Pete Sessions

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Polis), my friend, 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 have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, today, the House is considering a rule for the consideration of two bills, a package to boost America's energy production and a package to jump-start our American economy. Combined, these bills will help get America back to work with an America that we can afford. First, the rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2, the American Energy Solutions for Lower Costs and More American Jobs Act. This bill would accomplish three important goals for the American family: first, it would create up to 1.2 million good-paying jobs for Americans who are out of work or who are underemployed; second, it would lower--it would lower--energy prices in America; third, it would draw our country closer to an important goal that we should all share, and that is American energy independence. Let's start by identifying the problem. The facts of the case are that the Federal Government is standing in the way of an American energy boom. That means they are standing in the way of American progress and progress for Americans to have jobs and a better life. For over 6 years, the American people have waited for this administration to approve construction of the Keystone pipeline. Unfortunately, the approval process has been marred by indecision and unnecessary delays. First, opponents of the pipeline argue that it would be an environmental disaster; since then, virtually all of the major environmental concerns surrounding the project have been not only addressed, but debugged. Second, opponents of the pipeline argue that it was unsafe; yet study after study after study have shown the pipeline to be safe and an effective means to transport much-needed energies for America's resources. The opponents of the Keystone pipeline have run out of excuses, but they continue to delay a decision. Then there is the Department of Energy, which has been far too slow in approving applications to export liquefied natural gas. The Department has decided on only nine applications submitted to it for the last 4 years. Twenty-six applications still await action--many, many of which have been delayed by this administration for purely political reasons-- another reason to say they are getting in the way of Americans having jobs today. They are getting in the way of American independence for energy. As a result of these delays, America is squandering an energy boom that could make America, which is the largest producer of natural gas, even better and add to the American economy. The Department's broken application process destroys good-paying jobs and hampers our economic growth. The energy revolution already supports 1.7 million high-paying, great jobs in America, and we could add an additional 1.3 million new American high-paying jobs by 2020, but only if the Federal Government will get out of the way of its development. It also allows our international competitors, such as Russia and Iran, not to be dominant in the marketplace and not to use domination for political power and economic power over other countries in Europe. The Federal Government has ruled 87 percent of our offshore acreage currently off-limits to energy production. Even worse, the administration doesn't have a plan to develop these resources. In fact, the administration's offshore leasing plan for the next 3 years offers no new areas for lease and includes the lowest number of lease sales in history. This administration's no new drilling policies have cost Americans jobs. We have forfeited revenue that would help us pay down our national debt and denied access to American oil and natural gas that would lessen dependence on foreign sources. More importantly, the American consumer continues to pay higher prices at the pump, nearly double from the time this administration took office a scant 5-plus years ago. My friends in the minority might rightly point out that U.S. oil and natural gas production is growing; however, the growth is entirely due to increased output on State and private lands, not on Federal lands. Our growth in energy production is in spite of the Federal Government, not because of it. Combined, these policies hurt the American people. They hurt men, women, and families who need to be able to have a stable price at the pump with energy that is available in a constant supply throughout the seasons. High energy costs drive up prices, they limit what American families can do with their individual resources, and it is a problem in our economy. That means that the American people have less money in their pockets to buy groceries, to pay the mortgage, or to purchase school supplies for their kids. What are the solutions to these problems? First, the energy package considered under this rule would speed up approval of the Keystone pipeline. When completed, the Keystone pipeline will transport over 800,000 barrels of oil every single day, adding to the supply. That means that we can wean ourselves off Middle East oil. The equivalent of half of our daily imports comes from the Middle East. Second, the bill would force the Department of Energy to issue a final decision on applications to export liquefied natural gas within 30 days of completing the environmental review process, an important step in increasing our exports of LNG and adding to the 1.3 million jobs that are awaiting filling as a result of this delay by this administration. Third, H.R. 2 would expand oil and natural gas production in the United States by rolling back the administration's overzealous environmental policies that have slowed our economic progress and made energy too expensive. At a time when so many Americans are unemployed and underemployed, this job-creating legislation would unleash our vast energy resources to create these 1.2 million jobs. We need them now. We need America to have stable energy prices. In short, the bill would finally pave a way forward for energy policies that would lower energy prices, strengthen our economy, create jobs, lessen our dependence on foreign energy sources, and give the American family and worker an opportunity to have gasoline at the pump at a lesser price. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Hood River, Oregon (Mr. Walden), from the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The gentleman from Massachusetts well understands that we handled a privileged resolution on the floor where there was a vote a little bit more than a month ago before the last break. What the gentleman wants to do is bring Congress back to come and grandstand on the floor for a privileged resolution during the break. The gentleman well understands the rules of the House, the privileges that he is given as a Member, and he knows that he has approached me numerous times, as well as the Speaker of the House, who has offered the gentleman every opportunity, under the rules of the House, that any Member would have. What this very clearly says is we will not start that clock while we are on recess. That is a normal and regular thing for the House to do, for the rules of this House to protect all the Members.

Mr. SESSIONS. I see no reason to. The gentleman just had time and spoke his words. I thank the gentleman very much. At this time, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Grandfather Community, North Carolina (Ms. Foxx), the vice chairman of the Rules Committee.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. With great respect to the gentleman from Massachusetts, I appreciate his insistence on the floor and respect that very much. I think that this House is, respectfully, doing its obligations and duties. That is what we are doing here today, trying to work with the American people so that we can once again move a jobs package forward. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for asking and would respond back that I do not have any additional speakers.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I do not.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Today, we have heard a number of speakers not only on the Republican side, but also the Democrat side, talk about the issues that need to be addressed today. The Republican Party--the Republican majority--under the leadership of our great Speaker, John Boehner, has gathered together today a group of bills that have passed the House of Representatives, many of them with overwhelming majorities. We heard the gentleman from Oregon, Greg Walden, talking about the plight of the West--and not just in Oregon--where men and women who live in rural communities have found themselves losing their jobs as a result of the administration's policies of how they would treat their own natural resources. Mr. Walden, an Eagle Scout, just as I am an Eagle Scout, has the forestry merit badge. We understand healthy forests and how they can provide a product, a service, and enjoyment to the American people if well-managed; instead, this administration, because of their unwise management techniques, have allowed the West to burn down over the last 5 years. At record levels, these forests and resources are up in smoke, not allowing those communities the opportunity to properly replant and take care of their own resources. What I would like to highlight, if I can, is the Tax Code of America and how America is increasingly becoming less competitive with the world as a result of President Obama's and the Democrats' insistence to continually raise taxes and stand in the way of allowing us to be competitive with the world. I would like to highlight, if I can, a chart here that comes from the Tax Foundation. They say America currently ranks 32nd among 34 major international nations in international tax competitiveness. This competitiveness, as you see here, starting at the very top, would find America 32nd out of 34th. What does this mean? This means that, at a time when economies around the world are growing, we are finding that our country is stuck at an average rate of 2.2 percent. We have other countries, for instance, like India, which has a 5 percent growth; Russia has surpassed ours over the last 4 years; and China finds their GDP growth at 7.7 percent over the last 2 years; and we are finding that, quarter after quarter, American is even or below, only to ``roar'' back at a 2 percent level. Ladies and gentlemen, Members of the House, what the package on the floor today is about is to talk about our ability--America--to be competitive with the world so that America's businesses and America's employers find work not only in America but compete on a global basis. What Republicans are talking about today is a chance to have America gain back its footing, not with supremacy, but with competitiveness on a world stage, in a world market, where American products made by Americans--not just manufacturing, but other important intellectual properties--are sold to the world. When America is at its very best, we are leaders in not just freedom but also in economic opportunity, and it spurs competitors around the globe. Mr. Speaker, what we are about today in our closing is that the Republican Party, through our great Speaker, John Boehner, is sending a strong message to the American people that we in the United States House of Representatives recognize that for America to be competitive, for America's greatest days to be in our future, we must have a comprehensive view of not just the world and our competitiveness, but an opportunity for its citizens--as Congressman Collins has said today--to find work, to be entrepreneurial, and to move our country and the world forward. I believe that what we are talking about today makes a difference. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this resolution, ``yes'' on the underlying legislation.

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 acknowledge the upcoming 103rd National Day of the Republic of China on October 10, 2014. On this special day each year, we commemorate the establishment of Taiwan. Officially known as the Republic of China, Taiwan is not only an outstanding example of a free economy and vibrant representative democracy in the Asia-Pacific region, but also a long-term strategic ally and trading partner of the United States. I recently had the pleasure of meeting with many Taiwanese-American members of the World Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, and was pleased to hear of their willingness to come forward and improve our mutual trading relationship. I am proud to once again express my support for strengthening the partnership between the United States and Taiwan. On the eve of Taiwan's 103rd anniversary, I congratulate President Ma Ying-jeou, Taiwan Representative to the United States Ambassador Lyushun Shen, and all of the Taiwanese people for their unwavering pursuit of freedom.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that it be in order at any time to take from the Speaker's table the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 76) making continuing appropriations for the National Nuclear Security Administration for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes, with the Senate amendments thereto, and to consider in the House, without intervention of any point of order, a single motion offered by the chair of the Committee on Appropriations or his designee that the House concur in the Senate amendments; the Senate amendments be considered as read; the previous question be considered as ordered on the motion to adoption without intervening motion or demand for division of the question; and the Chair may postpone the question of adoption of the motion as though under clause 8 of rule XX.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 710 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter), my friend, the ranking member from the Rules Committee, 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 have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. SESSIONS. The rule provides for expedited consideration of H.R. 5230 and H.R. 5272. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because we are facing an unprecedented crisis on America's southern border. Nearly 60,000 unaccompanied alien children have entered the United States illegally this fiscal year, most of whom have come through the Texas-Mexico border, and today, our country faces a threat to our sovereignty and to our rule of law. The time to act is now. It would be irresponsible for this body to go home for a month without doing our part to help work and solve this problem. I am glad that Members of the House recognize their duty to finish the job. I believe the House has put specific, concrete proposals to act in the best interest of the United States. Let's take a look at what this crisis on our border is doing. First, the President's catch-and-release program is a big part of the problem. Under this program, nearly 90 percent of unaccompanied alien children have been placed with their families in the United States, many of whom are here illegally themselves. Second, there is the President's DACA program. DACA is a major reason for the influx of illegal immigrants to the United States. The Director on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services recently testified to the Judiciary Committee that 700,000 undocumented immigrants have taken advantage of DACA. Third, there is the 2008 trafficking law, which has allowed so many to effectively skip out on the judicial process and live in our country illegally. Catch and release under the President's proposal is wrong and bad for our country, and only encourages many, many more to continue the trek here. Combined, these policies, plus signals from the administration, encouraged more illegal immigration and have led to the border crisis that we face today. To stop this crisis, our border must be secured and the tide of illegal immigration should be stemmed. I believe that this rule provides for legislation to accomplish that goal. H.R. 5230 would provide $659 million for border security, the enforcement of existing laws, illegal immigration prevention, and humanitarian assistance. Additionally, $70 million would be provided for National Guard border efforts. This proposal is paid for, which means that it does not result in any new or additional Federal spending this fiscal year. However, the House will not simply throw money at the problem. This package also makes specific, concrete policy changes to address the underlying problems that are fueling this crisis. Specifically, it prevents the administration from spending taxpayer dollars to adjudicate any new applications under DACA or any other similar policy. The package also amends the 2008 trafficking law so that all unaccompanied alien children are treated the same as, under the law today, Mexicans and Canadians, and this is for the purpose of removals. It also provides additional temporary judges to help guarantee that these children get their day in court within 14 days from their initial screening. It also strengthens laws against criminals and those with serious drug-related convictions and those who have them from applying for asylum. It allows for customs and border protection activities on Federal land. Similarly, it authorizes the deployment of the National Guard to our southern border. Finally, it prohibits the housing of unauthorized immigrants on military bases if housing them would displace members of the Armed Forces or any Active Duty or it interferes with military activity. These steps come after a series of conversations with members of the majority. We have an obligation to get this bill done. As a Texan, I have pushed and pushed and pushed for us to make sure that we had a bill that could be supported by our Members. It is Texas and those living on the border that are seeing tremendous conditions that are placing our States and local people at a disadvantage. Thus, I want to thank the Members for continuing to work together on a bill to get 218 votes. I applaud those who spent the time, including today, dedicating themselves to putting the package together. I thank the staff. And as always, I expect and want this body to support this good piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to just say one of the things I learned this week was that the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) presented not only her thoughts and ideas at our conference when we met about how we can make our borders stronger, but she was present the entire time at the Rules Committee, had a chance to forthrightly participate. We had hours and hours of discussion about not only the legislation and what we were doing, but we actually shared ideas among Members on a bipartisan basis today, and I felt like it was a pretty good exchange. I am delighted, at this time, to yield 15 minutes to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx).

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 10 minutes to the gentleman from Ennis, Texas (Mr. Barton), the dean of the Texas delegation.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Tyler, Texas, Judge Gohmert, a former State district judge, now Member of Congress.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I would notify the gentlewoman from New York that I have no further speakers, and I have been advised that perhaps she has no further speakers.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I also appreciate the gentlewoman, her team, and all of our staffs who have worked overtime, including our Appropriations staff and our staff from Energy and Commerce who helped us with this, as well as the Judiciary staff. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I have a fundamental disagreement with the President on the question of the border, and that is why we are here today. You have heard Republican speakers talking about how we believe that the rule of law is important. We believe that America is a great and awesome country and that we are very compassionate, but we take in millions of people each year through a legal process. America is a land of immigrants, but the rule of law is important also. We have problems with our borders. We have had problems with our borders for years, but in particular, after 9/11, the threats that are against this country have placed enormous pressure not only on our law enforcement but on air, land, sea, rail. We feel that the Federal Government should do a better job of not encouraging people to come to this country, bypassing the laws and laying down enforcement and making it easier for our country to be invaded. That is what is happening right now. Some 70,000 people have come to our border, and Republicans are standing up and are talking about this in a proper way. We believe that the people who have come here should be allowed to go back home. We should help them, and we should facilitate that. We believe that the rule of law--the processes that we have got to follow to do that--must be followed. Yesterday, there was an amendment before the Rules Committee asking for almost $180 million to help pay for these children who, as the guests of the Democratic Party and the President, will stay in this country. We are going to have to end up paying about--$180 million was the request, for 60 days for our local school districts. There are enormous questions that abound about what will happen, who will pay, how this is supposed to happen when, in fact, America at this time has 25 million people unemployed and underemployed. It is a tremendous deficit that we face. Our social systems and networks are burdened already, and we have many people whom, ourselves, we cannot help--but what do we do? We take on more people. Mr. Speaker, I think it is time that we listen to the American people and that we listen to what we are trying to do here, and that is to face up to what we were sent here to do, which is to make tough choices and tough decisions. I believe what we are doing is correct. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the resolution and ``yes'' on the underlying legislation.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentleman 15 seconds for a clarification of his remarks, if he would take me up on that time. I would like to advise the gentleman that I do not believe it is a correct statement to say combat-ready troops. The National Guard that is in Texas is not all combat ready. If I could get the gentleman to correct that, I yield him 15 seconds.

Mr. SESSIONS. Reclaiming my time, Mr. Speaker, I would like to let the Record note that there is no specification for these men and women of the National Guard to be combat ready. In fact, I do not believe that that would be a true statement. That is not a part of what we have specified in this plan, nor do I believe that it would be a requirement. So I have asked the gentleman, and he chose to answer the way he did, but I would like to state on the Record that there are no requirements, there is no precondition for that. In fact, I do not believe that that is a correct statement. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Jolly), one of our newest Members.

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