Michael McCaul

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from South Dakota (Mrs. Noem).

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe).

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Let me also thank my colleague, Mr. Vela, for his steadfast support of this legislation, as well as the entire Homeland Security Committee, which has worked in a very bipartisan fashion on this very important issue. This is not a matter of politics. It is a matter of saving our children from trafficking and sex abuse. We have all heard the stories. We have heard some of those here today, but I think there is nothing more criminal, other than perhaps what ISIS did yesterday, than the exploitation of children. Of course, that is what ISIS did yesterday in killing innocent children and teenagers outside a concert hall. The issue of human trafficking brings it to full bear: bringing children into this country and exploiting them, selling them on the black market, and sexually abusing them for a very long time. This bill is important and necessary. It really supports, codifies, and gives congressional backing and support to a very important program within the Department, and that is the Blue Campaign. I also want to thank Secretary Kelly of Homeland Security for showing the leadership to come forward with this campaign to address this horrible crime against our children and those moving into adulthood. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 366) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Under Secretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security to make certain improvements in managing the Department's vehicle fleet, and for other purposes, with the Senate amendments thereto, and concur in the Senate amendments.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bus accident that took the lives of four people in Biloxi, Mississippi, on March 7, 2017. Tragically, a tour bus from Austin, Texas found itself lodged on train tracks in Biloxi, and was subsequently struck by an oncoming train. Although passengers started to disembark from the bus, several could not make it off in time. Today, Mr. Speaker, I stand to honor the lives of two of those individuals who were taken from us in the accident: Mr. Clinton Havran of Sealy, Texas, and Mrs. Deborah Orr of Bastrop, Texas. Clinton and Deborah were both pillars in our community. Clinton served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1963, and subsequently had a long and distinguished career as a professional truck driver with Central Freight Lines and Steinhauser's of Texas. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Annie Mae Havran, his children, and his grandchildren. Deborah, or Debbie as her friends knew her, was known for her spirit and kindness. Debbie was a Jill-of-all-trades, and held jobs as a nursing assistant and assembly worker, among others. She actively volunteered in her community--with several organizations that work with needy children and as the Activities Director at the Bastrop Senior Center. Debbie is survived by her loving husband of 36 years, Tim Orr, as well as her children, grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. I join their family, their friends, and the people of Bastrop and Sealy in rejoicing the lasting impression Clinton and Debbie left on us all. As our community grieves and continues to come together in this time of sorrow, I ask that we honor their memory by working together to ensure accidents like this do not happen in the future. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House offer their love and support for Clinton, Deborah, and their loved ones.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, this week we honor the brave men and women who make it their life's duty to protect and defend our citizens, our Nation, and our way of life. Police officers across the country wake up every morning unaware of the challenges they may face, the threats they must overcome, and the lives they will affect and protect in the process. The badge officers don is a symbol of their altruism and their devotion to the common good. I believe in ``Backing the Blue'' and visit first responders throughout my district in Texas to express my unyielding support. America's police officers represent the best in all of us and are the finest our country has to offer. For their service, their sacrifice, and their selflessness, we are eternally thankful.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jessica Nalepa, an outstanding member of my staff who is transitioning out of my office after seven years to share her talents with the administration. A Virginia native, Jessi interned in my office while she was in school at George Mason University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Government & International Politics and Communications, graduating cum Laude. Despite her East Coast upbringing, Jessi soon became an honorary Texan through and through. Her outstanding work as an intern swiftly led her to become a permanent part of my team as the Director of Scheduling. Continuing to demonstrate her talents and work ethic, she moved through the ranks of my office fast: first from Scheduler to Deputy Chief of Staff and then ending her service to me as my Chief of Staff Jessi has been an integral part of my team and has served dutifully as a public servant to Texas-10 and the entire state. She also played an instrumental role in my personal growth here in Congress when she helped me in my campaign to become Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee during the 113th Congress. Possibly the toughest part of Jessi's job was balancing my duties to serve Texans through my personal office and simultaneously ensure the safety of all Americans through my work on the committee. Despite the challenges this posed on a daily basis, Jessi always went above and beyond. She managed these dynamics with professionalism, integrity, and a high degree of respect for the people who we serve. And, I'll add she accomplished all of this while earning a Master's Degree in Public Policy Analysis from George Mason University. Jessi's dedication to Texas' 10th Congressional District and the U.S. House of Representatives is an extraordinary example of her strong commitment to her country and fellow citizens. Even though she is departing my office, Jessi will always be part of Team McCaul and I will be forever grateful for her work. Jessi is possibly the hardest worker I have had the honor to know, and she will be sorely missed by all. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking Jessi for her service to the great state of Texas and our nation, and wish her the very best of luck as she sets forth on the next chapter of her life.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today out of gratitude for the service and friendship of Joan O'Hara--formerly my General Counsel for the House Homeland Security Committee--who now holds the post of Deputy National Security Advisor to Vice President Mike Pence. Joan would tell you she owes her professional success not to the Halls of Congress but to the sculls and shells of crew. In fact, the first 15 years of Joan's adult life were dedicated to competitive rowing--not law or politics. She approached rowing as she has since approached any obstacle or opportunity in her life: with genuine curiosity and an undeterrable will for success. Joan took up rowing in her senior year at Loyola College in Maryland. Shortly thereafter, she won a national championship in the single scull competition and was part of a winning team in a quad scull. The former is a testament to Joan's individual determination and perseverance, the latter--her leadership and teamwork. Both of these qualities have since expressed themselves explicitly in Joan's political career. After her own competitive career was over Joan coached rowing at the collegiate level. As a mentor to young women, she shared her personal experiences and insight to help others better themselves. Joan taught that it is not just the strength of one's back that contributes to rowing success but a cognizant awareness of the route to the finish line and humble understanding of what it takes to get there; and that when there are multiple people in the scull, it is not about how well any one person rows but how well they row as one. This same mentality has guided her political career. In 2007, Joan noticed a political fervor at the grassroots level that she had never seen before. With her interest sparked, she decided to pursue a law degree and career in public service. Similarly to rowing, Joan excelled at an impressive rate. She joined the Homeland Security Committee as a legal intern and was hired on as a counsel--quickly ascending to General Counsel. In her tenure as my General Counsel, she was a trusted advisor and close confidant. She positioned herself at the forefront of the encryption debate by drafting legislation to create a national commission to provide recommendations balancing privacy and security. She also played an integral part in facilitating the first congressional agreement to reauthorize the Department of Homeland Security. Joan's insight, professionalism, and leadership are missed as she departs this Committee. She will be an outstanding advisor to the Vice President, and I am excited to see what she makes of this new opportunity. It will be a pleasure to watch Joan as she once again embarks on a new adventure and accepts nothing less than excellence along her journey.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the cost estimate from the Congressional Budget Office regarding H.R. 876. The cost estimate was not available at the time of the filing of the Committee report. Congressional Budget Office, U.S. Congress, Washington, DC, April 26, 2017. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 876, the Aviation Employee Screening and Security Enhancement Act of 2017. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Megan Carroll. Sincerely, Keith Hall, Director. Enclosure. H.R. 876--Aviation Employee Screening and Security Enhancement Act of 2017 As ordered reported by the House Committee on Homeland Security on March 8, 2017

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the professional achievements and dedication of Cindy Simms who recently began the newest chapter of her esteemed career of public service in the Executive Office of the President. Cindy was most recently my Director of Member Services and a Senior Advisor for the House Homeland Security Committee. Her insight was an invaluable asset to my Committee and Cindy's vision and determination allowed her to grow in her role as a vital part of the Committee's daily operation and strategy. Cindy has been involved in politics at all levels of government which has contributed to her breadth of knowledge and keen political mind. A native Californian, Cindy began her career working for a state senator before joining the Schwarzenegger gubernatorial campaign and later working in the governor's office as a legislative analyst. Cindy then answered her professional calling and moved to the East Coast where she served in the George W. Bush White House at the Office of National Drug Control Policy. She later worked for both the Department of Homeland Security and Coast Guard, focusing her efforts on issues of national defense. We relied heavily on Cindy's leadership and outreach as the Director of Member Services for the Homeland Security Committee. Cindy is a true professional and a trusted advisor. Her influence, however, extended across the Committee as she assisted the offices of all Republican Members. Cindy worked tirelessly to keep Members and staff engaged in Committee activities and went out of her way to facilitate opportunities for every single one of the 18 Republicans on the Committee. Her legacy lives on in the tremendous growth in outreach we have experienced during her tenure here. I will always be grateful for the personal relationships she built with the Members of this Committee, myself included, as well as the professional relationships she grew with outside coalitions and stakeholder groups to enhance the Committee's involvement and influence. The White House is lucky to have Cindy on their team. Her political insight, professional demeanor, and strong relationships built during her time on Capitol Hill will be a great asset to President Trump. Her work ethic, determination to grow, and innovative vision make Cindy an excellent fit to work in the highest office in the land.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the cost estimate from the Congressional Budget Office regarding H.R. 1353. The cost estimate was not available at the time of the filing of the Committee report or consideration by the Full House. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, April 12, 2017. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 1353, the Transparency in Technological Acquisitions Act of 2017. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Megan Carroll. Sincerely, Keith Hall. Enclosure. H.R. 1353--Transparency in Technological Acquisitions Act of 2017 H.R. 1353 would expand requirements for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to report to the Congress on the status of the agency's planned investments in technologies related to transportation security. CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 1353 would have no significant effect on the federal budget. According to TSA, the agency already collects data necessary to meet the legislation's requirements to provide additional information about acquisition programs on a more frequent basis. As a result, CBO estimates that any change in the agency's costs, which would be subject to appropriation, would not exceed $500,000 in any year. Enacting H.R. 1353 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 1353 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2028. H.R. 1353 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and would not affect the budgets of state, local, tribal governments. The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Megan Carroll. The estimate was approved by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the cost estimate from the Congressional Budget Office regarding H.R. 1252. The cost estimate was not available at the time of the filing of the Committee report. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, March 22, 2017. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 1252, the DHS Acquisition Authorities Act of 2017. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Mark Grabowicz. Sincerely, Mark P. Hadley (For Keith Hall). Enclosure. H.R. 1252--DHS Acquisition Authorities Act of 2017 H.R. 1252 would specify which offices in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) headquarters have responsibility for acquisition programs. Based on information from DHS, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 1252 would cost less than $500,000 annually; such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Enacting the legislation would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 1252 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2028. H.R. 1252 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and would not affect the budgets of state, local, or tribal governments. The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Mark Grabowicz. The estimate was approved by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the cost estimate from the Congressional Budget Office regarding H.R. 1249. The cost estimate was not available at the time of the filing of the Committee report. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, March 22, 2017. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 1249, the DHS Multiyear Acquisition Strategy Act of 2017. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Mark Grabowicz. Sincerely, Mark P. Hadley, (For Keith Hall, Director). Enclosure. H.R. 1249--DHS Multiyear Acquisition Strategy Act of 2017 H.R. 1249 would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), within one year of enactment, to submit to the Congress a report on the department's comprehensive strategy for acquisitions. The act would direct the Government Accountability Office to review that report within 180 days of its submission. Based on information from DHS and the cost of similar activities, CBO estimates that the reports required by H.R. 1249 would cost about $1 million in fiscal year 2018 and less than $500,000 in 2019; such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Enacting the legislation would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 1249 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2028. H.R. 1249 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and would not affect the budgets of state, local, or tribal governments. The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Mark Grabowicz. The estimate was approved by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the cost estimate from the Congressional Budget Office regarding H.R. 1294. The cost estimate was not available at the time of the filing of the Committee report. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, March 22, 2017. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 1294, the Reducing DHS Acquisition Cost Growth Act. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them, The CBO staff contact is Mark Grabowicz. Sincerely, Mark P. Hadley (For Keith Hall). Enclosure. H.R. 1294--Reducing DHS Acquisition Cost Growth Act H.R. 1294 would specify procedures to be followed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) if it fails to meet certain timelines or other performance parameters for its major acquisition programs. Based on information from DHS, CBO estimates that the new administrative procedures would cost less than $500,000 annually; such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Enacting the legislation would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 1294 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2028. H.R. 1294 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and would not affect the budgets of state, local, or tribal governments. The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Mark Orabowicz. The estimate was approved by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the cost estimate on H.R. 1365: March 22, 2017. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 1365, the Department of Homeland Security Acquisition Innovation Act. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Mark Grabowicz. Sincerely, Keith Hall. Enclosure.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1249, the DHS Multiyear Acquisition Strategy Act of 2017. I thank Representative Fitzpatrick for his leadership in championing this important legislation. I also want to commend the other Committee Members, especially the freshmen, on their key bipartisan legislation being considered today. We are in dangerous times and our homeland faces significant threats. The tools we provide our frontline personnel securing our borders, protecting our airports, and defending our cyber networks need to be delivered on time and properly designed to meet their needs. Far too often, DHS has mismanaged major acquisition programs and the result has been systems that are late, do less, and cost more to the taxpayer. Representative Fitzpatrick's bill, along with Representatives Rutherford and Higgins' bills, is critical in ensuring that DHS better manages these vital acquisition programs. These bills put important safeguards into place to guard against waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement. As we move forward with our Committee's work to reauthorize DHS for the first time ever, we will continue our focus on draining the waste from the Department to ensure our homeland is secured efficiently and effectively. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1249.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, on March 15, 2017, I missed the voting session. If present, I would have voted as follows: YES--H.R. 132--Arbuckle Project Maintenance Complex and District Office Conveyance Act of 2017 YES--H.R. 648--To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to amend the Definite Plan Report for the Seedskadee Project to enable the use of the active capacity of the Fontenelle Reservoir YES--Motion to Table the Appeal of the Ruling of the Chair

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, on February 13, 2017, I missed the voting session. If present, I would have voted as follows: YES--H.R. 244--HIRE Vets Act, as amended YES--H.R. 974--BRAVE Act

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, on February 14, 2017, I missed both voting sessions. If present, I would have voted as follows: ``Yes''--Previous Question on H. Res. 99. ``Yes''--H. Res. 99--The combined rule providing for consideration of the bill H.R. 428--Red River Gradient Boundary Survey Act and of the bill H.J. Res. 42--Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to drug testing of unemployment compensation applicants. ``Yes''--Previous Question on H. Res. 116. ``Yes''--H. Res. 116--The combined rule providing for consideration of the bill H.J. Res. 66--Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to savings arrangements established by States for non-governmental employees and of the bill H.J. Res. 67-- Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to savings arrangements established by qualified State political subdivisions for non-governmental employees. ``Yes''--H.R. 428--Red River Gradient Boundary Survey Act.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I want to also thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess) for his work on this effort as well. I chair the Committee on Homeland Security, but I also chair the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus. It is one of the biggest threats to our children. It is the number one killer of our children. Therefore, I rise in support of H.R. 3381, the Childhood Cancer STAR Act, because it will address four major concerns facing the pediatric cancer community: survivorship, treatment, access, and research. I introduced this bill with my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and Ms. Jackie Speier of California, to be the most comprehensive childhood cancer bill ever considered before this House. I cofounded, as I said, the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus 7 years ago as a platform to give children a voice, children who don't have lobbyists, children who are dying, who have been impacted by this life-altering diagnosis. To better fight childhood cancer, we must know more about it, and that is what the STAR Act does. It authorizes NIH to expand their efforts to collect data on childhood cancer so we can better understand its causes and the effects of treatment. It also builds on previous work from cancer research groups to provide doctors with the resources necessary to identify children who may be at risk for developing cancer, preventing the worst outcomes from becoming a reality. Finally, we must address the needs of two-thirds of childhood cancer survivors facing serious lifelong medical conditions. Our bill will improve collaboration among providers so doctors are better able to care for survivors as they age. I am pleased this bill has the strong support of the patient advocacy community. I especially want to thank the St. Baldrick's Foundation for their continued support and help and work on this important bill. Their CEO, Kathleen Ruddy, as well as Kevin Mathis and Danielle Leach, have been relentless advocates of this bill to make a difference in kids' lives. I look forward to working with them in the future as we look to further address the needs of the childhood cancer community. Mr. Speaker, I close by stating that we are also very excited that the Cures Act bill passed the House of Representatives, a very important bill about curing not just childhood cancer, but all diseases. We urge the Senate to pass that legislation as well. In that bill was the Advancing Hope Act, which will make a difference in the number of drugs that can be developed to cure childhood cancer. In fact, it reauthorizes a bill that I introduced to the year 2020, a bill that has already produced a childhood cancer drug, the first since the 1980s, to cure neuroblastoma in children. When I went to meet with Rex Ryan at Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin, Texas, in this clinical trial, the idea, Mr. Speaker, that you can actually pass a bill in this Congress and see that tangible result, a bill passed in this great body that transforms into saving the life of a child, is truly a tremendous and extraordinary experience.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. On November 29, 2016, I missed the voting session. If present, I would have voted as follows: ``Yes''--H.R. 5422--To ensure funding for the National Human Trafficking Hotline, and for other purposes. ``Yes''--H.R. 4757--To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the eligibility for headstones, markers, and medallions furnished by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for deceased individuals who were awarded the Medal of Honor and are buried in private cemeteries, as amended

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the courage, dedication, and extraordinary career of Colonel Andrea Thompson, who retired on October 31, 2016 after 28 years in the United States Army. Colonel Thompson has spent her life devoted to others--and in defense of our great nation. In May of 1988 Andrea was commissioned into the U.S. Army, and like thousands of other selfless soldiers, stood up and said ``send me.'' She served as a skillful advisor, a steadfast leader, and a committed mentor to younger soldiers while deployed in dangerous places far from home. A career military intelligence officer, Colonel Thompson has commanded missions from the tactical to the strategic, and the result is clear: her work has made our country safer. Her career is marked by notable achievements--including leadership roles in critical combat tours and operational deployments around the world, including in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, in the NATO Stabilization Force operations in Bosnia, as the Senior Intelligence Officer for the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and in Afghanistan as the Intelligence Directorate/J2 Chief of Staff with General McChrystal during Operation Enduring Freedom. But Colonel Thompson's service to the United States has extended beyond the military. She was a key advisor to multiple Congressional Committees, including the first Senior Military Advisor to the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the U.S. House of Representatives. Colonel Thompson also served as my National Security Advisor on the Committee on Homeland Security, where she proved to be tough, honest, and relentless in her work to defend our country against emerging and persistent threats. I want to personally recognize the achievements of this patriot and thank Colonel Thompson for her dedication to duty and to the United States of America. Simply put, she embodies what is best about our country. Her grit is unquestioned, and her bedrock beliefs reflect the heart of American values. We face great challenges in this still-young century, and we must inspire new generations to be equal to the task. To that end, we need guiding lights. Colonel Thompson is one of them. She is a woman whose life is a testament to the age-old truth that we are defined by our character and by our readiness to do what is right. She has already inspired many, but it is clear that Colonel Thompson's continued example will have a ripple effect far beyond our view. For that, she deserves the thanks of a very grateful nation.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following cost estimate from the Congressional Budget Office regarding H.R. 5460. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, September 28, 2016. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 5460, the First Responder Access to Innovative Technologies Act. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Jacob Fabian. Sincerely, Keith Hall, Director. Enclosure. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate h.r. 5460--first responder access to innovative technologies act The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides grants to help state, local, and tribal governments develop their capacity to prevent, prepare for, and respond to acts of terrorism. Under current law, equipment purchased using such grants must meet voluntary standards, developed by FEMA in coordination with appropriate federal agencies, the National Advisory Council, and private entities. Requests to use grants to purchase equipment that does not meet such standards, or for which no such standards exist, are subject to further review and approval by FEMA. H.R. 5460 would require FEMA to implement a uniform process for reviewing applications for grants intended to support purchases of innovative equipment that does not meet or exceed current applicable standards or for which no voluntary standards exist. The bill also would require the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security to assess and report on FEMA's implementation of the new review process. Based on information from FEMA, CBO estimates that implementing this legislation would not have a significant effect on the federal budget. According to the agency, grant recipients rarely request permission to purchase equipment that does not at least meet current standards or for which standards do not exist. As a result, CBO expects that any administrative costs to establish, implement, assess, and report on the proposed process for reviewing such requests would be insignificant; such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Enacting H.R. 5460 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting the bill would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2027. H.R. 5460 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and would not affect the budgets of state, local, or tribal governments. The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Jacob Fabian. The estimate was approved by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, on September 26, 2016, I missed the voting session. If present, I would have voted as follows: ``Yes''--H.R. 3537--Dangerous Synthetic Drug Control Act of 2016. ``Yes''--H.R. 5392--No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act. I intended to vote ``yes'' on both of these bills. personal explanation