George Holding

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, the United States is fortunate to have allies and partners across the world that we work with every day to combat terrorism and our other security challenges. One of these relationships that I work closely on is the strategic partnership between the United States and India. Together, the U.S. and India face a set of common security challenges, and there can be no question that closer defense and security cooperation between our two democracies will greatly benefit all of our people. Over the last few years, Mr. Speaker, we have seen substantial growth in this partnership, most recently formalized last year with the 10- year renewal of the defense framework. This partnership is also highlighted by forums such as the U.S.-India Defense Technology and Trade Initiative. I firmly believe that Congress should be supporting and offering more opportunities for the U.S.-India defense partnership to succeed. That is why today I will be introducing the U.S.-India Defense Technology and Partnership Act. This legislation will cement the progress that has already been made and will lay the foundation for future cooperation and growth. Additionally, this legislation will elevate India's status by shortening the time required for the notification of sale or export of defense articles from the United States to India. It will also bring our defense establishment closer together by encouraging more joint contingency planning and will require the U.S. Government to review and assess India's ability to execute military operations of mutual interest. Just as important as efforts like the legislation I am introducing today, I believe, is Congress' closer examination and oversight of other actions that impact the U.S.-India partnership. One that certainly comes to mind, Mr. Speaker, is the delicate and, at times, seemingly confused policy with Pakistan. Pakistan has proven time and time again that it is an unreliable partner. While Pakistan has taken some, but very limited, action to disrupt terror elements that operate within their borders, their demonstrated unwillingness to fulfill and execute counterterrorism efforts should leave no question as to their true intentions. So why, Mr. Speaker, last month, did the administration notice a sale of eight F-16s to Pakistan? What, I ask, is the benefit of the sale to our national security and the security of the region and our partners? This is one question, Mr. Speaker. But the request to use taxpayer dollars to finance the sale of these F-16s to Pakistan is entirely another question. What has Pakistan actually done to deserve these fighter jets, let alone financing from the United States taxpayers? Certainly not enough, in my view, as I firmly oppose the sale from start to finish. Every year since 2011, the administration has been required to utilize a waiver to continue providing security assistance to Pakistan. Why, you might ask, does the administration need to continually use a waiver? Well, it is because Pakistan has failed to be an honest and real partner in the efforts to combat terrorism that is exported from its borders. On this front, Mr. Speaker, I have joined with Congressman Bera to seek a restriction on the availability of security assistance to Pakistan next fiscal year. We are not seeking to completely prohibit the use of the Presidential waiver--although, I might add, this is a debate worth having here in the House. We are simply asking that 30 percent of the funds should not be subject to a waiver. This is a commonsense step that will, hopefully, after years of trying, get the Pakistani Government to cooperate and meet the requirements set in law. Mr. Speaker, India should know that they have a strong and committed partner in the U.S. Congress, and I believe that steps such as passing the appropriations fence I just outlined and passing the U.S.-India Defense Technology and Partnership Act would send a strong message and certainly enhance our strategic partnership with India. Mr. Speaker, we have a tremendous opportunity in front of us right now to further build an enduring defense and security partnership with India that will endure for years to come and, indeed, benefit both of our great democracies.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, on roll call No. 99, I would have voted ``Nay'' on roll call vote No. 99, on the Huffman Amendment to H.R. 2406, to protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing, and shooting, and for other purposes, on February 26, 2016. I missed the vote due to being unavoidably detained.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and work of Goldsboro's own George Collins Jeffreys, who passed away on January 20. Born over 90 years ago, in 1925, George lived a long and full life. The eldest of four children, he attended St. Mary's School and Oak Ridge Military Academy in Oak Ridge, North Carolina. During the Second World War, George served in the Pacific. After the war, George returned home to work in the family business, which was originally established back in the 1890s by two prominent North Carolina families to market local produce, chickens, seed, and eggs. The business was successful. In the 1920s, George's father and uncle took over the business, renaming it Jeffreys and Sons. The two brothers began offering beverage distribution. After the end of prohibition, they became a licensed distributor for Anheuser-Busch products. It wasn't long before the company had grown so big that it was divided into separate seed, beverage, and cabinet companies. It continued growing and expanding in Goldsboro, Greenville, and other communities. Today, R.A. Jeffreys Distributing Company is the oldest Anheuser- Busch distributor in North Carolina as well as one of the oldest family-owned distributors in the United States. R.A. Jeffreys Distributing Company services almost every grocery store, convenience store, and restaurant in the area, supplying 36 counties in North Carolina. Now, George Jeffreys was not only respected as a business leader. He was a thoughtful and generous member of his community, volunteering and contributing to local schools, Scout troops, churches, and community programs. In addition to his company being recognized multiple times as an outstanding wholesaler by Anheuser-Busch, receiving the Dimensions of Excellence Award, George also received the Distinguished Service Award from the Tuscarora Council of the Boy Scouts of America. His dedication to business and to his community were certainly highlights of his long and full life. But the true foundation of George Jeffreys' life was his family. His wife Lucy and his three children--his daughters, Leigh and Ellen, and his son Robert--and seven grandchildren will all remember him with love. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to call George Jeffreys a friend. I pray for God's blessings and God's peace to his family.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that, when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 15, 2016.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, it seems we can't go more than a few days without the regime in Tehran once again making the headlines. From violating U.N. Security Council resolutions to firing rockets dangerously close to one of our aircraft carriers, to detaining our sailors, Iran shows no interest in actually wanting to be part of the international community What is worse, Mr. Speaker, is that this administration seems all too willing to look the other way, with new sanctions being announced all for the sake of preserving a flawed nuclear agreement. Later this month the House will consider again the Iran Terror Finance Transparency Act, legislation that, in light of Iran's recent actions, is absolutely necessary. Mr. Speaker, now is the time for strong American leadership, leadership that stands up to rogue regimes bent on the destruction of America and our allies.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, on New Year's Day, we mourned the loss of a great lady, Barbara Stockton Perry. Today I rise to celebrate Barbara's 89 years of life that she devoted to her Christian faith, to her family, and to her community. Barbara was born on November 3, 1926, in the town of Franklin, which is a small North Carolina mountain community that is tucked away under the Great Smoky Mountains. Though the population was very small, Barbara had a large personality and a keen mind. She was the valedictorian of Franklin High School in 1943, and she graduated cum laude from Brenau College in 1947. She then went on to the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill School of Law. She was the only woman in the class of 1950, and she was a member of the law review as well. This was classic Barbara, distinguishing herself as a highly intelligent woman who was not afraid to break glass ceilings. Barbara's first position out of law school was as assistant legal counsel to the Belk Stores Corporation in Charlotte. Then, after marrying Warren Perry in June of 1951, she moved to Kinston, North Carolina, with him and became a partner at Perry, Perry and Perry law firm. There, she became involved in the State bar and the local bar and was named to the Board of Governors of the North Carolina Bar Association. Community service was important to Barbara. So throughout her life, she donated her time and efforts to a long list of organizations, including the United Way, the North Carolina Symphony, the Kinston Arts Council, the Kinston-Lenoir County Bicentennial Commission, and the Pride of Kinston organization. A lifelong educational advocate, Barbara also served on the Board of Trustees of Parrot Academy, Lenoir Community College, Brenau University, and UNC-Chapel Hill, where she was elected to two terms on the Board of Governors of the entire 16- university UNC system. In recognition of her contributions to North Carolina, she was honored by two North Carolina Governors, Jim Holshouser and Pat McCrory. Both of these Governors awarded her the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. If ever anyone instilled and fostered pride in the great State of North Carolina, certainly it was Barbara Stockton Perry. Ever devoted to faith, Barbara served for many years on the board of Angel Ministries. She was a long-time member of the Gordon Street Christian Church and more recently joined the Faith Fellowship Church. While her contributions to her community are beyond measure, Barbara's true joy was her family. She lost the love of her life, Warren, in 2003, but theirs was a life filled with adventure. By all accounts, they traveled the world together and shared a dance on all seven continents. At home, this extraordinary lady was known to her family simply as Mama Perry. She was happiest when she was surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and extended family. Mr. Speaker, it is impossible to condense the life of this truly remarkable woman into a few short minutes. I will close in saying that I was honored and privileged to know her, and I give thanks to Barbara Perry for devoting her life to her family, her community, and her faith. She will be missed beyond measure. May God always bless her.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, the PATH Act will provide much-needed certainty to our Nation's families and small businesses and, most importantly, lay the foundation for comprehensive tax reform. For far too long, folks in North Carolina had to face the burden of trying to grow their businesses and plan for the future while being forced to operate under a tax system comprised of temporary tax provisions whose fate is unpredictable. With this bill, farmers in my district will be able to purchase a new tractor without having to gamble on whether Congress will extend the expensing provisions they depend on. In the Research Triangle Park, innovative companies will finally be able to access the R&D credit to further support their groundbreaking research without being concerned as to whether Congress will extend the credit or not. Mr. Speaker, importantly, it is imperative that we continue to build on this progress. This bill is an important first step towards comprehensive tax reform that simplifies the Tax Code, lowers the rate, and makes America competitive around the world. I urge my colleagues to support the PATH Act.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, after Mary Louise Roberts' father died during the Depression, she worked in a laundry, then she trained as a nurse. After Pearl Harbor, she joined the Army. Two years later, she waded ashore at Anzio, Italy, to set up a field hospital on the battlefield. The hospital tent was bombed, killing three nurses. Three days later, German artillery killed two more nurses. As shrapnel tore through the burning tent, Mary Roberts calmly supervised surgeries on wounded soldiers. Mary was called ``the Angel of Anzio,'' and was the first woman to win the Silver Star. Today, Mr. Speaker, all you have to do is open the newspaper to see the cruelest kind of barbarism has been reborn in the world--ISIS burns people alive and sells women in slave markets in Syria and Iraq. On Veterans Day, let us remember Mary Roberts and all our veterans, and, by the grace of God, offer a prayer of thanks for the soldiers whose courage keeps us safe at home, every day.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, Iran is shortly set to receive over $100 billion when President Obama uses his pen to lift our sanctions against the world's largest sponsor of terrorism. At the same time, Mr. Speaker, Iran owes U.S. victims of terror it sponsored and supported $43.5 billion. One of these victims was Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Wagner of Columbia, North Carolina. He was serving in the American Embassy in Beirut in 1984 when a car bomb filled with explosives paid for by Iran detonated outside his office, killing him and 23 other people. In the case of Petty Officer Wagner and Tehran's other victims, our courts have found Iran guilty and ordered Iran to pay restitution, but Iran has not paid a penny. Mr. Speaker, we should require Iran to pay every penny it owes to the victims of terrorism before sanctions are lifted, period.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. I thank the chairman. The chairman has one of the brightest and most insightful foreign policy minds this Congress has ever produced. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the legislation in front of us. For years, our Nation, in conjunction with partners from across the globe, built up a robust sanctions package against the regime in Tehran for their illegal nuclear work, among other illicit actions and activities. These sanctions worked, Mr. Speaker. Iran's economy crumbled, which forced them to the negotiating table. The only trouble is, Mr. Speaker, on the other side of that negotiating table was the Obama administration--a group so eager to sign a deal that they gave in to the Iranians at every turn and forgot the true nature and evil of who they were dealing with. To get a deal, the administration walked back many of their initial demands--demands that actually might have made this a better deal. Mr. Speaker, it is all too clear that this deal must be reworked and rejected. Now, I certainly believe that there is a role for diplomacy, but diplomacy must come from a source of strength, not weakness and capitulation, which is why the legislation before us today is so important. The waivers built into our sanctions were not meant to be used by any President to force an agreement past Congress and the majority of the American people. The last thing the world--let alone the United States--should be doing right now is relaxing sanctions and giving Iran more money--more money to spread terror, more money to execute civilians, more money to support murderous proxy regimes. Mr. Speaker, this deal cannot stand, and I urge support for this bill.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding family business in my home State of North Carolina. When Southern Piping Company opened in 1965, it had two employees and a loan from the Small Business Administration. The two employees were Peggy Williford and her husband, Buren, who was one of the first licensed mechanical contractors in North Carolina--SPC, a classic family business, with all three of Peggy and Buren's sons--Chris, Mark, and Tim--continuing to lead the company. Since 1965, the Willifords and the SPC family have weathered recessions and hard times, and over the years, through good old- fashioned hard work, they have grown. Starting with one office in Wilson, SPC has expanded their plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning business to four offices statewide, and their SPC trucks are a familiar sight on the roads across North Carolina, but the biggest story is the family they have built through SPC, today providing jobs to 450 people. When it came to building the company, Buren Williford always had a commonsense philosophy. He said: ``Successful companies look for like- minded people to do business with.'' Today, Southern Piping Company is adopting a new name--SPC Mechanical--to more accurately describe its growth and success. The Williford family still practices the old-fashioned principles of integrity, safety, and giving back to their community, for example, by offering young employees scholarships to attend nearby Barton College. This year represents a landmark for the Williford family. They have now been in business for 50 years. It is my pleasure today to recognize the accomplishments of Peggy and Buren Williford.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, The Washington Post reports that the President knew of two secret side deals in the agreement with Iran but failed to inform Congress. More troubling, The Washington Post reports that, while the President and the Secretary of State know the agreements exist, neither has seen them. These agreements, which are between Iran and the U.N.'s International Atomic Energy Agency, govern the inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities. In its article, The Washington Post quotes the Deputy Director of the U.N. agency as saying, ``No American is ever going to get to see them,'' in speaking of these side agreements. Mr. Speaker, no one believes we can deal with Iran with a gentlemanly handshake, so the linchpin to any agreement is inspections. Why on Earth would the President make an agreement that includes secret deals between Iran and the U.N. agency which is doing the inspections that no American, including him, will ever see? It is beyond my comprehension. Congress needs to reject this bad deal.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th anniversary of the Welles Declaration. Issued on July 23, 1940, by United States Under Secretary of State Sumner Welles, this declaration condemned the Soviet Union's aggression against, and annexation of, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This strong statement was the first announcement of the historic policy of non-recognition that was pivotal to empowering the resistance by democratic movements behind the Iron Curtain. Until the restoration of their independence, the United States maintained strong support for the freedom of these Baltic States and their people. Mr. Speaker, at this particular moment in history, I believe this anniversary holds even more significance. History has a way of repeating itself Mr. Speaker, and as we see aggressive military campaigns seeking to illegally gain dominance over nations' sovereign territory, we must have the same courage of our predecessors to stand against tyranny and support those who yearn for democracy, freedom, and independence. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to remember the role our nation had 75 years ago supporting Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in their aspirations for freedom, and commend those nations today for their commitment to democratic governance, their contributions to NATO, and the critical role they each play in promoting democratic ideals worldwide.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 2722.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, the Obama administration and Tehran are yet again running up against another deadline. This one comes next Tuesday when the clock expires on reaching a comprehensive nuclear deal. Mr. Speaker, if you head over to whitehouse.gov, there is a site outlining the current nuclear negotiations. On the front page of this Web site, when discussing what a possible deal with Iran should do, it states: ``prevent Iran from using the cover of negotiations to continue advancing its nuclear program as we seek to negotiate a long-term comprehensive solution that addresses all of the international community's concerns.'' Mr. Speaker, what have we seen in reality? It is a possible deal that could block international inspectors from having unrestricted access to all of Iran's nuclear sites to verify their compliance. Mr. Speaker, what could Iran possibly have to hide if their nuclear work is solely for peaceful purposes? We have also seen a deal that doesn't require Iran to disclose all of its previous nuclear work and possible military dimensions. It is a bad deal because, if Iran expects the world to trust them and lift sanctions, why not come clean? I also see a deal that could lift all sanctions once the ink is dried, which is a bad deal, because what would this instant relief be rewarding? Years of covert work, violations of U.N. resolutions, and the export of terror across the globe--no one in good faith could say that the deal before the world right now prevents Iran from obtaining a pathway to the bomb. If anything, Mr. Speaker, it puts them on a pathway to the bomb. It has been clear for some time now that this administration has been negotiating not with Iran, but with itself. We have seen them consistently move the goalpost on what they are willing to accept with respect to essential components of a good deal. This ranges from the number of centrifuges to inspections to the dismantling of nuclear infrastructure. The parameters of what this administration is willing to accept has moved so many times, I don't believe it would surprise anyone if reports emerged before next Tuesday that showed even more concessions have been made. Mr. Speaker, the administration needs to prevent Iran from having a pathway to the bomb. They need to hold good on their word that no deal is better than a bad deal. Mr. Speaker, I don't see how anyone right now, with the exception of Iran, could accept the reported deal as a ``good deal.'' Let's not settle for a bad deal; let's not stand for a nuclear Iran.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas, my good friend, the chairman of the Rules Committee, for yielding. Here we go again, Mr. Speaker, debating what should be the United States' future role in the global economy. We have heard a lot over the past few months about the economic benefits associated with free and fair trade, but trade is just as important to our Nation's foreign policy as it is to our bottom line. There is no question that trade is an important, strategic soft-power tool. Mr. Speaker, I don't think for one second China isn't watching this very debate right now, waiting to see how serious we, the Congress, are about America's economic future and commitment to retaining our position of global leadership. In fact, Mr. Speaker, I would venture to guess they have been focused on what a deal like the TPP would mean for their sitting and future ambitions in the Asia Pacific region for a long time now. The United States can either be in a position where we can write the rules for the future trade agreements and develop closer bilateral ties with our negotiating partners, or we can sit on the sidelines. Passing TPA is about expanding our influence in a critical region of the world with the TPP and solidifying our alliances with our partners in Europe with the TTIP. Failing to pass TPA, I fear, will confirm many of our allies' own fears that America is in retreat from the global stage. But we can send a strong signal today, Mr. Speaker, that while our Nation's foreign policy has recently been adrift, the House of Representatives--and the United States--supports closer economic ties with our partners and wants to see an America that is engaged on the world stage. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this rule and support for the TPA legislation later today.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose the resolution in front of us today. If passed, the pressure we the United States have been able to apply against ISIS would be stopped, and our allies in the region would be left out in the cold. There is no doubt about the true wickedness of ISIS in both Iraq and Syria. Their twisted views and thirst for blood have spread instability in the Middle East, leaving a wake of destruction. The United States, along with our partners, has struggled to beat back ISIS' advances, and the adoption of this resolution would effectively end our operations against ISIS, thus creating a direct threat to our national security and our interests. Mr. Speaker, this resolution is misguided and unwise, and I urge my colleagues to oppose it.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairmen Ryan, Sessions, and Tiberi for their tireless effort to move us closer to realizing trade deals that will unlock new markets and bolster our national security. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of both the rule in front of us today and the trade promotion authority legislation we will consider tomorrow. The benefits of increased free and fair trade are well established and undeniable. For companies in my State, the pending trade deals would remove tariff barriers and unlock doors for businesses such as Morris & Associates, who export the world's best poultry chilling equipment; or a company like Cummins Engine in my State to export U.S.- made engines; and to allow countless farms in my district and State to export hogs, chickens, tobacco, and sweet potatoes all across the globe. This means increased productivity, which means better wages and more jobs. More importantly, Mr. Speaker, TPA is about empowering Congress, making sure that this body and the people's elected representatives keep tight reins on this President. Now, I am certainly no supporter of the President's laundry list of unconstitutional actions from immigration, to his administration's unilateral attempts to salvage the sinking ship that is ObamaCare, which is why TPA is needed. The President is going to negotiate trade deals whether or not we pass TPA. Why wouldn't we want to make this President's negotiators more accountable, the deals themselves more transparent, and make our oversight more effective? Now, here is how it works. If the President disregards the parameters Congress sets out or fails to consult Members at every step, Congress can turn off TPA. If the President comes back with a bad trade deal, Congress can vote it down. Mr. Speaker, we need TPA to not only get the best deals possible, but also need this authority to check the President. I urge my colleagues to support the rule and support TPA.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, we have all had teachers who were inspirations as well as educators. For twenty seven years, James T. Powell was that kind of teacher at my alma mater, Wake Forest University. I would like to pay personal tribute to Professor Powell-- who is retiring this year. I can say, from personal experience, the years a young man or woman spends at Wake Forest shapes the rest of their lives--whether they're recalling burning the midnight oil, pouring over the literature of ``The Ancients,'' or watching Rodney Rogers race down the basketball court. Back when I was a student, studying the ``Iliad'' and ``Odyssey'' were not the most popular subjects on campus--but Professor Powell always kept packed lecture halls. He was not only applauded and revered by his students and fellow professors--he was also formally recognized for his service, being awarded the Reid-Doyle Prize for Excellence in Teaching in 1996, the Award for Excellence in Advising in 2003, and the Kulynych Family Omicron Delta Kappa Award for Contributions to Student Life. Professor Powell was also a leader in many campus groups--Phi Beta Kappa, Secretary to the Faculty, the Judicial Council--where he served as Chairman--the Reynolds Scholarship Committee, the First-Year Seminar Committee, Divinity School Accreditation Committee and Dean of the College Search Committee. Mr. Speaker, like many young men and women who attended Wake Forest, I am honored and proud to say I studied under Professor James Powell.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Brady for offering this important piece of legislation. The research and development credit plays a crucial role in the continued economic growth of our Nation, spurring innovation and supporting high-skilled, high-paying jobs. Innovation has been a huge driver of growth in my district. Because of the breakthrough technologies coming out of Research Triangle Park, North Carolina has become a leader in American innovation. In and around my district, I have seen how important the R&D credit has been to our Nation's innovative companies, like Biogen, Cisco, GSK, SAS, UTC, and Siemens, amongst a host of others. I urge my colleagues to support such companies and their employees and the families of those employees by making this important credit permanent. Right now, Mr. Speaker, a growing number of foreign countries are increasing innovation and advancing manufacturing by providing generous and permanent R&D tax credits along with lower corporate tax rates. In fact, according to an OECD study, the U.S. ranks 22nd in research incentives among industrialized countries. We owe our innovators better, and in order to remain a leader in the increasingly global economy, we must continue to support and incentivize research and innovation here in the United States. Passage of this bill will provide companies and researchers with the certainty and support they need to keep America and my district and North Carolina in the forefront of global innovation and send a strong message that we stand behind the groundbreaking research being conducted by our Nation's innovators. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this bill.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, the challenges we face today are different from the challenges we faced when Mental Health Awareness Month began decades ago, but now, it is more important than ever that we take time out of our busy schedules to speak about the prevalence of mental illness and understand the importance, as friends, as family members, and as a community, of discussing the common signs of mental illness. Mr. Speaker, you may be surprised to learn, as I was, that 1 in 5 adults experience mental health problems each year; and, while each illness is unique, there are some common signs that you or a loved one could be suffering from mental illness, like difficulty concentrating or experiencing a change in sleeping habits. As parents, we must make an effort to talk to our children about their emotions and their mental health, just as we care for our children's physical health, by encouraging them to eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise frequently. Without a doubt, Mr. Speaker, America is one of the most blessed countries in the world. We are all offered the opportunities for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Raising healthy families, both physically and mentally, is one of the responsibilities that comes with those freedoms. You see, Mr. Speaker, the more voices we have speaking up about mental health, the better we can eliminate stigma surrounding mental health conditions. The National Alliance on Mental Illness of North Carolina is asking individuals in my home State, North Carolina, to see the person and not the illness and pledge to be stigma-free. It is time to end the silence and stigma often linked with mental health conditions, and I join them happily in this effort.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Chair, I rise today to support the Crowley-Engel- Holding-Bera-Royce amendment to the 2016 NDAA. As Co-Chair of the House India Caucus, I am privileged to spend time highlighting the robust and growing relationship between the United States and India to my colleagues and to my constituents. With the emerging challenges our two nations face in the Indo-Pacific region, we must place an emphasis on increasing the collaboration between our two defense departments and defense industries. In January to move this collaboration forward, the United States and India signed the ``Joint Strategic Vision for the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean Region'' laying out our shared principles and views for security in the region. Our two nations also agreed to renew--and upgrade--our ten year defense framework well before its expiration date which truly shows our commitment to working together. The United States and India are on the same page and through the diligent work of the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative along with the Department of Defense's India Rapid Reaction Cell, defense cooperation between our two nations is on the right trajectory. But more can, should, and will be done to bring us closer together on defense. Mr. Chair, India has a vital role to play in the Indo-Pacific by becoming a regional security provider and the United States should continue to work lockstep with our counterparts in New Delhi to achieve this. And Mr. Chair, that is precisely what our amendment supports.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Virginia, the chair of the Committee on the Judiciary, for both the time today and for his diligent work on the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015. Mr. Speaker, the world we live in is a dangerous place. Indeed, it is far more dangerous than it ever has been. Acts of terror reached a record level last year, and with the wickedness of groups like ISIS and Boko Haram showing continued, complete disregard for human life, our Nation must always remain prepared and vigilant. The legislation before us today, Mr. Speaker, builds on the reforms from the legislation passed last Congress, championed by my friend Representative Sensenbrenner, and it accounts for the absolute need to protect civil liberties while also remaining clear-eyed and vigilant about the real threats that we face every day around the world. I thank the chairman and I thank the committee for their work. I urge support for H.R. 2048.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and accomplishments of an important man of America's Greatest Generation, Dr. Thomas Frank Johnson. He faced life's challenges head on, and, throughout all of this vast change, he always saw America's promise above all else. Dr. Johnson, a military veteran and influential economist, passed away last December at the age of 94 and was recently buried at Arlington National Cemetery. He served as a lieutenant commander in the Navy in the Pacific from 1943 to 1945 and remained in the Navy Reserve until 1980. He was born September 27, 1920, in Lynchburg, Virginia, and was a child of the Great Depression, which affected his economic and personal outlook. His philosophy was simple--as he would tell his children--time marches on, so must we. Dr. Johnson was extremely proud of his military service. However, as a humble man, he only displayed one picture of himself, on his patrol craft 1191 in the Pacific, escorting aircraft carriers and destroyers into battle. After the war, he remained in the Navy, traveling by train, bringing soldiers and sailors home--some to their families, some to hospitals, and some to their final resting places. While very proud of his service, he rarely ever spoke of his time there. He simply moved on to the next phase of his life in post-World War II America. After concluding Active Duty, Dr. Johnson completed studies in economics at the University of Virginia and was a member of the Thomas Jefferson Society. He moved to Washington, D.C., in 1949 and began his professional career at the Department of Agriculture, specializing in the sugar beet industry, followed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In the mid-1950s, he served as the assistant commissioner of the Federal Housing Authority, in charge of research and legislation. He concluded his tenure at the Federal Housing Authority as acting commissioner. He then joined the American Enterprise Institute, where he influenced economic thought and public policy for another three decades. For those three decades, Dr. Johnson held senior leadership roles at the American Enterprise Institute, including director of economic policy studies. In his last year, he was the acting CEO. A man who did not seek the limelight, he had an uncanny ability to recruit and cultivate the foremost economic thinkers of our Nation. Dr. Johnson fostered the talent of at least three Nobel Prize winners in economics, including Milton Friedman, Jim Buchanan, and Gary Becker. Dr. Johnson influenced economic policy during seven Presidential administrations. He established a lunchtime forum for informal discussions with Cabinet Secretaries, financial leaders, and ambassadors. Even President George H.W. Bush would attend the forum. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Johnson was a humble and very forward-looking man. While engaging with many world leaders and policymakers, he was always a very private person, seldom talking about himself. He also taught economics nearly his entire professional life at the University of Virginia, George Mason University, and George Washington University. Throughout his career, Dr. Johnson was active in professional societies such as the National Association of Business Economists, serving as chapter president in 1971; Institute for Social Science Research; Royal Economic Society; National Tax Association; American Finance Association; Southern Economic Association; and the Cosmos Club here in Washington, where he often took his children to meet important policymakers and leading economists of the Nation and the world. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Johnson was also deeply engaged in his local community, serving on the Alexandria Hospital board of directors, including a term as its president. He also proudly served on the Alexandria school board and the vestry for St. Paul's Episcopal Church and Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill Episcopal Church in Alexandria. Mr. Speaker, my thoughts and prayers are with his wife of 63 years, Margaret Ann; three children, Thomas, William, and the Reverend Sarah Nelson; and seven grandchildren. Dr. Thomas Frank Johnson will surely be missed. Mr. Speaker, I will submit for the Record an additional account of Dr. Johnson's life. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and accomplishments of an important man in American life. Dr. Thomas Frank Johnson was part of the ``Greatest Generation'', a time now referred to as the ``American Century''. He, like other nonagenarians, saw so much change during his life and faced life's challenges head on. He witnessed a World War, a dozen presidents, the beginnings of commercial aviation and lunar landings, the construction and collapse of the Berlin Wall, the rise of China and India as world powers and other wonders. Throughout all of this vast change, he always saw above all else, America's promise. We commend Dr. Johnson--an influential economist shaping this nation's public policy and a veteran--who died December 28, 2014, at 94 years of age. He served as a Lt. Commander in the Navy in the Pacific from 1943 to 1945. He remained in the Navy Reserve until 1980. For nearly 30 years, Dr. Johnson held senior leadership roles at the American Enterprise Institute (1958-87), including director of economic policy studies and in his last year Acting CEO. A man who did not seek the limelight, he had an uncanny ability to recruit and cultivate the foremost economic thinkers. Dr. Johnson mentored numerous AEI scholars--providing the ideas and discourse--and then editing the publications of the nation's preeminent economists and public policy planners including Jean Kirkpatrick, Carla Hills, Irving Krystal, Herb Stein, and Murray Wiedenbaum. Dr. Johnson fostered the talent of at least three Nobel Prize winners in Economics including Milton Friedman, Jim Buchanan, and Gary Becker--well-known members of the Chicago School of Economic Thought. Because of Dr. Johnson's guidance and mentoring, other colleagues and assistants have also gone onto remarkable careers. Dr. Johnson was known as the ``Dean of AEI'' and influenced economic policy during seven presidential administrations--John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, Gerald R. Ford, Ronald W. Reagan and George H.W. Bush. Dr. Johnson established the AEI cafeteria, a lunchtime forum for informal discussions with cabinet secretaries, financial leaders, and ambassadors. George Herbert Walker Bush was a regular. Dr. Johnson published numerous articles of his own in professional journals and books such as Renewing America's Cities. He served on the commission for urban renewal under three Virginia Governors--Linwood Holton, Miles Godwin and Bob Dalton. In 1980, Virginia enacted a law that implemented most of commission's work with a $150 million appropriation--an enormous sum at the time--to renew Virginia's cities. He was a humble and very forward-looking man. While engaging with many world leaders and policymakers, he was always a very private person seldom talking about himself. He mused why anyone would want to know about his past. He and his generation just didn't boast--they just faced life every day and moved into the future. Over 94 years, Dr. Johnson achieved significant professional, community, and personal accomplishments. He was born Sept 27, 1920, in Lynchburg, Virginia, and was a child of the Great Depression which affected his economic and personnel outlook. His family had several reversals of fortune, including the loss of their tobacco farm near Farmville, Virginia. As a result, he didn't believe in debt and paid cash for everything, including his home. His philosophy was simple. As he would tell his children, ``time marches on, so must we.'' Dr. Johnson was extremely proud of his military service to our nation. However, as a humble man, he only displayed one picture of himself--on his ``Patrol Craft 1191'' in the Pacific escorting aircraft carriers and destroyers into battle. After the war, he remained in the U.S. Navy travelling by train bringing soldiers and sailors home: some to their families; some to hospitals; and some to their final resting places. While very proud of his service, he rarely ever spoke of that time. He simply moved onto his next Phase--the post World War II America. His generation witnessed terrible tragedies and atrocities. Because of these experiences, Dr. Johnson respected people of all origins recognizing their fate could have easily been his. He often told his children about friends and colleagues who experienced incredible war- time escapes and journeys from Eastern Europe and Asia to America. He helped many of these immigrants, refugees go onto successful lives in the United States. These harrowing experiences are why he never lost sight of America's promise. After concluding active duty, Dr. Johnson completed studies in economics at the University of Virginia (B.A. 1943, M.A. 1947, and Ph.D. 1949) and was a member of the Thomas Jefferson Society. He also attended Lynchburg College (1939-41). Dr. Johnson moved to Washington, D.C. in 1949 and began his professional career at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (1949-51)-- specializing in the sugar industry--followed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (1951-54). In the mid-1950s, he served as Assistant Commissioner of the Federal Housing Authority (1954-58) in charge of research and legislation during the implementation of the urban renewal provisions of the National Housing Act of 1954. He concluded his tenure at the Federal Housing Authority as Acting Commissioner. This was a time of incredible American renewal in which he played such an important role in shaping. He then joined AEI where he influenced economic thought and public policy for another three decades. Dr. Johnson taught economics nearly his entire professional life at the University of Virginia, George Mason University, and George Washington University. He also lectured at dozens of campuses throughout the country. He was responsible for bringing scholars to George Mason and helping to establish its economics and law schools. Throughout his career, Dr. Johnson was active in professional societies such as the National Association of Business Economists, serving as chapter president in 1971, Institute for Social Science Research, Royal Economic Society (U.K.), National Tax Association, American Finance Association and the Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C., where he often took his children to meet important policymakers and leading economists. Dr. Johnson was also deeply engaged in the local community serving on the Alexandria Hospital Board of Directors from 1965 to 1971, including a term as its president (1970-1971). As a patient, he never mentioned his leadership on the hospital board--even when getting a new pacemaker on his 90 birthday! He also proudly served on the Alexandria School Board (1974-1976) and the vestry for St. Paul's Episcopal Church and Emmanuel Church on the Hill Episcopal Church in Alexandria. As we remember Dr. Johnson, with his family present today in the Well of the House Chamber, it was this humble member of the Greatest Generation and his contributions that made the American Century possible. He is survived by his wife of 63 years Margaret Ann (Emhardt); three children Thomas Emhardt (Julianne Mueller), William Harrison (Tracy Schario), and the Rev. Sarah Nelson; and seven grandchildren--Gaelen, Caleb, Eliza, Keegan, and Maren Nelson and Natalie and garret Johnson. We owe Dr. Johnson and his peers deep gratitude for their achievements and their courage--facing down incredible challenges. We live in the greatest country in the world because of men like Dr. Johnson--ones that always believed in America's promise for the future.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman. H.R. 1295, the IRS Bureaucracy Reduction and Judicial Review Act, has two simple goals. First, it will provide newly formed 501(c)(4) organizations with a mandatory yet simple process for registering with the IRS. Within 60 days of establishment, a new 501(c)(4) will be required to provide notice of formation and intent to the IRS. The IRS, in return, must issue an acknowledgement of receipt to the notifying organization. Second, this legislation would offer 501(c)(4)s the ability to seek judicial review should the IRS deny their application for recognition, fail to act on the application, or inform an organization that it is considering revoking or adversely modifying its tax-exempt status. This would be conducted under the 7428 declaratory judgment procedure that is currently afforded to other tax-exempt organizations. Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that this legislation does not change the requirement for 501(c)(4)s to file an annual 990 or alter any of the other reporting requirements currently mandated for 501(c)(4)s. Now, thanks to the efforts of Chairman Roskam of the Oversight Subcommittee, leading a team of us, we know that last year the IRS spent nearly 10,000 hours reviewing 501(c)(4)s. So this legislation before us would simplify the review process for the IRS and allow them to better focus their resources on the thousands--thousands, Mr. Speaker--of 501(c)(3) applications which are outstanding and languishing for review. So I urge the support of this bill, and I thank the chairman.