Congressional Record, House, January 28, 2020 — State of the Economy Special Order
Summary
Page H609 of the House section of the Congressional Record for January 28, 2020. A Member recognizes Brett Milam for donating a kidney, and LaMalfa commends EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler for clarifying the definition of waters of the United States, known as WOTUS. Under the heading State of the Economy, Hoyer, recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader, says the Joint Economic Committee released reports that day and compares job creation and unemployment under President Obama and President Trump, including a 3.5 percent rate in December 2019. Later remarks by Scott of Virginia concern Katie Thyne, killed in the line of duty, and the Newport News community.
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Cite this document
“Congressional Record, House, January 28, 2020 — State of the Economy Special Order.”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2020-01-28-crec-2020-01-28-pt1-pgh609-2-c3b4ddef29/
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January 28, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H609
I applaud Brett for making this dona- speak about the subject of paramount compared to the level of the economic
tion to save a complete stranger’s life, concern for most Americans: the econ- expansion that began under his prede-
and I am particularly moved by the omy. Healthcare, the economy, and cessor.
selflessness and kindness that Brett their jobs are what folks are focused on This chart—and it will probably be
made with this action. when they wake up in the morning. hard to see for many viewers—shows
Brett’s choice to donate his kidney The Joint Economic Committee now that job growth was highest here in the
demonstrates the most compassionate headed on our side of the aisle by DON years before President Trump took of-
side of humanity. BEYER from Virginia, released two re- fice and then lower, following.
Today, I recognize Brett Milam for ports today that all Americans should Now, what does that mean?
his extremely selfless act of kindness. look at carefully. One of them focuses Let me give you the big figure,
Thank you, Brett, and God bless. on the failure of the 2017 Trump tax Madam Speaker, because the specifics
f cuts which Chairman NEAL will be fo- of the chart will be difficult for people
cusing on shortly. to see on the floor and in the gallery.
COMMENDING EPA ADMINIS- Republicans claim that the tax cuts What it means is that, on average—
TRATOR ANDREW WHEELER would pay for themselves and not add a and this is an important fact to re-
(Mr. LAMALFA asked and was given penny to deficits and debt. That is a member—under President Obama,
permission to address the House for 1 theory that we have heard time and there were 227,000 jobs created per
minute and to revise and extend his re- time again from Republicans to sup- month over the last 35 months of his
marks.) port their tax cuts for the wealthiest in term.
Mr. LAMALFA. Madam Speaker, I our country. Both experience and evi- Now we have had 35 months of the
wish to commend EPA Administrator dence tell us that their tax cuts always Trump term. What has he done to real-
Andrew Wheeler for his recent clearing end up driving our deficits up, hurting ize that promise of 25 million jobs?
up of the definition of waters of the the middle class, and placing the bur- Madam Speaker, 36,000 less jobs per
United States, known as WOTUS, in- den on future generations. month have been created under Donald
deed, causing a lot of woe for people in I hope Americans will read that re- Trump than under Barack Obama in
my district and the Western U.S., espe- port and draw the same conclusions the same timeframe.
cially. that so many economists have made Now, that is important because the
Under the 2015 definition, it seemed about the dangerous tax scam. President, of course, claims that this is
every puddle, every ditch, every pos- The second report which we will be the best economy we have ever seen. As
sible water source was going to be focusing on this evening concerns the I said, that is 36,000 fewer jobs per
brought under the fist of the U.S. Gov- economy more broadly. It asks a ques- month, and 1.26 million fewer jobs over
ernment. With much dismay, many tion that many Americans may be ask- President Trump’s term from the trend
farmers, ranchers, people building, and ing this year: Is the Trump economy he inherited.
people doing simple things were unable doing as well as the President claimed Madam Speaker, I am going to show
to understand what they were supposed it would? you a chart on how the economy that
to do. Indeed, it was a long arm of gov- And: Can the President take credit President Obama had put in place with
ernment overreach. for economic growth that began long the help of the Congress was going
What we have heard since then: ‘‘Oh, before he took office? straight up.
I want to thank the gentleman from At this pace, President Trump’s 4-
the sky is falling. This is going to roll
Virginia (Mr. BEYER) for his efforts as year term will not achieve the same
back protections.’’
vice chair of the Joint Economic Com- level of job creation as the previous 4-
These aren’t protections. These are
mittee, as well as the former vice year term of President Obama. In fact,
things that are way beyond the scope
chair, CAROLYN MALONEY, who now he would fall—listen to this figure—2.5
of what government should be doing.
heads up the Oversight and Reform million jobs short.
It limited the scope of rivers and
Committee. So, when we hear the President at a
large streams and our oceans. So with
I will be yielding to Mr. BEYER soon rally claiming this great economic
all of ‘‘the sky is falling’’ you are hear-
to speak more about the content of the boom, remember, 2.5 million less jobs
ing, no, it isn’t anything like that. In-
committee’s report. He will be followed created.
deed, it is putting it back into more eq-
by Mr. NEAL who is the chairman of President Trump also loves to cite
uitable space.
the Ways and Means Committee, and a the low unemployment rate, which, in
What this rule does is, indeed, end
senior member of this body. He is prob- December 2019, stood at 3.5 percent.
the confusion and ends the Federal
ably one of the most knowledgeable That is, indeed, a low number. It is a
overreach and helps us get back to
people, not only about taxes, but about good number in the sense that it shows
business and still protect the environ-
the economy in general. that so many of our people are work-
ment.
But first I want to speak a little bit ing. But underlying those facts are so
f many of our people are working one,
about this President’s record on the
STATE OF THE ECONOMY economy. two, and three jobs so they can support
President Trump sought office on a themselves and their family.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under Now, when he took office, the rate
the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- raft of economic promises. He promised
to create 25 million new jobs in 10 was 4.7 percent. It is 3.5 percent now
uary 3, 2019, the gentleman from Mary- and 4.7 percent when he took office.
land (Mr. HOYER) is recognized for 60 years.
He promised 6 percent growth in our Compare that to the decline in the un-
minutes as the designee of the major- employment rate during the same pe-
domestic product.
ity leader. riod in President Obama’s second term.
He promised to eliminate the $19 tril-
GENERAL LEAVE
lion national debt. At his second inauguration, the rate
Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I ask He promised to get wages up for was 7.9 percent. He left office with 4.7
unanimous consent that all Members American workers with $4,000 raises as percent. That is 3.2 percent less. He left
have 5 legislative days in which to re- a result of the tax cuts. the office with a 4.7 percent unemploy-
vise and extend their remarks and in- And the President promised to make ment rate, continuing a strong decline.
clude any extraneous materials on the healthcare much less expensive and Under President Obama, a decline of
subject of this Special Order. 5.3 percentage points from when he
SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE
much better.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there took office; under President Trump, a
objection to the request of the gen- b 1645 decline of 1.2 percentage points.
tleman from Maryland? Let’s see how he is doing. Madam Speaker, let me give you that
There was no objection. On the first measure, job growth, job figure again. Under President Obama,
Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I come growth has slowed under President he inherited from George Bush a de-
to the floor this afternoon with a num- Trump. Let me repeat that. Job growth clining employment. It spiked at 10
ber of my Democratic colleagues to has slowed under President Trump percent, and under President Obama,
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H610 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 28, 2020
that came down to 4.7 percent. That is shown to be, are not accurate. That is economic policies. That means jobs for
where you get the 5.3 percent reduc- a polite way to say it. The facts tell them. That means some money to in-
tion. Actually, he halved the unem- the opposite story. vest in their children, in their families,
ployment rate if you figure it that Over the course of the Obama Presi- in their mortgages, in buying a car, a
way. dency, 10.8 million jobs were created as refrigerator, or a new stove or fixing
Under President Trump, however, he the unemployment rate fell from, as I their heat when it goes out.
inherited a downward trend—in other said, 10 percent to 4.7 percent. In the What President Trump doesn’t seem
words, less unemployment as opposed last 11 quarters of President Obama’s to understand, however, is that a thriv-
to more unemployment from Bush to term, real GDP growth was averaging ing economy is more than growing the
Obama—and he has failed to keep the 2.6 percent—a remarkable turnaround stock market.
pace that President Obama established. from the 8.4 percent deficit, decline, Let me say this as an aside. I don’t
This was the decline in the unem- that he inherited, a decrease in the last have a slide here now, but the average
ployment rate under Barack Obama. quarter before he took office. growth in the stock market under
This is what has happened: steeper de- Now, annual median income, Madam Democrats from 1948 until 2008—I am
cline under Obama, got to a low num- Speaker, you will note, under Presi- not sure exactly when we ended the
ber, and it has been reduced by 1.2 per- dent Obama, the red line starts declin- study—was more in every Democratic
cent as opposed to the 4.7 percent that ing 2008, 2009. The deepest recession administration.
Obama reduced it to. that we have experienced in our life- It is about real economic security for
While President Trump boasted that times, which started in December of American workers and their families;
his administration would see a 6 per- ‘07, you will see real household income it is about whether America is still a
cent GDP—that is growth in the do- declined significantly. place where everyone has a fair shot,
mestic product of our country, our en- But you will see, when the recovery where everyone has access to opportu-
tire production—that would have been program that President Obama and nities, and where everyone can get
good; 6 percent would have been phe- Democrats put in place in our country, ahead. That is what that chart shows,
nomenal. It was also not attained. the American Recovery Act, you saw and that is over a significant period of
Over the first 11 quarters of his term, employment going up, average income time.
that figure was 2.6 percent, dropping to going up, and you see it going up to By that measure, the President’s
2.1 percent in the third quarter of last $63,179. record has been dismal.
The tax cut, you will see a real spike Now, healthcare, what I started with,
year. The Federal Reserve estimates
here. This is under President Obama, is one of the greatest concerns. Jobs
that 2020 will see it fall even lower as
and then you see the tax cut, this line and healthcare were our issues in the
any short-term stimulus from his tax
here, and then you see a flattening out. last election. We added 63 Members to
cut disappears. Mr. NEAL is going to
While it has increased, it has been a the Democratic side of the aisle, which
talk about the tax cut and what was
much slower increase. So, when he says is why we are in the majority, because
promised and what was delivered.
Madam Speaker, I would simply it is the best economy, the folks here people knew that we were the party
point out to you that what you see is, who were experiencing this kind of in- that was focused on healthcare and on
essentially, a level 2.5 percent average crease would beg to differ. jobs and had delivered.
This chart shows the uninsured rate.
growth under President Obama and Compare that to the first 2 years of
It was going down over the last 3 years,
under President Trump, notwith- Trump’s Presidency with an increase in
but because of the assault on the Af-
standing the extraordinary trillion-dol- annual median household income of
fordable Care Act and the uncertainty
lar tax cut that was infused in the $1,400. This indicated, under President
that was created, as you will see, 2014,
economy. Again, Mr. NEAL will speak Obama, an increase of $4,800 in median
2013, 2016 the President is elected, it
more to that. income, three times as much—as a
comes down and flattens out. Why? Be-
It is clear the Trump tax cut did lit- matter of fact, more than three times.
cause they are not supporting
tle to boost GDP as he claimed it In fact, incomes at every level have
healthcare. We need to get it back up
would, and, of course, he claimed many grown faster under Democrats than
so there are less and less uninsured.
more jobs. under Republicans since 1968.
Mr. NEAL represents the State of
On deficits and the debt, President So this is not just picking a par-
Massachusetts where 100 percent of
Trump’s promise would seem laughable ticular year to make a point. This is 68
children are covered and 97 percent of
if the reality weren’t so dangerous. years, average. The blue, Democrats,
adults. That is what the Affordable
Instead of reversing deficits and increase in every quintile. That means
Care Act was based upon, the Massa-
eliminating the debt, he has overseen those at the bottom increase substan-
chusetts plan, when Governor Romney
an increase fueled by his 2017 tax cut tially and, yes, those at the top in-
was the Republican Governor in Massa-
that gave $2 trillion in new, unpaid-for crease.
chusetts.
tax cuts primarily to the wealthiest in This is not, as some Republicans
As a result of the policies of this
our country. charge us with, class warfare. Every-
President, the number of Americans
Last week, to the surprise of no one body did better, on average, with
without health insurance rose to 8.5
who understands the history of Repub- Democratic Presidents in the 20 years
percent in 2018. That was the first in-
lican tax cuts, President Trump sug- during that period of time that we had
crease in a decade.
gested he might seek cuts to Medicare the Presidency and the 30 years that
and Social Security to offset the defi- the Republicans had the Presidency. b 1700
cits created by his tax cuts. I will leave Those are the averages, and you can Not having health insurance is bad
it to Chairman YARMUTH to go into see, in every quintile, everybody in for your health and bad for your psyche
greater detail about the Trump defi- America did better under the Demo- and bad for your family.
cits. crats’ economic programs. His efforts, meaning President
We have all seen this President’s President Trump’s economy is just Trump, alongside congressional Repub-
campaign on reducing America’s trade the latest chapter in a long story in licans to repeal, undermine, and sabo-
deficit, but it has increased on his which, time and time again, Demo- tage the Affordable Care Act have
watch. In fact, according to the Joint cratic leadership has seen our economy brought uncertainty to health insur-
Economic Committee’s report, as many out of a recession and danger as Presi- ance markets and made it harder for
as 450,000 jobs were lost in 2019 alone as dent Obama did when he inherited, as I working families to get affordable cov-
SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE
a result of this President’s trade wars. said, the deepest recession anybody erage for the care they need.
The President loves to stand at the less than 95 years of age in our country We are working very hard on that.
podium at his rallies and shout slogans has experienced. We are trying to bring prescription
about how his is the best economy ever This is a contrast that House Demo- drug costs down. We are trying to fix
and how he inherited a mess from crats will be highlighting this year the problem of surprise billing. We
President Obama. Those statements, when Americans will again entrust the want to make sure that Americans
sadly, as so many of his have been President and Congress with crafting have affordable, quality healthcare.
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January 28, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H611
On wages, we see another lost oppor- sador, and the vice chair of the Joint Did his tax cuts supercharge the eco-
tunity. For 3 years, President Trump Economic Committee. nomic growth? Very weak evidence.
and the Republican-led Senate have re- Mr. BEYER. Madam Speaker, I want And did his tax cuts pay for them-
fused to support legislation to raise the to thank Majority Leader HOYER for selves? Again, no way.
minimum wage, which has not been his exemplary leadership and thank the Has the President’s trade war helped
raised in over a decade, which the distinguished chair of the Ways and American businesses and consumers?
House finally passed a bill last year, Means Committee, RICHARD NEAL, for We will argue it has done much more
under the Democratic majority, which his friendship and his wise counsel. harm than good.
tries to lift that minimum wage so peo- Madam Speaker, you be the judge. And The Washington Post Fact
ple can live and support themselves Two weeks ago, the World Economic Checker found that, during his Presi-
when they are working 40 hours a Forum held its annual conference in dency, Donald Trump has made more
week. No American working 40 hours a Davos, and the central theme of the than 1,500 lies or misleading state-
week ought not to be able to afford to meeting this year was climate change, ments about the economy, and he bra-
support themselves and to help support the most critical issue we face. zenly repeats them even when cor-
a family. President Trump spoke at the con- rected.
According to the monthly jobs report ference, but instead of focusing on cli- I suspect, next week, in this very
mate change, he made what amounts Chamber, when he gives the State of
for December, hourly wage growth
to a campaign speech, claiming that he the Union Address, we will hear many
slipped to its lowest rate in 18 months.
has worked a miracle with the U.S. of those same misleading claims again.
When you listen to the President talk Madam Speaker, when you hear him
at these rallies about this economy, re- economy. The fundamental basis of his
argument is wildly wrong. He claimed make a claim about almost anything,
member that figure and check it. Go to you can pretty much know, more often
Google or go to some reference point. that the economy he inherited from
than not, that it is not true.
Check it. Barack Obama was ‘‘in dismal shape.’’
So, in his Davos speech at the World
According to the monthly jobs report On the basis of this fundamental re- Economic Forum, when he said that
for December, last month, hourly wage writing of history, he claimed credit the economy he inherited from Barack
growth slipped to its lowest rate in 18 for the strong U.S. economy. Obama was dismal, he also said: ‘‘We
months. That is a far cry from the The economy is booming, he pro-
have the greatest economy we’ve ever
$4,000 annual salary increase President posed, not because Barack Obama
had in the history of our country.’’
Trump promised would trickle down helped dig us out from the worst reces- This claim and many others did not
from his tax cuts for the wealthiest in sion since the Great Depression or be- make it by the fact checkers at the As-
America. cause of the hard work and ingenuity sociated Press. This isn’t unusual. He
American workers deserve better. of the American worker, but because of is often caught red-handed, in flagrante
America deserves better. American ex- Donald Trump’s magical touch, the delicto, making easily debunked claims
porters deserve better. American farm- same magical touch he had with his on a wide range of topics. And since the
ers and small business owners deserve Atlantic City casinos which went bank- beginning of his administration, his
better than this uncertain Trump econ- rupt, and Trump Shuttle and Trump record of falsehoods is astonishing.
omy. All Americans deserve better. University and Trump Mortgage and The Washington Post Fact Checker
That is why the Democratic-led Trump Steaks and the Trump board says Trump has made over 16,000 false
House voted last year to raise wages, game and Trump Vodka. or misleading claims in his first 3 years
ensure equal pay for equal work, and That is quite a record. of office. When you hear this President
give Federal employees a long-overdue I am a businessman. With my broth- say almost anything about the econ-
cost of living adjustment. er, my sister, my dad, we spent 46 years omy, it is likely to be more wrong than
That is why we voted to lower pre- now building a highly successful com- right.
scription drug prices, a bill that sits in pany. And I know it is not easy, but I For example, he did not create a
the Senate, untended by Senator also know that when a businessman strong economy; he inherited it. This is
MCCONNELL. has a string of spectacular failures, you made absolutely clear in a rigorous,
That is why we voted to make it easi- wouldn’t hire him to be CEO of your carefully sourced new report by the
er for more workers to save for secure company, let alone President of the Democratic staff on the Joint Eco-
retirement, thanks to Chairman NEAL United States. nomic Committee. This is what the re-
and the Ways and Means Committee. But here we are. Serendipitously, port shows: that the economy Donald
That is why we voted to protect mul- with much luck, I became vice chair of Trump inherited from Barack Obama
tiemployer pension funds, so that hun- the Joint Economic Committee re- was strong and getting stronger.
dreds of thousands of people would not cently, and I couldn’t be more thrilled Madam Speaker, you can see this on
be left out in the cold after contrib- by the confidence of my Democratic the chart right here. Unemployment
uting to and being promised a pension leadership and the opportunity to was below 5 percent, GDP growth was 2
in their old age. serve. percent in the fourth quarter of 2016,
Now, as we look to 2020, House Demo- The Joint Economic Committee stud- and 227,000 jobs were being created
crats will continue to make economic ies and advises Members of Congress every month.
opportunity our focus. I look forward about the economy. We are like the President Obama led the economy a
to bringing more legislation to the economic think tank for the economy very long way back from the economic
floor this year to ensure that we do not to delve into the issues and, when nec- records that he inherited from his pred-
squander the gains of our recovery essary, to set the record straight. ecessor. Here is how bad it was.
under President Obama. We will keep So, when the President stands up at At the worst of the Great Recession,
looking for ways to help America get Davos and claims that he is an eco- unemployment had reached 10 percent,
ahead. nomic miracle worker, supposedly sav- but by the time President Obama left
I hope all of my colleagues will look ing the economy from what he claims office, unemployment had already been
at the facts that I put forward and see is the disaster he inherited, the Joint cut more than in half, down to 4.7 per-
what the Obama economy did and that Economic Committee has to step up to cent.
the last 3 years have been a continu- the plate. I was more than pleased When he took office, the economy
ation of the Obama economy. Just look when Majority Leader HOYER asked me was hemorrhaging 700,000 jobs per
at the line. It is almost a straight line to help lead this hour of discussion. So, month. By the time he left, the econ-
SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE
up. today, we will talk about the sup- omy had already added jobs for 76
I appreciate that a number of my posedly dismal economy. straight months, the longest in Amer-
Democratic colleagues are here this Was it a wreck, as the President ican history.
evening to add to this conversation. I imagines it? Far from it. Inflation was low. Wages and incomes
yield to the gentleman from Virginia Has he worked miracles with the were rising. It was a remarkable turn-
(Mr. BEYER), my friend, former Lieu- economy? No way. The data shows that around. It was not, as the President
tenant Government, former Ambas- this is not true. said at Davos, dismal.
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H612 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 28, 2020
The President called the current and, borrowing, $2.3 trillion tax cuts in challenges facing the American people,
economy a miracle due to his golden 2017. the American family, and the Amer-
touch, but, no, he inherited this from So let’s take a look at this with some ican economy. Madam Speaker, 2 mil-
the previous economy. precision for a moment. That means, lion people have left the workforce be-
So let’s thank the President, but not when you add the borrowing cost, cause of opioid addiction. Two million
this President. Let’s thank my old meaning principal and interest, to people have left the workforce because
boss, President Obama. what actually was embraced by two of addiction.
The President often cherry-picks a Republican Presidents, that means we We wondered why Social Security
strong month of job growth and implies have cut taxes, over about a 15-year pe- disability climbed during those years.
that it is representative, but let’s look riod, by $5 trillion, added a trillion dol- It was because of opioid addiction.
at things in the long term, which is lars to the debt this year, and now a Back to that issue about labor par-
how economists actually measure these national debt of $20 trillion, all based ticipation rates and productivity, there
things. upon the theological notion—that is has been no change. Poverty rates re-
In the first 35 months of the Trump what it is, theology—that tax cuts pay main stubborn.
administration, his economy added Here is something we should all be
for themselves.
191,000 jobs per month. In the last 35 concerned about: There are still 40 mil-
You cannot find a mainstream econo-
months of Barack Obama, his economy lion Americans who receive food
mist in America who will say that tax
added 227,000 jobs per month. That is a stamps. If you give those people a
cuts pay for themselves. choice between good jobs and food
36,000 job-per-month difference over a When we look back at what was done stamps, they will always take the good
comparable 35 months each. Donald with the tax bill in December of 2017, it jobs, always take the good jobs.
Trump wants you to forget that, but goes like this: The number of people who are work-
let’s not let him get away with it. A major piece of legislation was writ- ing in this gig economy with uncertain
The job market is strong. Unemploy- ten in 51 days, without one hearing, hours, no benefits, two jobs, three jobs,
ment is 3.5 percent. But, again, he without one professional witness, with- where they would all like to have one
didn’t create low unemployment; he in- out one economic forecast, but again, that gave them some decent benefits
herited it, and you can see that in the this fundamental belief that, as the and a good retirement, those are the
long-term trends. It was at 4.7 percent; President said in a meeting at the challenges we face.
now it is down to 3.5. White House with some of us, he didn’t Think about this number—again,
But his signature policy impact, the see why we couldn’t have ‘‘6 percent numbers are stubborn—40 percent of
$1.9 trillion in tax cuts, didn’t go into growth.’’ the American workforce every day gets
effect until 2018. So unemployment had He completely suggested that up, goes to work, and is not in a quali-
already dropped to 4.1—that is the Obama’s economic growth spurt would fied retirement plan. Their retirement
Obama effect, the 4.1. So the last six- be far surpassed by his, yet that has is going to be Social Security.
tenths of a percent cost us $1.9 trillion, not happened. We have had, during the All of these numbers that we have de-
and it might be much higher than that. Clinton years, 2.3 to 5 percent quarters picted here portray a very different
Madam Speaker, was the cost worth of economic growth, averaging, in the story about the President’s suggestions
it? Is the President an economic ge- end, the highest of any President in the when compared to the reality of where
nius? You be the judge. last century—really remarkable. we find ourselves. The uncertainty
Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I And then this suggestion, even every day, largely based upon some of
thank Congressman BEYER, and I ap- though mainstream economists kept the bombast, the unpredictability of
preciate his leadership on the Joint saying, no, the economy, even with the where we head, all are part of the chal-
Economic Committee. sugar high of the tax cut, will settle lenge that we face.
I am now pleased to yield to the gen- back down to less than 2 percent, so we But this idea that this economic
tleman from Massachusetts (Mr. are at 1.8 percent with $20 trillion growth period has all been because of
NEAL), one of the senior Members of worth of debt. President Trump, it is simply not true.
the House of Representatives, the dean He inherited a very good economy from
of the Massachusetts delegation and b 1715 Barack Obama.
the chairman of the Ways and Means The Obama years, even climbing out Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I
Committee, who, as I said earlier, is as of the recession, averaged north of 2.3 thank the gentleman for his comments,
knowledgeable about tax policy and its to 2.4 percent of economic growth, and I hope the American people really
consequences as anybody in this House. given the worst recession, as the ma- focus on this. So much has been said by
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, this is jority leader said, since the Great De- both sides that the American people
an opportunity to call attention to pression. really need to look at this themselves
some of the suggestions that have been The argument was that we were and figure out when did they do well,
made by this President and this White going to have this unparalleled eco- when did their families do well, who
House as to the economic growth that nomic growth because of the Repub- was watching out for their healthcare,
lican tax bill. That has not happened. who wanted to make sure that we bring
he claims credit for.
On the day that Barack Obama be- The issues have settled back, and it up the income of those at the lowest
has flat-lined, but here are a couple of levels of incomes in our country, and
came President, America was losing
make a decision on their behalf as to
800,000 jobs a month. When Barack things that I want to mention here
who they want to support and who they
Obama left the White House, there that I think really bear noting.
believe.
were 14.3 million new jobs that had Productivity, which is probably the Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen-
been created. That is a real turnabout. most important part of raising quality- tleman from Kentucky (Mr. YARMUTH),
This notion that there was this dismal of-life measures for the American peo- chairman of the Budget Committee in
economy that President Trump inher- ple, a growth spurt of productivity, the House of Representatives.
ited is simply not true. that has really not happened. Mr. YARMUTH. Madam Speaker, I
So let’s even go back to the end of Here is another key element of eco- thank the gentleman for yielding.
the Clinton years, which, despite what nomic discernment: worker participa- Earlier today, the Congressional
President Trump says, the greatest tion rates. If you really want to know Budget Office released its updated
economic growth spurt in American what is happening, that is what you budget and economic outlook for the
history took place during Bill Clinton’s focus on.
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next decade. This report once again
Presidency—plus four balanced budg- The postwar norm is about 66 per- confirms that, despite the economic ex-
ets. So, when Bill Clinton said good- cent, meaning two-thirds of the Amer- pansion he inherited, the fiscal outlook
bye to the country, we were staring at ican people got up and went to work has worsened since President Trump
a $15 trillion projected surplus over the every day. Where are we now? At about took office.
next 10 years. 63.8 percent. Under President Trump, deficits have
Let’s do the math. A $1.3 trillion tax The tax cut did not issue one re- risen to heights not usually seen out-
cut in 2001, a $1 trillion tax cut in 2003, sponse to one of the most fundamental side of recessions and major world
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January 28, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H613
wars. They have increased every year, sible investments in the American peo- took for granted. He took away their
an unusual trend given that deficits ple, our infrastructure, and the envi- ability to deduct moving expenses
tend to fall as unemployment rises. ronment, investments that reflect our when they had to find a better job and
In fact, the deficit in 2019 was the values, promote a stronger economic support their families. He took away
highest since 2012, when we were recov- and fiscal outlook, and move our Na- their ability to deduct alimony, which
ering from the Great Recession and the tion forward. could lead to more deadbeat dads. He
unemployment was 8 percent, more As chairman of the Budget Com- even forced average Americans to de-
than double today’s rate. mittee, I have stressed that we need to clare more of their income, costing
As a result of these deficits, the na- think seriously about severe and per- them more money in taxes. And while
tional debt has climbed higher and sistent deficits in the real economy, you cannot deduct your moving ex-
faster than CBO projected at the end of not just deficits in the budget. That penses, millionaires can deduct the en-
the Obama administration. Perhaps we doesn’t mean that we can spend tax tire cost of a private plane.
shouldn’t be surprised. After all, this is dollars without thought or discretion, Then, Trump chose to impose tariffs
the same President who proclaimed but it does require that we use our Na- on Chinese goods. Economic advisers
just last week, ‘‘Who the hell cares tion’s resources, including our deficits, said the move would hurt our country
about the budget?’’ The record is clear more wisely than this administration before Trump did it, and they were
that he doesn’t. has. It means prioritizing policies that right. A Federal Reserve study pub-
On their face, these fiscal facts might improve the living standards of current lished last December said that tariffs
not be so concerning if one forgets and future generations that support have caused Americans to lose critical
about the multitude of deficits we face those most in need and help mitigate manufacturing jobs and raised the
in the real economy: crumbling infra- the challenges American families are costs of goods for consumers.
structure, skyrocketing healthcare facing today and the challenges they Manufacturing jobs have helped mil-
costs, widening student achievement may face tomorrow. lions of Americans get out of poverty,
gaps, warming climate, lower life ex- Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I and that opportunity wanes today.
pectancy. thank the gentleman for his comments, They have allowed older generations to
In light of these and other problems, and I thank him for his leadership on pay the college tuitions of younger
it is difficult to escape the conclusion the Budget Committee. generations. They have been critical
that we should be making bolder in- I might say, as a result of his work, for minorities to grab a piece of the
vestments in American families and last year, 2019, we completed the appro- American Dream.
our Nation’s future. But President priations process. Unlike the previous President Trump likes to point to his
Trump didn’t use our fiscal space to re- year, when our Republican colleagues work around minorities participating
pair the roads and bridges that support were in charge and the government was in the job sector, but where I come
our economy, to reduce drug prices for shut down when the new Congress took from in north New Jersey, we do not
working families, or to bolster our en- office, we kept the government open. see it. Where I come from in my dis-
vironmental resilience in the face of There was no drama. On January 3, ev- trict, we do not see it.
the defining threat of a generation. No, erybody was working and being served It is a situation of two Americas,
President Trump and Republicans in by their government. once again, one for the haves and the
Congress ran up our tab with a $1.9 tril- Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- other for the have-nots. The majority
lion tax cut—if you add interest, $2.3 tleman from New Jersey (Mr. PAYNE), of the people under this President have
trillion—that showered benefits on cor- whose father was such a good friend of not.
porations and the wealthy. mine and who does such an excellent Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I
Madam Speaker, that $1.9 trillion job. His dad would be proud of him here thank the gentleman for his comments;
had little meaningful impact on the in Congress. for his leadership on the minimum
economy, other than increasing our al- Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I wage, to try to lift people up at the
ready shameful income inequality. thank our majority leader for those bottom of the wage scale; and also for
Madam Speaker, that $1.9 trillion could kind words. I also thank Joint Eco- his leadership on healthcare, to ensure
have been, but was not, put toward nomic Committee Vice Chairman that they have access to affordable,
making childcare more affordable, col- BEYER, Budget Committee Chairman quality healthcare.
lege education more accessible, and re- YARMUTH, and Ways and Means Com- Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen-
tirement security more achievable for mittee Chairman NEAL for organizing tlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms.
American families. this Special Order hour. HOULAHAN), a Representative from the
Making this situation far worse, It is important to discuss the state of Philadelphia suburbs who served so
President Trump is once again sug- our economy because it is a case of well in the military of our country and
gesting that he will offset the deficits true contrast. Trump’s economic deci- then became a very successful busi-
that his signature policy exploded by sions have created two very distinct nesswoman. I know she knows a lot
cutting Social Security and Medicare, Americas. about how to run a business and how to
taking money right out of the pockets There is the one America for the af- run an economy.
of America’s seniors and forcing them fluent where incomes are rising and Ms. HOULAHAN. Madam Speaker, I
to foot his bill. taxes are dropping. There is the other thank the majority leader for bringing
Our economy and budget face dif- America, the one reserved for minori- us together this evening to talk about
ficult times ahead. An aging popu- ties and low-income Americans, the the economy.
lation and rising healthcare costs mean one for middle Americans, the one that January was Jobs Month for me in
economic growth is projected to be is losing manufacturing jobs to auto- my district and my team. I spent time
slower and deficits are expected to be mation and cheap, foreign labor, the home in my community in Pennsyl-
larger going forward. one that forces people to turn to min- vania and here in Washington focused
Addressing this issue over the next imum wage jobs as careers. on three things: one, making sure that
several decades will require a balanced President Obama worked to unite our economy is working for everyone
approach that includes a fair tax sys- these two Americas. Trump has worked and that Pennsylvanians can afford to
tem. very hard to divide them, once again. live where they work and pay their
President Trump has taken us pre- As President, Trump is known for bills while receiving fair pay; two, sup-
cisely in the wrong direction by adding two major business moves. First, he porting our small businesses, which are
trillions to the debt for a tax giveaway passed his 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,
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the backbone of our economy; and
for the rich that yielded little in return but his law did not give the vast major- three, ensuring our workforce is adapt-
for everyone else. He is squandering ity of Americans tax cuts. It actually ing to new technologies and to the fu-
the chance to lay the groundwork for a cut their tax deductions. He did not ture of their work.
more productive and equitable econ- improve their ability to get new jobs.
omy. He made it more difficult. b 1730
Despite these challenges, we still He has taken away benefits that low- Earlier this month, we got the jobs
have the opportunity to make respon- and middle-income American families report from December, and there was a
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H614 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 28, 2020
lot to be optimistic about. Unemploy- Madam Speaker, I also want to high- economy is one that works for the
ment rates remain low, and we added light just one other aspect of the Janu- American billionaire, but not for the
more than 300,000 nonfarm jobs. ary jobs report that stuck out to me. union boilermaker. It is an economy
The administration also likes to Just like here in Congress, women are that works for executives with golden
point to the record-high stock market entering the workforce at historic parachutes, but not for educators
as an indication of the impact of its rates. Like so many women, and men, teaching elementary school students
economic policies. To be sure, there are frankly, I have faced the real struggles parachute games.
good signs, and this steady economic of how to balance both raising a family It doesn’t have to be this way. In
improvement began well before the and excelling at work. Our policies 2016, when Donald Trump was elected,
President and his administration took need to be adopted to support and en- he inherited a robust economy, thanks
office and, thankfully, it continues. courage our changing workforce. to President Obama and his adminis-
With this in mind, I would like to We have shown that we can work on tration. It was President Obama who
share, though, what I saw and heard a bipartisan basis to enact paid paren- turned our economy around and helped
during Jobs Month in my community. tal leave, as an example, for Federal pull us out of the Great Recession. Sev-
My community is in the enviable po- workers, setting the example for other enty-five consecutive months of pri-
sition of having a very low unemploy- employers. vate sector job growth? Thanks, Presi-
ment rate. I hear more from employers We need to examine how we provide dent Obama.
who are struggling to fill empty posi- for childcare for working parents. We However, since then, Trump’s ‘‘Bil-
tions than from long-term unemployed need how to examine how to ensure lionaires First’’ policies have hurt our
people who are looking for work. that pregnant workers have protec- neighbors and our families. Some of
But that doesn’t tell the whole story. these harmful policies: The U.S. with-
tions if they need an accommodation in
The rosy jobs report from January
the job during their pregnancy. And we drawal from the Paris climate agree-
doesn’t tell the story of people who
need to ensure that we are paying ment; the ongoing trade war with
work in my community, or who would
equal pay for equal work. All of these China, and threats to place tariffs on
like to, but can’t afford to even live
policies can help move our economy goods imported from our allies; this ad-
there.
Last week, I was in Phoenixville, forward, and all deserve the attention ministration’s cruel efforts to dis-
Pennsylvania, meeting with affordable of our Senate and our counterparts in mantle and weaken the Affordable Care
housing advocates and proponents for the White House. Act; Trump’s heartless immigration
more mass transit options near those Over the last few weeks, I have policies that have led to fearmongering
affordable housing options. During that learned a lot by visiting manufacturing and separation of families at the bor-
visit, I learned that in our area, about facilities in my community, like der.
a quarter of the people are renters. OmegaFlex in Exton, Pennsylvania, or Trump economic policy is not about
Working an average wage for renters, laying tile at the Chester County Inter- helping others. Instead, the cruelty is
a 9–5 job is not nearly enough for a mediate Unit, or working alongside the the point. In fact, the only compas-
modest, two-bedroom home in my com- IBEW workers training newly-sepa- sionate thing about his economic pol-
munity. People are working extra rated veterans for work. icy is that it looks out for billionaires,
hours, holding down two jobs or more I have come away deeply optimistic and not just millionaires like himself.
to be able to afford to live where they about where we are headed, but also But Scripture tells us that, ‘‘Whoever
work; or they are living elsewhere, armed with motivation to move for- loves money never has enough; who-
where the cost of living is lower, and ward with the bold policies that we ever loves wealth is never satisfied
they are commuting ridiculous need to make sure our economy is with their income.’’ The dividends we
amounts of time, using inadequate working for everyone, for all of us, to seek as public servants are not from in-
road and rail infrastructure to get to support our small businesses, and to creased wealth, but from a more per-
their work. And they are losing pre- prepare our workforce for the future fect commonwealth.
cious time with their families in the ahead. There certainly is work to be Luckily, the American people are
process. done. standing up to push back against this
A booming stock market is good for Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I economy. And whether it is a small
some, but it doesn’t change the daily thank the gentlewoman for her com- business owner who gives the homeless
math and daily experience of so many ments, and I know that she is working a place to park their cars at night, or
people in my community. her district very, very hard, and listen- the community advocates helping their
The House has passed legislation to ing to people, which is what we need to displaced neighbors find new homes,
raise the minimum wage and to help do. the Queen City knows that service is
workers save for retirement, and we Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- the rent we pay for living on this
need to see action in the Senate to en- tlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Earth.
sure that our economy is working for ADAMS), who is the leader of the group The American people are working for
all Americans, not just for those who that I am very enthusiastic about that the people, and so is the people’s
have enough money to invest in the is helping our historically Black col- House. It is time for the Trump admin-
stock market. leges and universities. I thank her for istration to do the same.
Earlier this month, many in my com- her leadership on that and so many Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I
munity also celebrated progress on the other educational issues and economic thank the gentlewoman for her com-
U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a issues for our families. ments.
trade deal that was important for Ms. ADAMS. Madam Speaker, I I am now pleased to yield to the gen-
many small businesses in my commu- thank the majority leader for yielding, tlewoman from Connecticut (Ms.
nity, including our agricultural pro- and for his leadership, and for orga- DELAURO), one of the senior Members
ducers. I was very proud to support nizing this Special Order Hour. of the House of Representatives, the
that agreement. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join chair of the Labor, Health and Human
But this administration’s trade poli- my colleagues in setting the record Services, Education, and Related Agen-
cies have also harmed my community. straight when it comes to the Trump cies Subcommittee of the Appropria-
The trade war in China has hurt small economy. tions Committee that deals with so
businesses as well as larger manufac- The Trump economy was on sad dis- many of these issues that have been
turers whose business models are built play in Charlotte, North Carolina, on discussed over the last hour.
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around global trade in my community. Monday, when 1,300 of my constituents Ms. DELAURO. Madam Speaker, I
Although we now have a ‘‘Phase 1’’ stood in line for a chance at 185 afford- thank the majority leader for the op-
deal with China, businesses in my com- able housing units in West Charlotte. portunity to speak on this Special
munity are eager for a real and lasting Instead of investing in shelter, af- Order.
agreement that doesn’t harm the fordable housing, and community Americans are struggling under
American businesses in an effort to health, the Trump economic policy is President Trump. They are desperately
punish China. about consolidating wealth. The Trump waiting for their incomes to rise and
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January 28, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H615
their costs to slow. Yet, the President As we know, and as it has been stated ment benefits, Medicare, and Social Security
has failed to fully deliver on his prom- many times tonight, the Tax Cut and could all face cuts because of tax cuts for the
ises to them. That is according to the Jobs Act of 2017 was a permanent tax wealthy.
Joint Economic Committee’s excellent giveaway for the wealthiest corpora- We should be trying to make the nation a
new report. tions, not our suppliers, not our work- better place for our children and grand-
In fact, according to this report, ers, but the wealthiest among us, at children. Instead we have a leader who wants
growth in median annual household in- the expense of everyday Americans. to leave them with our debt. Instead we have
come was three times greater during We have the benefit of hindsight to a leader who wants to ride on President
the last 2 years of the Obama adminis- point out what many experts at the Obama’s coattails and lure us into a false
tration than the first 2 years of the time cautioned; that this would ulti- sense of security, so he and his rich friends
Trump administration. mately not lead to significant job gains can have even more—when so many in Amer-
And mostly, job growth has slowed. or raise workers’ wages. ica have less!
According to the report, in the first 35 $1.5 trillion added to our deficit. The America is supposed to be a land of oppor-
months of President Trump’s term, levels are alarming. The facts are out tunity, where anyone can succeed with
there were 36,000 fewer nonfarm jobs today. enough hard work. Trade wars, tax cuts for
created per month than the final 35 Madam Speaker, it is clear. We must the rich while cutting food stamps for the poor
months of President Obama’s term. do better. We must continue to work are not the way to make America great. In-
This is despite the Republicans’ 2017 for the people. stead of building on our success and lending
tax law. It will cost $1.9 trillion, but 83 Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I yield a helping hand to those in need, this President
percent of its benefits go to the top 1 back the balance of my time. has only sought to help himself.
percent. Working people, middle-class Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, in Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, I thank
families cannot afford more of the 2009, President Obama came into office dur- Majority Leader Hoyer Chairmen Neal of Ways
President’s giveaways to the wealthy ing the Great Recession. He inherited a and Means and Chairman Yarmuth of the
and the well-connected. dreadful economy but worked hard for policies Budget Committee and Vice-Chairman Beyer
The single biggest economic chal- that would stimulate growth and help the aver- of the Joint Economic Committee for holding
lenge of our time is that people’s pay is age American. Thankfully, his policies worked this very important and timely Special Order to
not keeping rise with skyrocketing and America is on the upswing. review and assess the state of the national
costs, healthcare, childcare, housing. However, we now have a President who economy two years after the Republican-con-
They struggle, including in my State of wants to take credit where credit is not due. trolled Congress enacted the Trump-GOP
Connecticut. President Trump is reaping the benefits of TaxScam.
The United Way put out a report, it Obama’s economic policies, while harming the The verdict is now in and it leads to the in-
is Asset Limited, Income Constrained, people who were still left behind. Recovering escapable conclusion that the Trump
Employed, the ALICE report. And what from a recession and lifting up all Americans TaxScam has not accelerated the economy,
essentially it says is that people who takes more than eight years, and this Presi- rather it is a significant drag on the booming
are working one or two jobs just can’t dent has not taken the torch. economy President Barack Obama be-
make a standard of living. They are Instead of building on Obama’s success, queathed to his successor, the current occu-
above the poverty line, but they can’t Trump has kicked the Americans who are still pant of the office.
make it. down. Specifically, two points cannot be stressed
Out of the 20 most common jobs or When farmers in the 2nd Congressional Dis- enough.
occupations, registered nurses, cash- trict of Georgia and all across the nation were First, President Trump did not create the
iers, laborers, et cetera, only one pays suffering from major crop losses from natural strong economy; he inherited it.
enough to reasonably support a house- disasters, President Trump decided to start a Second, we paid an extremely high price—
hold; that is operations managers. trade war with China. Trade wars do not often $1.9 trillion—for tax cuts that have done so lit-
Under this President, many Ameri- have victors, but they always have losers. tle for the economy.
cans are suffering something akin to a American farmers, workers, and consumers Madam Speaker, most of President Trump’s
personal economic crisis. To claim oth- were the losers. claims about the economy are false or highly
erwise is to ignore the reality of their Our farmers lost business, our workers lost misleading.
circumstances. wages, and our consumers paid higher There is no such thing as a ‘‘Trump
We see their suffering. That is why prices—all to cover the costs of the tariffs— bump’’—key economic indicators are the same
the House has passed the Paycheck not China and not President Trump, the archi- or worse.
Fairness Act for equal pay, lower drug tect of this bad plan. The President’s signature economic policy—
costs to reduce prescription drug costs, When running for office, then-candidate the $1.9 trillion tax cut—has failed to deliver
raise the wage by raising the minimum Trump said he would use his knowledge of tax the promised economic boost and his second
wage to $15 by 2025. cuts for the rich to help the people who this major economic policy—the trade war—is a
We need to work hard to make oppor- economy still isn’t working for. When he was self-inflicted wound, hurting farmers, con-
tunity real for people. We urge the elected, one of the first things he did was give sumers, businesses and the economy.
President to join us because, as this a $1 trillion tax cut to the super rich—also Madam Speaker, those of us who were
new report from the Joint Economic known as himself and his friends. there remember well that the morning of Janu-
Committee indicates, Americans need Trickle down economics did not work then ary 20, 2009, which was one of the coldest
a break, not more broken promises. and they do not work now. Giving money to days on record in Washington, DC.
Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I the wealthy does not translate to higher wages But it was nothing compared to the chill
thank the gentlewoman for her com- for workers. It means more money for the al- wind blowing through the American economy
ments. ready super wealthy. and body politic because at that time the na-
Madam Speaker, how much time do I The Trump tax cut has also ballooned an al- tion was facing economic challenges unseen
have remaining? ready too high national deficit. When you take since the Great Depression: Americans were
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- a pay cut, you cannot pay your bills, so your losing their jobs at a frightening rate of
tleman from Maryland has 11⁄2 minutes debt grows. But it’s not the wealthy who will 800,000 per month; the national unemploy-
remaining. feel the pain from an exploding deficit that will ment rate had risen to 7.8 percent and would
Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I yield slow our economic growth. It is everyday continue to climb until reaching its peak of
to the gentlewoman from Michigan Americans who will feel the effects—lower 10.0 percent in October 2009.
(Ms. STEVENS). wages lead to a lower standard of living. The For African Americans, the numbers were
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Ms. STEVENS. Madam Speaker, I Peterson Foundation estimates that if the na- much grimmer, a jobless rate of 13.5 percent
rise to discuss the impact of our econ- tional debt continues rising as is, the average in January 2009 which would grow to 16.5
omy on our American workers and on income for a family of four will drop by percent by the end of the year.
our American manufacturers. $16,000 over the next three decades. And on top of this, tens of thousands of
The headlines are real. We are in a $16,000 is not much for those at the top. American families each month were losing
technical manufacturing recession, as But it is devastating for those in the middle their health insurance and their homes to fore-
measured by productivity and output. and working class. Food stamps, unemploy- closure.
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H616 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 28, 2020
And the average price of gas exceeded $4 In short, Madam Speaker, President Obama years 2018 to 2028—hardly the ‘‘pay for itself’
per gallon. bequeathed a booming and vibrant economy message we heard from the Administration
It was against this backdrop that the new to his successor, who promptly took actions to and Republicans in Congress.
President of the United States, Barack undermine it and explode the national debt. Our friends across the aisle promised the
Obama, rose to take the oath of office. Madam Speaker, the GOP TaxScam was GOP TaxScam would significantly boost eco-
After being sworn in as the nation’s 44th the wrong policy at the wrong time because it nomic growth, spurred an investment boom,
President, President Obama reassured an showered benefits on the top 1 percent and drove unemployment down to the lowest level
anxious but hopeful nation, saying: large multinational corporations while doing lit- since the 1960s, created jobs for millions of
‘‘Today I say to you that the challenges we tle for everyday working Americans and Main workers, and helped middle-class families
face are real. They are serious and they are Street small business owners. keep more of their paychecks.
many. They will not be met easily or in a short GOP TaxScam also raises the nation’s debt All of these claims have collapsed in the
span of time. But know this America: They will by $1.9 trillion at a time when the economy crucible of actual experience.
be met.’’ was already strong, and when we are facing THE GOP TAXSCAM DID NOT SIGNIFICANTLY BOOSTS THE
Because of the actions President Obama major long-term budgetary challenges driven ECONOMY
took, not to further the interests of himself but by our aging population. In the seven quarters before and after pas-
of the American people, these challenges And rather than devoting resources to wise sage of the Trump TaxScam, GDP growth is
were more than met and overcome and for investments in our workers and small busi- unchanged from the Obama economy, aver-
that Barack Obama’s presidency is regarded nesses, the GOP TaxScam further burdens aging 2.5 percent.
by historians as a consequential presidency working families, endangers Americans’ retire- By 2023, the tax law’s positive effect on
that changed America for the better. ment security, and worsens our budgetary out- economic growth will fade away entirely.
Madam Speaker, before Trump took office look. The GOP TaxScam Does Not Spur Busi-
in January 2017, the economy had recovered Our long-term economic growth trajectory is ness Investment
from the Great Recession and overall eco- unchanged and there is no sign of an invest- There is no evidence of an investment
nomic indicators were already strong and were ment boom. boom, which Republicans promised would be
trending stronger. Real wage growth for workers remains mod- the key to unleashing unprecedented eco-
Unemployment had been cut by more than est and factories and jobs are more likely to nomic growth and wage gains.
half during the Obama administration, from a go overseas. Nonresidential business investment grew by
peak of 10 percent to 4.7 percent. The federal deficit is soaring as corporate less than 1 percent in the third quarter of last
The economy had experienced 76 consecu- tax receipts plummet and the tax code is rid- year, while business’ orders for durable goods
tive months of job growth, the longest sus- dled with even more special-interest tax (another measure of investment) fell in De-
tained period of growth in American history. breaks and loopholes. cember for the fourth time in five months.
GDP growth was strong, average of 2.6 per- THE GOP TAXSCAM LED TO A RECORD-SETTING $1 Instead of encouraging investment, the tax
cent annually in the last 11 quarters of the TRILLION IN STOCK BUYBACKS cut triggered a record level of stock buybacks.
Obama Administration and median household The GOP TaxScam delivered huge benefits GOP TAXSCAM NOT CAUSE OF LOWEST UNEMPLOYMENT
income growth was strong and trending up- to rich investors and CEOs through record-set- SINCE 1968
ward, increasing $4,800 during in last two ting stock buybacks in 2018 while average President Trump is coasting on an eco-
years of the Obama administration. workers struggle to pay for rising health care nomic expansion—now the second-longest on
Even Greg Mankiw, chairman of the Council and living costs. record—that began under President Obama.
of Economic Advisers under President George Stock buybacks do nothing to improve busi- The law has not changed the unemployment
W. Bush, had to admit that ‘‘the economy was ness operations or help workers. trend.
in fine shape at the end of the Obama admin- THE GOP TAXSCAM SHOWERS BENEFITS ON THE The unemployment rate has fallen steadily
istration, despite what the current President WEALTHY AND LARGE CORPORATIONS WHILE DOING since the end of the Great Recession.
falsely asserts. LITTLE FOR WORKERS AND MAIN STREET SMALL BUSI- THE GOP TAXSCAM HAS NOT CREATED JOBS FOR
Madam Speaker, I will include in the NESSES MILLIONS OF WORKERS
RECORD an op-ed published on February 17, The GOP tax cut is heavily tilted toward the More jobs were created in President
2016 in the Washington Examiner, entitled wealthy and corporations and exacerbates the Obama’s last two years in office than Presi-
‘‘Seven Years of Change You Can See and stagnation of wages for the vast majority of dent Trump’s first two years, a monthly aver-
Feel.’’ workers and worsens income and wealth in- age of 227,000 for Obama contrasted to an
President Obama actually had a plan to equality. average of 191,000 for Trump.
tackle the economic woes that were affecting The GOP tax law does nothing to help small Monthly non-farm job growth has slowed in
the American people. businesses gain access to capital and grow the first 35 months of the Trump administra-
Working with the Democratic-controlled their receipts. tion compared to the last 35 months of the
Congress, the President signed into law the Only 5 percent of small businesses pay Obama administration—36,000 fewer jobs per
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, taxes at the corporate level and most of the month under Trump.
which created 3.7 million jobs and saved the pass-through tax cuts go to the largest 2.6 The tax law also encourages companies to
jobs of millions of teachers, firefighters, police percent of businesses. send factories and jobs overseas rather than
officers, and social service providers. THE GOP TAX LAW ENCOURAGES COMPANIES TO SEND protecting jobs at home.
The Recovery Act also cut taxes for working FACTORIES AND JOBS OVERSEAS THE GOP TAXSCAM IS NOT HELPING MIDDLE-CLASS
families, extended unemployment insurance, Under the GOP tax law, income generated FAMILIES KEEP MORE OF THEIR PAYCHECKS
and expanded the Earned Income and Child by American companies abroad face tax rates There has been very little increase in private
tax credits, which disproportionately benefit Af- that are half the new top corporate rate of 21 sector compensation or wages since the tax
rican American families. percent. law passed.
The Recovery Act ended the Great Reces- Some companies may be able to avoid tax Real wage growth continues to be dis-
sion, transformed the economy from one hem- altogether on tangible investments made off- appointingly modest, and real bonuses in-
orrhaging jobs to one that has created over 16 shore. creased by just 2 cents per hour between De-
million new jobs over a record 71 consecutive This further incentivizes companies to move cember 2017 and September 2018.
months. tangible assets, such as factories and machin- The law ignores the stagnation of working-
The national unemployment rate has dipped ery, overseas. class wages and worsens income and wealth
under 5 percent for the first time since Presi- Rather than protecting workers and their inequality.
dent Clinton left office, the deficit has been cut families, the GOP tax law tilts the playing field In fact, only 35 percent of the tax law’s ben-
by 71 percent, and the Dow Jones stock mar- against American workers. efits in 2018 will go to the bottom 80 percent
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ket index topped 18,000 in 2015, an increase THE GOP TAX LAW INCREASES DEFICITS BY $1.9 TRILLION of households making less than approximately
of 177 percent over where it stood the day WHEN WE ARE FACING MAJOR BUDGETARY CHAL- $150,000 per year.
President Obama took office. LENGES DRIVEN BY OUR AGING POPULATION EVEN THOUGH FEDERAL REVENUES HAVE RISEN, THE
And, as an added benefit, the average price Even after accounting for any economic GOP TAXSCAM HAS CREATED A MAJOR REVENUE DEFI-
of gasoline has been reduced from more than growth effects, the Congressional Budget Of- CIENCY PROBLEM
$4.11 per gallon to $1.80, the lowest price fice (CBO) estimates the GOP taxscam in- Corporate tax receipts dropped an astound-
since before the tragedy of September 11. creases deficits by $1.9 trillion over the ten ing 31 percent drop in 2018, with total receipts
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January 28, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H617
as a share of GDP falling to the lowest levels In addition to serving with the New- arcane law into the 21st century, aim-
since the end of the Great Recession despite port News Police Department, Officer ing to create a more comprehensive
healthy economic growth and a tight labor Thyne was a Navy veteran, and she and streamlined approach to support
market. also spent time volunteering as a bas- species recovery while ensuring our
Revenue last year was 16.4 percent of the ketball coach at the local Boys and communities are not burdened by over-
economy, almost two percentage points below Girls Club. regulation and misleading data.
the 50-year average of 18.3 percent in years Only 11 Newport News police officers This package includes my legisla-
in which unemployment fell below 5 percent. have died in the line of duty in the last tion, the Weigh Habitats Offsetting Lo-
By contrast, spending as a share of GDP 100 years, and the last loss of an officer cational Effects Act, to ensure all con-
last year fell right at the historical average. in the line of duty occurred over 25 servation measures are considered
Predictably, the President and our Repub- years ago. Officer Thyne was the first when Federal decisions that impact
lican friends seeks to evade blame and re- woman. ESA-listed species are being made.
sponsibility for the fiscal mess and exploding I want to send my deepest condo- By establishing a process that con-
debt they have created. lences to the friends and family of Offi- siders the totality of conservation ef-
Instead of redressing the harm caused by cer Thyne, as well as members of the forts, we can incentivize private invest-
the Trump TaxScam, Republicans resort again Newport News Police Department who ment in species recovery, streamline
to their past practice of blaming the deficit on are dealing with this tragic loss of a Federal decisionmaking, and promote
the entitlement programs such as Social Secu- the comprehensive efforts of States,
colleague.
rity, Medicare, SNAP, and veterans benefits local communities, and Tribes.
and seek to slash these programs to the f
We should not tie our hands when it
barebones. CONGRESSIONAL WESTERN comes to species recovery. Using the
For example the President sought to cut CAUCUS best available science, considering all
non-defense discretionary (NDD) programs by The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under ongoing conservation measures,
$1.4 trillion, including cuts to Medicare and the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- streamlining the process for listing de-
Medicaid, reduce funding for SNAP by $220 uary 3, 2019, the gentleman from Wash- cisions, and empowering State and
billion or 22 percent, and deny infrastructure ington (Mr. NEWHOUSE) is recognized local efforts creates a comprehensive
funding for, cash-strapped state and local gov- for 60 minutes as the designee of the approach to advance species recovery
ernments; and pile more hardships on strug- minority leader. and fulfills the true intent of the En-
gling Americans with $327 billion in cuts to di-
GENERAL LEAVE dangered Species Act.
rect spending programs that safeguard basic Madam Speaker, with this package of
living standards they need to get by. Mr. NEWHOUSE. Madam Speaker,
before I begin, I ask unanimous con- bills, you will hear more from many of
The President is obsessed with dismantling
sent that all Members may have 5 leg- my colleagues in the Western Caucus.
and destabilizing health care for millions of
islative days in which to revise and ex- We are taking a very important step
Americans by making yet another attempt to
tend their remarks and include extra- toward truly strengthening the ESA.
‘‘repeal and replace’’ the Affordable Care Act
neous materials on the topic of my The Trump administration has also
passed under the extraordinary leadership of
Special Order. unveiled improvements to the imple-
President Barack Obama which provided
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there mentation of ESA regulations devel-
health security to more than 20 million Ameri-
objection to the request of the gen- oped to increase transparency and ef-
cans.
tleman from Washington? fectiveness of the law.
Madam Speaker, we now entering Act III of
There was no objection. Secretary of the Interior David Bern-
the immorality play we predicted the President
Mr. NEWHOUSE. Madam Speaker, I hardt has rightly focused on updating
would write.
Act I was the cutting of taxes for the rich; rise this afternoon to lead a Special the administration of ESA to target
Act II was the inevitable exploding of the def- Order alongside my colleagues from the areas where resources will do the
icit we predicted would result and our Repub- the Congressional Western Caucus to most good, which, of course, are the di-
lican friends denied would ever happen. discuss important efforts to modernize rect, on-the-ground conservation meas-
And now we have Act III, in which Repub- one of our Nation’s bedrock conserva- ures.
licans claim to have newly rediscovered their tion laws that has sorely grown out- Much like legislation in the Western
horror over the deficits created by their fiscal dated and ineffective. Caucus package that I and my col-
irresponsibility and insist that the mess they The Endangered Species Act was leagues have championed, the updates
created but be cleaned up by slashing invest- signed into law 47 years ago to protect direct listing decisions to be based
ments in the programs relied upon by the 90– and revitalize species of endangered or solely on the best science available as
95 percent of Americans who were made threatened animals and wildlife, truly, well as commercial information. Only
worse off by the GOP TaxScam. a worthy goal. when sound science, not politics, deter-
The President should be embarrassed and Unfortunately, the ESA has earned a mine conservation measures can we
ashamed of his economic stewardship and recovery rate of only about 3 percent, a truly begin to turn the tide to achieve
thankful every day to President Obama for staggering failure to protect the very successes under the ESA.
tackling and solving the major economic chal- species that it was intended to aid. The revisions also establish greater
lenges facing Americans. certainty for timely decisionmaking by
b 1745 Federal agencies and applicants, there-
f
And while it has failed to safeguard fore providing streamlined actions and
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE those species, the law has been used as coordination for conservation efforts.
OF OFFICER KATIE THYNE a political spearhead for frivolous liti- With partners like President Trump,
(Mr. SCOTT of Virginia asked and gation that threatens private property Interior Secretary Bernhardt, and the
was given permission to address the rights, public land use decisions, local U.S. Fish and Wildlife Director,
House for 1 minute and to revise and communities, and American jobs. Aurelia Skipwith, I believe we truly
extend his remarks.) Fortunately, there are ongoing ef- can reverse the abysmal track record
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam forts in the people’s House here and currently set under the Endangered
Speaker, I rise today on a solemn occa- within the White House to update and Species Act.
sion. I have the honor of representing modernize the Endangered Species Act Unfortunately, we are seeing efforts
Newport News, Virginia, and last week, to better protect species, all while right here in the people’s House to
the Newport News community lost Po- treating States, property owners, and completely undermine and halt these
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lice Officer Katie Thyne, who was trag- local stakeholders as partners rather important steps being taken by the ad-
ically killed in the line of duty. than obstacles to species conservation. ministration. Our conversation this
Officer Thyne was only 24 years old The Western Caucus recently un- afternoon is quite timely, I believe, be-
and was the mother of a 2-year-old veiled a package of 18 bills introduced cause tomorrow the lead Democrat in
daughter. The Newport News commu- by members across the rural West and the House Natural Resources Com-
nity has lost someone who dedicated beyond to strengthen the ESA. These mittee is marking up legislation to
her life to public service. bills reflect our intention to bring this thwart the administration’s rule to
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