Betty McCollum

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 223, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2016. The Great Lakes provide clean drinking water for over 40 million Americans. The region supports an estimated 1.5 million jobs, and generates over $60 billion in annual wages. Protecting the Great Lakes supports public health, public lands and beaches, local economies, and job creation. In Minnesota, the restoration of Lake Superior and the St. Louis River is vital to our State and our tribal nations. In 1987, the St. Louis River Estuary was classified as an Area of Concern because of contamination from decades of dumping untreated sewage and industrial waste into the water. Since that designation, millions of dollars have been invested in cleanup, restoration, and infrastructure. We've started to see some measureable improvements along the St. Louis River that are lowering human health risks, re-establishing sturgeon spawning grounds and wild rice beds, and increasing property values. We have a clear path forward involving all stakeholders in the Roadmap to Delisting for the Area of Concern. Mr. Speaker, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) has been a huge driver of the progress that Minnesota has made in cleaning up the St. Louis River. Success stories like this are spread all across our region because of the federal investments made by the GLRI. These funds have driven public-private partnerships that support the health of our waters and the quality of life for all Americans. More than 100,000 acres of wetlands and 48,000 acres of coastal, upland, and island habitat have been protected, restored and enhanced in just the first five years of GLRI partnerships between the federal agencies, states and tribal nations. H.R. 223 would authorize $300 million a year for the crucial work of the GLRI, which will help remediate areas of environmental concern, control invasive species, restore habitat and wildlife, and support local businesses. Every federal dollar put into Great Lakes restoration generates $2 in economic benefit, making restoration an excellent return on investment for taxpayer dollars. The Great Lakes are a national treasure. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act will build on the successes of recent years and ensure the lakes are protected for generations to come.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sister Mary Madonna Ashton, CSJ, who has earned the prominent distinction of being named a 2016 National Women's History Month Honoree by the National Women's History Project. This esteemed honor befits a woman who has dedicated her life to being a leader, advocate and policy-maker in the quest for equal access to health care for all in Minnesota and throughout the United States. Raised as an Episcopalian, Sister Mary Madonna converted to Catholicism while attending what is now Saint Catherine University in Saint Paul, Minnesota. After graduating and receiving a Masters of Social Work, she became a Sister of Saint Joseph of Carondelet, serving as a social worker at Saint Joseph's Hospital then later as an administrator at Saint Mary's Hospital after earning a second Master's degree. She was named President and CEO of Saint Mary's Hospital and stayed in that role for twenty years until her retirement in 1982. Sister Mary Madonna's first attempt at retirement was short lived. In 1983, Governor Rudy Perpich appointed her as the State Commissioner of Health. The appointment of the first woman and first non-physician as Health Commissioner was controversial at first. However, Sister Mary Madonna quickly earned respect from critics and supporters alike, by effectively challenging the tobacco industry and leading the state response to the onset of the AIDS crisis. During her two terms as Commissioner, she made Minnesota a pioneer in efforts to combat tobacco use. Our state was among the first to outlaw smoking in places of employment, hospitals and restaurants, a monumental legal and public health victory that would start a national movement. She also led the way in using state funding to combat underage smoking, ultimately leading to the Minnesota Twins removing all tobacco advertisements from its stadium and Northwest (now Delta) Airlines banning smoking on domestic flights. Since completing her appointment as Commissioner in 1991, Sister Mary Madonna has continued to serve those in need. She led the creation of Saint Mary's Health Clinics in order to provide quality health care for those without insurance. The clinics continue today with the same mission and serve as a reminder that though we have made much progress in making health care affordable and available to all, more work needs to be done. As a National Women's History Month Honoree, Sister Mary Madonna stands as one of 16 notable women who exemplify the National Women's History Project's 2016 theme of ``Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government.'' Sister Mary Madonna and these other honorees join the company of such female trailblazers as Rosa Parks, Abigail Adams, Eleanor Roosevelt and Billie Jean King. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Sister Mary Madonna Ashton, CSJ of Saint Paul, Minnesota and all 16 Honorees for their commitment to public service and advocacy for others. These women stand as shining examples for all women and men for their dedication to the common good.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to remember the Armenian Genocide, which began 101 years ago this month. In nearly a decade of terror that followed, the leaders of the Ottoman Empire systemically exposed the Armenian people to torture, starvation, abduction, deportation, and mass killing. More than 1.5 million innocent Armenian children, women, and men were murdered. And millions more were expelled from their historic homeland. All nations and peoples have a responsibility to recognize this tragedy and the reverberations it has caused for succeeding generations. Unfortunately, the historic fact of the Armenian Genocide has all too often been obscured, downplayed, or simply rejected. As an international community, we must properly account for this historic crime, move towards peace and reconciliation in the region, and help those who carry the scars of this atrocity to heal. The United States owes a responsibility to the victims and their descendants to publicly call the events of 101 years ago genocide. And our government should demand that Turkey--our NATO ally--acknowledge its historic responsibility for this crime. On this somber occasion, we should remember and pray for the victims, those who survived, and the Armenian community around the world that honors its ancestors by doggedly pursuing the truth. And, as Americans, we must once against reaffirm our resolve to prevent genocide.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Senator Eugene Joseph McCarthy, in celebration of his 100th birthday this month. A native of Watkins, Minnesota, Mr. McCarthy went on to proudly serve Minnesota in the U.S. House, representing Saint Paul and surrounding communities, the 4th Congressional District for 10 years and U.S. Senate for 12 years. Senator McCarthy graduated from St. John's University on the shores of Lake Sagatagan in Collegeville, Minnesota in 1935. Before he ever ran for political office and embarked on his storied career as a legislator, he was a passionate educator who taught in high schools, and later, at the university level. Beyond being an educator, Mr. McCarthy also served his country admirably during World War II while working in the War Department's Intelligence division as a codebreaker. In 1949 Mr. McCarthy was elected to the House of Representatives as a member of Minnesota's Democratic Farm-Labor party. During his ten years in the House he was well known amongst his colleagues for his agreeable personality and, because of his wit, received the nickname ``the Needle''. He developed a liberal voting record which he carried with him when he was elected to the Senate in 1958. While there, Senator McCarthy earned a national following for his outspoken criticism of the Vietnam War and of President Johnson's policies in Southeast Asia. In 1967 he announced his candidacy for the 1968 Democratic presidential nomination. As a candidate, he possessed the ability to energize and inspire legions of young voters, many of whom had become disillusioned with our democracy, and felt that their voices were no longer being heard. His impact on them was exemplified by the ``Clean for Gene'' movement that became popular among his supporters before the New Hampshire primary, where male supporters would shave their long hair, beards, and mustaches while campaigning for him. His supporters put their hopes and inspirations in him, and he did the same of them. Of his campaign he said ``I am hopeful that this challenge may alleviate this sense of political helplessness and restore to many people a belief in the processes of American politics and of American government.'' He ran for president not for the sake of his ego, but because of the unshakeable belief he had in the power and resilience of our democracy. His time in public service changed public discourse and policy for the better and left a legacy of peacemaking in Minnesota and throughout our country that lasts to this day. Residents of Minnesota's 4th Congressional District share special pride as the first voters to send Mr. McCarthy to Washington. He was a true American patriot who stood up for his beliefs as well as the interests of the constituents he represented. It is an honor and privilege to represent the Congressional District that he served. Mr. Speaker, once again, I rise to honor Senator Eugene McCarthy and the legacy that he left on the political landscape both in his beloved home state of Minnesota, and across the country.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, on March 13, 2016 former Minnesota Congressman Martin Olav Sabo passed away. For twenty-eight years Rep. Sabo represented Minneapolis, Minnesota and the surrounding suburban communities in the U.S. House. He was a giant of a legislator, an exceptional public servant, and a man I respected tremendously. It was my profound honor to serve with Martin during the final six years of his career. He was liberal, smart, and his values reflected the very best of Minnesota's traditions and heritage. In Congress, Martin was reserved, but when he spoke the room went silent because everyone knew something worth hearing was about to be said. Martin was truly an experienced and astute legislator. In 1960 Martin Sabo was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives at the age of 22. Over his eighteen year career as a state legislator he served three years as minority leader and six years as the Speaker of the House. He was elected to Congress in 1978 where he immediately was appointed a member of the House Appropriations Committee--an impressive and very significant status. In the early 1990s Rep. Sabo served as the House Budget Committee Chairman and is credited with guiding the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1973 through the House. This historic legislation set the country on a course that resulted in a federal budget surplus. Over his career Martin Sabo's work on behalf of Minnesota transformed our state and helped create the economic success experienced by the Twin Cities today. After Martin's delivered funding the Hiawatha light rail transit line in Minneapolis, I had the privilege of working with Martin to secure the Central Corridor light rail transit line that has now connected downtown St. Paul and downtown Minneapolis. This infrastructure investment is transforming the Twin Cities and it all started with Martin Sabo's sage guidance and his ability to take ideas and turn them into tangible projects. Martin was well known for being a quiet Norwegian. He loved baseball and especially the Minnesota Twins. He was also one of the kindest of souls. When Martin left Congress at the end of 2006 we lost an effective and wise public servant. Now, Minnesota has lost the last of a generation of citizen legislators who was always respectful, civil, and true to his values. In other words, we've lost a good man. My deepest sympathies go out to Sylvia Sabo, Martin's wife of fifty- two years, along with their daughters Karin and Julie, and their many grandchildren.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support for the Global Food Security Act, H.R. 1567. I want to especially thank Congressman Chris Smith for being a real, true partner on this bill and for his work to advance global food security, which we both care about so very deeply. This bill is an important bill with a goal everyone should support: helping hardworking farmers grow the food they need to feed and support their families. As we have already heard, in the world's poorest countries, nearly 800 million people are chronically hungry or malnourished, and more than 150 million children under the age of 5 are stunted. No parent should have to watch their child suffer or even die because they don't have access to the nutritious food they need to survive. For children who somehow do survive, the lasting damage of not having access to healthy food means that a child will not grow physically and mentally the way that they should, especially during the first thousand days, and any damage that is done is permanent. According to the World Bank, stunting ``means a child has failed to develop in full, and it is essentially irreversible, which means that the child will have little hope of achieving [their] full potential.'' As a global community, we know that chronic malnutrition severely limits a child's ability to grow, to learn, and to thrive. But it is not just harmful for that child or the family, it undermines the development of an entire community and perpetuates the cycle of poverty. And all of this is completely preventable. Working with small holder farmers, especially women, Feed the Future is helping to provide the tools, resources, education, and training these farmers need to grow their way out of poverty and to improve nutrition and create new economic opportunities. I have been fortunate enough to see the work USAID is doing around the globe and to hear directly from women farmers about the difference it has made for themselves and their families. A mother can now feed her family better food, pay her children's school fees, invest in her community, and become an entrepreneur herself. These are success stories that happen when the United States makes smart investments in global food security. These are the successes that we must continue if we want to strengthen families, communities, and, yes, even our own national security. Feed the Future does not work alone. It is partnering with private sector businesses, civil society, and universities. Bringing these sectors together with their specialized knowledge and expertise is not only good for that farmer or local processor, but it builds new, stable markets in these communities. Minnesota-based businesses Land O'Lakes, General Mills, and Cargill are already working with Feed the Future. General Mills CEO Ken Powell said, ``And we are hungry to help the farmer in Malawi who, by selling her crop, will generate the money needed to support her family and pay for her children to go to school.'' Well, that truly sums it up. This is what this legislation is all about: empowering women farmers to support and care for their families. Once again, I want to thank Congressman Chris Smith for being a great partner on this journey. I would like to thank Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel for helping to move this legislation forward, along with Congresswoman Bass. I also want to thank the staff--Piero, Jenn, Janice, and Joan--for all the work that they did to help get this bill to the floor today. In December 2014, this House passed a similar version of this bill by a voice vote, but the Senate failed to act. So today, once again, I urge my colleagues to support the Global Food Security Act.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, the rules of the U.S. House prohibit congressionally directed spending. This prohibition undermines the ability of Members of Congress to represent their constituents, denies Members the opportunity to respond to critical needs that are in the national interest, and it strips Members of their authority pursuant to Article 1, section 9, clause 7 of the U.S. Constitution--the authority to appropriate funds. Members of Congress are not even allowed the opportunity to offer amendments to a bill to be voted on by a committee or the Committee of the Whole on a construction project or research program deemed to be in contrary to the rule. What the ban on congressionally directed spending does do is empower the Executive Branch to dictate to Congress projects, programs and priorities without input from Members. It denies Members the ability to advance alternatives to the President's priorities that better reflect the needs of states, communities and constituents. With this rule, Congress has unilaterally diminished our own power and ceded excessive power to the President. The House of Representatives' ``power of the purse'' must be more than simply rubber stamping funding for whatever project or program the President proposes. My attached letter to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies highlights an example of how the ban on congressionally directed spending denies me--a member of the Appropriations Committee--the opportunity to advocate for a project that has been approved by the Department of Defense, in the Department's funding queue, and is now delayed for arbitrary budget reasons without any consultation with Congress. House rules deny me the opportunity to amend this decision. I find this outrageous and a clear example of how this Congress cedes power to unelected federal officials in the Executive Branch. It is time to change the rules, repeal the prohibition on congressionally directed spending, and allow Members of Congress to do our job on behalf of the people who elected us. House of Representatives, Washington, DC, March 1, 2016. Hon. Charlie Dent, Chair, Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies, Washington, DC. Hon. Sanford Bishop, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies, Washington, DC. Dear Chair Dent and Ranking Member Bishop: I am extremely concerned that the President's FY2017 budget proposal has failed to fund a shovel ready Minnesota Army National Guard project that has been in the pipeline since the release of the FY13 budget for FY17. The $39,000,000 for the Army National Guard Readiness Center in Arden Hills, MN (Project Number 270132 in the Department of the Army, Army National Guard FY17 Military Construction budget) now has been moved to FY18. This delay will directly affect the ability of members of the Minnesota National Guard to train effectively and carry out their duties to their utmost potential. This facility is necessary to house the Headquarters and Headquarters Company and Company A 34th Infantry Division currently assigned to the Rosemount, MN Readiness Center, and Company B 34th Infantry Division currently assigned to the Inver Grove Heights, MN Readiness Center. Both of these facilities are undersized and seriously lacking in critical areas that support mission readiness. The construction of the Readiness Center in Arden Hills is long overdue and necessary to relieve over population in other aging National Guard facilities in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. What is truly outrageous is that this Congress has ceded the authority of Members, and particularly Appropriators, under the Constitution, to fund critically significant federal investments in our communities. Congress, by giving up the authority to direct spending and projects, has conceded a vital authority to the Administration. This Military Construction, Veterans Affairs bill makes it clear that the House and the Appropriations Committee now takes its guidance from Administration staff and the Office of Management and Budget, which I find unacceptable. Meanwhile the representatives elected by the American people, including Appropriators, are denied the opportunity to advance vital projects unless granted permission by the Executive Branch. Therefore, I will not be submitting any requests to the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies because if I were to advocate for the members of the Minnesota Army National Guard and attempt to get funding reinstated in this year's appropriations bill, I would presumably be in violation of the ban on congressionally directed spending. It is time to change this flawed system. Sincerely, Betty McCollum, Member of Congress.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my profound thanks for the service and best wishes on the retirement of Rick Healy. Rick has worked in the House of Representatives for over 35 years, which is multiple lifetimes here on the Hill. Rick's career in the House encompassed more than three decades of dedicated service to the people of Minnesota's 4th Congressional District, to the House Natural Resources Committee, and to the Appropriations Committee. I was fortunate enough to have Rick work with me as the Democratic Clerk for the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee during his last year, before departing this month to work with our former Chairman Jim Moran in the private sector. Rick is a proud son of St. Paul. He graduated from St. Thomas, and his wife, Cecilia, is a St. Kate's grad. The first Congressional experience Rick gained was as an intern with his Member of Congress, Representative Bruce Vento. He then joined the Congressman's staff in DC working on environmental issues in 1980. When Bruce became the Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, Rick left his personal office and joined the Subcommittee staff. Congressman Vento is remembered both in Minnesota and nationally for his tremendous dedication and passion for the conservation of America's wilderness and natural treasures. Rick Healy played a pivotal role in advancing those efforts. He supported Chairman Vento and his successors in crafting much of the major public lands legislation passed through the Resources Committee over the next 25 years. Rick's knowledge and experience was instrumental in issues of importance to Minnesota, like the management of the St. Croix National Scenic River and the establishment of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Rick was a tremendous help to me when I was first elected after Congressman Vento passed away in 2000, and provided valuable council on environmental issues as I followed in our friend and mentor Bruce's legacy by serving on the Resources Committee. As a staffer who has been here longer than almost all of the Members serving in this body, Rick Healy assisted his Chairs and Ranking Members through the ups and downs of Majority and Minority. And, five years ago, when he joined the Appropriations Committee, he brought that institutional knowledge to the work of funding and improving our nation's public lands, our environmental stewardship, our trust and treaty responsibilities with tribal nations, and our investment in the arts and humanities. Rick has been an invaluable resource on the Appropriations Committee. I, along with many other Members and staff, will miss his depth of knowledge, his expertise and insight, his hard work, and his sense of humor. Rick, we wish you the best of luck.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to The Veterans Employment, Education, and Health Care Improvement Act (H.R. 3016). H.R. 3016 includes important bipartisan legislation to improve the health and opportunities of veterans. This legislation will include podiatrists within the Department of Veterans Affairs definition of physician, extending the same promotions and leadership positions within the VA as other physicians. H.R. 3016 also includes numerous standalone bills that will improve the quality of health care and economic opportunity for veterans, including establishing the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration. I wholeheartedly support these key provisions of H.R. 3016, but the pay is unacceptable for our brave service members and their families. When our brave women and men signed up to serve, we made them a promise. We assured them clearly defined benefits that were guaranteed to them upon completion of their duties. H.R. 3016 as currently written breaks that promise. Not only does it harm the students who depend on these housing allowances to attend school, it says to our service members that the terms of the deal they made with their government have been changed without their knowledge or consent. It is essential that Americans know exactly what their service to their country entitles them to. Passage of this legislation will severely undermine that agreement. Title III of this legislation will reduce by fifty percent the housing allowance provided to children who have had Post-99/11 GI Bill benefits transferred to them. This cut will begin one hundred and eighty days after the enactment of H.R. 3016. Furthermore, the legislation provides no grandfather clause that will exempt the families of current service members from this harmful cut. Again, I support the important provisions of this legislation that will improve the lives of our veterans, and I remain committed to working in a bipartisan fashion to see these enacted. However, I cannot support legislation that is paid for by breaking a promise to our veterans. When Americans sign up to serve, they must be certain that the benefits guaranteed to them will be waiting when they return home. As Members of Congress, upholding this commitment is one of our most important duties.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise today to pay tribute to Minnesota State Senator James ``Jim'' Metzen. Senator Metzen has been a leader in the Minnesota legislature for more than 40 years, representing my hometown of South Saint Paul and surrounding communities. He recently announced that he plans to retire later this year at the end of his current term. His legislative work is not yet complete, however, it is well worth reflecting on his more than four decades of public service that have shaped a remarkable legacy for the community and the state. First elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1974, Metzen quickly established a reputation as an approachable, evenhanded and effective advocate for his constituents. In 1986 he was elected to the Minnesota Senate, bringing his ``can-do'' outlook with him to forge important alliances and build consensus throughout the state and the community--among constituents, Democrats and Republicans, business and labor leaders. During his time in the Senate, leaders have recognized Senator Metzen's extensive knowledge about the legislative process and the respect he has earned among his colleagues. It was no surprise in 2003 when he was elected by his peers to be Senate President, a role he served for seven years. Additionally, he has been appointed chair of several influential committees. Currently, he chairs the Senate Commerce Committee. Senator Metzen's ability to build bridges between Democrats and the business community and get important things done has come naturally through the executive roles he has served in local community banks. Throughout his public and private sector service, improving his community has been his priority. He has always delivered--both large and small, from supporting the Mighty Ducks youth hockey program, to the transformation of industrial landfill into the Kaposia Landing park, to the replacement of the Wakota Bridge over the Mississippi River. His influential advocacy continues on projects like developing the Robert Street transit corridor. Residents of South Saint Paul, West Saint Paul, Inver Grove Heights, Mendota and Mendota Heights have been fortunate to have Jim working for them. To call Jim a friend is a privilege for my family and me. I have fond memories of joining my father to put up yard signs for Jim during his early campaigns, and it is probably no coincidence that our mutual strong support of public education comes from us both attending Central Grade School in South Saint Paul. Throughout my own public service, he was always among the first to offer encouragement and help. It was wonderful to join the hundreds of ``friends of Jim'' last fall at the Croatian Hall in South Saint Paul to recognize his many contributions on behalf of the community. I wish Jim and his wife Sandie all the best Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to Senator James ``Jim'' Metzen as he prepares to retire after more than 40 years of distinguished public service.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, this is the final amendment to the bill, which will not kill the bill or send it back to committee. If adopted, the bill will immediately proceed to final passage as amended. Mr. Speaker, asbestos is a known carcinogen. Asbestos wreaks havoc on the health and livelihoods of the people exposed to it, killing approximately 10,000 Americans each year. This deadly poison can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer that an estimated 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with each year. Once detected, mesothelioma victims may only survive 8 to 14 months. This was true for my predecessor, the late Congressman Bruce Vento. Bruce proudly served Minnesota's Fourth District for more than 20 years in this House, and many of you served with him in this Chamber. Bruce died from mesothelioma in 2000, only months--only months--after he was diagnosed. I lost a friend and a mentor. His family lost a husband, a father, a son, and a brother. Since then, I have worked with mesothelioma patients and their families to fight this awful disease, and to hold those responsible for asbestos exposure accountable. I can tell you, this legislation does not support the victims of asbestos. Asbestos trusts would be forced--forced--to release the private information of patients and their families on a public Web site. Listing a patient's name, their address, health and financial information, and the last four digits of their Social Security number exposes these patients to identity theft. H.R. 1927 would also delay any compensation victims could receive with new, cumbersome, and unnecessary procedural hurdles, meaning many victims will not live long enough to get the justice they deserve or know that their families will not be burdened with medical costs. This legislation is unacceptable for those seeking justice from asbestos exposure. It is especially outrageous when we know this legislation does not provide basic protection for children. This amendment would protect children. This amendment will ensure that children exposed to asbestos will not have their personal information disclosed--children exposed to asbestos from the walls, the ceilings, and the floors of their classrooms, or even the possible exposure from crayons that they used that were manufactured in China. Our children deserve protection. Their parents should have the peace of mind that their child's privacy is secure. As a mother, I cannot imagine the anguish of worrying about my child's health as they suffer from asbestos exposure, and then add the burden of worrying that my child's private information was exposed on a Web site. Without this amendment to the current bill, you will be voting to deliver sensitive information about children to criminals who could exploit them. Let me be clear: This information will be available to identity thieves and to sexual predators. Congressman Vento was a dedicated public servant and an asbestos victim. I know Bruce would be horrified that this House would allow a child's personal information to be exposed in this incredibly irresponsible manner, and we should stop it from happening. We can stop it from happening. Congress has a responsibility to find real solutions to help and support victims, especially children of asbestos exposure and their families. This bill falls far short of it. The least we can do here today is to protect the privacy of innocent children who have already suffered enough. I urge my colleagues to pass this amendment and to protect the privacy of vulnerable children. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Ms. McCOLLUM. Very much so, I am opposed.

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, after years of unnecessary delays and short term patches, I am pleased that Congress has finally passed a long term surface transportation bill that addresses the needs of our nation's crumbling infrastructure. The FAST Act (H.R. 22) provides $281 billion for highway, transit, and highway safety programs. This is $26.8 billion above fiscal year 2015 levels and $12.8 billion above what would have been allocated in the earlier House-passed version of the bill. For Minnesotans, this means a 5% increase in federal highway funding and an 8% increase for transit support. H.R. 22 establishes two new initiatives that will provide dedicated federal funding specifically targeted at reducing freight bottlenecks around the country. This legislation promotes safety by boosting funding for railway-highway grade crossings, motor carrier safety grants, and includes $200 million to help commuter railroads implement Positive Train Control. The FAST Act also reauthorizes the Ex-Im Bank, which aids small to medium-sized businesses in attracting new customers and provide critical resources necessary to export goods and services around the globe. While I am disappointed that some of the funding levels in the conference agreement are not as robust as I would like, I recognize the importance of giving federal, state and local planners and contractors the long-term stability and resources necessary to repair our highways and bridges, prioritize rail, and pipeline safety, and grow our transit infrastructure as a whole. This is a significant accomplishment, and shows that it is possible for this Congress to work together in a bipartisan manner. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation and continuing to invest in American infrastructure.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this omnibus appropriations agreement. This agreement reflects a truly bipartisan compromise that fulfills Congress' most basic responsibility: to fund the operations of the Federal Government. As the ranking member of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, I am thrilled to be supporting our subcommittee's section of the bill. I want to remind everyone that in July, our bill died on the floor. It was underfunded, and it was loaded with partisan riders that harmed the environment and failed to meet the needs of the American people. This is not a perfect bill, but it is a remarkable improvement. This bill provides critical resources to important programs ranging from clean air and water, natural resources, to Native Americans and the arts. For the first time in 5 years, the Environmental Protection Agency is not being cut. The agreement provides $93 million in increased support to the National Park Service programs, and it funds the National Parks Centennial Initiative. Democrats and Republicans are equally committed to fund Native American programs, which received an increase of 5 percent over 2015, important increases for education, health, and tribal government programs. The Land and Water Conservation Fund is reauthorized for 3 years and funded at $450 million, the highest level of funding since 2010. The National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities are funded at the President's request, which is terrific. The real victory that is here for the American people is that this agreement removes policy riders that were bad for the environment, bad for our air and our water, and bad for our families. Those riders are gone from this bill, and that is a victory. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Calvert for a very positive working relationship this year, and I appreciate the courtesy and the respect the gentleman and the Republican staff have shown me and my staff. The Democratic Appropriations staff worked incredibly hard to protect our priorities in this bill. Mr. Speaker, I urge support.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, am I correct that the gentleman from California's motion to recommit would close the loophole that currently allows terrorists who are on the no-fly list to buy guns?

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I have a parliamentary inquiry.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition of The North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act (H.R. 8). This bill would reverse America's progress on energy efficiency and energy security. In a time when we need a forward-looking comprehensive energy policy that preserves the environment and provides sustainable energy to American consumers, we cannot afford to reverse course. The North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act would cripple ongoing efforts to curb energy use and promote energy efficiency. This bill removes the effective provisions of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 which require federal buildings to reduce fossil fuel-generated energy. Additionally this bill would make it much harder for the Department of Energy to provide assistance for building code development at the national, state, and local level. Instead of making needed investments in our energy infrastructure, H.R. 8 continues to protect big oil and gas companies by attacking newer environmental standards and procedures. Section 1101 of this bill makes extremely hazardous changes to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission natural gas pipeline permitting process undermining environmental protections and land owners' rights. This section would force FERC to decide on pipeline applications within 90 days even in cases of extremely complex proposed projects. Additionally, it would undermine land owners' rights by allowing oil and gas companies to use aerial or remote surveys for environmental data instead of actual surveying the land. As the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, I am disappointed that H.R. 8 would make it easier for oil and gas companies to get approval for pipelines through our nation's most treasured areas, our national parks. It also threatens protections in the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Federal Power Act by allowing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to override conditions placed on hydropower project licenses by state and federal agencies that serve to protect wildlife from the potential impacts. President Obama has stated that he will veto this legislation should it come to his desk because H.R. 8 sidesteps important environmental procedures and actually increases energy consumption and consumer costs. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, H.R. 8 would actually cost American citizens nearly $20 billion dollars through 2040. Instead of this misguided legislation, I support President Obama's ``All-of-the-Above'' energy strategy for our country which includes a combination of fossil fuels, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. I am committed to advancing America's energy policy by moving away from depending on fossil fuels and towards clean and renewable sources of energy. For these reasons, I will vote against the backward path of H.R. 8, The North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, last June the House voted on a partisan Intelligence Authorization, H.R. 2596. Along with 178 of my colleagues, I voted against that authorization. Since June, negotiations among Republican and Democratic leaders of the House and Senate Intelligence Committees have taken place resulting in the improved bill before us today, H.R. 4127. This bipartisan compromise ensures that the Intelligence Community will have the funding and resources they need to keep America safe, maintain necessary intelligence capabilities, and counter a myriad of threats, including ISIL and cybersecurity. It strengthens Congressional oversight and provides strict authorizations and limitations on intelligence activities. Along with reforms included in the bipartisan USA Freedom Act of 2015 which was signed into law in June of this year, H.R. 4127 makes critical steps towards ensuring our intelligence programs are conducted responsibly and with strong accountability to maximize both security and privacy. As importantly, H.R. 4127 rectifies the inappropriate and unnecessary use of Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding that was included in H.R. 2596 to circumvent the Budget Control Act funding caps. This correction will allow for more stable budgeting for the Intelligence Community for the remainder of the fiscal year. However, this bill unfortunately continues to contain provisions that will prevent the closure of the detention center at Guantanamo Bay. While I strongly oppose measures to prevent the closure of the detention center, the provisions in H.R. 4127 have already been codified into law in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016. Ensuring that our Intelligence Community has the resources, support and tools they need is critical to our national security. We must also ensure that strong privacy protections are included to ensure that we safeguard our civil liberties. While not perfect, this compromise is much improved from the bill that left this House in June and therefore earns my support.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. McGovern. Mr. Speaker, with just 2 days until the government runs out of funding, House Republicans have chosen to bring a bill to the floor to solve a dispute between two States: Texas and Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, we have an epidemic of gun violence in this country, and Congress is doing nothing to end the killing. Right now, a person on the FBI's terrorist watch list can go to a gun store or a gun show and purchase a firearm legally. If a person on the terrorist watch list is too dangerous to buy a plane ticket, why are they allowed to purchase unlimited quantities of weapons and ammunition? Mr. Speaker, Congress needs to act now to protect the American people. The Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act is a bipartisan bill which prohibits the sale of firearms to people on the Federal Bureau of Investigation's terrorist watch list. Congress needs to take the most basic step we can by passing this bill to keep Americans safe from those who wish to do us harm. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts again for the time.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, on December 4th I had the pleasure of attending at the invitation of Ambassador Mai Sayavongs a celebration of both the sixtieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and the United States and the fortieth anniversary of the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. The event was well attended by ASEAN ambassadors and key U.S. officials including Mr. Ben Rhodes from the White House and Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Daniel Russel. Over the course of these six decades there have been many difficult passages in the bilateral relationship. Today, I look forward and it is my belief that the relationship between the United States and the Lao PDR will improve, strengthen and grow in importance. For me, U.S-Lao relations has a direct impact on the thousands of Hmong and Lao Americans I represent in St. Paul and the surrounding East metro suburbs. It has been forty years since the first refugees from Southeast Asia arrived in Minnesota, but the family, cultural, and economic ties to Laos continue to be very important. As Laos becomes more engaged in the global economy, respects the rule of law, and embraces human rights for all its citizens my constituents feel more comfortable and more excited about returning to their ancestral homeland. In the coming year Laos will become chair ASEAN and it is expected that President Obama will be the first U.S. president to visit Laos. It is critical that the U.S. encourage the Lao government to make the necessary reforms that will allow its people to escape poverty and contribute to the long-term success of their country. The lethal legacy of U.S. dropped unexploded ordinance from the era of the Vietnam War continues to plague the Lao people. UXO are a constant reminder of the obligation we have as a government to clean up a mess that continues to kill innocent Lao citizens and impedes economic development on lands all across Laos. It is my feeling that dialogue, cooperation, and common interests will allow the U.S.-Lao bilateral relations to improve significantly in 2016. Both the Obama Administration and Ambassador Sayavongs have my full support in this goal. The following are remarks I delivered at the December 4th celebration of U.S.-Lao Relations. Good evening. Ambassador Sayavongs and Madam Sayavongs, I am honored to be with you tonight to celebrate sixty years of diplomatic relations between our countries, as well as the fortieth anniversary of the Lao PDR. My relationship with the people of Laos is very special and I strongly support strengthening our bilateral relations. My home is Minnesota. In my congressional district, I represent tens of thousands of Hmong and Lao-Americans who call Laos their ancestral home. They have family in Laos. Their traditions come from Laos. And, they care deeply about the future of Laos. More than anyone, I would like to acknowledge Mr. Chao Lee who has been on my congressional staff since 2001, for guiding me and advising me. He is with us tonight and I would like to thank him for his work on behalf of U.S.-Lao relations. Over my fifteen years serving in Congress I have taken many steps to strengthen this relationship. I was a supporter of normalized trade relations with Laos at a time when many people were fighting about the past rather than working to build a new future. I have always supported increased U.S. funding for UXO clean--a terrible legacy of war that harms the Lao people. And, in 2006, I had the pleasure of celebrating a very special Christmas in Vientiane during a visit to your beautiful country. Ambassador, I am committed to working with you to strengthen our future together. We will work as partners to address issues important to both our countries--economic development, increased trade, and access GSP, as well as improving human rights and human development to ensure that all Lao people, including women and girls, are free to live full, productive lives. Ambassador, I wish your government much success as Laos chairs ASEAN next year. I know the Obama Administration will work as a partner to ensure next year's ASEAN Summit is a success and they will have my full support. Again, congratulations Mr. Ambassador on your country's 40 years. Thank you.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I had the honor of addressing the American Architectural Foundation's Oculus award ceremony to celebrate leadership in cultural heritage and highlight organizations whose preservation initiatives promote vibrant, sustainable communities. This year's Oculus award was presented to Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates for their national leadership in historic preservation. I want to applaud the work of the American Architectural Foundation (AAF) and its president and CEO Ron Bogle. AAF's efforts to make restoration, preservation and protection of our nation's vulnerable historic buildings, collections, artifacts and works of art a national priority is commendable and it's an agenda I fully support. Mr. Speaker, I submit my remarks from today's Oculus award. Good afternoon. Thank you, Mr. Ayers for the kind introduction. I appreciate all that you and your staff are doing to keep Congress working while you are restoring our beautiful Capitol dome. Thank you for your leadership. I am thrilled to be here today. The American Architectural Foundation is playing an important role in driving an agenda that places cultural heritage, historic preservation, and architectural restoration at its forefront. I want to commend the vision and tremendous work of AAF President and CEO Ron Bogle, along with Mr. Thom Minner, Director of AAF's Center for Design and Cultural Heritage. Ron and Thom are working with me to get Congress re-engaged as a partner in protecting and restoring our country's historic treasures, treasures that unite communities and connect the past to the future. We are here today to honor a company for more than 50 years of accomplishments in historic preservation. Congratulations to Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates on receiving the 2015 Oculus award. WJE has a long record of contributing to projects across the U.S. and around the world. They have an office in Minnesota, but I was surprised to learn how often we worked at the same places. In the early 1970s my first full-time job was in downtown St. Paul in the First National Bank building. Later, WJE worked on the First National Bank building. As a Minnesota state legislator, I spent eight years working in our beautiful Cass Gilbert designed state capitol building. WJE has worked on the capitol. And, one of my proudest accomplishments in Congress has been to help secure the funding for the renovation of St. Paul's historic 1920's era train station--Union Depot. The Depot's $250 million restoration was completed in 2013 and, again, WJE worked on the project. Again, congratulations WJE on your tremendous record of success. At the beginning of this year I became the lead Democrat on the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee. Each year our subcommittee produces a bill that provides over $30 billion to fund the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of the Interior, the U.S. Forest Service, the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities, the Smithsonian museums, and a number of other federal agencies. It is an important portfolio that funds hundreds of millions of acres of federal land, our national parks, tribal nations, and many of America's most important historic sites. Over the past months my office has been engaged with federal stakeholders and AAF to review the federal government's role in historic preservation. It is absolutely clear that without leadership from Congress and the Obama Administration our nation's most vulnerable treasures are at risk of being lost to time, decay, or neglect. Unfortunately, Congress and the Administration are neglecting our nation's treasures and this political apathy is costing the American people our cultural heritage. In the 2016 House and Senate Interior-Environment appropriations bills, approximately $61 million is allocated to the Historic Preservation Fund--primarily to support historic preservation offices in states, territories and tribal nations. This amount represents less than half of the $150 million authorized funding level and it is nearly $20 million less than was spent on historic preservation in 2010. This abandonment of historic preservation runs counter to the desires of our constituents. States, local communities, non-profits, the foundation community, and the private sector want the federal government to be a real partner. All across our country communities come together and identify endangered historic and cultural assets that uniquely reflect local character and identity. It may be a historic building, a church, an archeological site, or a collection representing a moment in a community's history that exemplifies a unique piece of our American history. And, communities are asking for help--both technical and financial--because they want their valued asset to be preserved, protected, and restored for the next generation. From 1999 to 2010 help was available. During those years, Congress provided modest, but critical funding for a program called Save America's Treasures. $318 million in federal funding was appropriated for SAT grants over twelve years-- that is less than $1 per American for a decade of investments. Those grants required a dollar-for-dollar match which leveraged over $400 million in additional funds. But, since 2011, Congress has not provided a single dollar to Save America's Treasures. During SAT's twelve years, more than 1,200 grants were awarded to restore 327 historic properties; 247 projects to restore collections, artifacts, artistic works, and documents were funded; and, 341 National Historic Landmarks were preserved. The treasures saved include: the restoration of Rosa Parks' bus; restoring Little Rock's Central High School; saving Ansel Adam's prints, negatives and equipment; restoring an 18th century South Carolina plantation house; preserving the ruins at Colorado's Mesa Verde National Park; and repairing and preserving the 1812 flag that flew over Fort McHenry that inspired the Star Spangled Banner. In my Minnesota congressional district, a $150,000 SAT grant matched by community contributions helped to fund a sprinkler system in the longest serving Czech-Slovak Hall in the U.S. built in 1879. This grant saved the Sokol Hall while other ethnic halls have been lost to fire. On Saturday I'll be attending an event at the Sokol Hall and it is a wonderful center of community activity. SAT has been an example of a public-private partnership that keeps history, culture, identity, and democracy vibrant and sustainable in towns and cities all across America. In my view SAT grants have acted as venture capital that sparks a community into action. It is an investment that inspires a community and donors to invest time, money, volunteer support--all to the benefit of the project. A good project with an SAT grant becomes a great project. Without that federal support many projects will never get done and national treasures are now being lost forever. I am passionate about restoring federal funding for SAT because I have a partner that shares my enthusiasm. That partner is the American Architectural Foundation. The National Park Service is SAT's lead federal agency while AAF is SAT's official non-profit partner. Other federal partners include the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. They all have valuable technical capacity to contribute--if federal funds are made available. In 2016 our nation will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Next year also marks the 100th anniversary of our National Parks. As citizens who care about historic preservation, now is the time to get organized and energized. Working together, we need to get Congress investing once again in Saving America's Treasures. I am thrilled to be working with AAF and other partners who share the vision that preserving America's past helps to build America's future. It has been wonderful being here with you. Thank you AAF for the invitation to be here today. Thank you.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, each November, our nation recognizes the contributions of the First Americans during National Native American Heritage Month. Minnesota is home to eleven proud Ojibwe and Dakota nations, and those nations and their people are a vital part of our state's heritage and our future. American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians are the source of America's first participatory democracy and the population with the highest rates of service in our nation's armed services. Their cultures and communities have endured despite centuries of violence, injustice, and discrimination. That legacy must never be buried or ignored, but I am committed to working with tribal leaders to move forward in a new era of respect and self-governance throughout Indian Country. The nation-to-nation relationship between our federal government and the 567 diverse, federally recognized tribal nations across the country has been strengthened tremendously under President Obama. I am proud to have worked with the President and my colleagues in Congress to pass major legislation to better meet our federal trust responsibility, strengthen tribal self-governance, and support Native families, like the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, the Tribal Law and Order Act, and the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. Investing in the health, safety, and education of Native youth, in particular, must be a priority for Congress. Native American youth deserve the same opportunities to shape their futures and succeed as any other child in America. Earlier this month, tribal leaders and Native youth joined President Obama and senior officials from throughout his Administration at the 7th Annual White House Tribal Nations Conference. I was incredibly proud to see young people representing their Native nations and sitting with our President, sharing their priorities and discussing their future. Whether standing against racism in their schools, advocating for opportunities in their communities, or preserving their languages and cultures, the powerful voices and actions of Native youth are helping to build a brighter future for all young people in this country. Yet even with the progress we have made, tremendous work remains to realize that future. As sovereign nations, tribal governments play an essential role in serving the needs of their tribal members and defending the rights of their Nations. We must follow through on our federal responsibility to Native Americans with greater and more meaningful consultation and with legislative action that supports tribal self-determination, governmental parity, and significant investments throughout Indian Country. As we honor the heritage and resilience of our Native American brothers and sisters this month, we also commit to working together to build stronger communities and a stronger nation because when Indian Country is strong, America is strong.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to HR. 4038. In the aftermath of last week's barbaric ISIL terrorist attack in Paris the Republican leadership of the U.S. House has decided that the best way to protect the security of the American people is to attack Syrian and Iraqi refugees. These are the innocent and vulnerable children, parents, and elders who are seeking protection from murderous armies, terrorist groups, and death squads. The perpetrators of the Paris attack were ISIL radicals with European citizenship, not refugees. As many as 3,000 European extremists have traveled to Syria to join the ranks of ISIL. In fact, the ISIL mastermind behind the Paris attack who was killed by French authorities, Abdelhamid Abaaoud, was a Belgian citizen, not a refugee from Syria or Iraq. Meanwhile, the U.S. visa waiver program allows unrestricted access to the U.S. from the European Union which is an open door for European extremists not on a watch list to enter our country. In my view, this is where the real reform and intelligence sharing must be strengthened. The American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act (HR. 4038) is a Republican ploy that is cruel, callous, and a blatant display of xenophobia used to energize a political base that is motivated by a hatred of immigrants. This legislation is not designed to protect our national security interests, but rather will be used as a political weapon to attack Democrats who still believe our nation should be a safe haven for vulnerable people seeking freedom from persecution and the threat of death. I support resettling refugees in the U.S. and I have always welcomed them to Minnesota. The most modem identification technology and intelligence background checks need to be utilized in the resettlement security process. That means this Republican Congress must act responsibly and provide the necessary funding for such a comprehensive screening protocol. I support appropriating full funding for these strict protocols. ISIL is a global scourge that must be eradicated. Keeping America safe and eliminating ISIL will require intelligence, military, and counter-terrorism coordination between the U.S. and all allies. Unfortunately, H.R. 4038 is a transparent effort to scapegoat Syrian and Iraqi refugees who have suffered immeasurably, but clearly not enough for some of my colleagues. I reject this Republican bill as another example of driving a political agenda based on willful ignorance in the face of a serious terrorist threat. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing H.R. 4038.