John Rose

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, today I will be voting ``no'' on an 1,800-page, $3 trillion socialist wish list. This wish list is the product of partisan scrambling meant to take advantage of the present crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. I, and the people in my district, won't stand for it. I am from Tennessee where we balance our budgets, we don't write checks we can't cash, and where common sense is still king. Today, I will be using that common sense to represent the people of the Sixth District of Tennessee and vote ``no.''

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, a month ago, our Nation stood on the highest mountaintop, marveling at the supposed limitlessness of our domain. Today, barely 3 weeks later, awakening from an abundance-induced stupor, we find ourselves deep in the valley, peering perilously into the abyss. I hope that the safety net we are attempting to purchase today with our Nation's scarce treasure doesn't dull too much the alarm that this crisis has sounded for our country to reform its ways. I pray that from this low point, we will seek out a great revival of faith in our Almighty God and a renewed commitment to the principles of freedom, liberty, and self-reliance. For those in this Congress who have used this crisis to loot the public treasury and serve special interests above the common good, I trust that our people and history will judge you as harshly as you deserve. And today, I give thanks for our President.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, on the night of March 2nd into the early morning of March 3rd, several tornadoes struck Middle Tennessee, inflicting severe damage and taking numerous lives. Most of the devastation occurred in my congressional district, the Sixth District of Tennessee, including my hometown, Cookeville, TN. After careful consideration, my family and I returned home to Cookeville, TN, on March 3rd so that we could meet with local officials and first responders to assess the damage for ourselves and lend a helping hand to our friends and neighbors wherever it might be needed. Because of our decision to return home, I was absent for votes today. I missed Roll Call vote number 87. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' I missed Roll Call vote number 88. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' I missed Roll Call vote number 89. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' I missed Roll Call vote number 90. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, on the night of March 2nd into the early morning of March 3rd, several tornadoes struck Middle Tennessee, inflicting severe damage and taking numerous lives. Most of the devastation occurred in my congressional district, the Sixth District of Tennessee, including my hometown, Cookeville, TN. After careful consideration, my family and I returned home to Cookeville, TN, on March 3rd so that we could meet with local officials and first responders to assess the damage for ourselves and lend a helping hand to our friends and neighbors wherever it might be needed. Because of our decision to return home, I was absent for votes today. I missed Roll Call vote number 83. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I missed Roll Call vote number 84. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I missed Roll Call vote number 85. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' I missed Roll Call vote number 86. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today, I rise with my colleague from Tennessee, Mr. Cooper. As he has already indicated, earlier today, a devastating tornado tore through Middle Tennessee, including much of the area that I represent and call home. While rescue workers are still in the critical phase of sorting through debris and accounting for those who are still missing, we know already that many lives have been lost and dozens of people were rushed to emergency rooms. I, along with countless Tennesseans, are lifting those people up in prayer, and we hope that everybody will join us. I am working diligently alongside my fellow Representatives, the administration, Governor Lee, Senators Alexander and Blackburn, and emergency officials to get much-needed Federal aid to the affected areas. Homes, schools, businesses, churches, farms, and other buildings and numerous communities have suffered serious and, in some cases, overwhelming damage. I stand today with those affected by this disaster and pledge every effort will be made to give shelter to those who need it, give care to those who are hurt, and give assistance in the critical effort to recover and rebuild.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers for Veterans Therapy Act, or PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act. I thank the distinguished gentleman from Tennessee for yielding me this time and for his service to the good people of Tennessee. I also wholeheartedly thank Representative Stivers for approaching me about cosponsoring this outstanding policy proposal. His leadership on this issue is truly appreciated by me, but more importantly, by America's veterans. While we are enjoying a time of unparalleled economic growth in my lifetime, a safer and more secure Nation, and 243 years of enduring freedom made possible in no small part by the sacrifice of our servicemembers, we also live in a time when approximately 20 veterans are lost to suicide every day. This heartbreaking reality calls us to action. Research has demonstrated the powerful effect of service dogs in the lives of those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. These loyal companions have been shown to lead to stronger mental health, greater purpose in life, and renewed hope. Today, I stand up for our veterans in Tennessee and all of our veterans across the country who would find support from PAWS. I invite my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to join us in supporting our veterans and vote for the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, today, on behalf of the tens of millions of voices forever lost to abortion since Roe v. Wade, I come before this body to mourn the tragic loss of life our country has experienced in this last 47 years. The Tennesseeans I represent overwhelmingly support the right to life; and like most folks in Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District, I firmly believe that life begins at conception. Throughout my first term in Congress, I have been proud to fight for the children still to come who cannot speak for themselves. As a father, I am especially touched by the solemn and joyous responsibility our Heavenly Father entrusts to us through the blessing of little ones. Even one child's life shortened before reaching his or her own God-given potential is a tragedy, and yet that has happened tens of millions of times in the last 47 years since Roe v. Wade was decided in the Supreme Court. Heartbreakingly, Norma McCorvey, also known as Jane Roe, was a real mother, and, ultimately, she was a real advocate for the unborn. Later in her life, Ms. McCorvey came to faith in God and joined the pro-life community in believing that every child's life is worth protecting. Ms. McCorvey is no longer with us, but her story lives on. Today I call on my colleagues to search their souls, just as Ms. McCorvey--Jane Roe--did and choose life. Who are we to decide which precious children designed by God have the chance to live on this Earth and which do not? Our country was founded with this belief underscored: ``that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.'' With the words of the Declaration of Independence in mind, I signed onto an amicus brief supporting life in the upcoming June Medical Services v. Gee Supreme Court case. It is well past time for the Supreme Court to uphold the right to life and overrule Roe v. Wade. Ms. McCorvey--Jane Roe--agreed, and, overwhelmingly, so do the Tennesseans that I represent. In this new decade, may our country's legacy be of life and a new generation of hope.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this partisan impeachment spectacle that seeks to accomplish what President Trump's opponents failed to do at the ballot box in 2016. The bedrock of this country is our Constitution. Article II of the United States Constitution grants our President the necessary authority to deal with other nations and their leaders. This President was lawfully elected by the American people. When President Trump was sworn into office, he assumed the role of our nation's Commander in Chief. And, as Commander in Chief, he has done absolutely nothing illegal. The impeachment vote today is a sad continuation of the partisan political efforts to undercut President Trump since he was elected in 2016, if not before. The House majority has wrongly denied President Trump the fair process that was afforded to President Clinton and President Nixon at every stage of their investigations. I am also profoundly disappointed that the House Judiciary Committee refused to hold a minority day hearing in compliance with Clause 2(j)(1) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House, which the Democratic Majority earlier voted to approve. It should also greatly concern all Americans that co-equal subpoena authority was not granted to the minority during this hyper-partisan process. Co-equal subpoena authority for both the minority and majority has been the backbone of past impeachment investigations. My bill, House Resolution 667, would have granted this co-equal subpoena authority to the minority and majority, and l am disappointed that the Speaker never let it be considered by the House. House Democrats said that it was critical to move forward in an historically fast, hasty manner. Yet, after passing both Articles of Impeachment on December 18, 2019, their sense of urgency died. The House Democratic Majority has waited nearly a month to transmit the ``urgent'' Articles of Impeachment to the Senate. This change in tone only underscores what Tennesseans knew all along: this is a partisan stunt, motivated purely by political reasons, that mocks our Founding Fathers' great caution in undertaking decisions of this magnitude and the safeguards they designed for our Republic. It is shameful that the majority has waited nearly a month to bring House Resolution 798 up for a vote. I am deeply alarmed that this delay by House Democrats was a thinly veiled power grab. Our Founding Fathers envisioned this scenario during the dawn of our Republic: one chamber of Congress trying to control the other. In our Founders' wisdom, a system of checks and balances was put into place to prevent the coup d'etat that House Democrats attempted. Because of these safeguards, House Democrats ultimately failed. I applaud the Senators from both sides of the aisle who stood against this grave injustice and demanded that the House send over the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate without delay. Instead of working to secure our southern border, protect religious freedom, and rein in out-of-control government spending, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have been laser-focused on removing President Trump from office for purely political reasons. I want to remind those who are leading this ridiculous waste of taxpayer resources that there will be another election in 2020. The next election is the avenue for deciding a new president, not this. Throughout the history of this country, impeachment has been a rare process. With this impeachment, I worry that in the next 230 years of our Republic, it will be rare that a president is not impeached. On behalf of my fellow Tennesseans, and on behalf of my constituents in the Sixth District of Tennessee, I stand with our President and Commander in Chief and will vote ``no'' to appoint and authorize managers for the impeachment trial of President Trump.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this partisan impeachment spectacle that seeks to accomplish what President Trump's opponents failed to do at the ballot box in 2016. The bedrock of this country is our Constitution. Article II of the United States Constitution grants our President the necessary authority to deal with other nations and their leaders. This President was lawfully elected by the American people. When President Trump was sworn into office, he assumed the role of our nation's Commander-in-Chief. And, as Commander-in-Chief, he has done absolutely nothing illegal. The impeachment votes today are a sad continuation of the efforts that have been underway since President Trump was elected. The majority has wrongly denied President Trump the fair process that was afforded to President Clinton and President Nixon at every stage of this investigation. I am also profoundly disappointed that the House Judiciary Committee refused to hold a minority day hearing in compliance with Clause 2(j)(l) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House. It should also greatly concern all Americans that co-equal subpoena authority was not granted to the minority during this hyper-partisan process. Co-equal subpoena authority for both the minority and majority has been a bedrock of past impeachment investigations. I am disappointed that my resolution, H. Res. 667, which would have granted co-equal subpoena authority to the minority and majority, was not adopted. Instead of working to combat rising prescription drug prices, securing our southern border, protecting religious freedom, and reining in out-of-control government spending, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have been laser-focused on removing President Trump from office for purely political reasons. I want to remind those who are leading this ridiculous waste of taxpayer resources that there will be another election in 2020. The next election is the avenue for deciding a new president, not this. Throughout the history of this country, impeachment has been a rare process. With today's impeachment, I worry that in the next 230 years of our republic, it will be rare that a president is not impeached. On behalf of my fellow Tennesseans, and on behalf of my constituents in the Sixth District of Tennessee, I stand with our President and Commander-in-Chief and will vote ``no'' on both articles of impeachment.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today, I rise in strong opposition to this partisan impeachment spectacle that just seeks to accomplish what President Trump's opponents failed to do at the ballot box in 2016. Our votes today are merely formalizing the decision my colleagues on the other side of the aisle reached 3 years ago. This has been an embarrassment to our country, an insult to our Constitution, and a distraction from the real work we should be accomplishing for the American people. I stand with the people of Tennessee's Sixth District in strongly supporting President Trump, and I will vote against the Articles of Impeachment before us today.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of Lebanon, Tennessee, in honor of its 200th anniversary. Lebanon is the county seat of Wilson County, located just east of Nashville. Lebanon was formed in 1802 and officially incorporated on November 23, 1819. The city's name derives from the area's countless Eastern Red Cedar trees, reminiscent of Mount Lebanon's famous cedar forests described in the Bible. With approximately 35,000 residents, Lebanon demonstrates what it means to be a tight-knit community. This town was built on a solid foundation of hard work and family values, and it has continued to show these unwavering attributes over the course of its 200-year history. Lebanon is home to a number of sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a certified Tennessee Main Street program. The Historic Public Square maintains its longstanding charm with beloved sites like the Capitol Theatre, while still serving as a hub for industry and business through the Lebanon-Wilson County Chamber of Commerce, located in the heart of the Main Street District. Countless successful businesses call Lebanon ``home,'' including the corporate headquarters of Cracker Barrel, America's ``Old Country Store.'' The city's many local businesses benefit from the unique opportunities afforded through Lebanon's own Municipal Airport, which provides easy access for industry and trade. Lebanon is the longtime home of Cumberland University, founded in 1842. The four-year private institution has an enrollment over 2,500 students and 110 academic programs. The city of Lebanon is also home to Cedars of Lebanon State Park. The park boasts 1,139 beautiful acres and welcomes visitors from across the country to enjoy its eight miles of hiking trails and 117 campsites. Tennessee's largest fair, the nationally-known Wilson County Fair, is hosted in Lebanon at the James E. Ward Agriculture Center. Families from across Tennessee--and the entire country--journey to Lebanon to participate in the annual tradition. The city is also the proud home of the Wilson County Veterans Museum and Plaza, which forever memorializes those from Wilson County who have served our great country. A true treasure, the museum honors the service of our veterans and preserves countless artifacts dating back to World War I. I hope my House colleagues will join me in celebrating this bicentennial achievement of Lebanon, Tennessee. The town and its residents have continued to show the strong faith and values of Tennessee since the days when its first public square was built over the Town Spring. I wish Lebanon and its citizens much prosperity and happiness over the next 200 years and beyond.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, on Thursday, October 31, I was unable to vote on the day's legislation due to a family emergency. Because of this unplanned absence, I missed seven Roll Call votes. Importantly, I was not present to cast my vote on Roll Call No. 604 on the passage of House Resolution 660 (H. Res. 660). Had I been present to vote on H. Res. 660, I would have voted ``No.'' I find it incredibly disappointing that the House of Representatives took up H. Res. 660, which moves us away from historic precedent and, instead, enacts unique constraints on Members of Congress who are in the Minority during this impeachment inquiry. In the resolution for the President Clinton impeachment inquiry, the House Majority provided strong, bipartisan checks and balances regarding subpoena authority. These were the same checks and balances afforded to Congress during the President Nixon impeachment inquiry. However, H. Res. 660 removes Ranking Members' traditional co-equal subpoena power. Members of the Minority also lose the traditional right to refer to the committee questions on whether subpoenas can be exercised unilaterally by the Chairman. For a process as important and consequential as an impeachment inquiry, my constituents in the Sixth District of Tennessee, and the American people, deserve better. They deserve fairness. They deserve transparency. H. Res. 660 gives our constituents neither.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 2513, the Corporate Transparency Act. As a farmer and as someone who has started a small business from the ground up, I know firsthand the unnecessary burden government regulations can place on small business owners. Unlike large corporations, America's 5 million small businesses do not have the manpower, time, or resources to comply with more undue regulatory burdens. Furthermore, it is concerning that H.R. 2513 lacks provisions that would ensure our small business owners' privacy. Under H.R. 2513, small business owners, after submitting their personal information, cannot trust that it would be safe or protected. As offered, H.R. 2513 lacks the safeguards necessary to provide our small business owners the confidence that their personal information will be safe and protected, once submitted. At a minimum, if Big Government demands personal information, it must protect that data. In addition, H.R. 2513 is built around arbitrary thresholds. I have yet to see a convincing explanation for why the threshold is a maximum of 20 employees or $5 million in gross receipts. Under this legislation, if small business owners are unable to submit the required personal information, they may face criminal penalties of $10,000 and 3 years in prison. That would kill any small business. Let us not forget, small businesses are the heart and drivers of job creation in many rural communities, as is the case for many of the communities I proudly represent in Tennessee's Sixth District. We cannot unleash innovation in our country when we continue to force Big Government on America's small farmers and business owners. The esteemed ranking member from North Carolina and I urge our fellow Members to join us in voting against H.R. 2513, the latest rendition of burdensome regulations and personal privacy invasions.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I am speaking tonight on behalf of the people I represent in the Sixth Congressional District of Tennessee. In Tennessee, I hear excitement about the leaps forward our country has made under the leadership of our President, Donald Trump. We are enjoying the lowest unemployment rate of my lifetime, and more Americans are employed than at any point in this Nation's history. In the short time that I have in this, my first elected office, I have seen the great race in Washington that goes on daily. It is a race to take credit for anything positive, to run away from anything negative, and an all-out sprint away from the real problems facing our Nation. Well, in the race to the ridiculous, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have clearly won. A closed-door, secretive, biased, so- called inquiry is shaming this House and not doing the first positive thing for the people back home. Drop the political charades, Madam Speaker, and let this House go forward.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of Springfield, Tennessee, in honor of its 200th anniversary. Springfield is the county seat of Robertson County, located just north of Nashville and just south of the Tennessee- Kentucky border. With a little over 16,000 citizens, Springfield has regularly demonstrated exactly what it means to be a tight-knit community. This town is built on a solid foundation of hard work, agricultural acumen, and family values, and it has continued to show these unwavering attributes over the course of its long history. Although Springfield was not incorporated until 1819, the first General Assembly of Tennessee gave a county seat identified as Springfield to Robertson County in 1796. Two years later, in 1798, the town was established under this name. Since the early eighteenth century, agriculture has played a large role in Springfield's development, and it continues to provide many employment opportunities for its citizens. Thanks to its rich soil, Springfield thrives in the production of hay, corn, and wheat, but is best known for its production of tobacco. In fact, in 1928, Springfield was labeled as the ``Home of the World's Finest Dark Fired Tobacco.'' I hope that my House colleagues will join me in celebrating this bicentennial achievement of Springfield, Tennessee. The town and its residents have continued to show the strong faith and values of Tennessee since the days when its first courthouse was built of hand- hewn logs. I wish Springfield and its citizens much prosperity and happiness over its next 200 years and beyond.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Today I rise in opposition to H.R. 693, the PAST Act. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Congressional Record a letter from the Kentucky and Tennessee Farm Bureau Federations opposing the PAST Act. Kentucky Farm Bureau, July 23, 2019. Hon. Members of Congress, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Members of Congress: Please accept this letter as a statement of opposition to H.R. 693, the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act by the Kentucky Farm Bureau and Tennessee Farm Bureau. The PAST Act is misleading in its strategies and purpose and sets a dangerous precedent for animal agriculture. Please take the time to review it closely and understand this initiative and the agenda of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). While the PAST Act expressly targets Walking Horses, this push by the HSUS brings to question which segment of animal-based agriculture will be targeted next. Supporters of the PAST Act argue the bill will ``eliminate soring'' within the Walking Horse Industry. However, soring is essentially nonexistent today. The bill professes to end soring by banning hoof pads and action devices which are used in Walking Horse performance shows, and implies such items cause soring. Hoof pads and action devices do not cause soring. Hoof pads are used to provide protection from ground force, to accentuate movement, and balance motion. These pads are used in many breeds other than the Walking Horse including the American Paint Horse, American Quarter Horse, American Saddlebred, and Morgan breeds. An action device is a band/chain weighing six (6) ounces or less. We are not aware of a study that indicates action devices or pads produce pain or cause tissue damage. The Tennessee Walking Horse is the most inspected horse in the world. The industry and its shows maintain a compliance rate with the Horse Protection Act that averages 92-95%. This rate is significant considering the inspection process today is almost 100% subjective. The PAST Act eliminates the organizations established by Congress in the original Horse Protection Act called Horse Industry Organizations (HIOs). These independent organizations provide inspectors for shows and are trained and certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Without HIOs, the PAST Act requires an increase in the USDA's workforce as well as additional employees for the U.S. Department of Justice. The Congressional Budget Office numbers reflect this cost. We urge you to not accept the mistreatment claims from years past as true today. Visit a Walking Horse farm and see the horses. Visit with a horse owner, trainer, farrier and their veterinarians. Contact your state Farm Bureau, the Tennessee Farm Bureau or the Kentucky Farm Bureau if you want assistance arranging a visit or tour. We urge you to oppose H.R. 693. Thank you for your consideration of this information. Sincerely, Jeff Aiken, President, Tennessee Farm Bureau. Mark Haney, President, Kentucky Farm Bureau.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, as an eighth-generation farmer and Tennessean, the grand tradition of Tennessee Walking Horses is among my earliest and fondest memories. We take great pride in the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, drawing neighbors and tourists alike to Shelbyville, Tennessee, every year for our world- class showcase. However, this grand tradition is not unmarred by a few bad actors looking to gain at the expense of innocent exhibitors. Soring has been investigated and debated, and both Congress and industry leaders have put forth their best efforts to end this horrible practice. Tennessee Walking Horses are regal and strong, but the ones that suffer from soring are harmed in ways that are cruel and unjust. The bad actors who are soring compromise fair competition and the integrity of this great tradition, but most importantly, they endanger our prized Tennessee Walking Horses. I can assure you we in Tennessee stand against this vile practice. My strong opposition to soring is why I rise today in opposition to the PAST Act. It is my belief that this bill is not the best solution to this cruel practice. While I appreciate the sincere motives of those who support this bill, I call on my colleagues to consider another, better solution. I am a cosponsor of H.R. 1157, the Horse Protection Amendments Act, authored by my colleague from Tennessee, Congressman DesJarlais. This bill works to end soring in a way that is fair to those acting properly and humanely and provides timely consequences for those who are not. Inspections must be objective, but the PAST Act does not correct the current subjective process that is used. My colleagues' bill, H.R. 1157, creates a framework for consistent, scientific, and objective inspections. H.R. 693 does not solve the real issue here: soring. Industrywide, the current compliance rate is between 92 and 95 percent. In fact, Tennessee's celebration had a compliance rate of 96 percent last year. These compliance rates are based on the USDA standards. As the Farm Bureau has pointed out, the Tennessee Walking Horse is the most inspected horse in the world. Overall, the industry has a USDA compliance rate higher than even the food industry. With that, the rate of catching bad actors at this point is, of course, extremely low. These low rates mean we must be vigilant if we are going to find and stop bad actors. Vigilance will require a new system. The PAST Act does not create a scientific, objective process for inspections, and until we have that, the remaining bad actors will continue to go under the radar, while those acting with integrity could be treated unfairly. It is because of these concerns that I will oppose the PAST Act today. I call on my colleagues to oppose the PAST Act and, instead, stand with me in truly stopping soring by supporting H.R. 1157.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2409, the Expanding Access to Capital for Rural Job Creators Act. I want to thank Representatives Axne and Mooney for their leadership on this important issue as well as my colleagues, Representatives Velazquez, Pappas, and Riggleman, for their original cosponsorship. Small businesses are truly the heart of job growth in rural communities. The vast majority of the 19 counties in Tennessee's Sixth District are rural, with four being categorized as economically distressed counties. The workforces in these communities depend on the job opportunities provided by entrepreneurs who build their businesses from the ground up. In my short time in office, I have visited small businesses in rural communities of Tennessee's Sixth District. The men and women who run and work for these rural small businesses are some of the hardest working people I have ever met. This bill is simple. It includes rural businesses in the mission of the Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation. This will allow rural small businesses to receive the capital formation assistance they might need and will require the Securities and Exchange Commission to consider any adverse effects regulations might have on rural small businesses. Rural small businesses are often overlooked by their capital formation challenges, but their capital formation challenges deserve the same attention as any other type of small business. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this commonsense bill.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table H.R. 3401, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment. This bipartisan bill passed the Senate with 84 votes and could be sent to the President's desk for his signature today.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Cumberland Container Corporation in honor of its 50th anniversary. A time-honored mainstay of Putnam County, Cumberland Container Corporation was granted its corporate charter by the State of Tennessee on October 21, 1968. Nine months later, this company planted its roots in a 6,000-square-foot building in Monterey, Tennessee. At its commencement, this company served the area by providing manufacturing containers and packaging materials to local businesses with nothing more than four pieces of used equipment and six employees. Cumberland Container Corporation was dedicated to its belief in efficiently supplying local companies. Although times proved to be tough at the beginning, this company persevered and demonstrated the brilliance of this concept through consistent customer growth over the last five decades. Fast forward to this year, Cumberland Container Corporation is currently operating in a 260,000-square-foot building on over 18 acres of land. By current count, Cumberland Container Corporation now employs 85 associates and owns a vast assortment of machinery for its production and logistical needs. To my House colleagues here today, I hope that you will join me in recognizing the Cumberland Container Corporation for their longstanding service to the community. It is the hardworking nature of this company and its employees that truly reflect exactly what it means to be a Tennessean.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today the House joined the Senate in approving almost $4.6 billion in taxpayer money to address the growing security and humanitarian crisis at our southern border. We all share sympathy for the children and individuals who find themselves in suffering conditions at our southern border, but we should not confuse that the action that the House took today addresses the real crux of the problem at our southern border. Indeed, less than 5 percent of the funds that we approved will have a realistic impact on reducing the plague of illegal immigration that faces our country. I call upon my colleagues and I call upon the Speaker, upon our return after the Independence Day recess, to take up this issue and send a clear message around the world that this country intends to enforce its borders and enforce its immigration laws. Madam Speaker, I support and call upon the Speaker to allow us to provide the funding to build a wall at our southern border and support the President's efforts to control illegal immigration.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a true Tennessee Volunteer, a daughter of Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District, and the new Head Coach for the University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team, Kellie Jolly Harper. Coach Harper represents the best of Tennessee. She is known nationwide for her grit and her relentless pursuit of victory. No doubt these traits were instilled in her first by her coach and father, Kenneth Jolly, and mother, Peggy Simpson Jolly, and honed into championship ingredients by legendary coach Pat Summitt. Coach Harper was raised in Sparta, Tennessee, a rural town in White County that has been and continues to be home to some of the hardest working people I have met. Her work ethic as a standout player for White County High School led to a starting position with the most prestigious women's basketball program of all time, the Tennessee Lady Volunteers. Before graduating from the University of Tennessee in 1999, Coach Harper ran point for three of Coach Summitt's national title teams, including a perfect 39-0 season in 1998. Even more incredibly, she achieved all this success after suffering an injury to her knee that would have been career-ending for most. Coach Harper is only the third Lady Vol head coach in the NCAA era of women's basketball. She returns to Rocky Top alongside her husband and Assistant Coach, Jon Harper, and their children, Jackson and Kiley. I have noticed her attention to her children throughout her start as Tennessee's Head Coach and I pray that she and her family enjoy a long and fruitful era in Knoxville. I believe in the great promise of the Lady Vols basketball program and know that with this homegrown leader, the team is in great hands. I wish my sincerest best to Coach Kellie Jolly Harper and the Tennessee Lady Vols. She has certainly made her hometown and region proud. Welcome home, Coach, and Go Big Orange.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I am standing in a House chamber that is virtually empty. Nearly all of my 431 colleagues are absent as the Speaker of the House seeks to pass a $19 billion spending bill. Our Nation is $22 trillion in debt. Trying to pass nearly $20 billion in new spending while the majority of Congress is not even in Washington reflects another act of irresponsible big government. This is absolutely, without a doubt, wrong. It is no surprise that public confidence in Congress is at historic lows. Every single Member could board a plane today, and this issue could be voted on in the next 12 hours. We are each accountable to the American people, who entrusted us with their votes and sent us here to work on their behalf. I am accountable to the people of Tennessee, and I can say with confidence: Tennesseans deserve better than what is being attempted here today. I never expected, when I came to Washington, that I would be asked to stay home while $19 billion is spent without my vote. I urge the Speaker of the House, who is also not here today, to return to her post and call Congress back to Washington to do the people's work, and I object.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object.

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee

Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Lafayette Church of Christ in honor of their 150th anniversary on June 19, 2019. A longstanding pillar in the Macon County community, the Lafayette Church of Christ is widely known for its heart for service, love for others, and commitment to Christian principles. The congregation was founded by Isaac T. Reneau on June 19, 1869. Upon its founding, members met in various locations throughout Macon County. On January 11, 1874, the congregation held its first worship service in their first building on the town square in Lafayette. In 1963, a new building was constructed at 212 Church Street in Lafayette, which is where the congregation continues to meet. Today, that building is now part of a 9.5-acre campus that also includes a new auditorium, Fellowship Hall, and Refuge building for youth activities. However, the congregation's most enduring legacy will be its commitment to spreading the Gospel throughout its community. The Lafayette Church of Christ has a rich heritage of upstanding families and strong believers. In efforts to care for their neighbors, the congregation offers a food pantry, utility bill assistance, furniture for those in need, and eager volunteers ready to answer the call of those in their community. Following the devastating tornado that hit Lafayette in 2008, it is well remembered that the members of the congregation eagerly coordinated response crews to those needing assistance and their fellowship hall served as a resource distribution center for the community. The Lafayette Church of Christ is faithfully led by Elders Bobby Bransford and Barry Doss, along with Pulpit Minister Jeny Mercer and Youth Minister Cameron Miller. Today, the Lafayette Church of Christ is comprised of 250 members and routinely hosts local chapters of the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and American Red Cross blood drives. The congregation faithfully follows God's Biblical commands and seeks to be Christ's church in its community. The congregation is anchored in knowing that God gave His only begotten Son so that through baptism, we might live. I pray that this group of Christians may continue under our Father's protection in preaching, teaching, and sharing the great story of Christ. To my House colleagues today, I hope you will join me in congratulating the Lafayette Church of Christ on 150 years of service to the community and unwavering faith. I am confident their impact on Macon County will continue for generations to come