Dennis Ross

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. You know, some time ago, when I first got involved in this political processing, I made it known that I felt that the silent killer of American business was the regulatory regime that we have in place, where over 50 years this Congress has ceded its authority to unelectable, unaccountable bureaucrats. Today we have 175,000 pages in the Code of Federal Register that is evidence of that. It is time that we, as a Congress, on behalf of our constituency, on behalf of the future well-being of this country, take back that authority with oversight and accountability through this SCRUB Act. It has been said that there is approximately, on average, $20,000 a year per employee of a manufacturer that is attributable just to compliance with regulation. We need to make sure that we have our manufacturers, our businesses, doing that which they do best within a reasonable regulatory scheme, and that is what this act offers: a reasonable regulatory scheme that allows Congress who has the authority--actually has the only authority--to hold accountable these unelectable bureaucrats. The SCRUB Act will allow us to do that. It will allow due process through a discovery process. More importantly, the review board, the commission, the five bipartisan members who are appointed by the President must be confirmed by the Senate. This, in and of itself, is a sense of due process, a sense of accountability, and, more importantly, a strong sense of purpose that the American people would want to see this Congress be able to go in and take back the authority that they have delegated--at sometimes recklessly--to these bureaucratic organizations. We talk about the $30 million. I know the $30 million is always big in any equation that you have, but when you allow the $30 million to be spent over 5 years and you allow that to have the removal of certain regulations, you will pay for this $30 million 10 times over in no time at all. So it is with a sense of advocacy on behalf of not only congressional authority, but also a sense of advocacy on behalf of American business and the future economic growth of this country, that I ask my colleagues to wholeheartedly support the SCRUB Act. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROSS. Madam Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. ROSS. Madam Chair, although I am not in opposition to the amendment, I do wish to speak in support and further explain my support, because I believe that the gentleman from Virginia offers some very good merit to his amendment. The amendment clarifies that the commissioners are covered by the Ethics in Government Act, which is in line with current law. Commissioners should be free from financial conflict as much as any other Federal employee should. The Beyer amendment prohibits the appointment of a commissioner to the retrospective regulatory review commission who has been a registered lobbyist in the previous 2 years. Ensuring commissioners are not lobbyists with financial interests in the commission's work is in line with the commission's goal of identifying wasteful or unfair regulations. The 2-year ban allows genuine experts with some past lobbying experience to contribute their knowledge to the commission. This provision is very similar to the President's 2-year ban on former lobbyists working in the administration. For those reasons, I do support the amendment. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROSS. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Chairman, this bill requires the commission to identify regulations that should be repealed. These are all regulations under the bill. While I appreciate my colleague from California's efforts in his amendment, I just cannot support it. The commission focuses on rules and regulations that are out of date, no longer useful, and otherwise unnecessary or obsolete. No regulations should be exempt from this bill. Ensuring the physical and cybersecurity of the bulk power system is absolutely important and critical. We should know whether or not the existing regulations are effective and are useful. This amendment would prevent the commission from reviewing these important regulations and ensuring that they are current and effective. I would urge my colleagues to oppose the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Chairman, the commission is permitted, under this bill, to spend $30 million over 5 years for administrative purposes. By removing the funding in this amendment, the commission will not be able to hire staff, rent office space, establish the public website as required in the bill, or hold the public meetings, which are also required in the bill. This amendment essentially guts the bill. The commission established under this bill has a momentous job ahead of it. The Code of Federal Regulations totals more than 178,000 pages. This is approximately 36,000 pages of regulations for review every year of the 5 years the commission has to conduct its work. But it is not just simply reading the pages. There is work behind understanding whether the regulations are effective. There is outreach and public hearings to understand how the regulations are or aren't effective. I believe the savings from eliminating unnecessary costs and the improved efficiency from weeding out unneeded regulations will far outweigh the resources applied to this effort. The Competitive Enterprise Institute estimates that regulations impose a cost on the economy of $1.8 trillion. Who bears that cost but the consumers? This amendment would gut the bill. $30 million over 5 years is more than reasonable, considering the economic impact that these regulations have had on the American business and the American economy. I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment and support the bill. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition.

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Chairman, as I mentioned earlier, the bill requires the commission to identify regulations--all regulations--which should be repealed. The commission focuses on rules and regulations that are out of date, no longer useful, and otherwise unnecessary or obsolete. Again, no regulations should be exempt from this bill. Ensuring the safety of the National Airspace System is critically important. We should know whether or not the existing regulations are effective and useful. This amendment would prevent the commission from reviewing these very important regulations and ensuring that they are not only current but also effective. I, therefore, urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Chairman, while I appreciate the argument about an unelected commission, I must say that these regulations are already being promulgated by unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats. Again, if we are going to have to have a review--an oversight--of our regulatory scheme, we should not exempt any regulations. I, therefore, would submit that this amendment would do just that. It would create a slippery slope of exceptions. Therefore, I, again, would urge my colleagues to oppose the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition.

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Chairman, everyone agrees that airport noise is very annoying. Effective regulations that protect our communities from unwarranted noise are very important. However, regulations that impose excessive and costly restrictions that are ineffective at achieving their goals do not help anyone. Why not take a look at these regulations and just consider whether they are working? If they are, then the regulation stays in place and we continue to protect our communities from unwarranted noise. If those regulations are not working, then we repeal them and put in regulations that achieve the goals and reduce costs. There is no reason why we should create special carve-outs from the commission's consideration. For those reasons, Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Chairman, I will tell you that regulations are regulations. They need to be reviewed at every level. What the SCRUB Act offers is that opportunity. What this amendment does is limit that ability. For those reasons, I, again, urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize American Heart Month and the need to encourage and support one another to be proactive in preventative heart care. I would like to thank President Trump for honoring the tradition of dedicating February as American Heart Month so that we may continue our fight against heart disease and heart defects as a nation. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Every year, one in four deaths is caused by heart disease, and approximately 40,000 babies are born in the U.S. with a congenital heart defect, including myself. The good news is that heart disease can often be detected earlier and even prevented when we are proactive, make healthy choices, manage our health conditions, and keep up with our annual physicals. Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to create opportunities for people to make healthier life choices and to lessen the stigma and fear of simply going to the doctor. As this is American Heart Month, I encourage all Americans to use this month to raise awareness about heart disease and heart defects, and how we can prevent, treat, and cope with them, both at home and throughout our communities. Through the support of my family and friends, the guidance of my doctors, and the grace of God, I am blessed to be standing here to support those across our Nation who are affected in some way by heart disease and heart defects. My prayers and thoughts go out to every one of you. I ask my colleagues to join me in promoting American Heart Month so that we can all help save precious lives.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Chairman, I thank my good friend from Michigan (Mr. Huizenga). I rise today in support of my good friend from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner's) legislation, H.R. 78, the SEC Regulatory Accountability Act. The American people have grown tired of unaccountable and unelected Washington bureaucrats bringing forward burdensome regulations without fully considering the effect on families in our districts. This simple and straightforward legislation would enact a statutory requirement for the SEC to outline enhanced economic analysis requirements for any new regulations before they can be enacted. It also requires a review of existing regulations to determine if they are unduly burdensome or duplicative. Accountability. The impact of burdensome regulations that lack a thorough vetting by the SEC can have an untold effect across our entire economy. Court cases, Government Accountability Office reports, and the SEC's own Office of Inspector General have raised important questions and recommended improvements to various components of the SEC's economic analysis in its rulemaking. This legislation would go further by prohibiting the SEC from issuing a rule when it cannot make a reasoned determination that the benefits of the intended regulation justify the cost of the regulation. Logic and reason. In closing, I support this good-government, commonsense legislation introduced by Chair Wagner. The SEC Regulatory Accountability Act will take an important step in preventing the SEC from implementing a regulation before understanding its full impact on our economy and on the families in our congressional districts and across the country.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Georgia for yielding. I rise today to support this rule and to express my strong disapproval of President Obama and his administration's refusal to veto the anti-Israel resolution adopted by the United Nations Security Council on December 23, 2016. Since its establishment, Israel has worked tirelessly to forge peace with its neighbors. They have sought neither violence nor conflict. In fact, the territories discussed in the misguided U.N. resolution were areas Israel gained in self-defense during the 1967 Six-Day War. These areas include the Old City, with the Temple Mount and Western Wall, areas that, thousands of years ago, were the origin of the Israeli culture, heritage, and religion. Israel did not seek to take this land. Rather, when threatened by their Arab neighbors in 1967, they were forced to act in self-defense and repel these attacks. Since that time, Israel has successfully reached peaceful agreements with many of the Arab countries who, at that time, sought to wipe them off the map. Israel is the only thriving democracy in the Middle East who practices and protects human rights regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, or citizenship. Additionally, the State of Israel has been committed to implementing initiatives to promote economic growth in the region, including creating opportunities for Palestinians and others. Israel is a shining example of taking care of those who are around them, even as they face constant threat of violence and terrorist attacks. I have been appalled over what has taken place under the direction of President Obama and Secretary Kerry and others within the administration. In response, I also introduced a resolution condemning these intolerable actions. By failing to direct the United States to veto the one-sided, anti-Israel U.N. Security Council resolution, the President turned his back on Israel and, as a result, turned his back on America. The anti-Israel resolution adopted by the U.N. Security Council threatens peace and stability in the Middle East. It will most likely incentivize further violence and radical boycotts. While President Obama and Secretary Kerry's long list of foreign policy failures has been well-documented over the years, none to date have been this deliberate and calculated. That is why I have come to the floor to support Chairman Royce's bipartisan resolution. As Republicans and Democrats alike have expressed their contempt for the President's lack of action, I look forward to working with my colleagues and President-elect Trump in correcting President Obama's anti-Israeli tactics as we work to form a stronger bond with Israel and as we work to promote peace in the Middle East.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great American on her retirement from federal service. Mrs. Melissa L. Keesee, Paralegal Specialist, U.S. Special Operations Command Office of the Staff Judge Advocate (SOJA), MacDill AFB, Florida, is retiring after over 37 years of distinguished and dedicated federal service, the last 22 years serving in SOJA. Mrs. Keesee began her journey in federal service as a U.S. Army Civilian clerk with U.S. Southern Command, Republic of Panama. She then became a U.S. Air Force Civilian as secretary, U.S. Readiness Command, MacDill AFB, FL. She is a plank owner in U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) as she transitioned into the standup of the command as a secretary, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill AFB, FL. She then traveled to Texas where she was a secretary with Air Education Training Command, Randolph AFB, TX and a secretary with Headquarters, U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service, Randolph AFB, TX. Before returning to MacDill AFB, she became a secretary with the 81st Training Wing (AETC), Keesler AFB, MS. At MacDill AFB for the second time, she rejoined USSOCOM as a secretary with J3 (operations) then moved to SOJA. Mrs. Keesee has touched countless people in her tenure with SOJA. Notable alumni of SOJA that she has worked with include three U.S. Attorneys, several General Officers in the Army, including a former The Judge Advocate of the Army (TJAG), and numerous prominent local jurists and attorneys. Her talent and dedication to duty were recognized with her award of one of the first Joint Civilian Service Commendation Medals to be awarded at USSOCOM. In 2008, the Air Force Judge Advocate Corps recognized her as the prestigious Harold R. Vague Award Winner (the most outstanding civilian paralegal in the Air Force). In that same year, SOJA recognized her with the Major General William Garrison Award. This award recognizes ``significant contributions to advancement of the rule of law in the Special Operations community.'' Mrs. Keesee has been a critical part of USSOCOM from its early beginnings and has served with all USSOCOM SJAs (SOJAs) in her time with USSOCOM. Always professional and going above and beyond, Mrs. Keesee has been an invaluable continuity in the high speed office of SOJA. Melissa has touched and helped countless SOF JAGs and legal personnel in her federal career. She truly is a ``Quiet Professional''. Her country and home state are thankful and proud. I wish Melissa and her husband of 25 years, Rick, along with their daughter, Jessica, Godspeed in retirement and justly deserved personal time.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur) for yielding. And I do wish to say hello to our good friend from Hungary, Ambassador Szemerkenyi. I am grateful, quite frankly, to have this opportunity, Mr. Speaker, as I rise today to recognize the 60th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight. Sixty years ago this October, Hungary stood tall in the shadows of communism and said: Enough is enough--eleg volt. Hungarian schoolchildren and college students took up arms against the totalitarian government and its Soviet policies. On October 23, 1956, approximately 20,000 protesters convened next to the statue of General Jozef Bem, a national hero of Hungary. Despite orders to disband, protestors tore down a 30-foot bronze statue of Stalin near the city's Heroes' Square. The following morning, power was consolidated and a new multiparty government was formed. The Hungarian Revolution spread like wildfire throughout the countryside. On November 1, Prime Minister Imre Nagy announced Hungary's withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact and a declaration of neutrality. Embarrassed by the uprising, the USSR sent Soviet tanks and troops across the Hungarian border. Unfortunately, thousands of Hungarian civilians were killed, and the communist-backed government in Budapest was reinstalled. In the months that followed the Hungarian Revolution, more than 20,000 Hungarians were imprisoned, 229 were executed, and more than 200,000 were forced to flee across the world. Many of the Hungarians, named ``56ers'' because of the year that this happened, sought new lives in the United States with the help of Hungarian Americans, many of whom live in my good friend, Ms. Kaptur's district. My own parents were married in the Hungarian Catholic Church, St. Emeric, also located in Ms. Kaptur's district. And as a child and grandchild of Hungarian Americans who helped 56ers, I am honored to sponsor this resolution with my good friend from Ohio in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. I would like to thank my Hungarian American Caucus co-chairs: Ms. Kaptur, Andy Harris, and David Joyce.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call my colleagues' attention to a very special POW/MIA memorial dedication ceremony taking place in my home town of Lakeland, Florida. As flags are raised across America this week in honor of National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we must stand united as a nation remembering and honoring those captured and those who have gone missing while serving our great country, as well as their loved ones. Today, as in every day, we shall live by the POW/MIA flag's creed: You Are Not Forgotten. No other country has devoted as much energy and as many resources to account for its missing or captured like the United States of America. Our debt to American prisoners of war, those missing in action, and the families of these brave soldiers can never truly be repaid. America's service members are the backbone of the freedom and prosperity this country has been blessed with for more than two hundred years. The sacrifices made by these courageous and selfless men and women in uniform, on behalf of perfect strangers, embodies the American spirit of patriotism. Few among us will ever understand the pain and fear associated with knowing a loved one is captured or missing in a warzone across the globe. We as a nation must join together to honor those who have sacrificed so greatly today, and every day. Without their sacrifices, we would not be able to enjoy the liberties we are blessed with today. Let us never take for granted their selfless protection of our great nation and its people. May God continue to watch over our valiant soldiers, and return them safely home, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the career and retirement of my good friend Ron O'Conner of Florida Farm Credit in Lakeland, Florida. Ron is a native Floridian and a University of Florida graduate. He began his career at Farm Credit of Central Florida in 1987 as Marketing Manager. During his time at Farm Credit, he and the marketing department earned many outstanding achievement awards. Ron is an exceptional representative of the Farm Credit system. Currently, he chairs Farm Credit of Florida's statewide marketing committee, providing maximum exposure for Farm Credit of Florida's most important agriculture events. Farm Credit of Central Florida's mission is to provide reliable, consistent credit and financial services to the agricultural and rural communities of Central Florida. Ron is dedicated to this mission, and to the people and business of agriculture--the heart and lifeblood of the United States. Everyone knows Ron can be found at every agricultural event throughout the 15th District of Florida, documenting everything with his camera. Ron's service and excellence has helped make Florida Farm Credit the largest single lender to agriculture in my home State of Florida. Not only is Ron known as a diligent and valuable representative of Farm Credit, but also as a man of great integrity. I am proud to call Ron my friend. Best wishes for an enjoyable retirement.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the opening of Citrus Ridge: A Civics Academy, a new charter school for Kindergarten through eighth grade students, located in Florida's 15th Congressional District. Citrus Ridge integrates Civics content and skills throughout all its students' curriculum. There, students will learn the skills and responsibilities associated with good citizenship by contributing to their school community. Middle School students have the special opportunity to participate in the Civics Leadership Academy with a variety of civics electives, including Speech and Debate, Engaged Citizenship through Service Learning, and Law Studies. By engaging in these courses, along with their regular curriculum, students will learn the importance of civic engagement and the valuable principles of self-government. This great nation has a system of self-government in place, thoughtfully set forth by our Founding Fathers. Self-government is the ability to govern one's self. Without this ability, individuals and politicians cease to vote for and promote policies contributing to the sustaining of our Republic. We need to teach our children the principles of self-government at an early age and throughout their lives, so they may become well-informed and contributing citizens in our society. I congratulate and thank all those who have been engaged in and helped with this amazing effort, and I offer my continued support to Citrus Ridge moving forward. It is my hope Citrus Ridge will be an example of civic learning and engagement throughout the 15th District, the entire State of Florida, and the United States of America.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, Florida Southern College is a liberal arts college nestled in my hometown of Lakeland, Florida. Florida Southern is known for its strong academic record, for being the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world, and for consistently receiving recognition from the Princeton Review as one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. However, today I rise to recognize another important distinction for Florida Southern. The Florida Southern Moccasins Women's Lacrosse Team recently captured the 2016 NCAA Division II National Championship. On May 21, 2016, the Mocs defeated the two-time defending champion, Adelphi University, by a score of 8-7, capping off a remarkable season. NCAA Division II Coach of the Year Kara Reber led the Mocs Women's Lacrosse Team to their first national championship, along with All Americans Gabby Barowski and Emily Santoli. Growing up in Lakeland, I have watched Florida Southern flourish before my eyes. This victory marks Florida Southern's 29th NCAA Division II Championship. Florida Southern is a tremendous educational institution, and this win is a terrific achievement not only for the school, but also for our local community. Go Mocs!