Tim Walberg

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx), the distinguished chairman of the Education and the Workforce Committee.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2664, the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act. Labor trafficking is the illegal exploitation of an individual for commercial gain. It knows no geological limits. It happens across our country and around the globe, including in my home State of Michigan. Victims of labor trafficking are not a uniform group of people. Victims are young children, teenagers, men, and women. In my home State of Michigan, the National Human Trafficking Hotline reported over 38 cases in 2016 involving labor trafficking. This is a 52 percent increase in the number of reported cases since 2015. Globally, the International Labor Organization estimates there are 21 million people trapped in forced labor. The growing number of human trafficking cases is alarming and more needs to be done to identify victims, catch traffickers, and end this form of modern-day slavery. In the course of inspecting workplace safety and labor law compliance within the United States, Department of Labor employees often have a front line to view and to identify patterns of labor exploitation. Providing these employees with the proper training to detect and respond to the signs of human trafficking is an important part of the larger comprehensive effort to eradicate this unthinkable crime. The Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act would ensure the Department has a formal framework in place to detect trafficking and refer cases to law enforcement for prosecution. Specifically, H.R. 2664 would: Direct the Department of Labor to train appropriate staff on how to effectively detect instances of human trafficking; Ensure personnel regularly receive information on current trends and best practices; Allow flexible training options, including in-class and virtual learning options; Establish a clear course of action for referring suspected instances of human trafficking to law enforcement; and Require an evaluation and report to Congress on the implementation of the training and the metrics used to measure and track the agency's response to human trafficking. Mr. Speaker, one of the biggest obstacles we face in the fight against human trafficking is awareness. H.R. 2664 will ensure Department of Labor employees have the right training so that they recognize and effectively respond to this modern-day slavery. I also thank Ranking Member Sablan for his bipartisan support and work on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 2664.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2664) to direct the Secretary of Labor to train certain Department of Labor personnel how to effectively detect and assist law enforcement in preventing human trafficking during the course of their primary roles and responsibilities, and for other purposes.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, each year millions of men, women, and children are trafficked around the world, including in the United States. It is important that we combat this epidemic. The Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act is truly a bipartisan bill that will ensure that those who are in the field have knowledge, skills, and tools that they need to identify instances of human trafficking, assist victims, and properly refer cases so perpetrators can be brought to justice. I would like to reiterate my appreciation to Representative Sablan for his support and work on this important issue. This is truly a bipartisan issue. It is an American issue. It is a human issue. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 2664, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the FDA Reauthorization Act, and I want to thank Chairman Walden and the other bipartisan leadership on the committee for bringing this bipartisan bill to the floor today. As science and technology advances at a rapid rate, the potential for breakthroughs to treat and cure some of the worst diseases are truly within our reach; yet all too often, our laws and regulations are stuck in the past. That is why reauthorizing the Food and Drug Administration's user fee programs is so important. This bipartisan bill builds off the important work we accomplished through the 21st Century Cures Act. It will help speed up the approval process for lifesaving drugs, foster greater competition, and bring down costs for patients. It will also help ensure America remains on the forefront of medical innovation and that good-paying jobs in the medical device industry remain here at home. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill, and together we can offer a healthier future for our patients.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, the Great Lakes are a national treasure, and nobody knows this better than the people in my home State of Michigan. Our environment, economy, and quality of life depend upon maintaining a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem. One of the most harmful threats are invasive species like Asian carp that decimate every ecosystem in their path. Last week, we learned some alarming news when a live Asian carp was found just nine miles from Lake Michigan beyond the electric barrier. If Asian carp are able to infiltrate the Great Lakes, it would be devastating for Michigan's fishing, boating, and tourism industries and all the jobs they support. The Army Corps of Engineers has completed a report called the ``Brandon Road Study'' that provides a roadmap of how to best prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes. They should release it immediately. We must take bipartisan action before it is too late. We simply cannot allow, Mr. Speaker, Asian carp to wreak havoc on the Great Lakes.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for sponsoring this legislation. I rise today to voice my strong support for the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, H.R. 2353. In today's economy, we know that not everyone follows the same path into the workforce. Whether a student wants to pursue a job in the auto industry, healthcare, energy, or IT, the reforms we are advancing will help aspiring workers get the hands-on experience they need to thrive in the 21st century workforce. This bill is particularly important for my home State of Michigan, the heartland of American manufacturing, where high-skilled jobs are a vital component of our State's economy. I am also glad it includes my bipartisan provisions to address outdated and burdensome occupational licensing requirements. As I meet with educators, workers, and manufacturers across my district, I consistently hear about the need to improve CTE programs and close the skills gap. Let's pass this bipartisan bill and help more men and women in Michigan and across the country secure fulfilling and good-paying jobs.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Carly Claucherty for being named a Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education. Carly recently graduated from Springport High School and was nominated for her outstanding work in their CTE agriscience program. She is one of just 20 students from around the country to receive this distinguished award. In high school, Carly was active in Springport's Future Farmers of America chapter, served as president of the National Honor Society, and was involved in student council. This fall, Carly will be attending Michigan State University, where she tentatively plans to study crop and soil sciences. Carly's selection as a CTE Presidential Scholar puts her in an elite group, but I suspect it is just a starting point for many more exceptional things to come. Mr. Speaker, career and technical education provides valuable hands- on experience, and this week we will be voting for strengthening these important programs to help more students find their sweet spot, just like Carly did.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague and friend from Michigan, the chairman of the Energy Subcommittee, as well as the ranking member of the subcommittee for this opportunity. I also want to start off by thanking the Energy and Commerce Committee staff on both sides of the aisle for their time and work on this issue. Additionally, I would like also to thank my colleague, Debbie Dingell, for being an original cosponsor of H.R. 1109 and helping advance this bipartisan and, might I add, commonsense rule. Based on current statute, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission takes the position that approval from the Commission is necessary for all mergers and acquisitions, no matter how small or insignificant the value of the facilities involved, even down to zero. FERC's interpretation has led to trivial paperwork that bogs down the Commission and creates unnecessary red tape for American businesses, ultimately increasing utility bills for the consumer. H.R. 1109 will help reduce excessive paperwork burdens and bring down energy prices for American families. This bipartisan solution unties FERC's hands and allows the Commission to ensure American consumers are getting the most affordable and reliable electricity possible in a commonsense sort of way. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1109.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for the opportunity to speak on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1808, the Improving Support for Missing and Exploited Children Act of 2017. For more than 30 years, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, or NCMEC, has operated a unique public-private partnership in order to build a national response to crimes affecting those we cherish most: our children. I am grateful that the bill maintains language that I supported, which grants NCMEC the authority to provide technical assistance to law enforcement agencies and first responders in identifying and recovering victims of child sex trafficking. During the committee's hearing in March, we heard from NCMEC's director on how their ability to provide technical assistance has allowed them to work in tandem with law enforcement to recover numerous child sex trafficking victims. Mr. Speaker, we all look forward to the day when no children are ever taken and abused, and this bill helps ensure NCMEC has the tools to get us one step closer to that goal. I appreciate the bipartisan effort on this, and I urge all my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Branch County, Michigan, Sheriff Posse Deputy Michael Winter, who lost his life in the line of duty. He is survived by his wife, Connie, and two daughters, Cheyenne and Sierra. Deputy Winter was known as a committed family man with a sense of humor and a big smile. He loved being around horses and loved the posse. From his time in the United States Navy to the Branch County Sheriff's Posse, Deputy Winter was the type of person who put his community and country before himself. He is a hero in every sense of the word. This week, during National Police Week, his name was carved into the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial here in Washington, D.C. It is a lasting tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect us. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful nation, we honor Deputy Winter's memory and his service to Branch County and our country. He will not be forgotten.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, regardless of the myths being spun by the other side of the aisle that refused to read 129 pages of a bill, the Affordable Care Act is anything but affordable. My constituents have been asking for relief from this collapsing law for years. They can no longer afford to pay more for less; and refusing to act is not an option. Under ObamaCare, out-of-pocket expenses have skyrocketed not just for people on exchanges, but for all patients. Premium increases are nearly four times larger than previously projected. Unfortunately, our colleagues on the other side of the aisle, Mr. Speaker, seem content with the current flawed system which puts the government in charge of people's health and promises coverage that is going away. Let's vote to increase choice, lower costs, enhance protections, truly cover preexisting conditions, and get Washington out of the way so that patients and their doctors are once again at the center of healthcare decisions.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Salvation Army of Monroe County for 100 years of service in the community. The Salvation Army of Monroe County actively ministers to both the physical and spiritual needs of those in our area. Under the leadership of Maj. Louise Blessing and Lt. Karl Blessing, the organization currently provides a wide range of programs, including a food pantry, homeless shelter, youth programs, emergency assistance, casework services, worship services, and much more. Through all these initiatives, they offer a helping hand to the most vulnerable and spread God's love in their sphere of influence. Mr. Speaker, organizations like the Salvation Army of Monroe County are woven into the very fabric of our community. They play a critical role in rebuilding lives, restoring hope, and serving those in need. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the Salvation Army of Monroe County's 100 year anniversary, and I pray for many more years of fruitful contributions to the community.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1304, the Self-Insurance Protection Act. I thank my good friend, Dr. Phil Roe, for his leadership and insights on this issue. As the Affordable Care Act continues its death spiral--and indeed it does, very clearly, and ultimately will leave people without insurance--too many small businesses in the process and working families in my district have been left without real options for healthcare coverage that they can afford. Self-insured plans are one solution that small businesses have tried to push back against these rising costs. These policies provide employers flexibility to design a healthcare plan tailored to the unique needs of their workers and their families. Last year, over 60 percent of employers who offered healthcare coverage utilized self- insured plans. Unfortunately, the previous administration pursued regulations that would jeopardize access to self-insured plans by redefining stop-loss insurance as traditional health insurance under Federal law. Stop-loss insurance does not pay our medical claims; rather, it is a tool--I remind you--that simply provides protections for employers to guard against a catastrophic medical claim. Mr. Speaker, our constituents need more affordable healthcare options, not fewer; and the bill before us will stop any future administration from putting harmful limitations on self-insured plans. To achieve meaningful healthcare reform, we must promote flexibility and innovative options, not curtail them. H.R. 1304 provides much-needed certainty to the workers and employers who access quality care through self-insured healthcare plans. As employers and their employees look to plan for the future, the Self- Insurance Protection Act will help provide some long-term certainty that these affordable health insurance options are available. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation and promoting healthcare choice for American workers and for their employers.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome Brandon Martz and his family from Jackson County to our Nation's Capitol. They are here with the help of the Dream Foundation, which fulfills dreams for terminally ill young people and adults. Brandon is 18 years old and has been battling Duchenne muscular dystrophy since he was a toddler. One of the things we talked about today in my office was the 21st Century Cures Act and the need to expedite the development of new cures by prioritizing medical research and streamlining the FDA approval process. Signed into law in December of last year, this landmark initiative will bring hope for patients and families suffering from some of the worst diseases and hopefully fulfill many dreams. Mr. Speaker, it was an honor to spend time with Brandon, his brother, and his parents today and play a part in helping Brandon's dream become a reality. I hope their time in Washington offers an opportunity to create many lasting memories together as a family and fulfill many dreams.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, this past weekend I had the privilege of attending the Monroe County Ducks Unlimited annual dinner. More than 1,000 people came out to the MB&T Expo Center to celebrate our hunting and fishing heritage. As a lifelong outdoorsman, I have been a proud supporter of conservation policies that protect our wetlands and wildlife habitats. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is a model example of a public- private partnership that has been invaluable to the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem. The GLRI has received widespread bipartisan support because of the economic and environmental benefits it brings to Lake Erie, the State of Michigan, and the entire Great Lakes region. Mr. Speaker, this critical initiative is getting results and needs to be preserved. I want to thank Monroe County Ducks Unlimited for all of their conservation efforts, and I will continue working to ensure that future generations can enjoy our precious natural resources just like we do today. Mr. Speaker, in a point of personal privilege, I want to welcome my newest granddaughter, Hanna Belle, born less than 2 hours ago in Africa. I welcome her to this life, and God bless her.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, for 7 years, I have heard story after story from people in my district about how the Affordable Care Act is anything but affordable. Families and small businesses are paying more for less, and insurers are dropping out of the marketplaces, leaving behind fewer options. Government-run health care isn't working, and we are repealing and replacing ObamaCare like we promised our constituents we would do. The American Health Care Act is the first step of a three-step process to repair our broken healthcare system. This bill moves power away from Washington and puts doctors and patients at the center of their healthcare decisions. It reforms and strengthens Medicaid and gives States the flexibility to innovate and best meet the needs of their citizens. This patient-centered approach will bring costs down, increase choice and competition, and provide important protections for patients with preexisting conditions. Mr. Speaker, these are the types of things we promised, and doing nothing is not an option. May I remind my colleague from the other side of the aisle: I have seen those numbers. My constituents will not simply walk away and do nothing just because the other side says that they will be uncovered. Now they will have a choice. Those thousands of people will not walk away. They will choose something better for them. There will be thousands of people that have insurance that covers their needs, and not what, Mr. Speaker, my colleague says they will do. They are not that stupid. They won't walk away.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, this bill levels the playing field for small businesses, allowing them to band together through association health plans and negotiate the best deals to provide health care at a lower cost. It also represents an important step toward purchasing health insurance across State lines. Today's vote is an immediate first step to help job creators provide affordable healthcare options to their employees and a transition toward a patient-centered healthcare system. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1101, the Small Business Health Fairness Act, a bill that will help people in Michigan and across the country by expanding affordable coverage for workers and their families. I thank our colleague, Representative Sam Johnson of Texas, for introducing this legislation. I really enjoyed hearing the gentleman from Texas and his comments about this being common sense. Representative Sam Johnson of Texas defines common sense and patriotism. He has tirelessly championed this bill for years, and it is a pleasure to join him in pushing for these positive reforms. Mr. Speaker, health care in this country has become simply unaffordable for far too many small businesses and working families. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has proved to be an utter failure for most people in the United States. It is snowballing out of control and rolling over working families and small businesses. Ninety-five percent of small businesses have reported increased health insurance costs over the past 5 years. A 2015 study by the National Federation of Independent Businesses found that the cost of health insurance is the principal reason that small businesses do not offer coverage. As a result, since 2008, 36 percent of small businesses with fewer than 10 employees have stopped offering healthcare coverage to their employees. It is not that they don't want to offer healthcare benefits. The truth of the matter is that small businesses have been hit especially hard by the government takeover of health care. Under ObamaCare, the working families I speak to in my district are paying more for less and finding they have fewer options for coverage. H.R. 1101 is a key part of the third phase of our efforts to reform our healthcare system so it works for all Americans. It aims to increase the negotiating power of small businesses so they can bring down health insurance costs for their employees. Right now, small businesses are often on an unequal playing field with larger companies and unions. Because they have few employees, small businesses have limited bargaining power when it comes to negotiating for lower insurance costs for their workers.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. The nonpartisan Government Accountability Office concluded the EPA overstepped and issued a report saying the EPA violated the law and undertook ``covert propaganda'' and grassroots lobbying during the process. My bill simply seeks to preserve the spirit and purpose of the regulatory process by simply telling agencies that they need to keep to the facts and not solicit support when they ought to be soliciting constructive comments. H.R. 1004 simply requires an agency to; one, identify itself as the source of information; two, clearly state whether the agency is accepting public comments or considering alternatives; and, three, and most importantly, speak about the regulations in a neutral, unbiased tone. People need to have the confidence that the Federal agencies, regardless of whether it is a Republican or Democrat administration, are open to their insights an constructive criticism. H.R. 1004 will restore the integrity to our regulatory process by ensuring agencies are honestly asking for feedback, constructive criticism, and dialogue about how to improve upon the agency's existing thoughts, not advocating for a predetermined outcome. Mr. Chairman, this is a bipartisan issue. This bill passed the House last Congress with bipartisan support. In fact, a similar version was offered by my colleague, Representative Peterson from Minnesota, as an amendment to H.R. 5 earlier this year. That amendment was approved with strong bipartisan support. So, once again, I urge my colleagues to support the Regulatory Integrity Act.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague for leading this floor debate today. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of my bipartisan bill, H.R. 1004, the Regulatory Integrity Act of 2017. Regardless of the chatter that I believe simply confuses what we want to do in good government, this bill, H.R. 1004, is a good government transparency bill that is simple in nature and seeks to preserve the integrity of the regulatory process; specifically, the public comment period. Whether it is EPA or the Department of Labor or any other agencies or departments, they have their purpose, but they have to follow the law. The public comment period is an essential part of upholding our democratic values because it ensures that Americans will have their voices heard in the Federal Government's regulatory process. Agencies must take the comment period seriously. Unfortunately, we have seen instances where agencies seem to believe that the regulatory process is simply a perfunctory act that the agency must undertake in order to reach a prearranged outcome. This became abundantly clear during the EPA's Waters of the U.S., or WOTUS, rulemaking process. During that process, Mr. Chairman, the EPA undertook a campaign to solicit support and artificially inflate the positive reaction to the WOTUS rule. The EPA used the skewed results as evidence of public support. Mr. Chairman, I include in the Record two letters coming from the National Association of Home Builders and the Michigan Farm Bureau to attest to this problem. National Association of Home Builders, Washington, DC, February 14, 2017. Hon. Timothy Walberg, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative Walberg: On behalf of the 140,000 members of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), I am writing to express NAHB's strong support for H.R. 1004, the Regulatory Integrity Act of 2017. This legislation would force agencies to follow an open and transparent federal regulatory rulemaking process by making all aspects of a rulemaking publicly available and preventing federal agencies from illegally influencing the public in order to generate support for a rulemaking. Federal agencies are prohibited, by law, from engaging in lobbying, grassroots, and propaganda activities designed to advance a policy agenda. However, in recent rulemakings, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ignored these restrictions and used social media platforms to perpetuate propaganda campaigns that advance their rulemakings. These actions only support the notion that the agency is not interested in a transparent and fair rulemaking process. An excellent example of this is when the EPA created a social media campaign on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube to counter opposition to its ``Waters of the US'' rulemaking. The agency concealed the fact that its social media messages were coming from within the EPA and deceptively engaged in lobbying efforts designed to kill legislation that was not favorable to their proposed rulemaking. In December 2015, the Government Accountability Office released a report outlining how the EPA participated in covert propaganda and grassroots lobbying and condemned the agency for violating federal law. Federal agencies must respect and uphold the law, and the passage of H.R. 1004 will help to ensure that federal agencies are not lobbying against America's small businesses. For these reasons, NAHB urges the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee to support H.R. 1004, the Regulatory Integrity Act of 2017, in order to bring transparency and neutrality to the regulatory process. Thank you for giving consideration to our views. Sincerely, James W. Tobin III.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, we have seen more troubling signs this week that things continue to get worse under the healthcare law. Humana announced they are dropping out of the ObamaCare marketplace next year. The CEO of Aetna said that ObamaCare is in a ``death spiral.'' Families in Michigan and across the country are left with fewer choices and soaring costs. Mari, from Jackson, in my district, is one of them. Her premiums nearly quadrupled last year under ObamaCare; and this year, her premiums went up so high, she could not afford to pay them. So she and her husband, who is self-employed, dropped the plan and now are going without any health insurance at all. The status quo is simply unsustainable, and we are working to provide relief to families who are struggling. This will be an orderly, step- by-step process as we transition to patient-centered solutions that lower costs, increase choices, maintain preexisting conditions coverage, and meet the needs of all Americans. That is what Mari and every single American deserves.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter, undersigned, representing thousands of businesses, individual employees, and retirees from almost two dozen specific groups in support of H.J. Res. 66. February 13, 2017. To the Members of the United States Congress: The undersigned organizations, representing thousands of businesses, express our support for H.J. Res. 66 and H.J. Res. 67, resolutions of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (``CRA'') to invalidate the Department of Labor's (``DOL'') ``safe harbor'' regulations on Savings Arrangements Established by State and Political Subdivisions for Non- Governmental Employees. These ``safe harbor'' regulations allow states and cities to mandate private employer participation in state-sponsored automatic IRA programs. It also provides that states that offer these programs are not subject to ERISA despite considerable opinions to the contrary. Thus the DOL is encouraging state and local governments to provide private sector employees retirement programs that do not have the same high-level protections as other private employer- sponsored plans. Below we highlight a number of our concerns with the ``safe harbor.'' Lost worker protections--States offering these plans to private sector employees are not subject to ERISA, therefore limiting the protections for workers in these plans. Different standards from state to state result in an administrative quagmire for employers--States can and will have different rules for their programs, so employers operating in multiple states, or just with workers from multiple states, will have to track the complex web of varying rules to ensure compliance. Fewer employer plans, especially among small businesses--If a state mandates auto-IRAs, some employers will decide to avoid taking on the work of offering their own plans and let the state take it on instead, resulting in the loss of significant retirement savings opportunities for their workers. Mismanagement of state pension funds--Many states have mismanaged their public employee retirement systems, and it's not clear they'll do a better job controlling assets of millions of small private sector savers. Also, some state pension funds restrict investments to favor state initiatives or engage in politically motivated investment and divestment schemes instead of investing in the economic interest of the workers. Imposes a mandate on private employers--The ``safe harbor'' requires that the state program mandate employer participation even though retirement savings plans are traditionally voluntary. We urge Congress to take timely action under the CRA to vitiate these misguided regulations. We thank you for addressing this important issue. Sincerely, Air Conditioning Contractors of America, American Benefits Council, American Composites Manufacturers Association, Financial Services Institute, Financial Services Roundtable, Heating Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI), Insured Retirement Institute, International Franchise Association, Investment Company Institute, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), National Black Chamber of Commerce. National Electrical Contractors Association, National Federation of Independent Business, National Retail Federation, Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART), Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, Small Business Council of America, Small Business Legislative Council, Society for Human Resource Management, The ESOP Association, The Latino Coalition, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. State Chapters of NAIFA NAIFA--Alabama, NAIFA--Alaska, NAIFA--Arizona, NAIFA-- Arkansas, NAIFA--California, NAIFA--Colorado, NAIFA-- Connecticut, NAIFA--Delaware, NAIFA--Florida, NAIFA--Georgia, NAIFA Greater Washington D.C., NAIFA--Guam, NAIFA--Hawaii, NAIFA--Idaho. NAIFA--Illinois, NAIFA--Indiana, NAIFA--Iowa, NAIFA-- Kansas, NAIFA--Kentucky, NAIFA--Louisiana, NAIFA--Maine, NAIFA--Maryland, NAIFA--Massachusetts, NAIFA--Michigan, NAIFA--Minnesota, NAIFA--Mississippi, NAIFA--Missouri, NAIFA--Montana. NAIFA--Nebraska, NAIFA--Nevada, NAIFA--New Hampshire, NAIFA--New Jersey, NAIFA--New Mexico, NAIFA--New York, NAIFA--North Carolina, NAIFA--North Dakota, NAIFA-- Ohio, NAIFA--Oklahoma, NAIFA--Oregon, NAIFA--Pennsylvania, NAIFA--Puerto Rico, NAIFA--Rhode Island. NAIFA--South Carolina, NAIFA--South Dakota, NAIFA-- Tennessee, NAIFA--Texas, NAIFA--Utah, NAIFA--Vermont, NAIFA-- Virginia, NAIFA--Washington, NAIFA--West Virginia, NAIFA-- Wisconsin, NAIFA--Wyoming.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Francis Rooney), who evidenced his complete commitment to meeting the needs of all people by receiving an ambassadorship and performing duties very well to the Holy See.