Scott Peters

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, May 1 marked the 5-year anniversary of the SEAL Team 6 raid on Osama bin Laden's compound in Pakistan. As co-chair of the Special Operations Forces Caucus, I commend the targeted approach of our intelligence agencies and our special operators who brought this terrorist to justice. The success of that raid showed our enemies that America will not stop until those who threaten our safety are eliminated. Now we are facing a new and dynamic threat to our security in the form of ISIS, and last week we were reminded of the sacrifices of our servicemembers when Charles Keating IV, a Coronado-based Navy SEAL, was killed on the front lines of this fight. Just as we did 5 years ago, we must act decisively to destroy this threat, to support our men and women in uniform, and to keep Americans safe by following a smart and strong national security strategy that eliminates ISIS.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, Akron, Ohio, April 18, 2013: Kem Delaney, 23 years old. Kiana Welch, 19. Maria Nash, 19. Kalamazoo, Michigan, February 20, 2016: Dorothy Brown, 74 years old. Barbara Hawthorne, 68. Mary Lou Nye, 62. Mary Jo Nye, 60. Richard Smith, 53. Tyler Smith, 17. Lakeland, Florida, January 6, 2016: Eneida Branch, 31 years old. David Washington, 24. Angelica Guadalupe Castro, 23. Pelzer, South Carolina, March 5, 2014: Victor Vandegrift, 48 years old. Wanda Renee Anderson, 43. Hank Eaton, 32. Kansas City, Kansas, March 7, 2016: Randy J. Nordman, 49 years old. Mike Capps, 41. Austin Harter, 29. Clint Harter, 27. Jackson, Tennessee, April 28, 2016: Dartalin Pharmer, 32 years old. Delandis Cortez Clark, 31. Brian Jontez Banes, 31. Tashonda Davis, 22. Wilmington, Delaware, February 11, 2016: Steven Rinehart, 50 years old. Laura Elizabeth Mulford, 47. Officer Michael Manley, 42. Christine Belford, 39.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize April 17 as World Hemophilia Day. Hemophilia is among the range of disorders that impacts fewer than 200,000 annually--thereby classifying it as a rare disease. It is a genetic disorder in which the blood doesn't clot, causing excessive bleeding and easy bruising. Without proper treatment, it can lead to organ damage, serious joint and muscle problems, and terrible pain. More than 20,000 Americans suffer from hemophilia, including an estimated 400 newborns. In my district, the Hemophilia Association of San Diego County provides educational programming and support services for families in San Diego. They have worked with national organizations and industry partners to improve healthcare, support research, and provide necessary resources for the bleeding disorders community since 1973. Today, there are about 141 federally-funded treatment centers and programs across the country, including two Hemophilia Treatment Centers in San Diego; Rady Children's Hospital and the University of California San Diego Health. The financial burden for individuals with severe hemophilia is often $250,000 a year or more. It is important to acknowledge the financial burden for individuals with severe hemophilia and their families. We must continue to invest in research and support efforts to make treatment more accessible to help improve the quality of life for people with Hemophilia.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize April 24 to April 30 as National Infertility Awareness Week. Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after 12 months of trying to conceive. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the World Health Organization recognize infertility as a disease. Today, one in eight couples have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy. Infertility affects approximately 10 percent of the population, but rarely are the necessary medical treatments covered by insurance. Alarmingly, this, too, is the case for veterans who have served our country and have become infertile as a result of their service. This issue strikes diverse groups, affecting people from all socioeconomic levels and cuts across racial, ethnic, and religious lines. We must acknowledge the medical and emotional aspects of infertility and continue to support efforts to make treatment more accessible to help improve the quality of life for people with infertility. This week, I ask that we all recognize and raise awareness on the issue of infertility as a disease and support the family-building efforts of those struggling with this disease of infertility.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, Deer Lodge, Montana, June 7, 2015: Arie Arlynn Lee, 37 years old; Augustine Lee Bournes, 5; Woodrow Lee Bournes, 4; Arie Lee Bournes, 1. Belfair, Washington, February, 26, 2016: Donna Reed, 68 years old; Lana Carlson, 49; Tory Carlson, 18; Quinn Carlson, 16. Flour Bluff, Texas, September 14, 2014: Pamela Kay Rhodes, 63 years old; Ricky Ray Collier, 56; Laura Elaine Ogden, 32. Orange, California, February 19, 2013: Melvin Edwards, 69 years old; Jeremy Lewis, 27; Courtney Aoki, 20. Menasha, Wisconsin, March 3, 2015: Jonathan Stoffel, 33 years old; Adam Bentdahl, 31; Erin Stoffel, 31; Olivia Stoffel, 11. Akron, Ohio, April 18, 2013: Ronald Roberts, 24 years old.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, Columbine, Colorado, April 20, 1999: William ``Dave'' Sanders, 47 years old; Isaiah Shoels, 18 years old; Lauren Townsend, 18 years old; Cassie Bernall, 17 years old; Cory Depooter, 17 years old; Rachel Scott, 17 years old; John Tomlin, 16 years old; Kyle Velazquez, 16 years old; Mathew Kechter, 16 years old; Kelly Fleming, 16 years old; Daniel Rohrbough, 15 years old; Daniel Mauser, 15 years old; Steven Curnow, 14 years old.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the subject of my Special Order.

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, Americans have seen a change in our economy firsthand and are concerned about what it means for their place in a new economy. We can't stop the forces that are transforming our economy and our world, but we can and we must look to the future to find the solutions that adapt to this new economy. We can't live in the past. This means boosting the creation of high-quality jobs by lowering barriers for small businesses to succeed and investing in infrastructure and research. It also means giving Americans the skills to work the jobs of the future that are being created. In March 2015, the New Democrat Coalition released Winning the Future, which outlines how we can grow our economy, preserve the American Dream, and make government work better for the people. The principles presented in the agenda and report represent ideas that anyone--Democrat, Republican, Independent--can support. The recently released report consists of 200 legislative actions, including items for every one of our Members. More than 57 percent of those bills--110 in total--are bipartisan, and more than 30 bills have advanced through a committee of the House or through the House as a whole. More than 20 items in the report have become law or have been implemented by an executive agency. This represents not just a plan but tangible progress. Today, we will share what that means for growing the economy in every town and city in America and for helping hardworking Americans thrive in the changing global economy. Federal funding for research and development has been on a downward trend for the past several decades. Today, the Federal Government spends almost two-thirds less on research and development than it did in 1965 as a portion of discretionary spending. The lack of funding has led to a $1.5 trillion investment deficit, and a growing number of America's best young researchers are taking their talents to other industries and to other countries. We need to reinvest in our young researchers to remain globally competitive. On that subject, I yield to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Kilmer).

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Kilmer for his leadership on this and for coming to join us today. Speaking of climate change and those kinds of issues, front and center in the changing economy in this decade is a fundamental shift in the way that we provide power for our economy. It is time to fully embrace the transition to a clean energy economy to reduce our alliance on foreign fuels, to create high-quality jobs, and to protect our environment. Last year New Dems helped to extend tax credits for the investment in production of solar and wind power. This will drive an estimated $70 billion in private sector investment in wind and solar energy. The wind and solar that will get built as a result of this investment will reduce emissions the equivalent of taking every American car off the road for 2 years. New Democrats have put forward proposals to invest in alternative energy research in the military and further expand the deployment of clean energy across the country. New Democrats are working to move the country forward to a clean energy economy that gives our children a better chance at a future with cleaner air, cleaner water, and economic prosperity. The Harvard Business School's United States Competitiveness Project outlines eight actions it recommends that Congress take to make America the most economically competitive place in the world to do business, not just to raise corporate profits, but to increase wages for working people across America. Among those eight steps, which include immigration reform, responsible Federal budgeting, simplification of Federal regulation, and investing in infrastructure and research, is tax reform. A modern Tax Code for the United States should foster business development and innovation, support hardworking families, and create opportunities for Americans to prosper in a 21st century economy. The current Tax Code is a complicated collection of outdated provisions riddled with loopholes in serious need of comprehensive overhaul. New Democrats have advocated for comprehensive tax reform while putting forward commonsense proposals to fix some of the most critical provisions in our Tax Code. This includes Chairman Ron Kind's proposal to promote American manufacturing and Representative Patrick Murphy's proposal to spur investment in startups. New Democrats are working to reform our Tax Code and make America the most competitive place in the world to do business. With more than 11 million immigrants forced to live in the shadows and countless other waiting in line outside the United States, it is clear America needs bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform. As long as Congress continues to delay action on comprehensive reform, the United States continues to lose out on top talent from around the world, our economy suffers as bright minds go elsewhere, and families remain separated. I have worked with New Democrat Coalition member Joaquin Castro on one such effort to modernize and streamline the United States visa system. Together, New Dems have advocated for a comprehensive solution that includes an earned path to citizenship and improved border security. This is supported by groups from across the spectrum and will grow the economy, create good jobs, and reduce the budget deficit by $200 billion and the debt in the first decade alone. I yield to the gentleman from Washington State (Mr. Kilmer).

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, we have heard an introduction as to how New Democrats are working to expand entrepreneurship, increase exports, invest in research and infrastructure, and set up Americans for success in the new economy. Our economy isn't going to stop changing, and neither should our efforts to find the most innovative, effective solutions for adapting to those changes. The Harvard Business School's United States Competitive Project has outlined eight actions it recommends that Congress take to make America the most economically competitive place in the world to do business, not just to raise corporate profits, but to increase wages for working people across America. Those include New Democrat priorities like tax reform, responsible Federal budgeting, simplifying Federal regulation, investing in infrastructure and research, and fixing our broken immigration system. I want to thank all the members of the New Democrat Coalition for their proposals and progress to increase prosperity and help hardworking Americans thrive in the changing global economy with more jobs, more skills, and more wealth. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, Irvington, New Jersey, Christmas Day, December 25, 2013: Pierre Clervoyant, Jr., 34 years old; Woodley Daniel, 32; Mushir Cureton, 27. Rochester, New York, August 19, 2015: Johnny Johnson, 25 years old; Rayquan Manigault, 19; Jonah Barley, 17. Hesston, Kansas, February 25, 2016: Brian Sadowsky, 43 years old; Josh Higbee, 31; Renee Benjamin, 30. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, March 9, 2016: Tina Shelton, 37 years old; Jerry Shelton, 35; Brittany Powell, 27; Shada Mahone, 26; Chanetta Powell, 25. Waynesville, Indiana, May 11, 2013: Kathryn Burton, 53 years old; Aaron T. Cross, 41; Shawn Burton, 41; Thomas W. Smith, 39.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, Jacksonville, Florida, November 13, 2015: Travis James Hiatt, 49 years old; Hayden Rose Hiatt, 5 months old; Kayden Reese Hiatt, 5 months old. Glendale, Arizona, February 23, 2016: Vic Buckner, 50; Kimberly Buckner, 49; Kaitlin Buckner, 18; Emma Buckner, 6. Roswell, New Mexico, August 21, 2015: Mere Contreras, 31 years old; Shelly Bird, 25; Damon Oswald-Newman, 19. Indianapolis, Indiana, February 20, 2014: Walter Burnell, 47; Jacob Rodemich, 43; Kristy Mae Sanchez, 22; Hayley Navarra, 21. Chesapeake, Virginia, January 27, 2016: Doris Dooley, 74 years old; Lori Dooley, 54; Todd Dooley, 50; Landon Dooley, 22; Brooke Dooley, 17. Oakland, Maine, November 4, 2015: Amanda Bragg, 30 years old; Michael Muzerolle, 29; Amy Derosby, 28.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, in San Diego and across the country, seniors depend on the programs for health care, for meals, and for other essential services that are included in the Older Americans Act. These programs help ensure that our seniors age successfully and with dignity. Serving Seniors, which is here today from San Diego to support the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act, will be able to continue to provide meals and other services to seniors at the Gary and Mary West Center. Meals-on-Wheels of Greater San Diego will have the certainty that it needs to keep delivering meals to seniors in their homes, and the County of San Diego will have more resources and information to combat elder abuse. Together, we will continue to hold senior scam seminars in San Diego to equip members of our senior community with the tools they need to avoid being scammed. For many seniors, an important part of aging with dignity is having the support of caregivers in their families. Improving the National Family Caregiver Support Program will continue to give these caregivers a network of information and services to care for their loved ones. As an active member of the House Seniors Task Force, I am committed to protecting the viability of Medicare and Social Security, which seniors have earned over lifetimes of hard work. By preventing Medicare fraud and abuse, this legislation will save on long-term costs and help keep Medicare viable. I urge my colleagues to stand up for seniors and support the passage of the bipartisan Older Americans Act. I thank leadership on both sides of the aisle for working on this.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Chairman, the existing Cross-State Air Pollution Rule set new standards for the emission of sulfur dioxide based on public health risks. Under this rule, States can choose to comply by adapting new technologies or employing cleaner energy sources. Today's bill would raise the acceptable levels threshold for sulfur dioxide emissions from one source, coal waste plants, allowing them to pour more of these pollutants into our air. It props up coal waste plants, thereby undermining flexibility for States to meet public health targets. It also distorts the ability of the market to determine which energy sources are most sustainable, cost effective, and meet the public's need. The underlying bill would pick winners and losers by favoring waste coal-burning power plants at the expense of other power sources. If coal waste plants can adapt and reduce their emissions to help States meet these targets, then they should do so; but short of that, the market is determining that there are more efficient ways to produce energy. Congress should not subsidize any energy source that does not compete with innovative and cleaner options that also better protect our children's health; but if this bill is going to raise these limits and allow more pollutants to be emitted, we should be honest with the communities that will be affected. My amendment requires the EPA to inform the general public and municipalities adjacent to waste coal plants about the anticipated effects of this bill on air quality not later than 90 days after its enactment. According to the American Lung Association, sulfur dioxide can cause breathing problems, exacerbate asthma symptoms, and reduce lung function. Exposure to sulfur dioxide has been connected to an increased risk of hospital admissions, especially among children, seniors, and people with asthma. This puts families' health at risk in the communities downwind and nearby. Last month I visited Flint, Michigan, with my colleagues, where we saw the devastating effects of keeping the public in the dark. Americans have a right to know how this legislation is going to affect the quality of the air they breathe. I urge my colleagues to support my amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, Mountain, Alabama, November 16, 2015: Pamela Oshel, 49 years old. Tyrone, Missouri, November 18, 2015: Darrell Dean Shriver, 68 years old; Garold Dee Aldridge, 52; Harold Wayne Aldridge, 50; Janell Arlisa Aldridge, 48; Julie Ann Aldridge, 47; Carey Dean Shriver, 46; Valirea Love Shriver, 44. Manchester, Connecticut, December 8, 2013: Artara Benson, 46 years old; Brittany Mills, 28; Kamesha Mills, 23 years old. Manson, Washington, March 10, 2015: Jose Rodriguez, 58 years old; Maria Sedano, 50; Edgar Costumbre, 24. Glade Spring, Virginia, February 25, 2014: Terry Griffin, 75 years old; Nancy Griffin, 74; Kristin Palmer, 46; Kevin Palmer, 44; Griffin Palmer, 17. Fontana, California, December 31, 2013: Silvia Miranda, 34 years old; Rayna Miranda, 10; Ramon Miranda, Jr., 12 years old.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I ran for Congress on the idea of no budget, no pay. If Congress can't do its job and pass a budget, they don't deserve a paycheck. No hardworking American gets paid for not doing their job. So why should we? Just a few months ago we passed a bipartisan 2-year budget agreement that moved us away from the harmful sequester. Now many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are threatening to go back on that agreement and keep us from having a budget at all. That is what gridlock looks like, and that is what people hate about Congress. What are we going to do to fix it? Come in to work 10 days in the entire month of March. Maybe if we came to work, we could debate and pass a budget and spending bills that will spur economic growth and create high-quality jobs. But, instead, we have 2 months on the calendar this year where we don't come to work at all, even once. A 5-day workweek is expected from most Americans. Why should Congress be any different?

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, Roy, Utah, June 21, 2015: Shawna Smith, 26 years old; Tylee Smith, 6; Blake Smith, 2. Bristol, Tennessee, August 29, 2015: Lena Rose, 57 years old; Toshya Millhorn, 39; James Millhorn, 36. Columbus, Ohio, November 23, 2015: John Anderson, 31; Christina Anderson, 30 years old; Landon Anderson, 7. Montgomery, Alabama, December 28, 2013: Glenn Thomas, 22 years old; Kimberle Johnson, 21; Timnorious Hamilton, 20. Tucson, Arizona, May 12, 2015: Raul Carrillo, 58 years old; Karen Saari, 53; Erik Carrillo, 32; Isela Rodriguez, 17. Cleveland, Ohio, November 21, 2014: Lemon Bryant, 60 years old; Sherita Johnson, 41; Ja'Rio Taylor, 19 years old; Shaylona Williams, 17 years old. Mountain, Alabama, November 16, 2015: Sylvia Duffe, 71 years old; Clara Edwards, 68.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, San Carlos Park, Florida, June 8, 2014: Maria Navas, 29 years old; Allison Navas-Sanchez, 10; Sophia Medina- Navas, 5; Mia Medina-Navas, 2. Chicago, Illinois, September 29, 2015: Charles Lewis, 28 years old; Tyrone Spikes, 28; Antian Hardmon, 25; Ayanna Northern, 22. Houston, Texas, November 20, 2013: Yosselyn Alfaro, 21 years old; Veronica Hernandez, 17; Daniel Munoz, 17. Long Branch, New Jersey, September 1, 2015: Amanda Morris, 29 years old; Brandon Beharry, 7; Brian Beharry, 4. Baker, Louisiana, December 11, 2015: Perry Allen, 55 years old; Joseph Allen, 57; Mark Allen, 51. Ottawa, Kansas, April 28, 2013: Steven White, 31 years old; Andrew Stout, 30; Kaylie Bailey, 21; Lana Bailey, 1.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Spanish Fork, Utah, January 16, 2014: Marie King, 55 years old. Kelly Boren, 32. Joshua Boren, 7 years old. Haley Boren, 5. Holly Hill, South Carolina, July 15, 2015: Jerome Butler, 50 years old. Krystal Hutto, 28 years old. Shamekia Sanders, 17. Tamara Perry, 14. Saco, Maine, July 26, 2014: Heather Smith, 35. Jason Montez, 12 years old. Noah Montez, 7. Lily Smith, 4 years old. Culpeper, Virginia, August 3, 2014: Shauna Washington, 35 years old. Onesha Washington, 13. Onya Washington, 6. Olivia Washington, 4. Callison, South Carolina, October 29, 2013: Richard Fields, 51 years old. Melissa Fields, 49. Chandra Fields, 26. William Robinson, 9 years old. Tariq Robinson, 9 years old.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk on behalf of Ms. Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, Spring, Texas, July 9, 2014: Stephen Robert Stay, 39 years old. Katie Stay, 33 years old. Brian Stay, 13. Emily Stay, 9. Rebecca Stay, 7. Zachary Stay 4. Pendleton, South Carolina, November 1, 2015: Violet Taylor, 82 years old. Barbara Scott, 80 years old. Kathy Scott, 60. Michael Scott, 59. Rockford, Illinois, December 20, 2014: Demontae Rhodes, 24 years old. Martia Flint, 24. Tyrone Smith, 6 years old. Tobias Smith, 4 years old. Topeka, Kansas, December 1, 2013: Marvin Lewis Woods, 56 years old. Carla Jean Avery, 45. Eric Christopher Avery, 43. Tamesha Lee, 34. Dallas, Texas, August 7, 2013: Zina Bowser, 47. Toya Smith, 43 years old. Neima Williams, 28. Tasmia Allen, 27.