Tom Reed

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the National Job Corps. Job Corps was established by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. The organization's mission is to help young people gain the credentials and employment skills needed to enter the workforce and build successful careers. Job Corps provides career preparatory training to high school dropouts, homeless young adults, and students with learning disabilities, enabling them to become productive and financially independent members of society. Job Corps provides over 50,000 at-risk youth with invaluable job training and life skills each year. The Cassadaga Job Corps Center, located in Chautauqua County, New York, has had an immensely positive impact on lives and families in my congressional district. The Center enrolls over 300 local youths every year, providing them with the resources and opportunities necessary to achieve success, both now and in the future. These programs have enabled thousands of young adults to enter the workforce and begin careers in construction, healthcare, security, and various vocational industries. Our local communities have greatly benefited from the services provided by the hardworking staff of the Cassadaga Job Corps Center. The staff provides a ``hand up'' to young adults in need, by mentoring, encouraging, and supporting the program participants as they work to better themselves. The staff works with the participants as they establish solid foundations upon which to build their careers, which directly benefits the participants and our communities. Mr. Speaker, it is my sincere pleasure to congratulate the National Job Corps on fifty years of excellent service to students and young adults across the country. I salute Job Corps on a job well-done, and extend my best wishes for continued success in the future.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about an impending crisis that is going to be coming upon us in 2016. Mr. Speaker, not too many people know or realize that our Social Security disability trust fund is going to be insolvent, bankrupt, underfunded--whatever term you want to use--by the middle of 2016. Mr. Speaker, what that means is that our fellow Americans--approximately 11 million of them--who receive Social Security disability checks are going to be looking at a 20 percent reduction in their benefit come the middle of 2016 if we do not step up to the plate and reform this critical program. Now, Mr. Speaker, I serve on the Ways and Means Committee here in Washington, D.C., and 2 years ago, I questioned our Treasury Secretary from the White House. I said: Mr. Lew, where is the White House's proposal to deal with this issue? Nothing in the budget from the White House, nothing in the Treasury Secretary's testimony addressed this canary in the coal mine that is coming down upon us in 2016. This year I asked the same question, and essentially what I got was the proposal that they are going to take from Social Security retirees the contributions they make to Social Security retirement and transfer them into the disability trust fund. Mr. Speaker, in my private practice, my private life as a businessman before I came to Washington, D.C., that was essentially robbing Peter to pay Paul. That is not acceptable. We need to protect Social Security retirees. We also, Mr. Speaker, need to protect our fellow Americans who suffer from disabilities. We need to do better than robbing Peter to pay Paul. That is why I am looking for input from colleagues on the other side of the aisle, for people across the Nation to say, How can we reform the Social Security disability trust fund so that it meets its obligations and it stands with the disabled community in a way that says, You know what? If you want to return to work, you can. Because right now, Mr. Speaker, in my humble opinion, the Social Security disability trust fund penalizes those who suffer from disabilities if they return to work because then they lose their benefit. That doesn't make sense. I support the work ethic of America, and that is why I support reforms that are going to take care of the disability trust fund, that make sure that our fellow Americans receive the benefits that they need and rely upon. But we are also going to stand with our disability community and make sure if they want to return to work and have a capacity to return to work, we in Washington, D.C., will stand with them and reward that work ethic. Bottom line: I am going to protect our Social Security retirees because to put them in further harm's way, as we know the impending Social Security crisis that is going to come to a head in 2033, just around the corner, will do--to take from that retirement fund is further weakening our Social Security system. We can do better. We must do better. I care about those retirees. I care about those disabled fellow Americans. That is why I say today that we are not going to maintain the status quo of robbing Peter to pay Paul, but we are actually going to get to the business of reform. We are going to protect retirees and take care of our fellow Americans who are disabled.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the underlying bill, the America Gives More Act of 2015. In particular, Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about a bill that is near and dear to me, and that is the Fighting Hunger Incentive Act, which is a subpart of this underlying bill. The ranking member and I had a conversation the last time this legislation was before the House for consideration. We got a large bipartisan vote in support of the fighting hunger provisions. And I know the ranking member, the gentleman from Michigan, has worked extensively on this legislation for years and years and years. I know in our last debate and conversation here that the ranking member had some concerns that I questioned whether or not he cared about the people that were going to be helped by this act. I want to make it clear here today, Mr. Speaker, I understand the ranking member cares about those individuals, just as I do--just as all of us, as Democrats and Republicans, should be focusing this debate not necessarily always about the arguments of D.C. but about the people that we came here to represent and help. Fighting hunger is a bipartisan issue. We unite as Americans when our fellow citizens are suffering. When you look at the millions of Americans who are going hungry every day, Mr. Speaker, we shouldn't be divisive. We shouldn't be arguing about the details of what my opponents on the other side are putting forth today. We should stand for those millions of Americans, where we say this tax policy is going to result in tons and tons of food not going into landfills, not going into the garbage, but going onto the tables of our fellow Americans that could use that food the most: the hungry, the poor. And we can argue whether there are other ways to do it and there are other things that we can do to help them, but we can agree that this is one piece of a solution to this problem that we could pass today and move the needle and care for our fellow Americans. That is why I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this legislation. We don't want food going into landfills. We want food to be put on the table of the people that need it most. We have concerns about the debt on both sides. I get it. But here is an opportunity for us to come together. I am concerned about the debt. My colleagues are concerned about the debt. But here is an opportunity for us to show the American people that sent us here that we care about them, we are listening to the American people, and we are willing to do something about it in order to make sure that this policy results in that food going to our fellow citizens who need it most.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. REED. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, private property rights are fundamental to our liberties and freedom as American citizens. These rights are recognized in the Fifth Amendment to our United States Constitution. The overreaching actions from government on all levels--in particular here, today, the Federal Government and its agencies--is infringing on these rights by limiting property use and impacting property values. This is not right, and we must address this issue. My amendment is simple, and it is fair. The amendment will require agencies to assess the impact of their governmental actions on private property, including the use and value of that private property. Mr. Chairman, this will ensure fairness and transparency. Agencies will have to recognize the effects their government action will have on private property once this amendment is approved. Mr. Chairman, I have heard from constituents in my district and from across America that this government needs to be held in check and, in particular, when it comes to our fundamental freedoms such as private property rights. At this point in time, Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Utah, Chairman Chaffetz, chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

Mr. REED. Mr. Chairman, I thank the ranking member and the chairman for their lack of opposition in support of this amendment. In closing, Mr. Chairman, I would just say, as we care about American citizens across the country, we must stand with them, and we must support their fundamental freedoms that are represented in our Constitution, and that is what this amendment will do. It is a simple, concise amendment that will just recognize that the government, once and for all, must recognize that it is impacting private property rights in America with its actions and quantify that impact when it comes to the use and value of their private property. Mr. Chair, I ask my colleagues to support this amendment and the underlying bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 90th Anniversary of the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC). NYSAC was established by a group of committed local leaders in 1925 for the purposes of training county officials and advocating for the needs of local governments. Since that time, the organization has become the only statewide association representing the interests of New York's 62 counties, including the five boroughs of New York City. NYSAC advocates for the interests of taxpayers and county officials at the state and federal levels of government. In addition, the association provides its members with training, educational resources, and information relating to public policy. Despite the tremendous diversity found in New York, NYSAC has consistently and effectively promoted the best interests of all its members, from the urban areas downstate to the rural and suburban areas of my congressional district. I commend NYSAC on its ability to combine such different perspectives into a single unified mission that serves the interests of each county. Mr. Speaker, it is my sincere pleasure to congratulate NYSAC on 90 years of excellent service to the counties, citizens, and officials of the State of New York. The professionalism and commitment displayed by the association's staff have ensured the effective management and delivery of county services. I salute NYSAC for a job well done, and extend my best wishes for continued success in the future.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation to authorize the building of the Keystone pipeline. It is time. Enough is enough. We agree, thousands of jobs would be created by this pipeline. This will improve consumer prices. This will bring stability to oil markets around the world. This will contribute to protecting us here on American soil rather than relying on energy sources from hostile nations of the world. It doesn't cure all the problems, but it is a step in the right direction. Our constituents sent us here, Mr. Speaker, to solve problems. This is part of the solution. I rise in support of the Keystone pipeline and ask all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to reaffirm the bipartisan message of the last Congress and approve this legislation today.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Jamestown High School varsity football team on winning the 2014 New York State Public High School Athletic Association championship. Led by head coach Tom Langworthy, Jamestown claimed the Class AA title by defeating Newburgh Free Academy 41-20 in front of a raucous crowd at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York. This marks the fourth time since 1994 that Jamestown High School has captured the state football championship. The Red Raiders put on an impressive performance and excelled in all facets of the game. Quarterback Nikkolas Holland led the offense by accounting for four touchdowns. Running back Devan Jackson contributed on both sides of the ball, by rushing for a touchdown and returning a fumble for a touchdown. Senior captain Zack Panebianco was named Most Valuable Player after scoring a touchdown, kicking five extra-points, and making several outstanding defensive plays. Jamestown's defense continued its season-long run of dominance by forcing turnovers and containing Newburgh's high-powered offense. Although football is a team game, I would like to recognize a few notable awards received by individual Jamestown players. Stephen Carlson was named the 2014 Connolly Cup winner, awarded to Western New York's top scholastic football player. Stephen was also named the Section 6 Class AA Defensive Player of the Year. Zack Panebianco was named Offensive Player of the year. Joe Mistretta was named winner of the Trench Trophy, awarded annually to the top lineman in Western New York. Tom Langworthy was named Buffalo Bills/NFL Coach of the Year after guiding his team to an outstanding regular season, winning 12 games and finishing undefeated in their division. The hard work and dedication displayed by these young men is truly inspiring. The team is a source of pride within Chautauqua County and across New York's 23rd Congressional District.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Randolph High School varsity football team on winning the 2014 New York State Public High School Athletic Association championship. Led by head coach Brent Brown, Randolph claimed the Class D title by defeating Chester Academy 48-41 in front of a raucous crowd at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York. Randolph won the state championship for the third straight year, becoming the first school from Section 6 to ever win three consecutive state titles. The Cardinals put on an impressive offensive performance on the strength of their ground game. Quarterback Bryce Morrison rushed for 175 yards and five touchdowns; running back Devyn Nelsen rushed for 289 yards and one touchdown. Before hoisting the championship trophy, Randolph had to overcome a large deficit. The team trailed 27-6 at halftime before scoring on all of their second-half possessions, including 28 consecutive points. In a game that featured two high- powered offenses and 89 total points, the defining moment was an outstanding defensive play. With less than 30 seconds remaining in the game, Bryce Morrison intercepted a pass to complete the comeback and secure Randolph's third straight state championship. Although football is a team game, I would like to recognize a few notable accomplishments by individual Randolph players. Bryce Morrison was named Section 6 Class D Co-Offensive Player of the Year. In addition, Morrison, Devyn Nelsen, Mason Bosley, Michael Bowers, Jeff Andrews, and Tyler Stahley were named ``First Team All-Stars.'' The hard work and dedication displayed by these young men is truly inspiring. The team is a source of pride within Cattaraugus County and across New York's 23rd Congressional District.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay my respects to a long time leader in higher education in my district. Dr. Robert Heineman has taught at Alfred University, my alma mater, since 1971, and was one of my professors of political science. He has shaped the thought of generations of Alfred University students and encouraged them to get involved in their communities and, specifically, to get involved in the political process. Dr. Heineman holds a BA from Bradley University and both a MA and a Ph.D from American University. He has taught at Eastern Washington State College, Bradley University and Alfred University. He is a two time recipient of Alfred University's Excellence in Teaching Award and is the author of many book chapters and articles on the American Political System. His activities extend beyond the classroom and into the Alfred community. Dr. Heineman served as an elected member of the Allegany County Legislature, Village of Alfred Board and as Village Justice in the Village of Alfred. He is the current chair of the advisory board of the Allegany County Youth Court. He has worked extensively to make the communities of Alfred and Allegany County better places to live. Dr. Heineman has been married to his wife Alice for over 55 years and they have raised three children Phillip, Karen and Cheryl. Our system of representative democracy cannot endure without each new generation of citizens being educated to appreciate its underlying philosophy and precepts. A community cannot flourish without engaged citizens of all ages participating in civic life. Dr. Robert Heineman has dedicated his life to the work of encouraging young people to love and respect the political process handed down to us by the founders and, more importantly encouraged them to not just watch from the sidelines but get in the game and be part of our democracy. It is a privilege as one of Dr. Heineman's former students to be able to praise him as a member of the House of Representatives.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Brown's Cigar Store on its 125th anniversary. Located in the historic Gaffer District of Corning, New York, Brown's Cigar Store has proudly served the community since 1889. Brown's Cigar Store is locally owned and operated by the Smith family. As experienced tobacconists, Sue, Terry, and Bejay Smith use their knowledge and expertise to carry on the strong, time honored tradition of tobacconist culture. At the turn of the twentieth century, local patrons would visit Brown's to get a haircut, purchase a steamship ticket, and converse about the latest news. Although the products and services have changed over the years, the sense of camaraderie remains as strong today as when the store first opened its doors to the Corning community. Today, the store offers its guests the opportunity to step back in time, to an era when friends and neighbors would gather to discuss family, sports, politics, and national news. Patrons of Brown's experience a warm and friendly atmosphere, where the finest tobacco products and friendliest smiles are always in stock. I once again congratulate Brown's Cigar Store on 125 years of success. As a small family-owned business in my home town, I am proud to recognize this impressive milestone.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to clarify a number of interpretive issues with regard to H.R. 3043 and the IRS guidance, Rev. Proc. 2014-35, that it generally codifies. In passing this legislation, Congress expects IRS to apply its current guidance and any future guidance that it might issue to implement H.R. 3043 in a manner that does not impose significant administrative burdens on either a Nation or its members in administering the safe harbor programs. Thus, for example, we expect that a Nation may establish a program meeting the safe harbor program standards for the benefit of all of its members relying on certification and recoupment procedures. Further, in applying the current guidance for prior periods, Congress expects that the IRS will not challenge arrangements that are consistent with the spirit of the guidance in terms of what payments are eligible and without regard to specific documentation and similar requirements imposed by the guidance. Finally, with respect to the provision in H.R. 3043 suspending current audits and examinations, Congress intends that it apply to all payments and benefits from a tribal government to its members for their general welfare and further, that a tribal government may, at its option, waive suspension of its examination.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight in support of H.R. 3043, the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act of 2013. First, I would like to thank Congressman Nunes for his hard work on this legislation. Without his leadership, this bill would not have made it as far as it has today. I would also like to thank the Ways and Means chairman, Dave Camp, for his support throughout this process, and all my colleagues on the other side of the aisle that have joined in the effort to get this legislation passed and considered this evening. This legislation codifies, Mr. Speaker, the proper tax treatment of certain services provided by the tribe for education, public safety, to promote its culture, and to provide for the general welfare of the tribe. This is an issue of fair treatment of taxpayers--in this case, Native American taxpayers, such as those who live in the sovereign Seneca Nation in western New York, in my home district, the 23rd Congressional District of New York. This legislation will ensure that the unique legal relationship and tax issues with regard to members of the Indian Nations and tribal governments are recognized and respected by the IRS going forward. I urge my colleagues to join us and pass this legislation tonight. It is only fair that we do the right thing by these Native American taxpayers.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight in strong support of the IMPACT Act, H.R. 4994. In particular, I would direct my comments tonight in regards to the provisions that deal with hospice care in America. I thank the ranking member, Mr. Levin, a friend who has stood with us in regards to this act, and I echo his support and request for support for its passage this evening. When we drafted the Hospice Opportunities for Supporting Patients with Integrity and Care Evaluations, otherwise known as the HOSPICE, Act, I was glad to bring those issues to the forefront in the debate that has been incorporated in the IMPACT Act tonight. To me, hospice care is the right thing to do for our fellow Americans that face those hard decisions as we deal with health care at the end of our lives. To me, the HOSPICE Act and the provisions in the IMPACT Act go to ensure that there is quality care when it comes to hospice care for our fellow Americans. These reforms are necessary. They are the right thing to do, and they will ensure that hospice in America is done in a quality, well- conducted manner for all of our fellow Americans. I would like to thank my coauthor on this, Mr. Mike Thompson from California, with his bipartisan support, and with my colleague on the other side joining us in regards to these reforms to hospice care across America. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding time for me to address you this evening. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act that we have authored and submitted for consideration today. But as we speak about the details and before we speak about the details, I want to take a moment to thank a few people. I would like to thank my good friend from Massachusetts. Joe Kennedy and I started on this effort many months ago. We went through the process, and we are here tonight after lengthy negotiations, deliberations, and input from many stakeholders from all across America. With his diligent hard work standing with us, I am proud to call him a friend this evening as we consider this legislation for passage. I would like to thank Chairman Smith of the Science Committee for standing firm and leading on this issue, as well, as well as the subcommittee chairman, my good friend from Indiana (Mr. Bucshon), as well as the ranking members, Johnson and Lipinski, of the Science Committee and the Appropriations Committee, and Chairman Hal Rogers. Mr. Speaker, I am excited about this legislation. When I came here to Washington, D.C., in 2010, I came here to do something. This is the kind of legislation--bringing parties together, Democrats, Republicans standing together in a concerted, directed effort--to get policy adopted that will grow the American economy and put people back to work. We hear the term many times, and heard it tonight again: jobs. Well, Mr. Speaker, this legislation will accomplish that. But on top of that, this legislation is designed to the heart of advanced manufacturing in the United States of America. These are the great innovations of tomorrow that we are taking from the concept phase and putting into the commercial phase. And how are we doing that? With a united vision, a united plan, Democrats, Republicans, coming together to stand for workforce development, for identifying those technologies that are emerging that we can put as a priority on the national stage to create the jobs of today and tomorrow, because at the end of the day that is what this is all about. This is about building it here to sell it there. It is about building those products that generations before us envisioned but just couldn't get to the finish line. This is a concerted effort that will take that technology innovation from the shelf and put it in Main Street America so that hardworking taxpayers will have an opportunity for this generation and the generations to come. I applaud this legislation, I applaud this effort. As we do this, let us recognize that we came together to pay for this legislation tonight, fully offset, the program and priority that we are putting together through this RAMI legislation. Now, I look forward to the Senate and their efforts to hopefully take this legislation up. Things I hear today and tonight are very positive on that front. I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to act quickly to create and pass this legislation that will provide for generations to come. We have created an opportunity here to create American jobs. It is time for us, as we did many times before, to come together, solve America's problems, and put this type of legislation on the President's desk--which all indications are that he will accept and sign--and get American manufacturing back on its feet so that it builds products for generations to come.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the importance of an ``all-of-the-above'' energy approach for our nation's future. By taking this fair and reasonable approach to domestic energy exploration and production, we can properly care for the energy needs of families and businesses in New York, and across the country, while promoting American jobs, boosting national security and taking care of the environment. Last year, 13 percent of electricity in the United States was produced from renewable sources, ranking us second in the world. This development has improved environmental quality while providing power to our nation's homes and businesses. Since I care about our fellow Americans health, this is the right thing to do. Additionally, the growing use of alternative and renewable fuels lower imports of foreign energy, improves our national security by reducing foreign energy consumption, and creates jobs for families across the country. In addition, clean natural gas development is bringing with it job growth and revitalizing manufacturing in towns and cities across America. We can create jobs, provide quality energy to American businesses and families, care for the environment and support national security if we, as a nation, focus on an ``all-of-the-above'' energy approach.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the decorated careers of Chief Terry Schnell and Captain Kurt Ireland of the Olean Police Department. Longtime members of the department, Chief Schnell and Captain Ireland have a combined 68 years of dedicated service to the Olean community. Terry Schnell joined the Olean Police Department in 1982 and rose to the rank of chief in 2006. Throughout his 32-year career, Chief Schnell earned the trust and respect of his fellow officers, city leaders, and citizens. During his time with the Olean Police Department, Chief Schnell completed training at the FBI Academy, learning advanced skills and strategies that have positively benefited the department. Throughout his tenure as chief, Mr. Schnell repeatedly fought to secure necessary funding and support for the police department. His career exemplifies the values outlined in the department's mission statement, serving with ``integrity, common sense, and sound judgment.'' Kurt Ireland joined the Olean Police Department in 1977. He spent the majority of his 36-year career with the department's patrol division, earning promotions to sergeant in 1993 and captain in 1998. While holding these leadership positions, Captain Ireland managed the daily operations of his unit and established department procedures. Captain Ireland was a responsible, dedicated, and hard-working officer who served his community with the highest level of integrity. I congratulate Chief Terry Schnell and Captain Kurt Ireland on their retirement from the Olean Police Department. We owe these men a debt of gratitude for their combined 68 years of service to the Olean community. Their impressive careers in law enforcement and numerous contributions to our community improved quality of life and made Olean a safer place to live.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance of international adoption. Adoption is an important building block that contributes to strong and loving families for children and parents alike. I recently met with a family from my congressional district which adopted a young girl from Nepal. The family experienced a great deal of difficulty throughout the adoption process, as evidenced by the numerous administrative roadblocks they encountered. However, the family persevered through the adversity and eventually completed the adoption process, welcoming a new daughter into their family. The family's dedication to providing a better life for an orphan born into poverty on the other side of the world exemplifies the spirit of international adoption. The family's perseverance is a symbol of hope for the thousands of children living in orphanages around the world who yearn to become part of a loving and nurturing family. No matter the country or continent, children in each corner of the globe deserve to be part of a family. As Americans, we should take every opportunity to offer a helping hand to those who are less fortunate. Today, there are thousands of orphanages with a growing number of children waiting to be adopted by a loving family that will provide sustenance, support, and stability. By providing these underprivileged children with the American ideals of hope and opportunity, we not only brighten their future, but America's future as well.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the decorated careers of Chief Tony Schnell and Captain Kurt Ireland of the Olean Police Department. Longtime members of the department, Chief Schnell and Captain Ireland have a combined 68 years of dedicated service to the Olean community. Tony Schnell joined the Olean Police Department in 1982 and rose to the rank of chief in 2006. Throughout his 32-year career, Chief Schnell earned the trust and respect of his fellow officers, city leaders, and citizens. During his time with the Olean Police Department, Chief Schnell completed training at the FBI Academy, learning advanced skills and strategies that have positively benefited the department. Throughout his tenure as chief, Mr. Schnell repeatedly fought to secure necessary funding and support for the police department. His career exemplifies the values outlined in the department's mission statement, serving with ``integrity, common sense, and sound judgment.'' Kurt Ireland joined the Olean Police Department in 1977. He spent the majority of his 36-year career with the department's patrol division, earning promotions to sergeant in 1993 and captain in 1998. While holding these leadership positions, Captain Ireland managed the daily operations of his unit and established department procedures. Captain Ireland was a responsible, dedicated, and hard-working officer who served his community with the highest level of integrity. I congratulate Chief Tony Schnell and Captain Kurt Ireland on their retirement from the Olean Police Department. We owe these men a debt of gratitude for their combined 68 years of service to the Olean community. Their impressive careers in law enforcement and numerous contributions to our community improved quality of life and made Olean a safer place to live.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for yielding. I want to start my comments today by focusing on the merits of this proposal and then by offering some comments in response to my good friend from Michigan in regards to the budgetary concerns that he articulated in his opening remarks. Mr. Speaker, this bill is a commonsense bill that is the right thing to do for America. It is the right policy because what we are doing with the America Gives More Act of 2014 is putting in our tax policy provisions on a permanent basis that are going to provide for enhanced charitable giving in America. That is the right thing to do. We care about Americans, especially fellow American citizens. In times when they need it the most, we are going to stand with them. Our tax policy under this provision would be made permanent to encourage fellow Americans to help Americans. To me, it makes sense. It is a fundamental question of fairness, and it is a fundamental question of: Do we care about our fellow citizens in their time of need? I have one piece of legislation in this underlying bill in particular that I wanted to articulate, and I want to thank my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee who are going to speak after me in regards to their individual pieces of legislation that make up this America Gives More Act of 2014. That provision that I am going to talk about is the Fighting Hunger Incentive Act. Essentially, all we are doing under the Tax Code is recognizing that we are going to treat all businesses, all people the same across America when it comes to their excess food inventories--be it in their restaurants, expanded to farms--so that our farmers can be in a position to give that food that otherwise would go into a landfill to the people who need it most: fellow hungry Americans. To me, that makes sense, and that is where we have supported this legislation. It has come out of the committee, and it has gotten bipartisan support. Groups across the country took out an ad in our local paper here today, and they support this effort to not have food go to a landfill but to go onto the tables, onto the plates of fellow Americans who need it most. That is why this legislation is the right thing to do. Mr. Speaker, I heard my colleague talk about the concern about the deficit. I share that concern, but the question that has to be answered is: Why have these extenders historically been renewed on a temporary basis without an offset? It is because it is the policy of the Tax Code that we are trying to make permanent here. Prior Members of Congress-- and the President, himself, when he was in the Senate--supported the extension of these extenders without an offset because it was good policy. It is the right thing to do, and I urge all of my colleagues to join in support of this legislation.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. I thank the gentleman from Arizona for yielding, as well as my colleague from Maryland for his support. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 606, to rename the post office at 815 County Road 23 in Tyrone, New York, after Specialist Christopher Scott. Mr. Speaker, Specialist Scott gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country on September 3, 2011, at the young age of 21 years old, and I am honored to recognize him here today. A 2009 graduate of Dundee Central Schools, Christopher was an engaged student who was active on both his school's football and track teams. In addition, he was the only male cheerleader on the varsity squad. Outside of school, Chris was skilled in martial arts and was an avid member of the Spencer Van Etten Coon Hunting Club. It was Specialist Scott's dream to serve his country as a military policeman, and he enlisted shortly after graduating from Dundee. He was assigned to the 716th Military Police Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, Air Assault, stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and he was ultimately deployed in July of 2011. His fellow soldiers commended him on his leadership and constant professionalism. Tragically, Mr. Speaker, he was killed September 3, 2011, while on patrol in Afghanistan, just 2 weeks before he was to return home to be married. The news devastated his tight-knit community of 1,500 people. His service and heroism earned him numerous awards and decorations, which include the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, the NATO Medal, and Combat Action Badge. Specialist Scott personified patriotism, giving the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation. The least we can do is to pay tribute to his bravery and dedication by naming the Tyrone Post Office in his honor to help preserve his legacy as one of New York's true heroes for generations to come. I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the courage and bravery of three constituents: Ryan Johnson, Dustin Potter, and D.J. Quinten. On June 20, 2014, a 14-ton carrier truck crashed into Simeon's on the Commons, a popular restaurant in Ithaca, New York. Upon witnessing the crash, Ryan, Dustin, and D.J. immediately sprang into action. Despite the obvious risk, these men put their lives in harm's way to help those who were in even greater danger. Before the first responders arrived at the scene of the accident, these men rushed into the smoking building to provide assistance to the multiple victims who had sustained injuries. Sadly, the crash took the life of Amanda Bush, a 27-year-old from Lansing, New York. I extend my deepest condolences to Amanda's friends and family, especially her fiance and 14-month-old daughter. I am amazed by the outpouring of support that the Ithaca community has shown in response to this tragedy. Hundreds of friends and neighbors attended the memorial service for Amanda and made financial donations to a fund benefitting Amanda's family. In total, seven people were injured as a result of the crash. I am confident that the heroic actions of Ryan, Dustin, and D.J. saved lives. We owe a collective debt of gratitude to each of these individuals for their selfless actions and willingness to assist their neighbors in a critical time of need. I am proud to recognize Ryan, Dustin, and D.J. and I hope their actions will serve as an inspiration to others throughout Tompkins County and New York's 23rd Congressional District.

Mr. REED

Mr. REED. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. REED. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment that will provide an additional $4 million in funding to the nondefense environmental cleanup line of the subject bill by diverting money that otherwise would go to the D.C. bureaucracy and putting that money on the front line to this critical piece of necessary work that needs to be done across the country. I would offer, Mr. Chairman, that this amendment supports public safety and health. I recognize, Mr. Chairman, that we are operating in tough fiscal times, and I appreciate the work the subcommittee has done on appropriations by going through this bill in a very thoughtful and methodical way. It has offered a good piece of sound legislation. However, I would ask that this amendment be considered and supported by my colleagues because what it fundamentally will do is provide the necessary resources for nuclear waste cleanup sites around the Nation and ensure that these dollars are spent at a level that recognizes the priority of these efforts to our country. In our district, I have a site called the West Valley Demonstration Project that is one of these types of sites. I have heard from many of my constituents--the West Valley Citizens Task Force, in particular-- that spend and devote a tremendous amount of time to this facility and this effort of cleaning up these nuclear waste sites across the country, and in particular the West Valley Demonstration Project site. The information I received, Mr. Chairman, is that there is a need for consistent funding in this area, because if there is not, the long-term capability and the long-term cost to our country to clean these sites up significantly is increased because of the lack of consistency in the funding necessary to go through this tremendous remediation and restabilization efforts at these nuclear sites. I am also pleased, Mr. Chairman, to rise with support on a bipartisan basis, working with Congressman Higgins, my colleague in New York, as well as Mr. Matheson, who has joined us in these efforts to recognize across the country that this is a priority level type of effort that needs to be done for our nuclear waste sites across the country.