Mimi Walters

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Chair, I yield to the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner).

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Chair, I ask unanimous consent to reclaim the time I yielded back.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of my amendment to H.R. 1865, the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act. I also want to thank my colleague, Ann Wagner, for her dedication to this issue and her efforts to bring this bill to the floor. The underlying bill will help crack down on online facilitators of human sex trafficking to end this modern-day slavery. My amendment will allow enforcement of criminal and civil sex trafficking laws against websites that knowingly facilitate online sex trafficking activities. Mr. Chairman, this issue is of significant local concern in the heart of my district in Orange County. Last year, a major international sex trafficking ring was uncovered in a quiet Irvine, California, neighborhood. Young women from overseas were sold repeatedly through the website Backpage.com. Websites like Backpage, which are essentially storefronts for the facilitation of sex trafficking, have been able to operate with impunity. My amendment, in conjunction with the underlying bill, will help prosecutors crack down on websites that knowingly facilitate or promote sex trafficking, while keeping in place safeguards for those who responsibly publish third-party content. This legislation will empower sex trafficking survivors to come forward and seek justice. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill and putting an end to the human sex trafficking industry in America, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Michigan for yielding and for his efforts to share the stories of Americans who are seeing the positive impacts of tax reform. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to set the record straight on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. From day one, misinformation about the benefits of this historic tax reform plan have circulated. The truth is that Americans across the country are receiving bonuses, pay increases, and other benefits that are helping them support their families and save for their futures. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Michigan and I started the Truth Tellers Initiative on Tax Reform to highlight the many ways this bill helps the American people. Since December, we have witnessed the positive impacts of tax reform. Small businesses are expanding, jobs are being created, retirement and benefit packages are increasing in value, and the American people are keeping more of their hard-earned paychecks. Over the coming months, Representatives from each State will have the opportunity to share how tax reform has helped their constituents.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, 2\1/2\ days ago, Democrats shut down the Federal Government in an attempt to score political points at the expense of the American people. Democrats chose to ignore the impact that this has on our Nation. Over 2 million troops go unpaid as they bravely continue to serve and protect us. Nine million American children--16,000 of whom reside in Orange County--don't have the long-term assurance of healthcare coverage. Mr. Speaker, this is no way to run a government. The vast majority of Democrats do not disagree with any part of the House-passed continuing resolution, yet they chose to shutter the Government over unrelated issues. Democrat leadership chose this reckless course of action at the expense of the American people. Open the government. Stop this reckless political ploy, and let us get on with serving the American people.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, It is my honor to rise today in recognition of Orange Park Acres, a beautiful rural community located in my district in Orange County, California. This community has stood the test of time, and stands today as a living reminder of our county's humble beginnings of horse drawn buggies, dirt roads, and miles of pristine natural landscape. Orange Park Acres serves many Orange County residents as a retreat from the noise and congestion of city life, offering miles of quiet trails to enjoy with family and friends in our own backyard. This year, Mr. Speaker, Orange Park Acres will celebrate 90 years since its establishment. Through the dedication of the community members who call this hidden gem home, I am confident that Orange Park Acres will enjoy many more years of prosperity to come. Once again, I would like to wish the community of Orange Park Acres a Happy New Year filled with celebrations and pride over the many accomplishments of the past 90 years.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, California is experiencing the worst fire season in its history. Tragically, these fires have taken 46 lives, including one of our brave Cal Fire firefighters, Cory Iverson. California has lost nearly 10,000 homes and structures since the start of the October wildfires. The need for relief and assistance is immediate. Mr. Speaker, I support the swift passage of the Emergency Disaster Aid Package, which includes legislation I introduced, the California Wildfire Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2017. These specific provisions will allow victims to deduct property damages and access retirement funds without penalty, as well as encourage charitable giving. Passage of this bill will help mitigate the burden of these devastating wildfires and allow people to begin rebuilding their lives. Mr. Speaker, California faces a long road to recovery and rebuild from this devastating fire season. I urge my colleagues to aid in that recovery by voting for the Emergency Disaster Aid Package.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4661, the United States Fire Administration, AFG, and SAFER Program Reauthorization Act of 2017. Mr. Speaker, 2017 has been the most devastating year in California wildfire history. Thousands of California residents were displaced, over 1 million acres burned, and thousands of homes and businesses were destroyed by this year's fires. Now, more than ever, it is critical that California's fire departments are fully staffed. SAFER grants provide resources for fire departments that struggle to meet their staffing needs, including Orange County Fire Authority in my district. SAFER grants will undoubtedly help fire departments across the country meet the needs of their communities, while ensuring firefighters are ready and able to assist with wildfire suppression efforts. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to offer my sincerest condolences to CAL FIRE and the family of Cory Iverson, who tragically lost his life this past week battling the Thomas fire.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. I yield to the gentleman.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise to engage the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady) in a colloquy. Madam Speaker, tax reform will result in economic growth across the country, especially in my home State of California. I thank the gentleman for his dedication to this important effort. Madam Speaker, my home State is uniquely positioned in this tax debate. Due to the liberal tax-and-spend policies enacted by the California State Legislature, my district in Orange County is one of the most expensive places to live in this country. California has the highest personal income tax rate in the country, reaching a crushing 12.3 percent. The median home price in my district is almost $800,000. California also has the highest gas tax in the country. While this bill makes important reforms that will grow our economy, I have serious concerns that some of my constituents may be worse off. As Sacramento continues to confiscate more and more of California's hard- earned paychecks, we must ensure that Washington does not put similar tax burdens on our constituents. I ask the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee to assure me that we will ensure that individuals and families in my district are protected from such unintended outcomes.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, on March 24, 1999, Laguna Woods, California officially became Orange County's 32nd city. A great deal has changed in the last 18 years, but Laguna Woods Councilman Bert Hack has remained a constant in our community. Since taking office in 1999, Bert served as Mayor five times and sat on numerous boards throughout Southern California. Bert's deep knowledge of local history and passion for service to others has made him a beloved fixture in Laguna Woods. Bert's presence on the City Council will surely be missed, but he will undoubtedly continue to serve as an inspiration for all who follow in his footsteps. I wish Bert well in retirement, and thank him for his many years of service to Laguna Woods and Orange County.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3388, the SELF DRIVE Act, which will help advance the deployment of self-driving vehicles by allowing testing of this life- changing technology. Back home in Orange County, long commutes and congestion are a way of life. Sadly, traffic accidents, often fatal, are also a daily occurrence in my district and across the country. Some predict self-driving vehicles could save 300,000 lives each decade. In Orange County alone, the deployment of this technology could save the lives of 150 people every year. I am especially proud that a piece of legislation I drafted, the MORE Act, is included in the SELF DRIVE Act. The MORE Act will help advance self-driving vehicle technology because it allows new entrants to the automobile industry, such as tech and ride-hailing companies, to test this lifesaving technology on public roads. The SELF-DRIVE Act has the potential to make our roads safer, alleviate congestion, and improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the House is considering H.R. 2430, the FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017. I note that H.R. 2430 would provide the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with new statutory authority to require the sponsor of an orphan- designated drug, which has certain similarities to an already approved drug, to demonstrate ``clinical superiority'' compared to the already approved drug as a condition of receiving seven years of market exclusivity. This authority will limit the number of drugs that are automatically entitled to seven years of exclusivity, while maintaining incentives for the development of innovative treatments for rare diseases. I also note that the bill would improve transparency of the FDA's execution of the Orphan Drug Act. Specifically, the bill directs the FDA to notify a sponsor in writing of any clinical superiority rationale on which the FDA relied in designating the sponsor's drug as an orphan drug. Further, it would require the FDA to publish its clinical superiority findings summaries for all drugs granted exclusivity based on a demonstration of clinical superiority. I urge my colleagues to support the FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 23, the GROW Act, which makes important and necessary regulatory reforms to allow for better management of water resources throughout the West. My home State of California recently suffered its worst drought on record, which significantly affected the entire State. Families, communities, workers, and businesses all made significant sacrifices to conserve water and mitigate the drought's impact. I applaud the water agencies and residents in my home district of Orange County for taking the necessary steps to adapt to the severe drought conditions. While substantial rainfall this winter effectively ended California's drought, the recent crisis was not just from a lack of rain. It is also the result of failed State and Federal policies that have mismanaged critical water resources throughout the West. The GROW Act is a crucial step toward addressing these failed policies. H.R. 23 will help California recover from this devastating drought and ensure the State is better equipped to handle future water deficiencies. In addition to addressing water delivery and water rights issues, the bill also facilitates the development of new water storage projects, which is a key water management tool for southern California water agencies. These projects are critical to a number of California communities, like Orange County, that lack the access to water even during nondrought conditions. The GROW Act removes regulatory barriers from streamlining the permitting and approval process for new infrastructure projects. Under current law, new water storage construction projects require approval from a number of Federal, State, and local agencies. This bill provides for a consolidated permitting process that would require Federal agencies to conduct coordinated reviews of non-Federal storage projects. The GROW Act will also expedite feasibility studies for much-needed Federal storage projects, some of which have been unnecessarily delayed for years.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the South Korean President's upcoming trip to the United States. This marks the first official visit to the United States by President Moon Jae-in since his election on May 9, 2017. The United States and the Republic of Korea share a close friendship based on shared values of freedom and democracy. Our Nations' cooperation has enriched our cultures, grown our economies, and strengthened our security against mutual threats. Mr. Speaker, I extend my warmest welcome to President Moon Jae-in and hope that his visit is productive and serves to strengthen the important partnership between our Nations.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize Mr. Albert Napoli's contributions to Orange County, California during his tenure as Chairman of the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce. Over the course of the last year, Albert successfully represented the 15,000 businesses and industries that call Irvine, California home. Local Chambers of Commerce support small businesses and encourage economic growth and vitality. A thriving local economy helps companies of all sizes grow and invest in their operations, which strengthens our communities. I thank Albert for his work to strengthen and expand Irvine's business community. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Dr. Tod Burnett, who is retiring as president of Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, California. Since 2008, when Dr. Burnett was named the ninth president of Saddleback, he has transformed the college into one of the top higher education institutions in California and the country. Over the last 9 years, Dr. Burnett established partnerships with local school districts, supported adult education programs, and pioneered the development of comprehensive support services for veterans, Active-Duty military, and their families. Prior to his time at Saddleback, Dr. Burnett was appointed to several government positions, serving in the administrations of a U.S. President, a Governor, and mayor. He also served as vice chancellor of the California Community Colleges, the largest higher education system in the Nation. More importantly, Dr. Burnett's involvement in the community outside of work has left a lasting impression on those who know him. He has mentored veterans, personally funded student trips to Washington, and dedicated resources to various programs throughout the region. Dr. Burnett's generosity and commitment to his community and career has transformed the lives of countless individuals at Saddleback College and throughout Orange County. Mr. Speaker, I thank Dr. Burnett for his decades of work and dedication to service of the people of California, and I wish him well during his much-deserved retirement.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my deep concern regarding the dangerous and irresponsible actions of the Kim Jong-un regime in North Korea on behalf of the people of Orange County and the Korean Americans I represent. This week marks the 85th anniversary of the founding of the North Korean Army. The North Korean military marked the occasion by conducting a large scale artillery drill in the coastal region of Wonsan on the Sea of Japan. Make no mistake, this was a direct message to our ally, South Korea, where millions, including nearly 30,000 U.S. troops, are within range of the North Korean artillery. This drill comes on the heels of North Korea's threat to destroy U.S. aircraft carriers. Mr. Speaker, North Korea is the top threat facing the American people. North Korea's efforts to extend the range of their ballistic missiles, while working to miniaturize a nuclear warhead, will eventually place the West Coast of the United States under direct nuclear threat. Intelligence experts estimate that the regime will be capable of striking the West Coast in less than 4 years. That is an unacceptable risk for U.S. national security and an intolerable threat facing the residents of Orange County. I urge my colleagues to join me in condemning the recent North Korean provocations, demanding comprehensive sanctions on the North Korean regime, and supporting all actions necessary to secure the safety of our Nation and allies.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my fellow female Members of the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives 100 years ago. A mere 4 years after Congresswoman Rankin's landmark election, three more women were elected to Congress, including Mae Ella Nolan. Congresswoman Nolan was not only the first woman from California to be elected to Congress, she was also the first woman to chair a congressional committee. Mr. Speaker, now a century after Jeannette Rankin was sworn into Congress, it is not enough to simply recognize the significant contributions women have made throughout history, we must also look to the future. We have made significant strides in this country, but more are needed. Women represent over 50 percent of the population, yet we still face significant obstacles in the workplace, academia, and elsewhere. That is why we must work together to expand opportunities, remove barriers, and empower the next generation of women. We must always remember that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us and fought for equality--equality of opportunity, not- quality of outcome. As we strive to make our country stronger for the next generation, we must continue to fight so that each woman has an equal opportunity to compete and to excel based on her abilities and accomplishments. I want to thank the co-chairs of the Congressional Women's Caucus, Congresswoman Brooks, and Congresswoman Frankel, for sponsoring this Special Order.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 92, condemning North Korea's development of multiple intercontinental ballistic missiles. The world has watched in fear as this brutal dictatorship has labored to miniaturize a nuclear warhead capable of being delivered by an ICBM. Across the 45th District, Californians are anxious about the growing threat from North Korea and its efforts to develop the capability to strike the West Coast. Orange County is home to a large Korean-American population who have spoken out forcefully against this rogue regime, fearing for the life of their Korean kin and the safety of the entire world. As I tell all concerned constituents when I am back home in California, and I will repeat here today: I share your concern and will do all I can to ensure we eliminate this threat. Mr. Speaker, just today, an interview with the most high-profile North Korean defector in two decades was released. The man's warning was dire: Kim Jong-un will use nuclear weapons at the slightest sign of an imminent threat to his rule. The time for the old strategy of strategic patience has passed. We must take serious actions now to prevent a nuclear weapon from ever threatening the United States or one of our allies. I urge the President to address this grave threat with the Chinese President at their upcoming summit. I thank my friend, the gentleman from South Carolina, for undertaking this effort, and I am proud to join him in this fight.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in memory of Anand Nallathambi, who passed away on March 2. Mr. Nallathambi epitomized the American Dream, rising from humble beginnings to become the president and CEO of CoreLogic, a global company based in Irvine. He led CoreLogic from its 2010 launch as a public company and transformed it into a high-performing leader in the housing market, employing over 5,000 Americans. Beyond his business leadership, Mr. Nallathambi volunteered his time generously with many organizations, including Operation HOPE and Cal State Fullerton. He will long be remembered for his outstanding leadership, warm personality, integrity, devotion to his family and faith, and service to the community. Please join me in celebrating the life of Mr. Nallathambi.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Paul Glaab who passed away on January 26. Paul's career in public service began in the 1980s when he worked for the Republican caucus in the California State assembly on business, transportation, and housing issues. He continued to serve two California Governors in the State's Division of Codes and Standards and the Department of Transportation. He then served on the board of the Orange County Transportation Authority and later as the board's chair. Notably, he served two terms as Laguna Niguel's mayor. Paul was a true public servant, and he will be missed by everyone in the Orange County community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Janice, his daughter Molly, and the rest of his family. We join them in their mourning and hope that they will find comfort in knowing that Paul's legacy of leadership will live on for years to come.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Amendment VI: ``In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defence.''