Martha Roby

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to close. Mr. Speaker, first, we need to make clear that this bill does not expand law to go after teenagers for sexting. Under present law, technically, such changes may be possible. However, we know of no instance where the Department of Justice has pursued such cases. When these bills were initially passed, the press falsely claimed that they would make it possible for DOJ to go after teen sexting. This is completely reckless journalism. Apparently, these journalists did not participate in any sort of fact checking, which would have merely consisted of opening a U.S. Criminal Code book. They also continually cite State cases as examples of Federal prosecutors acting aggressively, which is similarly extremely misleading. If our friends across the aisle would like to draw our attention to any cases where the Federal Government prosecuted consensual teen sexting, we would be happy to look at them. Last year, we offered to work on a provision to provide an affirmative defense in this chapter of the code, despite no evidence that it is necessary, but we were not taken up on our offer. None of these bills, Mr. Speaker, create new mandatory minimum sentences. Instead, they modify the existing statutory framework to ensure the existing enhancements are applied equitably and to close certain loopholes. Some of the conduct covered is modestly expanded, but that is done commensurate with the crime. These recidivism enhancements are for these predatory crimes, especially where the defendant has previously sexually abused a child, which is the case for the enhancement in 18 U.S.C. 3559(e). Society's laws need to address the problems of the day and protect the public, especially our children. Sex crimes against children are ubiquitous. Their number, as we heard in our child protection hearing last month, is growing. Additionally, the offenses are becoming more depraved, and the victims are getting younger. There is no sign of slowing down, and present law does not appear to be keeping up with the numbers. The gravity and growing prevalence of these crimes merit an appropriate societal response to have a proper deterrent effect. The enhancements provide this deterrent effect. In addition, these child sex crimes are vastly underreported. In these sexual exploitation crimes, the victims are often very young and very impressionable. They are often scarred for life as a result of horrific abuse. The punishment must fit the crime, especially where it involves our children. Again, my appeal to my colleagues is to consider this bill, not just as a Member of Congress, but, again, as a parent, a grandparent, an aunt, an uncle, and a friend. I urge my colleagues to adopt this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share an update with the people I represent in Alabama on my travels during the August district work period. Each year, all of the Members of Congress take the month of August to spend time on the ground in their respective districts, meeting with constituents and local leaders, businesses, industries, and, ultimately, listening to the concerns of the people at home. Having this opportunity to hear firsthand from the people who live and work in Alabama's Second District is very important, and I believe it enables me to be a better representative of our shared priorities while I am here in Washington. It was a busy month. I was fortunate to spend time in Montgomery, Ozark, Hartford, Geneva, Millbrook, Troy, Dothan, Fort Rucker, and Hope Hull. During my time in Montgomery, I met with Elmore County Commissioner Troy Stubbs, Alabama Farm Service Agency director David McCurdy, leadership from Deatsville's Ingram State Community College, members of the Alabama Association of School Boards, folks from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Fusion Center, and more. Also in Montgomery, I visited the Gift of Life Foundation's office, toured the MOOseum at the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, spoke to the American Society of Civil Engineers at their lunch meeting, stopped by Sabel Steel for a visit, addressed the Squadron Officer School at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, toured Common Ground Ministries' Mercy House facility, and more. In Ozark, I paid a visit to Wayne Farms to tour their recently opened feed mill. In Hartford, I participated in a meeting about rural broadband development efforts with Wiregrass Electric Cooperative. In Geneva, I had the opportunity to tour the impressive, newly completed career tech center called G-Tech. In Millbrook, I was privileged to speak to the Millbrook-Coosada Kiwanis Club during their weekly lunch meeting. In Troy, I visited with Troy Cable to learn more about their upcoming projects and some of the issues they have recently been facing. In Dothan, I spoke to the Wiregrass chapter of the Association of General Contractors. We had a great discussion about a wide variety of topics, including efforts right here in Congress to revitalize our Nation's badly aging infrastructure. I also visited Dothan Behavioral Medicine Clinic, where I received a briefing about Clinicom technology that is being used to diagnose mental illness. Mental health is an acute problem in this country, and I was pleased to learn more about their work. I stopped by Fort Rucker to tour the aeromedical research laboratory. I talked with many employees there about the importance of Army Aviation to our national security and the innovation happening on-post right in the Second District. I visited the Army Aviation support facility in Hope Hull for a briefing and an overview on their facility as well. While I was there, I enjoyed talking with General Gordon and Colonel Bass and many others. Mr. Speaker, these are just some of the many productive, informative meetings I had during this August district work period. Now that the month is behind us, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the individuals, businesses, local officials, and others who hosted me and visited with me over the last several weeks. It is always a true joy to be back at home visiting the various communities across Alabama's Second District, and I look forward to more opportunities to learn from the people I represent.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my former Chief of Staff Mr. Stephen E. Boyd, for his years of service to the State of Alabama and Alabama's Second District. Stephen grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, and graduated from the University of Alabama. Upon completion of his undergraduate degree, Stephen continued his education at the University of Alabama School of Law. Prior to joining my staff in 2011, Stephen served for more than six years on the staff of former United States Senator Jeff Sessions as a senior advisor and Communications Director. Stephen also served as Communications Director for the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. After leaving my office, Stephen served as the Chief of Staff of the Office of Legal Policy at the United States Department of Justice. Stephen is currently serves as the Assistant U.S. Attorney General for Legislative Affairs under Attorney General Jeff Sessions. There is no one better suited to serve our country in this key role than Stephen Boyd. I know that he will continue to have great success in this role as the head of the Department of Justice's Office of Legislative Affairs. During his time on Team Roby, Stephen proved himself to be a gracious leader time and time again. He possesses a keen intellect, conducts himself with the utmost professionalism and decorum, and demonstrates remarkable work ethic. I am thankful for Stephen's time on my staff, and I am grateful to call him and his wife Brecke dear friends. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to join Stephen's colleagues, family, and friends in honoring his successful career in Congress. I congratulate Stephen, and wish him all the best as he continues to serve our country.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary of the Army Warrant Officer Corps. The Army Warrant Officer Corps was established on July 9, 1918, to serve as the technical foundation for the U.S. Army. Today, Army Warrant Officers serve as technical experts, combat leaders, trainers, or advisers who fall into one of two categories: Aviators or Technicians. Army Warrant Officers serve on active duty, U.S. Army Reserve, and Army National Guard. I am proud that candidates are trained at the Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) administered by the Warrant Officer Career College at Fort Rucker in the Wiregrass region of Alabama's Second Congressional District. I recently introduced House Resolution 947, legislation to designate July 9th as ``Warrant Officer Day.'' Since the Corps' establishment, Army Warrant Officers have continually demonstrated superb expertise and professionalism in carrying out the objectives of the U.S. Army. This resolution is a small token of appreciation for the service and sacrifices of the brave men and women who have and are currently serving as Army Warrant Officers. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to acknowledge the Army Warrant Officer's centennial anniversary and to celebrate this special occasion with those who serve.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my District Director Mr. Joel ``Joe'' P. Williams, who is leaving my office after more than 20 years of service to Alabama's Second District. Joe grew up in Headland, Alabama, and graduated from Auburn University in 1991. Upon completion of his undergraduate degree, Joe attended law school at my alma mater, the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, and then received a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1997. Joe has served members of Congress for more than twenty years. Before joining my team as my District Director in 2010, Joe served on the staff of former Congressman Terry Everett for more than ten years. During his time with former Congressman Everett, he was the chief local contact with elected officials and community groups, and the manager of a range of constituent services in Congressman Everett's district offices. As a member of Congress, I know how vital it is to have a team of experienced and talented individuals who are familiar with the issues impacting the people of Alabama and who are dedicated to service. Joe has shown an unparalleled knowledge of Alabama's Second District, and he has gone above and beyond the call of duty. I am thankful for Joe's long tenure in my office, and I am proud to call him a dear friend. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to join Joe's colleagues, family, and friends in honoring his successful career in Congress. I wish him all the best as he transitions to the External Affairs division of the Alabama Community College System and continues to serve the great state of Alabama. I congratulate Joe--his presence on Team Roby will be greatly missed.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H.R. 6157, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act. Over the last year and a half, our unified government has taken the necessary steps to unleash the economy and foster growth here in the United States. Because of this work, our economy is strong today. Now we must do the work required to ensure that our military is strong, too, especially after the damaging sequestration cuts and funding limitations placed on our military by the previous administration. As a member of the Defense Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, I have been proud to have a seat at the table through this process. I appreciate the leadership of Chairwoman Kay Granger as we work to properly fund our military. I am grateful to serve Alabama's Second District that is home to Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base and Fort Rucker. I am proud that this bill provides the resources to support their critical missions. Mr. Speaker, one of Congress' most fundamental constitutional responsibilities is to provide for the common defense. This bill fulfills that responsibility and ensures that our military remains the tip of the spear. I will proudly vote for H.R. 6157 to properly fund our military.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 291, ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 292, and ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 293.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, I just want to say that each of the gentlewomen here all play for an individual who is a survivor or a fighter. I have a colleague who I have served on the city council with in Montgomery, Alabama, for 7 years whose 18-year-old daughter, Courtney, was recently diagnosed with leukemia. So I want all of my colleagues to know that these are the faces and the individuals whom we are playing for on the field tonight. I hope that each of my colleagues will come out. Go, Congress. Beat the press.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Chair, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 267.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer my strongest support for H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, commonly known as the farm bill. I am proud to serve Alabama's Second District, where agriculture is the largest employer, responsible for more than 93,000 jobs and more than $11 billion in economic impact. So, Mr. Chair, I know how critically important it is that Congress deliver agricultural policy that actually works for the farmers throughout Alabama, and our country, and makes their important work easier, not harder. That is why I am proud the new farm bill addresses many of the challenges farmers face every day, including streamlining and reducing burdensome Federal pesticide regulations, creating a program to address our Nation's feral hog problem, and strengthening the existing crop insurance program. In addition to this, the new farm bill makes several needed improvements to our country's nutrition assistance program by implementing strict work requirements and closing loopholes that allow for abuses of the system. I am proud that the new farm bill maintains vital nutrition for our most vulnerable Americans when they truly need it, while making a commitment to helping these individuals improve their circumstances. I support the legislation. Mr. Chair, I have always believed that we should incentivize able- bodied Americans to work instead of encourage them to remain dependent on the government, so I'm proud that the new farm bill reflects our conservative principles. I am pleased that this legislation provides a commitment to our nation's farmers while taking important steps towards reforming our food stamps program. I will continue to advocate for policies that give fair treatment to our Alabama commodities like cotton, peanuts, timber, poultry, soybeans, and catfish. I'm eager to cast my vote in favor of the new farm bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 176.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, with Congress out of session for the recent Easter district work period, I had the opportunity to visit Fort Rucker and Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, two outstanding military installations in Alabama's Second District. It is so important that I stay up to date with the needs and priorities of our military bases, and I appreciate those who took the opportunity to meet with me recently. As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, properly funding our military is one of my top priorities. I will always work to ensure that Fort Rucker and Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base remain strong components in our national defense infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, over the last year, I have appreciated working alongside the administration that has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to rebuilding our military after years of damaging cuts. I am proud to serve in a congressional district that is home to two of our Nation's finest military installations, and I will continue to provide the brave men and women of our military with the best possible resources to ensure that they are well-prepared for whatever challenges they may face as they work to keep us safe. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to close by wishing Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base a happy 100th birthday. This past Saturday, Maxwell celebrated 100 years of dedicated service. I speak for the entire Second District in saying that we appreciate all that these men and women do for our country, and our community, and I know that our region looks forward to many more years of partnership. Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor to be an advocate for Fort Rucker and Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base here in Congress, and I take this responsibility very seriously.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the news that I recently received that Alabama's Second District has the 13th largest population of military retirees in the Nation. It goes without saying that this is significant. At the end of last year, there were more than 16,000 military retirees living in Alabama's Second District. But, Mr. Speaker, while I am glad that these retired servicemembers chose us, we are truly honored to have them. As their neighbors, it is our job to make sure that they feel at home, welcome, and, most of all, appreciated. Mr. Speaker, to the 16,000 retired military personnel who call Alabama's Second District home, I join our State and community in thanking them for their service to our country. We thank them for sacrificing on our behalf. Now let us care for them. That starts with making sure that our veterans are receiving the care that they were promised when they signed up to put their lives on the line for this Nation. If you are a veteran who needs any kind of casework assistance with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Social Security Administration, or other Federal agency, please contact my office now. Do not put this off. My staff and I work for you. We are grateful for you. As the Representative from Alabama's Second District, I am here to fight for you.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith).

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 1865.

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, today, this body will make tremendous progress towards ending online sex exploitation. This is a big deal. I am proud to stand here as an original cosponsor of the important legislation we are considering today, H.R. 1865, the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act. I have been so pleased to work closely with my colleague, Congresswoman Ann Wagner, on this issue, and I know that I am not the only person here who greatly appreciates her leadership on this. It has been sobering, to say the least, to hear some of the personal accounts of sex trafficking victims, and several from my home State of Alabama. It is our responsibility to provide justice for these victims and to do everything we can to protect the most vulnerable members of our society from trafficking. This is modern-day slavery. As it stands now, the sad truth is that criminals can easily and anonymously purchase women and children on the internet using various websites. Thanks to broad interpretation of existing law, specifically section 230 in America's courts, these websites are, essentially, immune from State and local prosecutions. These websites make millions by enabling sex trafficking while facing very little risk of being punished for these crimes. The bill we are considering today would change that by amending this law to ensure that websites that unlawfully contribute to the exploitation of sex trafficking victims are no longer immune to punishment. H.R. 1865 will finally hold bad actor websites accountable for these unspeakable wrongdoings. The bill also provides increased criminal liability and, thus, deters websites and individuals from selling human beings online. Websites will no longer be able to turn a blind eye or actively conceal this horrific practice without facing very real consequences. This legislation has been a work in progress for some time now, and I am excited today to have the opportunity to cast my vote in favor of it here today. I urge my colleagues to join me. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe).

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Chair, I yield 6 minutes to the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner), my friend and colleague. Mr. Chair, let me just say thank you to her for her tireless work on this effort.

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Washington (Mrs. McMorris Rodgers), our fearless leader, the chairman of our conference.

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte), chairman of the Judiciary Committee.

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Crawford).

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment, although I am not opposed to the amendment.

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Chairman, I again want to thank my colleague, Ann Wagner, for all of her hard work on this very, very important piece of legislation. It is our responsibility here in Congress to provide the strongest, most effective tools possible to confront, punish, and, ultimately, prevent the horrific nightmare that is human sex trafficking. For far too long, we have seen a stark rise in the use of the internet to buy and sell trafficking victims and minors for sex. This sick industry has been allowed to prosper because, due to broad interpretation of existing law, there have been no serious legal consequences for websites that turn a profit by selling human beings. Today it is incumbent upon us to stop this horrifying injustice by passing H.R. 1865 to finally give prosecutors the tools they need to crack down on sites that promote and participate in the human sex trade. Mr. Chairman, I call on all my colleagues to support this legislation today and to send a clear message that we will no longer tolerate this evil, atrocious behavior, and we will no longer be complicit in letting these bad actors get away with these hateful crimes against humanity. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Chair, I support Ms. Jackson Lee's amendment requiring a GAO study. It is always helpful to require more information on the efficiency of a new law. This study will provide useful information to determine whether this legislation has proven to be the meaningful tool that we anticipate it will be. I commend Ms. Jackson Lee for introducing this amendment and for her commitment to combating sex trafficking. Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner).