Hal Rogers

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Dent), the chairman of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee and the author of the bill that is before us now.

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

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, for all of these reasons that you have heard tonight, we need to pass this bill to keep the government operating--and keep the lights on in the government--and to provide the assistance to the Nation's needs, as you have heard described here. I urge the adoption of the bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

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

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Scalise), the distinguished whip of the House and a champion for the people in his State and in his district during their devastating floods.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I am ready to close.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table (S. Con. Res. 53) directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make a correction in the enrollment of H.R. 5325, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Anne Marie Chotvacs, the clerk of the State, Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, who will be leaving the Committee staff after more than twelve years of service. Anne Marie joined the Appropriations Committee staff in 2004 and has worked on various subcommittees and for various chairmen since that time, ultimately becoming the clerk of the State, Foreign Operations Subcommittee in 2009. As the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I have had the honor and pleasure of working closely with Anne Marie. She provides me with advice and information for many meetings, including those with foreign dignitaries here in the U.S. and overseas, as well as guides the Subcommittee legislation through the complicated and often difficult foreign policy and foreign assistance issues that arise each year. Anne Marie is a dedicated professional. She efficiently manages her staff, and she sets an example as a leader who has always been willing to put the Committee first. She has sacrificed countless hours, weeks, and years to further the work of the Committee and advance the interests of the United States in a responsible and fiscally sustainable manner. I have said before, and I will say again, the Appropriations Committee has the best staff on Capitol Hill. Anne Marie is the epitome of that statement. Congress, and I, will miss Anne Marie's contributions and leadership; but we thank her for her dedication and professionalism and wish her well in her future endeavors.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise to support this 5th of the 12 bills to be considered on the floor. This morning, the committee marked up the 11th of the 12 bills, and, tomorrow, the Committee on Appropriations will mark up the 12th bill so that those bills are ready for floor action. We would have been well on the way to completing all of these bills on the floor but for the abbreviated legislative year in which we have found ourselves because of the conventions and other legislation. This bill provides nearly $32.1 billion for agencies that are charged with managing and protecting our natural resources and our Federal lands as well as Native American programs and other independent agencies. Within this total, $3.9 billion is dedicated to fighting devastating wildfires--fully funding the 10-year average and increasing funding for programs that help prevent fires from happening in the first place. The bill increases funding for our commitments to American Indians and Alaska Natives, addressing public safety, health, and education, among other important services. For rural communities that have nontaxable Federal lands and, as a result, face huge budget shortfalls that would hurt local government functions, the bill provides full funding for the payments in lieu of taxes program. This legislation also makes good use of the congressional power of the purse by cutting the EPA by $164 million and slashing its regulatory programs to help stop this administration's heavy handed, onerous regulatory agenda. Communities across the country rely on coal and other energy production for good jobs, and hardworking Americans expect reasonable energy bills to take care of their families. Relief from the EPA's job- killing regulations is paramount to the economic growth that our country desperately needs right now; so I am proud that the bill takes the necessary steps to cut this red tape. This includes prohibiting funds to change the definition of ``waters'' under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act or to enforce the proposed Stream Buffer Zone Rule. The legislation also bars the EPA from implementing new greenhouse gas regulations on power plants, and it provides flexibility for States to implement new ozone standards. In all, Mr. Chairman, this is a balanced bill. It invests taxpayer dollars in the right priorities and protects against the administration's harmful regulatory policies, which helps to ensure a brighter future for our Nation. I congratulate and thank the chairman of the subcommittee. Mr. Calvert has done a wonderful job, I think, on constructing this bill. It is a good bill that deserves all of our support, and I urge an ``aye'' vote.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Chair, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding. This bill is a bill that we all can support. It provides $21.7 billion for financial services and Treasury programs, the Federal judiciary, and small businesses. This total is $1.5 billion below current levels and $2.7 billion below what was requested by the President. Within this allocation, the bill prioritizes funding where it will be best used and makes policy reforms that improve efficiency and accountability. To start with, the bill takes steps to address issues at the IRS, both cutting overall funding and including funding limitations to prevent the IRS from continuing their recent history of bad behavior. In total, the IRS is provided with $10.9 billion. That is $236 million below current levels. This holds the agency's budget below fiscal 2008 levels, forcing the agency to streamline and focus on its core duties. Taxpayer services, however, are maintained at $2.1 billion and an additional $290 million is directed to improve customer service, fraud prevention, and cybersecurity. The bill also includes policy items to correct recent transgressions, including prohibiting funding for a regulation related to the tax- exempt status of 501(c)(4) organizations, which could limit the First Amendment rights of citizens, and prohibiting funds for bonuses unless conduct and tax compliance is considered. The bill also includes provisions throughout designed to make the government work better for the taxpayer. This includes increasing oversight by bringing the CFPB and the Office of Financial Research under the annual congressional appropriations process and changing the leadership of CFPB from one director to a five-member panel. The bill also peels back red tape across the government. This includes prohibiting the FCC from implementing the net neutrality order until court cases are resolved; requiring the FCC to refrain from continued activity on the set-top box rule until a study is completed; and prohibiting the FCC from requiring the disclosure of political contributions on SEC filings. The bill invests its funding in programs that will protect Main Street Americans, helping them grow small businesses and making their communities safer. The bill increases funding for Federal courts, as well as for important and effective anti-drug programs like the Drug-Free Communities and High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas programs. The bill also includes $883 billion for the Small Business Administration, including full funding for veterans programs, and increasing funding above the President's request for Women's Business Centers. The bill also includes the SEC Small Business Advocate Act, to help small businesses address the unique issues they face due to their size. Madam Chair, I want to thank the Financial Services Subcommittee and the hardworking staff, the ranking member, Mr. Serrano, and particularly the chairman, Mr. Crenshaw. This will be his last bill at the helm of this subcommittee and one of his last appropriations bills in Congress. Over his tenure on the committee, he has been a faithful shepherd of taxpayer dollars and a dedicated servant to his district and to the Nation. His presence will be deeply missed by the Appropriations Committee and the entire House, but this final bill of Chairman Crenshaw is certainly a high note to go out on. But we want to thank this Florida gentleman and great leader in this body for the great tenure he has had here and the great record he has built, especially this bill, which will be the last he will shepherd through. This bill improves the way the government runs, makes responsible use of Federal funding, and invests in the right priorities. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 797, I call up the conference report on the bill (H.R. 2577) making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman for yielding time. I rise in support of this fine bill. This bill provides critical funding to uphold our defense posture, maintain our military readiness, and protect our Nation from those who would seek to do us harm. The world, of course, is changing rapidly. We are reminded regularly that we are still a Nation at war, and new threats arise daily. It is clear that a strong national defense is of the highest priority. In total, as has been said, the bill contains $575.8 billion in base and Overseas Contingency Operations funding for critical national security needs, and the health and well-being of our troops. The use of OCO funds in this bill is in line with the National Defense Authorization Act that the House passed on a bipartisan basis last month. This funding will provide the resources that our military needs to be successful in the fight right now, and that will improve our readiness for the future. This includes over $209 billion for operations and maintenance, the programs that help prepare our troops, like flight time and battle training, as well as base operations. The bill also includes $120.8 billion for equipment and upgrades, providing the weapons and platforms needed to fight and win in the field. And to improve this equipment, develop and test new technologies, and meet future security threats, the bill contains $70.8 billion for research and development. This will help keep our Nation on the cutting edge, ensuring that we will remain the most superior military power in the entire world. This legislation prioritizes a robust, healthy, and well-cared-for force. In total, $132.6 billion is provided to support over 1.3 million Active Duty troops and over 826,000 Guard and Reserve troops. This wholly rejects the administration's proposed troop reductions by providing an additional $3 billion to maintain our troop strength and fully funds the authorized 2.1 percent pay raise for our soldiers. It is also critically important that we adequately fund the quality- of-life programs for our troops and military families need and deserve. The bill contains $34 billion for defense headline programs--targeting increases to cancer research, facility upgrades, traumatic brain injury, psychological health research, and sexual assault prevention. I want to thank Chairman Frelinghuysen for his care and consideration in drafting this big bill. He, as well as the members of his subcommittee, have put the security of the Nation and the welfare of our warfighters above all else. I also want to thank the subcommittee staff for their expert work and dedication on this bill. Mr. Chairman, this bill fulfills the Congress' most important responsibility--providing for the common defense. And it does so responsibly--funding those military needs that must be addressed now, planning and preparing for the future, and respecting the taxpayer by making commonsense budgeting decisions. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill to continue to protect our Nation from threats to our freedom, democracy, and way of life.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to support the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill that is before us. This is the third of the 12 bills to make it to the floor. We have passed eight of the bills through the full committee, and 10 of them through the subcommittees. But this bill provides the important funding that Congress needs to do our work on behalf of the American people. From maintaining the hallowed halls of this very building, to providing services for our constituents, to funding the agencies that keep us informed and in check, the $3.48 billion in this bill supports the largest and freest democracy the world has ever known. In total, our funding is increased slightly--$73 million above current levels. That increase is directed to essential health and safety improvements to aging or damaged facilities as well as to the Capitol Police to protect Members, staff, and our visitors. At the same time, this bill keeps the belt tight, continuing our trajectory of trimming funding for the House of Representatives by 13.2 percent since 2011 and extending the pay freeze for Members of Congress. The funds provided for House operations will allow Members of Congress to continue serving the American people to the fullest extent and representing their voices in Washington, D.C. For the thousands and thousands of people who enter this Capitol complex each day--be it visitors, staff, or Members themselves--safety is of the utmost importance. As we have seen recently, the brave men and women of the Capitol Police force must remain vigilant and well-equipped to secure the Capitol complex. The bill funds the Capitol Police at $391.3 million-- that is $16.3 million above current levels--to enhance security and maintain public access to this complex. To ensure the safety of the buildings in the Capitol complex, which, as we know, has historic but aging facilities, the legislation provides $551 million for the Architect of the Capitol. That includes ongoing rehab projects as well as deferred maintenance. In addition, the bill provides funding for the congressional support agencies that we rely on each day to do our jobs. That includes $533 million for the Government Accountability Office, which provides Congress with accurate reporting on how tax dollars are spent, and $629 million for the Library of Congress. Mr. Chairman, this is a good bill that targets funds to critical operations while keeping a close eye on every tax dollar spent. I want to thank Chairman Graves for his hard work to ensure that every dollar in this bill helps make the people's House run efficiently and productively. I also want to thank Ranking Member Wasserman Schultz, and all of the subcommittee members and staff for their efforts that brought this bill to the floor. Finally, I do want to specify a thanks to our staff for their knowledge and expertise and passion for this place throughout this process. As we continue our important work on the 2017 appropriations bills, I am proud to support good bills like this one, bills that fulfill their mission in a responsible, targeted way. I urge all Members to support this bill as well.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today on the motion to go to conference on the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 2577, which was originally the fiscal year 2016 Transportation-HUD Appropriations Act. As amended, the legislation now contains H.R. 4974, the House-passed Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill of 2017; H.R. 5243, the Zika Response Appropriations Act; and H.R. 897, the Zika Vector Control Act. Madam Speaker, this is a good package of bills that will ensure the care of our veterans, provide needed resources for our troops and their families, and allow for responsible, ample funding and authorities to fight the spread of the Zika virus. I urge my colleagues to support this motion so that a conference committee with the Senate can begin in short order and so that Congress can come to a final resolution on this critical legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 751, I have a motion at the desk.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Chair, I rise today to support this legislation that invests $37.4 billion in bipartisan priorities: our national security, critical infrastructure, and American energy independence. In total, this is a $259 million increase above current levels for these programs. This increase is directed almost entirely to our nuclear national security. With ever-changing threats that span the globe, it is imperative that our Nation stays at the very pinnacle of preparedness. This funding will help ensure that our stockpile is modern, secure, and ready to face any nuclear threat that may arise. Another priority in the bill is the infrastructure that helps our economy prosper. This includes robust funding for the Army Corps of Engineers, a total of $6.1 billion, which is $100 million above last year's levels, and $1.5 billion above the President's request. This funding will go to activities that have a direct impact on public safety, that improve commerce and the movement of American products, and that support economic growth and job creation. Lastly, Madam Chair, this bill advances an all-of-the-above energy strategy that will help the Nation move ever closer to our goal of energy independence. By investing in fossil fuels, nuclear, and other energy sources, we can help keep consumer energy prices affordable and make greater use of our domestic resources. This includes congressional efforts to support the Yucca Mountain nuclear repository for future use. In order to make these targeted investments, the bill cuts back in other lower priority areas. Renewable energy programs, which have received significant investments in recent years, were cut by $248 million from current levels. The bill also prohibits tax dollars from being used for a harmful regulatory agenda that hampers our economy. This includes prohibiting funds for the Army Corps of Engineers to make any changes to Federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act, protecting American farmers and ranchers and other job creators. The bill also protects coal and other mining operations from onerous efforts to change the definition of ``fill material'' and ``discharge of fill material.'' In sum, this bill is an investment in the growth of our American economy, supporting functioning and safe water resources and continued strides toward energy independence. I thank and congratulate Subcommittee Chairman Simpson, Ranking Member Kaptur, and the other members of the subcommittee for their hard work on bringing this bill forward. I feel completely safe and comfortable in the work when Chairman Simpson is doing the bossing. I also want to acknowledge the dedicated staff that helped bring this bill before the House today. I urge my colleagues to help promote a more secure and more prosperous future for our Nation and vote ``aye'' on the bill.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the leaders of The Commercial Bank of Grayson on 125 years of financial service to the people of Carter County and the surrounding area. The Commercial Bank of Grayson began business in early 1891, filling a void as Grayson had no financial institution. On May 1, 1891, the bank's first available statement of condition showed total assets of over $15,000. The need for the bank and its acceptance by the community was demonstrated by its early success. The first cash dividend was paid to stockholders in 1894. Since that date, a cash dividend has been paid every year. No additional stock has ever been sold; increases have come through retained earnings. Twenty-six local citizens invested in the original capital stock of the bank. Dr. John Wilson Strother was the principal stockholder and became the chairman of the bank's first Board of Directors and the bank's first president. He was also an active physician, farmer and lay preacher. Dr. Strother served as bank president until his death on January 8, 1935. Today, his great-great-grandson, Mark Strother serves as the bank's president and chief executive officer. This fifth- generation banker and his executive team works with a staff of 70 professionals whose top priority remains the same as it was in 1891-- quality service for their customers and communities. Since the bank began business during the term of Benjamin Harrison, it has served its customers continuously. The doors of The Commercial Bank have remained open through recessions, money panics, and the Great Depression. The Commercial Bank has continued to provide its customers with a wide array of financial services. Times have changed and so have the products desired by, and made available to, customers. The Commercial Bank has remained at the forefront of the financial industry's modernization in order to better serve current customers and attract new ones. Today, the bank remains independent and locally- owned, as well as being Grayson's second oldest business. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship, partnership, and achieving the American Dream. For 125 years, The Commercial Bank of Grayson has created jobs and supported local businesses in their effort to help make Carter County a better place to live. I commend the vision of the founders and those who continue to support the mission of this institution and their dedication to serve the people of Eastern Kentucky and the Appalachian region.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 30 seconds. This bill specifically mentions Puerto Rico. These moneys go to Puerto Rico, as well as to the rest of the territories and the States. So the money will be there if this bill passes. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart), the chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Harris), a member of our committee and a medical physician.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time I have remaining?

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 736, I call up the bill (H.R. 5243) making appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, to strengthen public health activities in response to the Zika virus, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the consideration of H.R. 5243 and that I may include tabular material on the same.