Derek Kilmer

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my sincere congratulations and birthday wishes to one of my constituents, Herman Kleiner, who is celebrating his 100th birthday on Tuesday, August 24, 2021. Herman was born into a Jewish family to Pauline and Morris Kleiner, in Tacoma, Washington, August 24th, 1921. A proud product of the Tacoma Public School system, Herman attended Bryant, Jason Lee, and Stadium High School and went on to attend the College of Puget Sound where he majored in sociology and became a member of the Delta Kappa Psi fraternity. During World War II, Herman served in the United States Air Force and, upon his return, went into business with his father, Morris, at Model Lumber Company. Mr. Kleiner recalls working with his father for many years--including his school age years--as the two had a wonderful relationship. He would work at the lumberyard during the year and then go to Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA) summer youth camp at the end of every summer. He became a member of the AZA and was presented with an opportunity to attend a national AZA Convention with the debate team, which he really enjoyed doing. Mr. Kleiner and many friends formed the first Aleph Zadik Aleph chapter in Tacoma. After his retirement in the early 1990's, Mr. Kleiner and his spouse Barbara had the pleasure of welcoming Russian Jews from the Soviet Union who were coming to the United States. Through their work and service, they were able to aid in the resettlement of about 33 Jewish families from the Soviet Union, helping to secure apartments before they arrived, assisting with furnishings and household goods, and transporting them from the airport to their new homes. Recounting his experience Mr. Kleiner recalled, ``It was absolutely one of the most wonderous parts of our life.'' In addition to his work welcoming Russian Jews into our community, Mr. Kleiner's passion for serving his community and giving back can be seen in his active engagement with numerous civic organizations throughout Tacoma, including: Temple Beth El, United Jewish Appeal, the Jewish Cemetery Board, and the Stadium Alumni Association. Madam Speaker, it is an honor today to celebrate Mr. Herman Kleiner on his 100th birthday, whose love for his community has never wavered and whose service to his country and community is greatly appreciated and will be long remembered.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this moment to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of United Way of Pierce County. United Way of Pierce County has been an integral part of our community since its founding on May 14, 1921--100 years ago. Established by an organizing committee composed of nine women and led by Emily R. Seymour, the organization was originally known as the Federation of Social Service Agencies. Founded to coordinate work among multiple Tacoma social agencies and serve more people, this organization has gone forward to provide services and leadership to our community for a century. Over the last hundred years, United Way of Pierce County's mission has remained focused on breaking the cycle of poverty for local families. Since its founding, this organization has raised and reinvested 350 million dollars in our community. United Way of Pierce County is also a leader in supporting diversity and inclusion efforts in our region. Their commitment to confronting systemic racism and recognizing its role in perpetrating persistent socioeconomic disparities strengthens their impact as they work for the prosperity and dignity of every person in the community. Their current goal is to lift 15,000 households out of poverty and into financial stability by 2028. I look forward to working with United Way of Pierce County in continued partnership to address poverty and care for our community. They are difference makers. I'd like to congratulate the organization's tremendous leadership, including President & CEO Dona Ponepinto, the board, and every person in our community that has supported their extraordinary work. Madam Speaker, Members of Congress, please join me in celebrating the 100th Anniversary of United Way of Pierce County.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, as we prepare to bring American troops home from Afghanistan, it is important to recognize those who weren't able to make it home. With that in mind, I rise to honor our Nation's Gold Star families, mothers, fathers, husband, wives, siblings, and children with a loved one who died in service to our country. I have deep gratitude for the families who have suffered such a painful loss, families like that of Captain Joseph Schultz, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2011. Captain Schultz's mother, Betsy, channeled her grief over losing her only child into action, forming a nonprofit respite home for other Gold Star families, the Captain Joseph House in Port Angeles, Washington. The Captain Joseph House, and organizations like it, provide a network of support and comfort for the surviving family members. Their work matters, and we should be grateful for it. Mr. Speaker, I offer my gratitude to all who have lost a loved one in service to our country.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Madam Speaker, people in the Pacific Northwest have faced horrific news this week regarding potential catastrophic die-off of salmon populations resulting from rising water temperatures from this week's heatwave. Sadly, in our region, deteriorating infrastructure and failing culverts have long had a negative impact on water quality and have threatened the salmon that are so important to our economy and to our identity. But today, through this bipartisan amendment, we have some good news. This amendment would create a new grant program within the U.S. Department of Transportation for culvert restoration to aid fish passage and recovery efforts. It provides $800 million for the new National Culvert Removal, Replacement and Restoration Grant Program. By providing this dedicated funding for culvert restoration, the Federal Government can restore fish passages and provide critical access to upstream habitat for aquatic species. I am grateful for Senator Cantwell's partnership and that of Chair DeFazio and for the support of bipartisan Members from the Pacific Northwest, who know how important this effort is to protecting clean water and recovering salmon populations in our region. This is good news, and I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Madam Speaker, I am proud to rise in support of the Promoting United Government Efforts to Save Our Sound Act, or the PUGET SOS Act, and I thank my good friend and colleague, Representative Strickland, for her partnership on this important legislation. Madam Speaker, those of us who are lucky to call the better Washington home know that Puget Sound is our most iconic body of water. Generations of our friends and neighbors have built their lives and earned their livelihoods on the Sound. We know the Puget Sound is critical to the environmental and economic future of our region. And some of our region's most iconic species, including salmon, orca, and Dungeness crab, rely on a healthy Puget Sound. But despite years of efforts to protect and restore Puget Sound, we still have a lot of work to do to address the significant challenges, including storm water runoff, habitat loss, and harmful algal blooms, that continue to threaten this crown jewel of our region's identity and economy. That is why I am proud to see the House advance this critical bill, which will finally bring to bear the coordinated Federal resources necessary to save our Sound. If we are going to recover our salmon and orca populations, if we are going to ensure future generations can dig for clams, if we are going to respect and uphold Tribal treaty rights, we need the Federal Government to step up and support the work already being done by the State, Tribes, local communities, and businesses that all depend on a vibrant and healthy Puget Sound. Madam Speaker, I am proud that this bill represents meaningful progress toward these goals. If future generations, including my two kiddos, are going to have the opportunities to enjoy these treasures and to build their livelihoods in our region, we have to act now to protect and restore the Sound. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this critical bill.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, staff are the backbone of this institution. In fact, the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, over the course of the last few weeks, has had hearings specifically related to how this institution can recruit, retain, and have more diverse staffs. The staffs who work in Congress are dedicated public servants who are here because they want to do meaningful work for our country. Today, I want to rise to say thank you to some very talented and very special staffers who were instrumental to the success of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress in the 116th Congress: Allie Neill, Jake Olson, Danielle Stewart, Mariah Harding, and SoRelle Gaynor. As chair of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, I was fortunate to have Ms. Neill and Mr. Olson at the helm leading our staff and guiding our members through an incredibly productive 2 years. Their dedication to our bipartisan mission along with their institutional expertise was critical to the committee's success. To their credit, when they came in to do the work of our committee, they weren't wearing red jerseys or blue jerseys. They were wearing jerseys that said: Let's try to make Congress work better for the American people. On top of that, Ms. Stewart did an extraordinary job of amplifying the work of our committee and sharing it with the American people. Ms. Harding handled the critical behind-the-scenes work like a pro. Under Ms. Gaynor's direction the committee produced an outstanding final report for the 116th Congress. These staffers exemplify public service at its finest, and I want to rise today to thank them for their contributions.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Madam Speaker, I would like to celebrate and give gratitude to Mr. Nicola Bulgari, an avid connoisseur of American-made cars and gracious contributor to the LeMay--America's Car Museum in Washington's 6th Congressional District. Mr. Bulgari was born and raised in Rome, Italy and as a young boy, became fascinated with American cars. He promised himself that when he grew up, he would own an American car. This boyhood goal grew into supporting a dream that the United States would have a national entity dedicated to the heritage that the automobile brought to American life. Through his extensive efforts and commitment to helping others who share his passion, that dream has become a reality. In 2004, Mr. Bulgari joined the Board of Directors for the LeMay--America's Car Museum and devoted himself to the effort which led to its opening in Tacoma, Washington in 2012. Most recently, in January 2021, Mr. Bulgari carried out the partnership between the NB Center for American Automotive Heritage and America's Automotive Trust based in Tacoma, WA. The Trust is committed to honoring the past, celebrating the present, and anticipating the future of American automotive legacy. We are extraordinarily fortunate to have seen firsthand the generosity of Mr. Bulgari in our region. His devotion to the American automobile heritage will have a lasting impression on Washingtonians and visitors from all around the country and world. I have the great privilege of recognizing his impact here in the United States Congress.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I was born and raised on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State, and I know firsthand how special our region is and how our public lands contribute to the fabric of who we are. In our region, we understand that protecting our public lands isn't just about saving these unforgettable places for future generations. It also means protecting high-quality jobs for the next generation as well. That is important to me, as someone who grew up on the peninsula and as someone who worked in economic development professionally for over a decade. I have seen how our natural resources contribute to our economic vitality. Each year, millions of people and families travel to our State and contribute roughly $22 billion in economic impact and support 200,000 jobs in Washington's outdoor economy. Our national treasures have helped create opportunities for local entrepreneurs who started restaurants, guided tour companies, hotels, and B&Bs, and other small businesses. That is why it makes sense to protect these special places, and that is why I am proud that the House is considering this comprehensive package, including a bill I introduced called the Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. That bill protects some of our most environmentally sensitive areas by establishing a new wilderness area to protect the last remaining old-growth stands on the peninsula and designating 19 rivers and tributaries as wild and scenic rivers to protect critical salmon spawning habitats. This proposal has evolved through extensive public engagement with Tribes, conservation groups, timber communities, business leaders, shellfish growers, and everybody in-between, to create a bill that works for our local communities. It is because of that outreach that this bill is now formally supported by more than 800 community leaders, Republicans and Democrats, businessowners, sportsmen, mayors, county commissioners, and Tribal leaders, all of whom agree this proposal moves our region in the right direction. In addition to protecting recreational access and supporting our outdoor economy, the bill bolsters our region's efforts to protect sources of clean drinking water, supporting critical salmon and steelhead habitats, and protecting key waterways that are vital to our shellfish industry. But just as important are all the things this bill will not do. This proposal will not close, decommission, or otherwise restrict access to any Forest Service roads or trailheads. It will not impact any harvestable timber base in the Olympic National Forest. I am doing a whole bunch of other work to increase the harvest through other avenues. This bill will not affect any private property rights. It will not impact how the Washington Department of Natural Resources manages State-owned lands, which is why it has gained support of the Washington commissioner of public lands. We know that our region's future depends on building a strong and diversified economy, and after years of collaboration, I think this bill we are considering today represents a clear win-win for the communities I represent. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the senior Senator from Washington, Senator Murray, for her partnership in this effort. I want to thank the lead sponsor and the Natural Resources Committee. I encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this package of en bloc amendments, which includes a bipartisan amendment I offered to expand access to computer science youth apprenticeship programs that are critical to the 21st century workforce. We know that education is the door to economic opportunity, and one of the most American and foundational paths to high-quality, worked- based learning and education are apprenticeship programs. In today's changing economy, it is important to continue to find ways to prepare our kids for the jobs of the future, jobs in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, technology, green jobs, and computer science. According to Code.org, across 24 States, only 35 percent of high schools in the U.S. teach computer science. That same study found that Black and Hispanic students, students receiving free and reduced lunch, and students from rural areas are less likely to attend a school that provides access to this critical subject. Not everyone is going to have a tech-related job, but we know that there is a growing demand that we are struggling to meet for preparing students for these in-demand jobs and for equipping workers with advanced computer science skills. In fact, a lot of employers in the region I represent in northwest Washington have job openings going unfilled because they can't find folks with the necessary computer science skills. To prepare students to be successful and innovative in the workforce, the Federal Government should help expand computer science education and pathways to more students. That is why my amendment would ensure that computer science youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and apprenticeship programs are prioritized for funding through the historic National Apprenticeship Act of 2021. Growing the number of computer science programs, including youth apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, and apprenticeships for students in high school and beyond, will provide more 21st century job opportunities for our kids, more high-skilled and qualified employees for our local employers, and more economic resiliency for our communities. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his support of this simple yet important amendment, and I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the package and ``yes'' on the bill.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Madam Speaker, I would like to take a moment to commemorate the 100th birthday of one of my constituents, John T. ``Mike'' Wolf. In 2015, Mr. Wolf was awarded Congress' highest civilian award, the Congressional Gold Medal. He and three dozen American Fighter Aces were honored for their war contributions in World War II and subsequent wars. The ceremony that took place in May 2015 was convened by Seattle's Museum of Flight and recognized the accomplishments of the 1,447 American Aces who achieved the elite designation. Six years ago, only 77 Aces were alive, and approximately 36 of them gathered in Washington, D.C. to receive the recognition in person. As Mr. Wolf celebrates his 100th birthday on February 4th, I wanted to take a moment to bring distinction once again to his service and dedication to our country. The stories of the Fighter Aces cover some of the most formative periods in aviation history. Some gained their victories in open-cockpit biplanes, others in the powerful propeller- driven fighters of World War II, and still others in the jets that fought over Korea and Southeast Asia. Aces come from each major combat branch of the U.S. military and nearly every state in the union. Wolf trained in a Boeing N-25-3 Shearman, then fought in a Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat and the Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat. He was a member of Fighter Squadron Two during World War II, whose roster included Lt. Cmdr. Butch O'Hare, namesake of Chicago's O'Hare International Airport; and Cmdr. Roy ``Butch'' Voris, who is the founder of the Blue Angels. Recounting his experience Mr. Wolf recalled, ``I was more scared of not being able to do the right thing. We had received six months of training. My fear was, can I analyze [the situation] and do the right thing?'' He didn't get a lot of time to analyze the situation. An engagement might last the few seconds it took to get some shots off, or it could be longer. All told, Wolf downed seven Japanese fighter planes--three in one day, and five between June 11 and 19, 1944. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and four Air Medals. After the war, Wolf embarked on a career in life insurance to support his young family. The discipline of a Navy pilot came in handy because he didn't exactly enjoy selling life insurance. He would tell you, ``I got good at it and stuck with it.'' Today, we honor and celebrate John ``Mike'' Wolf--whose love for the Navy has never wavered and whose service to his country and community is greatly appreciated and will be long remembered.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this package of en bloc amendments, which includes a bipartisan amendment I offered along with my good friend and colleague from Pennsylvania, Representative Fitzpatrick, to expand access to computer science youth apprenticeship programs that are critical to the 21st century workforce. We know education is the door to economic opportunities, and one of the most American and foundational paths to high-quality, work-based learning and education are apprenticeship programs. In today's changing economy, it is important to continue to find ways to prepare our kids for the jobs of the future: jobs in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, technology, green jobs, and, yes, computer science. According to Code.org, across 24 States, only 35 percent of high schools in the U.S. teach computer science. That same study found that Black and Hispanic students, students receiving free and reduced lunch, and students from rural areas are less likely to attend a school that provides access to this critical subject. Not everyone is going to have a tech-related job, but we know that there is a growing demand--a demand that we are struggling to meet--for students able to fill these in-demand jobs and for equipping workers with advanced computer science skills. To prepare students to be successful and innovative in the workforce, the Federal Government needs to expand computer science education and pathways to more students. That is why my amendment would ensure that computer science youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and apprenticeship programs are prioritized.

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, it would provide priority for funding through this historic National Apprenticeship Act of 2020. Growing the number of computer science programs for students in high school and beyond will provide more 21st century job opportunities for our kids, more high-skilled and qualified employees for our employers, and more economic resiliency for our communities. I thank the chairman for his support of this simple, yet important, amendment. I thank Representative Susan Davis from California for her leadership on this issue, and I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this package and ``yes'' on this bill.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend for yielding and echo the gratitude for her leadership and the bipartisan leadership of the subcommittee. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act, a bipartisan bill that I was proud to help introduce, to deliver urgently needed investments to address the vulnerabilities that persist in State, local, Tribal, and territorial cyber infrastructures. These cyber threats are real, and our communities need help. I have spoken with a county auditor just recently who said she is conscious that her systems are constantly targeted. I have spoken with public power providers who understand that, in the absence of sufficient cybersecurity, we could see an attack that would wipe out our critical utilities for citizens and could undermine our economy. I have recently spoken with a Tribal leader who said that they have enough technology challenges without seeing the threat of cyberattack compound things. I have spoken with a county hospital in my district that was hit by a ransomware attack. This bill is about letting those folks know and the people whom they serve know that they are not on their own, that the Federal Government understands that cybersecurity vulnerabilities don't only exist in marble buildings in Washington, D.C., but that they exist in communities in every State in our Nation, and with this bill the Federal Government says: We are going to have your back. That is why I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bipartisan plan. There is no time to waste.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of John Henry Turpin, a distinguished U.S. Navy sailor and a lifelong resident of Bremerton, Washington. John's 30-year career in the Navy included service during the Spanish-American War, the Boxer Rebellion, and World War I. He is believed to be the first Black American to qualify as a master diver and was one of the first Black Americans to achieve the rank of Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy. John's outstanding legacy of service to our country is made even more significant by the era of prejudice and discrimination during which he served. I am proud that today the House of Representatives unanimously passed the bipartisan bill that I introduced to designate the U.S. Postal Service facility on Pacific Avenue in Bremerton as the John Henry Turpin Post Office Building in recognition of his achievements and his service. It is fitting that today Democrats and Republicans stood together in honoring his lifelong and selfless commitment to the defense of America and American values, and in ensuring that his accomplishments are permanently remembered in the city of Bremerton.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman and all who worked on this bill. Mr. Speaker, as someone who grew up on the Olympic Peninsula, I learned how important protecting our parks and our public lands is to driving tourism and growing jobs and supporting rural economies. This is a big day. Permanently funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund, providing dedicated funding to make much-needed repairs at Olympic National Park and throughout our park system, this is progress for ensuring that these natural assets can continue to provide amazing visitor experiences and serve as economic drivers for rural communities that need these jobs and need these opportunities for future generations. This is a day to also celebrate the extraordinary coalition of environmental groups, outdoor economy groups, and local civic leaders that got involved to move this bill forward today. I am grateful for all who worked on this. I am proud to be a supporter of this bill, and I am encouraging all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' today.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Madam Speaker, when you meet your hero and they turn out even more amazing than you expected, it is really cool. That was my experience getting to work with John Lewis. In fact, sometimes when he spoke in Caucus, I would find myself texting a colleague, saying: You work with John Lewis. The last time many of us heard his voice was early this summer on a Caucus conference call. He spoke up and said that he was sad because he was reminded that we weren't as far on the path to justice as any of us want our country to be. But then he said he was hopeful because people, and particularly young people, were speaking up, standing up, and working for change. In 2019, I brought one young person, my daughter, Sophie, to Selma, Alabama. We crossed Edmund Pettus Bridge with him. We listened to his stories. He was so kind to her and so patient with her questions. At the end of the trip, Sophie approached him at the airport, and she thanked him. She said: I have one more question. He said: Go ahead. And she said: Were you ever scared? And he said to her: You know, I was scared. But I knew I was doing the right thing, and I knew there were others who were depending on me standing up for them, too. He stood up for so many for so long. One of the honors of my life was to get to serve with this extraordinary man, even watching him preside over the House as we passed a new Voting Rights Act. His legacy of peace and love, of fighting for justice, fighting for voting rights, and of causing good trouble will live on. Rest in peace and rest in power, Mr. Lewis.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to share my sympathies for lives lost due to the coronavirus and to offer my gratitude to the first responders, healthcare professionals, and others working to respond to this public health emergency. Now is the time for action. Last week, Congress approved $8.3 billion in funding to ensure the Federal Government steps up to the scale and seriousness of this growing crisis: public health funding, support to State and local health agencies, investments in R&D for vaccines, and a measure I led to help our small businesses that are already feeling the impact. This week, the Federal Government should go further to help workers and families across the country. I am proud the House will be moving to ensure paid sick days and economic assistance for impacted workers, to increase capacity of the medical system, to protect first responders, to make testing more widespread and free, and to ensure access to food for the most vulnerable Americans. There is no time to waste. The House should act now to ensure the safety and security of the American people.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chair Lofgren and Ranking Member Davis for their support in bringing this resolution to the floor. H. Res. 756, the MODCOM Resolution, is the product of a bipartisan desire to make Congress work better for the American people. Over the past year, the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress has taken a hard look at the many challenges this institution faces. Select committee members have listened closely to what their colleagues and staff have to say about how to improve Congress and listened to the American people. Through a collaborative, bipartisan process, the select committee has so far passed 45 recommendations to make Congress work better so that Members can better serve their constituents. Making recommendations to improve Congress is one thing, but making sure those recommendations are carried out is quite another. The Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress is the first reform committee in recent history to turn its recommendations into legislation. The MODCOM Resolution ensures that the select committee's initial recommendations are implemented by the House of Representatives. These recommendations cover a broad range of issues but share a common goal: making Congress work better for the American people. Article I of the Constitution established Congress as the first among coequal branches of government. Our Founding Fathers envisioned a strong legislative branch, but Congress' capacity to uphold its constitutional powers has been weakened. This resolution is a first step toward restoring capacity and strengthening Congress. The resolution improves transparency so that the American people can easily access basic information about Congress, including following the bill through the process, seeing how Members vote in committee and on the floor, and tracking what bills Members sponsor. The MODCOM Resolution also contains recommendations focused on attracting and retaining a diverse and highly qualified workforce, again, working on behalf of the American people. The resolution creates a one-stop HR shop to help Members and staff with questions about recruitment, retention, diversity, legal counsel, training, and benefits. The select committee has heard a lot about how new Member orientation should do more to encourage civility and bipartisan collaboration. This resolution will overhaul the onboarding process for new Members and provide continuing education opportunities for all Members. Select committee members also agree that trying to solve 21st century problems with 20th century technologies is a disservice to the American people, who rightfully expect timely action from their Representatives. This resolution will modernize House technologies and, ultimately, save taxpayer dollars. Modernizing Congress also means making the proceedings and functions of the House accessible to all Americans. The MODCOM resolution addresses the equal access challenges that persons with disabilities face when working for, visiting, or interacting with Congress. The bottom line is this: All Members want Congress to work better for the American people, and the MODCOM resolution serves that goal. I am proud to lead this effort, but I want to emphasize that this is an entirely collaborative effort. Congressman Tom Graves, the select committee's vice chair, has been a great partner, and I want to thank him for his leadership, his partnership, and his commitment to the committee's success. I thank the gentleman from Illinois for wishing Tom and his family well and wishing his son a speedy recovery. Mr. Speaker, the experience and perspective of Chair Lofgren and of Ranking Member Davis they have shared with the select committee has also been invaluable. I want to thank them and the Committee on House Administration and their staff for their help and their guidance and for their work in bringing this resolution to the floor today. I also want to thank all of my colleagues on the select committee. We serve with such thoughtful and dedicated Members, and I look forward to our continued collaboration. The CAO's office and the House Clerk's office have also been instrumental in this effort, and I want to thank the many people in both offices who have given of their time and expertise in working through a lot of these issues with the select committee. This is the first step in trying to make Congress function better on behalf of the American people. There is more to come. The committee has additional recommendations that we hope to move forward. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support passage of H. Res. 756.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Madam Speaker, on March 5, 2020, I was unable to be present for Roll Call vote number 87 on agreeing to the amendment offered by Rep. Cisneros of California to the ``Rights for Transportation Security Officers Act of 2020'' (H.R. 1140). Had I been present, I would have voted ``YEA.'' I was also unable to be present for Roll Call vote number 88 on agreeing to the amendment offered by Rep. Mucarsel-Powell of Florida [on behalf of Rep. Schrier of Washington] to H.R. 1140. Had I been present, I would have voted ``YEA.'' Additionally, I was unable to be present for Roll Call vote number 89 regarding the Motion to Recommit on H.R. 1140. Had I been present, I would have voted ``NAY.'' Finally, I was unable to be present for Roll Call vote number 90 on agreeing to final passage of H.R. 1140, ``Rights for Transportation Security Officers Act of 2020.'' Had I been present, I would have voted ``YEA.''

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of my Special Order.

Mr. KILMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about the work of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress. As chair, I am extremely proud of what the select committee has accomplished in the past year. I am also proud of how we have accomplished our work. In addition to unanimously passing 45 recommendations to improve the way Congress works, the select committee is establishing a new and meaningful precedent for bipartisan collaboration. For those watching on C-SPAN, your television is not broken. We are actually proving that it is possible for Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to sit down together, engage in tough discussions, listen and learn from one another, and reach consensus. And I am fortunate and grateful to serve on this committee with such thoughtful and dedicated Members, including Vice Chair Tom Graves, whom we will hear from later this evening. The select committee's guiding principle is to make Congress work better so that the institution and its Members can better serve the American people. That simple but profound goal guides all of our work. It helps us identify institutional problems and develop helpful solutions. Last year, we held hearings on important topics like improving transparency in Congress, bettering constituent engagement, cultivating staff diversity and retention, developing next-generation leadership, technology best practices used in the States, the congressional schedule and calendar, and rules and procedures. We kicked off this year with two hearings on Article I of the Constitution. The first focused on restoring congressional capacity, and the second focused on debate and deliberation. While this may not have set any ratings records on C-SPAN, the reality is these hearings actually helped us dig deeper into the many challenges facing Congress and helped us identify innovative solutions to have this institution function better on behalf of the American people. As we continue to examine the range of issues in our mandate, we are going to continue to listen closely to what our colleagues and staff have to say about making Congress work better for the American people. Many Members and staff have generously devoted their time and knowledge to helping the select committee think about policies to modernize Congress. We are grateful for their support and thrilled by the amount of interest our House colleagues have expressed in our work. If one thing is clear, it is this: The desire to make Congress a more effective and efficient institution is actually devoid of partisanship. Modernizing Congress helps all Members to do a better job on behalf of their constituents. So far, the select committee has reported three sets of recommendations containing a total of 45 unanimously approved recommendations out of committee. The committee reports containing these recommendations were reported to the House today, pursuant to section 201(f)(2) of H. Res. 6, and will be made publicly available at govinfo.gov. Our first set of recommendations was reported favorably by the select committee last May and focused on improving transparency in Congress. Transparency increases accountability and, ultimately, improves the way Congress serves the American people. While a lot of legislative information is public, it is often not made available in a format that is easy to access or to review or to digest. These recommendations address transparency and accessibility problems and encourage the continuous public posting of new legislative information, including bill status, committee votes, program authorizations, and lobbying disclosures. Ultimately, it is the people who pay for the data Congress collects, so they should be able to access basic information about what Members of Congress do here, whether it is following a bill through the process, seeing how we vote in committee and on the floor, or tracking what bills Members of Congress sponsor and cosponsor. Improving public access to legislative data is wholly consistent with making Congress work better for the American people. Our second set of 24 recommendations were reported favorably by the committee last July. These recommendations fit into four broad categories. The first set updates policies governing House human resources and consolidates the many H.R.-related offices in the House into a one-stop shop to help Members and staff with questions about recruitment, retention, diversity, legal counsel, training, and benefits. These recommendations recognize that attracting and retaining a diverse and highly qualified workforce requires offering competitive benefits and a motivating work environment. The second set overhauls the onboarding process for new Members and provides continuing education for all Members. The select committee has heard a lot about how new Member orientation should be nonpartisan and should include courses emphasizing the necessity of civility and respect. Rather than divide new Members by party as soon as they arrive here for orientation, we should encourage more relationship building. Whether at the start of someone's service or later, Members should also have the opportunity to continue learning best practices so they can better serve those they represent. The third set of recommendations modernizes House technology resources and emphasizes quality IT services to reduce reliance on outside vendors, to leverage bulk purchasing power, and to save taxpayer dollars. Congress has been described by one of our colleagues as an 18th century institution using 20th century technology to solve 21st century problems. To address that, we also recommend reestablishing and reenvisioning the Office of Technology Assessment to help Congress address modern science and technology challenges. Our fourth set of recommendations establishes that all proceedings and functions of the House should be made accessible to all Americans. This year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. While much progress has been made, there is still a lot of work to do to ensure that Americans with disabilities do not face discrimination. Our recommendations seek to address the equal access challenges persons with disabilities face when working for, visiting, or interacting with Congress. Before I continue and dive into some of the other work of the select committee, I want to invite my colleague and the vice chair of the committee, the gentleman from Georgia, Tom Graves, to say a few words. Tom has been a terrific partner, and I value the way that he has approached this committee, approaching these as problems to be solved, not working to score political points and, like every member of this committee, has really had his oar in the water trying to move our effort forward. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Graves), and I invite him to say a few words.

Mr. KILMER. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his kind words and for his partnership. This has been a true partnership with every member of the committee, but I particularly appreciate Mr. Graves' leadership as our vice chair. Madam Speaker, I want to just dive in a bit on where he ended, which is we are the first select committee in several decades to propose and adopt recommendations on a rolling basis. Put simply, when we have consensus, we move. We are also the first select committee in recent history to introduce our recommendations as legislation, to ensure that they actually get implemented further on down the road. We introduced legislation in December, H. Res. 756, that incorporates the first two sets of recommendations passed by the select committee, and we are expecting a committee markup soon. The select committee unanimously approved a third set of recommendations in December, and those recommendations fit into three broad categories. The first set emphasizes the necessity of civility and the importance of bipartisan collaboration in Congress. Select committee members believe that Congress is stronger when Members find ways to work together to solve problems, and civility is key to making Congress a more productive institution that better serves the American people. That is especially important now. And the select committee intends to continue pushing for improved civility through further recommendations. The second set addresses various administrative inefficiencies in Congress: to update Member cosponsorship powers, procurement and bulk purchasing policies, the travel card program, and Member emergency preparedness training. And the third set, modernize the House Franking Commission on mailing standards and its regulations governing all Member communications. The select committee worked closely with the Franking Commission to develop these recommendations, and we were pleased to see the Commission implement updated communication standards for Members in January. The new guidelines modernize franking rules by including digital communications, improving transparency, expediting the review process, and allowing for more seamless interaction with constituents across platforms. As with our first two sets of recommendations, the select committee will introduce legislation that incorporates our third set of recommendations to ensure further implementation. We don't want to just make recommendations for the sake of making recommendations; we want to make recommendations that actually improve Congress and its function on behalf of the American people. The select committee has accomplished a great deal in the past year, but there is still a lot more work to do. I believe I speak for all of the members of the committee when I say we are ready for that challenge. Our plan is to build on our success thus far and continue issuing recommendations over the next several months. Working to build a more efficient and effective Congress that will better serve the American people is a mission I am proud to lead, and I am lucky to lead this committee alongside Vice Chair Tom Graves, who has been a great and steadfast partner in this effort. I am lucky to have a terrific set of committee members who are working to make Congress function better on behalf of the American people. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Chairman, I thank my good friend and colleague for yielding. Mr. Chairman, as someone who was born and raised on the Olympic Peninsula, I know firsthand how special our region is and how our public lands contribute to the fabric of who we are. In our region we understand that protecting public lands isn't just about saving these unforgettable places for future generations. It also means protecting high quality jobs for the next generation as well. As someone who worked in economic development professionally for over a decade, I have seen how our natural resources contribute to our economic vitality. Each year millions of people and families travel to my State and contribute roughly $22 billion in economic impact and support 200,000 jobs in Washington's outdoor economy. Our national treasures have created opportunities for local entrepreneurs who have started restaurants, guided tour companies, hotels, and other small businesses. That is why it makes sense to protect these special places, and it is why I am proud the House is considering this comprehensive package which includes my legislation, the Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. This bill protects some of our environmentally sensitive areas by establishing a new wilderness area to protect the last remaining old-growth stands on the peninsula and designating 19 rivers and tributaries as wild and scenic rivers to protect critical salmon spawning habitat. This proposal has evolved through extensive public engagement with Tribes, conservation groups, timber communities, business leaders, shellfish growers, and everyone in between to create a bill that works for our local communities. It is because of that extensive public outreach that this bill is formally now supported by more than 800 community leaders--Republicans, Democrats, business owners, sportsmen, mayors, county commissioners, and Tribal leaders--all of whom agree that this proposal moves our region in the right direction. In addition to protecting recreational access and supporting our outdoor economy, this bill will also bolster our region's efforts to protect sources of clean drinking water, support critical salmon and steelhead habitat, and protect key waterways that are vital to our shellfish industry. But just as important as these things are the things this bill will not do. This proposal will not close, decommission, or otherwise restrict access to any existing Forest Service roads or trailheads. It will not impact any harvestable timber base in the Olympic National Forest, and I am doing a whole bunch of work to actually increase harvest through other avenues. This bill will not affect any private property rights, and it will not impact how the Washington Department of Natural Resources manages State-owned land, which is why it has gained the endorsement of the Washington Commissioner of Public Lands. We know that our region's future depends on building a strong and diversified economy. And after years of collaboration, I think this bill we are considering today represents a clear win-win for the communities I represent. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the senior Senator from Washington, Senator Murray, for her partnership on this effort, and I encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of this important legislation.

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk made in order by the rule.