Jody Hice

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule and the underlying bill, and I commend the months of hard work from my colleagues to put together this historic piece of legislation. I likewise thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, the other side of the aisle acts as though words are meaningless. The truth is the President promised the American people that, if they liked their insurance, they could keep it. He promised. He promised also that this would be more affordable health care. The reality, Mr. Speaker, is none of those promises were true. In fact, now we have millions of Americans who have lost their insurance because of this bill. We have millions of Americans now who are in a situation having to decide between drastically increasing health insurance costs that they have to pay or facing penalties and consequences for not participating. Mr. Speaker, the President also promised that this healthcare law, ObamaCare, would boost the economy. In fact, it has discouraged businesses from hiring more than 50 people and from having more than 30 hours a week for their workers to work. The President also told the American people that ObamaCare would not increase the deficit. As has already been mentioned here today, that is absolutely wrong. The CBO has clearly identified how the cost is going to increase tremendously. This reconciliation package remedies the harm and the devastation of the broken promises of this President. It repeals the very foundation of ObamaCare and places a 1-year moratorium on funding Planned Parenthood. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying bill.

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentleman yielding. I rise in support of H.R. 1155. I think, if all of us are honest in this House, every one of us, certainly myself included, I would be the first to say I hear on a regular basis from the people of Georgia of how they are literally being strangled economically because of the overburdened Federal regulations that are upon them. It is an issue that we must absolutely address. It is an issue that we have dealt with time and again in the Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Now we have an opportunity to do something about it. That is why I support H.R. 1155. The SCRUB Act, in essence, will establish a blue-ribbon commission to identify outdated and unnecessary regulations that are placing a burden on our businesses and individuals. This commission will be comprised of experts from the private sector, academia, as well as government agencies. I hope we have heard what has already been said here today. There are 175,000 pages of regulations amounting to some $2 trillion a year of burdens upon our economy, upon businesses, and upon individuals in this country. It amounts to, as was stated previously, some $15,000 per household if it were spread out. How can we tolerate this any longer? We can't. That is the bottom line. The commission that will be established here will help go through all of these 175,000 pages of regulations and help end a culture of suffocation and regulation. Mr. Chairman, I am proud to have supported the SCRUB Act in the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in the past, and I am pleased to do so again today. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1155.

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Athens Area Emergency Food Bank on the exemplary service that they provide to our community. This incredible organization cares for the lives of thousands of families in Georgia's 10th District and beyond. For the past 35 years, the Athens Area Emergency Food Bank has put food on the table of more than 175,000 citizens who were facing economic hardship. This organization has delivered more than 3.25 million pounds of food to more than 65,000 families in northeast Georgia, and they have done so on a budget of $80,000. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding the service and commitment of the Athens Area Emergency Food Bank. Their steadfast commitment to the community is, indeed, inspiring. We are blessed to have such a dedicated organization as the Athens Area Emergency Food Bank serving our folks at home. I wish them the best in the years to come.

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from North Carolina for hosting this People's Night for this Special Order. I appreciate all that you do, and I appreciate your leadership and your friendship. It is good to have another minister on the grounds. I am honored to serve with you. Like has already been discussed by so many tonight, I likewise experience a great deal of frustration. I have had conversations, as have others here, with individuals in the Senate frustrated over that 60-vote threshold to even debate an issue over there. Like others, I have been told that they have protected our country from so many other horrible pieces of legislation or that, ultimately, it is irrelevant because the bill would probably be vetoed anyway. There are excuses after excuses. The fact of the matter is that the American people sent us here to do a job, to represent them to the best of our ability. I am honored to be here with my colleagues here tonight. I am proud of the fact that, over the 10 months or so that I have been here, we have passed probably hundreds of bills, meaningful legislation, legislation that would protect the American people, legislation that would strengthen our national security, that would care for veterans and provide the kind of care that they deserve, legislation that would empower American businesses and small businesses, legislation that would increase transparency and accountability within government agencies. For example, in order to protect the American citizens, as we all are so concerned about these days, we passed H.R. 3009, the Sanctuary Cities Act, that would not allow any State or local government to continue to receive funding if they harbor illegal alien criminals. Cities like San Francisco and many others would no longer be able to have a government-bankrolled sanctuary to provide such a thing for illegal alien lawbreakers. In addition, as the Representative from South Carolina just referred to moments ago, the threat of ISIS and the authentic threat against the West from terror attacks is real. We are living with that reality today. So we passed in this body H.R. 237, which would provide the Secretary of State with the authority to revoke or deny passports to individuals who are aligned with foreign terrorist groups. It would also provide critical assistance to law enforcement and intelligence service personnel to make it easier for them to flag suspects when they are traveling internationally. Perhaps most importantly, that bill would help prevent turned Americans who are now fighting alongside of ISIS from coming back to the United States undetected. Again, these bills and many others like these have not even received a hearing on the other side of the Capitol. This body has passed the VA Accountability Act, which would allow the Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary new authority to fire bad employees in order to assure that our veterans are receiving the care that they deserve. Additionally, this body has passed the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would eliminate a tax which is unfairly imposed on family estates after a loved one has passed. That bill would ensure that farmers and small- business owners would not be taxed for the success of their loved one who has passed away. It would help keep small businesses and farm doors open. This body has passed multiple pieces of legislation that would increase government transparency and accountability, which our constituents deserve. To that end, we have passed the IRS Email Transparency Act. We also passed the Prevent Targeting at the IRS Act. The list goes on and on and on, is my point. I am proud to stand here tonight. I am proud to state that we, this entire body, have successfully passed real and meaningful legislation that would vastly improve the lives of our constituents and our Nation. However, the reality is that, without a fully engaged and willing partner on the other side of the Capitol, all this work that we have done equates to nothing more than a vacant parking lot. It amounts to a wicked limbo of immobility or lethargic stasis. Quite frankly, the American people deserve more than this. I urge our friends on the other side of the Capitol to start taking up some of the legislation that this body has passed and to do so with a sense of urgency. I realize that they are described as the most deliberative body in the world, but, frankly, it feels as though they are helping create an environment of absolute dysfunction. I encourage them to take up bills and to move them forward so that, working together, we can become the most decisive body in the world. The clock is ticking. The American people are excellent timekeepers.

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call Number 550 on suspending the rules and passing H.R. 3493--the Securing the Cities Act of 2015, I am not recorded because I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call Number 551 on suspending the rules and passing H.R. 3350--the Know the CBRN Terrorism Threats to Transportation Act, I am not recorded because I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call Number 552 on suspending the rules and adopting H. Res. 348--a resolution supporting the right of the people of Ukraine to freely elect their government and determine their future, I am not recorded because I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Georgia Military College on 136 years as an outstanding educational institution in Milledgeville, Georgia. On October 14, GMC will celebrate its anniversary, and I am honored to represent this outstanding institution. I commend the hard work and dedication of the faculty members and friends who continue to make GMC exceptional. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I wish to pay tribute to Georgia Military College President Lieutenant General William B. Caldwell, IV, the educators, administrators, and alumni for their unyielding commitment to give students a superb education. GMC is a scholastic institution that offers a world-class experience for students. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Georgia Military College for its outstanding achievements and to wish them continued success.

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and legacy of U.S. Army Specialist Kyle Gilbert. Specialist Gilbert was recently killed in Afghanistan while serving our Nation just days before his 25th birthday. Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer my most sincere and heartfelt condolences to Kyle's family and to let them know that I and we have them in our thoughts and our prayers. Kyle is survived by many loving family members and friends, including his mother and stepfather, Ceann and Clyde Tate; father and stepmother, Ralph and Sandra Gilbert; sisters, Sasha Ashley and Becky Bailey; brother, Myles Gilbert; as well as his grandmother, Jean Ann Carrington; his stepbrother, Chris Manning; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Mr. Speaker, Kyle was born in Lawrenceville, Georgia, and graduated from Mill Creek High School in 2009 and in 2013 joined the United States Army. He was a 10th Mountain Division soldier with the 2nd Battalion, the 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to share with you that Specialist Gilbert received the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon. Additionally, Mr. Speaker, Kyle received the Bronze Star, the Army Good Conduct Medal, and the NATO Medal. Though I did not have the privilege of meeting Kyle personally, I would like to use this opportunity to sincerely thank him for his incredible service to the State of Georgia and to our Nation. Mr. Speaker, it has been relayed to me that Specialist Gilbert's deepest dream was to serve our Nation in the military, and I thank him for his incredible service and sacrifice so that so many others can share the American Dream. Kyle leaves a legacy of service, dedication, and kindness that will be sorely missed. Mr. Speaker, I humbly ask that you join me in praying for Specialist Gilbert's family during this time of their bereavement.

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Madam Speaker, the recent allegations and videos that have come forth have literally shocked the world by showcasing the morally bankrupt practices of Planned Parenthood. I am honored to stand with my colleagues to try to prevent tax dollars from going to this organization that has now stooped to the practice of trafficking innocent baby parts, they say, for the purpose of advancing medical research, but we all know that there is no excuse that can possibly be given to provide for the moral bankruptcy of Planned Parenthood. It is time to defund this while the investigation occurs. The blood and body parts of children should be looked at as a sacred entity rather than an industry.

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule and against the Iran nuclear deal. Mr. Speaker, we cannot in good conscience accept a deal that is laden with secretive side agreements brokered by this administration, nor can we possibly grant $150 billion to the world's foremost sponsor of terror and, in the process, turn our back on Israel. Mr. Speaker, it is because of this bad deal that the Supreme Leader of Iran now is publicly emboldened to say that Israel will not exist in 25 years and that terror will continue to plague the Middle East, Israel, and the entire world. Mr. Speaker, as we approach September 11, I would ask my colleagues to please join me in rejecting this bad deal, and let's defeat terrorism rather than advance it.

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the outstanding accomplishments of Georgia Military College, an outstanding academic institution in Milledgeville, Georgia, that recently achieved a 100 percent graduation rate and exceeded the State and national averages for the SAT and ACT. Today I commend them for their commitment to deliver a high-quality education and for their support of all students to reach their true academic potential. They have an unprecedented 97 percent graduating class enrolled in post-secondary institutions. Georgia Military College has also distinguished itself by improving its students' individual well-being and putting character above all. GMC's impact extends far beyond higher test scores and academic performance. Students are more equipped to enter the workforce and are better prepared to contribute to society. They have also excelled athletically, winning two State championships in varsity softball and varsity girls track this past year. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Georgia Military College students, their faculty, staff, and president, Lieutenant General William B. Caldwell, for their remarkable scholastic and athletic achievements. By instilling the values of duty, honor, and country, they empower students to reach new heights. I am deeply honored to have Georgia Military College in Georgia's 10th District.

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. I thank the gentleman and appreciate his leadership in this Special Order. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand with my colleagues here tonight in mutual condemnation of Planned Parenthood and their horrific practices. Like so many others, I likewise have just been horrified, deeply disturbed by the flippant comments made by an executive at Planned Parenthood. It is bad enough knowing that this organization performs over 300,000 abortions every year, but it is another whole matter to come to the realization that they are also engaged in trafficking human baby parts. It is absolutely unconscionable. I believe that all life is sacred and needs to be protected. I commend my colleagues for stepping up and calling for a congressional investigation against Planned Parenthood. I also say a huge thank you to Governor Deal from my own State for, likewise, calling for an investigation of Georgia to see that infant organs are not for sale in that State. Mr. Speaker, enough is enough. It is time that Planned Parenthood be held accountable for these despicable acts. I again just say thank you, and I am honored to stand with my colleagues here this evening as we stand for life; and at the same time that we try to prevent these abysmal practices from marring our collective consciences, I plan to continue to champion life. It is just abhorrent that there would be any organization trying to make a profit, an industry for profit out of the sale and trafficking of baby human parts.

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in order to stand in strong support of a foundational American law and principle that I feel has been woefully neglected recently. I rise in defense of the First Amendment, which in part states: ``Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.'' Due to the recent Supreme Court decision on marriage, I feel that the First Amendment is at risk of being horribly violated in the name of judicial activism. I am deeply concerned for the First Amendment rights of all American citizens and feel strongly that the Court did not act within its limited constitutional constraints. Due to this decision, Mr. Speaker, there now exists a direct conflict between the law of man and the law of God, and we have tens of millions of Americans who are now facing a dilemma to choose between their faith and their religious convictions and the government. As Christians, we must obey the law of God. This decision by the Supreme Court is devastating, and it directly ignored the will of the people and the will of most States. It was a direct rejection of previously held decisions; it rejected dozens of State laws and Constitutions, and, yes, it rejected God's law. In effect, this decision took the people's prerogative and the States' prerogative and threw it out the window in favor of incorrectly defining and interpreting that which is detrimental to our First Amendment, the First Amendment which guarantees not only the freedom of speech, but also the freedom of religious expression without fear of harassment or penalty from our government. Now, Mr. Speaker, we must find different avenues where citizens and lawmakers can get involved to address this egregious offense to our First Amendment. In my home State of Georgia, local legislatures are considering the Pastor Protection Act which would endeavor to ensure that no pastor or minister or house of faith would be forced to perform a wedding that they believe violates their religious beliefs. That is good, but we must do more. It is a good first step. Frankly, it is my hope that other States would raise the mantle of our Constitution and protect it and protect not just pastors and ministers, but all citizens, including businessmen and -women. In addition to State action, Congress also must be heavily involved at this time. As an initial step, I am personally proud to have cosponsored H.R. 2802, the First Amendment Defense Act, offered by my good friend and colleague Representative Raul Labrador from Idaho. This bill includes many provisions that would both reaffirm and safeguard our First Amendment rights. It would ensure that the Federal Government could not penalize institutions, churches, and individuals for simply exercising their First Amendment right. Furthermore, it prohibits the Federal Government from blocking access due to deeply held religious convictions from those who are seeking grants or licenses or contracts or accreditation or tax-exempt status. I believe this bill would help greatly to deal with the uncertainty that currently is held by millions. In closing, Mr. Speaker, it is my sincere hope and desire that we can all come together to defend our First Amendment. I think Daniel Webster said it best when he said: If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on to prosper, but if we and our posterity neglect its instructions and authority, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury all our glory in profound obscurity. I, for one, Mr. Speaker, will continue fighting for our First Amendment.

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I continue to be just astounded at the lack of accountability and transparency surrounding the scandal with the IRS as it relates to conservative groups and the targeting that the IRS had towards those groups. It is absolutely unacceptable that we have waited now for over 2 years to get answers to this scandal and the targeting of conservative groups. Right at the epicenter of all of that is Lois Lerner. We requested emails some 2 years ago and only right now, 2 years later, some of these requests for emails are coming to light. These documents and communications requested should have been brought forth long ago. In fact, we are at the time now in this investigation, we are at the point now that I believe we need to seriously question the process by which Congress' requests for information from the IRS are being handled by the IRS. One example, Mr. Speaker, in the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, where I have the distinct honor of serving, it came to light in that committee that the IRS actually formed a special project team in order to deal with the Lois Lerner investigation. According to testimony by Ms. Mary Howard, who is the Director of the Privacy, Governmental Liaison and Disclosure for the IRS, according to her testimony, all congressional subpoenas, requests for information, Freedom of Information Act requests, and other investigative requests were directed to this special group, this special project team, rather than going through the normal process of investigations that other similar investigations might go through. According to her testimony, Mr. Speaker, these requests were handled primarily by the IRS Commissioner and the IRS Office of Chief Council rather than the normal process. In other words, this special project team handled the issue with Lois Lerner differently than they handle other similar investigations. Ms. Howard's testimony further revealed that the IRS, on numerous occasions, went away from the standard way of dealing with freedom of information requests and, if her testimony is true, the handling of the FOIA requests not only for Ms. Lois Lerner, but for other 501(c)(3) and (c)(4) organizations, and may have gone beyond what is even permissible under the Freedom of Information Act. Following her testimony, Chairmen Chaffetz and Jordan sent a letter to the IRS Commissioner, John Koskinen, requesting more information so that the Oversight Committee could better understand the process that they used in dealing with Ms. Lois Lerner. And I am told that, even as recently as this past Friday, the letter received back from the IRS is totally inadequate. It does not answer the questions, and here we are still years removed from it. Mr. Speaker, it is extremely frustrating that now, 2 years later, we are still dealing with this issue. It is frustrating that in the Oversight and Government Reform Committee we are still dealing with the deplorable activities of how the IRS has been handling this. It is up to Congress. We must continue pushing forward for increased accountability and transparency in all areas of our government, particularly as it relates to this with the IRS. I want to thank the gentleman from North Carolina.

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1335, the Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act. Mr. Chairman, I would, first of all, like to thank the bill's sponsor, our colleague from Alaska (Mr. Young), for his continued leadership on this important issue. Additionally, I commend Chairman Bishop for ensuring that this bill has gone through regular order while being considered by the Natural Resources Committee. H.R. 1335 makes necessary improvements to the Magnuson-Stevens Act. As you know, Mr. Chairman, our U.S. commercial fishermen generated $5.1 billion in revenue between 2012 and 2014, and I know that with these necessary changes and improvements our fishermen will be able to contribute even more to our economy. In addition to the impact that H.R. 1335 has had on our commercial fishing industry, this legislation also has a strong impact on the recreational side of the industry. For an industry that generates $58 billion in sales while supporting nearly 400,000 jobs, H.R. 1335 encourages our local professionals to have a more active role in determining regulatory measures rather than the one-size-fits-all management approach that has been used in the past. Furthermore, H.R. 1335 will also adjust the method of counting red snapper mortality. This is an important issue for the recreational fishermen because it will increase access to the waters in the Gulf of Mexico so that our Nation's sportsmen have the ability to enjoy our natural resources while making valuable contributions to the economy at the same time. Mr. Chairman, this legislation has been crafted in a delicate way to ensure the necessary balance between our commercial and recreational fishermen. Both sides of the fishing industry will benefit from this bill and provide our States with more input. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1335.

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.J. Res. 43, to protect different organizations from having to choose between their faiths and their jobs. This is not a war on women. It is an outright war on religious liberties. Forcing people to participate in offensive acts in order to stay in business is unconstitutional, and the D.C. Council has wholeheartedly interfered with the rights that are guaranteed in our Constitution. It is not a crime for individuals or organizations to exercise their First Amendment right. Respecting religious liberties when it can be reasonably accommodated is both common sense and constitutional. As Congress, we have a duty to disapprove of what the D.C. Council has done, and I urge my colleagues to do so.

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I understand my colleague's concerns, but to say it is unnecessary is a bit beyond my understanding. Yes, there are some 259 individuals at the VA that dedicate 100 percent of their time to union activity when they were hired to do veterans work, but there are hundreds of others who don't give 100 percent of their time, but hundreds of additional hours on a regular basis. We have reached out. After I introduced H.R. 1658, the Federal Employee Accountability Act, we literally heard from veterans all across the country. Many of these fine men and women, being veterans now, also were and are employees at the VA. With one unified voice, they expressed that they had deep frustration and disappointment with how they have seen veterans treated. Mr. Chairman, I would like to quote just one of those individuals who served in our Air Force and is a current employee at the VA. He said, ``The union is the number one obstacle to providing care to vets.'' I just see, ultimately, Mr. Chairman, that the choice before us is clear. Members of this body can stand with union bosses, or they can stand with the people who have stood on the front line to defend our liberties and our freedom, the Nation's veterans. I choose to stand with our brave veterans, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, how much time is remaining?

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment that will help our Nation's veterans increase efficiency in the Federal workforce and uphold the integrity of tax dollars. Title 5 of the U.S. Code allows for a practice in which Federal employees are permitted to engage in union-related activities while at work while not doing the job for which they were hired. This practice is known as official time, and it costs the taxpayers literally millions of man- hours every year and hundreds of millions of dollars every year. The Department of Veterans Affairs is one of the agencies with the most egregious use of official time. This agency is singlehandedly responsible for almost one-third of all the reported official time usage in the entire Federal Government. Mr. Chairman, this one agency has more than 250 individuals who do nothing but operate on official time. That is to say, 100 percent of their time at work is used doing union activity rather than what they were hired to do, which is to help our veterans. That is unacceptable. It costs the taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. On the other hand, Mr. Chairman, as of April 1, there were some 431,000 veterans who have been waiting for over 30 days to get an appointment at a VA medical facility. In my home State alone, more than 20,000 veterans have waited more than 30 days for appointments, be it in Atlanta, Augusta, or Dublin. We have veterans literally begging for access to health care, and yet they are being told while waiting in line that people appreciate their service to our country, appreciate the fact that they have been willing to lay their lives down for our country, but when it comes to their medical conditions, they will have to wait because of lack of resources. Mr. Chairman, to allow hundreds of VA employees to give 100 percent of their work hours to union activity while telling veterans that we do not have the resources to provide for their medical needs is inexcusable. We need to stop this practice that allows VA employees to prioritize their union over our veterans. The day that veterans are put in second place to union activities is the day that Congress must get involved, and that has day come. According to the most recent OPM report, the VA spends over $45 million taxpayer dollars every year on this practice. That is $45 million that could go to serve the medical needs of our veterans. Mr. Chairman, what we have before us is a tremendous opportunity to help our veterans while, at the same time, saving taxpayer dollars and increasing the overall efficiency of our Federal workforce. This amendment cuts through all the bureaucratic red tape and the sweetheart deals for unions and helps our Nation's deserving veterans. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is an opportunity to put our veterans first, above special interests, and I ask my colleagues to support this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 651, introduced by Representative David Cicilline, for the purpose of designating the United States Postal Service located at 820 Elmwood Avenue in Providence, Rhode Island, as the Sister Ann Keefe Post Office. Sister Ann Keefe was a dedicated public servant and a community activist who touched the lives of many, many people in Providence, Rhode Island. In fact, for over 30 years, Sister Keefe led the Social Justice ministry at St. Michael's church. She was instrumental in founding nearly two dozen community organizations. Unfortunately, Sister Keefe passed away from cancer earlier this year, on January 18, at the young age of 62. Sister Keefe will be remembered for her incredible ability to get things done and to turn an idea into reality. She will be remembered for her many accomplishments and as an example of selfless and faithful service. Naming a postal facility for Sister Ann Keefe in the community that she served and lived in for so many years will help memorialize her dedication to the people of Providence and encourage others to follow her example of public service. So I urge Members to support this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I would like to make the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Cicilline) aware that I have no further requests for time, and I am prepared to close.

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I am very much pleased to support this legislation honoring Sister Ann Keefe by lending her name to the Elmwood Avenue post office in Providence, Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 651) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 820 Elmwood Avenue in Providence, Rhode Island, as the ``Sister Ann Keefe Post Office''.