Scott Perry

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Chairman, how much time remains?

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Chairman, it seems to me the Secretary of Defense doesn't need Congress to tell him what the threats are. He knows what the threats are. I can tell you as a person who has been privileged for over 30 years to wear the Nation's uniform--the Army, the military's uniform--and as a person who was privileged to lead troops in combat in the Middle East, I didn't need Congress to tell me who the enemy is or was. We know that. We also don't need Congress to tell us to report the issues that we might have in defending the Nation to the Congress or to the Commander. We know our duty, and we will do our duty. If we have issues that need to be reported--whether it is sea level rise or the enemy has a new weapon or we can't feed our troops or what have you--we will report it, and we will resolve it. We don't need people in Washington, D.C., telling us how to run the war. That is our job. That is the military's job. This amendment simply says that we ought to prioritize that. We ought to let them prioritize that. We ought to let combatant commanders--we ought to let the men and women who wear the uniform and defend our country focus on the enemy. If the enemy, indeed, is climate change, then they will focus on that as well, and they will submit information so that we can make decisions. The point is, should somebody--should all of us in this uniform in Washington, D.C.--be telling the fine men and women in uniform across the globe defending our country that we know better? That is exactly what I am trying to avoid here. Little by little, drip by drip, we have watched our Nation's and military's focus eroded--this and that. Believe me. I have filled out the reports. As an officer, I have filled out a whole bunch of reports on a regular basis that have nothing to do with completing the mission of securing our Nation and defeating the enemy--nothing to do with it. This is just one in the long line of them. My only goal is to send this to where it needs to be--the agencies best adapted to deal with it and take it out of the agencies that shouldn't be dealing with it and should be dealing with securing our Nation and fighting the enemy. Mr. Chairman, I ask my colleagues to support the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Chair, I thank Mrs. Hartzler, my good friend, for offering this amendment. Mr. Chair, we are $20 trillion in debt. Taxpayers, by my figures, are projected to pay $3.7 billion over the next 10 years for sex reassignment surgery and hormone therapy for those in the military who wish to transition from one sex to another. The total cost includes the manpower lost while the individual transitions, which can take up to a year or longer, depending on complications. Sex reassignment patients also require specialized medicine following the procedure. And I find that interesting, in the face of the fact I just had a young gentleman come to my office who wants to serve, but he can't serve, because he has got a peanut allergy. Right? He can't go downrange, because we can't have the medicine downrange, and that doesn't cost the taxpayers anything, but we are going to spend $3.7 billion over the next 10 years on sex reassignment surgery as opposed to buying aircraft and body armor and the things that warfighters need to be successful in defending the Nation. It is really just a priority issue. With limited defense resources and the current state of our Armed Forces, we must prioritize increasing our strength and readiness.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Goodlatte for making sure this bill gets to the floor. Mr. Speaker, I am registering my support for Kate's Law and H.R. 3003, the No Sanctuary for Criminals--for Criminals--Act. I support these bills for the sake of Kate Steinle and every single one of those who share her tragic fate. She was murdered in broad daylight by a violent, criminal illegal alien. This was an easily preventable and heartbreaking crime, and we simply cannot fail the American people by refusing to act on these bills. The government's first responsibility is the security and protection of our homeland, a duty that should not be abdicated or yielded based on convenience. In 2011--2011--a GAO study found that aliens committed more than 25,000 homicides, more than 69,000 sexual offenses, 14,000 kidnappings, 42,000 robberies, and 213,000 assaults, among other offenses. Every single one of these is too many. Very few things in this world we can get at 100 percent, but these are 100 percent preventable if these people would not have been here. These are preventable crimes, completely preventable, and we must stop the willful neglect of complacency by government officials who refuse to enforce existing--this is not new. This is existing law we are asking them to enforce, we are requiring them to enforce. According to a March 2017 Washington Times article, nearly 500 jurisdictions have sanctuary policies that block--that block--that limit ICE from apprehending criminal aliens. A January 2017 article from the Washington Examiner reported that, from January 2014 to September 2015, sanctuary jurisdictions rejected 17,000 ICE detainers. Those are 17,000 criminals that are out on the street that we know about that we let go. Adding insult to injury, these sanctuary jurisdictions seek Federal funds to help them defy Federal law enforcement efforts to remove the dangerous criminal aliens from the streets. Mr. Speaker, it is time to put Americans first, and we support the restoration of law and order by supporting these proposals.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today we remember the Battle of Gettysburg, a clear turning point in our American history. I'm privileged and humbled to represent these hallowed grounds. This weekend, we commemorate the 154th Anniversary of the Battle--one that pit brother against brother, neighbor against neighbor, for three days of horrific and abject combat--not for hatred, but rather unbridled passion and loyalty to their respective causes; a loyalty that drove these Soldiers to give, in President Lincoln's words, ``the last full measure of devotion.'' Everything our Nation has achieved since that time--the expansion of freedom and liberty, civil rights, and centuries of human achievements--was borne of the sacrifice and struggle of the Soldiers who valiantly fought this Battle. Beginning in 1888, Veterans from both sides of the conflict held reunions in Gettysburg to celebrate our unity and hopes for the future. The reunions would culminate with the lighting of the Eternal Light Peace Memorial in July 1938, the 75th Anniversary of the Battle, and the final Veteran's reunion. In the years since, millions of people from all over the world annually travel to Gettysburg to learn about our Nation's ``new birth of freedom,'' and the National Park Service and an array of dedicated citizens and partners perform the critical work of inspiring us to learn and appreciate the significance of the Gettysburg Campaign, the Gettysburg Address and the Civil War. On this 154th Anniversary, may God continue to bless the brave men and women who served and sacrificed at the Battle of Gettysburg. And may He rededicate us to ``...the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.''

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I proudly honor my constituents, the Central York High School Boys Volleyball Team, on earning the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Class AAA championship. These young men have brought home our seventh PIAA State Championship. The State Championship capped a phenomenal year for the Panthers, which included a York-Adams League title, District 3 AAA crown and state gold medal. The Panthers team has an army of loyal supporters. I extend my congratulations to head coach, Todd Goodling, and the school officials, family and friends that supported our young men on this incredible journey. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I commend and congratulate the Central York High School Boys Volleyball Team on earning the 2017 State Championship. Their work ethic and commitment to excellence sets the standard for all others to follow.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I was unexpectedly detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 316, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 317. personal explanation

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I offer my sincere congratulations to my constituent, William Bryan Fish, on earning. the Boy Scouts of America William T. Hornaday Silver Medal, its highest honor given for conservation work. Described by the Boy Scouts as the ``Olympic Medal Bestowed by the Earth,'' this award recognizes truly outstanding efforts by Scouts that have contributed to environmental protection and conservation. Mr. Fish is one of only 1,200 Scouts to have earned this award since it was created in 1914. To earn this award, Mr. Fish: installed hundreds of storm drain markers and information packets advising of the dangers of polluting waterways that connect to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed; organized an even-sided public debate on hydraulic fracking; cleaned up two miles of a local creek; and organized a battery recycling program for his local school district. Mr. Fish's character, perseverance and leadership earned this Award and mark him as a future leader in our community and sets the standard for others to follow. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth-Congressional District, I congratulate William Bryan Fish on earning the Boy Scouts of America William T. Hornaday Silver Medal, and wish him continued great success in his future adventures.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I offer my sincere congratulations to my constituent, Lieutenant Steve Shissler, on his upcoming retirement after more than 26 years of service to the Hampden Township Police Department in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Lt. Shissler climbed the ranks of the Hampden Township Police Department, starting as a patrolman, then to Corporal, Sergeant and, ultimately, Lieutenant. He has been in charge of the Department's Criminal Investigation Division for the last several years. Lt. Shissler's tireless dedication, professionalism and sacrifice has touched the lives of countless people and challenged all with whom he served to be the best. His legacy of service to our community truly is admirable. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I thank and congratulate Steve Shissler on his service to our Nation and wish him and his family continued great success in their future adventures.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I proudly honor the Gettysburg College Women's Lacrosse Team on earning the NCAA Division III Women's Lacrosse Championship. The Gettysburg College Bullets earned a 6-5 victory over top-ranked The College of New Jersey to earn its second National Championship. With a record of 21-3, Gettysburg College tied the program record for most victories in a season, and eclipsed the program and conference record for goals against average at 4.79. The Bullets also defeated two number one teams this season for the first time in program history. Their accomplishments have earned the respect of their peers as the Bullets earned the top spot in the final Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association Division III Coaches' Poll. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Head Coach Carol Cantele and the school officials, family and friends that supported these young women on their incredible and impressive journey. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I commend and congratulate the Gettysburg College Women's Lacrosse Team on earning the NCAA Division III Women's Lacrosse Championship. Their work ethic and commitment to excellence serve as the standard for all to follow.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I offer my sincere congratulations to my constituent, William Petite, on his upcoming retirement after more than 11 years of federal civilian service and 6 years of military service. Mr. Petite began his service to our Nation in 1969, when he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps to serve in the Vietnam War, during which he earned, among other decorations, the Purple Heart. He later enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a Non-Commissioned Officer on armored vehicles until his discharge in 1981. Mr. Petite later began working with tracked vehicles as a mechanic, supervisor, and in quality control with Boeing. He subsequently worked with Northrop-Grumman and Letterkenny Army Depot until 2009, when he accepted a position as a Quality Assurance Specialist with the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) working out of BAE in York, Pennsylvania. Mr. Petite's workload focused on the Bradley Fighting Vehicle ACAT-1 program; specifically, he aided in the initial development and updates to the Bradley program surveillance plan. His colleagues describe him as a dedicated, persistent, and outstanding leader who took great pride in supporting the customer, the Warfighter, and contributing to the defense of our Nation. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I thank and congratulate William Petite on his service to our Nation and wish his family continued great success in the years to come.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I offer my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the late Glenn R. Little, formerly of Hanover and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on the posthumous award of the Congressional Gold Medal for his service to the United States in the Civil Air Patrol during World War II. Second Lieutenant Little was one of 120,000 men and women who joined the Civil Air Patrol during World War II. They helped to protect our Nation by warding off German U-boat attacks on American oil tankers bound for Allied nations. They also took to the skies to patrol America's borders, conduct search and rescue missions, and provide disaster relief. These brave and heroic citizen volunteers helped to preserve our Nation's freedom. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor bestowed by the United States Congress, and legislation was signed into law in May 2014 that honored members of the Civil Air Patrol. Lt. Little's career and accomplishments during the War recently were celebrated at the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg. His granddaughter, Mrs. Barbara Heffner of Gettysburg, accepted the award on his behalf. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I thank and commend Glenn R. Little for his bravery and selfless service to the United States of America

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I offer my sincere congratulations to Harrisburg High School on the 25th Anniversary of its School of Business and Industry (SBI) Honors Prep Program. In 1991, the Harrisburg School District entered into a partnership with Florida A&M University to incorporate a School of Business & Industry Prep School Program into the Harrisburg High Campus curriculum. The goal of the SBI Program is to orient potentially high achieving scholars to the world of business and industry and enhance their critical thinking, listening and communication skills. SBI is a three-year accelerated honors program and has proven to build leadership skills and self-esteem, strengthen scholars' preparation for college and the career world, and empower them to become entrepreneurs. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I thank and congratulate all involved--past and present--with the SBI Honors Prep Program at Harrisburg High School on their 25th Anniversary and wish them continued great success in the years to come.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the first week in May as Small Business Week in the United States and to applaud the contributions of the 1 million small-business owners from across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The entrepreneurs at the helm of these businesses take on great risk. As a former small-business owner myself, I fully understand that risk as well as the colossal responsibility associated with signing the front side of a paycheck. Small business is the backbone of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, employing millions of people, roughly half of the private sector workforce in our Commonwealth. Their success is our success. We thank them for all they do to drive innovation forward and create and sustain careers of tomorrow.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I honor my constituent, Eric Stiles, for earning a 2017 Governor's Victim Service Pathfinder Award, Pennsylvania's most prestigious award for a victim service professional or program. Mr. Stiles is a sexual assault survivor who has devoted his career to advocacy and activism on behalf of others. At the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, Mr. Stiles has helped to develop best practices in sexual violence intervention and prevention. He's led efforts to support sexual violence victims at all stages of life. His colleagues rave about a man who they say ``. . . leads with passion and heart for the work, which only grows with his visionary ideas and creative outlets for engaging others,'' and who ``. . . has an uncanny knack for helping people to move and grow into a better version of themselves.'' As a member of the House Victims' Rights Caucus, and simply as a person who empathizes with and prays for the plight of sexual violence victims, I'm truly moved by Mr. Stiles' strength and compassion. His dedication has touched the lives of countless people and his legacy of service to others is exceptional.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I honor my constituent, Thomas Kibler, for his retirement after 26 years in local law enforcement. Mr. Kibler has served as a patrol officer and/or a criminal investigator with the Northern York County Regional Police, the North Middleton Township Police and finally with the Carroll Township Police. Mr. Kibler has earned numerous commendations and awards for his police work and also served our Nation honorably in the United States Army Reserve. He'll continue to serve our fellow citizens in a new role with the Pennsylvania Capitol Police. Mr. Kibler's tireless dedication, professionalism and sacrifice touched the lives of countless people and challenged all with whom he served to be the best. His legacy of service to our community truly is admirable. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I commend and congratulate Thomas Kibler on his retirement from local law enforcement and wish him Godspeed in his future adventures.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I honor my constituents, Michael and Tabitha Marquardt, on his upcoming retirement after more than 20 years of service with the United States Navy. Michael's tireless dedication to duty, professionalism and sacrifice touched the lives of countless people and challenged all with whom he worked to be the best. His numerous commendations and awards, including the Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and several others, are a testament to his courage, work ethic and character. His enduring legacy of service to our Nation truly is commendable. Michael would be the first to admit, however, that his service at home and around the world--to include the Persian Gulf and Mexico-- would have been impossible without the sacrifice and service of his wife, Tabitha. Like thousands of other military spouses, her strength and perseverance played a critical role in our Nation's defense as she managed the family's affairs at home, which allowed Michael to focus on critical missions before him. We owe an enormous debt of gratitude for the service of our military families. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I commend and congratulate Michael and Tabitha Marquardt upon his retirement and for their family's service to the United States of America.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I honor my constituent, the Reverend Michael L. Cooper-White, upon the occasion of his retirement as the 12th president of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, and more than 40 years of service to the Church. Rev. Cooper-White has served as President of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg since 2000, where he led efforts to: revise curriculum to strengthen an integrative approach to theological education; strengthen the seminary's fiscal health; and forge the pathway of the forthcoming consolidation with the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia to form the United Lutheran Seminary. Rev. Cooper-White also served in leadership positions with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries, the Washington Theological Consortium and myriad local boards. His ministry has spanned multiple continents and he's served the Church as pastor, teacher, author and engaged citizen. Reverend Cooper-White's dedication has touched the lives of countless people and challenged all with whom he served to be the best. His legacy of service is commendable. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I commend and congratulate Reverend Michael L. Cooper-White upon his retirement after many years of service to the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg and our community.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I honor my constituent, Diane Innerst, upon her upcoming retirement after 23 years as a Middle School Math Teacher for Harrisburg Academy. In addition to her teaching duties, Mrs. Innerst served as mentor of the Math Counts Team for each of her 23 year at Harrisburg Academy. She worked with the student council and oversaw a myriad of events such as dances, bake sales, elections and fundraisers. Prior to her time with Harrisburg Academy, Mrs. Innerst taught in the public education system. Mrs. Innerst's family has served our Nation with distinction as her husband is a former U.S. Marine and their two sons graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. Mrs. Innerst's dedication has touched the lives of many people and challenged all with whom she served to be the best. Her legacy of service is admirable. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I commend and congratulate Diane Innerst upon her retirement after many years of service to Harrisburg Academy and our community.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I honor my constituent, John Eline, on his upcoming retirement upon 10 years of service with Adams County Emergency Services, and for his ongoing commitment to his community. Mr. Eline served as Adams County's Director of Emergency Services and provided calm leadership, professionalism and a strong work ethic to a wide range of challenges, including implementation of a new digital emergency radio system and preparations for the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg in 2013. Mr. Eline is also very active in our community, volunteering with the Gettysburg Fire Department, previously serving 12 years on Gettysburg's Borough Council and more than two decades with Gettysburg Hospital. Mr. Eline's dedication has touched the lives of many people and challenged all with whom he served to be the best. His legacy of service to his community is admirable. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I commend and congratulate John Eline upon his retirement after many years of service to Adams County and our fellow citizens.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I, once again, commend my good friend and colleague from New Jersey (Mrs. Watson Coleman) on her hard work in offering this viable and meaningful solution. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 347. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 366) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Under Secretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security to make certain improvements in managing the Department's vehicle fleet, and for other purposes.

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

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I stand before you in support of H.R. 366, the DHS Stop Asset and Vehicle Excess, or DHS SAVE, Act of 2016. In October of 2015, the DHS inspector general released a scathing report of the Federal Protective Service's management of their vehicle fleet, a report that reads like a laundry list of poor management decisions. The IG found that the FPS had more vehicles than officers, and officers were authorized to drive from home to work with government-owned vehicles and, actually, put more miles on the vehicles in driving from home and back to work than they did on the job, among many other things. Additionally, the report stated that the FPS was not in compliance with Federal and departmental compliance, which is why I introduced the DHS SAVE Act. This bill improves the management of DHS' vehicle fleets by authorizing the Under Secretary for Management at the headquarters level to oversee the components' vehicle fleets, requires the components to evaluate their fleets on an ongoing basis, includes penalties for the mismanagement of component fleets, and requires the DHS to identify alternative methods for the management of component fleets. With the second largest civilian vehicle fleet in the Federal Government, the DHS simply must have stricter controls in place at the headquarters level in order to rein in rogue components. As the new administration scrutinizes the DHS' operations, this bill will provide important authorities to root out waste, fraud, and abuse from the Department. I urge all Members to join me in supporting this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.