Cresent Hardy

Mr. HARDY

Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, we have heard from countless small businesses, colleges and universities, nonprofits, and the public sector that the recent Department of Labor's overtime rule change is not sustainable. In a few short months, employers will be forced to accept a 100 percent increase in the salary threshold. This rule has the potential to result in the unintended consequences that impact an employee's hours being reduced, employees being switched to hourly status and thus a reduction in benefits, or worse. This change has the potential to devastate many businesses and their employers. With our country still slogging through a recovery, such a dramatic increase is misguided and ill-advised. Mr. Speaker, the House has held multiple hearings, we have authored various letters, and legislation has been drafted on the rule. It must not go into effect as planned this year.

Mr. HARDY

Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 520 I was present on the House Floor and used my voting card to register a ``yes'' vote on H.R. 5351, To prohibit the transfer of any individual detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Due to a malfunction in the voting device, my ``yes'' vote was not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. HARDY

Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, a recent study in the American Medical Association found that, in the next 10 years, we could be facing a shortage of over 100,000 physicians. To help combat this extreme doctor shortage, I have introduced the GO MED Act. My bill would implement a program to reallocate unused medical residency slots paid for by Medicare on a rolling basis to States feeling the worst effects of the physician shortage. It is widely accepted that where medical residents learn, they stay and practice. But in 2014, Medicare only paid for 137 residency slots in my State; whereas, the top 25 States average over 3,000 positions. That is because of an outdated system. We don't have opportunities for students to stay in Nevada. Nevada isn't the only State getting shortchanged. The top five States receiving funds through this program account for nearly half of what is spent annually. If we are serious about addressing access to care, my bill is a step in the right direction.

Mr. HARDY

Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, the Purple Heart is our Nation's oldest military decoration. It is a unifying symbol that binds together men and women who have bled for freedom. When these brave warriors return to our communities, we cannot forget them and their sacrifice. That is why I am proud to recognize my hometown of Mesquite, Nevada, for its decision to become a Purple Heart City. The decision, which will be formally announced next week, will signal to all veterans throughout southern Nevada and around the country that Mesquite welcomes them and is proud to honor their service. I would like to thank Chapter 711 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart for working with the city of Mesquite to make this day possible. It is my hope that more communities take this step to honor the sacrifices of these heroes by becoming Purple Heart communities. I can't wait to see that Purple Heart flag proudly flying over Mesquite.

Mr. HARDY

Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from the great State of Texas for yielding me the time. Nowhere are the challenges of the Federal land mismanagement more evident than in Nevada, where more than 85 percent of our State is controlled by the Federal Government. Land management is an issue that affects all Nevadans, both urban and rural. That is why I was proud to have the opportunity to hold a Natural Resources Committee field hearing in my district examining the unique challenges facing southern Nevada communities. At the hearing, we heard from local agencies, a nonprofit organization, a university professor, a private sector trade association, and the Federal Government. By bringing all of these different stakeholders to the table at once, one thing became abundantly clear: the status quo Federal land management isn't working, and we need to do something about it. If we fail to act, we will not only harm the quality of life for our constituents, but we will also be endangering the public safety. I would like to highlight a few examples that were raised at this field hearing and expose the stark reality. First, we had a chief engineer for the Clark County Regional Flood Control District testify that erroneous BLM requirements prevent the county officials from removing excess sediment and debris from detention basins after desert flash floods. It is amazing that you would have to ask the Federal Government to return to clean out debris where you have already done EISes and NEPA reports; that you can't go remove it before the next flood comes. Anybody that knows the desert southwest knows that we don't get much rain, but when we get it, we get it all at once. In our area, we can have 3\1/2\ inches of annual rainfall, but it can all come in a couple of floods. And if we don't get those detention basins cleaned, we have the stark reality of shirking the responsibility of local governments and the county governments by protecting for the life, safety, and health of the citizens that are the taxpayers. He also stated that these aggressively lengthy and convoluted Federal processes poses a significant public safety issue in the event of future floods. Next we heard from a board member of the Opportunity Village, a community organization that serves thousands of people with intellectual disabilities. She emphasized the need of making affordable land available for important public purposes, including those carried out by qualified nonprofit organizations. According to her testimony, the fundraising dollars of charitable community organizations would be better off spent applied directly to their mission and the people they serve instead of going into the coffers of the Federal bureaucracy. Unfortunately, these charities are forced to expend their limited dollars to acquire the land from the Federal Government. So you see that the current Federal land management is preventing communities like ours in southern Nevada from carrying out some of their most important responsibilities, like public safety and helping individuals with disabilities. Those of us on the committee, including my colleague from Texas, firmly believe that there is a better way forward to protect our public lands and natural heritage while allowing the communities to thrive. If we want to grow and diversify our economy to support a growing and diverse population in Nevada, we cannot afford to stand still. As Nevada continues to change, so, too, must our land management. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for leading this important conversation on the Federal footprint out West.

Mr. HARDY

Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance and the impact that small businesses have on our Nation's economy. Last month, we celebrated National Small Business Week in order to recognize the hard work and dedication of the estimated 28 million small-business owners who provided 48 percent of the private sector job workforce here in the United States while also representing 99.7 percent of all businesses with employees. It is without a doubt that small businesses are the backbone of our Nation's economy. I greatly appreciate each and every small-business owner across this country who devotes their time, their passion, and their financial resources to ensure that small businesses are successful. For these individuals, Small Business Week is every week of the year. As a former small-business owner of 20 years, I understand what it takes to build a successful small business while ensuring that our customers receive the products and service they expect and our employees are provided for. It wasn't always easy as a small-business owner, but having the opportunity to employ hundreds of employees over the years is an experience I would never trade. Over the last 17 months, I have had the great privilege of touring numerous small businesses within my district, where I have had the opportunity to speak to the employees that see firsthand what business does as it contributes to our economy. From the small-business barber shop to a tortilla chip factory, it has always amazed me to see the enthusiasm that exists when the small- business owners work side-by-side with their employees. It is for this reason that small businesses are the backbone of our economy. It is my honor to recognize outstanding individuals who received the award on May 4 in Las Vegas during the 2016 SBA Small Business Award luncheon. These individuals serve their community as a current small- business owner or provide services for small businesses. Receiving the Small Business Person of the Year Award was Bradley Burdsall, owner of six restaurants in southern Nevada named The Egg Works and the Egg & I, with his newest location just recently opening in Nevada's Fourth Congressional District. Mr. Burdsall's company has seen tremendous growth and expansion over the past 18 years, including being featured in USA Today and on the Food Network. I congratulate Bradley Burdsall on being awarded the 2016 SBA Small Business of the Year for Nevada. Receiving the Veteran Owned Business of the Year award was Robert D. Daniel, the owner of PrideStaff Las Vegas. Prior to starting the PrideStaff Las Vegas location, Mr. Daniel spent 30 years in the field of employee management, including holding executive positions with IBM, Fuji USA, Western Electronics, and MicronPC. With this valuable managerial experience along with his service in the United States Air Force and as a Vietnam veteran, Mr. Daniel has built a company that greatly benefits southern Nevada by providing businesses with temporary employees. I congratulate Robert D. Daniel on being awarded the 2016 SBA Veteran Owned Business of the Year for Nevada. Receiving the Small Business Advocate Lifetime Achievement Award was Bob Cushman, who has volunteered his time as a SCORE Las Vegas counselor and a mentor since 1998. With decades of experience, Mr. Cushman has used his invaluable knowledge to counsel 3,000 small businesses in southern Nevada. Mr. Cushman's dedication to the small business community has been a valuable asset to southern Nevada, so I congratulate Mr. Cushman on being awarded the 2016 SBA Small Business Advocate Lifetime Achievement Award. Receiving the Women's Business Advocate of the Year was Leanna Jenkins, director of the Nevada Women's Business Center. Ms. Jenkins has spent years working in the small business community to provide small-business owners with the educational and financial resources necessary to succeed, especially for women- and minority-owned businesses. Ms. Jenkins has made a tremendous impact within the small-business community of southern Nevada, so I congratulate Ms. Leanna Jenkins for being awarded the 2016 SBA Women's Business Advocate of the Year Award for Nevada. Again, I would like to thank these award winners and all small- business owners for what they do on a daily basis to provide their employees with a job, their customers with a great product or service, and contribute to the American economy. Small businesses are the true economic engines of this country.

Mr. HARDY

Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 289--I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall No. 290--I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall No. 291--I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall No. 292--I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall No. 293--I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall No. 294--I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall No. 295--I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall No. 296--I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. HARDY

Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 283--I would have voted ``yes.'' Rollcall No. 284--I would have voted ``yes.'' Rollcall No. 285--I would have voted ``yes.'' Rollcall No. 286--I would have voted ``yes.'' Rollcall No. 287--I would have voted ``no.'' Rollcall No. 288--I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. HARDY

Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, rollcall No. 273--I would have voted ``yes.'' Rollcall No. 274--I would have voted ``yes.'' Rollcall No. 275--I would have voted ``yes.'' Rollcall No. 276--I would have voted ``yes.'' Rollcall No. 277--I would have voted ``no.'' Rollcall No. 278--I would have voted ``no.'' Rollcall No. 279--I would have voted ``no.'' Rollcall No. 280--I would have voted ``no.'' Rollcall No. 281--I would have voted ``no.'' Rollcall No. 282--I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. HARDY

Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time also.

Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform my colleague I have no further speakers. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 2009, which would authorize a land exchange involving the Pacific Yaqui Tribe, the Tucson Unified School District, and the Department of the Interior. Specifically, the bill would require the Secretary of the Interior to place 40 acres of adjacent public land into trust for the tribe upon conveyance to the United States from the Tucson Unified School District. According to the tribe, acquiring these lands will help with reservation access and prevent or control flooding during significant rain events. According to the tribe, heavy rain events occur frequently during Tucson's monsoon season. The bill would also require the conveyance of a 13-acre parcel of public land to the Tucson Unified School District and eliminate a revisionary interest held by the United States in a 27-acre parcel previously patented to the Tucson Unified School District under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act. The bill would also require the Tucson Unified School District to pay fair market value for the land and the revisionary interest received. I want to thank the ranking member from the Committee on Natural Resources for his efforts on the legislation and urge an ``aye'' vote. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include any extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. HARDY

Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Walden).

Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 3826, the Mount Hood Cooper Spur Land Exchange Clarification Act, was introduced by Congressmen Greg Walden and Earl Blumenauer to address the ongoing land exchange issues. In 2009, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act authorized a land exchange in Government Camp, Oregon. This land exchange was supposed to be completed within 16 months; however, this still has not occurred more than 7 years later. The long delay, primarily due to disagreements surrounding easement terms, has frustrated local communities such as Mount Hood Meadows and other local groups. H.R. 3826 comes as a result of a successful mediation session held by the Forest Service to resolve the longstanding issues between the agency and the local community. As a result of this exercise, H.R. 3826 updates the details and process for the land exchange to clarify issues relating to land appraisals and the parameters of a wetland conservation easement on the Federal land in the conveyance. The bill was amended in committee to address concerns raised by the Forest Service, including clarifying language for the easement allowed in the bill and the length of time allowed for the Forest Service to implement this legislation. It is frustrating that the Forest Service has not already carried out the provisions of the 2009 act. I appreciate Congressman Walden's work to see this issue is addressed once and for all. I hope my colleagues will join in supporting this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3826) to amend the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to modify provisions relating to certain land exchanges in the Mt. Hood Wilderness in the State of Oregon, as amended.

Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include any extraneous materials on the bill under consideration.

Mr. HARDY

Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Zeldin).

Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 3070, which was introduced by my colleague, Congressman Lee Zeldin of New York, aims to eliminate Federal regulatory confusion around the Block Island Sound. His bill authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to permit striped bass fishing in the Block Island Transit Zone between Montauk, New York, and Point Judith, Rhode Island. The bill before us today is the result of extensive input from area stakeholders and congressional deliberation. Following a Natural Resources Committee's oversight field hearing and a subsequent legislative hearing, the bill has been amended to resolve any concerns about the unintended impacts of other federally permitted activities. As such, the Natural Resources Committee passed this bill earlier this year by unanimous consent. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I commend Mr. Zeldin for his leadership on this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on the bill under consideration.

Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3070) to clarify that for purposes of all Federal laws governing marine fisheries management, the landward boundary of the exclusive economic zone between areas south of Montauk, New York, and Point Judith, Rhode Island, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. HARDY

Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Amodei).