mr. kilmer. future forum, we will be back in a few weeks talking about a variety of issues facing our young people. this is not us talking to you. i read a number of tweets, live here on the house floor and was tweeting as we were having this conversation. so our goal is to talk about the issues, have a conversation, but really listen to you and what you care about as millenials and look forward to be back here on the floor and out across america, looking out for what's best for millenials and standing up here in congress. and i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to >> the new congressional directory is a handy guide to the 114th congress, with color photos of every senator and house member, plus bio and contact information and twitter handles, also district maps, a foldout map of capitol hill, and congressional committees federal agencies, and state governors. order your copy today. it is $13.95 plus shipping

mr. kilmer, ms. esty and many to -- and many to increase fund big a small 3.5% was not given a chance to have a vote here on the house floor. i ask my colleagues to oppose this rule and i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california yields back. the gentleman from washington is recognized. mr. muhouse: could i inquire of the gentleman from -- mr. newhouse: could i inquire of the gentleman from colorado how many speakers he has left? mr. polis: i yield two minutes to the gentlelady from new york. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman is recognized. does the gentleman from washington continue to reserve. mr. polis: i believe this is my last speaker. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman from new york is recognized for two minutes. mrs. maloney: i want to thank the gentleman from the great state of colorado for yielding and for his leadership on the rules committee and on so many other important issues before this kuok. mr. speaker, the highway trust fu

mr. kilmer. the chair: the gentleman from washington is recognized for one minute. mr. kilmer: thank you mr. chairman. i rise in opposition to the amendment. while i respect the sponsor's intent on reducing spending, shrinking our carrier fleet is not the way to do it. our fleet of aircraft carriers is the envy of the world because of the power and capability that they bring to bear. a fleet of 11 carriers allows the united states to be a powerful force for stability around the globe, it keeps sea lanes open and protect our merchant fleet against hostile governments and piracy. they allow our troops to respond quickly to natural disasters and humanitarian crises all over the world. reducing the number of aircraft carriers would have bad consequences. it would reduce our ability to protect ourselves and our interests abroad it. would have a dramatic impact on the morale of men and women who serve on them as longer deployments place an unfair burden on these sailors. and it would result in longer and more expensive maintenance to be conducted, reducing the time the vessels

mr. kilmer: thank you, mr. chairman. i -- mr. kildee: thank you, mr. chairman. i ask that we do express that agreement. i think this amendment is a good example. i know we all support the underlying purpose of the act. this particular amendment would ensure when there is a rule that states that do operate under delegated authority would continue to protect the waters of the u.s. and the waters within their own states with the best knowledge in the ground. it's been a good experience in the state of michigan. i think it's good for other states as well. and i think that this amendment would help to ensure that. with that mr. chairman, i yield back the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman yields. the question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from michigan. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. the amendment is agreed to. for what purpose does the gentleman from ohio seek recognition? mr. gibbs: i move that the committee do now rise. the chair: the question is on the motion that the committee ri

mr. kilmer: his steadfast leader shp and staunch belief in the pow over community involvement will be rememberedthe revitalization of this historically significant neighborhood. i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentlewoman from washington seek recognition. the gentlewoman is recognized for one minute. mrs. mcmorris rodgers: the way to honor those who give their life for our can'try is on memorial day. we've learned this week that at least $6 billion in taxpayer money has been lost in illegal contracts at the v.a. v.a. employees improsecutorerly -- improperly receiving gifts including room upgrades, meals helicopter rides, tickets for the rockets. this week the house passed six bills that give the american veterans the support they need and demand the accountability at the v.a. we must get answers and i am committed to being part of the solution. next week, i will visit the spokane veteran's hospital and recognize those who do work hard to serve our veterans and every day we are working to support veterans in eastern washington. we atended th