Tom Latham

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Trent Brown of Boy Scout Troop 120 in Solon, Iowa for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained for more than a century. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. For his project, Trent landscaped and installed a bench and grill at Lake Macbride State Park. The work ethic Trent has shown in his Eagle Project and every other project leading up to his Eagle Scout rank speaks volumes of his commitment to serving a cause greater than himself and assisting his community. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating Trent on obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and I wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Linda Grandquist for being named a 2013 Women of Influence honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record. Each year, Business Record undertakes an exhaustive review to identify a standout group of women in the Greater Des Moines area who, as the publication notes, ``have made a difference.'' An impressive group of inspiring female leaders are selected annually for this prestigious distinction, which is based on combined criteria of community involvement, career success, and being a role model for other women to emulate. The 2013 Women of Influence honorees join an impressive roster of more than 130 women who have changed and are continuing to change our communities for the better. Linda Grandquist has never forgotten the inspiration and influence derived from her grandmother's place as a female doctor. It was this that led Ms. Grandquist and a friend to start a business in the 1960s that was essentially a temp service for female medical assistants or dental assistants--a rare venture. In the late 1970s, she embarked upon a real estate career and had a sales volume exceeding a million dollars her first year, cementing her as one of the few women in the ``million dollar club.'' Additionally, Ms. Grandquist recently has joined the Prairie Meadows board of directors, where she serves on the legacy grant committee and reads each of the some 500-plus grant applications the organization receives. She also serves on the board at UnityPoint Health, volunteers with the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, and serves on the Blank Park Zoo board. She prefers to do it all without seeking the spotlight. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Linda Grandquist in the United States Congress, and I am pleased to recognize her for working to better both her community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating her on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2013 Women of Influence class continued success.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Sharon Krause for being named a 2013 Women of Influence honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record. Each year, Business Record undertakes an exhaustive review to identify a standout group of women in the Greater Des Moines area who, as the publication notes, ``have made a difference.'' An impressive group of inspiring female leaders are selected annually for this prestigious distinction, which is based on combined criteria of community involvement, career success, and being a role model for other women to emulate. The 2013 Women of Influence honorees join an impressive roster of more than 130 women who have changed and are continuing to change our communities for the better. Sharon Krause has been a do-it-all professional--and it stems from her commitment to turning her passions into her livelihood. She became Des Moines' Firestone Agricultural Tire Co.'s first female engineer, helped coordinate Metro Waste Authority's Curb It! recycling program, worked in business development at Kum & Go LC, and has gone on to lead a mostly one-person ranch operation, Dalla Terra Ranch LLC, where she runs livestock and tends to the ample plant life. Given her varied interests and work ethic, it should come as no surprise that she turned a long series of violin lessons into a guest orchestra performance at this year's annual Bravo Greater Des Moines Gala--which she chaired and for which she helped set a record number of tables sold. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Sharon Krause in the United States Congress, and I am pleased to recognize her for working to better both her community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating her on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2013 Women of Influence class continued success.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Alba Perez for being named a 2013 Women of Influence honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record. Each year, Business Record undertakes an exhaustive review to identify a standout group of women in the Greater Des Moines area who, as the publication notes, ``have made a difference.'' An impressive group of inspiring female leaders are selected annually for this prestigious distinction, which is based on combined criteria of community involvement, career success, and being a role model for other women to emulate. The 2013 Women of Influence honorees join an impressive roster of more than 130 women who have changed and are continuing to change our communities for the better. In her work, Alba Perez, presently the Executive Officer of the Office of Latino Affairs at the Iowa Department of Human Rights, has been inspired by advice she received as a child from her mother: ``Leave things better than how you found them.'' Ms. Perez has spent much of her career trying to help Latinos and other underrepresented communities, advocating for what she calls meaningful inclusion or helping Latina women who struggle with English. In her 12 years at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, she managed the diversity committee tasked with helping make Des Moines a more inclusive community. She also has helped launch Alianza: Latino Business Association , and the dance instruction organization now known as Salsa Des Moines. Ms. Perez has been heavily involved in the League of United Latin American Citizens of Iowa, and the Latina Leadership Initiative of Greater Des Moines. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Alba Perez in the United States Congress, and I am pleased to recognize her for working to better both her community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating her on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2013 Women of Influence class continued success.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Patty Cownie for being named a 2013 Women of Influence honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record. Each year, Business Record undertakes an exhaustive review to identify a standout group of women in the Greater Des Moines area who, as the publication notes, ``have made a difference.'' An impressive group of inspiring female leaders are selected annually for this prestigious distinction, which is based on combined criteria of community involvement, career success, and being a role model for other women to emulate. The 2013 Women of Influence honorees join an impressive roster of more than 130 women who have changed and are continuing to change our communities for the better. As a leading community volunteer, Patty Cownie has come to personify the idea of ``giving back'' and working to help Des Moines provide quality educational experiences for children and young adults. After college, Mrs. Cownie worked for two years as a social worker, before parenting nine children became a full-time job. But she always has remained highly active in the community, spending 10 years on the Drake University board of trustees and being involved at Dowling Catholic High School, which her children attended, as well as St. Augustin School, where she was the foundation board chair. She also has been president of the Des Moines Metro Opera board, and she has served on the Des Moines Arts Festival committee, Civic Music Association board and Des Moines Performing Arts board. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Patty Cownie in the United States Congress, and I am pleased to recognize her for working to better both her community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating her on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2013 Women of Influence class continued success.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Karen Shaff for being named a 2013 Women of Influence honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record. Each year, Business Record undertakes an exhaustive review to identify a standout group of women in the Greater Des Moines area who, as the publication notes, ``have made a difference.'' An impressive group of inspiring female leaders are selected annually for this prestigious distinction, which is based on combined criteria of community involvement, career success, and being a role model for other women to emulate. The 2013 Women of Influence honorees join an impressive roster of more than 130 women who have changed and are continuing to change our communities for the better. Karen Shaff began her career at what was then known as Bankers Life Co. in 1982. In the three decades since, she has ascended the ladder to become executive vice president and general counsel at Principal Financial Group Inc., making her the highest ranking female officer of an organization whose reach spans the globe. Coming from a family of public servants, she was well-acquainted with community involvement from an early age--and it's shown. Mrs. Shaff is president of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa's advisory council, has led the fundraising efforts for the construction of the Science Center of Iowa, and is a member of the Grinnell College board of trustees. She's also involved with such organizations as Bravo Greater Des Moines and Hospice of Central Iowa. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Karen Shaff in the United States Congress, and I am pleased to recognize her for working to better both her community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating her on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2013 Women of Influence class continued success.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Diane Bridgewater for being named a 2013 Women of Influence honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record. Each year, Business Record undertakes an exhaustive review to identify a standout group of women in the Greater Des Moines area who, as the publication notes, ``have made a difference.'' An impressive group of inspiring female leaders are selected annually for this prestigious distinction, which is based on combined criteria of community involvement, career success, and being a role model for other women to emulate. The 2013 Women of Influence honorees join an impressive roster of more than 130 women who have changed and are continuing to change our communities for the better. Diane Bridgewater has always wanted her work to benefit the community. And so since she began her career at KPMG Peat Marwick in 1985, she has held numerous positions and board memberships to accomplish her goal. Once at DuPont Pioneer for 18 years and now executive VP and chief financial and administrative officer for LCS, in which role she has worked to improve the lives of senior citizens, this successful business executive also has served as a director at the United Way of Central Iowa, ChildServe, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central Iowa, Hospice of Central Iowa, the UNI College of Business dean's advisory board, Casey's General Stores Inc., and Bankers Trust Co. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Diane Bridgewater in the United States Congress, and I am pleased to recognize her for working to better both her community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating her on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2013 Women of Influence class continued success.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Margaret Borgen for being named a 2013 Women of Influence honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record. Each year, Business Record undertakes an exhaustive review to identify a standout group of women in the Greater Des Moines area who, as the publication notes, ``have made a difference.'' An impressive group of inspiring female leaders are selected annually for this prestigious distinction, which is based on combined criteria of community involvement, career success, and being a role model for other women to emulate. The 2013 Women of Influence honorees join an impressive roster of more than 130 women who have changed and are continuing to change our communities for the better. Mrs. Borgen is part owner of Borgen Systems, a family-owned small business that manufactures display cases for a variety of products--but her professional pursuits hardly end there. Her lifelong passion, improving education, has led her to be a teacher, an administrator and a school board member, and in addition to holding state and national leadership positions in education, she currently is president of the Des Moines Public Schools Foundation. She also founded the FINE Education Research Foundation in 2003, which leveraged $100,000 into $3 million of state funding and matching private contributions for education research. In the community, she has served on the boards for the Des Moines A.M. Rotary Club, Employee & Family Resources Foundation and the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Margaret Borgen in the United States Congress, and I am pleased to recognize her for working to better both her community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating her on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2013 Women of Influence class continued success.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Barbara Crowley for being named the 2013 Women of Influence Business Owner of the Year by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record. Each year, Business Record undertakes an exhaustive review to identify a standout group of women in the Greater Des Moines area who, as the publication notes, ``have made a difference.'' An impressive group of inspiring female leaders are selected annually for this prestigious distinction, which is based on combined criteria of community involvement, career success, and being a role model for other women to emulate. The 2013 Women of Influence honorees join an impressive roster of more than 130 women who have changed and are continuing to change our communities for the better. When she joined her late father in the insurance brokerage business in 1978, Ms. Crowley notes that there were few women in the industry. Today, as President and CEO of West Des Moines-based Brokers Clearing House Ltd., she leads a team of about 25 employees that is known widely for its expertise in underwriting and works with nearly 70 insurance carriers. Her leadership in the industry is set to be rewarded in November as she assumes the chairmanship of the National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies. She also is a founding partner of LifeMark Partners Inc., one of the largest and most prestigious marketing groups in the insurance industry. In the community, Ms. Crowley is a generous supporter of the Des Moines Performing Arts, in addition to Hope Ministries, Embrace Iowa, Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, the John Stoddard Cancer Center, and the Iowa State Fair Foundation. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Barbara Crowley in the United States Congress, and I am pleased to recognize her for working to better both her community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating her on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2013 Women of Influence class continued success.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Laura Jackson for being named a 2013 Women of Influence honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record. Each year, Business Record undertakes an exhaustive review to identify a standout group of women in the Greater Des Moines area who, as the publication notes, ``have made a difference.'' An impressive group of inspiring female leaders are selected annually for this prestigious distinction, which is based on combined criteria of community involvement, career success, and being a role model for other women to emulate. The 2013 Women of Influence honorees join an impressive roster of more than 130 women who have changed and are continuing to change our communities for the better. Laura Jackson is motivated by the responsibility of other people counting on her. As Executive Vice President of Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, she takes this attitude with her every day on the job while also focusing on being the best team player she can be. At each stage of her thriving career, Mrs. Jackson can think of key advice from mentors that guided her own decisions--which in turn has helped her guide others as a human resources professional. She currently chairs the Wellness Council of Iowa and co-chairs the Capital Crossroads Wellness Capital working group. She also serves on the boards of the Iowa Healthcare Collaborative, the Healthiest State Initiative and the YMCA of Greater Des Moines. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Laura Jackson in the United States Congress, and I am pleased to recognize her for working to better both her community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating her on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2013 Women of Influence class continued success.

Mr. LATHAM

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

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Chairman, while my amendment is very simple, it's aimed at addressing a very complex problem, the problem of duplicative and conflicting Federal regulations. In the underlying bill, Federal agencies are required to submit, along with the rule they want Congress to approve, a list of other regulatory actions to implement the same statute or regulatory objective, in other words, Mr. Chairman, to actually investigate whether the regulations may be redundant. It's not clear whether the requirement to list other regulatory actions applies only to the promulgating agency or other agencies. The amendment clarifies that this list must include related regulatory actions by any other Federal agency. Earlier this year, the GAO delivered to Congress its third annual report on duplication in government programs, identifying 17 specific areas of fragmentation, overlap, and duplication where multiple programs and activities are creating inefficiencies. Unfortunately, these inefficiencies result in regulatory duplication, heaping needless costs and paperwork on businesses at a time when our economy continues to struggle enough already. A group run by former CBO Director Douglas Holtz-Eakin recently compiled information on regulations in the specific problem areas identified by the GAO, using the government database contained by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. This report found 470 related paperwork requirements, 642 million hours of regulatory duplication involving 990 Federal forms, and at least $20 billion in compliance costs to employees. Take these examples: We have three agencies issuing regulations on catfish inspections, at a cost of 2 million work hours and $146 million in compliance costs. Ten different agencies handle Medicare forms submitted by health care providers, generating 486 million hours of paperwork and 281 different forms. Nine different agencies administer higher education assistance programs, involving 66 Federal forms and duplication, resulting in 47 million hours of paperwork at a compliance cost of $3 billion. Congress must act to eliminate or consolidate duplicate and inefficient programs; but in the meantime, agencies must at least acknowledge requirements imposed by other agencies working on the same issues and work to minimize burdens on our small businesses. According to the Small Business Administration, it already costs American businesses at least $8,000 and often more than $10,000 per employee to comply with Federal regulations. It's no wonder that the massive Federal regulatory regime is consistently cited as a roadblock to job growth and economic recovery. I believe this amendment will help clarify areas of overlap and highlight opportunities for reducing the compliance burden faced by American employers. I ask my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte), the distinguished chairman of the Judiciary Committee.

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire as to how much time there is.

Mr. LATHAM. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Chairman, I will just obviously be very brief. But the gentleman was talking earlier about opposing this amendment because it creates busy work for the agencies. What about the busy work of the small businesses to comply with these mountains and mountains of regulations? And the previous speakers have said the biggest reason that people are not hiring today is because of the cost of regulations. I would ask for this amendment to be passed. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. 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 H.R. 2610.

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, today I present H.R. 2610, a bill providing fiscal year 2014 appropriations for the Department of Transportation, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies. The T-HUD bill conforms with the 302(b) allocation of $44.1 billion in budget authority, and is in line with the House budget of $967 billion. Under such an allocation, we prioritized programs and spending and were able to achieve three very important funding goals: first, meet the ``ob lim'' funding levels for the MAP-21, the highway authorization bill; keep the commercial airspace running smoothly; and preserve and renew the housing option for all HUD-assisted families under lease in fiscal year 2014. Mr. Chairman, I imagine today we're going to hear a lot about the budget and the sequester, and I'll tell you, I agree. We need a deal. We need a deal that resolves the irresponsible meat-ax approach to the sequester and provides a top-line budget number that addresses concerns about taxes and spending. But the Budget Control Act is the law, and no matter what number we'd like to write this to, the law gives us $967 billion to fund the government. You get there either by across-the-board cuts or by prioritizing the funds available. I think we all agree that continuing across-the-board cuts is not the answer. We've seen examples why. Earlier this year, across-the-board cuts caused air traffic controllers to be furloughed, consumer convenience to be sacrificed, and air safety to be endangered. In April, the House voted on a strongly bipartisan basis 361-41 to tap unspent FAA funds and put these air traffic controllers back to work. Mr. Chairman, we know that across-the-board cutting is no way to run a government. Considering there still isn't an agreement on the sequester or a top-line budget number, it's imperative that we realign the funds we have available to ensure DOT and HUD have the resources they need to care for the population and infrastructure of this Nation. This is a chance to make sure the ``must-do'' priorities are addressed. I assume we're going to hear a lot about infrastructure investment, and I will tell you we fund the authorized programs at the authorized program levels. I assume we're going to hear a lot about housing needs, and I will tell you, we retain the housing option for HUD families currently receiving assistance, protecting the most vulnerable. We are operating under an open rule, and I hope we can keep the debate and amendment process moving along today. We will be taking points of order against amendments that would increase our allocations or authorize on an appropriations act. Let me reemphasize to people who are going to be offering amendments that we will enforce points of order. I'd like to thank my friend, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Pastor), the T-HUD ranking member, for his comity and willingness to discuss what would be possible under a $44.1 billion allocation. I'd also like to thank Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Lowey, plus the members of the committee, and especially the subcommittee, for their hard work and commitment to this bill. And speaking of subcommittee members, I'd like to give a special word of congratulations to a new and valued member of the Appropriations Committee. The gentlewoman from Washington, Ms. Jamie Herrera Beutler, and her husband, Daniel, recently welcomed their first child, a beautiful baby girl, into their family. This sweet girl is a miracle and a testament to the faith and hope that her parents have carried over recent months. We offer our continued praise for their strength, the wisdom of their doctors, and the joy of this new family. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time. [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH30JY13.001 [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH30JY13.002 [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH30JY13.003 [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH30JY13.004 [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH30JY13.005 [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH30JY13.006 [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH30JY13.007 [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH30JY13.008 [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH30JY13.009

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole), a great member of the committee.

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LATHAM. I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LATHAM. I would inquire of the gentleman from Arizona if he has any more speakers.

Mr. LATHAM. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LATHAM. I intend to yield back here, but let me associate myself with the comments of the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Pastor) about commending the staff. He named everyone. I just wanted to, again, associate myself with that and thank him for being such a great partner through all this. It has been difficult, but the product we have is, I think, as good as we could possibly have with our allocation this year. So with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment.