Gregg Harper

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (S. 3749) to amend the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 to reform the procedures provided under such Act for the initiation, review, and resolution of claims alleging that employing offices of the legislative branch have violated the rights and protections provided to their employees under such Act, including protections against sexual harassment, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend, Representative Ray Rogers of Pearl, Mississippi. On November 17, 2018, Ray completed his 55th and final season of service as the Pearl High School Voice of the Pirates. For 55 years, Ray volunteered his time and energy as the public address announcer for the Pearl Pirate football games and was so committed that, in 55 years, he missed just one-half of one game in 55 seasons. Now, the reason Ray missed the first half of that game was so that he could attend his daughter's wedding rehearsal dinner. After listening to the game on the radio during much of the dinner, Ray left as soon as the dinner was ended so he could announce the second half of the game. Ray's commitment to the Pearl community was recognized several years ago when leaders of the Pearl Public School District decided to name the football stadium Ray Rogers Stadium. Ray was one of the first students to attend Pearl High School when it opened in 1948 and was the first quarterback for the first football team in 1949. Ray has been a public servant and leader for Pearl and Rankin County in many other ways. In 1983, he was elected to serve District 61 in the Mississippi House of Representatives and has been reelected every 4 years since, most recently in 2015. Ray has spent 35 years in the State legislature working to improve our schools and infrastructure. As chairman of the Military Affairs Committee, he has been a tireless supporter of our National Guard and veterans and was instrumental in the effort to build three veterans homes in Mississippi with the help of then-Congressman Sonny Montgomery, who served the Third District of Mississippi. Ray has been a long-time member of the Management and PEER Committees--a testament to the respect and trust that his fellow legislators have for him. He has served as a mentor and role model for many incoming representatives over the years, and Ray's example has been invaluable to me. He has taught me by the way he lives, by what he does, and by how he treats everyone with respect. Ray Rogers has lived a life of service to others, and I know that he believes his most important service has been to God and his family. An active member of McLaurin Heights United Methodist Church in Pearl, Mississippi, Ray is the father of three daughters, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. While he is proud to be known as the representative and the Voice of the Pearl Pirates, he is proudest to be known as Daddy and Pop. Ray's wife, Shirley, has shared his passion for serving others. Shirley served for two decades as the first city clerk for the city of Pearl and after that was a director of personnel for the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Like Ray, Shirley is an active member of their church, and she is a loving and supportive wife, mother, and grandmother. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate having the opportunity today to honor Ray Rogers--my State representative, the Voice of the Pirates, proud father and grandfather--and to congratulate him on his impressive record of public service. Thank you, Ray, for your friendship and for setting an incredible example for all to follow.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States House of Representatives and the Board of Trustees for the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Leadership, it is with great gratitude that we honor Rex Buffington for his many years of distinguished public service. Rex Buffington was appointed executive director of the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Leadership when the center was established in 1988 to promote and strengthen public service leadership in America. As executive director of the Stennis Center, Rex has been responsible for development and delivery of programs aimed at attracting young leaders to public service and providing current public service leaders with opportunities to further develop their leadership skills and capabilities. Participants in Stennis Center programs range from students in high school to Members of Congress. Prior to his work at the Stennis Center, Rex served as press secretary to Senator John C. Stennis of Mississippi for 12 years. As the Senator's chief spokesperson, speechwriter, and communications director, Rex coordinated activities and strategies aimed at achieving the Senator's mission and legislative agenda. I am so honored to serve as chairman of the board of trustees for the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Leadership. I have seen what Rex has done firsthand, and it has been a privilege to work directly with him. Rex is an encourager of every person that he comes in contact with. He knows better than anyone the legacy of Senator John Stennis who served Mississippi and our Nation with great distinction for over 41 years as a U.S. Senator, ultimately becoming President pro tempore. President Reagan once called the Mississippi Senator ``an unwavering advocate of peace through strength.'' Senator Stennis had a passion for fostering leadership and promoting public service, two objectives that Rex has carried forward during his time serving as executive director. The USS John C. Stennis aircraft carrier, the only one not named after a President, has the two-word motto adopted by Senator Stennis that he had: Look Ahead. Senator Stennis would be proud of the work that Rex Buffington and the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Leadership continue to do, and he would be proud of the great work that Rex has done. We are all very proud of the great work that he has done over these years of distinguished service to Mississippi and to our Nation. We congratulate him on a job well done, and we wish him the best as he looks ahead.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 7120) to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to extend through 2023 the authority of the Federal Election Commission to impose civil money penalties on the basis of a schedule of penalties established and published by the Commission, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of John Wesley Lainhart IV, the first Inspector General of the U.S. House of Representatives, who died Tuesday, September 25, 2018. Mr. Lainhart was appointed as the Inspector General on November 14, 1993, and was reappointed for the One Hundred Fourth Congress and the One Hundred Fifth Congress. Jointly appointed by the Speaker, Majority Leader, and Minority Leader, Mr. Lainhart was responsible for conducting periodic audits of the financial and administrative functions of the House. He retired from Federal service on April 1, 1999. John is remembered for his commitment to excellence in serving the House of Representatives. Among his many accomplishments, John's leadership was instrumental in overseeing the first comprehensive financial audit of the House. His generosity in sharing knowledge and expertise with others and dedication to this institution continue to inspire many today. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the life and memory of John Wesley Lainhart IV.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of the numerous rice farming-families and industry stake-holders across Mississippi and the five other major rice growing states. The month of September does not only mark the beginning of harvest season across the hundreds of rice farms in my home state, but it also marks National Rice Month. We recognize the American families and over 125,000 individuals that grow, harvest, mill, and process this important crop. In my home state of Mississippi, 2,194 jobs are supported by these farmers, generating $110.9 million in total labor income. The rice production system, from start to finish, contributes more than $302 million to the state's economic output. Rice production in America has grown tremendously over its 300-year history; almost 85 percent of the rice consumed by Americans is produced across these six states, and I am proud Mississippi is among them. In Mississippi, rice farmers on average harvest over 150,000 acres, producing more than 1.25 billion pounds of rice each year. Along with feeding American families and exporting their crop to 120 countries, rice farmers are conservationists and stewards of the land. While increasing their yields by over 50 percent, American rice farmers have significantly reduced their energy, land, and water use over the last 20 years. By using 35 percent less land and 53 percent less water, rice farmers have cut costs, increased productivity, and created a more sustainable future for our American farmlands. We take the time during the month of September to thank those farmers, millers, and merchants, and the lives that they impact; both as job creators, and as a group that feeds our families across the country and around the world.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, Ranking Member Robert Brady and I wish to recognize today a special group of dedicated and outstanding employees of the Officers (Clerk of the House, Sergeant at Arms, and Chief Administrative Officer) and of the Inspector General of the U.S. House of Representatives, and congratulate those who have reached the milestone of 25 years of service to the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as the recipients of the House Employee Excellence Award and the Officers' and Inspector General's Team Player Award. The House's most important asset is its remarkable and steadfast employees, whose work is essential to keeping the operations and services of the House running efficiently and effectively. The employees we acknowledge today are commended for their hard work, dedication, professionalism, and teamwork; support of House Members, their staffs, and their constituents, and for their contributions day- in and day-out to the overall operations of the House. These employees, whose work is often performed behind the scenes, possess a wide range of responsibilities and skills that support the legislative process, ensure the security of this great institution, maintain our technology and service infrastructure, and contribute to more efficient and productive House support operations. These devoted employees have accomplished many great and important things in a diverse range of activities, and the House of Representatives, its Members, staff, and the American public is better served because of them. We recognize and honor the following individuals for 25 years of loyal service to the House. Collectively, these employees have provided 450 years of service to the U.S. House of Representatives: Chinetta Adams, Office of the Sergeant at Arms; Wendy Benson, Office of the Sergeant at Arms; Richard Cooper, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; Christopher Fischer, Office of the Sergeant at Arms; Julia Gaines, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; Kirsten Gullickson, Office of the Clerk; Joyce Hamlett, Office of the Sergeant at Arms; Donald Harris, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; Eric Johnson, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; Teresa Johnson, Office of the Sergeant at Arms. Jennifer Maas, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; Anthony Myers, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; Michael Nash, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; James Robertson, Office of the Sergeant at Arms; Doris Rogers, Office of the Clerk; Lester Snyder, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; Clyde Springfield, Jr., Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; Daniel Tilson, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer. We also recognize and congratulate the House employees receiving the House Employee Excellence Award. This is a merit-based award, given to one employee from each of the House Officers' and Inspector General's organizations. Selected employees exhibited outstanding overall job performance and displayed a willingness to go above and beyond the requirements of their job for their organization throughout the last year. We honor these individuals for receiving this prestigious award: Janciera Armstrong, Office of the Chief Administrative Office; Cheryl Coleman, Office of the Sergeant at Arms; Debbie Hunter, Office of Inspector General; Marianne Law, Office of the Clerk. And finally, we recognize and congratulate the House employees being presented the Team Player Award. This award recognizes the value the House Officers and the Inspector General place on working collaboratively across all House organizations to strengthen and protect the U.S. House of Representatives. On a rotating basis, the Officers and the Inspector General take turns nominating a member of another organization's staff who has exhibited the characteristics of a Team Player. These awardees have demonstrated a collaborative attitude, commitment to achieving team objectives, respect and support of their teammates, and dedication to the betterment of House operations. We honor these individuals for receiving this distinguished award: James Abbott, Office of the Sergeant at Arms; John Carter, Jr., Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; Jodi Detwiler, Office of the Clerk; Keith Sullenberger, Office of Inspector General. On behalf of the entire House community, I want to once again congratulate, acknowledge, and thank these employees for their professionalism and commitment to the U.S. House of Representatives as a whole, and in particular to their respective House Officer, the Inspector General, and collaboratively across these organizations. Their long hours, hard work, diverse skills, and team spirit are invaluable, and their years of unwavering service and dedication to the House set an example for their colleagues and raises the bar for the employees who will follow in their footsteps. I applaud all our honorees, and I am proud to stand before you and our great nation on their behalf to recognize the importance of their public service.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend appreciation to Mr. Andrew Hahn for his service and involvement with the Congressional Internship Program for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (CIPIID). I want to recognize Mr. Hahn who has been with George Mason University's Mason--Life Program, a postsecondary educational program for adults with intellectual disabilities, since 2009. Within this role, Mr. Hahn has also served as a liaison between the Mason Life Program and the U.S. Congress in order to coordinate matching CIPIID interns with congressional offices to serve in throughout the year. Mr. Hahn began his employment with George Mason University and the Mason Life Program as support staff in 2009, in which he assisted and encouraged students within the program. In 2012, Mr. Hahn moved to his current role as Employment Coordinator for the Mason Life Program, where his main responsibility was to assist the students in developing necessary skills and relationships in order to be successful members in the workforce through the CIPIID program, as well as other work experiences. Throughout his time of service, Mr. Hahn has proven to be crucial in assuring that all involved with the CIPIID program have both a positive and enlightening experience. Without his efforts, the internship program would not be what it is today. His dedication and passion for those with disabilities, paired with his appreciation of the value of meaningful employment for all, have helped skyrocket this program into what it is today. In addition to serving as the liaison to CIPIID, Mr. Hahn has experienced success in many other areas of his life. He is an Eagle Scout Award Recipient, a member of the Council for Exceptional Children, and he has presented at various conferences on the topic of transitional services for adults with intellectual disabilities. Mr. Hahn is a kind, hard-working, and dedicated individual. He has given much of his time to help adults with intellectual disabilities become involved and contributing members of society. The students of the Mason Life Program look up to Mr. Hahn as a mentor and friend, and those who have had the pleasure of working with him hold him in the highest regard. As Mr. Hahn closes out his time with the Mason Life Program, as well as our CIPIID, I want to express how much he will be missed. We are forever grateful for all of his contributions and extend our warmest wishes to him in his future endeavors.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on H.R. 6160.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged from further consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 60) providing for the reappointment of Barbara M. Barrett as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, and I ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following exchange of letters between the Chair of the Committee on House Administration and the Chair of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. House of Representatives, Committee on House Administration, Washington, DC, June 27, 2018. Hon. Trey Gowdy, Chairman, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Gowdy: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 6160, the Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act Amendments bill. There are certain provisions in the bill that fall within the jurisdiction of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. In the interest of permitting the Committee on House Administration to proceed expeditiously for floor consideration of this important bill, I am writing to request a waiver of your committee's right to a referral. I request with the understanding that by waiving consideration of this bill, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill which fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I will place this letter into the committee report and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit. Sincerely, Gregg Harper, Chairman.

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 6160) to amend title 5, United States Code, to clarify the sources of the authority to issue regulations regarding certifications and other criteria applicable to legislative branch employees under Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Chairman, I raise a point of order against the following provision contained in H.R. 5895 because it violates clause 2 of House rule XXI. This provision is on page 66, line 14, through page 66, line 20, and relates to the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. Under clause 2(a)(1) of rule XXI, ``an appropriation may not be reported in a general appropriation bill . . . for an expenditure not previously authorized by law. . . . '' Mr. Chairman, the Committee on House Administration is responsible for providing funding for House Committees, other than for the Committee on House Appropriations. Sections 5 and 7 of H. Res. 1451 of the Commission's enabling resolution, which is carried forward through H. Res. 5, make clear the Commission is not authorized to receive a direct appropriation. The Commission's enabling resolution specifies the role of the Committee on Foreign Affairs in providing staff and resources for the Commission, as well as funding for the Commission. In fact, consistent with H. Res. 1451, at the request of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on House Administration adopted Committee Resolution 115-9 earlier this year authorizing $200,000 from the Committee's reserve fund to provide for support for Commission personnel. In summary, Mr. Chairman, there is no authorization for the Commission to receive a direct appropriation of funds, and I reiterate my point of order. I ask for a ruling of the Chair.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Taiwan Caucus to reaffirm the commitment of the United States to Taiwan on the occasion of the opening of the new office of the American Institute in Taiwan. The Taiwan Relations Act was signed into law on April 10, 1979, codifying the foundation to preserve and promote continued economic, cultural, and strategic bonds between the United States and Taiwan. The United States and Taiwan have forged closer economic and security relations over the years based on our shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and free market principles; and Taiwan's willingness to partner in efforts to combat global terrorism and to address other global challenges. The United States is now Taiwan's largest investor and its second largest trading partner. Taiwan consistently ranks as a leading trading partner of the United States and Taiwan is a strategic destination for our agricultural exports. Taiwan is a significant economic and security partner of the United States in East Asia, and we look forward to Taiwan playing a key role in our Free and Open Indo- Pacific Strategy. The Taiwan Relations Act further authorized the establishment of the American Institute in Taiwan to be responsible for implementing United States policy toward Taiwan as well as providing consular services to American expatriates. On June 12, 2018, the American Institute in Taiwan is scheduled to hold an inaugural ceremony for the opening of its new office in Taipei's Neihu district. This new facility is a reflection of the United States' enduring commitment to Taiwan. Mr. Speaker, as the American Institute in Taiwan opens a new office in Taiwan, let us reaffirm that the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances are and will remain cornerstones of United States relations with Taiwan. I urge the executive branch to implement the policy set forth in the Taiwan Travel Act, which would allow United States officials to travel without restrictions to meet with their counterparts in Taiwan, and for Taiwanese officials to do likewise with respect to travel to the United States. I would like to point out the sense of Congress contained in the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2018 that the State and Defense Departments' review of arms sales to Taiwan be handled in a manner consistent with standard processes and procedures for sales to other countries, and express gratitude to Taiwan for its partnership in combating global terrorism and addressing other global challenges through the Global Cooperation and Training Framework and other initiatives. Finally, I would like to congratulate the American Institute in Taiwan on the upcoming opening of its new office in Taipei's Neihu district, and give our thanks to the Taiwanese officials who helped facilitate the site selection and construction of the facilities. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in expressing support for a continued strong relationship between the United States and Taiwan.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged from further consideration of House Concurrent Resolution 112, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. George Vitello on his upcoming retirement from the United States House of Representatives. George began working in the Office of Visitor Services in March 2011 before moving to the Office of the Sergeant at Arms in June 2012. From his first day on the job, George developed a reputation as a reliable, skilled, and friendly asset to the entire House community. George first served as a Visitor Assistant, then moved to the Sergeant at Arms and the House Appointments Desks where he became a wonderful resource--and a good friend--to every single one of his colleagues. George assists every Member, staff person, and visitor the very same way--with an abundance of patience and a calm and pleasant attitude. He is a familiar face to both Members and staff alike, never too busy to say `hello,' and always taking the time to ask how you are doing. George genuinely cares about every person he meets, and it shows in his work. Working with the Sergeant at Arms, George demonstrated great initiative developing the form now used to track the monthly official business visitor counts for the Appointments Desks, as well as providing training to new interns and staff on the protocols for official business visitor badge use. Throughout his years with the House, George has been a true team player and someone who always volunteered for additional assignments, projects, and events. George spent time as the VP/General Manager at Sea World in Florida prior to his employment with the House and always shared his passion for all creatures, great and small. George Vitello has been a remarkable asset to the Office of the Sergeant at Arms, and he will be greatly missed by the entire House community. I am grateful for his service to the United States House of Representatives and wish him and his wife Joyce the very best in his retirement.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged from further consideration of House Concurrent Resolution 118, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 4009) to authorize the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to plan, design, and construct a central parking facility on National Zoological Park property in the District of Columbia, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4009, which authorizes the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to plan, design, and construct a central parking facility on National Zoological Park property in the District of Columbia using non-appropriated funds. Established by Congress in 1889, the National Zoo was incorporated as a unit of the Smithsonian Institution in 1890. Today, the National Zoo consists of two components: the 3,200-acre Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia and the public National Zoological Park (Zoo) located at the 163-acre Rock Creek campus in Washington, D.C. Admission is free of charge and with more than two million people visiting the Rock Creek facility in 2017, the Zoo remains a favorite tourist and local destination in the nation's Capital. While public transit is an option for some visitors, many others rely on private vehicles to reach the Zoo. Currently, parking at the Zoo includes several paved surface lots spread across the campus, which often fill up early in the day during peak season. To better serve these visitors, the proposed new parking facility consolidates public parking into a multi-level parking garage located at the midpoint of the Zoo. Included in the Zoo's 2008 Comprehensive Facilities Master Plan, the parking facility will provide a number of benefits that both further the Zoo's mission and improve the visitor experience. These benefits include expanding animal habitat space through repurposing existing surface lots; improving visitor access with a centralized and accessible arrival point; increasing security through consolidation of access points; improved pedestrian safety; and expanding the number of on-site visitor parking spaces which reduces the number of days the Zoo must turn away visitors due to lack of parking. The additional parking spaces will help accommodate a projected increase in the number of visitors to the Zoo. No appropriated funds will be expended for the project. The Smithsonian intends to enter into a public-private-partnership for the construction and operation of the parking facility. The developer would be responsible for design, construction, maintenance, and operations for a fixed term of 35 years after which ownership is retained by the Zoo. Financing is the sole responsibility of the developer, with construction cost estimated at $70-75 million and annual operating costs at $1.5 million. As part of the agreement, the Zoo receives an initial annual payment of $7 million and a recurring annual payment based on revenues with a guaranteed minimum of $1 million. Design, construction, operations and maintenance will be conducted in accordance with the contract and plans approved by the Smithsonian. The Committee on House Administration held a markup on this bill on December 13, 2017 and ordered the bill reported favorably to the House, by voice vote, with no amendments. In its December 21, 2017 cost estimate, the Congressional Budget Office states that enacting H.R. 4009 would not affect the federal budget and would not affect direct spending or revenues. Additionally, the Committee on House Administration exchanged jurisdiction letters with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4009. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, December 21, 2017. Hon. Gregg Harper, Chairman, Committee on House Administration, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 4009, the Smithsonian National Zoological Park Central Parking Facility Authorization Act. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Meredith Decker. Sincerely, Keith Hall, Director. Enclosure. H.R. 4009--Smithsonian National Zoological Park Central Parking Facility Authorization Act As ordered reported by the House Committee on House Administration on December 13, 2017 H.R. 4009 would authorize the Smithsonian Institution to plan, design, and construct a central parking facility on the National Zoological Park's property in the District of Columbia. Construction would be financed with nonappropriated funds. CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 4009 would not affect the federal budget. Because enacting the legislation would not affect direct spending or revenues, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 4009 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2028. H.R. 4009 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Meredith Decker. The estimate was approved by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on H.R. 4009.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for organizing this time on the floor today to focus on the opioid crisis in our country. For many years, telehealth has been a priority for me as a critical way to deliver healthcare services to patients across the country. Through my work as chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, I now view telehealth as an important part of the solution to the opioid crisis, as it increases patient access to needed treatments and improves outcomes through the availability of better healthcare services to more patients. Congresswoman Matsui of California and I have been working on drafting a bill to increase access to substance use treatment through the use of telehealth in community mental health centers. Each year, 64,000 Americans die from overdose. In rural, underserved States like my home State of Mississippi, this threat is especially concerning, as patients often lack access to addiction and psychiatric healthcare providers equipped to provide needed treatments. The concerns are great; therefore, Congresswoman Matsui and I have been working to draft legislation that would enable local facilities to register with the Drug Enforcement Administration and be able to use telemedicine to prescribe appropriate treatments for patients in need. Mississippi has been recognized as a leader in using telehealth to reach patients who otherwise would not have access to care. The University of Mississippi Medical Center's Center for Telehealth was selected as a national Telehealth Center of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to innovate and test new delivery models for telehealth. With leaders like the University of Mississippi Medical Center working to maximize available resources and provide care via telehealth, I believe that this technology offers a promising solution to combating the opioid crisis in our country. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee to advance these efforts. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Walden and Chairman Burgess--and many others, of course--for their dedication to this issue. I appreciate the opportunity to speak.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ms. Fay Ropella, Inspector General for the United States Capitol Police (USCP) Department, on her upcoming retirement, and to thank her for her many years of public service. Ms. Ropella was sworn in as the second Inspector General for the USCP in November 2013, and has diligently served this institution with honor and integrity. During her more than 20 years working in the Inspector General community, Ms. Ropella has served in numerous capacities on teams which recovered tens of millions of dollars as a result of audits and investigations into areas such as labor cost mischarging, contract and grant fraud, and misuse of federal funds. As Inspector General for the USCP, Ms. Ropella has led an office responsible for identifying and preventing waste, fraud, and abuse within the Department. Over her past years of service, Ms. Ropella's priorities were to serve as an independent and trusted contributor to the USCP's mission and operations and to improve the management and financial integrity of the Department's programs. Before her appointment to Inspector General, she was serving as Assistant Inspector General for Audits, performing the duties of Deputy Inspector General for the USCP and helping establish the office from the ground- up. One of her earliest accomplishments in this role was to assist the USCP in completing its first set of financial statements, resulting in a clean opinion. In her work, Ms. Ropella has distinguished herself by promoting positive change within the USCP and has earned the respect of her colleagues in the process. Before joining the USCP, Ms. Ropella served for more than 10 years with the Office of Inspector General for the Department of State. Among her many senior leadership positions, she was the chief financial advisor to the Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, managing appropriations in excess of $1.5 billion. Before joining the Department of State, Ms. Ropella worked at the U.S. Information Agency and the Department of Defense. Ms. Ropella graduated Magna Cum Laude from Saint Leo College with a Bachelor of Arts in Accountancy. Ms. Ropella is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Fraud Examiner, and she has been active in the Council of Inspectors General for Integrity and Efficiency, Federal Audit Executive Council, as well as the Legislative Inspector General quarterly meetings. Ms. Ropella will retire on March 30, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, transparency, accountability, and cooperation. She has been a true public servant, and we are grateful for her unwavering dedication to this institution. We wish Ms. Ropella success and happiness in her retirement and offer our congratulations to her and her family.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to encourage Members to support this commonsense bill, H.R. 1917, the Blocking Regulatory Interference from Closing Kilns Act, H.R. 1917, also known as the BRICK Act, which includes provisions that will provide a compromise approach to delaying a regulation on manufacturers of wood heaters. Wood heaters are frequently used by households in rural America. EPA's rushed 2020 deadline would raise the price of a new wood heater on those least able to afford it. It would also restrict consumer choice, as many currently available models may not be able to meet the 2020 deadline. H.R. 1917 will not remove any regulations. It would simply extend the deadline to 2023. Frank Moore of Hardy Manufacturing, located in my district, testified before the Environment Subcommittee in September that he and other manufacturers are working to meet the 2020 step 2 standards, but that a lack of technology is making compliance nearly impossible. In that hearing, Mr. Moore said: `` . . . we provide jobs for about 50 people with payrolls exceeding $2 million,'' and that ``even if a product can meet the step 2 requirements, I believe it would not be consumer friendly, durable, or affordable.'' Again, extension of this effective date doesn't remove any regulations. Extension simply provides more time for manufacturers to come into compliance with much stricter requirements. It is best for the consumers; it is best for the businesses; and it will not undo the regulations that are requested. I hope that Members will agree that this bipartisan legislation is a compromise solution that helps small businesses and our constituents. I encourage Members to support H.R. 1917.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the staff of the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) and recognize the CVC for surpassing its twenty-millionth visitor. On December 2, 2008, the CVC opened to the public for the first time. By May of the following year, the CVC welcomed its one millionth visitor. During this past December, after just nine years in operation, the CVC welcomed its 20 millionth visitor. Since its opening, the CVC has been guided by four primary goals to better serve the U.S. Congress: Security, Visitor Education, Visitor Comfort, and Functional Improvements to the U.S. Capitol. Today, which traditionally marks the beginning of the Spring tourist season, the CVC provides a secure public environment to welcome and assist a large number of visitors. The CVC creates and presents informative programs on the workings and history of the Congress, the legislative process, and the art and architecture of the Capitol to millions of visitors each year, all while providing the amenities, comfort, convenience, and accessibility for visitors appropriate to one of the nation's most visited tourist destinations. The CVC team welcomed 2.4 million visitors in 2017, the highest single-year total since the facility opened. Even more remarkable is that almost half of those visitors came during the Spring season between the months of March and June. As we are about to begin a new Spring tourist season, I am reminded of just how important the CVC is as we welcome our constituents to Washington, D.C. Behind the scenes, the CVC provides modem, efficient facilities for the operational functions of the Capitol, as well as provides important work space for both the House and Senate, and improves connectivity between the Capitol and the Library of Congress. While the CVC does provide world-class tours for over two million visitors each year, its service to Congress doesn't stop there. The CVC team has also supported more than 7,000 congressional events in CVC meeting spaces as well as welcoming and assisting guests at Congressional Gold Medal Ceremonies, commemoration ceremonies, annual Memorial Day and Capitol Fourth Concerts, and presidential inaugurations, among many other events. Also, in support of Congress, the CVC team has developed training programs for congressional staff to learn about the history of the Capitol and Congress and the artwork that represents their story. Critical safety and emergency evacuation procedures are key elements of this program. To date, more than 31,000 interns and other staff have participated in the training program, enhancing their ability to deliver high-quality tours to constituents. The majority of visitors to the CVC are our constituents, and based on independent surveys, 93 percent of visitors to the Capitol said their expectations were met or exceeded and that they were likely to recommend taking a Capitol Tour to their friends. These numbers reflect the passion and knowledge the Visitor Center's team brings to the Capitol each day, as well as their commitment to inform, involve, and inspire every visitor. The CVC will celebrate its 10th anniversary on December 2, 2018. As the CVC embarks on its second decade serving as the front door to the Capitol and the Congress, I wish to recognize the hard-working CVC staff that remain committed to providing world-class services to our visitors, our constituents, and those of us who work in the Capitol each day.