John Rutherford

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6580) to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for expedited naturalization processes for the alien spouses of first responders who die as a result of their employment, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on H.R. 6580, currently under consideration.

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bacon), my home State.

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6580, the Kerrie Orozco First Responders Family Support Act. This legislation is short, but it will have an immense impact on the lives of close family members of certain first responders who die as a result of injury and illness occurring in the line of duty. The Immigration and Nationality Act currently requires that, in order to naturalize and become a United States citizen, a lawful permanent resident must reside continuously in the United States for 5 years prior to naturalization. For spouses, that residency requirement is 3 years. H.R. 6580 waives that residency requirement altogether for the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a Federal, State, or local first responder who dies as a result of injury or illness incurred during line of duty activities as a first responder. There is precedent in immigration law for such a waiver. In fact, the language of H.R. 6580 is patterned on the current law, which waives the same residency requirements for the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a military servicemember killed while in Active-Duty service in the Armed Forces. First responders routinely place their lives in peril to help those of us who are in need, and when they are killed or injured carrying out their duties, we owe their families a deep debt of gratitude. H.R. 6580 is a small price to pay in return for the sacrifice that first responders make every day. The legislation was named after Kerrie Orozco, an Omaha, Nebraska, police officer, killed while serving an arrest warrant on May 20, 2015. At the time of Officer Orozco's death, her husband was in the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. H.R. 6580 will speed up that process and make sure other surviving immediate relatives in the same situation are afforded the same opportunity. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the work of the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bacon) on this important piece of legislation. I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1872) to promote access for United States officials, journalists, and other citizens to Tibetan areas of the People's Republic of China, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on H.R. 1872, currently under consideration.

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1872, the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act of 2018, addresses an issue of longstanding and increasing concern regarding China's treatment of Tibetans living in the Tibet Autonomous Region, also known as TAR, and other Tibetan areas controlled by China. In 1950, the Chinese People's Liberation Army went into Tibet in order to establish control over the region. In the years since then, as noted by the U.S. Department of State, the Chinese Government has ``imposed severe restrictions on Tibetans' ability to exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms.'' Such restrictions occur with regard to religious practice, freedom of travel, freedom to practice cultural and language preferences, and other aspects of everyday life. In addition, the Chinese Government routinely engages in human rights abuses, such as extrajudicial killings, torture, and arbitrary arrest. In fact, the Chinese Government's actions are so severe that, in recent years, over 150 Tibetans have self-immolated in a last-ditch effort to get the rest of the world to focus on this problem. In order to prevent documentation of the religious freedom restrictions and other human rights abuses to the outside world, the Government of China has severely limited access by foreign nationals to these Tibetan regions. Such limitations prevent access to U.S. officials seeking diplomatic and consular access, journalists, human rights workers, and even tourists. When rare access is granted, activities are closely monitored by the PRC and information dissemination is restricted. Matteo Mecacci, the president of the International Campaign for Tibet, has stated that the Chinese leadership is seeking to enforce complete isolation of Tibet, often described as being worse than in North Korea, where at least some foreign media are based. Independent international observers are shut out of Tibet or allowed to visit only under strictly controlled circumstances, while numerous delegations of party officials face no obstacles in traveling to Western democracies to spread their propaganda. In fact, travel by Chinese nationals, including those with direct and substantial involvement in the formulation of policies to restrict access to Tibet, is routinely allowed by governments all over the world, including the United States. During fiscal year 2017, for instance, nearly 1.5 million tourist visas were issued by the United States to Chinese nationals. Those visas are valid for 10 years, during which the Chinese nationals can visit the United States multiple times. During that same period, the United States issued nearly 4,500 diplomatic visas to Chinese officials. H.R. 1872 prohibits an individual who is ``substantially involved in the formulation or execution of policies related to access for foreigners to Tibetan areas'' from being granted a U.S. visa if the Secretary determines that: one, the requirement for specific official permission for foreigners to enter the Tibet Autonomous Region remains in effect; or, two, such requirement has been replaced by a regulation that has a similar effect and requires foreign travelers to gain a level of permission to enter the Tibet Autonomous Region that is not required for travel to other provinces in China; and, three, restrictions on travel by officials, journalists, and citizens of the United States to areas designated as ``Tibetan Autonomous'' in the provinces of Sichuan, Qinghai, Yunnan, Gansu of China are greater than any restrictions on travel by such officials and citizens to areas in such provinces that are not so designated. Any visas currently held by such individuals will be revoked under the bill. The bill then requires the State Department to report annually to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees as well as the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the number of actions taken regarding visas pursuant to this legislation. According to the State Department, in recent years, there have been very small inroads made with regard to access to the Tibetan areas. And while some have expressed the concern that maybe this bill could make the Chinese Government roll back some of those inroads, moving this bill is the right thing to do. It is time that Congress takes a stand with regard to access by foreign nationals to the Tibetan regions. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Congressman McGovern for his work on this issue. I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Washington, DC, August 31, 2018. Hon. Bob Goodlatte, Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Goodlatte: Thank you for consulting with the Foreign Affairs Committee regarding H.R. 1872, the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act, and for considering our input during your markup of the bill. I agree that the Foreign Affairs Committee may be discharged from further consideration of that measure, so that it may proceed expeditiously to the House floor. I am writing to confirm our mutual understanding that forgoing further action on this measure does not in any way diminish, alter, or prejudice the jurisdiction of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, its jurisdictional prerogatives on this bill or similar legislation, or its right to seek an appropriate number of conferees to any House-Senate conference involving this bill. I ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of H.R. 1872. Sincerely, Edward R. Royce, Chairman.

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen).

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the minority leader for her comments on this issue and strong bipartisan support for human rights, not only in Tibet but all over the globe. Really, this is a great moment, I think, for this body. I will repeat again that it is time that Congress takes a stand with regard to access by foreign nationals to the Tibetan regions. Again, I want to thank Congressman McGovern for his work on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1872, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I was unavailable and missed Roll Call Vote 390. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Nay'' on Roll Call No. 390.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our United States Navy's chief petty officers and their families and loved ones who are gathering today at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena and Wall for CPO Pride Day. This annual event celebrating their service is held in different regions across the country, and I can tell you, it holds significance for me. Mr. Speaker, my father, James A. Rutherford, was a young sailor who was deployed abroad on the USS Waccamaw the day I was born in September of 1952. He proudly worked his way through the ranks to later attain the position of chief petty officer. Like so many military families both then and now, my father and other CPOs sacrificed a great deal to defend our freedoms. Mr. Speaker, chief petty officers are the backbone of the Navy, responsible for training junior officers. They lead a division of sailors and petty officers and inspire them to be part of something bigger than themselves. North Florida is incredibly proud to be home to so many sailors and their families, and our community gratefully celebrates chief petty officers today, for we owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. Congratulations and best wishes to them on this CPO Pride Day.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very special person, Eleanore Simon, who on July 25, 2018, celebrated her 107th birthday. Eleanore is a native of Amelia Island, Florida, where she still lives today. Even at 107 years-old, Eleanore drives her golf cart to and from water aerobics several times a week. She is always on the move, and from what I have learned about her, she has no plan to slow down any time soon. At her birthday party, Eleanore enjoyed cake and a glass of champagne surrounded by her family and friends. She has brought much joy to those around her, and those who know her say her smile and genuine spirit lights up every room. Today, I honor Ms. Eleanore Simon's noteworthy longevity and tremendous life in our Northeast Florida community. I ask this entire body to join me in celebrating Eleanore's 107th birthday. May we all aspire to live as long and full a life.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5649, the Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer William Mulder Transition Improvement Act. In my time on the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, my colleagues and I heard from countless constituents, including Active Duty and separated servicemembers about how ineffective the Federal Government's comprehensive Transition Assistance Program was at placing our veterans in long-term, stable employment. Under the leadership of Chairman Roe and Subcommittee Chairman Arrington, the subcommittee held a number of roundtables, hearings, meetings to receive feedback from all the stakeholders. We heard from DOD, the Department of Labor, Veterans Affairs, community providers and, of course, veterans themselves. One section of this bill that I would like to highlight and thank Chairman Arrington for including is section 203, which is bill language I introduced last year called the Veterans Armed for Success Act. This section makes grants available to organizations that provide servicemembers transition assistance of their knowledge, skills, and abilities to private industry through such means as resume building and interview training, and it is mirrored off an organization called Operation New Uniform that does just that in my district in Florida. This group has a 97 percent success rate in placing veterans in long- term employment. As we learned through the information gathering process, a successful transition often relies on the community supporting our veterans and connecting with the resources that they need. We should help this and other similar organizations around the country use this model to help our veterans succeed. I strongly commend Chairman Roe, Chairman Arrington, Ranking Member Walz, and all the members of the committee for their incredible work on this important piece of legislation. You all, along with the committee staff and other groups that worked so hard on this, should be proud of the real world impact that this legislation will have. As I now serve as a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, I look forward to building on this important work with my colleagues to ensure our veterans are set up to succeed.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because, after years of struggling to get ahead, America is finally better off. America is stronger at home and abroad, with a booming economy, safer communities, and a revived military. Thanks to the historic tax reform, unemployment is at an all-time low; job openings are at record highs; paychecks are increasing; wages are rising; and small businesses are expanding. I hear it from people in Florida all the time: My constituents are better off. Mr. Speaker, I represent Florida's Fourth Congressional District, which is home to many military families; and I am proud to say that we have begun to rebuild our military and support our men and women in uniform. We have passed legislation giving our troops the largest pay increase in almost 9 years, and investing $144 billion in upgrading and maintaining our military facilities. Our military men and women are better off. The work that we have done and continue to do is creating a better way for the people of northeast Florida and for all Americans. Although there is much more to do, the economy is soaring, and Republican policies are helping to improve people's lives, making it easier for families to get ahead with a renewed sense of confidence.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Chairman, I rise today as a proud member of the House Appropriations Committee in strong support of H.R. 6157, the fiscal year 2019 Defense Appropriations bill. This legislation makes critical investments in restoring our military's readiness, supports our men and women in uniform with the largest pay increase in 9 years, and furthers Congress' commitment to making America safer and stronger. I also want to thank Chairwoman Granger and her staff for including funding for several programs that are important not only to our Nation, Mr. Chairman, but also to my district in northeast Florida. This includes the procurement of 6 E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes, 10 P-8A Poseidon aircraft, 24 F/A-18 Super Hornets, 3 MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicles, and funding for the Air Force's potential purchase of a light attack aircraft. As a representative of Naval Station Mayport, which is the East Coast homeport for the littoral combat ship, I am especially proud to see the committee reject the Navy's request of only one LCS for this fiscal year. Procuring three of these small surface combatants, in addition to funding two LCS training facilities at Mayport in the MILCON/VA appropriations bill we passed earlier this year, is proof of Congress' continued support of this program and to the health of our Nation's shipyards. Both are essential to the future of our Navy and to our national security. As we continue to see global threats on the rise and our peer adversaries invest more and more in their own capabilities, I believe we have the responsibility to give our brave men and women in uniform the tools they need to protect this Nation. This bill builds on the progress we made in fiscal year 2018 to do just that. Again, I would like to thank Chairwoman Granger, Chairman Frelinghuysen, and both of their staffs for their hard work on this very important piece of legislation, which I hope the President can sign before the end of this fiscal year.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I was unavailable and missed Roll Call Vote 285. Had I been present, I would have voted Yea on Roll Call No. 285.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Frelinghuysen for his leadership on this bill with scores of amendments through committee. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5895, the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2019. This bill makes key investments in water resources infrastructure and coastal flood protection, increases funding for veterans healthcare and benefits, bolsters our military assets, and increases funding for the Capitol Police by $29 million. Of great importance to my district, Mr. Chair, in northeast Florida is the MILCON appropriation, which includes $111 million for two much- needed facilities for the training and support of the littoral combat ship crews at Naval Station Mayport. These facilities will ensure that the LCS crews are efficiently and adequately trained as we continue to rebuild our fleet and deploy these ships in the future. Mr. Chair, I am grateful to former Chairman Dent, Chairman Carter, the committee staff, and my colleagues for their hard work on this package, and I urge its passage.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Officer Lance Whitaker, who was killed in the early morning hours on May 15, 2018, while responding to a police call for service. Officer Whitaker began his law enforcement career with the Atlantic Beach Police Department in Florida. He then joined the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and has since served the city of Jacksonville faithfully for 17 years. Officer Whitaker was known among his fellow officers for his kind heart, and he had a very contagious smile. It was clear to those around him that he loved his job and he believed in what he was doing. Outside of work, Officer Whitaker was known as a proud father and family man. He is survived by his 14-year-old son, Cade Whitaker. Just 3 weeks ago, I attended the rededication of the Fallen Officers Memorial Wall in Jacksonville, where we had the chance to remember and celebrate the lives of 61 men who have died protecting our city. Tragically, another name now must be added to that wall. Today, I join the northeast Florida community to mourn the loss of Officer Whitaker. His service to the First Coast will never be forgotten, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all of the JSO family, and I thank them for their sacrifice on behalf of a grateful city. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: ``The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you lived and lived well.'' Officer Whitaker lived well. He did his job honorably and compassionately. He dedicated his life to his community, and he made a difference in the lives of many. Officer Whitaker lived his life well. Recognizing River City Science Academy for Outstanding Success

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate River City Science Academy of Jacksonville, Florida, for winning the State championship in the Science Olympiad and for their excellent representation in the national competition that took place in Fort Collins, Colorado, on May 19, 2018. This remarkable achievement was the first time a school from Duval County has won the State competition, and I couldn't be more proud of the students, teachers, and parents who came together to achieve this outstanding victory. My district is home to some of the brightest students in the country, and the academic excellence of the River City Science Academy is just more proof of the robust STEM programs that we facilitate back home. STEM education is so important in a highly competitive, technologically driven economy, and I am thankful for the educators who dedicate their lives to training the next scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Congratulations once again to the River City Science Academy for leading the way, and I look forward to hearing of their many successes in the years to come.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Goodlatte and Representative Nadler for their support of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5698, the Protect and Serve Act of 2018. This important bill will enhance penalties for anyone who intentionally causes harm to our law enforcement officers. I can tell you after dedicating 40 years of my life to law enforcement, I know what officers go through every day when they put that uniform on, say goodbye to their families, and walk out the door to protect their communities. Sadly, we have seen a recent rash in increase in violence against officers, especially in ambush-style attacks. In fact, just last month in Florida, Sergeant Noel Ramirez and Deputy Taylor Lindsey were eating lunch and were specifically targeted and assassinated in that restaurant simply because they were police officers and wore that blue uniform. They are not alone. So far this year, 87 law enforcement officers have been shot in the line of duty, 28 of whom ultimately lost their lives. Mr. Speaker, this is a 75-percent increase over last year. For this reason, I introduced bipartisan legislation with my good friend and former Orlando police chief, Representative Val Demings, that will ensure that there are the strongest possible penalties for anyone who decides to target and harm not only Federal law enforcement officers but also local and State law enforcement officers. We worked on this bill closely with the Fraternal Order of Police, and I am proud to have earned the support of the National Association of Police Organizations, the Sergeants Benevolent Association, and the Major County Sheriffs of America, which represents thousands of officers across the country. This week, we remember the officers who have given their lives protecting our communities, and we, as Members of Congress, must show the law enforcement community across the country that we support them and the important work that they do day in and day out. We must also show those who wish to target police officers with violence that those attacks will not be tolerated. I urge all Members to join me in supporting this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I should mention--I think I would be remiss if I didn't--that just yesterday morning, in Jacksonville, Florida, as mentioned earlier by my good friend from Washington, Dave Reichert-- Sheriff Reichert--held a moment of silence for those officers who have given their lives in service to this community. Yesterday morning, about 4 o'clock in the morning during a horrible storm in Jacksonville, Officer Lance Whitaker gave his life on Law Enforcement Memorial Day in service to our community. I have to say, Police Week and Law Enforcement Memorial Day always remind me of the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, who said that the purpose in life is not to be happy; it is to be useful. It is to be honorable. It is to be compassionate, and it is to know that you made a difference because you lived and you lived well. Mr. Speaker, I offer this bill in memory of Officer Lance Whitaker, who died yesterday morning living well.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for this opportunity, and I thank Ranking Member Walz for such bipartisan support and work on this bill. I am very proud to serve on this committee because of the kind of work that goes on here under the leadership of Chairman Roe. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to cosponsor this bill. I can tell you, since coming to Congress, I have had the distinct honor of serving with Dr. Roe, our chairman, and colleagues on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, and during this time, we on the committee have heard from veterans services organizations, from the Veterans Administration, and from veterans themselves about the challenges in the VA healthcare system. We have learned about the barriers to timely care, the troubling provider shortage, also the lack of prompt payment to our community providers, and so many other issues. I am proud to say that I believe this is, in the words of 38 VSOs who wrote in strong support of this legislation, truly a ``historic opportunity to improve the lives of veterans, their families, and their caregivers.'' That is one reason I am very proud to be on this committee. I think this is a historic move. It is our duty as legislators and as Americans to ensure that our veterans receive the best care possible. This bill accomplishes that by streamlining community care programs; improving access to timely care; funding the Choice Program; and, until this new program can be implemented, creating a fair access review process, greatly expanding the VA caregiver program, and improving VA's own in-house capacity. One item that I would like to thank the leaders in both Chambers for, but especially Dr. Roe and his staff and the White House, is including in this language on provider recruitment and retention within the VA, sections 301, 303, and 304 of this bill, which is language that I had asked to have placed in there. These provisions expand the tools the VA can use to recruit and retain quality providers by requiring the use of scholarships and improving and expanding the loan repayment system that targets newly graduated medical students.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the subject of tonight's Special Order.

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor tonight to host my colleagues from the great State of Florida to highlight the successes we have seen since passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. With job growth, wages, and labor participation all up since the passage of this bill, hardworking Americans and businesses are already experiencing the many improvements that are the result of these reforms to our Tax Code. In its April report, the U.S. Labor Department announced that the unemployment rate dropped to 3.9 percent, the lowest level we have seen, Mr. Speaker, in 18 years. The tax cuts and simplification of our Tax Code that we passed only a few months ago, along with our President's regulatory reforms and progrowth policies, are creating jobs and restoring confidence in America's economy. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, we celebrated National Small Business Week to recognize the importance of small businesses across the country. Small businesses are the backbone of the economy and create millions of jobs to help Floridians and Americans pursue a better future for themselves and for their families. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is working for small businesses. According to the National Federation of Independent Business, small businesses are the most optimistic that they have been in nearly three decades. This is no surprise. The reforms in this bill have dramatically improved the way that small businesses are treated under the Tax Code, unleashing hundreds of billions of dollars in tax cuts. Just last month, Mr. Speaker, I toured Magellan Transport Logistics, a service-disabled, veteran-owned logistics company in my hometown of Jacksonville, Florida. They are adding at least 100 new jobs in the next 5 years and were able to acquire a new 47,000-square-foot facility. During the tour of the facility, we were told by the company's CEO that this expansion is a direct result of the tax cuts that the business received from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This is just one example of the differences that these cuts are making to improve the way of life for countless Americans in Florida and across the Nation. I have heard from many small businesses throughout my district who are thriving unlike never before because of these landmark reforms. As the Representative of Florida's Fourth District, I am proud to represent the historic city of St. Augustine. St. Augustine is known around the world, Mr. Speaker, as the oldest city in America. It is full of unique family and community-owned businesses, including the St. Augustine Distillery. Located in the site of Florida's oldest ice plant, the St. Augustine Distillery's opening in 2014 marked the first time that spirits have been distilled and created in northeast Florida since Prohibition. As a young business facing more than their share of regulatory challenges, the St. Augustine Distillery was relieved, to say the least, when the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law. The distillery announced shortly after the bill's passage that they would be using their savings to make further investments in their employees and increase their equipment and inventory, creating new local jobs and hiring additional staff to manufacture, market, and sell their products. Small businesses are an important part of my community and our economy, but they aren't the only ones that have been given relief under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Mr. Speaker, last September, northeast Florida was devastated by Hurricane Irma. The storm surge was over 5 feet and dropped more than a foot of rainfall. Our community saw some of the worst flooding in over 100 years along the St. Johns River, and many areas are only now recovering. Because of the Federal tax savings that they received, Tampa Electric, Florida Power & Light, and Duke Energy Florida all announced that their customers would not receive a rate increase for power restoration costs associated with these companies' response to the hurricane damage. With the money that they would have paid in corporate income taxes, these companies were able to recover the cost of restoring power and repairing the damage after Hurricane Irma, which has spared thousands of Floridians an increase in their energy bill this year. Mr. Speaker, these are just a few of the many ways that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has already made a difference in the lives of hardworking men and women in northeast Florida and across the State by allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned money in their paycheck. Tonight, we will hear from a number of my fellow Floridians about the great successes of this bill and helping the lives of Florida families in our district. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida's First District (Mr. Gaetz). He a great colleague of mine on the Judiciary Committee and a defender of a strong, booming economy.

Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I had the great honor as a sheriff in Florida representing the Florida Sheriffs Association to work with Matt Gaetz when he was in the House. I have to tell you, there is no one that works harder for the State of Florida and this country now that he is in Congress. I just want to thank him for the hard work. He has always been a great partner to work with. We had some great successes there, and then to come up here and actually be part of the first tax cuts and reform in over some 30-odd years was significant. Mr. Speaker, I yield to my colleague from north central Florida's Third District, Mr. Ted Yoho. He is a small-business owner himself who understands taxes and the regulatory burden that businesses face.