Richard Hudson

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Phil Ratliff who passed away unexpectedly on August 9, 2015, after suffering a cardiac event. We send our prayers and sincerest condolences to his wife, Jenni, and their two children, Haley and Dylan. Coach Ratliff dedicated his life to inspiring young student athletes through the game of football. After an impressive collegiate career, twice being named to the nation's All-American team, Coach Ratliff passed along his understanding of the game of football and inspirational outlook on life as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Marshall University, and then at James Madison University. Coach Ratliff later joined the new football program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, my alma mater, as the program's Offensive Line Coach and Recruiting Coordinator. Under his leadership, the Charlotte 49ers' offense averaged more than 484 yards per game last season. A beloved father, husband, friend, and coach, he will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in commemorating the life of Coach Phil Ratliff for his service to the student athletes of Marshall University, James Madison University, and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte; in addition to the countless lives he impacted in his community.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a special individual, and a member of my staff, Chris Maples, for earning the Boy Scouts Leader Wood Badge on October 15, 2015. Chris has worked extremely hard on his Wood Badge recognition, and is finally being rewarded for his efforts and the impact those efforts have had on the Scouts under his leadership. Chris has spent eight years with Troop 527 of Richmond County, North Carolina, and has spent the last four years as the group's Scout Master. The Wood Badge, which is the highest level of adult Scout training available through the Boy Scouts of America, is an advanced-learning and team-building training series that gives Scout Leaders the opportunity to better understand the purpose and goals of the Scouting program, as well as strengthen their long-term commitment to Scouting and provide them with valuable leadership skills. In order to earn the Wood Badge, the Scout Leader must go through the Wood Badge course, in which the Scout Leader must complete two separate phases: the practical phase and the application phase. During the practical phase, the Scout Leader will spend two weekends at camp with a group of fellow Scout Leaders, learning how to better lead their troop with a hands-on camp experience. Also during the practical phase, the Scout Leader will develop what is called a ``Ticket,'' which is a set of five tasks or goals developed to strengthen and improve their troop. After completing the practical phase and developing their ticket, the Scout Leader will move in to the application phase, in which the Scout Leader will complete their five tasks within eighteen months of finishing the practical phase. Chris began his Wood Badge journey in October of 2014, and finished his requirements in June of this year. For his ticket, Chris worked with his troop to allow some of the young men to become patrol leaders, which allowed them to take up leadership positions within the troop and provide these members the opportunity to gain valuable leadership experience. In addition, Chris recruited more members to Troop 527 and created a ``Scouter of the Year'' award, as well as a special summer camp just for his troop. Chris has worked tirelessly to improve the scouting experience for the members of Troop 527, and his efforts have certainly made a difference. During Chris' Wood Badge ceremony, he received the Wood Badge beads and regalia, as well as a certificate detailing his accomplishments. This is a very special ceremony that I am sure Chris will remember for the rest of his scouting days, and he should be extremely proud of the hard work it took to accomplish this feat. As a former Boy Scout, I am thankful Chris took the time to better himself so that he could better serve the members of Troop 527. I am confident they will be better off as a result of Chris' hard work. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in thanking Chris Maples for his service to the young men of Troop 527, and to congratulate him for earning the distinguished Boy Scouts of America's Wood Badge Leader recognition.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Donna Carpenter, who serves as President and CEO of the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau, for receiving the Southeast Tourism Society's Beacon Award. The Beacon Award recognizes an individual who best exemplifies outstanding leadership in the pursuit of excellence and who has advanced the tourism industry. Ms. Carpenter joined the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau as President and CEO in 2009, but has been actively involved in the Charlotte area for nearly fifteen years. Ms. Carpenter has been instrumental in the improvement of the Cabarrus County and Charlotte- area tourism industry, working with leaders in the area to improve infrastructure development and create long-lasting relationships between local municipalities. One of Ms. Carpenter's greatest achievements during her time at the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau has been her leadership in ensuring the implementation of the ``Destination 2020 Plan,'' a proposal to develop Cabarrus County as a premier travel destination and outline key components for reaching this goal. Furthermore, Ms. Carpenter has worked tirelessly to grow the image of Cabarrus County's tourism industry and connect with visitors and residents alike. Under her leadership, the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau office, as well as the Visitor's Center, were relocated to better serve the area and act as a central hub for visitor activity. As a result of her efforts to improve the tourism industry in our area, the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau was accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program by Destination Marketing Association International in 2013. In addition to her work within the Cabarrus County and Charlotte- area tourism industry, Ms. Carpenter is actively involved in our community. She is a member of several area organizations and serves on multiple boards, including the Cabarrus County Chamber of Commerce. As a proud alumnus of the university I am extremely grateful for her involvement on the University of North Carolina at Charlotte's Advisory Board. Clearly, Ms. Carpenter is an asset to our area, and I look forward to seeing all that she will accomplish in the future. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Donna Carpenter for receiving the Southeast Tourism Society's Beacon Award, as well as her dedication to making Charlotte and Cabarrus County a world-class tourism destination.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Joe Bennett, Mayor of the City of Thomasville, located in the 8th Congressional District of North Carolina. Mayor Bennett has been a tireless advocate for the people of Thomasville, and has fully earned the admiration and gratitude of his fellow North Carolinians. A native of High Point, North Carolina, Mayor Bennett served the Duke Power Company for 36 years before retiring and pursuing a career in public service. After his retirement in 1998, Mayor Bennett ran for and was elected to the Thomasville City Council, where he served two terms before being elected Mayor of the City of Thomasville in 2003. During his tenure, Mayor Bennett has made job creation and infrastructure development two of his highest priorities. After a period of rapid manufacturing and furniture building job loss in the area, Mayor Bennett was successfully able to bring jobs back to the city with the opening of a large manufacturing facility. Mayor Bennett also led a city-wide initiative, known as ``Children at Play,'' designed to upgrade local playgrounds in order to combat childhood obesity. I have also been told that if there was a celebration in the city of Thomasville, whether it is a large parade, a small church ceremony, or an individual's 100th birthday celebration, Mayor Bennett was there with a smile on his face. In addition to his service as Mayor of Thomasville, Mayor Bennett has earned his title as a ``civil servant'' through his various charitable and volunteer roles. To highlight a few of these roles; he delivers ``meals on wheels,'' serves on the Economic Development Commission of Davidson County, serves on the Community General Hospital Board, and is an active member in the Rotary Club of Thomasville. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in thanking Mayor Joe Bennett for his esteemed service to the City of Thomasville and congratulating him on his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Chris Mintz-- an Army veteran who answered the call when our nation needed him and again when a heartless gunman threatened a community in Oregon. As a high school football star from North Carolina and a 10-year army Veteran, Chris is known as a tough guy. According to those who know him best, he's always one to ``cowboy up.'' And one week ago, on October 1, Chris did more than that. He didn't wake up planning to be a hero, but that's what he became. When he heard gun shots at his school, he ran towards them, pulling fire alarms and fighting to save others. With dogged determination, he fought to block the shooter from entering a classroom and was shot seven times. It's clear his incredible bravery and selfless actions saved lives and prevented a far worse tragedy. I applaud Chris for his integrity, self-sacrifice and valor in the face of such evil, and my wife Renee and I send our thoughts and prayers to him and his loved ones. Mr. Speaker, I would ask my colleagues, as we continue to mourn the dead in Oregon, let's put politics aside and take heart in the heroic acts of this American hero. Chris Mintz deserves our utmost gratitude and respect. Let's give it to him.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, this debate is not about any one organization that receives tax dollars. This isn't about Republicans versus Democrats. It is not even about pro-life versus pro-choice. The issue before us today, Madam Speaker, is about defending the most vulnerable among us. It is about a fundamental question: Will we allow and, indeed, give the people's money to an organization that takes a tiny baby outside the womb--with a beating heart, with lungs that function--and takes a scalpel and cuts open the head so that the brain can be extracted and sold for profit? That is gruesome--I am sorry--but watch the video. Or are we going to say: Let's suspend the funding to this organization while we investigate? That is a reasonable position. Any organization that receives Federal funds and that is being investigated for breaking the law ought to have its funds suspended. My wife, Renee, and I are expecting our first child in just a matter of days. So this is an issue that is very personal to me. I would just say to my colleagues: Let's support this legislation and make sure that no baby is ever again cut into pieces and sold for scrap parts in this country.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 495, I was unavoidably detained and missed the vote on H.R. 1214. Had I been present, I would have voted aye.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 720, the Gerardo Hernandez Airport Security Act of 2015. As the former chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Transportation Security, I introduced this bipartisan bill in the 113th Congress to improve the state of preparedness at our Nation's airports in response to the shooting at Los Angeles International Airport in November of 2013. I would like to thank Ranking Member Thompson for working with me in a bipartisan way. We traveled together for the field hearing and toured the site. And I think the work that he does in a bipartisan way on this committee is a true testament to what the American people expect us to do here, which is to work together and put the people's business first. It was a pleasure working with the ranking member. I also want to thank Chairman McCaul for his strong leadership of this committee. He also worked very closely with me on this legislation and traveled with us that day to Los Angeles. So without his support, this would not have been possible. That event, which tragically took the life of Transportation Security Officer Gerardo Hernandez and wounded three other people, served as an unfortunate wake-up call to the gaps in our security and the relative ease to which someone could wreak havoc on one of our Nation's airports. After months and months of careful review and hard work, including the site visit I mentioned to LAX, the subcommittee found that while State, Federal, and local law enforcement's response to the LAX shooting could be described as nothing but heroic and was swiftly executed, there was room for improvement in the coordinated response and communications in the critical moments after the major security incident. That is where this important, bipartisan bill stems from. And I know, as chairman of the subcommittee, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Katko) has taken our work from the last Congress and has built upon it. He has done the hard work to make sure that it reached the finish line. I take my hat off to Chairman Katko for showing great leadership and the kind of fortitude and determination necessary to advance this legislation, to finally get it to the Senate, and to have the President sign it into law. Serving as chairman of the House committee that oversees transportation security is no easy task, but it is one that the gentleman from New York (Mr. Katko) has excelled at. He is not afraid to ask tough questions. He holds folks accountable, and he has worked diligently to improve aviation security in this Nation. The bottom line is, while TSA has taken positive measures to update the emergency response protocols since the LAX incident, this bill will help to solidify these changes and ensure our airports are fully prepared to respond to future security incidents and potential acts of terrorism. This bill will provide for more extensive collaboration and coordination between airports, law enforcement, first responders, and TSA, which will result in safer airports across the country. It is a necessary step towards countering the threats facing our Nation's airports without placing an undue burden on airport operators, law enforcement, and the taxpayers. The shooting at LAX was a tragedy that will never be forgotten by those affected and those of us who are committed to protecting the traveling public. My thoughts today and my prayers continue to be with the family of Officer Hernandez. I hope that they are watching today, and I hope they are proud of the work of this Congress. I want to thank, again, Chairman Katko for his work to keep the traveling public safe, and I applaud him for stepping up on such an important issue and ensuring this bill reaches the President's desk. I urge my colleagues to honor the memory of Transportation Security Officer Hernandez and to support this legislation.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John Crosland, Jr., who passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2015 after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. Mr. Crosland made a name for himself as a successful real estate developer, but more importantly for his philanthropic work in our community. In 1954, he joined his father at the John Crosland Company. He successfully navigated multiple housing crises through the decades while becoming a champion of affordable housing in the Charlotte area. Additionally, he was the founding chairman of Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte. Throughout his successful career, he always knew the importance of giving back and helping the local community. In 2012, Mr. Crosland gave $1.1 million for a new school in Charlotte, now named The John Crosland School, that specializes in assisting children with learning disabilities. His dedication to serving our community has made an everlasting impact on thousands of lives. He also served his country in the U.S. Army in Korea and Japan. I am grateful for his service to our country, our state, and to our local community. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring the life of John Crosland, Jr., for his successful career and for his dedication to bettering the lives of so many North Carolinians.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of James Alan ``Truck'' Hicks, who was a Captain in the N.C. Air National Guard. Captain Hicks died unexpectedly on Monday, July 27, 2015 after helping fight a house fire in Stanly County. He is the first member of the N.C. Air National Guard's fire service to die in the line of duty. On Sunday, Captain Hicks' unit was assigned to bring more water to the fire. However, more firefighters were needed on the interior of the home and Captain Hicks joined the attack. Throughout his life, Captain Hicks was dedicated to his community and to helping others. In 1986, he began working with the Harrisburg Volunteer Fire Department. As time passed, he also worked with the Flowes Store Volunteer Fire Department as well as the Jackson Park Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as Chief for two years. In addition, he worked for Concord Fire and Rescue for 10 years and was also with the Badin Volunteer Fire Department. Afterwards, he joined the North Carolina Air National Guard Fire Department for five years and served as Captain for two years. Captain Hicks was a man of faith and served as a deacon at the Independence Square Baptist Church in Kannapolis. Despite his full schedule, he also served as a fire instructor at the Cleveland Community College in Shelby, N.C. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for Captain Hicks' service and dedication to our local communities and I join them now in grieving his passing.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Sharon P. Pearce, CRNA, MSN, of Lexington, North Carolina. Ms. Pearce's term as president of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) will soon come to an end. Throughout her presidency at the AANA, Ms. Pearce has been a strong advocate for patient safety and the practice of nurse anesthesia. She has worked tirelessly to advance policies that modernize the industry and meet the unique needs of patients. Ms. Pearce has also been a vocal advocate for veterans' access to quality healthcare. Ms. Pearce has served as a CRNA for more than 20 years and has made great contributions to the healthcare system in North Carolina. She has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to professional development having received her Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a Certificate in Nurse Anesthesia from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and an Associate Degree in Nursing from Davidson County Community College. Ms. Pearce has been an active member of numerous AANA committees and has previously served in AANA leadership positions including President- Elect, Vice President, and Region 2 Director. She has even served as President of the North Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Ms. Pearce produced the AANA Public Relations award winning video, ``The Best Kept Secret in Healthcare,'' and is nationally recognized as a distinguished speaker on anesthesia topics. Equally as impressive to her leadership in her official capacity as a CRNA has been her involvement in philanthropic endeavors. Among other charitable acts, Ms. Pearce has served on the board of directors for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, where she started and led a ``Walk to Cure Diabetes'' that raised nearly $500,000 for research. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring Sharon P. Pearce, CRNA, MSN, for her notable career and her esteemed service as the most recent president of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Philipp Missfelder, a member of the German parliament who passed away unexpectedly on July 13, 2015, after suffering from an apparent pulmonary embolism. We send our prayers and sincerest condolences to his wife, Ann-Christin, and their two daughters. Born on August 25, 1979, Mr. Missfelder dedicated his life to public service. After receiving a degree in history from the Technical University of Berlin, Mr. Missfelder rooted his commitment to public service in conservative principles. He served as a member of Germany's lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, since 2005 and then became the foreign policy spokesman of Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats in 2009. Mr. Missfelder was a dynamic foreign policy expert and respected leader committed to improving international relations and Germany's transatlantic ties. He garnered a reputation from his colleagues for being a champion of pro-life policy and for his strong support of our common ally, Israel. When I first met Mr. Missfelder, I was immediately struck by his outgoing and friendly personality, genuine nature, passion for his beliefs, and his desire to serve the citizens of Germany. It was with deep sadness that I learned of his passing. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in commemorating the life of Philipp Missfelder for his public service to Germany, his commitment to democratic values, and the example he set for other public officials around the world.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor County Extension Director Darrell Blackwelder for his faithful service to the state of North Carolina. In 1979, Darrell Blackwelder began his career with the North Carolina Extension Service as an Agricultural Extension Agent in charge of educational programs in Rowan County. In 1989, after a brief stint in the private sector, he returned to the Extension Service in Davie County as an agent in charge of horticulture, pesticide management, and community resource development. He then returned to Rowan County in 1993 as an Agricultural Extension Agent in charge of horticulture, forestry, and community and resource development. Mr. Blackwelder performed on-going educational programs for commercial vegetable producers, and was in charge of the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program. His exemplary work in all of these positions led to his hiring as the Rowan County Extension Director in 2011. Mr. Blackwelder has received many awards throughout his career including the ``Young Agriculture Agent of the Southwest District'' in 1986, the ``State Winner-Website'' in 2006, and the ``NC Agriculture Agent Distinguished Service Award'' in 2015. Equally as impressive to these accolades was his will to become a better agent. Mr. Blackwelder diligently worked to become a Certified Public Pesticide Operator and a Certified Plant Professional. He has had the opportunity to travel and consult for producers and agents in tomato production regions of the Middle East and Central Asia. Mr. Blackwelder has also been a valuable member of the community, and has served on the board of directors for the Salisbury Farmers Market, Rowan County Vocational Workshop, and American Cancer Society in Rowan County. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in thanking Darrell Blackwelder for his esteemed service to our community and congratulating him on his retirement.

Mr. HUDSON

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

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Police Sergeant Chuck Morgan for his faithful service with the Kannapolis Police Department located in the 8th Congressional District of North Carolina. Sergeant Morgan began his career with the Kannapolis Police Department as a Patrol Officer in 1986 and was then promoted to the rank of Sergeant on April 7, 1999. As a Sergeant, he has served the Kannapolis community in both the Patrol and Traffic Divisions. As a result of his exemplary service, Sergeant Morgan has received various commendations from law enforcement agencies, civic organizations, churches, and his peers. To highlight a few, he earned a 10-year safe driving award in 1996 and then the Kannapolis Police Department's Physical Fitness Award in 2013. Equally as impressive as his excellence in the field was his dedication to becoming a better officer. Sergeant Morgan earned an Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate from the N.C. Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission having successfully completed 2,977 hours of professional training. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in thanking Sergeant Chuck Morgan for his esteemed service to our community and congratulating him on his retirement.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor former Concord Police Sergeant Richard Howard ``Bucky'' Simpson, who passed away peacefully on June 24, 2015. Sergeant Bucky Simpson was born on July 31, 1942, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is survived by his wife, Susan Phillips Simpson of Concord; his children, Chad D. Simpson of Concord; Phillip A. Simpson and his wife, Jane Blackley Simpson, of Harrisburg; and his grandson, Garrett Parker Simpson. Bucky was a distinguished Army Vietnam veteran who received many awards including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. As a Concord Police Sergeant, he worked for 17 years as a Juvenile Officer and helped implement the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) program in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. One of Bucky's greatest qualities was his ability to teach and help youth in the community. Bucky supervised the hiring of school crossing guards who were known as ``Bucky's Angels,'' and he patiently taught Bike Safety and BB Gun Safety Training to hundreds of kids at Camp Spencer. He also faithfully served on the Board of Directors at the Boys and Girls Club where he once received the ``Father of the Year Award.'' For his continued dedication to helping youth in Concord, Bucky once received the L.T. Williams Award from the North Carolina Officers' Association for being the ``Most Outstanding Juvenile Officer'' of the year. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in celebrating former Concord Police Sergeant Bucky Simpson's life as a dedicated husband, father, and public servant.

Mr. HUDSON

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

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Chairman, I rise tonight to offer an amendment that would prohibit the EPA from regulating particulate matter emissions from residential barbecues. As you may recall, last August, the EPA issued a grant to ``perform research and develop preventative technology that will reduce fine particulate emissions from residential barbecues.'' The EPA gets a lot of things wrong, especially with this preposterous study. For one thing, ``barbecue'' is a term us southerners use to talk about the best pork in North Carolina or a community pig picking. What they are proposing is reducing emissions from residential propane grills, which means they want to stop you and me from grilling outside on our own property. By the way, propane is one of the most clean and efficient sources of energy out there. Regulations that waste our time, money, and resources are bad as it is, but they are trying to go as far as restricting our personal freedom. Mr. Chairman, this grant was met with staunch opposition from conservatives and other outdoor enthusiasts like myself. If this isn't part of EPA's larger goal of regulating grill emissions, then it begs the question why they are wasting our hard-earned tax dollars on this mind-boggling study in the first place. We have seen overreaches by the EPA time and time again, from their flawed waters of the USA regulation to their disastrous clean power plan that is cap-and-trade by fiat to their new ground level ozone regulations that would have a catastrophic impact on manufacturing in this country; but now, they are studying limiting emissions from residential grills. Enough is enough. Mr. Chairman, it is summer, and it is grilling season. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate my colleague's comments on the subject. The reason we need this step is to guarantee that the folks in North Carolina get a shot at these jobs. We are talking about 55,000 jobs and potentially as much as $3 billion in economic development in our State. Frankly, it has been frustrating how hard it has been to get this process moved forward. If you look at the proposed lease sale, the sale is allowed in the fourth year of the 5-year period. Only one sale is even allowed. An artificial buffer of 50 miles was inserted into the sale. We are getting one sale late in the 5-year period, with a 50-mile buffer, when the old seismic shows that most of that oil and gas is around 25 miles out. The ``yes'' that we got from the administration and the fact this process is even moving forward is good news for North Carolina and the other States on the Atlantic Coast; but it is certainly not, in my opinion, an appropriate response to the potential we have got there. I agree with the gentlewoman when she said the seismic is old; the seismic was done in the late seventies, but this administration has called for new seismic mapping. I am looking forward to that because, again, we want to use good science. We have given one opportunity pretty far out in the fourth year of a 5-year period, and I am afraid we are going to lose that because, if you look at the history under this administration, there was a lease sale proposed in Virginia and that was taken away. I think, to guarantee that we get at least some shot at unlocking this potential off the coast of getting the American sources of energy into the pipeline, getting North Carolinians to work in these energy jobs, I think it is important we have this amendment. I would urge my colleagues to support this. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HUDSON. I thank the chairman for his comments, and I appreciate his leadership on this issue. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Chairman, I rise tonight to offer an amendment that prohibits the administration from blocking the proposed Atlantic lease sale from the Department of the Interior's draft proposed plan for offshore oil and gas development. As cochairman of the Atlantic Offshore Energy Caucus, I have been fighting to advance an all-of-the-above energy strategy that gets North Carolina into the energy business. I was pleased when the administration recently heeded calls from Members of Congress--as well as our fine Governor, Pat McCrory, and other State leaders--when they announced a proposal to open up the Atlantic to offshore natural gas and oil exploration. I welcome the proposal as one of the many steps that must be taken to unlock our natural resources, create jobs, and boost our economy. The problem is we now face bureaucratic hoops and an uphill rulemaking process that could take the Atlantic lease sale completely off the table. In fact, Secretary Sally Jewell testified recently that she could not guarantee the Atlantic lease would stay in the plan once it is finalized. For years, there has been bipartisan support for an offshore lease sale off the Atlantic Coast. One was even scheduled off the coast of Virginia, but later blocked by this administration. North Carolina has incredible potential for energy jobs, and I won't let this opportunity slip through our fingers. Mr. Chairman, my amendment is critical to provide certainty to North Carolina and unleash jobs and lower energy prices. Our economy is sputtering along, and too many folks back home are struggling to find jobs. Opening up the Atlantic to oil has the potential to support more than 55,000 jobs in our State and contribute nearly $3 billion in new revenue. For that reason, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert), the chairman.

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for her kind comments about North Carolina barbecue. I do admit the lobster rolls in Maine are pretty good. Maybe we can work out some kind of exchange. The gentlewoman is right. I am guilty as charged. I am cynical and suspicious of the Federal Government, particularly the EPA, when you look at the some of the things they are spending our tax dollars on and some of the rules they are proposing. Let's get serious. We are talking about a $15 million grant to study the emissions of a propane grill in your backyard. Now, we all are concerned about toxic smoke in homes and living conditions of individuals--the example that was mentioned--but we are talking about a propane gas grill in your backyard. The EPA has no business regulating that. They have spent $15 million of our tax money to form a study, which is the first step in a rulemaking process. I think this Chamber needs to say loud and clear to the EPA: focus on the job that the gentlewoman described, focus on the real issues and the mission of the EPA, and keep your hands off our grills in our backyards. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, tonight the House will vote on the Ratepayer Protection Act, which is a response to the EPA's proposed 111(d) rule. The divide between what is right for job creation and the policies coming out of this administration continues to grow deeper. I have heard from countless farmers, manufacturers, businesses, and families who are concerned with the EPA's overreach and what it means for them. In February, Administrator McCarthy asserted that no EPA rule has ever cost a single job. This is absolutely absurd and demonstrates a myopia that is absolutely stunning. Outside of the national debt, the EPA, in general--and this proposed rule, specifically--represents one of the greatest threats to the economic prosperity of this Nation. Our economy is recovering, and many folks are just getting back on their feet. But with this proposed rule and many others, the EPA wants to rip the rug right out from under the American people. Families and businesses depend on access to affordable and reliable electricity. EPA's proposed 111(d) rule for existing power plants will increase rates by nearly 14 percent. North Carolina has already reduced CO2 power plant emissions by 21 percent, without Federal regulations. So for this and many reasons, I urge my colleagues to support the Ratepayer Protection Act.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Wayne Brothers Incorporated for thirty years of providing premiere site and concrete contracting to the Southeastern United States. From their humble beginnings in 1985 to their regional footprint today, Wayne Brothers Incorporated has stood as a pillar of business excellence and community service in North Carolina's 8th Congressional District. Under the leadership of Keith Wayne, Bob Phillips, John Ashworth, Chad Hensley, Isaiah Wayne, and Daniel Wayne, Wayne Brothers Incorporated operates with a mission to provide their clients and shareholders the most specialized quality and value in the field of construction. Most recently Wayne Brothers Incorporated won the 2015 Cabarrus County Small Business of the Year Award, the 2015 National Association of Women in Construction's Steel Toe Boot Award for Subcontractor of the Year of the Charlotte Chapter, and the 2015 Associated Builders in Construction's Excellence in Construction Eagle Award for National Excellence in Construction. Even in the midst of such accolades, Wayne Brothers Incorporated remains consistent in its commitment to serve the community. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Wayne Brothers Incorporated for their pioneering spirit and demonstration of core American values. It is my pleasure to congratulate them for thirty years of excellence as a business and key figure in our community.