James Renacci

Mr. RENACCI

Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Reed).

Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I again want to thank my colleague, Mr. Lewis, for his work with me and this legislation. I also truly want to thank Mr. Pascrell. As he said, I hope it is a sign of things to come, where we can work together on important issues that face the American people. I urge all Members to support H.R. 3832, the Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Prevention Act of 2016. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RENACCI

Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 182, I was at a Ways and Means hearing and was not able to make it to the floor in time. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. RENACCI

Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3724, the Ensuring Integrity in the IRS Workforce Act of 2015, a bill sponsored by my good friend and colleague, Representative Kristi Noem of South Dakota. As the previous colleague said, this should be a bipartisan issue. This is an American issue. I spent most of my life in the business world. I have owned and operated over 60 different businesses, employed over 3,000 people, and created thousands of new jobs. Throughout my 30-year business career, I have had the privilege of hiring many new, talented individuals. When it comes to hiring at the IRS, the Treasury inspector general stated, ``Selecting the best candidates for employment is essential to providing the best service to America's taxpayers, maintaining public trust in tax administration, and safeguarding taxpayer's rights and privacy.'' However, the inspector general report from December 2014 found that the IRS fell short of that standard. Last year the IRS hired hundreds of employees who were terminated for misconduct. Those serious offenses included willful failure to file tax returns, unauthorized access to taxpayer information, falsification of official forms, and abuse of IRS leave and property policies. As a businessman, but more importantly as a representative of the American taxpayer, I find this IG report inexcusable. It seems obvious to me, but not once did I rehire someone in the real world--in the real world--who I had previously fired for misconduct. The IRS needs to earn the trust of hardworking American taxpayers. Rehiring employees who were fired for these serious offenses further erodes that trust. H.R. 3724 directly addresses this issue. It prohibits the IRS from rehiring employees that were fired for misconduct. This is common sense. As a former businessowner, I know it is a very difficult decision to let someone go, but rehiring an individual who was asked to leave due to gross misconduct would be insulting to other employees who have faithfully served the business, and would present a significant risk to the health of the organization and its customers. The IG report found the IRS doesn't take those risks seriously. In fact, ``IRS officials stated that prior conduct and performance issues do not play a significant role in deciding the candidates who are best qualified for hiring.'' Because the IRS hasn't taken those risks seriously, this straightforward, commonsense legislation is needed to restore accountability and trust in the IRS. I would like to commend Mrs. Noem for her leadership on this legislation. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in support.

Mr. RENACCI

Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Sandridge Food Corporation on receiving the 2016 Smart Business Evolution of Manufacturing Award. Sandridge Food Co. is a family-owned refrigerated foods manufacturer located in Medina, Ohio. For more than 50 years, Sandridge Food Co. has produced fresh deli salads, soups, entrees, desserts, sauces, and dips for the food service and retail sectors. A leader in the refrigerated foods industry in North America, Sandridge has built its rich heritage with an unparalleled commitment to food safety, culinary excellence, and innovation. Small businesses across the country work hard every day to produce the goods and services needed to drive our nation's economy. I offer my sincerest congratulations to this valued business and community partner.

Mr. RENACCI

Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to congratulate my Chief of Staff, Surya Gunasekara and his wife Mandy, on the birth of their daughter, Annabelle Scout Gunasekara. She was born at 11:16 a.m., on February 18, 2016 in Washington, DC. I would also like to congratulate their son, Rico Rhyder Gunasekara, on becoming a big brother who welcomed his baby sister to the world with an enthusiastic Ole Miss cheer, ``Hotty Toddy.'' Annabelle Scout is 8 pounds and 3 ounces of pride and joy to her loving grandparents, Ada and Michael McGrevey of Decatur, Mississippi, and Brett and Susanne Conrad of Santa Monica, California. I am so excited for this new blessing to the Gunasekara family and wish them all the best on their future endeavors.

Mr. RENACCI

Mr. RENACCI. I thank the gentleman from Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3442, the Debt Management and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2015. This bill isn't about budgets. I have listened today. It is about a process, a process to keep our eye on the debt by all Members of Congress. Americans want us paying attention to our national debt. Our collective debt has now surpassed $19 trillion, which is $58,000 per American. Sadly, these numbers are only a tip of the iceberg as they don't include, as my colleague from Virginia (Mr. Brat) indicated, tens of trillions of dollars of unfunded liabilities stemming from some of our entitlement programs. To me, this is inexcusable. We need an accurate accounting of our country's financial health, and this legislation is a sorely needed first step only, a first step to start the dialogue in finding a solution to this growing problem. H.R. 3442 will require the Secretary of the Treasury to provide a report to Congress prior to the debt reaching the statutory limit. The report must include historic, current, and projected levels of debt, the drivers and composition of future debt, and how the United States will meet the debt obligations if the debt limit is raised. As someone who has spent nearly 30 years in the business world, I know the importance of leveraging debt to grow a business and, in this case, to move the government forward. I understand that sometimes we have to borrow. But if I showed up to a bank without an explanation and plan to repay my obligations, I would be laughed out of the building. If I told the bank, ``The financial statements are on the Internet,'' ``I have sent them to you already,'' or, ``You already have them,'' the laughing would stop and the debt would be called. Why should raising the national debt limit be any different? The Treasury should have to present a plan to Congress. This straightforward legislation is not divisive. It will apply to both Democrat and Republican administrations. It will not even affect the current administration. Let me be very clear. Our debt is not a Democrat or Republican problem. This is an American problem. As I travel throughout my district in Ohio, I hear from my constituents regarding their concerns about the direction of our country and what we are leaving our children and grandchildren. Congress must work together to put our national debt back on a sustainable path. That is what this legislation starts the process of doing. I would like to commend Mr. Marchant for his leadership on this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to join me in support.

Mr. RENACCI

Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate John O'Brien, upon the achievement of twenty years as President of one of the premier Irish organizations in America, the West Side Irish American Club. The West Side Irish American Club exists to preserve and promote the rich Irish cultural heritage in song, dance, literature, sports and traditions. It provides a forum for the enrichment of family and the enhancement of friendships. John O'Brien demonstrates a commitment to the Irish community on a daily basis. Service to the Irish community is the foundation of John O'Brien's endeavors. John O'Brien exemplifies the spirit of the WSIA member--love of culture and celebration of community. John O'Brien was born in Kiltoon, County Roscommon, Ireland and arrived in North America first in Montreal, Canada where he met his wife, Eileen. The O'Briens settled in Cleveland, Ohio in 1963. They raised four children, Noreen, Catherine, Patricia and John Jr. John O'Brien was first elected President of the West Side Irish American Club in 1995. Under his leadership many capital improvements to the facility have been achieved, including a new storage building and workshop, a beautiful gazebo, conversion to a city water and sewer system, complete renovation of the Great Hall, addition of the Madison and Abbey Rooms, and the upgrade of the football field. He also oversees the ``Tuesday Volunteers,'' doing countless maintenance and cleaning projects. John O'Brien's dedication, his steady hand and his quiet, unassuming demeanor and his humility inspire others to participate in club activities. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognition of John O'Brien for his constant dedication to preserving Irish culture and to giving future generations of Irish-Americans the gift of knowledge of their traditions.

Mr. RENACCI

Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 44, I was meeting with constituents and was detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' Personal Explanation

Mr. RENACCI

Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman and his staff for their hard work. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act, or the PATH Act. I came to Washington as a business owner and CPA to reform our broken Tax Code and protect hardworking American taxpayers. Many of those taxpayers come to my office on an annual basis, looking at many of these extenders and not really understanding whether they were permanent or not permanent, whether they had them or would have the opportunity to use these credits. This package here makes many of those credits permanent. The PATH Act is an important first step forward in allowing us to reform our broken Tax Code. This legislation will make several tax policies permanent, such as the R&D credit and small business expensing. It will provide certainty and predictability to our businesses and individuals. And most importantly, it will help open the door to economic growth. This legislation also removes unnecessary tax compliance burdens. The PATH Act includes a bill I introduced with many of my colleagues, including many on the Bipartisan Working Group that I formed many years ago. The Information Reporting Simplification Act of 2015 is in the bill. This bipartisan, commonsense legislation provides a safe harbor to eliminate the need to correct minor errors on tax forms that have de minimis impact on the tax liability outcome, and helps avoid the waste in time and dollars for businesses and individuals that would otherwise have to refile their tax returns. Mr. Speaker, the PATH Act is an important first step in fixing our Tax Code, and I urge my colleagues to join me in support.

Mr. RENACCI

Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Mr. Ryan Chester for his accomplishment of being selected the winner of the Breakthrough Junior Challenge. Ryan is an extraordinarily talented senior from North Royalton High School, who competed against more than 2,000 applicants from across the world. The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is a competition that invites students ages 13-18 to submit videos that explain science, physics, and math concepts. With a bowl of popcorn, a brilliant mind, and some very creative video-editing skills, Ryan created a capturing visual to explain Einstein's Special Theory in Relativity, and won first prize in this inaugural competition. As the winner of this competition, Ryan won a $250,000 scholarship, a $100,000 state-of-the art new science lab for North Royalton High School, and $50,000 for his AP Physics teacher Mr. Richard Nestoff. He also had the once in a lifetime opportunity to meet Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, whose Silicon Valley Community Foundation co-hosted the event. Ryan's ability to take his passion for both film and science and apply it in a setting outside of the classroom on his own accord should be encouraged in schools throughout the country. As a nation, we are committed to advancing our understanding of science and applying it in a way that can impact the lives of all man-kind. I know we are in good hands as we continue to lead the way in new scientific breakthroughs and innovations that will define the 21st century with young scientists like Ryan. It is with great admiration I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Ryan on his achievement, and wish him the best with all of his future endeavors.

Mr. RENACCI

Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Ms. Valarie McCall on her appointment to the Chair of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). APTA strengthens and improves our public transportation to ensure that all Americans have access to that option in their communities across our nation. Valarie is a great model for all aspiring public servants across the country, and is deserving of our recognition and gratitude for this achievement. Valarie began her distinguished public service career as the Director of Cleveland's Empowerment Zone, where she managed a $200 million budget and worked to advance job planning and placement initiatives, as well as providing financing to businesses. She was also the youngest city clerk for Cleveland's City Council and served on a countless number of boards benefitting her community. Today, Valarie serves as the Chief of Government and International Affairs for the City of Cleveland. As the first person to hold this position, she acts as a liaison between the Mayor's Office and State and Local Governments, Federal Agencies, and international organizations. With her in-depth public service experience, I have no doubt that APTA will benefit tremendously from Valarie's Chairmanship. Her national appointment makes Ohio proud. I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in recognizing her distinguished record of public service.

Mr. RENACCI

Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 636, I voted `Nay' when I intended to vote `Yea'.

Mr. RENACCI

Mr. RENACCI. I thank the gentleman. I did not know we were going to talk about that tonight. Mr. Speaker, tonight I join my colleagues in voicing my appreciation for the years of dedicated service of our Speaker, John Boehner. Speaker Boehner has been a strong leader through some very difficult and unique times. He has faced many challenging situations and decisions, but he has also celebrated many great accomplishments. He arranged for Congress to hear from great foreign leaders during pivotal times in our Nation, such as Israel's Prime Minister and the Ukranian President. Most recently, he orchestrated the historic visit of the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, to address a joint session of Congress. He has been a leader on improving our education system and the lives of all children. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve alongside him in this Chamber and with the Ohio delegation. Mr. Speaker, one fun fact about Speaker Boehner and I: We both love to play golf, and I have played a lot of courses with him, but never in the same foursome. So, Speaker Boehner, I look forward to one day joining you for a friendly round of 18. Again, I want to thank Speaker Boehner and his family for their years of service and dedication to our country.

Mr. RENACCI

Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 467 through 469 my flight from Cleveland, OH to Washington (DCA) was delayed. I landed in Washington at 7:00 p.m. versus scheduled landing at 4:30 p.m. If I was present I would have voted yes on all three. Had I been present, I would have voted Yes.

Mr. RENACCI

Mr. RENACCI. I thank the chairman. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge approval of H.R. 709, the Prevent Targeting at the IRS Act. This bipartisan legislation has over 50 cosponsors and actually passed by voice vote in a previous Congress. I think the overwhelming support for this legislation shows that the vast majority of Members, regardless of their party affiliation, believe the IRS should be above politics. Congress has already acted to create a list of fireable offenses at the IRS. In 1998, the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act passed by a vote of 402-8. It sought to bring accountability to the IRS by allowing for the immediate termination of IRS employees who engage in the so-called ``10 deadly sins'' against taxpayers. Many of the Members in Congress today supported those reforms back then. Unfortunately, while that legislation covers many offenses, it did not include political targeting. I have no doubt this was a simple oversight. This is not a partisan issue. I cannot imagine any Member would support a process for removing an employee for bad behavior but somehow not consider political targeting to be a bad enough behavior. It is absolutely unacceptable for a government official to consider the political leanings of any taxpayer when conducting official business. If a Federal employee engages in political targeting, that employee should be fired. It is that simple. My legislation will make sure of it. It specifically spells out that any IRS employee, regardless of political affiliation, who targets a taxpayer for political purposes will immediately be relieved of his or her duties. If you work for the IRS, you cannot target taxpayers for political purposes. There should be no controversy in that. This legislation does not change any of the procedures for removing an IRS agent. It just adds ``political targeting'' to the list of the 10 deadly sins already in existence. Though it has been nearly 2 years since we learned that the IRS targeted individuals based on their political beliefs, the American public's lack of trust in this Federal agency remains--and rightly so. Political targeting contradicts the very principles this country was founded upon, and there is no room for it in our democracy. It will not be tolerated. The IRS needs this legislation; the entire Federal Government needs this legislation; and, most importantly, the American people need this legislation. They need to know that they will not be targeted by their government for political purposes. They need to know that those who are entrusted with the vast power of the Federal Government will act in a responsible and professional manner and will be reprimanded if they don't. They need to know that the government is accountable to them and not the other way around. I urge all Members to support this commonsense legislation.

Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman; I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois for his comments; and I want to thank the gentleman from Georgia, my colleague from the other side. Look, it is pretty simple. It is unacceptable for a government official to consider the political leanings of any taxpayer when conducting official business. If a federal employee engages in political targeting, that employee should be fired. It is that simple. With that, Mr. Speaker, I urge the Members to support H.R. 709 to prevent targeting of the IRS, a commonsense piece of legislation.

Mr. RENACCI

Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tony Alexander's 43 years of service to FirstEnergy. As FirstEnergy's longest-serving chief executive officer, Tony is responsible for propelling the company to the forefront of the energy industry. Since joining FirstEnergy in 1972, Tony has served in a number of unique roles. His leadership has contributed to FirstEnergy's success every step of the way. Over the course of his career, he guided the company through significant mergers and acquisitions, regulatory challenges, and a range of operational and financial issues. For example, Tony was instrumental in the merger of Ohio Edison and Centerior Energy, which formed FirstEnergy. A year after he was named president of First Energy, the company doubled in size and Tony deftly managed the company through significant regulatory, financial and environmental challenges during his career. Not only is Tony a leader in our business community, he has also dedicated much of his life to serving the Greater Akron area. Currently, Tony serves on the Board of Trustees of Akron Tomorrow and Team NEO, and as an advisory trustee to the University of Akron Board of Trustees. In addition, he is on the President's Advancement Council of the Austen BioInnovation Institute and serves on the Institute's board of directors. Northeast Ohio is grateful for his service. I wish Tony the very best in his retirement.

Mr. RENACCI

Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a city I am proud to call home: Wadsworth, Ohio. This past year, Wadsworth celebrated its bicentennial. It was an opportunity to reflect on how far our city has come and how much we can achieve in the years ahead. Founded in 1814, the city was named after Elijah Wadsworth, a Revolutionary War hero. Though he never lived in Wadsworth, he was an active member of his community and served as the postmaster, sheriff, and the commander of the 4th Division State Militia. He led by example and showed us just how important it is to give back to a community that has given you so much. Wadsworth is important to me not only because it's where I have called home for more than 30 years, it's also where I raised my three children. That is why, over a span of 18 years, I served the city in capacities as a volunteer firefighter, a member of the Board of Zoning appeals, a member of the Planning Commission, president of the city council, and as mayor. Now, as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, I am working on behalf of the people of Wadsworth and Ohio's 16th District to encourage economic growth in our region and solutions that hold the promise of a brighter future. President Lincoln once said, ``The best way to predict the future is to create it.'' I came to Washington to fight to pass on a better America with more opportunities to our children and grandchildren, and each day I work toward that goal.

Mr. RENACCI

Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a city I am proud to call home: Wadsworth, Ohio. This past year, Wadsworth celebrated its bicentennial. It was an opportunity to reflect on how far our city has come and how much we can achieve in the years ahead. Founded in 1814, the city was named after Elijah Wadsworth, a Revolutionary War hero. Though he never lived in Wadsworth, he was an active member of his community and served as the postmaster, sheriff, and the commander of the 4th Division State Militia. He led by example and showed us just how important it is to give back to a community that has given you so much. Wadsworth is important to me not only because it's where I have called home for more than 30 years, it's also where I raised my three children. That is why over a span of 18 years I served the city in capacities as a volunteer firefighter, a member of the Board of Zoning appeals, a member of the Planning Commission, president of the city council, and as mayor. Now, as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, I am working on behalf of the people of Wadsworth and Ohio's 16th District to encourage economic growth in our region and solutions that hold the promise of a brighter future. President Lincoln once said, ``The best way to predict the future is to create it.'' I came to Washington to fight to pass on a better America with more opportunities to our children and grandchildren, and each day I work toward that goal.

Mr. RENACCI

Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 406: My flight into DC on July 14, 2014, was rerouted to Norfolk, VA, due to inclement weather, and I was unable to make it to the House floor in time for votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''.

Mr. RENACCI

Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 405--my flight into DC on July 14, 2014, was rerouted to Norfolk, VA due to inclement weather and I was unable to make it to the House floor in time for votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. RENACCI

Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Bob Lapp for his nearly 40 years of service to The Timken Company. Since joining the company in 1975, he has served in a number of unique positions, ranging from supervising general accounting to investor relations and public affairs. As the outgoing Vice President for Government Affairs and Community Relations, he leaves behind a legacy of trustworthiness, honesty, and reliability that made him an asset to not only The Timken Company, but to Northeast Ohio. I consider Bob a friend and I am grateful for his counsel throughout my time in office. I know I can always count on Bob to provide me with accurate, relevant information about an issue, putting aside politics and getting to the heart of good policy. Born and raised in Coshocton, Ohio, Bob is a graduate of two great Ohio schools, earning his bachelor's degree from Miami University and his master's degree from the University of Akron. An active member of our local community, Bob has served on the board of several organizations including the Ohio Manufacturers Association, Stark County Government Leadership Academy, and the Ohio Steel Council. He also has chaired the Ohio Prosperity Project, an organization that educates and informs Ohioans about public policy issues and elections. Bob's retirement will allow him to spend more time with his family, especially Kaci and his six-month-old granddaughter, Kyli. I'd like to thank Bob for his years of hard work and wish him nothing but the best in retirement.

Mr. RENACCI

Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4414, the Expatriate Health Coverage Clarification Act, a bill introduced by my good friend, John Carney. When Mr. Carney and I first came to Congress, we looked around in search of others who, like us, were interested in finding common ground. Mr. Carney and I now meet regularly for breakfast with a group of Members from both sides of the aisle. We come together to discuss commonsense ways to solve our Nation's problems that Members on both sides of the aisle can get behind. The bill that is on the floor today is an example of this type of commonsense approach to making policy. The purpose of the bill is to fix a problem created by the President's health care law. If we don't fix it, 1,200 jobs will be lost across the country. Mr. Carney and I may not agree on everything. In fact, the President's health care law is one thing we disagree on; but we do agree this specific provision is another example of one of the law's unintended consequences. This bill before us today will keep America competitive and save American jobs. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this important legislation.

Mr. RENACCI

Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act. Each day, we continue to learn more about just how broken the government-run health care system is and how it continues to negatively impact families and small businesses. Now, it is clear that the employer mandate, a key provision within the law, will not only cost jobs, but it could force fire companies to close their doors which would jeopardize public safety. As a former volunteer firefighter and former mayor of a small town in Ohio, I know that our volunteer fire companies and emergency responders rely primarily on donations to fund their operations. Throughout the country, nearly 90 percent of all fire departments are volunteers. If these volunteers are forced to comply with the employer mandate, it is undeniable that our local communities will be devastated, as we witness fire companies forced to close their doors because they simply cannot afford to continue operations. This is truly unacceptable. I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Representative Barletta, for introducing this important legislation, of which I am a proud cosponsor. I urge all of my colleagues in the House to join us in standing up for our hardworking local heroes by supporting the Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act.