Greg Gianforte

Mr. GIANFORTE

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

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the tragic epidemic that impacts too many Montanans and Americans. Suicide rates are increasing across the country. On average, a Montanan dies by suicide every 33 hours. Suicide is now the eighth leading cause of death in Montana. The Centers for Disease Control recently reported a 30 percent increase in suicide rates in the last 20 years, with nearly 45,000 Americans taking their own lives in 2016. Veterans account for almost 20 percent of all suicides in the United States. Suicide rates amongst farmers have been increasing. We, however, can reverse the trajectory of one of the leading causes of death in this country. There is good news coming out of Montana. The Billings Clinic, which I recently toured, announced it will launch Montana's first psychiatric residency program. This will expand access to mental healthcare for our more rural areas. I speak out today during Suicide Prevention Week because suicide is preventable. Access to crisis resources saves lives. Mental and behavioral health research saves lives. Ending the stigma surrounding suicide saves lives

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Betty Campbell of Hays who, at 83 years old, paid tribute to her late husband by walking in the annual Bataan Memorial Death March in the high-desert terrain of New Mexico. Michael ``Bud'' Campbell became a prisoner of war during World War II and survived the brutal Bataan Death March. Bud was among thousands of Philippine and American soldiers forced to march nearly 70 miles with little food or water, enduring torture along the route and at POW camps where he was held for over three years. After the war, he and Betty raised seven children, and owned a ranch in north-central Montana. Betty served her community as an educator for over 30 years, teaching in area schools and serving as a principal. For 20 years, Betty has served as a board member of the Big Flat Electric Cooperative. In March 2018, Betty and her granddaughter Vernelle paid tribute to Bud by walking approximately seven miles at the 29th Bataan Memorial Death March, crossing the finish line together. The Bataan Memorial Death March is an annual tribute to honor the service members who defended the Philippine Islands and were taken as prisoners of war. Betty said her emotions ran high as she thought about what her late husband and other prisoners endured. She reflected on the shoes she wore and the water she had available at nearly every mile, saying, ``It wasn't the same. It didn't seem fair.'' Mr. Speaker, for her courage, sacrifice, and dedication in honoring her late husband, a World War II POW, at the Bataan Memorial Death March at age 83, I recognize Betty Campbell for her spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor an amazing young child whose compassion for others and giving nature touches the lives of thousands in need of comfort. In 2012, Emma Anderson from Kalispell, founded Emma's Cuddle Bears after seeing family friends undergo cancer treatment. An adult friend described the challenges she faced while battling cancer and said her heart went out to the young children fighting cancer in the treatment center. Emma, only 5 years old at the time, asked if the children ever got scared, to which the friend replied that they probably did. Emma thought for a moment and said, ``I have an idea.'' Emma used her own allowance money to purchase 20 teddy bears. She carefully examined each one to make sure it passed her cuddle test. She then gave each one a name and wrote a little note for the person receiving a bear. The bears arrived at the University of Washington Cancer Center, where the Andersons' friend was receiving treatment. The bears immediately warmed the hearts of children who needed the special comfort a cuddle bear can provide. Since then, the young humanitarian has sent over 3,000 Cuddle Bears to those suffering from cancer, debilitating diseases, and other difficult circumstances. Emma has a special gift for picking just the right bear to encourage and comfort young and old alike. She still insists on naming all the cuddle bears. Emma continues to answer her calling to help others. She joined Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child at her local church as an assistant project coordinator. Emma's bold and affectious personality inspires other to give. There's a saying on display in the Anderson household: ``From small beginnings come great things.'' It was on the nursery wall when Emma's adoptive mother, Jeri Anderson, brought her home from China as an infant. Starting from small beginnings, Emma and her cuddle bears continue to accomplish great things. All those who know her believe the best is yet to come. Mr. Speaker, for her compassion, generosity, and willingness to reach out to those in need, I recognize Emma Anderson for her spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize six young Montanans who are among the best in the sport of rodeo. The National High School Finals Rodeo concluded last weekend in Rock Springs, Wyoming. The competition featured nearly 1,500 of the top contenders from across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Australia. Montana was well represented, and six competitors from Big Sky country earned a coveted Top-Ten Buckle. Alaina Griffel of Columbus placed eighth in breakaway roping. Shai McDonald of Gardiner finished eighth in barrel racing. Meghan McGinley from Bozeman placed tenth in goat tying. Jhet Murphy and Luke Murphy from Helena finished eighth in team roping. Morgan Rising of Wibaux placed seventh in bull riding. Rodeo is a time-honored sport in Montana and part of our way of life. Montana's young rodeo athletes work hard to compete at the highest level. I congratulate these young Montanans for their excellence at the National High School Finals Rodeo and for being among the best in the world.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two Montana veterans and entrepreneurs committed to creating good-paying Montana jobs and revitalizing their community. Jim Markel and Perry Jones own Red Oxx Mfg. Inc., a producer and retailer of durable travel bags. Their award-winning products are handcrafted in Montana, have nationwide recognition, and account for over $2.5 million in annual company sales. The U.S. Small Business Administration named Red Oxx Montana's Veteran-Owned Business of the Year in 2016. CEO Markel served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and company president Jones in the U.S. Navy. The Red Oxx factory and retail store are in a commercial and industrial area east of Billings' vibrant downtown. Looking to reenergize the neighborhood instead of relocating the business as it grew, Markel served on an advisory board of the Billings Industrial Revitalization District. Improvements guided by the district are attracting new businesses, renewing the area, and creating greater opportunity and more jobs. This spring, Markel and Jones broke ground on a project that will transform about half a city block into a large outdoor event center, turning broken asphalt and recycled metal into an open, green space with ornamental fencing, sculptures, and park benches. The event center will host community activities, feature performances, and be available for local nonprofit organizations to hold benefit events. Several years in the making, the event center will play a critical role in further rejuvenating the neighborhood. Mr. Speaker, for their service to our country, entrepreneurship, and dedication to their community, I recognize Jim Markel and Perry Jones for their spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his leadership. Mr. Speaker, the men and women of ICE work every day to make our country and our communities safer. They secure our borders. They enforce our laws. They protect our safety. And I stand with them. America's borders have been too open for too long. Drug cartels, dangerous gangs, and human traffickers exploit our weak borders and bring crime to our Montana communities. As America and Montana face an epidemic of drug abuse and addiction, ICE agents seized nearly 1 million pounds of illegal drugs last year, including nearly 2,400 pounds of fentanyl and 7,000 pounds of heroin. ICE agents arrested more than 127,000 criminal aliens last year. These criminals were charged with weapons offenses, drug crimes, gang- related activity, sexual assault, kidnapping, and murder. Now, some of my friends across the aisle have called for abolishing ICE. Abolishing ICE is a reckless idea. Abolishing ICE would embolden violent criminals, like members of the vicious MS-13 gang, intent on doing us harm. Abolishing ICE would jeopardize the safety and security of our Montana communities. Mr. Speaker, I strongly oppose abolishing ICE. And, Mr. Speaker, I proudly stand with ICE agents who are dedicated to making our Nation and Montana safer and more secure.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment. It would prohibit funds from being used to advance guidance or make rules that rely on Obama-era social cost of carbon guidance. I have heard from folks in Montana who cannot get a permit to expand a coal mine because they didn't account for the carbon released by the trains that would carry the coal. I have heard of the difficulties of building railroad bridges because they might allow more coal to be transported. We must stop relying on metrics that were designed by the keep-it-in- the-ground crowd. Similar language passed, on a bipartisan vote, here in the House last September. I urge adoption of the amendment.

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment. This amendment would block funds used by the agencies to pay legal fees under any lawsuit settlement that arises under the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. While the intent of these pieces of legislation was good, serial litigants and special interest groups have turned these laws into tools used to block access to our forests and our mineral resources. In Montana, we have a litigation problem, as many of our forest management projects are locked up by environmental extremists filing frivolous lawsuits. Agencies spend more time behind a desk and more resources defending their actions than they do working on our lands. These lawyers continue to get richer as Montana's landscape goes up in smoke and taxpayer funds are wasted. This same amendment passed the House last September, and I urge my colleagues to support this amendment again.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, East Rosebud Creek is one of Montana's most picturesque and popular streams. It is located in Carbon County, Montana, just north of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in the Custer National Forest. It provides important habitat for fish and wildlife as well as a myriad of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, hunting, kayaking, and climbing. My bill designates a 13-mile section of East Rosebud Creek beginning at its source, the East Rosebud Lake, as a wild river. A second 7-mile section from the outlet of East Rosebud Lake to the point where the waterway enters private property would be designated as a recreational river. This legislation specifically applies only to the segments of the creek that lie within public lands. Important historical uses outside of the wild and scenic river boundary are protected by this bill. Finally, H.R. 4645 explicitly prevents the creation of a buffer zone to restrict land use outside of the designated area. This legislation represents a great compromise that has earned support from a diverse coalition that includes local ranchers, sportsmen, conservationists, businesses owners, and others. Companion legislation has been introduced with the support of the entire Montana delegation, including both Senators. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this measure.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, the Bureau of Reclamation built the original Gibson Dam on the Sun River between 1926 and 1929. The dam has served to capture spring snowmelt for irrigation and to prevent flooding in the region. This bill would extend the FERC license to build a 15-megawatt turbine at the base of the existing Gibson Dam. The ability to produce clean energy off Gibson Dam will benefit the county and the State by creating a new source of revenue. Furthermore, the construction of the powerhouse will bring jobs to Montana. Finally, the turbine will be built in such a way that helps the environment and enhances fish and wildlife opportunities. By granting an extension of this permit, we are giving a community in Montana a chance to create jobs and a benefit to the environment. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of the bill.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge the Senate to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. President Trump considered many well-qualified judges and legal scholars for the High Court, and he selected the best of the best. Judge Kavanaugh has outstanding academic credentials and an impressive professional record, including clerking for Justice Kennedy and serving on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia since 2006. Judge Kavanaugh is a constitutional conservative who will interpret our Nation's laws as our Founders intended and not make laws from the bench. Judge Kavanaugh offers a sound approach to issues important to Montana. Judge Kavanaugh has defended private property rights from governmental interference, protected landowners from outrageous regulations, and rejected Federal overreach, including from the previous administration's overzealous EPA. Mr. Speaker, Judge Kavanaugh enjoyed bipartisan support when the Senate confirmed him 12 years ago. I urge the Senate to avoid political games, sideshows, and stunts and confirm Judge Kavanaugh to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Steve Fetveit, an award-winning broadcaster who served for decades as a trusted source for Montana news. Steve retired as a television news anchor for NBC Montana last week, capping a distinguished 42-year broadcast career that took him throughout the state. Steve was born and raised in Montana, graduated from Montana State University, and understands what is important to Montanans. Viewers recognized and appreciated his knowledge of our state, his easygoing personality, and his credibility. The Greater Montana Foundation and the Montana Broadcasters Association recognized Steve as Montana's ``Television On-Air Broadcaster of the Year'' in 2006. Steve has served the wider community of broadcast journalists, including as a board member and chairman of the Montana Broadcasters Association. His experience and professionalism are an example to the young broadcasters he mentors. He dedicates his time to up-and-coming journalists, promoting their careers and reinforcing the importance of the profession's ethics. Dewey Bruce, president and CEO of the Montana Broadcasters Association, said, ``Steve is a fantastic newsman, very fair, and has made valuable contributions to broadcasters and the state of the Montana. He is very deserving of recognition.'' For his outstanding career as a broadcast journalist and his dedication to serving our Montana communities, I recognize Steve Fetveit for embodying the spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association. The organization started Big Hearts Under the Big Sky, a program providing guided and outfitted trips at no charge to recipients. The recipients include breast cancer patients and survivors, children with serious illnesses, and veterans. The association identifies families and matches their recreation wishes with member organizations. Recipients get to experience Montana's breath-taking scenery in backcountry outings. Some choose to fly fish the Yellowstone River, while others hunt trophy elk, moose, and other big game. Celebrating its tenth year, Big Hearts Under the Big Sky is a testament to the restorative power of Montana's outdoors, to the hard work of Montana's more than 200 licensed outfitters and guides, and to the selflessness of the volunteers and sponsors who make this program possible. For opening Montana's outdoor treasures to those who need it most, I recognize the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association for embodying the spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring this body's attention to a war on coal that jeopardizes our Montana communities, jobs, and economy. Environmental extremists want to eliminate the diversity of Montana's energy generation. Their radical agenda threatens our Montana way of life, particularly in eastern Montana. This week, the Montana Chamber Foundation released a report that reveals the alarming impact a continued war on coal would have in Montana. If Colstrip's Units 3 and 4 were closed prematurely, the impact would be devastating to Montana. Montana would lose about 3,300 jobs. Our State's population would shrink by 7,000 individuals. Montanans would lose over $5 billion in income and all Montanans would face higher electricity prices. Also, the loss of this source of reliable baseload power would threaten the stability of our electric grid. Mr. Speaker, it is time to end this war on coal once and for all. Montanans, our communities, and our economy require that we not raise the white flag.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Frank and Bettie Barber of Lloyd. Since 1998, the Barbers volunteer their working ranch in the Bearpaw Mountains to host the Bear Paw Bowmen Archery Club's annual Barber Ranch Two-Day Archery Shoot. Last weekend marked the competition's 20th anniversary. Hundreds of archers spread out over different courses throughout the Barbers' ranch during the event. The competition ends with a community dinner. Proceeds support local causes. Last year, funds from the Barber Ranch Two-Day Archery Shoot helped local volunteer fire departments following the devastating East Fork Fire in the Bearpaw Mountains. Beyond their involvement in their local hunting community, the Barbers established a college scholarship. Since 2009, the Frank and Bettie Barber Scholarship has awarded more than $9,000 to Montana State University-Northern agriculture students. Contributions from the Barbers benefit a growing number of students and create further opportunities for agricultural education in Montana. Frank, a retired Marine, and Bettie, the daughter of a career Navy veteran, are also well known for their love of our country. For their dedication to their community, commitment to agriculture scholarship, and generosity, I recognize Frank and Bettie Barber of Lloyd for representing the spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Roger Holmes, who is celebrating his 100th birthday today. This remarkable milestone gives us the opportunity to recognize Mr. Holmes' contributions to his community and his country. Mr. Holmes a veteran of World War Two, served as a Tech Sergeant and Section Chief of Ordinance Cadre in the 9th Airforce Division in Holland, France, and England between 1942 and 1944. His service in World War II helped preserve the great freedoms that we enjoy today. I want to express my gratitude for Mr. Holmes' dedication to the community of Whitehall. He retired as the U.S. Postmaster after working for the local post office for almost thirty years. Mr. Holmes and his wife Edna will celebrate their 68th wedding anniversary in July. It is leaders like him who sustain the character and integrity of our communities. Mr. Holmes' contributions to his country leave us in his debt.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on Flag Day, to recognize American Legion Auxiliary Unit 70 in Judith Gap for its patriotism and successful efforts to honor our nation and flag. In 2014, the auxiliary unit teamed up with American Legion Post 70 to begin Flags on Main Street. Flags on Main Street is a grassroots, community-driven project. The initial goal of the program was to mark patriotic holidays with the American flag flying on every business, home, and building on the main street passing through Judith Gap. The ALA unit purchased flag holders and flags, and members went door-to- door to bring the program to life. Businesses and residents along the main street welcomed the unit's patriotic spirit, and the people of Judith Gap began placing flag holders on prominent locations beyond the main corridor so that our flag could fly throughout the town on patriotic holidays. American Legion Post 70 coupled Flags on Main Street with their local flag education program. Flags on Main Street continues to enjoy widespread, enthusiastic support in Judith Gap. The flag of the United States of America is a symbol of freedom. Its stars and stripes represent our founding, our republic, and our unity. As Ronald Reagan said, ``The colors of our flag signify the qualities of the human spirit we Americans cherish. Red for courage and readiness to sacrifice; white for pure intentions and high ideals; and blue for vigilance and justice.'' It is my honor to recognize American Legion Auxiliary Unit 70 in Judith Gap for its patriotism, dedication to its community, and its spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. I thank the gentleman from Arizona, Mr. Speaker, for leading this effort. It is a pleasure for me to share with this body the benefits Montanans are seeing from tax reform. It has been 6 months since President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into law, and we are already seeing the results. The benefits of the tax cuts are not a theory. I see it when I meet with Montanans throughout the State. Paychecks are growing. Montana businesses are making investments and creating jobs. In fact, since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law, 1 million new jobs have been created. The national unemployment rate matches the 49-year low, and Montanans' unemployment rate has dropped. America's economic growth is exceeding expectations. Hardworking Montanans across the State, whether at the UPS facility in Missoula, at Big Sky Wholesale Seeds in Shelby, or at the Billings Flying Service, have told me their paychecks have grown thanks to the tax reform act. The owner of 11 fast-food restaurants throughout Montana told me in Great Falls that he was giving his employees a raise and increasing starting wages for all new employees. A teacher in Billings in a public school there told me her monthly paycheck grew by over $130. Mr. Speaker, certain leaders have described the benefits from tax reform, whether bonuses or larger paychecks, as just crumbs. They call them crumbs. Tell that to the teacher in Billings who will keep nearly $1,600 a year more of her hard-earned money. According to a recent survey, small business optimism has reached another record high. That confidence is translating into investments and more jobs. The owner of Westland Seed in Ronan reports he is hiring more people because of tax reform. At a roundtable discussion about agriculture in Bozeman, a local farmer and food processor said tax reform contributed to his decision to double his staff from 6 to 12 employees. Senior officials at the Boeing facility in Helena indicate they will add over 20 new employees this year. Montana small businesses credit tax reform for their decisions to expand. At a roundtable with women small-business owners in Bozeman, one entrepreneur said the new tax policies were a big part of her decision to launch two new businesses this year. Other Montana businesses are making investments thanks to tax reform. Loenbro, a Great Falls industrial construction and manufacturing firm that employs more than 600, said the tax reform immediately added 15 percent to their bottom line. Tax reform is leading them to increase worker benefits, enhance training programs, and invest in construction equipment that will create more jobs. Billings Flying Service credits the full expensing provision for its decision to purchase new equipment. The company is also investing in new research and development for enhanced firefighting equipment In addition to larger paychecks, increased investment, greater small business confidence, and more good-paying jobs, more than 87 million utility customers are seeing lower energy prices. Utility companies cite tax reform as the reason they are reducing their rates. Montanans are among those benefiting. According to recent reports, NorthWestern Energy and Montana-Dakota Utilities have proposed cutting their rates thanks to the new tax law. Mr. Speaker, certain leaders in this Chamber warned that the tax cuts would be Armageddon. I don't know any hardworking Montanans who would agree that keeping more of their hard-earned money is Armageddon or that job creation is Armageddon or that small businesses succeeding is Armageddon or that a lower utility bill is Armageddon. Tax reform isn't producing crumbs. Tax reform isn't leading to Armageddon. Mr. Speaker, tax reform is working in Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Pat Volkmar, a middle school teacher in Great Falls, whose passion for education takes his students beyond the classroom and into the business world. Through support from the Great Falls community, Pat Volkmar launched and advises Grizz Biz, a program that provides students with opportunities to learn valuable skills, operate a business, and earn a paycheck. Middle school students, young men and women from 12 to 14 years old, run every aspect of Grizz Biz, including hiring, production, marketing, management, and accounting. Students develop important trade skills, including woodworking, engraving, and ceramics. Those wishing to join Grizz Biz must prepare and submit resumes as well as interview with their peers. The program provides the next generation with experience they will carry with them into their future careers and endeavors. They develop entrepreneurial and leadership skills as well as confidence for opportunities beyond the classroom. Grizz Biz will build on its success at North Middle School by expanding to East Middle School next school year. Pat Volkmar is the driving force behind it all. For his commitment to create a unique, valuable education experience and the countless hours he spends inspiring young Montanans, I recognize Pat Volkmar for representing the spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today urging the Senate to take up the forest reforms that this Chamber passed more than 7 months ago. Last year, wildfires burned more than 1.2 million acres in Montana, an area the size of the State of Delaware. I met with the firefighters on the ground and saw the devastation. I heard from families anxious about the dangerous air quality impacting their kids. I listened to the hardworking Montanans worried that their livelihoods would go up in flames. Montana survived last year's devastating fire season. Our communities pulled together, helping neighbor to neighbor, just as Montanans do. The bad news is that forecasters project another severe fire season this year. We need to start managing our forests again. While there has been some progress, more work remains to improve the health of our forests and reduce the severity of wildfires. I call on the Senate to end the obstruction and pass forest management reforms. Montanans need them to act.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a group of Montanans who banded together to protect their livelihoods and our communities against the war on coal. Colstrip United emphasizes the importance of coal in Montana and the United States. The grassroots group counters false, anti-coal claims pushed by special interest groups and ensures the voices of their close-knit community are heard. Two members of the Colstrip community, Lori Shaw and Ashley Dennehy, lead Colstrip United to empower their community. The hardworking folks at Colstrip supply the energy that keeps the lights on for millions of Americans. Colstrip United helps us remember the faces and communities behind the flick of a switch. The group continues to grow its membership by advocating responsible development of our natural resources to grow our economy and protect our way of life. Colstrip United extends its focus beyond Colstrip, drawing attention to similar communities that are the backbone of our energy sector. The group's motto is ``Inform. Promote. Inspire.'' Colstrip United is about neighbor helping neighbor, a characteristic that defines the spirit of Montana. Today, I pay tribute to the Montanans who are Colstrip United for their inspiring work to promote and protect our Montana way of life.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our liberties, our freedoms, and our precious way of life. Montanans are a proud and patriotic people who always answer the call to serve their Nation. They are mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters. Some did not return from the theater of conflict, giving their lives for our country and our liberty. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to them and to their families. We owe them a debt we can never fully repay, as much as we try. As we mark Memorial Day, we pray for the families of the veterans whose sacrifices have secured our freedoms, and we give thanks for the blessings of life and liberty, peace and prosperity that their service has secured for all of us.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this legislation, as well as legislation I introduced along with the Montana Senate delegation to honor three Montana veterans by renaming three Department of Veterans Affairs facilities in their honor. These three veterans have shown the true spirit and dedication all Montanans and Americans should aspire to. Ben Steele from Roundup, Montana, joined the Army Air Corps and was stationed at Clark Field in the Philippines in 1941 when he was 24. Following the Japanese invasion, Ben fought on Bataan and survived the Bataan Death March. He was held prisoner for 3\1/2\ years, and sketched with charcoal scenes on concrete and secret scraps of paper. Some of his work is still on display in the MacArthur Museum in Norfolk. After the war, he continued his passion for art and taught at MSU-Billings for 33 years. Mr. Steele passed away in September of 2016 at the age of 98. The only thing he liked more than art was fishing. I am proud that the Billings Community Based Specialty Clinic will be renamed in honor of Benjamin Charles Steele. David Thatcher enlisted in the Army Air Corps in December of 1940. Following the attacks on Pearl Harbor, Mr. Thatcher volunteered for a secret mission joining Jimmy Doolittle in a bombing mission over Tokyo. Serving as a B-25 tail gunner on the Ruptured Duck, Thatcher saved the lives of his crew when the plane crashed into the sea trying to make landfall in China after the raid. For his actions, Thatcher was awarded the Silver Star. The Ruptured Duck was piloted by Lieutenant Ted Lawson, who wrote ``Thirty Seconds over Tokyo.'' Robert Walker played Thatcher in the movie. Thatcher flew in the African and European theaters for the rest of the war. Thatcher worked for the Postal Service for 30 years following his Army career and was an avid outdoorsman. He passed away in June, 2016, at the age of 94. The community-based outpatient clinic in Missoula will be designated in his honor. The community-based outpatient clinic on Spring Creek Lane in Billings will be designated in honor of Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow. Dr. Medicine Crow was born in the Crow Indian Reservation in 1913 and was the first member of the tribe to receive a master's degree, graduating from the University of Southern California in 1939. After working in the naval shipyard in Bremerton, Medicine Crow joined the Army in 1943 and served as a scout in the 103rd Infantry Division in Europe. He became the last surviving war chief of the Crow Nation, having successfully led a war party, stolen horses from the Nazi SS, disarming an enemy and capturing him without killing him. For his service in World War II, he received the Bronze Star and the French Legion of Honor. After the war, he worked for the Crow Agency and the Bureau of Indian Affairs as well as the Little Big Horn College. He has served on numerous boards and educational commissions. He even addressed the United Nations. He passed away in April of 2016. Mr. Speaker, while their friends and families know their great deeds, I am honored to share this story with you and the rest of the country.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment I cosponsored with Representative Gosar that will expand the Good Neighbor Authority for counties. Good Neighbor Authority allows the Forest Service to enter into cooperative agreements and contracts with States and Puerto Rico to execute projects that perform watershed restoration and forest management services on National Forest System lands. The current text of the farm bill includes language to expand the Good Neighbor Authority to include Indian Tribes. This simple amendment seeks to build on that commonsense provision by empowering local communities and allowing the Forest Service to include counties as partners to these agreements.