Pete Sessions

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. I believe what happened up in the Rules Committee was going through regular order-- regular order to hear the original jurisdiction and regular order as we were discussing, debating, and voting on the rule. Going through regular order here on the floor of the House of Representatives is important, and I appreciate the American people and the Speaker in understanding what we are attempting to accomplish. I also reiterate that this resolution is not about policy. It is about the law. It is about the Constitution of the United States. It is about the fabric of our democracy and the checks and balances which are demanded by every single Member of not only this House of Representatives, but also by the American people. It is about our American Constitution. The House, I believe, must speak, will speak, and will defend its Article I legislative powers on behalf of the American people. Today you have watched Republicans argue thoughtfully and carefully on behalf of this, and I urge my colleagues to join me and the Speaker in support of this important resolution. While we have consulted with the Committee on Ethics and been advised that this resolution complies with its guidance in the House Ethics Manual, section 3 of the resolution provides further authorization for the Speaker to accept pro bono assistance so there is no question as to its propriety. Mr. Speaker, the relevant portion of the House Ethics Manual states: ``[A]s detailed below, Members and staff may accept pro bono legal assistance for certain purposes without Committee permission. ``As to pro bono legal assistance, a Member, officer, or employee may accept such assistance without limit for the following purposes: ``To file an amicus brief in his or her capacity as a Member of Congress;'' I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of a real American Hero, and the presentation of The Medal of Honor to United States Navy SEAL Chief Special Warfare Operator Edward Byers at The White House by President Obama. I ask that this poem penned in his honor by Albert Carey Caswell be placed in the Record. All in the battle, all in the fight When death looms so all in sight When valor is on the rise, at its height When who lives and dies, and lives to see another sunrise so all depends on you Rescue me this night To shield another with ones life Is but the SEAL of Honor at its height For such things Angels up on high are in flight As truly stands at Honor's height When, hearts of courage so ignite Rescue me, rescue me this night When the most courageous souls burn bright While, all in the darkest hours they bring their light Who with Strength In Honor win the fight As there you stood Edward for all that's right You and your Brothers In Arms, with such magnificent hearts so warm in sight So willing for each to lay down your life Ode to be one of those men of honor who fight the fight Who shield us all, with their call to duty in their most heroic lives Bringing tears to the angels eyes Whose loved ones at home worry and cry So on this day Edward, we bestow The Medal of Honor all in full sight To teach our children well, of what within hearts of Honor dwells so very bright For men like you Edward live and die, by an Honor Code so very high to win the fight And do not ask why All in service to Country Tis of Thee you strive Who Shield us all as they stand tall with all their might To rescue me all in the darkest nights Who run towards the fight This Medal of Honor America's Son, we now bestow upon you this night For your Shield of Honor, while all in Honor's light

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of an outstanding Texan, David Biegler, as he completes his distinguished work as the long-term Chairman of the Board for Children's Health System of Texas (CHST). While serving as Chairman for Children's Health System of Texas, Mr. Biegler served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Southcross Energy since 2011 and has more than 47 years of experience within the energy industry. Children's Health Systems of Texas' original location is in Dallas and has now grown to include the more than 30 other specialty and pediatric care centers located throughout North Texas. Children's Health Systems of Texas remains the seventh largest pediatric health care provider in the country--with more than 850,000 patient encounters annually and performing more than 28,600 surgeries at its two full- service campuses in Dallas and Plano. Children's Health is the only academic healthcare system in the Dallas-Fort Worth area dedicated solely to the comprehensive care of children from birth to age 18. Children's Health has also been recognized as (1) one of the most connected hospitals in the nation for its excellence in patient safety, patient engagement and clinical connectedness; (2) one of only six STS three-star designations for congenital heart surgery; (3) a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit--the highest qualification for such programs; and (4) a Level 1 Trauma Center for pediatric care. I have seen the power of Children's Health System of Texas as both a Member of Congress and as the father of a patient. Our region is blessed to have the resources and expertise of CHST medical professionals and staff available to meet the needs of our children. So much of the CHST success story is due to the involved engagement of civil leaders like David Biegler. Together, those leaders have ensured the children of our region would never have to leave home to have the best possible medical care. I have personally had the opportunity to work with Mr. Biegler over the years in Dallas on a number of issues important to our community, region and state. Besides serving as the Chairman of the Board at CHST, David has served as a director of Southwest Airlines Co. and Trinity Industries, Inc. David has also been recognized as an outstanding board member of CHST time and time again. In 2015 alone, he was recognized by the Texas Healthcare Trustees as an outstanding board member and by the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council with the Kerney Laday, Sr. Trustee of the Year Award for his dedication and commitment to CHST for over 20 years. Mr. Speaker, I ask my esteemed colleagues to join me in wishing him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory and in sorrow of the passing of Justice Antonin Scalia, who was truly larger than life. He will go down in history as one of America's greatest Supreme Court Justices. He was a champion for freedom and the Constitution, a great family man and a devout man of faith. I submit this poem penned in his honor by Albert Carey Caswell. Larger, larger than life America's son, oh so very bright Antonin, for all of America you held the night As you stood with all of our best in America's light Same as all of our Forefathers in sight Who shone in liberty's sheen so very bright Of something which gleams into the night Of this our most beloved document seen of this sight Who'd the United States Constitution recite Which built this country, not out of luck or by circumstance But by the bedrock upon which all of us have advanced The very foundation upon which all of our freedoms so stand Of such consequence through the decades which commands To whether all of the storms, and battle all of tyranny in all of its forms For no other Nation in this entire world, has had such freedoms upon its citizens unfurled For you Justice Scalia, were but the guardian for all of our children and their future world And even your detractors knew you were larger than life, while upon you their arguments they hurled As you stood there with sword in hand With your pen, your wit, your charm, and your mind to take command All so freedom could stand For you had the gift, of all of your opponents respect and love as so was this If only we had more men like you in this world, who against such divisiveness could rise above like a pearl, then we'd have such the bliss And your greatest love of all, was that of your magnificent family we saw Of what you left behind, to spread out through time Your seeds of love to remind, that the gift of love and life are oh so very divine And just like our Forefathers you were a true man of God For the freedom to worship they stepped upon this very sod No other country across the world, has so been formed out of God And your two greatest reads, The Bible and The Constitution brought to your soul such glee To arm you in the battle for all you would need Now Marshall and all of the greats, have another equal for history to so contemplate Brilliant, Brilliant, Brilliant you were my son in so many ways Your written opinions and quest for justice, disarmed all of those arguments and held them at bey Indeed it's a very sad day For America's loss, comes at such a high cost Because such men like you Antonin are larger than life, and keep all of our freedom's burning bright As our world just got little bit darker this night We pray that America too will follow your light Supreme, at the top, as into the future upon lips of lawyers and law students, your name shall never stop Rest Rest my son Rise up to heaven Antonin where you so belong As an Angel in The Army of our Lord so very strong To watch over us you American song And larger than life, and your memory will ever live on God Bless you America's son, as you did her the day you were born Amen

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, the reason why we are doing this is because one day 2 years ago the President, through the Treasury, wrote off $339 billion in one day. That is not responsible. It didn't happen in one day. They play games at Treasury. The President of the United States plays games with this issue. Now it sounds like my colleagues are, also. This is an honest attempt to have a dialogue. Regardless of who is going to be President or whoever is going to be Treasury Secretary next year, we want to know what kind of games or what kind of straightforward business they are going to operate. Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Butler, Pennsylvania (Mr. Kelly), one of the most exciting young Members of this Congress.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, by the direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 609 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a rule and the underlying bills, both of which will enhance accountability and create better processes for our Federal Government. Necessary legislation is what we are talking about today. Legislation that will help the Federal Government not only in its processes, but that will allow the American people to have confidence in what their government does not only on their behalf, but for a better future for the American citizens, including our children and grandchildren. We are here today because these are important issues, and we are addressing them. That is what Speaker Ryan wants this body to be doing. Speaker Ryan wants us to bring our best ideas to the floor, to make sure the American people understand what they are, to fully debate them, and to have all the open processes that are necessary to make sure that we are bringing to the American people the best ideas of their elected representatives. That is why we are here today. I also want to point out that the Rules Committee, of which I am chairman, asked Members to submit their ideas and amendments regarding these bills, and 14 amendments were made in order. That means that the Rules Committee met, we looked, and we had discussions with Members about the ideas that they have. Fourteen were made in order last night by the Rules Committee, and I am proud of that. As a result, our resolution provides that H.R. 3442, the Debt Management and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2015, which was altered and supported by the gentleman from Coppell, Texas, Congressman Kenny Marchant, and H.R. 3293, the Scientific Research in the National Interest Act, which was brought to the committee by the young chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Lamar Smith from San Antonio, Texas, will both be considered today under a structured rule. Mr. Speaker, I would normally run through my opening dialogue that I would have about what is in these bills, why they are important, and what they would do. But because of time considerations today, one of our newest Members of Congress wants to speak. He has got a meeting in a few minutes. I would like to ask him if he would at this time take part in my opening statement. I yield to the gentleman from Windsor, Colorado (Mr. Buck).

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The original intent also of a piece of legislation that we have goes back to 1950. The legislation that created the National Science Foundation was there at the time to support science that was in the national interest. Unfortunately, the NSF has funded too many wasteful projects under the ideas that have been presented to us by the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, the purposes of which were probably nebulous at best, which would be the argument that Chairman Lamar Smith made with us, and which were, clearly, not necessarily in the national interest. We heard testimony that every single project that the National Science Foundation handled was in the American people's best interest. We think that our discussion with Members of Congress today will show them that we need to change the wording to where the national interest is obligatory to a proposal before a proposal is given. You have to prove it is in the Nation's best interest to spend money. Examples of such projects include $700,000 to create a climate change-themed musical, $38,000 to study prehistoric rabbit hunting on the Iberian Peninsula, and--perhaps my favorite of all--$605,000 to study why people around the world cheat on their taxes. Mr. Speaker, this is hard-earned money that was spent that I do not believe was in the national interest. ``In the interest of the Nation'' means that it needs to be prioritized and that it needs to be something that would produce an outcome that would, from the National Science Foundation, benefit the American people. H.R. 3293 directly benefits the American people by promoting greater accountability--a mission statement, so to speak--in funding scientific research, not only at the NSF, but that also ensures that the research conducted is always in the national interest. This is, I believe, a commonsense, bipartisan answer. Certainly, Lamar Smith, as the chairman of the committee, brought forth the ideas on a bipartisan basis to ensure that what we would do is not get in the way of any projects that are currently out there. Instead, anything that is in the future would have to subscribe to the conditions of the national interest. Reckless and mandatory spending has placed our national finances and our economy--including our jobs, our infrastructure, and our future--in peril. Today, the total debt is subject to the limit, which includes Treasury securities held by Federal trust funds and other accounts, which stand at over $19 trillion. Additionally, the Congressional Budget Office projects that the 2016 deficit will be $544 billion. You can see that we are not just at $19 trillion but that we are adding to that. Mr. Speaker, you know and I know, in just a matter of weeks, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Tom Price), the chairman of the Budget Committee, will be bringing forth to this floor bills that address what our year is going to look like in 2017. The President of the United States has a chance to do this. Every year, the President submits his budget. It is $1 trillion more a year in spending. It is more government. It is more spending. It adds more things to our debt. Republicans, since 2011--since we have been in the majority--have tried to submit budgets that have held us in place; but by holding us in place, which is the best we can do, it does not mean that we were addressing creating a surplus, which would be required not to add to that debt. So where we are is back to the American people again with an opportunity for them to understand our processes--a budget, an opportunity to get to where we do not add to the debt. Yet what we are here to do today is not the budget but to address what we do under a circumstance when we have a debt limit by which we have met the constitutional constraints, the legal constraints, and what we are going to do in moving forward. We are taking a bill that comes directly from Kenny Marchant, who is a member of our Ways and Means Committee, who has spent a number of years in thinking through how we can put a spotlight--how we can put the light of day--on this issue to the point at which we can talk about it, understand more about it, and do something about it. That is also the second bill: the National Science Foundation, what is in the national interest, and, clearly, looking at the debt. If we are going to have a debt limit increase, how do we as Members of Congress, under our constitutional powers, understand not just the issue but also the obligation that we have when we take votes so that we know what is at risk, what the plan would be, and, perhaps more importantly, how we can work together with the administration-- Republicans and Democrats--to make sure we get a better answer. Now, there is one last point that needs to be made, and I think it was made yesterday in the committee, not just by the gentleman Tom Cole, not just by Virginia Foxx from North Carolina, and not just by me, which is that we don't know who the President is going to be next year. We don't know who the Secretary of the Treasury is going to be next year. The gentleman, the author of the bill, thinks that that is a prime reason his legislation should be a bipartisan, commonsense piece of legislation so that we are saying whoever it is has the authority and the responsibility to come to Congress and give us the insight. Let's work together so that we avoid debt, so that we avoid making a mistake, and, mostly, so that we are on the same page together. That is why we are here today, Mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SESSIONS. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Rules Committee made in order more amendments than Senator Harry Reid did as majority leader over 2 years--in just 1 day. In just 1 day, more amendments were made in order in the United States House of Representatives. So I get it. I do. I think I would be on the defensive, also, if I were my colleagues, my friends that are Democrats, because what they are doing to this country doesn't work, and they are defensive about it. So they view anything that Republicans do, even on a bipartisan basis but doesn't fit their narrative as, ``this is political.'' Well, balancing the budget is in the best interest of the American people. Presenting realistic budgets--not a trillion dollars more in spending and bigger government--is exactly the kind of policies that Republicans do believe. By the way, if they were really serious about trying to fix this global warming, they wold look in their own backyard with home heating fuel, which is diesel fuel, which they are putting all through the Northeast to heat their homes. That is a huge contributor to global warming, as opposed to clean, natural gas. They can make their own decisions. But I would say back to them: I think you ought to measure three times and have seen once, not just go accusing other people of things. Mr. Speaker, yesterday in the Rules Committee, we had the gentleman from Coppell, Texas, Kenny Marchant, a great member of our Ways and Means Committee, come and testify about this bill, about how we look at raising the debt limit. He spoke very passionately, and there was a lot of common sense involved about how do we look at this issue and how do we solve it. I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Marchant).

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 additional minute to the gentleman from Texas.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith), chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. The first thing I would like to say to the gentleman is that Texas is bigger than France and Texas is bigger than Massachusetts. In fact, we have economic output. We have lots of people working. We have economic prowess in Texas. We do have more output of what might be carbon. We do. We also had $290 billion worth of economic activity that we sent overseas. Texas helps the United States of America float its boat because we have jobs, we have lower taxes, we have great schools, we have people that enjoy living where they live, and we have people that take responsibility. Across the board, Texas is a great place to live. Texas does, as you have heard many times, move our country in a direction to more freedom, Mr. Speaker. What we are talking about is freedom. With that freedom comes responsibility. Mr. Speaker, why we are here today--exactly as I started to say in the very beginning--is that our Speaker, Paul Ryan, has challenged I think all of Congress, but in particular this Republican majority, to bring forth good ideas that address the issues, thoughts, and answers about the problems that the United States Congress perhaps is responsible for and perhaps the United States sees that we need to start talking about what our future is going to be. When he was the chairman of the Budget Committee and the Ways and Means Committee, Speaker Ryan talked about growing our economy. I know our friends want to raise taxes. I know the President of the United States wants to also, now that the energy costs are down, stick them back up and stick the American people with a $10 a barrel tax. I know that what they want is more and more and more spending. They will get their chance with the budget when it comes in a trillion dollars higher in a year than what we are spending right now. That is their vision. What we are talking about today is our vision, Speaker Ryan's vision, and the Republican majority's vision. And what is that? We would like to put in place an agreement. We would like for it to be a bipartisan vote. We already have bipartisan support. And that is so that we could say that, regardless of who is President and Secretary of the Treasury--right now, I don't know who it is going to be; I really couldn't even guess--we, as a body, make sure that we are focusing on what this is going to look like at the time. The gentleman from Massachusetts was very clear to say we already know all these things, but we don't. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleague to support this rule and the underlying bill.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of an outstanding Texan, Robert A. Chereck, as he recently concluded his distinguished work as the long-term Chairman of the Board for the Children's Health Systems of Texas (CHST) in Dallas. While serving as Chairman for the Children's Health Systems of Texas, Mr. Chereck also served as the Executive Chairman and President/CEO of Southwest Securities FSB and previously served as the Executive Vice President of Wells Fargo Bank. The Children's Health Systems of Texas' original location is in Dallas and has now grown to include the several other specialty and pediatric care centers located throughout North Texas. The Children's Health Systems of Texas remains the seventh largest pediatric health care provider in the country--receiving more than 760,000 patients annually and performing more than 26,588 surgeries at its two full- service campuses in Dallas and Plano. The Dallas campus serves as the main campus as well as the only academic healthcare system in the Dallas-Fort Worth area dedicated solely to the comprehensive care of children from birth to age 18. Children's Health has also been recognized as (1) one of the most connected hospitals in the nation for its excellence in patient safety, patient engagement and clinical connectedness; (2) one of only six STS three-star designations for congenital heart surgery; (3) a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit-- the highest qualification for such programs; and (4) a Level 1 Trauma Center for pediatric care. I have seen the power of the Children's Health System of Texas as both a Member of Congress and as the father of a patient. Our region is blessed to have the resources and expertise of the CHST medical professionals and staff available to meet the needs of our children. So much of the CHST success story is due to the involved engagement of civic leaders like Bob Chereck. Together, those leaders have ensured the children of our region would never have to leave home to have the best possible medical care. I have personally had the opportunity to work with Mr. Chereck over the years in Dallas on a number of issues important to our community, region and state. Besides serving as Chairman of the Board at CHST, Bob has served as Chairman of the Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Dallas Citizens Council, a member of the Downtown Dallas Association Board, the Youth Services Council, and a number of initiatives at his beloved University of Texas. Over the years, my work with Bob via any number of these organizations has forged a strong bond and friendship with both Bob and his wife Donna. Mr. Speaker, I ask my esteemed colleagues to join me in wishing Bob and Donna Chereck all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Committee on Rules issued two announcements outlining the amendment processes for H.R. 3293, the Scientific Research in the National Interest Act, and H.R. 2017, the Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act of 2015. The amendment deadline for H.R. 3293 has been set for Monday, February 8, at 3 p.m. The amendment deadline for H.R. 2017 has been set for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 9. Amendments should be drafted to the text of each bill posted on the Committee on Rules Web site. Please feel free to contact me or my staff at the Committee on Rules for any questions.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the House Republican Conference, I send to the desk a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of our allies in Turkey as they face encroachment on their territorial integrity and recover from devastating terror attacks in Istanbul and cities across the country. Turkey is a longstanding friend and ally of the United States. From the Cold War to the fight against international terror, we have stood together against challenges and threats. During the Cold War, Turkey held down NATO's longest border with the Soviet Union. After the Soviet Union fell, greater threats such as terrorism, drug and human trafficking and extremism emerged. Again, Turkey remained on the front line of NATO, exposed to these threats. The suicide attacks in Istanbul perpetrated by ISIS are yet another reminder of the dangers our allies face caused by the instability and uncertainty in the Middle East. Syria has become a breeding ground for terrorism and extremism, and is proof that inaction also carries a cost. The inability of the Administration to show leadership in the face of rising threats has caused the situation to spiral even further out of control. Our ally Turkey has suffered from numerous acts of terrorism including suicide bombings in Suruc, Ankara, and others, which have cost thousands of lives. This situation cannot continue. The U.S. must show leadership. These recent developments highlight the importance of Turkey as an ally and call for stronger U.S.-Turkish relations to help counter the threats faced by NATO and our allies.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, today the Rules Committee issued an announcement outlining the amendment process for H.R. 3442, the Debt Management and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2015. An amendment deadline has been set for Thursday, January 21, 2016, at 12:00 p.m. That is also known as noon. Amendments should be drafted to the text of the bill as reported by the Committee on Ways and Means, which is posted on the Rules Committee Web site. Please feel free to contact me or a member of the Rules Committee if we may be of assistance to any Member in their preparations.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Rules Committee issued a Dear Colleague outlining the amendment process for H.R. 1644, the STREAM Act. An amendment deadline has been set for Monday, January 11, 2016, at 10 a.m. Amendments should be drafted to the text of the bill as reported by the Committee on Natural Resources and as posted on the Rules Committee's Web site. Please feel free to contact either me or the Rules Committee's staff with any questions a Member or staff may have.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Congressional Scouting Caucus, I rise today to honor Robert Dick Douglas, Jr., the longest serving Eagle Scout in Boy Scout History, who on December 8, 2015, celebrated 90 Years as an Eagle. Mr. Douglas joined the Boy Scouts July 23, 1923, on his 11th Birthday in Greensboro, NC, and earned his Eagle Award 2 years, 4 months and 15 days later, on December 8, 1925, at the age of 13 and has been active in Scouting ever since. He was recently an honored guest at the History of Scouting Trail (HOST) Annual Congressional Gala and quoted from memory what he called ``His Guiding Star'' almost 90 years after his Father, Judge Robert Dick Douglas, Sr., Chairman of the Greensboro Council Court of Honor, penned it as the winning essay for a local Community Chest Contest in 1926, to describe Scouting's goals in 50 words or less. ``Scouting safeguards your boy by proper companionship, guides him by adult leadership and develops him with a well-considered program of activities for the purpose of making him more reverent to God, more loyal to his country, more helpful to his fellow man and more useful to himself.'' Following these words, Robert Dick Douglas, Jr. has enjoyed unparalleled Scouting success and adventure traveling to the far reaches of Africa and Alaska in the late 1920's and early 1930's, writing three bestselling accounts, which helped pave the way for an exemplary life as an Attorney & Community Servant. As such, he recently received The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (September 24, 2015) and 16 of my fellow Representatives who are Eagle Scouts joined together and signed a Special Letter of Congratulation to Mr. Douglas. I know they would wholeheartedly join me again today in recognizing this Historic Achievement--90 Years an Eagle Scout and the Longest Serving Eagle Scout in Boy Scout History.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, today, the Rules Committee issued three Dear Colleagues outlining the amendment processes for two packages: the Sunshine for Regulations and Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2016 and the Fairness in Class Action Litigation and Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act of 2015, as well as H.R. 1155, the SCRUB Act of 2015. These bills are likely to come before the House the first week back in January 2016. Amendment deadlines have been set for next Tuesday, December 22. Bill text and more detailed information can be found on the Rules Committee Web site. Please feel free to contact me or my staff if we can be of any assistance or if you have any questions.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 687 on the motion to suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, the DHS Science and Technology Reform and Improvement Act of 2015, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' On rollcall No. 688 on the motion to Table Appeal of the Ruling of the Chair, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' On rollcall No. 689 on the motion to suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, First Responder Identification of Emergency Needs in Disaster Situations Act, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' On rollcall No. 690 on ordering the previous question on the rule providing for consideration of both the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 644--Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 and the Senate amendments to H.R. 2250--Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2016, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' On rollcall No. 691 on the rule providing for consideration of both the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 644--Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 and the Senate amendments to H.R. 2250-- Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2016, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' On rollcall No. 692 on the Motion to Recommit with instructions, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.'' On rollcall No. 693 on the Adoption of the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 644--Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' personal explanation