Gregg Harper

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 64, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to speak about the importance of tomorrow's vote on the 21st Century Cures initiative. This takes the necessary steps forward so that we can deliver safe, effective treatments much more efficiently and creatively across America. This legislation would give NIH, along with the FDA, much-needed additional research dollars. Specifically, imagine how a significant increase in funding could speed up treatments and cures for such debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer's and ALS. This legislation gives researchers a fighting chance in the hope of finding a cure for so many diseases and disorders. Investing in research today will pay dividends long into the future and will significantly reduce costs of treatment. Give families hope. Vote ``yes'' on 21st Century Cures.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor and pleasure to welcome the newest Member of this body, Congressman Trent Kelly. I am confident that Trent Kelly will carry on the legacy of his predecessor, our late colleague, Representative Alan Nunnelee, one of impeccable constituent services and an unyielding commitment to this country and her citizens. I look forward to working with Representative Kelly as he serves the First Congressional District and the people of the great State of Mississippi. Congressman, I am so honored to stand here and welcome you to the floor of the House of Representatives. Trent Kelly.

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 48, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committees on House Administration and Transportation and Infrastructure be discharged from further consideration of House Concurrent Resolution 43, 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 be discharged from further consideration of House Concurrent Resolution 34, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that it may be in order at any time on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, for the Speaker to declare a recess, subject to the call of the Chair, for the purpose of receiving in joint meeting His Excellency Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns on Tuesday, April 28, 2015, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29, 2015.

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 9, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act represents years of bipartisan effort to eliminate the fatally flawed sustainable growth rate formula and implement new payment and delivery models that will promote higher-quality care while reducing costs. In addition to stabilizing the Medicare Program for our Nation's seniors, the bill addresses the healthcare needs of children and low- income Americans, while promoting the long-term sustainability of the Medicare Program through significant structural reforms to the Medicare Program. There is no question, Medicare must be modernized in order to avoid the program's projected financial shortfalls. Republicans and Democrats have worked together to advance a blueprint to begin to place Medicare programs on a sound financial footing for both today's and future retirees. Now is the time to end this failed policy once and for all and protect access to care for seniors. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 84 on H.R. 212, I am not recorded due to inclement weather resulting in a travel delay. Had I been present, I would have voted Aye.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 85 on H.R. 734, I am not recorded due to inclement weather resulting in a travel delay. Had I been present, I would have voted Aye.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman. Here we are again working to pass a bill to approve construction of the northern portion of the Keystone XL pipeline. Again, with the facts on our side. Again, with bipartisan support in both Houses of Congress. And again, under threat of a veto. But with the new Republican majority in the Senate, the President just might get to make good on his veto threat this time, and we should force him to make that decision. I urge my colleagues to support this job-creating, North American energy-producing, bipartisan, labor union- and Chamber of Commerce- supported, shovel-ready project. The American people asked for H.R. 3. We have waited long enough.

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. 40) providing for the appointment of Michael Lynton as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the McKeon amendment before us that authorizes the administration to arm and train vetted moderate Syrian rebels in their fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL. This amendment also contains strong reporting requirements that the administration must follow to fulfill Congress' oversight authority. ISIL has made territorial gains militarily in Iraq and Syria and announced the establishment of a caliphate in areas under its control. They have terrorized and killed members of minority groups, including Christians in northern Iraq, and have invaded Kurdish-controlled regions. Minority groups are not the only victims being targeted. ISIL is also targeting Muslims. Last, but certainly not least, ISIL has beheaded two American journalists and a British aid worker. This type of radical, evil behavior must be wiped off the face of the Earth. This amendment ensures that ISIL is not only confronted kinetically in Iraq but also in Syria. Providing the means for rebel groups to aggressively attack ISIL in Syria denies them sanctuary just across the Iraqi border, as is the case with the Taliban on the Afghanistan- Pakistan border. An armed and trained Syrian rebel force, with assistance from the U.S. and partner nations, will open up a northern front to attack ISIL. Iraqi security forces and the Kurdish Peshmerga will be the claws in the south to squeeze this radical group. American airpower will no doubt be a force multiplier for these indigenous ground forces. Mr. Speaker, there is only one country in the world willing and able to build a coalition of nations that includes Arab countries to defeat this radical threat, and that nation is the United States of America. The United States has an obligation to lead and respond whenever the innocent are being massacred. Our enemies should never underestimate our resolve. Yes, we may argue and disagree on many issues; but, when it comes to protecting America, our allies, and our interests, we are united. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the amendment.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged from further consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 106) authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for a ceremony to award Congressional Gold Medals in honor of the men and women who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 294, I inadvertently voted ``yea,'' I intended to vote ``nay.''

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 37) authorizing the use of the rotunda of the United States Capitol in commemoration of the Shimon Peres Congressional Gold Medal ceremony.

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on the Senate concurrent resolution.

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Senate concurrent resolution permitting the use of the rotunda of the United States Capitol in commemoration of the Shimon Peres Congressional Gold Medal ceremony. The presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal is a physical recognition given by Congress to express our Nation's highest appreciation for an individual's distinguished achievements and contributions. The man we rise to discuss today is one who has many significant achievements and who holds a lifelong extraordinary record of public service. Israeli President Shimon Peres was born in Poland in 1923, in a town which is now a part of Belarus. To escape the persecution of the Jewish people there at the time, he and his family immigrated to Palestine in 1934. There, Peres took up his calling for public service, and in 1947, he joined the Zionist Party, led by David Ben Gurion. Once Israel achieved its independence in 1948, Peres was appointed to the head of Israel's navy and rose to become the Minister of Defense. Peres went on to serve in several high-level positions in the cabinet of Israel's government. His career spans more than 70 years, including serving as Prime Minister twice and, now, as President of Israel. Throughout his career, he has been an integral hand in guiding his nation into the future. His long career is marked by numerous events where Peres exercised his determination for peace. In 1993, Peres participated in secret negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis, which are known as the Oslo Accords, an agreement that was designed to reconcile both Israelis and Palestinians. The next year, he was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his role serving as lead negotiator for Israel, while he served as Foreign Minister during these negotiations. Peres is a statesman who has dedicated most of his life to the service of others. He has worked for the betterment of his nation where he lives, and he has taken seriously the calling and responsibilities of what it means to be a member on the world stage. This was no more apparent than earlier this month, when Peres joined Pope Francis and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in praying for peace at the Vatican and offered his own invocation: Without peace, we are not complete. We have yet to achieve this mission of humanity. Even when peace seems distant, we must pursue it to bring it closer. The United States has a longstanding and close relationship with the people of Israel. Israel is our friend and closest ally in the Middle East. Through President Peres' leadership, this relationship and our international cooperation has only deepened and persevered. Our two nations stand shoulder to shoulder when it comes to our commitments towards the pursuit of peace, democracy, liberty, and the furthering of human rights. Later this month, on June 26, the Congress will meet together to honor this man--a man who has set an example of courage and perseverance for us all--and award him with the Congressional Gold Medal. It is fitting to present him with Congress' most prestigious award as a sign of our deep respect and admiration. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I would add that, throughout Israeli President Peres' Presidency and decades of service, he has stood as the Israeli people's unifying figure and upholder of the nation's moral compass. No one could have embodied those attributes more fully than Peres. As he ends his term as President, our Nation joins his in thanking him for his honorable service and his unfailing humanitarian efforts. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary life of Joni Eareckson Tada. When Joni was 17 years old, she was just like any other high school graduate. She was thrilled to be on the brink of college, and she was excited to spend a summer swimming in the nearby Chesapeake Bay. With high school behind her, she was ready to really begin her life. She was not prepared, however, to have her fourth cervical vertebrae crushed in a terrible accident, an accident which would render her a paralyzed quadriplegic and shatter her mobility and independence forever. Unfortunately, that is exactly what happened. On July 30, 1967, while diving with her sister, Joni misjudged the depth of the water and snapped her neck at the bottom of the water. She lost all movement in her hands and legs and was rushed, motionless, to the hospital. Joni spent many grueling months there and often thought about killing herself. She thought her life was not worth living, and she didn't want to be a burden on her loved ones. ``There were many nights I would wrench my head back and forth on the pillow, hoping to break my neck up at a higher level. I wanted to die,'' Joni later said. There were times she even asked her friends to help her commit suicide. She was desperate to end her life; but despite her intense depression, despite her intense physical suffering, it was during this time that Joni turned to her Christian faith and began to search for new purpose in her tragedy. She studied her Bible, leaned on her friends and family, and prayed for guidance, until she realized, almost overnight, that while she would never be able to walk again, she could choose to live through her disability. The Lord could use her to inspire and encourage others. So she resolved, ``One night, lying there in the hospital, I said, `God, if I can't die, please show me how to live.' '' I am glad to say, Mr. Speaker, that she has lived well, is one of the most inspirational figures I know, and has touched so many lives with her incredible story. Let me briefly outline some of her many accomplishments and undertakings. During a 2-year rehabilitation period after she left the hospital, Joni learned how to hold a paintbrush using her teeth. She labored away at this skill and often struggled, until she mastered the technique. Today, her artwork is prized around the world and is just one of the many ways she has provided inspiration. In 1979, she founded Joni and Friends, a Christian ministry dedicated to serving the disabled community around the world. It partners with local churches to provide resources and support for thousands of families afflicted by disabilities. In fact, her organization has served families in 47 countries and, in 2006, opened a new facility in the United States. Just a few weeks ago, I had the pleasure to meet and talk with Joni about her ministry and was privileged to introduce her before she spoke at Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi. The ministry does such incredible work. And let me tell you, I don't think she has any plans of slowing down. In addition to all this, she has somehow found time to publish over 50 books, many of which are critically acclaimed and rank on bestseller lists. Her radio show, ``Joni and Friends,'' is broadcast in over 1,000 outlets and, in 2002, won the Radio Program of the Year award from the National Religious Broadcasters Association. Joni has even helped us get things done here in Washington. She has represented the disabled on numerous government committees and was instrumental in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. And she continues to help. As for awards, her list is very long. She is the recipient of the Victory Award from the National Rehabilitation Hospital, the Golden Word Award from the International Bible Society, and the Courage Award from the Courage Rehabilitation Center. She is a member of the Christian Booksellers Association's Hall of Honor and is a recipient of the William Wilberforce Award. Joni holds honorary degrees from Westminster Theological Seminary, Biola University, Indiana Wesleyan University, Columbia International University, Lancaster Bible College, Gordon College, and Western Maryland College. As I said, she is quite the achiever. And how does she really do it? Well, you know, Mr. Speaker, I think something that C.S. Lewis once said helps to answer that. He said: If you read history, you will find that the people who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since people have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this world. I think Joni understands this. Her mind is truly set on another place. Her life has been extraordinary. So, again, on behalf of the House of Representatives, I would like to recognize and celebrate the life of Joni Eareckson Tada, a courageous woman who truly knows how to live.

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. 29) providing for the appointment of Risa Lavizzo-Mourey as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, 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 2 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2014.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I send to the desk a concurrent resolution and ask unanimous consent for its immediate consideration in the House.