Hal Rogers

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise to present H.R. 5243, the Zika Response Appropriations Act. The Zika virus clearly poses a great threat to public health not only in the United States, but around the globe. It has become increasingly important that we, the Congress, act to protect our most vulnerable, particularly infants and pregnant women, from the risks of this disease. Our response must be urgent, direct, and strategic, targeted at preventing the further spread of this disease. The bill before you today provides $622.1 million to fight this dangerous virus. It prioritizes critical activities that must begin immediately, such as vaccine development and mosquito control. I was glad to see that the administration took our committee's advice and redirected $589 million from less urgent needs to fund immediate actions to respond to Zika. This was and is the most immediate source of funding in the fight against Zika. But given the severity of the crisis, it is clear we must do more. The funds within this legislation will continue the Department of Health and Human Services' and the Department of State's critical efforts to fight the spread of this harmful disease for the rest of the fiscal year of 2016 and beyond. This means that, in total, Congress will have provided over $1.2 billion so far with this bill to respond to Zika in fiscal year 2016. I am proud that we have provided this funding in a responsible way. The funding in this bill is entirely offset through rescissions of unobligated infectious disease funds that included Ebola or from whatever leftover administrative balances there exists within HHS. Importantly, Mr. Speaker, this bill takes a thoughtful, strategic approach to how to address the fight against Zika, directing funds where they are needed most urgently and where they can do the most good. This legislation provides $170 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to support mosquito control efforts, disease surveillance, international response, and public education. These funds can also be used for emergency preparedness grants to State, local, and territorial health departments that may confront reductions to their existing budgets. Within this total, up to $50 million is available for health programs targeted at prenatal care, delivery and postpartum care, newborn health assessments, and care for infants with special needs related to Zika. These funds are focused on States and territories currently experiencing Zika outbreaks. The National Institutes of Health received $230 million to help expedite the research and development of Zika vaccines, making sure these treatments can be made available to the public quickly and safely. For the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, BARDA, $103 million will be directed to development and production activities for Zika, including for new rapid diagnostic tests and vaccines. Our response to Zika must also include cutting off the virus at its source, since mosquitos know no boundaries. For the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development, the bill provides a total of $119.1 million, $100 million of this total directed to mosquito control efforts. This also includes funding for public education efforts aimed at reducing mosquito exposure. The remaining $19.1 million is provided to help manage and oversee these programs. As I noted earlier, we have taken the fiscally responsible step of offsetting every dollar spent in this bill. To go even further and to ensure accountability, transparency, and effective use of tax dollars, we have included strong oversight requirements. For instance, the Department of Health and Human Services, the State Department, and USAID are required to submit spending plans to Congress before any funds can be spent. And we have directed $2 million total for GAO and Inspector General oversight. The bill also reiterates current, strong protections against the use of any funds for abortions. The White House's request earlier on made none of these oversight efforts, allowing broad transfer authorities across the entire Federal Government and creating what I call ``slush'' funds with virtually no limits. This bill guarantees that every cent goes to address the problem at hand: fighting the Zika virus. This funding is critical to stop the spread of Zika and to protect our most vulnerable people, both here at home and abroad. Every child deserves the chance at a full and healthy life, and every mother deserves to see her child survive. This measure will help make this happen for sure in an effective, efficient, and responsible way. Mr. Speaker, with this bill and its passage, the Congress will have seen to $1.2 billion just over the next 4\1/2\ months, the balance of this fiscal year. The administration request of $1.9 billion was for several years. We, in this bill and the earlier transfer of funds from the Ebola infectious disease fund, see to it that we put money on the problem now, not waiting for further action. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5243. I reserve the balance of my time. [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH180516.001 [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH180516.002

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Culberson), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole), the chairman of the House Appropriations' Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. He is also a member of the House Rules Committee.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Appropriations for State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute. Does the gentleman not realize, the request from the National Institutes of Health for vaccine development, we put in $40 million and the money transferred from the so-called Ebola fund; in this bill, there is another $230 million just for vaccine development at NIH. That is every penny that they asked us for. So they are getting actually more. They asked for $270 million, and we are delivering $270 million. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Young), a member of the Appropriations Committee.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Joyce), a member of our committee.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, for those who are concerned that this is not an adequate amount of money at the right time, let me just say this. The money that the President requested of us, the $1.9 billion, was for the balance of this year and all of next year--17\1/2\ months, $1.9 billion. In this bill, plus what we earlier forced them to put into these matters, almost $600 million, that $600 million, this $622 million is just for 4\1/2\ months, from now until the end of the fiscal year. I say that is more than adequate. If there is more needed, when the regular appropriations bills come up for fiscal year 2017, you heard Chairman Cole and Chairman Granger say we will put in the hopper whatever is needed at that time. So this is wholly adequate. It is more than adequate in terms of money. Now, for those who are concerned about whether or not we are taking too much money away from Ebola, in the first place, that fund is not just for Ebola. When it was created 2 years ago, it was for Ebola and other infectious diseases. That is what we are dealing with here. We are asking the administration to use that money. This is an infectious disease. You have got over $2 billion laying there unused left over from what was not spent in eradicating Ebola. By the way, the World Health Organization now says that Ebola is no longer an international emergency. So the money in the so-called Ebola--I call it the infectious disease account--that money is available and needs to be spent now. That is what we told the President shortly after he said he was going to send us a supplemental request. We said to use the money you have. Finally, they did spend $589 million of that. Now we are adding to that with some $622 million. So there is plenty of money there. There is plenty of money left in the till of the infectious disease account if it is needed for Ebola or anything else. There is upwards of $2 billion laying there unused. Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption of the bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I reserve a point of order on the gentlewoman's motion.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I insist on my point of order.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I raise a point of order against the motion because the proposed amendment contains an emergency designation which constitutes a change to existing law within the meaning of clause 2 of rule XXI. Accordingly, it violates the longstanding prohibition on legislating on a general appropriations measure, and I must insist upon my point of order.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I move to table the appeal of the ruling of the Chair.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. I thank the chairman for yielding the time. Mr. Chair, I rise tonight to support this first bill of the 2017 appropriations cycle. Shepherding through appropriations legislation is the constitutional duty of the Congress, and so here we go. The passage of these bills in a timely fashion is in the best interest of the Nation. It will help provide for our national security, the stability of our economy, and give certainty to all Americans who count on the Federal Government's programs and services. I believe this bill, in particular, starts off this process on the right foot. H.R. 4974 is a balanced, bipartisan piece of legislation that provides critical funding for our troops, their families, and our veterans. We have made a commitment to our servicemen and -women that we will care for them during and after their service, and this bill helps fulfill that promise. In total, as you have heard, the bill provides $81.6 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Defense infrastructure and quality-of-life programs as well as for the Department of Veterans Affairs. This represents a $1.8 billion increase above current levels. This increase is directed to Veterans Affairs programs, which receive a 3 percent bump above fiscal year 2016 levels. Of the total $73.5 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs, $52.5 billion will support the VA's medical services, which is funding that will treat some 7 million patients this year. In particular, I want to highlight funding increases that will address mental health care, suicide prevention, hepatitis C treatment, and homelessness. The increase will also help the VA tackle some of its greatest challenges-- reducing the disability claims backlog and continuing the modernization of the electronic health records system to ensure no gaps in care occur as our current troops become veterans. This bill also provides funding to support our Active Duty military and their families whether they are at home or abroad. Funding for hospitals, educational facilities, and housing tells our servicemembers that they have the full backing of their government as they lay their lives on the lines for this Nation. Beyond these quality-of-life programs, military construction funding is prioritized to respond to threats around the globe, including Russia, the Middle East, and North Africa. While overall funding is increased in the bill, the committee took many steps to ensure that every cent of taxpayers' money is spent responsibly and with good purpose. We made difficult decisions to find savings wherever possible. The bill also includes good-government provisions that increase oversight for the VA, helping to stop waste and improve service for our veterans. Mr. Chair, this is a very good bill, one I am proud to support. I want to thank the chairman of the subcommittee, Congressman Dent, for his leadership. I want to thank the ranking member, Mr. Bishop, and the rest of the subcommittee for their teamwork and their effort in bringing the bill to the floor today. Lastly, I join the chair and ranking member in thanking the staff for the many hours they put in helping to usher this bill to the floor today. Caring for our troops and veterans is a great responsibility, and the subcommittee and our staff have not taken that responsibility lightly. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. It is balanced; it is responsible; and it needs to be passed.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Chair, I thank the chairman and congratulate him on a great bill. When the abuse of prescription medications silently took hold of rural towns in Appalachia over a decade ago, we knew we had to do something to curb the rising tide of addiction and overdose deaths. We gathered individuals from all disciplines and backgrounds-- teachers, preachers, parents, judges, cops, doctors, pharmacists, community leaders, and others--to brainstorm as to what we could do to address the staggering problem. We quickly realized there was no silver bullet that could easily solve the crisis, but we responded by creating a holistic, multidisciplinary organization called Operation UNITE: Unlawful Narcotics Investigations Treatment and Education. Since 2003, UNITE's law enforcement agents have confiscated more than $12 million worth of these drugs and arrested over 4,300 bad actors. But we also established 30 drug courts so that the nonviolent offenders could get their lives back on track. UNITE established a toll-free treatment referral helpline, receiving 1,200 calls a month. We have provided 4,000 free vouchers to individuals who otherwise would be unable to access treatment for their addiction. UNITE also works hard to engage our young people through community coalitions of thousands of people as well as UNITE clubs in our schools. Over 100,000 students have taken part in antidrug education activities to warn about the dangers of prescription drugs. Today it is difficult to imagine a single town in the country that has eluded the devastating grasp of opioid addiction. So UNITE took its model to the national stage. Over the past 5 years, the National Prescription Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit in Atlanta has brought together thousands of our country's brightest, most dedicated minds. At the Federal level, we should be replicating UNITE's holistic, multipronged approach. I am, therefore, proud to support this bill, which will enable communities around the country to unite to implement similar strategies, incorporating law enforcement, treatment, and education. There is no silver bullet, Mr. Chairman, to bring an end to addiction, but together we can certainly save lives and restore hope in every community. I think this bill allows that to occur.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Pay It Forward Day in Kentucky, as declared by Governor Matt Bevin to be recognized on April 28, 2016. I commend community, state and national leaders alike for promoting the spirit of goodwill and neighborly kindness through this nationwide effort. Whereas, the aim of the Pay It Forward concept is to promote community spirit through acts of kindness; Whereas, Pay It Forward Day is a worldwide effort being supported by people in more than 70 countries on six continents; Whereas, Pay It Forward Day encourages people to do good deeds for others without asking for anything in return except for the recipients to pay it forward to others in need; and Whereas, together we can make a difference by creating positive change in our community and world--one good deed at a time. Mr. Speaker, I encourage the Kentucky delegation, along with my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to continue personal efforts to ``Pay It Forward'' with simple acts of kindness in their own congressional districts across the country.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of my dear friend, Ward Correll. We have lost a giant in Somerset, Kentucky-- a gentle giant, a generous giant, a business giant, a God-fearing giant. Ward came up from the poorest of origins, but he had that drive and ambition to succeed. He overcame tremendous obstacles. He reminds us of what Churchill once said, ``The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.'' He had a profound positive attitude, always looking to the upside of life. When I first ran for this office, to represent the good people of Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District, I went to see Ward about my chances. I'll never forget what he advised: ``Get out in the middle of the stream where the current is the swiftest. That's the only way to get where you want to go.'' This man was a business genius, the most generous man I've ever known, the truest friend of all of us, a visionary for his community, a dynamic personality, and he was the most skilled Rook player in all of Somerset. My most vivid recollection of Ward was when he undertook his very first business venture--the development of Tradewinds Shopping Center. It required the huge movement of dirt from the slim hilly plot of land to create enough space for the endeavor. Driving by, I saw just one piece of machinery--a bulldozer, being driven by the only person on the project--that driver was Ward Correll; shirtless and sweating profusely. But that drive and determination yielded a historic first for Somerset--a modern shopping center, bringing new life to a new Somerset and the beginning of the business empire he built. He later established a thriving oil and gas distributorship, invested in a life insurance company and founded a bank, creating much-needed jobs and boosting the economy in the Lake Cumberland area. Despite all his drive and his many skills, Ward had the most unexpected and almost child-like sense of humor--simple and warming little mannerisms--and he loved the simple, but meaningful pleasures: family, friends, his devout religion and especially his church--and its pastor, Dr. French Harmon. His most enduring legacy will be the success he engendered in others. His generosity was unending, especially for children. Helping those in desperate straits, or at a critical time in their lives. His monumental gifts to education are legendary--whether the Somerset Christian School or the University of the Cumberlands, or any of hundreds of other institutions, churches or playgrounds for children. We'll never know just how much he gave to others, because he didn't brag. He gave new meaning to the Biblical admonition that it is more blessed to give than to receive. He believed what Mark Twain said, ``to get the full value of joy, you must have people to divide it with.'' Leonard Nimoy, the actor, said, ``the miracle is this--the more we share, the more we have.'' We may not see his likes again on this Earth, but I'm sure of one thing--we will see him again--in Heaven, thanks be to God--his and ours. Mr. Speaker, we have lost a loyal friend and true patriot, but his footprint in our region will be visible for generations to come. My wife Cynthia and I offer our deepest sympathy and prayers to the Correll family.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I, along with Representative Lowey, rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Janet Airis on her retirement after 32 years of distinguished service to the Congress with the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). Janet started in the Scorekeeping Unit at CBO in the waning days of 1983, soon after graduating from Wellesley College. She was first hired to maintain the unit's database for tracking the status of enacted legislation and over the next 16 years worked as the lead analyst responsible for scoring appropriations legislation for five of the thirteen Appropriations Committee subcommittees. In 2000, after demonstrating her acumen as a proficient analyst, Janet made the smooth transition to Unit Chief and took on the responsibility of overseeing all of the work of CBO's Scorekeeping Unit. Janet has served the Congress diligently by overseeing the unit's analyses of the President's budget requests; the estimates of every appropriation bill taken through each chamber; the publication of the annual Unauthorized Appropriations and Expiring Authorizations report; and countless other informal requests for information on budgetary matters related to matters under Congressional consideration. In addition to her management responsibilities, Janet has directly supported the Congress's fiscal bookkeeping by serving as the lead analyst for the Legislative Branch appropriations bill. Congressional staff and CBO colleagues have come to depend on Janet for her ready expertise, her diligence, and her attention to detail. She has provided this institution with insightful guidance and analysis through several major reforms to budgetary processes, dozens of budget resolutions, creation of new government agencies and departments, and the reorganization of our committee structures. Constant through all that change has been Janet Airis' dedication to her work at the Congressional Budget Office. She has been the steady hand of the Scorekeeping Unit, generous with her time and knowledge, and vital to the smooth functioning of CBO's Budget Analysis Division. Janet's retirement constitutes a profound loss of institutional memory to both CBO and the Congress--nobody has ever worked in the Scorekeeping Unit as long as she has. Her presence won't easily be replaced and will be sorely missed.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of my long-time executive assistant and friend, LaNette Wright, who is retiring after more than three decades of distinguished service. LaNette started her career in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1984 when she was hired as a Staff Aide in Somerset, Kentucky. She later became a trusted Caseworker, guiding local constituents through complications with federal agencies. In 1999. LaNette took on the role as my Executive Assistant, faithfully and dutifully organizing every meeting, speaking engagement, and flight itinerary in coordination with my personal schedule. In 2012, she also earned the title of Casework Director, ensuring constituent needs are effectively and efficiently met at the Somerset, Hazard and Prestonsburg District Offices. Time and again, she has gone above the call of duty to help me, and by extension, the people of Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District in delivering a better, more responsive and open constituent experience. Like most of us, I have been fortunate in my tenure in Congress to have extraordinary professional and personal staff accompany me on this journey. However, LaNette has always given me and my family an extra measure of loyalty, advice and friendship that I will always treasure. Without a doubt, her organization and foresight made many of my days much simpler, despite a schedule that often becomes complicated and demanding. Her sheer presence in the Somerset office will be greatly missed, from her ability to extend compassion to distraught Veterans, to calming discouraged citizens frustrated by federal bureaucracy, to celebrating victories in the lives of folks we have been able to assist through casework. Her thoughtful execution in every situation has made LaNette a truly irreplaceable part of the Rogers team. As we all know, Congressional staff work long hours, and often sacrifice weekends and holidays in order to keep this esteemed institution running--inevitably taking a toll on personal commitments. She has earned more than her share of quality time with her family and friends--especially her energetic grandchildren. The people of Southern and Eastern Kentucky, our staff and I owe LaNette a great debt of gratitude for her steadfast service and dedication to our region. We wish LaNette and her husband Louie many wonderful years of retirement in Kentucky and on the sunny beaches and golf courses of Florida.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Yoder), a member of our committee.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Crenshaw), chairman of the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee on Appropriations.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from California (Mr. Nunes), the distinguished chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Frelinghuysen), the chairman of our Defense Subcommittee.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Harlan County's own Jordan Smith for winning Season 9 of The Voice, NBC's nationwide vocal competition. Jordan's superior talent impressed all four superstar judges during the blind auditions, igniting a competition for Jordan's team choice. From the moment the world heard Jordan's vocal debut, his powerful gift was undeniable. However, it was in the conversations following his performance that Jordan shared insight to his outstanding character, his determination and humility, as well as his faith in God. His courage and boldness has inspired people across the country, and especially in the hills of Eastern Kentucky. Coach Adam Levine said it best, noting Jordan as ``the most important person that's ever been on this show.'' Jordan has received applause and the utmost praise from some of the most talented, award-winning artists across the nation, affirming that his vocal gymnastics have impressed the best of the best artists. Coach Pharrell Williams even expressed to Jordan, ``God has signed your voice.'' Jordan quickly became more than a singer in a televised competition, but arose as a leader and inspiration during a critical time in our nation. The celebration of Jordan's personal victory comes during a time when hope is desperately needed in his hometown and across the country. With the looming threat of terrorism at an all-time high and as Jordan's hometown region suffers from devastating job losses in the coal industry, he chose encouraging songs of hope and faith to transcend shared feelings of despair and fear. Additionally, Jordan's performances shined a spotlight on the compassionate and talented people of Harlan County, evoking much-needed positive news stories about our region. It is his courage of conviction that makes Jordan so much more than a vocalist on stage. He is a leader of hope and faith for our nation and the people of Eastern Kentucky are deeply proud of his accomplishments thus far. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding Jordan Smith on his monumental win on The Voice. I look forward to following the career of another talented artist from Eastern Kentucky.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Coach Chris McNamee and the Pikeville Panthers High School Football team for winning the 2015 Kentucky High School Athletic Association 1A Class State Championship title for the first time since winning three straight from 1987 to 1989. On December 3, 2015 at Western Kentucky University in the Houchens Stadium, the Pikeville Panthers put their skill and heart to the test against the Beechwood Tigers, a high school team from Northern Kentucky with a legacy steeped in state titles. The two teams battled hard for each inch on the field with a tied score of 21-all leading into the final quarter, proving they both deserved to compete for state bragging rights. With victory in sight, the Panthers battled back for three remarkable touchdowns in the last nine minutes of the game. The final score was 42 to 28, giving Coach McNamee his first Championship as the Panthers' coach. The Panthers' win brought some much-needed celebration back to the coalfields of Eastern Kentucky, where we've lost more than 9,000 coal mining jobs since 2009. These young men have undoubtedly seen the impact first hand, as many of them have fathers or other family members who have recently been laid off from the coal mines. Through sheer determination and hard work, they proved that we can rise above our challenges and daunting circumstances to bring hope and victory back to the mountains. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Coach McNamee and the Pikeville Panthers for bringing the highly coveted state title back home to the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. I wish them all the best of luck in the years to come.