Carol Miller

Mrs. MILLER

Mrs. MILLER. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the legislation before us, because today my colleagues across the aisle are trying to tax people who want to quit smoking. It is cut and dried. That is the issue, and it is just plain wrong. I commend this House for the advances we have made this year when it comes to addressing youth nicotine use. Up until this point, we have already raised the purchasing age of tobacco products to 21 years old. We have already increased age verification standards for the online sales of e-cigarettes, and we are continuously performing oversight over vaping-associated lung injuries. These are serious actions to address serious problems. But this bill before us today completely misses the mark and punishes the very people who should be supported. Give me a break. Studies show that taxing vaping products increases cigarette use, not inhibits it. And further, this doesn't even address the root of vaping- related lung injuries, because the supporters of this bill remain silent--silent--on black market THC products. Federal health officials recently reported a case study that found 95 percent of vaping-related injuries were caused by using these illicit products. This is the real problem. Instead of overregulating this industry and overburdening taxpayers trying to take control of their healthcare, I request that my colleagues vote against H.R. 2339.

Mrs. MILLER

Mrs. MILLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize retired Lieutenant Colonel Jim Cannon for his efforts in pioneering the National Workforce Awards. Located in Athens, West Virginia, this company's sole purpose is to provide national awards for employers that want to appreciate, encourage, and motivate exceptional employees. Given after fulfillment of stringent criteria, these awards include the National Economic Welfare Medal, The National Productivity Cross, The National Distinguished Service Star, and The National Order of Job Formation. Lieutenant Colonel Cannon has truly dedicated his life to civil service. In 1965, he joined the Army and would serve for a total of 34 years as both an active duty and reserve officer. He received the Legion of Merit award in 1983 for eighteen years of exceptional meritorious conduct. After retiring from the military, he worked in the private sector as a Corporation Manager, yet he still involved himself in publics affairs by becoming the Mayor of Princeton, West Virginia, in 1984 and serving until 1988. In 1993, Lieutenant Colonel Cannon became the Vice President of Business and Finance at Concord University. This is where he came up with the idea to create a company that honors those that go above and beyond for their employers: while at work one unfortunate evening, Concord University's South Tower Residence Hall was caught ablaze by a student's candle. The Athens Fire Department quickly put out the fire, but students on two floors of the residence hall were displaced because of structural damage and fire extinguisher residue. The custodial staff at Concord worked around the clock to make the dorms habitable for the students effected, resulting in many moving back-in only after 24 hours. Lieutenant Colonel Cannon wished he could have put a medal on each and every community member, including Concord's Staff and the firefighters, that went above the call of duty to overcome this terrible accident. This is why he started the National Workforce Awards in 2015 to honor people across our nation that have done similar acts of excellence for their employers. I commend the National Workforce Awards for encouraging higher productivity, more innovation, and a strong, completive work ethic. May God bless Lieutenant Colonel Cannon, and may he continue his work in recognizing great Americans throughout our country.

Mrs. MILLER

Mrs. MILLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to oppose H.J. Res. 79. It pains me to say that life is under attack in our Nation. The pro- abortion discussions taking place around this country are sickening. In the last year, we heard a Governor promote infanticide, and we saw State legislatures take action for the same. We still haven't had a vote on this floor in the United States House of Representatives to protect babies who survive abortion. Yesterday, in committee, I even introduced legislation that would protect babies who survive abortion. It failed along party lines once again. We have millions of American families who would love to adopt, yet we don't discuss that. I know women who have cried every month when they realized that they had not conceived the baby they so desperately wanted. I know men and women who have undergone multiple tests and procedures just to conceive a child. They would gladly adopt a baby that someone else didn't want. Instead, today, we are voting once more on another piece of legislation that would drastically reduce protections for life. This bill would create the basis for taxpayer-funded abortion at the Federal level, and it would permanently allow abortion until birth for any reason throughout the Nation. It would force government-funded healthcare providers and hospitals to provide abortions. We cannot have that. We cannot bring abortion into a healthcare debate because it is not healthcare. Abortion is murder. If we want to discuss protecting rights for all Americans, it needs to pertain to everyone, including and, especially, newborns. While I always welcome a conversation with my colleagues about how we can advance women's rights and the rights of all people, this is not the way to do it. It is not through thinly veiled messaging bills with nice names but radical policies. We can pass good pro-woman, pro-family, pro-American legislation through bipartisan solutions. So if we are going to do it, let's do it; but today, sadly, we won't, and that is so disappointing.

Mrs. MILLER

Mrs. MILLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz Concentration Camp. I grew up in a Jewish community, alongside children of Holocaust survivors. It was something that was so real and so close. Following the liberation of Auschwitz and the devastation of the Holocaust, we must never forget the tragedy that happens when religious persecution goes unchecked. We need to remember the six million heartbreaking deaths of our Jewish brothers and sisters around the world to ensure that they are never forgotten. We must teach our next generation about the horrors of the Holocaust to ensure that it will never happen again. We must speak out, now and forever, against religious oppression, against anti-Semitism, and against radical extremism. We have all been taught the Golden Rule and we all should live by it.

Mrs. MILLER

Mrs. MILLER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to amend the rule to provide for a motion to recommit on the Senate amendment to H.R. 550 so that minority voices can be heard on the critical issue of war.

Mrs. MILLER

Mrs. MILLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gail Stoll Patton, who is retiring from her position as Executive Director of Unlimited Future Inc. Mrs. Patton has been involved in the start-up of many small businesses in the Greater Huntington region. She is a visionary, a dreamer and has left quite a legacy behind for others to enact. She is a friend. Mrs. Patton is truly a dedicated community member whose work has sought to significantly benefit the life in Southern West Virginia and the Tri-State Region surrounding Huntington. She is happily married to her husband Paul, and they own their own business, Top Hat Ballroom, a social ballroom dance studio. She also has two daughters, Phoebe and Lydia and two grandsons. Mrs. Patton has devoted much of her life to ensuring the success of small businesses, especially those operated by women and people of color. In 2018, she was instrumental in securing a $1 million grant from the Rockefeller Foundation and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to increase economic opportunities in the Tri-State area. This grant went toward improving the economy of 100 local communities. Mrs. Patton has proven time and time again that she is a true asset to Huntington and the Mountain State. She helped lead the creation of The Wild Ramp, a year-round, non-profit farmers market-based in Huntington, West Virginia. It has already helped support countless local farmers and producers and revitalize the economy in the Central City District. It is because of people like Mrs. Patton who make me proud to represent West Virginia's Third Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally recognize Mrs. Patton for this momentous achievement. I ask you and my colleagues to join me in sending her gratitude and best wishes upon her retirement.

Mrs. MILLER

Mrs. MILLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kevin J. Brady, who is retiring from his position as Executive Director over the Greater Huntington Park & Recreation District. Mr. Brady has been involved in various public service roles, both inside and outside the hills of Appalachia, for well over 32 years. Mr. Brady is truly a dedicated civil servant whose work has sought to significantly benefit the quality of life of Southern West Virginia and the Tri-State Region surrounding Huntington. In 1989, Mr. Brady started his life of service by becoming a Landscape Coordinator for Hamilton County, Tennessee. During this time, Mr. Brady pioneered several projects that oversaw the management of the Tennessee Riverwalk, Tennessee Riverpark, and the Chester Frost Park. Excelling in his duties, Mr. Brady would later become the Director of Parks for the City of Chattanooga. He served in these roles for a total of 20 years until 2009 when he moved to Juneau, Alaska to serve as their Superintendent of Parks and Landscape; however, when the Greater Huntington Park & Recreation District needed an Executive Director in 2010, he answered the call to return to the heart of Appalachia. Over the last ten years, Mr. Brady has proven time and time again that he is a true asset to Huntington and the Mountain State. His passion project, St. Cloud Commons all-inclusive playground, has already brought happiness to countless children in Huntington. It is because of people like Mr. Brady that make me proud to represent West Virginia's Third Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally recognize Mr. Brady for this momentous achievement. I ask you and my colleagues to join me in sending him, his wife Suzanne, his daughter Rhiannon, and their three grandchildren, gratitude and well wishes upon his retirement.

Mrs. MILLER

Mrs. MILLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the hard work of Patricia Price, who has devoted the past 42 years to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State, an organization in Huntington, West Virginia, which provides volunteer mentors for children in adverse living situations. Patti came to Big Brothers Big Sisters in 1978 fresh out of graduate school with a servant's heart. She started as a case worker, eventually rising to become the executive director. Throughout her career she committed herself to developing a consistent, encouraging, and safe environment for underprivileged children in our region. Under her leadership, Patti organized hundreds of volunteers and staff, and created countless successful fundraising initiatives. Through these efforts, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State has grown to provide mentorship for over 160 children every year. As she moves into the next phase of her life, Patti leaves behind a legacy of compassion, selflessness, and perseverance. Patti Price has changed the lives of thousands, and we are all so grateful for her work.

Mrs. MILLER

Mrs. MILLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask for support for my bill, H.R. 3362, the Small Airport Mothers' Room Act of 2019. Travelling with infants, while rewarding, can often be stressful on new mothers. This legislation helps lessen this anxiety and allows for mothers to have a quiet, private space to care for their young ones. As air travel continues to be one of the most preferred and popular means of transportation, we need to make sure that airport infrastructure is properly updated to fit not only the needs of American mothers but American families as well. H.R. 3362 would require small hub airports to construct mothers' rooms, which are areas where mothers can nurse their children in privacy. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 required all large and medium hub airports to construct mothers' rooms by 2021. My bill would help fill the remaining gap and similarly require small hub airports to install mothers' room, extending this coverage to 97 percent of all travelers. Thank you to Chairman DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves and my colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for their support on my bill. I would also like to express my gratitude to the T&I Committee staff for their assistance with this legislation. I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 3362.

Mrs. MILLER

Mrs. MILLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H. Res. 755. Today is a disappointing day. It is the day my colleagues from across the aisle cast the vote that they have spent the last 3 years obsessing over, the vote to impeach our duly-elected President. There are two charges claimed by House Democrats, and there is zero cause for either. While President Trump has led, our country has thrived, and Washington liberals have failed. Despite the commitment of many of our colleagues to obstruct the Trump administration's agenda at every turn, our country continues to succeed. In this body, however, we have not been able to deliver on what Americans want and need. We still have not finished securing our border. The opioid epidemic still rages in our communities. Our infrastructure is still in dire need of an overhaul. We still have not reached a bipartisan resolution on drug pricing. If Congress hadn't spent the last year stuck in a divisive, ugly, partisan impeachment debacle, think of what we could have done, the lives that could have been saved, the communities that could have been improved, the crisis on our southern border ended, and the positive work that we should do for our country. But we didn't, all because of divisive political theatrics. Congress can do better than this, and America deserves better.

Mrs. MILLER

Mrs. MILLER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to oppose H.R. 3. Every single person in our country deserves lower prescription drug prices. Congress needs to act. But the bill on the floor today is not the answer. With this legislation, my colleagues across the aisle have decided that, once again, government should be in the business of healthcare, picking winners and losers, taxing lifesaving cures, and ignoring that private innovation is the main driver in advancing healthcare. House Republicans have a bipartisan solution, one which will deliver the transparency, affordability, and predictability we need: H.R. 19, the Lower Costs, More Cures Act. With this bill, we can make sure that every person--the parents of a newborn baby, a young adult with a chronic illness, a coal miner coping with black lung disease, or a senior citizen taking their daily pills-- has access to the drugs they need at the affordable, predictable prices they deserve. We need the innovators to be at the forefront of creating new, better drugs to improve quality of life for all Americans in need. H.R. 19 delivers this. We can have it all. That is why I oppose H.R. 3.

Mrs. MILLER

Mrs. MILLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in honor of those who lost their lives in the Beirut terrorist attacks. The men and women of our Armed Forces are true American heroes. They demonstrate bravery, courage, and an unmatched sense of duty to us all. They fight each day to preserve our great Nation and defend us from enemies we can and cannot see. Our veterans have fought for our independence and liberty countless times throughout our history. They have fought off tyranny to defend freedom around the world. They have defended the innocent who cannot defend themselves. They have worked to preserve peace for all. Because of them, we are here in this Chamber today. And because of them, our Star-Spangled Banner waves proudly above. This is what the valiant men and women were doing in Beirut in 1983. They were part of an important peacekeeping mission when Lebanon was facing a violent civil war. In a single moment, 220 marines, 18 sailors, and 3 soldiers lost their lives, and 128 Americans were wounded. Two hundred and forty-one Americans gave their lives that day. This was the largest number of casualties lost in one day since the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam war. This event is one of the darkest in our history. As a wife, a mother, and a grandmother, I cannot imagine the pain 241 families have endured since that fateful day 36 years ago. Today, I would like to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in Beirut, for their fearless service and for working toward the more peaceful world that we all want. They will never be forgotten.

Mrs. MILLER

Mrs. MILLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to denounce the partisan motivations and lack of transparency behind Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Schiff's impeachment proceedings. For the past 10 months, my colleagues across the aisle have operated with one sole motivation: undoing the results of the 2016 election. As such, Congress has failed to advance the priorities of the American people. We have not funded crucial legislation to fix our outdated and crumbling infrastructure. We have not addressed the crisis on the southern border. Meanwhile, the opioid epidemic continues to rage on. All we have to show for the past 10 months is a handful of liberal messaging bills that have no chance of being made into law. While the priorities of the American people have been pushed to the side, all of Congress' energy and resources have been diverted to behind-closed-door impeachment proceedings far from beyond the sight of my fellow colleagues and completely hidden from the taxpayers. This is not why I came to Congress. This is not what we were sent here to do. The American people deserve better.

Mrs. MILLER

Mrs. MILLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in opposition to the resolution on the floor. Yesterday, we had one of the most important hearings in this Congress, where we learned about innovations in energy efficiency and carbon capture. These real solutions will allow us to provide affordable, clean, and reliable energy to continue to give America and the world the security and prosperity that we enjoy. It took us 9 months to have that hearing. Unfortunately, not every hearing we have provides solutions. For the past 9 months, instead of prioritizing our Nation's infrastructure, solving the opioid epidemic, or ending the crisis--yes, crisis--on our southern border, my colleagues across the aisle have spent countless hours exploiting important committee meetings, searching for something, anything, that would impugn our duly-elected President. We need to stop wasting time on these political games. The President has already vetoed this ridiculous resolution, and he has promised to veto it again. We must secure our southern border. The President has taken action, while this House has tried to undermine his efforts at every step. We must put aside our political differences to save the thousands of lives we lose every year to fentanyl and the opioid epidemic and to save the lives of the young boys and girls who are being trafficked across the border against their will. I was sent to Congress to create jobs, fix our infrastructure, and innovate the energy industry, not to bicker over partisan squabbles. I strongly oppose this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mrs. MILLER

Mrs. MILLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to posthumously recognize, Doctor Rajnikant Chandulal Shah--affectionately known to many as ``R.C.'' Doctor Shah, born on April 11, 1944, was raised in Jinja, Uganda before he moved to Mumbai, India to attend Grant Medical College; after receiving his medical degree, he moved again to America to pursue better educational opportunities. It was within the mountains of Appalachia, where he decided to continue his surgical training with Appalachian Regional Hospitals and West Virginia University School of Medicine. Often referred to as and recognized as one of the best General Surgeons in all of West Virginia, Doctor Shah, throughout forty years of private practice, devoted his life to caring for southern West Virginians in the communities of Beckley, Hinton, Sophia, Rainelle, Oak Hill, and Meadow Bridge. While also maintaining an active and influential career, Doctor Shah remained an asset to the healthcare industry all throughout the Mountain State. He was a fervent advocate for bettering the health of all his fellow West Virginians--making great efforts to recruit and retain top-notch medical talent to the Mountain State. Even after long hours and days spent entrenched in complicated surgical cases, he made time to serve in a wide variety of medical leadership roles and spent year after year teaching future generations of medical leaders from West Virginia University, Marshall University, and Lewisburg College of Osteopathic Medicine. Doctor Shah's list of accomplishments are many--they include: decades of serving as a Board of Trustees Member as well as a Medical Director of two hospitals associated with the Appalachian Regional Healthcare system, President of the West Virginia Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, titles at multiple area hospitals including Chairman of Surgery, Chief of Medical Staff, and President of the Raleigh County Medical Society. He also served for over twenty years as a Clinical Associate Professor for West Virginia University School of Medicine. May God bless Doctor R.C. Shah. I wish I could thank him for all he has done for the people of the great State of West Virginia. He will always be fondly remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless people whose lives he impacted during his lifetime.

Mrs. MILLER

Mrs. MILLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in opposition to S.J. Res. 36. This legislation is bad policy and it sets a bad precedent. Today, Congress is attempting to block legal U.S. arms sales to strategic partners who face increased threats from Iran and terrorist proxies. The administration is ensuring that our allies in the Middle East have the capabilities to defend themselves and protect the hundreds of thousands of Americans who live and work in the Gulf states. These allies depend on military equipment from the U.S. to hold the line against Iran, al-Qaida, ISIS, and other threats. If we don't supply it, they will buy it elsewhere. Russian arms dealers are already seeking to exploit the reluctance. At this point in history, we need to do what we can to decrease Iran's influence in the region. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote against the resolution.

Mrs. MILLER

Mrs. MILLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to oppose the resolution before us. Knowing who is in our country should not be controversial. Let me repeat that: Knowing who is in our country should not be controversial. Although my colleagues across the aisle have blurred fact and fiction on this issue, the truth is, asking a citizenship question is standard operating procedure. It is currently asked on censuses throughout the world, in Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, the U.K., and many others. The United Nations even recommends asking the citizenship question as a census best practice so countries can gather accurate information about their citizens. It is not a new idea in the U.S. either. We first asked the citizenship question on the Census in 1820 and continued the practice for the next 130 years. It is still asked every year on the American Community Survey. The information collected is protected by Federal law, and our Justice Department uses the information to enforce the Voting Rights Act. We still ask the citizenship question on I-9 employment eligibility forms. Right here in the District of Columbia, a citizenship question is asked on driver's license applications. They do the same in Wisconsin. In California, anyone who applies for a firearm license has to answer a citizenship question. In Ohio, concealed-carry applicants must verify if they are citizens or not. These States believe it is fine to ask this question to obtain a firearm or driver's license, but it is not okay to ask on the Census? For anyone to claim that this is a hot-button issue, I just don't buy it. It seems a little bit more like hot air. I am glad that President Trump is working across Federal agencies to ensure that we can get this crucial information. I urge my colleagues to oppose this resolution so that we can get back to actual work.

Mrs. MILLER

Mrs. MILLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in opposition to the resolution on the floor. For the past 7 months, the President has stated that there is a crisis on our border. Republican House leadership has said there is a crisis on the border. My colleagues have said there is a crisis on the border. And I have said there is a crisis on the border. Throughout this, the Washington Democrats have denied it again and again. From the party leadership and the committee chairs in hearings and even on the House floor, many have said that the crisis is fake, phony, nonexistent, manufactured, imaginary, and false. They turned a blind eye to a crisis because of political opposition, and the media followed suit. A few weeks ago, several of my colleagues across the aisle took a trip to our southern border, bringing cameras and journalists along with them. They finally came to terms with what the Republicans have been saying for months. However, instead of focusing on the root of the problem, underfunding, overcrowding, backlogged cases, and unprecedented surges, they opposed funding and passed a bill to ban construction on the southern border. For 7 months, my colleagues across the aisle have denied a crisis and failed to act. They still haven't acted. I want to work together to solve this crisis. Instead, we are here debating political nonsense. I have had enough talk about tweets, squads, infighting, labels, and petty disagreements. When we look at the content of the legislation brought up for discussion today, it is no surprise that the American people have such a low approval of Congress. If it is not a messaging bill to placate the activists, it is an advancement of the socialist agenda, a bill to handcuff our President, or a denouncement of American values. I came to Congress to create jobs, grow the economy, innovate our energy industry, and fix West Virginia's infrastructure. I was sent here to move our country forward and to solve the problems that actually affect the lives of those we represent. To improve our communities, our country, that is why we are all here. This resolution is a waste of time. I urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation and any legislation that doesn't deliver the results for our country that our citizens deserve.

Mrs. MILLER

Mrs. MILLER. Mr. Chair, I rise today to speak about my amendment included in en bloc No. 11. Mr. Chair, my amendment would bestow the privilege of lying in honor in the rotunda of the United States Capitol to the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient of the Second World War. From the beaches of Normandy, across the seas of Japan, and into the deserts of Africa, the Greatest Generation fought selflessly to protect freedom around the world. It is our duty to honor the sacrifices they made to safeguard hope and liberty for all. The walls of this historic building have seen the most courageous members of our society. Americans from coast to coast come here to pay their respects to the heroes of our history, an ability that would not be possible without the responsibilities that fell on to our brave parents and grandparents. We must ensure our children and grandchildren remember those who worked to secure our Nation and freed the world from tyranny. When I started working on this, there were four. Now, there are only three living recipients of the Medal of Honor who went above and beyond the call of duty during World War II, one of whom is a dear friend and West Virginia native, Hershel ``Woody'' Williams, who fought valiantly during the Battle of Iwo Jima. In this time of deep political divide, honoring our Nation's greatest heroes is something we can all come together and agree upon. I ask all Members to support my amendment to honor our Greatest Generation and preserve their legacy as defenders of freedom.

Mrs. MILLER

Mrs. MILLER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table H.R. 3401, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment. This bipartisan bill passed the Senate with 84 votes and could be sent to the President's desk today for his signature.

Mrs. MILLER

Mrs. MILLER. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. MILLER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer my amendment to H.R. 2740. My amendment would increase the funding for neonatal abstinence syndrome research by $2 million at the Centers for Disease Control to ensure adequate funding for this terrible condition. The opioid epidemic plaguing our Nation is heartbreaking, and especially in my home State of West Virginia. Too many members of our communities know of its devastating effects far too well. Whether it be a family member, a friend, the person in line behind you at the grocery store, or even someone praying beside you in church, we all have seen the pain that it causes. Sadly, many of our youngest citizens are suffering from the second- generation impacts of this crisis as well. West Virginia has one of the highest rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome, which is the withdrawal symptoms experienced by infants who are exposed to opioids and other addictive drugs while inside the womb. For every 1,000 babies born in my State, 50 enter this world exposed to drugs. In my hometown of Huntington, we are blessed to have facilities that are dedicated to caring for babies suffering from NAS, like the neonatal therapeutic unit at the Hoops Family Children's Hospital and Lily's Place, where First Lady Melania Trump made a very special visit last year. I visited the hospital to see these beautiful, innocent babies who are battling insurmountable odds. My heart aches as they cry in pain, shivering and shaking. I see the care in the eyes of the doctors and the nurses who tend to them 24 hours a day, and I can feel the love from the volunteers who cuddle these tiny children and soothe them through the worst moments of their early lives. There is still so much more to do. My colleagues, I stand before you to tell you that, today, we can do more. I ask you all to support my amendment to double the funding of NAS research and to improve the lives of our most precious and struggling citizens. This is so very important to our little tiny babies who are exposed to the terrible epidemic that we have going on across our country, and I urge Members, please adopt my amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER

Mrs. MILLER. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Judge Booker T. Stephens, as he retires from serving 34 years on the bench in the Eighth Judicial Circuit, McDowell County, West Virginia. Judge Stephens was born in Bluefield, West Virginia, and raised in McDowell County, West Virginia. He graduated from Excelsior High School in War, West Virginia. In 1966, Judge Stephens obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Spanish from West Virginia State College (University). He served proudly in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968. Upon completion of his tour of duty in the U.S. Army, Judge Stephens obtained his law degree from Howard University's School of Law in Washington, DC. He returned back to Welch, WV to practice law from 1972 to 1984. Booker T. Stephens has served as a Judge in the Eight Judicial Circuit of McDowell County, West Virginia, ascending to the bench in 1985. He was elected to the Eighth Judicial Circuit and re-elected in 1992, 2000, 2008, and 2016. Judge Stephens is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia and the Supreme Court of the United States of America. He serves as a member of the prestigious Supreme Court of Appeals Mass Litigation Panel and is a former member of the Executive Committee of the National Conference of State Trial Court Judges with the American Bar Association. Judge Stephens has been appointed numerous times to sit as a Justice on the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia when a Justice has been recused from a case. He was a member of the Standing Committee on Minorities in the Judiciary of the American Bar Association; a member of the Supreme Court's Task Force to Study Perceived Racial Disparity in the Juvenile Justice System in West Virginia; and a former Adjunct Professor at West Virginia University's College of Law and Bluefield State College. Judge Stephens has served as an assistant prosecutor and a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates. Judge Stephens has received many honors during his years on the bench. He was named Outstanding Judge of the Year in 1993 and 2016 by the West Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. He has been a recipient of the Governor's Living The Dream Award by the Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Holiday Commission; The Fred H. Caplan Civil Justice Award by the West Virginia Association of Justice; Sara Lee Neal Community Award of the Year for Health, Science and Technology Academy; inducted into the West Virginia All Black Schools Sports and Academic Hall of Fame; presented the American Bar Association's Law Day Liberty Bell Award by Chief Justice Brent Benjamin; presented Judge of the Year Award by the West Virginia Association of Justice; presented the Achievement Award by the Mountain State Bar Association in 1985; a Fellow with the West Virginia Bar Foundation; honorary inductee to the West Virginia State University ROTC Hall of Fame; West Virginia Judicial Association Representative to the American Bar; selected by the Bluefield Daily Telegraph to be featured in the 2005 ``Pride'' Edition of Heroes and Legends; Layman of the Year recognition from the West Virginia Baptist State Layman's Auxiliary; Presidential Citation, National Association for Equal Opportunity in High Education; Diploma of Judicial Skills, American Academy of Judicial Education; Certificates of Achievement, The National Judicial College; Achievement Award, Mountain State Bar Association; Earl Warren Fellow, NAACP LDF; co-sponsored and Floor Leader of the Bill that created a West Virginia Holiday in recognition of Dr. Martin L. King's birthday. He is a member of the Board of West Virginia State University Foundation and a member of the Multi-Cultural Affairs Advisory Committee at Bluefield State College. Judge Stephens is a highly sought out speaker and lecturer. In 1996, Judge Stephens delivered a memorable and stirring commencement address during the commencement exercises of West Virginia State University. Judge Stephens has presided over several noteworthy cases in the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, which include H. Harvey Oakley, C.W. Ferguson, III and Elsa Louise Kingdon, as a widow and Executrix of the estate of Arthur R. Kingdon v. Glen B. Gainer, A. James Manchin, and Martha Merritt, No. 16584, May 31, 1985. Authored the Majority Opinion alone with Justice Chafin; Sam R. Harshbarger v. The Honorable Glen B. Gainer, State Auditor, November 23, 1988; TXO v. Alliance resources, 419 S.E. 2d 8870,1992 (Affirmed by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals 5-0 and United States Supreme Court 6-3). One of the many things Judge Stephens is proud of is the implementation of Law Day in McDowell County, an annual event that coincides with the American Bar Association's Law Day. In its 23rd year in McDowell County, Law Day provides an opportunity for students to learn how the judicial system works and stimulate an early desire to pursue a rewarding career in law. Judge Stephens often states, ``I know of no greater profession than being a lawyer.'' Judge Stephens along with his wife, Attorney Gloria Stephens believe in giving back to their community and have established an endowment scholarship fund at West Virginia State University. In recognition of this endowment, West Virginia State University's bookstore was named the Judge Booker T. and Attorney Gloria Stephens bookstore. Outside of his legal work, Judge Stephens is a Life Member of the NAACP; a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; Delta Theta Phi Legal Fraternity and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. He is a 32nd Degree Mason and affiliated with the MWPHGL Jurisdiction of WV, Inc. F & A M; PM Excelsior Lodge No. 22; PM Kimball Lodge No. 13; and PG Trustee. Judge Stephens has taught bible study at Mt. Chapel Baptist Church, Golden Harvest Nursing Home, and Elkhorn Towers. He serves faithfully at his church, Heart of God Ministries, in Beckley, West Virginia. Judge Stephens is married to Attorney Gloria M. Davis Stephens. They have two children, Attorney Ciara M. Stephens, of Los Angeles, California and Booker T. Stephens, II of Welch, West Virginia and a new grandson, Sebastian. Over the course of Judge Stephens' successful law career, he has lived and practiced by the scripture in Luke 12:48 of the Bible, ``From everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required . . .'' Judge Booker T. Stephens has given much to his state and community in West Virginia. As Congresswoman for the Third Congressional District of the State of West Virginia, it is my distinct honor to rise today to recognize the outstanding contributions, distinguished career in law and community service of Judge Booker T. Stephens in the State of West Virginia, as he retires on May 31, 2019, from serving 34 years on the bench.

Mrs. MILLER

Mrs. MILLER. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize two of my constituents, Isaac Pyle and Emma Mustoe, who each earned the West Virginia Golden Horseshoe award. The West Virginia Department of Education describes the Golden Horseshoe award as being ``unique in its statewide recognition of scholastic achievement.'' The award is given annually to two hundred and twenty-one 8th grade students who have outscored their classmates on a West Virginia history exam and essay about West Virginia current events. A minimum of two students from each county and one student from the West Virginia schools for the Deaf and Blind are selected for the award. In a ceremony during Golden Horseshoe Day, the state superintendent of schools uses an antique sword to dub each kneeling student either a lady or knight of the Golden Horseshoe Society. This is arguably one of the greatest awards of that school year for 8th- grade students. Soon to be knighted is Isaac Pyle of Webster Springs. Isaac is the son of Jeremy Pyle and Dr. Allison Pyle. An exceptional student, Isaac is a captain of the West Virginia History Bowl Team for Webster County High School. As the winner of his school competition, he has qualified four times for the state Math Field Day and has qualified for the state spelling bee. Isaac proudly maintains a 4.0 GPA and is enrolled in advanced courses. Emma Mustoe of Webster Springs will also join the rolls as a Lady of the Golden Horseshoe Society. The daughter of Tobby and Janna Mustoe, Emma is a talented writer and performer. She is a winner of the Webster County Young Writers Competition. She is a captain of the West Virginia History Bowl Team for Webster County High School and a winner in the Webster County Regional Literature Fair. Emma is also a member of the award-winning Webster County High School Showband. As Congresswoman for the Third Congressional District of the State of West Virginia, it is my distinct honor to rise today to recognize the dedication and achievement that Isaac Pyle and Emma Mustoe have put forward in winning the Golden Horseshoe award, I congratulate them on being model students and exemplary West Virginians.

Mrs. MILLER

Mrs. MILLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in opposition to H.R. 9, the Climate Action Now Act. I represent West Virginia, an energy State. Our natural resources power the Nation, and our coal produces the steel that is the backbone of our country's infrastructure. The bill my colleagues across the aisle have introduced today is a direct threat to the economy of my State and to the security of our Nation. When President Obama entered into the Paris Agreement in 2016, he made a shortsighted, hasty decision which passed egregious costs on to American consumers and sent $1 billion in taxpayer funds to subsidize other nations' energy agendas without congressional authorization-- while never offering a clear plan for our country to meet the commitments made, aside from the overall goal of killing energy production in the U.S. This is an attempt to further the war on coal which decimated my State, killing jobs, destroying businesses, and exacerbating the opioid epidemic. We face a bleakness which we are starting to recover from, yet, now, Washington liberals are restarting the charge. We have seen unrealistic proposals like the Green New Deal put forward which would not only bankrupt our country, but also kill our energy industry once and for all. I will not stand here and let that happen. When President Trump withdrew from the agreement in 2017, he showed leadership. He showed the world that he was willing to resist diplomatic pressure in order to protect American interests and ensure energy competitiveness. Those who support this legislation aren't telling the whole story on America's energy production. The Paris Agreement, since its creation, has not accounted for the United States' abundance of natural resources and the hundreds of thousands of Americans employed by the energy industry. Additionally, the Paris Agreement ignores that America produces affordable, reliable energy, including coal, oil, and natural gas, and it also ignores the importance that energy has to the United States' economy and national security. In the past 5 years, there has been a 110 percent increase in coal exports, and we still have 259 billion tons of coal reserves, the largest in the world. Since 2008, the U.S. has increased crude oil production by 48 percent and natural gas production by 53 percent; and looking forward, the increased access to undeveloped energy production could create as many as 690,000 jobs by 2030. Energy has been our past, and energy is our future. It is important the United States is already leading the world in reducing greenhouse emissions through innovation and technological development. If my colleagues across the aisle were interested in working with Republicans to address climate change, then they would not ignore the fact that the United States has already had the largest absolute decline of carbon emissions among all the countries since the year 2000. We did not need an international agreement to do it. Forcing America to reenter the Paris Agreement is not the answer for climate concerns. It is restarting a tried-and-failed approach which only leads to less jobs, a weaker economy, and a less safe America. The answer to the climate debate is not a $93 trillion socialist restructuring of our country. It is innovation, and it is supporting new technology like taking rare-earth minerals and distilled water from previously used coal ash. It is supporting carbon capture moving forward. It is recognizing that, in the dead of winter when the renewable energy grids fall short, we can rely on coal to get us through the next polar vortex. America cannot afford to reenter the Paris Agreement. We cannot afford to lose jobs. We cannot afford to lose security. We cannot afford the security risks. We cannot afford to weaken our economy. And we cannot afford to say ``no'' to innovation.