Tom Latham

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for the kind words. I rise today in strong support of this omnibus appropriations bill. I am particularly proud of the Transportation-Housing and Urban Development division which makes critical investments in our Nation's infrastructure, our air traffic control system, and housing for our neediest citizens. The bill requires some tough choices, but it advances our common priorities of responsible government and fiscal restraint. We worked hard to ensure that this final bill includes funding and policy provisions that are a priority for this body. We provide funds for the FAA to support the full operations of the air traffic control system and the FAA's investment in NextGen. We meet the MAP-21 extension authorized funding levels for highways and transit. We provide housing funds to assist families served by HUD's housing programs, plus 10,000 new veterans housing vouchers. We provide $3 billion for the Community Development Block Grant program which is a priority for Members of both sides of the aisle. Mr. Speaker, I have been honored to serve as chairman of the T-HUD committee for the last 4 years and on the committee for the full 18 years. It has been an amazing experience to see each and every year how the work of this committee works for the people of America. I would like to thank my ranking member, Mr. Ed Pastor, with whom it has been a real honor to serve. I wish him well in his retirement, and I know that this body will miss him as much as I will. I would also like to thank the staff of the committee who put in countless hours to draft this compromise. I would also like to recognize and thank Doug Bobbitt from my staff for the past 12 years and who has served this institution for nearly three decades. Our chairman, Hal Rogers, has demonstrated that you can stick to your principles and still come to a compromise that puts the American people first. Mr. Chairman, it has been an honor to serve on this committee and under your leadership. I appreciate very, very much all the kindness and personal things that you and Cynthia have done for Kathy and me. I very much appreciate it. I urge Members to support this bill.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. First of all, I will say ``thank you'' to Mr. Simpson--a great, great friend--for doing this this evening; to Mr. Nunes, who is still on the floor here; to Steve King and Dave Loebsack, who were down here. I am not going to sing--we will pass that by--but, again, thank you very, very much for the honor you have bestowed on me and for the kind words here tonight. Madam Speaker, I will just say the thing I will miss most are my good friends here. That part of it really is hard because it becomes an extended family over time--people whom you know, whom you work with, whom you trust on a day-to-day basis. I will miss that. Now, there is a lot of other stuff I won't miss here, but I will miss the personal relationships and friendships. Mr. Simpson mentioned the Speaker. I will just tell you that there is no one who could be a better friend and someone I owe so much to. John and Debbie Boehner, Kathy and I owe them so much. They are great, great friends. We love them, and we will continue that friendship as we will with all of the colleagues here we have come to know and love. Anyone who does this job for any period of time understands you are never going to be successful or accomplish anything without the great work of your staff. I have been blessed both in Iowa and here in Washington with tremendous people who have worked so hard for me, who have committed themselves to the people of Iowa--to the service to them and to this country. All of them are very, very special to me. One person, my chief of staff, James Carstensen, who happens to be in the Chamber tonight, has been with me since day one--actually, a year before I got elected, working on the campaign. So 21 years he has had to put up with me. Thank you very much. Thanks to all of the members of my staff. It has been a pleasure for me--a great, great honor to have the privilege of serving with them-- because we have all done it on a cumulative basis, and we have tried to do the best job possible for the people of Iowa. I have to say ``thank you,'' obviously, to the Iowans. As Mr. Nunes said, I have represented a lot of the State in having the different districts, starting with the Fifth District, then the Fourth District, and now the Third District--moving from northwest Iowa to northeast Iowa to southwest Iowa. It is the honor of my life to serve the people of Iowa and to have that opportunity to be their Representative in Washington to try to accomplish things for their good and for the good of the country. Again, I just say ``thank you.'' Everybody who is in Congress knows the sacrifice of your family. My parents, who were such great role models for me, taught me so much. They are gone now. I have got four brothers and their families. I have my son, Justin; Lynnae; Emerson and Jack; my daughter Jennifer; her husband, Brian; and Keaton, Mason, and Carson; and my daughter Jill and her husband, Nick, and their son, Will. I love them, and what they have done to support me over the years is tremendous and will always be appreciated. Obviously, there is one person. You could never be successful if you didn't have the support of your spouse. Kathy has been just exceptional in putting up with all the back-and-forth--having two residences and having had to travel here and keep everything going at home while I am away. For the first 19 years we were married, I was on the road with our family business. For the last 20 years, I have been gone, being in Congress. So, obviously, her love and her support has meant everything in the world to me. Thank you, Dear. Let me just say, in closing, that it has been an amazing ride for 20 years. For a kid, like Mr. Simpson said or Mr. King said, who grew up in Alexander, Iowa--who grew up on a farm outside of a big town of 168 people--to come to Washington to be able to represent Iowa here is, obviously, a huge, huge honor from that background. I will honestly say to any Member listening, if you ever get to the point when you walk across the street and don't look up at that dome and get that chill up your spine about something much bigger than you are, you probably should go home. Now, I still get that chill, but I think it is time for me and my family to go a different course. I am extraordinarily proud to have served here. This is a great, great body. It is something that is an incredible institution. It is truly a slice of America when you come here and you meet the different folks and all you learn about this great country. Having to take into consideration a lot of different views and constituencies from all over the country is an amazing experience. I am very, very proud of that, and I will always feel that my time was well spent here. More so today I am excited about the future because we are going to have an opportunity to spend more time with the family--with Kathy, with the kids and grandchildren. We are going to be able to do some things we have never been able to do before. So I am proud of the past and am excited about the future, and I just thank God that I have had the opportunities I have had to grow up in a State like Iowa and in a community like I grew up in, with parents like I had and brothers and the support of the family. This is the greatest country in the world. It will always be because of our system of government. As hard as it is to get something done, it is very difficult, but it is the right way to do things, and we need to get back to everyone listening to each other. There is one thing I will say: I never learn a thing when I am talking. You learn things when you are listening to other folks. I think we should all, maybe, step back and listen to each other more, and I think, maybe, we would be better off. With that, I will just say ``thank you'' to everyone. It is a great country. God bless America. I am excited about the future.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Brigadier General James Derek Hill of the Iowa Air National Guard and to congratulate him on his illustrious 29-year military career. General Hill began his military service in 1985 upon receiving his commission through Direct Appointment. Eighteen years later, General Hill joined the Iowa Air National Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel and has faithfully devoted the following decade to guiding our state's men and women in uniform. General Hill retired as the Iowa Air National Guard's Deputy Adjutant General where he served as principal advisor to Iowa's Adjutant General while organizing, manning, equipping, and training more than 1,800 airmen to accomplish missions assigned at both the state and national level. General Hill's unfailing leadership has proven to be instrumental in preparing the men and women of the Iowa Air National Guard for numerous successful deployments in an often chaotic and unpredictable environment. Throughout nearly three decades of selfless service, General Hill has earned numerous decorations for his consistent leadership and uncompromising standards. Most recently, General Hill was nominated by Iowa's Adjutant General Timothy Orr to receive the hallowed Legion of Merit for his ``exceptionally meritorious conduct'' as Iowa's Assistant Adjutant General over the past four years. I believe it goes without saying that the Iowa Air National Guard's world-renowned 21st century capabilities would not be possible without the positive and professional guidance expertly offered by General Hill over the past decade. Mr. Speaker, our country owes Brigadier General James Derek Hill a great debt of gratitude for his decades of selfless service and sacrifice. His unwavering commitment to his country and fellow Americans is a testament to our nation's service members and our great state. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in thanking General Hill and congratulating him on a truly stellar career. In retirement, General Hill leaves behind a grateful state and nation and I wish him, and his wife Rhonda, the very best as they begin a new chapter in their lives.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of Des Moines Police Chief Judy Bradshaw, and to express my appreciation for her dedication and commitment to law enforcement. Since beginning her storied career as a police cadet in 1980, Chief Bradshaw has been an integral part of the Des Moines Police Department for more than three decades. As the Des Moines Police Department's first female lieutenant, captain, major, and chief of police, Chief Bradshaw has continually broken new ground while both innovating and improving the department. Throughout her career, Chief Bradshaw has worked and supervised in every area of the department while developing several programs and policies. Since assuming the role of Chief of Police in 2007, Chief Bradshaw has revitalized the community's relationship with the department and its officers. Two of her programs, the Community Ambassador Program and Mentoring Youth with Cops Program, incentivize productive relationships with at-risk youth and community leaders alike. Chief Bradshaw's tenure has shown that when the Des Moines community and its police work together, great things are possible. Throughout her illustrious and lengthy career, Judy has never wavered in her commitment to justice and security. Chief Bradshaw is a testament to the high quality character instilled in Iowans, and the city of Des Moines owes her a great debt of gratitude for her service. While Judy's leadership will be sorely missed, she leaves behind a more secure community that will continue to benefit from her service for years to come. Mr. Speaker, it has been a great honor to represent the brave men and women that comprise the Des Moines Police Department in the United States Congress. I thank Judy for her wonderful work and I wish her the best as she begins a new chapter in her life.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Jeffrey Kueter for being named the next President of the University of Iowa Alumni Association. Mr. Kueter will succeed current President Vince Nelson at the end of this month. As any loyal Hawkeye knows, the UI Alumni Association is the trusted resource for more than 45,000 graduates who continue to stay involved in the university's community. The association has maintained an excellent reputation of keeping alumni engaged and united no matter how many miles may separate them from Iowa City. Since graduating from the University of Iowa in 1993, Mr. Kueter has maintained an unparalleled allegiance to his alma mater through the devotion of his time, resources, and efforts as an ambassador to the political science department. While in his current role as President of the George C. Marshall Institute in Arlington, Virginia, Jeffrey also has presided over the Capital Area Iowa Club of Washington, D.C. and served on the UI Alumni Association's Board of Directors for seven years. In 2011, Mr. Kueter was bestowed with the association's esteemed Distinguished Young Alumni Award for epitomizing what it means to pursue a rewarding, lifelong relationship with the university. Mr. Speaker, I can think of no better selection than Mr. Kueter to promote the University of Iowa Alumni Association's mission of strengthening the university through alumni engagement. Jeffrey's continued commitment to his university and home state throughout his professional endeavors embody the values espoused in the lecture halls of Iowa City and all across our great state. As the next association president, there is no doubt that Jeffrey will continue to focus his efforts to further the University of Iowa and its world-class alumni. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Mr. Kueter on his new position and I wish him the best of luck as he expands his integral role in leading Hawkeye Nation.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ellie Ball for being named a state winner of the Library of Congress's Letters about Literature program. Letters about Literature is a national reading and writing program that is sponsored by the Library of Congress. The program asks students to write to the past or present author of a book that affected their life. More than 50,000 young readers from across the country submitted letters last year to compete for the state-level awards for 2014. A panel of judges that can include published authors, editors, publishers, librarians, teachers, and state officials chose Ellie's letter as a state winner. Ellie wrote a letter to author J.R.R. Tolkien explaining how his renowned work, The Lord of the Rings, affected her life. Ellie's letter to Tolkien earned her recognition in her community as well as here in Washington. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young woman demonstrates the rewards of harnessing one's talents and sharing them with the world. Ellie's efforts embody the Iowa spirit and I am honored to represent her and her family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating her achievement and will wish her continued success in her future education and career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Quinton Jenkins for being named a state winner of the Library of Congress's Letters about Literature program. Letters about Literature is a national reading and writing program that is sponsored by the Library of Congress. The program asks students to write to the past or present author of a book that affected their life. More than 50,000 young readers from across the country submitted letters last year to compete for the state-level awards for 2014. A panel of judges that can include published authors, editors, publishers, librarians, teachers, and state officials chose Quinton's letter as a state winner. Quinton wrote a letter to author Michael Buckley explaining how Buckley's book, Gifted Hands, affected his life. Quinton's letter to Buckley earned him recognition in his community as well as here in Washington. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man demonstrates the rewards of harnessing one's talents and sharing them with the world. Quinton's efforts embody the Iowa spirit and I am honored to represent him and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating his achievement and will wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Alexandra Grady for being selected as the 2014 Distinguished Young Woman of Iowa. Distinguished Young Women is a national scholarship program that supports young women to reach their full potential. Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is the largest and oldest national scholarship program for high school girls. It was founded on the mission to ``positively impact the lives of young women by providing a transformative experience that promotes and rewards scholarship, leadership and talent.'' As Iowa's Distinguished Young Woman, Ms. Grady will compete in the National Finals competition later this month in Mobile, Alabama. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young woman demonstrates the rewards of harnessing one's talents and sharing them with the world. Alex's efforts embody the Iowa spirit and I am honored to have her represent our state in this national competition. I know that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating Alex's achievement and I wish her continued success in her future education and career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I want to say thank you to Speaker Boehner and Mr. Hoyer for the kind words earlier and to also express my appreciation to my counterpart here, Mr. Pastor, who has been such a great partner through this whole process. It has been a real pleasure. Mr. Speaker, the bill we considered is a good piece of legislation that adequately funds critical transportation and housing programs, programs that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle support, and it does so within the confines of a reduced budget. The motion specifically adds money to NHTSA's administration account. Unfortunately, simply throwing money at a problem will not solve the problem. We have an opportunity in the next surface reauthorization bill to look at NHTSA's authority and regulatory ability. It is kind of a surprise to have this motion now. We have gone through 2 days under a totally open rule. This could have been considered in regular order. Mr. Speaker, this is just an effort to grind the appropriations process bills to a halt. I urge my colleagues to reject this motion and pass H.R. 4745 today, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the motion to recommit.

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Chairman, I move that the committee do now rise and report the bill back to the House with sundry amendments, with the recommendation that the amendments be agreed to and that the bill, as amended, do pass.

Mr. LATHAM. I would be happy to accept your amendment.

Mr. LATHAM. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment. While I support the efforts and reforms to move Amtrak to operate in a more efficient and effective manner, I must oppose this amendment. I appreciate very much the gentleman from Texas, my good friend, and his raising this issue. The gentleman's amendment would eliminate seven Amtrak routes and eliminate rail service to dozens of cities and towns of all sizes across America. Just to list, those would be California Zephyr, which goes from Chicago to Emeryville, California, which happens to go through Iowa; Cardinal Hoosier line, which is Chicago to New York; Coast Star Light, from Seattle to Los Angeles; the Crescent, from New York City to New Orleans; Silver Star, from New York City to Miami; Southwest Chief, from Chicago to Los Angeles; and the Sunset Limited, from Los Angeles to New Orleans. Again, I appreciate very much what the gentleman is trying to do. I just think we need to work on efficiency at Amtrak. We have been trying very, very hard, through all of our hearings and through our contact with Amtrak, to get efficiency and to modernize and to try to get them to a profitable state; but unfortunately, I must oppose this amendment, just because of the vast impact it would have on so many people. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Chair, I make a point of order against the amendment because it proposes to change existing law and constitutes legislation in an appropriation bill and, therefore, violates clause 2 of rule XXI. The rule states in pertinent part: ``An amendment to a general appropriation bill shall not be in order if changing existing law.'' The amendment imposes additional duties. I ask for a ruling from the Chair.

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Chairman, I reserve a point of order on the gentleman's amendment.

Mr. LATHAM. We will gladly accept your amendment.

Mr. LATHAM. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Chair, I reserve a point of order on the gentleman's amendment.

Mr. LATHAM. I would gladly accept your amendment.

Mr. LATHAM. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. LATHAM. I really appreciate the gentlewoman bringing this issue to our attention. I know the authorizing committee has looked into the issue of voice communications on flights and unanimously voted out a bill out of the committee addressing the same concerns. I look forward to working with the gentlewoman and the authorizers as we move forward on this very, very important issue as far as you and I and all travelers are concerned. So, thank you very much.

Mr. LATHAM. Will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Chair, I make a point of order against the amendment because it proposes to change existing law and constitutes legislation in an appropriation bill and, therefore, violates clause 2 of rule XXI. The rule states in pertinent part: ``An amendment to a general appropriation bill shall not be in order if changing existing law.'' The amendment imposes additional duties. I ask for a ruling from the Chair.