Jason Lewis

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx).

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Mr. Chairman, it is unfortunate to see some of my colleagues claim that career and technical education is somehow the separate or lesser pathway to a 4-year college degree. These claims are neither factual nor are they very genuine. CTE promotes college access, with 91 percent of high school graduates who earn a 2- to 3- year CTE credit going on to enroll in college. When partisan politics gets injected into workforce development policy, it is students across the Nation who lose. I can tell you that, throughout the Second District, I have employers and students dying for these opportunities from all backgrounds. The current bill leaves CTE State grants with funding $60 million below what they received 10 years ago, while TRIO receives funding $110 million above both its authorized level and what the program received just 2 years ago. My amendment supports all of our students and their diverse ambitions and affirms career and technical education as a viable pathway to success. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Our students are waiting for it, our employers are waiting for it, and our country is waiting for it. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Thompson for his leadership and hard work on this important legislation. Too often, students across the country leave school without the necessary skills to compete in the modern economy. As the cost of a 4- year degree continues to soar higher and higher and students are taking on greater debt, employers across this country are struggling to find skilled workers to fill good, high-paying jobs. Career and technical education bridges the gap between the classroom and the workplace, offering students a clear pathway to a meaningful career. I am pleased this legislation includes my amendment supporting dual and concurrent enrollment. By allowing high school students to begin earning postsecondary credit, dual enrollment can shorten the time to degree or credential completion, puts students on the fast tack to a good job, and saves families a significant amount of money. Students who participate in dual enrollment are more likely to continue and pursue postsecondary education, less likely to need remediation, and more likely to complete a degree. My district is lucky to be home to a great technical college that does its job. For example, in Rosemount, Minnesota, Dakota County Technical College partners with local employers to provide students customized training that fits employer-specific needs. I am proud to support this important legislation that will increase opportunity and prepare students with the skills to succeed.

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, on June 13, 2017, during Roll Call Vote No. 306 on the passage of H.R. 2581, the Verify First Act, I was recorded as not voting. Although I was present on the floor at the time, my vote was misreported, and I fully intended to vote ``Yes'' on Roll Call Vote No. 306.

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Curbelo).

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1809) to reauthorize and improve the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Mitchell).

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 1809.

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1809, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, more than one million kids are currently involved in the juvenile justice system, a startling fact that carries devastating consequences. Kids who have been incarcerated are 26 percent less likely to graduate from high school, and up to 26 percent more likely to return to jail as adults. There are many kids experiencing grim and challenging circumstances. As a result, some make bad decisions with costly consequences. The reality is we don't live in a perfect society, and sometimes mistakes are made. But regardless of the circumstances surrounding a bad decision, every kid deserves the opportunity of a better path forward. That is why we are here today, to help State and local leaders provide kids with that better path forward. In 1974, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act was signed into law with the goal of helping State and local leaders improve their juvenile justice systems. These systems can play an important role in helping young people turn their lives around and gain the skills they need to be successful. Unfortunately, it has been 15 years since the Federal law aimed at supporting State and local juvenile justice systems has been reformed. We must update this law to develop more effective support services for vulnerable youth and to equip State and local leaders with the tools they need. I, along with my colleague across the aisle, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott), have put forward the Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2017, a bipartisan bill that helps set kids up for long-term success. The reforms in this bill will provide local communities the flexibility they need to help at-risk youth turn their lives around and improve public safety. H.R. 1809 prioritizes what works by using evidence-based strategies and current reliable data to help reduce juvenile delinquency. By strengthening the core protections for youth in the justice system, this bill makes sensible reforms to enhance their safety and keep more kids from being unnecessarily incarcerated. The bill also improves accountability and enhances the oversight of taxpayer dollars to ensure they are being used responsibly. Perhaps most importantly, this bill improves support for prevention services, especially among at-risk youth. There is no doubt we want to help kids get their lives back on track. But it is also important to do everything we can to ensure more kids don't experience the same pitfalls. H.R. 1809 is a strong bipartisan bill that will improve the lives of many young Americans, enabling them to get their lives back on track and achieve success. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2017. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Ensuring kids experiencing difficult life circumstances avoid a life of crime is a collaborative effort. I find it a privilege to stand with parents, teachers, and law enforcement officers to ensure at-risk youth are able to get back on track and grow into productive members of society. The Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2017 makes commonsense reforms that move us in a positive direction by providing support to kids who need help the most. I am pleased to help lead this bipartisan effort. I thank my colleague, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) for the work he has done on this legislation. By working together here in Congress, we can ensure young people have the opportunities they need to turn their lives around and earn a lifetime of success. I thank my colleagues for their support of H.R. 1809. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I, too, am honored to join my colleagues here tonight to recognize the bravery and the sacrifice of those who serve in our military. I also want to thank General Bergman for his years of dedicated service and for his leadership tonight. While May is Military Appreciation Month, it is important that every month we continue to recognize those who are fighting and still putting their lives on the line each and every day. Since the founding of our country, there have always been brave men and women who understood what it takes to protect our freedom and our way of life. They are patriots who represent the very best of America. I am especially grateful to the members of my family who served. My father, James, served in the Army during World War II; and my two brothers, Rick in the Navy and Reg in the Marines, served during Vietnam. Like many of us, I recall seeing my older brothers go off to war in Vietnam, and I vividly remember the difference between the Blue Star and, tragically, Gold Star families during that conflict. Throughout our Nation's history, we have paid a heavy price for freedom. It has not been easy. One week from today, we will remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. On Memorial Day, we remember those who gave their lives in the service of these United States. Our fallen soldiers were born in different generations, fought in different wars, faced unique challenges, but they are all part of the fabric and history of this great land, America. Through their service and selflessness, our Nation's sons and daughters have kept our country strong and free. Thank you to the fallen. Thank you to the veterans and those currently serving here and abroad. God bless America.

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on S. 496.

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, let me begin by thanking my colleague across the aisle, Representative Lipinski, for his work on the original House version of this legislation and to Senator Duckworth for introducing the corresponding language in the Senate. We all understood the unintended ramifications that this last-minute rule created, and we worked together to address this issue. This bill rescinds the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration's Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordination and Planning Reform rule that was promulgated in December, 2016. After being sworn in to the House of Representatives, one of the first pieces of legislation I offered was to repeal this rule. Through the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, we were able to work in a bipartisan manner to achieve that goal, and I was proud to serve as the lead Republican in advancing a commonsense policy unanimously through our committee. This flawed rule mandates the expansion of boundaries for federally required Metropolitan Planning Organizations, or MPOs. There are 409 MPOs in the United States, and the Department of Transportation identified that more than one-third of these MPOs would immediately be subject to the new requirements of this rule. By requiring that MPO boundaries encompass the entire urbanized area and any surrounding areas that may be urbanized within 20 years, the Department of Transportation has taken away the ability for States and localities to determine how to plan their transportation networks. In many cases, this rule pushes an MPO into the boundary of another MPO, forcing consolidation of areas that are represented by different governing bodies. These areas are not capped and could become extremely expansive. There are even instances where MPOs would be mandated to include cities and counties in neighboring States. The question is: Why did the DOT feel the need to institute this rule? States already have the ability to reassess their MPO boundaries. MPOs have the ability to expand beyond their boundaries by using memorandums of understanding. Minnesota uses several for transportation planning. Additionally, every 4 years, MPOs are required to participate in a review process that identifies areas of concern like the planning of projects with neighboring areas. Meanwhile, in the instances of unelected MPOs, like Minnesota's Metropolitan Council, this rule encourages them to expand without any participation or control from local citizens. The MPO council representing the Twin Cities area is entirely appointed by the Governor. Through State statute, they have the ability to levy taxes, and, like all MPOs, they determine what transportation projects to pursue. An expansion of MPO boundaries could mean a new tax for surrounding counties to fund transportation projects that do not address their local needs. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this measure and return current law to what Congress intended when it passed the FAST Act. This bill ensures that States, cities, and counties retain decisionmaking ability when it comes to planning their development and transportation growth. Our language restores certainty to local officials already in planning phases for local projects and could save MPOs more than $340 million over the next several years conforming to the regulation. The essence of this bill is local control. The more government is removed from the people, the less responsive it becomes. Self-governance works best when closest to home. I want to thank Chairman Shuster for his leadership on this matter, as well as my colleagues, Representative Lipinski and Senator Duckworth, for their work on this bill, and I encourage all my colleagues to support our bill. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from the National Association of Regional Councils and the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations, and a letter from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. National Association of Regional Councils and Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations, April 25, 2017. Dear Member of Congress: On behalf of the members of the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO) and National Association of Regional Councils (NARC), we wish to express our strong support for a bill expected on the floor later today: S. 496--``To repeal the rule issued by the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration entitled ``Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordination and Planning Area Reform''. This legislation passed the Senate unanimously on March 8. Identical legislation from Representatives Daniel Lipinski and Jason Lewis, H.R. 1346, has the support of 26 bipartisan co- sponsors and passed the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee by voice vote on March 29. AMPO and NARC support increased planning coordination at all levels, but this Final Rule has significant drawbacks that make its implementation impractical, and would hinder the regional planning process and delay project implementation. Our extensive joint comments to the federal docket explain in significant detail the problems with this rule and the negative consequences we believe would result. Ours was one of more than 600 comments to the docket that asked this rule be withdrawn or substantially modified. Neither occurred, so legislative action is required. Repeal of this Final Rule is a key priority for our organizations and for many of our members. The legislation you will consider today would immediately restore certainty to the planning process for hundreds of planning organizations. Its bipartisan support is an indication that members from both parties recognize the damage this Final Rule could inflict on the transportation planning process and project implementation. We thank you for your consideration of this matter, and reaffirm our request that you support passage of S. 496. Sincerely, Leslie Wollack, Executive Director, National Association of Regional Councils. DeLania Hardy, Executive Director, Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations.

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 496) to repeal the rule issued by the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration entitled ``Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordination and Planning Area Reform''.

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the American Health Care Act, and I ask the other side: Just what is it you are trying to preserve by voting ``no?'' Premiums rising double digits for years for the last 7 years? In my home State of Minnesota, back-to-back premium increases of 50 to 67 percent? Young, healthy people being priced out of the insurance market, 8 million in 2014, choosing to pay the penalty instead of buying insurance? That is the genesis of the death spiral in the insurance markets. That is what this bill is trying to correct. Deductibles, copays--I had a deductible on my own individual policy, a skyrocketing deductible. There are deductibles of $13,000. That is not health care. That is not even access. Drug formularies being tightened to save money, so people are denied prescription drugs, a prescription drug tax; thousands of Minnesotans losing their plans, 100,000 when a big insurer dropped out; 1,000 counties with one insurer--that is what you are trying to preserve on the other side, people voting ``no'' on this bill? Emergency State legislation trying to prop up MNsure in my home State because it is failing, and $1 trillion in taxes and spending that is bankrupting the country--that is what the other side is trying to preserve. Those voting ``no'' on this bill, we have a choice today. You can embrace the status quo and see the markets spiral out of control completely, or you can vote for change and do the right thing.

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina for her leadership here and on the committee as well. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1101, the Small Business Health Fairness Act. It is amazing as a freshman in this body to watch this debate over what we are trying to do on this side when we know what has already transpired, what has been done: The Affordable Care Act was going to lower our premiums $2,500. That is what the President said. But they went up by $4,800. In my home State of Minnesota, we have seen back-to-back increases of 55 and 67 percent, 100,000 people thrown off their plan. We have got 1,000 counties in this country with just one insurer. The exchanges are imploding. As young, healthy people can't afford the premiums, they drop out, and the pools only have the older and the sicker. We have job lock, where people trying to start a small business can't get the same tax advantages or purchasing power as those in big companies. So what to do? We are going to stabilize the insurance markets through choice and competition, and that is what H.R. 1101 does. It lowers premiums. It enlarges pools. We do that. We must do that to save the health insurance markets and health care in America. That is the agenda of H.R. 1101. That is the agenda of what we are trying to do in global healthcare reform. So today, as we debate how to fix health care in America, let us not forget the status quo and the debacle it is. So I stand and I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I further urge my colleagues to finish the job over what we are starting on real healthcare reform.

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the life of Bill Cooper. Bill was a leader, innovator, philanthropist, and a friend, and he lived the American Dream. He grew up in Detroit, where he worked as a police officer while earning a degree in accounting. His career in banking brought him to Minnesota in 1985, when he became CEO of Twin Cities Federal. He transformed this small savings and loan into a thriving national bank. Bill worked to ensure that all children also had access to a quality education by founding the Friends of Education, which sponsors 15 schools and serves more than 9,000 children. Bill was a defining force as well in Minnesota politics. He always stood up for conservative principles and served as chairman of the State Republican Party from 1997 to 1999. Bill Cooper left his mark on Minnesota, and he will be deeply missed by all of us who knew him.

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join in this commitment to civility. First off, I want to thank all of my freshmen colleagues on both sides of the aisle for participating today and going through the orientation and getting to know one another. It was a wonderful experience. I had the pleasure of talking with many of them over the last few weeks, and they share many of the same goals as I do, as this entire body does. I agree with many of my colleagues on many issues. I can safely say I also disagree with some of them on a few issues. But while we may disagree, we do not assume that they are acting in bad faith. Rather than dismiss those who disagree with us, we must use that disagreement to challenge ourselves to be better. You see, this process isn't easy, and addressing the issues our Nation is facing isn't easy either. In fact, I would argue, our ability to get things done, why we were sent here, rests on the ability to participate in productive political dialogue and discourse. So substituting sincere communication, honest debate with grandstanding or a political ambush or shouting louder than somebody else is too clever by half, and it will not get the things done that we need to get done. Shouting louder than your neighbor doesn't accomplish anything other than silencing your neighbor. In fact, that is not progress; that is an affront to free speech and the ability to listen to all of those around us. It doesn't help, when we shout over each other, help you understand your neighbor's beliefs, and it doesn't help your neighbor understand your beliefs. Now, I am reminded of this quote that gets used all too often these days: While I disapprove or might disapprove of what you say, I will defend to the death your right to say it. So we may disagree with each other, we may even disapprove of what somebody else says, but it is important to know, it is always important to let each other say it. Freedom of speech is not limited to the loudest among us; it is a right afforded to all of us. Of course, this commitment to civility doesn't mean we don't believe in the essence of free speech or the right and necessity to disagree with one another. We will. It simply means that we will do it in way that respects the rights of everyone. We believe, and so should those who oppose our policies, that the right to speak also entails the right to be heard.

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Mr. Chairman, today, I join many of my colleagues in taking the first steps to repeal and replace ObamaCare. My home State of Minnesota has been hit especially hard by this law. Minnesotans have seen their health insurance choices shrink, while their premiums, copays, and deductibles skyrocket. I should know. For the last, in fact, over 5 years, I have been in the individual market and my own insurance premiums have nearly tripled, and I have gone through three insurers. Minnesotans have seen a 50 to 67 percent increase in the premium costs this year alone. That is the fourth highest increase in the country. As Democratic Governor Mark Dayton of Minnesota stated: ``. . . the Affordable Care Act is no longer affordable. . . .'' In fact, politicians in Minnesota are looking for waivers from the Affordable Care Act; not more of it. The other side likes to talk about healthcare access. Mr. Chairman, I would argue that the single biggest obstacle to healthcare access right now is the Affordable Care Act. It is not sustainable. It is time to repeal this failed legislation and replace it with meaningful reforms that empower consumers, expand choice, and increase affordability. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, so all Minnesotans and all Americans can have access to affordable and portable health care.

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota

Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say how incredibly proud I am to be representing Minnesota's Second District. It is an honor that I do not take lightly, and I am excited to get to work for my constituents. Here in the House we have hit the ground running. During my first 2 weeks in Congress, we took steps to jump-start our economy by addressing the massive web of regulations that were issued by unelected and unaccountable bureaucrats in the administration. In fact, 2016 was a record-breaking year for Federal agencies. Unfortunately, the record they set is not a good one. In 2016 alone, there were 3,853 finalized rules and regulations, amounting to 97,110 pages. That is more than any year in history. Based on the page numbers alone, this amount of regulations may seem staggering, but the economic costs are even more damaging. In 2015, regulations cost American consumers and small businesses an estimated $1.88 trillion in lost economic productivity and higher prices. Many in Washington have started to call Federal regulators the fourth branch of government, unelected branch of government when it comes from the agencies. For too long, these regulators have run rampant, hurting our small businesses, stifling job growth, and hampering our economy. In fact, we have had one of the slowest economic recoveries coming out of a severe recession in modern times. That is why, last week, I was proud to join my colleagues in passing the REINS Act and the Midnight Rules Relief Act. Additionally, this week we passed the Regulatory Accountability Act. Today I am proud to introduce my first piece of legislation, the Reforming Executive Guidance Act. This will further increase transparency and ensure that regulatory agencies are held accountable for their actions. My bill will ensure that significant guidance documents promulgated by the regulatory agencies are subject to congressional review. These guidance documents are only meant to clarify regulations. However, over the years, executive agencies have used these guidance documents more and more often to expand their power and make significant policy changes. We are the accountable branch who are to make those policy changes. These policy changes are negatively affecting our businesses and imposing these significant costs on our economy. My bill simply ensures that significant guidance documents are fully subject to the Congressional Review Act and the Administrative Procedure Act's notice and comment requirement. Not only does this increase congressional oversight, it also increases transparency, as the public will now have the ability to review these guidance documents before they are finalized. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this straightforward, commonsense legislation. I look forward to working with my colleagues throughout the 115th Congress as we address the major issues facing the American people.