Dennis Ross

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman and the subcommittee chairman, Mr. Duffy, for his efforts, too, in trying to provide significant reforms. I support their efforts in opposing this additional reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program. We have done this eight times in just over the year, and what have we gotten in return? Some would say nothing. I would say, no, it has been worse than nothing. You see, we forgave $16 billion in debt and got no reforms in response to that. Now the NFIP is $20 billion in debt again, yet we look at: Oh, but it is just $20 billion. In over 13 years, the interest on that is $5 billion. When are we going to stop this insanity? More disturbing, however, Mr. Speaker, is this House's failure to stand up to even the most modest technical reforms that would benefit the program. During my time in this body, I have been proud to champion one such bill, the Private Flood Insurance Market Development Act. To me, it defies logic that this coequal Chamber would pass a bill unanimously through the authorizing committee this Congress and then unanimously through the whole House in the last Congress and, yet, abandon its opportunities every time thereafter. My legislation is simple. It is a technical correction that will facilitate the growth of a private market alternative to the drowning national program that we have today. It is bipartisan. It is desperately needed. Yet, here we are again with a clean reauthorization that makes no progress and no promises that tomorrow will be any different. That, Mr. Speaker, is a shame. It is a shame that we have once again folded in the face of unjustified inaction. When does it end? When do we say enough is enough? Mr. Speaker, I do not want to shut down the NFIP. We don't need to. All we need to do is for the Senate to accept just one of the many eminently reasonable pieces of legislation that the House has passed, to be included alongside the short-term extension. Even the simplest reform would indicate that the Senate is serious about coming to the table to negotiate a long-term reauthorization. Anything would be better than the hollow promises this clean extension puts before us today. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this legislation.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, both the people of Taiwan and people in communities here in the United States will soon celebrate Double Ten Day, Taiwan's national day. This year's Double Ten Day is yet another cause for celebration. Once again, we can celebrate the remarkable transformation Taiwan has undergone in the years since the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) in 1979, and acknowledge that the TRA and the Six Assurances of 1982, which have served as the framework of US relations with Taiwan, have stood the test of time. While every national day is a celebrated occasion, we must never forget that Taiwan is situated in some of the world's most contested waters and is facing a People's Republic of China that has met President Tsai and her government with hostility from the moment she assumed her office. Mindful of those concerns, I'd like to take a moment to highlight critical Taiwan related provisions, enacted into law in August of this year, in conjunction with the National Defense Authorization Act for the fiscal year 2019. This newly enacted law reiterates that the TRA and the Six Assurances are the cornerstones of our relations with Taiwan. In addition, it calls for the strengthening of defense cooperation with Taiwan to ensure they can maintain sufficient self-defense capability; for supporting Taiwan's acquisition of defensive weapons; and for more predictability with respect to US arms sales to Taiwan. This in my view was a critical and timely reaffirmation of our support for Taiwan's security. The 23 million people of Taiwan have created a vibrant democracy and society. The United States has and will stand by our friend for many years to come, as we work together for the peace, prosperity, and security of freedom-loving people in Asia and across the globe. I am proud to call myself a friend of Taiwan, and again wish the people of Taiwan a Happy Double Ten Day.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 2229) to amend title 5, United States Code, to provide permanent authority for judicial review of certain Merit Systems Protection Board decisions relating to whistleblowers, and for other purposes, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this rule and the underlying legislation, H.R. 5735, the THRIVE Act, which would implement an innovative new approach to millions of men and women recovering from substance abuse by creating a demonstration program that provides transitional housing assistance using Section 8 housing choice vouchers. Mr. Speaker, substance abuse is one of the most ubiquitous illnesses that faces our society today. Each and every one of us, in one way or another, has been affected by the destructive force of addiction. We have heard stories and witnessed firsthand the pain and anguish substance abuse causes our loved ones and our communities. I am proud of the work the people's House is doing to address the nationwide epidemic of opioid abuse, and I am grateful to Congressman Barr for his contribution to this important mission. While many of the bills we are considering this week are geared toward the specific issue of opioid abuse, it is important to note that H.R. 5735 would establish a demonstration program to serve individuals afflicted by all types and forms of drug and alcohol abuse. The demonstration program will provide participants with a drug- and alcohol-free supportive and structured living environment. This allows recipients to address their addiction, mental health, homelessness, or other issues in a compassionate living space that includes vital services like recovery classes, life skills education classes, mandatory savings plans, and full-time or part-time employment programs. This legislation recognizes that safe, clean, and stable housing is a necessary asset for those seeking a future free of substance abuse. At the same time, this bill reserves vouchers for low and extremely low- income individuals who have demonstrated a willingness to make this difficult choice to get better. With these safeguards, we ensure that taxpayer dollars are only going to individuals who are willing to seek help and who have taken the first steps down the path to recovery. Substance abuse is a deeply personal struggle. There is no government program and no amount of money that can rescue someone who doesn't want to be saved. While we cannot force people to turn away from the harmful and destruction siren song of opioids and other substances, we can help the people who are endeavoring to do so. By aiding these courageous men, women, and families, I also believe we can send a message to those still shackled in the dark by their addiction. There is a pathway back, and if you are willing to commit to it, our communities and this entire Nation will support you. That is the message we are sending with this legislation and many of the other important bills being considered this week. I hope that my colleagues from both sides of the aisle will vote in favor of the rule and the underlying legislation to provide our citizens struggling with substance abuse a new tool for breaking free.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, Southeastern University is a Christian liberal arts college located in my hometown of Lakeland, Florida. The university is known for its commitment to providing students with a Spirit-empowered, Christ-centered education through integration of faith, learning, and service. Today, I rise to recognize a recent proud accomplishment for Southeastern University. Last Thursday, May 31, 2018, the Southeastern University Fire men's baseball team defeated Freed-Hardeman University to win the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics World Series. On their road to victory, the team also defeated four former national champions and had three of their players selected to join the 2018 All- American team: Johnathan Bermudez, Dan Valerio, and Jordan Scott. The national championship is the first NAIA title by a Fire team since joining the association in the fall of 2009. I am both proud and inspired by this young team and their head coach, Adrian Dinkel, for the determination, commitment, and teamwork they have demonstrated on their road to victory. Southeastern University is a tremendous educational institution, led by Dr. Kent Ingle, and this win is a terrific achievement not only for the school, but also for our local community. Go Fire.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Chair, I include in the Record the following editorial from my local paper, The Ledger, in reference to my amendment to H.R. 5515, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, to provide taxpayers with greater transparency into ``official time.'' Editorial: Per Ross, let's make officials report all `official' time (The Editorial Board) Think unions and the stereotype that comes to mind is one of burly, thick-necked guys clad in hard hats, scuffed work boots and plenty of denim. Perhaps that image was fit in 1955, when the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations merged to form the AFL-CIO, America's largest organized labor group. At the time an estimated 35 percent of U.S. workers belonged to a union, and most often such workers drove trucks, assembled cars, built and wired buildings, or engaged in similar hands-dirtying work. Today, only 11 percent of workers are unionized, and frequently they wear a uniform (such as police or firefighter), or work in an office or public school classroom. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 34 percent of union workers toil for local, state, or federal government agencies--or roughly five times the number of those who drive trucks, assemble cars, build and wire buildings, or engage in similar hands-dirtying work. Inevitably, these workers must tend to union business at the expense of their official duties in service to the public. U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross is particularly concerned about how such juggling among federal civil servants taxpayers, and seeks to enlighten the public, and perhaps the rest of the U.S. government, about how taxpayers' dimes are consumed by union time. Ross is eyeing a federal law that says managers must allot staffers time--known in government jargon as ``official time''--to perform union activities, insofar as it remains ``consistent with the requirements of an effective and efficient government.'' The federal Office of Personnel Management reported last month that most union workers who tap official time spend it lobbying Congress about legislation that affects federal union employees (for instance, bills relate to federal pay and benefits); representing union employees who face discipline or who filed grievances; and participating in labor-management ``workgroups.'' Certain federal employees, under law, are paid to spend 100 percent of their time on union functions. Or some union reps establish ``banks'' of paid time that they draw down in working just for the union. The OPM report found that between 2010 and 2016, the most recent year available, the hours spent on official time jumped nearly 17 percent, from 3.1 million hours to 3.61 million. In some cases, official time was negligible. The Federal Election Commission, for example, reported just six hours of official time in 2016. In other cases, it was considerable. The Defense Department recorded almost 387,000 hours of official time that year. The size, scope and mission of a particular agency will drive much of that. Still, in the aggregate, this is no small expense. The OPM notes that in 2016 official time cost taxpayers almost $175 million, up roughly 8 percent from 2014, the last time the survey was done. And the report doesn't catch everything. The OPM said its report was limited to payroll costs because it lacks ``comprehensive data source'' that would allow for ``a complete accounting of the costs of union activities.'' Thus, its analysis does not include taxpayers' costs for facilities, equipment and travel related to collective bargaining. The OPM knew, for example, that the Social Security Administration in 2016 spent $2.1 million on union reps' travel, office space, telephones and supplies only because the agency was required to report that to its congressional oversight committee. Congressman Ross seeks to fix that. In May 2017, the Lakeland Republican, noting inconsistencies and lags in data-gathering on these costs, filed a bill that would require all federal agencies to provide Congress detailed annual reports of official time expenses. ``With greater transparency, employees will be less likely to abuse the system, which will result in less waste of taxpayer dollars,'' Ross said at the time ``It is far past time we require agencies to provide this information to Congress and the public. Taxpayers deserve clear, reliable data on how many employees are performing union work on official time in lieu of their regularly assigned government duties.'' He's right. His bill passed the House, but unfortunately stalled in the Senate. Ross' office told us Monday he will seek to have the measure added to the National Defense Authorization Act, the must-pass defense spending bill that the House will take up later this week. Ross will soon retire, but we encourage him to pursue this bill until he leaves. Moreover, we urge the rest of Congress to heed his point. Congress owes taxpayers a full accounting of time spent by staffers promoting the personal career interests of the nearly 1 million unionized federal workers, and how that squares with the commitment, under law, of providing ``effective and efficient'' government.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 207, No. 208, and No. 209, on H.R. 3832, H.R. 4830, and H.R. 4451 respectively, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' for all three recorded votes. personal explanation

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding, for his kind words, for his leadership, and more importantly, for his friendship. Mr. Speaker, I wish to also thank the staff of the Financial Services Committee in the work they have taken on behalf of the people of this country. Mr. Speaker, as some of you may know, the Financial Services Committee has been operating at a breakneck speed in the 115th Congress. In fact, we have had Financial Services bills on the floor 17 of the last 18 weeks that the House has been in session. I am proud to highlight that the majority of these bills have been passed out of this Chamber by strong bipartisan majorities. Throughout this process, we have demonstrated that the House can find bipartisan agreement on commonsense measures that will benefit our constituents. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a bill that continues this streak of bipartisanship in the service of Americans back home, H.R. 4061, the Financial Stability Oversight Council Improvement Act. My good friend from Maryland, Congressman John Delaney, and I have been working this bill for nearly 5 years, with the shared goal of improving resiliency of our financial system, while protecting Americans from costly and unnecessary regulations that create barriers to achieving their financial goals. By codifying procedures to increase the transparency of the nonbank systemically important financial institutions, or SIFIs, designation process, and providing a chance for nonbank firms to work with their primary regulators to reduce risks prior to designation, our legislation achieves this goal. Mr. Speaker, we must be clear that simply designating more companies as systemically important financial institutions does not make our system safer. That is especially true for nonbank firms, like asset managers and insurers, that don't fit well into the bank-centered regulatory regime for SIFIs. Handing down a SIFI designation to a nonbank financial firm is like using a sledgehammer to catch a butterfly. Not only are you unlikely to succeed, but you are also likely to destroy the very thing you set out to protect. After all, it is the family saving for the downpayment on a home or retirement or the children's education that suffer when FSOC uses a heavy-handed regulation of last resort as the primary line of defense against threats to our economy. The American Action Forum has found that additional capital requirements resulting from a SIFI designation of asset management firms could cost American retirees at least $100,000 in potential savings over the lifetime of their investment. That is significant. That is why these reforms included in H.R. 4061 are critical to the more than 90 million investors who rely on the services of asset managers to achieve their most important financial goals. To be sure, FSOC has begun to recognize the benefits of providing increased transparency and, in 2015, FSOC made welcome reforms to improve the nonbank SIFI designation process. Many of these are codified in this bill. Importantly, our legislation will also give FSOC the authority it needs to work with primary regulators who have institutional knowledge, skill, and experience overseeing nonbank firms to address threats to our economy without jeopardizing our constituents' financial opportunities. After 8 years, if we don't take steps to address the obvious shortcomings of FSOC, like the nonbank designation process, the regulator intended to protect the financial stability could very well become the liability. Again, I am proud to have worked with my colleague and friend, John Delaney, on this great bill, and I appreciate the support of Chairman Hensarling in moving it through committee and now onto the House floor. This bill does have 58 original cosponsors--29 Democrats, 29 Republicans. It passed out of the Financial Services Committee 45-10. Our legislation demonstrates that there can be broad bipartisan support for increased transparency of the FSOC SIFI designation. I believe we can do even more, and I welcome the opportunity to work with my colleagues on additional bipartisan reforms beyond those we are considering today to better address systemic risk by firming up the cooperative relationship between FSOC and the primary regulator to ensure substantive engagement that can result in swift resolution of FSOC's concerns prior to all SIFI designations. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the vital impact of outdoor recreation on our economy and livelihood. Outdoor recreation and camping in the United States contribute significantly to our gross domestic product and Americans' physical and mental health. The great outdoors connect Americans to their natural heritage and bring families closer together. Significantly, outdoor recreation is the number one driver of economic activity on federal lands and contributes $673,000,000,000 to the U.S. economy, and supports 4,300,000 American jobs. Every dollar Congress invests in the National Park Service effectively returns $10 to the United States economy. Our national parks, national forests, and public lands and waters conserve natural resources, inspire young people, offer unique moments for all to enjoy, and encourage conservation of our shared environment. Unfortunately, many public campgrounds on our public lands and waters today face backlogged maintenance, deteriorating infrastructure, and struggle to meet the needs of modern day visitors. The American-made recreation vehicle (RV) industry is a domestic job-creating and thriving industry that contributes over $50,000,000,000 to the United States economy and supports over 300,000 American jobs. We must improve and modernize our national parks, national forests, and public lands and waters to adequately facilitate outdoor enthusiast and RV visitors. As a Co-Chair of the RV Caucus and an outdoor enthusiast, today I proudly introduced a House Resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the national parks, national forests, and public lands and waters of the United States contribute greatly to the economic and physical well-being of Americans and can be further improved by public-private partnerships. I am committed to working on innovative solutions and partnerships to modernize and expand campgrounds, address infrastructure needs, eliminate backlogged maintenance, and provide safe camping opportunities and enjoyable recreational experiences for all visitors on federal lands for generations to come. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend from Colorado for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the rule and my underlying legislation, H.R. 4061, the Financial Stability Oversight Council Improvement Act of 2017. Madam Speaker, when folks back home save for retirement, college, or a down payment on a house, they expect that the system is both safe and geared towards maximizing their benefit. A beautiful thing about America's free enterprise system is how anyone can participate in the marketplace, strengthen the economy, and earn a dividend of the American Dream. That opportunity, however, is not guaranteed, and, as lawmakers, we have a duty to protect it. My bill will help us do just that by improving the Financial Stability Oversight Council's process for reviewing nonbank financial institutions for potential systemic threats. We must be clear that simply designating more companies as systemically important financial institutions doesn't make our system safer. The FSOC can better serve the American people by working with prudential regulators and the private sector to address threats to our economy before they transform into calamities. Would you say it is sufficient for firefighters just to identify a house that is on fire? Of course not. The key is preventing the fire in the first place. This is the problem that we face with the FSOC's oversight of nonbank financial institutions. The FSOC may be able to identify tinderboxes, but fails to explain how they might be made less flammable, and, instead, the Council defaults to what should be the heavyhanded regulations of last resort. To be sure, the FSOC has begun to recognize the benefits of leveraging the expertise of prudential regulators, as well as providing increased transparency. In recent years, they have taken steps to improve the designation process, including the February 2015 guidance providing increased transparency in the nonbank SIFI designation process. These 2015 reforms were welcome, and this legislation will codify many of them into law, as well as provide a path for a nonbank financial company to eliminate risk rather than be designated. Importantly, our legislation will ensure a company's primary regulator has a meaningful role in the SIFI designation process. After 8 years, if we don't take steps to address the obvious shortcomings of the FSOC, like the nonbank designation process, the regulator intended to protect financial stability could very well become a liability. The American Action Forum has found that additional capital requirements resulting from a SIFI designation of asset management firms could affect American retirees in the amount of at least $100,000 in potential savings over the lifetime of their investments. That is why these reforms included in H.R. 4061 are critical to the more than 90 million investors who rely on the services of asset management firms to achieve their most important financial goals. Companies must have a chance to de-risk before the FSOC can saddle their customers with such extraordinary losses. This bill will give them that opportunity. I am proud to have worked with my colleague and friend across the aisle, Representative John Delaney, on this strongly bipartisan piece of legislation. I want to thank Chairman Hensarling for his support and leadership in moving this bill through our committee and onto the House floor. This bill has 58 original cosponsors: 29 Democrats, 29 Republicans. Our bill demonstrates that there can be broad bipartisan support for increased transparency of the FSOC designation process. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this rule and the underlying bill.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 83rd Annual Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Florida, an important celebration in my district. Plant City, Florida, is recognized as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, and the state of Florida is the second largest strawberry producing state in the United States, with more than 10,000 acres of strawberries planted annually. The Florida Strawberry Festival serves to bring the community together to celebrate the agricultural and historical legacy of the Florida strawberry. The festival is scheduled to take place over eleven days this year, and has provided family-friendly fun since 1930 and welcomes over 500,000 visitors from across the country to enjoy musical concerts, agricultural exhibits, parades, youth developmental programs, other forms of entertainment, and delicious strawberry treats. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize this treasured community tradition that has brought together countless participants, volunteers, and sponsors. I thank all of those who have given their time and resources to make the Florida Strawberry Festival such a cherished tradition in our community.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of a man whose service to his community has resulted in greater safety, security, and justice in Polk County, Florida. Sheriff Grady Judd, a stalwart of law enforcement in the 15th District and a dear friend, has been sworn into the role of president of the Major County Sheriffs of America, a position to which he will bring his knowledge, his skill, and his integrity to advocate for safer communities across our great Nation. For centuries, the Anglo-American sheriff system has produced officers who secure the peace and prosperity of the land, and even two American Presidents, Grover Cleveland and Teddy Roosevelt, served in such a capacity. Sheriff Judd has long been an advocate for the rule of law, and we will all benefit as he rises to this position to fight to uphold the noble tradition of keeping the peace. My deepest congratulations to Sheriff Judd and his family, and to the Major County Sheriffs of America, who do such important work to keep us all safe.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Mrs. Love, from Utah for presenting this bill. Mr. Speaker, I stand here in support of H.R. 4771. It is said that all politics are local, but might I also suggest that all economic growth is local as well. Local in the sense of small businesses. Small businesses, the moms and pops who put their ideas at risk in order to create their American Dream of growing a business and creating jobs. Yet, what does it take? It takes access to capital. Yet, since Dodd-Frank, we have not seen that access to capital available to our small businesses, who so desperately need it, in order to grow our economies, especially at the community level. In fact, might I even suggest that Dodd-Frank has only one attribute in terms of job growth, and that is the creation of the one fastest growing job out there: compliance officer--compliance officers that banks and financial institutions now have to hire in order to meet regulatory burdens that take away from the bottom line of consumers who want to achieve the American Dream. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4771, the Small Bank Holding Company Relief Act, will allow that access to capital that is so desperately needed at the local level, and I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, some people want to be something. Some people want to do something. Lakeland Mayor Howard Wiggs has been a doer for our community, a leader, and perhaps most important, a friendly neighbor. For 25 years, Mayor Wiggs has reformed local government, inspired residents to get more involved, and cut more ribbons than anyone can count. And while that last part may sound ceremonial, it's not: He got to cut those ribbons because during his tenure, and with his leadership, Lakeland has flourished with tremendous growth, economic development and revitalization, and the expansion and improvement of critical public infrastructure. Now, as we bid him a happy retirement, he should know: We all love Lakeland, and Mayor Wiggs, through his wisdom and discernment, has made it even more lovable. Our nation's prosperity relies on the strength of strong local governance, and for 25 years, Mayor Wiggs has made his corner of America that much stronger. It has been my privilege to work with Mayor Wiggs, both as a Member of the Florida House of Representatives and now in the United States House of Representatives. He has been a stalwart advocate for common sense, for decency, and for hard work. I know that my wife Cindy and I will always have him and his wife Linda in our hearts and prayers for continued blessing, good health, and God's favor for the future. We thank him for his service, and wish him all the best.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise in support of the rule and the underlying bill, H.R. 2874. Homeowners deserve choice; they deserve competition; and, above all, they need to know the true risk their homes face from floods, the most costly of all natural disasters. I believe the underlying bill allows the freedom to insure against obvious danger that imperils people's homes and their wallets. I am particularly enthusiastic about the inclusion of my bipartisan legislation to facilitate the development of a robust private flood insurance marketplace. After months and even years of negotiations, we have produced legislation that appropriately balances the need for affordable flood insurance with our responsibility to act as faithful stewards of taxpayer dollars. Everyone knows that the National Flood Insurance Program is broken. We should act accordingly. We need to fix it. But before we do that, we must agree to proceed. Less than a month ago, many of us voted to bail out this floundering program, forgiving $16 billion of its debt. But we knew that it would be irresponsible to merely kick the can down the road. This is the opportunity to make things right. I believe we need to proceed with the debate because we need to have a reasonable and responsible conversation about fixing this problem before it gets worse. Americans deserve better than a Big Government insurance monopoly that is unable to pay for the risk it insures. The 21st Century Flood Reform Act will usher in a new era of consumer choice, competition, and affordability by empowering policyholders to purchase the insurance products that best meet their needs. We are getting rid of the top-down, single-payer approach to insurance where we pretend there is no danger until there is a tragedy. Giving consumers choice in a competitive marketplace will not only drive down costs, but will also help reduce the unacceptable number of homes that are not protected by flood insurance. The NFIP can be an important tool for mitigating flood risks and helping families recover from disasters after they strike, but it cannot be the only tool. A Federal program that conceals actual risk through artificially low rates is neither compassionate nor responsible. People deserve to know when they are in danger. When the Federal Government provides them with information that suggests otherwise, we do more harm than good. We cannot expect to have educated, thoughtful consumers if we deprive them of the market information that is needed to make the smart decisions. By putting policyholders on a slow path to sound premium rates, we are stepping towards a future where the threats of major floods are confronted before they are realized. I think we all agree that more needs to be done to mitigate flood risks and incentivize investments in resiliency. We can take the first steps by eliminating the false security that inoculates our society to the dangers of flooding. Let's remove the blindfold we have placed over the public's eyes. Let's gradually walk back the subsidies that conceal a homeowners risk. It is time for this Nation to confront this threat with clear eyes and a vision for the future. This bill is the first step in the right direction. In closing, I want to thank Chairman Hensarling and Housing and Insurance Subcommittee Chairman Duffy for their tenacity and commitment to paving the way for a safer and more affordable system for managing flood risks in this country. Flood insurance is one of those rare issues that transcends political boundaries. I once again urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the rule and also on the underlying bill.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the 21st Century Flood Reform Act, which would give communities in the Tampa Bay area and all of our constituents a National Flood Insurance Program that serves as a lifeboat when disaster strikes. Right now, the NFIP is more like an anchor tied around our neck, dragging this country deeper and deeper into debt as the waters rise. With a $1.4 billion annual deficit and debt that continues to grow, this program desperately needs reform, and H.R. 2874 is our opportunity. We should all recognize that the NFIP is not a relief program. It is an insurance program. It is supposed to insure against losses, which entails far more than simply paying for damages. Insurance is not about relief. It is about responsibly managing risk. Insurance means mitigating risks before disaster strikes, making investments in resiliency measures, telling people when the risk they face is simply too great, and providing service that makes people thankful for choosing your product. No one knows this better than the professionals in the insurance industry who work day in and day out to help Americans protect their lives, their loved ones, and their belongings against all types of threats--car crashes, earthquakes, and wildfires. Regrettably, Federal policy has made it extremely difficult for private insurers to write policies that cover flood risk. We have created a virtual monopoly for the NFIP at the expense of policyholders and taxpayers alike, yet we are still $30 billion in debt. H.R. 2874, which includes my bipartisan Private Flood Insurance Market Development Act, will allow the private sector to compete to help homeowners manage thei exposure to floods. Competition can lower costs, provide more affordable options for consumers, and reduce the unacceptable number of uninsured homes by helping people understand their risk. As it stands now, the NFIP is the worst of all worlds: It is too big to fail. It is also bound to fail. With this legislation, we can make substantial progress in turning around a program that has found itself on the GAO's high-risk list for the last decade. Under this bill, consumers will finally have an opportunity to select among a menu of options a plan that would fit their needs. As a result, they will be more likely to buy insurance than ever before. That is not the case today with the NFIP. Our constituents are severely limited. $250,000 maximum coverage on an NFIP policy. If you own a business, you are not going to get business interruption coverage. What good is the insurance, then? Thankfully, the private sector is capable of offering more robust policies that also provide more incentives for property owners to invest in mitigation and resiliency. Ultimately, this increased emphasis on mitigation will benefit homeowners and taxpayers alike. This legislation will help us end the absurd practice of paying to rebuild a home that has been destroyed by flooding on more than three occasions. Further, it strengthens the NFIP by directing FEMA to spread the NFIP's risk onto the global marketplace. This bill also contains more funding for mitigation and recovery than has ever been authorized by Congress. Over $1 billion will be made available by this bill to help manage our constituents' exposure to floods and improve the safety of a home after a catastrophe. Mr. Speaker, let's support the freedom to insure against obvious danger that imperils people's homes and their wallets. Let's support informed decisionmaking.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, in addition to congratulating the people of Taiwan on the occasion of their National Day this coming October 10, I would like to reiterate my strong support for both the Taiwan Relations Act (also known as the TRA) and the bilateral trade agreement between Taiwan and the United States. Economic bonds between Taiwan and the United States have continued to grow due to various bilateral mechanisms and exchanges including: the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, the Digital Economy Forum, the SelectUSA Investment Summit, the United States Business Day, and the Agricultural Trade Goodwill Mission. In 2016, two-way trade of goods between Taiwan and the United States exceeded $65 billion, making Taiwan the United States' 10th largest trading partner. Since 1993, Taiwan has maintained its spot on the list of the top seven countries importing U.S. agricultural products. Altogether, Taiwanese importers have purchased nearly $30 billion in U.S. grain products. In 2016, Taiwan imported $3.4 billion worth of U.S. agricultural products, roughly one-quarter of Taiwan's annual agricultural imports. Taiwan is not only a valuable trade partner, but our nations have a strong relationship based on shared values of freedom, democracy, and human rights, as well as interests in enhancing peace, security and prosperity in the Asia Pacific region. I look forward to continue working with my colleagues to address the global challenges that face Taiwan and continue our prosperous relationship.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, for over 50 years, the only game in town for flood insurance has been the Federal Government through the National Flood Insurance Program. That means that for over 50 years, if you want flood insurance, your best bet is to go to the Federal Government, which, by the way, especially after these two successive storms that have just hit Texas and Florida, is going to be over $30 billion in debt. If we don't do something to save the taxpayers of this program that cannot actuarially support itself, we are doing a total disservice to our constituency and to our country. So what is part of the underlying bill that this rule will allow is the Market Parity and Modernization Act that will allow consumers to have a choice between the existing Flood Insurance Program, which is significantly in debt, or to have the private sector bring in their flood insurance programs to insure those risks. In Florida, back in 2004, we had successive hurricanes that came through my district, and we had billions of dollars paid by FEMA, paid by NFIP, but we had $39 billion paid by the private sector because we had private windstorm insurance. The private sector does a much better job of doing business and managing risks than the Federal Government. What I am asking for this body to accept, what the American people are craving for, is competition in the products they seek to have to protect them with their valuable assets. It is kind of like the Flood Insurance Program is a boat, and after 50 years of plugging holes, it is taking on water more and more. One of the suggestions is, let's just keep bailing. I submit to you that to any logical person, the first step would be to plug that hole. We are going to continue to bail. We need to continue to bail, but we need to plug that hole so we don't get deeper and deeper in debt. So the underlying bill, the FAA reauthorization, has the Ross-Castor bill in there for a reason, so that we can invite a private market to come to the rescue of those consumers out there who need to not only be able to have options greater than what the National Flood Insurance Program provides, because they don't provide business interruption. They don't provide temporary housing, but the private sector will. More importantly, the private sector will mitigate and will manage that risk. There is no mitigation program that is effective in the Federal Government right now. It is a flowing of dollars to say: Here, do this; or, do that. Private risk management will help consumers mitigate, lessen their risks, have more resilient homes. What I am suggesting to you is that this is a paradigm shift for this country. That if we are going to say that the business of the United States should be left to business, and government should do what government should do, then this is a move in that direction because government should not be in the business of insurance. It is in the business of relief. There is no question about that, but relief is post-event help. Insurance is pre-event. It is calculating that risk. It is managing that risk. And that is what the private sector does so well. We owe it to our consumers and we owe it to our taxpayers who are bailing out the NFIP, that we give consumers this choice. I would just submit to you, Mr. Speaker, that if we have a chance to finally make a paradigm shift when we take the burden of bailouts off the shoulders of taxpayers and allow those who do best what they do best in managing capital and managing risk, do so for the benefit of the consumers, that this underlying bill and the FAA reauthorization allows for that.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his leadership. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Disaster Tax Relief and Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2017, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this desperately needed legislation. Included in this bill are two provisions that are particularly important to my constituents in central Florida. One is tax relief for families and small businesses recovering from the destruction of Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, and Irma. The other is language taken from my legislation, the Private Flood Insurance Market Development Act, which will allow private sector insurers to compete with the National Flood Insurance Program. The catastrophic impact of the three major hurricanes is heartbreaking and tragic. However, it has been inspiring to witness the outpouring of charity and goodwill from our communities in response. Now it is time for this Congress to rise to the occasion. The tax relief for disaster victims in this legislation is a great first step. This bill will help individuals in the disaster areas keep their jobs, support retirement savers paying for recovery, encourage charitable contributions to help victims, and put more money in the pockets of families trying to get their lives back on track after having lost everything. To deny our constituents this relief because it is not enough is simply irresponsible. To be sure, I agree that more aid will likely be needed. But is that really a good excuse to do nothing? I certainly don't think so. Mr. Speaker, this bill isn't just about providing immediate relief. Thankfully, it also provides some measure of long-term relief to communities vulnerable to floods--the most costly of all natural disasters. Thanks to the inclusion of my legislation, H.R. 1422, this bill will provide consumers with more options and lower costs in the flood insurance marketplace as well as help to reduce the unacceptable number of homes not insured for flood losses. Last Congress, this House passed nearly identical legislation by a vote of 419-0. That is why I was so disheartened to hear some characterize this reform as a long-time Republican priority. This isn't a Republican priority, and it is not a Democratic priority. This is a national priority. The NFIP is more than $25 billion in debt and runs an annual deficit of $1.4 billion. Folks, this is an insurance company on the brink of being unable to pay out claims to policyholders without another taxpayer bailout. The NFIP desperately needs to off-load some of its risk, and we can help by allowing the private sector to do what it does best: compete for customers by offering better service, lower prices, and more comprehensive coverage. I understand some of my colleagues think competition will destabilize the NFIP. First, we need to be clear that the NFIP in its current state is beleaguered, it is not stable, and it is not sustainable. Reforms must be made. Second, I would urge my colleagues to recognize that by forcing nearly all of the flood risk in this Nation into a single, government- run insurance program, we contribute to the NFIP's bloated and unstable risk portfolio. So the NFIP needs some help, and consumers need competition. More coverage options will help make flood insurance an attractive investment for everyone, thereby reducing the number of uninsured homes. With the NFIP alone, our constituents are severely limited. For example, an NFIP policy only covers up to $250,000 of damages.

Mr. ROSS. In addition, NFIP policies do not cover homeowners displaced by living expenses. Mr. Speaker, this legislation has an untold number of supporters. I include in the Record a letter from 15 major insurance, housing, banking, and trade associations in support of the private flood insurance provisions in H.R. 3823. September 26, 2017. Hon. Paul Ryan, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Speaker Ryan and Leader Pelosi: The undersigned trades and organizations strongly support the ``Development of a Private Flood Insurance Market'' title of H.R. 3823, the Disaster Tax Relief and Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2017. This package includes bipartisan, clarifying language, introduced by Representative Dennis A. Ross (FL-15) and Representative Kathy Castor (FL-14), to increase acceptance of private flood insurance products. This will increase flood insurance options for consumers, thereby providing more competition and coverage options to families and businesses. The Ross-Castor language passed the House last year by a vote of 419-0, and it was ordered reported out of the House Financial Services Committee in June by a vote of 58-0. The bipartisan fix clarifies what is already in federal law (following the passage of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 and reinforced in the Homeowners Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014) intended by Congress to allow lenders to accept private flood insurance in lieu of federal coverage to satisfy the mandatory purchase requirement. The undersigned trades and organizations strongly support inclusion of the bipartisan Ross-Castor language in the Disaster Tax Relief and Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2017 that allows consumers the choice of government or private flood insurance coverage. We ask for you to vote in favor of this important legislative package when it is considered by the House of Representatives. Sincerely, Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) Reinsurance Association of America (RAA) National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) National Apartment Association (NAA) American Bankers Association (ABA) Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers (CIAB) American Insurance Association (AIA) National Association of REALTORS (NAR) National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) Financial Services Roundtable (FSR) Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big ``I'') Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions (NAFCU).

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sergeant First Class Edward ``Grady'' Halcomb and his brave and selfless acts while serving as a medic for Company B, 1st Battalion of the 29th Infantry Division in the United States Army during the Korean War. Sergeant First Class Halcomb passed away on July 2, 2017. A veteran of 20 years of service, Sergeant First Class Halcomb's strength and care for his fellow soldiers during the war was truly exemplary. At only 19 years old, he endured and witnessed unspeakable horrors that no one should ever have to experience. No matter how dangerous or grim the circumstances, he never gave up hope on his fellow soldiers, his country or himself. His company was outnumbered by North Korean troops, depleted of all ammo, and captured. One of only 11 men left after battle, then-Private First Class Halcomb was forced to walk the 120-mile Seoul Death March to Pyongyang, North Korea, where he and more than 300 American troops were held as prisoners of war (POWs). As numerous soldiers were dying daily from malnutrition and medical issues, Private First Class Halcomb risked his life day-after-day to protect and save his fellow soldiers by helping to negotiate food and medicine for them. After 85 torturous and terrifying days of being POWs, Private First Class Halcomb and four other soldiers miraculously escaped and were rescued, only days before the rest of the prisoners were brutally murdered. Sergeant First Class Grady Halcomb's valor, sacrifice and service to this country communicate an incredible testimony of a man who put his life on the line for America and its people. Because of him, and soldiers like him, we are able to enjoy the benefits of living in the greatest nation on Earth. Although we owe more to Sergeant First Class Halcomb than we can never truly repay, one of my greatest honors and joys of being a Member of Congress was presenting him with the Distinguished Service Cross, for which he so richly deserved and humbly accepted after never seeking any recognition or glory for his heroic actions. Not only was Sergeant First Class Halcomb a tremendous soldier, he was also an exceptional representation of the Polk County communities that I am honored to represent. Having the opportunity to meet him and his family is a treasure I will forever hold close to my heart. The depth of appreciation, respect and admiration I have for Sergeant First Class Halcomb and his fellow soldiers is immeasurable. He will be dearly missed. Let us never forget or take for granted the selfless and courageous acts by Sergeant First Class Halcomb and our service members to protect us and our freedoms every single day. May God bless them all, and may God bless the United States of America.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Captive Nations Week. In 1959, Congress authorized and requested the President proclaim the third week in July as Captive Nations Week. During this week, we stand united with those who still live under the rule of communist regimes as they continue fighting against this oppression and lack of human rights. You have my word that I will continue to fight along with you. As a way to educate current and future generations about the ideology, history, and societal impact of communism, the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation was authorized in 1993 by a unanimous act of Congress. In honor of this foundation, I have introduced H. Con. Res. 57, which expresses the sense of Congress that establishing a museum in memory of the victims of communism is an important step in educating Americans about the human rights violations committed by these totalitarian regimes and telling the whole story of 20th century history. This museum would honor the memory of the heroes who resisted communist tyranny and commemorate America's more than half a century of efforts resisting Soviet imperialism. I ask my colleagues to join me during Captive Nations Week in recognizing and supporting victims of communism by cosponsoring H. Con. Res. 57 and bringing the truth to light.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Financial CHOICE Act, a bill that will provide the much-needed relief from the harmful, complex, and excessive regulatory environment created by the Dodd-Frank Act. In the 7 years since the passage of the Dodd-Frank Act, our Nation has suffered from anemic economic growth, increasingly limited financial choices for consumers, and an unprecedented level of job- killing regulations. All the while, big banks have grown larger, and small banks and credit unions have suffered. In fact, community banks are closing at the rate of one per day. Many of my constituents in small and rural towns in the Tampa Bay area rely heavily on their community banks for financial services. When those banks are forced to close their doors or raise their fees due to excessive regulation, my constituents lose access to essential services and opportunities. Simply put, Dodd-Frank has failed. The Financial CHOICE Act represents an alternative and effective approach to financial regulation, which will protect taxpayers and bank bailouts, empower investors, and hold government bureaucracies accountable. This legislation makes it easier for hardworking Americans to save and invest for retirement, college, and their future. It will also increase access to and reduce the cost of credit for families that want to purchase a home or start a business. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting passage of this bill and helping Washington get off the backs of hardworking taxpayers.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1293) to amend title 5, United States Code, to require that the Office of Personnel Management submit an annual report to Congress relating to the use of official time by Federal employees, as amended.

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.