Lamar Smith

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, despite the saturation of negative media coverage of President Trump, the people have spoken. A recent poll found that President Trump is thought more trustworthy than the news media. The administration is considered truthful by 49 percent of registered voters, but the media is less trusted than the administration, with only 39 percent finding it honest. So President Trump is more credible than the liberal national media. That is no surprise. If the media wants to increase their credibility, they should report the news fairly, objectively, and without malice.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the liberal national media have two choices. First, they can continue their dislike--some would call it hatred--of President Trump that results in severely slanted coverage. This is the road to self-destruction. The media's credibility has hit a record low, and the American people soon will stop looking to them for news. Or, second, the liberal national media can start covering President Trump objectively. This means not portraying his actions in the worst possible light but sometimes giving President Trump the benefit of the doubt. It means giving his side of the story. It means, most of all, recognizing that President Trump represents the legitimate hopes and fears of millions of Americans. If the liberal national media continue to treat President Trump unlike they would a Democrat, the public will grow tired of the double standard. The American people have an innate sense of fairness, which the media should not ignore. For their own sake and for the sake of our democracy, the media should change their ways.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, here is President Trump's report card after less than a month in office: The President wants to stop terrorist attacks by conducting background checks on refugees from countries that are considered security threats. The President wants to prevent criminal immigrants from being released into our neighborhoods where they continue to prey on innocent Americans. The President wants to lower the cost of health care and let individuals choose their own insurance plans. The President wants to reduce our $500 billion trade deficit and export goods and services, not jobs. The President wants to eliminate unnecessary regulations which are a drag on the economy. Mr. Speaker, the President's critics oppose all these actions. Only the people are on the President's side.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, a whistleblower has charged that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration falsified data in a study that attempted to disprove the widely accepted 15-year halt in global warming. This was done in an effort to garner public support for the Obama administration's Clean Power Plan and the United Nations' Paris climate agreement. NOAA's officials suppressed internal debate about the study and actively obstructed the House Science Committee's investigations of concerns about the data. However, one brave scientist decided to step forward and blow the whistle on NOAA. According to Dr. John Bates, NOAA put its thumb on the scale to justify their predetermined conclusions and support the President's agenda, even if that meant violating their own scientific integrity rules. The Science Committee will continue to investigate this scandal. Americans have a right to unbiased science. We can thank Dr. Bates for his heroic act and for having the courage to step forward in the face of the liberal media's smear campaigns.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Joint Resolution 37, which annuls a poorly-written regulation put in place by the Obama administration. We need to clean up the regulations that the previous administration imposed upon American business. We need to reform them, and ensure that they serve a useful purpose. This is especially important for the Department of Defense and NASA. The regulation in question does not allow contractors to exercise their right of due process. Rather than letting our legal system provide justice, American companies could be blacklisted by contracting agencies if ``preliminary determinations'' had been made against them. This is not how our justice system works. Perhaps that is why this regulation was halted by a nationwide injunction. We should protect American workers. The regulation we strike today was poorly crafted, and it would ultimately do America's workforce more harm than good. As Chairman of the Science Committee, I know that such a regulation would impede NASA from carrying out its mission of exploration and place an unnecessary cost on taxpayers by diminishing competition. NASA should not be hampered by such unnecessary regulations and needs to focus its resources on the challenges of outer space exploration. The Federal procurement process cannot afford to be bogged down with defective regulations. Congress must clean up how our government does business to ensure that it is just and efficient. I encourage my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, for days the media has saturated the news with stories savaging President Trump for his immigration executive orders. The President wants to protect Americans by temporarily halting the admission of refugees from seven countries considered security threats to the United States. Despite the media's heavily biased coverage, the American people still agree with the President. A USA Today poll found that 53 percent support ``registering immigrants from Muslim-majority countries.'' Only 41 percent oppose it. Even the poll was slanted against the President. The question asked implied that all Muslim-majority countries were affected, which is not true. It also used the word ``register,'' which has negative connotations and besides is not accurate. A more factual question that inquired about stricter vetting of refugees from the seven countries that pose security risks likely would have garnered even more support for the President's executive actions. The media did everything they could to turn the public against the President, but it didn't work. The American people are smarter than the media thinks.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Madam Speaker, anyone who wants to protect Americans from terrorist attacks should support President Trump's immigration executive orders. Put aside the hysteria of his political opponents. Here are the facts: There will be a temporary halt in the admission to the U.S. of those from seven designated countries, including Iraq, Iran, Libya, and Syria. These are the exact same countries designated a security threat by President Obama. Congress passed bipartisan legislation in 2015 designating these countries as security risks in order to protect our homeland from terrorism. In fact, the bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 407-19. Despite what the media and others imply, Muslims are not being targeted. Many Muslim majority countries, in fact, are not singled out. The purpose of the temporary halt is to allow time to improve procedures so better background checks can be developed. Who could possibly oppose efforts to keep Americans safe?

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, NASA has given us a good reason to limit the amount of funds the agency gets for climate change. They recently claimed that a landslide in Alaska, fires in Yellowstone National Park in 1988, and a drought in California were all due to climate change. But extreme weather events actually had been declining over the last few decades at the same time that carbon emissions have been increasing. That NASA has played so fast and loose with the facts with the clear intent to mislead the American people shows why they can't be trusted with hard-earned taxpayers' dollars. Cervantes wrote in Don Quixote that ``one swallow doesn't make a summer.'' Well, one weather event doesn't presage climate change disaster. Ignore the media's exaggerations, the alarmists' predictions, and scientists trying to scare men, women, and small children. As for NASA, let's get them out of hyping climate change and back to exploring space.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 589) to establish Department of Energy policy for science and energy research and development programs, and reform National Laboratory management and technology transfer programs, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 589, Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act, is the product of over 3 years of work by the Science, Space, and Technology Committee to advance basic research and set clear science priorities for the Department of Energy. I thank my colleagues on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee who cosponsored this legislation, particularly Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson. The Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act prioritizes basic research and science at the DOE national labs. This legislation also requires DOE to coordinate research across the Department and provides private industry with more access to the national labs so they can develop next generation technology. Title I of H.R. 589 enables DOE to partner with the private sector and cuts red tape and bureaucracy in the DOE technology transfer process. The innovative early stage research performed at the labs can have great value to the private sector. Because of a communication gap between the labs and the private sector, ideas and technology created in the national labs are often slow to reach the market. And Federal Government bureaucracy further discourages the private sector from using the unique state-of-the-art facilities at the national labs. I thank the gentleman from Illinois, Representative Randy Hultgren, and the gentleman from Colorado, Representative Ed Perlmutter, for their initiative on this issue and for sponsoring similar legislation in the last Congress to advance these important reforms for our national labs. Title II of the legislation requires the DOE to better manage and coordinate research efforts at the Department of Energy. This title also requires the DOE to provide a regular strategic analysis of science and technology activities within the Department. This will help identify key areas for collaboration across science and applied research programs. This review allows the Secretary to pinpoint programs that cost too much and that could be better accomplished by the private sector. Title III of the bill provides statutory direction and priorities for the basic research programs within the DOE's Office of Science. This includes research and basic energy sciences, biological and environmental research, high performance computing, nuclear physics, high energy physics, and fusion energy. These basic research programs are the core mission of the Department and lead to scientific discovery that can provide benefits across the economy. This title specifically authorizes basic research programs in solar fuels, electricity storage, exascale computing, and low-dose radiation. In the last Congress, the House separately passed Science, Space, and Technology Committee legislation to authorize these four key basic research programs. I again thank Representative Hultgren, as well as the gentlemen from California--Representative Steve Knight and Representative Eric Swalwell--and the gentleman from Illinois, Representative Dan Lipinski, for sponsoring legislation authorizing these programs in the last Congress. Finally, title IV of the legislation is the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act. I thank my Texas colleagues, Representative Randy Weber and committee Ranking Member Johnson, for advancing this bipartisan, bicameral legislation both in this Congress and in the last. This title authorizes nuclear R&D activities at the DOE and harnesses and combines the strengths of the national labs, universities, and the private sector in a joint innovation initiative. Advanced nuclear reactor technology provides a great opportunity to make reliable, emission-free electricity available throughout the industrialized and developing world. The nuclear energy innovation language also provides a clear timeline for the DOE to complete a research reactor user facility within 10 years. This research reactor will enable proprietary and academic research to develop supercomputing models and also design next generation nuclear energy technology. In summary, H.R. 589 represents a bipartisan, bicameral agreement to modernize and increase the productivity of the DOE national lab system, streamline DOE research programs, prioritize basic scientific research, and enable the development of next generation nuclear technology. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 589, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Perlmutter for his comments and again thank him for his work on this legislation. I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Knight), who is the vice chairman of the Energy Subcommittee of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hultgren), an active member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 589 provides basic research direction and good government reforms to ongoing DOE programs. This legislation establishes congressional priorities for the Department, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to quickly send this bill to the President's desk. I thank the members of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee who provided valuable input into this legislation. This includes the cosponsors of the bill, Ranking Member Johnson, and Representatives Randy Weber, Steve Knight, Randy Hultgren, Frank Lucas, Dan Lipinski, Dana Rohrabacher, Elizabeth Esty, Brian Babin, Marc Veasey, Barbara Comstock, Ed Perlmutter, Mo Brooks, Paul Tonko, Jim Banks, Eric Swalwell, Andy Biggs, Zoe Lofgren, Neal Dunn, and Clay Higgins, Republicans and Democrats alike. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of H.R. 589. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, just think what the media would be saying about President Trump if he were a Democrat: He has tremendous energy. He campaigned for 18 months, puts in 15-hour days, and has the stamina of a bull elephant like Teddy Roosevelt. He is courageous, even fearless. Given the amount of hate directed his way, no doubt he constantly receives death threats. But that doesn't curtail his public appearances or seem to worry him in the least. He has conviction. He practices what he preaches. He doesn't waffle or waver. And he is obviously not deterred by media criticism. He is a great father. Anytime his son or daughter calls, he picks up the phone. He includes them in his activities. Clearly, he has a strong relationship with his children. He is off to a fast start. His Cabinet consists of smart, experienced, and successful individuals. He already has taken steps to keep jobs in America, put unnecessary regulations on hold, and improve health care. Consumer confidence is at a 16-year high. No, the national liberal media won't print that or air it or post it. Better to get your news directly from the President. In fact, it might be the only way to get the unvarnished truth.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, whenever you see climate change in the news, remember the difference between actual data and exaggerated predictions. For example, much coverage was given yesterday to the predictions by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that polar bears now face extinction because of climate change. That prediction is contradicted by the evidence. The polar bear population has been increasing and is now around 26,000, probably the highest number in many years. Climate alarmists want to scare people with extreme predictions. Better for Americans to look at the scientific evidence and discount the wild tales. Climate change has many causes and has occurred throughout the history of the Earth. Real scientists acknowledge this and are hesitant to make long-range predictions.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, science, technology, engineering and math are critical to America's future prosperity. Women are unfortunately underrepresented in STEM careers. Despite representing nearly half of the college-educated and total U.S. workforce, women account for less than 25 percent of America's STEM workforce. Supporting women's involvement in the fields of aerospace and space exploration should be an important part of NASA's mission. Current NASA programs such as NASA GIRLS and NASA BOYS are important and give young students the opportunity to interact and learn from real NASA engineers, scientists, and technologists. They provide virtual mentoring that use commercially available video chat programs to pair NASA innovators with young students across the country. H.R. 321 builds upon this success. It leverages NASA's talent pool of current and retired astronauts, and early career female scientists, engineers, and innovators to inform and inspire young women to pursue their dreams in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. One day, these young people will push the boundaries of space. Space can be a catalyst for inspiring young girls to enter the STEM fields. By doing our part to support their engagement in space with this legislation, we are investing in the futures of our daughters, nieces, and grandchildren. I again want to thank the bill sponsor, Research and Technology Subcommittee Chairwoman Comstock for her leadership on this topic. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 255, the Promoting Women in Entrepreneurship Act. I thank my Science Committee colleagues Ms. Esty, who authored the bill, and Research and Technology Subcommittee Chairwoman Comstock for their initiative on this issue. H.R. 255 authorizes the National Science Foundation (NSF) to use its existing entrepreneurial programs to recruit and support women and help them develop their research and technology ideas for the marketplace. STEM education is critical to our country's economy and global competitiveness. A well-educated and trained STEM workforce promotes our future economic prosperity. These STEM workers have the potential to develop technologies that could save thousands of lives, jump-start new industries, or even discover new worlds. That's why I authored with Ms. Esty the STEM Education Act, a new law that strengthens science, technology, engineering and mathematics education efforts at federal science agencies. It also, for the first time, expands the definition of STEM to include computer science. The bill was signed by the President in October 2015. Unfortunately, studies show that only 26 percent of women who attain degrees in STEM fields work in STEM jobs. H.R. 255 encourages NSF to tackle this problem. It enhances women's ability to translate their enthusiasm, scientific expertise and research ideas into tangible products and businesses. Inspiring American students to seek science and math careers is a goal shared by Republicans and Democrats alike. Some of the most energizing and exciting moments of my Science Committee chairmanship have been interactions with young people who want to pursue STEM studies and careers. At various Committee hearings and robotics competitions in my district, I have encountered motivated, talented young people who want nothing more than an opportunity to pursue their dreams. And, in some cases, change the world with their ideas. Their passion for learning and science reminds me of why I enjoy serving in Congress and on the Science Committee. I again thank Ms. Esty and Chairwoman Comstock for their work on this bill. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 255.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, a good example of fake news appeared in Sunday's New York Times. It is a column headlined, ``As Trump Denies Climate Change, These Kids Die.'' This may be a new high--or maybe a new low--for climate alarmists and their exaggerations. Two facts: first, most severe and persistent droughts occurred decades ago, not recently; and second, there is little connection between climate change and extreme weather, in general, according to numerous studies. Climate alarmists tend to ignore scientific evidence and encourage media hype, and, of course, the liberal media is all too willing to go along. Climate discussions should be based on good science, not politically correct science.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I thank the gentleman from Oklahoma and the vice chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee for yielding, and I thank both him and Mr. Bridenstine, another gentleman from Oklahoma and a member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, for taking the initiative and introducing this legislation. H.R. 353, Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017, will transform our Nation's weather-gathering efforts and help save lives and property. Severe weather routinely affects large portions of the United States. Nearly every year, we witness the devastating effects of tornadoes across our country. The deaths and the damage from these events underscore the need for a world-class weather prediction system. H.R. 353 improves weather observation systems by the use of observing system simulation experiments and next generation computing and modeling capabilities. This bill strengthens the underlying atmospheric science, while advancing innovative technology and reforming operations to provide better weather data, models, and forecasts. It prompts NOAA to actively employ new commercial data and solutions through a multiyear commercial weather data pilot program. Further, it directs NOAA to consider commercial data options rather than rely on slow, costly, and continually delayed government-owned satellites. For far too long, our government has relied on these massive, multibillion-dollar government satellites. The Science, Space, and Technology Committee has jurisdiction over NOAA's satellite office and has conducted ongoing oversight of the agency's satellite program. Our conclusion is that it is in real need of reform. Over the years, events at NOAA have revealed mismanagement, cost overruns, and delays of its weather satellites. This detracts from our ability to accurately predict our weather, which unnecessarily endangers Americans. This bill will right the ship and allow NOAA the flexibility to buy new, affordable, and potentially better sources of data from the private sector, which has the power to make real improvements to our weather forecasting capabilities. It also creates a much-needed technology transfer fund in NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research to help push technologies developed through NOAA's weather research into operation. This will ensure that the technologies that are developed are effectively employed and do not idle on the lab bench. Again, I thank Mr. Lucas and Mr. Bridenstine for their initiative on this issue. Americans from coast to coast will now be better prepared for severe weather with the passage of this bill. I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, you may have heard about this new phenomenon called fake news. Fake news usually consists of false and made-up stories. Actually, it is not new and it has been around as long as there have been media. What is new is that a few liberal media organizations are going to label news stories suspect if they feel the stories are not true. This should be of great concern to anyone who believes in free speech. It works this way: nearly half of all Americans get information from Facebook. Facebook has now decided to let liberal media like ABC News and the Associated Press determine whether news is fake or not. This represents the liberal mindset that the media know better than the American people what is good for them. A better idea is to trust the American people and let them determine what is real news and what is not. The American people will learn to discern the good from the bad if the media stops telling them what to think.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the national liberal media continue to promote a divided America. This is largely a result of their chosen candidate not winning the Presidential election. Since 91 percent of the media's coverage of President-elect Trump was negative, it is no surprise that they still see America in a negative light. But the media could play a much more constructive role. They could report the good news that Americans are more confident about the future than they have been in 20 years. They could report on President-elect Trump's ability to attract individuals of competence and experience to his administration. They could report on his fresh approach and new ideas for, yes, making America great again. Let's hope the media will put aside their bias and give the American people the facts, untainted by personal animosity. If they do, our country will be better for it.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support S. 3084, the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act. This bill represents a bicameral, bipartisan agreement between legislation that recently passed the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and nine House Science Committee bills that passed the full House over the last two years, including H.R. 1806, the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2015. This bill maximizes the nation's investment in basic research. It improves accountability and transparency, reduces administrative burden on researchers, enhances agency oversight, which improves research coordination, and reforms federal science agency programs to increase the impact of taxpayer-funded research. The investment in basic research helps boost U.S. competitiveness, creates jobs and spurs new business and industries. First and foremost, the bill helps ensure that research grants funded by the National Science Foundation are in the ``national interest.'' The House and Senate worked together to find common ground on language that ensures each NSF grant award has scientific merit and is required to serve the national interest through a broader impacts criterion, which supports one of seven goals. These goals are: Increasing the economic competitiveness in the United States. Advancing of the health and welfare of the American public. Supporting the national defense of the United States. Enhancing partnerships between academia and industry in the United States. Developing an American STEM workforce that is globally competitive through improved prekindergarten through grade 12 STEM education and teacher development, and improved ungraduated STEM education and instruction. Improving public scientific literacy and public engagement with science and technology in the United States. Expanding participation of women and individuals from underrepresented groups in STEM. Each public NSF award announcement must make clear, in non-technical language, how at least one of these goals is met, affirming that the project is worthy of taxpayer support, based on scientific merit and national interest. The American Innovation and Competitiveness Act preserves the intent of H.R. 3293, the Scientific Research in the National Interest Act, a bill I authored that passed the House earlier this year. I believe this provision will go a long way towards ensuring the grant-making process at NSF is transparent and accountable to the American public. It also makes permanent and enhances some of the reforms NSF already has underway. Title I of the bill includes key provisions from House-passed H.R. 5049, the NSF Major Facility Research Reform Act, introduced by Science Committee Oversight Chairman Barry Loudermilk. It also requires NSF to address concerns about waste and abuse. It improves oversight of large facility construction, increases oversight on the use of rotator personnel, and updates conflict of interest policies. S. 3084 incorporates a number of provisions to improve research coordination across the federal government in computing, neuroscience, cybersecurity and the physical sciences, specifically radiation biology, fusion energy, and high energy physics. Most notably, Title I of the bill contains House-passed H.R. 5312, the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) Act, authored by Science Committee Member Darin LaHood. The bill updates and improves the interagency NITRD program, which coordinates the Federal R&D investment portfolio in unclassified networking, computing, software and cybersecurity. Additionally, S. 3084 includes other enhancements to federal cybersecurity research and standards. The bill directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to study the effectiveness of federal agency information security programs and practices, and the challenges to federal agencies' implementation of NIST standards and guidelines. Other provisions also are included from H.R. 6066, the Cybersecurity Responsibility and Accountability Act of 2016, introduced by Representative Ralph Abraham, which passed the Science Committee in September. Title II includes H.R. 1119, the Research and Development Efficiency Act. This House-passed bill sponsored by the Research & Technology Subcommittee Chair Barbara Comstock helps reduce the regulatory burdens on federally funded researchers, so more time can be spent on research, not redtape. Title III of the bill improves coordination of STEM education activities across the Federal Government. A well-educated and trained high-tech workforce ensures our future economic prosperity. This means motivating more American students to study science, math, and engineering so they will want to pursue these careers. The bill authorizes a STEM education advisory panel of outside experts to help guide federal STEM education program decision making and help ensure the best results for the taxpayer investment. The title also continues the commitment of the STEM Education Act, a law I authored, which makes computer science part of STEM Education. That bill authorizes grants for computer science education research as an integral part of STEM education programs. Finally, title IV and title V include a number of provisions to improve manufacturing innovation and leveraging the private sector in improved public-private partnerships. It includes updates to NIST's Manufacturing Extension Program to improve participation and oversight. It promotes entrepreneurship education by expanding NSF's successful Innovation Corps program. And it expands opportunities for science prize competitions by reducing barriers and providing participants with IP protections. America's future economic strength and national security depends on innovation. Public and private investments in research and development fuel the economy, create jobs and lead to new technologies that benefit Americans' daily lives. I urge adoption of this pro-science bill that will help America remain the global leader in basic research discovery and technological innovation.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize Bella Rubio for 20 years of dedicated public service to Real County and the State of Texas. Bella currently serves as county and district clerk for Real County, the western-most county that I represent. She is retiring but her legacy will live on for years to come in the towns of Leakey and Camp Wood in Real County. Bella has been a dear friend to me and my staff for two decades. She is well-respected in her community and has helped me greatly in serving Real County at the federal level. For anyone in Real County needing assistance with the government, Bella has been there for them. She is dedicated, persistent, and conscientious. Apparently, Bella has inspired a spirit of public service in her son, Lucus, who is now interning in my San Antonio district office. Congratulations to Bella Rubio on her retirement. Everyone who knows her appreciates her many contributions to Real County. She is a patriot, a leader, and a friend to all. And for all that she deserves our heartfelt thanks.

Mr. SMITH of Texas

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, we need a new word for the dictionary, a new term for the merger of the liberal media and the Democratic Party. Obviously, the liberal media have no intention of treating President- elect Trump objectively or fairly. They want to continue to link arms with the Democrats. This is no surprise, given that 96 percent of national reporters' contributions went to Hillary Clinton. As chairman of the Media Fairness Caucus, here is my proposal: let's combine the two words--``media'' and ``Democrat''--and go with ``mediacrat.'' It is short; it gives the media first mention; and it sounds like a new species. Now, I realize the liberal media is not likely to use this word ``mediacrat'' very often, but there are two reasons for them to do so--first, to show they have a sense of humor, and, second, to show they have a sense of humility. I think most Americans would be happy if the liberal media didn't display their bias every time they covered the President-elect. Maybe the mediacrats should try balanced reporting. It surely would help their credibility.