George Holding

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, it is with pleasure that I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Cotton).

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize North Carolina Representative Dr. Jim Fulghum, who recently passed away after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. A lifelong resident of Raleigh, Jim attended Broughton High School and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Susan. They both received their medical degrees at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Mary Susan continues to serve the Raleigh community as a doctor, as Jim did for so many years. I want to commemorate Jim for all he contributed to the field of medicine, the city of Raleigh, North Carolina, and our country. Jim was a world-renowned neurosurgeon, served his country in the gulf war, and later went on to serve in the North Carolina State Legislature. Jim was truly a great American, a good friend of mine, and a mentor to me and so many others that he came in contact with. As a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, Jim was an exemplary statesman on behalf of his constituents. He was a compassionate man and touched the lives of many. Throughout Jim's life, he tirelessly offered his services to the community. He was involved in numerous organizations in the State, including Edenton Street United Methodist Church, where he was active throughout his life. Mr. Speaker, Jim served his community with great honor and distinction, and North Carolina mourns his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Jim's wife of 47 years, Mary Susan, and the rest of his family: Emily, Molly, Patrick, Jens; his sisters Peggy, Mary Anne, and Ruth; and his two grandchildren, Margaret and Kirk.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 425 on July 16, 2014, I was unavoidably detained on my way to the House floor owing to a constituent meeting and consequently missed the Massie of Kentucky amendment vote to H.R. 5016. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, this week, House Republicans are introducing tax bills that can change the lives of thousands of American families. The Child Tax Credit Improvement Act of 2014 and the Student and Family Tax Simplification Act will directly impact American families. Helping families pay for everyday costs is essential if we want to build a stronger America. This is how we do it, not through mandated health care or required taxes, but by cutting costs for those who need it most. This is another example, another way that House Republicans are working for Americans. Americans are looking for us to bring change to them and bring hope to them, and this is how we can make it happen.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of Alfred Settle Dockery, III, who passed away in Raleigh last week. Settle was a kindhearted man who was passionate about improving his community. Settle grew up in Rockingham, North Carolina, and graduated from the College of Design at NC State University. He was a member of the 1967 football team, the highest ranked team in school history, at number three in the Nation. Settle scored a touchdown in the first NC State win at Carter-Finley Stadium. After college, Settle began his career as a landscape architect, eventually moving to real estate development. He was a member of the original Raleigh Greenway Commission and a member of the Raleigh Hall of Fame Board of Directors. He was a well-known man who took pride in his work and wanted to make Raleigh a better place to live. Settle was a loving father, husband, and grandfather, and he will be deeply missed by all that knew him.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join my colleagues in supporting H. Res. 588 and would like to thank Chairman Royce for moving this Resolution through the Foreign Affairs Committee in such an expedited manner. Mr. Speaker, last year the Congolese Government put what is becoming with each passing day a definitive halt on intercountry adoptions by suspending their issuance of exit permits. The DRC's suspension included stopping those adoptions that were finalized leaving families who had gone through the DRC's own procedure for approving an intercountry adoption and who had obtained the necessary legal clearance, paperwork, and travel visas in a heartbreaking situation. Mr. Speaker, a family in my District has such a finalized case and with each day that this suspension continues, the emotional toll that has already weighed heavily on them since last year grows. For this family from Wake Forest, North Carolina, there is an added sense of urgency. As is the case with many children who are awaiting their exit permit, their adopted child is in need of immediate medical care--care that is not being received in the DRC. This only further illustrates the need for quick resolution. Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 588 sends a straightforward message to the Congolese Government and I urge my colleagues to support its passage.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tom Suiter, a sports reporter for WRAL News in Raleigh, North Carolina. Recently, Mr. Suiter was inducted into the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. He was honored for his long, successful career, filled with quality work and many achievements that include two regional Emmy Awards and 17 overall nominations. Mr. Suiter was hired by the late Senator Jesse Helms, who was then the vice president of WRAL. Mr. Suiter later became the station's lead sports anchor in 1981. Over the past 33 years, his coverage of all levels of sports, from high school to college to pro, has made him a local legend in Raleigh and the Triangle. He is the host of the award-winning sports show ``Football Friday,'' which airs coverage and highlights of local high school football games on WRAL. The television segment will be in its 34th year this fall. Mr. Suiter makes a point to recognize the achievements of high school athletes, both on and off the field. During a segment each week, he hands out the Extra Effort Award, recognizing local students for their achievements not only on the playing field, but in the classroom and in the community. Referring to his love of high school sports, Suiter said, ``I had such a good experience playing high school sports. I felt like there was a need, and we should highlight these kids who work so hard every day.'' Mr. Suiter has interviewed numerous legendary coaches, such as UCLA's John Wooden and Duke's Coach K. In his time at WRAL, he covered 37 ACC basketball tournaments and 25 Final Fours. He did so with passion and professionalism and influenced the community greatly. Suiter's passion and support of athletes on all levels make him one of the many bright stars in our community back in North Carolina, and I extend to him a heartfelt congratulations. Thank you, Tom Suiter.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, the Foreign Affairs Committee heard last week about the tremendous challenges that remain in order to verify Iran's compliance with any possible final nuclear agreement. Should a deal be reached, the most stringent compliance, verification, and notification standards must be in place, including regular reporting to Congress. As I have said many times on this floor, I firmly believe Iran has no inherent right to enrich any nuclear material and that any deal should completely dismantle their nuclear infrastructure. A potential agreement would likely be hailed by this administration-- an administration that puts politics before policy--as a foreign policy victory, which leads to an important question: Can this administration be trusted to uphold any compliance regime and fully inform Congress and the American people of even the smallest infraction by the regime in Tehran? If Iran commits even the smallest infraction, such as installing one centrifuge above the deal's limits, will this administration blow the whistle and jeopardize a deal in which they have invested so much political capital? This administration has shown, most recently with their Taliban prisoner swap, that they have no problem flaunting their responsibility to timely inform and consult Congress of their actions, but with a deal like the Iranian nuclear negotiation that has far-reaching national security implications, this administration must not leave the people's Representatives in the dark.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Chair may postpone further proceedings today on a motion to recommit as though under clause 8 of rule XX.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that it be in order at any time on the legislative day of June 12, 2014, to consider in the House, House Resolution 617, if called up by the chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, or his designee; that the resolution be considered as read; and that the previous question be considered as ordered on the preamble and the resolution to adoption without intervening motion.

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the order of the House of today, I call up the resolution (H. Res. 617) condemning the abduction of female students by armed militants from the terrorist group known as Boko Haram in northeastern provinces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I had the honor of attending the Apex High School graduation ceremony, where 556 seniors received their diplomas. I was impressed, Mr. Speaker, to hear about their accomplishments while at Apex High. These seniors played on sports teams that were a part of 18 conference championships and five State championships, including men's basketball, men's and women's lacrosse, volleyball, swimming, and track and field. Their achievements were not limited to sports. The marching bands, chorus and orchestra, and theater have all been recognized for their talents. The Apex High School DECA club, which prepares students with unique opportunities for leadership and entrepreneurship in future careers, has been recognized statewide and nationally, Mr. Speaker. Apex High's Academy of Information Technology was also named as the top academy in the country by the National Academy Foundation. The graduating class was outstanding academically, as well, earning over $3.9 million in scholarships to some of the best universities in the country. This time of year, Mr. Speaker, there are hundreds of thousands of graduates across the Nation. It is a very special and significant time for many. For these students, this means ending one chapter and beginning a new one. I congratulate all the seniors at Apex High School and across the country on their commendable achievements and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Chairman, I want to first off thank my good friend from Iowa, Chairman Latham, for the hard work he has put into this bill. There is a matter that I think we are going to have to do some more work on. The Federal Government, through the Department of Housing and Urban Development, each year allocates a significant amount of taxpayer dollars to public housing authorities to provide affordable and safe housing for those in need. Unfortunately, Mr. Chairman, some public housing authorities, executives of public housing authorities, are taking home excessively generous compensation packages each year, partly paid for with Federal dollars. One needs to look no further than the public housing authority in Raleigh, North Carolina, the Raleigh Housing Authority, to see an example of excessive compensation. Audits that I requested from both the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Raleigh Housing Authority itself have brought to light this fundamental problem with compensation. When the executive director of the Raleigh Housing Authority manages a housing authority that ranks somewhere near 400th in terms of overall size but still receives a total compensation package, Mr. Chairman, that puts him in the top ten of all public housing authority directors in terms of salary and other benefits, it certainly raises some red flags to me. Following the disclosure of the executive director's compensation package, which brought about outrage from the local community and Congress, the Raleigh Housing Authority board made what amounts to cosmetic changes to their compensation practices--which still flout Congress' intent, in my opinion. Mr. Chairman, I commend Chairman Latham and the T-HUD subcommittee for including provision section 227 in the base text that continues a cap on how many Federal dollars public housing authorities can use to compensate a chief executive officer or any other official or employee of a public housing authority. So I commend for that. I want to thank the chairman for his work on this issue and hope we can examine additional measures that Congress can take to ensure that public housing authorities serve the public. So thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Chairman, my amendment prohibits funds from this bill from being used to transfer or to detail employees to the Office of the Pardon Attorney. The President possesses the constitutional authority to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States. However, in the first 5 years of this President's administration, President Obama granted fewer pardons and commutations than any of his recent predecessors. Earlier this year, the Deputy Attorney General took the unprecedented step of asking the defense bar for assistance in recruiting candidates for executive clemency, specifically Federal drug offenders. The Justice Department intends to beef up its pardon attorney's office to process applications for commutations of sentence for Federal drug offenders. This is clear, and this amendment would prohibit that. The Constitution gives the President the pardon power, but the fact that the President has finally chosen to use that power and to use it solely on behalf of drug offenders shows that this is little more than a political ploy by the administration to bypass Congress yet again. This is not as the Founders intended, an exercise of the power to provide for exceptions in favor of unfortunate guilt, but the use of the pardon power to benefit an entire class of offenders who were duly convicted in a court of law and is serving a sentence. It is also just the latest example of executive overreach by this administration. I am urging the support of this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte), the chairman of the full committee.

Mr. HOLDING. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, the State Department acknowledged that terrorist attacks worldwide have increased by more than 43 percent last year, killing nearly 18,000 people. The odds are rising that we will be hit here in the United States. That is why balanced legislation that protects civil liberties and keeps Americans safe is so important, and the USA FREEDOM Act does just that. I rise in support of the passage of the USA FREEDOM Act, bipartisan legislation that reforms our intelligence-gathering programs while, importantly, preserving operational capabilities that protect national security. This legislation will make sure that Americans are protected at a time when the world is a more dangerous place than when the PATRIOT Act itself was enacted into law.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, suffice it to say, there is no shortage of challenges across the globe, all of which test our Nation's foreign policy and resolve and pose a threat to our national security. Lately, the world's attention has been focused on a myriad of issues that rightly deserve our attention: Russia's blatant violation of Ukraine's sovereignty, their continued meddling in the internal politics of our Eastern European allies, China's continued rhetoric and aggression in the East and South China Seas, the struggle for democracy in Venezuela, and the tragic events that continue to unfold in Nigeria and Syria, among other things. Establishing a coherent foreign policy and ensuring our national security require the United States to maintain a fixed leadership role in all of these challenges that we face. Mr. Speaker, while these and a host of other pressing issues test the United States and our friends around the globe, I am concerned that we have let what I consider to be the greatest threat to our national security fall out of the center of the discussion. That, of course, Mr. Speaker, is the ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran. The success or failure of these talks will undoubtedly have a far- reaching impact on the safety and security of the Middle East and the international effort to prevent further nuclear proliferation. The ramifications can never be overstated. Mr. Speaker, I am not suggesting that our efforts and those of our international partners--for example, to strengthen our alliances in the Baltics or to bring Boko Haram to justice--should cease. What I am suggesting is that we must always continue to stand strongly, shoulder to shoulder, with our allies to combat tyranny and terrorism. Those missions will never cease. I firmly believe that Congress needs to, right now, continue the discussion and increase our oversight of the dealings with the regime in Tehran, especially as the July 20 deadline rapidly approaches. I know that Chairman Royce of the House Foreign Affairs Committee has always made these negotiations and the precise details regarding inspection and verification a priority, and I certainly welcome his commitment to increasing the committee's efforts to hold the administration accountable as they try and reach a final deal. What I fear is that the administration might accept and, worse, push for a final deal filled with concessions that endanger our national security just for the sake of getting a deal done. What might even be worse, Mr. Speaker, would be an extension of the talks that fail to do anything of real consequence to stop Iran's march to a bomb. Time has shown us, again and again, Tehran's frequent use of manipulative negotiation tactics and their history of deceit when it comes to concealing their nuclear program. Every day that passes during which concrete steps aren't put into place to prevent and to verify that Iran isn't maneuvering for the bomb is another day in which our security and the security of our allies is put in jeopardy. Mr. Speaker, we all know that the world is a complex place. There will always be a new and emerging crisis right around the corner that threatens the delicate balance of global stability, but if we and our international partners fail at the weighty task before us of ensuring Iran never has the breakout capacity to get the bomb in these negotiations, those emerging crises will always take the backseat to a threat created by a nuclear-armed Iran.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3610, the Stop Exploitation Through Trafficking Act. I would like to thank Chairman Goodlatte and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Paulsen) for their hard work and contributions to this important legislation. As we have noted today, sex trafficking of minors is a terrible and, unfortunately, growing crime. According to the FBI, sex trafficking is the fastest-growing business organized crime and the third largest criminal enterprise in the world, with as many as 300,000 children at risk of being sexual exploited in the United States alone. While I strongly support all efforts to stop this crime, especially those being considered today, it is also important for Congress to focus on the victims of minor sex trafficking. H.R. 3610 goes exactly to that. Under this legislation, States are incentivized to put in place laws to clearly recognize that minors engaged in prostitution are not criminals, but, rather, victims who need to be protected from further trauma. My own State of North Carolina is one of a handful of States that has passed similar legislation explicitly recognizing that the children involved in prostitution are victims involved is modern-day form of slavery. H.R. 3610 is an important step toward ensuring this becomes true nationwide. The average age for a girl to enter the commercial sex trade is just 12 to 14 years old, and for boys, it is even younger, just 11 to 13 years old. Contrary to what some might think, human trafficking isn't just happening in foreign countries; it is happening right here on U.S. soil every day and every hour. That is why Congress needs to do everything that it can to protect our children and address this issue. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I thank the majority leader for their leadership on this important issue.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. I thank the distinguished gentlelady from my home State for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join my colleagues in supporting this rule to bring H.R. 10, the Success and Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Act, to the floor. Education is a key that can open the door to opportunity, which is important to families across America, and especially those in my district in North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, we know that a one-size-fits-all approach to education simply never works for students, as students vary greatly in how they learn. Because of this, I believe we should offer students and their parents every possible opportunity to select a school that best fits their individual needs, their goals, and their aspirations. And, Mr. Speaker, neither a student's ZIP Code nor circumstances should determine the educational opportunities available to them. In my district, North Carolina's 13th District, we have six charter schools that are serving the local communities, in addition to our quality public schools in North Carolina. While developing and expanding the use of charter schools is certainly not the only answer to the education crisis facing our Nation, it is without a doubt a step in the right direction. The rule before us today to bring H.R. 10 up for debate and a vote does just that by offering more choice to parents and students through the expanded use of charter schools. The Success and Opportunity Through Charter Schools Act will facilitate the establishment of quality charter schools and support innovation and excellence in education. It also makes necessary improvements to charter school programs to encourage States, and those efforts already underway, to expand the use of charter schools. I want to thank Chairman Kline and the committee for their hard work, and I urge support for the rule and H.R. 10.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, Good Friday and Easter are right around the corner. For some Christians in the Middle East, specifically in Iran and Egypt, these holidays can only be observed and celebrated in fear. Madam Speaker, Christians continue to be persecuted for their religious beliefs across the globe by intolerant, oppressive regimes and governments that seek to impose strict religious rule. Many of these Christians, if they aren't killed, tortured to death, or imprisoned, must flee for their lives from places that they and their ancestors called home, for the simple and single reason that they are Christians. Madam Speaker, as we celebrate Easter this year, let us not forget the plight and daily struggle of those who can't freely practice the religion of their own choosing. More importantly, Madam Speaker, let us continue to hold those regimes and governments accountable for their systematic targeting and continued oppression of Christians.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, let me first thank Chairman Royce for his steadfast leadership on the Foreign Affairs Committee on this legislation that we have before us today. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3470 strengthens the bilateral relationship between the United States and the Republic of China on Taiwan in two very important ways. First, it reaffirms Congress' commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act that for 35 years has served as the foundation of our relationship with the Republic of China on Taiwan. Secondly, Mr. Speaker, it authorizes the transfer of additional Perry-class guided missile frigates to Taiwan. And I should point out that I have seen firsthand in Taiwan the threat that the People's Republic of China constantly presents to Taiwan. They are there, right across a very short distance body of water, ready to strike at any time, so reaffirming our military commitment to Taiwan is critical. As we have seen the Chinese Government continue to escalate tensions in the region, Mr. Speaker, making certain that we enhance this security cooperation is important. As Chairman Royce pointed out, Taiwan is a superior trading partner with the United States. They are in the top 10 trading partners, and I point out that the trade with Taiwan represents about 500,000 jobs here in the United States. I would like to thank the chairman for his work to further the U.S.- Taiwan relationship, and certainly look forward to working with him to determine what else we can and should be doing to support an unwavering ally in an increasingly important part of the world. My view of successful foreign policy is that your friends trust you and your enemies fear you, and this legislation today is a good step in the direction of our enemies fearing us and our friends trusting us.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, last year, we mourned the loss of a true servant of our community, Garland Scott Tucker, Jr. Garland dedicated his life to sharing his love of Christ. In family life, in business, and in his community, Garland was grounded and guided by his faith. Garland was born in Raleigh in 1919. After graduating from UNC Chapel Hill, he joined the family business, Tucker Furniture, in 1941 and moved to Wilson the next year to manage the eastern North Carolina stores. He eventually became president of the company, a position he would hold until his retirement in 1985. In 1954, he joined the board of directors at BB&T and served as chairman from 1979 to 1987. During that time, BB&T would grow from a community bank into a major player throughout the Southeast. Beyond a very successful business career, Garland was a true family man. He married Jean Barnes Wilson in 1946, and over the course of their 67-year marriage, they had four children, Garland III, Edwin, Sarah, and Macon, who in turn blessed Garland with 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Garland's life was marked by his commitment to sharing his faith with others and serving those in need. The primary focus of his civic engagement was his support for Gideons International and the Salvation Army. Through both organizations, he was able to improve his local community and the world at large. Garland served Gideons International in a number of different capacities, spanning local, national, and international involvement with their mission. In his time, he served as one of three members for their finance committee and also one of 20 members of the international cabinet, which serves as the governing body for the entire organization. At the peak of his responsibilities, Garland was responsible for the distribution of Bibles across 41 countries, including countries in Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and the Near East. At the local level, Garland was an engaged and active member of the Salvation Army, both in Wilson and Raleigh. While a Wilson resident, he served as chairman of the Salvation Army's board of directors for several years and similarly joined the Salvation Army's board in Raleigh when he moved back to Raleigh in 1996. His time spent volunteering for the Salvation Army was so meaningful that, in 2012, he was honored with one of their highest honors, the William Booth Award. Named for the Salvation Army's founder, the award is given to those who have made an international impact to the betterment of humanity. Garland's faith guided him each and every day to follow Christ's example and help those around the world who are in need. In word and deed, Garland dedicated his 94 years to making a mark here, nationally, and internationally, enriching the lives of everyone he met and all those across the world who were impacted by his work.