Blaine Luetkemeyer

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, that is what arbitration is all about, to allow the individual to defend himself. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Tipton), vice chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, how much time is remaining on each side?

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Buck) for his help in quickly bringing this resolution to the floor. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this rule and the underlying resolution, which would block the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau from denying the American people the use of arbitration as a means to resolve consumer complaints. Since the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, consumer costs have gone up and access to financial products has been severely restricted. In some cases, access has evaporated altogether. The Bureau's arbitration rule is proof of what we have said for years: the CFPB does not operate in the best interest of American consumers. It does not protect the American people, their access to financial products, or their ability to achieve financial independence. Take as evidence the CFPB's own study on arbitration. It shows that just 13 percent of class action suits actually provided a benefit to consumers, with an average payout of $32. Let me say that again: an average payout of $32. Arbitration, on the other hand, provides an average of more than $5,000--let me say that again: over $5,000--to the aggrieved parties. Again, these figures come from the Bureau's own analysis, their own study. The fact that they cannot somehow justify this rule in the name of consumer protection should offend every single person on this floor today, Madam Speaker. Simply put, this rule is anticonsumer. It hurts the very people the CFPB purports to protect. It is yet another example of the Washington- knows-best attitude that makes the American people so mad. This is also why Congress has the oversight tools granted under the Congressional Review Act. In this instance, it is time for Congress to intervene on behalf of the people we represent. We have argued about the CFPB in the past, but the reality is that this rule, in particular, will have devastating consequences for American consumers. It should serve as a dramatic wake-up call for the need to restrain what is the most powerful and unaccountable government agency in the history of our Nation. I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Rothfus) and Chairman Hensarling for their steadfast leadership on this very important issue. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues for their support on the rule and the underlying measure.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Jefferson City Jays' Baseball Team for their 2017 Missouri Class 5 Baseball State Championship. This team and their coach should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for bringing home the State championship to their school and community. I ask you to join me in recognizing the Jefferson City Jays' Baseball Team for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Anna Vollet of the Helias Catholic High School Lady Crusaders on her second place finish at the 2017 Class 4 Missouri Track and Field State Championship in the 200-meter sprint. Anna and her coach should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for Anna's success at the State Championship. I ask you to join me in recognizing Anna Vollet of the Helias Catholic High School Lady Crusaders for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the South Callaway Bulldogs' Baseball Team for their 2017 Missouri Class 3 Baseball State Championship. This team includes Adam Albaugh, Austin Loucks, BJ Moffat, Braden Lallier, Caleb Hall, Clayton Knipfel, Cole Shoemaker, Devin Borghardt, Drake Davidson, Dustin Loucks, Dylan Lepper, Grayson Peneston, Jerod Mistler, Josh Johnson, Kaden Helsel, Landon Horstman, Nickalas Mealy, Nicolas Moffat, Peyton Leeper, Treysen Gray, Tyklen Salmons, Tyler Lepper, and their coach, Heath Lepper. They should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. I ask you to join me in recognizing the South Callaway Bulldogs' Baseball Team for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Hermann High School Bearcats Boys Golf Team on their first place win in the 2017 Class 2 Missouri State Golf Tournament. This team includes Andrew Budnik, Justin Grosse, Matthew Heidger, Thomas Henson, Ross Henson, and their coach, Jeremy Hosick. They should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. I ask you to join me in recognizing the Hermann High School Bearcats Boys Golf Team on a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Gannon Withers of the New Bloomfield Wildcats for his second place finish in the 2017 Missouri Class 1 Boys Individual Golf State Championship. Gannon and his coach should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for bringing home the team state championship to their school and community. I ask you to join me in recognizing Gannon Withers of the New Bloomfield Wildcats for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a group of high school students from my district, the Festus High School Rocket Club on their first place win representing the United States in the International Rocketry Challenge in Paris. Members of the team include Grace Basler, Ed Bohnert, Cydney Breier, Ryan Brown, Christopher Carden, Ashton Croft, Joel Marler, Rylie Martin, Jacob Rozner, and the club president Timothy Ruesche. They are coached by Devin Lorenz, a former member of the Festus Rocket Club himself. In May of this year the Festus High School Rocketry Team participated in the annual Team America Rocketry Challenge's (TARC) Final fly-off in The Plains, Virginia. They were awarded first prize over 100 other teams from across the United States, which included a combined $20,000 in scholarships and a trip to Paris, France to compete in the International Rocketry Competition. At the International Rocketry Challenge, Festus High School, representing the United States, bested competing teams from France, Great Britain, and Japan to take first place. TARC is the aerospace and defense industry's flagship STEM program that is sponsored by the National Association of Rocketry, the Aerospace Industries Association, and numerous industry partners including Raytheon Company, Boeing Company and Thales USA. Raytheon Company has sponsored Team USA's attendance in the international competition for 12 years and running. In the age of technology, exposure to STEM education and opportunities is a national priority in order to ensure our workforce is equipped for the challenges of the 21st century. TARC has provided more than 65,000 middle school and high school students an opportunity to be engaged in hands-on experience that allows them to develop skills to assist them in future careers in STEM and aerospace. I ask you to join me in recognizing the Festus High School Rocket Club for their extraordinary accomplishment on behalf of the United States.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Gannon Withers of the New Bloomfield Wildcats for his second place finish in the 2017 Missouri Class 1 Boys Individual Golf State Championship. Gannon and his coach should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for bringing home the team state championship to their school and community. I ask you to join me in recognizing Gannon Withers of the New Bloomfield Wildcats for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the South Callaway Bulldogs' Baseball Team for their 2017 Missouri Class 3 Baseball State Championship. This team includes Adam Albaugh, Austin Loucks, BJ Moffat, Braden Lallier, Caleb Hall, Clayton Knipfel, Cole Shoemaker, Devin Borghardt, Drake Davidson, Dustin Loucks, Dylan Lepper, Grayson Peneston, Jerod Mistler, Josh Johnson, Kaden Helsel, Landon Horstman, Nickalas Mealy, Nicolas Moffat, Peyton Leeper, Treysen Gray, Tyklen Salmons, Tyler Lepper, and their coach, Heath Lepper. They should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. I ask you to join me in recognizing the South Callaway Bulldogs' Baseball Team for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Hermann High School Bearcats Boys Golf Team on their first place win in the 2017 Class 2 Missouri State Golf Tournament. This team includes Andrew Budnik, Justin Grosse, Matthew Heidger, Thomas Henson, Ross Henson, and their coach, Jeremy Hosick. They should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. I ask you to join me in recognizing the Hermann High School Bearcats Boys Golf Team on a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Anna Vollet of the Helias Catholic High School Lady Crusaders on her second place finish at the 2017 Class 4 Missouri Track and Field State Championship in the 200-meter sprint. Anna and her coach should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for Anna's success at the State Championship. I ask you to join me in recognizing Anna Vollet of the Helias Catholic High School Lady Crusaders for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Jefferson City Jays' Baseball Team for their 2017 Missouri Class 5 Baseball State Championship. This team and their coach should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. I ask you to join me in recognizing the Jefferson City Jays' Baseball Team for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, in 1987, Mr. Case began his employment as the Executive Vice President of the Missouri Association of Professional Insurance Agents. In a few years' time, this organization and the Independent Agents of Missouri consolidated to form what is now known as the Missouri Association of Insurance Agents. In March 1992, he became the Vice Present of Membership Services. On October 30, 1997, he was appointed as the Executive Director of Missouri Association of Insurance Agents. Mr. Case was then appointed to the position of Executive Vice President of the Missouri Association of Insurance Agents on September 1, 1999. The Missouri Association of Insurance Agents is the oldest and largest association of insurance agents in the state of Missouri. With that long standing tradition, approximately 500 independent agencies that are operated by 4,000 agents, brokers, and their employees are members of the association. In 2002, Mr. Case was awarded the Insurance Person of the Year Award for the significant contributions that he has made to the insurance industry. Mr. Case is passionate about the legislative and regulatory advocacy side of the insurance field and has played an integral part in passing legislation that has helped advance the causes of independent insurance agents in Missouri. He has served in various roles at the national level with the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America and the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents, not to mention the numerous committees and task forces he has volunteered to serve on during his illustrious career. Additionally, Mr. Case has routinely shared his expertise at the Mid-America Insurance Conference and has earned the respect of many lawmakers, company personnel, and independent insurance agents throughout the great state of Missouri. I ask you to join me in recognizing Mr. Larry Case on his retirement. The commitment he has shown to the Missouri Association of Insurance Agents and to his community for 30 years is a commendable accomplishment.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chair, it is not my intent today to oppose the amendment; however, I do want to express my reservations over the amendment from the gentleman from Pennsylvania. I think it is important that we set the record straight on a few points. The credit reporting agencies are not required to adhere to any sort of thorough data security standard. Unlike many other industries, the financial services industry has had Federal security requirements in place for nearly 20 years. The amendment sponsor's press release last week said credit reporting agencies do not have any Federal requirements for cybersecurity practices. That is news to the House Banking Services Committee, which has authored some of those requirements. So it simply isn't the case. Credit reporting agencies are required to adhere to numerous data and consumer protection laws, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, along with several Federal rules and standards on data security. I have some concerns that Congress should not be in the business of dictating specific security methodologies. The multifactor authentication procedures specified in the gentleman's amendment could be right sometimes, even many times, but circumstances, innovation, and the passage of time may indicate otherwise. As chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Financial Institutions, we want to spend some time on trying to look at this issue and hope that the gentleman works with our committee.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman from North Carolina for yielding to me and I associate myself with his remarks. The Durbin amendment has not helped consumers and, in fact, has hurt them. It has hurt small banks and credit unions. The only entities that have benefited are the retailers, who, despite their promises to Congress, have not lowered cost, and some studies even show that they have increased cost. Congress should not be in the business of price fixing. Price controls will never work and will always have negative consequences. I am committed to returning to free market principles that deliver real results for consumers.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Chairman, I am very proud to stand with Chairman Hensarling today and offer my support for H.R. 10, the Financial CHOICE Act of 2017. This bill offers a responsible approach to financial regulation that will protect consumers and allow the American economy to flourish. The Financial CHOICE Act makes meaningful reforms that ensure transparency, restore a rule of law, and help consumers and small businesses gain access to the credit they need to move forward towards financial independence, be the entrepreneurs they are, and be able to realize their dreams. Mr. Chairman, we lose one community bank or credit union a day, as the chairman just mentioned, every day. These are the institutions that lend to families and small businesses across America. These institutions are the backbone of each of our communities and something that must be done to reverse this dangerous trend of consolidation and closure. There has been a considerable amount of discussion on both sides of the aisle on the need to help community financial institutions. The legislation we will consider today provides every Member of Congress the opportunity to cast a vote in favor of responsible regulatory relief for credit unions and community banks across the Nation. The Financial CHOICE Act will increase access to credit for consumers by easing rules and regulations that never should have been applied to smaller financial institutions in the first place. H.R. 10 also makes important reforms to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an unaccountable agency that embodies the Washington-knows-best mentality that the Nation is so tired of seeing and, instead, creates a more responsible framework that actually protects consumers instead of special interests. The Financial CHOICE Act offers a new model for financial opportunity and responsible regulation. It is time to take steps to remove the boot from the neck of our Nation's lenders and their customers. Former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan has said about the bill that it would have a tremendous stimulative effect on our economy. The Financial CHOICE Act is the right choice to help our communities grow their economies and our citizens realize their dreams. Mr. Chair, I want to thank Chairman Hensarling for his unwavering leadership and urge my colleagues to support H.R. 10.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the National Association of Home Builders on its 75th Anniversary. Founded in 1942, NAHB represents the interests of the nation's home building industry and helps create a business environment that facilitates home building, enables more Americans to achieve homeownership, and provides rental housing at all price points. As an organization, NAHB is much more than builders and remodelers. Its membership includes building trades professionals, architects and designers, developers, and representatives of countless industries that provide goods and services in support of the residential construction industry. This includes engineering, insurance, financial services, building product supply, transportation and many others. The goal set forth in the Housing Act of 1949 of ``a decent home and a suitable living environment for every American family'' has been a guiding principle for NAHB and its members, and they have made great strides in achieving that goal. During NAHB's 75 years, the total number of housing units in the United States has more than tripled, growing from about 35 million to almost 136 million. The nation's standard of living has also increased significantly as a result of the hard work of NAHB members, who build roughly 80 percent of the new homes constructed in the U.S. each year. A look back shows how far we have come since 1942, when more than 30 percent of the nation's homes had no running water or flush toilets, almost 40 percent had no bathtub or shower, 18 percent needed major repairs, almost 60 percent lacked central heat, and 20 percent of occupied units were overcrowded. Now, virtually all homes have complete plumbing systems and central heating, and many fewer homes are considered overcrowded or in need of major repairs. NAHB members were instrumental in these significant advances in the quality of the nation's housing and the resulting improvement in the quality of life and standard of living in our country. Through the decades, those same members have also been at the forefront of innovation, helping to make the nation's homes significantly more resource efficient and sustainable. Equally important, NAHB members are vital to the social fabric of their local communities and are actively involved in a multitude of civic and philanthropic endeavors. America's home builders are also essential to the nation's economic health. Home building accounts for roughly 16 percent of the total U.S. economy. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor and congratulate NAHB on the organization's 75th Anniversary. I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in acknowledging the important role that the residential construction industry has played over the last 75 years in the nation's economy and the lives of its citizens. And I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking the National Association of Home Builders and its members for serving the nation through their ongoing commitment to building the nation's homes and communities and in urging them to remain steadfast in their efforts to meet the housing needs of all American families.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Disabled Veterans Memorial in Union, Missouri. The memorial is located in Veterans Memorial Park which broke ground in 2013 to provide nearly 44 acres of multi-use facilities for the Union community. This dedication of this beautiful memorial is taking place on Sunday, May 7, 2017. May 7th also marks a historic day when, in 1945, Nazi Germany unconditionally surrendered to the allies at Reims, France, ending World War II in the European theater. I can think of no better day to reflect on the sacrifices that our men and women in uniform make every day. This day of dedication will feature numerous members of the Union community and local veterans including: pastors, legion honor guard, and local high school bands. This memorial has been 20 years in the making and would not be a reality without the dedication of stakeholders throughout Missouri. The memorial has been funded through private donations from individuals and groups within the community. With the cost for this memorial totaling around $240,000, this major undertaking clearly demonstrates the commitment of these citizens to bringing honor and distinction to the Disabled Veterans of Missouri and the United States. The memorial not only honors the Disabled Veterans that served so proudly, but also honors Prisoners of War and those who are Missing in Action. Additionally, this memorial is endorsed by the National Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Franklin County Disabled Veterans of America. I ask you to join me in recognizing the Disabled Veterans Memorial in Union, Missouri. This memorial will show the gratitude we feel as a nation for those who have worn the uniform and sacrificed so much for this great nation.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a business in my district, First State Bank in St. Charles on its 150th Anniversary. This celebration will be held on May 10, 2017. In 1867, First State Bank planted its roots on Main Street in St. Charles, Missouri. First State Bank has been successful for one and a half centuries, because, among other things, customer satisfaction is a top priority and ownership of the bank is shared only between local shareholders and bank employees. Since its humble beginning, First State Bank has been an independent and locally-owned community bank serving St. Charles and St. Louis residents and businesses. First State Bank's fundamental approach to customer service is simple; treat every customer like a person, not just a number. This personalized service shows the dedication this bank has to its customers and the community. First State Bank prides itself as an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) business, which allows for the employees to own part of the bank. As a bank that is privately-held, the institution answers only to its employees and local, private stockholders. This means that decisions can be made that are in the best interest of the customers and the local community. The growth of First State Bank has been steady and with that growth it now has 224 employees. In 2016 alone, it hired 48 new employees. First State Bank strives to maintain a philosophy to ignite energy and improve customer service and increase employee retention. This philosophy encourages the employees in four areas when it comes to serving the customers: play, make their day, be there, and to choose their attitudes. The commitment that First State Bank has to the community is commendable. Over 66 local and national non-profit organizations benefit from charitable donations by First State Bank. Employees are encouraged to volunteer and have committed their time and talents to 32 local non-profit boards. Other organizations that appreciate First State Bank's generous employees are Oasis Food Pantry and Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, ``Team FSB'' willingly coordinates school supplies, winter coats, food drives, and collects monetary donations for various non-profits throughout the year. I ask you to join me in recognizing First State Bank on their 150th Anniversary. First State Bank is truly a community bank.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent of Missouri's Third District, Coach Craig Engelbrecht, who was inducted into the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in Springfield, MO. Coach Engelbrecht dedicated 33 years of his life as an educator at Eugene High School, and has spent 27 of those years coaching. Coach Engelbrecht recently celebrated his 500th varsity win, and is deserving of membership in the Hall of Fame. Coach Engelbrecht's childhood was spent in the Eugene area and he always wanted to return to that area to plant his roots. He grew up in a family that served the community by working in the school system. His mother taught in Russellville for 31 years and his Father was a custodian after a career at MFA Feed Mill in Eugene. After graduating from high school in 1979, Coach Engelbrecht spent his college years at University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. In 1983, he graduated with his degree in Physical Education and a minor in speech/drama. In 1984, Coach Engelbrecht started his teaching career at Russellville and shortly thereafter began his coaching career. During his time at Eugene, he taught many subjects including English, Speech, and Drama, and was even responsible for putting on the annual spring play with his students. Eventually, Coach Engelbrecht began teaching Physical Education, and knowing the importance of being physically active, he always encouraged his students to participate in all activities and classes. In 1990, Coach Engelbrecht became the head varsity boys basketball coach. He knew it was vitally important to establish a stable and hard- working program that would lay the groundwork for success on the court. The mantra for the Eugene basketball team is this: ``we play hard, we play smart, we play together, and we play fast.'' Coach Engelbrecht encourages his teams to use this mantra on the basketball court and in real life. He has instilled in his students and players a mentality to never quit and to always strive to achieve their goals. Coach Engelbrecht has built many relationships with his students and enjoys seeing many of them take his words of encouragement to heart and apply it to their daily lives. Additionally, he enjoys seeing former students and players begin basketball coaching and refereeing careers of their own. Coach Engelbrecht's family is involved in the education field as well. The Eldon Career Center is currently under the direction of his wife, Kelli. The Eldon School District is where his son, Christian, is a paraprofessional. His daughter, Katelyn has played basketball and after her graduation will attend college at her father's alma mater, University of Central Missouri--Warrensburg. Throughout his 33 year career in education, Coach Engelbrecht has seen God take care of him. He acknowledges the great support system he has and knows that without that support, he would not have achieved his level of success on the basketball court. With his retirement from teaching, Coach Engelbrecht will be able to spend more time with his family. Kelli, Christian, and Katelyn will enjoy the additional moments they have with their beloved father. Despite his retirement from teaching, Coach Engelbrecht has not decided to hang up his coaching jersey just yet as he is continues to coach boys varsity basketball at Eugene High School. I ask you to join me in recognizing Coach Craig Engelbrecht on this induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame by the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association and on his retirement from teaching after 33 years of improving the daily lives of all those at Eugene High School, whether it be in the classroom or in the gym.