Dan Newhouse

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I would just like to take a minute to remind the American people and my friends across the aisle that we are here today, as the minority leader said, to begin the process of unwinding the burdensome regulations that are truly stifling job creation and hurting our friends and our families in each and every one of our neighborhoods across the country. Many from the other side have tried to distract with unrelated issues. I just want to be clear that the rule today does not address immigration in any way and that none of their requests went through the regular and bipartisan process to clear such requests. So let's focus on why we are here. We are here because we must take a firm stand against the overly burdensome and restrictive regulations that have been issued in the waning days of the previous administration. By passing this CRA, we can rescind the final stream protection rule, which the OSM produced without input from the States-- responsible for enforcing mining regulations--and which disregards existing regulations on both the State and the Federal levels that have proven to be effective. This regulation will have devastating effects on mining communities across the country and will lead to significant job losses and higher electricity costs--all while weakening U.S. energy security for decades. The stream protection rule will drastically reduce our access to coal and our ability to develop new clean coal technologies, which will result in reduced domestic energy protection and in tens of thousands of lost jobs in coal-producing States as well as in industries across the country that are reliant on this energy. If we fail to pass the underlying bill, the rule's devastating impacts will be felt far and wide in our great land as approximately 78,000 mining jobs will be lost, which is in addition to the tens of thousands of mining jobs that have already been lost in the last 8 years. Mr. Speaker, coal is essential to the U.S. economy. It provides affordable energy that accounts for almost 40 percent of the Nation's electricity supply--almost 20 percent in the gentleman's home State of Florida. Because of its abundance, reliability, and affordability, electricity generated from coal is generally 30 percent cheaper than other alternative energy sources. Additionally, at current consumption rates, our country has more than 250 years of remaining coal reserves, ensuring that we will have energy security here at home for generations to come. Passing H.J. Res. 38 will protect American jobs and families from yet another burdensome regulation that has failed to follow the basic tenets of transparency, inclusivity, and cooperation with stakeholders, cooperating States, and, most importantly, the American people. Now is the time for Congress to overturn this unparalleled executive overreach and implement policies that protect communities that have been long forgotten by the former administration. The CRA was designed for this exact purpose, and we now have a unique opportunity to pass this legislation through both Chambers and see it signed into law. Mr. Speaker, this is a good, straightforward rule, allowing for the consideration of an important resolution that will ensure that mining communities and hardworking families are not pressed by another crippling Federal regulation. I believe this rule and the underlying legislation are strong measures that are important to our country's future. I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 70 and the underlying joint resolution.

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time; so, yes, I am prepared to close.

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the good gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Mooney).

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. McCarthy), the majority leader of the Republican Conference.

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 70 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman and my good friend from Florida (Mr. Hastings), 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. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation disapproving of the Compensatory Mitigation Policy (CMP) rule finalized in the final days of the Obama administration. On December 23, 2016, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) released its final Endangered Species Act (ESA) CMP, which violates existing environmental law and puts future economic development across the country at risk. This rule establishes policies that are a significant departure from existing practices regarding compensatory mitigation and limits private-sector, voluntary involvement in developing compensatory mitigation plans. My legislation utilizes the Congressional Review Act to block this dangerous rule and will prevent the potential catastrophic impacts it would have on our nation's economy. The CMP exceeds USFWS' statutory authority by adopting the mitigation goals of ``net conservation gain'' and ``no net loss,'' which are not grounded in federal statute. This directive is a significant departure from existing practice and runs counter to current law. The policy will lead to an extensive, time-consuming valuation process in which development projects are required to initiate an assessment process, as well as undertake advance mitigation that could tie up many economic projects in burdensome, costly procedures. This overbroad policy could jeopardize an extensive range of economic development activities in every corner of the U.S., while also impacting a wide-range of industries, including: agriculture, forestry, mining, natural resource development, energy production, conservation projects, and building and road construction. The final CMP will also have significant strategic, legal, and financial implications for development projects large and small, while ensnaring future economic growth in a maze of permitting setbacks and bureaucratic red-tape. We must protect our country's economic future and ensure burdensome rules and regulations promulgated by a bloated bureaucracy do not threaten desperately needed job creation and economic growth. The integrity of the law is threatened by misguided federal policies like the USFWS's CMP rule, and I urge all members to join me in supporting this legislation to block yet another oppressive and overreaching regulation promulgated by the previous administration.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise to add my voice of strong support for the Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2017. This important measure will affirm individual freedom and property rights and ensure every ham radio operator has the opportunity to enjoy their pastime regardless of the community in which they live. H.R. 555 guarantees that all amateur radio operators living in deed- restricted communities have the right to construct and operate an effective outdoor antenna without burdensome restrictions being imposed by their respective homeowners' association. Under the bill, HOAs would be required to allow ham radio use with the least practicable restrictions to preserve their aesthetic interests. Across central Washington, many of my constituents are avid ham radio operators. I believe we should be encouraging this advocation, which also serves as a useful tool for emergency communications and preparedness. I was proud to cosponsor this legislation in the 114th Congress, and I commend the work of Chairman Kinzinger, Chairman Walden, and Mr. Lance to bring this bill forward again. I look forward to supporting this bill on the House floor later today, and remain hopeful that, in this new Congress, we can advance the Amateur Radio Parity Act to the President's desk, where it can be signed into law.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from Georgia for yielding me this time to speak on these important issues. Mr. Speaker, the opportunity to speak on this important rule that provides consideration for the fiscal year 2017 budget resolution and S. 84, which provides a legal exception for General Mattis to serve as Secretary of Defense, certainly are important issues. As a member of the House Rules Committee, I am very proud to support this rule as well as both of the underlying measures. S. 84 provides a one-time exemption on behalf of an individual who is uniquely qualified to serve during a very challenging period in our Nation's history and a time when U.S. national security and military readiness is of paramount importance for both Americans and our allies around the world. This legislation does not permanently change the law nor does it diminish the founding principle of civilian control of our military. In fact, this rule allows for consideration of legislation providing for a one-time exemption that does exactly the opposite. It reinforces the doctrine of civilian control of our military. By setting into motion this unique procedure, the people's elected representatives are taking the seriousness of this circumstance to heart, to debate and carefully weigh granting a historic exception, only provided on one other occasion in our history. The man at the center of this matter demonstrates the extraordinary nature of the situation we currently face. General James N. Mattis has served our Nation with unparalleled distinction over the past 40-plus years. Born in Pullman, Washington, General Mattis grew up in my congressional district, the Fourth District of the State of Washington. He attended what was then Columbia High School, now Richland High, and graduated from Central Washington University. It was growing up along the banks of the Columbia River in Richland where General Mattis' parents instilled in him a deep passion for reading, which then developed into a renowned lifelong devotion to intellectualism, military and world history, and the study of war. General Mattis has been in command at increasing levels throughout his career within the United States Marine Corps, where he began as a student enrolled in ROTC, rose to the rank of general, and served as commander of the United States Central Command responsible for American military operations in the Middle East, Northeast Africa, and Central Asia. Few individuals command the respect and admiration General Mattis has earned amongst the troops, national security experts, and military and civic leaders. This rule allows for the consideration of legislation to provide the United States Senate its proper role of advice and consent regarding the nomination of General Mattis to serve as our next Secretary of Defense. I urge my colleagues to support this rule so the Senate can rightfully provide its constitutional guidance, which I am confident will overwhelmingly support this distinguished leader and public servant from the great State of Washington.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Veterans Emergency Treatment (VET) Act. One of the most important functions of our federal government is to support and sustain those who have been willing to sacrifice all they have to defend our nation. Whenever our government fails to meet this responsibility, swift action must be taken. Far too many stories of our nation's veterans receiving inadequate care have plagued the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA). My legislation seeks to improve one aspect of treatment for our men and women who have served in uniform. The VET Act will ensure every veteran is afforded the highest level of emergency care at all emergency- capable medical facilities under the jurisdiction of the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA). The VET Act applies the statutory requirements of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) to emergency care provided by the VA to enrolled veterans. EMTALA was enacted by Congress as part of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 and is designed to prevent hospitals from transferring, or ``dumping,'' uninsured or Medicaid patients to public hospitals. The legislation requires a hospital to conduct a medical examination to determine if an emergency medical condition exists. If such a condition does exist, the hospital is required to either stabilize the patient or comply with the statutory requirements of a proper transfer. If an emergency medical condition still exists and has not been stabilized, the hospital may not transfer the patient unless the patient, after being made aware of the risks, makes a transfer request in writing or a physician certifies that the medical benefits of a transfer outweigh the risks. It has become clear that the VA is not fulfilling the EMTALA directive. All too frequently, the policy is to turn down those who try to access an emergency room. In February of 2015, 64-year-old Army veteran Donald Siefken, from Kennewick, WA, arrived at the Seattle VA hospital emergency room in severe pain and with a broken foot that had swollen to the size of a football. No longer able to walk, he requested emergency room staff assist him in traveling the ten feet from his car to the emergency room. Hospital personnel promptly hung up on him after stating that he would need to call 911 to assist him at his own expense. Several minutes later a Seattle fire captain and three firefighters arrived to assist him into the emergency room. The VET Act will amend current law to remove the ``non- participating'' designation from VA hospital facilities and statutorily require them to fulfill the requirements of EMTALA. My commonsense and straightforward legislation will ensure that every enrolled veteran who arrives at the emergency department of a VA medical facility indicating an emergency condition exists is assessed and treated in an effort to prevent further injury or death. I urge all members to join me in supporting this legislation. We must ensure our veterans are treated fairly and with the respect they deserve.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, also, in response to just one of the points that my colleague brought up, in the first 2 weeks of this 115th Congress, the Speaker, as well as the chairman of the Rules Committee, Representative Sessions, has provided opportunity for all Members to appear before the Rules Committee, has invited all Members to submit amendments. In fact, I can gladly say and happily say that every amendment submitted on these two bills has been accepted, if they were proven to be germane. In fact, one of the arguments made by my good friend is that the freshmen have not had an opportunity to weigh in on these two pieces of legislation. Actually, the young freshman from Maryland had an amendment brought forward, and it was accepted to bring for consideration on the floor. So I think the arguments fall hollow that Members have not had an opportunity to be heard. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Conaway), the good chairman of the Agriculture Committee.

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Polis), my good 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 ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, the Rules Committee met and reported a rule, House Resolution 40, providing for the consideration of two important pieces of legislation: H.R. 238, the Commodity End- User Relief Act, and H.R. 78, the SEC Regulatory Accountability Act. The rule provides for the consideration of these measures under a structured rule and makes in order any amendment submitted to the House Rules Committee, including all five Democratic amendments to H.R. 78, as well as all eight amendments submitted for H.R. 238, allowing for a balanced debate on these very substantial issues. H.R. 238 is essential to the smooth functioning of the American economy and is long overdue for enactment into law. This important legislation reauthorizes until 2021 the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, also known as the CFTC, which had its statutory authority lapse in 2013. The House passed the Commodity End-User Relief Act with bipartisan support in the 114th Congress, and a similar bill was also adopted in the 113th Congress, establishing a strong record of bipartisan support for this measure. Unfortunately, in both instances, the Senate failed to take up the legislation before the end of its respective Congress, which is why it is imperative that we pass this bill through both Chambers and send it to the President's desk. After the financial crisis of 2008, practically everyone agreed that changes needed to be made to our financial services sector in order to protect families, farmers, small businesses, and our economy, as well as to prevent another crisis in the future. Like many of my colleagues, I have concerns with some of the reforms that were instituted in response to the crisis because they have put overly burdensome restrictions and regulations on our economy and our business communities. But like every major, comprehensive law, there are always unintended consequences that need to be addressed, and H.R. 238 does exactly that. For example, the authors of Dodd-Frank argued the law's main purpose was to reduce systemic risk to our economy. However, I don't think anyone would argue that farmers who are simply trying to lock in a good price for their corn or their wheat are a systemic risk to the economy. Similarly, restaurant chains looking to make sure they have enough beef, enough pork, or enough potatoes to sell to their customers don't pose a systemic risk, just as utility companies seeking to ensure that they have adequate power supplies to meet the needs and demands of their ratepayers did not cause the financial crisis. Unfortunately, the current law imposes rules that treat all of these entities as major risks to our economy, and it imposes overly burdensome capital and paperwork requirements on them. Mr. Speaker, critics may claim that this bill undermines consumer protections. However, this could not be further from the truth. Title I of the legislation puts in place greater consumer protections, like requiring brokerage firms to notify investors before moving funds from one account to another in order to prevent abuses like those that occurred at MF Global prior to its bankruptcy. Title II makes reforms to the CFTC and strengthens the cost-benefit analysis the Commission must perform when considering the impacts of its rules. Opponents have claimed that requiring cost-benefit analyses will open up the CFTC to lawsuits. However, H.R. 238 merely gives the CFTC a standard for writing good rules the first time, which will be a benefit for all of us. Title III provides relief to the farmers, the restaurants, the manufacturers, the utilities, and other entities which rely on a steady supply of commodities and inherently want to avoid risk but have been caught up in the unintended consequences of the Dodd-Frank reforms. These users have a genuine need to use markets to hedge against bad weather, natural disasters, inflation, price shocks, and other unforeseen circumstances that could jeopardize their ability to serve their customers. The rule also provides for the consideration of H.R. 78, the SEC Regulatory Accountability Act. This legislation replaces guidance adopted by the SEC in 2012 that currently governs the use of economic analysis in SEC rulemakings and requires the SEC to identify and assess the significance of problems prior to regulating. It directs the agency to conduct a review of existing regulations within 1 year of enactment--and then every 5 years thereafter--to determine the sufficiency, the effectiveness, and the burdens associated with their implementation. Further, H.R. 78 instructs the SEC's Chief Economist to conduct a cost-benefit analysis on regulations the agency is promulgating as well as to provide an explanation describing the SEC's decision-making process, including the implications of not taking the regulatory action. Economic analysis is the cornerstone of prudent rulemaking and entails evaluating the qualitative and quantitative costs and benefits of proposed regulations as well as potential alternatives in order to determine the correct action an agency should take. We must ensure Federal regulators are thoroughly assessing both the need for the regulation and adequately evaluating its potential consequences-- intended as well as unintended--to prevent small businesses and job creators from being unnecessarily burdened by onerous Federal regulations. Mr. Speaker, this is a good, straightforward rule, allowing for the consideration of two bills that will hold Federal agencies and their rulemaking processes accountable to the American people. Voters sent a clear message in November that they want a Federal Government that is smaller, less intrusive, and more discerning in its regulatory actions. House Republicans created our A Better Way agenda by listening to Americans about the ideas for our Nation, and the new, unified Republican government will continue our work to change the status quo and provide real progress for all Americans. The adoption of this rule and the passage of the underlying bills is yet another opportunity to show that we heard this message loud and clear and that we will reinforce our commitment to restoring the people's voice in our Federal Government. I am proud to support the rule providing for the consideration of these measures, and I urge my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying bills. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. First of all, in fact, if I could read from a letter I received this morning from over two dozen agricultural groups. In one sentence, it says: ``Thank you in advance for your support of this bill that is so important to U.S. farmers, ranchers, hedgers and futures customers.'' It is signed, like I said, by over two dozen organizations. I include in the Record the letter I received this morning, I think, as did my colleague, Representative Polis, from over two dozen agricultural groups and associations located throughout the country in unanimous support of H.R. 238. January 11, 2017. Dear Member of the House of Representatives: The undersigned organizations represent a very broad cross- section of U.S. production agriculture and agribusiness. We urge you to cast an affirmative vote on H.R. 238, the ``Commodity End-User Relief Act,'' when it moves to the floor for consideration. This legislation contains a number of important provisions for agricultural and agribusiness hedgers who use futures and swaps to manage their business and production risks. Some, but certainly not all, of the bill's important provisions include: Sections 101-103--Codify important customer protections to help prevent another MF Global situation. Section 104--Provides a permanent solution to the residual interest problem that would have put more customer funds at risk--and potentially driven farmers, ranchers and small hedgers out of futures markets--by forcing pre-margining of their hedge accounts. Section 306--Relief from burdensome and technologically infeasible recordkeeping requirements in commodity markets. Section 308--Requires the CFTC to conduct a study and issue a rule before reducing the de minimis threshold for swap dealer registration in order to make sure that doing so would not harm market liquidity and end-user access to markets. Section 311--Confirms the intent of Dodd-Frank that anticipatory hedging is considered bona fide hedging activity. Thank you in advance for your support of this bill that is so important to U.S. farmers, ranchers, hedgers and futures customers. Sincerely, American Cotton Shippers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Feed Industry Association, American Soybean Association, Grain and Feed Association of Illinois, Kansas Grain and Feed Association, Michigan Agri-Business Association, Michigan Bean Shippers, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Cotton Council. National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Grain and Feed Association, National Milk Producers Federation, National Pork Producers Council, National Sorghum Producers, Nebraska Grain and Feed Association, North American Millers Association, Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance, Ohio AgriBusiness Association, South Dakota Grain and Feed Association, USA Rice, Wisconsin Agri-Business Association.

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 40 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, while I applaud the optimism and enthusiasm of the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Polis) about defeating the previous question, getting back to the debate on the rule, I have no further speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I certainly appreciate the discussion over the past few minutes. I believe that this rule and the underlying bills are strong measures that are important to the future of our country. This rule provides for ample debate on the floor, the opportunity to consider and vote on both H.R. 238 and H.R. 78, as well as every amendment that was submitted to the House Rules Committee, which reflects the balanced, open, and deliberative process afforded by this rule. H.R. 238 is a solid, substantial measure that will address several critical issues that the CFTC and end user are facing, while also addressing the CFTC's lapsed reauthorization with reauthorizing the Commission through 2021. While some opponents have called for an open rule, this structured rule makes all eight submitted amendments in order. Mr. Speaker, no one wants to see complete deregulation of our financial services industries and our commodities and derivatives markets. However, it is critical that the regulations put in place are appropriate for our economy and our users. These rules have to provide safeguards and prevent systemic risk but should not hinder our entire economy with one-size-fits-all regulations. As we have discussed today, the current rules place enormous compliance and financial burdens on small businesses, on farmers and ranchers, utilities, and manufacturers. They take these small, risk- averse entities and place them under the same regulatory scheme as large financial institutions and hedge funds. H.R. 238 will differentiate and exempt the end users who are not a cause of systemic risk--as these entities inherently want to avoid risk--and, thus, shouldn't be subject to the same rules and requirements as financial and investment firms that are less risk averse in nature. The Commodity End-User Relief Act would make much-needed reforms at the CFTC to strengthen their rulemaking process and add commonsense consumer protections so these regulations are not a continual burden on our Nation's farmers and small businesses. Mr. Speaker, the rule also provides for consideration of H.R. 78 under a structured rule and makes all five Democratic amendments in order. This legislation takes important steps to engrain a stronger commitment to economic analysis at the SEC, which will facilitate the promulgation of reasonable rules that do not unduly burden registered companies or negatively impact job creation. The measure will increase transparency and oversight, while facilitating additional analysis and reviews of existing regulations, which should be something that all Members of this body can support. As elected Representatives, I believe we must ensure our regulatory framework is not politicized and that Federal regulators are thoroughly assessing both the need for the regulation as well as adequately evaluating its potential consequences. This bill takes important steps towards achieving all of these goals. It is important to remember that the financial crisis was not caused by the farmer who grows the food you eat for dinner, or by the utility you buy electricity from, or by the people who provide the wood in your desk or the metal used in your car. I don't know of any reason why we should continue to treat them as if they were responsible, which is what the current law does and is what H.R. 238 seeks to correct. Further, better informing the American people of the true impact of major regulations does nothing to diminish the ability of regulators to adequately address illegal or inappropriate activities but, rather, increases transparency and the efficacy of Federal rules, which is why passage of H.R. 78 is so critical both to our constituents and to our economy. Mr. Speaker, this is a strong rule that provides for open and fair consideration of these vital pieces of legislation as well as every amendment that was submitted to the House Rules Committee. I am proud to speak in favor of this rule, and I urge all of my colleagues to support House Resolution 40 and both of the underlying bills.

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. ``Before he enter on the execution of his office, he shall take the following oath or affirmation:--`I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.' ''

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Captain William M. Peterson of Richland, Washington, who was recently inducted into the Wall of Gallantry in the Hall of Heroes at the United States Coast Guard Academy. While serving as an aircraft commander with the Coast Guard in July of 1982, then-Lieutenant Peterson engaged in a perilous rescue of nine survivors from an HC-130 that had crashed in bad weather on Attu Island, off the coast of Alaska. Flying in extremely hazardous conditions, with winds gusting up to 40 knots, and with visibility as low as 50 feet, Lieutenant Peterson inched his helicopter along the side of a mountain and transported nine survivors back to safety over multiple trips from the crash site. Captain Peterson demonstrated the highest forms of courage, judgment, and unwavering devotion to duty that day. I congratulate him on this much-deserved honor. I also offer my humble appreciation to Captain Peterson for serving on my Academy Nomination Board. Your heroic service is an inspiration to these future military leaders.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained during the vote series that occurred on December 5, 2016, due to flight delays resulting from inclement weather. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Yes'' on the three measures under consideration: H.R. 6427, the Creating Financial Prosperity for Businesses and Investors Act; H.R. 5015, the Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016; and the House Amendment to S. 1635, the Department of State Authorities Act, Fiscal Year 2017, as amended.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance for their efforts to use the world's first renewable jet fuel made from timber harvest residuals on a commercial flight from Seattle to Washington, D.C., this last Monday, November 14. NARA is a diverse coalition consisting of Washington State University, University of Washington, Alaska Airlines, Boeing, Weyerhaeuser, the U.S. Forest Service, and many other partners. Their goal was to create a sustainable aviation biofuel, increase bioenergy literacy, and advance rural economic development. This achievement of fueling a cross-country flight entirely on wood products is a great testament to the cooperation, innovation, and hard work of the NARA members. Moreover, it demonstrates the forward- thinking commitment to an all-of-the-above energy strategy that the Pacific Northwest is renowned for. Again, congratulations to NARA and their members on this amazing achievement.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kameron Goetz--a distinguished high school student from Coulee City, Washington, and a committed advocate for our nation's veterans. Kameron was named a Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) finalist for his speech during the 2016 ``National Public Speaking II'' competition. Earlier this year, Kameron contacted my congressional office and shared a copy of the speech he had delivered to the FBLA. I encourage all of my colleagues to read this speech, which details the life and service of Kameron's grandfather, David Wayne Long, who volunteered for the U.S. Army following his high school graduation and served honorably in the Vietnam War. For his service, Mr. Long was awarded numerous military awards and medals, including the Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantryman's badge, Bronze Star, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, as well as three Purple Hearts for wounds received in combat. Following his discharge from the U.S. Army, Mr. Long settled down in Washington, started a family, and became a successful businessman. However, as is far too common, Mr. Long returned from the war with wounds that cannot be seen by the naked eye and suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for much of his civilian life. Tragically, on February 3, 2014, David Wayne Long took his own life after a decades-long battle with PTSD. Mr. Long's story is one that we hear far too often, as too many of our brave men and women serving in the Armed Forces return home from the battlefield and are faced with the mental wounds and memories from their time at war. Our veterans have made great sacrifices to ensure the rights and freedoms of all Americans are protected and we owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. However, we must ensure that our nation's service-members receive the best care and treatment available, and we must also dedicate ourselves to supporting causes and organizations that are working tirelessly to assist our country's heroes as their own personal health battles continue. Kameron's speech, as well as his dedication to helping our nation's troops and veterans, has inspired me and many people around the country to give back and volunteer for efforts that help the brave men and women of our Armed Forces, past and present, who have sacrificed so much in service to our country. The speech Kameron gave to FBLA is truly moving and his ongoing commitment to support our veterans should serve as an example for all Americans. I would like to thank Kameron and his family for their dedicated service and patriotism. I am honored to be able to include his remarks in the Record. Speech Delivered by Kameron Goetz--Future Business Leaders of America-- National Public Speaking II Competition, 2016 A little over two centuries ago a nation of men rose up, and threw off the yoke of oppression that had been thrust upon them by a far away monarch. In acquiring their freedom and breaking their bonds, many men laid down their lives. Today, it is because of their sacrifice that we are free. But this freedom must be continually fought for in order to keep it. As members of FBLA, we strive to develop character, prepare for useful citizenship, and foster patriotism. At a minimum, every citizen of the United States should have similar goals. However, some have set and achieved much higher goals, while consequently paying a higher price. Today, I am going to tell you of one such person, and of the price he paid. There was a small town farm boy who grew up right here in Washington State. You could call him the ``All-American Kid.'' He was a hard worker, a good student, and an exceptional athlete. Once this All-American Kid graduated from high school, he was faced with an All-American decision. Join the Army or follow his mother's advice to settle down and get married to his high school sweetheart. As much as he wanted to please his mother, he chose the Army. He quickly adapted to his new life, becoming an excellent soldier--1st in his class at Basic Training. Once his training was complete, the All-American Kid was shipped off to a far away war, in a far away land, called Vietnam. In the sweltering jungles of Southeast Asia, he came face to face with the monsters of war. He saw things that no man, let alone any boy, should ever see. Then he came home. The All-American Kid had a Bronze Star on his chest for valor, the physical scars of three separate combat wounds, and the demons that accompanied the atrocities he had witnessed. He was a hero, but was not treated as such. As he stepped back onto U.S. soil for the first time in months, the All-American kid was spit on and berated. He was called a ``butcher,'' a ``rapist,'' and a ``baby killer.'' The All-American rushed past the names and moved on. The demons he brought back with him were pushed deep down, far away. He settled down, got married, started a family, and became a successful businessman. Life was great on the outside. But on the inside, everything was much worse. His demons had never left him. For years they clawed, and ripped, and tore away at his very soul. And he fought, and he fought, and he fought back with everything he had. Finally, after years of fighting, he lost the fight. On February 3, 2014, my grandfather, David Wayne Long, the All-American Kid, succumbed to his demons. He committed suicide. 58,000 men and women lost their lives under a Vietnam sky. An additional 100,000 came home, only to take their lives under their own roofs. Every day, twenty-two veterans kill themselves. With that number, we are losing 8,000 veterans a year. They are all suffering from the same common disease. This disease is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or more commonly known as PTSD. PTSD won't let you move on from what you have seen, heard, or done in traumatic circumstances. It eats at you, slowly deteriorating your very will to live. It cannot be cured, it cannot be stopped. But it can be treated. Foundations such as the Wounded Warrior Project are dedicated to helping men and women of the United States Armed Forces, past and present, recover from the physical and mental wounds of war. Specifically for those suffering with mental afflictions, the people at WWP take them in and simply love on them. They make them feel appreciated. Now this is key, because one of the worst fears for every soldier is not the fear of death. It is the fear that they will come home and the people, who they would have died for on a daily basis, do not care. The Wounded Warrior Project can't help veterans alone. They need support, and they need partners. We need to be that support, and we need to be those partners, because it is the men and women who have served our country for generations that have upheld our freedom. I am ready to stand up and give back. Rise up with me. Let's all give back. Let's give back to those who gave.