Bonnie Watson Coleman

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Elena Boal--a remarkable young woman who, this year, received the 2017 Congressional Gold Medal. A resident of Princeton Junction, Ms. Boal has demonstrated an immeasurable passion for theater and the arts. A crew member for a number of theater productions, buildings sets, and working backstage on shows she has made it her mission to elevate the importance of arts in her own community. She continues to give back to youth that will become our nation's future leaders by volunteering with the West Windsor- Plainsboro Alliance for the prevention of alcoholism and drug abuse and through Urban Promise Trenton serves as a tutor at the Trenton Free Public Library. Her dedication to greater good, devotion to her local community and the improvement of the lives of those around her speak to her character and is to be admired While being a pillar of hope and progress for her community--Ms. Boal remained committed to being a well-rounded student athlete as a member of the lacrosse team and skilled sailor, successfully charting a course through the Chesapeake Bay. Beyond the Congressional Gold Medal Award program, extraordinary individuals like Ms. Boal exemplify the best and brightest of our nation's future. As a resident of New Jersey's 12th congressional district, I couldn't be more proud of her for taking up such a difficult challenge and making a positive change for themselves and their community. Mr. Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in congratulating Ms. Boal on her amazing accomplishment.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Congresswoman so much for her leadership and this Special Order hour and considering this subject matter that we are going to discuss. I want to talk a little bit about something that has sort of been my observation and my experiences for a very long period of time and I think that are actually exacerbated by this Presidency that we currently have in this House. Let me, by way of association, just comment positively to the remarks of my colleague and the former speaker, Hakeem Jeffries from New York. I entitled my remarks ``From the Cradle to the Grave.'' From the cradle to the grave, Black people in America are required to be resilient, courteous, and persistent. The rules are always different. From the cradle to the grave, Black people in America must be comfortable and confident in ourselves, but only so much so that we do not intimidate or aggravate. From the cradle to the grave, Black people in America are told our plight, our struggle, and our sacrifice is a mere fantasy in post- racial America while we witness the reality of institutional racism, conscious discrimination, and our rich history erased or appropriated. From cradle to grave, Black people in America experience this racism and discrimination walking home from the corner store eating a pack of Skittles, listening to music at a gas station, or simply sitting in our neighborhood park. We experience this racism and discrimination showing up to school in our natural hairstyles, shopping in our favorite stores, or even just showing up to work--including the Senate and the House of Representatives. Last Wednesday, it was reported that Black troops are far more likely than their White counterparts to face court-martial or other forms of military punishment. National data shows us that Black girls are 5.5 times more likely to be suspended from school than White girls. That rate actually balloons in my State of New Jersey to 8.5 percent. More than 60 years after Brown v. Board of Education, school systems in the United States are still separate and unequal. As of 2014, California had 31 open desegregation cases. In 2016, a Presidential candidate ran a campaign on divisive rhetoric that targeted our communities, our well-being, and our safe spaces. It only gets worse. From the cradle to the grave, we are told to calm down, sit down, and be courteous and humble. From the cradle to the grave, the experiences, the challenges, the stories, our history, and even our very being are kept out of boardrooms, classrooms, voting booths, department stores, history books, movie screens, television scripts, and the like. But let me just tell you that, from the cradle to the grave, we are built to persevere, we are strengthened to overcome, we are born to lead, we are committed to uplift, and we are fully equipped to soar with weights on our shoulders even in these times and even under this Presidency. And guess what. We do.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Madam Speaker, in the wake of the financial crisis, 7.8 million American consumers lost their homes through foreclosure. The failure to have a responsible regulatory environment also resulted in taxpayers paying $7 trillion to bail out financial institutions through loans and, according to some reports, an additional $22 trillion through the Federal Government's purchase of assets. My home State of New Jersey was severely impacted by this crisis and still feeling the effects. So this is personal. The Financial CHOICE Act is the wrong choice for Americans. This bill guts many of the commonsense protections that are outlined in Dodd- Frank and severely restricts the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau from doing its job. The ``Wrong'' CHOICE Act gives Wall Street a hand while ignoring the needs of hardworking Americans. It will allow predatory lending practices to go unchecked and profiteers on Wall Street to skirt consequences. Wall Street reform and other Democratic policies have given our country the strongest consumer protections in history. I will continue to stand up for hardworking Americans and reject the ``Wrong'' CHOICE Act before Republicans pave the way back to the dark days of the financial crisis.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and celebrate the 90th birthday of Lady Betty Coles of Trenton, New Jersey. She was wonderfully celebrated this weekend at a party attended by over 100 family members and friends, thanks to her daughter and son-in-law, Tracy and Robert Ross. Lady Coles has distinguished her family, church, and community with countless years of dedicated service, love, and leadership by example. She has enriched our community as charter member of the Epsilon Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha since 1952, and continues her years of service as a member of Shiloh Baptist Church. Personally, I am grateful for her friendship, her stewardship, her mentorship, her leadership, and her dedication to not only New Jersey, but our global community. May God continue to bless Lady Coles on this milestone year, and we are forever grateful to Him, having sent her our way.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, New Jersey's 12th Congressional District lost a man of great strength and valor. We lost a husband, a father, an activist. For many others, we lost a great friend. Lonny Kaplan and I met in the 1970s and long maintained a friendship of love and mutual respect. He is not only a statesman, but a hero. His commitment to political activism, especially towards pro-Israel causes, made him instrumental in strengthening the relationship between the United States and Israel. Lonny was a respected leader in the Jewish community both here in the state and nationally, and will long be revered by those who had the honor to know him. The loss we feel as a congressional district and as a nation is deep, but I know that Lonny will never be forgotten by the countless lives that he touched.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is our honor to congratulate Leon J. Zimmerman of Trenton, New Jersey on his retirement after a 50 year career spanning governmental affairs, public relations, journalism, and communications. Operating his own consulting firm for 44 years, Mr. Zimmerman was a highly regarded veteran of the New Jersey state lobbying corps. During his career, he represented several clients, including government agencies, businesses, private corporations, and trade associations. He also represented clients from industries like insurance, harness racing, and security alarms. One of these was the Professional Insurance Agents of New Jersey (PlANJ), which he represented for 43 years. PlANJ will be honoring Mr. Zimmerman at their convention in June 2017. Moreover, prior to starting his own public relations firm, Mr. Zimmerman was a national award-winning journalist for more than 12 years with the Bergen Record. Throughout his career, Mr. Zimmerman held several positions and received numerous accolades. From his service to the insurance industry, he was recognized with the PlANJ Legislative Award in 1990 and received PlANJ's Distinguished Insurance Service Award in 1998--the first time this award was presented to an individual who was not an insurance industry official. During his work on harness racing, he served as President of the North American Harness Publicists Association, President and Chairman of the U.S. Harness Writers Association, and the founding President of the Association's New Jersey Chapter. He also received the Harness Horsemen International Media Award in 2006, North American Harness Publicists Golden Pen Award in 2000, and the U.S. Harness Writers Member of the Year Award in 1998 and 2011. In addition, for his work in the security alarm industry, Mr. Zimmerman was recognized with the NJ Burglar and Fire Alarm Association President's Award in 1992 and 2004, and he was honored with the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association Executive Director of the Year Award in 1992. Mr. Zimmerman was also involved in other professional and civic activities. For example, he served as President of the New Jersey Legislative Correspondents Club, and he was a speaker for courses and seminars in high schools and universities. In addition, Mr. Zimmerman was an advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He served on the Governor's Council on the Prevention of Developmental Disabilities, and he was a member of the Board of Trustees of Bancroft, a leading nonprofit, and of the Association for the Advancement of the Mentally Handicapped, Mercer County Chapter. He was also Executive Committee member and Chairman of Committees on Legislation and Advocacy for the New Jersey State Developmental Disabilities Council. Mr. Speaker, we sincerely hope that our colleagues will join us in congratulating Mr. Zimmerman on his retirement after his illustrious career and thanking him for his service to the public and his community in New Jersey.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I want to announce that my foster shadow, Shaderra Riddick, who is a Rutgers student studying anthropology, is with me today in the gallery. I am delighted to have her with me, and I offer these remarks on her behalf. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask a simple question to my colleagues here who support President Trump's budget proposal: What kind of America do you envision? What kind of America do you envision when you support proposed tax plans that line the pockets of Wall Street investors, yet raise taxes for the working men and women struggling to make ends meet. What kind of America do you envision when you support rewarding corporations that willfully and admittedly evade American tax laws by stashing profits overseas and, even with proposed tax amenities, still punish their rank-and-file employees that can't save because they are paid below a living wage? What kind of America do you envision when you proudly support the elimination of Federal agencies that protect our workers from discrimination or subject our children to an environment that is unhealthy and harmful to their health? The President's budget proposal released yesterday is built on heartless cuts to Medicaid; SNAP; Social Security disability insurance benefits; additional income for poor seniors, disabled adults, and children; and public assistance for needy families. It threatens regular Americans' ability to buy a home and the ability for that home to even be an investment worth the risk. Mr. Speaker, sadly, this budget is the latest in a series of actions that begs the question: What kind of America do my Republican colleagues and the President envision for our future? One where the investor class thrives, but the majority of working-class Americans suffer? One where our environment provides temporary profits, but irreparable harm? One where we make a promise to seniors while they work hard to build and sustain our economy, but, upon retirement, snatch away their investments, along with any safety net? Mr. Speaker, I envision a different America. I envision an America where an honest day's work, no matter where you clock in, deserves a living wage. I envision an America where my granddaughter, Kamryn, will make the same amount as your grandson for the same work. I envision an America where we double down on our investment in public education, and where we double down on our investment in this country's future. I envision a country where commonsense gun legislation limits the opportunity for tragedy to strike in our schools and churches at the hands of hatred and bigotry. The America I am working toward is an America that celebrates the richness of our diversity, seeks to right past wrongs, an America to be envied. Mr. Speaker, I refuse to concede that we were too divided along this aisle that we can't create new, good-paying jobs, educate our kids, train our workers, create jobs for those workers, and create an America ripe with new opportunity for all. Mr. Speaker, the America I envision, the America I believe in, the America that we deserve is within our reach. Unfortunately, that America is threatened, ignored, and displaced with this President's budget proposal. So, again, I ask this question of the President and of my Republican colleagues who will support this callous and shameful budget proposal: What kind of America do you envision, and when will you stand up and fight for the America we all deserve?

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for the opportunity to discuss this bill, and I want to thank the colleague from across the aisle here who has illuminated the future as it relates to undertaking this whole issue. It is with that in mind that I want to speak to the value of the use of official time. While I am not concerned so much about the collection of the information as to what is happening, I am concerned with how it is being translated and will be used in the future. For decades, both Republicans and Democrats alike have strongly supported the use of official time because it streamlines the efficiency and quality of government. We should be thanking our union representatives who use official time to address workplace problems and operational issues within our government. Within our Federal Government, official time leads to swift conflict resolutions that would otherwise require costly litigation, improves the relationship between labor and management, and protects whistleblowers who have exposed government waste and abuse. In some cases, it has even saved lives, as in the issue of AFGE local president Kathleen Dahl, when there was a breakout of Legionnaires' disease. Furthermore, official time costs one-tenth of 1 percent of the cost of salaries and benefits for all Federal employees. That is a fraction of employee compensation. Ultimately, it saves taxpayers dollars and ensures transparency. So while we may be discussing today simply a bill that will record the time that is spent in such a noble and important function, it is simply a precursor to the disparaging of union workers and Federal workers as we move forward. Mr. Speaker, I oppose any movement in that direction.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Chris Rodriguez, and to commemorate his service to the people our state as Director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security. Director Rodriguez is a dedicated public servant who has worked tirelessly in the intelligence field to protect and serve New Jersey and the American people. Director Chris Rodriguez has served in multiple capacities in the U.S. Federal Government including serving more than a decade in the Central Intelligence Agency and the U.S. Department of State. He was a crucial member of the Counterterrorism Center following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 where he collaborated with federal, state, and local levels to identify and counter potential threats to the United States. Director Chris Rodriguez began working for the people of New Jersey in 2011 where he oversaw the Department of Law and Public Safety, the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Homeland Security and Preparedness. Director Chris Rodriguez honorably served our country both at home and abroad. We owe a tremendous debt to our Veterans who have served in defense of our great nation, for their sacrifices have allowed the United States of America to serve as a beacon for the promise of liberty. I thank Director Christopher Rodriguez for his many years of service to the people of New Jersey and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the Congresswoman for having this Special Order to address this issue and for continuing to be such a leader on behalf of this great democracy that we have. Although I was not in Congress when this AUMF was established, more than 15 years later, it is clear this authorization is not designed for this endless and perpetual war on terror. I commend the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee) for her bravery and her unwavering stance for what is right. Sadly, what the gentlewoman feared is now our reality. Just today, U.S. forces participated in an airstrike against the Assad regime under the umbrella of the same AUMF. This is just the latest example of this virtual endless war we are able to wage in the Middle East and beyond. As of January 2013, DOD reported 7,008 U.S. military deaths in the war on terror in addition to the over 50,000 that have been wounded. This does not include the huge numbers of civilians killed and families that have been impacted by the U.S. military machine. This is compounded by the harsh reality that, according to Pentagon statistics, suicide, not combat, is the leading killer of U.S. troops deployed to the Middle East to fight Islamic State militants. Between 2001 and 2010, the rate of suicide in the military has doubled. When we decide to commit our troops to our mission, it needs to be with clear goals and the explicit approval of Congress, approval that aligns with the goals of the administration and the Commander in Chief. Anything less puts personnel at risk, draining vital resources, finances, and our military. We are taking our military away from readiness everywhere. We are making tactical and deliberate actions less feasible by spreading our military capacity thin. We are not doing our job if we allow carte blanche to any President to wage a nebulous war. This is not just a bipartisan issue, this is an American issue. I have voted against funding bills that maintain operations under the 2001 AUMF under the previous administration and feel no differently today. Quite frankly, based on the actions of this President, I have even less confidence that he has a reasonable and targeted plan to deal with such a complex military issue. We need a deliberate process. We need a new AUMF that establishes strict parameters, attainable goals, and, most importantly, accountability. There is a real cost here, a human cost here; so whether it is an additional 1 or 1,000, our troops demand more, our allies demand more, and this country of ours deserves more.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, this year, the American Society of Civil Engineers once again gave America's infrastructure a D-plus rating. During Infrastructure Week, I must highlight the need for action and investment in our Nation's infrastructure. Our roads, bridges, and waterways are neither Republican nor Democrat; they belong to all of us. From the New Deal to the Federal interstate highways, infrastructure projects have traditionally enjoyed broad bipartisan support and leadership. Improving and maintaining our 21st century transportation system creates access and opportunities for all, allowing for job creation, economic growth, and fostering innovation. As we continue to wait for the President to put forth a plan and true efforts toward investment in our Nation's crumbling infrastructure, we bear witness to hundreds of millions of dollars in lost economic productivity and a threat to the safety and security of our Nation. It is time to build. It is time to invest in America.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow marks President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office. While President Trump has claimed that this is the most productive any President has been, he has not met his own deadlines that were set during his campaign and subsequent victory. Since day one, this administration has pursued only works that represent the detriment to this country and our democracy. He has made outlandish, hateful, and harmful healthcare proposals. He has plans to gut the Federal budget in exchange for tax cuts for his wealthy friends. He has rolled back the progress made by the Department of Justice under the previous administration. He and his family continue to make money off of his position, and he has used the Congressional Review Act to roll back protections for our environment, public education, gun safety, and women's rights. We are 100 days in, and we have over 4,000 more days to go. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, and the residents of New Jersey's 12th Congressional District, we are counting down those days.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the talent and hard work of the youth in New Jersey's 12th District. This past weekend, a group of East Brunswick High School students were recognized as the best team from the Northeast in the We the People competition. Competing against more than 1,200 students, this team demonstrated knowledge of constitutional principles in both historical and contemporary contexts. This weekend, students from John Witherspoon Middle School of Princeton and West Windsor-Plainsboro South High School will come to Washington to compete in the final round of the 2017 National Science Bowl. To all of these students: The guidance of your teachers, Alan Brodman, Bill Merritt, and Sunila Sharma, and your hard work is evident, and New Jersey's 12th District is very proud of you. It is an honor to represent a district that continues to emphasize the importance of STEM and civic education, and encourage our Nation's youth to thrive.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, Judge Neil Gorsuch's lifelong appointment to the Supreme Court would have serious consequences for all Americans, but especially the health and well-being of African- American women. In 2013, by ruling that corporations have the right to deny access to contraceptives on employer-sponsored health insurance plans, Judge Gorsuch proved that he believes the reproductive decisions of women nationwide can and should impact their livelihood. This is problematic and troubling. For Black women and so many women across the world, birth control is a matter of health and life. We rely on contraception to treat endometriosis, manage uterine fibroids, unplanned pregnancies, and quell PMS symptoms. In 2013, Judge Neil Gorsuch made the decision that his overarching commitment to religious freedom as a constitutional and statutory right is more important than lifesaving reproductive care. In 2013, he proved he should not be confirmed to the United States Supreme Court. For this reason and a host of others, I implore my colleagues in the Senate to take all available steps to oppose Judge Gorsuch's nomination.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Garamendi for sponsoring this moment that we can speak about such important issues. In a budget proposal purported to ``make America great again,'' President Trump has put forth a request to cut $5.8 billion from the National Institutes of Health for fiscal year 2018. Mr. Speaker, there is absolutely nothing great about that. These cuts would reverse growth for the agency that President Obama boosted its budget by $2 billion in 2016 and 2017. These cuts would forfeit American dominance in a sector where we are global leaders. In New Jersey's 12th District, Princeton University received close to $46 million in NIH grants, and the College of New Jersey received around $400,000 to continue our Nation's stature at the forefront of medical breakthroughs. The cuts proposed would, in effect, stunt good and essential medical research, lifesaving research. Unlike what we have seen from this administration, the NIH has produced results that improve the health and livelihood of the American people. For example, there is no widely available cure for sickle cell anemia. While some children have been successfully treated with blood stem cell and/or bone marrow transplants, this approach was thought to be too toxic for adults. However, NIH researchers successfully treated adults with severe sickle cell disease using a modified stem cell transplant approach that does not require extensive immune-suppressing drugs. After receiving an experimental spinal stimulation therapy from a team of NIH-funded researchers, four young men paralyzed due to spinal cord injuries were able to regain control of some movement, promising results for treating these devastating injuries. NIH-supported researchers designed a protocol to transform human stem cells into beta cells that produce insulin and respond to glucose. That finding could lead to new stem cell-based therapies to treat diabetes in patients of all ages, a disease that is so prevalent in our society. The specific damage that occurs in affected brain tissue after a concussion has not been widely well understood. A study by NIH researchers provided insight into the damage caused by mild traumatic brain injuries and suggested approaches for reducing its harmful effects. It has even been reported that these draconian cuts will slow research that could lead to new ways to prevent and treat cancer, the Nation's number two killer, which claimed the lives of almost 600,000 Americans just last year and which, incidentally, claimed the lives of both of my parents. The evidence is overwhelming, and these are the facts. I just want to know when this President and his supporters here in Congress will set aside budget gimmicks and put Americans, our health and our well-being, first.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, as the gentlewoman from New Jersey said, my colleagues and I will show and prove our true intentions in occupying our seats here in Congress. We will have the chance to stand with the 24 million Americans who have health coverage thanks to the Affordable Care Act or cosign billion-dollar tax cuts to the wealthy. We will have the chance to reject the attacks on the health of women and older Americans or force Americans to pay more for less. We will have the chance to choose between what is best for all or what is best for some. We will choose between right and wrong. Changes to the current law proposed in the un-American Health Care Act, also known as TrumpCare, could result in cuts to benefits, increased costs, or reduced coverage for older Americans. According to the 2016 Medicare Trustees Report, the Medicare part A trust fund is solvent until 2028. This is 11 years longer than predicted in 2009, due in large part to the changes made in the ACA. Repealing the additional 0.9 percent payroll tax on high-income workers, as proposed in this new bill, would remove $117.3 billion from the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund over the next 10 years. It would hasten the insolvency of Medicare by up to 4 years and diminish Medicare's ability to pay for services in the future. Additionally, provisions of the un-American Health Care Act that create a per capita cap financing structure in the Medicaid program is equally dangerous. These provisions would endanger the health, safety, and care of millions of individuals who depend on the essential services provided through Medicaid. The CBO found that the bill would cut Medicaid funding by $880 billion over 2017 to 2026. Medicare and Medicaid must be protected and strengthened for older Americans and future generations. Any healthcare legislation presented must take into consideration future generations of men and women who will take our seats in this Chamber, future generations that will produce our first woman President, future generations of women that hopefully will not have to fight against men meddling in their healthcare decisions. This bill is a war on women, and, quite frankly, there is nothing pro-life about it. This bill attacks women's access to reproductive health care from every angle, undermining not just contraception access and abortion coverage, but also making it much harder for women to receive maternity coverage when they do give birth. The abortion rate is at a historic low, and most analysts say the principal reason is that the ACA made contraception cheaper and easier to obtain. The CBO report was all-encompassing, but most strikingly pointed out a provision that would undermine Planned Parenthood, a critical provider for women's health care. This provision would bar women on Medicaid from using their coverage to go to Planned Parenthood, immediately resulting in many of these women losing access to contraception and leading to closing of clinics nationwide. The CBO estimated that 15 percent of women living in low-income and otherwise underserved areas would lose their access to services to prevent pregnancy. In short, local access to reproductive health care dries up. In short, this is unacceptable. Just as I opened, I am going to close. Tomorrow my colleagues and I will show and prove our true intentions in occupying our seats here in Congress. We will have the chance to stand with the 24 million Americans who have healthcare coverage thanks to the Affordable Care Act, or cosign billion-dollar tax cuts to the wealthy as proposed under the Trump healthcare bill. We will have the chance to reject the attacks on the health of women and the working families or force Americans to pay far more for far less, and we will have the chance to choose between what is best for all or what is best for some. Tomorrow, with the votes cast on this bill, we will get the chance to choose between right and wrong.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 1297. The Department of Homeland Security's mission is complex and diverse. Not only is DHS charged with preventing terrorism, but it is the lead Federal agency for immigration enforcement, emergency management, cybersecurity, and border, maritime, and transportation security. Given the breadth of DHS' responsibilities, it is essential that its limited resources be aligned with its mission to meet the ever-changing threat landscape. As such, the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review, which DHS undertakes every 4 years, is a critical tool to ensure that the Department is positioned to effectively carry out its multifaceted mission. To date, DHS has issued two such reviews and is expected to release its third such review in 2018. My legislation seeks to make refinements to the law to address weaknesses identified by the Government Accountability Office in the prior reviews. Specifically, my bill seeks to ensure more robust consultation with Homeland Security stakeholders, including State and local governments and academic institutions. It also seeks to ensure that DHS undertakes and documents our risk analysis to inform its policy positions. GAO emphasized that documentation of the review process, including the risk analysis, is essential to ensuring the repeatability of the review process. Last Congress, this House unanimously approved this measure in July 2016; however, the Senate did not act on the bill. Last week the Committee on Homeland Security, on a bipartisan basis, voted to favorably report this measure to the House. My legislation is intended to ensure that the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review is a driving vision for the Department of Homeland Security. By enacting this legislation, Congress can guard against it becoming a paperwork exercise that fails to influence the Department's policies, programs, and priorities. Given the criticalness of the DHS mission and the increasingly scarce availability of resources, it is essential that DHS produce a risk- informed review that takes into account the diverse views of its Homeland Security partners. Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of H.R. 1297, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1249, the DHS Multiyear Acquisition Strategy Act of 2017, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Safeguarding our country and the American people is the Department of Homeland Security's most solemn responsibility. Today, Homeland Security threats are multidimensional and changing at an unprecedented pace. As such, it is critical that DHS' acquisition programs be targeted to meet the demands of an ever-evolving threat environment. To ensure long-term strategic planning, H.R. 1249 directs DHS to develop a multiyear acquisition strategy as is currently required at the Transportation Security Administration. The bill is intended to foster a more strategic approach to how DHS executes and manages procurement. Specifically, it directs DHS, in consultation with industry stakeholders and academia, to develop a prioritized list of major acquisitions together with information on the expected security and economic benefits of these programs. To guard against wasteful spending on redundant programs, it also directs DHS to work towards developing a DHS-wide inventory of investments and real property. Once DHS has such an inventory, I believe it will find areas for greater efficiency and be able to redirect limited Homeland Security resources to vital programs. One of the critical features of the strategy is the requirement that DHS have a plan to address funding gaps that may exist in major acquisition programs. Given that the Trump administration's 2018 budget prioritizes funding the border wall that the President promised during the campaign and amplifying immigration enforcement, there is a real concern that important programs that are desperately needed within DHS will get short shrift. H.R. 1249 was approved unanimously by the Committee on Homeland Security earlier this month, and similar legislation was approved by a voice vote by the House in October of 2015. Mr. Speaker, the establishment of the Department-wide acquisition strategy, as H.R. 1249 requires, has the potential of helping the Department achieve economies of scale that result in cost savings and better use of limited Homeland Security resources. I am particularly pleased that the legislation directs the Department to assess ways it can better test and acquire innovative technologies. Some of the most vexing Homeland Security challenges can only be fully addressed when DHS partners with innovators, particularly small businesses. I want to congratulate the gentleman, my colleague from Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I would urge the support of H.R. 1249, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 1252, the DHS Acquisition Authorities Act of 2017. The Department of Homeland Security has limited acquisition resources and must be effective stewards of taxpayer dollars. As such, DHS' procurement practices must be sound, effective, and adhered to throughout the organization. Although DHS has come a long way since its inception in 2002, acquisition management remains a challenge for the Department. In fact, a 2015 assessment by the GAO of DHS' largest acquisition programs determined that only 2 of the 22 reviewed programs were on track to meet their initial schedule and cost parameters. Responsibility for addressing weaknesses in acquisitions management and increasing effectiveness of DHS' major acquisitions begins at the top, with the DHS leadership. To that end, H.R. 1252 codifies that acquisition decision authority rests with the Under Secretary for Management as the Department's Chief Acquisition Officer. H.R. 1252 authorizes the Under Secretary for Management to mandate acquisition policies, establishes the Under Secretary as lead of the Department's acquisition oversight body, and charges the Under Secretary with advising the Secretary regarding acquisition management activities. To ensure greater oversight of the Department's procurement activities, H.R. 1252 also establishes acquisition management functions for DHS' Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, and the Program Accountability and Risk Management Office. This legislation is intended to clarify roles and responsibilities within DHS acquisition management activities and increase accountability of the Department's procedures, particularly those classified as underperforming. H.R. 1252 was approved by the House in October 2015, and was approved unanimously by the Committee on Homeland Security just a few weeks ago. Given the complexity of the organization, it is incumbent upon the Department to tackle its diverse procurement challenges from the top down. H.R. 1252 codifies the acquisition management roles within the Department and supports enhanced accountability in management of DHS' acquisitions. By passing this legislation, Congress can take another important step toward increasing efficiency and improving outcomes of DHS' major acquisition programs. I join in congratulating the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Higgins) on the good work that he has done here. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of H.R. 1252, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I wish I could say that the Republicans' attack on the poor and vulnerable through this disastrous healthcare bill is a surprise. But, unfortunately, in my home State, Republican leadership has laid out the framework for their very own attack. Last week, Governor Chris Christie dealt another blow to the welfare of New Jerseyans by seeking to fund his State budget by siphoning money from Horizon, the State's largest healthcare insurer, serving over 900,000 Medicaid members in New Jersey. Horizon's reserve fund exists to protect healthcare consumers in the face of uncertainty. But, Mr. Speaker, New Jerseyans are currently facing tremendous uncertainty due to proposals by Republicans in Congress to roll back Medicaid. Mr. Speaker, the threats are clear. Governor Christie's proposal would destabilize Horizon and raise consumer premiums just when hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans may lose Medicaid coverage or have premium subsidies withdrawn at the hands of reckless Federal lawmakers. In my district alone, 40,600 New Jerseyans currently covered by the ACA's Medicaid expansion now stand to lose their coverage if eliminated. Both Governor Christie's budget raid and the Republican healthcare proposal are prescriptions for disaster. These plans are not only lazy and careless, but are also unworkable strategies that will only result in chaos across the healthcare industry of New Jersey and this country.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, today begins Women's History Month, and I am proud to use this occasion to lift up our achievements, our perseverance and dedication to a more equal and balanced world. That is why it is so unfortunate that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle and President Trump's White House insist on harming women through their stubborn adherence to antiwomen policies. One prime example is their assault on the Affordable Care Act. The facts are clear: ACA prohibits charging women more than men for insurance; ACA establishes preventive services to be provided at no extra cost to women, including annual well-women exams, breastfeeding support, supplies for new moms, birth control, and screening and counseling for domestic and intimate partner violence; 9.5 million previously uninsured women now have coverage through ACA; 55 million now have access to vital preventive care at no cost. These are not alternative facts or fake news. If this is the Trump Republicans' gift to us in celebration of Women's History Month, I hope they keep the receipt.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the ranking member. Mr. Chairman, there are many troubling aspects of this bill, but most pressing is that this legislation, without clear policy rationale, caters to demands of my Republican colleagues to slash existing regulations and muddy the process of passing new ones. Congress already has a responsibility of reviewing existing rules and mandating reform. Why delegate that to those not elected to do so? This unsettling bill spends millions of taxpayer dollars to create a hand-picked commission to do the job of Congress without accountability. No, thank you. This unelected and unaccountable commission, appointed by the President and Congress, would submit regulatory changes without the opportunity to amend the measure, taking regulatory review out of the hands of the agency experts. This is counterproductive and an insult to the democratic process. To add insult to injury, this bill makes the regulatory process transactional. By forcing agencies to repeal regulations in order to adopt a new one, we risk public health and safety. Why have they prioritized costs over benefit? Why are American lives on the chopping block? I urge my colleagues to vote no against this bill.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I have the personal pleasure and honor of saying a few words about a leader in our community who has dedicated his life to the betterment of others. Bob Oliver is the president and CEO of Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., which is a healthcare company based in my district in Princeton, New Jersey. Bob's strategic leadership over the last 7 years has been instrumental in developing a diverse portfolio of marketed products, specifically focusing on neuroscience, cardio-renal, and oncology. He is personally passionate about helping others and those who care for them. He has worked for over 40 years helping others navigate the healthcare system more easily and has publicly addressed mental health stigma, disparity in healthcare treatment, and the future of health care using technology advancements. He has worked closely with local advocacy groups to aid veterans and other individuals struggling with homelessness, mental illness, addiction, and poverty. In addition to being a community partner, through his leadership role at Otsuka, he has been instrumental in driving economic growth in the pharmaceutical sector, as well as creating job opportunities in my State. Most recently, he was featured as one of Ebony Magazine's Power 100, an esteemed panelist with CNN's Fareed Zakaria, and a featured leader in Forbes Magazine. The journey is just beginning as he closes this chapter in Otsuka and proceeds to move forward in his life. He has made us very proud. We are proud to take this moment to address his accomplishments and to thank him for his lifetime of achievement. We wish him the best of luck and Godspeed.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon because I am appalled by President Trump and my Republican colleagues' attacks on the health of Americans. My Republican colleagues have spent 6 years disparaging the Affordable Care Act from its very inception, describing it as a ``death spiral,'' ``failure,'' and ``collapsing,'' but zero time offering up any viable alternative. After 6 years of hollow grandstanding, Republicans now face the clear realization that repealing the Affordable Care Act will dump massive costs on families and businesses, blow a hole in the Federal budget, and strip coverage for more than 30 million Americans. New Jersey has been a positive example of ACA implementation. Since enactment, Medicaid expansion through ACA has insured more than 700,000 middle-income New Jersey residents who couldn't previously afford it. The uninsured rate in New Jersey dropped from 13.2 percent in 2013 to 8.7 percent in 2015. Mr. Speaker, these are positive trends, but President Trump and Republicans in Washington callously disregard these facts so they can live up to their reckless promises. I hope that they will see the wisdom in their mistake and make sure that we keep all Americans healthy.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for joining me tonight to stand in solidarity with our neighbors in Canada, and honor the victims of the January 29 terrorist attack at the Quebec Islamic Cultural Center in Quebec City. A house of worship is a place of refuge, peace, and reflection, but for the 6 people killed, the 19 wounded, and the entire community, that hallowed ground is now tainted--yet, shall always remain covered in love. Let our presence here serve as a reminder that we will stand up against bigotry and hatred wherever it takes place. I now ask my colleagues to bow their heads and join us for a moment of silence.