Paul Gosar

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chairman, I would have loved to hear that argument in the discussion on ANWR. That would have been interesting to have. When I look at this, it has become very evident, in my time here in Congress, to find programs that had no authorization by Congress that were enacted. Interesting. Interesting, once again, in a government that is not trusted. Trust is a series of promises kept. Once again, this reiterates the private property ownership of these allottees to make sure that it is not impugned. I do not see the definition of that causing a quandary. Once again, these are allottees who are deserving for us to require to make sure that they are held whole. So, once again, I find it shortsighted in the application that the other side doesn't want to accept this amendment. Mr. Chair, I wish everyone would vote for this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, today I would like to recognize Kayla Mueller, a courageous, selfless individual who died at the hands of the ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Just recently, the United States government conducted a secret mission that led to the ISIS leader's demise. Fittingly, the mission was named after Kayla to let the world know, she did not die in vain. Kayla was a brave missionary and activist hailing from my district, specifically Prescott, Arizona. She was dedicated to serving others through her humanitarian work, regardless of the danger. Her humanitarian work allowed her to provide medical assistance to individuals in Turkey which then led her to Aleppo, Syria. This is a region where most humanitarian workers would not go but Kayla was not like most people. En route to Aleppo, she was abducted, held captive, tortured, and eventually perished at the hands of al-Baghdadi. The mission that killed the ISIS leader was a historically destabilizing moment for ISIS. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi died a coward while Kayla Mueller died because of her courage and dedication to others. No one will forget her selflessness and her desire to positively impact the lives of many. I congratulate the special forces unit that took down the depraved Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. It is my hope that Kayla's family finds comfort and peace knowing that justice has been served and that Kayla's memory will live in the hearts of Americans for years to come. We cannot take back what happened to Kayla. We can only hope that this mission and its righteous results honor her life and memory.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3889, the ONDCP Technical Corrections Act of 2019. Simply, this bill makes technical amendments to a law we passed last Congress. We moved quickly last Congress to reauthorize the Office of National Drug Control Policy. The reauthorization was drafted to reinvigorate the office and give the Trump administration additional authorities to address the opioid crisis. Last Congress, the Committee on Oversight and Reform worked across party lines on a policy solution. President Trump appointed Jim Carroll to lead that office. The Senate confirmed his nomination earlier this year. Since then, Director Carroll has twice testified before the Committee on Oversight and Reform about the good work the administration is doing to combat the crisis. This bill will help to further support this administration's good work. I want to congratulate the gentleman from California (Mr. Rouda) for his good work on this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Hice).

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

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1253, introduced by Representative Tony Cardenas. This bill names the post office located in Pacoima, California, in honor of Ritchie Valens. Valens was born in Pacoima. It was there where he discovered his passion for music. After his raw talent was noticed by a producer at a performance, his career took off. In his short 17 years of life, Valens recorded classic singles, as we heard, as ``La Bamba,'' ``Donna,'' and ``Come On, Let's Go.'' Tragically, he was killed in a plane crash along with Buddy Holly and J.P. Richardson, a day now referred to as the day music died. In 2001, Valens was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Although Valens may no longer be with us, his music will endure for generations. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1252, introduced by Representative Tony Cardenas. This bill names the post office located in Van Nuys, California, in honor of Marilyn Monroe. Miss Monroe spent her formative years in Van Nuys and attended the high school in the area. The neighborhood held a special place in her heart. She has said it--Van Nuys--was a source of joy, as it served as an escape from her turbulent childhood, and it was Van Nuys where she was discovered at the local airport. From there, Marilyn Monroe became one of America's most famous and recognizable pop icons. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1833, to name a post office located in Floral Park, New York, in honor of Lieutenant Michael R. Davidson. Lieutenant Davidson honorably served the New York City Fire Department for 15 years. On March 22, 2018, Lieutenant Davidson lost his life while responding to a five-alarm fire. In dangerous conditions, Lieutenant Davidson became separated from his unit. When he was found later, he was unconscious. Lieutenant Davidson passed away the very next day. He was known for his bravery and his devotion to his wife and four young children. Our country owes a debt of gratitude to first responders like Lieutenant Davidson. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2451, introduced by my friend, Representative David Cicilline. This bill names a post office located in Central Falls, Rhode Island, in honor of Elizabeth Buffum Chace. Ms. Chace was born to a Quaker family in 1806 in Providence, Rhode Island. She would spend her life as a civil rights activist and eventually be known as the Conscience of Rhode Island. She played a crucial role in the antislavery movement. She opened her home as a stop on the Underground Railroad and was a key organizer for the abolitionists. Ms. Chace was also a fierce advocate for women's rights and served as the president of the Rhode Island Women's Suffrage Association. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2151. This bill names a post office located in Pine Plains, New York, in honor of Senior Chief Petty Officer Shannon M. Kent. After high school, Petty Officer Kent chose to serve her country, enlisting in the Navy. She discovered a talent for picking up new languages at the Defense Language Institute. After she graduated, she joined the Navy's cryptologic warfare unit. Between 2007 and 2012, Petty Officer Kent was deployed to Iraq three times and once to Afghanistan. In 2018, she was deployed to Syria, where she provided intelligence on leaders of the Islamic State to the National Security Agency. On January 16 of this year, Petty Officer Kent was tragically killed in a suicide bombing in Manbij, Syria. She was only 35 years old, a mother of two boys. For her bravery, Petty Officer Kent was the recipient of numerous honors, including the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and multiple commendation medals. Her life was cut short, but her service to our country will not be forgotten. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3144, introduced by Representative Linda Sanchez. This bill names a post office located in Whittier, California, in honor of Jose Ramos. While still in high school, Jose Ramos enlisted in the Army. He served as a combat medic in Vietnam, during which time he was wounded. For his bravery and service, Mr. Ramos was awarded the Purple Heart. Later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, Mr. Ramos dedicated his life to supporting his fellow soldiers. Mr. Ramos understood the criticism and isolation these veterans went through, and he spent many years trying to change the public's perspective of servicemembers. In his later years, Mr. Ramos spoke at universities and schools about his experiences as a soldier. He was an unforgettable figure in his community. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3152. The bill names a post office located in Indianapolis, Indiana, in honor of former Senator Richard G. Lugar. Even before joining the Senate, Dick Lugar dedicated himself to public service. Senator Lugar worked as an intelligence officer in the Navy, served on the Indianapolis school board, and spent 8 years as the mayor of Indianapolis. In 1976, Senator Lugar was elected to the United States Senate. Senator Lugar became Indiana's longest serving Senator, serving 36 years until his retirement in 2013. While in office, Senator Lugar had a wide range of accomplishments that covered many policy areas. He twice chaired the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and worked on bipartisan farm program reforms. Senator Lugar also spent 34 years on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and twice served as chair. Senator Lugar has received countless awards, including the 2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom and 47 honorary degrees. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H.R. 3314 introduced by myself. This bill names a post office as the Lake Havasu City Combat Veterans Memorial Post Office Building. The post office will honor six brave men from the city who died serving their country. Carey Dean Harmon lost his life bravely fighting the Tet Offensive. Scott Broadston fought valiantly in Vietnam and lost his life during a combat assault. In 2006, Patrick Tinnell was the first from Lake Havasu City to be killed in action during the global war on terror. Anthony Sausto lost his life fighting in Baghdad, Iraq, in 2007. Dylan Reid served in Amarah, Iraq, where he died in 2010. He is survived by his daughter, Avery. Finally, Carl Hammar emigrated from Sweden to the United States and joined the Army while in college. He served two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, where he died in combat. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of these men and their selfless service to this Nation, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3207. This bill names the post office located in Hookstown, Pennsylvania, in honor of Air Force Staff Sergeant Dylan Elchin. In 2012, shortly after high school, Dylan enlisted as an Air Force special tactics combat controller. Dylan was assigned to the 26th Special Tactics Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico. Dylan was deployed to Afghanistan in August of 2018. Just a few months later, he was killed by a roadside bomb. Staff Sergeant Elchin received several honors, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Army Commendation with Valor. Today, we honor Staff Sergeant Elchin's life, bravery, and sacrifice. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3329 introduced by Representative Norma Torres. This bill names a post office located in Montclair, California, in honor of Paul Eaton. Paul Eaton was a dedicated civic leader in Montclair for 48 years of his life. In 1970, he was a founding member of Montclair's Community Action Committee. Mr. Eaton spent 18 years with the Community Action Committee, advocating on behalf of residents. In 1988, he was elected to the city council. Mr. Eaton went on to become the mayor of Montclair and served for 23 consecutive years, making him the longest-serving mayor in Montclair's history. Mr. Eaton left a lasting legacy in the city. His achievements include vital improvements to the city's critical infrastructure and facilities. I urge my colleagues to support this bill for my friend, Norma Torres, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Curtis), my friend and Western Caucus member.

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Gianforte), my friend.

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1196, introduced by Senator Tammy Baldwin. This bill names a post office located in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, in honor of Fire Captain Cory Barr. Cory Barr knew from an early age that he wanted to become a firefighter. At 18, he volunteered with the Sun Prairie Fire Department and became the youngest firefighter in the department's history. On July 10, 2018, Captain Barr responded to an explosion from a natural gas leak. He, sadly, passed away while working to save over 100 lives from the fire. Captain Barr is remembered for his service, courage, and dedication to the community. He continues to be an inspiration to young firefighters in Sun Prairie and across the State of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise in opposition to this unwarranted legislation. Like the two bills we debated yesterday, this bill is another attempt to hinder American energy dominance and our national security. As someone who has visited the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, I know the support that responsible energy production in section 1002 has among the local population. Responsible energy production will provide much-needed employment opportunities to the local population as well as critical tax revenue for local government services. Not only does energy development in section 1002 have the support of inhabitants in the region, but it also has the support of our colleague, Congressman Don Young, and Alaska's two Senators. In addition, the majority of Alaskans support it; every Alaskan Governor since 1980 has supported it; 100 percent of Alaska's congressional delegation since 1980 has supported it; and the Natives who live right there, the village of Kaktovik, the Inupiat, the proper Tribe that is closest to them and the only Tribe within section 1002, support it. This bill follows a bad pattern of how Democratic members on the Natural Resources Committee operate. They do not care that local representatives and residents oppose this legislation. They believe that Washington, D.C., and extremist national environmental groups know best and everyone else should just go along with their extremism. And it double-crosses the tax bill passed just last year. Section 1002 has the potential to benefit greatly our country's energy security. Estimates from the U.S. Geological Survey believe section 1002 contains more than 12 billion barrels of oil, not to make mention of natural gas. Once again, Mr. Chair, we have an example of the other side putting left-wing extremism and their environmental donors ahead of local voices, our national security, and the needs of the American people. I am a firm believer in an all-of-the-above approach to responsible energy production and multiple use. Our public lands, like section 1002, have nearly unlimited potential to power our country. Further, we can do all this while protecting the environment. Section 1002 is a small sliver in this area, 2,000 acres, in fact. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation.

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment that allows the section 2 moratorium in this bill to go into effect when the Department of the Interior, in consultation with the Department of Labor, certifies that the anti-energy moratorium in the bill will not kill a substantial number of Tribal, minority, and women jobs. We heard arguments from Democratic Members on the other side of the aisle against a similar amendment that this amendment doesn't matter and is meaningless. How callous that response. Tell the opponents of this amendment to tell that to the single mother working to put food on the table for her two children that her job doesn't matter. How about the minority family who just moved into a new neighborhood so their kids could go to better schools? Tell those hardworking minority parents these jobs don't matter. Tell those local Tribe members, the Inupiat, the only Tribe within the 1002 section who want these jobs, whose prosperity comes to their community with these jobs, that these economic benefits don't matter. Under the current administration, unemployment has reached record lows. In August, the national unemployment rate sat at 3.7 percent, with the unemployment rate for African American workers sitting at 5.5 percent, breaking the previous record of 5.9 percent, which was set in May of 2018. According to a recent report by The Washington Post, a bastion of conservative dictation, nearly 90 percent of the jobs added under this administration have gone to minority communities. This can be attributed to, for the first time, a majority of new hires are people between the ages of 25 and 54 and are from minority communities. According to statistics published by the American Petroleum Institute, minorities will comprise one-third of the total workforce in the oil and gas sector by 2030. Women already comprise more than 15 percent of the oil and gas workforce. These are good-paying jobs, $90,000 and above, that hardworking families depend on. This legislation puts these employment opportunities and associated economic benefits at risk. America's energy renaissance has boosted the economies of previously left-behind towns in areas and sections of this country and has turned them into vibrant communities. Mr. Chairman, this is a commonsense amendment, protects minority Tribal members and women jobs, and puts the interests of the American workforce first. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chair, how offensive. How offensive that argument, particularly when you look at the Department of Labor. Hardly a bastion in regards to the corruptness, at least in this administration. Amazing. Amazing that jobs that we see the empowerment of people, taking them away from the victims, victimhood, that Democrats so desperately need, particularly, the Native Americans who are empowered right here with the money and the jobs to lift them out from the poverty that they actually see. Amazing. Absolutely amazing. So it seems to me that when you start looking at this application in consultation with the Department of Labor, makes a big, big difference. Now, when you look at this, American oil and gas production is nearly responsible for 10 million jobs. That is a huge amount of sector. And we discussed earlier that 90 percent of these jobs in this sector are going to women and minorities. That is a fabulous number. That is the American Dream. This is a commonsense application that Congress has got to get used to to understand the ramifications, the true ramifications of our intent. Mr. Chair, I ask everybody to vote for this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.