Alcee Hastings

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Martin Eugene (Gene) Campbell, who died on May 17, 2016. Mr. Campbell was a pioneering member of the Florida Legislature and later became an essential figure in Belle Glade, Florida, where he served as Assistant Principal of Glades Central High School for over 20 years, working hand in hand with the late Dr. Effie C. Grear. Mr. Campbell was born in Gadsen, Alabama and earned a B.A. from Auburn University. His teaching career began in Germany, where he met his wife Carmen. They returned to Palm Beach County where he taught American history at Howell Watkins Junior High School. After serving as president of the Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association, Mr. Campbell, a lifelong democrat, was elected to non-consecutive terms in the state legislature in 1974 and 1978, representing West Palm Beach. While in Tallahassee, he earned a reputation as a good-government reformer and as a relentless champion for public education. Known as ``Casino Geno,'' Mr. Campbell introduced legislation to expand gaming to Florida as early as 1975. Ahead of his time, Mr. Campbell was motivated solely by increasing teacher salaries and improving the quality of Florida's education system. Upon retiring from politics, he dedicated himself to the Glades Central community and became an unapologetic cheerleader for Belle Glade and the western Palm Beach County region. Mr. Campbell was married to Carmen Campbell, a longtime fellow educator. The couple had three children, Carmen, Donald and Daniel, each of whom have dedicated themselves to education as well. They are blessed with four grandchildren. Mr. Campbell was a towering figure who engendered respect and love among everyone in the political process and educational field. He was a good friend and mentor to many and will be dearly missed.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a very important resolution condemning the dog meat festival in Yulin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, and urging the Chinese Government to end their dog meat trade. The Dog Meat Festival begins on June 21st. More than 10,000 dogs are reported to be captured, transported in cages under horrific conditions, and slaughtered every year for this Dog Meat festival, for human consumption, which poses a risk to human health by exposing people to a multitude of diseases, including rabies and cholera. In addition, more than 10 million dogs are killed annually in China for the dog meat trade. This festival epitomizes the cruelty of the industry. Many of these dogs are stolen from their owners and are still wearing their collars when they reach the slaughterhouses. Many die during transport to the slaughterhouses after days or weeks without food or water, and others suffer illness and injury during transport, such as broken bones. The festival takes place in residential areas and public marketplaces, imposing scenes of extreme animal cruelty on local residents, including young children who may, as a result, suffer psychological trauma and desensitization. It is a spectacle of extreme animal cruelty for commercial purposes. This practice, in my opinion, is completely unacceptable, and can be stopped by the diligent efforts of members of the Chinese government. Tens of millions of people around the world have called upon the Government of China, the Governor of the Guangxi Autonomous Region, and the Mayor of Yulin to officially end the Dog Meat Festival and stop the mass slaughter of dogs all year round in Yulin. In addition, it is often wrongly assumed to be a Chinese tradition, however, the majority of people in China do not consume dog meat and dog meat is not a part of mainstream Chinese culinary practice. Millions of Chinese citizens recently voted in support of a legislative proposal by Zhen Xiaohe, a deputy to the National People's Congress of China, to ban the dog meat trade. Alongside these voices, I have already written a letter to the Chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee urging him to draft legislation to prohibit this festival from taking place ever again. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and sincerely hope that the House Republican Leadership will bring this critically important measure to the floor without delay.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 5233, the Clarifying Congressional Intent in Providing for DC Home Rule Act of 2016. The legislation seeks to overturn a local statute in Washington, D.C., the Local Budget Autonomy Amendment Act of 2012, a measure that was passed by the Washington, D.C. City Council, approved by the Mayor, and subsequently ratified by D.C. voters by ballot initiative with an overwhelming 83 percent of the vote. The Local Budget Autonomy Amendment Act of 2012, the BAA, gave the District of Columbia authority to determine its own budget without getting approval from Congress. H.R. 5233 removes this authority and prohibits D.C. from passing any budget autonomy legislation in the future. Washington, D.C. voters want budget autonomy. Washington D.C. voters deserve budget autonomy. They have already voted for it, passed it, and ratified it. When it was challenged by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and the D.C. Superior Court upheld its validity. This should be a done deal. But instead of focusing on the critical issues facing this body-- passing a budget for instance, which we were required by law to do last month--the House of Representatives has decided to focus on this. I remind those here today and watching at home that Washington D.C. is a Federal District. Congress maintains the power to overturn laws approved by the D.C. Council and can vote to impose laws on the district, as it is trying to do right with this particular measure. Washington D.C.'s Delegate to the House of Representatives, my good friend Eleanor Holmes Norton, who has served in this body for 24 years, is not permitted to vote on final passage of any legislation, let alone legislation directly intended to govern the jurisdiction which she was elected to serve. Congresswoman Norton described the measure in question as ``the most significant abuse of congressional authority over the District of Columbia since passage of the Home Rule Act in 1973.'' One might hope that Congress would consider the wishes of the sole Representative of Washington, D.C. and the nearly 700,000 residents of the District. But, as we see today, that simply isn't the case. Congress is currently undergoing its own appropriations process, and I need not remind everyone here that Republicans haven't even passed a budget. We have missed deadline after deadline and are now moving ahead without setting a budget at all. How can anyone tell me that the District of Columbia should yield to the budgetary wisdom of the House Majority when they can't even get their own act together to pass a budget? The issue of Home Rule has come up before in this body. In recent years, House Republicans have challenged the District of Columbia on issues ranging from the legalization of marijuana, access to reproductive health care, and charter schools, in all three instances forcing their will over the desires of the residents of D.C. This needs to stop. Given the numerous pressing and time-sensitive matters facing this body, I can't help but feel bewildered as to why we are spending our time on this measure. What is more confusing is our current efforts to undo a measure that was passed by an overwhelming majority of D.C. residents and subsequently upheld in the courts. Meanwhile, Republicans continue to ignore our nation's crumbling infrastructure, income inequality, the need for jobs, immigration reform, and sensible gun control, not to mention the Federal budget, yet we are debating a measure that would further roll-back the clock on the rights of D.C. residents. Where are our priorities? Let me put it another way--why should Congressional dysfunction keep the District government from using tax revenues paid by District residents to pick up trash? Why should Congressional dysfunction keep the District from spending its own money on its own priorities? I will note that Representatives Tom Davis and Darrell Issa, both members of the Majority and former Chairmen of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform each supported the idea of budget autonomy for Washington, D.C. Budget autonomy means lower borrowing costs and more accurate revenue and expenditure forecasts. It means improved government operations and removing the threat of government shutdown for Washington, D.C.'s local government. It means streamlining Congressional operations. Most importantly, it means giving residents of Washington, D.C., the right to make decisions for themselves. These are all things we should all be overwhelmingly support of. We should move on and focus on the real issues before us. It is past time for Congress to get out of the way of the will of the residents of D.C.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution recognizing the importance of nonprofit organizations and designating September 2016 as ``Nonprofit Organization Recognition Month.'' I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my friend and colleague, Congressman Tom Rooney for again introducing this resolution with me this year. Nonprofit organizations have made many important contributions to our nation. Over the past decade, the number of nonprofits has risen steadily, and there are approximately 1.4 million of them now operating in the United States. These groups work to improve our schools. They work to protect our environment. They work to keep us and our neighbors around the world healthy. Each of them work to enact meaningful change in our world and to improve human lives. Many nonprofits support science and research that will have a significant impact on future generations. Others advocate for vulnerable populations across the globe--for refugees, for the homeless, and for our nation's veterans. They educate and teach, and they engage each of our constituencies on issues that matter most. The nonprofit sector is vital to the economic security of the United States. In fact, the growth rate of the nonprofit sector has surpassed the rate of both the business and government sector. Just a few years ago, in 2010, nonprofits added nearly $780 billion to our national GDP and employed 1 in 10 working Americans. Today, nonprofits contribute nearly $1 trillion to the United States economy annually. In addition, these organizations facilitate charitable giving and community activism, and the combined donations and volunteer hours of individuals to nonprofits are worth billions of dollars annually. But perhaps most importantly, nonprofit organizations are founded and managed by people trying to make the world a better place. Whether they are abroad or at home, the work that these men and women do is incredibly meaningful. Without the people behind these organizations-- working tirelessly to change the world, sometimes just one life at a time--the nonprofit sector would not be the force that it has become today. Mr. Speaker, nonprofit organizations advocate for solutions to some of the great challenges facing our nation and the world, and they deserve to be recognized for their valuable contributions to society. No matter their focus, nonprofits play a pivotal role in shaping the future of America. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and to join me in designating September 2016 as ``Nonprofit Organization Recognition Month.''

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Lantos Foundation's second Solidarity Sabbath, which highlights the deplorable human rights violations committed by the People's Republic of China against its citizens who simply wish to openly and sincerely practice their respective faiths. Many of us will attend worship services in the coming days and we will do so without fear of arrest, torture, or forced re-education. I hope that those of us attending services this weekend will take time to meditate and pray on the importance of religious freedom here at home and around the world. The human spirit is remarkably resilient. This resiliency is undoubtedly strengthened through religious faith and practice and cannot and will not be extinguished through the draconian state action we see taking place in China. Indeed, as I am sure the Chinese government is realizing, its draconian tactics to suppress and intimidate the religious faithful do not diminish the numbers of those seeking to practice their faith but rather multiplies their number exponentially. Sadly, there are myriad cases of people of faith being harassed, intimidated, and arrested today in China. Indeed, Protestant, Catholic, Tibetan Buddhist, Uyghur Muslim, Falun Gong, and other religious minorities face such a reality every day. A recent survey of religious intimidation in China noted that Chinese officials oversaw the demolition of over thirty churches, the removal of more than four hundred crosses from houses of worship, and the detention of over three hundred worshipers with half of these people suffering injuries sustained during their arrests. It should be noted that this paints a picture for just one province in China; there are many similar stories across China where those seeking to simply practice their respective faiths are consistently harassed, detained, and injured for exercising a basic human right. While we must certainly lend our support to the religious faithful in China as they strive to exercise their basic human right to worship where, when and what they so desire, we must also applaud and support the brave human rights lawyers in China who champion the rights of the religious faithful in the face of unthinkable intimidation as practiced by the Chinese government. These brave men and women have provided rule of law training to church members throughout China. Indeed, this past year these lawyers were able to conduct over one hundred trainings for over one hundred thousand religious practitioners. This has resulted in these practitioners filing important administrative lawsuits against the government in an effort to quell the Chinese government's acts of religious persecution. Mr. Speaker, I applaud the Lantos Foundation for its inspired work to bring light to the plight of the religious faithful in China. I will this weekend, as I always have and will continue to do, stand in solidarity with my brothers and sisters of faith in China. Their right to practice their religion is a fundamental right and it must be protected.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey), the ranking member of the Committee on Appropriations and my good friend, to discuss our proposal.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole) for yielding me the customary 30 minutes for debate. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to debate the rule for H.R. 4974, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, and H.R. 5243, the Zika Response Appropriations Act. There are many things to praise in the military construction and VA appropriations bill. This is the first of the FY17 appropriations bills to reach the floor, and I hope that we soon have the opportunity to vote on other important appropriations packages. The legislation, as pointed out by my good friend, provides $81.6 billion in total discretionary funding for fiscal year 2017 to fund military construction projects and programs within the Department of Veterans Affairs. It provides funding to hire 242 new VA staff to help reduce the VA's backlog in processing claims, as well as important funding for mental health programs and suicide prevention outreach. Certain VA medical services, including long-term care for veterans and support services for caregivers, are also included in this bill, which increase health program funding by approximately 5 percent as compared to the last fiscal year. As co-chair of the Congressional Homelessness Caucus, I also welcome the inclusion of the President's full fiscal year '17 request for veterans homelessness outreach programs in this legislation. We have made great progress in our work to end veteran homelessness, and these programs play a critical role in getting our veterans off the streets. However, despite these points, the bill is not without criticism. The additional language that indiscriminately denies performance awards as well as the inclusion of other ideologically divisive provisions that are outside the scope of this legislation, to me, are problematic. Because of these provisions, the President has indicated that he will veto this legislation in its current form. So it is my hope that we can work together to present a final package that will be able to become law, providing the important funding that our military servicemen and - women, their spouses, and our veterans need and rightly deserve. I now turn to debate the Republican majority's so-called response to Zika. Despite any hope I had that the generally bipartisan effort crafting the military construction and VA appropriations bill may perhaps signal that my friends in the majority are suddenly able to govern responsibly, I am beyond disappointed in the inadequate measure presented here today. Nearly 3 months ago, the President requested Congress to provide $1.9 million to combat the spread of the Zika virus. This number was based on what our Nation's top experts and scientists at the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and elsewhere believe is needed to meet the challenges of this impending public health emergency. Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, our national top expert on infectious diseases, has warned that if we don't provide funding at this level, and I quote him, ``that is going to have a very serious negative impact on our ability to get the job done.'' So, naturally, after these warnings and nearly 3 months after the administration's request, what have my friends in the Republican majority presented today? A bill with a funding level less than one- third of the amount our Nation's top doctors tell us is needed to win the fight against the Zika virus. I fear that in trying to address the Zika virus, my Republican colleagues are many days late and many dollars short. This decision risks worsening an already severe crisis. As of May 11, the Centers for Disease Control reports the following: In the continental United States, there have been 503 reported travel-associated cases of Zika. In the United States territories, including Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the United States Virgin Islands, there are 698 locally acquired vector-borne cases reported. While these numbers may seem small, we must take into account that we are not even in the summer months, and mosquito season has not even started. Despite these troubling figures, if you want to learn what is most important to the majority and their response to this emergency, one need look no further than the summary of this bill prepared by the Committee on Appropriations Republicans. At the top of that summary, they noted for their Members that the funding was ``entirely offset.'' This statement was underlined, bolded, and italicized. Mr. Speaker, we are facing a public health emergency, and apparently the most important thing to my friends on the other side isn't that we address this emergency head-on with adequate and robust emergency funding but, rather, that we make sure what little funding they are allocated doesn't cost new money to do so. I guess my Republican friends will be at ease in the face of this looming public health emergency knowing that their response to pay for it is ``offset.'' One would think that the duty to provide an appropriate level of funding to respond to a national health crisis would be enough to garner a ``yes'' vote from the Republican majority. Apparently not. I represent one of the States that everyone agrees will be hardest hit by the Zika virus. Indeed, Florida already reported 106 travel- related cases. Twenty-two of the cases in Florida are from Palm Beach and Broward County, areas that I represent. When the summer months come and this emergency worsens, I don't think my constituents will be at ease knowing that at least the money Republicans approved of was an offset. Later, Mrs. Nita Lowey, the ranking member of the Committee on Appropriations, the subject matter for today, is going to make statements. I haven't had an opportunity to talk with her this morning, but yesterday in the Committee on Rules I asked her whether or not, when other emergencies have come up, it has been required that they be offset, and her response was that it was not. She, like myself, has been here during a lot of emergencies that we must and, rightly, should address for the American citizenry. This happens to be one more, and here we are haggling about offset rather than addressing the seriousness of this public national health emergency. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, if we defeat the previous question, I am going to offer an amendment to the rule to bring up the Democratic alternative Zika bill that provides the administration with the $1.9 billion its top scientific and medical experts say is needed to mount a robust response to the Zika crisis without jeopardizing its ability to address other public health threats, like Ebola. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of the amendment in the Record along with extraneous material immediately prior to the vote on the previous question.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, before yielding to my good friend from Texas, I include in the Record a letter from the White House over the signature of Shaun Donovan, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and Susan Rice, National Security Adviser, directed to the Speaker of the House, Paul D. Ryan, on April 26, 2016. The White House, Washington, DC, April 26, 2016. Hon. Paul D. Ryan, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Speaker Ryan: As you are aware, on February 22, the Administration transmitted to Congress its formal request for $1.9 billion in emergency supplemental funding to address the public health threat posed by the Zika virus. Sixty-four days have passed since this initial request; yet still Congress has not acted. Since the time the Administration transmitted its request, the public health threat posed by the Zika virus has increased. After careful review of existing evidence, scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concluded that the Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects. The Zika virus has spread in Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands and abroad. As of April 20, there were 891 confirmed Zika cases in the continental United States and U.S. territories, including 81 pregnant women with confirmed cases of Zika. Based on similar experiences with other diseases transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito--believed to be the primary carrier of the Zika virus--scientists at the CDC expect there could be local transmission within the continental U.S. in the summer months. Updated estimate range maps show that these mosquitoes have been found in cities as far north as San Francisco, Kansas City and New York City. In the absence of action from Congress to address the Zika virus, the Administration has taken concrete and aggressive steps to help keep America safe from this growing public health threat. The Administration is working closely with State and local governments to prepare for outbreaks in the continental United States and to respond to the current outbreak in Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories. We are expanding mosquito control surveillance and laboratory capacity; developing improved diagnostics as well as vaccines; supporting affected expectant mothers, and supporting other Zika response efforts in Puerto Rico, the U.S. territories, the continental United States, and abroad. These efforts are crucial, but they are costly and they fall well outside of current agency appropriations. To meet these immediate needs, the Administration conducted a careful examination of existing Ebola balances and identified $510 million to redirect towards Zika response activities. We have also redirected an additional $79 million from other activities. This reprogramming, while necessary, is not without cost. It is particularly painful at a time when state and local public health departments are already strained. While this immediate infusion of resources is necessary to enable the Administration to take critical first steps in our response to the public health threat posed by Zika, it is insufficient. Without significant additional appropriations this summer, the Nation's efforts to comprehensively respond to the disease will be severely undermined. In particular, the Administration may need to suspend crucial activities, such as mosquito control and surveillance in the absence of emergency supplemental funding. State and local governments that manage mosquito control and response operations will not be able to hire needed responders to engage in mosquito mitigation efforts. Additionally, the Administration's ability to move to the next phase of vaccine development, which requires multi-year commitments from the Government to encourage the private sector to prioritize Zika research and development, could be jeopardized. Without emergency supplemental funding, the development of faster and more accurate diagnostic tests also will be impeded. The Administration may not be able to conduct follow up of children born to pregnant women with Zika to better understand the range of Zika impacts, particularly those health effects that are not evident at birth. The supplemental request is also needed to replenish the amounts that we are now spending from our Ebola accounts to fund Zika-related activities. This will ensure we have sufficient contingency funds to address unanticipated needs related to both Zika and Ebola. As we have seen with both Ebola and Zika, there are still many unknowns about the science and scale of the outbreak and how it will impact mothers, babies, and health systems domestically and abroad. The Administration is pleased to learn that there is bipartisan support for providing emergency funding to address the Zika crisis, but we remain concerned about the adequacy and speed of this response. To properly protect the American public, and in particular pregnant women and their newborns, Congress must fund the Administration's request of $1.9 billion and find a path forward to address this public health emergency immediately. The American people deserve action now. With the summer months fast approaching, we continue to believe that the Zika supplemental should not be considered as part of the regular appropriations process, as it relates to funding we must receive this year in order to most effectively prepare for and mitigate the impact of the virus. We urge you to pass free-standing emergency supplemental funding legislation at the level requested by the Administration before Congress leaves town for the Memorial Day recess. We look forward to working with you to protect the safety and health of all Americans. Sincerely, Shaun Donovan, Director, The Office of Management and Budget. Susan Rice, National Security Advisor.

Mr. HASTINGS. Excerpting from that letter a portion of the first paragraph on the second page, let me read what is said, in partial response to my good friend from Oklahoma: ``Without significant additional appropriations this summer, the Nation's efforts to comprehensively respond to the disease will be severely undermined. In particular, the administration may need to suspend crucial activities, such as mosquito control and surveillance, in the absence of emergency supplemental funding. ``State and local governments that manage mosquito control and response operations will not be able to hire needed responders to engage in mosquito mitigation efforts. Additionally, the administration's ability to move to the next phase of vaccine development, which requires multiyear commitments from the government to encourage the private sector to prioritize Zika research and development, could be jeopardized. ``Without emergency supplemental funding, the development of faster and more accurate diagnostic tests also will be impeded. The administration may not be able to conduct followup of children born to pregnant women with Zika to better understand the range of Zika impacts, particularly those health effects that are not evident at birth. ``The supplemental request is also needed to replenish the amounts that we are now spending from our Ebola accounts to fund Zika-related activities. This will ensure we have sufficient contingency funds to address unanticipated needs related to both Zika and Ebola. As we have seen with both Ebola and Zika, there are still many unknowns about the science and scale of the outbreak and how it will impact mothers, babies, and health systems domestically and abroad.'' Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Al Green), my good friend.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Doggett), my good friend.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gene Green), my very good friend.

Mr. HASTINGS. I yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, it has become clear that the Republican leadership has either abdicated its authority to govern to the far right of its party, or never had the wherewithal to do so in the first place. Either way, the American people are tired of this majority's inability to address the issues facing our country. During the 114th Congress, Republicans have brought to the floor bills with absolutely no hope of becoming law, strictly partisan measures that were more messaging bills than serious legislative proposals. We saw it a couple of weeks ago with a string of bills attacking the Internal Revenue Service to score political points during tax day. None of that is going to become law. We have seen it with bills to weaken environmental protections or to limit a woman's right to choose. Now we see it with a bill that the President has threatened to veto because Republicans have included ideological riders. The majority seems to be more focused on scoring political points than actually getting to the business of governing. Our friends on the other side of the aisle attempt to merely swat away the looming public health crisis posed by the Zika virus. This approach is as lacking in leadership as it is callous. I can guarantee you that the mosquitos carrying the Zika virus do not care if you are a Democrat or a Republican. They do not care if the money used to stop them is offset. But I can promise my Republican friends, pinching pennies on basic investments to address a public health emergency will inevitably heighten costs--in dollars and lives--down the road. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on the rule. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today to recognize Mr. Scott Cetoute, a student-athlete and soon to be graduate of Coral Springs High School. Scott was recently honored at the Broward County Public Schools fifth annual Best-in-Class and Perfect Attendance Awards ceremony on Thursday, May 12, 2016, and will be honored again on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at the Broward County School Board Meeting. The Best-in-Class Award is an accolade presented to students who have been continuously enrolled in Broward County Public Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, and have perfect attendance. This is a remarkable achievement and it is an immense honor of mine to recognize Scott for his unwavering devotion to education. Having never missed a single day of school for a total of 2,340 days is no small feat. Furthermore, in a show of appreciation, various community and business partners have joined together to provide Scott and fellow honorees with an assortment of gifts and supplies that will assist them as they continue their journey towards higher education. Mr. Speaker, I once again want to commend Mr. Scott Cetoute for his dedication and commitment to education. He is a shining example of student success. I wish him all the very best as he begins studying at Broward Community College this summer to earn his Associate Degree, upon completion of which he plans to continue his education at Florida International University (FIU). Scott has strong aspirations to become a pharmacist once he completes his education. I know that he will make his community and the state of Florida proud.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Chair, my amendment would exempt reimbursement for medical expenses from the Department of Veterans Affairs calculation of annual income when determining pension eligibility for veterans. This amendment is a version of H.R. 4994, the Veterans Pensions Protection Act, bipartisan legislation endorsed by the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and others. A few years ago, a disabled veteran and a constituent of mine was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street. After receiving insurance compensation for his injuries, he lost his pension. This is because, under current law, compensation for medical expenses, including insurance settlement payments or reimbursements, are considered income by the VA. We effectively punish our veterans when they receive these types of compensation after suffering medical emergencies like the one I just outlined. This is, quite simply, wrong. My amendment will rectify this. I ask the House to support this amendment.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today to recognize Mr. Scott Cetoute, a student-athlete and soon to be graduate of Plantation High School. Scott was recently honored at the Broward County Public Schools fifth annual Best-in-Class and Perfect Attendance Awards ceremony on Thursday, May 12, 2016, and will be honored again on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at the Broward County School Board Meeting. The Best-in-Class Award is an accolade presented to students who have been continuously enrolled in Broward County Public Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, who have perfect attendance. This is a remarkable achievement and it is an immense honor of mine to recognize Scott for his unwavering devotion to education. Having never missed a single day of school for a total of 2,340 days is no small feat. Furthermore, in a show of appreciation, various community and business partners have joined together to provide Scott and fellow honorees with an assortment of gifts and supplies that will assist them as they continue their journey towards higher education. Mr. Speaker, I once again want to commend Mr. Scott Cetoute for his dedication and commitment to education. He is a shining example of student success. I wish him all the very best as he begins studying at Broward Community College this summer to earn his Associate Degree, then upon completion he will continue his education further at Florida International University (FIU). Scott has strong aspirations to become a Pharmacist once he completes his education. I know that he will make his community and the state of Florida proud.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the members of the Piper High School Rocketry Team from Broward County, Florida and their advisor on qualifying for the 2016 Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC) Finals, being held this weekend in The Plains, Virginia. Piper High School is one of only 100 teams from across the United States to qualify. In order to qualify for this event, the Piper High School team had to design a rocket capable of flying to an altitude of 850 feet with a flight duration of 44 to 46 seconds, while carrying two raw eggs and return them to Earth uncracked. To make this more difficult, this year the eggs had to be placed perpendicular to each other in the rocket, complicating rocket body design. TARC is the world's largest student rocket contest--approximately 5,000 students participate each year. The competition gives middle and high school students a chance to pursue further study and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and is a critical piece of the aerospace and defense industry's strategy to build a stronger workforce development pipeline. It is important to recognize not only the achievement of the Piper High School Team in qualifying for the TARC finals, but also the interest and drive that makes these young people want to participate in STEM oriented extracurricular activities, so I want to personally recognize each of them here today: Joseph Callahan, Shaun Cochrane, Jared Eckert, Adam Husein, Amit Lalchan, and Benjamin Liang. I also want to thank their advisor, Mr. Walter Weidler, for inspiring the interest of these students in science and engineering. It is educators like Mr. Weidler who are responsible for keeping America at the forefront of technology. Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud of these students, and of all of the students in Florida and the United States who are engaged in STEM education. They represent the future of this great nation.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the passing of Colonel Howard L. Williams (Ret), affectionately known as ``Chappie,'' who sadly passed away on March 25, 2016. Born and raised in Emporia, VA, Chappie worked briefly in the Norfolk Navy Yard after high school and then, in 1943, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps with the 123rd Platoon at Montford Point Camp, New River, North Carolina. After completing segregated boot training, he served with honor in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of WW II as a member of the 1st Marine Ammunition Company 7th Depot. His company provided ammunition support in the Marshall Islands, Saipan and landed on D Day at Okinawa in support of the 1st & 6th Marines Division. In September 1945, Chappie went ashore with the first troops of the 1st Marine Division 3rd Amphibious Corps in North China to perform occupation duty. He was honorably discharged from the Marines in 1946, and as a result of the GI Bill attended Virginia State University, where he graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Education. While attending Virginia State he was commissioned as a second Lieutenant in the ROTC. Chappie served in the military for over 30 years in numerous assignments with the United States Marines Corp, Army National Guard and the US Army Reserves. He retired with the rank of full Colonel as the Director for Supply and Transportation in the 510th Field Depot, United States Army. After college, he began a long career teaching in the Baltimore City Public Schools at Harlem Park Middle, Dunbar High, and at Baltimore City College, finally retiring from the Baltimore City School Board in 1994. Chappie was the recipient of numerous awards for his contributions to organizations in the community. In June 2012, he received the Congressional Gold Medal for his service in the segregated Marine Corp units known as the Montford Point Marines. He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Marilyn, and two devoted sons, Michael and David. Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud to remember the life and legacy of Colonel Howard L. Williams (Ret), who served this nation with honor and distinction. He will be dearly missed by all.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight an issue that is of growing concern: cancer that is specific to men. Cancer is a deadly disease that does not discriminate. It impacts all demographics and every segment of our population. However, what I find extremely alarming is that one in two men will be diagnosed with cancer over the course of their lifetimes. Men face a 43.31 percent lifetime risk of being diagnosed with some form of cancer. Statistics show that men have a 22.83 percent chance of dying from cancer versus 19.26 percent of women. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that nearly 300,000 men die annually as a result of cancer. Various cancers are claiming the lives of males of all races and ages at an alarming rate. I will add, though, those African American men have the highest cancer incidence and mortality rates according the CDC. It is time for the Members of Congress to do our part to shine the light on this deadly disease that is plaguing the men of our communities. These men are our fathers, grandfathers, uncles, children, and nephews. No one should ever be put in a position to have to bury their child. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Resolution to Recognize June as National Men's Cancer Awareness Month. From prostate and colon cancer to lung and skin cancer, our nation needs to be more aware of what we can do to prevent, detect, and treat these fatal illnesses. Bringing about this awareness on an annual basis will aid in slowing the rate of cancer related fatalities.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 41 high school seniors from Palm Beach County, Florida for their admirable decision to enlist in the United States Armed Forces after graduating this year. Of these 41 enlistees, nineteen are Army enlistees, three are Army Reserves enlistees, eleven are Marine Corps enlistees, four are National Guard enlistees, and four are Navy enlistees. These young men and women have demonstrated a tremendous sense of bravery and patriotism in their commitment to our nation. I am proud of them, this institution is proud of them, and their families, friends, and communities are proud of them. Their dedication reminds us that in the face of a diverse set of challenges, the United States remains an example of freedom, justice, and perseverance throughout the world. I want to personally thank these 41 local graduating seniors for their commitment to our nation and recognize their selflessness. They are: Dylan Smith, Cristian Machuca, Bradley Scaccia, Denzel Persaud, Christon Fitzpatick, Breana Williams, Jean Decime, Mark Brown, Shantel Johnson, Lashonda Darrisaw, Davarie McCarthy, Precious Montgomery, Emerson Charles, Lawrence Hamilton, Mayco Saincere, Jahnque Miller, Keisha Oreste, Reginald Mehu, Bailey Federer, Richard Rodriguez, Moses Louis-Charles, Joshua Brewer, Nicklaus Lawrence, Delinson Tomas Velasquez, Destinee Allen, Joshua Cruz Pozuelos, Joshua Wilkes, Oshane Wilson, Allen Gonzalez, Kristen Dodd, Luis Sepulveda, Wadson Dieujuste, Montus Desulma, Ian Little, Natalia Ruiz, Maikyria Lawson, Francis Fevrier, Cristy Guillen Beltre, Fritznick Thelusca, Carlos Gonzalez Vega, and Raja Pargan. Mr. Speaker, our nation is blessed with the best trained and strongest fighting force in the world. We owe a debt of gratitude to each and every American serving in our armed forces, and to the many veterans who have served before them. Their spirit of service is something we can all be proud of. It is my distinct honor to recognize these young leaders here today, and to thank each of them for stepping forward on behalf of this great nation.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Veterans Pensions Protection Act of 2016. This bipartisan legislation will protect veterans from losing their pension benefits in the event they receive compensation covering unforeseen health care costs. A few years ago, a constituent of mine was confronted with this situation. He is a Navy veteran who suffers from muscular dystrophy. One day, as he crossed the street, he was struck by a truck. He was injured. His service dog was injured. His wheelchair was severely damaged. Like any person would, he filed an insurance claim, and received a settlement to cover his medical expenses and the costs for replacing his wheelchair. Now Mr. Speaker, imagine his surprise when he received a letter for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), explaining to him that because of his sudden jump in income, he no longer qualified for a pension. It sounds ridiculous, but that's what happened. Now, when assessing a veteran's eligibility for a pension, the VA considers a variety of sources of revenue to calculate annual income. The VA uses this formula to make a simple determination: if a veteran's income exceeds the limit set by the VA, he or she does not qualify for a pension. Under current law, compensation for medical expenses or pain and suffering, including insurance settlement payments or reimbursements, is considered income. This means that veterans are effectively punished when they receive these types of compensation after suffering medical emergencies like the one I just outlined. This is, quite simply, wrong. Mr. Speaker, my legislation exempts reimbursements and compensation for medical expenses from the VA's formula for calculating income and pension eligibility. This will guarantee the continuity of our veterans' pensions, and will ensure that no veteran will have their benefits unfairly and abruptly depreciated or cancelled. This is a bill we can all get on board with. I urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the previous question. These partisan messaging bills are not what the American people want or deserve. These bills are what the extremists in the Republican Party that didn't come here to govern want. Instead of debating and passing a budget, we are here today ignoring the important work of governing so the majority can try and score political points and appease the insatiable extreme wing of their party that turned down their party's own budget proposal. By the way, the Republican budget proposal, the one they couldn't get enough votes in their own conference to pass, would have ended the Medicare guarantee for seniors. It would have made $6.5 trillion in cuts, the sharpest ever proposed by the House Committee on the Budget. It would have repealed the Affordable Care Act and dismantled the affordable health care of 20 million Americans. And yet, that Republican proposal, as extreme as I view it to be, was still not enough to get the extremist wing to agree to it. When I say ``the extremist wing,'' we are talking about roughly 40 Members of the House of Representatives. Maybe it flows as high up as 47 or as low as 35. They seem to be the tail that is wagging this elephant. So here we are. No budget, and we aren't addressing any of the real pressing issues facing our country. Rather, we are debating partisan messaging bills with no hope of becoming law. I don't think that there are companion measures in the United States Senate, and I can pretty much assure everybody that when we finish the discussion here today and the Republicans pass this measure--and a handful of Democrats may vote for it; I doubt that--but when we pass it, that will be the end of it and tax season will go on. We will have made the measure look like it is something that the American people are going to have as law. The House of Representatives is not just some messaging platform that the majority can use to try and score transparently cheap political points. It is a place where the issues facing our Nation should be addressed and solved in a bipartisan manner. I want to lift from Roll Call--and for purposes of those in the general public of our great country that do not know, we have two or three little papers here inside the beltway, inside the capital, and Roll Call is one of them. They, today, say the following: ``Governing by crisis has become the norm in Congress in recent years, but so far this year even that hasn't happened. ``Puerto Rico is on the verge of economic collapse, an average of 78 people are dying every day from opioid overdoses,'' and 90-plus people from gun violence, accidental or otherwise, ``and mosquitoes carrying the Zika virus have been found in 30 States. But Congress has shown no urgency about addressing those issues. ``Maybe that's not surprising from a Republican majority that can't even adopt a nonbinding budget resolution after months of `family' discussions.'' Mr. Speaker, the Republican Conference has cowered to the extremists in their party, which is truly shameful and not doing one thing to help the people of this great Nation that we have been elected to serve. Let me make a prediction. This measure will pass. Both these bills will pass the House of Representatives, and tomorrow we will be back here talking about some more measures that are not going to pass as law. Several reasons why. The Senate, first, is not likely to take it up, and even if they did, the administration policy is widely known that the measures would be vetoed. So why are we doing this instead of Zika? Why are we doing this instead of equal pay for women? Why are we doing these things instead of dealing with our infrastructure? Why are we doing these things instead of giving us a budget so that the appropriations process can do more than end with a measure that will throw everything together at the end of this session? Why are we doing these things and where is the budget? That is what I ask my colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.