Hal Rogers

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Simpson), the distinguished chairman of the Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole), the distinguished chairman of the Labor-HHS Subcommittee of our Appropriations Committee.

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 myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present amendment No. 1 to the Senate amendment to H.R. 2029, the fiscal year 2016 consolidated Appropriations Act, legislation that will fund the Federal Government for the rest of this fiscal year. This funding measure provides $1.149 trillion for critical government programs and services. This is the level agreed to in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, which was enacted last month. This funding meets the $548 billion defense and $518 billion nondefense base budget caps. The omnibus contains full-year appropriations legislation for each of the 12 annual appropriations bills, weighing priorities and funding levels carefully to prevent waste and promote an effective Federal Government. The bill targets funding toward our national security, protecting against cuts that would damage our military readiness, and securing our homeland by strengthening our borders and prioritizing law enforcement. The legislation also focuses funding on our veterans, providing nearly a 10 percent increase for the Department of Veterans Affairs, while addressing VA's problems with construction mismanagement and disability claims backlogs. It shores up other critical priorities, such as the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control, agricultural research, and infrastructure. The legislation also includes many policy items that will help rein in bureaucratic overreach, protecting the rights of Americans, and encouraging economic growth. The legislation blocks administration proposals to impose new fees on ranchers, air passengers, and the oil and gas industries. The legislation protects free speech by ensuring that the IRS does not suppress the civic participation of 501(c)(4) organizations. The bill also preserves the sanctity of life by carrying all existing pro-life policy and funding provisions from previous appropriations bills. It adds new provisions prohibiting genetic editing of human embryos and reduces UNFPA funding by 7 percent. To prevent wasteful or questionable spending, the bill halts improper behavior at Federal agencies, like making sure the IRS doesn't spend any money on frivolous videos or conferences. Within the Labor-Health and Human Services portion of the omnibus alone, the legislation eliminates 17 duplicative and unnecessary programs--zero on 17. The bill provides no new funding for expanded EPA regulatory programs, instead holding EPA to its lowest funding level since 2008. Finally, this bill includes a number of legislative provisions: the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act, and the Intelligence Authorization Act, among others. Importantly, it includes legislation to lift the 40-year ban on crude oil exports, a huge win for our economy and job creation. The package reflects a hard-fought, fair compromise, and I believe my colleagues on both sides of the aisle should support it. The road to this final bill has not been without its bumps and obstacles, but I am proud we have finally come to a solution. It has been a long, hard odyssey. Although one big catchall bill like this omnibus is not the ideal way to conduct business in this House, the legislation will do the important work of funding our Federal Government and preventing a shutdown. Let me add that it would be enormously helpful if, in the other body, they would change their procedures and rules so that, on an appropriations bill funding the basic level of government, the Senate would act in an expeditious way to allow these bills to come up over there without the 60-vote requirement. Before I close, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my entire committee and, in particular, the hardworking staff for their tireless efforts on this legislation. Most of them, Mr. Speaker, have not had a day off since before Thanksgiving. They have sacrificed their family time, their holiday dinners, countless hours of no sleep in order to bring this bill to the floor. Their hard work has resulted in a good bill, and I am proud to support it today. I also want to thank my counterpart, the ranking member of this committee, Mrs. Lowey, for her commitment to getting this done. She has been fair. She has been conscientious, a good partner throughout this process, and I look forward to continuing to work together in this vein this coming year. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment to commemorate one of our dear staff, Chuck Turner, and his decades of service to the Appropriations Committee and to this House. Chuck, sadly, passed away on December 8, but he leaves his final mark on this institution in the form of the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill that is a part of this bill. His presence will be deeply missed in the Halls of this Capitol and in our rows of friends. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to putting to bed our fiscal 2016 appropriations work and turning toward next year, which, with any luck, will come in on time and under regular order. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

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. Speaker, may I inquire of the remaining time.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Let me associate myself with your comments. My district, like yours, has been absolutely devastated by the war on coal. This language is a great help in that direction.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Dent), the distinguished chairman of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert), chairman of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee 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 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger), the very distinguished chairman of the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs.

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. 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.

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, it is with great sorrow that I rise today to recognize Chuck Turner, a longtime Appropriations Committee professional staff member, who sadly passed away on December 8. Chuck was a skillful appropriator, a beloved colleague, and a steadfast public servant. His 40-year career was dedicated to serving Congress, the Capitol Hill community, and the American people. Chuck began his long career on Capitol Hill working for the Library of Congress, first in the U.S. Copyright Office, then in the Library's Financial Services Office, where he handled budget issues. For the better part of the last 32 years, Chuck worked with the House Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee: first on detail from the Library of Congress, and then--after proving himself to be invaluable--as senior staff for the Subcommittee. His concern for and commitment to the Legislative Branch underscored everything he did. He consistently put the Committee and his work for the House before anything else. He made sure that Members of Congress have the resources they need to do their legislative work on behalf of the American people. In particular, he maintained a deep affection for the Library of Congress--ensuring its work and collections remain available to the public and to the Members who rely on its information to do their jobs. He also ensured that all who entered the Capitol Complex--be it staff, visitors, or the Members themselves--are safe--protected by a well-equipped Capitol Police force, in solid and secure facilities. His life's work can be felt each time you set foot in the Capitol Complex. Chuck was recognized for his expertise and good work on more than one occasion. He was called upon to serve as a Special Investigator for the Select Committee to Investigate the Preparation for and Response to Hurricane Katrina. He took part in a staff delegation to Indonesia to help train members of the Indonesian parliament and their staff on the legislative budget process. And for several years, he not only worked with the House Legislative Branch Subcommittee, but he also helped the Senate with writing their Legislative Branch Appropriations bill. Chuck was truly the epitome of a devoted public servant--he worked until the very end. On a more personal level, Chuck was beloved by all those he worked with. His kindness, consideration, easy sense of humor, and loyal friendship is something that all could aspire to. The Legislative Branch, the House, and the Appropriations Committee will be a lesser place without him. I want to thank Chuck for his decades of service, and for leaving his final mark on this institution--the Legislative Branch bill that will be a part of the final, fiscal year 2016 omnibus legislation. His presence will be deeply missed in the halls of the Capitol.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

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

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 78) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2016, and for other purposes.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the consideration of H.J. Res. 78.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present H.J. Res. 78, a short-term continuing resolution that will fund the government through December 22. This morning, we posted a full-year omnibus funding bill. The bill will responsibly fund the government for the remainder of fiscal 2016 year at the level set by the Bipartisan Budget Act passed in October. We are set to consider it later this week. However, our current funding mechanism expires today at midnight. To allow for enough time to read and process this legislation, it is necessary at this point that we pass another continuing resolution to keep the lights on in our government. The legislation we have before us today simply extends current levels of funding for critical government programs and services for 6 additional days through next Tuesday. It is very short and limited in scope, buying us enough time to shepherd the omnibus through to enactment and then for the bill to be enrolled, sent to the President, and signed into law. So I urge my colleagues to support this bill, to give us the time to consider the full appropriations package, and bring the fiscal year 2016 appropriations process to a close. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

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 include extraneous material on the further consideration of H.R. 2250.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present H.R. 2250, a short-term continuing resolution that will fund the government through December 16. As you know, our current funding mechanism expires today, at midnight. At this point, it is, unfortunately, necessary for us to have a little more time to complete our negotiations. This continuing resolution extends current levels of funding for critical government programs for 5 additional days, ensuring our government stays open until midnight next Wednesday. The Senate passed this same bill yesterday. So, with approval in the House, this bill will go to the President today. I believe we are making good progress, Mr. Speaker, on a final, full- year appropriations package. While I had hoped that we would be done by this point, there are still many moving pieces. It is my hope and expectation that the final omnibus legislation will be completed by this new deadline. Mr. Speaker, I am not the biggest fan of continuing resolutions. They tend to be wasteful and inefficient. However, at this point, I see this procedure today as the best way forward. This continuing resolution is very short and limited in scope, simply buying us enough time to wrap up our negotiations and bring a full-year bill to the floor without a lapse in important government services. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Before closing, Mr. Speaker, I have a sad announcement to make. On Wednesday morning, the committee lost one of its longstanding staff, who has been associated with the legislative branch for 25 years: Chuck Turner. We mourn his loss. As soon as we have further details on services, we will provide that information to the House. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 560, I call up the bill (H.R. 2250) making appropriations for the Legislative Branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, and for other purposes, with the Senate amendments thereto, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion at the desk.

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

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Major Michael J. Rigney for his dedication to duty and service as a Defense Legislative Fellow to my late respected colleague Chairman C.W. Bill Young of the 13th Congressional district of Florida, as well as his support from within the Pentagon as an Army Congressional Budget Liaison. Major Rigney will be transitioning from his present assignment to serve as an Acquisition Officer at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama. A native of Long Island, New York, Major Rigney was accepted into the Hofstra University Reserve Officer Training Corps program in 2000, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree and graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate with the class of 2004. Upon graduation, Mike was commissioned as an Army Aviation Branch Officer. He has subsequently earned a Master's degree in Legislative Affairs from the George Washington University. Prior to entering the Army Congressional Fellowship Program, Mike served in numerous tactical leadership and staff assignments as an Army Aviation Branch Officer, and UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter Pilot. Major Rigney's assignments include Flight School Student, United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence, Fort Rucker, Alabama; Flight Platoon Leader, 4th Battalion 3rd Aviation Regiment (Assault), 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, and Baghdad, Iraq; Aviation Brigade Future Plans and Operations Officer, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, Baghdad, Iraq; Commander, Bravo Company, 4th Battalion 3rd Aviation Regiment (Task Force Brawler), 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, and Logar Province, Afghanistan; Student, Army Aviation Captain's Career Course, Army Aviation Center of Excellence, Fort Rucker, Alabama. Major Rigney was deployed for 16 months in direct support of combat operations as part of the surge in Baghdad, Iraq, in 2007-2008, and then again for 12 months as part of the surge in Afghanistan, Regional Command--East, in 2009-2010. While deployed, Mike accumulated over 933 hours of combat flight time in direct support of Soldiers in the fight of his nearly 1,300 hours of total military piloting experience. In 2013, Michael was selected to be an Army Congressional Fellow for a year, working in Chairman Young's personal office on Capitol Hill and very closely with the House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Defense. Next, in his role as a Congressional Budget Liaison, working with both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, Michael ensured the Army's budget positions were well represented and articulated. Michael was instrumental in ensuring that Congress was informed of the importance of key Army acquisition programs for the future fighting force. Mike's interagency coordination and diligent work proved invaluable in assisting Members of Congress and their staff complete the important work of Congressional oversight in support of National Defense and United States foreign policy. Throughout his career, Major Rigney has positively impacted his soldiers, peers, and superiors. Our country has been enriched by his extraordinary leadership, thoughtful judgment, and exemplary work. I join my colleagues today in honoring his dedication to our Nation and invaluable service to the United States Congress as an Army Congressional Budget Liaison. Mr. Speaker, it has been a genuine pleasure to have worked with Major Michael Rigney over the last three years. On behalf of a grateful nation, I join my colleagues today in recognizing and commending Michael for his service to his country and we wish him, his wife Jennifer, and sons, Jackson and Luca, all the best as they continue their journey in the United States Army.