Mike Quigley

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, there has been a lot going on around here lately. We have been conducting investigations, holding hearings, and some of us have even tried and failed to fundamentally change the way we provide health care in this country. It has been easy to get distracted by the dozens of different headlines and breaking news stories we see each week. But no matter what else is going on here in Washington, one thing continues unabated: each day, the United States, like every other country on Earth, continues to release tons and tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and now we are starting to see the effects. Over the last couple of years, the U.S. has joined 20 other countries from around the world in growing its economy while reducing its annual emissions into the atmosphere. This is not a small feat, and decoupling emissions from growth is the first step toward the substantive action needed to address the growing climate crisis. But I find this concept of reducing emissions can sometimes be a little misleading. In the last few years, the U.S. has reduced the rate that it emits greenhouse gases. But even if we are doing it more slowly, we are still emitting harmful pollution into our air. Imagine, Mr. Speaker, standing at the edge of an empty swimming pool with a garden hose. For a while, water was spewing out of that hose at a torrent; and each year, the volume got greater and greater. Now, the water is still running, but we have begun to turn the speed down. However, even if we manage to slow the rate of water going in, the pool still has more water than when we started and is still filling up. Our atmosphere is that pool. For nearly 100 years, it has been filling up with greenhouse gases. And they don't just go away when the calendar flips. Reducing the annual emissions is vital, but we can't lose track of all the gases that have been accumulated year after year. If we are going to hit the international goal of limiting climate warming to 2 degrees Celsius, we need to start acting now. Yet, this august body has been behind the curve on this issue for years. Our colleagues seem content to ignore the climate crisis, to hold hearings with discredited, crank pseudoscientists bought and paid for by corporate interests, or to deny the value of scientific thinking altogether, an approach that is all too familiar given the post- research, post-intelligence, post-truth mindset that we have seen from this administration. They have adopted a ``hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil'' approach to climate change, hoping they can ignore it until it goes away. Sadly, that is not the way the world works. We can't unfill the pool by pretending there is no such thing as water. This form of denial has been evolving over time. First, we heard that there was no way that climate is changing at all. Now that the changes in the atmosphere are beyond doubt, we are starting to hear that climate is changing but there is nothing we can do about it. In addition to being flat out false, that type of thinking is unbecoming of a nation that put the first man on the Moon, pioneered instantaneous communication, and has led the world in the fight against countless deadly diseases. Last month, we heard the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency question the very fundamentals of atmospheric science, a particularly dismaying thing from the man charged with leading the fight against climate change. This type of willful scientific ignorance has serious consequences. It will cost lives. Children will be exposed to harmful, asthma-inducing pollution because we didn't act fast enough to clean our air. They will die because crops that could be counted on for generations will no longer grow. They will be forced from their homes because melting polar ice is driving sea levels higher and higher. We cannot deny these impacts. We cannot continue to hear no evil and see no evil when these changes are happening all around us, resulting in devastating consequences that affect every aspect of our life. Instead, the time has come to speak up and speak loudly like our lives and the world depend on it, as it truly does.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow we will celebrate 7 years since the President signed the Affordable Care Act into law. The following day my colleagues across the aisle will vote to eradicate the undeniable progress it has made. On Thursday, when the House votes on the American Health Care Act, we will vote to take away health insurance from millions of Americans; we will vote to raise premiums on seniors; we will vote to damage women's healthcare programs; and we will vote to reduce access to care for LGBTQ people. Policies that were once derided as socialist are now mainstream, considering so many of the popular parts of ACA are retained in the Republican replacement. The majority of the country does not want to repeal ACA but to improve it in a bipartisan way. The only way to create a meaningful change for the American people is to work together across the aisle. As Lincoln said: ``We cannot escape history. We . . . will be remembered in spite of ourselves.'' A vote to repeal ACA will be a stain on that legacy.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, today I have introduced a resolution of inquiry requesting that the President and Attorney General provide the House with any evidence in their possession relating to President Trump's claims that President Obama illegally ordered the wiretapping of Trump Tower, a task not welcomed but necessitated by the President's seemingly baseless accusations that the Obama administration wiretapped Trump Tower during the Presidential campaign. These accusations should be taken literally and seriously. As a member of the Intelligence Committee, I have seen absolutely no evidence that supports the President's claims. President Trump and the Department of Justice have a responsibility to completely clarify the President's statement on Twitter. If the White House and Department of Justice are unable to produce this evidence, as I suspect will be the case, the President owes the American people a thorough and immediate explanation and apology.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, there are few places that encapsulate all our country has to offer more than my home city of Chicago. The strengths of the Nation can be seen in every corner of my district, where we celebrate diversity, passion, and resilience. This includes our immigrant communities, and I am proud to represent one of the most welcoming cities to those seeking a better life in America. That is why it is ridiculous to hear the President continue his bizarre barrage of attacks against our great city with his newest and most misguided claim yet, that elevated gun violence in Chicago stems from undocumented immigrants. Not only do his comments do nothing to address the gun violence problem in Chicago, but they are just plain wrong. Like most major cities, we struggle with violence and encourage constructive assistance. But studies have shown that immigration has no effect on crime rates. In fact, researchers have found immigrants generally have the strongest incentives to avoid activity that will put them in contact with the criminal justice system. The President should stop attacking the most vulnerable members of our society and, instead, look for pragmatic, commonsense policies to support comprehensive immigration reform and gun violence prevention.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, just hours after the President's misguided, counterproductive, and objectively anti-American Muslim ban was signed, we saw the effects. Chaos erupted at airports around the country, including in my own district at Chicago O'Hare. Green card holders were held in legal limbo. Refugees fleeing violence and persecution were sent away before boarding U.S.-bound flights, even after enduring years of thorough screening and vetting. Unfortunately, this is not the first time we have turned away innocent people seeking safety in our country. In 1939, the German ocean liner St. Louis Manifest and its 937 Jewish passengers, almost all Jewish refugees, were turned away from the Port of Miami and sent back to Europe. Of those passengers, 254 were murdered in the Holocaust. We all bear a responsibility to learn from the evils of history so that we will never make the same mistakes again. It is our turn to step up and fight to protect the values of our Nation and ensure that we are on the right side of history. Because who can possibly forget the photo of Alan Kurdi, the 3-year-old Syrian boy who was washed up on a Turkish beach. Or Omran Daqneesh, the 5-year-old Syrian boy covered in blood as he waited for emergency care after being rescued from a building in Aleppo hit by an airstrike. These devastating images have become symbols of the refugee crisis. We cannot let them symbolize our inaction, too. The President's executive order creating this Muslim ban undermines the foundational ideas of this country, a Nation founded by immigrants with the intention of providing freedom, opportunity, and a better life to all who seek it. Making good on one of his most extreme campaign promises, the President signed this order with little or no input from his own national security advisers nor from specialists at the State Department, Homeland Security, or the Justice Department, once again signaling his strong and continued dismissal of facts, evidence, and advice from seasoned experts. Contrary to the President's misguided belief, Islam is not the issue, and his decision to go after Muslims instead of terrorists only fuels our enemies' propaganda. The President's Muslim ban undermines our national security goals and is counterproductive in the fight against terrorism. The ban jeopardizes our strategic partnerships with allies in the Middle East who are on the very front lines in the fight against ISIS. Asylum seekers and foreign nationals have provided invaluable assistance to our military and diplomats in a variety of roles overseas. I agree with Senators McCain and Graham, who said this ban will become ``a self-inflicted wound in the fight against terrorism.'' Ultimately, this order is more likely to increase terrorist recruitment than to deter it. Outrage over this ban extends far beyond national security and counterterrorism experts. For example, we are seeing sharp criticism from business leaders across the country, including CEOs of companies like Google, Apple, Facebook, and Airbnb. They recognize that immigrants play a huge role in fostering our Nation's entrepreneurial spirit, advancing new technology, creating startups, all which spur innovation and economic activity across the country. Universities and academics across the country are also grappling with what the President's restrictions mean for their students and for scholarship and academia more broadly. Students benefit from the inclusion of all world views, which provide us with a deeper understanding of science, the arts, economic policy, national security, and all other aspects of our society. Let's be clear. My own city of Chicago has been and will continue to be home to an immigrant and refugee community from all around the world, and we are forever enriched and grateful for the contributions that make this country great. I, along with the majority of American people who took to the streets to make their opposition heard loud and clear, demand that the administration rescind this shameful order before even more grave and lasting damage is done. Let's call a spade a spade. Despite the White House's insistence that this is not a Muslim ban, the policy laid out by the President will almost exclusively impact Muslims. In fact, the President went so far as to point out that this administration will prioritize the admittance for Christian refugees. If this is not a religious test, then what is? Refugees of all faiths, creeds, race, and national origins have looked to America as a beacon of freedom. So long as this ban is in effect, that light shines less brightly. We will not etch a new inscription at the base of the Statue of Liberty. Instead, her golden lamp will continue to welcome those who are tired, poor, and yearning to be free, just as it always has.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, a strong, safe, reliable, and efficient infrastructure system is vital for robust and sustained economic growth. Comprehensive infrastructure reform is all-inclusive and requires an ongoing investment by the Federal Government in not just our roads and bridges but in all of the vital systems that support our way of life. Currently, the United States needs around $3.6 trillion in infrastructure investment by 2020, just to keep our country in a state of good repair. By contrast, China, perhaps our greatest international rival, spends nearly four times of its GDP on infrastructure than we do and announced nearly a trillion dollars more infrastructure spending just last year. Put simply, our national infrastructure system is an embarrassment, earning a D-plus grade from the American Society of Civil Engineers. It is a threat to our economy, to American jobs, to our national security, and to our environment. We need a public transportation system that gets people where they need to be, keeps our roads clear, and makes our cities better places to live. We need a freight system that moves products and raw materials quickly, safely, and efficiently. We need airways that reliably move people and cargo around the country and the world in a timely manner. We need river locks and ports that allow American farmers to ship their products to market, no matter where that is. We need water pipes and sewers that transport safe, clean water to every American. And we need to close the broadband gap so that every American can take advantage of the opportunities the Internet provides. Investing in America's infrastructure is good politics, good economics, and the right thing to do. Each year, Americans take around 11 billion trips on public transportation systems like buses, commuter rail, and light rail, contributing to the $58 billion industry that employs nearly half a million people. And yet, almost half of our Nation's buses and a quarter of our rail assets are in marginal or poor condition. My city of Chicago is the crossroads for the Nation's freight system, and each day more than 54 million tons of freight is moved across the U.S., and nearly a quarter of it passes through the Chicago city limits--at times, very slowly. We stand to lose $1 trillion a year in lost sales in 2020, if we fail to build out our freight infrastructure to keep pace with future growth. Congestion is also an issue at our Nation's airports. Ground delays are becoming a greater challenge as more and more people fly regularly. These delays can have a very serious consequence, resulting in passengers being late to their destinations, lost productivity from cargo sitting on runways, and increased pollution due to needlessly burning jet fuel. In addition to air and ground, we must also talk about our waterways. Each year millions of tons of material traverse inland waterways like the Mississippi River and the Saint Lawrence Seaway. But, according to the Army Corps of Engineers, there is a billion dollar maintenance backlog that threatens to keep our waterways from maintaining adequate levels of performance. There are problems in our water and sewer systems, too. The 240,000 water main breaks that occur in this country each year cost us more than $2.6 billion; not to mention the lost productivity caused by closed roads, lost water, and other indirect impacts. Nearly all of the U.S. underground water pipes will reach or surpass their useful lifespans in the next decade. The longer we wait, the higher the price tag will become. Finally, we can use our infrastructure system to promote economic growth and economic equality, and one great way to do that is to close the broadband gap and increase access to high-speed Internet. As many as 50 million Americans live in areas without the ability to get high- quality and useful Internet access. Extending the ability to get online benefits businesses, employees, students, and everyone else without this vital utility, all while spurring economic activities that ripple throughout the economy. The benefits of smart investment and infrastructure are massive. Every billion spent in infrastructure creates 13,000 jobs, in addition to improving the efficiency of the system. And every dollar invested generates almost $3 in economic activity. Conversely, the consequences of failing to act are dire. Each American household stands to lose $3,400 per year in disposable income thanks to infrastructure deficiencies. That is money taken directly from our constituents' pockets, money they would use to support themselves and their families, not to mention the economy as a whole, which could lose more than $4 trillion in GDP and more than 2.5 million jobs by 2025. We owe it to each other and every one of our constituents to act. I urge the 115th Congress to prioritize infrastructure spending and pass a comprehensive package that addresses all aspects of the connected infrastructure system.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the story of Mary and her son, two of my constituents from the Lakeview community of Chicago. Mary wrote to me on her son's behalf, expressing their deep appreciation for the Affordable Care Act and what the law has meant for their family. In 2001, Mary's son was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called Addison's disease. It occurs when your body produces insufficient amounts of certain hormones produced by your adrenal glands. When left untreated, Addison's disease can be life-threatening. At the time of his diagnosis, Mary's son was fully insured through his employer. Then, in 2011, Mary's son left his employer to pursue the American Dream of entrepreneurship and start a small business on his own. Leaving his employer to bravely chase the American Dream meant leaving behind his insurance coverage, too. He did not anticipate being denied coverage due to a preexisting condition. Up to this point, because of treatment covered by his insurance plan, he had been able to work to provide for himself and to live independently. As he got his new business off the ground, he went uninsured and, as a result, encountered several crises with his health. He avoided going to the doctor due to high costs and eventually ended up in the emergency room. As we all know, preventable emergency visits are a major contributor to the overall high healthcare costs that harm the entire system. Thanks to the President and Congress passing the Affordable Care Act, Mary's son was finally able to obtain affordable care when the health insurance marketplace first opened in October 2013. Mary wrote me to share her son's story. He is one of tens of millions of Americans who have directly benefited from the ACA's improvements to coverage, consumer protections, costs, and quality. Today, Mary is fearful of what the repeal of ACA will mean for her son. Unfortunately, despite having 7 years to produce an alternative, the majority has failed to offer a true replacement. And what about the parts of the ACA that share bipartisan popularity? My colleagues on the other side of the aisle and the President-elect insist they will craft a plan that maintains popular parts of the law, while rejecting the less popular components. Of course, that sounds great, but there is one real problem: they have offered absolutely no way to pay for any of it. In reality, repeal and replace is more simply repeal and go back to before--tearing down a much-needed house before a new one is built, back to a time when 47 million Americans--nearly 18 percent of the population--were uninsured. Mary's son and countless others like him cannot afford to go back in time. Repealing ACA will leave 20 million Americans, including her son, without affordable health insurance, effectively disrupting their care and potentially putting their lives at risk. To remind us all of the high stakes riding on the ACA repeal, Mary wrote, saying: ``As a former Republican and now an Independent voter, I am speaking from my heart. The 2016 election result has me truly frightened for the health of my son and for my husband and me.'' Repealing the Affordable Care Act will create a chaotic situation that will put real lives in danger. We all share in the responsibility to protect the health care of all Americans. Empty rhetoric of repealing the ACA is dangerous, but when transformed into real legislative action, it can be catastrophic for the constituents that elected us to serve and represent them in this body. On behalf of Mary's son and other Americans in districts across the country, I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to abandon their efforts to strip health care from those who need it and, instead, work with us to make our country a healthier place for all.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Surgeon General's new report titled ``Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General's Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health.'' In 2015, over 27 million Americans reported current use of illicit drugs or misuse of prescription drugs. That means that more people use prescription opioids than use tobacco, and there are more people struggling with substance abuse disorders than people with cancer. Substance abuse, misuse, and substance use disorders cost the U.S. more than $442 billion annually in crime, health care, and lost productivity--almost twice as high as the costs associated with diabetes. We in Congress have a responsibility to utilize this report and mobilize around its deeply scientific and evidence-based findings to find the best policy solutions that affect all of our constituents in districts across the country. Addiction does not discriminate. It affects Americans from every walk of life, regardless of race, class, gender, religion, or geographic location. Now is the time to face the addiction crisis head on.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, 8 years ago, our Nation was in the midst of the Great Recession. It was the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, unprecedented in both severity and duration. It was an economic tailspin that blindsided many, devastated millions, and robbed good people of their savings, their security, and their way of life. It was a disastrous combination of irresponsible lending, overly complex derivatives, and inadequate regulatory oversight that led to a near collapse of our financial system. Over the course of this economic catastrophe, more than 5 million Americans lost the roof over their head, and another 9 million lost the paycheck they relied on to support themselves and their families. People were terrified for their futures, and for the first time in generations, it looked as if moms and dads might have it better off than their sons and daughters. This chaos and despair extended far beyond economics. At the end of 2008, almost 16 percent of the population was uninsured. This meant that over 50 million Americans were crossing their fingers, holding their breath, and hoping to avoid any unpredictable, unanticipated, and uncontrollable health concerns that would turn their lives upside down. Simply being a woman or having asthma was enough for insurance companies to deny you quality care, and basic preventive and primary care services were hard to come by. Thousands of brave men and women in uniform had been killed, and scores more were wounded in a long and polarizing war in Iraq. LGBT Americans had to keep their true identities hidden. Gay men and women who served their Nation in uniform and risked their lives in defense of our freedom had to stay quiet about whom they loved, and those who were open about their sexual orientation were not allowed to join their partner in marriage if they lived in one of the 48 States that prohibited same-sex marriage. This was the state of our Nation. This is the America that President Obama inherited on January 20, 2009. Things look a little different today, and I know that I speak for millions of Americans who are grateful for the past 8 years fueled by real change that made our economy stronger and our society much more just. When President Obama took his oath of office, the economy was bleeding 800,000 jobs a month. Today, we have seen record private sector job growth marked by over 15 million new jobs over the past 80 months. At the height of the recession in 2009, unemployment hit an alarming 10 percent; but, today, the unemployment rate is below 5 percent. Today, thanks to the Dodd-Frank Act, systemic risk in our financial system has been significantly reduced, and our largest banking institutions are more transparent and accountable than they have been in decades. Today, marriage equality is now the law of the land in all 50 States. Today, nearly 18 million previously uninsured Americans have gained coverage under the Affordable Care Act, resulting in the lowest uninsured rate in history. Today, men and women are charged the same price for health care. Americans can access preventive care services at no cost. Preexisting conditions don't bar individuals from treatment, and young people can stay on their parents' plan until they are 26. Today, because of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which was the first piece of legislation signed by President Obama, women can more effectively challenge unequal pay practices. Today, previously fraught relationships with many allied countries have been restored. Today, the combat mission in Iraq is over and tens of thousands of troops are back home with their families after years of war. Today, justice has been served, and Osama bin Laden is dead. Today, our Nation has championed some of the most profound climate change initiatives in the world, like the Clean Power Plan and the Paris Accords, which will help protect our precious natural resources and defend our environment for generations to come. It is up to us to decide if we want to move forward or back. Nearly a decade of progress is on the chopping block. There is no doubt that everyone is still reeling from the long and divisive campaign season that culminated in an election that left millions of Americans scared once again. The economic recovery and social victories we have seen during the Obama presidency have been substantial, but much more work remains to ensure that Americans have an equal opportunity to succeed; because even though today looks better than it did 8 years ago, what will tomorrow look like? As for now, and as for me, I am proud to have served in the people's House under this President.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, equality, justice, and opportunity for all cannot coexist in a society where bigotry, misogyny, anti-Semitism, and other kinds of hatred are accepted or even encouraged. Only one of these two sets of values has made our country great, while the other has the ability to further divide and ultimately destroy us. Following the President-elect's appointment of Steve Bannon as White House Chief Strategist, my office received hundreds of calls and letters from concerned constituents deeply worried about an administration that pits people against one another, creates scapegoats, and goes against the better angels of our nature. If the President-elect wants to be the President for all Americans, he simply cannot surround himself with individuals that tolerate, inspire, or participate in hate speech. With reports of bias-based attacks continuing to rise following the election, we must remain focused on ensuring that no American, regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, feels marginalized or afraid in his or her own community. We must remember that there will always be more that unites us than divides us. It is up to us to stop hatred wherever we see it, especially in the halls of government.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, it has been 32 years since we have experienced a single month with a temperature below the 20th century average. We are now all but certain that 2016 will be the single hottest year on record, replacing 2015 and 2014, which both held that title before it. As we stand here today, representatives from 195 nations, including our own, are meeting in Morocco to discuss how the world will move forward to implement the historic Paris Agreement forged last December. Yet, in that same 1-year span, the President-elect used his campaign for our country's highest office to promote policy ideas that would not only pollute the planet, but expose millions of Americans and billions worldwide to loss of life, livelihood, and property. If these dangerous ideas are put into action, they will imperil the unique and fragile ecosystems that make the United States a wonder of the world, and saddle our economy with potentially trillions of dollars in increased health care, disaster recovery, and adaptation costs, all while preventing American businesses and consumers from realizing the economic opportunities of a low-carbon economy. We have heard from the next Commander in Chief that climate change is a hoax concocted by the Chinese, which is beyond absurdity. Climate change is real, it is happening, and it is manmade. The science is settled with 97 percent of climate scientists in strong, steadfast agreement. Just take a look at the last month here in the United States. In October, more than 5,600 all-time high temperature records were set. Only 350 all-time cold records happened in the same time span. In a stable climate, these numbers would be about even. We do not have a stable climate. Our next President has also claimed that climate change action is costing our country money when, in fact, the opposite is true. Independent analysis has demonstrated that President Obama's Clean Power Plan could save the United States more than $20 billion a year in decreased costs related to climate impacts, and will put more than $80 a year back into the pockets of everyday Americans in decreased energy costs by 2030; not to mention the economic activity that would be spurred by the creation of thousands of new clean energy jobs. The Federal Government has also found that damage to human health, agricultural losses, decreased bio diversity, and the physical impacts of sea level rise, drought, wildfires, and other climate impacts will cost more than $150 billion a year in the United States alone. We have heard talk about bringing back coal and creating new coal jobs, like it is flipping a switch. The fact is, though, that the economic decline in the coal industry and in the coal communities is driven by market forces, not government policy. While coal is still our dirtiest form of fuel, it is no longer our cheapest. Natural gas has now overtaken coal and, in some cases, even renewables like wind and solar have become cost-competitive. Coal is in decline because, increasingly, consumers no longer want it. And thanks to technological advances in the industry, it takes fewer people to mine more coal. Coal jobs in West Virginia have been declining since the fifties, long before any existing climate policy. At the same time, as extractive industries continue to slash jobs and profits, the solar industry alone has more than doubled its domestic workforce in the last 5 years and now employs more people than coal. Jobs in renewable energy exist. They are increasingly available, they pay well, and they cannot be outsourced. Finally, there has been talk about canceling the historic Paris Agreement and reneging on our international pledges to join the world in acting on climate change. Doing so would abdicate our position as a global leader, and it would allow our international rivals like China to set the terms of the new global economy to benefit them, at the expense of our people and our businesses. The fact is, our climate is changing and will only continue to do so. We cannot afford inaction. We cannot afford to undo the progress we have already made. I call on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand up for coastal communities, farmers, vulnerable people all over the world, and future generations to not fall victim to the self-serving propaganda from those who seek to profit by polluting the world. To defend the work we have done, we must meet the challenge of the global call to act on climate. Regardless of who sits in the Oval Office, we must continue to fight for commonsense action in Congress that will address the pressing environmental threats of today in order to create a more sustainable future for tomorrow. No partisan rhetoric or repudiations of fact can stand in the way of our important work to fight and win this battle.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois on their 20th Anniversary. In 1995, Tracy Baim of Lambda Publications and Kevin Boyer of Communications Management, Inc. saw a need for a local chamber of commerce dedicated to gay and lesbian owned businesses. Joined by three other business owners, they launched the Chicago Area Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Their goal was to have 30 Members by the first organizational meeting in March 1996. By the time that meeting was called to order, the Chamber had grown to include more than 80 businesses. Today the Chamber serves a roster of over 300 Members, a number that increases almost daily. These members are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) business owners, as well as gay-supportive businesses. Together they employ over 2,000 people in the Chicago area, with gross revenues that exceed $200 million. Its mission is to promote economic opportunities for the LGBT community in the state of Illinois by being an advocate and resource for all member businesses that encourage equality. The LGBT Chamber is very proud of the progress it has made as an organization over the past 20 years, and this past year in particular. Its partnership with SCORE, launched in February 2016, is the first of its kind in the nation, which gives their members access to the collective wisdom and guidance of many business leaders. SCORE is the premier source of free, confidential business education and mentoring. Its ongoing collaboration with the Small Business Administration helps bring the resources of the SBA to the Chambers members. These partnerships, along with their vital and popular networking opportunities, LGBT Business Enterprise Certification, and other educational programs, serve to strengthen its member businesses. Along with the 20th Anniversary Gala, the LGBT Chamber has major initiatives in progress that are designed to help LGBT businesses flourish. In this anniversary year, the biggest initiative is to create the LGBT Business Foundation of Illinois, a foundation that focuses on advocacy, promotion and education for small business owners and their employees to grow and prosper. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 20th anniversary of the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois. I am honored to have such an exceptional organization in my district.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, in 1908, the Chicago Cubs won the World Series at West Side Park. To give you a little perspective how long ago that was, in the crowd you could find Civil War veterans. President Taft, however, was not in attendance that day. During the Cubs' 108-year drought, we have had two world wars, put a man on the moon, and survived Y2K. But after a historic seven-game series, I can finally say that my Chicago Cubs are champions once again. I am enormously proud of the Chicago Cubs' players and coaches, the entire management team, and the Ricketts family for unparalleled determination on the long, long road to a league-best regular season and a championship title. Generations of loyal Cubs fans finally got to see their team win the series in what was, arguably, the best baseball game of all time. It was an honor for me to be in the stands that night, and then join millions of Chicagoans in celebrating the long-awaited return of the World Series trophy to the friendly confines of Wrigley Field. The city and people of Chicago will be forever grateful to the 2016 Cubs for reminding us that nothing is impossible if you work hard, and never, ever, ever, ever, ever, give up. Go Cubs.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Chairman, residents and businesses in the Chicagoland area are vulnerable to significant urban flooding that has the potential to cost millions of dollars and to endanger the lives and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people. To address this problem, Congress authorized the Chicagoland Underflow Plan as a flood risk management project in the Water Resources Development Act of 1988. A key component of the plan is the construction of the McCook Reservoir, which is a major flood damage reduction reservoir. This benefits the city of Chicago and 36 suburbs by aiding flood mitigation. It also helps to protect thousands of structures and millions of people. According to the Army Corps' 2015 fact sheet to Congress, the reservoir is already 65 percent complete and would offer significant benefits to Chicago residents and businessowners. It is also among the Army Corps' most economical projects, boasting a 3 to 1 benefit-to-cost ratio. The second phase of the construction in McCook has a 9 to 1 benefit-to-cost ratio. Since its authorization in the late 1980s, the congressional intent of this project has been clear: it is for flood risk management, and it is constructed to help alleviate flooding problems in the metropolitan area of Chicago. However, the Army Corps omitted funding for the critical second stage of this project in their FY17 budget due to the mistaken belief that stage two is related to water pollution control which is not handled by the Corps. It is, in fact, for flood control and is fully authorized and documented in the Corps' system as such. That is why my amendment would ensure that the Army Corps continues to do McCook as flood damage reduction system, consistent with legislative intent, and expedites the completion of this vital public work. After many years of strong support for one of the Corps' most competitive flood protection projects, now is not the time to abandon funding for McCook. The livelihood of too many families and businesses are at stake. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Chair, I want to thank Chairman Shuster for his support. I want to thank the ranking member for his comments. And I want to thank all who have worked on this project for so long. We are getting close. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the EACH Woman Act, to ensure that every woman receiving care or insurance through the Federal Government be covered for abortion services. I am glad to join leaders in the fight for reproductive rights here on the floor today. Whether a woman has private or government-funded health insurance, she should have coverage for the full range of pregnancy-related care, including abortion. For 40 years, the Hyde amendment has interfered with a woman's health decisions simply because she is poor. Research shows that restricting Medicaid coverage of abortion, as the Hyde amendment requires, forces one in four poor women seeking abortion to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term. Women have the right to determine when and if they have children. That is a right protected under the Constitution for all women, not just those who can afford private health insurance. I am proud to cosponsor the EACH Woman Act, and I call on my colleagues to be bold; end Hyde.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today and ask you to consider where we were before the Affordable Care Act: premiums were rising three times faster than wages, eating up much more of Americans' hard-earned paychecks; millions more families were drowning in medical debt; Americans had to pay for critical preventive services like flu shots, yearly checkups, and birth control; many young 20-somethings went without insurance; your suffering child could be denied coverage due to a preexisting condition; the so-called ``doughnut hole,'' or gap in Medicare part D coverage, was forcing many seniors to choose between buying food to put on the table or livesaving prescription pills; women were charged more than men for coverage simply for being women; insurance companies could set annual or lifetime dollar caps on benefits, sticking American families with the remainder of the bill. Thankfully, in the 6 years since the ACA was enacted, 20 million Americans have insurance for the first time in their lives, and the uninsured rate is the lowest it has been in American history, currently at 8.6 percent. The ACA has helped 105 million Americans, including 39.5 million women and nearly 28 million children, by preventing healthcare plans from capping benefits. We have also seen that the marketplace is working better in States where elected officials collaborated to implement the ACA rather than trying to undermine it. In States that chose to expand Medicaid, insurance rates are an estimated 7 percent lower. In contrast, Governors and legislatures in 19 States have blocked Medicaid expansion, even as millions of their lowest income residents go without insurance coverage. Unfortunately, over the past few years, it has been popular around here to say that the ACA is a failure, that it has socialized medicine, it is driving down the quality of American health care, and that we need to ``repeal and replace'' it because ObamaCare isn't working. This mindset is all wrong because, I am happy to report, the ACA is working. However, faster progress has been prevented due to obstruction and politics. Since being signed into law in 2010, my colleagues across the aisle have voted to repeal all or parts of the ACA over 60 times. This has prevented funding needed for implementation and necessary fixes to the law. It is time, once and for all, for Congress to accept the ACA as the law of the land and begin working to improve the law, not repeal it. Now, I understand there are challenges as the law continues to take deeper roots throughout the healthcare industry. As they prepared for ACA, some insurance companies set prices too low, and they are now adjusting them in response; but I want to remind everyone that the insurance marketplace was dynamic before the ACA and will continue to be dynamic. The ACA calls for a more innovative approach to health care, and many insurance companies have adapted so that they can focus on coordinated care and care management, for example. When insurance companies were still able to discriminate based on preexisting conditions, they excluded or undervalued expensive patients--the same people who had the most healthcare needs. Now that actual data is available, the market is undergoing a natural correction to bring prices in line with costs. It is important to note that shopping on the marketplace has proven to help all consumers find the best price for coverage. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, almost half of returning healthcare.gov consumers switched plans and saved an average of $42 per month. I understand that challenges with the ACA remain. That is why HHS is taking steps to address these problems. Congress has a duty to look for policy solutions that improve everyone's access to the best care available and to make that care affordable. There are real ways that Congress can provide stability to the healthcare marketplace, and I urge my colleagues to bring some of these solutions to the floor. I was proud to vote for the ACA, and when the majority is ready to get serious, I will be proud to vote for commonsense improvements and reforms to the law. The American public have spoken, and they will not return to the days before healthcare reform. It is time for Congress to listen to the American people.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Georgia and the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia. Mr. Speaker, today, I come before you in strong support of H.R. 5676 to designate the post office located at 6300 N. Northwest Highway in Chicago, Illinois, as the Officer Joseph P. Cali Post Office Building. It is with great honor that I seek to designate this postal facility in my district in the memory of Officer Cali, a hero who dedicated his life to protecting the people of Chicago. Before joining the force in 1973, Officer Cali enlisted in the United States Army and valiantly served our country in Vietnam. After returning from Vietnam, Officer Cali continued his service to his country and community by joining the Chicago police force. In just 2 years as an officer, Officer Cali received five honorable mention awards and two letters of commendation--a remarkable accomplishment in such a short period of time. While working on his day off in May of 1975, Officer Cali was tragically murdered by a sniper during a routine traffic stop. He was only 31 years old when he was tragically killed. He is survived by his wife, Neva, and two young daughters, Jennifer and Carolyn. Officer Cali's incredible effort to serve and protect the people of Chicago with humility and perseverance will always be remembered. I hope that this post office can stand in Officer Cali's name to memorialize his courage and his dedication to the city of Chicago and his country. Mr. Speaker, I urge my fellow colleagues to support this bill to honor his memory and his sacrifice.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, last month the Nation watched as our friends in Louisiana were inundated by record rainfall and unprecedented flooding. More than 7 trillion gallons of water fell in Louisiana and Mississippi over 8 days. Thirteen lives have been lost. More than 7,000 people were forced into 37 shelters across Louisiana. There has been an estimated $110 million in agricultural losses, and 40,000 homes have been damaged. Just a few weeks before the devastating floods in the South, in Ellicott City, Maryland, not too far away from here, nearly 6 inches of rain fell in less than 2 hours, resulting in a torrential flood, the likes of which NOAA has told us happens just once every 1,000 years. Officials say that 90 businesses and 107 homes were damaged and that infrastructure repairs are estimated to cost at least $22 million. These statistics are devastating, and, if we fail to better prepare ourselves for the severe impacts of manmade climate change, we will only see more disasters like this. First responders and emergency professionals deserve our utmost praise and admiration, as do the kind citizens on the streets who help their neighbors escape the rushing waters, and the people all over the country who contribute what they can to help put broken cities back together. But we must stop putting our heroes in harm's way. The science is clear, it is conclusive, and it is settled: these natural disasters aren't all natural. It is imperative that we work to limit our impact on the climate, but we must also prepare for the climate impacts that are now inevitable. Prioritizing disaster preparedness by being thoughtful about where and how we construct homes, businesses, and other vital infrastructure will save lives, will save homes, and will save money. Devastating weather events are occurring with greater frequency than ever before. Today, the Northeast, Midwest, and upper Great Plains regions see 30 percent more heavy rainfall than they did in the first half of the 20th century, and manmade climate change is already impacting the lives of every single American. Even if you are not one of the millions who have suffered from extreme heat, widespread drought, or catastrophic flooding, your tax dollars have gone to help those who have. Acting before disasters strike is the only way to reduce the strain on local, State, and Federal emergency response systems, especially as they gear up to handle the predictable and unpredictable changes that climate change will bring. I am proud to say that my hometown of Chicago is among the 20 percent of global cities that have an adaptation plan to deal with the increased heat, urban flooding, and severe storms that climate change will bring. But it is vital that cities and towns across America also prepare. Responding to climate change demands urgent and decisive action. This is not a coastal issue, and it is not a partisan issue. Rising seas and severe storms don't care if you are a Democrat or a Republican. All Americans are in this together, and all Americans-- including Members of Congress--must be prepared to deal with climate impacts such as severe flooding. Together we must act to hasten the transition to a low-carbon future that protects our communities from the impacts of climate change. The costs of not doing so, in lives, in trillions of dollars, and in changes to our way of life, are too great.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Anthony A. Nichols, the President and CEO of Central Federal Savings and Loan Association of Chicago. For over one hundred years, Central Federal Savings has provided financial services to communities in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Mr. Nichols has served as President of Central Federal Savings of Chicago for the past 48 years and has led the bank through economic downturns and other challenges to become one of the strongest in the nation. During Mr. Nichols' tenure as President of Central Federal Savings, he has wisely guided the bank through difficult economic conditions that has led to the failure or consolidation of many other community banks. As of today, Central Federal Savings holds a 5-star rating from Bauer Financial and in every regulatory examination that the bank has undergone during the past fourteen years, it has been rated ``outstanding'' for its Community Reinvestment Act lending. Outside of his professional life, Mr. Nichols has devoted a substantial part of his personal time to giving back to his community. He has served on the boards of most of the local chambers of commerce in his area and was one of the founders of the Lincoln-Belmont Businessmen's Association; now the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce. He also serves as a Director of the Chicagoland Association of Savings Institutions, as a Director of the Illinois Savings and Loan League, and as a leader in many other financial and business organizations in Chicago. In addition to those organizations, Mr. Nichols serves on multiple committees for Saint Joseph Hospital, including as President of their Associates Board and Vice President of the Hospital Foundation. In addition, he serves as the President and a Trustee of St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, a Trustee of the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Chicago, a Director for Greek Star Newspaper, a Director and the Treasurer for the Hellenic Foundation, among many other positions. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in recognizing all of the great work Anthony Nichols has done for his community. Mr. Nichols has proudly served Chicagoland in both his professional and personal life in order to make his community a better place for everyone. I wish to thank him for his many years of service.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, ``Gun to the right, no gun to the left'' was the greeting I heard as I entered the Industrial Arts Building in Crown Point, Indiana. On this particular sunny Sunday afternoon in July, the enormous building was playing host to the Central Indiana Gun and Knife Show. The building, which sits on the Lake County Fairgrounds, plays host to garden shows, home improvement and craft vendors; but on this date, the 90-year-old brick building was featuring products that were of an altogether different nature. As they enter the gun show, visitors carrying weapons had to demonstrate to security that their guns were not loaded, while those not carrying could enter without screening. I paid my $5 entry and was asked if I resided in Indiana. Being an Illinois resident, I answered no and received a hand stamp depicting me as out of State. At first glance, I saw kids hanging around vendors, munching on hot dogs. There were several hundred people in attendance by lunchtime, mostly White, middle-aged men, but a few women as well. Judging by the license plates in the parking lot, there were a healthy number of gun enthusiasts from my home State of Illinois in attendance. At most tables, you could hear the hagglers looking for a better deal or discussing options for their purchase. They would ask: Chrome-lined or stainless steel barrel? What about a free-float rail? The possibilities seemed endless, as people wandered among dozens of tables. Sellers were offering everything from high-volume magazines and sophisticated scope systems to attachable bipods and customized stocks. Prices for assault weapons typically ranged from $600 to $2,500, including a bipod and two drum magazines, each capable of holding 100 rounds. One dealer explained that the wide variation in pricing depended on the bells and whistles and the markup. Not every weapon was particularly pricey. One vendor, who seemed eager to reduce inventory, marked down one of his assault rifles to under $400. There were tables upon tables of handguns for sale, as well as a folding single-shot, .22-caliber rifle, small enough to fit in a backpack, for under $200. Still other vendors offered to help customize your purchase on the spot. You could choose from dozens of barrel lengths and styles to go with your choice in stocks and other components. There was plenty of ammo to go with any weapon you might purchase. Depending on the caliber and ammunition type, prices started as low as $10 for a box of 50. Boxes of ammunition with a similar number of rounds for many assault rifles cost as little as $20. Another dealer offered high-capacity, 50-round magazines for a gun show special of one for $20 or three for $55. There was a lot of gear aimed toward women as well, with pink, single-shot rifles, body armor tailored for women, and purses designed for concealed carry. Even local charities got on the scene, with an AR- 15 being auctioned off to benefit the Marine Corps League. All you had to do to be included was buy a $1 raffle ticket and give your first name and phone number. It was a surreal atmosphere within the midst of recent tragedies. It made me wonder if those in attendance were either oblivious or all too aware of those heartbreaking headlines. The gun show returns this month to Crown Point, but given the number of deadly weapons already on the streets of my hometown of Chicago, I think I will wait for the next home improvement show before making a return trip.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of an important and respected member of the Chicago community, Ms. Leslie Witt Reichenbach. For nearly 40 years, she woke up generations of Chicago's WXRT listeners on weekend mornings. A native Chicagoan, she earned a bachelor's degree in communications and environmental science from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Shortly after, she began her radio career as a disc jockey at a progressive rock station in Massachusetts. With her growing enthusiasm for radio, she returned to Chicago to work at WXRT 93.1 FM in 1977. Leslie was also a news reporter for WBEZ, Chicago's Public Radio station in the 1980s, while still DJ'ing on weekend mornings at WXRT. Leslie, often referred to as ``the overnight angel,'' was known for her kind smile and her ability to connect with others. Her sense of wonder was the source of her ability to communicate about the music with conviction. Leslie's dedication helped mentor many new D.J.'s who preceded her radio shift. Sadly, Leslie passed away on July 17th, 2016 at age 63 in Riverwoods, Illinois after her battle with ovarian cancer. Leslie bravely fought her illness by listening to new albums, attending concerts, and practicing ballet. Leslie's top priority was always her family, and the love and support they provided her was the most important thing in her life. Leslie is survived by her husband, Chuck Reichenbach and their adult children Kay and Kurt. Mr. Speaker, may God bless the Reichenbach family and the memory of a woman who was truly loved by her friends, her community, and her family.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Leslie Witt Reichenbach, an important and respected member of the Chicago community. For nearly 40 years, she woke up generations of Chicago's WXRT listeners on weekend mornings. Leslie, often called ``the overnight angel,'' was known for her kind smile and her ability to connect with others. She embodied the heart of our city with her enthusiasm for radio and her strong dedication to her WXRT listeners. Her contributions to the Chicago community changed countless lives and will continue to do so for generations. Sadly, in July, Leslie passed away after her courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Leslie bravely fought her illness by listening to new albums, attending concerts, and practicing ballet. Leslie's top priority was always her family. The love and support they provided her was the most important thing in her life. She is survived by her husband, Chuck, and their children, Kay and Kurt. As this is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, I ask that her memory not be forgotten and that we appropriately fund the critical research necessary.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the World War II and Korean War veterans who traveled to Washington, D.C. on August 10, 2016 with Honor Flight Chicago, a program that provides World War II and Korean War veterans the opportunity to visit their memorials on The National Mall in Washington, D.C. These memorials were built to honor their courage and service to their country. The American Veteran is one of our greatest treasures. The Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who traveled here on August 10th answered our nation's call to service during one of its greatest times of need. From the European Campaign to the Pacific Asian Theatre to the African Theater, these brave Americans risked life and limb, gave service and sacrificed much, all while embodying what it is to be a hero. We owe them more gratitude than can ever be expressed. I welcome these brave veterans to Washington and to their memorials. I am proud to submit the names of these men and women for all to see, hear, and recognize, and I call on my colleagues to rise and join me in expressing gratitude. John A. Andersen, Thomas L. Bajt, Floyd Seine, Gerald Allen Bendle, Richard T. Blaskie, Louis Bommelje, Sarkis Boyajian, Robert P. Campbell, Manuel A. Ceralde, Rudolph F. Chavez Sr., Mark L. Dames, Edward G. Dasbach, Frank J. DePaul, Charles F. Dickason Jr., Jessie B. Dodd, Ronald C. Donner, Richard C. Druse, John R. Durrbeck, William R. Elliott, William P. Erzig, Charles Felski, Harold P. Fleig, William J. Ganson, Salvador T. Garcia, Robert A. Garritano, Edward J. Gawel, Charles T. Germann, Robert A. Green, John Grzywa, Pleze Haynes, Robert M. Healy, Steve J. Horgash, James L. Hubbs, Donald T. Humphrey, Clarence A. Jannush, George Jasencak, Robert J. Jaskula, Ralph S. Jensen, Andrew E. Joseph, John J. Kanya, Michael J. Kidney Jr., Donald E. Klein, Gene R. Krohn, Donald P. Kuech, Joseph T. Lakatos, Frank Laos Jr., Tony Lara, Kenneth W. Larsen, Albert L. Lemak, Robert G. Lemke, John M. Ley, Harlan M. Lunde, Arthur R. Manson, Gerald L. Martin, Glenn J. Masek, James R. Matela, William McNutt, Robert T. McPeek, Edward F. Meier, Robert J. Moore, Joseph J. Muren, Richard E. Nelson, Carl J. Noto, Stuart L. Novy, William F. O'Brien, Daniel D. Ogilvie, Thomas P Oker, Anthony P. Oleynichak, Charles E. Olson, Henry F. Osters, Raymond J. Paluch, Vernon Mitchell Penland, Joseph A. Pisarczyk, Myron J. Rasmussen, Ricardo E. Reyna, James W. Riordan, John B. Ritzema, Paul William Rodewald, Ramon M. Rodriguez, William L. Rogers, Paul E. Rueff, Robert M. Schiavone, Raymond G. Schmid, Roy E. Schroeder Sr., Lawrence W. Schweik, Henry C Schwenk, John M. Sherly, Richard S. Simester, Edmond J. Sinnema, Donald David Slovin, Ronald C. Smith, Robert H. Sroka, Robert Stanbery, Creighton Styler, Bruce M. Sublette, Andrew Szocka, Myles N. Tlusty, John Torchalski, Thomas J. Vanek, Sherman Vaughn, Gerald G. Veglia, Arthur T. Vos, Daniel R. Walsh Sr., Philip Warren, Clarence W. Young, James J. Zalusky.