Robert Pittenger

Mr. PITTENGER

Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, I had the privilege of honoring six World War II heroes at VFW Post 2423 in Indian Trail, North Carolina. Each hero was awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal by the French consul. They were: Charles Richardson, who flew 35 combat missions aboard a B-17 over France, the Netherlands, and Germany. Andrew McMahon received the Purple Heart while fighting to liberate France. William Rachui helped liberate Rome and southern France while earning five Bronze Service Stars. James Crump landed at Omaha Beach on D-day and received two Bronze Stars and three Purple Hearts. Aster Rider landed at Omaha Beach on D-day. As a rifleman on the front lines, he was one of only a handful of soldiers to survive. Harold Granger landed at Utah Beach on D-day. He helped save lives by finding and disarming landmines. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in thanking these brave patriots for their service to the United States and the cause of liberty.

Mr. PITTENGER

Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of H.R. 2148, the Clarifying Commercial Real Estate Loans Act. I would also like to thank my colleague, Chairman Huizenga, for his leadership on our behalf. This bipartisan legislation makes commonsense reforms to the high volatility commercial real estate loan process and clarifies the existing regulations to help simplify real estate financing in high volatility markets, including economically depressed urban communities. The complexity of the current HVCRE definition, combined with the failure of Federal regulators to clarify and define HVCRE rules and how and where they are to be applied, has made certain that these development loans have become way too expensive. This has increased borrowing costs and reduced credit availability. These failures directly impact local communities. We have seen fewer jobs, less economic growth, and increased costs for community projects, in addition to setbacks for local banks and developers. My bipartisan legislation addresses many of these concerns by broadening the types of equity the developer may place towards the heightened risk requirements of an HVCRE loan. We also clarify which types of loans should and should not be classified as HVCRE. We must codify and improve the HVCRE rules to ensure market and industry stability. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman David Scott, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, and Ranking Member Waters, who actively worked with me on this important legislation. Please join us in supporting this commonsense, bipartisan legislation.

Mr. PITTENGER

Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Dr. Billy Graham, a revered national treasure, who celebrates his 99th birthday today. The world honors Dr. Graham's birthday because of a decision he made 83 years ago. On November 1, 1934, at a Mordecai Ham tent revival in Charlotte, North Carolina, young Billy Graham accepted Jesus as his personal Savior and committed his life to telling others about Jesus' love and forgiveness. God used that decision to impact countless lives around the world. While Presidents have sought his counsel over many decades and millions have gone forward to accept Jesus Christ at his meetings, Dr. Graham is remembered most for honoring and following his Lord and master. On a personal note, I first met Dr. Graham back in 1971 when I served as his caddy at the Byron Nelson Pro-Am, playing with Byron Nelson, Bob Hope, and Arnold Palmer. That was a fun time, but I have admired his walk with Jesus ever since. Happy birthday, Dr. Graham.

Mr. PITTENGER

Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce the No Abortion Bonds Act, to end Federal tax-exempt bonds that support abortion providers. Under a loophole in the current law, cities, counties, and States can issue Federal tax-free bonds to finance construction of abortion clinics. In 2012, the New York City government issued a tax-free $15 million bond for a $30 million renovation of Planned Parenthood's national headquarters, which was subsequently sold 3 years later for $60 million. In 2007, Sarasota County, Florida, floated an $8 million tax- free bond to pay for a Planned Parenthood abortion clinic. These tax-free bonds are intended to finance schools, hospitals, infrastructure--not abortion clinics. The No Abortion Bonds Act has over 30 bipartisan cosponsors and is endorsed by Americans United for Life, Susan B. Anthony List, National Right to Life, March for Life, the Family Policy Alliance, and the Eagle Forum. Please join me today in applying the spirit of the Hyde amendment to the Tax Code by preventing tax-free bonds from going to abortion providers.

Mr. PITTENGER

Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which I was among one of the first cosponsors. God bless Representative Trent Franks for his tireless leadership. This is a commonsense, pro-life bill that prohibits late-term elective abortions on unborn babies after 20 weeks postfertilization. At this tender age, they can feel the excruciating pain of abortion. America has always been a beacon for human rights. Yet, according to a 2014 report by the Charlotte Lozier Institute, the U.S. is among just seven countries that permit elective abortion past 20 weeks. These countries include China and North Korea. Our Nation suffers an egregious offense to be listed with North Korea and China, two oppressive regimes that show no respect for human life or human rights in allowing the killing of these precious babies as they endure these cruel abortions. This bill is important, as we speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. As an engaged and active member of the Congressional Pro- Life Caucus, I fully support this bill, as I stand for life.

Mr. PITTENGER

Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Pastor Loran Livingston and his wife, Sandra, in recognition of their 40 years of ministry at Central Church of God in Charlotte, North Carolina. God has used the Livingstons to grow and lead a church that truly impacts the Charlotte community and the world. Each week, over 6,000 people gather together for a wonderful praise and worship experience, along with a dynamic biblical message from Pastor Livingston. Under their leadership, the congregation actively serves those in poverty, provides help for women facing an unplanned pregnancy all the way through life, and programs to assist seniors. Central Church also hosts an annual 5K race to raise awareness in the fight against human trafficking. If you want to address race relations in Charlotte, a good place to start is Central Church, where 40-plus nationalities worship together every Sunday hearing the love of Jesus. Thank God for Pastor and Mrs. Livingston and their dedication to Christ, Central Church, the Charlotte community, and their various missions around the world.

Mr. PITTENGER

Mr. PITTENGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of The Moser Group and Wingate University for their extraordinary organizational and grassroots efforts to help victims of Hurricanes Irma in Florida and Harvey in Texas. This week, these two organizations will load two 18- wheeler trucks to deliver supplies directly to the affected areas. Commitment to charity and compassion for victims of national disasters is truly what makes America great. In North Carolina, we know all too well about the consequences of hurricanes: 98,000 homes and 19,000 businesses were destroyed by Hurricane Matthew, from which we are still recovering. Organizations like The Moser Group and Wingate University are key to recovery efforts across the country. They are to be commended. Madam Speaker, God bless them as they continue to help people in need.

Mr. PITTENGER

Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Chair, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 445.

Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Chair, if the gentleman will continue to yield, as we consider the great plight in Texas of Hurricane Harvey, I also want to offer my sincere thanks for the outpouring of support that my State continues to receive, that they need after the devastation of Hurricane Matthew. Mr. Chair, I want to thank Chairman Frelinghuysen, who has offered my State great support, and Chairman Carter.

Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Chairman, earlier today the House passed a critical $8 billion disaster relief package that is intended to fund the immediate needs for Federal disaster relief. Similar to Hurricane Harvey, a year ago, eastern North Carolina was devastated by Hurricane Matthew. Our State suffered $4.8 billion in damage, including 98,000 homes and 19,000 businesses. 82,000 people have made applications to FEMA. Mr. Chairman, although the package passed by the House this morning was for Hurricane Harvey relief, can you please explain how it will be also helpful for Hurricane Matthew victims? I would like to be able to assure my constituents that Congress will continue to support their long-term disaster relief needs.

Mr. PITTENGER

Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Monsignor John McSweeney, priest of Charlotte's St. Matthew Catholic Church, the largest Catholic parish in America, who retires this week after more than 40 years of ministry. He was actually the first priest ordained in what was then the new Charlotte Diocese back in 1974. Monsignor McSweeney is committed to the principle of servant leadership and of helping each member of his parish find their special God-given role in life and in the church. Despite his very public role, he often reminds folks that Jesus is the star of St. Matthew, not the priest. Monsignor McSweeney has another motto: ``You never say no to Jesus.'' And so, still listening to Jesus at age 75, Monsignor McSweeney is retiring from America's largest Catholic parish to move on to Haiti or Jamaica to live among the poor and minister to their needs. May God bless Monsignor McSweeney in this next phase of ministry.

Mr. PITTENGER

Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Chairman, I would like to also thank Chairman Thornberry and Chairman Sessions for making my amendment in order and allowing floor consideration. Mr. Chairman, my amendment is simple. It prohibits telecommunications companies that provide material support for North Korea cyber attacks from contracting with our Defense Department. While my amendment is simple in nature, it strikes at the heart of what I believe to be the cornerstone of North Korea policy. For far too long, China has enabled the North Korean Government to pursue nuclear development, global provocation, and egregious human rights violations. The Chinese Government is simply not a good faith partner on the issue of North Korea. For example, there have been multiple public reports indicating that China's largest government-affiliated telecommunications firm, Huawei, has been subpoenaed by the Commerce Department as part of an ongoing investigation into whether it broke our export control laws by conducting business with North Korea. Additionally, earlier this year, a similar Chinese Government- affiliated firm, ZTE, was hit with a record-breaking billion-dollar fine in connection with comparable North Korea-related export violations. Mr. Chairman, my amendment is one of many steps that our Congress needs to take to demonstrate to China we will no longer tolerate its alliance and partnership with North Korea. I urge my colleagues to support my amendment.

Mr. PITTENGER

Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Laurinburg- Maxton Army Air Base in Scotland County, North Carolina, which played a vital but little-known role in World War II. From 1942 to 1945, Scotland County helped prepare glider pilots for the invasions of North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. Generals Dwight Eisenhower and George Marshall visited the base during the war to observe glider training. On June 6, 1944, when more than 160,000 Allied troops landed during the Invasion of Normandy, glider pilots trained in Scotland County were among the vanguard as American soldiers silently soared down the French coastline through the thick fog powered only by the prevailing winds. The brave glider pilots who trained at Laurinburg-Maxton Air Base helped secure Allied victory on D-day. Today I ask you to join me in honoring those soldiers as well as the Scotland County community, which supported these efforts.

Mr. PITTENGER

Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Speaker, the previous administration's biggest homeland security failures were the lack of prosecution and enforcement for crimes committed by illegal immigrants. For far too long, the Obama administration failed to adequately punish illegal immigrants who committed felonies in the United States. A simple deportation is not enough. The United States must prosecute and sentence all individuals who commit crimes and hurt Americans. When we enforce the law, we create a deterrent mechanism for future bad behavior. Failure to enforce the law is a failure to the American people. That is why I support Kate's Law. I thank Chairman Goodlatte for his strong work and leadership on this issue for the safety and security of the American people.

Mr. PITTENGER

Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Charlotte's Providence Presbyterian Church and in celebration of their 250th anniversary. Founded by Ulster Scots in 1767, the church was named ``Providence'' to express the founders' firm trust in the faithfulness of God to work all things for His purpose. Members of Providence Presbyterian were part of the combative North Carolina militia, the Hornet's Nest, which courageously opposed Lord Cornwallis during the Revolutionary War. For over 140 years, the church sponsored all schools in the community and, in the late 1850s, established Providence Female Academy, which was one of the few schools for women in the South. The church remains committed to service today. Part of the 250th anniversary celebration included making 250 dresses for young girls in Africa. Their motto is ``Rooted in Christ, growing in the Spirit.'' To Pastor Walt McCanless and the entire congregation, congratulations, and God bless this wonderful community of believers.

Mr. PITTENGER

Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of one of Charlotte's most exemplary businesses, Babcock & Wilcox, which today celebrates their 150th anniversary. Boilers made by Babcock & Wilcox powered Thomas Edison's laboratories and New York's first subway. During World War II, much of the U.S. Navy fleet was powered by Babcock & Wilcox boilers, and the company supplied components for the vital Manhattan Project. Later Babcock & Wilcox fabricated components for the USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine. More recently, Babcock & Wilcox has become a leading innovator in emissions control technologies, helping to protect our air, water, and land by controlling emissions from hundreds of power plants and industrial facilities around the world. In 2010, Babcock & Wilcox moved to Charlotte and became a vital part of the Charlotte region's growing cluster of industry-leading energy firms. Congratulations today to Babcock & Wilcox's 5,000 employees on this 150th anniversary.

Mr. PITTENGER

Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Chairman, I am here to support the Financial CHOICE Act, and for good reasons. Under Dodd-Frank, North Carolina has lost 50 percent of our banks since 2010, while three community banks have consolidated just in the last month. Monthly banking fees have increased 111 percent. As well, Dodd-Frank created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which even the liberal D.C. Court of Appeals calls unconstitutional and a threat to individual liberty. Dodd-Frank has made the Wall Street banks even bigger and more powerful; and Dodd-Frank has contributed to the slowest, weakest economic recovery in 70 years, impeding access to capital and credit in the market for small business. Maintaining the status quo is not acceptable. The Financial CHOICE Act will impose the toughest penalties in history for fraud on Wall Street. It will end taxpayer bailouts for Wall Street and allow your community banks and credit unions to focus on serving you and your local business, which will help create jobs and grow the economy. The Financial CHOICE Act means opportunity for all Americans and bailouts for none.

Mr. PITTENGER

Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Speaker, this weekend, America pauses to honor the patriotic men and women who sacrificed their lives in support of our liberty. For many, perhaps, Memorial Day has become just another reason for a cookout. But for more than 11,000 families in North Carolina, Memorial Day is very real. Their son or daughter or spouse or parent is among the 11,000 North Carolinians who died during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, or Afghanistan. Remembering the price of freedom makes me all the more grateful for the 17 students from my district who this year received appointments to West Point, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Naval Academy. These students, many of them at or near the top of their class, are volunteering to dedicate at least 9 years to defend America. They know the potential risks and the ultimate sacrifice required by many. To the families of those who died in service to our Nation, we extend our deepest sympathy and gratitude. May God bless you.

Mr. PITTENGER

Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Speaker, I was in North Carolina attending to District related business. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 263, and YEA on Roll Call No. 264.

Mr. PITTENGER

Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 249.

Mr. PITTENGER

Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his exceptional leadership on this very important legislation. In 2012, 7-year-old Jamal Stevens was in his bed when a tornado tore through the house, tossing him onto the embankment along Interstate 485, hundreds of feet from his room. The warning from the National Weather Service came 10 minutes later, after the tornado had already touched down. This is because my hometown of Charlotte relies on radar nearly 100 miles away, meaning that the National Weather Service is using weak or inaccurate readings when issuing crucial safety warnings for Charlotteans. In 2013, the current system provided a tornado warning, but for citizens in an entirely wrong neighborhood. More recently, a tornado in December of 2015 struck neighboring Union County with no warning from the National Weather Service. Fortunately, our region has not suffered any fatalities due to the inadequate coverage, but we shouldn't wait for tragedy to act. The Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act requires the Commerce Department to identify weak coverage areas and identify solutions to the problem by improving existing government radars or incorporating non-Federal radars into the National Weather Service's operations. Americans across the country rely on the National Weather Service to detect and provide warning for severe weather such as thunderstorms and tornadoes. But Charlotte is currently the largest metropolitan area without an adequate radar coverage. Addressing this shortcoming is an important step for public safety. With that in mind, I do urge my colleagues to support H.R. 353. I thank the chairman so much for his support on this critical legislation.

Mr. PITTENGER

Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Speaker, I was absent from votes on Tuesday, March 28. Had I been present, I would have opposed S.J. Res. 34, and voted NAY on Roll Call No. 202.

Mr. PITTENGER

Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the American Health Care Act and, specifically, the critically important reforms to Medicaid, in addition to the other great reforms that will bring cost- effective health care to this country. For 50 years, Medicaid has been a blank check to the States with little accountability and rampant fraud. During my time in the North Carolina Senate, we found as much as 20 percent waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicaid. In response, I have worked with SAS, a major technology firm, to develop accountability and oversight. North Carolina is now a leader in Medicaid fraud recovery. Under the American Health Care Act, Medicaid replaces an open blank check with commonsense per capita or block grant allotments for each State. This incentivizes States to follow North Carolina's lead and clean out the bad actors exploiting eligibility and the providers taking advantage of Medicaid at the expense of America's most vulnerable. Conservatives have championed these reforms for decades. Now is our opportunity to bring accountability to Medicaid. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this great reform.

Mr. PITTENGER

Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 129.

Mr. PITTENGER

Mr. PITTENGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Antioch Baptist Church in Robeson County, North Carolina. This year, Antioch Baptist celebrates their 200th anniversary. What an incredible testimony of faithfully spreading God's Word and ministering to the community. In 1817, the church was founded in the swamps of Robeson County as Burnt Island Baptist, with meetings under a brush arbor on the same spot where the church meets today. In 1842, the church was renamed Antioch, after the city from which the Apostle Paul launched his three missionary journeys. The name was chosen to signify the church's commitment to missions. More recently, Antioch Baptist took on the mission of providing a solid education alternative for the people of Robeson County by opening Antioch Christian Academy. Later this year, I look forward to joining Pastor Mark Meadows and the congregation of Antioch Baptist Church to celebrate their 200th anniversary. God bless them.