John Rose

Mr. ROSE

Mr. ROSE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th Anniversary of the Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree and Crafts Festival, also known as the Official Festival of the State of Tennessee, located in Smithville, Tennessee. The Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree and Crafts Festival is dedicated to the furtherance and preservation of old-time Appalachian country music, dance, and authentic Appalachian art and culture. In 1972, Congressman Joe L. Evins, a Smithville native, conceived a gathering of a group of area musicians to stage an old-time Appalachian country music show in Smithville, Tennessee, and suggested the same to Barry C. Williams. Congressman Evins and Barry C. Williams, along with J.G. ``Bobo'' Driver, Charles Gentry, Ralph Vaughn, Neil Dudney, and Linda Pack formed a committee to organize such an event. On July 1, 1972, 714 musicians representing 16 states entertained an audience of 8,000 people. Now, 50 years later, this exemplary event has grown to the point that it is now estimated that 40,000 people attended the two-day event in 2019, with over 250 contestants. The long and fruitful history of the Jamboree is a culmination of multiple cultural and historical threads that, woven together over time, have situated the festival as a staple of local heritage and is representative of tireless community engagement. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree and Crafts Festival organizers, committees, volunteers and the people of Smithville and DeKalb County, Tennessee, for their tireless work to make this event an overwhelming success. Tennesseans take great pride in institutions and events that seek to make the community a better place to live, and I am honored to recognize the Smithville Jamboree as one of these events. Therefore, I would like my colleagues to join me in honoring and commending the Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree and Crafts Festival for 50 years of tribute to Appalachian art and culture.

Mr. ROSE

Mr. ROSE. Mr. Speaker, for far too long, the mainstream media and Big Tech companies like Twitter, Google, and Facebook have used their power to censor one type of speech while favoring and promoting other speech that they prefer in an attempt to manipulate public discourse. There is even evidence that the mainstream media and Big Tech use their own judgment to suppress information related to the origins of coronavirus as well as available medication and treatment options. In December 2020, shortly after medical professionals and infectious disease specialists testified before the United States Senate on the effectiveness of COVID-19 treatments, Google's YouTube removed the testimony from their online platform. The big takeaway is that these conglomerates have been complicit in limiting discussion of facts and evidence about the COVID-19 pandemic to the detriment of the American people. We must rein in Big Tech and the mainstream media's abusive and monopolistic practices that have led to an abundance of censorship, views, and opinions deemed, in their own judgment, to be objectionable.

Mr. ROSE

Mr. ROSE. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Gimenez for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you tonight to speak on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves. The right to life is one of the founding principles of our Nation. Every human being born or unborn is entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Our government was created to secure these rights without exception, not to take them away. Yet, today, we see this right under attack as the Biden administration continues their war on the unborn by seeking to remove the Hyde amendment, a longstanding pro-life protection that has saved 2.5 million lives from abortion since 1976. As a father of two sons, Guy and Sam, I have been blessed to watch them grow from a tiny dot on a medical monitor to the strong and healthy boys they are today. When I look at my sons, I am crestfallen for the millions and millions of children whose lives have been cruelly taken right as they were beginning. Not too long ago, President Joe Biden stated: ``Those of us who are opposed to abortion should not be compelled to pay for it.'' But this proposed budget fails to include the Hyde amendment, making it clear that President Biden does not value life. Before coming to Washington, I vowed to be unapologetically pro-life. I stand before you tonight because I, along with most of my fellow Tennesseans, disagree with this administration and believe taxpayer dollars should never be used to fund abortions. Societies are measured by how they treat their most vulnerable. That includes the unborn. This is why it sickens me to see the Biden administration's intention to use the power of the Federal Government to force us to support and fund organizations that perform abortions. I thank God for the miracle that is life, and I will work to secure a chance at life for every unborn baby so that we may hear their voice, see their potential, and give them the same basic opportunity at living that we have secured and received ourselves.

Mr. ROSE

Mr. ROSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 1187. This legislation is just the latest attempt by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to implement a far-left social agenda, this time through our securities laws. Contrary to the principles-based disclosure standard that is typical of most material risk disclosures, President Biden and the Democrat-led Securities and Exchange Commission have advocated for a separate standardized set of disclosure requirements related to climate risk and environmental, social, and governance or ESG, concerns. This legislation would impose disclosure mandates that focus on costly one- size-fits-all metrics rather than material, decision-useful information for investors. During the markup process, several of my colleagues submitted commonsense amendments that would have added an important materiality standard. These amendments would have required disclosure of ESG, climate change, or compensation metrics where there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable shareholder would consider such a disclosure important with respect to making an investment decision. However, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle refuse to support them, including this simple standard. By adding these additional disclosure requirements to the already substantial list of mandatory disclosures for public companies, H.R. 1187 would also increase the cost of compliance for public companies, thereby discouraging private companies from going public. Further, I think it is important to point out that this legislation misses an opportunity to address China and its daily human rights atrocities. If we were serious about disclosure, not just a political agenda, we would be looking at security and democracy threats like those that the Chinese Communist Party and their state-owned enterprises pose. Bottom line, this legislation would add even more costly and confusing disclosure requirements, hurting everyday investors, and discouraging initial public offerings, all while failing to include important national security protections. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on the legislation.

Mr. ROSE

Mr. ROSE. Mr. Speaker, the evidence of the Chinese Communist Party's denial, distortion, and concealment of the coronavirus pandemic from its critical beginning to the present day is overwhelming. In January 2020, if not before, the Chinese Communist Party knew it was dealing with a fast-spreading disease in Wuhan but rejected transparency in favor of a propaganda campaign to spread disinformation. From manipulated statistics and the prevention of an investigation by international experts to ousted journalists and whistleblowers who were silenced through intimidation and foul play, there are countless examples of how the CCP lied to the rest of the world about the origins of the pandemic. Prominent epidemiologists and biologists have raised concerns about a possible spillover in the Wuhan lab, and CDC director Dr. Walensky said it is possible COVID could have leaked from a lab. It was recently reported that three researchers from China's Wuhan Institute of Virology became ill with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and sought hospital care in November of 2019. On top of that, China has not been forthright in sharing information nor have they cooperated with the U.S. or the global community. The dishonesty of China's Communist leadership regarding the coronavirus pandemic has led to hundreds of thousands of American deaths, millions of sick Americans, and trillions of dollars of economic damage to our country. In the face of this mounting evidence, I join 211 of my House colleagues in urging Speaker Pelosi to investigate the origins of COVID-19. But House Democrats continue to stonewall this effort. The Biden administration and House Democrats cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the CCP's nefarious behavior. We must penalize and hold the CCP legally and financially responsible for the human and economic suffering its Communist Government has caused. Enough is enough.

Mr. ROSE

Mr. ROSE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to be a voice for the most innocent and vulnerable among us. This Sunday many families, including mine, will celebrate Father's Day. My faith and my family are the most important parts of my life, and I couldn't be more grateful for my wife, Chelsea; and our two sons, Guy and Sam. Being the father of Guy and Sam has only intensified my belief that we must protect the sanctity of life. Our society cannot leave our most vulnerable unprotected. Safeguarding the right to life has always been one of my top priorities, and I will continue working to protect life at every stage of development. As a Christian and a father, I will always fight for the right to life and for traditional family values. We must protect those who cannot protect themselves.

Mr. ROSE

Mr. ROSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my steadfast support for the nation of Israel, our closest and greatest ally in the Middle East. Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, has been targeting civilians by firing thousands of rockets on Israeli cities. These attacks are both tragic and unacceptable, and Israel undeniably has the right to continue to defend itself. As Hamas continues these attacks, the United States must show its unwavering support for Israel, condemn this aggression by Hamas, and sanction those who fund terrorism, such as Iran. That is why I am a cosponsor of the Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act introduced by Representative Brian Mast. America does not tolerate those who fund terrorists, and this legislation would put in place sanctions on governments and individuals that do. The nation of Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East, and the relationship we share is indispensable. With the world watching, we must send a clear message to Hamas, Islamic jihadists, and those that fund them that the United States stands with Israel. I unequivocally support our friend, Israel, and recognize its right to self-defense in the face of these horrific assaults by Hamas. I pray for peace in Jerusalem and for the safety of all Israelis.

Mr. ROSE

Mr. ROSE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers for Veterans Therapy Act or the PAWS Act. Americans enjoy the blessings of hard-earned peace and liberty because of our warriors who answer the call to defend our country. Our men and women in uniform are a constant reminder of the true source of our Nation's greatness. In middle Tennessee, we have a proud history of military service. Our veterans represent the very best of America, and they deserve our full support when it comes to ensuring that they have access to the resources they need to help them live a meaningful, productive post- service life. It is widely acknowledged that the suicide rate for veterans is tragically high, as 20 veterans are lost to suicide every day. We need to address this problem. No one can deny the emotional and psychological benefits of man's best friend, but for our service veterans, that connection has an even greater impact. Psychiatric service dogs paired with veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder have been shown to provide hope, independence, security, and companionship. As I travel my home State and speak with our Nation's heroes, I have heard how service dogs help improve their quality of life, and I have even heard that had it not been for their service dog, they wouldn't be with us today. The PAWS Act would pair more servicemembers with quality service dogs trained by reputable organizations. Every veteran has earned a life after their military service free of post-traumatic stress disorder that too often leads to suicide. In that regard, we should do everything we can to ensure their well-being. In my view, passage of the PAWS Act is a minimum down payment on what we owe these brave Americans. I encourage my colleagues to join me in letting our veterans know that Congress stands with them on their path to healing. I thank my colleague, Representative Stivers, for his leadership on this bill and wish him success as he leaves the House next week.

Mr. ROSE

Mr. ROSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the incredibly brave patriots who keep America safe. This National Police Week, I want to share my profound appreciation to members of our law enforcement community, our officers, deputies, and troopers, and especially those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. America is the land of opportunity because we are a nation of laws. For our Nation to remain strong, we must have law and order. Low morale is permeating police departments across our Nation as rioters and lawbreakers repeatedly vilify, demonize, and verbally attack the thin blue line. I will tell you here today: any violence against law enforcement must end, and it must end now. Fair treatment in the justice system is critical, but it will not be achieved by the defund the police movement and cop-free zones. Lawlessness without police equals crime and the destruction of our Republic. In my State, Tennesseans know that the men and women who serve in law enforcement are some of the best people in our communities. They run towards danger, never away, and they risk their lives to protect us and our families. Those who serve in law enforcement deserve the respect of every citizen every day. I thank our law enforcement officers for what they do every day, and this National Police Week we respect, honor, and remember those we have lost.

Mr. ROSE

Mr. ROSE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to call attention to a critical need for infrastructure for all of America, and especially in my home State of Tennessee. I believe it is past time that we build new transportation systems and refurbish structures to accommodate our modern economy and our growing workforce. I am a strong proponent of fixing our crumbling roads and bridges and expanding access to broadband internet in unserved areas. In Tennessee, over half a million residents only have access to one internet service provider, and 274,000 Tennesseans still have no access at their place of residence. These are real infrastructure projects that desperately need our attention. Unfortunately, President Biden's most recent multitrillion-dollar giveaway has little to do with actual infrastructure, with only 6 percent of this bill going to projects that fund roads, bridges, or highways. Even if we use the most expanded definition of infrastructure, which might include upgrading wastewater and drinking water systems, expanding high-speed broadband internet service to 100 percent of the Nation, modernizing the electric grid, and improving infrastructure resilience, infrastructure in this plan is only 24 percent of its total cost. President Biden is attempting to redefine infrastructure to include all of the Democratic Party's pet projects and extreme priorities. In this case, it means enacting Green New Deal-style programs and implementing job-killing tax hikes on Americans and their businesses. Since this proposal has little to do with infrastructure and grossly inflates the number of jobs it would actually create, we should call this proposal what it really is, a con job.

Mr. ROSE

Mr. ROSE. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise before you today in honor of National FFA Week. As an eighth-generation farmer and former member of the Future Farmers of America myself, I have seen firsthand the positive difference that FFA makes in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success throughout agricultural education. FFA members know that American agriculture truly is one of the best traditions of our national life and that service to one's community is a pillar of good leadership and citizenship. I am confident that the future of our Nation's agriculture is in good hands because it is being shaped by members of the National FFA Organization. I wish a happy FFA Week to the 28,000 members in my home State of Tennessee and to the 760,000 members across the country.

Mr. ROSE

Mr. ROSE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of February 7-14th being recognized as Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week. Each year in the United States, more than 40,000 babies are born with a congenital heart defect. The medical community has identified congenital heart defects as the leading cause of birth defect-related deaths. Currently, there is no cure for congenital heart defects, and it is a lifelong disease requiring ongoing specialized care. Chance Bond, a ten-year-old boy that resides in the Sixth District of Tennessee, was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, or HLHS. He had received three open heart surgeries by the age of two. He is now ten years old and his mother, Amanda Bond, says that he is still living his life to the fullest. I was blessed to meet Chance last year when he visited Washington, D.C. His courage and bravery at such a young age is truly an inspiration. Fewer than 10 percent of adults with congenital heart disease are receiving the recommended care they need. Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week provides the opportunity for patients and families affected by this condition to share their experiences and knowledge, so that the general public may be made aware of how this defect affects their lives. I urge all of my colleagues to support the recognition of February 7-14th as Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week.

Mr. ROSE

Mr. ROSE. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the objection to counting the electoral votes from Pennsylvania. Violence today did not prevail. We are back in this chamber, carrying out our constitutional duty by holding this debate and eventually moving forward with our American tradition of a peaceful transfer of power. I want to echo the Majority Leader's statements tonight that we need to act as Americans, as ``we the people,'' and that is what I am doing--fighting to ensure the election integrity of this nation so that all Americans can have trust in the process that defines us. I am fighting today to preserve our democratic republic through a thoughtful debate on the obvious flaws of the 2020 election process. While our actions today may not reverse the blatant failure of some states to properly vet the votes, this is an important venue to discuss the concerns of the many people who are dissatisfied with the 2020 election process. Serious irregularities and improprieties in several states raise legitimate concerns about the election administration in those states. These documented irregularities were then under reported or ignored altogether by the media. Although states have long been empowered to administer their elections, when a state or states blatantly fail to a provide a trustworthy process, those states should expect calls for accountability and transparency from citizens, officials, and states nationwide. This 2020 presidential election has shone a bright light on the fact that states need to step up and properly reform their election processes, where needed, to deliver trustworthy results for all Americans. Madam speaker, I urge my colleagues today to support this objection and to join me in the fight for election integrity.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to a true patriotic Tennessean and American, Senior Master Sergeant Timothy J. Thiele. Sergeant Thiele will retire from the Tennessee Air National Guard later this month after 31 years of dedicated service to his state and nation for which I offer him my most sincere and heartfelt thanks. Tennessee has long been known as ``The Volunteer State,'' a nickname that was first heard after Tennessee sent a large contingent of soldiers to help fight the British during the War of 1812. The moniker was solidified and forever etched into the history of our state in 1846 when Tennessee was asked to send 2,800 soldiers to help fight the Mexican-American War, but over 30,000 Tennesseans volunteered to go. Sergeant Thiele's 31 years of volunteer military service is a modem manifestation of that proud Tennessee legacy of honor and sacrifice during which he deployed overseas eleven separate times as a part of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Inherent Resolve, Freedom Sentinel, and New Dawn. Closer to home, and as a part of its unique dual role, the National Guard is often called into action to provide relief and assistance during ruinous natural disasters. Sergeant Thiele was an important part of such efforts on three separate occasions when Hurricanes Gustav, Rita, and Katrina devastated regions of our country. His valiant efforts and those of his fellow Guard members saved lives and eased the pain inflicted by the storms' destruction on countless fellow Americans. I would be remiss if I didn't properly note that the families of our men and women in uniform also sacrifice much, especially when their loved ones in the military deploy overseas. Two-parent families suddenly become one-parent families in a practical sense, with the obvious burden that ensues. Sergeant Thiele's wife of 20 years, Tyran, along with his children Tanner and Addison, sacrificed along with him during his deployments, albeit in different ways. Military families understand all too well the sacrifice represented by missed birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions while their loved ones are separated from them in service to their country. For this I want to extend my sincere thanks to Sergeant Thiele's family as well for their own dedication and service to our nation. As Sergeant Thiele rose through the ranks during his career, he personally trained hundreds of AeroMed Evacuation personnel in Tennessee in addition to leading multistate joint medical training efforts. He became known as a ``proven leader'' and a ``superior role model'' by his own superiors, and I couldn't agree more. It is truly an honor to represent this genuine, modem day patriot in the United States Congress. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Senior Master Sergeant Timothy J. Thiele on his retirement, in thanking him and his family for their sacrifice and service, and in wishing them well in all their future endeavors.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of community pharmacies not only in my district, the Sixth District of Tennessee, but across the country. Late last week, I received this letter, notifying me that my community pharmacy would no longer be in-network and that if I had any future prescriptions filled at this pharmacy, I would have to pay personally in full. This change would take place almost immediately. Like most Americans, I have a years-long relationship with my community pharmacy, Gordonsville Drugs, and my community pharmacist, Amy Dudney. But I was not part of a select few individuals to receive this notification; there have been approximately 60 independent pharmacies throughout Tennessee that recently found themselves out-of-network for certain plans administered by the pharmacy benefit manager, CVS Caremark. This is not happening just in Gordonsville, Tennessee. Many Americans have a community pharmacy like Gordonsville Drugs and a pharmacist like Amy Dudney in their community. Thankfully, due to sustained lobbying efforts by the independent pharmacy community, CVS Caremark has reached out to many of these pharmacies and offered them contracts to remain in-network. However, letters like the one I received remain extremely damaging to our independent pharmacies. In the specific case of Gordonsville Drugs, although CVS Caremark made the right choice to keep the independent pharmacy in-network, they have yet to send a letter with this updated change to customers like me. CVS Caremark must commit to sending new letters, notifying customers that they can continue to use their neighborhood independent pharmacy with whom they have long-term relationships. We continue to let our community pharmacies be bullied by pharmacy benefit managers like CVS Caremark, but we can't let this continue. With winter upon us and the pandemic surging, there has never been a greater need to ensure the viability of our community pharmacies.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 7995, the Coin Metal Modification Authorization and Cost Savings Act of 2020. I first want to thank the bill's sponsor for his willingness to amend the bill to address some of the concerns both Members and stakeholders have raised. I believe that, as a result, we have a better bill before us today. However, I do not think these changes went far enough. This legislation still cedes congressional authority and represents a radical shift in the balance of power. Section 8, Clause 5 of Article I of the Constitution grants Congress the power ``to coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, and fix the standard of weights and measures.'' I am having trouble understanding why we would willingly hand over a duty specifically given to the Congress in the Constitution. Historically, Congress has been reluctant to relinquish that power to fix the standard of coin weight and measure to the executive branch and has balked at similar pieces of legislation over separation of powers concerns. We continue to cede congressional authority to the executive branch, and history reveals disastrous results from doing so. I, too, believe we should look for efficiency in government as well as opportunity to save taxpayer dollars. However, it should not come at the cost of willfully handing over specific duties to us in the Constitution in the process. Mr. Speaker, although well intentioned, I believe this is an important issue that deserves a thoughtful discussion and debate, something a hearing would have provided, and its consideration should not be expedited without that debate.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H.R. 4292, a bill originally introduced by Representative Mark Meadows of North Carolina, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight deeply saddened by the tragedy that took place this past weekend in Coffee County, Tennessee, where two innocent lives were taken and others injured in a heinous kidnapping and carjacking. Our prayers are with the victims and their families, including Tennessean Philip Jordan Stevens, who are now reeling from this tragedy. As Tennesseans, we have not and will not accept this kind of disgusting violence in our communities. I would like to thank our State and local law enforcement for swiftly and dutifully responding to this appalling attack. At a time when police forces around the Nation are themselves under attack, I want our law enforcement officers to know that I will continue to support the thin blue line. As our community pushes forward, I believe now more than ever that we must stand together as Americans unified in prayer for our State and Nation.

Mr. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. ROSE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, on July 20, 1940, Judge Luke Medley started a small radio station in Cookeville, Tennessee, my hometown. And for the last 80 years, WHUB Newstalk 101.7 and 1400, the Hub, has stood the test of time and been a haven for community events and local news. WHUB's motto is: ``Where community always comes first.'' They have always implemented that motto for the citizens of the Upper Cumberland in Tennessee, and they always will. WHUB has been the winner of numerous awards in the last 80 years from the State of Tennessee and the National Association of Broadcasters. Congratulations to owner Jerry Zimmer, program director Brent Carl Fleshman, news director Shawn Jacobs, and general manager John Monk for their constant hard work to keep WHUB the number one news talk radio station in the Upper Cumberland. Happy 80th anniversary to WHUB. God bless Tennessee, and God bless America.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the national coin shortage occurring as a result of COVID- 19. I brought this issue to center stage 2 weeks ago during the hearing with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, and we are starting to feel the effects back in Tennessee. This week I saw a flier from a business in Tennessee pleading with its customers to use exact change due to the coin shortage. I, along with fellow Members, have sent a letter to Chairman Powell asking for additional guidance and best practices for business, but we can all play a role, an important part, to combat this shortage and help Americans who need to make every penny count. It is just my 2 cents, but I urge my fellow Americans to literally contribute their 2 cents by putting their spare change back into circulation.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of a payroll tax holiday. As we consider providing additional direct assistance to Americans, a payroll tax holiday would be a logical way to encourage folks to get back to work and help stimulate the economy. Suspending the payroll tax would ease the impact of the government- imposed economic shutdown. By allowing small businesses to keep more of their hard-earned money, we enable them to reinvest in operations and avoid employee layoffs. Direct assistance through a payroll tax holiday would reduce potential fraud, as individuals must be verified employees to receive the benefit. I believe this commonsense solution would boost the great American comeback that is already underway. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to consider a payroll tax holiday in any future relief bill.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Huizenga for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 7301. The government shutdown of the economy due to COVID-19 created significant challenges for both renters and landlords. Folks, including back home in Tennessee's Sixth District, are having to make difficult decisions regarding their finances. The shock the economy received was the largest our generation has ever seen, and the Federal Government has taken unprecedented action to remediate the damage done to the economy. The CARES Act significantly increased funding for existing assisted housing programs at Housing and Urban Development and suspended evictions of residents from federally assisted properties for 120 days. CARES also provided direct relief through economic impact payments, expanded unemployment insurance, and the paycheck protection program to keep Americans on their feet and the doors of our Main Street businesses open. This aid has been successful in many cases in providing renters with the financial means to keep paying rent throughout this pandemic. Any further assistance should be administered efficiently, be targeted toward those who need it most, and include oversight. This legislation before us today, however, includes a massive spending increase that fails to put into place any substantive reforms. H.R. 7301 contains $119 billion in new HUD spending, tripling HUD's fiscal year 2020 appropriated budget for old and new programs, yet the bill does not include one provision holding the agency accountable on how that new money is spent. Moreover, every single provision included in H.R. 7301 was already included as part of the partisan HEROES Act and has no future in the United States Senate. It is our role to ensure that we are being prudent, and I believe we need to be smarter. More innovative solutions are needed than the legislation we are discussing today. Mr. Speaker, I will vote ``no'' on this legislation again, and I urge my fellow Members to do the same.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of a distinguished public servant from Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District, fallen Master Patrol Officer Spencer Daniel Bristol. Officer Bristol committed his life and career to keeping the city of Hendersonville, TN safe from crime, after serving 5 years in the United States Navy. His loss has been profoundly felt in and around Hendersonville and across the law enforcement community in Tennessee and beyond. Hundreds of Hendersonville residents from all walks of life lined the town's main street to pay their respects the day he was laid to rest. It is important that we recognize the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers, not only during police week, but every day. We have them to thank for keeping our families, neighborhoods, and communities safe. Everyday heroes like Officer Bristol are the ones who continue to make this nation great. I offer my condolences to the family he leaves behind; his wife, Lauren, and their 3-year-old daughter, Eloise.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, today, I am standing up for those who have stood up for this Nation throughout the current crisis: nurses, doctors, farmers, truck drivers, food service workers, distribution and supply chain workers, the millions of Americans who can't stay home and expect our country to survive. Haven't we learned our lesson about outsourcing? Apparently not. Now, some of the Members of this House want to outsource their votes as well. I will be voting ``no'' on this resolution, and I would encourage those ready to hand over their votes to someone else to just go ahead and hand over their seats to someone else. With unemployment the way it is, I would bet that there are more than a few people back home in your district who would gladly accept your $174,000-a-year job and find a way to get to Washington and push a button. I will vote ``no.''