Mark Meadows

Mr. MEADOWS

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Kelly).

Mr. MEADOWS

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Last year, the public became aware of the now-infamous GSA Las Vegas conference that cost taxpayers some $820,000. In the wake of that public outcry, the Office of Management and Budget issued a May 2012 memo outlining new policies and procedures for Federal travel and conferences. In the memo, OMB told agency heads to reduce travel spending for fiscal year 2013 to 70 percent of the fiscal 2010 levels. Senior-level review was instituted for all events, with senior-level approval and public reporting for events costing some $100,000 or more, and a general prohibition on events costing half a million or more, unless the agency signed a waiver. The Oversight Committee learned that in fiscal year 2012 alone, nearly 900 Federal conferences costing in excess of $100,000 were held. The total cost of these events exceeded $340 million. H.R. 313 codifies OMB's travel and conference guidelines with some important changes. While exempting military travel, the bill eliminates loopholes in the OMB guidance in order to ensure that agencies actually achieve a 70 percent reduction in nonmilitary-related travel. The bill also mandates transparency by requiring agencies to post online, on a quarterly basis, detailed, itemized reports of all conference spending. And it requires that materials presented at the conference by a Federal employee be made available online. Last year, the House approved unanimously substantially similar legislation that was also reported from the Oversight Committee. I would like to thank Mr. Farenthold for his leadership on this bill, and Mr. Pocan for working with us at the committee markup to help make important improvements to this bill. I urge all Members to support this good government and commonsense legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague from the State of Texas (Mr. Farenthold).

Mr. MEADOWS

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Americans depend on Federal agencies for certain vital services. Failure by Federal agencies and employees to process in a timely manner requests for help or information can result in frustration and financial hardship. Poor customer service should not be tolerated at the IRS any more than it is at the private sector companies that must continually earn the right to serve its clients. H.R. 1660 helps ensure our government is more responsive to the public by establishing customer service standards and performance expectations for each agency. It will enable citizens to provide direct feedback concerning specific agency employees--including at the IRS-- and have that feedback considered in employee evaluations that impact the awarding of bonuses. H.R. 1660 puts taxpayers first by holding Federal workers accountable for their interactions with the public. I reserve the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the bill under consideration.

Mr. MEADOWS

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the town of Spruce Pine for reaching their 100th anniversary. Nestled between the majestic peaks of Mt. Mitchell and Roan Mountain, the flourishing Appalachian town of Spruce Pine boasts all the natural beauty of the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains. Spruce Pine's story began at the turn of the century when a single house was erected near the Carolina, Clinchfield, and Ohio Railroad Depot. Situated between river and mountainside, the town grew quickly, became chartered in 1913, quadrupled in population, and soon became the commercial center of the Toe River Valley. Growth continued as mining emerged in the economic anchor of the Spruce Pine community. Best known for its incredibly rich mineral deposits, Spruce Pine boasts the most concentrated feldspar deposits on earth. This geological wonder is responsible for 60 percent of the total United States feldspar, which is used in ceramics, paints, electrical wiring devices, tile, fiberglass insulation, and glass containers. In a way, most everyone east of the Mississippi has been impacted by goods originated from Spruce Pine. In addition, Spruce Pine is home to the entire world supply of the pure quartz used in manufacturing fused quartz apparatuses. This fused quartz is used to manufacture the semiconductors found in every computer. To own a computer is to have a connection to Spruce Pine. Spruce Pine is also home to a proud farming population and one of the world's largest art communities. The Toe River Arts Council, which has worked in Spruce Pine for the last 37 years, ensures a legacy of handmade mountain artwork that will continue for many future generations. Mr. Speaker, it is with great satisfaction that I recognize the town of Spruce Pine and congratulate a truly exceptional 100 years. Its contributions to our culture and industry have been remarkable. I couldn't be more proud to represent such an exemplary town, such warm people, and such a beautiful part of North Carolina.

Mr. MEADOWS

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Chairman, my amendment is simple and straightforward. It prohibits the use of funds for the payment of salaries to Presidential recess appointees until they're formally confirmed by the Senate. In 1863, a law was passed that barred unconfirmed recess appointees from being paid. This law stayed on the books until 1940. However, over time, a number of broad exceptions were made that gradually eliminated the original intent of the law and rendered the prohibition useless. This amendment reapplies the original intent of the law to further reassert the Senate's authority in the confirmation process and prevent taxpayers from having to pay the salaries of unconfirmed Presidential appointees. Our Founders envisioned a Nation of checks and balances to ensure no branch of government has too much power. The United States Senate is in charge of confirming executive appointees for a reason--to ensure Presidential appointees are in the best interest of the American people. For too long, both Republicans and Democrats have ceded Congress' authority to the executive branch. This amendment is a positive step, which will ensure the administration is accountable to Congress. Mr. Chairman, due to the lateness of the hour, I urge support and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. MEADOWS

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Lee Goldman of Flat Rock, North Carolina, on having three of his columns featured on the Supreme Court's SCOTUSblog within the past month. For three separate articles on controversial legal issues to gain the attention of the highest court of the land is a tremendous achievement that deserves to be commended. Mr. Goldman has shared his writing talents with the 11th District of North Carolina for years. From 2009-2012, Mr. Goldman wrote an op-ed column on national politics for the Asheville Citizen-Times in Asheville, NC. Now, as he did in 2008, he writes his column for the Hendersonville Times-News in Hendersonville, NC. Mr. Goldman devoted a large part of his life to serving in the federal government from 1964-2001. He worked as Staff Director of the United States Senate Subcommittee on Health and Scientific Research and also as an Associate Director at the National Institutes of Health. Mr. Goldman was a member of the Senior Executive Service, Director of Federal Liaison for the Association of American Medical Colleges and a Senior Policy Advisor for the National Alliance Against Mental Illness. Mr. Speaker, as a Representative for the 11th District of North Carolina, I commend Mr. Goldman for his talents and thank him for his contributions to our district and nation.

Mr. MEADOWS

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Chairman, my amendment is a simple and straightforward amendment. It prohibits the use of funds for the payment of salaries to Presidential recess appointees until they are formally confirmed by the Senate. In 1863, a law was passed that barred unconfirmed recess appointees from being paid. That law stayed on the books until 1940. However, over time, a number of broad exceptions were made that gradually eliminated the original intent of that law and rendered the prohibition useless. This amendment reapplies the original intent of that law to further reassert the Senate's authority in the confirmation process and prevent taxpayers from having to pay salaries of unconfirmed Presidential appointees. Recent decades have seen a constant erosion of congressional powers in deference to the executive. The Senate is required to confirm Presidential appointments for a reason. It is a check on the executive powers. This amendment is an opportunity to reempower that check by disincentivizing recess appointments except in cases where they are truly needed. Mr. Chairman, I urge support of my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. MEADOWS

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to participate in the following votes. If I had been present, I would have voted as follows: Rollcall vote 308: on ordering the previous question to H. Res. 288-- I would have voted ``aye.'' Rollcall vote 309: on agreeing to the resolution H. Res. 288--I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. MEADOWS

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the centennial of Newland, the highest county seat in the Eastern United States, nestled along the border of Western North Carolina. In 1911, Newland was named after North Carolina Lieutenant Governor William C. Newland, and simultaneously became the county seat for Avery County. By March 1913, small businesses were growing and the town began to quickly develop commercially and residentially. The town of Newland continues to be an important representative of the small-town family values and mountain culture so important to all of us in the western part of the state. Mr. Speaker, the town of Newland is a beacon for American small business and the free enterprise system. America is a country that rewards earned success, and Newland is an example of that inspiration. Therefore, I rise today as a Representative for the 11th District of North Carolina to congratulate the town of Newland for its overall steadfastness and perseverance displayed by its citizens.

Mr. MEADOWS

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate The Margaret R. Pardee Hospital for reaching their 60th Anniversary. Pardee Hospital has shown outstanding and ongoing contributions and service to the health and well-being of the citizens of Henderson County since 1953. This is a tremendous milestone for our community hospital. Pardee has served area residents with an outstanding health care facility that is recognized by the nation and throughout North Carolina. Pardee is the second largest employer in Henderson County and is the only hospital in the Carolinas to earn the ISO 9001-2008 certification for quality. Mr. Speaker, as a Representative for the 11th District of North Carolina, I am grateful for the steadfast commitment to healing and saving the lives of our citizens in Western North Carolina.

Mr. MEADOWS

Mr. MEADOWS. I thank the gentleman from Nebraska, and I, too, would echo just the fact that we're friends. And I appreciate your leadership on this and the heart that it represents. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my colleagues in strong opposition to the Obama administration's attack on our fundamental religious freedoms that we have, our First Amendment rights that must be protected. This HHS mandate that has been mentioned many times tonight is an unprecedented government overreach that forces charities and businesses to buy plans for their employees and provide coverage in areas that violate their deeply held religious beliefs. We've already heard about Hobby Lobby and the fact that they're facing fines of some $1.3 million a day just for believing and upholding those values that they hold dear. And I'd love to say that I wish that it was just with ObamaCare that we're having this attack, but it's not. Throughout our Nation, we're seeing our religious liberties being attacked in a number of areas. In New York, the school board has been working there for two decades to block Bronx Household of Faith from meeting in a public building for their worship services on Sundays. In Montana, we see that Canyon Ferry Road Baptist Church faced election law charges just for a volunteer passing out petitions to place a marriage amendment on a Montana ballot. In Louisiana, we saw a Federal contractor order Calvary Baton Rouge Church to stop feeding people who were left homeless during Hurricane Katrina's aftermath just because the group offered voluntary prayer service and Bible studies. These are painful examples, Mr. Speaker. But one that comes home to me--and I'll share this and close with this--in my home district, a 6- year-old writing a poem about her grandfather who served our country honorably put in there that he prayed to God for peace and he prayed to God for strength, and yet they wanted to strike the word ``God'' from that poem. We have created a culture that, quite frankly, we cannot continue to support. We must stand up and stand against it. So tonight I join with so many of our colleagues, and those who are watching, I hope that you will understand the true point to which we've come that we must stand up and fight. In the rotunda of this very building is a painting of the Mayflower where they had a particular person there, William Brewster, who had a Bible open. The foundation of our country was really about religious freedoms, and we have it there as a reminder of that. To me, that's got a special meaning because William Brewster, holding that Bible there for those freedoms that we must hold dear, is my 11th great grandfather. I'm a direct descendent of that. So today I am here joining with him and my colleagues to say that we must stand and we must fight back and make sure that we protect this freedom and not yield. With that, I thank my friend and colleague. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the Obama administration's attacks on our fundamental First Amendment right to religious freedom. The HHS mandate is an unprecedented government overreach that forces charities and businesses to buy plans for their employees that provide coverage of items or services that violate their deeply-held religious convictions. Individuals, non-profits, and businesses that fail to comply will face massive fines. We're already seeing this happen with Hobby Lobby, facing fines of up to $1.3 million a day because of refusing on religious grounds to include abortion coverage in employee healthcare packages. Organizations that do not comply with the mandate will face fines of up to $2,000 per employee per day. Those who can't pay may have to make the incredibly difficult decision to drop insurance coverage for their employees. This administration has made it more costly to defend and protect our religious freedoms than it is to provide healthcare. Americans should never be penalized like this simply for following their conscience. Violations of religious liberty aren't just limited to Obamacare, however. Throughout our nation, we are seeing an increase in attacks on our religious liberty: In New York, the school board has been trying for nearly two decades to block Bronx Household of Faith from meeting in a public school building for worship services on Sundays.  In Montana, Canyon Ferry Road Baptist Church faced election law charges after a volunteer passed out petitions to place a marriage amendment on the Montana ballot.  In Louisiana, a federal contractor ordered Calvary Baton Rouge Church to stop feeding people left homeless by Hurricane Katrina because the group offered a voluntary prayer service and Bible study.  And the list continues. These violations of religious freedom are becoming more frequent because our government is sanctioning this type of discrimination against people of faith. Religious liberty does not simply mean allowing people to attend a worship service. It protects the fundamental right to--live all aspects of our lives in a way that is consistent with our religious beliefs. Religious freedom, often referred to as our ``first freedom,'' is one of the bedrocks that make America such a tremendous nation. Our Founding Fathers knew a country could not flourish without defending this fundamental truth. Thomas Jefferson emphasized the value of freedom of conscience when he stated that ``no provision in our Constitution ought to be dearer to man than that which protects the rights of conscience against the enterprises of the civil authority.'' Throughout our history, Americans have been able to freely choose and live out their faith, abiding by conscience in their day-to-day lives. Yet, through the mandate, this administration is now telling Christian business owners to check their faith at the door and comply. And which agency will be tasked with ensuring that businesses comply with the mandate? None other than the IRS, which has already admitted to targeting organizations for their beliefs. In the 11th District of North Carolina, my constituents continue to voice their concerns to me about these dangerous infringements on religious liberty. They want to ensure that our fundamental freedoms are protected, not trampled on by our government. Our heritage, from the Mayflower until today, has been rooted in protecting our religious freedoms. [William Brewster] This administration's decision to disregard our fundamental right to religious liberty cannot be ignored.

Mr. MEADOWS

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

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Chairman, this is a simple amendment which will ensure the Department of Homeland Security is being accountable to Congress--and more importantly, the American people. Earlier this year, it was reported that DHS solicited bids for some 1.1 billion rounds of ammunition. This was more than 10 times the amount that the Department purchased in fiscal year 2012. Given this large purchase, the American people and Members of Congress rightfully had concerns and questions. The Appropriations Committee has recognized these concerns by including language in this bill to address the ammunitions purchased by requiring DHS to report the cost and the need to Congress. This initial report is required to be submitted at the time of the President's budget. I commend the Appropriations Committee for their work in this area, and my amendment would complement their efforts and prohibit any new purchases of ammunition until the required report is submitted to Congress. It does not prevent existing contracts for procurement from being carried out. This is a responsible amendment which ensures that Congress and the American people are aware of the necessity and the cost of ammunition prior to entering into new contracts for procurement. On April 15, 2013, DHS had an inventory of almost 250,000 rounds of ammunition. In fiscal year 2012, DHS purchased 103,178,200 rounds. This is less than half the inventory that they have on hand. As of February 22, 2013, there were 62,618 employees at DHS trained and certified in firearms. Given our current inventory, each individual has nearly 4,000 rounds before our inventory would be exhausted. With these facts in mind, it is important that we are responsible in entering into contracts for ammunition purchases. My amendment will ensure that this is the case. I urge my colleagues to support my amendment and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MEADOWS. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. MEADOWS. I appreciate the chairman for yielding and I appreciate his comments. This amendment would not stop the current bids that are out there, the current process that we have in place. It would just stop additional processes. We are looking at some 6 months before this report would be due, and the inventory, Mr. Chairman, that we have in place currently is more than enough to handle the target requirements, the requirements that we have currently for those. We've had hearings already, and a number of committees have addressed that, and the background that we have and the inventory that we have is more than enough to handle this while we wait for this report.

Mr. MEADOWS

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Patrick Henry College's National Moot Court Team on their fifth consecutive national championship this year. The team boasts two two-time national champions, as well as a national orator champion who holds the record for the most points earned in the history of the league. Patrick Henry College, or PHC, has now won a total of seven national moot court championships and has built a strong reputation for success nationwide. I thank the coaches--Dr. Michael Farris, founder of PHC, and Dr. Frank Guliuzza--for their leadership and investment in these young leaders. In a time when we are asking the government to get out of the way, PHC serves as a shining example of what can be achieved when freed from the binds of the government's purse strings. From day one, the college has not accepted Federal funding. I congratulate Patrick Henry College, and its talented young people, for the example it has and will continue to set for higher education in America. I also thank Congressman Frank Wolf for graciously giving me the opportunity to make these remarks.

Mr. MEADOWS

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the members of the North Catawba Fire and Rescue Department as they mark their 55th anniversary. Committed and hardworking firefighters play a vital role in keeping our homes, businesses, and public places safe from the threats of deadly fires. The residents of North Catawba take comfort in knowing that these men and women are nearby in the event of an emergency. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 11th District of North Carolina, I congratulate the brave men and women of the North Catawba Fire and Rescue Department who are devoted to protecting lives. This sacrifice truly exemplifies the spirit of America.

Mr. MEADOWS

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Cherokee Tribal Elder Jerry Wolfe, a decorated World War II D-Day veteran who was recently named a Beloved Man of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This is the first time since the early 1800s that a Cherokee man has been awarded this special status. Historically, Beloved Men and Beloved Women have been revered even above Tribal Chiefs due to the strong example they set for all members of the Tribe. Mr. Wolfe joined the U.S. Navy at age 18 and devoted six years to defending his country. On D-Day, he served on a landing craft at Omaha Beach, France, and later deployed to Pearl Harbor. Assigned to the USS Missouri, Mr. Wolfe witnessed the peace treaty signed by U.S. and Japanese officials to end the Pacific theater of World War II. Mr. Wolfe currently works part-time at the Museum of the Cherokee, sharing his knowledge of Cherokee culture. His service at the museum is yet another testament to his lifelong commitment to service. Mr. Wolfe has been widely recognized for his dedication to cultural preservation. He received the North Carolina Folk Heritage Award in 2003 and the Brown-Hudson Folklore Award from the North Carolina Folklore Society in 2010. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the entire 11th District of North Carolina, I congratulate Mr. Wolfe on his lifetime of achievement and thank him for his service to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and to our Nation.

Mr. MEADOWS

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the members of the North Catawba Fire and Rescue Department as they mark their 55th anniversary. Committed and hardworking firefighters play a vital role in keeping our homes, businesses, and public places safe from the threat of deadly fires. The residents of North Catawba take comfort in knowing that these men and women are nearby in the event of an emergency. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 11th District of North Carolina, I congratulate the brave men and woman of North Catawba Fire and Rescue Department who are devoted to protecting lives. This sacrifice truly exemplifies the spirit of America.