Sander Levin

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. I yield myself an additional 1 minute. Then we hear last week a proposal for $400 billion of it unpaid for, permanent--unpaid for, permanent--leaving out the EITC and the child tax credit, so that is why the President acted, and that is why it was essential he act.

Mr. LEVIN. I now yield 4 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 2 minutes to the gentleman.

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Danny K. Davis) another member of our committee.

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional minute to the gentleman.

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind), another member of our committee.

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentleman an additional 1 minute.

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentleman an additional 1 minute.

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. You are never sure what is going to happen the next day around here, so I am not sure if this is the last time you will be presenting a bill--something could come up next week--but let me assume that it is for just a moment and speak on a personal basis if I might. I hope the speaker won't cut me off. You are not supposed to talk to each other, so I will try to speak to you while I speak to the chair. I will try to do both. Around here we can question each other's positions. In a sense, that is why we are here. Dave Camp leaves here having participated in a discussion of substance and questioning each other's positions in a way to try to come forth with legislation. But I think, in a rather unique way, our chairman has been able to do that with complete integrity, with complete seriousness--now and then a sense of humor, but complete seriousness--and the ability to question within a framework of some friendship. So if this is your last management of a bill, I simply want to say for myself and, more importantly, I think, for this institution, if I might, that your decision to leave here means that you are leaving with your head so high and with, I hope, a feeling of real accomplishment and complete integrity and seriousness about your work. I am sure that your constituents are very proud to have voted for you 12 times. That was a commendable dozen. So with some feeling of gratitude for having been able to serve with you, Dave, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 758 as amended, which condemns Russia aggression against her neighbors. In the past year, we have seen Russia's determination to exert influence over neighboring sovereign states such as Ukraine. Ever since November 2013, when the Ukrainian people gathered peacefully in Maidan Square to protest against a corrupt, Russian-backed government, the Ukrainian people have come under siege by separatist forces supported and armed by Russia. It is clear to all of us that in spite of the ceasefire, Russia has never intended to honor the terms of the agreement and has continued to undermine any genuine effort to stabilize Ukraine. Here in the United States, we must fully understand that such acts of aggression undermine peace and security--not just for Ukraine, but for all of Europe and the international community. At this critical juncture when normalcy seems unattainable, the United States must stand with the Ukrainian people and support their own desire to build a free and democratic country, free from Russia's interference--in complete freedom to determine Ukraine's own course of history. We and our NATO allies have taken important steps in support of Ukraine. We are collectively providing $100 million in military assistance and have increased military cooperation. We have imposed economic sanctions that force Russia pay a heavy price for its aggression. The international community has spoken with one voice--if Russia chooses aggression, there are clear consequences to its expansionist agenda. But there is much more that needs to be done. I urge my colleagues to continue their support of the Ukrainian people by passing additional legislation that provides for military and humanitarian assistance. The Ukrainian people have demonstrated time and again their will to defend their nation against a more powerful aggressor--with no expectation that anyone would come to their aid. Now, we need to do our part and give them the chance to stand up for the same values and principles that define us as a nation.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, this is one of the rare occasions where the name of the bill speaks for itself. The No Social Security for Nazis Act is designed to close a loophole that has allowed some Nazi persecutors and their collaborators in the Holocaust to receive Social Security benefits. By leaving the country before they were officially deported, these people were able to keep their Social Security benefits. It is unbearable that those responsible for the deaths of millions during the Holocaust continue to receive Social Security benefits due to this loophole. This legislation stops benefit payments to Nazi persecutors and ensures that these individuals do not receive spousal benefits from marrying a Social Security beneficiary or through other channels. Congress never intended for Nazi war criminals and collaborators to be able to receive Social Security benefits. This bipartisan legislation reaffirms that intent. Social Security is an earned benefit, and it is our job in Congress to preserve and protect it. We must stop these inappropriate payments now, and that is exactly what this legislation does. I thank Representatives Johnson and Becerra and the work of Representatives Carolyn Maloney, Jason Chaffetz and Leonard Lance, and all others for their leadership on this legislation.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and accomplishments of Mayor Richard J. Notte, who passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Richard Notte was a good friend and colleague in public service, and I am honored to pay tribute to him. Mayor Notte was at the heart and soul of the City of Sterling Heights. He served his community with such active and vibrant devotion, and was considered to be a ``working man's mayor.'' He was highly recognizable in his trademark fedora but he was less interested in the spotlight than representing the residents of Sterling Heights and improving the community he cherished. Mayor Notte was first elected to city council in 1983 where he served for ten years before he was elected Mayor in 1993. He also enjoyed a lengthy and successful career working at Ford Motor Company for 45 years before retiring in 2004. He held several elected UAW positions including plant chairman, recording and financial secretary. Mayor Notte's love for his city and the automotive industry combined when we needed the most. As a founding Mayor of the Mayors Automotive Caucus he was an articulate spokesperson nationally for the domestic auto industry and the U.S. manufacturing base. Locally his tenacious efforts helped to keep the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) open and when Chrysler emerged from bankruptcy, the company invested over $1 billion to construct a new assembly facility and paint shop at SHAP. He was deeply proud of that effort and the resurgence of the auto industry in our state. Mayor Notte's accomplishments did not go unnoticed. Through the years he was honored with dozens of prestigious awards. In October 2013 he was inducted into the Macomb Hall of Fame and was recognized for his outstanding contributions to improving the economic, family, and community life of Macomb County. He was also a strong advocate for the Sterling Heights Community Foundation and its mission to enhance cultural, educational and recreational opportunities for Sterling Heights residents. In 2010, he funded the ``Richard J. Notte Scholarship for Public Service Endowment.'' Through this permanent endowment, impact on the community will live on in perpetuity, as the Foundation will annually present a college scholarship to a deserving student in his name. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I am honored to have worked with Richard Notte during his career and to see up close how rooted he was in his community. I am pleased to join with his family, friends and the larger Macomb County community in mourning his loss, celebrating his life and honoring his accomplishments.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my respects to one of the former members of this body, Lane Evans, who during his twenty-four years in the House of Representatives really made a difference, especially to our nation's veterans. Lane Evans and I came to Congress together in 1983. During his more than two decades in the House, Lane was a forceful advocate for the men and women who served in our nation's armed forces. His earlier service in the Marines as a young man made him a natural champion of U.S. military personnel, and he rose to be the ranking Democrat on the House Veterans Affairs Committee. He was one of the first to recognize the serious and long-overlooked problems of Agent Orange, PTSD, and traumatic brain injury, and the impacts these conditions had on veterans and their families. Representative Bustos, who today represents the area that Lane Evans served so well for so many years, and others in the Illinois Delegation, have introduced a bill to name the Veterans Clinic in Galesburg, Illinois after Lane Evans. I can think of no better tribute to a person who gave so much to America's veterans, and I am proud to join in cosponsoring this measure. I am proud to have served with Lane Evans and to have possessed his friendship. I extend my condolences to his family. He is deeply missed.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. I thank the ranking member for yielding and also Mr. Gerlach. Many of us have enjoyed working with him. We are going to miss you. We don't do enough work together in this institution. Mr. Speaker, I strongly--kind of emotionally, in a way--support this resolution because of what has been going on in Ukraine. This resolution shows our support for Ukrainian people's right to determine their own future and to build a country that is free and democratic. We stand firmly with Ukrainian people and condemn Russia's aggression. We should always remember that the impetus for Ukraine's freedom comes from within, from within Ukrainian people. It is their desire to be free that is the ultimate force behind all international efforts. Time and events have shown, time and again, that Ukrainian people are standing up for their freedom. From the Orange Revolution in 2004 to the protests in Maidan Square earlier this year, it is clear to the world that Ukraine is determined to build her own future. The past year has been very difficult. Ukrainian people have paid a very high price to govern according to their own wishes. The images and reports from Ukraine have been hard to accept, and we are deeply saddened by the lives lost and by the overwhelming uncertainties that still loom ahead; yet Ukrainian people have spoken through their actions. Just yesterday, here at the Capitol, the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus held a celebration to commemorate the 400th anniversary of its oldest school, the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. At the event, I was delighted to see the strong support stemming from the American Ukrainian community. The community's work in my home State of Michigan and all across this Nation has led to close collaboration between our two nations and has reaffirmed our common values. The community's work is especially important now, when others try to speak for the values and aspirations held true by Ukrainian people. Tomorrow, we will welcome President Poroshenko to a joint meeting with Members of the House and Senate. We eagerly look forward to his remarks. The passage of this resolution will be emblematic of the support from the American people, but we should always remember that the impetus for a free and democratic Ukraine comes from Ukrainian people themselves, but we can, should, and will help their efforts to continue to build a free Ukraine.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Madam Speaker, the threat from ISIS is real. All of us have seen the violence and the barbarism of ISIS. The rapid advance of ISIS militants within Iraq and Syria is an immediate threat to these countries in the region. No one should be under any delusion about what will happen if the U.S. sits this one out. If unchecked, the ISIS threat will grow and become even more difficult to address down the road and directly threaten our Nation. As we have seen since President Obama authorized the limited airstrikes against ISIS in August, we have the ability to mitigate the ISIS threat, but we cannot defeat ISIS by ourselves with U.S. airstrikes. Thomas Friedman said it well in The New York Times: ISIS loses if our moderate Arab-Muslim partners can unite and make this a civil war within Islam--a civil war in which America is the air force for the Sunnis and Shiites of decency versus those of barbarism . . . It is about them and who they want to be. As I see it, an important aspect of U.S. assistance under this amendment in the training of Syrian rebels is that it will be an occasion for nations with a Sunni majority to join in a battle against the fanatical Sunni ISIS. Hopefully, this can lead to expanded involvement of other nations in this battle at the same time as Iraq's Shi'a majority, with our active encouragement, finally provides full rights and participation for its Sunni and Kurdish minorities. So amidst all the difficulties and the challenges--and they are serious and many--this amendment can hopefully serve as a stepping stone, as a stepping stone to a broad-based, effective coalition against the spread of ISIS. Our country can provide air support, can provide intelligence and other logistics, but in the end, it cannot achieve for the people of Syria and Iraq on the ground what they can only do for themselves.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I support this legislation. When a taxpayer makes a complaint regarding unlawful disclosure of information, current law does not permit the Treasury Department to provide the affected taxpayer with information concerning the status or resolution of the complaint. Under the provision here, the enumerated circumstances in which taxpayer information may be lawfully disclosed by the Treasury Department would be expanded to include disclosure to certain complainants of information regarding the status and results of any investigation initiated by their complaint. I support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As mentioned, this bill is designed to prevent individuals from using their TANF Electronic Benefit Transfer cards in establishments that sell marijuana. This restriction would add to a current law on prohibition of EBT transactions in casinos, liquor stores, and adult entertainment clubs. While it is important that benefits under TANF be used only to support the basic needs of struggling families, I think it is regrettable that this legislation is coming to the House floor without any markup, hearings, or discussion within our committee. Such discussions usually raise questions that are worth examining before legislation is considered on the floor. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I have one.

Mr. LEVIN. It is now my pleasure to yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Doggett), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Human Resources.

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentleman an additional 1 minute.

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As the gentleman from Texas has just given his speech, I want to say to him that I applaud what he has said. It is late. It is 9:30 at night. It is hard to know who is listening, but the words expressed by Mr. Doggett need to be heard. In addition to the reduction in TANF funding, including for research, I think we should also be reminded at this late hour that, because of the unwillingness of Republicans in this U.S. House to follow the bipartisan lead in the Senate, I think more than 3 million people who lost their jobs through no fault of their own, who are looking for work, have essentially been out in the cold. I guess some of them have applied for TANF. But when you look at the data that Mr. Doggett has put forth, I think we need to take a look, whatever is the hour of the day or night, at what has been happening in terms of the addressing of poverty in this country. So I am glad we have had this discussion. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Under current law, tax-exempt organizations are not able to request an administrative appeal of their initial classification of tax-exempt status. The bill would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a right to an administrative appeal relating to adverse determinations of tax-exempt status of certain organizations. I might add, this would apply to all, whatever their political leanings, provided they meet the requirements of the statute. So this would apply to liberal as well as conservative organizations that were subject to the inappropriate standards used by the IRS. In 2012, the IRS received 51,748 applications for 501(c)(3) status and 2,774 applications for (c)(4) status. In each case, less than three-tenths of 1 percent were denied. In 2013, two-tenths of 1 percent of all 501(c)(3) applications and 501(c)(4) applications were denied. I support this legislation, and urge all of my colleagues to do so. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I shall consume. This is the first of three straightforward bills concerning the IRS. It is my hope the Republicans will focus the debate in the straightforward manner that is warranted, and that is what is happening on this bill. Currently, the IRS restricts its employees from sending emails that contain sensitive but unclassified data outside the IRS network unless approved by senior agency management, but the manual does not specifically reference the use of personal email accounts. This legislation would specifically prohibit the use of personal email accounts to conduct official agency business. I support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I welcome the introduction of this bill and I support it, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my time be controlled by the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind).

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I shall consume. This legislation is truly a bipartisan effort. I congratulate Mr. Brady and all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on the committee who worked on this. And I think Mr. Brady would like to join me, I am sure, in thanking the staff for their very considerable work on this. The Affordable Care Act is making major strides towards improving our health care system, including moving toward accountable, quality-driven care. This legislation furthers this quality effort in the post-acute care space. It is also the first step towards modernizing post-acute care payments to Medicare providers. The current lack of apples-to-apples quality and patient assessment data in post-acute settings makes it difficult to evaluate the quality and cost effectiveness of these providers. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation, crafted with my colleagues on the Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees, requires post-acute providers to report common data elements across settings, including patient assessments of function and mobility and quality and resource use measures. Over time, this data will enable health care providers, patients, and their families to determine the best post-acute setting for that patient's particular condition and preferences. The legislation also asks the Secretary and MEDPAC to provide suggestions and models for how Congress may reform post-acute care payments in the future. As we continue to strive for quality and value in the Medicare program, it is important we do not discourage providers from caring for complex patient populations. That is why this legislation directs the Secretary to study the effect of individual socioeconomic status, health literacy, English language proficiency, and other factors on quality and research use measurement, and then incorporate those findings into value-based performance programs. Lastly, the IMPACT Act ensures quality within the hospice benefit by requiring that providers are surveyed by an appropriate accrediting agency at least once every 3 years. Overall, the IMPACT Act is supported by a multitude of stakeholder organizations. So I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' and to take this important step--and I want to underline that--this important step towards modernizing vital post-acute care. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.