Mark Takai

Mr. TAKAI

Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Colonel Robert Preiss, an American hero who has devoted his life to serving our country. During his career spanning over 30 years, Colonel Robert Preiss has proven his ability to successfully manage organizations and deliver results to the most critical problems facing our nation. He began his military career with his enlistment in the Texas Army National Guard. Throughout his career, Colonel Preiss has worked on an array of important projects, from shaping our policies in Iraq as Deputy Chief in the National Guard Affairs Office of United States Forces-Iraq, to drafting recommendations for our Reserve Forces as part of the Reserve Forces Policy Board. Through his service, he has furthered U.S. military objectives both at home and abroad. Colonel Preiss has been decorated with numerous commendations, including the Bronze Star. In September of 2013, he received the Distinguished Service Medal from the National Guard Association of the United States to recognize his research into the efficiency and efficacy of the National Guard and Reserve. Our nation is safer today in part due to the work and patriotism of Colonel Preiss. Colonel Robert Preiss, thank you for your patriotism and selfless service to the United States. As you are surely aware, our nation is proud of all you have accomplished during your career. Thank you (Mahalo nui loa) for your service to our county, and I wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. TAKAI

Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce that the annual lei draping ceremony for King Kamehameha the Great will be held in the Emancipation Hall on May 22, 2016. King Kamehameha's statue stands in the Capitol building as a representation of Hawaii's rich history and the legacy of the Native Hawaiian people. Each year, we drape lei or garlands on his statue to celebrate his accomplishment of uniting the Hawaiian Islands into one Kingdom, which secured a future for the Native Hawaiian people and protected the islands' resources in a quickly westernizing world. Kamehameha's foresight shows us the importance of uniting to face dramatic changes to our world, which today includes climate change. This year, the celebration draws upon an ancient prophecy and saying--``e hea aku ana i ka iwa kilou mokula; the frigate bird which interweaves the islands is calling''--that characterizes King Kamehameha as the war bird destined to hook the islands into a single nation. The theme is meant not only to honor King Kamehameha's success in uniting the Native Hawaiian people, but also to recognize this year's special guests, sailors of the Polynesian Voyaging Society. On the Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage, they are currently sailing the voyaging canoe, Hokulea around the world on a mission to hook countries, nations and peoples of island Earth together for a sustainable future that preserves our Earth's cultural and natural resources--a vital lesson for stabilizing our climate. I am grateful to have assisted the Hawaii State Society, whose members work tirelessly each year to bring us the King Kamehameha Lei Draping Ceremony. I look forward to honoring the legacy of King Kamehameha and Hokulea, which hopefully will inspire us to unite to protect our Earth.

Mr. TAKAI

Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Polynesian Voyaging Society and to commend its sailors' current journey across the world's oceans, as part of the Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage, on the two Polynesian voyaging canoes, Hokulea and Hikianalia. Formed in 1973 to revive Polynesian navigation practices many thought were lost to history, the Polynesian Voyaging Society built a voyaging canoe based on ancient sketches and in 1976 sailed from Hawaii to Tahiti only by using observations of the stars, sun, ocean swells, and other natural patterns. Now, the Polynesian Voyaging Society is bringing their awesome feat to the rest of the world through its worldwide voyage, called Malama Honua, which means ``to care for our Earth.'' As Hokulea circumnavigates the globe, the voyagers hope to teach and learn from others how to harness our world's traditions to protect our cultural and environmental resources for future generations. In a time when world powers and leading scientists struggle to mitigate climate change through modern technology and politics, this triumph of ancient Polynesian navigation shows us the power of nature and importance of sustainability and stewardship for Island Earth. So, on behalf of Congress, I honor the Polynesian Voyaging Society for its decades of accomplishments and celebrate the Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage. I hope to speak of their mission and values for years to come.

Mr. TAKAI

Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Carolyn Kirio from my congressional district. Carolyn is the librarian at Kapolei Middle School. She will be honored at the White House next week for her unparalleled devotion to her work and her students. As librarian at Kapolei Middle School, Carolyn recognized that over 1,400 students had limited access to library resources since the school's multitrack calendar conflicted with library hours. To address this, Carolyn creatively wove technology into library resources to increase accessibility for both students and teachers. Now, students and teachers are able to access library material at any time online, which, in turn, has increased their potential in the classroom. Our State is fortunate to have school librarians such as Carolyn who devote time and energy and to ensure that every student has the means he or she needs to succeed. Her efforts have truly made a difference. Congratulations, Carolyn, for your well-deserved recognition.

Mr. TAKAI

Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize a woman of extraordinary talent and devotion, Stephanie Mew, the Hawaii State Teacher of the Year. Stephanie is currently an elementary school teacher at Kapunahala Elementary School, but her career has taken her all across the globe to the U.S. mainland, Thailand, Japan, and India. She came to teaching because she was touched by the struggles of at- risk youth and wanted a job in which she could plant seeds for a successful, productive, and peaceful life. Through her nearly 20 years as a teacher, she has done just that for her countless students. Her service doesn't stop there. Stephanie also volunteers to feed the homeless and sings at a local nursing home for the kupuna residents. Mahalo, Stephanie Mew, for your dedication to such an important occupation and for sharing your knowledge and light with your students and colleagues day in and day out. Congratulations on this most prestigious award. I wish you the best of luck in the final selection for National Teacher of the Year.

Mr. TAKAI

Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to recognize the establishment of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. I personally look forward to all of the innovative programs that they will establish and the lives they will save. This cutting-edge treatment will revolutionize cancer treatment. This form of medicine works to harness the body's existing immune system to destroy cancerous cells, without harming healthy ones, as an effective treatment against nearly all solid tumors. This year funding for the National Institutes of Health was $32.1 billion, a $2 billion increase over the year before. This increase is in no small part due to the diligence and perseverance of Vice President Biden who is spearheading the White House's Cancer Moonshot. Increased funding in cancer research will allow for more research into precision medicine programs, which will help develop even more personalized technologies expand their reach. I know this generation can be the one to cure cancer, and it is due to outstanding research institutions such as the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. Once again, I would like to thank Johns Hopkins for their commitment to fighting cancer and congratulate them on the establishment of this new center. I look forward to witnessing their important strides and breakthroughs in the field of cancer research. Thank you (Mahalo).

Mr. TAKAI

Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in favor of a bill my friend and colleague Tulsi Gabbard and I have introduced. H.R. 3894, Talia's Law, gets its name from a 5-year-old girl named Talia Williams who was beaten to death at the hands of her father, an Army soldier stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. We in Hawaii and all across the country are so thankful for the sacrifices our servicemen and servicewomen make to protect our freedoms, but we also have a duty to protect the most vulnerable among us, our children. In Hawaii, we call them our keiki. As a father myself, I am proud to stand up for Talia's Law, which would require prompt reporting of possible abuses not only to a military supervisor, but also prompt reporting of possible abuse and neglect to the State's Child Protective Services. It would strengthen reporting requirements for these allegations and make sure that they are properly investigated. I hope that, as we deliberate this bill, we also draw attention to the fact that Congress can come together and should come together to provide better access to resources for those in uniform suffering from wounds that may not be visible to the eyes. I ask for the consideration of this bill and its urgent passage. These children, our keiki, and all the victims of abuse and neglect cannot wait.

Mr. TAKAI

Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, December 2, I was absent from the House due to illness. Due to my absence, I am not recorded on any legislative measures for the day. I would like to reflect how I would have voted had I been present for legislative business. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 653, the previous question providing for consideration of the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 654, the rule providing for consideration of the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015. I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 655, the Democratic Motion to Instruct Conferees on the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 656, the Upton of Michigan Amendment No. 1 to the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015. I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 657, the Tonko of New York Amendment No. 2 to the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 658, the Gene Green of Texas Amendment No. 14 to the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015. I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 659, the Beyer of Virginia Amendment No. 17 to the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015. I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 660, the Schakowsky of Illinois Amendment No. 19 to the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015. I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 661, the Tonko of New York Amendment No. 22 to the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015. I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 662, the Schakowsky of Illinois Amendment No. 19 to the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015. I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 663, the Castor of Florida Amendment No. 23 to the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 664, the Barton of Texas Amendment No. 25 to the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015. I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 665, agreeing to the Conference Report to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

Mr. TAKAI

Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, December 3, I was absent from the House due to illness. Due to my absence, I am not recorded on any legislative measures for the day. I would like the record to reflect how I would have voted had I been present for legislative business. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall 666, the previous question providing for consideration of the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 22. I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall 667, the rule providing for consideration of the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 22. I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall 668, the Cramer Amendment to the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015. I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall 669, the Rouzer Amendment to the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015. I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 670, the Pallone Amendment to the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015. I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 671, the Democratic Motion to Recommit H.R. 8. I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall 672, final passage of the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015. I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 673, Agreeing to the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 22.

Mr. TAKAI

Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, December 1, I was absent from the House due to illness. Due to my absence, I am not recorded on any legislative measures for the day. I would like to reflect how I would have voted had I been present for legislative business. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 646, the previous question providing for consideration of the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 647, the rule providing for consideration of the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015. I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 648, the Breast Cancer Research Stamp Reauthorization Act. I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 649, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 650, final passage of Senate Joint Resolution 24. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 650, final passage of Senate Joint Resolution 23. I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 651, the motion to go to conference on the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015.

Mr. TAKAI

Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, November 30, I was absent from the House due to illness. Due to my absence, I am not recorded on any legislative measures for the day. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 644, to remove the use restrictions on certain land transferred to Rockingham County, Virginia. I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 645, the Billy Frank Jr. Tell Your Story Act.

Mr. TAKAI

Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, November 18, I was absent from the House due to illness. Due to my absence, I am not recorded on any legislative measures for the day. I would like the record to reflect how I would have voted had I been present for legislative business. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 634, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1210) Portfolio Lending and Mortgage Access Act; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3189) Fed Oversight Reform and Modernization Act. I would have voted ``yes'' on Roll Call 635, the Motion to Recommit with Instructions for the Portfolio Lending and Mortgage Access Act. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 636, the Portfolio Lending and Mortgage Access Act. I would have voted ``yes'' on Roll Call 637, the Reforming CFPB Indirect Auto Financing Guidance Act.

Mr. TAKAI

Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, November 19, I was absent from the House due to illness. Due to my absence, I am not recorded on any legislative measures for the day. I would like to reflect how I would have voted had I been present for legislative business. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall 638, the Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the American SAFE Act of 2015. I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall 639, providing for consideration of the American SAFE Act of 2015. I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall 640, the Democratic Motion to Recommit the FORM Act of 2015. I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall 641, the FORM Act of 2015. I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall 642, the Democratic Motion to Recommit the American SAFE Act of 2015. I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall 643, the American SAFE Act of 2015. Personal Explanation

Mr. TAKAI

Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, November 17, I was absent from the House due to illness. Due to my absence, I am not recorded on any legislative measures for the day. I would like the record to reflect how I would have voted had I been present for legislative business. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 629, ordering the previous question on providing for consideration of H.R. 1737, the Reforming CFPB Indirect Auto Financing Guidance Act; providing for consideration of H.R. 511, the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2015. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 630, providing for consideration of H.R. 1737, the Reforming CFPB Indirect Auto Financing Guidance Act; providing for consideration of H.R. 511, the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2015. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 631, the Fairness to Veterans for infrastructure Investment Act of 2015. I would have voted ``yes'' on Roll Call 632, to provide funds to the Army Corps of Engineers to hire veterans and members of the Armed Forces. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 633, the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2015.

Mr. TAKAI

Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, November 16, I was absent from the House due to illness. Due to my absence, I am not recorded on any legislative measures for the day. I would like the record to reflect how I would have voted had I been present for legislative business. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 626, the Keep the Promise Act. I would have voted ``yes'' on Roll Call 627, the Dignified Interment of Our Veterans Act of 2015. I would have voted ``yes'' on Roll Call 628, the Honor America's Guard-Reserve Retirees Act.

Mr. TAKAI

Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, November 4, 2015, I was absent from the House due to illness. Due to my absence, I am not recorded on any legislative measures for the day. I would like to reflect how I would have voted had I been present for legislative business. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 594, the Hartzler of Missouri Part B Amendment No. 37, as modified to Rules Print 114-32. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 595, the Rooney of Florida Part B Amendment No. 39 to Rules Print 114-32. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 596, the DeSaulnier of California Part B Amendment No. 41 to Rules Print 114-32. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 597, Providing for further consideration of the Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 22). I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 598, Providing for further consideration of the Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 22). I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 599, the DeSaulnier of California Part A Amendment No. 5 to Rules Print 114-32. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 600, Hunter of California Part A Amendment No. 7 to Rules Print 114-32. I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 601, the Denham of California Part A Amendment No. 8 to Rules Print 114-32. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 602, the King of Iowa Part A Amendment No. 12 to Rules Print 114-32. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 603, the Culberson of Texas Part A Amendment No. 14 to Rules Print 114-32. I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 604, the Lewis of Georgia Part A Amendment No. 21 to Rules Print 114-32. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 605, the Reichert of Washington Part A Amendment No. 26 to Rules Print 114-32. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 606, the DeSantis of Florida Part A Amendment No. 29. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 607, the Perry of Pennsylvania Part B Amendment No. 1 to Senate Amendment to the Text. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 608, the Mulvaney of South Carolina Part B Amendment No. 2 to Senate Amendment to the Text. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 609, the Mulvaney of South Carolina Part B Amendment No. 3 to Senate Amendment to the Text. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 610, the Mulvaney of South Carolina Part B Amendment No. 4 to Senate Amendment to the Text. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 611, the Mulvaney of South Carolina Part B Amendment No. 5 to Senate Amendment to the Text. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 612, the Mulvaney of South Carolina Part B Amendment No. 6 to Senate Amendment to the Text. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 613, the Rothfus of Pennsylvania Part B Amendment No. 7 to Senate Amendment to the Text. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 614, the Royce of California Part B Amendment No. 8 to Senate Amendment to the Text. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 615, the Schweikert of Arizona Part B Amendment No. 9 to Senate Amendment to the Text. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 616, the Westmoreland of Georgia Part B Amendment No. 23 to Senate Amendment to the Text. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 617, the Young of Iowa Part B Amendment No. 10 to Senate Amendment to the Text.

Mr. TAKAI

Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, November 5, 2015, I was absent from the House due to illness. Due to my absence, I am not recorded on any legislative measures for the day. I would like the record to reflect how I would have voted had I been present for legislative business. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 618, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016, as amended. I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 619, the Schakowsky of Illinois Amendment to Senate Adt. to the Text. I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall 620, the Mullin of Oklahoma Amendment to Senate Adt. to the Text. I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall 621, the Burgess of Texas Amendment to Senate Adt. to the Text. I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall 622, the Neugebauer of Texas Amendment to Senate Adt. to the Text. I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 623, the Adoption of the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 22. I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 624, the Motion to go to Conference on the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 22. I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 625, the Motion to Instruct Conferees on the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 22. personal explanation

Mr. TAKAI

Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, November 3, 2015, I was absent from the House due to illness. Due to my absence, I am not recorded on any legislative measures for the day. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 583, the Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule providing for consideration of House Amendments to Senate Amendments to H.R. 22. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 584, the Rule providing for consideration of the House Amendments to Senate Amendments to H.R. 22. I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 585, for H. Res. 354, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the safety and security of Jewish communities in Europe. I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 586, the Swalwell of California Part B Amendment No. 2 to Rules Print 114-32. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 587, the Gosar of Arizona Part B Amendment No. 5 to Rules Print 114-32. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 588, the Ribble of Wisconsin Part B Amendment No. 14 to Rules Print 114-32. I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 589, the Brown of Florida Part B Amendment No. 15 to Rules Print 114-32. I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 590, the Lynch of Massachusetts Part B Amendment No. 29 to Rules Print 114-32. I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 591, the Takano of California Part B Amendment No. 31 to Rules Print 114-32. I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 592, the Brownley of California Part B Amendment No. 32 to Rules Print 114-32. I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 593, the Radewagen of American Samoa Part B Amendment No. 34 to Rules Print 114-32.

Mr. TAKAI

Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, November 2, 2015, I was absent from the House due to illness. Due to my absence, I am not recorded on any legislative measures for the day. I would like to reflect how I would have voted had I been present for legislative business. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 582, to direct the President to develop a strategy to obtain observer status for Taiwan in the International Criminal Police Organization, and for other purposes.

Mr. TAKAI

Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of myself and Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, I would like to take the time today to recognize Master Sergeant Daniel Lind Williams, an American patriot who has devoted his career to working in the United States Marine Corps. In 1995, Master Sergeant Williams joined the Marine Corps and has served honorably as a Marine ever since. Starting as a training instructor, he was responsible for range scheduling and marksmanship. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for high standards of professionalism as a junior Marine and has been decorated with numerous commendations since, including the Bronze Star. Throughout his career working in counterintelligence and in special operations he has worked on a variety of vital projects leading to a more stable Afghanistan and Iraq. From assisting with the re-opening of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, to working as a counterintelligence representative to the interim Iraqi Government, he has worked to ensure that the society that we live in today is a safer one. Master Sergeant Williams, thank you for all your years of service to the United States; you have the deepest gratitude of a thankful nation. As you are surely aware, the Marine Corps and the United States are proud of all that you have accomplished for our safety and security as well as the safety and security of our international allies abroad. Thank you very much (mahalo nui loa) for your devotion and patriotism to our country.

Mr. TAKAI

Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, October 27, 2015, I was absent from the House due to illness. Due to my absence, I am not recorded on any legislative measures for the day. I would like to reflect how I would have voted had I been present for legislative business. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 570, Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 1090. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 571, the Rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 1090. I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 572, Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 597. I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 573, the Rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 597. I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 574, the Lynch Amendment to H.R. 1090. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call 575, final passage of H.R. 1090. I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 576, final passage of H.R. 597.

Mr. TAKAI

Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, this week Congress voted on the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank. Moments ago we just cleared a bipartisan budget, which now makes its way to the Senate. Through this budget, we lift our debt ceiling and increase our defense and nondefense spending equally for 2 years and we avoid a government shutdown. I agree with many of my colleagues that we must reduce our Nation's growing debt, but we need to make sure that we do not do so at the expense of our country's future and our ability to compete in a changing global economy. We, as Congress, need to come together to find long-term, bipartisan, commonsense solutions rather than play politics with our national security, economy, and the well-being of its people. Tomorrow the House of Representatives votes for a new Speaker. I hope that, under this new leadership, we see a change in how we govern. I hope Congress will no longer shy away from addressing the tough issues. I hope we can come together, both Republicans and Democrats, to get the people's work done.

Mr. TAKAI

Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, October 26, 2015, I was absent from the House to attend to a personal health matter. Due to my absence, I am not recorded on any legislative measures for the day. I would like to reflect how I would have voted had I been present for legislative business. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call 569, providing for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 597) to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank of the United States, and for other purposes.

Mr. TAKAI

Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to recognize the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Rotary Club of Honolulu. First chartered on July 1, 1915 with 29 members, membership has now grown to more than 200 members that strive to embody the ``service above self'' motto of the Rotary Club. The Honolulu Chapter has truly exemplified this motto at every turn. For the last fifty years, the Rotary Club of Honolulu has worked to advocate on the behalf of children, starting with the committee that grew into the Children's Advocacy Center for sexually abused children. Every year, this Rotary Club hosts a Christmas Party for foster children and their families that celebrates the special relationship that they share. The work that they do shows the passion that each member has for serving others and the city and county of Honolulu. Not only do they work for the betterment of Honolulu, they also work internationally on major humanitarian projects in the Philippines. The projects they do cannot be understated and I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks (mahalo) for all the great work that they do. Congratulations on this milestone accomplishment to the Rotary Club of Honolulu and I look forward to continue seeing the great work that the Rotary Club of Honolulu does for the next hundred years.

Mr. TAKAI

Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to our looming budget crisis and, in particular, the expiration of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. For over 50 years, this fund has been one of our most effective tools to conserve irreplaceable lands and improve outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the Nation. In Hawaii's case, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has helped to maintain and support some of our world-famous beaches and nature preserves. The fund expired on September 30 because of congressional inaction. With that, the American public has lost one of our greatest tools to ensure the protection of our public lands and waters. We need to ensure that future generations have the same opportunities we have to enjoy our Nation's majestic natural beauty. I call upon our colleagues to bring forward legislation to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund.