Blaine Luetkemeyer

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, H.R. 728, which would designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7050 Highway BB in Cedar Hill, Missouri as the ``Sergeant First Class William B. Woods, Jr. Post Office.'' SFC Woods was a decorated constituent of the Third district of Missouri who dedicated his life to protecting our country. After graduation from Northwest High School in Cedar Hill, Missouri, he first enlisted with the United States Marine Corps in 1996 as a rifleman, and later enlisted in the United States Army where he attended the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2003 and earned the Green Beret. While in the U.S. Army, SFC Woods was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 during Operation Enduring Freedom. On August 16, 2009, SFC Woods died in Germany from wounds sustained while conducting a mounted patrol in the Ghazni Province, Afghanistan on August 14, 2009. He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth, and two daughters. SFC Woods' many awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, among many others. I am honored to name this post office after SFC Woods. His dedication and sacrifices for our country should not go unnoticed, and it is the least I can do to honor such a courageous soldier. I want to thank the entire Missouri Delegation for coming together to cosponsor this legislation, and Chairman Chaffetz for promptly considering this legislation in the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. It would be an honor to name the Cedar Hill post office in my district after this courageous soldier, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. How much time do I have remaining, Mr. Chairman?

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

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Chairman, I just want to reiterate that I think my two other spokespeople here, with regards to this, have expressed concern. There are businesses across this country that are being choked off from financial services, and as a result, they are doing legal business but yet not being able to do that business because of the actions of the FDIC and the DOJ, which the OGR report indicates that they are doing. They admit this wrongdoing in different committee hearings as well as meetings on campus here. What we are trying to do is protect legal businesses to be able to continue to do a legal business Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Chairman, question: How does the Federal Government get rid of an industry it doesn't like? Answer: Simple, it cuts off that industry from the financial services sector. Sounds impossible, doesn't it? However, that is exactly what the Department of Justice is doing in conjunction with the FDIC right now. Their name for this action is called Operation Choke Point. It is designed to force legally operating entities out of business by choking them off from the financial services they need to operate their businesses. What started with nondepository lenders has spread to other industries, including pawn shops, tobacco retailers, and the firearms and ammunition industries, to name just a few, as well as the businesses that provide services and products to these industries. This amendment would ensure that Operation Choke Point is ended and that the DOJ returns to their proper job, targeting companies based on fraudulent actions, not entire industries based on political motive. An identical amendment was offered by a bipartisan group of lawmakers during fiscal year 2015 debate, and it was passed by voice vote. This isn't a partisan issue. This is an issue of DOJ abusing its authorities. I urge support for this amendment. I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams).

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Mulvaney).

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Yes. There have been hearings in the Financial Services Committee. There also have been hearings in the Oversight and Government Reform Committee. In fact, the Oversight and Government Reform Committee has an extensive report on both the DOJ and FDIC activities that include emails and internal memos from those agencies indicating these activities. They can't be denied. They admit this in discussions with the FDIC. In a follow-up hearing to the report, they admit doing this. They have put in place a number of provisions of a bill that I am offering.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. That is what I was getting to. As a result of these reports, we have come up with a bill. I have a bill filed. It will be coming up later on this month for a hearing in committee. The FDIC has put in place many of the same provisions of the bill already as protocols for their operations on how they handle situations like this. I think we are making progress. The problem is that DOJ has flipped the model of using FIRREA, which is a bank law that banks use to protect themselves against fraud, to now use that law against them. As a result, we need to stop that. That is part of the bill as well.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth and Betty Kating on their 60th wedding anniversary which they will be celebrating on June 11, 2015. Marriage is a sacred institution that represents true love, commitment, and dedication to family. This is a special time for Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Kating to celebrate and showcase the depth of their love and devotion to one another. I ask you to join me in recognizing Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Kating on this momentous occasion.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Tuscumbia High School Academic Team on its Class 1 State Championship win at the Missouri Scholar Bowl Tournament. These students 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 Tuscumbia High School Academic Team for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 3 minutes. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 1816, the Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act of 2015. I strongly urge my colleagues to support its passage. H.R. 1816, legislation that has been long championed by the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Heck), is designed to help some of our Nation's greatest heroes, our disabled veterans, better afford the housing and medical care they desperately need. To do so, H.R. 1816 would change how the Department of Housing and Urban Development calculates a disabled veteran's income for its Section 8 and public housing programs by exempting their service- related disability benefits and expenses related to in-home care. In other words, right now HUD is counting the aid and attendance disability payments of those heroes as income that could pay for housing, when it really should only be used to pay for their medical care. CBO has estimated there are about 2,000 veterans that would be impacted by this change. This legislation will ensure that we don't punish low-income disabled veterans who are seeking or receiving housing assistance simply because of the disability benefits. Fixing the income calculation of disabled veterans is not only a matter of fairness, it is also a matter of common sense. Many of these disabled veterans require extensive care and assistance to perform basic daily functions such as bathing, eating, and dressing. These aid and attendance payments are designed only to cover the costs of the in- home care they require to meet those needs, and it is wrong to ask these veterans to use that money for any other purpose. The housing challenges faced by disabled veterans are great, and I commend Mr. Heck for his hard work to bring this issue and an appropriate fix for it to our attention. I reserve the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I now yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Heck), the sponsor of the bill.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the distinguished lady from New York (Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney) for her fine work on this bill and for her strong support. I also want to thank the sponsor of the bill, the distinguished gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Heck), for again bringing this to our attention and again attempting to right a wrong here. This is certainly something we certainly need to support and will do. I urge all of my colleagues to support this measure. With that, Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and add extraneous materials on this bill.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1816) to exclude from consideration as income under the United States Housing Act of 1937 payments of pension made under section 1521 of title 38, United States Code, to veterans who are in need of regular aid and attendance.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent of mine, Ms. Sherri Strauser. She will be retiring from the Windsor C-1 School District on July 1, 2015. Ms. Strauser has contributed to the educational system for 37 years. Ms. Strauser has worked in various capacities: 3rd Grade Teacher, Intermediate Center Assistant Principal, Intermediate Principal, and Assistant Superintendent. She has worked in the Dunklin R-V School District and is ending her career in the Windsor C-1 School District. Her current title of Assistant Superintendent has allowed her the opportunity to connect personally with students, staff, parents, and the community. This Assistant Superintendent position has given her the opportunity to direct Curriculum and Instruction, Special Services, Team Leaders, Professional Development, and serve as the Compliance Officer for the District. During her time in each position, she was committed to making a difference in the lives of students. Ms. Strauser has received the Dunklin R-V Teacher of the Year award, Dunklin National Education Association Award, and the 'Who's Who Among American Educators' award. These awards showcase her ability to make a positive impact on anyone she comes into contact with. Over the years, Ms. Strauser has been an active member of her community, and the state, through memberships with the Rotary Club, Missouri Association of School Administrators, Missouri Association of School Business Officials, and the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals. From her time giving back to the community, it has enabled her to nourish productive relationships and witness success for thousands of individuals. I ask you to join me in recognizing Ms. Sherri Strauser on her retirement after 37 years of commitment to students.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the veterans of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5327 in Wentzville, Missouri for their participation in the 2015 Run for the Wall. Since 1989, Run for the Wall has united veterans across the country through a 10-day motorcycle ride spanning from Ontario, California to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. Participants of this ride are not limited to just veterans; each year a number of current service members, families and supporters of our nation's armed services join veterans in this nationwide journey to find healing and remember those we have lost in battle. As they make their way across the United States, Run for the Wall riders visit memorials, veterans' hospitals, and schools to discuss and pay tribute to the men and women who have served this country with honor and distinction. Additionally, this event serves as a time of reflection for all participants, building awareness for those who are still missing and emphasizing the motto that no soldier should be left behind. This year, participants will depart on three different routes beginning on May 13, 2015. The central route will arrive in Wentzville, Missouri on the evening of May 18, 2015, wherein VFW Post 5327 will provide dinner and lodging for riders. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all participants of the ride and the veterans of VFW Post 5327 for their contribution to the cause. Throughout my time in Congress, I have had the great privilege of meeting many of our nation's veterans, and I am always humbled by their selflessness. They have made remarkable sacrifices to protect the liberty we enjoy in this great country. Without our nation's veterans, we would not have the rights and privileges that we take for granted as Americans each and every day. In closing, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring the Run for the Wall mission and its participants.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

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

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Chairman, from extreme flooding to extreme drought, the Missouri River basin has been hit very hard over the past few years. The families who live and work along the Missouri River have endured great hardships, and these events serve to highlight the importance of maintaining effective flood control infrastructure. Though it is one of our region's greatest resources, the Missouri River would produce extreme, erosive, regular flooding and be mostly unfit for navigation if not for aggressive long-term management by the Army Corps of Engineers. Congress first authorized the Missouri River Bank Stabilization and Navigation Project, BSNP, in 1912, with the intention of mitigating flood risk and maintaining a navigable channel from Sioux City, Iowa, to the mouth of the river in St. Louis. Though the BSNP's construction was completed in the 1980s, the Corps' ability to make adjustments as needed remain crucial to this day. President Obama, in his fiscal year 2015 budget, requested $47 million for the Missouri River Recovery Program, which would primarily go towards the funding of environmental restoration studies and projects. This funding dwarfs the insufficient $9 million that was requested for the entire operations and maintenance of the aforementioned BSNP. It is preposterous to think that environmental projects are more important than the protection of human life. I do not take for granted the importance of river ecosystems. I grew up near the Missouri River, as did so many of the people I represent, yet we have reached a point in our Nation in which we value the welfare of fish and birds more than the welfare of our fellow human beings. Our priorities are backwards, Mr. Chairman. My amendment will eliminate the Missouri River Ecosystem Recovery Program, or MRERP, a study that has become little more than a tool of the environmentalists for the promotion of returning the river to its most natural state, with little regard for the flood control, navigation, trade, power generation, or the people who depend on the Missouri River for their livelihoods. The end of the study will in no way jeopardize the Corps' ability to meet the requirements of the Endangered Species Act. MRERP is one of no fewer than 70 environmental and ecological studies focused on the Missouri River. The people who have had to foot the bill for these studies, many of which take years to complete and are ultimately inconclusive, are the very people who have lost their farms, their businesses, and their homes. Our vote today will also show our constituents that this Congress is aware of the gross disparity between the funding for environmental efforts and the funding for the protection of our citizens. This exact amendment has been passed by voice vote during the debate in the last three fiscal year appropriations bills, which were ultimately signed into law by President Obama. It is supported by the American Waterways Operators, the Coalition to Protect the Missouri River, the Missouri Farm Bureau, and the Missouri Corn Growers. It is time for Congress to take a serious look at the water bill and funding priorities, and it is time we send a message to our Federal entities that manage our waterways. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and support our Nation's river communities and encourage more balance and Federal funding for water infrastructure and management. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent of mine, Mr. H. Dwight Weaver. Mr. Weaver will be receiving one of the Missouri Humanities Awards, Exemplary Community Achievement--Lake of the Ozarks Preservation, on Saturday, May 2, 2015. Mr. Weaver has contributed to the betterment of the state of Missouri for many years. H. Dwight Weaver worked for 15 years at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. During his time there, he wrote about Missouri's air, land and water quality resources and these writings aided in policy-making. Mr. Weaver was awarded with two regional and two national awards for his article contributions to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources magazine, Missouri Resources. During his 50 years living in the Lake of the Ozarks region, Mr. Weaver, has developed a passion for Missouri caves and a profound interest in the history of that region. From his time exploring and working at caves, he gained the knowledge to publish six books. H. Dwight Weaver treasures the various places of mystery and beauty that caves offer. For a period of 40 years, H. Dwight Weaver has assembled a rare collection of vintage images and memorabilia that is reflective of the cultural heritage of the Lake of the Ozarks region. This collection has contributed to his ability to publish seven books and ultimately be the most prolific and best-selling author of the Lake of the Ozarks. Mr. Weaver contributes his time to the Miller and Camden County historical societies and serves as a source of historical information for anyone who requests information about the Lake of the Ozarks region. I ask you in joining me in recognizing Mr. H. Dwight Weaver on receiving this award for his dedication to the Lake of the Ozarks region and the entire state of Missouri!

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Coach Diane Juergensmeyer for being named to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Coach Juergensmeyer led the St. Elizabeth softball team to more than 400 wins in 31 seasons, including three state titles. Coach Juergensmeyer's dedication to her players, both on and off the softball field, brought more than state champions to St. Elizabeth. Her mentorship throughout the years helped mold her players into respectful young women, and it was her leadership that united a school and a community. I ask you to join me in congratulating Coach Diane Juergensmeyer for receiving this distinctive honor.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Francis Howell Golden Girls Dance Team, on their Class 6A State Championship win at the Missouri Dance Team Association competition. These students 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 in joining me in recognizing the Francis Howell Golden Girls Dance Team for a job well done!

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. In March of this year, this legislation passed the Committee on Financial Services by a voice vote of 57-0. This legislation is supported by a litany of trade associations representing banks and credit unions. I want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman), my good friend across the aisle, for his bipartisan work on this bill. I ask my colleagues for their support.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, year after year, millions of dollars are spent on privacy notices that are either disregarded or are confusing to consumers. Let's think about the cost of this. This outdated requirement doesn't cost in postage alone, but it also adds its compliance costs, the cost of supplies, printing fees, and man hours. Under current law, financial institutions are required to provide annual privacy notices explaining information-sharing practices to customers. Banks and credit unions have had to give these notices each year even if the privacy policies have not changed. This creates not only waste for financial institutions but confusion and increased costs to consumers. I talked to one community bank in my district recently that said they spend, roughly, 70 cents per disclosure. With a minimum of 250,000 accounts and customers, this one bank spends at least $175,000 on this one requirement. It may not seem like a lot of money to my colleagues, but I can tell you that $175,000 is a lot of money for a small institution like the one in my district. By the way, this is an institution with less than $10 billion in assets, so it will not be helped by the recent changes implemented by the CFPB. I want to be completely clear on what exactly this bill will do. This legislation will only remove the Gramm-Leach-Bliley annual privacy notice requirement if an institution has not in any way changed its privacy policies or procedures. This legislation does not exempt an institution from an initial privacy notice, nor does it allow a loophole for an institution to avoid using an updated notice. The language is not controversial; it does not jeopardize consumer privacy; and it does not exempt any institution from having to produce an initial or an amended privacy notice. This legislation does eliminate millions of costly, confusing, and often ignored mailings; and with the passage of this bill, information included in these mailings would likely become more significant to the consumer because it would come only when a change in the privacy notice policy is effected. I would like to remind my colleagues that similar language passed the House by a voice vote in the 111th, 112th, and 113th Congresses.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Saint Francis Borgia Starry Knights Dance Team, on their Class 2 State Championship win at the Missouri Dance Team Association competition. These students 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 in joining me in recognizing the Saint Francis Borgia Starry Knights Dance Team for a job well done!