Tim Griffin

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, December 17, 2012, I missed two votes because my flight from Little Rock to the Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) was cancelled along with a number of others because the airport was closed due to fog. I flew into Reagan National Airport later in the evening. If I had been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 627 (H.R. 4606) and ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 628 (S. 3193).

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I was ill with the flu and missed seven votes: on Tuesday, December 11, 2012, rollcall vote No. 620; on Wednesday, December 12, 2012, rollcall vote No. 621, rollcall vote No. 622, and rollcall vote No. 623; and, on Thursday, December 13, 2012, I missed rollcall vote No. 624, rollcall vote No. 625, and rollcall vote No. 626. If I had been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall Vote No. 620 (Approval of the Journal). I also would have voted ``aye'' for each of the following: rollcall vote No. 621 (H. Res. 827 Previous Question), rollcall vote No. 622 (H. Res. 827), rollcall vote No. 623 (H.R. 6190), rollcall vote No. 624 (H.R. 4310, On Motion to Instruct Conferees), rollcall vote No. 625 (H.R. 4310, On Motion to Ito Permit Closed Conference Meetings), and rollcall No. 626 (H.R. 4053).

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3869. This bill would designate the facility of the United States Post Office located at 600 East Capitol Avenue in Little Rock as the Sidney ``Sid'' Sanders McMath Post Office Building. Sid McMath is one of Arkansas's finest sons, and he dedicated his life to serving Arkansas and our country. He was the 34th Governor of Arkansas and served as a U.S. Marine in World War II. He received the Silver Star for his valor during the Battle of Piva Forks. Sid McMath was born in Columbia County, Arkansas, on June 14, 1912. In high school, he was a skilled boxer and won the State Golden Gloves title. He worked his way through college at the University of Arkansas by waiting tables, washing dishes, and fighting in exhibition boxing matches. After college, he served as a United States Marine during World War II where he distinguished himself in combat and earned the Silver Star and the Legion of Merit. In 1948, Sid McMath was elected as the 34th Governor of Arkansas, serving from 1949 to 1953. As Governor, he was a staunch advocate for civil rights, fighting to uphold voting rights for all Americans and working to abolish the poll tax. After serving as Governor, he continued his service to his Nation as a member of the Marine Corps Reserve, rising to the rank of major general. In 1967, he founded the Marine Corps Junior ROTC at Catholic High School for Boys in Little Rock. Many of the cadets known as ``Sid's Kids'' have followed his example by serving our country. Governor McMath passed away in 2003 at the age of 91 in Little Rock. His autobiography, ``Promises Kept,'' was posthumously awarded the Arkansas Historical Association's highest accolade, the John G. Ragsdale Prize. Today we honor Sid McMath's dedication and service to his State and Nation by installing a permanent marker of his contribution to Arkansas and America. His example is one all Americans and Arkansans can admire, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill to honor his legacy.

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Arkansas Nurses Association (ARNA) on their 100 years of continued leadership in and dedication to the nursing profession in Arkansas. Nurses play a vital role in our health care system, providing essential patient care and improving the quality of their patients' lives. Nearly all--if not all--Americans have been or will be cared for by a nurse at some point in their lives. And, according to a recent survey by Gallup, nursing was recognized as the most trusted profession in the United States. For their centennial celebration, ARNA has built their anniversary year around a celebration of ``The Year of the Nurse,'' which has included a celebration of their past, their present, and their future. For the past 100 years, it has been the mission of Arkansas nurses to ensure a healthy Arkansas population and a stronger nursing profession, and with ARNA's service, education, and advocacy, the nursing profession has continued to improve the quality of care delivered throughout Arkansas's 75 counties. Even after the centennial celebration has concluded, ARNA will continue their efforts in promoting and ensuring developments in advanced education, clinical competency, nursing research, and patient and nurse advocacy. As ARNA celebrates its centennial anniversary, I honor the efforts of Arkansas nurses who have created a professional organization that continues to advance the nursing profession in Arkansas and throughout the country, and I look forward to another 100 years of their success.

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman. I rise today in support of the STEM Jobs Act, and I thank Chairman Smith for his leadership as chairman of the Judiciary Committee. This is a critical piece of legislation that narrowly failed to pass when the House considered it in September, and I'm very pleased that we're considering it again here today. Over the past few weeks when I was back in my district, the job creators in central Arkansas that I spoke with emphasized the need to once again bring this bill up, and I want to share a little bit about those conversations. First of all, Welspun Tubular is in my district. It made the pipe for the Keystone XL pipeline. They need advanced STEM graduates to train workers. Power Technology is a company that needs highly skilled workers to design, develop, and manufacture laser products. They say that they need this bill passed. These companies have struggled to find the specific talent they need, and this bill would help them create jobs. This is a jobs bill. I want to emphasize that this bill will not take away from American jobs. These STEM visas will be made available only for foreign graduates of U.S. universities with advanced STEM degrees--Ph.D.s in the first instance, followed by foreign-born graduates of master's degree programs of which we have a shortage. Companies that offer jobs to foreign STEM graduates also must have certified that there are no American workers able, willing, or qualified and available for the job. We are currently educating highly skilled Ph.D.s and master's and sending them back home to compete against us after they graduate. Where I'm from, that's like recruiting the best football players from Texas, teaching them the Arkansas offense, and then sending them back to Texas to compete against us. That doesn't make any sense, and people get that. Let's fix it. Let's pass this bill.

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. I rise today in support of the STEM Jobs Act, and I thank Chairman Smith for his leadership. Mr. Speaker, I want to tell you about some job creators in my district who would benefit from this bill. Welspun Tubular, which made the pipes for the Keystone pipeline, needs advanced STEM graduates to train workers. Power Technology needs highly skilled workers to design, develop, and manufacture laser products. These companies have struggled to find the specific talent they need, and this bill would help them create jobs. We are currently educating highly skilled Ph.D.'s and masters and are sending them back home to compete against us after they graduate. That's like Arkansas recruiting the best college football players from Texas, training them on our offense and sending them back to Texas to compete against us. That doesn't make any sense. Let's fix it. Let's pass this bill.

Mr. GRIFFIN

Mr. GRIFFIN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1775, the Stolen Valor Act of 2011, and urge its passage. I would like to thank Congressman Joe Heck for his leadership on this issue as well as Judiciary Committee Chairman Smith, also Ranking Member Conyers, for their bipartisan cooperation passing this bill out of committee. As a proud cosponsor of the Stolen Valor Act, I offered a substitute amendment during committee consideration in response to the recent Supreme Court decision in U.S. v Alvarez. The court instructed that, however despicable, a false claim about receiving a military award is protected by the First Amendment. The substitute amendment, which was adopted unanimously by the Judiciary Committee on August 1, 2012, incorporates the Supreme Court's opinion and recommendations in Alvarez. The bill we consider today ensures that the Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, and other military awards will be protected from fraud and that those who make false claims of military service or awards will face criminal penalties. I believe that protecting the integrity and valor of American servicemembers who have distinguished themselves in defense of this Nation is critically important. We must ensure that the Medal of Honor and other military awards are protected from fraud, and the Stolen Valor Act helps in that effort.

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Michael Tinsley who will be representing the United States in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. Michael hails from Little Rock, Arkansas. Little Rock is located in the Second Congressional District, which I represent. He attended Pulaski Robinson High School in Little Rock where he had a standout track career. His dedication to and performance in track and field in high school earned him a scholarship at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, where he ran track and studied Criminal Justice. At the 2006 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, Michael won the 400m hurdles for Jackson State becoming the first track athlete in the history of the university to win an NCAA Division I title. Jackson State University declared Thursday, June 15, 2006, ``Michael Tinsley Day,'' and Michael was presented with a certificate from the governor, was handed keys to the city by the mayor, and was shown the banner bearing his name that would hang in the athletic center. In 2006, Michael achieved his first ever top ten Track and Field News world ranking in the 400m hurdles. He achieved a top-ten world ranking again in 2011. Michael's accomplishments don't end there, though. He also holds numerous other records and titles, and in the 2010 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, he placed third in the 400m hurdles. He is also a three-time NCAA All-American. As evidence of his continued hard work and pursuit of excellence, Michael qualified for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team in a remarkable and memorable way: he beat the reigning Olympic gold, silver, and bronze medalists in the 400m hurdles, taking first place to secure his Olympic berth. Michael will represent Team USA in the 400m hurdles, and I am proud to have such an accomplished athlete and Arkansan representing our nation. On behalf of Arkansans and Americans everywhere, I wish Michael Tinsley the best of luck in his Olympic endeavors and look forward to his great accomplishments in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History on the opening of their newest exhibit, ``Vietnam: America's Conflict.'' I am proud to represent the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, which is located in Little Rock, Arkansas. The Museum opened to the public in May 2001 and is located in the historic Arsenal Building of the Little Rock Arsenal. The Arsenal Building was constructed in 1840, and it is the only surviving remnant of the original Little Rock Arsenal and one of central Arkansas's oldest structures. The future General of the Army, Douglas MacArthur, was born in the Arsenal Building while his father, Captain Arthur MacArthur, was stationed in Little Rock. Through its displays and exhibits as well as its outreach into the community, the MacArthur Museum provides insight into Arkansas's rich military history and tradition--from its territorial period until present. The Museum stands as a memorial to the proud history and dedication of Arkansas's men and women who served in and supported our nation's armed forces both at home and abroad. The newest exhibit, ``Vietnam: America's Conflict,'' which will open on Friday, July 27, 2012, will examine the origins and conflicts of the Vietnam war and the contributions our state and its citizens made. It will also honor the 600 gallant Arkansans who lost their lives during the Vietnam war. The MacArthur Museum stands as a memorial to the brave men and women who, throughout our history, have sacrificed--some making the ultimate sacrifice--out of their desire to serve our Nation. Each visitor, through their presence at the Museum, extends their gratitude and honors these Arkansans. I congratulate the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History on its opening of this exciting exhibit, and I congratulate the men and women at the Museum who each day preserve Arkansas's proud military history and tradition so that it can be shared by this and future generations. It is an honor to represent you.

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. Mr. Chairman, first of all, I would like to say that the idea that this bill will stop good, reasonable, commonsense, and much-needed regulations is nonsense. It simply requires Congress to have a role. And after all, Congress is the body that authorizes laws and regulations in the first place. That just makes sense. The complications that so many complain about, I call checks and balances. I rise in support of H.R. 4078, the Red Tape Reduction and Small Business Job Creation Act. This bill would freeze significant regulations, those costing the economy $100 million or more, until nationwide unemployment falls to 6 percent or below. Many of my friends on the other side say there's no connection between excessive and overly burdensome regulation and job creation. They must have been asking their favorite economist and not talking to actual job creators. Even President Obama disagrees. In a January 2011 Wall Street Journal op-ed, President Obama wrote: Sometimes, those rules have gotten out of balance, placing unreasonable burdens on business--burdens that have stifled innovation and have a chilling effect on growth and jobs. He has at least given lip service to the problem. Small businesses like Razor Chemical, a manufacturer of environmentally friendly cleaning supplies in North Little Rock, Arkansas, bear the brunt of regulatory compliance costs. According to the government's Small Business Administration, complying with current Federal regulations already costs at least $1.75 trillion every year, adding more than $10,000 in overhead per small business employee--which is 30 percent higher than the regulatory costs facing large firms. Half of all private sector employees in the United States are employed by a small business job creator--exactly the type of folks who are getting hammered by the Obama administration's aggressive regulatory agenda. In its first 3 years, the Obama administration created 120 new major regulations, costing Americans more than $46 billion each year. That's more than four times the number and five times the cost of major regulations created by the Bush administration in its first 3 years. As the lead sponsor of this bill, I made sure it carefully targets the most harmful regulations while making exceptions for Federal rules necessary for national security, trade agreements, enforcement of criminal and civil rights laws, and imminent threats to health or safety. It also includes a provision allowing the President to seek congressional approval for other regulations that he thinks are absolutely critical. And, in fact, with that waiver, you can pretty much pass any regulation as long as Congress agrees. In his State of the Union address, President Obama admitted, ``There's no question that some regulations are outdated, unnecessary or too costly.'' If there's no question about the problem, he should embrace the House's solution.

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. Well, I thank the gentleman. First of all, I don't know anyone who's antiregulation. It's the excessive and overly burdensome regulations that are the problems. I have a 2-year-old baby, John, and a 4-year-old, Mary Katherine. I want clean air and clean water for them. I understand the need for reasonable, commonsense regulations, but that's not what we're talking about here, with all due respect.

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would just like to make it clear, again, that any regulations that are needed, that the gentleman from Florida feels are needed, that the President feels are needed, those can be enacted under this law. It simply requires Congress to play a role. I have no doubt that the President opposes this bill. I understand that he doesn't want to share his regulatory power with this body. I'm sure a lot of Presidents might feel that way. But it is all about separation of powers and sharing power and allowing this body to have a say. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. I oppose this amendment because it is unnecessary and weakens the important reforms made by the bill. This administration has been issuing a torrent of the most expensive regulations, each of which cost the economy over $100 million. According to a study by The Heritage Foundation, President Obama already has adopted 106 regulations that add $46 billion in annual regulatory costs to the private sector, and nearly $11 billion in one- time implementation cost. By contrast, in his first 3 years in office, President Bush adopted 28 major regulations costing the private sector $8 billion annually. The bill is designed only to prevent unnecessary regulations. Titles I and II have reasonable exceptions for the President to allow regulations necessary because of an ``imminent threat to health or safety or other emergency.'' And the congressional waiver provision of title I allows the President to authorize regulations during the moratorium period with the permission of Congress. Regulations that the President wants enacted simply have to go through Congress. Balance of power. Title III prevents agencies from using litigation with special interest groups to force more regulations on the economy without sufficient transparency, public participation, and judicial scrutiny. For too long, agencies have used consent decrees and settlement agreements as cover to promulgate regulations with less time for review of cost and benefits, alternatives, and public comment. This is yet another way that agencies impose unnecessary and ill-considered regulations on the public. It should be stopped. For these reasons, I oppose the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Bono Mack).

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. I oppose this amendment, Mr. Chairman, because it is unnecessary. Titles I and II of the bill, the regulatory freeze and midnight rules titles, apply only to those regulations that are most costly to the economy, costing $100 million or more. Unfortunately, these are the kinds of rules that the Obama administration is issuing at a much faster rate than the previous administration. Under President Bush, the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs' biannual regulatory agenda on average reported 77 economically significant regulations in the proposed and final stages of the rulemaking process. By comparison, President Obama's biannual average is 124. I would also note that President Obama's Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has not yet issued the spring 2012 regulatory agenda, although judging by the weather alone, I would say that spring is well behind us. This can only add to the regulatory uncertainty that discourages job creation. It is no wonder, then, that a Gallup Poll found that small businessowners cite complying with government regulations as their most important problem. The Federal Government needs to slow down on issuing the most costly regulations until the economy has a chance to recover or until this body approves regulations forwarded to it. Even if a regulation related to privacy met the $100 million threshold for titles I and II, I am confident that the bill's reasonable waiver procedures would allow any necessary privacy regulation to move forward. There is no reason that regulations related to privacy should be exempt from the reforms to consent decree abuse contained in title III. For these reasons, I oppose this amendment and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. Mr. Chairman, one of the things that I've been saying repeatedly when the other amendments were debated I will repeat: the bill that we have before us has ample exceptions for regulatory action. And, in fact, it has a catch-all waiver that will allow the President of the United States to seek approval of regulations, but he'll have to work with Congress on them. After all, we're the ones that authorize the laws, the bills; and we should be authorizing and approving regulations. There's no limit to which ones. The regulations addressed by this amendment would certainly be fertile ground for the President to forward to Congress for approval. So there are ample exceptions and waivers. And I would also point out that, as I indicated earlier, I'm not anti-regulation. It's the excessive and overly burdensome regulations that we are concerned with. We need reasonable regulation, commonsense regulation. But the problem is the system, the regulatory system, has gotten out of control. So there are ample ways to deal with the issue addressed here under the bill, and I believe this amendment is unnecessary, and I oppose it. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is, like the others, unnecessary. And as it is drafted, it seems to suggest that the Federal Government can somehow regulate the weather. Titles I and II of this bill were carefully drafted to block only those unnecessary, most costly regulations, those that cost the economy $100 million or more. The bill contains reasonable exceptions for the President to issue a regulation, for example, that is ``necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or other emergency'' or one that is ``necessary for the national security of the United States.'' The bill also contains a congressional waiver exception whereby the President can make any other necessary regulation with the permission of Congress. King Canute famously demonstrated many centuries ago that the weather does not respect executive fiat. Although the Federal Government cannot control the weather by regulation, it can issue regulations to help Americans cope with the effects of extreme weather. I believe the exceptions already in this bill would cover regulations related to the extreme weather events suggested by the gentleman from Massachusetts' amendment. For these reasons, I oppose this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas

Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.