American Dream. And we have been working with both sides of the aisle; and this party, the Republican Party, on this side of the aisle wants to make sure Americans have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. This bill does that; and, therefore, I support the rule and the underlying bill.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss the importance of manufacturing to our economy. Today, I introduced the Reducing Employer Burdens, Unleashing Innovation, and Labor Development, or the REBUILD Act of 2013. The REBUILD Act is aimed at stimulating domestic production and increasing our global competitiveness. Provisions included in the bill seek to redesign workforce training, achieve comprehensive tax reform, increase access to energy and decrease costly regulations, reform health care, reform trade policy, and open up more spectrum for technological innovation. Pieced together, these policies will allow us to ensure the United States of America remains the best place in the world to do business. I come from a small business and manufacturing background and understand how Federal policies can encourage or stifle innovation and job creation. I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in this effort to restore American innovation and boost our global competitiveness.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Medal of Honor recipient Don J. Jenkins of the United States Army for his brave service in Vietnam. Under heavy crossfire, Don Jenkins maneuvered forward to an exposed position and began placing suppressive fire on the enemy. He exposed himself to extremely heavy fire when he repeatedly ran and crawled across open terrain to obtain resupplies of ammunition until he had exhausted all that was available for his machine gun. Displaying tremendous presence of mind, he then armed himself with two antitank weapons and, by himself, maneuvered through the rapid, hostile fire to within 20 meters of an enemy bunker to destroy that position. After moving back to the friendly defensive perimeter long enough to secure yet another weapon, a grenade launcher, Don Jenkins moved forward to a position providing no protection and resumed placing accurate fire on the enemy until his ammunition was again exhausted. It is for his courage and unwavering devotion to duty that I am proud to honor the actions of Private First Class Don J. Jenkins of Morgantown, Kentucky. I have the great privilege of knowing him personally, and I'm proud to call him my friend.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 3092.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3092) to amend the Missing Children's Assistance Act, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3092, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. As a father of three children, I can't imagine the horror if one of my children were missing or were in harm's way. Just like any other parent, the thought is unthinkable and is one that I am thankful to have never experienced. My first exposure to the issues facing at-risk populations, such as those served by programs authorized by the underlying law, was as a cadet at West Point, which is just north of New York City. There was a shelter in New York City for runaway children. It was heartbreaking to hear the stories of these children, many of whom were abused or neglected and had no homes to return to. Oftentimes children who have run away from their homes are the most in danger of being killed or exploited. Approximately 80 percent of children reported missing are, in fact, categorized as ``endangered runaways.'' These vulnerable kids deserve help. My bill, H.R. 3092, will reauthorize the Missing Children's Assistance Act at current funding levels. Reauthorizing this critical law will ensure that the coordination of State and local law enforcement efforts to identify, locate, and recover missing, abducted, and sexually exploited children continues. We cannot afford to wait. The world around us, while often kind and beautiful, can also be cruel and ugly; but it is through the work of groups like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that resources are available to assist those in dire need. Chances are that you've seen a hotline come across your TV screen that is looking to collect information about a missing child but you've never thought about the infrastructure behind these efforts. This legislation seeks to reauthorize these critical programs and ensure no gap in access for the children, families, and communities in need. Since its founding in 1984, the center, while partnered with local law enforcement, has helped recover more than 188,000 missing children across the United States. April 9, 2014, marks the 30th anniversary of the Justice Department's awarding the first national clearinghouse grant to the center. Just 2 months after its creation, in June of 1984, President Reagan celebrated the official opening of the center at a White House ceremony, praising this model of public-private partnership, which has fulfilled his vision for three decades. I applaud the efforts of Chairman Kline, Representative Walberg, and my fellow committee members for understanding the importance of this legislation and in helping to move it forward. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3092 so we can continue to support these vital programs. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, as my friend from Florida said, we were able to work together--House and Senate, Republicans and Democrats--for a very important issue. And I want to thank my colleagues who were here speaking to the importance of H.R. 3092, the E. Clay Shaw, Jr. Missing Children's Assistance Reauthorization Act of 2013. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has assisted law enforcement in the recovery of more than 188,389 missing children since it was founded in 1984. As of June 2013, the center's toll-free, 24-hour call center received more than 3.8 million calls. Reauthorizing this law will ensure that the critical coordination of State and local enforcement efforts by the center on behalf of missing, abducted, and sexually exploited children continues. I'm honored to take the lead on this important legislation and urge my colleagues to support this bill so we can continue these vital programs. Again, I thank both sides for working together, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I very much appreciate the strong words of support from my friend from Florida. I now yield 3 minutes to the chairman of the Education and the Workforce Committee, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kline), my friend.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of C. Waitman Taylor, Jr. Born and raised in Lewisport, Kentucky, Waitman has continued the Taylor family legacy by serving Hancock and Daviess Counties in a variety of ways. Waitman is retiring as Executive Director of Owensboro Health's Foundation for Health. Nearly 86 years old, Waitman has over 60 years in the workforce along with serving in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a captain of the U.S. Air Force reserves in 1966. The list of titles and duties are long, but his distinguished career is truly one to be acknowledged. Waitman has served in his current role since 2002. Prior to that, Waitman served as an industry official at institutions such as L.R. Chapman Inc., General Electric Co. and Texas Gas Transmission. He was also elected Mayor of Owensboro, a position he held from 1972-1976, after serving as Mayor Pro-Tem for two years. Waitman's roles go beyond industry and elected office. Waitman served in numerous board positions for the University of Louisville, Murray State University and 30 years with Brescia University receiving honorary doctorate in 1976. Waitman's list of community and fundraising activities are equally as impressive, serving in a variety of leadership positions at the Owensboro-Daviess County Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Owensboro-Daviess County Industrial Foundation, Junior Achievement, Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport and Industry Inc., now known as Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp. Waitman was the co-founder and chairman of Community Foundation of Owensboro-Daviess County. And he was a member of the first Leadership Kentucky class in 1985. It should come as no surprise that Waitman's achievements have been recognized with numerous awards. In 1958, Waitman was named Owensboro's Outstanding Young Man. Hancock County Historical Society named him Historian of the Year in 2012. In January 2013, when the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 100th birthday they named Waitman as their Chamber Member of the Century. Quoted in Owensboro's Messenger Inquirer, Waitman said, ``Looking back, if I had retired at 65, I wouldn't have met and worked with all these wonderful people in the last 21 years.'' I can tell you that sentiment is shared. It has been a true pleasure working with Waitman and I join the people of Kentucky's Second District in thanking him for his contributions. Please accept my best wishes and blessings for Waitman and his family.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of John ``Kirk'' Kirkpatrick. Born and raised in Owensboro, Kentucky, Kirk has strived to better his surrounding community in every way possible. Kirk's career began with Owensboro on the Air, Inc., where he served in a number of capacities. Kirk also handled public relations for the city's television system before joining WaxWorks/VideoWorks in 1984. Kirk served as President and CEO of the RiverPark Center Foundation for two years, working to help develop the riverfront. After facilitating major improvements to The RiverPark Center, he returned to WaxWorks/ VideoWorks to continue his career until his recent retirement. Kirk's background in communications made him a natural for Master of Ceremonies for the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce's monthly Rooster Booster meetings. Kirk branded ``the good news phone'' as his signature personality to share the great happenings of Owensboro. For more than 35 years, Kirk has served in this capacity, with the Owensboro Chamber of Commerce recognizing him as ``Member of the Year'' three times. Serving in numerous Board of Director positions, it is evident that Kirk has dedicated his career to serving the greater Owensboro community--for both current and future generations. Kirk recently accepted his latest role as an ambassador for the Owensboro Convention Center. I couldn't think of anyone better suited for this important role. Recently named an All-America City with Kirk's help, Owensboro is fortunate to call Kirk one of its residents. I look forward to seeing Kirk's new endeavors and would like to thank him for all he has and will continue to do on behalf of Owensboro, Kentucky.