Peter Roskam

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Hanover Park on being named one of the safest cities in the United States. The Hanover Park Police Department reported that for the seventh consecutive year crime in Hanover Park has declined to a new record low. Hanover Park was also named thirty-seventh on Neighborhood Scout's list of America's 100 Safest Cities. The Hanover Park Police Department utilizes a strong community outreach initiative, Police and Citizens Connected, which employs several social media channels for enhanced communication with residents. Working together, law enforcement, local officials, and Hanover Park residents have positioned the town as safe place to live, work, and raise a family. Day in and day out the men and women of the Hanover Park Police Department risk their lives to protect their community. The shrinking crime rate is a direct result of their courageous leadership, which will continue to protect this wonderful community. Police Chief Michael Menough credited the hard work of his officers, neighbors, and community leaders stating, ``We have made community policing the central focus of our service delivery, and this will remain our top priority.'' With all hands on deck I am sure Hanover Park will continue to see record lows in crime for many years to come. Mr. Speaker and distinguished colleagues, please join me in recognizing the community of Hanover Park, Illinois and congratulating them on being named one of the safest cities in America.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a dedicated public servant from the Sixth Congressional District of Illinois, Representative Mike Tyron of Crystal Lake. In July, he was named the Grand Marshal of the Crystal Lake 2017 Independence Parade. As a resident of Crystal Lake since 1983, Representative Tyron has served as a model citizen. He first entered public office in 1989 as a McHenry County Board member, and nine years later was unanimously selected to be its Chairman. He served in this capacity until being elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 2004. During his tenure as a state representative, Representative Tyron was an exemplary leader and public servant. He spearheaded a rewriting of the tax-cap law to save taxpayers millions of dollars and close a loophole. He pushed an initiative to create an online transparency portal to list all state government salaries, contracts and expenditures, one of the first of its kind. He also helped create the county veterans' courts. The specialized court allows returning veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder or other service-related disabilities who commit nonviolent offenses to receive treatment and have charges dismissed upon successful completion of the program. Representative Tyron has represented McHenry County, Crystal Lake, and the surrounding community well. He has been a strong voice for the Village of Crystal Lake throughout his time in public office. His long service to the people of Crystal Lake and to Illinois is truly commendable. Although he retired from public service in January, Crystal Lake will continue to benefit from his involvement as a member of the community. Mr. Speaker and distinguished colleagues, please join me in congratulating Representative Mike Tyron on 28 years of public service, and on being named the Grand Marshal of the Crystal Lake 2017 Independence Parade.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, as co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Korea, I rise today to Congratulate President Moon Jae-in on his recent election victory and to warmly welcome him to Washington. His trip to our nation's capital comes at a pivotal time, and I look forward to working together to strengthen the important bond between the United States and the Republic of Korea. Just last month, the Korean people went to the ballot box and elected President Moon Jae-in in free and fair elections--highlighting the strength and vibrancy of Korea's democracy. The R.O.K., a successful and stable democracy surrounded by autocrats and dictators, continues to serve as the lynchpin of U.S. foreign policy in the Asia Pacific region. Tensions are rising on the Korean Peninsula, and President Moon Jae- in's visit to strengthen the U.S.-R.O.K alliance could not have arrived at a more pivotal time. North Korea continues to provoke the international community by conducting multiple missile tests and has yet to cease its unrelenting aggression against our democratic allies in the region. As his visit begins, I wish President Moon a successful summit with President Trump and look forward to working closely with the Trump Administration, and the Moon Administration to enhance the safety, security, stability, and success of the Korean Peninsula.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Palatine on being named one of the safest cities in the United States. The Village of Palatine was named the fifty-first safest city on Neighborhood Scout's list of America's 100 Safest Cities. Working together, law enforcement, local officials, and the community have made Palatine a safer place to live, work, and raise a family. The residents of Palatine should never underestimate the impact that each citizen's positive actions can have. Every day there are members of the community helping to change lives, while also inspiring their peers to do the same. I would be remiss to not also mention the wonderful job of the Palatine Police and Fire Departments. Day in and day out the men and women of the Palatine Police and Fire Departments risk their lives to protect their community. Their bravery and courage are very deserving of our recognition and admiration and I am pleased to see their service has led to Palatine being named one of the safest cities in America. Mr. Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, please join me in recognizing the Village of Palatine, Illinois and congratulating them on being named one of the safest cities in America.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the incorporation of Warrenville, Illinois. Warrenville, whose motto is ``For a Visit, Or a Lifetime'', is a model for other cities and towns to follow, through its continued dedication to building a friendly and welcoming community for residents and visitors alike. In the years since its first permanent settlers, Julius and Daniel Warren, and its incorporation, Warrenville has become a center of culture and commerce, serving as a home to families, businesses, professionals, churches and organizations that have made this a vibrant and thriving community. Warrenville's first major establishment was a tavern created by Julius Warren. This legacy of brewing has been kept alive by the craft brewing company, Two Brothers Brewing, who are one of the most popular Illinois brewing companies in the United States. Warrenville also boasts a multitude of parks; and youth and family friendly activities make this a great place to work, live, and raise a family. The city is also a shining example of fiscal responsibility, as it has no bonded debt. This fact should make residents, employers, and civil servants tremendously proud. On the occasion of this 50th Anniversary, we join together to celebrate Warrenville's legacy of growth and prosperity and to look ahead to the opportunities facing this great village and our nation. Today both marks 50 years of working together to build a brighter future, and reminds us that our work continues. Mr. Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, please join me in recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the incorporation of Warrenville, Illinois, and wishing her residents a very successful year ahead.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Carol Stream on being named one of the safest cities in the United States. The Village of Carol Stream was named the eighty-ninth safest city on Neighborhood Scout's list of America's 100 Safest Cities. Working together, law enforcement, local officials, and the community have made Carol Stream a safer place to live, work, and raise a family. The residents of Carol Stream should never underestimate the impact each citizen's positive actions can have. Everyday there are members of the community helping to change lives, while also inspiring their peers to do the same. I would be remiss to not also mention the wonderful job of the Carol Stream Police and Fire Departments. Day in and day out the men and women of the Carol Stream Police and Fire Departments risk their lives to protect our community. Their bravery and courage are very deserving of our recognition and admiration, and I am pleased to see their service has led to Carol Stream being named one of the safest cities in America. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Village of Carol Stream, Illinois and congratulating them on being named one of the safest cities in America.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Walberg. There is an irony here, and it is an irony I think that is worth pointing out. This is, obviously, in the context, like the gentlewoman from California pointed out, of the fiduciary rule, which we are familiar with. That was an effort by the Obama administration to promulgate a new rule to create a new standard that would have an impact, Mr. Speaker, on investment advice. It was clear that the net result of that was to do what? It would have crowded people out at the lower end of the economic spectrum, not give them access to the coverage or the advice that they needed, because the advice, Mr. Speaker, would have been too expensive, and it would have created the self-fulfilling prophecy, unfortunately, where wealthier people, who can afford it, are able to get good advice. It was a terrible idea. We worked on a bipartisan basis. The administration wouldn't have any part of the bipartisan solution. They jammed the rule down. It was a bad idea. Yet, the same administration, Mr. Speaker, is now saying to the entities that we really shouldn't have confidence in, that is States and localities on these pensions, you have more flexibility. So think about it. Taking away flexibility from people who need help, locking them out, not intentionally, but locking them out, and yet giving more flexibility to the very entities that have demonstrated that they have not used that properly. It is ironic. I mean, you can't make this up, basically. We need to do what we can, and here is what we can do. We can support this resolution, H.J. Res. 66--and 67--move its passage, reset this debate, and fundamentally have a new discussion about this, but we don't have to yield to these poor plans from the Obama administration.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a dedicated public servant from the Sixth Congressional District of Illinois, Mayor Michael ``Mickey'' Straub of Burr Ridge. Almost five years ago, Mayor Straub embarked on a historic and patriotic pilgrimage in honor of Lincoln and our veterans when he visited 50 capitols in 50 days. In 2012, between September 4 and October 17, Mayor Straub drove nearly 15,000 miles to 48 state capitols and flew to two others--Hawaii and Alaska. His momentous journey began in Pennsylvania, and after a small ceremony in Gettysburg outside the home where Lincoln finished writing the Address, he traveled to the state capitol in Harrisburg. Forty-three days later, he concluded his capitol journey in Springfield, Illinois in front of the Lincoln Tomb. The historic and record breaking trip was no easy task. The trip cost over $20,000 and added a great many miles to his Lincoln Town Car, homage to the 16th President. Nevertheless, Mayor Straub remained steadfast in his belief that the journey was a great success due to God and the American people saying, ``I launched the trip on behalf of God and country, but it was actually God and country that pulled me through. It started more about principles and patriotism, but it was the people who kept me going.'' Mayor Straub has represented his community well and has been a strong voice for the Village of Burr Ridge throughout his time in office. His service to the people of Burr Ridge and to Illinois is truly commendable. It is our hope that the public will continue to benefit from his involvement as a valued member of the community and Mayor of Burr Ridge. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mayor Mickey Straub on his historic journey across the United States, and also taking his lead in remembering the spirit of the Gettysburg Address and President Lincoln.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished public servant from the Illinois's 6th Congressional District. Valerie Salmons has dedicated many years to her community, including 35 years with the Village of Bartlett. Valerie's service is not limited to Bartlett, as she has made many positive impacts throughout the greater Chicago area. In 1982, Valerie was hired by the Village of Bartlett as their first full-time Village Administrator. Since then, the Village's population has grown three fold and is now considered home by more than 30,000 people. The Village's growth did not stop there. Along with an increasing population, the Village has doubled its size from eight to almost sixteen square miles. She has been an asset to numerous presidents, managers, and board members, who have been a part of Bartlett Village Hall. Current Village President Kevin Wallace noted Valerie's leadership was ``very comforting'' saying, ``She has been a wonderful Village Administrator, and the proof is in the way the Village operates''. While working full time to serve her community, Valerie fostered economic development and broadened Bartlett's commercial tax base. She has helped lead the municipal staff with major changes to the downtown, and was a major force behind the many successful commercial projects, such as the Brewster Creek Business Park, Bluff City Industrial Park and Blue Heron Business Park. She also played an essential role in the development of parks, playgrounds, athletic fields and bike paths, while always practicing careful fiscal management. In addition to her work for Bartlett, Valerie was the first woman appointed to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board in 1990. Former Gov. Jim Thompson initially named Valerie, and five Illinois governors have reappointed her since. She was also the first woman elected to serve as the board's chairwoman. Through hard work and no small amount of perseverance, Valerie has helped countless people and tremendously improved her community. Distinguished Members, please join me in congratulating Valerie on 35 years of service and wish her well in retirement.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, I have got a prediction to make, and here is my prediction: In the course of this debate, the opponents of H.R. 7 will not acknowledge nor give voice to Congressman Smith's claim of saving 2 million lives. Why? Because to acknowledge 2 million lives that are saved is to acknowledge the weakness of an argument; that is, those people are to be dismissed. Madam Speaker, how do you dismiss 2 million people? How do you dismiss 2 million people, over 60,000 people every year? If you can imagine what it would be like if someone came in here and with certainty, absolute confidence, said unambiguously, if you pass this law you are going to save 2 million lives, we would line up. We would be voting on that over and over and over again. And yet, my prediction is, during the remainder of this debate-- because we have not heard about it so far--the opponents will be silent about those 2 million lives. We need to vote for this and save lives in the future.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to recognize Steve Spear of Carol Stream, Illinois, for his outstanding display of service for those in need. On December 31st, Steve completed his annual Reflection Run to raise money for clean water in Africa through Team World Vision. Each year, Steve celebrates his New Year's Eve birthday by running a kilometer for each year of his life, and is now up to 53, or 32.9 miles. On his most recent Reflection Run, Steve was joined by 25 other runners and their goal was to raise $10,000, enough to bring clean water to 200 people. In 2013, Steve left his pastoral position at Willow Creek Community Church to take on an unbelievable task. He ran from Los Angeles to New York, 35 miles a day, 5 days a week, for 5 months, and raised $500,000. The two days per week he was not running, he was addressing congregations across the country about the importance of following God and looking out for our fellow man. His Reflection Run teammate, Alex Schorr described his passion for helping others best, saying, ``Everything Steve does is incredible and inspirational, everything from the Reflection Runs to running across the country. It's never about him. It's always about those he's running on behalf of.'' Steve has demonstrated exceptional charity and service, and I am proud to represent him. He is a leader and role model for all Americans. Mr. Speaker, please join me in commending Steve Spear for his extraordinary commitment to those around the world who need our help the most.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a World War II veteran from the Sixth Congressional District of Illinois, Peter Gilea. Peter was recently named a knight of the U.S. Army Cavalry and Armor Association's Order of St. George and presented with the Bronze Medallion. The honor is awarded to Armor and Cavalrymen who perform outstanding service to the U.S. Army Armored Force. Peter Gilea was drafted and went into the army January 25, 1943. He went through his training with the 735th Independent Tank Battalion, which he also helped establish and on February 12, 1944 his unit left the United States and arrived in Scotland on February 24, 1944. While serving as a commander on a Sherman tank with the 735th Tank Battalion in Europe, he received five campaign battle stars, which include fighting in Normandy, the pursuit through France and action in Luxembourg during the important allied victory of the Battle of the Bulge. Peter also received the Bronze Star Medal for bravery, two Purple Hearts, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the French Legion of Honor Medal. His courage and commitment to defending the freedoms we cherish will forever be a credit to his patriotism and sacrifice. His bravery during campaigns through Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes- Alsace, and Central Europe was pivotal in the destruction of the oppressive and evil Nazi regime. It is because of men like Peter Gilea that we enjoy the rights and liberties we value so deeply. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Peter Gilea for receiving the Bronze Medallion and receiving a knighthood into the Order of St. George. Once again, congratulations, and I wish Peter all the best in the years to come.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, today I commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Glenbard Township High School District 87. On November 26th, District 87 will celebrate its centennial, representing 100 years of dedication to academic excellence and student success. Glenbard Township High School District 87 was first established in 1916 in the second floor of the DuPage bank building. At that time, the school consisted of 120 students and 5 facility members. Fast forward one hundred years and District 87 is still based in Glen Ellyn but now consists of Glenbard South, Glenbard North, Glenbard East, and Glenbard West high schools. It is now the third largest school district in the state and is known for its fantastic academic achievement. I applaud District 87's commitment to its excellent teachers, who have consistently challenged their students to achieve high standards and follow their dreams. District 87 schools have helped students consistently succeed at rigorous academic levels while instilling the values of community, kindness, respect, hard work, and love of learning. On this special occasion, we recognize District 87's rich history of academic excellence. We thank the District for its partnership with parents, who strive to educate the current generation that will become our nation's future leaders. For well over a century, Glenbard Township High Schools have contributed toward this brighter future. Mr. Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, please join me in honoring the legacy of Glenbard Township High School District 87, and in wishing them continued success.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Huizenga) and also Chairman Hensarling for their consistent and persistent work on this issue. My friend from California mentioned a minute ago her disappointment. Well, if you want to talk about disappointment and destabilizing of the deal, just look at what the Iranians have done since the JCPOA passed. By the way, a majority of the House of Representatives and a majority of the United States Senate, not on a partisan basis either, Mr. Speaker, voted against the JCPOA. So let's put that in context. But the President insisted, he moved along, and here we are. So let's see what we can do about it. Before we fix it, let's look at what the Iranians have done. They are the destabilizers. There have been Iranian-supplied rockets launched at a U.S. Naval ship. Iran has fired rockets within 1,500 feet in December of last year on U.S. ships numerous times. The IRGC patrol boats have aggressively harassed U.S. ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has launched numerous ballistic missile tests in violation of the U.N. Security Council resolutions. They violated the JCPOA by producing excess heavy water. They continue to kidnap Americans and hold them for ransom. So let's put it where it lies. The destabilizing impact doesn't belong with the United States. It doesn't belong with any statement by an American policyholder. The destabilizing nature belongs, Mr. Speaker, to the Iranian regime, the mullahs themselves. So the gentlewoman from California said she is disappointed. Well, look, I mean, disappointment, get used to it. It is the nature of things. The nature of the disappointment is that we now have American companies that are saying: You know what? Let's go in and let's do business with a terrorist regime. How is that? Let's just go make a buck. That is the scandal of this. The scandal is that there are American companies, there are international companies--Boeing, Airbus--that are now making their own names inextricably linked with terror forever more. That is the scandal. So what are we trying to do? The gentlewoman said that the Ex-Im elements of this--I think she said--was a red herring. If not, it was words to that effect. No, it is not so. Because if you look carefully at what the Ex-Im prohibition actually prohibits, Mr. Speaker, it prohibits the direct financing to the Iranian regime. Fine, if that is all this did, well and good. There is no reason to oppose it, then. Of course, that is not where the Ex-Im is actually limited. Because here is what can happen: under current law, the Ex-Im Bank can do a deal with the Europeans, for example. What can happen, then? That can be leased under current law to the Iranians. This amendment, Mr. Huizenga's language, would prohibit that. That is what we are trying to do. Look, think about the irony of this. You have got an administration that currently is telling Americans it is a dangerous thing to go to Iran; that you are at risk of being kidnapped if you go to Iran. At the same time--picture this, Mr. Speaker--that that is being articulated, they are also saying: We are going to help you do some business over there. That is ridiculous. It is absurd, it is contradictory, and it is indefensible. So here is the good news: The good news is we can do something about it. The other good news is this Iran deal has a very short shelf life because the President-elect has said he doesn't like it. President Obama didn't do the hard work of developing a national consensus on it. If he had, it would have been a treaty and a treaty that would have bound the United States in permanency; but he didn't do that. Why? Because it was a bad idea and he couldn't sell it to Congress. So he went the easy way, did it basically by executive order. And what goes around comes around. So we can do some good work here today. We can move this out. Is President Obama going to sign it? Obviously not, but that is not to say that it is not what we should do. We know what we need to do. We need to make sure that the American financial system is not complicit in this deal. We need to make sure that American taxpayers are not subsidizing this deal. I urge the bill's passage.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Miss Penny Pullen on being selected as the recipient of the Abstinence & Marriage Education Partnership's Lifetime Achievement Award. This award represents a much deserved honor for all of Penny's work fighting for the right to life and for traditional family values over the past several decades both in Illinois and across the nation. Penny has long been considered one of the strongest champions of the pro-life movement in Illinois. She held the distinct position of emerging as the chief spokesman for the right to life during her time in Illinois House of Representatives where she served in the leadership. Upon her retirement from the General Assembly in 1993, she launched the Illinois Family Institute and was later appointed by Phyllis Schlafly to serve as President of Eagle Forum of Illinois. She also served in three national posts. She was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the National Council on Educational Research and Improvement and to the President's Commission on the HIV Epidemic. She was also appointed by President George Bush to the board of directors of the Legal Services Corporation. Currently, Penny is the president of Life Advocacy Resource Project and editor of Life Advocacy Briefing. Although, she has never sought recognition or accolades Penny deserves our deepest respect and admiration. Her contributions to the pro-life community are an inspiration to many across Illinois and the United States. It truly is an honor for me to be counted among her many friends and admirers. At a time when our nation is in need of role models in public life, we are truly blessed by Penny and the testimony of her whole life. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Penny Pullen for her remarkable lifetime of service and her devotion to God and to the founding principles that have made our nation prosper.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, today I honor sixteen year old Trisha Prabhu of Naperville, IL for her creative and enterprising efforts to combat teen cyberbullying. Having partnered with entrepreneurs Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner through the hit TV show ``Shark Tank'', Trisha is expanding her efforts on a national level. As a thirteen year old, Trisha decided to take a stand when she heard about students younger than herself who committed suicide after experiencing cyberbullying. Drawing on neuroscience research and her own research in school, Trisha created an app designed to warn students when they are about to send a text message that might be hurtful. The app, called ReThink, gives users an opportunity to edit, cancel, or send the message. After piloting the app in a 1,500-person trial, Trisha found that ReThink resulted in teens changing their messages a stunning 93 percent of the time. Already, the app has been downloaded by thousands of users and has had a significant impact on the community. With her initiative and clear vision, Trisha models the best in our youth by stepping out to prevent--not just remedy--a serious problem that her own communities face. Trisha has been featured at the White House Science Fair and as a global finalist at the Google Science Fair and received numerous honors including the International Princess Diana Award and awards from MIT and the George H. W. Bush Foundation. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing this special occasion as we celebrate the ingenuity and spirit of Trisha Prabhu.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Patricia A. Orisini for her life of service to our country and her strong leadership of the Wounded Warrior Program. As the Program's first director, Sergeant Orisini took a new idea and transformed it into a life-changing opportunity for our nation's veterans. Sergeant Orisini joined the United States Marine Corps in 1975. After 24 years of active duty and a combined three decades of service, she obtained the highest grade of an enlisted Marine--the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant. She has represented our men and women in uniform through her work with the Department of Veterans Affairs and with the American Legion. Re-called to active duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom, she built and managed a ``medical hold'' program designed to assist injured reservists. Sergeant Orisini's experience culminated with her outstanding guidance of the Wounded Warrior Program. After joining the Program only eight years ago, she retires having helped 182 wounded and disabled veterans become Wounded Warrior Fellows, over 100 of who have either returned to college or become full time employees with a Congressional office and other government agencies. Sergeant Orisini, who earned her bachelor's degree by studying in the evenings while on active duty, holds affiliations with the Foreign Joint Services NCO Association, Disabled American Veterans, Women Marines Association, Marine Corps League and the National Italian American Foundation. Through her hard work and visionary leadership, she is a model American and public servant. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing this special occasion as we celebrate the life and career of Sergeant Patricia A. Orisini and her faithful service to our country.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2285) to improve enforcement against trafficking in cultural property and prevent stolen or illicit cultural property from financing terrorist and criminal networks, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 2285 currently under consideration.

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Keating) has done good work here and we are deeply appreciative, and I think all Americans are when they learn about what is in this piece of legislation. It enjoys broad bipartisan support, and I am here to urge its passage. Let me tell you briefly about it. The Prevent Trafficking in Cultural Property Act is a key component in the fight against terrorism. This bill will allow us to launch a strategic blow to ISIS by cutting off one of their main fundraising sources. ISIS and their network loot and smuggle artifacts from world heritage sites and sell them on the black market to fund their terrorist activities. We can and we must put an end to this. The Department of Homeland Security is responsible for detecting and collecting stolen artifacts from the U.S., but illegal trade of valuable artifacts continues to grow, and much more needs to be done to address this very serious problem. That is where Mr. Keating and this bill come into play. This bill creates a clear U.S. policy to stop and prevent the trafficking of historic artifacts by providing the U.S. Government with the tools it needs to effectively detain, seize, and investigate historic objects that are illegally imported into the U.S. Because ISIS relies heavily on cash to carry out its terrorist activities, passing this bill is an important step in taking down a group that has caused so much harm, so much heartache, and so much anxiety to Americans, our allies, and innocent civilians around the world. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC, September 14, 2016. Hon. Kevin Brady, Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Brady: I write with respect to H.R. 2285, the ``Prevent Trafficking in Cultural Property Act,'' which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary among others. As a result of your having consulted with us on provisions within H.R. 2285 that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on the Judiciary, I agree to discharge our committee from further consideration of this bill so that it may proceed expeditiously to the House floor for consideration. The Judiciary Committee takes this action with our mutual understanding that by forgoing consideration of H.R. 2285 at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over subject matter contained in this or similar legislation and that our committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as this bill or similar legislation moves forward so that we may address any remaining issues in our jurisdiction. Our committee also reserves the right to seek appointment of an appropriate number of conferees to any House-Senate conference involving this or similar legislation and asks that you support any such request. I would appreciate a response to this letter confirming this understanding with respect to H.R. 2285 and would ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in your committee report and in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of H.R. 2285. Sincerely, Bob Goodlatte, Chairman.

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I think our constituents are really heartened when they see both parties coming together to work on things of national importance. Without question, H.R. 2285 is in that category. It is a tool that we need to combat ISIS. I commend Mr. Keating, and I urge its passage. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 5523, currently under consideration.

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this afternoon, the gentleman from New York and I are going to tell you a fascinating story. It is a story that when we tell it to our constituents at home, there is such a level of concern about what they have heard has happened that it really gets their attention. The good news is that the Ways and Means Committee and others have come along and tried to come up with a remedy. So here is what has been going on: for the past 2 years, the Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee has been investigating how the IRS has abused its civil asset forfeiture authority. We heard from numerous people about how the IRS seized their life savings with no notice simply because they had deposited their own money into their own bank accounts in amounts of less than $10,000. You heard that right--their own money into their own bank accounts with no underlying bad act, and the IRS came in and seized their assets with no notice. It was so outrageous and so egregious in some of these cases, Mr. Speaker, that the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service actually apologized to some of these people. Now, getting an apology out of the IRS Commissioner was like birthing a calf, but we got the apology from him, and we have been able to move forward. Subsequent to that, the Internal Revenue Service has changed their policy--which is okay, it is a good step--but we have to go farther and we need to change the underlying statute. Now, here is the back story: most people don't know that the law requires deposits of more than $10,000 to be reported to the government. It is not a bad policy, and it is in place in case there is a human trafficking operation or a mafia front group or a meth lab that is trying to get around some bank secrecy acts. Others don't know that it is actually illegal to intentionally avoid that reporting requirement. Two Maryland farming families, the Sowers and the Taylors, went through this ordeal. In their cases, bank tellers told them that it would be helpful if they could deposit all the cash they earned by selling farmers market products in amounts less than $10,000. So, Mr. Speaker, in other words, the bank teller says: Look, it is a big hassle when you come in here with more than $10,000. It would be much easier if you come in with less than $10,000 because we, the bank, won't have to make a report. The Sowers and the Taylors--nicest people ever--said: Sure. That is where the trouble began. As they requested, they kept their deposits under $10,000 to help out the tellers. Likewise, the Hirsch brothers in New York, who own a convenience store distributorship, do a lot of cash business; and just because they made large cash deposits at their bank, the government seized their savings of $400,000. Andrew Clyde, who owns an armory down in Athens, Georgia, has a similar story. His store's insurance policy only covers up to $10,000 in cash losses. So he does what any commonsense, clear-thinking person would do, and that is to take less than $10,000 to the bank because more than $10,000 wouldn't be covered by his own insurance policy. Mr. Speaker, now, even after the IRS had seized these accounts and the IRS realized that there was no criminal activity attached to these funds--in other words, they realized this is not what this law is all about--the IRS kept the money, and people like the families that I just mentioned spent time and resources trying to get them back. Some of them, like Mr. Clyde and the Taylors, are still fighting today. Mr. Speaker, the entire subcommittee, both sides of the aisle, was scandalized to learn about this. It began to say, number one, how can this be? And number two, what can we do about it? Mr. Crowley, my friend from New York, and I thought it was a good step that the IRS changed their policy. But we think an even better step is to pass this underlying bill. What the bill does is it says that the IRS would only be able to seize structured assets if they are used to conceal another crime or they are derived from an illegal source. It would also give procedural protections, like the right to a speedy hearing, to people from whom the IRS seizes money. Finally, if the government ultimately gives assets and interest back when challenged, our bill would exempt that interest from Federal income tax. It serves to help right the wrong, if only in a small way, for the money being improperly taken in the first place. Unfortunately, the bill comes up too late to keep the Clydes, the Sowers, the Hirsches, and the Taylors from dealing with this problem. But they have done all Americans and this body a service by standing up and being willing to tell their stories so that we can respond. We cannot let the IRS abuse this discretion and abuse this power. I am pleased that the overwhelming and, in fact, the unanimous Ways and Means Committee has supported this. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Financial Services, Washington, DC, September 8, 2016. Hon. Kevin Brady, Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Brady: I am writing concerning H.R. 5523, the ``Clyde-Hirsch-Sowers RESPECT Act''. As a result of your having consulted with the Committee on Financial Services concerning provisions in the bill that fall within our Rule X jurisdiction, I agree to forgo action on the bill so that it may proceed expeditiously to the House Floor. The Committee on Financial Services takes this action with our mutual understanding that, by foregoing consideration of H.R. 5523 at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or similar legislation, and that our Committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as this or similar legislation moves forward so that we may address any remaining issues that fall within our Rule X jurisdiction. Our Committee also reserves the right to seek appointment of an appropriate number of conferees to any House-Senate conference involving this or similar legislation, and requests your support for any such request. Finally, I would appreciate your response to this letter confirming this understanding with respect to H.R. 5523 and would ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in your committee's report to accompany the legislation, as well as in the Congressional Record during floor consideration thereof. Sincerely, Jeb Hensarling, Chairman.

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5523) to amend title 31, United States Code, to prohibit the Internal Revenue Service from carrying out seizures relating to a structuring transaction unless the property to be seized derived from an illegal source or the funds were structured for the purpose of concealing the violation of another criminal law or regulation, to require notice and a post-seizure hearing for such seizures, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in observance of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Sixteen thousand children in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer every year. Only one in five will survive. I have a very special constituent, Chase Ewoldt, of Wheaton, Illinois. This is Chase with his mom and dad. He was diagnosed at the age of 2, in July 2012, with a very rare aggressive brain and spinal cancer. He withstood a grueling 14 months of treatment, spending more time in the hospital than he had at home. He survived. He is not out of the woods yet though. Chase is the nationwide ambassador for St. Baldrick's Foundation, and his mother wrote a book called ``Chase Away Cancer.'' This is an incredible example of resiliency, tenacity, and faithfulness in the course of a very difficult season, and I just want to pause and bring attention to Chase and to his family as we recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.