Ann Kuster

Ms. KUSTER

Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, this is the final amendment to the bill, which will not kill the bill or send it back to the committee. If adopted, the bill will immediately proceed to final passage, as amended. Mr. Speaker, we can all agree on the need for targeted regulatory relief. Too often, well-intentioned rules lead to harmful, unintended consequences for our constituents. We need Congress and the Federal agencies to work together to thoughtfully tailor new rules and to review, revise, or repeal regulations that impose an undue burden on our economy. With today's divided government, this collaborative approach is the only way to move forward--not by scoring political points or passing bills that will go nowhere, but by working together. That's what the American people expect, and that's what the American people deserve. That's exactly what we did in New Hampshire when my constituents raised concerns with the impact that new regulations could have on our small State's family and organic farms. As we speak, the Food and Drug Administration is developing new rules to improve the safety of our food supply, a goal that we can all support. But the FDA needs to work with Congress to ensure that these rules do not burden farmers with a one-size-fits-all mandate that does not make sense for New England farms. That's why I led 20 Senators and Representatives, both Republicans and Democrats, in pushing the FDA to work with farmers and find common ground. Because of our efforts, the agency will soon be holding a forum in New Hampshire to hear from local farmers about ways to improve these rules. That is the right approach: bringing people together from both parties to thoughtfully solve problems, not thoughtlessly obstructing reforms across the board. The bill we will soon vote on would hold progress hostage by requiring additional acts of Congress for new major rules, even though this Congress has seen more gridlock than almost any other. After partisanship led to the doubling of student loan rates on the 1st of July, it took a full month for this Congress to provide students and middle class families with the relief that they deserve. Do we want to subject economic opportunity for the middle class to that same partisan gridlock? What about Medicare protection for our seniors? What about the health and safety of our veterans? What about the safety and well-being of our children? No, we certainly do not. We don't need more gridlock. We need bipartisan solutions. That's why I am offering my amendment, which would exempt rules from this bill if they would advance the priorities that we can all support, like creating jobs and economic growth, reducing the deficit and long-term debt, and protecting the health and safety of America's children, our seniors, and our veterans. Surely we can all agree that reforms to advance these priorities should not face additional hurdles in Congress. I urge support for my amendment to improve this bill and ensure that it does not harm job creation, economic growth, the health and well- being of our constituents, or other bipartisan priorities that we can all agree upon. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. KUSTER. I am opposed in its current form.

Ms. KUSTER

Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Farmer's Market Week, which will take place August 4, 2013 through August 10, 2013. In New Hampshire, the agricultural industry contributes nearly one billion dollars to our local economy every year. With over 400,000 acres of land across the Granite State devoted to everything from timber operations and greenhouses to dairy farms and apple orchards, agriculture is an integral part of our landscape and history. I am proud to be the first Representative from New Hampshire to serve on the House Agriculture Committee in seventy years. Farmer's markets are a vital part of our communities in New Hampshire, connecting the farmers who grow our food with the families who consume it. In fact, farmer's markets could be found in New England all the way back to colonial times. Currently, there are nearly one hundred farmer's markets throughout the Granite State, from small summertime gatherings to year-round markets--and the number is still growing. Many of these markets were created by individual citizens with a passion for serving their community and the willingness to roll up their sleeves and make it happen. Farmer's markets strengthen our communities by supporting local farmers and providing consumers with fresh, nutritious food. It's a win for our economy, a win for our health, and a win for the environment. That's the New Hampshire way. The growing number and popularity of these markets is truly a testament of the commitment that Granite Staters have to our communities. National Farmer's Market Week recognizes the important role that farmer's markets play in our food system, and I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the nearly 8,000 farmer's markets across our great nation.

Ms. KUSTER

Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, on July 22, 2013, I was unavoidably detained and missed the following rollcall votes: Nos. 375 for H.R. 1542 and 376 for H. Con. Res. 44. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on these two rollcall votes. Additionally, on July 23, 2013, I was also unavoidably detained and missed rollcall vote 377, on ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 312. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on this vote.

Ms. KUSTER

Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 377, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Ms. KUSTER

Ms. KUSTER. Yes, I am.

Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, this is the final amendment to the bill, which will not kill the bill or send it back to committee. If adopted, the bill will proceed immediately to final passage, as amended. This week, we have debated how best to educate our children and prepare them for the lives and jobs of the 21st century economy. Mr. Speaker, this bill is not the answer. In New Hampshire, we recognize that investments in education are investments in economic growth, job creation, and expanded opportunity for middle class families. Unfortunately, this bill fails to adequately make these investments in our economic future. It fails to reflect the bipartisan support in this House for STEM education, for fairness, and for accountability. Along with the Chamber of Commerce and a broad coalition of stakeholders, I believe that this legislation fails to deliver the education system that our students, our children deserve. While some would rather abolish the Department of Education, I know that we have a responsibility to ensure that every child in this country has a chance to learn and succeed. We may have our disagreements, but we owe it to the people we represent to focus on those areas where we can find common ground. I know that we can all agree on the need to preserve opportunity and safety for our students, and I'm hopeful that you will all support my amendment, which makes four very commonsense reforms. First, this amendment protects children with autism and other disabilities. According to the Centers for Disease Control, an astounding 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys across the United States are on the autism spectrum. My amendment would simply ensure that education plans do not deny opportunity to these students with autism or other disabilities. Second, this would amend to protect children from abusive seclusion and restraint policies. A shocking 41 States have verified reports of inappropriate seclusion and restraint in their schools. The Government Accountability Office has documented hundreds of allegations of such abuse against students, including students with disabilities. Troubling reports have emerged of students pinned to the ground face down, students who have been confined in cardboard boxes, and students who have been literally duct-taped to chairs. As a result, some students have even died. My amendment would put in place minimum safety standards to prevent abusive seclusion and restraint in schools. Third, this amendment would require thorough background checks for any school employees or contractors with access to children to keep sexual predators out of our schools. We can all agree on this part of the amendment. It would prohibit public schools from hiring or retaining anyone convicted of crimes against children, such as sexual assault and pornography. And importantly, it would ensure that schools report to local law enforcement when predators apply for positions with access to children. Finally, this amendment would establish standards for protecting student athletes from concussions. I know that many of you are parents, and I have had sons with this condition. Research shows that 300,000 sports-related concussions occur every single year in our schools. Younger athletes are at greater risk of concussion, and this amendment would provide schools, athletes, and parents with the information on how best to prevent and manage these injuries. It would also require parental notification. Together, these reforms will keep our children safe from injury and abuse in our schools. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote to protect children with disabilities, vote to improve safety for all students, and vote for this final amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. KUSTER

Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks in very strong opposition to the farm bill rule and the underlying bill because veterans in my district, children and patriotic families all across America are hungry.

Ms. KUSTER

Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 250th anniversary of a proud community in my district: the Town of Plymouth, New Hampshire. Nestled between the crystal waters of the Lakes Region and the majestic peaks of the White Mountains, Plymouth serves as the gateway to some of the Granite State's greatest natural treasures. The pristine rivers that meet in this distinguished community symbolize the convergence of education, tourism, and industry that have defined Plymouth since its incorporation in 1763. People travel from far and wide seeking the town's beautiful mountain vistas, fine hotels and inns, rustic covered bridges, campgrounds, and lakes. Many years ago, snow trains would stop in Plymouth, providing skiers and adventurers headed for the White Mountains with a place to stay at the inns found throughout the town. While enjoying the sights, guests could visit the Draper and Maynard sporting goods store, where Babe Ruth himself would travel to purchase baseball equipment. They could pick up a pair of buck gloves, courtesy of the prestigious glove industry that defined Plymouth's early years. Or, they could visit Plymouth State University to enjoy a collection of letters and works written by a frequent visitor to the White Mountains, Robert Frost. During the academic year, the population of Plymouth doubles as bustling students fill the historic streets. These students return to experience one of New England's finest universities, where a campus- wide focus on environmental issues and sustainable initiatives has become an integral part of the student experience. While 250 years have come and gone in Plymouth, the town's focus on education and innovation has set a course of prosperity for countless years to come. On July 20th, the town will officially mark its two and a half centuries with a community-wide celebration. As local citizens enjoy fireworks, dances, concerts, and other festivities to mark this auspicious occasion, I urge all Granite Staters and all Americans to join them in honoring this special town.

Ms. KUSTER

Ms. KUSTER. Thank you, Representative Walorski and Representative Sanchez, for your friendship and for your leadership on this issue. Today, I am proud to join my colleagues in passing this bill to strengthen whistleblower protections for those who report sexual assaults in the military. This legislation will help ensure that sexual trauma survivors and others who step forward do not face reprisal for reporting these terrible crimes. I am especially proud that, of the 110 bipartisan cosponsors of this important reform, nearly 50 are members of the freshman class. I know that these new Representatives are committed to working across the aisle in making commonsense reforms and getting things done for the American people. This important legislation proves that Congress can work together to do the right thing for the American people, and what better issue is there to partner on than in strengthening protections for the men and women of our Armed Forces. This critical reform is a great step forward in further protecting our heroes in uniform who take the extra heroic step of coming forward to blow the whistle on military sexual crimes. It has been an honor to work with you all to help build support for this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1864 and to continue to work together to end sexual violence in the military.

Ms. KUSTER

Ms. KUSTER. Thank you, Mrs. Bustos, for yielding. I rise today in support of H.R. 1092, which is a bill that I introduced with Congresswoman Shea-Porter, to rename the air route traffic control center in Nashua, New Hampshire, after Patricia Clark, an exemplary Federal employee. I want to thank Senator Shaheen and Senator Ayotte for leading this legislation and ensuring its swift passage through the other body. I also thank Chairman Shuster, Ranking Member Rahall and their hardworking staffs for passing this bill through the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and bringing it to the floor today. The Boston Air Route Traffic Control Center was built 50 years ago as part of a network of 20 centers that guide commercial air traffic in our Nation. The center is staffed by a dedicated team, which ensures the safety of our skies and of the aircraft that travel through them; but while much has changed in the 50 years since the center was opened, one thing has remained constant--Patty Clark. Patty started work at the Boston Center the day after it opened, and since that time she has been the gold standard for Federal employees. Patty does administrative work, including payroll, travel arrangements, and manning the phones, and as you've heard today, over these past 50 years, she has never once taken a sick day. Patty is beloved by her colleagues for her dedication and her positive attitude. To quote one of her colleagues, she is simply the ``cream of the crop.'' So, as the 50th anniversary of the Boston Center approached earlier this year, management and workers got together at the center and decided that the only way to appropriately mark this extraordinary milestone was to honor the woman who had been through it all. This is no cost, bipartisan legislation that will recognize the dedication of an incredible woman who has served our Nation for 50 years. I urge my colleagues to join me and the entire New Hampshire congressional delegation in honoring Patty Clark by supporting H.R. 1092.

Ms. KUSTER

Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, on June 14, 2013, I missed the following Rollcall vote: number 237 for the Smith of Washington Part B Amendment No. 20 to H.R. 1960. Had I voted, I would have voted ``aye'' on this Rollcall vote.

Ms. KUSTER

Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 237, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' Amendment No. 14 Offered by Mr. Polis

Ms. KUSTER

Ms. KUSTER. Madam Speaker, sexual assault in our military is nothing short of a crisis. We owe it to our men and women in uniform and to our veterans too to do all that we can in the United States Congress to prevent military sexual violence, improve medical services for survivors and hold attackers accountable. We must safeguard those who report these crimes and ensure that they are not retaliated against for doing the right thing. That is why I am a proud sponsor of a bipartisan bill, H.R. 1864, which is included in the House National Defense Authorization Act we are voting on this very week. Introduced by my good friends and colleagues on both sides of the aisle, Congresswoman Jackie Walorski and Loretta Sanchez, this important legislation would strengthen protections for whistle blowers who report sexual violence in the military. This reform has bipartisan support in both Chambers, 102 cosponsors in the House and the strong backing of many of the new representatives who are focused on working across the aisle to actually get things done. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1864 and to continue working together to end sexual violence in our military.

Ms. KUSTER

Ms. KUSTER. I have an amendment at the desk and offer that amendment at this time.

Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Chairman, my amendment is straightforward. It would prohibit the Federal Government from spending more than $500,000 of the funds appropriated by this bill on any single conference. This amendment would simply enforce the Obama administration's May 11, 2012, Office of Management and Budget memorandum promoting efficient spending. I understand the need for the VA and other agencies to invest in workforce development, and I recognize the role that conferences can play in improving services for our constituents. But from the GSA to the IRS, time and again we have seen Federal agencies misuse public funds at conferences and make expenditures of questionable value. In recent years, this problem has extended to the VA. In 2011, the VA spent over $6 million on just two conferences. This prompted an investigation by the Department's Inspector General, who documented numerous examples of excessive cost and unnecessary and unsupported expenditures, including over $49,000 for a parody video, over $97,000 for unnecessary promotional items, and over $43,000 in awards paid to the staff managing these conferences. We can all agree that the VA should focus its limited resources on its core mission: serving those brave men and women who have worn the uniform and served our country. There are so many worthwhile uses for VA funding, from eliminating the egregious claims backlog, to improving support for survivors of military sexual trauma, to expanding access to health care services in rural communities such as in my district in the northern town of Colebrook, New Hampshire, on the Canadian border. I commend my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support for America's veterans. Out of respect for our constituents during these times of enhanced fiscal responsibility and in service to our veterans, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. KUSTER

Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, innovative small businesses all across New Hampshire are using the Internet to reach new markets, create good jobs, and grow our economy. Congress should be working to create an environment that helps these companies expand and hire, not adding new bureaucratic barriers and red tape that will impede growth. But that's exactly what the so-called Marketplace Fairness Act would do. This legislation would force online retailers to collect sales taxes on behalf of over 9,000 taxing jurisdictions nationwide, creating a web of bureaucracy that would stifle small businesses. Later this week, I will return home to New Hampshire to hear how this tax would impact Granite State entrepreneurs. I urge my colleagues to do the same in their States and to stand up for small businesses by opposing this misguided legislation.

Ms. KUSTER

Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the tenth anniversary of Marianne M. Jones' tenure as the Executive Director of the Women's Fund of New Hampshire. Ms. Jones and the Women's Fund have long been synonymous, and it is with great pride and respect that I join others in honoring the person and the organization she has led. Marianne Jones joined the Women's Fund with extensive leadership experience in philanthropy and nonprofit management. She has brought her grant making, fundraising, and long-range, strategic planning expertise to the organization, enabling it to establish such innovative strategies as Giving Circles, Venture Philanthropy, and sophisticated media relations. The Women's Fund was founded in 1999, inspired by a desire among 42 generous women and men to transform philanthropy from charitable giving to strategic investing in New Hampshire's women and girls. The Women's Fund originated in a passion to address the serious challenges facing women and girls in New Hampshire: a lack of child care and elder care, homelessness, domestic and sexual abuse, low wages, lack of access to comprehensive healthcare, and little job training opportunities. Over the last 15 years, the Women's Fund has grown to award over a million dollars to more than 250 non-profit programs throughout the state. The Women's Fund creatively brings together change-makers and grant- makers to support solutions to these societal challenges. As a public foundation focusing all of its resources on New Hampshire's women and girls, the Women's Fund impacts over 25,000 residents of New Hampshire each year. One of its particularly inspiring commitments is to assist ``justice- involved women'', those women who encounter the criminal justice system, whether in half-way houses, county jails or the state prison. To assist these women in taking steps towards fulfilling, productive lives, the Women's Fund recently published a comprehensive resource brochure that contains community information on a host of topics. The guide contains statewide contact and other information on services such as child care, clothing and food, crisis centers, recovery, housing, health care, transportation and others. While originally conceived as a resource guide for women upon their release from incarceration, the brochure is useful to a number of female populations, such as single mothers, women in the process of divorce, unemployed women, among others. Therefore, the Women's Fund entitled it: Community Resource Guide: Services for New Hampshire Women in Transition. Marianne Jones has been a tireless leader in encouraging philanthropy and in targeting the public's generosity to improve the lives of women and girls in New Hampshire. She is an advocate for social justice and a pioneer in bringing creativity and expression to those women, children and families in New Hampshire who represent the majority of people affected by poverty, domestic and sexual violence, unequal pay, job discrimination and a lack of access to adequate health care. She is a role model for all of us and a treasure to the State.

Ms. KUSTER

Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, sexual assault in the military has reached a crisis point. A recent report from the Department of Defense found that the number of servicemembers who have experienced unwanted sexual contact has increased by more than 30 percent over the past 2 years, from 19,000 to 26,000 people. These numbers are staggering, but they're more than just statistics. Behind every number is the story of a member of our armed services who stepped forward to serve our country. They're people like my constituent, Judy Atwood-Bell, a Hudson, New Hampshire, resident who enlisted in the Army at age 17 to further her education and live the American Dream. At 19, Judy was raped by a fellow soldier and suffered sexual harassment in silence throughout her career. After 20 years of service, she sought help and was eventually diagnosed with PTSD related to military sexual trauma. Our military leadership, the chain of command, and the Veterans Administration failed to protect Judy and thousands of victims like her who suffered from sexual assault. We owe it to Judy and every other survivor to come together in a bipartisan manner to confront this epidemic head on.

Ms. KUSTER

Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, on May 6, 2013, I was unavoidably detained and missed the following rollcall votes: number 129 for H.R. 588, number 130 for H.R. 291, and number 131 for H.R. 507. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on all three rollcall votes.

Ms. KUSTER

Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, in recent years, the Federal Government has wasted millions of dollars maintaining empty bank accounts that serve no purpose. Last year, the Government Accountability Office found that the government was spending more than $170,000 maintaining over 28,000 empty bank accounts at an annual cost of $2 million. That's inexcusable. No New Hampshire family or business would tolerate that type of waste, and neither should the government. That's why today I'm partnering with my Republican colleague, Representative Kevin Cramer, to introduce commonsense legislation that would put an end to this wasteful practice. This legislation won't solve our fiscal challenges, but the fact is the Federal Government shouldn't tolerate any waste, no matter how big or small. Let's prove to the American people that we're capable of coming together to cut the most obvious examples of waste by passing the CLEAN Act.