the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from arkansas, mr. westerman, seek recognition? mr. westerman: i call up h.r. 3397 and ask for its immediate consideration in the house. the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the title of the bill. the clerk: union calendar number 309, h.r. 3397, a bill to require the director of the bureau of land management to withdraw a rule of the bureau of land management relating to conservation and landscape health. the speaker pro tempore: pursuan t to house resolution 113 in nature and in lieu of the act by the department of resources and existing of 113 3-32 should be considered as adopted and the bill as amended is considered read and the bill shall be

debatable for one hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking and minority member of the committee of natural resources or their respective designees. the gentleman from arkansas, mr. westerman, and gentleman from colorado, mr. neguse, will cole 30 minutes. the chair recognizes th gentleman from arkansas, mr. westerman. mr. westerman: i ask all members have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on h.r. 3397. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. westerman: mr. speaker, i rise today in support of representative curtis' bill, h.r. 3397, the we were economic security today act, or west act of 2024. the west act withdraws the flawed illegal conservation and landscape health rule which was finalized earlier this month by the bureau of land management or the b.l.m. you may be asking, why is a rule focused on conservation and landscape health so bad? well, it wouldn't be bad if that's what it was really focused on, but the name is very

misleading. this rule is a poorly concealed effort to lock up more lands to advance the biden administration's radical 30 by 30 agenda. it has absolutely nothing to do with true conservation or improving the health of our landscapes. responsible uses of b.l.m. lands are central to the western way of life. this rule would fundamentally up end more than 50 years of land management practices across the west that rural communities have relied on for their lively hoods. under the federal land policy and management act, or flpma, it is used to manage lands with concurrence to multiple use and sustained yield. if responsible use of public lands are prohibited, family and small businesses, multigeneration ranches and local communities and schools will suffer from a lack of economic development, access and tax revenue. this is more than a western

issue. if you ate a hamburger this week or filled your car with gas, this rule affects you. this rule will severely impact the lives and waltz of every -- wallets of every single american. haven't we had enough of that already? haven't we had enough of inflation and rising prices? the finalized rule will broadly allow the b.l.m. to lease lands under new and vaguely defined, quote, restoration and mitigation leases, and change standards around land use decisions. the rule will elevate conservation as a use of our public lands. this is clearly contradictory with the plain reading of flpma and congress' intent. congress very clearly defined the principle or major uses of b.l.m. lands to include and be limited to domestic livestock grazing, fish and wildlife development and utilization, mineral exploration and production, rights-of-way, and timber production.

nowhere in the act do the words "conservation, restoration, or mitigation appear as a use. and conservation is not a use, it's a value and an outcome that can be generated by the uses that i just mentioned. if the administration determines that uses such as grazing, timber production, energy production, mining, or recreation are incompatible with the lease, they will not be allowed and could be prohibited indefinitely from those lands. at best, the rule is duplicative, unnecessary, and burdensome. meaningful conservation work is already being done on the 245 million acres of b.l.m. land with multiple stakeholders. often uses overlap on b.l.m. land and co-exist with each other. meaningful conservation occurs simultaneously with and often for the mutual benefit of other uses like grazing and recreation. at worst, restoration and mitigation leases are a guise to

restrict any meaningful activity on federal land, including energy and mineral production and timber management. the final rule allows the b.l.m. to issue mitigation leases indefinitely and wastes fees on restoration leases and could take land that otherwise would be creating a return for the american taxpayer and give it away for free to environmental extremists. but what will this rule look like on the ground and mean for westerners? specifically, the biden administration can kick off the multigenerational rancher who has been grazing on the land since before the bureau of land management existed. they can restrict the mining of minerals we need for phones, computers, cars, and batteries to sustain life. they can limit oil and gas development, creating dependence on hostile foreign nations and threatening our economic prosperity. in addition to this new convoluted leasing system, the rule would also expedite the designation of critical environmental concern by removing public comment periods and allowing the b.l.m. to,

quote, temporarily restrict land use without public input. this provides the b.l.m. with virtually unlimited authority to lock up millions of acres without any input from the public or support. the rule sorely favors types of energy development, the administration likes, and hurts other responsible energy development they've deemed unworthy. the rule chooses winners and losers, wealthy elites who want to protect views from their mansions and extreme environmental groups that want to kick locals off public lands. they are the winners. guides and outfitters who bring young and old alike to our public lands or the ranching family that works every day to put food on the millions of american tables, they are the losers. and finalizing this rule, the biden administration has jeopardized the activities and land use to feed and fuel our country. make no mistake, this affects every american. this impacts every acre, every user, every lease, and every

american. the finalized rule comes after a year long effort by western governors, communities, stakeholders, and members of congress calling for the abandonment of this flawed rule. the concerns fell on deaf ears within the biden administration. this prompted us to bring this bill to the floor this week, forcing the withdrawal of the rule. i again want to thank representative curtis for his work on the bill and urge all of my colleagues to support h.r. 3397, the west act of 2024. i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves. the gentleman from colorado is recognized. mr. neguse: thank you, mr. speaker. i rise in opposition to this bill, the so-called west act. mr. speaker, i have great respect for the chairman and the member who has authored this particular piece of legislation, but we strongly disagree about this particular bill. and i want to tell you why. first and foremost, just by way of context, we've been on the

house floor all day today, the better part of a few hours, debating proposals that the majority has submitted that would roll back environmental protections. house republicans want to remove protections for pristine boundary waters watershed in minnesota. they want to eliminate protections for endangered species, as we heard in the last debate, apparently now increase the use of poisonous lead ammunition. this is not what this agust body should be spending its time focused on. unfortunately, h.r. 3397 is just more of the same. now, i heard during the presentation by my colleague, my distinguished colleague on the other side of the aisle, reference to hamburgers, to the cost of gasoline, to mansions, i believe, none of which has anything to do with this particular bill, mr. speaker.

i want to try to explain to the american people what this bill is all about. the biden administration, in short, has taken steps to enhance public land stewardship. house republicans are standing in the way. what do i mean by that? two weeks ago on april 18, the biden administration released the bureau of land management's conservation and landscape health final rule, or what has been referred to as the public lands rule. the rule is a necessary and long overdue update to the agency's framework for public lands management, in particular the rule will protect clean water, clean air, and wildlife habitat. it will promote the restoration of degraded landscapes. it will ensure that decisions are based on the best available science and in collaboration with tribal, local, and rural communities. that, mr. speaker, is progress. but here is what the bill does

not do. it does not disallow or preclude any one of the multiple uses that the chairman referenced during the opening of this particular debate. look, either the rule, as my colleagues on the other side have described, and i think i heard the word "duplicative." it's either duplicative, or in the view of the majority, as they said it, ends all uses of all lands in all of the country. it can't be both. clearly, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, take issue with this particular rule and its protection of wildlife and its inclusion of conservation. i understand that disagreement. but the american people do not agree with that position. the bureau of land management, just by way of background, or b.l.m., manages more than 245

million acres of federal public land which is roughly one 10th of the public land base. in colorado, the b.l.m. manages 3 million acres of land, such as the yampa county trail in route county. this includes national conservation lands, a collection of revered landscapes, recreation destinations, other special places that are managed to protect resources to us as americans. these lands stretch across the rocky mountain west. our citizens, our constituents, rely on these land. that is why this rule is such a critical development. it's also why this rule is so popular. over 90%, mr. speaker, 90% of the comments received during the extensive public comment period

were positive. those comments came from local community leaders, outdoor recreation industry, scientists, small businesses, tribal communities, many others. citizens in my state and states across the west. they want to see our public lands managed in a balanced and sustainable manner that will promote access and and and -- and resilience and what the biden administration achieved with this new rule and why i'm proud to support it. again, i don't want to belabor this point but bears repeating. despite the claims from my republican colleagues, the plain language of this rule does not prioritize one use over another. it does not do that. i encourage any american who wishes to learn more to look at the plain language of the rule. it simply puts conservation on

equal footing with livestock grazing, with mining, oil and gas development. it doesn't block or stifle development. it achieves a critical balance. and that balance is important. a reasonable balance, a prudent balance. i support this rule because it will enable us to masaience-based and informed decisions about the management of our nation's public lands. and i would encourage all of my colleagues to support the rule for the same reason. and if they do, i'd encourage my colleagues to oppose this bill which seek recognition to undermine those efforts. and i would urge my colleagues to oppose the legislation. i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves. the gentleman from arkansas is recognized. mr. westerman: as i wasserman shultz listening to my -- as i was listening to my friend from colorado's comments, i was reminded of a saying of a graduate school professor who

taught statistics used to say, if you said numbers and people are a lot alike, if you torture them long enough, they'll tell you anything you want to know. this study my colleagues talk about references a cherry-picked 10,000 comments that were analyzed. and according to the b.l.m., 8,000 were unique comments. 2,000 of the comments were identical comments. these are comments that get submitted when you put click bait out there and say, send this comment in, and you just hit the button from your favorite radical environmental group and it goes in to the b.l.m. or to the other federal agency. but also, you know, i would expect the results to actually be even higher, because it's kind of like asking, do you like ice cream? or do you like chocolate? do you like candy? and when you say are you for conservation and protecting the land? yeah, i think most people are for that.

but when you look at what this bill does, it's anything but that. it locks up land and takes it away from the multiple uses that congress has designated that this b.l.m. land is for. mr. speaker, i yield four minutes to the gentleman from utah, i yield four minutes to the gentleman from utah, mr. curtis. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. curtis: i rise in support of my will, the -- my bill, the western economic security today act or west act. my bill, as has been discussed, would require the bureau of land management to withdraw their proposal regulating conservation and landscape health. utah's farmers and ranchers for generations have worked on this land, leaving it better than they found it. they understand how to live in a way that strengthens the landscape but allows them to provide for their family and community. i like to tease them that they're the original environmentalists. they don't always like that

term. ironically, this rule also undermines the work of these individuals who keep the land in good health and help prevent for the risk of wildfires to instead lock the public out of utah's lands. let me be clear. i have immense respect for utah's local landing mores who do their best with the resources they have. i appreciate their commitment to integrating into each unique community and working hard to find consensus. they are not the problem. the problem is washington politicians who think they know better than the generations of families who actually live in utah. the question isn't whether or not we want to protect the lands but who gets to make the decisions. since coming to congress, one of my favorite experiences has been connecting with utah's rural communities. they give so much and ask for so little. they work hard to feed our

families, protect american energy and lead in manufacturing. we should be making it easier for them. instead the biden administration is pushing this rule to allow environmental groups funded by swiss billionaires who propre-tend to be representing utahans to lock up public lands. this is completely backwards. mr. speaker, i ask unanimous consent to enter into the record two stories about how this foreign dark money is funding environmental groups in utah. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. curtis: the biden administration didn't even pretend to care what rural utahans thought about this rule. i sent a letter nearly a year ago with my natural resource colleagues asking the stint hold more public listening sessions on this rule including a session in utah. instead, the agency ignored this request and finalized the rule. over 6 o-- 60% of utah's land is federally managed. i have counties with 90% and yet no public listening session was

held in utah. this rule has an oversized impact on our state. that is why the west act must pass today. we must fight to stop this rule and then immediately repeal it under the next administration. it is critical that utah's lands remain under the stewardship of those who have tended it for generations. there's a lot of hyperbole in washington and i'm genuine when i say this is one of the most offensive attacks on rural utah i have seen in my career. i will continue to work tirelessly to repeal this disastrous effort. my bill, the west act is pushing against this flawed rule. we should be empowering local communities, not punishing them. i yield my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields. the gentleman reserves. the gentleman from colorado is recognized. >> i thank the speaker and i yield to the gentlewoman from new mexico, ms. stansbury. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman is recognized.

ms. stansbury: i stand today to also respectfully oppose h.r. 3397, what think colleagues across the aisle are calling the west act. i too have great respect for the chair and for the sponsor of this bill and especially for the farmers and ranchers and land stewards who were just referenced. but i vehemently disagree with the premise of what this bill and the underlying rule does and how it was characterized. this bill would overturn a long overdue administrative action to protect our public lands, wildlife and cultural sites and access to the outdoors. with the intent of tipping the scales back to a time when extractive industries, oil and gas company, multinational mining corporations, and developers had the upper hand in dictating the uses of our public lands. like so many efforts by the g.o.p., unfortunately, this congress to chip away at our rights this bill seeks to undermine and strip away the

bureau of land management's recently released final public lands rule which establishes a framework to protect our nation's public lands and ensure healthy ecosystems, waters and wildlife. and a historic effort to protect the special places and cultural sites that are so important to our communities, their identities and who they are, especially for our tribal communities. unlike the disinformation that's been offered up here today, this rule will not stop other productive uses on public lands but will ensure that they are informed by the best available science, protect our ecosystem, and provide for climate resilience and to ensure that we're not developing on sensitive and sacred sites. in fact, in new mexico, when we implemented a similar rule on our state lands, not only did it not end resource development, but the state saw historic revenues from these activities on state lands while we managed to protect the special places

that make us who we are. so i say to my friends out there across the west, don't buy into the political hype and disinformation. this actually is about protecting our public lands and is what our public lands management is supposed to look like. and that is why it was supported by more than 90% of the comments that were submitted, because the vast majority of americans, in fact, over 80%, across the political spectrum, support protecting public lands. and that is why i strongly stwand the president, secretary hollande and the good people of b.l.m. who are working every day to preserve our lands, waters and cultural sites. under the same rubric of protecting our public lands and waters, i also stand to oppose h.r. 3195 which would similarly withdraw a department of the interior effort to protect 225,000 acres in the boundary

watters from mineral leasing this. bill would rescind d.o.i.'s public land order and would put america's most visited wilderness at risk of shul fite or copper mining by a large nult national corporation based out of south america. in spite of over -- mr. neguse: i yield an additional 0 seconds to the gentlewoman. ms. stansbury: in spite of over a million dollars this corporation spent lobbying the u.s. government, the people have spoken and submitted over 675,000 public comments to protect the boundary waters. that is why i support the protection of this pristine interconnected waterway, forest ecosystems and the homelands of the people who have lived here since time immemorial. one mining accident could irrev kaably destroy these lands and waters forever and new mexico know this is history all too well which is why i strongly oppose h.r. 3195 and support the

administration's actions in protecting boundary waters. with that, i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlelady yields. the gentleman from arkansas is recognized. mr. westerman: i yield two minutes to the gentman from washington, the chairman of the congressional western caucus, mr. newhouse. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. newhouse: i want to thank mr. westerman, chairman of the natural resources committee for yielding. mr. speaker, i rise today in support of h.r. 3397, the western economic security today act. since day one in office, president biden has consistently attacked our western way of life. his administration's latest effort is one of the most egregious examples of federal overreach against our public lands in decades. two weeks ago, the beau of land management finalized their conservation and land health rule in spite of staunch position to the proposal this.

rule illegally elevates conservation under the federal land policy and management acts multiple use mandate for public lands. contrary to congressional intent, and means that america's lands could be locked up from eir intended purposes. the rule threatens production of america's abundant natural resources, grazing, and reck rage a -- recreational access to our public lands, all for the sake of a political handout to clime alarmists and activists. as chairman of the congressional western caucus, i have been fighting against this rule becauserosperity in rural western america is under attack. i am proud to join m friend from utah i support of this legislation to overtur this rule and protect our western way of life. thank you, mr. speaker, and i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from colorado is recognize.

the gentleman reserves. the gentleman from arkansas is recognized mr. westerman: i yield two minutes to the gentleman from ah, mr. moore. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. moore: thank you, chairman westerman. for bringing this important bill to the flooroday. mr. speaker, i re in strong suppor of h.r. 339, the western economic security today act. led by my friend and colleague from utah, mr. curtis. this bill will stop the latest den administration's attack on the western way ofife. la week, i attended a natural resources field hearing in utah and heard firsthand how destructive the b.l.m.'s conservation and landscape health rule will be to communities. by allowing arbitrary standards and vague leasing to lock up fland grazing and production the b.l.m. is leaving rural america behind and costing our economy billions in the process. we're going to hear the back and forth and back and forth about this particular bill today. what it comes down to is actually listening to the people

doing the job. that's what we do out west. we actually do the job that america needs. for our energy. for our food. for everything that we live on in our society. primarily comes from out west. and for washington, d.c. bureaucrats to go tell a bunch of ranchers that have been grazing and farming that land in utah for generations is the most offensive thing that can exist in this world of politics. there's a lot there. this does not make sense. go listen to somebody that's looking and seeing and they're terrifies because there's no trust. there's no trust in the balance that we want to talk about. because there's always government overreach when we talk about the balance of using federal lands. the multiuse is so concerning, they want to be able to graze. keep fire risk low. and be able to grow livestock in a responsible way. and they do not trust that the balance trying to be sold on this particular initiative is

sincere. and them when they says this bad because i'm representing them. thank you and i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields. the gentleman reserves. the gentleman from colorado is recognized. mr. neguse: i thank the speaker. look, i have again great respect for the chairman and the gentleman from utah who just spoke but balance is exactly what we are trying to achieve. and as a representative of the west i can tell you that my constituents support this rule. as do the vast majority of folks out west. now there have been these repeated references to washington, i think the phrase is washington bureaucrats. i don't know about the gentleman from utah. perhaps he doesn't have a relationship with the land management agency in his state. i have a productive and robust relationship with our b.l.m. partners in colorado, including the western headquarters which is based in grand junction,

colorado. one of the reasons, by the way that one of the comment sessions, forum, hosted by the b.l.m. with respect to the rule making on this particular rule was held in colorado. the agency is listening. to the folks on the ground. listening to citizens. to folks in rural america. to folks in the rocky mountain west. listening to hunters and anglers who, by the way, also support this rule. there have been multiple references to this notion that somehow now by the b.l.m. promulgating this rule that enables multiple use and does not put one use ahead of another, that that would somehow negatively implicate hunters or anglers. not true. how do we know it's not true? because the back country hunters and anglers sent a letter. yesterday. to the speaker of the house.

i'll read from it. we strongly urge the house of representatives to vote no on these bills, bills that they are referencing include among others the west act. in particular, i'll just, again, read from, this is their letter. not my words. h.r. 3397, the west act, would prohibit the implementation of the recently finalized b.l.m. public lands rule. hunters and anglers widely supported this forward-looking, comprehensive rule that will have a meaningful impact on fish and wildlife habitat by prioritizing conservation and restoration alongside other types of land use. hunters and anglers. this is a reasonable rule. it's a prudent rule. unfortunately it's being threatened by this extreme bill

that i don't think the majority of the american people will support. i reserve. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves. the gentleman from arkansas is recognized. mr. westerman: mr. speaker, this isn't just a minor rule. this is a major rule that the b.l.m. is pushing out. and when they held their listening sessions, they were located in places that were inconvenient for communities and stake holders who are most affected by the rule to actually participate. in only three of the listening sessions held by the b.l.m. were in person and they were all three in major cities. they were in albuquerque, denver, and reno. two of the five listening sessions were held virtually, affecting rural communities who have limited access to internet. the b.l.m. refused to hold listening sessions in the following western states. alaska, arizona, california, idaho, montana, north dakota, oregon, south dakota, utah, wyoming, and washington.

you would think if they really cared about what the local stake holders thought they would have went out to them and had listening sessions where people could have participated. mr. speaker, i yield five minutes to the gentleman from oregon, the chairman of the subcommittee on water, wile life and fishery, mr. bentz. .benz bentz thank you forgive -- mr. bentz: thank you forgiving me the opportunity to speak in support of this bill. this bill would reverse a rule that essentially destroys multiple use on federal lands. but to put this in perspective, we should call out how much land we're actually talking about. looking at the bureau of land management's web pages, the bureau of land management administers more surface land, 245 million acres or 1/10 of america's land base, and more subservice mineral states several hundred million acres more than any other agency in the united states. the b.l.m.'s mission which is princably defineddy flippa

directs agencies to carry out a dual mandate that is managing public land for multiple uses while conserving resources. mr. speaker, this is incredibly important because what the rule does is it prioritizes scriengs and contrary -- conservation and contrary to what we've heard from the other side of the aisle, there is a prioritization. let me read from the rule itself. page 19583 of the federal register, which says, the bureau of land management proposes a new regulation that pursuant to the federal land policy management act as amended and other relevant authorities would advance the b.l.m.'s mission to manage public lands for multiple use and sustained yield, quote, by prioritizing the health and resilience of ecosystems. now, one could argue, i suppose, that means that just raise the level but i suggest it makes it much more important than the other uses. it certainly can be read that way the proposed rule provides the b.l.m. will protect intact

landscapes, will, doesn't say might, restore degraded habitat and make wise management decisions based on science and data to support these activities. the proposed rule would apply standards to all b.l.m. managed lands and uses and clarify that conservation a use. well, what they're trying to do is say it's no higher on the scale than any of the other uses when in point of fact in the same paragraph they suggest and i think direct otherwise. it astounds me that colleagues from across the aisle, actually i wrote down shocked i think is the better word, that they would want to increase our reliance on china for rare earth minerals which this bill would do. by making it possible to stop mining, to continue to turn a pliend eye toward the children and others laboring in the slave labor conditions in the congo, to continue to export our needs for rare earth minerals to other countries where damage to the environment is extraordinarily greater than would be the case here in america. why we persist in trying to export these horrific activities

and try to pretend they're not happening is beyond me. this bill, excuse me, this rule that this bill, our bill, would reverse gives us an opportunity to perhaps at least start doing our part of shoring up the minerals necessary for all of the so-called green bad deal. i think it's referred to as the green new deal on the other side of the aisle or the green deal. the point is, this bill would make it that much more difficult to obtain the minerals necessary in this country. this truly overreach by the b.l.m. and something that needs to be reversed. i want to say that keeping -- to suggest that this has not been prioritized is incorrect at several levels, one of which i already called out but the other, you can go to a page, 19588 of the register, and it calls out what conservation means. it says, within the framework of the rule, protection and restoration together constitute

conservation. protection and restoration, those words sound so gra great but what it amounts to is a barrier to our entry upon some of those millions upon millions of acres of public land. another barrier as if we didn't have enough. with that, mr. chair, i yield back. >> i reserve. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves. the gentleman from colorado is recognized. mr. neguse: thank you, mr. speaker. i yield three minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from california. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman is recognized. ms. kamlager-dove: thank you, mr. speaker. i rise today to oppose h.r. 3397, legislation that would require the bureau of land management to withdraw a finalized biden administration rule that expands conservation on federal land. the rhetoric surrounding the b.l.m. final rule has claimed it is nothing more than a mere land grab by the federal government. which could not be further from the truth. the final rule is an avenue to conserving not only our public

lands but also tribal sacred sites and cultural resources. the final rule allows sacred sites and cultural resources to be placed under conservation leases for preservation and protection. it is a step in the right direction to strengthen cultural preservation. the united states has a shameful history of dispossession of land through federal policy, statutes and cultural and physical violence inflicted upon indigenous peoples. such as the indian removal act and the disillusion of tribal governments andresvationed -- and reservationsnder the termination era. our government's past actions were not only a land grab from indigenous peoples but left a lasting impact on the generations to come. these policies have led to many tribal communities losing access to sacred sites, traditional foods, medicine and resources and they have led to

intergenerational trauma. as members of congress, we have an obligation to uphold the trust and treaty responsibility. while we have legislation such as the native american graves protection and repatriation act, and the national historic preservation act, they are not implemented to the full degree of their intent. b.l.m.'s final rule is an opportunity to strengthen existing protections for tribal sacred sites and cultural resources. we must ensure that all legislation passed through this chamber strengthens tribal sovereignty and cultural preservation. for this reason at the appropriate time, i will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee. if the house rules permitted, i would have offered the motion with an important amendment to this bill. my amendment would simply ensure that tribal sacred sites and cultural resources would not be adversely impacted before the

enactment of the legislation. and i hope my colleagues agree that we should ensure all legislation passed does not further contribute to cultural loss and destruction of sacred sites. instead, the legislation we passed should bring together federal land managers and tribal nations to develop land management policies that integrate traditional ecological knowledge and protections for sacred sites and cultural resources when proposed projects could impact tribal nations and their citizens. i ask unanimous consent to insert into the record the text of this amendment. i hope my colleagues will join me in voting for the motion to recommit. i yield back, mr. speaker. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, the gentlelady's time has expired. mr. neguse: mr. speaker, i would simply add and then i know we'll continue with this debate, but echoing the sentiments of my colleague from california. there have been repeated, in my

view, misstatements about the full ambit of the b.l.m. rule. to be crystal clear, this is from the executive summary of the rule. quote, to support efforts to protect and restore public lands, the proposed rule clarifies that conservation is a use on par with other uses of the public lands under flpma's multiple use and sustained yield framork. this is later in the same summary. the proposed rule does not prioritize conservation above other uses. it puts conservation on an equal footing with other uses consistent with the plain language of flpma. that's from the rule. so context matters and i think it's an important clarification.

lastly i would say, mr. speaker, there was some commentary with respect to the full spectrum of engagement by the b.l.m. with citizens across the country as it was promulgating this rule and reference made to the locations where these forums were held. i don't -- i trust that the chairman, my good friend from arkansas, has been to the communities that he listed. i certainly have. to reno, to albuquerque, and to denver. and i can tell him that every one of those municipalities is nestled within 10, 15, 20, 25 miles of ex tensive lands -- of extensive lands that are managed both by the b.l.m. and the forever service. how do i know? because i live in colorado and i happen to represent many acres of land managed by the b.l.m. so with that, mr. speaker, i'll reserve. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves. the gentleman from arkansas is recognized. >> mr. speaker, as my colleague read from the federal register

and then my friend from colorado read from the rule, the summary of the rule, i thought, you know it want more imy honest -- intellectually honest if that summary said the proposed law. mr. westerman: because this goes way beyond a rule. and i also thought, who wrote this? and the answer is, i don't know. it's some nondescript bureaucrat over at the administration that wrote this law. rewriting the law. and as congress, we have to stand up to the administration and say, congress writes the laws, the administration enforces the law, and we have to put a stop to this administrative state that writes laws and have just as much effect as if congress had passed a law. if congress wanted to add conservation, restoration or mitigation to a multiple use, then congress should do that. but right now the law says the multiple use is domestic livestock grazing, fish and

wildlife, mineral exploration and production, outdoor recreation and timber production. that's the law and it's time that we put a stop to bureaucrats writing law that are not -- laws that are plot held responsible by anybody. with that, i yield 1 1/2 minutes to the gentleman from arizona, the chair of the oversight committee, mr. gosar. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. gosar: mr. speaker, i rise today in support of h.r. 3397, the west act, offered by the gentleman from utah, mr. kur tills -- mr. curtis. only congress has the authority over lands and territories of the united states and has already spoken out on the b.l.m.2.0 rule that mimics and we have defeated it. unfortunately the bureau of land management continues to side step congressional authority and has finalized a new rule to further restrict federal lands for multiple use, including outdoor recreation, ranching, mineral development and energy production. since his first day in office, joe biden has abused his authority to add large swaths of acreage to the federal estate

while ignoring the concerns of local communities and stakeholders. even to the point that last year they were caught trying to amer toize our public lands on the new york stock exchange. arizonans don't want another rule that blocks access to public lands this. new rule represents the latest rush to lock the gates on federal lands by the biden administration and directly threatens every aspect of american life. i urge my colleagues to support the west act and i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields. mr. westerman: i reserve. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from colorado is recognized. mr. neguse: mr. speaker, i yield five minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from colorado. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman is recognized. >> thank you, mr. speaker. i rise in strong opposition to this bill. our nation is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. these public lands promote biodiversity, they support local economies through tourism and recreational opportunities, and really they truly showcase what we mean when we sing, "america the beautiful." degree degree i've been working -- ms. degette: i've been working

my entire time in congress to pass meaningful legislation that would conserve public lands in colorado and beyond. my home state of colorado has more than 8.3 million acres of public lands and the entire west has tens of millions of acres more. enjoying these public lands is intrinsic to the cultural idea of the american west and protecting them helps communities who are powered by outdoor recreation tourism. these public lands are also vital in mitigating the impact of climate change and in improving the health of our planet. restoring and protecting ecosystems throughout the land supports the biodiversity of plants and animals and it leads to a healthier balance for all of those who rely on these protections. last year, along with senator martin hinrich from new mexico, and congressman jarod huffman from california, i called on the department of interior to finalize the conservation and

landscape health rule because b.l.m.-managed lands are often overlooked in conversations about addressing biodiversity and climate change. even though these areas are some of the most unique and special public areas that we have throughout this country. i was excited when the biden administration finally announced the rule earlier this month because i knew it would build on the administration's work to protect states like mine and to support a healthier and cleaner environment for all. the rule is a major victory for preserving and protecting those landscapes and enhances our ability to ensure that future generations can enjoy them for years to come. ... just last week i met in denver, within a few miles of the lands that will be protected, with the bureau of land management colorado state director doug vilsack, to discuss the

importance of this rule, of b.l.m.'s work in colorado, and how we can protect additional lands throughout our country. our home state, congressman neguse's and my home state of colorado, is ground zero for the important work b.l.m. is doing. i support their efforts here in congress because i know defending public lands is good public policy. attacking our hardworking agency is not. the bill we're considering today is a waste of our time and it only serves one purpose. and that is to undermine the important public land goals of the biden administration. by gutting this rule, congressional republicans would open the beautiful lands for exploitation and would prevent any administration from implementing any other rule that would further protect public lands. they're putting the mining and drilling lobby over the american people. millions of whom enjoy these lands every day. this bill would also harm the

local communities whose lifeblood is these important public lands. western states who are home to the overwhelming majority of b.l.m. managed lands would be significantly impact and not in a good way by this bill. these efforts are misguided and they further reinforce that the majority is not focused on the issues that matter to our constituents. i will continue to work to protect public lands and i urge my colleagues to vote yes on the motion to recommit and no on this bill. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman yields. the gentleman reserves. the gentleman from arkansas is recognized. mr. westerman: i yie two minutes to the gentleman from idaho, mr. fulcher. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. fulcher: thank you, mr. speaker. and to my friend from arkansas for his work on this issue, also from utah for the sponsor. mr. speaker, the bureau of land management's recently finalized public lands rule would fundamentally destroy the

multiple use land management policy americans have relied on for decades. i want to reinforce something my friend from arkansas pointed out earlier. this is an administrative rule. this is not congressional action. but yet it has the same force and effect of law. but this is a rule, b.l.m. has put forth. this policy is not just an addition of unnecessary bureaucratic red tape. it would effectively lock up one out of every 10 acres of land in the united states. thereby shattering the way of life for many families and businesses across the west. in my home state of idaho, citizens have enjoyed the vast natural resources the state has had to offer for decades. considering the b.l.m. is responsible for managing about 12 million acres of federal land in our state this rule change will have drastic impacts on the future of recreation, grazing, and natural resource production. now, as a fourth generation idahoan, i'm a proud supporter of the west act as it defends

the way of life more americans across the west and empowers local voices. by protecting the land use to feed and fuel our country, h.r. 3397 would safeguard some $201 billion in economic output and direct some 783,000 jobs in rural communities. on a related note, thanks to this administration's open border policy, our national security is pretty much been obliterated. well that mirks enemies happy. especially considering that we're also dependent on those same enemies for our natural resources. well this legislation actually reduces our reliance on foreign adversaries by maintaining domestic access. that's so important. domestic access to energy and mineral resources across the west. the west act will protect public land management as we know it and safeguard the future of our nation. i urge passage and i thank the speaker and the chairman once

again. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves. the gentleman from colorado. mr. neguse: reserve. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from arkansas is recognized. mr. westerman: i yield two minutes to the gentleman from montana, mr. rosendale. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. rosendale: thank you, mr. speaker, and thank you very much chairman westerman and congressman curtis for leading the charge on stopping this disastrous biden administration rule. i'm proud to be a co-sponsor of the west act. this will prohibit the b.l.m.'s landscape health rule from going into effect. our past speaker described very well the different between rule and law. the b.l.m. proposed rule will lock up large s.w.a.t.s of lant across the country that would limit recreational activity, timber production and animal grazing, and important energy development on public lands.

the rule is unconstitutional, it is unpopular and it will devastate rural communities. article 1, section 1 of the united states constitution makes it clear that congress writes the law, not the executive branch. in 1934 and 1976, congress passed the grazing act and public land act. both require multiple use policy on public lands. this rule is unconstitutional because it circumvents both laws congress passed to enforce an executive branch policy. when collecting limited public input on this rule, over a limited 75-kay period, the b.l.m. only allowed five public forums in exclusive -- and -- in exclusively urban city centers in. deliberate donalding of stake holders whose land they're attempting to commandeer show house litter this administration cared about their scathing

disapproval in rural america. lastly this move irrep rahably impedes sustainable grazing practices in montana and devastates rural communities throughout the country by requiring ranchers to compete with coastal corporations for the limited number of available leases. i'm sick and tired of the american farmers who -- farmer who creates food security being trampled by radical environmentalists who think their soy burgers magically appear on grocery store shelves. i urge my colleagues to support this legislation. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields. the gentleman reserves. the gentleman from colorado. mr. neguse: thank you, mr. speaker. i would simply say again, there have been a number of misstatements with respect to the institutional -- the constitutionality and statutory authority of this particular rule that's been promulgated by the b.l.m. it is clearly constitution. it is consistent with the statutory authority that

congress has ultimately conveyed to the b.l.m. via flipma. you can read the stay constitute. section 302 very clearly states that the agency has the authority to ultimately, and i'll quote, ensure multiple use by -- and this is where the quote begin, the management of the public lands and their various resource values so they're utilized in the combination that will best meet the present and future needs of the american people. end quote. that phrase arguably could be nebulous to some. the good news is that congress did in fact clarify what those present and future needs of the american people happen to be. again i'll quote from the statute. quote, the use of some land for less than all of the resources. a combination of balanced and diverse resource uses that takes into account the long term needs of future generations for

renewable and nonrenewable resources, including but not limited to recreation, range, timber, minerals, watershed, wildlife, and fish. and natural, scenic, scientific and historical values. and harmonious and coordinated management of the the productivity of the land and quality of the environment with consideration being given to the relative value of the resources and not necessarily -- not necessarily to the combination of uses that will give the greatest economic return or the greatest unit output. end quote. that's the statute. you have the statutory authority supporting a rule that by its plain language simply puts conservation on par with other uses. this is not complicated. the american people support this rule. hunters and anglers support this rule.

recreationists support this rule. constituents in colorado and states across the west support this rule. so should the congress. i reserve. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves. the gentleman from arkansas is recognized. mr. westerman: i yield two minutes to the gentlewoman from utah, ms. maloy. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman is recognized. ms. maloy: thank you, mr. speaker. i agree with this rule violating the federal land management act of 1976. but this is an inappropriate use of administrative action to change the intent of a legislative action and as a member of congress i rise to support everything they've said about why that's wrong. but i also want to talk about what role b.l.m. lands play in utah. i represent utah, so does john curtis, my colleague who introduced this bill. the reasons this so important for those of us in utah is that

the federal government manages most of the land in our state. there are counties in my district that are more than 90% managed by the federal government. a lot of that is b.l.m. land. we have a lot of experience with multiple use. with grazing, logging, ranching, recreation, fish, all the things we have just talked about coexisting in the same b.l.m. tracks in utah. the reason this rule is deeply, deeply unpopular in my state is that it comes in and makes one use trump all of the other uses on what should be multiple use land managed for sustained yield. the role that b.l.m. lands play in our economy and our culture cannot be overstated. we have in some of the counties i represent the majority of the families get at least part of their livelihood from grazing on public land. and if those lielihoods go away it has a big impact on our economy. it also has a big impact on the

lifestyle. our culture. and that's why changes like this should be made by congress. they should be debated by people who represent the people in utah. or in other western states. who are facing the same drastic cultural livelihood changes from this kind of rule. instead of coming from an administration where it's written by bureaucrats who like the chairman, i can't identify. i don't know who wrote the rule. i don't know what input they took from people in my district. but i know i hear from people in my district and i represent them. so i ask all my colleagues to support this rule. or this bill. thank you. mr. westerman: i have no further requests for time, i'm prepared to close. i reserve my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from colorado is recognized. mr. neguse: thank you, mr. speaker. i am prepared to close as well. this has been -- i've participated in a lot of debates during my time in congress. this has got to be one of the most confounding for me because

repeatedly, unfortunately, i have colleagues, friends on the other side of the aisle making statements about what this rule does when the plain language of the rule says the exact opposite. there are fol here in the gallery i suspect who are just as confused as i am. one need look no further than the plain language of the rule. the rule says that it's putting conservation on par with these other uses. grazing is allowed under the rule. oil and gas development is allowed under the rule. nservation is allowed under the rule. if my colleagues don't want conservation considered by the b.l.m. with respect to how these lands are maged, which is clearly what they believe, then they should just say so. just be candid with the american people. that they don't think these lands should be managed with conservation in mind at all. i disagree with that view. the arican people disagree

with that view. but that's an intellectually honest position. but don't mischaracterize the rule that the agency ultimately promulgated. because the american people n see it for themselves. they can read the same plain language that i've read repeatedly on the houseloor over the course of the last hour of debate. mr. speaker, coness charged the bureau of land management with seeking balance. statutorily, that's the word we used in the statute givin b.l.m. its authority. so that they are utilized for a -- in a combination that will best meet the present and future needs ofhe american people. that is what the biden administration has done with respect to the development of this rule. now, when we had the hearing on this bill in the natural resources committee, a constituent of mine testified.

in support of the bill. gle county commissionrica think chandler henry. she made the trip to washington to be here to support this particular rule. and i think her testimony said it best, so iill quote her here. quote, i support the b.l.m.'s proposed public lands rule. it will empower the agency to dever on its multiple use mandate by placing conservation values on equal footing with other uses on our public lands. . that's it. people in my state and throughout the west rely on our public lands for a wide variety of uses and benefits. and i speak with some authority on this particular subject. because i represent a congressional district that's larger than eight states in the union. that includes over 40% of it

being public lands. managed by the b.l.m. and by the forest service. so when i talk about the need to prioritize resilience and balance, i speak about it on behalf of those communities that i'm so honored to represent. i appreciate the dialogue that we've had with my colleague from utah and of course with my friend, the chairman from arkansas, but i respectfully disagree with respect to this bill. i hope perhaps my colleagues will see the light and vote against h.r. 3997. i certainly will be. and i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the chair would remind members that the rules don't allow references to persons in the gallery. the gentleman from arkansas is recognized. mr. westerman: mr. speaker, we really must pass representative curtis' west act. this burdensome and unnecessary law that's being disguised as a

rule is not only a threat to the west, it's a threat to our national security, to american energy dominance, to our food security, to the environment and to the separation of powers that are established in our constitution. passing the west act and withdrawing this rule will restore congress' intent over the multiple uses of b.l.m. land and protect the over 700,000 jobs across the west that rely on access to our public lands. we can't allow the biden administration to single-handedly up-end 50 years of congressionally mandated land use policies to the whim of environmental extremists and coastal elites. we cannot allow an unelected and unaccountable and unnamed bureaucrat to write law. i'd like to thank representative curtis for his strong leadership on this issue. i know he's heard many concerns from his constituents about the

rule, including last week at a federal land subcommittee hearing in southern utah. i urge adoption of this bill and i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields. pursuant to house resolution 117 3-rbgs the previous question -- 1173, the previous question is ordered. the question is on engrossment and third reading of the bill. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. the ayes have it. third reading. the clerk: a bill to require the director of the bureau of land management to withdraw a rule of the bureau of land management relating to conservation and landscape health. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentlewoman from california seek recognition? ms. kamlager-dove: mr. speaker -- the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the motion. the clerk: ms. kamlager doving of california moves to recommit the bill, h.r. 3397, to the committee on natural resources. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to the rule, the previous question is ordered on the motion to recommit. the question is on the motion. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. the noes have it.

the motion is not agreed to. ms. kamlager-dove: mr. speaker, i request the yeas and nays. the speaker pro tempore: the yeas and nays are requested. all those in favor of taking this vote by the yeas and nays will rise and remain standin until counted. members will record their votes by electronic device. pursuant to clause 9 of rule 20, this 15-minute vote on the motion to recommit will be followed by five-minute votes on passage of the motion to recommit, h.r. 615, passage of h.r. 615, it if ordered, the motion to recommit, h.r. 764, the passage of h.r. 764, if ordered. the motion to recommit h.r. 3195 and the passage of h.r. 3195, if ordered. this is a 15-minute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc., in cooperation with the united states house of representatives. any use of the closed-captioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u.s. house of representatives.]

the speaker pro tempore: on this vote the yeas are 204, the nays are 210. the motion is not adopted. the question is on passage of the bill. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. the ayes have it. the bill is passed. without objection -- >> mr. speaker. mr. speaker. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from idaho seek recognition? >> a recorded vote, please. the speaker pro tempore: a recorded vote is requested. those favoring a recorded vote will rise. a sufficient number having arisen, a recorded vote is ordered.

members will record their votes by electronic device. this will be a five-minute involvote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc., in cooperation with the united states house of representatives. any use of the closed-captioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u.s. house of representatives.]

the speaker pro tempore: the yeas are 212 and the nays are 202. the bill is passed and without objection, without objection is laid on the table. the the unfinished business is question on agreeing to the motion to recommit on h.r. 615 offered by the gentlewoman from michigan on which the yeas and nays are ordered the clerk will redesignate the motion. the clerk: motion to recommit h.r. 615 offered by mrs. dingell of michigan. the speaker pro tempore: the question is on agreeing on the

motion to recommit. members will record their votes by electronic device. this is a five-minute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc., in cooperation with the united states house of representatives. any use of the closed-captioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u.s. house of representatives.]

the speaker pro tempore: on this vote, the yeas are 204, the nays are 211. the motion is not adopted. question is on passage of the bill. those in favor, say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it -- for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition? mr. huffman: request the yeas and nays, mr. speaker. the speaker pro tempore: the yeas and nays are requested. those favoring a vote by the yeas and nays will rise. a sufficient number having arisen. yeas and nays are ordered members will record their votes by electronic device. this is a five-minute vote.

[captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc., in cooperation with the united states house of representatives. any use of the closed-captioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u.s. house of representatives.]

the speaker pro tempore: on this vote, the yeas are 214 and the nays are 201. and the bill is passed. pursuant to clause 8, rule 20, the unfinished business is question on agreeing to the the motion to reconsider on h.r. 764 offered by mr. huffman, on which the yeas and nays are ordered. the clerk will redesignate the motion. the clerk: h.r. 764 offered by mr. huffman of california. the speaker pro tempore: the question is on agreeing to the motion to recommit.

members will record their votes by electronic device. this is a five-minute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc., in cooperation with the united states house of representatives. any use of the closed-captioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u.s. house of representatives.]

the speaker pro tempore: on this vote the yeas are 205 the nays are 210. the motion is not adopted. the question is on passage of the bill. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. the ayes have it. >> request the yeas and nays. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition? >> mr. speaker, request a recorded vote. the speaker pro tempore: a recorded vote is requested. those favoring a recorded vote will rise. a sufficient number having

arisen, a recorded vote is ordered. members will record their votes by electronic device. this will be a five-minute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc., in cooperation with the united states house of representatives. any use of the closed-captioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u.s. house of representatives.]

the speaker pro tempore: on this vote the yeas are 209, the nays are 205. the bill is passe without objection, the motion to rensider is laid on the table. pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, the unfinish business is the question on agreeing to the motion to recommit from h.r. 3195 offered by the gentlewoman from minnesota, ms. mccollum. which the yeas and nays were ordered. the clerk will redesignate the motion. the clerk: motion to recommit h.r. 3195 offered by ms. mccollum of minnesota. the speaker pro tempore: the question is on agreeing to the motion to recommit. members will record their votes by electronic device. this will be five-minute vote. [captioning made possible by the naonal captioning institute, inc., in cooperation with the united states house of representatives. any use of the closed-captioned coverage of the house proceedings for potical or commercial purposes is expressly prohibed by the u.s. house of representatives.]

the speaker pro tempore: on this vote, the yeas are 205 and the nays are 210. the motion is not adopted. those in favor, say aye. those opposed, no. the ayes have it. for what purpose does gentlelady from california seek recognition? ms. porter: i request the yeas and nays. the speaker pro tempore: the yeas and nays are requested. those favoring a vote by the yeas and nays will rise. a sufficient number having arisen, yeas and nays are ordered members will record their votes by electronic device. this is a five-minute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc., in cooperation with the united states house of representatives. any use of the closed-captioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u.s. house of representatives.]

the speaker pro tempore: on this vote, the yeas are 212 and the nays are 203. the bill is passed and without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table.

the speaker pro tempore: order. for what purpose does the gentleman from north carolina rise? >> mr. speaker, i ask unanimous consent to address the house out

of order for one minute. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized >> thank you, mr. speaker. yesterday, being a horrific act of violence four law enforcement officers were killed in charlotte and four more were injured as the u.s. marshal regional fugitive task force sought to serve a warrant on a dangerous person. i rise on behalf of representative adams who is standing with the community following this tragic event. i ask my colleagues to join us in a moment of silence to honor the four law enforcement officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice to keep our community safe and support the four officers who were injured and recognize the courage of the first responders who answered the call on that day.

i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the chair will entertain requests for one-minute speeches. for what purpose does the gentleman from georgia rise?

mr. carter: i request unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and revise and extend my remarks. the house is not in order. the speaker pro tempore: the house will come to order. the gentleman is recognized. mr. carter: mr. speaker, i rise today to honor the life of james earnest stewart junior. a lifelong resident of wake falls, georgia, jim graduated from wake cross high school and pursued a degree in finance. he served in the army in intelligence and took up his family's business where he served as chairman of the board for over 65 years. in addition to the family business, jim took on many leadership positions in his community. he served as chairman of the board of commercial bank of waycross and foundic chairman of

the with h w.b.n.t. and his achievements jim was selected for the business and community service award for the childers' ymca and granted an award the james' stewart award for the service he lent to the community. his involvement will be remembered by friends, fallly and all. thank you, mr. speaker. and i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from north carolina rise? >> i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized >> mr. speaker, in eastern north carolina, there is a growing need for employment opportunities that can provide young people with careers. to address this, i facilitated a

meeting at a greenville between representatives from the newport news shipyard, community colleges and work force development officials from across the region. the objective was to explore ways of collaborating to create more job opportunities in our part of the state. giving the increasing demand of naval ships and submarines, everyone had optimismism. the meeting was full of promise and hope. more than 1100 north carolinians are employed at the shipyard. we can ensure people have access to good-paying jobs and live the american dream right in eastern north carolina. we are taking positive steps towards creating a brighter future in the east. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from tennessee seek recognition?

>> i request unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized mr. burchett: thank you, mr. speaker. i want to recognize my dear friend lauren click for her hard work and dedication at henry's deli. she first started working through a program at gibbs' high school. after she graduated and walked back into henry's and been working there with betty and austin and henry's longest standing employee and stocks chips, drinks and paper towels and greeting me. she loves her job and knows everyone coming in and i bring groups when i was county mayor and she and i got to be friends. i still going in there and has a good smile and hug. on february 5, she turned 39

years old and i had to be disappointed and couldn't go to the deli because i was stuck with you as i stated once before. i say it now, very late and very happy birthday to you, lauren. you bring joy to the folks at henry's deli and special thanks for helping lauren find a great place in life and she is one of god creatures and she is perfect. . . . . the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentlelady rise? >> to address the house for one minute. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlelady is recognized. ms. stevens: i am standing up for those that produce technologies through public-private partnerships. since the creation of

manufacturing u.s.a. through the american manufacturing act, we're seeing firsthand these institutes and why funding them is so critical to our country. this was an initiative that started under president obama and has carried forward through two presidential administrations since. from m.x.d.'s ability to push the bounds of digital tools in manufacturing to arms ability to revolutionize the sector with robotics, to all the amazing biomanufacturing institutes furthering material science and biotechnology applications to remade's work to a circular economy, to power america in its forthcoming sibling, to ensure american leadership in the semi conductor industry, to of course my hometown hero lyft, creating technologies needed for an electric future. my friends, this is manufacturing u.s.a. this is work force development in action. thank you, mr. speaker, and i

yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentlewoman from arizona seek recognition? >> to address the house for one minute and revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman is recognized. >> thank you, mr. speaker. i rise today to recognize someone who is undoubtedly one of the greatest public servants in my state that they've ever known. janice k. brewer. ms. lesko: jan brewer served arizona for decades starting in the statehouse of representatives and then in the state senate where she was majority whip. she also served on the maricopa county board of supervisors, and then as arizona's secretary of state. after a gubernatorial vacancy, jan became arizona's 2 2nd governor and was overwhelmingly re-elected for a second term. governor brewer is someone i have admired for her

independence and convictions. she dedicated her time in office to leave our state better than she found it, and her efforts helped lay the foundation for arizona's current success and prosperity. arizona's eighth congressional district thanks governor jan brewer for her amazing legacy of service to the grand canyon state. and i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentlelady from ohio seek recognition? ms. kaptur: to address the house for one minute and revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlelady is recognized. ms. kaptur: mr. speaker, i rise to recognize the passing of a powerful full tower of the schools, dr. ellis. he's been a crystal clear force for today and many to come. he was born in 1933 in

springfield, ohio, in the depths of economic struggle and as an african-american faced discrimination and was determined to overcome that by playing basketball at bowling green university like his idol charlie share. in 1951 dr. ellis became the first african-american to play for the falcons at bowling green. he left college to join the u.s. army and continued playing basketball on a military team, finishing his education at bgsu and the university of toledo and became bgsu's most valuable player. he moved to toledo to raise his family and work for the ymca and was hired by the toledo public schools in 1969 and rose to superintendent, serving from 1969 until his retirement in 1996. teacher, coach, mentor, principal, prophet, leader, and the district's first african-american superintendent.

superintendent ellis, a very measured man, led by example. toledo and our region are deeply grateful for his life and legacy and contributions to educating every child and person in our community. rest in peace, dear superintendent ellis. you'll be deeply missed. in your name, may our community move forward with your unfinished dreams to educate every child and person no matter how difficult their circumstance. mr. speaker, i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition? >> to address the house for one minute. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. >> thank you, mr. speaker. last month, a colleague and good friend, congressman jill tokuda, came to myself and toured it. this is post fire devastation of the 2018 campfire and how our

recovery efforts are going five years later. it's a solemn connection representative tokuda and i share, as last august her district suffered the catastrophic lahaina fire. there we are checking out lahaina there and here she is with me in paradise, california. which the lahaina fire replaced the campfire as the deadliest in the united states since at least 1910. at the bipartisan policy center we visited her district with no expense to the taxpayers. we discussed finding solutions that work in multiple regions of the country for something that's plagued both our districts so viciously, wildfire. as the residents of lahaina go through their recovery process, it's important to share the lessons we learned in southern california from recovering from a natural disaster and navigating the fema process. i hope these lessons can be

learned for her benefit and others going forward as necessary. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman's time has expired. for what purpose does the gentlelady from north carolina seek recognition? ms. manning: to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlelady is recognized for one minute. ms. manning: mr. speaker, extreme politicians continue to attack women's reproductive freedoms. first, they overturned roe, demolishing abortion rights for millions of americans across the country, including in my home state of north carolina. now they're attacking fertility treatments like i.b.f., and they're even coming after birth control. in fact, supreme court justice clarence thomas explicitly called for the reconsideration of griswold v. connecticut as the first state for the right for country exception. last year 195 republicans in the u.s. house of representatives voted against the right to use birth control.

i will not stand by and watch extremist politicians strip away women's rights and why i reintroduced the right to contraception act to safeguard the right to access all f.d.a. approved birth control from political attacks. i encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting my right to contraception act and stand up for women's health and freedom. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlelady's time has expired. for what purpose does the gentleman from pennsylvania seek recognition? >> i seek unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized for one minute. >> mr. speaker, i rise today to honor the tragic loss and memory of brian kendall. mr. meuser: his tragic passing at a farm accident last weekend left an immense void in our community touching the hearts of lebanon county and beyond. he was a proud dairy farmer and known as the heart of villa dale

farm, a legacy spanning three generations. his life came to an end far too early. his memory livers on in the -- lives on as those who knew him. fathers like brian are essential to keeping food on every american's table. it's important to recognize the risks farmers face in their profession. we should all be thankful for the hard work of the men and women that feed our nation. echoing the sentiments of countless others, brian will surely be very well missed. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentlelady from pennsylvania is seek recognition? >> mr. speaker, i ask for unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlelady is recognized for one minute. >> thank you. earlier this month our community lost a giant with the passing of anthony cory, long time deacon of our lady of lebanon marinite church of pennsylvania.

ms. wild: he served our lady of lebanon as a bingo worker, cantor, volunteer, and deacon. he spent more than 40 years at notre dame high school in bethlehem as a athletic director. he lived a life of total service to his family, to his church, and to his surrounding community. he will be greatly missed, and i'm so thankful for his work as a champion of our lebanese community. may he rest in peace. thank you, mr. speaker. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from pennsylvania seek recognition? >> mr. speaker, request unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized for one minute. mr. thompson: i recognize april as national welding month and it is fundamental for safety and advancing the quality of life worldwide. this month we raise awareness about the welding industry and its career paths. it's the foundation of manufacturing and to broaden the

reach of the welding community, skilled welders keep products rolling off an assembly line and buildings rising into the skyline and also keep the economy booming. as co-chair of the bipartisan career and technical education caucus, recognizing national welding month is especially important. it is a trade-based education and students who choose to enter a career in welding can graduate high school with a diploma and certifications in one hand and multiple job offers in the other. mr. speaker, a great example were the 12 high school students from venango county who recently received their welding certificates through the community college of allegheny county at venango technology center. they were juniors and seniors from titusville, cranberry, oil city, and franklin high school. upon graduating, the students will also have earned 18 full credits through ccas -- ccac for

their work. learners of all ages, they'll learn kills for the work force from a technical college. i yield back my time. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentlelady from california seek recognition? >> to address the house for one minute and revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlelady is recognized for one minute. >> mr. speaker, i rise in recognition of parkinson's awareness month. parkinson's disease is a disorder that makes it a challenge to move, speak and perform everyday tasks we take for granded. ms. diaz barragan: it robs people of their abilities. nearly one million live with this disease and my father was one of them. i watched him battle the last 10 years of his life. i want to recognize jennifer wexton who was diagnosed with a form of atypical parkinson's,

and she shared her story and her legislation passed the house solely dedicated to any parkinson's. the house has done its job. i call on the senate to pass this bipartisan bill. together let's honor our caregivers, advocate for research and better treatments and create a future where parkinson's is overcome. thank you, and i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from ohio seek recognition? >> mr. speaker, i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized for one minute. >> thank you, mr. speaker. i rise to recognize a patriot and true american hero, mike zaderecky of ohio who celebrated his 106th birthday, a 1937 graduate of the now closed slavic village high school, he attended kent state university before being drafted in the army. as a private first class in the eighth infantry division, 45th

field battalion he served in world war ii in the beaches at normandy. in 1945 he returned home to ohio. mr. miller: mike continued to self leslie serve his community as a councilman and heating inspector. after retiring mike couldn't help but continue his service, working another 28 years as a bailiff, known as uncle mikey in the court, he ran a tight ship keeping both unruly lawyers and equally unruly youngsters in check. at a time when veterans organizations is in klein, he is a faithful member of legion post 572. . i want to thank mr. zadarecky for his selfless service. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek recognition? >> i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute

and revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized for one minute. mr. espaillat: i represent the district where columbia university is, and as protests continue i've had the opportunity to meet with many jewish students a at the columbia campus. i strongly believe that the ability to peacefully protest is a fundamental american value and i support student's freedom of expression. however incidents of anti-semitic hate speech left these students feeling scared and alone. i want to tell them tonight, you are not alone. however vdalism, breaking the law, and anti-semitism are not part of peaceful protesting. as the protests have placed state of the unions in harm's way the university must prioritize providing safety and order for all students on campus. as members of congress we have a duty to pass meaningful legislation to protect students and all americans against

anti-semitism and other forms of hate. and we will do that. i yield back, mr. speaker. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from florida seek recognition? >> to address the house for one minute and revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized for one minute. . gaetz: i rise to acknowledge the remarkable contributions of dr. devon stevensson to northwest florida. he currently serves as psident of northwest florida state college but will be leaving our community to take a post as head of florida poly tech nick. in his time at northwest florida ate, dr. stevenson began an aviation institute that's become a center of exclence. he's revolutionized the w our state colleges administer nursing education with some of the best technology in that field in the world. and the dualnrollment charter school at northwest florida state has maintaine its position as mber one in florida. he has done so many things for so many thousands of people. we will miss him greatly as he

heads on to his pursues. we wish him well at florida poly tech nick. thank you, i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: under the speaker's announced policy of january 9, 2023, the gentlewoman from florida, mrs. cherfilus-mccormick, is recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the minority leader. mrs. cherfilus-mccormick: i ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of the special order. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mrs. cherfilus-mccormick: it is with great honor i rise to anchor this joint c.b.c. special order hour along with my colleague, joe neguse. for the next 60 minutes, members of the c.b.c. have the opportunity to honor the life of late congressman donald payne, a lead over great importance to the congressional black caucus, congress, the constituents we represent and all of america. no now i would like to yield to assistant leader joe neguse.

mr. neguse: i want to thank my colleague from florida, mrs. cherfilus-mccormick, for her leadership and i want to thank chairman horsford and all my colleagues today gathered to honor a great man, a kind man, a good man, our beloved colleague, congressman donald payne jr. with incredible style and a bone-deep optimism that was duly contagious, don was a kind, gentle giant in the people's house and his dedication to the people of new jersey was inspiring, his good natured spirit, his humor was a comfort to us all. he used his voice often standing in this very chamber, delivering more speeches in the people's house in this congress than any other member of this august body. tole vat the issues that mattered to his community, to the people of new jersey, and to the american people. and his impact has been felt and will be felt by countless folks across the state of new jersey

and across our great country, including those who benefited from his efforts to expand access to safe drinking water, to implement better pay, safer working conditions, and so much more. above all else, he was a kind, good, decent man. i was proud to call him a friend as we all were, and as we prepare to lay him to rest, our heart goes out to his wife beatrice and their triplets. may they find comfort in their loving memories of a good, kind, and decent man. i yield back to the distinguished gentlewoman. mrs. cherfilus-mccormick: thank you so much. i would like to yield to the speaker emerita, nancy pelosi. ms. pelosi: thank you very much, congresswoman cherfilus-mccormick, for bringing us together to honor this great person. anyone who ever watches the house of representatives knew

that mr. payne was first row, first seat. any president or head of state who came into this body had to pass him by and pay their respects as he paid his respects in return. and every day, practically every day, he did a special order on a priority. so whether it was in command of the discussion or the -- what happens in the -- the distinguished visitor's chair, donald payne was to be reckoned with. it is with immense sadness that i rise today to honor our dear colleague. as you see the flowers and the black crepe. we are all mourning him deeply. donald payne came from a tradition of leadership and patriotism and effectiveness and excellence that public service was in his d.n.a. many of us served with his father, donald payne sr., who was globally recognized as a

great leader. and long before donald payne jr. was here, his father sang his praises, and one day he would replace him. during his nearly 12 years here in the house, he strengthened our legislative efforts, especially in infrastructure, at the he will. of the subcommittee of railroads, pipelines and hazard douse material on the instray chuck committee. he led a fight for clean drinking water for every child. indeed, even in what would be his final remarks on the floor, we heard him just a matter of weeks, he made the case for lowering housing costs and expanding supply, demonstrating his total commitment to working families in the garden state of new jersey and beyond. and our caucus in the congress, congressman payne was beloved. truly beloved. indeed, all of us who served with him have been blessed by his personal kindness, his sense of humor, his devotion to finding common ground.

again, he was respectful of this institution by treating it with great dignity. the dapperness of his apparel was always a source of joy to us, to brighten our days. and again, i hope it is a comfort to his wife, beatrice, and their triplets, donald iii, jack, and yvonne, and the entire payne family that so many mourn their loss and are praying for them at this sad time, with special thank you to them for sharing donald payne with us in the congress to -- honored to call him colleague and with the american people who benefit from his leadership and service. with that, i yield back with gratitude to the gentlelady from florida. mrs. cherfilus-mccormick: thank you. i would like to yield to the chairman of the c.b.c., steven horsford.

mr. horsford: thank you, mr. speaker. to my colleague, representative cherfilus-mccormick, thank you for leading this very important special order hour to all of my colleagues who are here, to the assistant democratic leader, mre tonight as our dear colleague would say to his constituents, i rise, mr. speaker, with my colleagues of the congressional black caucus and in fact the entire house of representatives to remember a man of the people. the loss we all feel for our dear friend and colleague, congressman donald p. payne -- donald m. payne jr. is immeasurable. words cannot express how deeply he will be missed by our caucus. but we want to express our heart

felt condolences, our prayers, to the payne family and to his staff, to anyone and everyone who knew him, you are forever in our hearts and we are so sorry for your loss. as chairman of the congressional black caucus, it is an honor to work with my colleagues, each and every day, for the betterment of our constituents, this body, and our country. and it was an honor to work with a man of such good character, passion, and deep commitment to serving his community and our country as donald m. payne jr. he was a kind and thoughtful person. a person who always had a good spirit despite some of the most difficult health conditions that anyone could experience.

he always had a laugh -- laughter and a humor about him. and an optimism that was truly contagious. to our caucus, donald payne was prolific. literally, prolific. on this floor. he came to this floor to speak for the people. he had a goal of being, quote, the michael jordan of one-minutes. and he would go on to win that award not once, not twice, not three time, but the fifth award in a row. now, for those who may not know, a one-minute is when you come to this body and you bring attention to an issue that's important to the constituents that you represent. despite sometimes not being up to the best of health, he found the time every opportunity to

speak to his constituents. and to speak on behalf of them. and that's how many of us will remember him. we'll remember him with a smile. that he was always dressed to impress. heading to the house floor to speak to the country on ■behalf of the people and the community that he loved the most. he was a man of purpose. a man of humility. and he was a public servant through and through. this house has been made better for his leadership. congressman payne jr. will always be a part of the history that we have made here on behalf of the american people. and immaterial to join my colleagues in honoring his memory and his legacy and his life by continuing the work to fight for the people on the

issues that matter to them most. may god bless your soul, congressman donald payne. thank you for giving us the opportunity to know you, to be friends with you, to serve with you, and your legacy will live on. may god bless you. i yield back. mrs. cherfilus-mccormick: thank you, mr. chairman. i'd like to yield a minute and a half to the congresswoman from california, maxine waters. ms. waters: mr. speaker and members, it is difficult for me to stand here this evening as i mourn the loss of my dear friend, donald payne jr., and in my own way, i adopted donald jr. and he send me as his other mohr. i loved him because he was a fighter. experiencing his own health

problems, but he worked hard to address the health problems in our society and to educate and legislate, to get health care and support for others. he was a gentleman. who all of the members loved, supported and respected him. all of the members of congress loved him because of his spirit. i loved his support for all others when he was having his own problems. i also enjoyed loving his dress. you know he had those beautiful bow ties. and he wore those fabulous suits and shoes. and all of his colors that he coordinated. and so i would compliment him and we would laugh and joke about the fabulous eyeglasses that he had. and on and on and on.

he was a man of style and fashion. i'm going to miss him and i'm going to miss inquiring about his wonderful children, his triplets, and about what they were doing. and i'm going to just plain be overcome with grief and try to get some relief in the fact that i knew him and may he rest in peace. ms. cherfilus-mccormick: i'd like to yield to mr. stanford bishop from georgia. mr. bishop: i thank you for this time. mr. speaker, i rise to honor the life of a man, my dear friend, donald payne jr. he was a kindhearted man who

dutifully served new jersey's 10th congressional district. like h father whom he succeeded, representing his district was heartfelt and personal, from the district he provided the most profound insight from profound issues facing our country from security to infrastructure needs that keep the american people and commerce flowing to the more personal challenges that we face like the unique challenges of men's health care and overall health policy. in his path he could chart injustice and create equitable opportunities for the country's underserved communities. he was a vibrant voice in this chamber every day. a sharply dressed messenger, helping to educate us all, communicating the everyday lived experience of americans to help craft more compassionate policy,

improve the quality of life for all, and help create a more perfect union. he was beloved on both sides of the aisle and of course by his family and the people he served. though he's transitioned from this life, it is my hope that his spirit remain alive in all of us, in all that we do. to god be the glory for the life and the legacy of congressman donald payne jr. with that, i yield back. ms. cherfilus-mccormick: i'd now like to yield to representative bennie thompson from mississippi. mr. thompson: thank you very much. i appreciate the gentlelady from florida giving me the time. mr. speaker, today we mourn the loss of congressman donald payne jr., a thoughtful leader, a dear friend, a son of newark who

never forgot where he came from and who he served. a legislator whose kindness brought us together even during the most divisive political times. i had the privilege of serving alongside both donald paynes. but donald payne jr. served with me on the homeland security committee during his entire tenure in congress, and he achieved great things. when he came to the committee in 2013, the world had just come crashing down for parents in newtown, connecticut, whose children were gunned down at an elementary school. donald payne jr., a father of school-aged triplets, vowed to make school safer in this country. it is because of him, because of his relentless advocacy that the department of homeland security is reporting to congress on school security. and it's because of donald payne jr. who wrote the homeland

security for children's act that the department of homeland security now must plan for children's unique needs during disasters. donald payne jr.'s legacy is making children safer. as we mourn together, let us celebrate together, every goal, every accomplishment, every move donald payne jr. made here in the halls of congress was in service to his wife, b, his children, donald, jack, yvonne, the city of newark and the people of new jersey's 10th congressional district. and donald payne jr. leaves a legacy that we all can be proud of. we know how congressman payne was a snazzy dresser. i couldn't touch him. but in his memory, i'm putting on some of his favorite shades

for this evening. thank you, and i yield back. ms. cherfilus-mccormick: thank so you much. now i'd like to yield to frank pallone of new jersey. mr. pallone: thank you, mr. speaker. i'm honored to have an opportunity to highlight the legacy of our colleague and my friend, donald payne jr. last week, new jersey lost a great public servant far too soon. many knew don for his trademark bow tie, big smile, and friendly demeanor. let me tell you a bit more about his life and journey. don's mother died when he was just 5 years old. after his mother's passing, don and his siblings were raised by his father. i think many know his father, donald sr., also my colleague, was the first black member of congress from new jersey. he was also a congressional

black caucus chairman. don jr. tended to the trail blazed by his father by fighting for health care for all, delivering federal funding to the largest and most important transportation project in american history, and replacing lead drinking water pipes that made kids in his district sick. in honor of his father, he led bipartisan efforts to research, prevent, and treat colorectal cancer. don was a powerful politician in new jersey as both a county commissioner and newark city councilman. new jersey allowed you to hold both offices at the same time. many felt it was a step down for him to come to congress, but he felt it was an obligation and duty to follow his father's footsteps and was determined to make the best of it. now, don was always struggling with health issues from the very first day that he came here, but it didn't stop him from his work, from voting, from doing more special orders than any other member, as was mentioned by my colleagues tonight.

and in a town known for sharp elbows, don always showed kindness. he always took the time to ask how you were doing. he made sure you knew that you had a friend who had your back no matter what. and don payne can serve as an example for all of us. he didn't care if you were plaque or white, christian or jewish, rich or poor, but we were all in an effort to make things better in our quality of life. he didn't worry about himself. he was funny and self-deb reindicating -- self-deprecating. he didn't like deceit or if you thought you were better than other people. he wanted for us to work every day to make life better for your state and your country. today the american flag flies at half-mast at the capitol in his honor and join his wife, beatrice, donald iii, jack, and

yvonne mourning in his passing. donald jr. made his family and constituents proud. his work is done but it won't be forgotten. i yield back. ms. cherfilus-mccormick: i'd like to yield to the gentlelady from california, representative barbara lee, for 1 1/2 minutes. ms. lee: i thank the gentlelady for yielding. it's hard to stand over here and look over to see where is don? every night he was here speaking truth to power. so tonight i rise with my colleagues in remembrance of our beloved friend and colleague, congressman donald payne jr. i got to know and love don before i actually met him. his proud father, our beloved donald payne sr., made sure of that. the entire payne family was committed to service, extending

to the next generation. don jr.'s son was an incredible intern in my office. he was brilliant, he was passionate. he was his father a few years younger. his son, i tell you, made a major contribution to my office, and we became a better office because of don jr. don sr. and don jr., both, don jr. was passionate. he was kind, he was gentle, and a brilliant man who was determined to not let his health challenges stop him from his vision and his bold work. i remember traveling abroad with him. he would always take time, yes, for his medical treatments and be right back in our meetings providing his insight on global affairs. he showed us how to live a full life regardless of his

difficulties. his loss will be immensely felt in new jersey's 10th congressional district where he worked tirelessly to rebuild our nation's infrastructure, provide clean drinking water for disadvantaged communities, invest in minority owned businesses and bring awareness to colorectal cancer in the black community. we talked about a variety of treatments for diabetes, the appropriations committee that funds n.i.h. he was very instrumental and insightful in helpi me with my work with regard to diabetes and cancer. my condolences go to his families and loved ones, including his wife, beatrice, and their tree children. i hope that they find strength in their memories and love for this great man who fought the good fight. and he fought a good fight until the end. may he rest in eternal peace and power. i yield back. thank you again for giving us a chance to speak this evening on

behalf of our beloved congressman donald payne jr. ms. cherfilus-mccormick: thank you. i'd like to yield to our democratic leader, hakeem jeffries. mr. jeffries: i thank the distinguished gentlelady for yielding. and it's with great sadness we gather here today to honor the life and the leadership and legacy of don payne jr., but also celebrate that life, that leadership, and that legacy of our dear brother who was a gentle giant, a kind, compassionate man, a powerhouse in terms of his legislative capacity, though he didn't spend a lot of time promoting his accomplishments. he just let the work be done and speak for itself. but that's work that was

transformational. he stood up for the people that he represented in his beloved brick city of newark, his beloved state of new jersey and for people all across the country, particularly underrepresented communities in the area of health care. he was a champion in providing access and information and affordability to black men and to other historically underrepresented communities suffering from disproportionate high rates of ailments. and that's a legacy that will be with us in this congress, in this country, and indeed throughout the world for years and decades to come. it was my honor along with joyce beatty and robin kelley and

steven horsford and mr. veasey to come into congress together with donald payne jr. he often made reference to the fact that he arrived a few months before us in a special election, so we affectionately called him the dean of the class of 2012. and what a great dean he was. what a great man he was, what a great colleague and friend he was and may he forever rest in power. mr. cherem: thank you, mr. leader. i'd now like to inquire how much time is remaining? the speaker pro tempore: 34 minutes remaining. ms. cherfilus-mccormick: at this time i'd like to yield to

representative yvette clark from new york. ms. clark: mr. speaker, i thank the gentlelady from florida for yielding. i rise today on behalf of the people of the ninth district of new york, the clark family, and myself -- the clarke family and myself to remember a true gentleman of new jersey, the incomparable donald payne jr. everyone who knew him was blessed by my dear friend and will remember a man with unwavering principles, guided by his belief that every american deserves an advocate willing to fight for their best possible future, not to mention his incomparable sense of style. those bow ties were just classic. when i think back on my time

serving alongside donald throughout his six terms in the house of representatives and the precious time we shared, we both served on the committee on homeland security together. one of the memories i have is of him deep into the early morning in the defense of security -- excuse me, secretary mayorkas, during the sham impeachment proceedings, as he admonished those who chose to laugh at the depiction of an officer. . and as they continued to move different issues forward that were certainly not truthful. and for those who chose to laugh at a depiction of an officer on

horseback, who was using a whip at human beings on the border. the second instance of his righteous anger at the existence of a challenge coin commemorating the abuses of black and brown migrants at the -- that they faced at our southern border. each of these stories exemplified the singular commitment to justice and moral courage which defined donald's tenure here in congress. we supported one another in our districts, and we would move back and forth, him coming to brooklyn, new york, and me going to newark, new jersey, to be of support to one another. we shared so much in common, our sense of humor, our sense of fashion, and our genres of

music. we often talked about the fact that when we were young once, or younger once, we would frequent the same nightclubs there in newark, new jersey. that was one of our bonding moments. i can say with confidence that all of congress will miss congressman payne's leadership, kind spirit, and unparalleled dedication to making progress. dearly. so to beatrice and the triplets, to his loved ones, friends, and staff, i send you love and light and extend my heart felt condolences during this season of your beleavement. i will miss my brother, my dear friend, rest in peace, donald payne jr. thank you and i yield back. mrs. cherfilus-mccormick: thank

you, i would like to yield one minute to representative stacey plaskett representing the virgin islands. ms. plaskett: thank you to the gentlewoman from florida, thank you for anchoring this time. mr. speaker, i'm proud that we've been gathered here for this evening to sell bait the life and legacy of our dear friend and colleague, congressman donald payne jr. when i came to congress, i knew of his father, donald payne sr., i had gone to georgetown's foreign service school and all of us black students knew of the work of his father in elevating africa. but i came to learn of his son, donald payne jr., and understood that he was just as passionate as his father. that he, in fact, elevated the legacy of his father by forging his own trail in the issues that were important to him.

we've lost a great man in the house. but newark, new jersey, the state, his staff, and especially his family, have lost a dear loved one who can never be replaced. we must keep his legacy going. impeccably -- impeccable fashion sense, kind of heart, warmth, and a very wry sense of humor, very quiet, but it was there, it was very edgy at times. donald payne was above all a gentleman. he was a leader in health care, and especially with screening for colorectal cancer, black men's health and ensuring affordability. he had many initiatives for supporting initiatives for disadvantaged communities. i was proud to co-sponsor h.r. 3382, the colorectal cancer

payment fairness act and h.r. 1765, the snap benefits fairness act, alongside with him. mr. payne was an advocate for minority and low-income communities, and a voice of support for my home, the virgin islands. he was there with us after the hurricanes in 2017 of irma and maria. he was a man who always dealt in common sense, in kindness, and what is right. a man that put people over politics. and our friend. he will be dearly missed. i yield back. mrs. cherfilus-mccormick: mr. speaker, i'd like to inquire how much time we have left. the speaker pro tempore: 27 minutes remaining. mrs. cherfilus-mccormick: thank you. i would like to yield to bonnie watson coleman from new jersey.

mrs. watson coleman: first, let me thank the congresswoman for affording me this opportunity, and thank you, mr. speaker. i am heart broken by the passing of my dear friend, donald payne jr. like myself, don came from a family legacy of public service, and we bonded over discussions of our trail blazing fathers and the work that they did together in new jersey. i cherish the 10 years that i had the honor of working with don on issues that were important to us such as access to child care, improved transportation, and of course fighting cancer. i will especially remember our time on the homeland security committee, where we both chaired subcommittees dedicated to protecting vital infrastructure. i loved him like a brother and he would often call me his sister-mother, depending on whether or not i was giving him a hard time about his health or

some other issue. donald was a tapper dresser -- a dapper dresser, always with matching glasses, matching bow tie, matching suit. he was a true gentleman. a loyal friend. a great representative. and my husband and i will pray for his soul and pray for the comfort of beatrice and their children and family. we loved him dearly. with that, i yield back. mrs. cherfilus-mccormick: thank you. i'd like to yield to sheila jackson lee from texas. i'll yield to representative gottheimer of new jersey. mr. gottheimer: thank you, mr. speaker. thank you for convening tonight's session. i rise tonight to honor the life friend and colleague,y dear

donald, as everyone knows tricks was larger than life. i loved that picture of him, and if you could see it in color it would be even better. he brought so much color everywhere he went. his suits, his personality. you couldn't help, if you were in a roomh don he lit it up. not only was a great friend, a great father, a great husband, an incredible advocate for his beloved city, newark, and jersey overall, and the hardworking men and women he represented he spent his entire career serving jersey, including as a distinguished local official in the city of newark and essex county. it was such an honor to serve here with don. when i was first elected he was ere for me. he showed me the ropes. shared his wisdom. was never shy to rib me a little bit in the jersey way with his humor and kindness. and of course his signature bow tie.

his legacy will live on through his advocacy, his tire he championing of issues facing so many americans. health issues and issues of clean drinking water for families and reliable transportation and great infrastructure. the mark he left is everywhere. in new jersey. and more than his personality, it's the policies he left behind. he will be missed but never forgotten. he will -- his legacy will live on in a big way in the great state of new jersey. so my prayers are with his wife and his three wonderful children. i hope they can find great solace in the work he left behind and the positive impact he had on millions not just in jersey but across our great country. thank you, i yield back. mrs. cherfilus-mccormick: i would like to yield to sheila jackson lee of texas. ms. jackson lee: i thank the gentlelady from florida for

yielding to me. what i hope would be 25 minutes, i thought i heard that correctly. but what a privilege to know donald payne sr., and to no donald payne jr. and i sat here tonight, listening to my colleagues, struggle with how they would describe this wonderful giant of a man. each came with their own excellent presentation, and what should we say about our dynamic duo of dad and son. and i thought again how privileged i was and am to have traveled with donald payne sr., the dad, and to have sat next to donald payne jr., the son. during the course of homeland security and a number of other committees. let me tell you a thing or two.

both of them knew how to make you laugh. both of them had a sense of joy and love for people other than themselves. and to his wonderful bride, and his wonderful twins that i would ask about in their early career, let me tell you that he never forgot you and always loved you dearly. what i love most about donald payne jr. was that he took life's journey and he turned it into making life better for others. he was not so much worried about himself, but in newark's journey, he wanted to turn the disease that black men would always be impacted by, into the corner that would help black men have better health. he would confront this idea of cancer that was so devastating to black men, to be able to encourage them to learn about their own lives and to say,

we're going to fight this thing and we're going to beat it. that was the way donald payne led his life, that the cancer that he had to fight was going to be a cancer that he was going to win. he believed in encouraging black men to look at their own health, look at yourself in the mirror. black men. and stand up. and be a man. and live longer life. live the life that we can live together. let's not shirk away from the challenges that confront our community. let us talk about that life and let you have the best life you can possibly have. so for the life dealing with health care and cancer and black men, he wanted them to be able to confront it head on. and we did that. isn't it interesting that i remember him garnering $900 million for a transportation

project the same $900 million that i got for a transportation project, we're excited that we could take our love of transportation and bring those dollars home to houston and to new jersey. so i just want to say, there is much and more that one can say, but i wanted to bring home the bacon if you will, and no it will not be that. it will simply be the love we have for our fellow human being, our neighbors, that's what we both hope that we taught to each other and to our neighbors. and i hope that in spirit, he will rest in power and rest in peace. but let me remind you, newark, new jersey, and to his family, whatever he had in life, he was willing to give to others. that's what he will leave us. whatever he had, he wanted to give to someone else.

let us shout and celebrate his life and his legacy. i see you. rest in power. and rest in peace. god bless. mrs. cherfilus-mccormick: thank you. i would like to yield one minute to representative ilhan omar of minnesota. ms. omar: thank you so much. it is an honor to join my colleagues to honor the life and legacy of the late congressman donald payne jr. donald was one of the first people to say hello to me. i recognized his name as soon as he introduced himself. i had met his father as a young girl in a refugee camp in kenya. we talked a lot about his father's love and wishing the best for those of us who were born on the continent and how much he desired to carry on some of that work. i got to see him almost every

single day getting ready to do his one-minute, and would get an opportunity to check in with him. he not only showed up for every one-minute, every time it was scheduled, but he showed up and fought for his beloved community every day he was in office. his dedication to following his father's legacy by serving others, his deep human decency, his commitment to the people of new jersey, will have a lasting impact for generations to come. i will miss -- our chitchats. i will miss seeing his beautiful smile. and i will miss knowing that he was here to cheer me up.

i am sending love and light to his family, to his staff, and to all the people who loved him. may he rest in power. . ms. cherfilus-mccormick: i'd now like to yield to ms. pressley of massachusetts. ms. pressley: donald payne jr.'s 10th district. born in a legacy of service but forged his own path. he was warm, witty, and a warrior. a happy one but a warrior, a warrior for transportation justice, for workers rights, for health care, for gun safety, for clean water.

he never wavered in his exuberance for life or for this work. he was a prolific orator, especially on the house floor. i'll always remember him smiling , nicely attired, wearing a colorful suit, bow tie, glasses, and sometimes a fedora i would ask him to loan me. i will remember him heading to the house floor with purpose to speak on behalf of the people and the community that he loved. mr. speaker, black men deserve to grow old. i'm heartbroken as i consider consecutively and collectively the loss of elijah, john, elsie,

donald, and now our beloved donald payne jr. it makes my heart that we are losing yet another member of our historic congressional black caucus. he was an exemplary member of congress, and an even better man. job well done, congressman payne. arrest in peace, in power. your legacy will live on. our deepest condolences to beatrice, jack, yvonne, all of your family by blood and by bond, including your staff. ms. cherfilus-mccormick: i yield a minute to the gentlelady from new jersey. >> thank you. i rise today to remember our

dear friend and colleague, donald payne jr. he was a model public servant, a man who represented the best our state had to offer. from a very young age, he stove to make new jersey a better place for everyone. he brought his personal experiences to the halls of congress, fighting to expand access to health care, which no question, changed people's lives. he was an expert when it came to modernizing our nation's infrastructure and a partner i turned to as we fought together to make the gateway tunnel a reality. ms. sherrill: but as you've heard, donald was so much more than just a thoughtful legislator, he was a kind, kind man. i remember when he said to me one day, you know, congress can be a lonely place. if you knew donald payne, it was never a lonely place because he

was always looking out for you. he was always bringing a smile to so many faces even though he was going through such difficult health struggles, he always made time to ask how you were doing. he always had his bow tie, his sharp suits on, and he'd always take a minute to smile when you complimented him and to say how great it was to see you. he's going to be missed. he's a presence here that will be sorely missed by all of us. it was an honor to call him a friend. it was an honor for many years to call him my congressman. and it's an honor to speak of him today. may he rest in peace. i thank you and i yield back. ms. cherfilus-mccormick: i'd like to yield to representative andy kim from new jersey. mr. kim: mr. speaker, i rise today to honor the memory of my colleague and my friend,

congressman donald payne jr. it's difficult standing in this chamber knowing that we'll never see donald walk in here and sit with us again. i remember the first time that i sat with him here in these chairs. i was a brand-new member of congress, and he was willing to share a quiet moment with me as i was unsure of myself in this extraordinary, yet overwhelming place. when i saw his advice, he told me there's no single way to be a member of congress, but he suggested i focus on -- well, all of us focus on being ourselves and delivering for our state and our constituents. in some ways with so much going on, it helped give some clarity and simplicity to this complicated work that we do. i will remember donald for his kindness as many have talked about today.

i will remember donald for the pride he took in his community and his state. and i will remember donald for his incredible dedication. these are the things we would all be proud to be remembered by. the things we carry with us as we pick up his work to move it forward. he loved his job. it was an honor he never took for granted, and you could see it in everything he did. my thoughts are with his family and his community. donald, we'll miss you. i yield back. ms. cherfilus-mccormick: i'd like to yield now to representative troy carter from louisiana. mr. carter: thank you, mr. speaker, and thank you to my dear friend and colleague, congresswoman ms. cherfilus-mccormick. we're here to honor the memory of a dear friend and colleague, congressman donald payne jr., a

remarkable public servant and true champion of justice, equality, and progress. i was honored to serve alongside him on the committee of homeland security and transportation infrastructure committees. donald payne was not just a public servant. he was a force for change. a voice for the voiceless, a beacon of hope for the people of new jersey and all americans. he dedicated his career to fighting for racial justice and equal rights. he believed in a future where education was accessible to all, championing free college tuition and sustainable infrastructure that would benefit everyone. in congress he demonstrated the exception will alleyedership, serving as -- exceptional leadership, serving on the committees focused on transportation, infrastructure, and emergency preparedness.

his commitment to improving public transportation, expanding voting rights, and addressing the urgent threat of climate change earned him the admiration from colleagues on both sides of the aisle. beyond his legislative achievements, congressman payne was known for his unwavering dedication for the well-being of working families and most vulnerable -- those most vulnerable among us. he understood progress is measured not only by the laws we pass but by the lives we touch and uplift. as we honor congressman donald payne jr.'s legacy today, let's commit ourselves to renewing the values he held dear. the congressional black caucus will continue to fight for justice, equality, and opportunity. may we always remember the unwavering belief that our nation's greatest lies in our ability to lift each other up and build a better future together.

rest in power, congressman payne. your legacy will continue to inspire and guide us in the noble work of serving the american people. you'll be sorely missed, my dear friend, but never, ever forgotten. i yield back. ms. cherfilus-mccormick: i'd like to yield to representative rob menendez of new jersey. mr. menendez: thank you. thank you to my colleague for yielding. i rise today to pay tribute to the life and legacy of my friend and colleague, congressman donald payne jr. congressman payne was a fierce advocate and a dedicated public servant who fought tirelessly throughout his distinguished career for the city, county, state, and country that he loved. he wasn't just a member of congress, he was a pillar of hope and strength for the community he served and the people who he represented and who he loved. he was a mentor and role model to many, myself included, always

willing to lend a helping hand and offer words of encouragement. this institution can be intimidating but having a big brother here made it home. his passing leave as profound void in our delegation and in this institution. the halls of congress will be a little less bright and a lot less stylish without him. and i'll miss the looks he'd give me when we were getting into some good trouble in committee or the house floor. it was a privilege to serve alongside him. as we remember our friend, let's recommit to the ideals he lived by, justice, equality, and the pursuit of a better tomorrow for all. in doing so, we can honor an incredible congressman and a man whose life exemplified the best of what it means to serve others. thank you for everything, don, and we'll carry you with us. i yield back. ms. cherfilus-mccormick: thank you. i'd like to yield as much time as i may consume. it is an honor to stand before you today and express my deepest

appreciation towards congressman donald payne jr.'s outstanding dedication and remarkable achievements. as we gather here tonight, i'm reminded of his immense impact that one individual can have, not just on their district but the entire nation. his dedication to addressing critical issues facing our society from health care to gun violence prevention, economic equality, to social justice is a legacy that we'll endure for generations to come. furthermore, congressman payne jr.'s leadership on international issues has been nothing short of exemplary. as a member of the congressional black caucus, i've had the privilege of working with him on various issues. let us continue to support and honor his legacy by working together to build a more inclusive future for all americans. thank you, congressman donald payne, for your friendship, dedication, leadership, and

service. the 10th congressional district of new jersey was truly fortunate to have you as their voice in congress. may you rest in power. congressman donald payne would always be here for every special order hour. we can all rely on him to be here with his smile, with his encouragement. i remember the first days when i first started in congress. he was always supportive. he stood with me on issues that affected haiti and the caribbean and black issues. he stood with us when we had to do special order hour and came here. he always had a speech for everyone. he always had a mission to make sure that his district and the communities he served had a place in congress, but more than that, had a voice in congress. donald payne would be missed. as a great friend to the congress, as a great friend to me, as a great friend to everyone in congress who he knew, we'll think of him every single day, his smile, his laugh, his joy. so as we remember him today, it

is a sad time for us, but we find joy in knowing that he's in a better place. mr. speaker, i'd like to inquire how much time we have left. the speaker pro tempore: approxi mate -- the gentlelady has about four minutes remaining. ms. cherfilus-mccormick: i'd like to enter the comments of representative joyce beatty to the record. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. it will also be covered by general leave. ms. cherfilus-mccormick: that concludes our joint leader representative neguse's hour. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: under the speaker's policy of january 2023, mr. schweikert is recognized as a designee of the majority

mr. schweikert: i would like to yield as much time as he would like to consume to the the gentlemanfrom -- gentleman from georgia. >> i would like to thank my friend from arizona for yielding me a few minutes. yesterday, we were joined in this capitol for colonel puckett and his family. he passed away at the age of 97 and i would like to read to you the official citation of his medal of honor. before i read it, i want you to recognize this man, outside of being a warrior's warrior, one of the most wonderful privilege. that warrior's warrior, though, had the distinct issued, two

silver stars, two bronze star medals with combat v and purple are hearts as well as many other awards. what a blessing it was that we as the united states of america got to know colonel ralph puckett. mr. speaker, the official citation, the president of the united states authorized by act of congress, march 3, 1863 has awarded the medal of honor to rustle puckett, united states army for gallantry and threap i haddie at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. and above and beyond the call of duty while serving the commander of the 8th u.s. ranger company of 25 november, 1950 through in

korea. his unit commenced on hill 205, they directed mortar, machine guns against the advancing force. to obtain fire, he mounted the closest tank to the fire, he shouted words of encouragement and led the rangers in the attack. enemy fire threatened the success of the attack by pinning down one platoon leaving the safety. first lieutenant puckett ran across an open area three times allowing the rangers to destroy the enemy positions and seize the hill 205. during the night, enemy launched a counterattack that lasted four hours. the rangers were inspired and motivated by the courageous

example by first lieutenant puckett. as a result, five human wave attacks by batallion enemy element were repulsed. during the first attack, first lieutenant puckett was wounded but refused excavation -- evacuation and directed artillery support that decimated enemy formations and abandoned positions to make his way from foxhole to fox hype hole and distribute munitions. it became clear that the position was untenable due to supporting artillery. two rounds landed in his fox hole and limited his mobility. first lieutenant puckett commanded the rangers to leave him behind and evacuate the area

feeling a sense of duty, the rangers refused the order and retrieved him from the knockshole while still under fire. they succeeded to the bottom of the hill where first lieutenant called for artillery fire on the top of the enemy-controlled hill. his extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond of call of duty were in keeping of the highest traditions and reflected great and the united states army. mr. speaker, may ralph puckett junior lie in peace and lord, thank you for allowing us the privilege of this man.

mr. schweikert: apparently i'm not communicating well. so let's back up a bit. i think i was behind this mic two weeks ago and week before that and week before that and one of my comments was, i can't figure out how the united states can have a 2.7, 2.9g.d. growth and borrowing at the rate we are borrowing. a week or so ago, we had three days where we went over $100,000 a second. and tax receipts and we are burning through crash at an incredible rate and having to borrow and borrow.

last friday. we got the punch line. we were wrong. g.d.p. now from the atlanta fed and others had their math wrong. we were thinking that g.d.m. and atlanta fed had been estimating the first quarter of calendar year at 2.7% and said we are wrong. looks like we are about 1.6%. that's a big deal and helps explain why we are having the difficulty to get the math to line up. why is this a big deal. the other concept i have been trying to sell and sink into our skulls here is the bankers, the people that buy u.s. sovereign debt where you have to buy 2, $3

trillion a year and refinance several trillion a year, don't make the bond markets upset with you. today, the two-year note went over 5.05%. we are not there yet but almost to last year's high, the highest this calendar year but back to really expensive debt and i have data we are not back to the historic average of where u.s. debt should be. so, if i came to you right now and said, one of the reasons members of congress need to act like adults, besides our obligation to govern, do you really want to make your bankers nervous? think about this. if little bits of interest, we were playing around with math and hard mathis hard to do and

how to refinance, how much are virgin issues, saying this is our excess spending this year and one basis point, 100 basis point. one 1/100th% of interest in this calendar year would be about $800 million. so think of some of the things we fight over here and sometimes words we say on this floor, you can watch bond markets say, these people aren't serious of paying this back. the second concept is as we walk through this, remember, when we fixate on the federal reserve, they do the short end of interest rates. the two years. that's where they have influence. and start to look at 10 years,

20 years and 30 years, that's the debt market saying. what will u.s. inflation be? what is governance going to be. are they going to play some games or raise taxes so we are going to be fixed in this strewment and u.s. taxes go up and our actual rate of return crashes. for my brothers sisters here on the left and on the right, be careful when you want to engage in the burn the place down and you think it's sort of fun? one of these days, the bond market is going to look at us and this happened in the 1990's and a couple of bond auctions in the last 12 months that were undersubscribed the way we thought they would be. you are seeing articles saying american bonds are getting

harder to sell and that is from the "wall street journal" this last week. you got to understandings, you are playing games with fire. interest this year, if today's interest rates hold, you are approaching $1.2 trillion this calendar year -- excuse me, this fiscal year. social security is dislrs 1 trillion, interest, $1.2 trillion. medicare underneath that and defense is number 4. but one of the bunch lines i want to bring just so you can see it -- we threw together a little chart. united states -- so, remember, these are just 12 countries and the united states and number 13 on there. the market price u.s. debt higher, meaning they consider it

more risky and risk comes in many forms and look at debt markets, what's the inflation and what i am going to be paid back, are there other risk profiles and what happens to the country demographically. the united states pays higher interest rates on the 10-year bond than greece. we pay higher than united kingdom, spain, japan and switzerland. they are down here. we are functioning number 14 on the price. king dollar, the currency that is used all over the world for exchanges and most transactions in the world, we represent 46%, 48% of all transactions, we

dominate. yet, because of how our inflation runs, because of how our governance has been running, because of our demographics and what we are talking about in taxes and plans to grow the economy and the stunning rm amount we are borrowing -- we have 13 countries in the industrialized world that have cheaper 10-year bonds than we do. i am trying to help this body understand that now you have the responsibility. you are going to argue and say, i am go to go cut this spending. great, do it. if you want to burn the place down, you may make markets here and around the world just

nervous enough that cost billions and billions. we are borrowing about glrs 8.5 billion a day. we are knifing each other for fractions of that because we are not willing to tell the truth and the hardest truth over and over and maybe i'm an idiot from today to the next and 30-year debt is $116 trillion and i brought one, it's 130 trillion and c.b.o., two weeks ago said, schweikert you are wrong, it's going to be $141 trillion 30 years from now. 100%f that borrowing, inrest, health care, almost medicare and eight, nine years security trust fund and seniors

take a 25% cut and double senior poverty, do we make a political decision to reach in the general fund to make up that difference? if you do those three things, 100% of that increase of debt over the next 30 years. the rt of the budget is pretty much flat. and it's hard for us to process because we d't want to tell each other the truth. the earned benefits, medicare, social surity and then our obligation to pay the interest on the money we've borrowed is primary driver of our debt but do clone show here and say, we don't tax rich people enough and i show up withhe reports that basically, when you go over the numbers and i have done entire floor speeches on this report when youid every bit of taxes

on the $400,000 and maxime the income tax and state tax and maximize everything and you get $1.6% of g.d.p. last 366 days, remember it's a leap year, we borrowed over 9% g.d.p. the running average of this fiscal year, that is different from the calendar year, mid-4%. the entire tax scheme -- unless for the bizarre, hey, you have a house and piece of real estate. we want to -- you haven't recognized most of that gain is probably inflation. . . . . the democrats tax