George Holding

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hurd).

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of my friend, Damon Nelson, who passed away only a few days ago. Damon was a gifted individual who dedicated his life to serving his country. A short time after graduating from college, Damon enlisted into the United States Air Force as an in-flight refueling specialist. Damon distinguished himself in the Persian Gulf War for which he was awarded an Air Medal and three Air Achievement Medals. Yet Damon's service to his country did not end when he left the Air Force. For the past 15 years, Damon has worked as a senior level congressional aide here in Congress, first in Congressman Nunes' office and most recently as staff director of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Mr. Speaker, we are all shaken and heartbroken by the news of Damon's untimely passing. He was loved by all who knew him for his good humor, his cheerful optimism, and his friendly personality. You could always count on Damon to lend a hand or provide some much-needed guidance. At work he earned a reputation as a highly intelligent and enthusiastic doer capable of attacking any challenge that came through the door. Damon Nelson will be remembered as a loving husband and a gifted individual who dedicated his life to public service and as a good friend. My prayers are with his wife, Dana; his family; his colleagues; and his many, many friends. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Wenstrup).

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 107th National Day of Taiwan and its relationship with the United States. The United States and Taiwan have enjoyed a prosperous relationship, with our two countries working together in support of enhanced security, trade, and economic prosperity. In 2017, Taiwan was ranked as the 11th largest trading partner of the United States and the 7th largest market for US agricultural products. Numerous jobs in the United States are supported by investment from Taiwan affiliates and by exports of U.S. goods and services to Taiwan. It is clear to me that, as we strengthen our relationship with Taiwan, we succeed in advancing United States interests. People-to-people ties between citizens of the United States and of Taiwan form an important bond between the two nations. There are about 150 sister cities between the United States and Taiwan, connecting our two societies on a global level. In addition, travel for business and pleasure from Taiwan to the United States has increased 50 percent since Taiwan became a member of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program in November 2012. Additionally, Taiwanese students represent a significant demographic of international students studying in the United States. The formational policies for the United States' relationship with Taiwan, the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, were crafted almost four decades ago, and continue to be the foundation of this bilateral relationship. The people-to-people engagement and mutually beneficial commercial transactions are the mortar that fortifies the relationship. Today I remind my colleagues that we have a valuable ally in Taiwan.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the brave members of the XVIII Airborne Corps from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, who deployed September 13, 2018 to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Established in 2014, Operation Inherent Resolve continues to play an essential role on the front lines of the fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. This Combined Joint Task Force is comprised of elite soldiers who have supported many successful efforts, from rescuing Yazidi victims to defending strategic territories in Iraq and Syria, such as Baghdad and Mosul. These troops work closely with partner forces, such as Iraqi Security Forces and Syrian opposition fighters, delivering strategic blows to ISIS. Notable successes include Operation Tidal Wave II, which destroyed nearly 80% of ISIS oil collection infrastructure and the successful liberation of Ramadi, Iraq and Shaddadi, Syria. Today, Operation Inherent Resolve continues to execute successful operations and uphold its mission to defeat the threat of ISIS and to increase regional stability. I am immensely proud of the members of the XVIII Airborne Corps of Ft. Bragg who will be deployed to support this mission and grateful for their tireless service. These brave men and women represent the best our nation has to offer and their bravery and dedication to our nation deserves the utmost respect. I would also like to acknowledge the sacrifice of their families, and commend them for their support throughout deployment.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, Hurricane Florence devastated North Carolina. Historic levels of rainfall have upended countless families and destroyed crops, with flooding and debris strewn about unlike anything our communities have ever witnessed. The $1.68 billion of disaster relief in this legislation is a much-needed first step in providing relief. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to provide for those in need.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, September 12, I remained in North Carolina to assist with hurricane preparedness efforts. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 394; YEA on Roll Call No. 395; and YEA on Roll Call No. 396.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6691, the Community Safety and Security Act, and urge all of my colleagues to support this bill. I also want to thank my colleague, Congresswoman Handel, for her very hard work in advancing this legislation. In April, as we know, the Supreme Court held, in Sessions v. Dimaya, that the term ``crime of violence'' was unconstitutionally vague. This decision meant certain obviously violent offenses would no longer qualify as violent crimes and, thus, made it more challenging to deport illegal immigrants who have committed what we would all call violent crimes. Justice Gorsuch was the deciding vote in the case, casting his vote for fear that vague laws invite arbitrary power. In his opinion, he indicated that it was the duty of the legislature to add to the list of what constitutes a crime of violence that could lead to a person's deportation. This legislation does just that. As a former United States attorney, I understand that clarity is the cornerstone of justice. So by clearly defining what constitutes a violent crime, we are not only strengthening our judicial system, but also ensuring the safety of the American people.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 70th anniversary of the creation of the bilateral US-UK Fulbright Commission. I would like to take this opportunity to honor the many exchange scholars who have crossed the Atlantic to strengthen the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom. In doing so, these individuals have forged a bond between our two nations, rooted in Senator Fulbright's vision at the end of the Second World War. I quote his vision: ``The vital mortar to seal the bricks of world order is education across international boundaries, not with the expectation that knowledge would make us love each other, but in the hope that it would encourage empathy between nations, and foster the emergence of leaders whose sense of other nations and cultures would enable them to shape specific policies based on tolerance and rational restraint.'' The Fulbright program stands out as a symbol of collaboration and friendship between nations. It enables students and scholars of all stages of their academic careers to garner a deeper understanding of and appreciation for a culture and nation different from their own. While much has changed since the first US-UK Fulbright exchange nearly 70 years ago, much remains the same. As chairman of the British-American Parliamentary Group, I am proud of the broad bipartisan and bicameral support for the US-UK Fulbright Commission. The special relationship we have with the United Kingdom has undoubtedly been further cemented by the friendships forged as succeeding generations have come to a deeper understanding of each other through academic exchange. Important scientific discoveries have been made and Nobel Prizes won. A Fulbright scholarship has been the catalyst for great novelists and playwrights, economists, scientists, entrepreneurs, and, yes, even politicians. Today, I invite my colleagues to commemorate this 70th anniversary of the US-UK Fulbright program by celebrating the achievements of its alumni and pledging their continued support to ensure its enduring success.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I would like to say a few words this morning about the work that we have been doing here in the House to add workfare requirements to the food stamp program. President Ronald Reagan once stated: ``The Federal Government declared war on poverty, and poverty won.'' That is as true today as it was when President Reagan said it. Over the last five decades, Congress has spent more than $22 trillion of taxpayers' money on government welfare programs. The result: 50 years later, the poverty rate stands unchanged. If anyone ever needed more proof that more government isn't the solution to every problem, here is the proof. If you were to measure success solely on how much taxpayer money the government spends to solve a problem, then the government's war on poverty has been wildly successful. After all, we now have 13 Federal agencies running more than 80 government welfare programs. But if we judge success based on how many people have been able to rise out of poverty to take care of themselves and their families, these government programs have failed. So what have we learned after spending $22 trillion? It is simple: Workfare helps people stand on their own two feet. It helps people get off the welfare treadmill. For example, before Congress reformed Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, also known as TANF, to incorporate a strict work requirement, there were 4.9 million families on the welfare rolls. Now, thanks to workfare reforms, we have seen 3.3 million families rise out of welfare dependence. That is a success. In 2014, when Maine began enforcing workfare for able-bodied adults without dependents who are receiving food stamps, the Maine caseload decreased by 80 percent within months. The simple requirement that able-bodied adults without dependents should work in order to receive welfare benefits, paired with job search assistance and training opportunities, works. It gets people out of welfare and into the workforce. We have learned that it makes a profound difference in people's lives when they understand that welfare is not meant to be a handout but, actually, a hand up. Now, we need to apply these lessons about the benefits of workfare to more government welfare programs like food stamps and housing. That is especially important today because, with the economy growing, thanks to tax reform, job openings recently hit a record high of 6.6 million, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. By taking a stand for workfare requirements, we now have an opportunity to move millions of Americans from reliance on welfare to work and financial independence. I commend the House for passing a farm bill that includes a strong workfare requirement for able-bodied adults without dependents. We have opened the door to welfare reforms that will help put people on the road to self-reliance, and I encourage my colleagues to build on this foundation and continue to stand up for workfare instead of welfare.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I am not recorded for votes on July 16th because I was absent due to a funeral. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 329 and YEA on Roll Call No. 330.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on No. 291.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Chairman, I would like to highlight the importance of medication-assisted treatment in combating the opioid epidemic. This epidemic has pervaded all populations, including our seniors. Medicare beneficiaries have among the highest and fastest rate of opioid use disorder, yet they do not currently have coverage for the most effective treatment. The SUPPORT Act, which will be before the House today, would change that. This bill provides for a fully coordinated, bundled-care model that will help patients through medication-assisted treatment, which combines the use of medication with counseling, group therapy, and drug testing. Just this week, the NIH released a study that found delivering medication-assisted treatment to patients following an opioid overdose dropped the death rate by 59 percent. The President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis also cited the value of medication-assisted treatment in reducing overdoses and relapses while retaining patients in a treatment program. For example, a constituent named Jeff from North Carolina became dependent on opioids after a difficult back surgery. He initially tried to stop cold, but went into withdrawal and relapsed. Fortunately, Jeff was able to receive treatment from the Goldsboro Comprehensive Treatment Center where he went through counseling. His progress was monitored, and monthly drug screens kept him accountable. He--Jeff--now says that his life has changed 100 percent for the better. Every Member of this House has constituents just like Jeff who have struggled with addiction but can regain their life with the right treatment. While there is no silver bullet to this crisis, we need to ensure patients and doctors have all options at their disposal to combat the opioid epidemic.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the vital importance to U.S.-Taiwan relations, and for the peace, security and stability of the Western Pacific, of the inauguration on June 12th of a new office complex for the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT). The inauguration ceremony for this new facility will be attended by a number of dignitaries, including Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen. This event represents much more than the opening of just another new office complex in Taipei. It stands as a concrete example of the firm commitment and unbreakable bonds that exist between the peoples of the United States and Taiwan. Next year will mark the 40th anniversary of the passage and signing into law of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) which has served as a cornerstone for our vigorous security, economic and people-to-people bilateral relationship. It was a proud moment in the history of the American Congress when we took the lead in assuring that the diplomatic recognition to Beijing would not come at the expense of Taiwan. The people of Taiwan have earned our friendship and support as they share our own dedication to democracy, human rights and a free market economy. Let us stand with Taiwan here again today by recognizing the upgrading of the American presence on Taiwan through the inauguration of this new AIT facility.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 74th anniversary of the D- Day invasion. Today in 1944, more than 160,000 allied troops crossed the English Channel and landed on the heavily-fortified French coastline of Normandy. This was the largest amphibious military operation in history, and establishing a foothold in Continental Europe was critical to the ultimate defeat of Nazi Germany. The bravery and heroism displayed by American soldiers will forever be remembered. There is an annual D-Day ceremony in Normandy, and this year 137 members of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte ``Pride of Niner Nation'' Marching Band will participate in the event. The University originally began as an education center for World War II veterans, and this is a terrific opportunity for the students to connect with the University's roots. Nine of these members of the ``Pride of Niner Nation'' Marching Band are from North Carolina's Second Congressional District. Those students include Jeffrey Bubar, Michelle Dunbar, Hope Dunn, Kerriona Jones, Kelsey Lane, Victoria Mitchell, Abraham Ogden, Jonathan Shough, and Hailey Waynor. Mr. Speaker, these students represent the best of our state and our nation, and it is an honor to represent them in Congress. Not only are these students part of the first university band from North Carolina that will represent the United States at this ceremony, they are the only college marching band from the United States that were selected to perform in today's ceremony. Mr. Speaker, we will always owe a debt of gratitude to the brave men and women in uniform, and today's anniversary is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices that they have made to keep our nation secure. I thank the students of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte ``Pride of Niner Nation'' Marching Band for their dedication to honoring our nation and our veterans.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the life of Mary Grady Burnette Koonce. Mary Grady was born in Raleigh on January 4, 1935. She graduated from Saint Mary's School in Raleigh in 1954 and went on to receive a degree in Journalism in 1956 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. She worked in public relations for Meredith College and then at the Raleigh Times as a court reporter. Mr. Speaker, in 1957, Mary Grady won the North Carolina Press Women First Place Award and also received the Tar Heel Writers Roundtable First Place prize for juvenile fiction. She enjoyed freelancing as a journalist, writing short stories and poetry. When not writing, Mary Grady was actively involved in her community. She was a North Carolina Museum of Art docent, Bal de Mer Co-Chair, Treasurer of the Guild; and also Saint Mary's School Parents' Council Vice Chair and Vice President of the Friends of the Library. She was a member of the Raleigh Fine Arts Guild, the Junior League of Raleigh, Hayes Barton United Methodist Church Chancel Committee, and North Carolina Museum of History Associates Wake County Committee. Regrettably, Mary Grady Burnette Koonce passed away on April 25 this year in Raleigh at the age of 83. She was a kind and graceful wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, and friend who loved time with her children and grandchildren. And she will be missed.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of my amendment, and I urge all colleagues to support its inclusion in the farm bill today. Mr. Chairman, the amendment is simple. It ends eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for convicted rapists, murderers, and those guilty of sexual exploitation. The 2014 farm bill contained a prohibition for these individuals from being eligible for SNAP, but the individual also has to be considered a fleeing felon. This means that, in order to lose eligibility, the person has to not only be a convicted murderer, rapist, et cetera, but they also must be in violation of the terms of their sentence. Mr. Chairman, I believe we should not have to wait before a criminal who has already been convicted of these acts violates the terms of their sentence before terminating the benefits. Mr. Chairman, this amendment would eliminate the fleeing felon provision from the underlying law and thereby prohibits convicted rapists, pedophiles, murderers, et cetera, from being eligible for SNAP. This is a commonsense proposal that says if you commit these atrocious crimes that you are ineligible for this government program. Mr. Chairman, I urge all of my colleagues to vote for this commonsense amendment and include it in the farm bill that we have under consideration. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, we must reform our Nation's welfare programs. President Ronald Reagan once remarked: ``The Federal Government declared war on poverty, and poverty won.'' Unfortunately, his assessment remains all too accurate to this day. Over the past five decades, the United States Government has spent more than $22 trillion on welfare, only to see the poverty rate remain unchanged. Mr. Speaker, to solve this problem, we must first properly diagnose the cause. Too often, Washington's prescribed cure is yet another government program or increased spending on existing programs. However, we already have 13 Federal agencies running more than 80 Federal programs that provide food, housing, healthcare, job training, education, energy assistance, and cash to low-income Americans. And we should not gauge the success of our war on poverty by how much is spent, but on how many people are actually able to get out of poverty. That is the point. The root cause of the failed ``war on poverty'' is that the structure of our current welfare system entrenches a culture of dependency rather than promoting a path to self-sufficiency. Overwhelming evidence supports what should be a commonsense conclusion: that there is a direct correlation between work and poverty. For example, before Congress reformed the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program to incorporate a strict work requirement, there were 4.9 million families on the rolls of this program. Two decades later, thanks to these workfare reforms, we have seen 3.3 million families come off of the welfare rolls. Now, that is a success. In my home State of North Carolina, reforms to unemployment insurance benefits led an increase in both employment and labor force participation. Later research has found that Congress' decision in 2013 to not extend Federal unemployment benefits resulted in 1.8 million new jobs nationwide the following year. Furthermore, in 2014, when Maine began enforcing strict work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents receiving food stamps, their caseload decreased by 80 percent within months. This requirement was paired with substantial job search assistance and job training opportunities. Mr. Speaker, we should apply the lessons of these success stories to all government welfare programs, particularly food stamps and housing. It is imperative that welfare recipients understand that the government is not offering a one-way handout, but rather, a two-way deal. We are willing to help you, but only if you are willing to help yourself. And with the American economy growing, thanks to tax reform, opportunities are available. Mr. Speaker, job openings recently hit a record-high of 6.6 million across the country, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. By incorporating education and training, benefit time limits, and strong work requirements, we can move millions of Americans from welfare to work. In addition to fiscal benefits, engaging in workfare increases self- sufficiency, encourages community engagement, and offers recipients a sense of purpose and dignity. We have a unique opportunity with this year's farm bill, Mr. Speaker, to enact such reforms, and I encourage my colleagues to not be afraid to seize on this chance and promote work over welfare.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his support, and I urge all Members of the House to support this commonsense legislation. Mr. Speaker, the IRS is long overdue for an update, and today's bills mark a significant step in providing a reform that the agency needs and the American people deserve. Late last year, House and Senate Republicans ushered through a new and improved Tax Code which allows individuals to keep more of their hard-earned tax dollars. Along with the new Tax Code, we need a new and improved IRS. The multiple bills we are taking up today accomplish that goal to some degree. The taxpayer needs to come first. I am glad that Republicans and Democrats in the Ways and Means Committee have come together to work and make this a reality. The bills before the House today are centered on improving the functionality and the taxpayers experience with the IRS. From directing the IRS to develop a customer service strategy, to codifying the Free File program, we are reforming the IRS into an agency that works for the American people. It puts the American people first. These bills will improve the ease and efficiency of filing taxes and retrieving information. We also established an independent Office of Appeals to ensure that taxpayers receive a fair and impartial review of any disputes that may arise. But most of all, we guarantee that customer service goals are set by the IRS and that we assure the IRS is accountable for meeting them. That is not all. Mr. Speaker, in today's world, the value of privacy cannot be understated. The IRS continues to face serious cyber threats that are becoming more and more advanced. It is necessary that the IRS stay ahead of these threats. Mr. Speaker, today we are faced with an incredible opportunity to modernize the IRS and put the American taxpayer first. So I urge my colleagues to support this bill, H.R. 5438, and other bills that are before the House. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5438, and encourage my colleagues to back this commonsense bill. Mr. Speaker, this is a short and sweet bill. It allows the IRS employees to provide taxpayers with information on low income taxpayer clinics. Specifically, IRS employees would be permitted to provide program details, including the eligibility requirements to receive assistance from a low income taxpayer clinic, also where the centers are located, and how to contact them. As many of my colleagues know, the low income taxpayer clinic program provides matching grants to organizations that assist low-income taxpayers as well as those who speak English as a second language. These clinics primarily work with taxpayers on dispute resolution issues with the IRS. They provide representation for audits, appeals, collection matters, and Federal tax litigation. These clinics are operated by nonprofit organizations or academic institutions, and services are provided for free or for a very small fee. My district in North Carolina is served by one of the clinics that is operated by North Carolina Central University School of Law, a fine institution just to the west of my house. North Carolina Central's motto is: ``Truth and Service.'' And this clinic allows individuals to come and get tax assistance from law school students who work under the supervision of the staff attorney there at the law school. I appreciate the hard work that those volunteers are doing in my community. This legislation before us today would allow the IRS to notify our various constituents of these clinics and their services. These clinics play an important role by helping taxpayers, and I am pleased to see this legislation move forward and see the help that it will give to our constituents by making them aware of the tools available in their own communities. This is a practical proposal that will improve taxpayers experience with the IRS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Congressman Lewis from Georgia, my colleague on the Ways and Means Committee, my friend, for partnering with me on this bill. This bill was approved with unanimous bipartisan support by the House Ways and Means Committee, and I urge my colleagues in the House to support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 5438, currently under consideration.

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5438) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow officers and employees of the Department of the Treasury to provide to taxpayers information regarding low-income taxpayer clinics, as amended.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor John Stuart Bruce of Raleigh, North Carolina. John Bruce was born in Winston-Salem and grew up in Raleigh. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating in 1975. John then chose to pursue law school, also at UNC, where he graduated in 1978. Mr. Speaker, after practicing with a Raleigh law firm for about four years, John decided to enter public service with the U.S. Department of Justice. He was appointed as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina on April 18, 1983, and excelled at his job. John received two Director's Awards from DOJ; one in 2002 for superior performance in a managerial role, and another in 2004 for superior performance as an Assistant United States Attorney for his work on a prosecution that was called at the time the most successful public corruption case in North Carolina history. This case resulted in the conviction of the North Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture and four of her top aides for multiple felonies associated with their corrupt activities, including extortion under color of official right, mail and wire fraud, and obstruction of justice. The North Carolina Bar Association also recognized John that year with an award as the Outstanding Public Sector Attorney. Mr. Speaker, when my nomination to serve as U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of North Carolina was confirmed by the Senate in 2006, I selected John to serve as First Assistant U.S. Attorney, working as second-in-command during my five years as U.S. Attorney. His professionalism, integrity, and experience were invaluable as we prosecuted drug trafficking, public corruption, and terrorism cases all across Eastern North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, John Stuart Bruce twice served as U.S. Attorney for the EDNC on an interim basis; first, for a year prior to the confirmation of Frank D. Whitney as U.S. Attorney in 2002, and most recently for 21 months prior to Robert J. Higdon, Jr. taking the oath of office to become the United States Attorney for the Eastern District on October 10, 2017. Following 34 years of government service, John recently retired on February 9, 2018. I will always consider John a valued colleague and a friend from our time together in the U.S. Attorney's office. I wish him well in his retirement and any future endeavors.