Dan Newhouse

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as well as all of the men, women, and families that have been affected by this devastating disease. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Research, early diagnosis, and modern treatments are raising survival rates, but it remains the second leading cause of cancer mortality for women. During the month of October, we reflect on the lives lost and the families affected by this cancer, including my own family and my own beautiful wife, Carol, who we just lost this last spring, but we also bring light to the actions that we can take to fight against it. I encourage all women to talk to your doctor about breast cancer screenings for early detection. I admire the unmatched courage of the survivors and those currently suffering from this disease.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Perry Technical Institute for receiving the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges' 2017 School of Excellence Award. Perry Tech has continually provided high-quality education and technical training for students in the Yakima Valley of central Washington, and this award is well deserved. On top of that, I would like to recognize Tyler Andringa, who received the commission's 2017 Outstanding Graduate Award. Tyler graduated from Perry Tech in December 2016 with a certificate in information technology and communication systems. Tyler has cerebral palsy and has overcome many challenges to obtain his certificate. He has served as a role model and a leader among his classmates. Applying the resources and guidance he received at Perry Tech, Tyler is currently employed with Continuant, a telecommunications service provider, where he is succeeding in advancing his career goals. His achievements are commendable, and I wish him the best in his future endeavors. Please join me in congratulating Perry Technical Institute on their achievements as they continue to provide excellent education and job training to equip students just like Tyler Andringa.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from Arizona, my good friend, Mr. Gosar, for holding this Special Order and for giving us the opportunity not only to address the House on this very important issue, but also to address our Nation. Mr. Speaker, this year alone, over 8 million acres have burned across our country. And get this: ten times that, another 80 million acres, are considered high risk to threat of catastrophic wildfires. If this doesn't amount to a national disaster, nothing does. If we don't acknowledge that it does, this will only continue to devastate our rural communities across the Nation. The previous speaker, my friend from Oregon, talked about the impact of the health to people living in these communities. I could attest to you myself, living in central Washington, we had smoke where the visibility was less than a quarter of a mile for weeks at a time. I knew people who had chronic coughs as a result of this smoke. Myself, get this: I had to come back to our Nation's Capital for my cough to clear up over our August break. The air was that bad. So, Mr. Speaker, this evening, as you have heard from my colleagues from across the Western United States, as we gather to draw attention to this devastation, these catastrophic wildfires, what they pose to our communities, so States from Arkansas to Arizona, from Colorado to California, Montana to New Mexico, from Wyoming, from Oregon, to the great State of Washington, we are here to stress the importance of addressing the broken funding systems as well as the lack of resources that are necessary to adequately prevent and then suppress and fight these wildfires. So we gather to highlight the dire need to reform the mismanagement of our Federal forests, which leads to the exacerbation of this devastation. Mr. Speaker, we gather to give voice to our often forgotten communities and our constituents. Now, you have heard these Special Orders before. We as Members of Congress take these good opportunities to simply speak about a problem and bring light to its actuality, to let people know about it, but tonight is different, because my colleagues and I are here not just to talk about this, not just to highlight the major problem of wildfires across the country, but, in fact, we bring good news as well. We offer solutions to this important issue. So this evening, I rise in support and urge support of two provisions originating right here in Congress, the people's House, to address these issues. First of all, H.R. 2936, the Resilient Federal Forests Act, which is sponsored by my good friend from the State of Arkansas, Mr. Westerman, which addresses the disastrous consequences of catastrophic wildfires by utilizing tools the Forest Service and other agencies can use to reduce the threats that are posed by wildfires, by insects, by disease infestation, and dangerous old forest overgrowth that serve as a tinderbox for wildfires. This legislation would enable the necessary management techniques to address our forest health crises and significantly improve the resiliency of our Nation's forests. On top of that, H.R. 167, the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act, which is sponsored by my good friend and colleague from Idaho, Mr. Simpson, fixes the way that we budget for wildfire suppression by treating these catastrophic wildfires like any other natural disaster, which they are. Currently, agencies like the Forest Service are forced to borrow funding from accounts outside of their firefighting in order to address these fire suppression costs. This has become known as fire borrowing. This tool was intended to be an extraordinary measure, but in the past 8 of the last 12 years, the Forest Service has had to move funds from other operating accounts to fight these fires. Mr. Speaker, this problem is systemic, it is dire, and we must address it. The Wildfire Disaster Funding Act is a necessary solution to solve the crisis. Mr. Speaker, the fourth district of the State of Washington, which I am proud to call my home, has been devastated by wildfires in recent years, from the Carlton Complex Fire of 2014, which at the time was the largest in State history, to the Okanogan Complex Fire, which only the next year surpassed that record. In addition to that, we lost three firefighters in the process. Our communities know what it means to live with the overwhelming consequences of continual disastrous wildfires year after year after year, and it doesn't have to be this way. We can solve this problem. My colleagues and I gather tonight to shed light on this problem and to offer solutions and to let our constituents know that we will not give up in this effort.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and memory of Major General Timothy Lowenberg, former Adjutant General of the Washington State National Guard. After attending law school, Tim served on Active Duty at McChord Air Force Base before joining the Washington National Guard as a Judge Advocate Staff Officer. He was promoted to Adjutant General, honorably serving Washington State and our Nation. He stood up for our citizen soldiers, worked to ensure that the National Guard had the resources it needed, and oversaw multiple deployments to the Middle East. In addition, Tim established the Washington Youth Academy, providing an education and opportunity for at-risk youth across the State. As a member of the Washington legislature, I was pleased to work with him on this, a cause that he was very passionate about, and was able to see his vision become a success. Upon retirement, he continued to serve his country and community. He will be missed by many, but his legacy of determination, kindness, and dutiful service to Washington and these United States lives on. Please join me in remembering Major General Timothy Lowenberg, my friend.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month. Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 to celebrate the contributions of Americans of Hispanic descent to our Nation's diverse history and culture. Our central Washington communities are blessed to include a growing number of Hispanic Americans, and I have witnessed firsthand the many ways Hispanic Americans strengthen our communities and our way of life. Hispanic Americans have greatly contributed to our country's history. These Americans have enhanced our economy through entrepreneurship, and many have served our Nation honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces. America is truly the world's melting pot where people of diverse backgrounds and cultures come together as one people united by shared values. We cherish our unity and diversity. In the upcoming month, we will celebrate Hispanic Americans' patriotism and the traditions they add to American culture. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a constituent, Neil Norman of Richland, Washington, for receiving the National Society of Professional Engineers Award in honor of his extraordinary contributions to the engineering profession. Mr. Norman is one of only 65 engineers to receive this award since 1949, and his substantial career demonstrates that he has earned this achievement. He has worked on several state-of-the-art projects since he began his work in 1952, including the plant design and construction for the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository. In central Washington, he designed the Fast Flux Test Facility, which is the Hanford nuclear site's former research reactor. Neil has received several local, State, and national awards over the years. In retirement, he continues to serve his community. He gives lectures to engineering students in colleges across the State of Washington to promote professionalism, ethics, public health, and safety. His outstanding career is one to be admired. Please join me in congratulating Neil Norman for his contributions to the engineering profession and to our community.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a constituent from my district, Mike Miller, of Ritzville, Washington, who was recently selected as the new Chairman of the U.S. Wheat Associates. Mike is a fourth-generation farmer and a family man who has served on many local, state and national boards. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Washington Grain Commission and has been representing Washington as a U.S. Wheat Associates Director for six years. He has been very active in supporting wheat research and development, and I know he will be an excellent leader for the U.S. Wheat Associates, as they continue to promote the quality and value of all six U.S. wheat classes to international markets. Please join me in congratulating Mike on his new position.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Dale Heaston of Richland, Washington for being awarded the American Optometric Association's 2017 Distinguished Service Award. This award signifies above-and-beyond service in the field of optometry, which Dr. Heaston exemplifies. Since graduating from the Illinois College of Optometry, Dr. Heaston has been providing quality care to patients in Central Washington and ensuring that the needs of underserved communities are met. He has advocated on behalf of optometrists at both the state and national levels, working with local and state organizations to educate communities about vision and eye health and to create public awareness of the profession. He has worked with lawmakers across Washington State to promote legislation that supports optometry and currently serves as a Federal Legislative Keyperson for the American Optometric Association. Dr. Heaston's dedication and contributions to his profession are admirable and right to be recognized. Please join me in celebrating his accomplishments and congratulating him on this award.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a respected constituent of mine, Ron Van Gundy. Since 1968, Ron devoted his time and energy to the Roza Irrigation District in the Yakima Basin. His collaborative efforts throughout the years have guided the district through several major droughts, enhanced water quality, and improved conservation efforts. In Central Washington, water is often times a luxury, and it takes an intelligent, visionary mind to navigate the unique irrigation challenges that face our farmers. Ron exhibited an unmatched sense of leadership and cultivated strong relationships throughout the region and state-wide. He did all of this to gain support for one of Washington's most important and vulnerable agricultural districts. Ron will be missed by many, and I am proud to have worked with him. We can honor his legacy by continuing his work and demonstrating the passion he had for water solutions in Washington's 4th District. I ask my colleagues to please join me in remembering Ron Van Gundy.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize two groups of young men, the Boy Scouts Jamboree Troop 3218 and the Grand Columbia Council, both from Washington State, as they recently attended the 2017 National Scout Jamboree. In the 107 years since its founding, the Boy Scouts of America have instilled the values of hard work, responsibility, resourcefulness, and citizenship into the hearts and minds of thousands of young American men. The National Scout Jamboree brings together first class scouts from all 50 States to participate in a variety of Scouting traditions and to celebrate their organization. The Boy Scouts of America have made a marked difference in our Nation, in Washington State, and in my Fourth Congressional District through the schools and values they teach our young people. I have no doubt that these young men will continue to be leaders in their families, careers, and communities. Please join me in thanking these troops for their commitment to American values, service, and leadership.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the discussion we have had this past hour from all Members that have participated. Although we may have our differences, some difference of opinion, I believe that this rule and the underlying bill are strong measures that are important to ensuring the security and the prosperity of our country. The rule provides for further consideration of H.R. 3219, the Make America Secure Appropriations Act of 2018. Let me say again, while my friends on the other side may not want to acknowledge it, this rule makes 54 amendments in order; 21 of those 54 are from my Democratic friends, 16 are Republican, and 17 are bipartisan, led by bipartisan cosponsors. In fact, the majority of the amendments that were made in order under yesterday's rule that provide for the initial consideration of this bill were also led by Democrats, so this reflects the balanced approach of the process under this rule. Mr. Speaker, it is our job, it is Congress' job, to appropriate the necessary funds to keep our Nation safe and our defense strong. This rule allows us to complete our efforts to complete the appropriations process for our top priorities, those of national security. I look forward, though, to bringing the other eight appropriation bills to the floor to fulfill the rest of our duty. Certainly, as an appropriator, no one wants to see this effort completed more than our committee and as I do. I have appreciated the important advocacy my colleagues on both sides have brought forward through this process, from within the subcommittees of the Appropriations Committee, through the full committee, through the Rules Committee, and now, here on the House floor. The measures included in this rule will provide vital resources for our national defense and for our military infrastructure. As I said, it will boost the pay of our troops, support our military families who sacrifice so much for our country; it will strengthen the care we provide for our veterans and enforce our border security to protect all of the American people. This rule will also allow for further security improvements for the Capitol campus to protect all who visit here. It will also provide robust funding to improve our Nation's waterways, our infrastructure, our important nuclear clean-up, as well as nonproliferation efforts. It also reinstates our top priority, providing funding for our national defense. We must begin to rebuild our Nation's military, and I am proud of this as a major step forward, restoring military readiness in order to keep our country safe. Mr. Speaker, the underlying appropriations within this rule are of the utmost importance to the Nation, and we must move forward with this rule in order to get our job done. The men and women in uniform serving our Nation around the globe are depending on us. I hope our colleagues, my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, will support this rule so that we can do that, get our job done.

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

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, the House Rules Committee met yesterday and reported a rule, House Resolution 478, providing for further consideration of H.R. 3219, the Make America Secure Appropriations Act of 2018. This legislation includes four individual appropriations bills: Defense, Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction-Veterans Affairs. The rule provides for further consideration of H.R. 3219 under a structured rule. Mr. Speaker, this rule provides for consideration of a critical measure that will prioritize funding for important components of our national security. This legislation directs funding for our troops and their families, our Nation's veterans, the legislative branch and United States Capitol Police, border and nuclear security, energy and water infrastructure investments, and vital appropriations to ensure our military has the equipment and readiness necessary to keep the Nation safe. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is composed of the serious and essential work conducted by the House Appropriations Committee over the past many months. As an appropriator and a member of this committee, I fully appreciate and understand the hard work my colleagues on both sides of the aisle have put in to report these key measures we have before us today. The most important job we have as Members of Congress is ensuring the safety of our Nation. By supporting this rule, we can move the national security package forward. H.R. 3219 includes a 2.4 percent pay increase for our troops. That is the largest military pay increase in 8 years. It keeps our military on the cutting edge of defense technology by investing in research and development and in equipment and weapons procurement. Under the legislation, we will restore readiness shortfalls and make much-needed critical investments for our troops to address ongoing threats around the globe. We must provide support for our troops to combat terrorism and defeat ISIS. With the legislation, we take a major step forward in restoring the devastating cuts our Armed Forces faced under the Obama administration. The bill also increases funding for construction of critical military infrastructure to keep our troops safe and prepared. The bill also provides for critical safety and enhanced security functions for the United States Capitol. In light of the recent horrific attack on our colleagues, on staff, and on the Capitol Police, the legislation provides increased funding for the Capitol Police toward increased training, equipment, and technology-related support. The men and women who guard these hallowed Halls deserve to have access to every resource needed to do their job as safely and as effectively as possible. Under this bill, H.R. 3219, we can ensure that the Capitol Police and House Sergeant at Arms are equipped with these critical enhancements. Regarding the important Energy and Water provisions included in the bill, the underlying legislation will improve public safety, will create jobs, and will grow our economy by funding the Army Corps of Engineers, prioritizing navigation projects and studies. H.R. 3219 reduces regulatory red tape, including authorizing the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency as well as the Secretary of the Army to withdraw from the devastating waters of the United States rule. The bill also funds important Department of Energy programs, including nuclear cleanup efforts, such as the Hanford Site, which is located in my district in central Washington State, as well as nuclear weapons programs to strengthen our national security. Mr. Speaker, this legislation also provides the highest level of funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs in our Nation's history, ensuring that we keep the commitment to those who have defended our Nation. It supports vital medical care for our veterans, including mental healthcare services, suicide prevention activities, traumatic brain treatment, opioid abuse prevention, and homeless veteran services. There are some issues here in Congress that are nonpartisan. Every single one of our colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives believes we must provide the best care possible for our Nation's veterans. I am proud of the significant strides this legislation takes to support veterans across the country. The rule we consider here today provides for the consideration of a bill that is critically important to keeping our Nation safe. By passing this legislation, we will continue to rebuild our military, ensure we maintain our military superiority, and boost defense efforts in the face of rising global threats. The bill will aid in supporting our troops and their families, and improve access to care for our veterans. It will increase the safety of the United States Capitol complex for Members and staff who serve here; for constituents, as well as the tourists from around the globe who visit this campus; and for the valued Capitol Police, who protect us all. It will also aid in important infrastructure and construction investments to move the United States towards energy independence, improve our economic competitiveness, and fund nonproliferation efforts to prevent, counter, and respond to global nuclear threats. Most importantly, this legislation will make major strides to projects our men and women in uniform serving across the globe who are protecting our freedoms. I urge my colleagues to support this rule as well as the underlying legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, let me just say to my good friend from California, I agree that a new authorization on the use of military force is something that is necessary, something that we owe our military, and something that we should do. The language with the Cole amendment, I think, starts us down that path. In fact, the Foreign Affairs Committee, just this week, is holding hearings on this very important topic. I look forward to working with Ms. Lee on this, as well as all of us here in this House, to get us to the end result that I think is absolutely necessary, and I appreciate the gentlewoman's comments. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Biggs).

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, we do have a couple of speakers coming who are not here yet. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time at this point but look forward to having them participate as soon as they get here.

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, the American people spoke loud and clear last November. They voted to support a stronger military, an unyielding national defense, and that includes the need for a much-improved border security. As the gentleman from Texas said, we have threats of human traffickers, drug smugglers, terrorists coming across our borders, and this is something that the American people said that they wanted, and we are responding to that with recommendations from the Customs and Border Protection agency. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, let me just say that one of the beauties of Congress is being able to hear from people firsthand their experiences, who speak not just in theoretical senses but because of the life they live and their constituents, and so I appreciate very much the gentleman from Arizona and his testimony. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Sanford).

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 478 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter), my friend, pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Carter), the chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee.

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman.

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I certainly appreciate the debate on both sides on this very important issue. Let me just say that this has been a very open process. Not all may want to acknowledge that, but let me just point out that this rule makes 54 amendments in order: 21 of those amendments are from the Democrats, 16 from Republicans, and fully, 17 are led by bipartisan cosponsors. So that tells me that the openness of this process, the ability for people to bring their perspectives, their opinions in this important debate is real. As far as the Rules Committee unilaterally striking language and reinserting other language, that is true. We struck section 9021 of the Defense Appropriations Act of 2018 and replaced it, though, with language from an amendment offered by Mr. Cole to the NDAA, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2018, which was adopted by the full House on July 13 of this year. It was replaced with language that was approved by this body. So again, Mr. Speaker, I think that points to the openness of this process. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I do know that even though some people would like to ignore the situation we have on our southern border, we do need to respond to those border protection agents who are asking us for help. We do need to respond to the crisis that we see along our southern border to keep our country as safe as possible. And we do need to confirm to people across the country that help is on the way. Certainly, the border is one aspect of this important piece of legislation, but there are many things in this bill that will help our country and help our military forces keep our Nation safe. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

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