Jaime Herrera Beutler

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life a remarkable philanthropist, family man, businessman, and friend from southwest Washington who has made a lasting impact on our region. He passed away this week at the age of 94. Ed Lynch was a cornerstone of our community. Known by all as caring and humble, Mr. Lynch was truly a representation of a servant leader. He was a neighbor and a friend. In 1957, Ed and his wife, Dollie, moved to Washington State to make Vancouver their home. After serving as president of Kiewit Pacific, Ed dedicated the remaining years of his life to making our region, the region that he loved, a better place. During his retirement, Ed poured his heart and soul into southwest Washington and taught us all that transforming one's community starts with a servant's heart. Ed remained active and provided unmatched support for businesses, historic societies, civics projects, the Columbia Springs Foundation, the Fort Vancouver National Trust, and the PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center up until his last days. Ed's vibrant personality made him one of the most beloved individuals of our entire region. Whether it was something as simple as remembering your name or giving you a book from his collection, he did more for our community than almost anyone, yet he was never more than just ``one of us.'' I honor his memory today.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Chair, Jesus said that there is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friend. Abraham Lincoln said that giving your life for your country is the last full measure of devotion. And that is why I am opposed to this amendment. I am proud that, in America, citizenship means something. It is worthy to be earned. Amnesty, to me, means giving it away, and I don't support that. I do support the ability to earn citizenship. If a person has the courage and conviction to take the oath and to join our Nation's warriors to defend you and me, what more can they do to prove their allegiance? The military is not a jobs program. And if someone through their merit and hard work earns acceptance into that elite fighting force, where they could die defending you and me, then I leave you with this question: What country's flag would you have draped on the casket of that brave soul?

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize David and Patricia Nierenberg for the honor of receiving PeaceHealth's Nat Giustina Philanthropy Award. This award was created to honor individuals who have advanced the well-being of our community through the generous donation of their time, talent and resources over many years through support of PeachHealth Medical Centers. Their generous support and collective service on the PeachHealth Southwest Foundation Board for nearly two decades, has given the Vancouver hospital the opportunity to expand its capacity and serve more residents of Southwest Washington. Their contribution, which focuses primarily on maternal and infant health, helped establish the Holtzman Twins Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the Patricia Nierenberg Childcare and Early Learning Center. Their generosity has helped construct world-class facilities and establish a scholarship for low- income families to help offset the cost of care at the new center, leading to a more healthy and vibrant community. I want to thank David and Patricia for their tireless involvement and support of our community. Their contribution is one that will positively impact Southwest Washington for generations to come.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. I thank the gentleman for his leadership on this issue, Mr. Speaker, which is so important to the residents in my State, the people whom I serve. I encourage folks to support permanently extending the State and local sales tax deduction. I was listening to the previous speaker, and I don't think he was really focused on this bill. This bill is about ensuring that residents of Washington and of seven other States are treated equally, that their income taxes are treated equally by the Federal Tax Code. It is a fairness issue. It is also about eliminating the uncertainty that comes at the eleventh hour every year when Congress reauthorizes this as a 1- year deal. Residents from 40 other States get to deduct their State income taxes from their Federal taxes, but residents of Washington State don't have that option. We pay one of the highest sales taxes in the country, and without the option to deduct our State sales tax, we are forced to carry a higher amount of the Federal burden. Mr. Speaker, that is not right. Since it is my job to fight for the residents of Washington State, let me also mention that folks in the Evergreen State have been the highest beneficiaries of the State and local sales tax deduction. More Washingtonians use it than any other State. My predecessor, who was a Democrat, was a big proponent of this bill as well. At a time when several counties in southwest Washington are still in economic recovery, we need to make sure that families who have already dutifully paid their fair share of taxes get to keep a little bit more of their money. $602 is the average claim from a State sales tax deduction. A mom in Chehalis, Washington, can make $602 go a long way. When she spends it on groceries, on gas, or on new soccer cleats for the kids, that money is going back into the local economy, and it is generating more economic activity. We often hear about ``fairness'' when it comes to the Tax Code, and I believe in fairness for hard-working taxpayers and for job-creating businesses. What better way to provide fairness than to seize this opportunity before us today to permanently etch this provision into our Tax Code. This bill helps families, and it helps local economies. I ask my colleagues to support it.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Today is tax day, April 15, and one of the things that I wanted to bring to the attention of Congress, really, is the amount of waste and abuse that takes place not just within the bloated Federal Government, but within the IRS. I serve as the vice chair of the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government of the Committee on Appropriations. In this last go-around, we reduced--or cut, actually--the IRS' budget by about $100 million to $300 million. The IRS Commissioner was before us to tell us that that is too much; it is too much; it is too much; the sky is going to fall; we are not going to be able to process returns; we are not going to be able to give taxpayers assistance. But what needs to be told on this floor, Mr. Speaker, is that the IRS sends out tens of billions of misapplied or fraudulent payments--tens of billions. This has to stop. It is not an issue of not making sure that people pay their taxes. I am all for making sure that things are applied fairly and equitably, but we have an obligation of responsibility to make sure that money is spent appropriately and efficiently or safeguarded. It is not our money. I just wanted, today, to take the opportunity to recognize the hard- working moms and dads, individuals across this country who have written their check to Uncle Sam, and they expect us to be good stewards of their hard-earned dollars. There are a few bills we are working on this week I urge this body to pass. Whether it is balancing the budget or making sure that we eliminate the death tax, we will have our opportunity to make sure that we are holding the Federal Government accountable.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Regulatory Accountability Act. It is funny to me to stay here and listen to claims that the sky is going to fall if we just bring some common sense into how our Federal agencies promulgate rules. I want to ask, really? Let me show you something. What I have in my hand is the Federal Register. It is not the Federal Register for the year or for a number of months. This is the Federal Register and the rules that have been promulgated just for this first week of January, just a week. See, this first one here is for January 2. It is a little slim, but you know, they had just gotten back in the office. This second one right here, this is for January 6, so I think they are making up for it. This is just for the rest of the week. And believe it or not, that is actually a small stack compared to what happens when the juices really get flowing. Now, here is the challenge with this stack. My challenge is, say I have a small business--and I do, actually. There are several small businesses in Lewis County, for example. It is a small area compared to the State of Washington, and they have got a lot of rural folks who work very hard, whether it is farms or family-owned businesses that they have been passing down. Now, that small business in Centralia, they are responsible to know what is in this and the ones that come every single day after it for the entire year. Mr. Chairman, we are not talking about big corporations with legal departments and government affairs folks who are hired to comb through this. We are talking about mom-and-pop shops. We are talking about 50 people or less. They have to dedicate a whole employee to knowing what is in here or they could be in violation of a Federal rule. I have heard it said that you are 400 times more likely to come into contravention or violation of a Federal rule than a Federal law. So actually, it doesn't just apply to small businesses. It applies to all of us. We better know what is in here. Or, time out: we could just create a little bit of space for some common sense, and that is exactly what this bill does. This bill says, hey, Federal agencies, you just have to take a few extra things into account, like the impacts on the economy, like the impacts on the cost for taxpayers. Do you know we are talking about $1.86 trillion on the U.S. economy every year? That is about $15,000 per every American household. That is real money. Fifteen, grand is a lot of money. That could provide a family of four in Castle Rock with groceries for 62 weeks. Mr. Chairman, we are not trying to bring down this Federal bureaucracy, although some would appreciate it if we did. We are simply trying to bring some common sense into how they operate. Look, the Regulatory Accountability Act delivers the reform that will make lives better for hardworking Americans and, hopefully, it will help them begin to recover a little bit of that $15,000 they are spending on unnecessary regulations. We can do this, Mr. Chairman.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. I thank the gentleman. I believe this is what people need to understand. The bill is very simple. It leaves intact and supports consumer protections and reasonable environmental impacts. It doesn't jeopardize the health of our kids. Come on. Let's use some common sense. It simply makes it easier for that family of four. It really does try and connect the Federal regulations with real lives of real Americans, and that is why this act is so important. That is why it is bipartisan, Mr. Speaker. This isn't some extreme idea. This is something that brings good government to the people. We are trying to serve the people, not be their masters, and I think this bill does just that.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Oh, yes. I have heard from many of my local districts already, and layoff notices are being prepared because of the uncertainty and the status of the funding of Secure Rural Schools. Congress must make getting this legislation through both Houses and signed into law by the President a priority in the next year. I would, actually, like to ask the gentleman from California (Mr. McCarthy), the majority leader, if he can give me any assurances that extending the Secure Rural Schools program will be one of his priorities early in the next Congress. I yield to the leader.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. I thank the leader for his comments and assurances.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Madam Speaker, for over 100 years, the Federal Government has made a promise to our rural schools and counties to actively manage our forests. However, due to Federal regulations and litigation, forest management has been dramatically reduced, and our communities have suffered--thousands of people have lost jobs; counties lack the resources to pay for basic services whether it is school or fire or police; and our forest has become increasingly susceptible to forest fires, disease, and devastation. This situation is a crisis, and we in Congress must address it.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. I yield to the gentleman from Utah.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in great admiration and a little bit of humility because I get to honor the life of a tremendous woman, a friend from southwest Washington who has made a lasting impact on our region. She passed away this week at the age of 97. A lifelong resident of Clark County, Margaret Colf Hepola could recount the history of southwest Washington in a way that was more complete and exponentially more colorful than any history book. Her great grandparents moved to the Lewis River Valley before Washington had even claimed statehood, and more than 140 years later, Margaret's family still calls our region home. There are people who live in a community, and then there are people who define what ``community'' means. Margaret was the latter. She made it one of her life ambitions to share the history of the community she loved and to preserve the memories of those who came before her. Through the Colf family's generous philanthropy, Margaret saved historical landmarks, supported museums, and founded the La Center Library. Margaret's wit, her grit, and her compassion made her one of the most celebrated women in our entire region. Twice-widowed and a mother of five, Margaret did not let tragedy or the responsibilities of motherhood deter her from giving back to the community that she cared about so deeply. By the time she had reached the ninth decade of her life, Margaret Colf Hepola had become a household name in southwest Washington. I will conclude today by honoring her legacy, one of a passionate historical preservationist who herself has earned a place in southwest Washington's history books.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Thank you so much. Mr. Speaker, it is fun to get to come down here and honor my friend and colleague, Chairman Doc Hastings from central Washington. It has been a privilege to get to be right adjacent to Doc. Cathy, we have been on either side. In being the younger member of the delegation, the newest member of the delegation, I think your time and your effort and your willingness to bring us along--to bring me along--is invaluable. It is impossible to overstate the influence that Doc has had on this body over the last 20 years. He has been a constant advocate, fighting for the people of his home and our State--and our region, really--and the rest of Washington. You have been doing it since I was in high school, studying U.S. history. Unlike a lot of politicians, Doc doesn't seek credit or run to the microphone or brag about his accomplishments. He truly lives by one of his favorite quotes: ``It is amazing what you can accomplish if you are not worried about who gets the credit.'' I joined the Washington delegation 4 years ago, and from the beginning, Doc has been incredibly generous to me with his time and his wisdom and even with his dinner invites. Like so many in this body, I truly value his friendship. During my time here, I have had the privilege--I don't even want to say ``of working alongside''--of following along with some of the issues that are incredibly important to my district and of things that Doc has championed. Trust me. Whether it is joining him out at Hanford Nuclear Reservation or teaming up with him to try and advance our Nation's forest policies and best practices, it is plain to see how passionate Doc is about serving the people in central Washington and throughout Washington State. In this day and age when we hear mostly about a polarized Congress and politicians that no one likes and about people who can't work together, it is important to remember and to focus on those Members who are the opposite--people like Doc--who are always looking to find the common ground, who are looking for solutions, and who are wanting to confront the biggest challenges facing our region. I hope and believe it is how Doc is going to be remembered--as a statesman who always did the right thing by the people at home. Doc's retirement is certainly a loss for Washington, but I am happy that the pull of being home--the pull of family--has finally won out after having to balance that life on both coasts for so long. When I had my baby girl last year--it feels like 1,000 years ago--Doc was one of the first to ask how we were, how we were doing, what he could do, and to share in the joy of our miracle, and I am truly grateful. I know, for me, when I am trying to work an issue and I need advice, I am going to miss being able to say, ``Well, what do you think?'' ``How would we do this?'' or ``What coalition would we build?'' ``What is the strategy?'' That is one of the biggest things I remembered. I shouldn't say ``remembered.'' He is still with us. One of the biggest things I think of when I think of Doc is that his approach is always: let's lay out the strategy to get to our solutions, and let's try this and talk to this person and do it this way and remember this. It is that intimate knowledge of how this institution works that we are going to be at a loss for, not just here, but even in the Washington delegation. It is having that institutional knowledge and the relationships, because this place, like anything else, is funneled by relationships. His intimate understanding of that and the way he has worked so carefully with people to advance ideas, we are going to miss it. We are going to feel the loss. We look forward to hearing from you and watching you enjoy your time at home with your kids and your grandkids. Tell us about how great it is from time to time. We are going to miss you.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 520 I am not recorded because my flight from Southwest Washington experienced significant delays. I was not yet in Washington, DC at the time of the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, Gail Shaw, a visionary, a scientist, a community leader, and a 64 year-long resident of Chehalis, Washington, died peacefully in his sleep on June 6, 2014. His six decade stay in his adopted hometown was not part of his original career plan, but before long he decided to make Chehalis home. When he first moved to the thick forests surrounding Lewis County in 1950, the accomplished chemist still had his sights set on an urban life up North in Seattle. That changed when a fire burned one of the largest local employers--the Chehalis Perma Products plant--to the ground. Instead of fleeing from the fire's widespread destruction, Shaw stayed in Chehalis and helped rebuild the factory and the city from the plant's ashes. With a focus on what Shaw termed ``social capital'' or what he described in one newspaper interview as a ``matter of people getting together and learning how to include your neighbor instead of excluding,'' Shaw collaborated with fellow Chehalis residents to strengthen the collaborative and economic framework of the city. Shaw joined efforts with--and later became chairman of--what became known as the Industrial Commission, and together the group brought development, industry, jobs, and new energy to the small logging town. Even though Gail Shaw disliked public recognition for his accomplishments; he will always be remembered for the lasting legacy he left in his community. His unyielding commitment to making Lewis County a better place to live will continue to be an inspiration for generations after him. I considered Gail a friend and am incredibly proud to say I knew him. Gail is survived by his wife, Carolyn; son, Lawrence; daughters, Cynthia, Rebecca and Catherine; nine grandchildren; and one great- grandson.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Southwest Washington native, Steve Stinson. After battling an advanced form of Leiomyosarcoma for more than two years, Steve passed away at the age of 52 on July 17, 2014. As a family man, small forest owner, and friend to countless people across our state, Steve encompassed the very essence of Southwest Washington. Alongside his father, Doug, Steve ran the Cowlitz Ridge Tree Farm in Toledo providing for multiple generations of the Stinson family. As President of the Family Farm Forestry Association, he was a tireless advocate for living off the land and preserving the beauty and history of natural resources. While his tenure was certainly not short of challenges Steve approached each of them with the positive attitude and vibrant personality so many of us admired. Mr. Speaker, I have been lucky enough to work with Steve throughout my time in Congress, and my deepest sympathies and prayers are with Steve's wife, Lou Jean and all of his loved ones. While hundreds of folks in Southwest Washington are sad to see another angel depart for heaven, we can take some comfort in knowing the lasting effect Steve Stinson had on so many lives.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alexa Efraimson and the Camas High School girls' track and field team for their success at the Washington state track and field championships. Two weeks ago, Alexa won the 1,600-meter race for the second year in a row and won her second 800-meter race on Saturday, May 31. She not only won the Washington state title in the 1,600-meter, but she broke the national high school record. Right now, no high school woman in this country is faster than she is at the 1,600-meter race; she is second to none. I am also very proud to congratulate the girls' track and field team from my hometown of Camas for placing second at the state meet. Their success stands as evidence that each individual athlete has the ability, the desire, the determination, and the commitment to stay the course and excel in achieving their goals. Today, I ask all Members of Congress to join me as we honor Alexa and the Camas High School girls' track and field team on a job well done at Washington State's track and field state championship.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Preeclampsia Awareness Month and the importance of addressing maternal and infant health. Preeclampsia is a serious and far too common complication of pregnancy and is one of the leading causes of maternal deaths, illness, and premature birth. According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, the disease affects approximately 1 in 12 women, and if untreated can lead to seizure, stroke, organ failure or death. The good news is that early diagnosis is possible through simple screenings and good prenatal care can predict or delay many adverse outcomes of preeclampsia. However, too many people are unaware of this potentially fatal condition. The main indicator of preeclampsia is high blood pressure. Additional symptoms of preeclampsia are common to pregnancy such as headaches, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, vomiting, confusion, heightened state of anxiety or visual disturbances such as oversensitivity to light or blurred vision. That is why I support the Preeclampsia Foundation's efforts to educate women and their families to know the symptoms, respond to warning signs, and seek prenatal care. So much more needs to be understood about this condition--why it occurs, how to cure it, and its long-term effect on a woman and her child's health. Research has demonstrated a possible direct link to the placenta. I understand that starting this year, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at NIH will embark on a new effort to understand diseases and conditions related to the placenta, and it is my hope that it leads to new discovery for preeclampsia and other conditions of pregnancy. Together we must do all we can to eliminate preventable maternal and infant death and disability. I am hopeful for the promise of our research efforts, and I am grateful for the work of clinicians around this country and organizations like the Preeclampsia Foundation who work so hard tirelessly to advance maternal and infant health and well- being.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman. There is no faster growing form of organized crime in the world than human sex trafficking, and unfortunately, it is happening right here in the United States. More than 100,000 girls are caught up in sex trafficking every year in the United States. Just last month, my local paper reported on a couple being charged with prostituting a 17-year- old girl who was under their control. As you have heard today, that is hardly an isolated story. We are here not just to discuss the problem, but the solutions. We are seeking to disable Web sites like backpage.com that advertise children for commercial sex and make it a Federal crime for a company to knowingly post advertisements for sex with minors. These bills will also increase funding for services to victims--these girls are victims--and give prosecutors better tools to go after the traffickers. We cannot close our eyes and pretend this crime does not exist. We must take responsibility and be the voice for these children and defend those who cannot defend themselves.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, on March 6, 2014 I was inadvertently recorded as a ``no'' vote on rollcall 106--H.R. 3826, the Electricity Security and Affordability Act. I support H.R. 3826 and fully intended on voting in favor of the legislation.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Captain Christopher Stover of Vancouver who was tragically killed last week in a military training accident near Salthouse, England. A 4.0 student at Evergreen High School, Captain Stover chose to serve his country and attend the United States Air Force Academy. Captain Stover was a pilot of the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter and served tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. According to his family and friends, Chris had a passion for flying and he loved his job. A high school teacher said he was caring and nurturing and was known for fostering a strong sense of community. Not long ago, he visited an elementary school in Vancouver to thank a group of children who had sent him cards while he was overseas, and to tell them about his passion for flying. He is survived by his wife, Sarah, and his parents, Maribel and Richard. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We can never replace what you have lost, but on behalf of a grateful Nation, we thank you; and we will always remember his service. There is an Air Force Academy tradition for those graduates who pass away. It comes from the third verse of the Air Force song. I will carry on that tradition by saying: Captain Stover, here's a toast.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for his work, and Ranking Member Lowey for your work on this bill. There are two reasons I rise in support of this bill. First, it will protect and promote things that residents of southwest Washington care about. Second, it helps us do something that no Congress has done since the Korean war, which is it reduces appropriated spending for the fourth year in a row--dollar over dollar. Many people have been understandably discouraged with the partisan bickering in Washington, D.C. I believe if we focus on finding common ground and fixing problems, we can find solutions we can be proud of. With this bill, I believe we do just that. The ports of Ilwaco and Chinook will have critical dredging funds that are made available. We are improving veterans' programs and support for our Nation's bravest heroes, something we can all agree on. We are protecting access and saving dollars by not decommissioning roads in the Gifford Pinchot. And we are keeping our commitment to cleaning up nuclear waste at Hanford. There is much for folks in southwest Washington to like in this bill; and while we still have more to do in terms of reducing spending and getting results, I believe if we work together, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Chairman, I will not take 5 minutes. I actually wanted to come down here in support of this bill, the Energy and Water Development appropriations bill. I would like to commend Chairman Frelinghuysen and the entire subcommittee on developing a strong bill that balances the needs of our Nation with fiscal responsibility. This bill cuts spending by nearly $3 billion from FY13 enacted levels while maintaining critical funding for navigation, infrastructure, and our Nation's domestic energy needs. One issue of particular importance to me and my home in southwest Washington is the maintenance of our waterways and small ports. Sediment buildup has essentially blocked commerce, leaving communities in Wahkiakum County, Chinook, and Ilwaco without their largest and most critical industries. When one of these channels is blocked for communities in my district, it's no different than if a town's main highway were completely blocked or washed away. We need to treat the maintenance of our Nation's small ports with the same level of urgency. The underlying bill makes great strides to alleviate these challenges by including $1 billion from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for Army Corps dredging and no less than $30 million specifically for small ports and waterways. While this will not completely fulfill all of our Nation's needs, it certainly illustrates the chairman's dedication and our dedication to our ports in towns and counties and States across the country like my home in southwest Washington. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I am proud to have played a role in securing this funding. I strongly support the bill and encourage all of my colleagues to do the same. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Hanford, as the gentleman mentioned, was the reactor used for the Manhattan Project and was used to build the U.S. nuclear arsenal during the Cold War. I recently had an opportunity to tour Hanford with the gentleman and so firmly believe in this amendment because this is a Federal Government responsibility, this wasn't a choice by a local community. The cleanup just is simply beyond the scope of the communities involved. This matters to people in my district and up and down the Columbia River, which is adjacent to your area. I would urge my colleagues, this isn't somebody's pet project, this isn't somebody's good idea. This is a responsibility. The gentleman said ``a legal responsibility''--I would add to that a moral responsibility--of the Federal Government to put this money here and help aid the cleanup at Hanford.