Mark Meadows

Mr. MEADOWS

Mr. MEADOWS. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. MEADOWS

Mr. MEADOWS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for his leadership. Madam Speaker, I rise today because we have just heard, an hour before we came on the House floor, more debate about opening the government than we actually have had people negotiate to actually open the government. You know, there are all kinds of reasons why everyone is saying that the government is shut down, but the biggest reason is because no one is willing to negotiate on the other side of the aisle. I can tell you, the President, 16 blocks from here, was sitting here over Christmas and over New Year's, and, indeed, he was sitting here last weekend when 30 of my colleagues from across the aisle went to Puerto Rico on a junket with lobbyists to talk about how important the government shutdown must be to them. Well, I can tell you that the biggest fallacy in all of this is that all the perils that my colleagues opposite seem to demonstrate, and the urgency that is there, I haven't seen the urgency. We come in; we get sworn in; and what happens? They go home. The second weekend, what happens? They go to Puerto Rico. Even today, while the President invites Democrat colleagues to go 16 blocks from here and negotiate on how we may solve this, what do they do? They turn down the President. Now, I can tell you, Madam Speaker, that there are a lot of things that are said on this particular House floor, but none more appropriate than today when we have our colleagues who were suggesting that this is easy to fix. They are exactly right. It is easy to fix. All we have to do is provide a little funding for border security and build a wall, because what we have at stake are the lives of innocent people. Madam Speaker, I looked in the face of moms today who had lost their kids. It truly broke my heart to think that, here we are debating this issue, and yet, for some reason, my colleagues opposite won't give a single dime. Let's find a single Democrat who is willing to give any amount of money to border barriers, and let's have a negotiation. But you know what? You can't find them. You can't find them, not because they are in Puerto Rico. You can't find them because they have built a wall between them and fair compromise. So, Madam Speaker, I am here today to suggest that we are here willing to negotiate. We are here willing to open back up the government, but not until the Democrats are willing to meet us halfway. I can tell you, this President stands ready to make a deal, but, quite frankly, it has been only one side of the equation willing to negotiate. I thank the gentleman for his leadership. I thank all my colleagues for being willing to stand up. Let's get this done right. Let's secure the border once and for all. And let's, indeed, make America safe again.

Mr. MEADOWS

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I find it just fascinating that my Democratic colleagues come down here to the well of the House to talk about opening up the government when, indeed, it is their reluctance to negotiate at all that is keeping the government shut down. On day 1 of the shutdown, it was zero money for new border barriers. On day 20, it is still zero money for new border barriers. And to suggest to this body and to the Nation that, indeed, they are negotiating in good faith, I just find it incomprehensible. I can tell you that we are ready to negotiate. In fact, they have been saying, it is their way or the highway. And do you know what? They are going to hit the highway in just a few hours and get out of here. I think we ought to all stay here, let's negotiate, let's get a result, let's open the government, but, more importantly, let's protect our borders and communities across the country.

Mr. MEADOWS

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to encourage my colleagues to stay in the fight to make sure that we help this President deliver on a promise that he made years ago. I am sad that tonight we are here, and we are on a backdrop of a potential government shutdown; but, really, what it is is more a function of the fact that we have not done our job like we should have done already. The President, many, many months ago, said that he would not sign another funding bill unless we gave him wall funding. So what did this House do? It passed a bill to fund the Department of Defense and passed a short-term CR. And they said: Do you know what? We are going to have that fight, but we are going to have that fight after the midterms. Well, Mr. Speaker, it is after the midterms, and we are here with a number of my colleagues tonight to say that we are ready to fight on behalf of all the freedom-loving Americans to make sure that we have secure borders and that never again do we have to worry about terrorists and drug traffickers coming across our southern borders. So I have a number of my colleagues tonight, Mr. Speaker, who want to speak on this to encourage the American people to stand with us in this fight. I yield to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Biggs).

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to another gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar).

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Perry).

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Jordan).

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I couldn't agree with the gentleman more. It is time that we deliver on behalf of the American people and fulfill the promises that the President made many months ago. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Pearce), someone who has been key in that, who knows this problem better than most, because he represents a district in New Mexico.

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Jody B. Hice).

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Norman).

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time I have remaining.

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Griffith), my good friend.

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Budd), my good friend.

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Palmer).

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Cloud).

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time I have remaining.

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Babin).

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, as I close out this particular Special Order, I think it is appropriate for us to remind the American people that there is a bad case of Potomac fever up here in Washington, D.C. They forget what they promised the American people, yet what they must do is not forget this time. Mr. Speaker, we are going to back up the President. If he vetoes this bill, we will be there. But, more importantly, the American people will be there. They will be there to support him. Let's build the wall and make sure that we do our job in Congress. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MEADOWS

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend, Sheriff Charles McDonald, who has served as a faithful law enforcement officer in Henderson County for over thirty years. With the support of his wife, Jennie, Sheriff McDonald has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the people of Henderson County and to the safety of our community. Sheriff Charles McDonald served in the Navy for four years before beginning his public safety career in 1985 as a Patrol Deputy in Henderson County. Over the next 25 years, McDonald went on to serve as a Lieutenant in the Drug Enforcement Unit, Patrol Squad Lieutenant, SWAT Team Leader, Department Training Officer, Chief of Criminal Investigations, Sheriff's Command Staff, and Captain. In June 2010, Sheriff Charles McDonald retired with 25 years of service in public safety until March 2012 when he was appointed by the Henderson County Board of Commissioners to the Office of Sheriff. After six years of faithful service, Sheriff McDonald will complete his duty in office on December 3, 2018. Under Sheriff McDonald's leadership, the department has effectively combated illegal and prescription drug abuse in the Henderson County community through prevention efforts, education, and enforcement. During his tenure, over $4.3 million dollars in illegal drugs have been apprehended by the Henderson County Drug Unit since 2014. Additionally, 245 drug conspirators, traffickers, dealers, and users have been arrested and prosecuted. Sheriff McDonald has prioritized rehabilitation for inmates by encouraging education in life skills and providing addiction resources through private and non-profit programs. Sheriff McDonald is highly regarded among his peers and has been recognized as a ``vetted instructor'' by the U.S. Department of State in ATA Counter Terrorism programs since the September 11th terrorist attacks. Sheriff McDonald has worked for private companies as a contract instructor concentrating in law enforcement tactical training and has served as an instructor abroad in South America and the Middle East on Counter Terrorism, Crisis Response, and Tactical Command training and planning. His devotion to public safety has established him as a respected leader in Henderson County and Western North Carolina. On behalf of the people of North Carolina, it is my distinct honor to recognize Sheriff McDonald for his devoted service to his community.

Mr. MEADOWS

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Wayne R. Reynolds of Washington, D.C. Mr. Reynolds served as Chairman of the Ford's Theatre Society Board of Trustees from 2006 to 2012. I would like to acknowledge Mr. Reynolds for his dedication to expanding the Society's educational programming and for transforming Ford's Theatre into a center for learning dedicated to the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. Wayne R. Reynolds attended the University of California, Los Angeles for his undergraduate education, receiving a degree in economics in 1977 then continuing at Pepperdine Law School, where he earned his J.D. in 1981. Mr. Reynolds serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the American Academy of Achievement. Through his hard work and vision, the Academy has expanded to include the Museum of the American Dream, the Achievement Television Network, and the annual International Achievement Summit. These organizations bring together leaders and scholars from diverse disciplines to share their experience with graduate students from across the globe. The American Academy of Achievement's Salute to Excellence program has provided over 10,000 students the opportunity to develop their leadership skills. Many students who participated in the program have received scholarships through the Academy's sponsorship. Wayne R. Reynolds is highly regarded among his peers and has received numerous awards, including the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service, the National Geographic Evening of Exploration Award, and the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery Founding Chairs Award. His dedication to promoting leadership and his devotion to President Lincoln's legacy have made him worthy of the high esteem that accompanies each of these awards. It is my distinct honor to recognize Mr. Wayne R. Reynolds' dedication to Ford's Theatre Society Board of Trustees and his commitment to creating a better future.

Mr. MEADOWS

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Taiwan's National Independence Day, Double Ten Day. On October 10th, Taiwan celebrates the 107th anniversary of the Republic of China. In the face of heightening regional tensions, the bond between the United States and Taiwan must remain strong. On the occasion of Taiwan's National Day, I want to congratulate the people of Taiwan on this important anniversary and express the sincere commitment of our nation and this body to the bilateral relationship. Through commerce, our military partnership, and the ties between our citizens, the United States and the Republic of China (Taiwan) have built an alliance which I am confident can withstand any future threats, and to which I know the Trump administration is committed to preserving. I also want to take this moment to commend the Americans serving in the American Institute in Taiwan for their patriotism and hard work advancing this relationship. Furthermore, Beijing's attempts to undermine Taiwan's participation in international fora, its bullying of private airlines over recognition of Taiwan's government, and its disruption of Taiwan's diplomatic ties should not go unmentioned. I believe the current administration has responded appropriately and that Washington will continue to make its views known. From its beginnings with the overthrow of imperial rule, to its embrace of a vibrant democracy today, the Republic of China (Taiwan) shares a bond with the United States founded on common principles. As Taiwan celebrates Double Ten Day, I extend my best wishes and congratulate the Taiwanese people for all they have achieved.

Mr. MEADOWS

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the pro-growth, pro-family, and pro-small business reforms in tax reform 2.0 led by my good friend Chairman Brady. I want to say a special shout-out to him but also to the Ways and Means staff. Let me just tell you, a lot of times we take credit for things that are done, but it is the staff that has done not only a yeoman's job but an outstanding job in doing this. And a real shout-out to Representative Rodney Davis, the bill's sponsor, who believes that it is a good thing to give more of the taxpayers' money back to them. You have heard arguments on the floor today, Mr. Speaker, all about revenue and about what this needs to do. But the revenue that we are talking about is actually the hardworking wages of men and women on Main Street. It is their money. I have been around this place too long. I can tell you, I would rather trust a mom and dad on Main Street to spend their money more wisely than any spenders here in Washington, D.C. It is time that we give it back. Since we signed the last tax bill, the largest in American history, the economy has been booming. Unemployment is at a 50-year low. New job openings are setting a record pace. We are increasing wages. Consumer confidence, Mr. Speaker, is at its highest level in decades. And while these strong numbers continue to roll in, Congress needs to act to make sure that we are more resolved than ever to make these tax cuts permanent. You know, we talk about a vibrant economy--4.2 GDP growth. According to some sources, it is now at 4.4. When we look at that kind of GDP growth and economic growth, it means increased wages, it means job security, and that is what we need to make sure that we put back on the docket today. I ask my colleagues to vote for that. Vote for the men and women on Main Street. Yes, they may call this tax reform 2.0, but what I call this is actually make sure that we are responsible in Washington, D.C., to give the money back to its rightful owner, which is we, the people. Now, this indeed makes the tax cuts for individuals permanent, but it also gives a whole lot of options for families saving for education and those baby savings accounts. It encourages small business development. It is time, Mr. Speaker, that we act on behalf of those who are doing all the hard work here in America, those small businesses and men and women on Main Street who deserve a break from Washington, D.C. I thank Chairman Brady and Rodney Davis for their leadership. I also look forward to working with them to deliver these tax cuts and make sure they are permanent.

Mr. MEADOWS

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 4457.

Mr. MEADOWS

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, earlier this afternoon I voted for final passage of the House Amendment to S. 1182--National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act of 2018 (Roll No. 373). I intended to vote against final passage of this legislation.

Mr. MEADOWS

Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Chair, I want to applaud my good friend from Alabama, Mr. Palmer, and my colleague from North Carolina, Mr. Walker, for their work on this particular amendment. I couldn't disagree more with the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia. This is not about individual liberties. In fact, this amendment supports individual liberties. It keeps liens from being placed on property. Quite frankly, Congress, overwhelmingly has supported repealing the individual mandate. And for some city to say that they are wanting to implement an individual mandate, it has nothing to do with healthcare. It has more to do with political statements. And I can tell you that to have the particular initiative here in Washington, D.C., limit short-term health plans and, certainly, association health plans, it, again, is not about healthcare. So I would encourage an adoption of the amendment and stand for liberty.