Greg Gianforte

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4171) to amend title 5, United States Code, to extend the authority to conduct telework travel expenses test programs, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4171, a bill I introduced with Congressman Connolly, to extend Federal agencies' authority to conduct a telework pilot program. The Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 provided Federal agencies, and specifically the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, with the authority to conduct a pilot program to incentivize telework. The pilot program allows agencies to waive the reimbursement of travel costs for teleworking employees who return to headquarters for mandatory training programs. Both agencies and employees benefit from this arrangement. Agencies benefit from having an additional tool for recruitment and retention. Agencies also realize cost savings by allowing employees to work at different locations. For example, according to the USPTO, its telework program saved $77.4 million in fiscal year 2016 alone. The savings are related to lower real estate costs and increased personnel retention. In turn, teleworking employees can work from almost anywhere in the United States. The teleworking program moves USPTO employees into the communities that they serve. For example, in my State of Montana, the pilot program allowed the USPTO to place patent examiners in Bozeman, Butte, Billings, and Missoula. Teleworking can grow opportunities in our communities that aren't close to highly populated areas that house Federal agencies. It has the promise of bringing more good-paying jobs to Montana and other rural areas across the country. Now that agencies are seeing the cost savings associated with telework, this pilot program can be wound down. Absent congressional action, this program expired last week. However, the USPTO has requested an extension in order to allow it to budget for increased travel expenses related to paying for employees to return to agency headquarters in northern Virginia or one of its regional offices. This bill extends the program for 3 years. I thank the congressman from Virginia (Mr. Connolly), for working with me in a bipartisan fashion to bring this bill to the floor. I urge my colleagues to support the bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I would make the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Demings) aware that I have no further speakers and I am prepared to close. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kevin Strickler from Belgrade for the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community. Mr. Strickler joined the United States Marine Corps in 1983 and served until 1986 when he was honorably discharged as a corporal. Those closest to Mr. Strickler describe him as ``always a Marine,'' professional in action, appearance, and bearing. Mr. Strickler's service extends beyond his military career. He is involved with several veteran, civic, and youth organizations. He is the Commander of the local Honor Guard and a member of the Gallatin Valley Memorial Day Parade Committee, where he instituted a program to honor Gold Star family members in the annual parade. I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Kevin Strickler for his dedication and service.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Richard Gale of Bozeman for the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community. Mr. Gale served with honor during the Vietnam War as a United States Marine. His service to the nation continued following his military career. Richard Gale is a pillar of the Bozeman community. He was awarded the President's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015 for his strong commitment to volunteerism. Mr. Gale is an active member of the Bozeman American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, and eight other organizations. His civic service includes positions on the Bozeman Police Commission and the Gallatin County 9-1-1 Advisory Committee. The Bozeman Elks honored him as the 2017 Veteran of the Year. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Richard Gale for his dedication and service.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Loice ``LA'' Trotter of Libby for the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community. Mr. Trotter joined the United States Army Air Corps at the outbreak of World War II. He was captured by the Japanese during their invasion of the Philippine Islands. During his 40-month captivity, Mr. Trotter endured extreme malnutrition and abuse and witnessed many atrocities. He was repatriated in 1945, shortly before the Japanese formally surrendered. Stateside, Mr. Trotter continued his service as a member of the VFW, a volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program, and a builder helping to construct a church. At 99 years old, he remains extremely proud of his country. I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending LA Trotter for his dedication and service.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Frank Stoltz of Miles City for the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community. Mr. Stoltz joined the United States Army Air Corps in 1943 and fought overseas during World War II. He was awarded numerous medals including the Purple Heart and the Prisoner of War Medal. His service to his community, however, did not stop after his discharge in 1945. Upon his return to Miles City, Mr. Stoltz started his own auto body repair shop and became active in supporting Montana communities through local and statewide business organizations. He also participated in the VFW and ExPOW organizations. I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Frank Stoltz for his dedication and service.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Stanley Watson of Forsyth for the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community. Mr. Watson enlisted in the United States Marine Corps following his high school graduation in 1966. He became a sergeant and served on many important battlefronts during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1968. Following his military career, Mr. Watson joined Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1849, later serving other veterans as the post commander. He is a member of the Honor Guard and is a strong advocate for the organization, encouraging other veterans to become involved. I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Stanley Watson for his dedication and service.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Daniel Ritter from Bozeman for the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community. Mr. Ritter served for over 20 years as a United States Marine, performing as a Chief Warrant Officer during Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. Mr. Ritter continued his service to his community as a leader in the Marine Corps League in the Gallatin Valley. He is also a 1st Trustee for American Legion Post 14 and volunteers as a member of the Honor Guard for veteran services. He is active in assisting Montana Gold Star families and helps ensure a Marine presence in the Veterans Day activities of local schools. I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Daniel Ritter for his dedication and service.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Theron ``David'' Gertz of Butte for the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community. Mr. Gertz joined the United States Navy in 1986 where he served two West-Pac tours. In 1989, he was on leave in Paris, France during Bastille Day celebrations when his hotel caught fire. Thanks to his shipboard firefighting training, he was one of the first to become aware of the fire and helped alert and save others. Mr. Gertz was honorably discharged in 1990 and continues to serve. He is a role model to younger generations as a high school counselor to military dependents at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending David Gertz for his dedication and service.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize William ``Bruce'' Charles of De Borgia for the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community. Mr. Charles was a United States Air Force pilot during the Vietnam War, having joined the Air Force in 1965 as a result of the Gulf of Tonkin incident. Following his military career, Mr. Charles volunteered for various community service organizations, including 25 years as a member or officer in the local Kiwanis. In De Borgia, he was instrumental in preventing the closure of the local post office and revitalizing the volunteer fire department. He also led a successful effort to create a fuel mitigation plan to protect the De Borgia area. I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending William Charles for his dedication and service.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gary Germundson of Scobey for the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community. Mr. Germundson joined the United States Army in 1957 and served in Vietnam. In 1965, he ended his military career but continued to serve as a community leader in Montana. Mr. Germundson spent 45 years as a public educator. He became an alderman of the Scobey City Council and served as president of the Scobey Lions Club. Mr. Germundson remains active in his local American Legion and is treasurer of the Daniels County Color Guard. In addition to raising their four children, Gary and Bonnie Germundson were foster parents to fifteen children. I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Mr. Gary Germundson for his dedication and service.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Richard Allgood of Big Sky for the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community. Mr. Allgood served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, yet his service to his community continued well after his military career. In Big Sky, Mr. Allgood was instrumental in the revival of American Legion Post 99, which now provides scholarships for local high school students and sponsors Boys State and Girls State programs as well as other local youth activities. Mr. Allgood's tireless efforts have helped provide assistance to financially troubled veterans, aid to community members needing help with medical expenses, and support for the Vietnam War Memorial in Bozeman. I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Richard Allgood for his dedication and service.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Phillip Lyons of Butte for the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community. Mr. Lyons answered the call to serve his country following the attack on Pearl Harbor. He joined the United States Navy and later the Navy Reserve. Mr. Lyons was a submariner during World War II and the Korean War. Mr. Lyons has been active with Butte's American Legion post for the past 70 years and served as the post's commander. Mr. Lyons was State Commander of the Montana Subvets, is a member of the DAV and VFW, and has logged over 15,000 hours of volunteer work on behalf of veterans and their families. I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Phillip Lyons for his dedication and service.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michael Lawson of Butte for the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community. Mr. Lawson joined the United States Marine Corps in 1966 and served in the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. After being honorably discharged in 1969, Mr. Lawson devoted much of his time serving veterans in his community. Mr. Lawson is a leading coordinator for veteran celebrations in the Butte-Silver Bow area. He is active in the Marine Corps League, United Veterans Council, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion. Mr. Lawson is also a DAV driver and chairman of the Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots program. I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Michael Lawson for his dedication and service.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gene Bell from Belgrade for the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community. Mr. Bell joined the United States Marine Corps during the height of World War II. He served in the operation to liberate Guam and fought at Iwo Jima. His service to country did not stop when he finished his military career. Mr. Bell is a member of the Iwo Jima Survivors Association and frequently travels and speaks about his experiences. Mr. Bell is described by his friends as a walking, talking Marine Corps advertisement who is knowledgeable and well-spoken. He has a positive outlook, and is a gentleman to everyone he meets. I ask my colleagues today to join me in commending Gene Bell for his dedication and service.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to modify the amendment in the form I have placed at the desk.

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. A longer probationary period for new Federal hires is important to give supervisors the time they need to evaluate whether a new hire should gain career employee status. But a longer probationary period will not accomplish anything if supervisors don't use the extended time properly. Managers often don't know the end dates for probationary employees under their supervision. Because probationary periods end automatically, without action by a supervisor, an employee can be hired without a complete assessment of whether the employee is qualified for full Federal service. A 2015 Government Accountability Office report recommended automated systems to notify supervisors when the end of an individual's probationary period is imminent. Agencies have these systems. They just need to use them. My amendment requires supervisors to be notified at a series of regular intervals in advance of the expiration of a probationary period. The notifications occur at 1 year, 6 months, 3 months, and 30 days before the scheduled completion of a probationary period. This notification will remind supervisors of their responsibilities to observe employees and provide feedback throughout the probationary period. It will also remind supervisors to decide whether the employee is fit for Federal service. Mr. Chairman, I urge Members to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Chairman, I thank my friend from Virginia. I urge adoption of this amendment and the underlying bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.