Bruce Westerman

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Roe and Mr. Valadao for their strong leadership on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act. Our Nation's warfighters are told they will receive benefits and coverage through the VA because of their service, but reality shows this has not always been the case, as with Agent Orange. This legislation would correct the issue by providing rightly earned benefits to men and women who were exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange during their time of service. Also included in the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act is language from my bipartisan bill, H.R. 4843, that provides coverage for children with spina bifida due to a parent's exposure to Agent Orange. I thank Bill Rhodes, a veteran in my district, who has advocated tirelessly for his fellow veterans. I think it is pretty cut and dry: if you served America through the Armed Forces and were exposed to Agent Orange, our grateful country should cover the medical expenses. Our veterans make great sacrifice, and they deserve the best benefits and care possible. The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act is a great step toward providing these benefits, and I commend Chairman Roe and the Veterans' Affairs Committee for their work to make this legislation a reality for our veterans.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Louisiana for hosting this. Also, it is an honor to follow my three colleagues from Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the benefits of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, specifically in the Fourth District of Arkansas. One of the greatest advantages that H.R. 1 provides residents of Arkansas' Fourth District is an increased standard deduction of $12,000 for single filers and $24,000 for joint filers. In my district, 81.5 percent of residents choose the standard deduction when filing their taxes, and they will now be taxed on a smaller portion of their income. In addition, the child tax credit has been doubled to $2,000 and made partially refundable, a boost for low- income families. Those who itemize their deductions will find most of their previous options still available, including the interest deduction for most mortgages, capital gains deductions, and deductions for charitable contributions. An overwhelming number of low- and middle-income Arkansans have benefited from the first major tax reform in 36 years. At the same time, these changes have simplified our complex tax laws and encouraged businesses of all sizes to invest in their communities. Many have committed to increasing wages, paying bonuses to employees, and reinvesting in American jobs and infrastructure, as my colleagues have previously mentioned. Businesses in Arkansas are thriving, and the biggest concern that I hear right now are where do they find labor. We have got a low unemployment rate and there is a huge competition for labor in my district. H.R. 1 also maintained the Federal historic tax credit that was originally championed by Ronald Reagan. Cities, like my hometown of Hot Springs, have relied on the historic tax credit to revitalize downtowns and create jobs. This tax credit has been used to refurbish, revitalize, and reinvigorate properties and communities across the Fourth District of Arkansas and across the country. This not only brings economic prosperity back to these towns and back to these historic areas, but it allows us to keep our history alive for future generations. Passage of tax cuts and the continuation of the Historic Tax Credit will continue to propel the economy of Arkansas and the country forward. I am proud to have supported it and proud to stand up with my colleagues from The Natural State and around the country to praise its benefits.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I extend my congratulations to the students of Arkansas' Fourth Congressional District who were nominated and accepted appointments of our nation's service academies this year. Students Parker Davis of Arkadelphia (United States Air Force Academy), Karrington Evans of Scranton (United States Naval Academy), Christina Harris of Malvern (United States Naval Academy Preparatory School), Clayton Nelson of Crossett (United States Naval Academy Preparatory School), Andrew Pequignot of Hot Springs (United States Merchant Marine Academy), Gavin Shapiro of White Hall (United States Military Academy), and Zachary Snook of Dardanelle (United States Naval Academy) exemplify the character and leadership abilities which will make them successful as they pursue careers in the Armed Forces.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, due to attending the graduation of my eldest son, Eli Westerman, from Yale University, I was unable to attend votes on Monday, May 21, 2018. Had I been present in the House of Representatives, I would have voted Aye on Roll Call No. 207 (H.R. 4830--SIT-REP Act); Roll Call No. 208 (H.R. 4451--Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Programs Reauthorization Act); and Roll Call No. 209 (H.R. 3832--Veterans Opioid Abuse Prevention).

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. My amendment is simple. It calls for the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management to report back on the progress they are making to address the problem of catastrophic wildfires, a problem that has continued to get worse year after year under the current program. Our current forest management process took decades of mismanagement, inaction, and neglect to create. We have essentially slowly and methodically loved our trees to death on much of our Federal lands. It will take decades to reverse the effects this mismanagement has had on our forests, during which time we will likely see more major, devastating wildfires. This amendment simply requires our Federal agencies addressing this issue to report back on how they are doing, not only so Congress can provide oversight on their progress but so the American people can know how their Federal Government is doing so that we can measure, monitor, and demand accountability. Mr. Chairman, I think I speak for this entire Chamber when I say that our goal is to reduce the effects of wildfires and be transparent for the American people each step of the way. My amendment promotes transparency and accountability as we work towards this goal. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I just want to say this amendment ensures that we prioritize the long-term health of our forest and we equip the Forest Service with the tools they need to execute a plan. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support the sustained health of our Nation's forests, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Chair, this amendment does not sidestep NEPA, it does not weaken NEPA, it just simply says you have to evaluate the alternative of doing nothing. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Tipton).

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Chair, this bill, again, does not sidestep any environmental activity. It just simply says that we have to evaluate the do-nothing option and what the effects to the forest are from that. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar).

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Chair, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, my amendment promotes collaborative forest management, cuts red tape, and encourages the Forest Service to plan for the long- term health of our Nation's forests. Mr. Chair, if we were to go to the doctor and we had cancer and the doctor offered a treatment for that cancer but decided it might not be in our best interests, we wouldn't just leave. We would want to find out what the best treatment was. What is happening in our national forests is, if one plan is rejected, we do nothing, and we don't treat the disease of mismanagement that is currently happening in our forests. Implementing sound, scientifically-based management reforms is necessary to address the growing economic and environmental threats of catastrophic wildfire. Prevention through active management is the best medicine to make our forests healthy. By requiring environmental analysis of a collaboratively developed proposal to be weighed against a ``no action'' alternative--the impacts of doing nothing on forest health and wildfire risk--this amendment ensures that taxpayer dollars are spent only on analysis and project planning that protects our forests' long-term health. Further, my amendment ensures that long-term forest health is considered by the courts when granting an injunction on critical forest management activities. This amendment previously received bipartisan support in the House as part of the Resilient Federal Forests Act. It has no cost to the American taxpayer and is supported by a variety of organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Association of Counties, the National Association of Home Builders, and more. Mr. Chair, inaction itself is a forest management decision. Standing by and doing nothing is the reason we continue to watch our forests burn. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I commend the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Herrera Beutler) for her leadership on this issue. Mr. Chairman, the amendment that is at the desk directs a portion of revenue from stewardship contracting toward individual counties for further investment in roads, schools, and the like. This amendment has no effect on in-kind contributions or exchanges of timber for goods or services provided. This amendment only affects the rare instance where stewardship contracts are exchanged for cash. Per the 1908 Forest Service revenue-sharing law, counties are entitled to 25 percent of all timber receipts sold from Federal lands within their borders. This amendment simply ensures that if it looks like a timber sale, where timber is exchanged for cash, counties receive the same share they would if the Forest Service had sold the timber outright. The argument that this amendment siphons off money from the Forest Service is false. This amendment does not affect or reduce the reinvestment from in-kind contributions. Furthermore, little investment can be made in our Nation's forest at all if there are no local communities to cultivate the investment. This amendment ensures that counties can continue to invest in their forests and their children's future, both by protecting the good work of stewardship contracting and by ensuring that our rural counties get their fair share. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support a fair share for rural communities.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff's historic ROTC officer program. In 1968, the United States Department of the Army began holding classes under the Reserve Officers Training Corp at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Since the establishment of the Golden Lion Battalion, more than 500 Army officers have received their commission. Students here learn many skills including teamwork, critical thinking, leadership theory, time management, and problem solving making them effective leaders in our Armed Forces. I take this time to thank the alumni of the Golden Lion Battalion for their years of service, and for their continued commitment to training the next generation of leaders enrolled in the ROTC program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible work done by the Mulberry River Society to restore the High Bank and Indian Creek access points on the nationally-designated Wild and Scenic Mulberry River. The river, which runs through the Fourth Congressional District's northwest counties, is the result of collaborative efforts by the Mulberry River Society, U.S. Forest Service, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and the Arkansas Canoe Club. The resulting restoration will allow the Mulberry River to continue as a recreation spot for residents and visitors alike for decades to come. I congratulate the Mulberry River Society on its restoration and look forward to marking the occasion in person on Friday, April 20, 2018 at its 50th Anniversary Celebration of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act on the banks of the Mulberry River.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Sergeant Jack Coleman Cook of Hot Springs, Arkansas, for his heroic actions in World War II. Sergeant Cook was a ball turret gunner on a B- 17 Flying Fortress named the Challenger. On February 3, 1945, the 384th Bomb Group participated in a mission over Berlin. During the mission, the Challenger was hit by flak, damaging multiple engines, gas tanks, and the fuselage, but left the crew unharmed. On the return journey home, the plane began losing altitude and crash-landed in the frigid North Sea. The crewmembers abandoned the aircraft and boarded two life rafts but became separated. Navigator Edward Field, a crewmember who stayed in the water, began to push his raft towards the other raft but became numb and said that he could no longer hold on. Sergeant Cook got into the water so the crew's navigator could get out of the cold sea and take his spot in the raft. The sergeant then swam for 45 minutes until they reached the second raft. Shortly afterward, air-sea rescue located the crew, but Sergeant Cook had little life left in him, and he passed away on the boat. It is with great gratitude and respect that I honor Jack Coleman Cook. Sergeant Cook is a true American hero. He selflessly gave his life for his fellow man, and for this, we remember him more than 70 years later.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sergeant Jack Coleman Cook of Hot Springs, Arkansas, for his heroic actions in World War II when he selflessly sacrificed his own life to save his fellow airmen. Sergeant Cook was a ball turret gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress, the ``Challenger,'' with the 384th Bomb Group. On February 3, 1945, the 384th Bomb Group participated in a mission to bomb the Tempelhof Railroad Marshalling Yards in Berlin. During the mission, the Challenger was hit by flak, damaging multiple engines, gas tanks, and the fuselage, but left the crew unharmed. As they made their way back to base in England, their plane began losing altitude and crash landed in the frigid North Sea. As soon as the plane hit the water, the crew members proceeded to abandon the aircraft and pull out the two life rafts, but only one fully inflated. The pilot and radio operator swam for the partially inflated raft, but the pilot succumbed to the cold and passed away, and the radio operator was dragged into the sea where he was lost. The rest of the crew swam for the closer, fully inflated raft. Sergeant Cook, the first to make it, helped four other crewmembers into the overcrowded raft, while two men stayed in the water. Edward Field, the navigator who stayed in the water, began to push their raft towards the second raft. After thirty minutes in the water, Edward Field became numb, and said that he could no longer hold on. Jack Coleman Cook got into the water so Edward Field could take his spot in the raft, where he continuously swam for forty-five minutes until they reached the second raft. Shortly after, Air-Sea rescue reached their position, but Sergeant Cook had little life left in him, and he passed away on the boat. Sergeant Cook selflessly sacrificed his own life so Edward Field and his fellow crewmembers could live. Those men returned to duty only four weeks after the crash, where they bravely fought through the rest of the war. Jack Coleman Cook is a true American hero who showed bravery and courage in a time of great circumstance. He gave his life for his fellow man, and for this, we remember him over seventy years later. It is with great pride that I honor Jack Coleman Cook.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Hot Springs National Park Superintendent Josie Fernandez on a well-earned retirement. A fixture in the Hot Springs community for more than a decade, Josie poured her heart and soul into her work as superintendent of one of America's oldest national parks. She led efforts to restore historic bathhouses along Central Avenue, bringing life to the core of Hot Springs National Park while raising needed revenue. Her work was both innovative and welcome by the community. In addition to restoration efforts, Josie has joined with community leaders and groups to make Hot Springs National Park a true partner in the greater Hot Springs community. When she retires, Josie will end more than a decade of service to the Hot Springs community and a quarter century of service to the Parks Service. Her service to our country extends beyond the Parks Service, having retired as a colonel in the Air Force Reserve. I thank Josie for her dedication and wish her well as she begins her next journey.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of Jim Fram, who recently retired from his role as president and CEO of the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and the Hot Springs Metro Partnership. A dedicated professional, Jim brought more than 30 years of economic development experience with him to Hot Springs, having previously served in communities large and small from Lincoln, Nebraska, to Tulsa, Oklahoma. His expertise was vital as Hot Springs and Garland County looked to revitalize its downtown and expand its economic base. Jim's support of businesses large and small has paid off. The Garland County economy has grown under his stewardship of the Chamber. I thank him for his dedication to my hometown and I wish him well in his next endeavor.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I, too, rise in support of pro-life pregnancy centers, not only in the Fourth District of Arkansas but all across our country. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Maryland, Dr. Harris, and my colleague Mr. LaMalfa from California for hosting this important time so that we can come together and talk about the great work that these crisis pregnancy centers do. In my hometown of Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 1988, a crisis pregnancy center was formed to assist young parents and to protect innocent lives. In the last 30 years, Change Point Pregnancy Center has saved the lives of 2,821 babies by offering and advocating for alternatives to abortion. This center is comprised of compassionate volunteers and staff who invest significant time and energy in our posterity, making a positive difference for our future. Mr. Speaker, I know firsthand the quality of these volunteers because my own mother was one of them in the early years of the crisis pregnancy center, when it was just getting off the ground. In addition to free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds, Change Point offers diapers, wipes, and formula through their Earn While You Learn program, which offers supplies to families who attend parenting classes at the center. Families and churches like mine have been vital in supporting Change Point Pregnancy Center, not only by volunteering but also by donating supplies and baby bottles full of change to help fund the center. Change Point has taught more than 10,000 classes for both mothers and fathers. As Mr. Harris mentioned, these centers are not only for mothers, but they also help fathers and they help parents and families. They give families the tools to succeed rather than the stigma that burdens them. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support Change Point in their continued mission to provide care and support to families in the Fourth District of Arkansas, and I applaud these centers not only from my home State but all across the country for the great work that they are doing.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and ministry of Billy Graham. Billy Graham shared a simple message of the good news of salvation through Jesus. He never tired nor wavered from the story of how, as humans, we all have a relationship problem with God because of sin in our lives. But God loves us so much that He doesn't give up on us. In fact, God has offered us an escape from the punishment due for our sin through the free gift of salvation, a gift that we can receive but we cannot earn because Jesus paid the price for our sins when He gave his life on the cross. Jesus overcame death; and through faith in Christ, we can, too. Billy Graham shared this message out of a deep love for God and his fellow man. Not for fame. Not for fortune. I thank God for the ministry of Billy Graham and the example he lived. May God comfort his family and a grateful nation as we mourn his loss, and may we never tire of sharing the good news of Christ.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to recognize a true American hero. Marvin Hill of Dierks, Arkansas, is a 103-year-old veteran of World War II. On Tuesday, January 30, the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System will recognize Mr. Hill with a commemorative coin in honor of his service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States. I ask the people of Arkansas to join the VA and myself in honoring Mr. Hill and thanking him for fighting in defense of freedom.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to recognize a true American hero. Marvin Hill of Dierks, Arkansas, is a 103-year-old veteran of World War II. On Tuesday, January 30, the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System will recognize Mr. Dierks with a commemorative coin in honor of his service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States. I ask the people of Arkansas to join the VA and myself in honoring Mr. Dierks and thanking him for fighting in defense of freedom

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a true patriot and friend. James Cody Burkham of Hope, Arkansas, has faithfully served in my office as a legislative correspondent and most recently as a legislative assistant. He previously served on my congressional campaign, for a combination of four years on my staff. Whether it was traveling the farms of the Fourth Congressional District of Arkansas to meet with cattle ranchers or taking a meeting with postal workers, Cody put in the long hours to meet the needs of his fellow Arkansans. When I learned Cody would take a new position that would return him to our beloved Natural State, I felt sadness for the people of the Fourth District to lose Cody's hard work and persistence. At the same time, I felt happiness and joy for him as he begins the next chapter of his life. I give Cody thanks for his dedication during these four years and wish him the best.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a truly talented group of students whose artistic abilities are on display here in our Nation's Capital. Students from Washington Middle School and the South Arkansas Arts Center in El Dorado, Arkansas, designed ornaments adorning this year's Arkansas State Christmas tree on the Ellipse here in Washington, D.C. The students used colored pencils, paper, markers, and glitter to create beautiful pieces of art which represent Arkansas' natural resources and economy. I congratulate these students on highlighting the best of the Natural State in a truly wonderful way. I wish them, their families, and all of the Fourth District of Arkansas a Merry Christmas filled with joy and smiles, like I felt when I saw this remarkable art from home.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a truly remarkable family from the Fourth Congressional District of Arkansas. The Alston family from Mena was recently named Arkansas Farm Family of the Year. The Holly Springs Homestead, run by Luke and Deedee Alston, is a diverse farm of Angus cattle, chicken houses, and a large variety of fruits and vegetables grown at its location in Polk County. Not only is the family--which includes sons Ryan and Drey--active in traditional farming, but the Alstons are also a leader in Arkansas agritourism, with a variety of crops bringing families to the Holly Springs Homestead. Their work supports the Polk County economy and brings pride to their friends and neighbors. I send my congratulations to the Alston family on this prestigious honor, as well as all the county farm family winners across Arkansas.