Alcee Hastings

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation that will authorize the sitting President or his successors to use the armed forces of the United States to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. On July 14, 2015, a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) designed to ensure that Iran's nuclear program is used solely for peaceful purposes was finalized. With history as our guide, any agreement with the Iranian government must be met with skepticism, and therefore, backed up with muscularity--my legislation provides this muscularity. Indeed, the importance of an international framework that actually prohibits Iran from ever becoming a nuclear weapons state cannot be overstated. As Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission and the only American to have served as President of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe's (OSCE PA) Parliamentary Assembly, as well as a former member of both the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and Committee on Foreign Affairs, I am acutely aware of the challenges in dealing with Iran's nuclear program. Iran's pursuit of a nuclear weapon at any time is a threat to the United States as well as our allies in the region, and its questionable sincerity in forgoing the procurement of such weapons has created legitimate cause for concern in the past and must, therefore, inform how we proceed today and in the future. It is my sincere hope that my legislation will provide the added hard power necessary to deter Iran from continued efforts to obtain nuclear weapons, including skirting compliance with the JCPOA, if implemented. Mr. Speaker, this legislation will send a clear message to the Iranian regime that the United States is willing to ensure that Iran never becomes a nuclear weapons state at any cost.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Christina Cooney for winning a Silver and Bronze medal in equestrian events at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, California this past July. In order to qualify for the World Games, Christina had to win a gold medal in local, regional and state competitions, and be approved by Special Olympics Florida. Christina achieved all of these feats to become one of 7,000 competitors from over 170 countries around the world, and the only equestrian rider from Florida, out of ten riders from around the nation, to represent the United States at the World Games. Christina is visually impaired, deaf, mentally challenged, and cannot speak; yet, she is able to communicate with the horses she rides and cares for in a way few individuals are able. Christina started riding at Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center in Loxahatchee, Florida, at age 12 and has ridden for over 20 years. At Vinceremos, Christina trains and volunteers on a daily basis, doing whatever tasks are required to care for the animals and the facilities. Christina developed a remarkable relationship with her coach, Kim Elie, who took it upon herself to learn sign language and created a buzzer system for communication purposes. When Christina learned she qualified for the World Games, she and her coaches and family faced one last challenge: funding the trip to compete in California. The Special Olympics only funds transportation for the competing athlete not for their family members and coaches. Thus, Coach Kim Elie's husband, Mark Elie, set up an online fundraising account that raised over $8,000 to fund the travel costs of her family members and coaches. In a similar way, a local restaurant held an event in support of Christina that raised over $7,000 in one night. This money has created a fund in Christina's name that pays for sign language instruction for her coaches. Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud of Christina for continuing to push the bounds for what is possible within her sport. Christina has overcome many obstacles to become the decorated Olympic medalist she is today. She may live with disabilities, but she competes with the heart of an Olympian. That is why I am so truly honored to recognize Christina Cooney as a Hastings' Hero. It is inspiring individuals such as Christina, who give me great pride to represent in Congress.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Matthew Walzer for his extraordinary contributions to the lives of those with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. It all began with a simple request to achieve a dream that most take for granted: 16-year-old Matthew needed an easier way to put on his shoes. You see, Matthew has cerebral palsy, a condition which stiffens the muscles in the body making it difficult to walk and even speak. In an open letter to Nike's CEO Mark Parker, he explained that his condition makes it impossible to tie his shoes. Matthew, who at the time was preparing to leave high school and attend college, explained he simply wanted to go to the college of his choice and not worry about someone tying his shoes every day. Originally, Nike planned to make just one pair of this revolutionary shoe for Matthew; however that was not enough for this inspiring young man. Matthew didn't want a special shoe just for him--he understood this was an opportunity to develop something that would benefit a diverse community of millions of people facing various physical challenges. As a longtime admirer of Nike shoes, he brought attention to the lack of a running or basketball shoe with a self-lacing system that could be used by everyone. Matthew's discussions with Nike were the catalyst to change the world of shoe technology. Through his tireless work alongside Nike, his dream became a reality. Nike recently released the Zoom Lebron Soldier 8 FLYEASE, a shoe that features a wrap-around zipper system. Now a sophomore at Florida Gulf Coast University, Matthew is able to put his shoes on every day without assistance. Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud of Matthew Walzer for refusing to back down from his goal and his actively seeking out a universal solution. He wanted to create a shoe not for one person, but for everyone. Even Lebron James wore them during a basketball game to prove that it was truly a shoe that everybody could wear. I am so extremely proud to recognize Matthew Walzer as a Hastings Star Student. Matthew has overcome diagnosis after diagnosis from doctors across the nation, and has proven that no matter the obstacles, he would not settle for the status quo.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of Mr. Frank Pumilia of Margate, Florida, who sadly passed away on Sunday, August 30th at age 94. Frank was born in Brooklyn, New York and, at an early age, demonstrated a passion for politics and a fervent interest in community service. He attended high school for only half a year before dropping out to support his family. Eventually, Frank became an owner of his own grocery store and later worked as an insurance investor. He retired to Margate, Florida where he assumed a number of leadership positions within local organizations. Frank served as president of both the Margate Democratic Club and the Margate Association of Condominiums. He also served as a chairman for the Margate Civil Service Board, member of the Broward County Democratic Executive Committee, member of the advisory council of the Alzheimer's Family Center. Frank was a highly regarded community leader. In 2010, he was selected by the Area Agency of Aging of Broward to receive the Broward County Senior Hall of Fame honor. I offer my deepest condolences to Frank's family. He is survived by his daughter, Louise Ditto, by two sons, John Pumilia and Charles Pumilia, as well as five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Frank's presence will be profoundly missed throughout the Margate community. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay my respects to Frank Pumilia and his family. Frank was a great friend to me throughout the years. His spirit, loving memory, and legacy of outstanding leadership will always live on.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an esteemed teacher, community leader, and personal friend, Mrs. Angelean ``Angie'' Clark Glass. Angie was born on January 3, 1937 in Hallandale Beach, Florida. She grew up as the first of four children born into the glorious union of the late Robert ``Willard'' Clark and Hazel Mabel Taylor Clark. Angie's early accomplishments included being the star basketball player at Lanier Elementary-Junior High School in Hallandale. She later went on to attend and graduate from Booker T. Washington High School in Miami, Florida in 1955. She received her Bachelor's of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida in June, 1959. Angie pursued additional matriculation at Barry University in Miami, Florida. After graduation, Angie began her remarkable career at Sheridan Hills Elementary School in Hollywood, Florida. For 44 years, she taught at Sheridan Hills Elementary School, shaping the lives of generations of children and remaining at the school as various principals came and went. Her dedication to the school came from her unwavering faith in her students, many of whom were inspired by her kindness and selflessness for her community. As a devout Christian, Angie served as a member and was considered a pillar of both St. Anne's Episcopal Church in Hallandale, Florida and St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Hollywood, Florida. Aside from serving faithfully on the Vestry and Parish Council, she also coordinated all social activities and served as treasurer of the Church's True Fund. Angie sponsored dinners for church members every third Sunday of the month and provided personal, financial assistance to aid the church's less fortunate members. She coordinated food and clothing drives and served as Episcopal Youth Counselor and Senior Warden. For over seventy years, she remained loyal to the church and worked tirelessly wherever she was needed. Four words encapsulate her life at the church and her life as a Christian: faith, devotion, generosity, and perseverance. As an active member of her community, Angie served on committees in Hallandale Beach, ensuring many projects and activities were effectively executed. She was one of the founders of the Community Civic Association and was heavily involved with MLK Parade and Scholarship fundraising. In 2013, Angie's efforts did not go unnoticed. She was selected by the Human Services Advisory Board for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award. Friends and family knew Angie as someone who was a wonderlust at heart. Although she did not get to fulfill her dream of seeing the Seven Wonders of the World, she visited London, Alaska, the Grand Canyon, the Canadian Rockies and the Bahamas, the birthplace of her parents. When Angie was not traveling, she was giving back. She relished in the beauty and changes of the City of Hallandale Beach. She proudly supported the act of giving her time, talents, and money to the cause of freedom, civil justice, and equality in the Hallandale Beach community. It was always her desire to make the community a better and more positive place to live. Throughout her illness, she showed the same courage, dignity, concern for loved ones, and grace as shown throughout her life. On July 26, 2015, Angelean, a dedicated parent, teacher and community leader left this world at 4:50 a.m. Precious memories remain with those she loved and touched. Angie is survived by her husband Rudolph ``Rudy'' Glass, her beloved son Troy Andrews, her brother Leon Clark, a cherished granddaughter Toya MacDonald, a great grandson, Tomas Martin, a sister-in-law, Mrs. Rowena Willson, and devoted brother-in-law, Thomas Glass. Her nieces Rhonda Merritt, Sonya Davis, Tangela Culpepper, Kamalie Culpepper, Robbie Clark, Ashley Roach Gardiner, and grand nieces Audrey and Olivia Gardiner, Markita Loisy, Rose Herard, Jasmine Herard, and Brianna Hyman. Her nephews Dr. Dwight Wilson, Thomas Glass, Jr., Steve Fisher and Fernando Loisy. Of her extended siblings, six step brothers, sisters, their mates and children: Dan Peoples, James Peoples, Deborah Ellis, Jacquelyn P. Riley, Gail Glass Alrich, Jacquelyn Glass, Linda Glass Bell, Alfred Glass Bell, Alfred Glass, Tracy Glass, Terry Glass, a goddaughter, Trina Stafford, the clergy members and family members and families of St. Ann's, St. Thomas, and St. James-in-the-Hills Episcopal Churches in Hallandale and Hollywood, Florida. Other extended family members--They Taylors, a devoted and compassionate friend and godmother of Troy Andrews, Maureen S. Bethel, other friends throughout the years--Mrs. Jacquelyn Singleton, Mrs. Joyce Langston, Mrs. Beverly Williams, Mrs. Ulee Major, Booker T. Washington High School Classmates of 1955, and several cousins, associates and business partners. Mr. Speaker. I once again want to honor Mrs. Angelean ``Angie'' Clark Glass for her dedication and commitment to education, her community, and to her family. She was a kind human being whose legacy and memory will always live on. I was truly proud to call Angie my friend and will miss her dearly.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, if we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment to the rule to bring up H.R. 3064, a comprehensive, 6-year surface transportation bill that is partially paid for by restricting U.S. companies from using so-called inversion to shrink their tax obligations. 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 won't belabor things by talking about that, but I have to say the previous question makes an awful lot of sense for us to do a 6-year plan. People in our States and in our localities are looking to us to give them some certainty. I hear this all the time from colleagues on both sides of the aisle. For us not to do that, to me, is extremely troubling; and, I believe, in the long haul, it is harmful to the economy of this country. We need to pass a long-term surface transportation bill, and I genuinely believe most Members in the House of Representatives, Republican and Democrat, feel the same way. The name of this bill at least flirts with being clever, I will give the majority that. But let me tell you that we really need to rein in around here. We need to rein in a Republican-led Congress that will no longer bring the remaining appropriations bills to the floor because it is more dedicated to seeing the Confederate flag fly high. I really don't understand that. What happened here a few days ago, we had the Interior measure going forward. Someone complained, rightly, about the Confederate flag in public places. All of a sudden, the Interior Appropriations and any other appropriations went away. I predict that we will probably wind up with a continuing resolution, rather than doing the work that the American people sent us here to do, and that is to complete the appropriations or remaining bills. We need to be about the business of reining in a Republican-led Congress that says it wants to help small businesses and then makes sure to let the Export-Import Bank charter expire. In the congressional district that I am privileged to serve, alone, $964,000 in lost business and lost jobs will occur with three companies that depend on the Export-Import Bank. We need to rein in a Republican Congress that constantly attempts to undermine a healthcare law. I have forgotten now; most of us can't even remember how many times we have voted to repeal portions of or all of the Affordable Care provision which is in effect now--5 years--and we are still having these sideline votes that are going nowhere. We undermine it, and it has provided millions of American citizens the opportunity to access affordable health care--and somebody please tell me what is wrong with that. We are 50 years now into Medicare, and I remember, as if it were yesterday, that then President Ronald Reagan said that it would have a severe impact on the American economy--in other words, to paraphrase, that the sky was going to fall. Well, 50 years out now with Medicare, we have seen the benefits to literally hundreds of millions of Americans who rely upon Medicare, and we demonstrably have seen its positive. Yes, we are learning, even with the Affordable Care Act, that what is happening is Medicare is now having diminution of its costs, which is necessary to rein in the cost of health care in this country. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' and to defeat the previous question. Vote ``no'' on the rule. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased at this time to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Grijalva), a very good friend of mine and the distinguished ranking member of the Committee on Natural Resources.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia for yielding me the customary 30 minutes for debate, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, 2 legislative days--really a day-and-a-half now--remain before Congress recesses for 5 weeks. Here we are, yet again, considering a piece of partisan legislation designed to fill up floor time, which has little to no chance at all of becoming law. It is unconscionable that the majority continues to waste legislators' and the American people's time with bills such as the Regulation from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act--they really do name things nice around here, the REINS Act--when critically important work is left to be done. Just a few moments ago, the minority whip spoke to three issues; I include them in my commentary, but largely, one that all of us ought be interested in is the highway trust fund, which will become insolvent on August 1 if those of us sent here to Washington to govern do not come up with a solution. Instead of focusing on priorities like eliminating corporate tax loopholes to ensure that we have the money to fund projects to repair our Nation's deteriorating roads and bridges, House Republicans passed yet another short-term patch that the Senate has refused to take up. The majority's dysfunction and inability to govern is having a real impact on hard-working Americans. Today marks the 204th day of the Republican-led 114th Congress. In the nearly 6 months that have passed, the majority has compromised the financial security of American companies by failing to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank's charter; avoided passing a long-term transportation and infrastructure bill; passed pointless legislation designed to cut critical funding from local police departments and communities in lieu of taking up comprehensive immigration reform; refused, they did, to bring up the student loan refinancing bill; and perhaps most abhorrent to some of us, voted four times in support of the Confederate battle flag, a symbol of hate and intolerance that has no place on any of our public lands. The days leading up to a month-long congressional recess should be spent debating and voting on the important issues that our constituents sent us here to address--as an example, restoring the Voting Rights Act, bolstering our economy through a long-term highway bill, and guaranteeing that jobs are created and sustained. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 427 is yet another partisan measure that Republican leadership has selected for consideration, despite its clear constitutional violations and with the knowledge that it stands an almost certain Presidential veto. It is, therefore, unclear to me why we are spending precious time on this bill. We already have the power to disapprove proposed rules; we have the power to limit delegations of authorities to agencies; we have the power to control the appropriations; and we have the power to stay the effect of specific rules and hold oversight hearings. It seems to me that, in addition to these tools being quite powerful, they also comply with the doctrine of separation of powers and, therefore, have the added benefit of being constitutional. The REINS Act would require both Houses of Congress to approve every major rule, many of which are highly technical ones authored by experts such as scientists, physicians, engineers, and economists. There simply isn't enough time for Congress to hold the hearings and conduct the research necessary to weigh in on these complicated matters. The individuals tasked with making these difficult regulatory decisions are certainly more qualified than most, if not all of us here in this room, and it is for this precise reason that Congress wisely delegated this regulatory authority to such experts. Politicizing this process will not only permit industry representatives with deep pockets to have an overwhelming influence on whether major rules go into effect, it will make it nearly impossible for agencies to implement rules regulating consumer health and product safety, environmental protections, workplace safety, and financial services industry misconduct. The enactment of this legislation would, in my opinion, do immeasurable disservice to the American people. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

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

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Timothy Andrews for winning the Gold Medal for his weight division at the 2015 Junior U.S. Open International Judo Championship in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This remarkable young man has risen from an immensely challenging childhood to become an icon for his community and peers. Timothy has been featured in the Westside Gazette and South Florida Sun Sentinel for his athletic wins and inspirational triumphs over adversity. As a mark of good character, he has shown only gratitude and humbleness to those who have helped him in his life. I would be remiss not to mention the Broward County-based organization Helping Abused, Neglected, Disadvantaged Youth (HANDY, Inc.) for the role that it has played in Timothy's ascent into adolescence and adulthood. HANDY, Inc. has worked with Timothy since the age of 12 to help him prioritize his life and realize his dreams to one day represent the United States in the Olympic Games. Timothy has also shown tremendous appreciation to his Sensei, Mr. Ghalib Carmichael of the Onikusu Judo Club in Fort Lauderdale. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Mr. Timothy Andrews for all that he has accomplished. His story is one of inspiration and demonstrates that all children have incredible potential to do great things and give back to their communities. I bid him good luck as he trains and remains steadfast in reaching his dreams.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman, my friend, Mr. Newhouse, for yielding me the customary 30 minutes for debate. Mr. Speaker, we already know what H.R. 2898 and H.R. 3038 are called, but they are follow-up legislation to the short-term temporary transportation funding bill that was signed into law last May. I am troubled by a number of issues concerning the rule and underlying bills that we are considering today. First, as I have stated on numerous occasions, I take serious issue with the manner in which the majority has chosen to consider legislation in this Chamber. Grouping or combining multiple, unrelated pieces of legislation into one rule has become the new normal, precluding the Members of this body from making informed judgments about the proper floor procedure for each measure and creating often confusing debates about an assortment of unconnected issues. The majority's insistence on the continued use of grab-bag rules prevents the thoughtful deliberation that important legislation requires and does both the Members of this Chamber and the American people an immeasurable disservice. Next, there are now only 9 legislative days remaining before Congress recesses in August, and much important work remains. For example, millions of Americans continue to suffer dire economic ramifications from the GOP's failure to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank, the charter for which expired June 30. The Ex-Im Bank supported 164,000 private sector American jobs in fiscal year 2014, alone, and over 1.3 million jobs since 2009. What is more, the Ex-Im Bank has received the support of the last 13 Presidents, Republicans and Democrats, including Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. It is high time Republicans allow a vote on its reauthorization. In the face of realities such as these, Republicans in Congress continue to put forward legislation for consideration that has very little bipartisan support and stands even less chance of becoming law. Indeed, President Obama has issued a Statement of Administration Policy advising that, if he is presented with H.R. 2898, the Water bill we are considering today, he will veto it. Mr. Speaker, I include that Statement for the Record. Statement of Administration Policy h.r. 2898--western water and american food security act of 2015 (Rep. Valadao, R-CA, July 14, 2015) The Administration strongly opposes H.R. 2898, the Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015, because it fails to address critical elements of California's complex water challenges and will, if enacted, impede an effective and timely response to the continuing drought while providing no additional water to hard hit communities. Like similar legislation in the last Congress, H.R. 2898 was developed with little input from the public, the Administration, or key stakeholders affected by the drought. The urgency and seriousness of the California drought requires a balanced and flexible approach that promotes water reliability and ecosystem restoration. Specifically, H.R. 2898 dictates operational decisions and imposes a new legal standard which could actually limit water supplies by creating new and confusing conflicts with existing laws, adding an unnecessary layer of complexity to Federal and State cooperation. This additional standard could slow decision-making, generate significant litigation, and limit real-time operational flexibility critical to maximizing water delivery. And, contrary to current and past Federal reclamation law that defers to State water law, the bill would preempt California water law. In addition, H.R. 2898 directs specific operations inconsistent with the Endangered Species Act (ESA), thereby resulting in conditions that could be detrimental to the Delta fish and other species listed under Federal and State endangered species laws. The Administration strongly supports efforts to help alleviate the effects of drought in the West; however, the Administration is concerned with section 401, which establishes deadlines for completing feasibility studies for certain water storage projects. The provision is unnecessary and the dates provided in the bill could prevent the participation of non-Federal partners in certain studies and may inhibit the Administration's ability to consider a full range of options for addressing these issues. In addition, financial penalties levied upon the Bureau of Reclamation under section 403 for not meeting these deadlines would only undermine the Department of the Interior's ability to help address the effects of drought in the West. Much of the bill contains provisions that have little connection to the ongoing drought. The bill includes language constraining the Administration's ability to protect the commercial and tribal fishery on the Trinity and Klamath Rivers, which will have impacts not just in California, but throughout the west coast. The bill would also repeal the San Joaquin River Settlement Agreement, which the Congress enacted to resolve 18 years of contentious litigation. Full repeal of the settlement agreement would likely result in the resumption of costly litigation, creating an uncertain future for river restoration and water delivery operations for water users on the San Joaquin River. Californians are facing significant drought-related challenges. This is why the Administration has directed Federal agencies to work with state and local officials in real-time to maximize limited water supplies, prioritize public health and safety, meet state water quality requirements, and ensure a balanced approach to providing for the water needs of people, agriculture, businesses, power, imperiled species and the environment. Consistent with the 2015 Interagency Drought Strategy, the Administration and Federal agencies have partnered with state agencies in California to improve coordination of water operations in the state. In June, the Administration announced new actions and investments of more than $110 million to support workers, farmers, and rural communities suffering from drought and to combat wildfires. This builds on the more than $190 million that agencies across the Federal government have invested to support drought-stricken communities so far this year. Unfortunately, H.R. 2898 would undermine these efforts and the progress that has been made. For these reasons, if the President were presented with H.R. 2898, his senior advisors would recommend that he veto the bill.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, even more offensive, in a display of colossal incompetence, last week, the Republican leadership was forced to pull their entire Interior Appropriations bill to protect their Conference from having to defend the display of the Confederate battle flag on Federal lands, imagery long recognized as a symbol of hatred and intolerance. As a result, funding for critically important agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, whose programs protect wildlife, the environment, and public health, continues to hang in the balance. This rule first provides for consideration of H.R. 2898, the Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015, which Republicans claim will alleviate the drought crisis currently unfolding in California and other Western States, but this bill is just another example of the countless partisan attempts made by the majority to roll back important environmental protections while also preempting State laws. Let me put a footnote right there, ``preempting State laws.'' These are the people that argue State rights and now would preempt them in Western portions of our great country, particularly California, reducing water management flexibility. Mr. Speaker, this bill undercuts the Endangered Species Act by changing the well-defined standard used to determine when an action negatively affects an endangered species and introduces an untested, undefined standard. As evidenced by this piece of legislation, the Republicans' solution to the drought crisis is to provide handouts to big agricultural interests at the expense of the environment and everyone else. I want to make it very clear that I represent agricultural interests as do my colleagues who are Republicans. We represent all of the specialty crops and sugarcane grown, and we understand these dynamics very well. Not only will this bill scale back desperately needed environmental protections, it will affect thousands of fishing jobs in California and Oregon that local residents depend on. Given the changing standard of the Endangered Species Act, this bill will dramatically weaken protections for salmon and other fish and wildlife in California's Bay-Delta Estuary. This bill claims to help California, but even California doesn't want it. California's own Secretary of Natural Resources has said that this bill--and let me quote him--will ``reignite water wars, move water policy back into the courts, and try to pit one part of the State against another.'' This bill will elevate the water rights for certain agricultural contractors over the existing water rights that benefit refuges and wildlife areas. In short, this bill circumvents California's groundbreaking equitable water conservation programs and puts the desires of big agriculture over everyone else. This combined rule also provides for the consideration of H.R. 3038, termed the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2015, Part II, because it is yet another short-term, temporary patch to ensure that the highway trust fund does not become insolvent. It is a patch. It is the ninth time we are patching. If you had a tire and were riding down a highway and if every time you looked up you had to have another patch, pretty soon you would recognize that you would need new tires. What we need in this country is a 6-year highway bill. Back in May, Congress passed and the President signed a bill we can now appropriately call the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2015, Part I. At that time, we were assured by our colleagues on the other side of the aisle that a multiyear bill that would provide the long-term funding certainty and stability needed to keep transportation and construction projects operating was on the horizon. That was in May. We were promised, Mr. Speaker, that if we voted to provide funding through July 31, the comprehensive, multiyear highway bill America so desperately needs would become a reality in time to avoid any insolvency. Unfortunately, today we find ourselves in the same situation as we did in May. I just heard my good friend from Washington make the argument that, in the next 6 months, we will be able to work together to do the things necessary for a 6-year highway bill. I am paraphrasing what he said. As we had in May, today we have a rapidly approaching, self-imposed deadline and are frantically seeking an interim fix. Like its predecessor, this highway bill does nothing to address the long-term solvency of the highway trust fund. There is one thing I have learned here about kicking the can down the road: If kicking the can down the road were an Olympic sport, here in the United States Congress, we would win gold, we would win bronze, we would win silver, and we would win aluminum for kicking the can down the road. Instead, we are again being asked to vote for legislation that would keep the highway trust fund solvent through December 18. Note the date of December 18, just before Christmas, so that we can play the game: ``If you don't vote for this next patch--if we don't do 6 years--then we will keep you here until Christmas without the necessary assurances that a long-term bill will become a reality.'' This is no way to govern. Our insistence on kicking the can down the road does nothing to protect American jobs or to invest in critical infrastructure that every man and woman in this House of Representatives recognizes is desperately needed in this Nation of falling bridges and pock-marked roads. Finally, investing in our Nation's infrastructure and, indeed, in our Nation's future will require us to make tough choices. Instead of considering raising the Federal gas tax--I said the ugly words, ``Federal gas tax''--which is the primary source of funding for the highway trust fund--and it has not been increased since 1993, people--this bill seeks to cut taxes on liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas at a cost of $90 million over the next decade. Any comprehensive highway bill must consider, in part, addressing the Federal gas tax. Why don't we just face up to that, go to our constituents and explain it to them so they will understand that this is a desperate need for this entire Nation. Our failure to come together to pass a multiyear transportation bill year after year has resulted in 65 percent of our Nation's roads being rated ``deficient.'' All you have to do is drive around Washington to recognize that. It has left 25 percent of our Nation's bridges in disrepair, and it has left 45 percent of Americans without access to transit. This failure has far-reaching and devastating implications and must be addressed with thoughtful and meaningful bipartisan legislation that will provide the certainty and consistency required to fuel jobs and keep the highways and other transportation infrastructure safe. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. When the gentleman speaks of growing up in that area, my father grew up in Griffin, Georgia, on a farm. My first job was on a farm. I picked beans, I stripped celery, and I cut chicory. So I don't need lectures about not understanding farming. I picked beans in Pahokee, Florida, which I am proud to represent now as their Congressperson. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Welch), my good friend.

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

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, would you be kind enough to advise how much time remains on both sides?

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from California (Ms. Hahn), my good friend.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I will keep my good friend from Georgia's statement for him on December 18, and remind him of what he said. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer), my good friend.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from California (Ms. Matsui) to add further perspective from California.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, if we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment to the rule to bring up H.R. 3064, a comprehensive, 6-year surface transportation bill that is partially paid for by restricting U.S. companies from using so-called inversion to shirk their tax obligations. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio), my good friend and the ranking member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, who will discuss our proposal.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 4 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Van Hollen), my good friend and the ranking member of the Committee on the Budget.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time to close.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment in the Record, along with extraneous material immediately prior to the vote on the previous question.

Mr. HASTINGS

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