David Rouzer

Mr. ROUZER

Mr. ROUZER. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. ROUZER. Madam Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment to the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act. In early March of this year, the EPA published a final rule establishing new regulations for wood heaters. Manufacturers and consumers across the country are concerned about the negative impact of these new regulations. In essence, these new requirements will increase the cost to the point that wood heaters may very well be priced out of the marketplace. The best case scenario is that consumers will be paying more. Now, Madam Chair, neither is a good outcome. According to reports, 10 percent of U.S. households still choose wood heaters to keep their energy costs as low as possible. The number of households that rely on wood as their primary heating source--get this--rose by nearly one-third from 2005 to 2012. It is important to note that several States have worked to protect their residents from the consequences of these new regulations. Wisconsin, Missouri, Michigan, Virginia, and my home State of North Carolina have all introduced or have passed legislation that prohibits their respective environmental agencies from enforcing these burdensome, unnecessary regulations. The reason is that they know the costs of additional regulations are always passed down to the consumers. Simply put, the Federal Government has no business telling private citizens how they should heat their homes. Think about all of the folks in the Midwest and the Northeast who are going to need and want a wood heater. After all, this is America. If you want to have the opportunity to buy a wood heater, you ought to have that opportunity. It shouldn't be priced out of the market. Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Smith).

Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Chairman, this is a commonsense amendment that has been put forward in order to address an onerous, unnecessary rule. My question is: What are we going to try to regulate next--fireplaces? It is next on the list, it seems to me. I ask for the support of this amendment, and I thank my colleague from Missouri for being here to offer his words of support for the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROUZER

Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Speaker, I pay tribute today to the extraordinary life of one of America's finest women who recently passed on to be with our Creator. Mrs. Dorothy Helms, also known to many of us as ``Dot,'' was the long-time best friend and wife of the late U.S. Senator Jesse Helms. As a member of the Helms Senate family, I grew to know both of them very well. Senator Helms asked me one day, he said: ``David, do you know where I get all my good ideas?'' Without giving me a second to respond, he said, ``Dot, you know.'' For those of us who knew the two well, Dot was, in fact, the conservative of the family, and a strident and forceful communicator of her opinion on all matters. Dot Helms was a trailblazer in her own right. She was one of the first women to graduate from the University of North Carolina with a degree in journalism and later went on to work for the News & Observer as a society page editor. Meanwhile, Jesse Helms was there working as a sports reporter. The rest, of course, is history, and the two of them helped change history. As much as Dot Helms will be missed by all of us, something tells me the tall, lanky fellow from Monroe, North Carolina, is delighted to have her back at his side.

Mr. ROUZER

Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Speaker, this country is blessed with incredibly talented and God-fearing families and individuals. One great example is Danny Kornegay, a constituent and friend who was recently named the 2015 Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year. Danny began farming 25 acres right after graduating high school and during the past 45 years has grown his operation to more than 5,500 acres, producing tobacco, sweet potatoes, cotton, soybeans, wheat, and peanuts. He also finishes about 8,000 to 10,000 head of hog per year. My family and I have known Danny for many years. Farm families like his prove agriculture is in very capable hands, and they are the reason America continues to produce the best and safest food supply in the world. Danny's commitment to agriculture, our community, and our State is unparalleled. I know his family and many friends are proud of him. In fact, we are all proud of him.

Mr. ROUZER

Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this so-called Iran deal because it paves the way for Iran to obtain nuclear capabilities that will not only threaten Israel and create an arms race in the Middle East, but will also be a direct threat to America. Time and time again, the Government of Iran has demonstrated its unwillingness to be transparent and open regarding their nuclear arms development and fraudulent behavior. Let's not forget that we just recently discovered two of their secret nuclear facilities, and who knows how many more they have. The sanctions relief included as part of this deal guarantees that Iran, the world's number one sponsor of terrorism, will have billions more to fund their evil acts. And if there is any confusion, Iran's stated intentions of wiping Israel off the face of the Earth and its public chants of ``death to America'' make their intentions very clear. Mr. Speaker, America has always stood for what is right--the greatest force for good mankind has ever known. Let's keep it that way and defeat this agreement.

Mr. ROUZER

Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Speaker, if you work, you should be better off than if you don't work. That is why, earlier this week, I introduced the Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Act. This bill is designed to improve welfare programs by requiring recipients who have a known history of drug use to pass a drug test for eligibility. I am a firm believer that we have a moral obligation to help those in need who cannot help themselves; yet it is critically important to get the incentives right so that these programs are not abused. Mr. Speaker, most employers require workers to pass a drug test as a condition for employment. The government should expect the same of people who receive welfare benefits. If recipients can't meet the basic standards of employment, in essence, they are trapped in a cycle of welfare dependency. Mr. Speaker, I believe this bill is one step in the right direction to improve our welfare programs, and I encourage my colleagues to support this commonsense bill.

Mr. ROUZER

Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as the cosponsor of H.R. 2722, the Breast Cancer Awareness Commemorative Coin Act.

Mr. ROUZER

Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Speaker, as a result of the shale energy revolution, America has moved from a posture of energy scarcity to one of energy abundance. This shift is helping to drive economic growth, environmental stewardship, and greater energy security. However, without the acceleration of natural gas infrastructure in all regions of the country, only a few will benefit. A large interstate gas transmission project has been proposed to bring this affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy source to southeastern North Carolina, and with it the potential for economic growth in some of our State's most economically challenged and rural areas. We are blessed with the natural resources and innovations in technology to be the energy capital of the world, which would drive economic growth to new heights. The Congress must put into place rational and predictable regulatory structures that create a more stable climate for the natural gas industry. I urge my colleagues to support policy solutions that will lead to energy independence and economic growth for America.

Mr. ROUZER

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

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

Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Chairman, in early March 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency published the final rule establishing excessive new standards for wood heaters. This onerous rule is a classic example of bureaucratic overreach that has become all too common at the EPA. Manufacturers in my district, as well as consumers, are very concerned about the negative impacts of these new standards. According to press reports, 10 percent of U.S. households still choose to burn wood to keep energy costs as low as possible. The number of households that rely on wood as their primary heating source rose by nearly one-third from the year 2005 to 2012. This new rule is of particular concern for rural residents all across this country. Because of this new rule, the cost of manufacturing wood heaters would increase substantially, making them unaffordable for many. It is no secret that costs from additional regulations are always passed down to the consumers. Several States, in fact, have expressed their concern on this matter. Wisconsin, Missouri, Michigan, Virginia, and my home State of North Carolina have all introduced or passed legislation that prohibits their respective environmental agencies from enforcing this burdensome, unnecessary regulation. In defense of all the fine Americans who want to purchase wood heaters, my amendment to the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act prohibits any funds from being used to implement, administer, or enforce these new, unnecessary, and costly standards. Simply put, the Federal Government has no business telling private citizens how they should heat their homes or their businesses. After all, this is America. If an individual or family wants to heat their home or business using a wood stove or furnace, they should be able to do so without paying through the nose. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank Congressmen Walter Jones, Markwayne Mullin, Rod Blum, Mark Meadows, Mike Bishop, Sean Duffy, and Thomas Massie for their support on this amendment. I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Massie), my colleague and friend.

Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert), the chairman of the subcommittee.

Mr. ROUZER

Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize a truly inspirational individual from my district. Caroline Robertson is a 12-year-old girl from Potters Hill, North Carolina. We met last October at an event in Beulaville. She was born with Trisomy 18, a rare chromosomal disorder. Despite her diagnosis, Caroline has maintained a positive outlook on life, choosing to live every minute of every day. Last year, Caroline was crowned a ``Dream Angel'' by the North Carolina Outstanding Little Miss Pageant. She is using her crown to help raise awareness for handicapped children throughout North Carolina. Earlier this year, Caroline hosted a fundraiser called Bikers, Tea, and Tiaras to raise money for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. There were over 35 crown titles in attendance, including Miss North Carolina 2014, Beth Stovall. Caroline has had to overcome more adversity in 12 years than most of us will in a lifetime. She is a true inspiration to all around her, and I am honored to know her. I would like to thank her for her work as a Dream Angel, and I know she will continue to accomplish great things in the years to come.

Mr. ROUZER

Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Chairman, today, I rise in support of H.R. 2822, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2016. It is no secret that the EPA is out of control. I think everybody across this great land knows that. A few weeks ago, the EPA issued their final rule to redefine waters of the U.S., completely ignoring the will of the House and stakeholders all across America. Under this rule change, waters of the U.S. would now include smaller bodies of water and even some dry land. In fact, this new definition would extend the EPA's regulatory reach to seemingly any body of water, including that water puddled in your ditch after a rain storm. Yes, you heard me right. I have heard from small-business owners, farmers, Realtors, and homebuilders in my district; and they are all concerned about the negative impact this rule could have--and rightly so. This rule is so broad that it could very well require them to get permission from a Federal bureaucrat before acting on their own property. I commend Chairman Calvert and the other members of the committee for including language in this appropriations bill to prohibit any funds from being used to implement this new rule. I am proud to support this bill, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. ROUZER

Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Speaker, as a North Carolina State University alumnus, it is my pleasure to rise today to congratulate Nick Gwiazdowski on his 2015 NCAA Division I Individual National Championship. He defended his 2014 National Championship and is the first Wolfpack wrestler to win back-to-back titles. Mr. Gwiazdowski has quickly established himself as one of the most successful student-athletes in NC State history. His perfect 2014-15 season, 35-0, has led to a 55-match winning streak, the longest in the nation entering next season. He is a three-time All-American and two- time ACC Wrestler of the Year. Entering his senior year, Mr. Gwiazdowski holds a 77-2 record with the Pack and is on pace to set the NC State record for win-loss percentage. More importantly, Mr. Gwiazdowski is the H.C. Kennett Award Winner, presented annually to NC State's top student-athlete and was named to the 2015 All-ACC Academic Team. Congratulations again, Nick. Wolfpack fans everywhere are proud of you and look forward to your continued success.

Mr. ROUZER

Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Livestock and Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee, I rise in support of this bill, the Country of Origin Labeling Amendments Act of 2015, which repeals the country of origin labeling law, also known as COOL. After numerous failed attempts to make COOL compliant with the World Trade Organization, it has become apparent that full repeal of COOL is unquestionably the right thing to do. That said, I am sure there are some who are concerned that repeal of COOL may compromise food safety. America had the safest, most trusted food supply in the world before COOL and, let me assure you, we will continue to have the safest food supply after this law is repealed. Let me explain why. Regardless of origin, if an animal is imported as a live animal, it is harvested in USDA-inspected facilities. Additionally, cattle, hogs, and poultry are inspected prior to harvesting as live animals and throughout processing as a meat product. If the animal originates and is harvested in a different country, the plant has to have equivalent U.S. safety inspection standards and must be regularly audited by the USDA. The U.S. only imports meat products from countries that meet our standards. Furthermore, a foreign plant that does not fully comply with our standards is not permitted to ship meat into this country. In short, the fundamental protocols ensuring food safety are apart and separate from country of origin labeling. Suppliers in foreign countries will still be expected to comply with the same inspection standards as they have now. In closing, I would like to thank Chairman Conaway, subcommittee Ranking Member Costa, and the committee staff for their tremendous help and guidance on this important matter. Mr. Speaker, I commend this legislation to my colleagues and appreciate their support.

Mr. ROUZER

Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman for his good and hard work on this important piece of legislation. As chairman of the Livestock and Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee in which the Mandatory Price Reporting Act originated, I too want to thank the stakeholders for their hard work in coming together on the provisions of this bill. Mandatory price reporting was developed in response to changing markets, with an increasing number of animals being sold with little information publicly accessible. As these structural changes continued, livestock producers requested that price reporting be made mandatory. Even today, livestock markets are continuing to evolve, and it was the goal and intent of the committee to bring all parties together to strike a balance that promotes fairness, transparency, and stability in the market. No one knows how to make this process work better than those directly involved, and I appreciate the willingness of these stakeholders to work together with the committee to craft this legislation. I also look forward to working with our Senate colleagues to continue the tradition of a healthy dialogue between both Chambers of Congress, producers, and packers on this reauthorization so that we can make sure that the requested modifications are executed as smoothly as possible. In closing, I would like to again thank Chairman Conaway, Ranking Member Collin Peterson, and the committee staff for their tremendous help and guidance. Mr. Speaker, I commend this legislation to my colleagues, and I appreciate their support.

Mr. ROUZER

Mr. ROUZER. I thank the chairman. I am proud to lend my full support to the chairman's bill to fund our transportation systems that are so vital to moving this country forward. Mr. Chairman, important needs of our industries and countless businesses in North Carolina are addressed by this legislation. First, a marginal increase in the length of twin trailers carrying freight over North Carolina's roads will allow more freight to be carried per trip, thus decreasing the number of trucks on the road. This modest change to 33 feet in length has a large impact on productivity. Slightly longer trailers improve stability because you have a longer wheelbase. More productivity means a slower growth rate of truck trips on our roads. With this change, there would be 6.6 million fewer truck trips per year; and, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's data, it would prevent at least 912 highway accidents every year. Mr. Chairman, I think it is important to note that the North Carolina Troopers Association is focused on supporting policies that promote safety and improve law enforcement in the State of North Carolina and across this country. They support modernizing freight transportation regulations to allow for 33 feet in length. Mr. Chairman, I submit for the Record their letter in support of this change. May 6, 2015. Secretary Anthony Foxx, Department of Transportation, Washington, DC. Dear Secretary Foxx: The North Carolina Troopers Association, founded in 1977, is focused on supporting policies that promote safety and improve law enforcement in the state of North Carolina and the United States of America. We are grateful for your leadership on policies at the intersection of safety, law enforcement and transportation. From the Charlotte City Council and Mayor's Office to the Department of Transportation and the President's Cabinet, the central questions remain the same. Which policy choices will do the most to keep people safe? We often work alongside the North Carolina Trucking Association on matters concerning the transportation of freight on the national highway system as well as the extensive network of North Carolina highways and roads. From Murphy to Manteo, we partner with professional drivers to keep everyone safe on the roads. We support truck safety advances such as lane departure technologies and adaptive speed controls and encourage the continued adoption of modern technology and training techniques. The less than truckload (LTL) market has a significant footprint in North Carolina not least in the areas around Greensboro and Charlotte. We understand the American Trucking Associations along with other leading LTL companies, the United States Chamber of Commerce, and the National Association of Manufacturers, back a proposal to increase the length of twin trailers in the LTL freight market by five feet with no change to federal weight limits. We support the proposal for several reasons. First, a marginal increase to the length of twin trailers carrying freight on North Carolina's roads will result in an increase in cubic capacity allowing more freight to be carried per trip, thus decreasing the number of trucks on the road. A modest change in length has a large impact on productivity. More productivity makes it easier to slow the growth rate of truck trips on our road system. Modernizing freight transportation regulations to allow for 33-ft. doubles means 6.6 million fewer truck trips per year and according to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration data it would prevent at least 912 highway accidents every year. Second, studies from the experts at the University of Michigan and the federal Department of Transportation show that an increase to the length of the wheel base without an increase to weight limitations creates a more stable truck for both straight line driving and cornering. Indeed, the proposal for five more feet on twin trailers came from a 2002 analysis from the Transportation Research Board (Special Report 267, 2002). In addition, fewer trucks on the road will inevitably lead to much needed relief for North Carolina's infrastructure. In 2013, some 9.7 billion tons of freight was carried by truck. The proposal for twin 33s would shift a portion of that freight--the LTL market--into trailers with a slightly longer wheelbase providing benefit for North Carolina bridges. We are encouraged by your advocacy for better, smarter, safer transportation policies. When the proposal for a five foot extension--with no change in weight limits for twin trailers--comes before Congress we ask you to provide the full support of your office. Sincerely, Daniel S. Jenkins, Jr., President, North Carolina Troopers Association.

Mr. ROUZER. I am also pleased to support the committee's language that would continue to prohibit the use of funds to enforce the restart provisions of hours-of-service rules for our truck drivers. The trucking industry does not need more regulations imposed upon them in the name of safety. Safety is an absolute priority for their industry. Trucking companies know that, without good safety records, they will not be the carriers of choice for businesses that need to move freight. Mr. Chairman, each of these provisions will help spur economic growth throughout our Nation and enable us to better compete and thrive globally. My constituents in the manufacturing and agricultural industries are interested in making Federal transportation policies more conducive to the productive and efficient movement of the goods, and these provisions will help facilitate that. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. ROUZER

Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Chairman, I am proud to stand with my colleague from North Carolina in support of this amendment. In the eyes of our Founding Fathers, the right to bear arms was just as fundamental as the freedom of speech. The Second Amendment ensures our right, as law- abiding American citizens, to bear arms to protect ourselves from enemies, both foreign and domestic. It is no secret that our Second Amendment rights have been threatened by the government bureaucrats in the Obama administration. Earlier this year, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives doubled down on attempting to ban lead projectiles, as they claim the ammunition is armor piercing. They proposed a ban on the manufacturing and sale of certain AR-15 ammunition that could have drastically reduced the availability of ammunition commonly used for sporting and other legitimate purposes. Because of the strong objections from gunowners and constitutional conservatives across the country, ATF decided to table their proposal, at least for now. Mr. Chairman, our constitutional rights should not be left up to the whims of Federal bureaucrats in Washington. This amendment simply ensures that Federal funds cannot be used to ban certain types of commonly used ammunition, and I encourage my colleagues to support it.

Mr. ROUZER

Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 238 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. ROUZER

Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Chairman, the EPA has, once again, lost all common sense as it has decided unilaterally to redefine Waters of the U.S. Under its proposed rule change, Waters of the U.S. would now be defined to include smaller bodies of water and even some dry land. This new definition would extend the EPA's regulatory reach to seemingly any body of water, including that water puddled in your ditch after a rainstorm. You heard me right. Let me put it another way for an even better understanding. This rule is so broad that it could very well require you to get permission from a Federal bureaucrat before acting on your property. Small-business owners, farmers, Realtors, and homebuilders all agree that this bill is bad for business in southeastern North Carolina. For those reasons, I am a cosponsor of this bill, the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act, which requires the EPA to scrap its current proposal and start anew by engaging stakeholders who are actually affected by this rule. Mr. Chairman, common sense has had its share of setbacks in this country. Let's not let this rule be another one. I encourage my colleagues to vote for this bill, and I thank the chairman for his fine leadership.

Mr. ROUZER

Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Chairman, I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment because it is critically important that we provide the necessary funding to ensure that our ports are fully dredged and properly maintained. The port in Wilmington, North Carolina, plays a vital role in helping our State's farmers and other businesses export their goods to foreign markets. In fact, a recent study showed that Wilmington's port contributes $14 billion toward North Carolina's economy and supports, both directly and indirectly, nearly 77,000 jobs in our State. Without the proper funding, our ports will continue to deteriorate, and we risk putting our farmers and local industry--indeed, America--at a competitive disadvantage.

Mr. ROUZER

Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Speaker, it is important we regularly meet with constituents in order to have a variety of viewpoints and experience to draw upon as we work towards the betterment of our country. This past district work period, we held advisory council meetings with interested citizens from across North Carolina's Seventh Congressional District. These advisory councils represent different sectors within our community throughout the district, including ag, small business, veterans and defense, law enforcement, homeland security, health care, and education. There was one theme that continually emerged during these meetings, and the message was clear: we must reduce the burdens of an overly intrusive Federal Government while making improvements in those areas where government has a legitimate and constitutional responsibility, such as our transportation and infrastructure needs. I look forward to working with these distinguished men and women who have agreed to serve on our advisory councils. Their insights into issues that affect our district, our State, and our Nation are invaluable; and I thank them for their desire and willingness to serve in this capacity.