Tim Walberg

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the fact of those in opposition, but 150 Tribes and individuals from the Native Americans that are asking for this stand in support of this, and we are delighted to listen to that and work for a solution here. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx), the chairwoman of the Education and the Workforce Committee.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I have the pleasure of yielding 3 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Rokita), the sponsor of this legislation, as well as the chair of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 140, the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act, a provision in the pending legislation that will end the National Labor Relations Board's alarming overreach into businesses operated on sovereign Tribal lands. In March of 2017, the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, which I have the privilege of chairing, held a hearing on this legislation and heard from Native American business leaders on how the NLRB's arbitrary use of its jurisdiction had been harming businesses large and small on Tribal lands. Leaders of the Native American community testified before the subcommittee on how the NLRB had meddled in the day-to-day operations and management of Native American businesses, often dragging out matters for years. To make matters worse, the proceedings led by the NLRB are creating burdensome legal costs for businesses who are seeking to provide high- quality goods and services to Native American communities. While members of the NLRB have changed and have begun to make great progress in reversing some of the Board's most damaging decisions, Congress needs to make it clear that Tribal labor sovereignty must be safe from future Washington overreach. The Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act will clarify the National Labor Relations Act and reverse the troubling encroachment of the Federal Government on Tribal lands. Congress has the opportunity here to stand up for sovereign rights of Native Americans and the businesses they own and operate on their lands. These Tribes have created their own system of labor protections for employees and employers consistent with their lands and traditions, and it is not for Washington bureaucrats to tamper with those protections. I urge my colleagues to support the sovereignty of all Native American Tribes and pass the underlying bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, as I travel the Seventh District of Michigan, I have met with many hardworking families who are living paycheck to paycheck; moms and dads struggling to pay the mortgage, make ends meet; many businesses weighed down by a burdensome and outdated Tax Code. We developed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act with them in mind. For families across my district, our plan means more jobs, more take- home pay, and more money in their pockets. At every income level, people will see meaningful tax relief. On top of that, our plan will help small businesses thrive, boost job creation here at home, and make our economy stronger and more competitive. Mr. Speaker, the choice before us today is clear. We can prop up a broken Tax Code and maintain the status quo, or we can pass the most sweeping tax overhaul in three decades and deliver historic tax relief to those who need it most. Let's pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and ensure a brighter future for the families we represent.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bill Gibbs from Springport, Michigan, and congratulate him for being named Jackson County Veteran of the Year. A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of meeting Bill at VFW Post 6056 during their Veterans Day ceremony. It was a special evening with a room full of heroes, none more so than Bill. When our country called during the Vietnam war, Bill answered with tremendous bravery. For his heroism in harm's way, Bill was awarded the Purple Heart, four Bronze Stars with valor device, and a number of other service medals. Over the years, Bill has done it all at Post 6056, including serving as post commander, trustee, post historian, and quartermaster for 33 years. When called upon, he performs as an honor guard member at military funerals in the community. Mr. Speaker, for all this and much more, Bill is incredibly deserving of the Veteran of the Year award, and our Nation is eternally grateful for his service and sacrifice. Thank you, Bill Gibbs, and welcome home.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I want to start by thanking the chairman, the ranking member, as well as committee staff for all of their hard work bringing this bipartisan bill to the House floor today. Mr. Speaker, the EPA's brownfields program is an important grant program for the State of Michigan and, more specifically, the district I represent, Michigan's Seventh District. Because of Michigan's rich manufacturing history, there are a number of former industrial sites that are ripe for revitalization. These sites can range from large industrial manufacturing sites to local corner gas stations. This program provides communities the chance to take abandoned and vacant sites and once again turn them into economic assets, all the while cleaning up our beautiful environment. Just this summer, the EPA announced that the historic former Tecumseh Products site in Tecumseh, Michigan, received a $500,000 grant to revitalize this 53-acre industrial site. This $500,000 grant will go towards cleaning up the former manufacturing facility site and create more jobs in the process. In Monroe, the brownfields program played a key role in restoring land for the River Raisin National Battlefield Park, which is one of the leading historic attractions in our area, and one that I am delighted to say I was involved with former Congressman John Dingell in making an impact for this great district. The positive impact for these communities and many others is invaluable. Revitalizing these blighted areas encourages economic redevelopment, injects new tax revenue into our local economy, and assists local governments with the support they need to address these projects. H.R. 3017 reauthorizes the vital brownfields program so that more positive work can be done in Michigan and in every one of our districts. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, hardworking families in Michigan have been squeezed for far too long under our broken Tax Code. Wages aren't going up, yet the cost of living keeps getting more expensive. We developed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act with those low- and middle- income families in mind. They need a break. For folks in Michigan, in Monroe, Jackson, Charlotte, and all across my district, this tax cut plan means bigger paychecks and more money in their pocket. At every income level, people will see meaningful tax relief. Our plan doubles the standard deduction and increases the child tax credit to help with the costs of raising a family. It also eases the tax burden on small businesses so they can give their workers a raise and create more jobs in the community. It brings back jobs from overseas and incentivizes job creators to expand and hire here at home. Mr. Speaker, this is a progrowth and proworker plan. Let's pass it today and help the families we represent get the relief they need.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend and colleague from Colorado for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate so much tonight the opportunity to speak here during Special Orders. We could talk about the principles of charity from the Scriptures. We could talk from the Scriptures on principles of science. We could talk on principles of education. We could even talk about the principles of taxation and be very up to date as we deal with that here. But tonight, as we discuss the issues of the Bible in this National Bible Week, I want to go back to my earliest days in my childhood home. I thank God that I had a mother and a father who would speak to me about God's Word, from God's Word, and impart God's Word in my life even when I didn't want it or didn't understand it. I remember from my earliest days being taught to memorize Psalm 119:11, where it says: ``Thy Word I have treasured in my heart. That I might not sin against Thee.'' As a young man, the thoughts of sin in some cases were enticing, but I am glad that I had the opportunity to put the Scriptures in my life because ultimately, through the course of time, it truly did change my life. It brought me to the Book of Romans, where in Romans, the third chapter verse 23 said: ``For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.'' With that verse in the Psalm, my mother would say: Tim, this book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book. I found the truth in both of those statements. What I found there in Romans 3:23, that we have all sinned, I identified with that. But it didn't end there because I went over a few pages to Romans 5:8, where it said: ``But God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.'' Those are words of Scripture. The Bible impacted my life. As a young man, ultimately, I had to ask: Is that true? I am so thankful that ultimately I admitted the truth, and I came to Romans again, chapter 10:13, where it says: ``For whosoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.'' My good friend from Colorado indicated how that changed his life. It changed my life as well, admitting personally that I was a sinner in need of a savior. The Bible said so. It changed my life. Now, some might reject this. That is okay. But most who seek the truth of the Bible are not disappointed. It truly changes lives. Admittedly, I am not perfect--and my colleagues could identify with that--but I am forgiven. I am forgiven, and every day I have a purpose beyond myself to live in a way that makes a difference because of not who I am, but who this book and my savior has made me be. So I will end with this, Mr. Speaker, in my namesake, 2 Timothy 2:15, it says to me specifically: Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that doesn't need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. At the end of each day, Mr. Speaker, because of this passage, I ask, first of all: Is God pleased? Secondly, has the work been done well? Thirdly, has the word--the truth--been used well in my life? If I can answer in the affirmative to each of those based upon the Bible, I know for whatever reason my God has been served well, and I have done the work well. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Colorado for leading this Special Order tonight talking about something so significant as the Bible, and I pray that it imparts wisdom to all we do here.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable student in my district with a heart for helping veterans, our military, and their families. Morgan Scarbro is a 14-year-old from Eaton Rapids who created a nonprofit called Morgan's HUGS. Since the age of five, Morgan has been giving back to veterans. If there is a veteran in need, Morgan springs into action. She organizes donation drives and collects items like hygiene products, food, clothing, and more. When Morgan competes in beauty pageants, she encourages her fellow contestants to donate as well. Morgan helps in so many other ways, too, including visiting veterans in nursing homes and putting her own Christmas on hold to give presents to military families. Morgan's dad is a disabled veteran, and she has seen, firsthand, the sacrifices made by the men and women who serve our country. We owe them an immeasurable debt. As Veterans Day approaches, may we follow Morgan's example and do everything we can to take care of our Nation's heroes.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairwoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3441, the Save Local Business Act. For hardworking men and women in this country, one of the most important relationships they develop in the workplace is the relationship they have with their employer. This relationship is paramount to every worker's success. It is a relationship that impacts their paycheck, their schedule, their benefits, and the future of their career. Unfortunately, under the Obama administration, we repeatedly saw government bureaucrats pursue regulatory policies that harmed workers and small businesses. The National Labor Relations Board's decision in Browning-Ferris is a prime example. In that decision, the Board placed itself squarely in the middle of the employer-employee relationship by redefining what it means to be a joint employer. The Education and the Workforce Committee has been fighting to roll back this extreme joint employer scheme since it first took effect, and for good reason. It discarded settled labor policy and blurred the lines of responsibility for decisions affecting the daily operations of local businesses across this country. Quite simply, the scheme is a threat to jobs, entrepreneurship, and local employers across the country. I have heard from small businesses and franchises across my district about how the new joint employer scheme will upend small businesses, undermine their independence, and put jobs, livelihoods, and dreams at risk. It is time to settle once and for all what constitutes a joint employer, not through arbitrary and misguided NLRB decisions and rulings by activist judges, but through legislation. The Save Local Business Act will roll back this unworkable scheme and restore the same straightforward joint employer test that workers and job creators relied on for decades. The Save Local Business Act is about providing certainty for job creators in each and every one of our districts. It is about keeping the American Dream within reach. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in support of H.R. 3441.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3922. I want to thank Chairman Walden and Dr. Burgess for their leadership in bringing this bill to the floor today. The CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act reauthorizes and funds a number of programs important to my constituents, including the State Children's Health Insurance Program, community health centers, and the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education program. H.R. 3922 will continue CHIP for 5 years, allowing this successful Federal-State partnership to provide health coverage for low-income children and pregnant women. It also extends funding to federally qualified health centers for 2 years, a key component of the healthcare safety net; and helps address our increasing health provider shortages by investing in the education and training of future health professionals. Of importance, this legislation is fully paid for with responsible policies, such as measures to allow States to disenroll lottery winners from Medicaid and prioritize the most vulnerable. I am proud of the good work that was done by the Energy and Commerce Committee to advance this legislation to the floor, and I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the bill and to ensure the programs are available for the people who depend upon them.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I, along with all of our American citizens, recoil today at the senseless and evil mayhem and killing that went on in Las Vegas. We pray for the families of those whose lives were lost, as well as those who are injured and suffering right now. I, along with, I am sure, many Americans, recoil at senseless abuse of innocent animals that we love and we enjoy. But I wonder how many of us also recoil at the senseless abuse and murder of innocent babies in the womb. I stand here today to support the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, H.R. 36. I support it because it is backed by science. It protects the unborn from suffering. It saves innocent lives. It promotes American values, values that made this country great, that understand the sanctity of life and the beauty of our creator's evidence in this world today in human beings. I ask my colleagues to join with me and many others this week as we support H.R. 36, and we say to our creator and our God: Thank you for innocent life itself, and may it be preserved and protected.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. David C. Puckett as he completes 35 years of service as CEO of American 1 Credit Union, headquartered in Jackson, Michigan. In 1982, David Puckett began his journey as General Manager of a small, local credit union which had 15 employees and two locations. Today, American 1 Credit Union has nearly 200 employees, provides service to 56,000 members, and has 13 branches located across the state. David Puckett not only effectively shaped the fiscal success of American 1 Credit Union, but also forged a lasting legacy of giving back to the people of Jackson County. Over the years, American 1 has funded and provided manpower to support many community programs such as Rose Pageant scholarships, the Rose Parade, the Kids Fest program and the American 1 Grand Prix. Throughout his tenure, David has brought the private and public sectors together in ways that have benefited the community. The most noteworthy example of these partnerships is the agreement made in 2016 in which American 1 will donate $4 million towards the construction of a convention center in Jackson. The American 1 Credit Union Convention Center will be utilized for conferences, trade shows, weddings, and entertainment, and will foster the ongoing development of Jackson's downtown riverfront area. David Puckett's leadership and spirit of cooperation will be remembered for years to come by all who continue to benefit from the results of his commitment. I congratulate David on an impressive career at American 1 Credit Union and wish him the best in the future.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Chairman, I, too, want to thank Chairman Cole for the good effort on this piece of legislation. I rise to offer an amendment to H.R. 3354 that would block the NLRB from enforcing the extreme and partisan ambush election rule. Under the ambush election rule, workers are being rushed into union elections before they have the opportunity to consider all the consequences. According to one report, since the ambush election rule took effect, union elections have been organized 38 percent faster. Before this rule took effect, the union election process typically took 38 days. Now, workers may have as few as 11 days to consider whether joining a union is the best decision for themselves. Eleven days is simply not enough time for workers to make an important decision that impacts their job and their paycheck. In addition to speeding up the process, the NLRB's rule greatly limits an employer's ability to communicate with its employees through the pre-election hearing process. To make matters worse, employers have as little as 7 days to find legal counsel and appear before an NLRB election officer--7 days. This is a taxing time constraint, especially on small businesses with limited resources and a lawyer team that is nonexistent. But workers are the ones who are really hurt the most. As a former union worker myself, I respect the right of workers to join a union, but they deserve a real choice in the matter and the opportunity to hear from both sides of the debate. At the very least, they deserve privacy as they come to their decision, but this rule forces employers to hand over their employees' personal information, including phone numbers, work schedules, home addresses, e-mail addresses, and work locations. The NLRB should ensure fair and transparent elections. Instead, the board implemented a rule chilling employer free speech and restricting the rights of workers. By adopting this amendment to block the ambush election rule, we can restore the rights of workers and employers in union elections. I would note that there is still more to be done beyond blocking funding of this extreme rule. The Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act, which I introduced earlier this year, would amend Federal law to ensure union elections are fair and prevent similar NLRB overreach in the future. This commonsense bill was approved by the Education and the Workforce Committee, and it is my hope that it will come up for a vote in the House, but today we have an opportunity to take a first step toward putting an end to this radical scheme once and for all. Mr. Chair, I urge all Members to support this amendment, as well as the underlying bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the comments of my colleagues from the Education and the Workforce Committee. We have debated that very clearly. We have discussed the fact that individuals ought to be able to make a decision and have a full understanding of what is available for them. But when we talk about a streamlining rule, it only works for the union organizer. It doesn't work for the employee, and certainly not for the small-business person who isn't blessed with having a large lawyer team, attorney team, who can go into all of the background information to find out how, indeed, they even represent themselves and communicate with their employees in relationship to a union that is well-versed in what they will do with their challenge in the lawyered- up situation that they have. It discourages any comprehensive study by the employee--let me state that again--by the employee of what they are looking at with union representation or without. Seven days for a businessperson to get their act together is not a streamlining that works for them. It works for the union organizer alone, not the employee or the employer. Mr. Chairman, I continue to state that, if we truly want our employees to make informed decisions with all of the information that can be available to them and the assistance needed so that both sides are served when they look for a final decision, we must do away with this rule. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Chairman, in recent years, we have seen a growing number of instances where the government has confiscated private property from citizens and small businesses without any criminal conviction, or even criminal charges. Under current civil forfeiture law, the system is ripe for abuse, and has undermined the constitutional rights of far too many Americans. In response, 24 States and the District of Columbia have adopted reforms to their forfeiture laws. However, through a practice known as adoptive seizures, Federal agencies, like the Department of Justice, can circumvent State and local laws to continue this practice. In July, the Department of Justice announced a continuation and expansion of civil forfeiture, reversing a previous ban on adoptive seizures. My bipartisan amendment, introduced with Representatives Cohen, McClintock, and Ellison, would prohibit funds for the DOJ to implement this expansion. Our amendment is also supported by a broad and diverse coalition of organizations, including the American Conservative Union, the Institute for Justice, the NAACP, and the ACLU. Today's vote takes an important step in halting the practice of adoptive seizures, protecting the rights of States and localities, and limiting some future abuses. Ultimately, this amendment is a starting point, and we can't stop here. Congress must submit more comprehensive changes into law, changes like those included in the Fifth Amendment Integrity Restoration Act, my bipartisan bill, that calls for sweeping reforms to curb civil asset forfeiture abuse. America was founded on the principles of due process and property rights, and these principles must be vigorously defended. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Chair, I thank Mr. Cohen for yielding. I think that what he said is absolutely true. When you do a complete circle, you have come to a point of understanding that something is amiss, in good will we work together in a bipartisan fashion to fix it. There can be useful issues relative to civil assets, but it needs to follow due process. Our civil liberties must be protected. We want to support law enforcement; it is a tough job. But, nonetheless, in our great country, liberty is still the most important ideal that we have, and the freedom that makes us different from other nations. Mr. Chair, I thank my good friend for his support, and I would ask my colleagues to support it. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pastor Frank Hampton, Jr., as he celebrates 50 years of ministry at the Church of God in Jackson, Michigan. Over the years, Pastor Hampton has been a steady example of what it means to be a father, a pastor, a mentor, and a community servant. In addition to faithfully shepherding his congregation, Pastor Hampton has served as a volunteer chaplain for Allegiance Health, counseled disadvantaged youth, and helped build strong leaders in the community. He has worked in conjunction with Jackson's judicial system, Jackson Public Schools, Jackson County Jail, and the Interfaith Shelter. The longevity of his service to his congregation and to the community is a reflection of his mission to make a profound difference in the lives of everyone he meets. Pastor Hampton is a remarkable man of integrity, perseverance, and servant leadership. His 50 years of ministry have set the standard for our community. I congratulate him on his milestone and pray for God's many blessings in the years ahead.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, all too often, the important work we are doing in the people's House does not get the attention it deserves. So far this year, we have rolled back 14 overly burdensome regulations from the Obama administration, saving taxpayers billions of dollars in the process. We passed landmark reforms that are now law to bring greater accountability and better care to the Veterans Administration. Here in the House, we kept our promise to rescue families from the collapsing ObamaCare law. We have taken action to rebuild our military, give our troops the biggest pay raise in 8 years, and expand the GI Bill to improve educational benefits. We have enhanced border security and public safety by passing Kate's Law. And we have passed measures to strengthen career and technical education, combat human trafficking, and reform the FDA to encourage medical innovation. Madam Speaker, these policies, and many more that are languishing in the Senate, will make a real difference in people's lives. And we will keep working hard on the issues that matter, even if it doesn't always make the headlines.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Monroe County, Michigan's bicentennial celebration. Founded on July 14, 1817, Monroe County is the second oldest county in Michigan and is named in honor of our Nation's fifth President, James Monroe. Home to the River Raisin National Battlefield Park, Monroe County takes great pride in preserving local history and telling the story of the War of 1812 and those who fought to secure our freedoms. Monroe County is blessed with many precious natural resources, wildlife, and outdoor areas for the community to enjoy. Whether it is fishing for walleye on Lake Erie or watching waterfowl in the unique coastal marshes, the outdoor opportunities are the finest in the Nation. Serving as an important transportation hub, Monroe County features the largest highway gateway into Michigan and the State's only international port on Lake Erie. Monroe County is also known for its rich agricultural heritage, as well as its strong manufacturing presence, including the headquarters of furniture manufacturer La-Z-Boy. Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend my gratitude to the many citizens and organizations that comprise the Monroe County Bicentennial Alliance. They generously gave of their time to coordinate a number of special programs and events throughout the year. It is an honor to join with them to commemorate this exciting milestone for Monroe County, a place where the community proudly comes together to make it a special place to visit and call home. Congratulations, Monroe County, on 200 years. I look forward to celebrating it with you.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Costello).

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Lance).