Brenda Lawrence

Mrs. LAWRENCE

Mrs. LAWRENCE. To the Chair, considering all that is happening here, I really need good thoughts, and I want to be part of the process of expanding good thoughts in Congress. So I will accept, sir.

Mrs. LAWRENCE

Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I and many of my colleagues had to hold our noses as we voted for a short-term continuing resolution. The CR, thankfully, did not cut funding to Planned Parenthood, which provided 2.7 million Americans--women, men, and youth--with medical services last year. But this CR is only good until December 11, and it leaves out funding for a vital program like the Ex-Im Bank. In less than 10 weeks, we will be right back here fighting against another government shutdown. Mr. Speaker, do we really want to fail our military veterans, our seniors, our families, and our voters? I say no. Let's do the right thing. Let's do our job. Let's come up with a long-term budget that serves the American people, American businesses, and the American economy.

Mrs. LAWRENCE

Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, as we pass the Higher Education Extension Act of 2015, I would like to emphasize the importance of higher education in assisting our young people in building the knowledge and skills that will allow them to succeed in the workforce and, ultimately, help U.S. businesses and industry to compete in the global market. Michigan is home to many outstanding colleges and universities and I often speak with families throughout the 14th District and the state about the financial burden created by the increasing cost of higher education. Like many Americans, I firmly believe that making higher education more affordable and accessible should be among our foremost priorities. During a recent trip to my District, I spoke with a student who held a full-time job while in school because her family could not afford her tuition. Although work can be extremely rewarding and helps to build a strong work-ethic, students who are forced to work long hours and attend school full-time often suffer diminished academic success. Since 1986, the Federal Perkins Loan Program has been an essential part of college financial aid packages because it provides a long-term and low-interest alternative to expensive private loans for students. Extending the Perkins Loan Program will provide lower income students with the funding they need to attend college with their full focus on their education. Additionally, the cost of this extension is not borne by taxpayers. Rather, the Perkins Loan Program fully funds itself when past loan recipients pay-off the balance of their loan. I am proud that our Chamber has taken this important step toward ensuring all young people have the opportunity to benefit from a world class education. I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for supporting the fight to make higher education affordable and accessible for all Americans.

Mrs. LAWRENCE

Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am pleased to join my colleagues in the consideration of H.R. 323, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service in St. Louis, Missouri, as the Sergeant Amanda N. Pinson Post Office. As has been stated, she was a native of St. Louis, Missouri, and attended the high school there. Not only was Amanda one of the top students in her class, she enjoyed the opportunity to participate in sports and excelled in them, all while earning numerous academic scholarships. She enlisted in the military, and she served her country. She was assigned to the 101st Military Intelligence Detachment out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where she served as a signals intelligence analyst. It has been stated that, while she was deployed to Iraq in 2006, Sergeant Pinson was tragically killed by a mortar round on March 16. She was the first female signals intelligence analyst to ever be killed in combat. Sergeant Pinson was honored by having the Army's new cryptology center named in her honor and her memory. Additionally, Sergeant Pinson's parents accepted a Bronze Star, a Good Conduct Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Medal and a Purple Heart for their daughter's commendable military service. Mr. Speaker, we should pass this bill to remember Sergeant Amanda Pinson's unselfish dedication to bettering the lives of those around her and for her ultimate sacrifice she so bravely made. I urge the passage of H.R. 323. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. LAWRENCE

Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues in consideration of H.R. 324, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service in St. Louis, Missouri, as Lieutenant Daniel Riordan Post Office. Daniel Riordan was born in Fort Worth, Texas, and then later at the age of 5 moved to St. Louis, Missouri. There he attended the high school of St. John Vianney. While attending college at Southeast Missouri State University, Daniel worked for the Department of Public Safety and the Jackson Sheriff's Department. In pursuit of his childhood dream of becoming a fighter pilot, Daniel also joined the university's Air Force ROTC program. Upon graduation, Daniel was commissioned in the U.S. Army, beginning his career in the infantry at Fort Benning, Georgia. By 2006, he had become a tank commander of the Blue Platoon. In October of that year, his unit deployed for a 15-month tour to Iraq. Lieutenant Riordan survived many attacks from explosive devices with only minor wounds, and he was proud of his unit's brave actions on behalf of the Iraqi citizens. Sadly, in June of 2007, a massive IED explosion instantly took the lives of Lieutenant Riordan and four others in his unit. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of H.R. 324 to remember the brave leadership of Lieutenant Daniel Riordan and to honor the sacrifices he made for the love of our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. LAWRENCE

Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues in the consideration of H.R. 558, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service in Springboro, Ohio, as the Richard ``Dick'' Chenault Post Office Building. We have heard the amazing career and service of Mr. Chenault. It includes service to his country in many ways. Serving during World War II, he returned back to his community and continued to serve. He was well-known as a friendly face in Springboro. He became the first letter carrier when the postal delivery started in 1965, and he continued to do so until his retirement in 1988. I want to take the time to note that postal service employment is a form of service to our country and to our citizens. That is included in his resume of service, and it is deserving of recognition. He served in the volunteer fire department as their chief. He served as a deputy policeman. He also was involved in community groups, such as being a charter member of the Lions Club. He had an unwavering commitment to service in his community. One thing that is notable is that Mr. Chenault had perfect attendance at the Lions Club for 57 years. Mr. Chenault is survived by his family, but also by the community that he served. Mr. Speaker, we should pass this bill to recognize Dick Chenault's devotion to public service and the impact that he made on his community and those fortunate enough to know him. I would also note that this is an example of an individual who, at every level he was given an opportunity to serve, he did. It is with such honor that we should give him, his family, and those who knew him this recognition by naming the post office after him. I urge passage of the bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. LAWRENCE

Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues in the consideration of H.R. 3059, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service in Del City, Oklahoma, as the James Robert Kalsu Post Office Building. We have heard about this amazing individual who was blessed with such amazing athletic skills, who was selected to play football at the University of Oklahoma and received All-American honors in 1967, leading his team to a 10-1 record and an Orange Bowl win. The following year, after being drafted into the NFL, the Buffalo Bills, and starting in 9 of his 14 appearances, he was again recognized as Rookie of the Year. It was more than his efforts on the football field that made Robert or Bob Kalsu a standout. He always put others first and chose to lead by example. He joined the ROTC at the University of Oklahoma and took to heart the pledge he made to serve his country in the Army. While many athletes elected to serve in the Reserves, he insisted that he was no better than anyone else and choose to serve on Active Duty. We know that, after 8 months of being stationed in Lawton, Oklahoma, Lieutenant Bob Kalsu received orders to go to Vietnam, and less than 1 year later, in 1970, he was killed by enemy fire. It is significant to note he is the only active NFL player to give his life in Vietnam and one of only a handful of professional athletes to serve in Active Duty, Lieutenant Kalsu is survived by a family and, amazingly, a son, who was born just 2 days after his tragic death. Mr. Speaker, we should pass this bill to honor this individual, Lieutenant Bob Kalsu, and recognize the last full measure of devotion he made on behalf of our great country. I urge the passage of H.R. 3059. Mr. Speaker, I just want to say, as this is our last post office naming that we have on the floor tonight, that so many of us go to postal facilities across the country. I was a postal employee for 30 years, and I know the service that is given in a Postal Service. But the ability to name a building in a community where so many of us go, I would like Americans to pause and recognize the names that are given to these facilities. Do take the time to learn about these individuals. This is done so that their service will never be forgotten and that, as we go about our day, it is one of the things that we can do to give tribute to make sure that their service is not forgotten and to give some comfort to the families who lost someone in service to our country. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. LAWRENCE

Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues in the consideration of H.R. 1884, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located in East Rochester, New York, as the Officer Daryl R. Pierson Memorial Post Office Building. A native of East Rochester, New York, Daryl Pierson graduated from East Rochester High School and attended Monroe Community College. He served our country in Afghanistan before he began his service in the Rochester Police Force. It is said his calming demeanor and ability to deal with chaotic situations made him a perfect fit for the department's tactical unit. As a member of that unit, Officer Pierson received numerous awards, including the 2013 Good Conduct Award, and 11 letters of recognition from the police chief. In addition to his service in Afghanistan and his service as a police officer, he continued to serve as a member of the National Guard. It was a sad night on September 3 when Officer Pierson was shot and killed in the line of duty while pursuing a suspect after a traffic stop. He leaves behind a family and a community and country that he served. Mr. Speaker, we should pass this bill to remember Officer Pierson and honor his years of dedicated public service and his ultimate sacrifice in order to protect his community. I urge the passage of H.R. 1884. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. LAWRENCE

Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today outraged and disappointed. Once again, petty partisan politics is threatening to derail government funding and shut down critical services to hard- working, deserving Americans. Later today, I will be hosting a forum with the media, talking about how women are treated and misrepresented in the media; and here, we have an issue that has a direct impact on women being used as a pawn to shut down our government. The only group that is portrayed more negatively--and we all hear it--is our own Congress. We must act now to change how we are portrayed and how America views us. We must work together and stop another wasteful and harmful government shutdown. We are better than this. Congress, my colleagues, let's work together and keep our government working.

Mrs. LAWRENCE

Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The Evidence-Based Policymaking Commission Act was introduced in the House by Representative Paul Ryan and in the Senate by Senator Patty Murray on April 16, 2015. The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform ordered the bill reported by voice vote on May 19, 2015. The bill, as amended, will create a 15-member commission to study ways to improve the use of administrative data on Federal programs and tax expenditures. The commission would also consider whether to establish a clearinghouse for information collected by Federal agencies. Federal agencies collect a large amount of data on existing programs, and they are also the beneficiaries of those programs. Too often, however, Federal agencies do not share data with other agencies or with private researchers in a way that can help determine what is working and what is not. The administration called for greater use of evidence to improve Federal programs, especially in the areas of education, health, and international development programs. The authors of this bill have worked with the administration in drafting this legislation. In examining ways to better use administrative data, it is critical to ensure that the privacy of individuals continues to be protected. That is why the members of this commission would be required to have expertise not only in economics and statistics, but also in data security and confidentiality. This bill is supported by a wide range of private sector organizations, from The Heritage Foundation to the Urban Institute. I believe an evidence-based policymaking commission would help us improve the way the Federal Government works. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to state that being a Member of Congress, a freshman, that it is refreshing to be able to stand here today on a bipartisan bill and be supportive. I do want the Record to reflect that the bill would require the President and four congressional leaders to each appoint three commission members. One of the President's appointees will be the Director of the Office of Management and Budget or a designee. Some members would have to have experience as academic researchers, data experts, or program administrators. Other members would be required to have experience with database management confidentiality and privacy matters. Individuals with expertise in economics, statistics, program, and evaluation will also be considered. It is important that we understand that there are currently so many of our agencies that are collecting data and that now we have understood and in the spirit of being efficient and being progressive in our government, that this commission will satisfy that. I am very much in support of this and urge my colleagues, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. LAWRENCE

Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2499, the Veterans Entrepreneurship Act of 2015. The Small Business Administration 7(a) Loan Program is a critical source of capital for America's entrepreneurs and is SBA's largest and most important program in terms of the number of loans and programs supported. My home State of Michigan, where I am proud to serve as the congressional Representative, has benefited greatly from the SBA 7(a) Loan Program. In fiscal year 2013, the SBA guaranteed nearly 2,000 loans to Michigan small businesses through the 7(a) Loan Program for more than $500 million. Michigan ranked second in the Nation that year for all SBA loans. Even better, in fiscal year 2014, the SBA guaranteed more than 2,000 loans to Michigan small businesses, for more than $600 million. This was an increase of 17 percent over the previous fiscal year. This immensely successful program continues to show strong success, with loan volume up 20 percent this year over last year. Unfortunately, the lending cap established in the 2015 omnibus appropriations bills of about $18 billion was reached last week. That means that roughly $3 billion in loan programs needed for small American businesses have been stalled, putting America's entrepreneurs at a serious financial risk. H.R. 2499 will reopen the crucially needed 7(a) Loan Program for America's small businesses and provide a fee waiver for our Nation's veterans who are seeking new careers after service to our country. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bill that would raise the cap of 7(a) loans to over $23 billion. I want to thank the chairman and the ranking member for their leadership on this issue. I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the underlying bill.

Mrs. LAWRENCE

Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote, due to the necessity of my attending to representational duties and participation in Michigan. Had I been in attendance, I would have voted ``yes'' on: H.R. 2256--The Veterans Information Modernization Act and H.R. 1557-- The Federal Employee Antidiscrimination Act of 2015. personal explanation

Mrs. LAWRENCE

Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I stand in strong support of the Make It In America plan and working to strengthen America's great manufacturing comeback. One of the biggest threats to that comeback is the growing skills gap in manufacturing, which is why I and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle have joined together to lead the Congressional Investment in America's Workforce Caucus. Through initiatives like Make It In America and the CIAW Caucus, we are working to expand apprenticeships and on-the-job training, increase employer-provided educational benefits, and provide tax credits for businesses who provide critical workforce training. Some of the efforts in my district are already seeing results. According to yesterday's Detroit Free Press, Wayne County, in my district, is leading the Nation in new manufacturing jobs added last year. Three other counties in the State of Michigan were added as well. If we keep this up and if we continue to work to close that manufacturing gap, we can make it in America.

Mrs. LAWRENCE

Mrs. LAWRENCE. Madam Speaker, we are less than 3 weeks away from the expiration of the national highway trust fund, and we are, once again, talking about another extension. The Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association estimates that Congress' failure to come up with a long-term plan has cost State of Michigan taxpayers more than $350 million. We have ample time and multiple plans to fix this problem. Which plan do you like? We need to get to work. What about the Department of Transportation's GROW America Act, which raises $478 billion over 6 years? Or Michigan's Getting Beyond Gridlock plan that raises $410 billion over 6 years? Republicans don't want to raise taxes. Democrats don't want to hurt the middle class or the lower-income families, but we must make those choices. We must take the vote, and we must keep our promise to America to fix our infrastructure. It is time to act.

Mrs. LAWRENCE

Mrs. LAWRENCE. Madam Chair, I would really urge my colleagues to support this amendment. The rule does not create any new permitting requirements for the agriculture and maintains all previous exemptions and exclusions. The rule ensures that waters protected under the Clean Water Act are more precisely defined and particularly determine making permitting less costly, easier, and faster for business and industry. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment that would strike section 439 from the underlying bill. In doing so, this amendment would allow the Bureau of Land Management to implement standards to support safe and responsible fracking operations on public and Native American lands. More than 1.5 million public comments were submitted in a transparent process to regulate fracking on 750 million acres of public and Indian lands. More than 100,000 oil and gas wells are situated on these lands. This amendment will ensure that the BLM's rule is fully implemented so that fracking for oil and gas continues but with full regard to public health and the environment. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. And I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. LAWRENCE. Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum), my colleague.

Mrs. LAWRENCE. Madam Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. LAWRENCE. Madam Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment that would strike section 422 from the underlying bill. In doing so, this amendment would allow the EPA and the Army to implement the waters of the United States rule. This rule will ensure protection for the Nation's public health and aquatic resources and will clarify the scope of the waters of the United States protected under this law. Unfortunately, Republicans continue to undermine efforts to protect the Great Lakes as well as other critical water bodies around the Nation. We cannot afford to delay years of work by the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers that would enhance the protection of our Nation's aquatic resources and public health. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. LAWRENCE. Madam Chair, can you tell me how much time I have remaining?

Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Chair, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum).

Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Chairman, I want to say congratulations to the State of Wyoming. That is exactly why we need this amendment. We want those same regulations on a national level. Mr. Chairman, 16 to 17 States have no regulation. Wyoming has gotten it right. This amendment will ensure that the BLM rule is fully implemented so that fracking for oil and gas continues, but with full regard to the public health and the environment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.