americans find good-paying, full-time jobs. under our plan, a better deal, america will once again value honest, hard work by investing in the american worker. we're going to address the economic challenges that folks are feeling in my district and across this country. it starts with an aggress i, bold plan to rebuild and maryland earnize -- >> and we'll take you live now to the floor of the house, the house back in session. recogniti? >> mr. speaker, i send to the desk a privileged report from the committee on rules who are filing nled the rule. the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the title. the clerk: report to accompany house resolution 468, resolution providing for consideration of the joint resolution, house joint resolution 111, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, united states code, of the rules submitted by the bureau of consumer financial protection relating to arbitration agreement. the speaker pro tempore: referred to the house calendar and ordered printed.

for what purpose does the gentleman from colorado seek recognition? >> mr. speaker, i send to the desk a privileged resolution and skr for -- and ask for its immediate consideration in the house. the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the resolution. the clerk: house resolution 469. resolution, resolved, that the clerk of the house of representatives requests the senate to return to the house the joint resolution, house joint resolution 76, entitled granting the consent and approval of congress for the commonwealth of virginia, the state of maryland, and the district of columbia, to enter into a compact relating to the establishment of the washington metrorail safety commission. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, the resolution is agreed to and the motion to reconsider is laid on the table.

pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, proceedings will resume on motions to suspend the rules previously postponed. h.r. 3180 by the yeas and nays. s. 114 by the yeas and nays. h.r. 3218 by the yeas and nays. the first electronic vote will be conducted as a 15-minute vote. remaining electronic votes will be conducted as five-minute votes. the unfinished business is the vote on the motion of the gentleman from california, mr. nunes, to suspend the rules and pass h.r. 3180 as amended on which the yeas and nays are ordered. the clerk will report the title of the bill. the clerk: h.r. 3180 arc bill to authorize appropriationses for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the united states government, the community management account, and the central intelligence agency retirement and disability system and for other purposes.

the speaker pro tempore: the question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill as amended. members will record their votes by electronic device. this is 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 241, the nays are 163. 2/3 not being in the affirmative, the rules are not suspended and the bill is not assed. the unfinished business is the vote on the motion of the gentleman from tennessee, mr. roe, to suspend the rules and pass the bill s. 114 as amended on which the yeas and nays are amendled. the clerk: senate 114, an act to amend title 48 of united states code to require the secretary of veterans affairs to submit an

annual report of bonuses and awards given to high-level employees of the departments of veterans affairs. the speaker pro tempore: the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill as amended? 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 219, the nays are 186.

2/3 of those not responding in the affirmative, the rules are not suspended and the bill is ot passed. the house will be in order. members, please take your conversations off the floor. the chair would ask all present to rise for a moment of silence.

the chair asks that the house now observe a moment of silence in memory of officer jacob j. chestnut and detective john m. gibson of the united states capitol police who were killed in the line of duty defending he capitol on july 24, 1998. without objection, five-minute voting will continue. moge motion -- the unfinished business is the vote on the motion of the gentleman from tennessee, mr. roe, to suspend the rules and pass the bill as amended on which the yeas and nays are ordered. the clerk will report the title of the bill. the clerk: h.r. 3218, a bill to

-- to amend title 38, united states code, to make certain improvements in the laws administered by the secretary of veterans affairs and for other purposes. the speaker pro tempore: the question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill as amended. 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 405, the nays are zero. 2/3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, the rulse are suspended, the bill is passed and, without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table.

for what purpose does the gentleman from kentucky seek recognition? >> mr. speaker, i present a privileged report for prohibiting under the rule. -- for printing under the rule. the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the title of the bill. the clerk: report to accompany -- to accompany h.r. -- for the fiscal year ending september 30, 2018, and for other purposes. the speaker pro tempore: referred to the union calendar and ordered printed. pursuant to clause 1 of rule 21rk points of order are reserve -- 21, points of order are reserved. the unfinished business is the request for a recorded vote on

282 which the clerk will report by title. the clerk: to authorize spouses of service members to elect the to use the same resident as the service members. the speaker pro tempore: the question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, 2/3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and, without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. the unfinished business is the question suspending the rules and passing h.r. 1058. the clerk: h.r. 105, a bill to amend title 38 united states code to collar fight role of to die terrorists in the department of veterans affairs. the speaker pro tempore: the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill as amended. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, 2/3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and without objection the motion to reconsider is laid on table. without objection, the title is amended. the unfinished business is the question suspending the rules and passing h.r. 1690 as

amended which the clerk will report by title. the clerk: h.r. 1690. a bill to amend title 38, united states code, to require the secretary of veterans affairs to submit an annual report regarding performance awards and bonuses awarded to certain high-level employees of the department of veterans affairs. the speaker pro tempore: the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill as amended. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, 2/3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and without objection the motion to reconsider is laid on the able. the speaker pro tempore: the question on suspending the rules on h.r.. 1848. the clerk: a bill to direct the veteran of secretary of affairs on medical scribes medical centers. the speaker pro tempore: the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill as amended.

those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. the rules are suspended and the bill is passed and without objection. the title is amended. the unfinished business is the question on suspending the rules passing h.r. 2006. the clerk: h.r. 2006, a bill to amend title 38 united states code to improve the procurement practices of the department of veteran affairs and for other purposes. the speaker pro tempore: so many as in favor say aye. those opposed, no. the bill is passed and without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. unfinished business is passing h.r. 2749. the clerk: h.r. 2749 a bill to amend to improve the oversight of contracts awarded by the secretary of veteran affairs to mall business affairs and for other purposes. the speaker pro tempore: the

question is will the house suspend the bills and pass the bill as amended. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. twird being the bill is passed and without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. the unfinished business is on suspending the rules and passing h.r. 2781. the clerk: a bill to address the secretary of veteran affairs to certify small business concerns owned and controlled owned by eterans to service-connected disabilities and for other purposes. the speaker pro tempore: the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill as amended. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, twird, the rules are suspended and the bill is passed and without objection, the bill is passed. the chair will entertain request for one-minute speeches.

for what purpose does the gentlewoman from florida seek recognition? >> permission to address the house for one minute and revise and extend. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. ms. ros-lehtinen: thank you so much. i would like to congratulate log cabin republicans as they celebrate 40 years of advocating and advancing equality and justice for lgbt americans. formed by a small group of conservatives in california, log cabin republicans defeated what was known as the briggs initiative prohibiting gay teachers from teaching in public schools. this was rejected thanks to the tireless work of this organization and president reagan to this discriminatory policy. they have expanded their presence and created over 50 chapters including in my hometown of miami.

we have won many victories and taking strides with the repeal of don't ask don't tell. mr. speaker as a proud alley of the lgbt community i aplaud them for advancing our individual freedoms and personal responsibility to include an inclusive party. happy 40 to l.c.r. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from rhode island seek recognition? >> permission to address the house for one minute and revise and extend. mr. langevin: mr. speaker, i rise in recognition of the 27th anniversary of the americans with disability act which was signed into law on july 26, 1990. this landmark bipartisan civil rights legislation enables people with disabilities to

experience more inclusive and fulfilling lives. disabilities.n of mr. speaker, it's true that we have made incredible progress since 1990, but we still have work ahead. too many people lack access to affordable housing, public transportation, education, health care and employment. full access and inclues remains an aspiration but not yet a reality. mr. speaker, we must remain vigilant in defending the a.d.a. so future generations can live in a world of individuals with disabilities are recognized. i yield become. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from minnesota seek recognition? mr. paulsen: address the house for one minute and revise and extend my remarks. i rise today to remember an

extraordinary 13-year-old from eden prarie who passed away this week. she played hockey and lacrosse. she attended central middle school and people noted her love for music. this past february, she was diagnosed with an acute form of cancer. nd she underwent a bone marrow transplanlt. she was spirited and people remember her warm smile. over the weekend in memory of kate they began putting orange balloons on the streets and bridges. driving around eden prarie, shows that she touched many lives. i want to extend my thoughts and prayers to the family. she will be missed but her spirit will not be forgotten.

the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from illinois seek recognition? >> permission to address the house for one minute. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. the gentleman is recognized for ne minute. >> mr. speaker, last week, the "washington post" reported that president trump was considering pardonning his aides, his relatives and even himself. any of these actions would disrupt the investigation of special counsel mueller. beyond pardonning those convicted of crimes, the president has the power to grant a pardon before charges are even brought, as president forward's pardon of president nixon demonstrated. there is no meaning that president trump could grant pardons in secret to prevent his

associates. i'm introducing the presidential pardon transparency act. the president may have the power to pardon but the american people have the right to know how and when he does it. this bill requires the white house to publicly disclose every pardon the president grants. our founders accomplished the power to pardon to protect the american people. not for the president to protect himself. this bill upholds this principle. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from georgia seek recognition? >> permission to address the house for one minute and revise and extend my remarks. mourned the loss of roy harrington, he was a loving husband to his wife and dedicated father to his three children. roy was an active member of the

community and member and deacon at the first baptist church and director of the chamber of commerce, recipient of the chamber award of excellence and agriculture and roy was awarded the chamber of commerce citizen of the year award in 1981. during my time, roy was one of those people that i would always make sure to visit to gain insight on serving the great folks of the 12th district. mr. speaker, we are losing our greatest generation, but as members of congress and americans, we must not forget the lessons they have taught you us. there is a man of peace and influence. and in our comminet that was roy harrington. georgia is a better place. he will be remembered often. and i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentlewoman from ohio seek recognition? >> permission to address the house for one minute and revise

and extend? the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mrs. beatty: i come to the house floor today in support of national housing week. and to stand up for a better deal for hardworking americans. access to affordable housing directly impacts the ability of americans to have better job, better wages and better future. far too many families are struggling to keep a roof over their heads as the cost of rent rising and mortgages are harder to get and wages remain stagnant. due to cuts in represental assistance, only one in four people eligible for it actually are receiving it. our constituents deserve a better deal. i join democrats in standing up to create millions in good-paying jobs by investing in

our crumbling infrastructure and offering apprenticeship program. i will fight for affordable housing programs so all americans can have the ability to achieve the american dream. thank you, and i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition? >> permission to address the house for one minute. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. the gentleman is recognized for ne minute. mr. olson: mr. speaker, every day on capitol hill, we have heroes among us, our capitol police. five weeks ago, three of these heroes saved lives. they killed a deranged man who opened fire on the republican baseball team. two heroes were wounded, crystal

greiner and david bailey. our brave capitol police prevented a massacre. that massacre was prevented by the capitol police on june 24 of 1998, 19 years ago today. texas town of sugarland, still hurts over a hero, detective john gibson. he was killed a few feet from where i'm standing. like crystal and david, detective gibson was assigned to protect a member of house leadership, my neighbor and predecessor, tom delay. gibson heard gibson being killed by an intruder. he shot the attacker despite

being mortally wounded. our capitol police are true heroes. we will always remember two special heroes, jacob chestnut and john gibson. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition? >> permission to address the house for one minute. without objection. the gentleman is recognized for ne minute. >> i rise in opposition to the house appropriations package that will provide $1.6 billion for the construction of president trump's border wall. as a member of the house armed services committee, i've heard from many military leaders that all agree a wall won't make our borders more secure or our

nation safer. there are more effective ways and technology that would be a better investment of our limited resources. moreover, the president has failed to provide a cost for this wall and it would be irresponsible for congress to write him a blank check, especially after he promised over and over that the american taxpayers would not foot the bill. this wall only serves as a symbol of hate while doing nothing to fix our broken immigration system. immigrants strengthen serve in our military and teach in our schools and some, like myself, are fortunate to serve as members of congress. mr. speaker, i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from pennsylvania seek recognition? mr. thompson: permission to address the house for one minute

and revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. the gentleman is recognized for one minute. mr. thompson: the nutrition subcommittee hosted a hearing on how eligible snap participants can improve their education and labor force involvement. for the past 2 1/2 years, the house agriculture committee has done a review of the supplemental nutrition assistance program and how it is administered and how it can be improved and help americans climb the ladder of opportunity. the subcommittee looked at ways to look at snap participants whose backgrounds match their needs. this approach brings together, resources, funding, policies, partnerships and shared performance measures that continue to allow for the

development scaling of sustainability of these pathway programs. stable employment that provides a living wage is essential to helping individuals and families. as chairman of the subcommittee 'm committed to exploring ways to empower work-capable recipients and help them achieve self-reliance. . thank you, mr. speaker. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentlewoman from new york seek recognition? without objection, the gentlewoman is recognize for one minute. -- recognized for one minute. mrs. maloney: mr. speaker, over this weekend i heard nonstop from people, people from all walks of life, who are living each day in fear that this congress is going to strip them of the health care insurance they so desperately need. causing them to lose access to affordable care. these good, decent, hardworking people have told me again and again in no uncertain terms

that they or someone that they love dearly will suffer or die if our republican colleagues carry out their catastrophically ill-conceived plan to repeal and replace or repeal and delay. they scoff at the repeated republican plan that they would merely be choosing not to have coverage, for they know the bitter truth. to strip these people of the very coverage that keeps them, their children, their parents alive, would be as immoral as any act ever perpetrated under the guise of governance. when it comes to setting health care policy, this congress, like every decent doctor since the day of hip contract he's, should be guided by that internal principle, do no harm. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentlewoman from new york seek recognition? >> i request unanimous consent to address the house for one minute, revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, the

gentlewoman is recognized for one minute. >> thank you, mr. speaker. i rise today to recognize f.x. mad brewing company, founded in 1888. they are the fourth oldest family-owned brewery in the united states. an award winning brewery, they are famous for their pale ale logger utica club. ms. tenney: the first beer license for sale after prohibition. they are currently among the 15 largest beer producers in the nation. and the family continues to develop new recipes each year. their brewery has played an important role in our local community by hosting thursdays, a weekly summer concert series where a portion of the proceeds are donated to the united way of utica. they also host the postrace celebration for the world famous utica boilermaker 15-k road race. thank you to fred, nick, and everyone at the brewery for

eir hard work, ingenuity and hard work in our community. i encourage my colleagues to stop by my office and try some of their great products. on a personal note, as a life long friend of the family, i will always be grateful to lily and duffy who taught me how to ride a bicycle. i yield back, mr. speaker. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from maryland seek recognition? ou don't seek recognition? without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. >> mr. speaker, i rise today in the support of the program which more than 370,000 people from the united states and over 180 countries have participated in since its founding in 1946. mr. raskin: for 70 years the fullbright program has pro hoted strong relationships between americans and other peoples and stimulated international education and progress. some 57 fullbright fellas have received nobel prizes.

82 have received a pulitzer. 33 have gone on to serve as head of state. and 10 have been elected to the u.s. congress. all over the world, more than 370,000 fullbright alumni are making waves in science, medicine, public service, art, business, philanthropy and education. mr. speaker, president trump now proposes a staggering 55% cut to the fullbright scholar program. this would devastate a successful and flourishing project. our country benefits enormously from the fullbright fellows, past, present and future. and i urge all of my colleagues to continue supporting this excellent program on a full basis. thank you meerks. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from south carolina seek recognition? mr. wilson: i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute, revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. mr. wilson: mr. speaker, this morning at cameron, south carolina, was thankful to join e.p.a. administrator, attorney general and commissioner of agriculture to discuss the

waters of the united states rule published by the prior administration. this harmful rule gee metrically expanded intrusion of the federal government, imposing greater federal overreach, dictating the definition of waterways, destroying jobs of original conservationists who promote a clean environment. i have appreciated administrator scott pruitt facilitated the round table to learn directly from local agriculture and community leaders about the harmful consequences of the rule. the men and women of the round table hosted by jim and karen rockmore clearly explained the real impact of overreaching regulations have on environmentally positive development for jobs. i am grateful that president donald trump and administrator pruitt have committed to review the rule and, most importantly, considering the impact of grassroots organizations about the negative impact. in conclusion, god bless our troops and we will never forget september 11 and the global war on terrorism. i appreciate the late rusty shannon of sandy run, south carolina, for alerting me of the destructive consequences of the rule.

the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman's time has expired. for what purpose does the gentlewoman seek recognition? without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized for one minute. ms. jackson lee: mr. speaker, within hours, the senate will begin a sinister unraveling of the safety net for millions of americans. 774 billion dollars cut from medicaid. and they will throw on the ground some $200 billion, that is just a bait to be able to bring votes in. it was sad to see the administration speak today about having people lose their lives. because without health care, will. i ask the senate to vote no. kill this bill. and it would be important if the president would also have an agenda. six months and he has no jobs bill. no insurance. no infrastructure bill. i hope also to restore constitutional integrity and expect to introduce legislation dealing with preventing the

president from firing the special counsel and from abusing the pardon power, to pardon people who are under investigation. i ask that we work together. and that is to save lives. vote no on that senate bill. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from maine seek recognition? without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. mr. poliquin: thank you, mr. speaker. mr. speaker, throughout america's 241-year history, millions of brave men and women have fought for our freedom and we are grateful for their service. you know, sometimes, mr. speaker, we find an american hero who works behind the scenes to keep us free. eugene wing of fairfield, maine, in central maine is one of these heroes. gene was a gifted student who graduated from bowden college in 1905. and then studied economics at oxford university in england. he was then hired, mr. speaker, by the international banking corporation and sent to the philippines, where he became an

expert on the trade of natural resources in the far east. at the start, mr. speaker, of world war i, and later world war ii, the army intelligence service asked gene to help defeat the enemy and save the world. mr. wing took extraordinary risks to locate and help control the flow of coal, oil, gold, silver and iron or, which were desperately needed by the enemies' war machine. his dearing spirit and extraordinary knowledge of these raw materials gave america and our allies the upperhand to win both world war s. mr. wing's unusual skill made him a target of our enemies and he was eventually captured and put to death. mr. speaker, eugene wing from fairfield, maine, is a true american hero. millions of people around the world who live in freedom today are the beneficiaries of his sacrifice, his bravey and his

patriotism. thank you, mr. wing. whether he never forget. mr. speaker, i yield back my time. -- we will never forget. mr. speaker, i yield back my time. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentlewoman from the district of columbia seek recognition? ms. norton: to address the house for one minute, revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized for one minute. ms. norton: mr. speaker, jim vance, our local nbc news anchor in this region who died saturday at 75 probably set a record. local or national. as news anchor. for 45 years, while being only himself, vance presented the news to a region that challenged d.c. tv news with vast changes, racially and ethnically, economically and politically. jim vance took the dare and told our ever changing stories straight. he made us see ourselves from a city with too much crime to today's d.c. with low crime and a big sur plus. only a combination of

consummate professionalism and enduring of aability could have covered so much quick-moving news without ever missing a beat. jim vance brilliantly told our story throughout our first era of home rule. these years also encapsulated jim vance's service and now join his legacy with the district's own history. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentlewoman from new mexico eek recognition? without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized for ne minute. ms. lujan grisham: i know how touch a job a care giver is. we need to support them. it is our population -- as our population continues to age, our country faces a critical

shortage of caregivers. in 2010 there were seven potential care givers for every person over the age of 80. by 2030, that ratio is projected to drop by almost half. to about four. at the same time our economy continues to feel the effects of the great recession. an many young people are unemployed or underemployed. that is why i'm introducing this bipartisan bill which creates a grant program that would place care corps volunteers in communities across the country to provide services that help seniors and individuals with disabilities remain independent. the program would help meet the needs for more caregivers and provide opportunities in a growing career field by offering benefits and educational assistance to the volunteers. i urge my colleagues to quickly pass this important bill and i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition? without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. >> mr. speaker, i rise today to

stand against a proposal that we'll vote on later this week to spend more than $1.6 billion to build a wall that we don't need at our border with mexico. mr. o'rourke: we have never had lower apprehensions coming from mexico in my lifetime. we had 105 app rehengs per border patrol agent 10 years ago. last year it was 25. the border has never been safer. we've never spent more money. $19.5 billion a year. instead of putting this $1.6 billion toward jobs or health care or reducing student loan debt, we are trying to solve a problem that we don't have in this country. we need to instead look to the example of el paso, texas. one of the safest cities in the united states, that's the safest, not in spite of its connection with mexico. not in spite of the fact that so many people that i represent in that community were born in another country, most of them in meck could he, but because of those things. when we treat each other with respect and dignity and compassion, we also create security, safety and success. mr. speaker, that is the

example that we should be following. not a $1.6 billion investment in a wall that we don't need. with that i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the chair lays before the house the following personal requests. the clerk: leaves of absence requested for mr. cummings of maryland for today and the balance of the week. mrs. napolitano of california for today and the balance of the week. and mr. poe of texas for today. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, the requests are granted. under the speaker's announced policy of january 3, 2017, the gentlewoman from the virgin islands, ms. plaskett, is recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the minority leader. ms. plaskett: thank you, mr. speaker. i ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the subject of this special order hour. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. ms. plaskett: thank you. it's with great honor that i rise today to anchor this

c.b.c. special order hour. for the next 60 minutes, we have a chance to speak directly to the american people on issues of great importance to the congressional black caucus, congress, and the constituents we represent. and all americans. led by our chair, cedric richmond of louisiana, it is our duty, we feel, as the conscience of the congress, to speak to all people in this hour on the issues that we deem are important. that our constituents have told us are important. for this special order hour, we will spend this time to talk about the failure to govern, the first six months under republican control. president trump's first six months have been defined by his often angry and personal tweets, his efforts to denigrate and undercut the multiple investigations into russian influence in the 2016 election, and, most importantly, the stalemated legislative battle to repeal and replace obamacare.

president trump has signed proclamations. his travel ban plan, for instance, first caused chaos and was shut down by a series of legal challenges. but the second effort was ultimately allowed to take effect on a limited basis by the supreme court. in all, our president has signed 42 bills into law. when it comes to big ticket items, like infrastructure, tax reform and repeal and/or replacement of obamacare, president trump is sitting on zero. with health care sitting on ice, ice.h reform is sitting on and this president's priorities are clear. his budget hollows out our economy, endangers working families all across this country, in my district of the

virgin islands and the districts we all represent. the $2.5 trillion in cuts which includes $192 billion to supplemental knew trishal assistance program and the $800 billion to medicaid to devastate localities like the virgin islands where one in five children are covered under medicaid and 1/5 of our population receives snap benefits. and this would cripple governmental functions. this administration has created uncertainty in the nation's health care system by sending inconsistent administrative signals and supporting legislation that could deprive millions of people of health insurance coverage, undermine medicaid health support and give wealthy taxpayers a massive tax cut.

mismanagement of the federal government by failing to fill top spots and expanded the policy of deportation, deporting dangerous illegal aliens and stable jobs and american families. we saw this with the secretary of homeland security ordering here 0,000-plus hasheians under protective status leave. these are deesept hard-working people who are sending money back home supporting an economy that is faltering under collapse. we have seen a reversal of bipartisan cooperation and extending of environmental natural landmarks and hired foxes to watch the chicken coops and many have records with opposing the very agencies and

curbing civil rights and environmental enforcement. all of these things we have seen in the first six months and we will hear more. at this time, i would ask my colleague representing new jersey, the gentleman from newark, mr. donald payne junior to speak on behalf of what we have seen in these last six months, mr. payne. and i would yield to him as much time as he would consume. mr. payne: thank you, mr. speaker. let me thank the gentlelady from the virgin islands who has led the c.b.c. special order hours. it is not an easy task, but has done remarkable work in terms of finding topics that are important to our communities and our nation. so i would like to thank her.

and you know, as she stated, mr. speaker, this month, we mark six months of the trump presidency and six months of congressional republican inaction. republicans made the promise after promise to the american people. the president called himself the ultimate deal maker. i wonder, are we witnessing the first man churian president? instead of the promise of jobs, infrastructure and new and improved health care plan, we get chaos and seemingly never-ending controversy. here is the republican agenda? where are their accomplishments? where are all those wins? let's take a look at the numbers.

president trump has a job approval rating of 36%, the lowest of any president ever at is point, any president ever at this point in their presidency. republicans can point to zero legislative accomplishments. he has no plan to lower health care costs, no jobs bill, no infrastructure bills, no tax reform, no clean budget. they simply are the facts. instead of doing what is right for the the american people, the republicans are more occupied with taking away health care for millions of our constituents to give tax cuts to the wealthy or defending the administration's most recent controversy.

this week we will vote on a dishonest spending package that will force american taxpayers to pay for the president's border wall. who's going to pay tore it? it looks like the american people now. but during his campaign and the rhetoric we heard up until this point, mexico was going to pay for the wall. our here we are with republican colleagues supporting an effort that says that now, the american people will pay for the wall, but we'll get the money from mexico later. yeah. all right. as a member of the homeland security committee, i'm alarmed by president trump and the congressional republicans

termination to further break down our alliances and ignorance of matters related to security of this nation. instead of funding the border walls, we should focus on building strong transportation and infrastructure systems that will create good paying jobs and lay a foundation for a strong economy. instead, instead, we are weakening america. let's build america with a strong infrastructure bill and adequate training and apresence tiesship programs that will benefit our constituents. let's make it in america is something i heard last week which sounds magnificent if we would do it. if you are going to be the leader of this country and make such pronouncements, you have to

live by what you are talking about. make it in america wants to strive to make sure we do everything in america when we hear of two buildings that he erected in chicago used chinese steel or steel made outside of the united states. if you look at his ties, his shirts, his suits, the soap in his hotel, nothing is made in america. what -- who are we trying to kid with this? nothing. maybe his daughter will know, her shoes aren't made in america. her dresses are not made in america. who are we kidding? who are we fooling? the american people have to open

their eyes and see the sham that is going on. it is an atrocity of how this and ent says one thing oes absolutely the opposite. make it in america? he stood up there in front of the american people and said that? with the suit and shirt and tie that he had on? absolutely, absolutely unconscionable. where are the jobs? i'm going to be the best -- i'm going to be the business job creator you've ever seen. when? when? you are going to win so much,

you are going to get tired of winning. when? the american people deserve better. the american people deserve better than a congress that cares more about pushing an agenda that puts wealth care in front of health care. the american people deserve better than a congress that will pass legislation that will harm our environment, contaminate our air and pollute our waterways. the american people deserve better than a congress that continues to ignore important issues that disproportionately affect african-american communities such as criminal justice reform, gun violence prevention and voting rights. while this administration and congressional republicans turn their back on the american

workers, we will continue to demand real action to create jobs, raise wages and create a brighter future for american families. and with that, mr. speaker, i yield back to the gentlelady from the virgin islands. ms. plaskett: thank you so much, mr. payne. and when you are talking about what has happened in the last six months, the chairman of the ongressional black caucus, seddrick richmond visited with the president to speak with him about those things that african-americans and the people we represent, 17 million african-americans and 20-plus million americans that members of the congressional black caucus represent to outline for him in a very system attic matter, those issues that are

important to us. you mentioned criminal justice reform and expansion of voting rights, job creation, support to small businesses, infrastructure, these are the things that the president said he was ined in. these are the things that the congressional plaque caucus said we are willing to work with you. we have an agenda and very specific language and specific legislation that we would like to have a discussion with you. not a photo op but to sit down and discuss actual legislation and how we can be supportive of the people that we represent. what have we gotten out of that? zero, to date. mr. payne: to your point, i believe there was a document that was created to give the president on those issues and we are still waiting to hear back from the administration in reference to anything that was

in that document. so, you know, we don't need photo ops. we don't need to go to the white house and be trucked up there and localy gagged and use us for whatever they deem prop for them. we need help for the american people. we need an administration that is going to look at these issues, be serious about them and continue to move this country forward, as it was in the previous eight years. and i yield back. ms. plaskett: thank you. at this time, i would would like to yield as much time as he would consume, the freshman who is not a freshman, from philadelphia, congressman evans, who represents philadelphia, who has been a legislator for many years, who comes here and he is so thoughtful, very quiet like

yourself, mr. payne and sits back and is more observant, it's about policy and discussing on a regular basis, i hear him talking about middle communities, those communities that are on the edge and places in newark, new jersey and other places that you represent and neighborhoods that i represent in the virgin islands, hard working-class people that are there and on the edge of losing their homes and health insurance, neighborhoods which they have worked so hard over 20, 30 years to create to be vibrant areas that may be lost under this administration and the lack of action. so, congressman evans, i yield time to you this evening to discuss what you have seen happen in these last six months of this administration and how it speaks to those individuals

that we represent. . mr. evans: i want to thank my colleague from the virgin islands for her leadership in terms of this opportunity that she has demonstrated clearly that she's been leading the congressional black caucus. i want to compliment you for all you have done not just through words but through action. my neighboring legislator from new jersey, he and i work very close together, i've known him an awful long time, i thank both of you. i've always said there's a big difference between campaigning an governing. i will say that again. there's a big difference between campaigning and governing. president trump, ts time to govern. when i talk to people in my district, they are scared about what president trump and the republicans are doing when it

comes to their health care. they know that the republicans want to take away their health care and they do not know where to turn. we know that the republican health care bill does not protect our family members and friends from pre-existing conditions. mr. speaker, i want to tell you the story of a small business owner in my district named andrea. inrea owns a small pet store pennsylvania. andrea left her philadelphia law practice to pursue her dream of owning a small business. andrea has type one diabetes and without the a.c.a. she would not be able to get the well-priced coverage that covers her health expenses and medication.

and allows her to keep her shop open. we're talking about passing a bill that will make life harder for those trying to get ahead. that is wrong and that is a risk we cannot take. even though the president has yet to deliver on a single omise in the six months, pennsylvanians are so anxious and fearful of his plan for the future, president trump has been in office for six months. and we have had six months of court cases, stalling and tweets. let me repeat that. we have had six months of court cases, stalling, and tweets. the trump administration is still clearly not ready for prime time. from health care to the russians to the budget. the republican party has left the american people with nothing but broken promises.

philadelphia and montgomery county residents in my district deserve better. the american people deserve better. for eight years, the party of no constantly criticized president obama. yet even with control of the house, the senate, and the white house, they have yet to deliver tax jobs plan, health care, eform, and the list goes on. our federal workers who help secure our nation's borders, protect and monitor our food supply and support businesses through agencies like the s.b.a. would not have to wait for republicans to continue to make decisions that are not in the best interest of the country. our neighborhoods have a lot to lose if we don't stand united and fight for what is right. it's time to roll up our sleeves

and work across party lines. to fight for sound economic policy that give our schools and students and our small business owners and entrepreneurs, our seniors and our veterans the resources they need to prosper and build stronger neighborhoods, block by block. t is time for a better deal. we deserve a better deal and a better opportunity. it's clear to me that we need to build on that opportunity for the future. and the only way we can do it is we have to stop campaigning, mr. president, and we have to begin to govern. over 300 million americans deserve all of us functioning together. and the congressional black caucus, the conscience of this body is prepared to lead. as my colleague who has been

leading this effort, she's been demonstrating over and over again a message of hope and optimism. she too knows that we can have a better deal. and that better deal is optimism of people working together. so i thank you, mr. speaker, for your leadership and what you have demonstrated and i yield back the balance of my time. thank you. ms. plaskett: thank you so much for talking about the optimism of the american people there is a better deal that's out there. there is a better way that we all as members of congress need to demonstrate. i was looking at a fact sheet put together talking about the 200 days of the 115th congress by the numbers. this is a congress that is controlled by the republicans in the house, the republicans in the senate, and a republican administration. you would think that so much legislation could get done and

we are a stalled body at this time. that's not what the american people brought us to washington to do. we all represent people who are looking for a better deal. looking for an expansion of the american dream. a realization of the american dream in their own life. and having security for their own children, their grandchildren, to be able to realize that dream. when i look at these numbers i was afwast at what has not been done in this congress. and flabber gast -- flabbergasted at the things that have been done by this congress. zero number of bills to create jobs have been brought to the house floor by house republican leadership. zero number of bills that have been considered under an open rule so far this congress. the same open rule that the speaker, you said, you would exact when you were a young gun coming to washington. you said that you would use the open rule. but we have not seen that done

in this 115th congress. three times house republicans blocked a vote on h.r. 686 -- h.r. 6885, the bring jobs home act which ends tack breaks for corporations sending jobs overseas and creates new incentives to create good-paying jobs in the united states. there have been zero times that speaker paul ryan has spoke out in opposition to president trump's dangerous and unconstitutional muslim and refugee ban. zero votes on the expansion and correction to voting rights act. 234 buns -- 234 republicans blocked a vote on h.r. 2933, a critical bill that pro-- promotes effective aplentiesships to give students and workers skills they need to find good-paying jobs. twice house republicans voted against made in america

amendments, requiring that specific infrastructure and construction projects use materials and equipment made in the u.s.a. 229 republicans voted for a g.o.p. anti-worker bait and switch bill that undermines the existing right to hard-earned overtime pay. giving plers the flexability to substitute overtime pay with comp time while giving employees no guarantee that they can use their comp time when they need it. 217 republicans voted for the disastrous trumpcare bill which would result in 23 million americans losing their health insurance coverage, raises out of pocket health care costs for millions of american family, imposes a crushing age tax on those 50 to 64, shortens the life of the medicare trust fund, guts the protections for people with pre-existing conditions.

233 republicans voted to gut dodd-frank act. wall street reform. rolling back key consumer protections and take us back to pre-2008 era of unchecked, risky financial marks abuses that resulted in the worst financial crisis since the great depression. there have been zero amount of funding in president trump's budget for social services block grants which provide states with funding for services such as child care and adult care programs. 1.6 million school age children that would lose after school and sum programs as a result of the president's budget. when we talk about the president's budget, we need to discuss exactly what those numbers mean and how it is going to affect the american people. people, mr. speaker, that we say we represent. but that we are not standing up for against this administration.

the budget would cut snap $190 billion, with a b, other the next 10 years. jeopardizing benefits for an estimated 44 billion americans and reducing nutritional supplements for women, infant and children, the w.i.c. program. the budget also includes snap policy changes that would charge approval s using usda to accept food stamps which would drive smaller stores out of the program. why is this important? many people in urban areas using food stamps are doing so in virtual food deserts. they don't have transportation to go to large suppliers, large grocery stores. they go to smaller grocery stores, to small places to use the food stamps to be able to to provide food for their families. these changes would cap

benefits, require localities to pay 25% of benefits and limit local waivers for federal work requirements. the federal work requirements that many communities are not appropriate because there are no jobs. because we also are not supplying individuals with the job skills, the work skills, to be able to find employment in some of these areas. the budget would reduce education department investments by $9 billion, including through the elimination of preschool and after school programs. literacy grants and funding to improve teacher and principal quality. it also proposes cuts to higher education programs, including elimination of grants for low income student, low interest perkins loans and cutting by half programs that help students work to pay off their loans. the budget also calls for the elimination of nasa space grant education programs. to prepare students such as in my district in the university of

the virgin islands for careers in science and technology industries. the budget would reduce usda rural development fund big $9.2 million, approximately 30%. this is vital in areas like my district in the virgin islands where the elimination of rural business cooperative services and rural water and wastewater disposal programs. the budget would zero out important rural housing assistance such as single family housing direct loans. would slash funding for rural broadband, distance learn, telemedicine, and needed community facilities improvement. mr. speaker, these are in rural areas that mr. president, president trump, won in the election. you would think he would want to support these rural communities n areas of housing, the most american of american ideals. home ownership.

in the labor department, the budget would reduce labor department investments by $2.4 billion, including large cuts to job corps, job corpses, a place that would allow young people to have -- job corps, a place that would allow young people to have training for jobs. to prepare disadvantaged youth, youth we say we are concerned about, those are the individuals going to job corps looking to be prepared for the workplace. and we are going to reduce that by $2.4 billion. that doesn't make any sense. the budget request for the department of energy would slash research funding and move away from investments in renewable and renewables. including a 70% cut to the department's office of energy efficiency and renewable energy. and zeroing out its weatherization assistance and

state energy program that aid low income families with reducing energy costs. the department's office of science would be cut by 17%. that budget slashing to noaa coastal science program includes eliminating noaa's sea grants program, coastal research at university and the coastal zone management grant that aids with climate change mitigation. this pass needed in virgin islands and florida, and places like puerto rico and hawaii and coastal areas that are seeing tremendous loss of economy, loss of homes because our environment is, in fact, changing. the environmental protection agency would be cut would be cut by 30% and elimination of climate change programs, lead-control programs, the

energy star program that encourages energy consumer efficient products and the . vironmental justice office now we want people to be in communities where pollution is greatest, those inner cities that our president has said he wants to fight so strongly for. we are going to keep them in polluted areas because we are cutting out e.p.a. funding in some of those places. in transportation and housing, the budget would eliminate $500 mill i don't know in tiger grants, which has been important to ports and transshipments around this country. in the virgin islands and the community block grant program that provides block grant funding to communities and economic development opportunities. the department of housing would

be cut nearly 20% including housing assistance grant programs and slashing its core housing programs. second, section 8 housing choice vouchers. this is a win-win program. you allow individuals who have private homes, who are renting those out, to receive a voacher to support individuals who are looking to be placed in those homes. an estimated 250,000 housing vouchers would be taken away over the next fiscal year. voachers which primarily benefit seniors and individuals with disabilities. support for local housing authorities would see cuts. the subdivision that are supports businesses and entrepreneurship such as the economic development administration, manufacturing

extension partnership program and the minority business development agency. health care we could go on forever, but the budget calls tore phasing out enhanced matching funds for matching populations by 2020. people lick intertowers and other areas that are reliant on medicaid, it would be far more expensive for those localities to cover individual and hospitals would be faced with more uncompensated health care costs. .3 budget covers costs of 1 billion from the c.d.c. and even re from n.i.h. and the alternative, strong budget cuts or n.i.h. and c.d.c. would benefit from public health threats. these are the things that we, the members of the congressional

black caucus are seeing that are happening in these first six months. we are concerned. we are not here just to bash the president. that is not the objective with bringing these issues out but to make the american people aware to call on our colleagues here in this house and the senate to be better stewards of what the american people have given us, the ability, the right, the job of legislating, the job of being a check and balance to an administration, which has been of t in a mara smp se ineffectiveness and inaction to support the american people of this great country. we are asking, mr. speaker, that we would wake up to what's happening, see with clear eyes, not with fake news, not with our

own vision of what we would like things to be, but what things are and where this is taking us now. the people who are going to be left behind, that a better deal needs to be made for the american people who sent us here to washington to do what is right and do to represent them, not the wealthy. i was raised in new york and i don't have anything nens new yorkers, but we can't be looking out for those people who are living on the upper west side and upper east side and the fat cats of wall street, we need to be for all americans. i know that each one of us is here sent by the people who sent us not just for ourselves and for our constituents and americans, those who cannot vote, those who rely on us to be the stewards of this great legacy, the constitution and all

that american represents, the land of opportunity. people will be losing that opportunity based on what we have seen in the last six months. and we, this congressional black caucus is the conscience of the conscience of congress and aquakening to wake up and stand up to stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves and make a better deal with the american people. not with pennsylvania avenue, not amongst ourselves, not in our private little meetings, not with what can be done for us and our small group, but for all americans, those americans that are going to be left behind by those billions and trillions in tax cuts that are coming to the social safety net of this country. it cannot be relied on by many of the states. many of the states don't have the wherewithal to pick up the

slack. and there will be greater, greater demise to this country if we continue to allow it to work this way. we have got to take up the call for the people who can't speak for themselves and do what's right and tell our president that these six months cannot continue for another three years. we cannot have it. we will not tolerate it. you must awaken to what is the best deal for allally cans, not just those within your inner circle. mr. speaker, at this time, i would yield back the time to the house. and again, ask that all members have an additional five legislative days to revise the remarks that have been made today and include additional statements and material on the subjects from this special order

hour. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. members are reminded to refrain om engaging in perges of the president. the speaker pro tempore: the chair recognizes the gentleman from florida, mr. deutch, for 30 minutes. mr. deutch: i rise to share the important work of the paralysis resource center. christopher reeve put a face on spinal chord injuries. it was his vision, it was his passion and brilliance that attracted young scientists to take on the cause and advance the choord of spinal research. s wife legacy is the foundation that has reached so

many of those living with paral cyst with life changing resources. the president's budget and suggests that the program is duplicative. my colleagues in the house appreciate the nature of the work that the p.r.c. does. he p.r.c. has a variety of services, and programs including information specialists trained to help anyone from newly paralyzed individuals to persons who have lived with disabilities by providing support and information. the peer and family support program which builds peer-to-peer support to best understand the day-to-day realities and long-term challenges. the quality of life grants program, which is awarded over

2,900 grants totalling $22 million to broaden the impact of none profits across the country that foster community engagement hile promoting health. finally, the military and veterans' program that are supports the unique needs of current service members and veterans regardless of when they served or how their injury was obtained. i would urge my colleagues to reach out to learn of the important work they are doing for vulnerable constituents in their districts. if you do, you can see it is much more than a line item in a budget. more than dollars and cents and more than just another program. the value can only be appreciated if you learn the story of thousands of americans that the p.r.c. has helped with

their services. tonight, i would like to tell some of these stories. e can see the amazing of the paralysis resource center and the brave future who have been served through the p.r.c. program. you will notice through throughout these stories, you will hear the same names. that is because p.r.c. builds community and builds connection. when a spinal chord injury leaves someone with no where else to turn, they step in. and many of those who have benefited look back and turn to help others with spinal chord injuries to support their recovery. in order to move forward and tell these stories, i would like to start by acknowledging my friend from rhode island, will sman langevin, who

share some thoughts with us now. mr. langevin: i want to begin by thanking my colleague from florida, representative deutch, for yielding and it's an honor to join you in this evening to discuss the mission that is very close to my heart. as many of my colleagues know, i as a jured back in 1980 young police cadet when i was accidentally shot and paralyzed in the police locker room when a police officer's gun accidently discharged. and so the cause of finding a cure and better treatment for spinal chord injuries and

supporting family members and care givers has been a passion of mine and mission of mine for many years. in late 2001, it was my privilege to join christopher and dana reeve who are dear friends of mine who i got to know very well over the years in announcing the creation of the paralysis resource center, which was established in 2002 as part of the christopher and dana reeve foundation. these are two remarkable individuals i got to know and became friends of mine over the years. i can remember back then when christopher reeve was paralyzed from his horse-riding accident and how instead of being quiet dealingoverted and just

with his recovery, he made it his mission, called attention to the cause of spinal chord injuries and the need for further research to be done and support services to be provided. he was an amazing inspiration to me. because he gave voice and was a face of spinal chord injuries and the work that needed to be done to find a cure. because of his work and that of the christopher and dana reeve foundation, we are getting closer and closer every day to find a cure and getting closer and closer every day to providing support for better quality of life for people with disabilities and paralysis and further support for their families of those who care for people with disabilities and those with spinal chord injuries.

in 2009, i was so proud to support the enactment of the christopher and dana reeve paralysis act which authorized the programs which led to the success of the p.r.c. this center has grown to networks and veteran programs, family and per support programs and a neurorecovery rehabilitation network. it is an inclusive center and it conveys the message that people dealing with spinal chord injuries or nerve-related conditions are not alone, that there are people and organizations around them who care and willing to give the council and advice and support they need. . whether you're living with paralysis or you're a caregiver has loved one, p.r.c. information to help suppose with

spinal cord injury. we know there are more than 43 million care givers in the u.s. providing chronic support to those with disabilities on a variety of issues, whether to to -- whether it's a sick child or an elderly parent or particularly those dealing with spinal cord injuries and paralysis. he value if you had to put a value on the care of family care givers is estimated to be $470 billion annually. if you had to put a dollar figure to the complicated issue. that's more than total medicaid spending in 2013. hat's when the study was done. then the statistics were made public. the benefits of family care giving are plentiful.

it's what families do, if you have a sick child or a loved one families step up to the plate and provide that kear. it's what families do. at the same time it can also take an emotional, mental, and physical toll. as a result, respite is the most frequently requested support service among family care givers. respite is that little bit of assistance where you have someone coming in to give the caregiver a break during the course after week, maybe an hour or two a day, or a few hours during the course of a week that can make all the difference in allowing the caregiver themselves to go to the doctor, go do their grocery shopping that the rest of the family, things that are important to the family, bringing a child to a baseball game or soccer practice or again, just those little everyday things that we all take for granted that a family care

giver may not be able to do but for the fact that they have respite coming in. as a result, respite is the most frequently requested support service among family care givers. the support -- supported by the christopher and dana reeve foundation, the respite care program which i helped create back in 1996 with then-congressman mike ferguson, republican from pennsylvania, it was a bipartisan effort in creating this program which operates now in 35 states and the district of columbia, complements p.r.c.'s efforts to help paralyzed individuals achieve high quality of life by ensuring care givers who help them also receive care and relief and care again to support themselves. access to respite service has been shown to promote caregiver health and well being, promote family stability, reduce likely

hd of -- likelihood of abuse or glect and delay or prevent admission to a institutional taxpayers but helping them receive better care buzz the loved one providing care gets a break and the support they need. so beyond supporting access to respite for care givers, we know that p.r.c.'s programs touch the lives of people across the country, including those residing in ocean state where i'm from in rhode island. for instance, sara gal lee of rhode island spoke about her brother jeff, injured in 1998, and i'd like to share her impactful words on the importance of the p.r.c. now. e wrote to me in july, 2004,

july, 2004, 1998 was the day that my family changed forever, she said. my healthy, strong, athletic, 17-year-old brother dove into the shallow end of a swimming pool and was rendered a high level quadriplegic. each independence day, she said that followed, has been a reminder of how quickly and irrev kaably jeff had his physical -- and irrev kaably jeff had his physical independence taken from him. she said, i can't speak to my brother's experience as a quad, that's his story to tell, but here's mine. in the years following his accident, i've counted on the paralysis resource center and the reeve foundation for support. i've referred friends and strangers to them who require information and advocacy. as a -- as a theater major in college, i started a student

baret for broadway, expanded since, al gala in years expanding support and raising funds for the reeve foundation. and i've picked up the phone on several occasion calling the p.r.c. sometimes you just need to know you're not alone she said. friend of mine, reeve supporter jack rubin, she wrote, he wrote a song about a pal who lives with paralysis using the lyrics, i believe in miracles. she said, i don't believe in miracles but i do believe in jeff and i believe in reeve. do you? mr. speaker, we know the p.r.c.'s network of support remains strong to this day. another rhode islander, 21-year-old jack calloway -- jack kalby was injured in a mountain bike incident this past

april and left paralyzed from the chest day, the p.r.c. immediately started providing services. p.r.c. continues to provide support, respite for care givers and funds research to provide cures for tomorrow. p.r.c. has become a beacon of hope for so many and as my dear friend christopher reeve said, once you choose hope, anything is possible. christopher and dana reeve were friends of mine, i miss them dearly. they did truly provide hope to me and millions of others, whether affected by paralysis, other nerve disorder, or other condition, or the families as well,by the disease i'm grateful for the effort of

the p.r.c. to continue to help those living with paralysis and their families and those who may be affected in the future. together i know we seek that one day when we, because of the efforts going on through amazing research right now, as we get closer to step by step every day, to finding a cure for spinal cord injury the families will know that they're in the alone, we're in this together, and that p.c.r. -- p.r.c. and the christopher and dana reeve foundation are helping us to get one step closer to finding that cure an those treatments we so desperately look for. i thank my colleague from florida for raising attention on this issue and yielding this valuable time. thank you and i yield back. >> i thank my friend from rhode island, representative langevin and thank you for your leadership here in the house on these issues. mr. deutch: just as you spoke about your friends, christopher

and dana reeve and talked specifically about how christopher reeve was not -- was not quiet and i want roverted, he was an inspiration to you, i think it's fair to say i'm, i'm comfortable actually speaking -- it's fair to say, i'm comfortable actually speaking on behalf of my colleagues here in the house saying that just as christopher reeve was an incredible leader and inspiration to you, so too representative langevin, are you an inspiration to all of us here in the house. thank you for participating tonight. there are other stories so many other stories to tell. representative langevin shared some. i'd like to in the time remaining share just a few others. one is the story of eric legrand. on october 16, 2010, rutgers

university football star eric legrand sustained a spinal cord injury at his c3 and c4 vertebrae. after a kickoff he sprinted down the field, made the tackle but after the collision he stayed down on the field at metlife staid you. he was paralyzed from the neck down. doctors gave him a 0% to 5% chance of regaining neurologic function. from the moment he was injured, the paralysis resource center buzz by eric's side with a ealth of services and support. they provided a road map of resources that helped him transition to the kessler institute for rehabilitation in west orange, new jersey. at that point, he was already exceeding expectations for his recovery and was weaned off his ventilator and his feeding tube.

to help his family understand realities of his injury, they were put in touch with alan brown a friend of mine i'll speak about in a bit. he offered advice from his own experience hiing with quadriplegia for over 20 years. alan was enrolled in the n.r.n. a growing network of rah habilitation centers that provide therapies like local motor therapies. thanks to n.r.n. and his determination he recovered the ability to move his neck and shoulders, he has improved trunk, cardiovascular and pulmonary control. his quality of life, well being, and health have improved through the efforts of the p.r.c. to pay forward his gratitude and help other, he founded team legrand of the triffer and dana

reeve foundation to speed the development of treatments for spinal cord injury. since its inception in september, 2013, team he legrand has raised lose to $20 million. impressedand was also with the service of the p.r.c. and became a certified peer counselor to help the parents and care givers of those hiing with paralysis. elizabeth force is someone else, another story we should focus on. an avid traveler and diver, elizabeth's life changed in 2014 when a dive into a swimming pool esulted in a c4, c5 spine cord injury. in the aftermath of her injury, elizabeth's family struggled with how to move forward and ensure that elizabeth could live life to the fullest.

her older brother, tracy, reached out to the reeve foundation to tap into the constellation of programs and resources offered by the paralysis se resource center. she spoke -- he spoke with information specialists to get a better understanding of his sister's condition and how his family could help her adapt physically, emotionally and socially living with a spinal cord injury. tracy also referred to the reeve foundation website to educate himself on life after paralysis from elizabeth's perspective and his role as care givers. elizabeth became -- elizabeth became a certified peer mentor to help fellow paralysis patients help find beauty and joy after a life-changing injury. she's resumed her passion for diving and traveling as well as blogging for the reeve foundation to share her tips for traveling with a disability. e.b. said she still has a lot of

travel destinations on her list and the p.r.c. is surrounding her with support to make sure she can continue to travel the world. dana lang is someone else we should think about tonight. dena lang a31, 015, standout hockey player for the boston pride was playing in the women's winter classic in gillette stadium when she crashed head first into the boards and sustained a spinal cord jer at her c5 vertebrae. the reeve foundation mobilized a network of support through the paralysis resource center to help her family understand the short-term and long-term challenges of living with paralysis. they spoke with information specialists who provided tailored assistance on transitioning her from the hospital to acute care and then adjusting to life back in her community.

she and her family connected with certified peer mentors like alan brown who offered support and guidance based on their own personal experiences. she's currently building up her strength and working to improve her health by participating in a comprehensive therapy regime at journey forward at canton, massachusetts, part of the reeve foundation knew row recovery network. she recently tackled the boston marathon with bobby carpenter who pushed her wheelchair through the fenish line. she credits the support of the foundation as the reason she keeps smiling. n her words, i know the words, i know the best is yet to come. two others from arkansas, after graduating from the university of arkansas, he was enjoying the

warm weather and decided to take a float trip onal local river. j.d. thought it was deep water and too shallow and sustained a high-level spinal cord injury. since that, his family vice resident tapped into the foundation to help j.d. to live a full and active life. and given the scarcity of resources for the paralysis foundation in arkansas. and they helped him to navigate the path forward. his girlfriend was so inspired by the programs and mission she wan both the chicago and new york marathon in 2016 under the team reeve banner and raised $20,000 to accelerate innovative

research. this center is a lifeline for across thef families nation. sabrina cohen is from florida. beach, a ised miami teenage diver who promised to give her to ride to party started drag racing and slammed into a tree and she was 14 years old. when sabrina was first jid, there was no resource to learn how to live with paralysis or connect with community members. when the resource center was founded, it has been a life-saveng resource for 5.4 . llion for america cabs

however, physical barriers existed in her community since there was no beach that was accessible to wheelchair users. he asked to fund a fully accessible beach for seniors, veterans and children with special needs. the quality of life is funded through the center and award to nonprofits that fosters greater health and independence for individuals living with paralysis and their caregivers and made the most to accomplish miami beach's first ever dedicated public beach with improved wheelchair access and water sport activities. and finally, i would like to talk about two other people,

both also from florida and both good friends of mine. alan bradley i mentioned earlier, he is a resident of florida who was injured in 1988 at the age of 20 when his neck was clushed by an ocean wave. injury d a c 5-6 spinal with no movement below his chest. since 30 years, they have feud unded a foundation to have advocacy for the parallels community. they were trying to find a cure. a magic bullet to walk again. after years in a wheelchair and difficult challenges, he and his family overhauled the mission of the foundation. they focus on improving the ves of people with paralysis

to help others with ongoing medical care. they have partnered to reach the impact of his methods. alan travels the country to advocate to increase awareness and make impacts on the quality of life. he currently serves as manager of the christopher and dana reeve foundation and he focuses on reaching the impact of the greater public and increasing the visibility of p.r.c. and other foundation programs and raising funds and support programs. i have been with alan and inspired by him on a regular basis. and the work that he does in the

paralysis community and those who are experiencing paralysis firsthand, the work that he does is extraordinary. and finally, sean, who is from my community in south florida. in march of 1992, sean was injured in a motor vehicle accident two weeks before his 27th birthday. he was married with one child and spent much of the early years working to increase medical research funding. for his efforts he was invited to meet hillary clinton. sean testified before congress on the need for increase in research funding and bested on his desire to help others, he left his career in finance where he worked as a hedge fund manager to stand amongst friends. an is based in boca raton is

organization and helping people to find employment through vocational training and provided services to more than 4,000 people and helped people find employment. sean has deprone the mission to become one of the top service providers and each year, sean and the stand amongst friends organization host the emprays, it is a day of diversity wareness that is a marathon, a 5k and family-friend walk and it is a day to embrace one another. sean is a dear friend and inspiration in his community and all who know him. mr. speaker, in closing, i would like to thank those who make the paralysis resource center what

is it today. the p.r.c. comes in at the most vulnerable moments. they are life changing and come in with an response with people who are hurting to create a new live and building support. and i would like to leave with the words of christopher reeve and he said, and i quote, i -- hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to per very veer and win over obstacles. join me in supporting the paralysis resource center to empower heroes in the fight against spinal cord injuries and with that, i yield back.

the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. the gentleman have a motion? deutsche deutsche i move the house do now adjourn. the speaker pro tempore: the question is on the motion to adjourn. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it, the motion is adopted. accordingly the house stands