Paul Gosar

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer a straightforward amendment that would strengthen the ability of the Board of Veterans Appeals to reduce its backlog. I applaud the committee for taking on the difficult task of prioritizing limited resources for our veterans. The committee rightfully recommends the budget request level for the Board of Veterans Appeals, but I will note that one of the primary concerns I hear from my casework staff and directly from the veterans is the need for increased resources to the Board of Veterans Appeals. According to the committee report accompanying this bill, ``appeals received by BVA are projected to increase from 49,611 in 2012 to 81,640 cases in 2016.'' That is a 65 percent increase in just 4 short years. With our troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, it is no wonder why there is such a significant spike in the claims and appeals. I simply want to heed the call of the veterans in my district and across this country and ensure that the Board of Veterans Appeals has the resources necessary to address the seemingly endless backlog. CBO says this amendment would have no impact on budget authority or outlays. I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment. I thank the chairman and the ranking member for their diligent efforts.

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer an amendment that would transfer $8 million within this bill to hire and train personnel for the purposes of reducing the veterans' disability claims backlog. By way of background, the VA's budget justification for the fiscal year 2016 requests an increase of $12 million for its Office of General Counsel, but on the very next page of that document, it says it needs $4 million to ``address increases in the legal workload.'' The VA budget justification also says that the VA's goal is to have an additional 45 full-time equivalent lawyers for its Office of General Counsel, which would take the total number of attorneys up to 757. According to the committee report for the last 5 years, the committee has fully funded the President's budget request for additional full- time equivalents, and yet the claim backlogs remain. My amendment seeks to reprogram money within the Veterans Benefits Administration from the Office of General Counsel and put it towards the hiring and training of personnel who will work to reduce the VA claims backlog. The Congressional Budget Office says this amendment has no score. I think most of us can agree that the appropriations would be better spent on the VA claims backlog reduction rather than hiring more lawyers. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer an amendment which seeks to provide additional resources for the mental health services for our Nation's veterans. By way of background, the VA's budget justification for FY16 requests an increase of $3,231,000 over the enacted fiscal year '15 levels for its Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs, but on the very next page of that document, the VA only mentions that it needs ``$1.2 million to address increased congressional and legislative workload.'' My amendment simply transfers the remaining $2,031,000 unaccounted for from this request and prioritizes it to address the ongoing problems our veterans face from returning from combat. Traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder have been consistently contributing to behavioral issues with our veterans, and, all too often, these ongoing mental health issues result in suicide. With an average of 18 to 20 veteran suicides per day, more resources are desperately needed. The Congressional Budget Office says the amendment would have no impact on the budget authority or outlays. The VA does not need more money to hire more paper pushers to send letters to Capitol Hill to attempt to explain its inappropriate actions. Instead, let's appropriate the money to those whom the VA was created to serve, and let's help improve the mental health of our Nation's heroes. I ask my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment. I thank Chairman Dent and Ranking Member Bishop for their time. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. Point of Order

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Private First Class Ignacio Servin. On September 23, 1944, the 321st RCT, 81st Infantry Division landed on Umurbrogol Mountain, also known as ``Bloody Nose Ridge'', in Peleliu to relieve the 1st Marines who suffered nearly 50% casualties during the first week of fighting. Their assignment was to decimate the Japanese resistance and capture a strategic airstrip on the island. Marines discovered an ammunition storage cave on Bloody Nose Ridge, but a barrage of artillery and naval gunfire failed to neutralize the cave. Company ``A'' of the 154th Engineer Combat Battalion was dispatched. Commanding Officers 1st Lt. Schauer and 1st Lt. Werdine requested volunteers to crawl to the mouth of the cave, nearly 500 feet with 24 pounds of TNT and a Browning automatic .30 caliber rifle to destroy the stockpile. PFC Ignacio Servin of Arizona and Charles Samario, (deceased) accepted the challenge. PFC Servin stated he did not allow time to think of the risk or danger, but thought, ``If I die, it will be for the greatest country in the world.'' Both soldiers survived violent explosions, leveled trees, and flying rocks. PFC Servin states that only ``by the Grace of God we were not killed by the explosion or enemy gunfire making it safely back up the hill.'' Today I honor the heroism, courage, and valor of PFC Ignacio Servin, who was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action during the assault on Peleliu in the Pacific combat theater.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize and acknowledge Dr. John Ingle for his tremendous contributions to healthcare and endodontics. Dr. John Ingle was a pioneer in endodontics dentistry. He attended Northwestern University Dental School then continued on to earn two graduate degrees in endodontics and periodontics from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1948. Dr. Ingle is also one of the many military heroes that served valiantly in World War II as part of the U.S. Army Air Force. Dr. Ingle initiated the graduate endodontics program at the University of Washington in 1959 and served as chairman of the combined Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, one of only five such programs in the world at that time. He then moved to the University of Southern California where he served as dean and professor of the USC School of Dentistry for 8 years. After leaving USC, Dr. Ingle joined the Institute of Medicine at the National Academy of Sciences here in Washington, DC. Later he became president of Palm Springs Seminars in California, a leading institution of dental continuing education. The landmark book Endodontics was penned by Dr. Ingle. Published in 1965, it is now on its sixth edition. Dr. Ingle was a founding member of the American Board of Endodontics and the past president of the American Association of Endodontics. Dr. Ingle gave much of his life to the study and expansion of dental practices and exploration into endodontics and periodontics. His care extended past his patients to new generations of dentists, clinicians, teachers and researchers that continue to give to the field he loved so much. The American Association of Endodontists and I are proud to honor Dr. Ingle for his great contributions to dentistry and endodontics. As a fellow dentist, I am personally thankful for the dedication of Dr. Ingle to expand modern dentistry and empowering so many others to serve more effectively in the same craft.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. I thank my friend. Mr. Speaker, constitutional attorney Jonathan Turley once said that, since Roosevelt, we have made the executive branch stronger and stronger and stronger. But they have actually had a dance partner, and that is us--that is us, the legislative branch, both the House and the Senate. Mr. Speaker, when are we going to stand up for the rule of law? How do I go back to Arizona where they defy the rule of law, where we allow anybody to pass go, collect $200, and go to the front of the line? How do we accomplish that without standing up for something? This is that time. This is the time to stand up and not leave everything to the courts.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to recognize the life and contributions of Stanley Edward Krzyzanowski, a lifelong resident of Tucson, Arizona. Stan passed away on February 13, 2015 at the age of 77. Stan made significant contributions to the arts and sciences in Arizona and throughout the world. He served as President of Ballet Tucson and was a member of the Tucson-Pima Arts Council. A self-taught amateur paleontologist, Stan even had a species of dinosaur named after him: Krzyzanowskisaurus hunti. Some of the fossils Stan discovered in Arizona are on display at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, where according to curator Spencer Lucas, they are viewed by nearly 250,000 visitors per year. Stan's friends and family remember him for his curiosity, kindness, and love for life. One friend described him as ``an inspiration-- enthusiastic, tireless, devoted to the arts, interested in everything,'' while another said, ``Stan was such a special man, positively inspiring and encouraging.'' Stan is survived by his brother, David and his wife Martha; a son, Stephen; a daughter Karen Kowal and her husband David; and three granddaughters, Kasia Krzyzanowski, and Sarah and Katie Kowal. Stan's lack of formal education in no way hindered his archaeological work. In describing his method of finding what others don't see, he said ``I don't have that Ph.D. That's what I'm doing: I'm looking, not thinking.''

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exemplary Arizonan, volunteer and fundraiser. Kathleen Hodel has become one of Lake Havasu City's greatest assets over her 20-year career. During this time she has been involved with and served on the boards of some 18 community organizations. Two years ago, Kathy Hodel was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone cancer. The irony of the situation that Kathy has spent years of her life fundraising for cancer research and cancer patients is not lost. She still continues fundraising and is an active member of her community. Some of Ms. Hodel's most lasting efforts can be attributed to the fundraising she has done on behalf of Mohave Community College Foundation, resulting in a new library, classroom buildings, and scholarships for students. Her list of achievements and awards is long and well-deserved. Most recently, in November of 2014, Kathy Hodel was recognized by the Greater Arizona Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals with the Spirit of Philanthropy Award at the 30th Annual Leadership in Philanthropy Awards Dinner. It is my honor to commend Kathy Hodel for being such a shining beacon of positive influence and selflessness in the Mohave County community. She is an example to us all of what can be achieved with hard work, determination, enthusiasm and compassion. Kathy, we thank you for your lifetime of service.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I now ask the House to join my colleagues and me for a moment of silence to honor the immortal spirit of Kayla Mueller.

Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, we, the Arizona delegation, rise today to honor the life of one of our own, one of our young, and one of our very best. Kayla Jean Mueller of Prescott, Arizona, was a young woman full of youthful exuberance, optimism about peace and humanity, and was willing to put her life on the line to help others halfway around the world. Kayla stood as a beacon of light and hope in a time that is too often filled with darkness. She was a beautiful soul, and I know she is with God now. While all of our hearts are heavy with the sadness of Kayla's passing, we stand here unified and strengthened to carry on her spirit, courage, and compassion that has touched millions. We must endeavor to remain brave and strong in the face of those who wish to terrify, just as Kayla did. No parent should ever have to endure the pain and suffering of losing a child so early, but now, let us look back fondly upon her life and the many ways she made our lives better by the words she spoke: ``I find God in the suffering eyes reflected in mine. If this is how you are revealed to me, this is how I will forever seek you.'' I now yield to the gentlewoman from Arizona (Mrs. Kirkpatrick).

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about Kayla Mueller, one of my constituents, who was brutally kidnapped and killed by the Islamic State, or ISIS. Kayla was a young woman who was still full of youthful exuberance, optimism about peace and human relations, and who was willing to put her life on the line to help others halfway around the world. She was a beautiful soul, and I know she is with God now. I am not youthful. I see ISIS for what it is. This is an Islamic terrorist group that is a scourge to humanity. Our society cannot exist with barbaric and evil people who value death over life, war over peace, and chaos over order. Their evil deeds are well known--as they publicize them--genocide, mass murder, sadistic killings. I am done. I hope you are, too. The elimination of ISIS is long overdue. In order to defeat these terrorists, we need a strategic and comprehensive military strategy.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Penny Gage for her dedication and commitment to the Dental Industry. Ms. Gage has served as a Tri-County Dental Society executive director for over 30 years. During this time membership expanded from 700 to 2000 members. She was a strong promoter in building a relationship between the society and the dental students within the two dental schools in the program's area. Ms. Gage has been active in participating with the American Association of Dental Editors and Journalist organization in providing ideas and proof-reading the AADEJ's newsletters. She has also served with the American Dental Association. During her time with the Tri-County Dental Society she developed the ``Give Kids a Smile'' program as well as encouraged members to help provide free dental clinics. That program has led to another exceptional program, ``Give Adults a Smile'', which she also supports. Ms. Gage has developed a network of relationships throughout dentistry and has been essential to its promotion and progress in these areas. Actions such as hers have helped to make more smiles possible. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I recognize Ms. Penny Gage for her long time service to the Tri-County Dental Society and oral health promotion as a whole. Her achievements in expanding membership and programming helped to improve the lives of many and help everyone to smile more.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concerns about the current efforts to punish and stifle freedom of expression in Turkey and to share my worry that Turkey is drifting away from the tolerant secular nation founded by Kemal Ataturk almost 100 years ago and towards religious extremism and authoritarianism. The current Government in Turkey has arrested members of Turkish media deemed non-supportive of the government. For decades, Turkey has had a free press and the freedom to disagree and vigorous political debate. It is a disturbing negative trend for the current government to reverse decades of transparency and to seek to impose authoritarianism. I am informed that Mr. Ekrem Dumanli, editor-in-chief of Zaman, a daily newspaper in Turkey, and Hidayet Karaca, General Manager of Samanyolu Media Group, were arrested on December 14, 2014. To the shame of the current leadership, Hidayet Karaca is still in detention awaiting trial. They were not arrested for actual crimes, but on transparently political charges, thus bringing the total number of detained press and media personalities to 29. These members of the media have ties to the Islamic scholar Fethullah Gulen, a scholar who preaches tolerance and peace and who is a known critic of the Erdogan Administration. In December 2013, allegations of corruption were levied against the Erdogan Administration based on legal investigations. Afterwards, about some 400 people (including 150 stated Gulen supporters) were monitored on Twitter and ultimately the Turkish people's access to Twitter was blocked. These arrests, and the effort to stifle opposition, have a chilling effect on freedom, democracy, and economic prosperity for all of Turkey. Turkey's bid for accession to the European Union continues to languish under these policies--before negotiations on the matter develop, Turkey must recognize basic press freedoms and the right to political dissent. Turkey plays a critical role as an ally to the United States in the Middle East. To allow it to go down the road of sectarian extremism and authoritarianism without meaningful discussion and diplomacy is disconcerting. Turkey is a key leader in the region and a cultural, historic, and political bulwark between the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Turkey is an important member of NATO, and I believe all rational people want to see the Turkish Government abandon intimidation and embrace a free press and tolerance of dissenting voices. The Turkey founded by Ataturk deserves our support. International remonstration is needed to bring it back to the ranks of nations that do not fear its own people, do not fear opposition, and do not fear universal freedoms.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of my constituents, Irene Porter Powers Mathew of Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Irene Porter was born in Downs, Kansas, on November 20, 1917. She moved to Colorado where she attended high school at the age of 12, where she played basketball, sang in a trio, and the Glee Club. She graduated at the age of 16. Following high school, she worked for the Colorado Agriculture Extension Service. In 1937, she went to work for the Farm Security Administration in Colorado. Around 1940, she moved to Amarillo, TX to assist in the establishment of the FSA regional headquarters. On July 28, 1942, Irene married William (Bill) Powers, who was serving in the Army Air Corps. They were married and raised four children: Rosemary, Gary, Suzanne, and Marilyn. In the 1960s, Irene moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado to work as a private secretary with the Central Bank in Colorado. In 1974, she became the first female bank vice president in Colorado Springs, and likely in Colorado. This was a position she held until she retired in December 1979. In the 1980s Irene and Bill retired and toured the country in a Holiday Rambler, including a trip to Guatemala. When they returned to the States, they returned to Colorado and spent the summer volunteering at Lutheran Valley Retreat, a Lutheran youth camp. In 1986, as a second retirement, Irene and Bill retired to Lake Havasu, Arizona. Where they lived until Bill Powers died in 1991. Irene married Kenneth A. Matthew, a retired lobster fisherman on February 3, 2007. Irene is preceded in death by her parents, a brother, a sister, her first husband, Bill, two grandsons and one great-grandson. She is survived by her husband, Ken; children, Rosemary/Dave Tunnell, Gary/ Sharon Powers, Suzanne/Rick Twinchek and Marilyn/Ryan Paradis; ten grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and two sisters. One last word from Irene, ``I want Ken, all my children, all my grandchildren, and now all my great-grandchildren to know how much I love them. You are all an important and beautiful part of my life.''

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Achieve Human Services and the AbilityOne Program. The AbilityOne Program partners with participating community-based nonprofit agencies that are dedicated to training and employing individuals with disabilities. Organizations like Achieve, located in every state of our great nation, employ nearly 45,000 Americans who are blind or have significant disabilities through this Program. AbilityOne affiliated non-profit agencies offer people who are blind or who have significant disabilities opportunities to acquire the job skills and training necessary to receive good wages and benefits that ultimately improve their quality of life. The value of these opportunities cannot be overstated as only 21 percent of individuals with disabilities currently have jobs. Achieve helps Americans with disabilities lead more productive lives, support their families, gain important work experience and share in the same pride that each of us have after an honest day's work. Many of these individuals work in support of our men and women in uniform, doing their part to improve our country and ensure safety and security for us all. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I recognize the AbilityOne Program and to Achieve Human Services. I also want to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of Ms. Carol Carr, the Executive Director of Achieve, and her staff for helping individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities find employment opportunities. Such actions greatly improve the lives of those less fortunate and make our country a better place.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman. Mr. Speaker, I would like to start by thanking the House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman, Doc Hastings, and his staff for all their efforts on H.R. 4924. As many of you are already aware, Chairman Hastings is leaving at the end of this Congress. Doc has served honorably since 1995. During my relatively short tenure in Congress, I have had the pleasure of working with Chairman Hastings on important matters, like protecting western water rights, improving our Nation's forest health, and increasing our access to American energy resources. Since this could be the last time I work with Doc on a bill, I would like to thank him for his leadership and for everything he has done to make our country a better place. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to call Chairman Hastings a friend and a mentor. He is one of the classiest individuals I have had the pleasure of serving with, and he will most certainly be missed. Water in the West is critical to our future economic prosperity and, of course, is a limited resource on which there are many existing demands. H.R. 4924 is important legislation that will facilitate a fair and equitable settlement of certain claims within the Bill Williams Watershed in Arizona amongst the Hualapai Tribe; Freeport-McMoRan, a mining company; the Arizona Game and Fish Commission; and the Federal Government. My bill is good for property owners, good for local economies and jobs, settles an outstanding water rights dispute, and will result in a net water benefit to the basin. The first of the two agreements codified by this legislation allows for certain private water rights owned by Freeport to be severed and transferred to provide water certainty for one of the company's mining operations. The Baghdad mine has an economic impact of $339.1 million to the State of Arizona and sustains nearly 4,000 direct and indirect jobs. Under this first agreement, Freeport will also donate 3,400 acres of private land to Arizona Game and Fish Department to be managed as part of the Multi-Species Conservation Program. Finally, this first agreement will benefit water users throughout the West as Freeport has agreed to cap its withdrawals of water in the Wikieup Wellfield at 10,055 acre-feet, despite being entitled to nearly 40,000 acre-feet of existing water rights. Thus, my bill will result in an overall net water use reduction in the basin of approximately 35,000 acre-feet per year. The second of the two agreements approved by H.R. 4924 will secure certain water rights for the Hualapai Tribe as well as two non-Federal contributions that will be provided by Freeport to the tribe for an infrastructure fund and economic development fund. In addition, there is a provision in H.R. 4924 that will allow for new public access for hunting and fishing on the lands involved with this legislation. Furthermore, the local counties benefit from the good-paying jobs and tax revenue associated with the continued use of the mine. H.R. 4924 passed the full House Natural Resources Committee by unanimous consent on November 19. Preliminary Congressional Budget Office estimates indicate that the bill costs nothing to the Federal Government and will not score. The entire bipartisan Arizona delegation and both Houses of Congress strongly support H.R. 4924 and signed on as original cosponsors of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this legislation that is extremely important to the State of Arizona. I urge immediate adoption by the House and hope my colleagues in the Senate will follow our lead and pass this critical bill in a timely manner this Congress.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer a commonsense, one- word amendment to H.R. 4012, the Secret Science Reform Act. My simple amendment adds the word ``online'' to the disclosure requirements found in this legislation. The Congressional Budget Office has determined that my amendment would not score and would not affect direct spending or revenues. My amendment is supported by the chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Lamar Smith. My amendment also has the support of the sponsor, Mr. Schweikert. I would like to thank both the chairman, Mr. Smith, and Congressman Schweikert for their efforts on this legislation and for their support of my amendment. As a result of my simple, good governance amendment, the EPA will be required to make all scientific and technical information relied upon for rulemaking available online before proposing or finalizing new regulations. I strongly support H.R. 4012, and I am proud to cosponsor this commonsense bill offered by my good friend and fellow Arizonan, David Schweikert. The underlying bill would require the Environmental Protection Agency to utilize actual science when formulating regulations, and it requires that the science be made available for peer review and reproduction. A recent poll from the Institute for Energy Research found that approximately 90 percent of all Americans support making studies and data utilized by the Federal Government available to the general public. By the way, the general public is not stupid. The intent of the bill is transparency, and I believe the best way to accomplish that goal is to require this information to be posted online. For far too long, the EPA has used secret studies and so-called ``peer reviews'' from biased sources to justify regulations that fit their job-killing agenda. Not only does this practice result in a lack of transparency, it also leads to hundreds of thousands of jobs being destroyed across the country by unreasonable and unnecessary regulations. A requirement similar to my amendment was adopted by this body when the House passed H.R. 4315 this past July. A provision found in H.R. 4315 required that data used by Federal agencies for Endangered Species Act listing decisions be made publicly available and accessible through the Internet. Finally, H.R. 4012 protects personal and confidential information and has a provision that makes clear such information will not be disclosed as a result of this act. My amendment would not conflict with such policy. Again, all my simple, one-word amendment does is require that the scientific and technical information requirements in the underlying bill be posted online. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of my commonsense amendment, and I urge the passage of the underlying bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chairman, I am a scientist and I am a dentist, so I understand both science and HIPAA. Provision 2 of section 2 of H.R. 4012 protects personal and confidential information and has a provision that makes clear such information will not be disclosed as a result of this act. My amendment would not conflict with such policy. So you are telling me that President Obama and members of the Democratic Party can yell and scream for the last couple of weeks about the need to make all information available for free at the same speed to everyone on the Internet, the net neutrality issue, but you all have a problem with making the science about which the APA justifies the regulations available online for peer review and reproduction? Wow, we are really the party of secret science. Can we all say ``Jonathan Gruber''? And do videos count? This is an absurd objection from an administration that claims that they were going to be the most transparent administration in the history of this country. I yield to my friend from Arizona (Mr. Schweikert).

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

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

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the sesquicentennial of Yuma County, Arizona. Established in 1864 as one of the four original counties of the Territory of Arizona, Yuma County has been a cornerstone for Arizona commerce, agriculture, development, and culture throughout its history. Celebrating 150 years since being formally organized, the area of Yuma County has a history which extends back much further. It is a history closely intertwined with the long and deep Colorado River which stretches along the county's western border. Not only did the Colorado bring the area's first European visitors--Spanish explorers who sailed up the river in 1540 and discovered a thriving Native American village on its banks--it also has served as the lifeblood for the region's commerce and agriculture. Yuma County leads the state and is third in the nation for vegetable production. In fact, Yuma County is the ``winter lettuce capital of the world'' and supplies 90% of our country's lettuce between November and March. The County is also the world's top producer of gourmet Medjool dates. Yuma County has influenced the culture and identity of Arizona and the United States: the gradual taming of the Colorado River which unlocked some of the world's best agricultural harvests, the famous Yuma Territorial Prison which housed some of the frontier's most nefarious criminals, and the booms and busts of bountiful ore and mineral mines that populated the desert. These are the stories of the Wild West that have shaped the independent and determined spirit of the County and its proud residents. From its original Native American settlers to its Wild West days to its rich agricultural history, Yuma County's story is an integral part of the American identity. On November 10, 2014 we celebrate 150 years for Yuma County; let us look forward to 150 more.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to speak in strong support of H.R. 4315, a commonsense package comprised of four bills that seek to update and improve the Endangered Species Act. These bills make commonsense changes that increase transparency, save taxpayer money, ensure local involvement in species conservation and the designation process, limit the hourly rate attorneys can charge the taxpayers for Endangered Species Act lawsuits, and require the Federal Government to make available to Congress and the public any data it uses to determine which species to list as endangered. All of these are common sense. Mr. Chairman, for far too long, the Federal Government has been making listing decisions based on secret and pseudoscience, including studies that do not allow for peer review of the underlying data. Even more troubling is the fact that attorneys have been making millions of dollars based on frivolous lawsuits associated with the Endangered Species Act, and the Federal Government doesn't even know how much money has been paid out. It is time to update the Endangered Species Act that involves America, is accountable to America, and is a win-win for everybody concerned.

Mr. GOSAR

Mr. GOSAR. I thank the gentleman, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

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