Hal Rogers

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman. Included as well are antiheroin and antimeth task forces that bring law enforcement agents from multiple jurisdictions together to end this scourge. Finally, the bill allocates $30 million within the Economic Development Administration for assistance to coal mining communities that continue to struggle with the downturn in that industry. And it maintains all pro-life and Second Amendment protections that exist under current law. Madam Speaker, this bill is worthy of our strong support, and I urge the adoption of this masterful package.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I rise today in support of this second appropriations package to fund the government for fiscal year 2020. I especially want to state my heavy support for this portion of the bill that funds the State Department and our foreign operations around the world. I thank the distinguished chair, Mrs. Lowey, and the ranking member, Ms. Granger, on their masterful work to shepherd this compromise all the way through the maze that is the Congress to this floor where we sit today. I especially value Chairwoman Lowey's partnership on the State and Foreign Operations title of this bill, which she also chairs. She and I may differ on some issues--in fact, we do differ on some issues--but on the whole, this bill represents the priorities of Congress in support of our national security. The agreement includes significant funding to secure our 200-plus diplomatic posts around the world, our embassies, consulates, and the like, and to support critical allies like Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Georgia, and Ukraine. It will allow us to respond to a growing threat that China poses to our security. In our own hemisphere, the bill prioritizes funding for Latin America as the region continues to face instability from the crisis in Venezuela, as well as from the rampant drug problem and corruption. The bill also continues vigorous oversight of U.S. assistance, denies funding for the Green Climate Fund, and respects the sanctity of life around the world. This package also includes a number of provisions of critical importance to my district in southern and eastern Kentucky. First, there is a strong commitment to our coal miners and the communities where they live. I am exceedingly proud that a bill I cosponsored to protect our retired miners is also included in this bill. It ensures that these hardworking individuals receive the healthcare and the pensions that they have earned. I hope the 100,000 families impacted by this provision will have peace of mind heading into this Christmas season. This bill also provides $115 million for the Abandoned Mine Lands Pilot Program, which has been monumentally successful in creating new economic development opportunities in Appalachia. This funding is a strong complement to the Appalachian Regional Commission, which is robustly funded at $175 million in this package. Within the Department of Agriculture, there is strong emphasis on rural infrastructure, including broadband deployment. I am also proud that my Kentucky Wildlands National Heritage Area Study Act is included in today's package. I have been proud to work with Leader McConnell on this initiative to truly recognize the incredible natural and historic value of eastern Kentucky. This legislation will also ensure that the veterans in our region receive the care they need and deserve. I advocated for a new pilot program to provide transportation assistance for our Nation's many rural veterans, like those in eastern Kentucky, and I am grateful for the seed funding to get that off the ground. Finally, nearly $6 billion is provided for opioid addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery, and research into alternative therapies for pain management. A new loan repayment program that is funded in the bill will help get qualified treatment professionals into underserved communities like ours in Kentucky. But I am especially thankful for the inclusion in this bill of sufficient funds to help us fight the problem of opioid addiction, which got its start in my district some 15 years ago. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I urge support of this bill.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of a long-time friend and advisor, Mr. Dennis Patrick ``Pat'' Wooton, one of Buckhorn, Kentucky's most beloved sons. His experience in education, law enforcement, coaching, local government operations and politics made him one of the most well-known and well- versed leaders in the Kentucky River area. It was his charming, encouraging and quick-witted personality that enabled him to become an instant friend to everyone he met along the way, and I count myself blessed to have been a part of his expansive friendship circle. When I needed someone to transition field operations in Eastern Kentucky from my Congressional Office in Hazard, Pat Wooton was my top choice. As the former Pen-y County Sheriff, Pat was one of the first leaders in law enforcement to partner with Operation UNITE. He was determined to impact the prescription drug abuse epidemic that first ravaged our region 20 years ago. During a time when the stigma surrounding drug abuse paralyzed our communities, Pat stood strong in the face of adversity, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Operation UNITE to save lives and transform our region. No one knew or loved the intricate facets of Perry County and life in the mountains, more than he did. As my Eastern Kentucky field man, Pat worked directly with local leaders across more than a dozen counties, bridging communications and funding resources for vital projects like infrastructure expansions, roadway enhancements, local emergency disaster response, economic development projects, and much more. His advocacy for improving communities in Eastern Kentucky was inspiring. When Pat entered a meeting, no one had to guess where he was from, because the City of Buckhorn was always at the top of his list for project needs. Naturally, when he retired from his post in my Congressional office, he served as mayor of his hometown. Pat thrived on serving others throughout his entire life, starting in the Vietnam War, when the U.S. Anny honored him with several service medals, including the Bronze Star. After returning to American soil, he dedicated his service to educating and coaching students at Buckhorn High School, where he became one of the most highly respected and loved principals in the school's history. He took education to a new level, focusing as much on mentoring and inspiring young people, as he did teaching textbook material. Whether he was serving on local community boards, coaching young athletes, enhancing education and law enforcement in one of the most rural parts of the country, or simply meeting someone for the first time, Pat Wooton made a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. His ability to recite memorable Eastern Kentucky expressions stirred many smiles and laughs over the years among friends and associates. As we remember our dear friend, may we carry forward Pat's legacy of service and kindness in the years to come. My wife, Cynthia and I, extend our deepest sympathy to his wife, Veda, their children, grandchildren, and all those who were blessed to know and love such a great man.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Shawn B. Harley upon his retirement as Meteorologist-In-Charge after dedicating 31 years to the National Weather Service, including more than two decades in Jackson, Kentucky. Meteorologists provide the first line of defense for residents to prepare and seek safe shelter during severe weather events. When a violent and historic storm produced a deadly tornado outbreak in Eastern Kentucky on March 2, 2012, the Jackson Weather Service provided the most accurate and vital storm tracking information and urgent local warnings that undoubtedly saved countless lives. That fateful day was just one of many that required fast, accurate and minute-by-minute tracking of the meteorological team in Jackson, led by Shawn Harley. I want to commend Shawn for dedicating his time and talents to help protect the people of Southern and Eastern Kentucky for 23 years. In addition to his career in meteorology, Shawn has extended his heart of service by volunteering with the Red Cross and becoming a board member. He also works with the youth group at the First United Church of Jackson and dedicates time to help the Holy Cross Catholic Church. Shawn and his wife, Susan, have also cooked and served hearty meals for the Haven House, a homeless shelter in Breathitt County, and assisted with projects for local senior citizens. It is clear that Shawn's courage of conviction has impacted families and individuals who are most-in-need, and I applaud his spirit of philanthropy and goodwill for the people of our region. Finally, I want to congratulate Shawn on his retirement from the National Weather Service, including assignments that have spanned across Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. My wife, Cynthia, and I wish Shawn and his family a retirement filled with many years of joy and happiness.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dave Adkisson, for his years of dedicated service in expanding business and enhancing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. A true champion for business-community outreach and development, Dave's retirement in October 2019 marks an impactful 15-year career dedicated to advancing businesses and promoting workers' priorities with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. Dave was raised in Owensboro, Kentucky, where he first sowed the seeds of his passion for business and community development. After starting his career at the local chamber of commerce, his success and community leadership were further evidenced when he was twice elected mayor of Owensboro. After serving as president of the Birmingham, Alabama Chamber, Dave returned home to the Commonwealth to serve as head of the state chamber in 2005. Due to his leadership and selfless discipline, the Kentucky Chamber became the state's largest business association. Dave expanded the Chamber's Frankfort headquarters to focus on Kentucky-first policy and local community development. Due to the economic growth and business advancements under Dave's efforts, the state chamber doubled in size and became a prominent voice, advocating for Kentucky on the national scale. With Dave as president and CEO, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce was named the State Chamber of the Year by the Council of State Chambers. Dave has used his state chamber position by serving the Commonwealth community in multiple positions, including serving as the chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, and the chairman of the national Council of State Chambers. In each role, Dave worked to ensure that not only local business-community relationships existed, but also that Kentucky businesses were featured, utilized and grown on the national landscape. He has been an incredible force in the field of commerce and economic development for the Commonwealth. I am particularly proud of Dave's tireless advocacy for enhancing our business community through education and workforce development. Kentucky's workforce is the best in the country, and his efforts to create the Kentucky Chamber Workforce Center and the Leadership Institute for School Principals have certainly yielded tremendous results. It is clear that his personal passion has shown through in these successful initiatives. Dave has been a true leader for Kentucky and we will do our best to continue his dedicated work for the region we all love. As he enters retirement, my wife Cynthia and I wish Dave, Bonnie and their entire family immense joy and blessings in the years to come.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of Eastern Kentucky's most dedicated philanthropes of the arts, Cornelia Dozier Cooper, who has been awarded the prestigious Milner Award, presented by Governor Matt Bevin as part of the 2018-2019 Governor's Awards in the Arts. This award recognizes individuals and organizations who make extraordinary and significant contributions to the arts in Kentucky. Cornelia Dozier Cooper has embodied passion for the visual, fine, and performing arts throughout her impressive career in Pulaski County. Not only is Cornelia an accomplished artist herself, having studied English watercolor at Oxford University and shadowing an impressive and diverse group of artists ranging from local masters at the University of Kentucky to artists in France and Italy, but an ardent proponent of the development of art and art education across Kentucky. Patrons and artists from across the state are grateful for Cornelia's lifetime support of art: for the time and financial resources that she and her late husband, Richard Cooper, have given to promote community arts and cultural growth in the region. Through their tremendous influence, the Coopers have encouraged involvement in the arts and created an enriching, exciting environment in which the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky may participate and enjoy for generations to come. Among her long list of accolades includes that she is a founding member of the Kentucky Arts Council, founding member and President of the Lake Cumberland Performing Arts Series, Inc, the only female member of the Governor's Mansion Commission to ``Save the Mansion,'' was appointed by the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees top serve on the McDowell Cancer Network Board, President of the Somerset Garden Club, Chair of the Fountain Square Foundation in Somerset, Kentucky, an original member of the Kentucky Arts and Crafts Foundation, and a member of the University of Kentucky Museum Board. She is President of the Cornelia Dozier Cooper Endowment Fund, a nonprofit organization to benefit and promote the arts in Pulaski County and the surrounding region. The Endowment awards several $1000 grants each year to support and encourage the arts in Eastern Kentucky and regularly supports local artists and an array of outstanding programs in professional arts and cultural events in Somerset, Kentucky, and the surrounding region. Cornelia donates the proceeds of her paintings' sales to the Endowment Fund. Cornelia has been awarded the Master Musicians Festival Lifetime Achievement Award and the East Kentucky Foundation Outstanding Citizen Award in 2006. The ``Cooper Building'' on the campus of Somerset Community College was dedicated to the philanthropy of Cornelia and Richard Cooper for their philanthropy to both Somerset Community College and the University of Kentucky. At 93 years old, this lifelong Kentuckian, Cornelia Dozier Cooper, is known and beloved by all for her ``tireless enthusiasm,'' and is regarded as a ``personal hero and mentor'' to many throughout Eastern Kentucky. In addition to serving the community, she is a mother of two children, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. The Milner Award is an honor fitting for Ms. Cornelia Dozier Cooper in recognition of a lifetime of devotion to art, education, and the positive impact that she has made, and is continuing to provide, on Eastern Kentucky through her service to the arts. I am deeply grateful for Cornelia's love and commitment to the arts. My wife, Cynthia, and I wish Cornelia and her family immense joy and blessings in the years to come.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of my mentor and dear friend, the honorable Lloyd Tatum of Henderson, Tennessee, who succumbed to cancer at the age of 93. Given the profound honor of eulogizing Lloyd, I include in the Record the following sentiments from my remarks in recognition of a life of such great scope and consequence: Lloyd inspired all of us with his example of truthfulness, hard work, wit, adoration to family and friends, fairness, and morality. He inspired me to choose law as a career and became my mentor. Lloyd's nickname was ``Happy,'' as humor was a mainstay in his life. He truly enjoyed things funny and his hearty laugh was infectious. His easy-going personality, though, camouflaged a very serious and determined hard worker--from his days as a crewman on the B-24 Liberator of Superfortress at the end of World War II; to a stint as an FBI agent; to a mini-career in movies; to a great career as a highly respected and successful practicing attorney in all of West Tennessee; to 10 years as a distinguished appellate justice in Tennessee's Court of Criminal Appeals. I first met Lloyd while a teenager in my hometown of Monticello, Kentucky. He came to southern Kentucky to clear the titles for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as they were beginning to create Lake Cumberland, to be a 100-mile-long impoundment of the Cumberland River. He worked out of a local law firm's office on the square in Monticello where he met and fell in love with my sister, Inadene Rogers. After a beautiful church wedding, the new couple was off to New Haven, Connecticut and the FBI, and later to Henderson, Tennessee and law practice. Through frequent family visits, we shared great times together--great dinners, picnics, reunions and water skiing on Lake Cumberland. It wasn't long until Aaron came along and then, shortly, Janice. What a pair--full of life. Soon, there came Tim, then little Lloyd and Suzanne--all wonderful, talented children of happy and loving parents. But tragedy intervened when their daughter Janice became deathly ill, and sometime later, Inadene lost her battle with cancer. Lloyd immersed himself in his other love--the law. His law practice and later service as a great justice on the Tennessee Criminal Court of Appeals, consumed him. Slowly the old Lloyd Tatum came back, and though grief was his constant companion, he regained that impressionable personality we cherish today. But, tragedy would come again as his second wife, Yvonne, succumbed to cancer. There will never be another quite like Lloyd Tatum. The joyful memories of our wonderful time together will inspire us all until we meet him again on the other side. An inscription on the monument over the grave of James Louis Petigru in Charleston, South Carolina describes Lloyd much better than my feeble efforts: ``Future times will hardly know how great a life This simple stone commemorates-- The tradition of his Eloquence, his Wisdom and his Wit may fade: But he lived for ends more durable than fame, His Eloquence was the protection of the poor and wronged; His Learning illuminated the principles of Law-- In the admiration of his Peers, In the respect of his People, In the affection of his Family, His was the highest place; The just need Of his kindness and forbearance His dignity and simplicity His brilliant genius and his unwearied industry Unawed by Opinion, Unseduced by Flattery, Undismayed by Disaster, He confronted Life with antique Courage And Death with Christian Hope.''

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chair, as Members may recall, during the climate negotiations leading up to the Paris conference, participants called for a Green Climate Fund that would collect $100 billion a year by 2020. Although Congress has yet to appropriate a single dollar specifically allocated for the Green Climate Fund, the U.S. contributed over $800 million under the Obama administration through the Economic Support Fund. However, a July 2018 report by Transparency International concluded that funding allocated from the Green Climate Fund was extremely vulnerable to fraud, embezzlement, and rigged bidding since corruption risk of processes in infrastructure-related procurement is extremely high. Mr. Chair, I urge Members to support the amendment, and I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment, even though I am not opposed to it.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Chairman, we have no objection to this amendment. The amendment deals with issues under the jurisdiction of the United States International Boundary and Water Commission, which is one of several such commissions funded under this act. The IBWC's mission is to provide binational solutions to issues that arise during the application of United States-Mexico treaties regarding the boundary demarcation, national ownership of waters, sanitation, water quality, and flood control in the entire region, in the border region. This amendment addresses a long-running problem involving a pipeline, the International Outfall Interceptor, it is called, that transports sewage from both sides of the border to the Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant. That plant is co-owned by the IBWC and the city of Nogales. Mr. Chairman, we can all understand the desire to enjoy clean, safe water, and we have no objection to this amendment. Mr. Chair, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar).

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey), the chairwoman of the full committee.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

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

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Chairman, the funding directed in this amendment is a significant increase above current levels. It could result in funds being cut from important partners in Europe facing Russian aggression. For this reason, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding the time. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this amendment. This amendment would double the amount withheld from assistance to Pakistan until Dr. Shakil Afridi has been released from prison and cleared of all charges relating to assistance provided to the U.S. in locating Osama bin Laden. I note that U.S. aid to Pakistan has been substantially decreased in recent years, including the suspension of all security assistance funding for the Pakistani military because of insufficient cooperation on counterterrorism. Similarly, the 2020 request for economic assistance to Pakistan has been reduced from $200 million to $48 million. Remaining U.S. programs in Pakistan help combat violent extremism, support the rule of law, and counter narcotics, including along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Nonetheless, this amendment sends a strong signal that the United States views the charges against Dr. Afridi as baseless and that we will continue to press for his release. Mr. Chair, I urge support of the gentleman's amendment.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment. This en bloc amendment contains several measures that could have enjoyed broad support. Unfortunately, it also includes several amendments that some on our side are unable to accept. This includes an amendment offered by the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cohen) relating to the Trump organization. We regard that amendment as a partisan stunt that would jeopardize the safety and security of State Department personnel and foreign dignitaries. The proposed funding prohibition would have serious consequences for the Department of State Diplomatic Security Service. The mission of Diplomatic Security is to protect the people, places, and vital information that allow the United States to be a leader in world events. That includes protecting the personal security of the Secretary of State when he is tasked by the President with attending summits at one of the properties listed in the amendment. The President, not the Secretary of State, selects travel locations. The Diplomatic Security is also charged with protecting foreign dignitaries and heads of State when they are in the U.S. on official business. They must do this no matter where they might stay. The restrictions in the amendment would make these officials, American and foreign, less safe. Another amendment, offered by the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Cicilline), would prohibit funding for a new Commission on Unalienable Rights. The State Department recently announced its intent to stand up this commission, which will regularly provide the Secretary with advice on human rights matters. The State Department recently announced that this would take place. At a time in which these crises are widespread, I can think of no reason why we shouldn't bring new voices into the discussion. This is especially so considering the commission's focus on unalienable rights, the founding principle on which our country was built. Finally, I also have concerns about the inclusion of the amendment offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox). The programs referenced in the amendment are either concluding or are not supported with U.S. assistance. For these reasons, Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to oppose the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Chair, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the gentleman's amendment as well. Across-the-board cuts are the coward's way out of making hard decisions. The committee has expertise on the spending policies of the country, and we apply that wisdom, experience, and research on which agencies to fund and which ones we should not. The wise selection of spending priorities is what the appropriations process is all about. An across-the-board cut cuts good programs as well as perhaps some that should be cut. Nevertheless, the judgment of the Congress should be exercised on the expenditures that we make across the government, not a slash-and-burn 2 percent cut or what have you. This amendment would cut everything across the board, and that includes the $3.3 billion in foreign military financing for Israel. Now is not the time to cut $69 million in essential security assistance for our ally, Israel. I urge Members to oppose this amendment.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

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

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.